After Jian Ruonan had imparted wisdom, taught lessons, and dispelled the Three Taoist Masters' doubts, they left thoroughly satisfied.
Jian Ruonan's standing in the Taoist Masters' hearts rose another notch.
The Heavenly Venerable was a true god indeed!
Jian Ruonan happily carried a tray of fruit offerings and pastries over to share with Min, Xilu, and Teng.
She had just sat down in the side room when Big System's voice rang out: [Nan Nan, there's gossip!!]
What luck-gossip as soon as she arrived! Jian Ruonan said, [Enhanced Gossip Button, activate!! Serve up the gossip!]
Big System: [You need to be extremely careful today. The Duke of Cheng'en has had someone set a trap for you, hoping to force you into marrying the Third Prince.]
Jian Ruonan: [The Duke of Cheng'en? Isn't he that master of time management who was fooling around with both the Director of the Imperial College and his wife, making them both cuckolds courtesy of the same person?!]
Big System: [That's him. He's here today too, and he's arranged to meet the director's wife for a secret tryst in the Taoist temple!]
Jian Ruonan: [Ooh, we absolutely need front-row seats for this!!]
She hurriedly had Big System activate the [Mute the Gossip Subject] button so she could test its function while enjoying the gossip later.
Big System: [Nan Nan, shouldn't you be worrying about how the Duke of Cheng'en plans to harm you?]
Jian Ruonan: [Almost forgot. I get excited whenever there's gossip. Let's focus on enjoying the gossip and quietly watch how things unfold!]
Big System: [...]
Pushed along by an Imperial Guard, Dantai Mo reached the rear courtyard and spotted the Third Prince approaching in the distance with his entourage.
Black Tortoise System: [Oh dear, the Third Prince is here too. One look tells