The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 147: Chapter 147: Filth

Xia Wenjin immediately tossed the book back to its original place and did not open it again.

However, since the ink on the pages had been soaked in a medicinal solution, a faint scent should still emanate even without opening it, subtle yet pervasive. Xia Wenjin quickly stepped over, picked up the incense burner, opened the window, and threw it outside.

Outside the window was a cliff. The wind from the bottom of the cliff blew upward, and before long, the scent inside the room dissipated.

Seeing that everything had been dealt with, Xia Wenjin closed the window, returned to the mat, and sat down. This time, when she opened the scriptures again, although there was still a lingering scent, it was no longer a problem without the incense’s reinforcement.

Still, to be cautious, Xia Wenjin took a detoxification pill.

After all, she hadn’t found anything before, convincing herself that perhaps the Bodhisattva here truly pitied the suffering of the world and bestowed a child upon people as a sign of hope. But now, even if she didn’t want to think much, she had to reconsider.

If she was meant to chant scriptures all night, it would be best not to sleep. Why then was there tampering with the incense and the ink scent?

Her heart skipped a beat. She had previously considered the possibility of a secret formula. The mixture in the incense and the ink scent was the secret formula, but why was it present in this temple?

Was it a coincidence, or did they have some connection with the capital and Huangfu Yuxuan?

If there was a connection with Huangfu Yuxuan, then this was indeed a fortunate turn of events.

Xia Wenjin continued to browse for a while. The scriptures were very ordinary, the kind found in various temples. Hence, she lost interest in reading further. Estimating that it was already close to midnight, she dragged the mat near the meditation couch, leaned against the edge, and closed her eyes to rest.

She dared not sleep on the meditation couch because there was something fishy about the pillow.

Reflecting on her journey thus far, she had simply retrieved the jade pendant to return it to Huangfu Jingchen. But when she encountered Wang Yue’e searching for her daughter, she followed along to River Mouth Village, traced the clues to the kidnappers, and found that the trail ended with a poem by a so-called High Monk pointing towards Shian Temple. She initially planned to inquire about news when many people gathered for the event, but upon arriving, she discovered something unusual.

At this moment, embarking on a risk-laden endeavor, everything was unknown.

Even if Xia Wenjin was resourceful, she wasn’t utterly defenseless. Yet, at this moment, she couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive.

However, she did not regret it.

This life was heaven’s blessing, allowing her a second chance to make an effort, even if it didn’t vanquish evil and uphold justice. Her father had taught her that as a daughter of the Jianghu, she must never forget her chivalrous heart!

Perhaps the mystery of the missing women could be unraveled here!

After keeping her eyes closed for too long, she unknowingly grew sleepy.

Just as she planned to take a short nap, a slight clicking sound suddenly reached her ears.

The sound was faint, yet in the quiet night, it was much clearer.

Xia Wenjin’s heart jolted. She did not open her eyes but maintained her previous posture.

Although her eyes were closed, she was acutely aware of the room. The sound came from the wall, diagonally across from the Statue of Guanyin.

She had checked that area before; it was a thick wall. There were no secret compartments inside; it wasn’t hollow.

But now, being able to hear the sound could only mean the wall wasn’t hollow but rather a mechanism, a concealed door. And that door was controlled from the outside, so she couldn’t find any trace from her side.

The wall shifted open to the sides, revealing a passage just wide enough for a person to pass through.

The sound of very light footsteps approached, indicating someone had entered the room.

The door was left ajar, allowing another person to enter.

In total, three people came in.

These three, by the candlelight, did not immediately act, apparently observing Xia Wenjin.

At this moment, Xia Wenjin was sitting on the mat, leaning slightly against the meditation couch, with an open scripture resting on her lap, seemingly ”asleep.”

Originally stunningly elegant, she appeared even more serene and beautiful while asleep, like a graceful painting.

They glanced around the room, which was illuminated by two candles. Besides the scriptures, the tea on the table also seemed to have been tampered with.

While admiring the scene, they began to talk: ”It seems she won’t wake up anytime soon!”

”Jue Ming is always meticulous in his work.”

”Who would’ve thought that in this wilderness, there would be such a beauty!”

”Our Shian Temple’s fame has spread far, attracting incense guests from all over, thanks to the Bodhisattva’s blessing!”

”Seeking a child, hahaha, it’s indeed the senior brother’s far-reaching wisdom. Not only does it boost our temple’s reputation, but it also allows us to savor the beauty!”

”Isn’t it so? Most women whose husbands are infertile come here. Our Shian Temple has plenty of people who can lend them a seed.”

”However, most who come are of average appearance and can be dealt with by the disciples. It’s rare to encounter such a beauty this time; truly captivating.”

”Otherwise, the senior brother wouldn’t have personally come to ’guide’ her!”

”Originally, I wanted Jue Ming and the others to have a taste too, but I’ve decided just the three of us will do.”

”She’s just too beautiful. Can those Jue Ming brats compare!”

”It’s best to keep her for three days for us to enjoy enough!”

...

Thinking Xia Wenjin was already unconscious, they were unrestrained, speaking crudely and offensively.

Hearing this, Xia Wenjin was already filled with rage.

She had previously suspected that with a temple where child-seeking women had a ninety percent success rate, something must be amiss. Perhaps the temple possessed medicine that increased women’s chances of conceiving. She knew of a few such formulas, although the ingredients were rare, and the concoction process required utmost precision; any error would render it ineffective.

If the temple used this medicine to fulfill the women’s desires, it would merely be a means of making money, and she wouldn’t interfere.

Who would’ve expected them to use such vile and filthy methods?

No wonder those women who bore children never returned to the temple to fulfill their vows. ℴ

In this place, where female chastity was highly valued, the victimized women could not bear the shame and had no choice but to endure it silently. Even more fierce women would return home and end their lives. Their families would assume that failing to conceive had led to depression and despair, never realizing what horrors they had faced at the temple.

Xia Wenjin recognized the voices of the three men.

They were Chief Ming Qing, West Hall Ming Ze, and Rear Hall Ming Xi.

These three were among the four chief priests of Shian Temple, second only to the abbot!

At the lottery event, they presented themselves as High Monks, donned in robes, chanting the Buddhist Law, appearing as devoted practitioners and true disciples of the Buddhist Sect.

Who would’ve thought that they were the culprits behind the harm done to those women?

From their conversation, it was evident that it wasn’t just them involved; other disciples in the temple also participated.

They were disdainful of the average-looking women seeking children, only showing interest in the most beautiful ones to personally ”guide.”

What a shameless and vile bunch, sullying the sacred ground of the Buddhist Sect.

Xia Wenjin was filled with extreme anger.

Ming Xi’s sinister laughter sounded, and he said meaningfully, ”This splendid night is fleeting; we cannot waste a single moment. Senior brother, please go first!”