The old imperial concubine visited Kaibao Temple every year.
She would also attend such vegetarian feasts and dharma assemblies.
Wang Qingyao's daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law were supposed to attend to her.
Indeed, the day before the Double Ninth Festival, the old imperial concubine told Wang Qingyao that she was going to Kaibao Temple to attend the Lion Dance.
Xiao Yun was a little worried, afraid she would suffer a loss.
The next day, he had made plans with his colleagues to gather at Sili Bridge and could not accompany Wang Qingyao and the others to Kaibao Temple.
He looked at the note and pondered whether to cancel the gathering.
Wang Qingyao said, "It's alright, she's just an old woman. I'm prepared, and I have super intuition, so I won't suffer any loss. Besides, isn't Xiao Mo accompanying us? And Zhenzhu! If there's a fight, we have plenty of people."
Xiao Yun chuckled. Hearing this, it seemed Wang Qingyao couldn't possibly suffer a loss.
The next day, when they went to Kaibao Temple, they indeed encountered Old Madam Wang, along with her granddaughters Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingzhu.
Given their status, they naturally did not need to squeeze with the common people below to listen.
Monks led them to a private room in the temple's pavilion. From the window, they could watch the lion dance performance.
Since they met Old Madam Wang and exchanged a few words, the monks arranged them in two adjacent rooms.
Buddhism preached equality for all beings, and they did not receive preferential treatment or better rooms simply because Wang Qingyao and her party came from the Ding'an Prince's manor.
When Wang Qingyao and her group entered the room, the table was right by the window. Nanny Jing immediately and nimbly instructed the maids to wipe the table, brew tea, and arrange refreshments.
Not long after they sat down, a young maid accompanying Old Madam Wang came to invite Wang Qingyao, saying that the old madam had not seen her in a long time and missed her granddaughter dearly.
The old imperial concubine knew that Old Madam Wang did not favor Wang Qingyao much. Upon hearing this, she frowned and glanced at Wang Qingyao.
However, Concubine Fang was unaware of their strained relationship and smiled, saying, "Since your grandmother misses you, you should go and see her quickly. Don't keep her waiting!"
Wang Qingyao smiled and got up.
As it was only separated by a wall, she could see clearly that Old Madam Wang had sent away Wang Qingzhen and Wang Qingzhu. These two young girls loved excitement, and with Old Madam Wang's words, they had already scampered off to watch the lion dance performance.
Wang Qingyao walked out, and Zhenzhu immediately followed.
She stood at the door of the adjacent room for a while. The young maid looked puzzled, "Your Highness Consort, aren't you coming in?"
Wang Qingyao said nothing, staring inside for a long time. Only Granny Qun remained by Old Madam Wang's side, with no one else.
She was contemplating how Old Madam Wang intended to deal with her. Why didn't Concubine Ying say more? She had written a note, couldn't she have written more?
Fighting was impossible, and she had no leverage over Old Madam Wang.
What could Old Madam Wang possibly use to control Wang Qingyao in ancient times?
Wang Qingyao pondered for a while longer and realized it was filial piety.
In ancient times, the word "filial piety" could crush people.
Although Wang Qingyao had not done anything unfilial, it did not prevent the old madam from framing her later!
Wang Qingyao had seen such plots in many palace intrigue novels. Even if everyone knew the old madam and the younger generation had a bad relationship, the younger generation could not be disrespectful or unfilial towards her.
Such accusations were always accurate, and Wang Qingyao would have no way to explain herself.
She could not enter this room.
"Oh dear," she suddenly clutched her stomach and cried out, "My stomach hurts, oh dear, Zhenzhu, quickly help me to the washroom."
Zhenzhu understood immediately and helped Wang Qingyao scamper away.
The speed was astonishing.
The young maid: "..."
The young maid stood stunned at the door for a moment before going in to report to Old Madam Wang.
Old Madam Wang was also stunned when she didn't see Wang Qingyao and asked, "Where is the Consort?"
The young maid said weakly, "Your Highness Consort said her stomach hurts and she went to the washroom..."
Old Madam Wang: "..."
She had calculated everything, but she never expected Wang Qingyao to not even enter the room.
Wang Qingyao's guess was correct; Old Madam Wang indeed intended to use filial piety to control her.
The last time she returned to her maiden home, she had a falling out with Old Madam Wang, infuriating her to no end. How could the old madam swallow such a grievance?
She had intended to stage a scene today: "The granddaughter has become a consort and is arrogant, daring to lay hands on her grandmother."
If Wang Qingyao fell into the trap, Old Madam Wang would hold this handle over her, and Wang Qingyao would have no choice but to obey her.
But who would have thought that Wang Qingyao wouldn't even step inside the room?
Old Madam Wang waved her hand impatiently, dismissing the young maid.
After the young maid closed the door, Granny Qun said, "Your Highness Consort, did she sense something?"
Old Madam Wang said fiercely, "Even if she sensed something, she still had to come in. When her own grandmother speaks, even the Empress must obey! Unless she doesn't care about her reputation!"
That was impossible.
"Her imperial concubine mother-in-law values reputation the most!"
"Agnes, go to the door and wait. As soon as the Consort returns, make her come in to see me. I don't believe she can have a stomachache every time!" Old Madam Wang ordered with a gloomy expression.
Granny Qun responded with a "Yes" and went to guard the door.