Chapter 5: Accusation

Reverend Chenhui used to be the master of the temple's kitchen, but three years ago, her other disciple Youran attempted to escape from Yuqing Temple, only to be caught and brought back. Since then, Reverend Chenhui's status at Yuqing Temple has plummeted, and Youye has also been frequently bullied by others.

Three years ago, Yeqingxi had just arrived here and entered Yuqing Temple to live with Youye and another senior sister, Youyue. Later, Yeqingxi gradually established herself at Yuqing Temple and got her own room.

Unconsciously, Yeqingxi had arrived in front of the opposite room, and the voices of the crowd could be heard.

"Wow, she always seemed so steady, how could she dare to do such a thing?"

"Yeah, she hid a man's boots, I never thought Youye would be so bold!"

"Don't spread rumors, this matter hasn't been confirmed yet. It wouldn't be good if others heard about it."

"You're too timid. Now that this matter has been exposed, Youye's reputation will be ruined, and she might even be expelled from the temple!"

"Wow, is this matter really that serious?"

"Stop talking, Yuxi is coming..." Someone interrupted the conversation and directed everyone's attention to Yeqingxi.

Although Yeqingxi was the latest to join the temple, having been here for only three years, her actions during this time had made everyone take her seriously. Seeing this, the others fell silent and averted their gaze.

Pretending not to have heard anything, Yeqingxi brushed past the others and entered Youye's solitary room.

Although Yuqing Temple was said to be a pure land of Buddhism, there were few truly pure-hearted people. Three years ago, when Yeqingxi first arrived, she was constantly bullied and framed by others. If it hadn't been for Youye standing up for her and testifying on her behalf, she might not have survived until now.

Yeqingxi was not one to easily sympathize, but she believed in repaying kindness, so she felt compelled to intervene in this matter.

Entering the room, Yeqingxi quickly understood the situation. This must be the work of Chenluo and her good disciple Youjing!

"Youxu junior sister, you've finally arrived. Our master has gone to invite the elders, so you might as well sit down. This matter will soon be resolved." A charming and calculating girl with almond-shaped eyes and a pointed chin greeted Yeqingxi with a smile, holding a pair of black and white boots in her hand.

Yeqingxi glanced indifferently at the boots in the girl's hand, knowing that they were the subject of the earlier discussion. Without a word, she bypassed the girl and went straight to sit beside the other girl who was sitting with her head bowed on the bed.

"Youye." Yeqingxi sat down beside the girl, grabbed her hand, and felt a chill.

Youye slowly raised her head, her eyes somewhat vacant but still showing a hint of stubbornness and sadness.

Yeqingxi tightened her grip on Youye's hand and whispered, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

The girl who had been holding the boots turned around and looked at the two with disdain, saying, "Yuxi junior sister and Youye senior sister are really close. I'm afraid this closeness will diminish when the elders arrive."

This girl was Youjing, a disciple of Chenluo. Having once helped the master receive worshippers, she considered herself superior to others. She had been the ringleader of the group that had harassed Yeqingxi in the past.

Ignoring Youjing, Yeqingxi pondered a plan in her mind. She had just heard from Chensummer, who managed the temple's affairs, that Chenluo intended to expel Youye from Yuqing Temple. It seemed that this incident tonight was related to that. It was clear that Chenluo was eager to "clean house."

Soon, there was a commotion outside, and then Baiwu and others entered with Chenluo.

"Esteemed elders, this is the room where we found the man's boots. Look, these are the boots." Chenluo pointed to the boots in Youjing's hand, showing no signs of anxiety.

Baiwu nodded with a cold expression. They had just been about to leave after discussing their next plan with Reverend Jiyun, but Chenluo had insisted on following them, claiming to have found a man's boots in a young nun's room. Baiwu, knowing the role he was playing, sensed that something was amiss, but Chenluo continued to pull him along, leaving him no choice but to follow.

As Baiwu's gaze swept over the boots, he furrowed his brow, realizing that he had become a pawn in the power struggle among these young nuns. It was truly unfortunate!

However, Chenluo remained oblivious and pulled Youye, who was sitting on the bed, out. "Elders, this is the room of this young nun. Would you like to search it again?"

Baiwu remained silent, still preoccupied with the whereabouts of the thief. He was thinking about how to extricate himself as quickly as possible.

Following behind Youye, Yeqingxi had been observing Baiwu's expression in secret. Seeing his displeasure, she had already guessed his thoughts. Stepping forward, she took the boots from Youjing's hand.

"You give that back to me!" Youjing tried to snatch it back, but Yeqingxi sidestepped her.

Yeqingxi looked at Youjing with a faint smile and said, "Give it back to you? So this belongs to you, Youjing senior sister? Here, take it back. I don't want anything of yours!" With that, she tried to return the boots to Youjing.

Youshi's words clearly indicated that she had secretly hidden the man's boots. Youjing was so angry that she felt itchy, but she didn't dare to take the boots. She just snorted heavily and said, "I dare not take this thing. If you want to return it, you should return it to Youye!"

Ye Qingxi didn't respond, but took back the boots and examined them. As she examined, she commented, "The workmanship of these boots is too rough. Not only are they made of the most common linen fabric, but there is not even a pattern on them. And the soles are woven with straw ropes. Tsk tsk, it seems that the thief must be very poor!"

As Ye Qingxi exaggeratedly sighed, she glanced sideways at Bai Wuyi.

"What nonsense are you talking about here? There are several adults here to make decisions. It's not your turn to speak!" Chen Luo was very displeased, but she was also somewhat suspicious. She didn't know the identity of the thief. Could it be that the thief was really wealthy and noble? If so, she had prepared inadequately. After thinking for a moment, she hurriedly tried to make amends, "Oh, maybe the thief fled in a hurry and didn't have any belongings on him. That's why his belongings are so simple!"

Ye Qingxi handed the boots to Bai Wuyi with both hands and said respectfully, "Of course, the adults here make the decisions. It's not for others to defend the thief!"