Kang Ning had been in charge of running the Five Blessings Arrive flagship store across from Fan Lou. She had already seen Young Master Chai's mother coming and going from Fan Lou while at her own shop.
She had also heard the gossips say that Young Master Chai's mother was always going to temples to pray for her son to find a good match.
After giving it some thought, she said, "Mother, I have an idea. You'll need to do as I say, and we can make Eldest Young Master Chai lose another 180 strings of cash."
Madam Li immediately perked up at that and asked eagerly, "Ning'er, what's the plan?"
Kang Ning called her two younger sisters and her mother over to sit closer, then explained her plan. After that, she arranged for someone to keep an eye on Madam Chai's outings.
The next day, at Xiangguo Temple, Chai An's mother arrived with her maids to pray. By chance, she ran into Madam Li, who was making her way through the temple gate, kowtowing all along the way.
This was, of course, Kang Ning's scheme. As soon as she heard that Madam Chai was going to offer incense, she had quietly sent a servant to follow her in the family carriage.
Kang Ning's plan had been for her mother simply to kneel before the Buddha with sincere devotion. But to convince Chai An's mother, Madam Li chose to perform the grand ritual of kowtowing every three steps.
Madam Li's solemn, devout behavior immediately drew everyone's attention, including Madam Chai's.
So Madam Li followed her all the way. As soon as Madam Chai finished praying, she sent one of her maids over to make inquiries.
Following her instructions, the maid hurried over and asked, "Madam, did something happen to make