Wish You All the Best - Chapter 50
Chapter 50
The next morning, the entire Pei household stirred into action, preparing for the Old Madam’s departure for the White Crane Temple. Because they were leaving the city and the journey was somewhat long, they chose carriages over sedan chairs. The Old Madam insisted that Jiafu ride with her, with Yuzhu attending to them from the side. Madam Xin and the Second Madam shared a carriage, and the remaining maids and matrons from each courtyard were distributed among the other vehicles. The entire entourage, consisting of several dozen people, set off in a long line of carriages with red-wheeled, ornate canopies, trailing one after another. Under the curious, lingering gazes of passersby, they exited the south gate. Several miles out, nestled in a quiet, densely shaded spot by the moat, stood the White Crane Temple.
Pei You’an knew that the Old Madam was traveling today with a large group of female relatives. Although Pei Xiuzhi had already gone ahead to make arrangements and Pei Xiuluo was there with the stewards to provide protection, he remained uneasy, fearing some unforeseen disruption. Specifically to ensure their safety, he had submitted a leave request that morning and stayed at home, deciding to personally escort them.
The Taoist nun in charge was middle-aged, known by the Taoist name Xu Chen. Having learned yesterday that the Pei Old Madam was bringing the ladies of the house for a ritual, she had already cleaned and tidied the premises. At this moment, she led her disciples out to the far gates to welcome them. Standing beside her was Pei Xiuzhi, who had arrived early.
Pei You’an escorted the Old Madam to the entrance of the temple. After being urged by the Old Madam several times to return, she said, "You submitted a leave request to the Emperor. Even though it comes from filial piety, many eyes are on you. It is not right for me to be the cause of you setting a bad example. Now that I have arrived, there is nothing left for you to do. You should head back quickly. You don’t need to come pick us up later either; your second uncle will be here to greet us."
Xu Chen laughed, "When the Old Madam graces this humble Taoist nun with her presence, it is like a celestial being descending to earth. How could I dare to be negligent? Please set your heart at ease, Minister Pei."
Pei You’an thanked Xu Chen for her trouble, urged Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo to take good care of the guests, and instructed the stewards to secure all the gates to keep outsiders from wandering in. After these commands, just before turning to leave, he glanced at Jiafu, who was standing beside the Old Madam.
Jiafu had been watching him all the while. Seeing his gaze land on her, she couldn't help but recall the scene in the study the previous night. After they finished, he had personally helped her clean herself—the tender care he showed her made the memory feel like a dream, yet it was undeniably real. A sweetness and satisfaction filled her heart, impossible to put into words.
Jiafu knew he liked to see her smile, but in this public crowd, she dared not laugh openly. She merely pursed her lips slightly, revealing a tiny dimple at the corner of her mouth, which was incredibly charming.
Pei You’an did not show much expression; he simply took one more look at her, withdrew his gaze, mounted his horse, and rode off, his silhouette gradually disappearing at the end of the horizon.
The Old Madam allowed Jiafu and Yuzhu to support her from either side as she entered the temple gates with Xu Chen. Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and the line of servants and maids followed in order. Although there were many people, there was no chaotic noise. The Pei Old Madam first arrived at the main hall, where she burned incense and bowed piously before the Three Pure Ones. After silently reciting her prayers and making a donation, she was led around to view the grounds.
The White Crane Temple was vast, consisting of three interconnected courtyards and three layers of temple gates, with much to see. After viewing a few spots, the Old Madam paused. Xu Chen, thinking the Old Madam was tired and wanting to lead her to her own quarters to rest, was waved off by the Old Madam: "Why do I not see the Taoist nun Hanzhen?"
Xu Chen hurriedly replied, "She is indeed in the temple right now. However, Old Madam, you may not know that she is different from others. Although she is nominally my disciple, I dare not truly regard myself as her master. She has always been high-minded and does not like to be disturbed, so I assigned her a separate area for quiet cultivation in the back. Whether she keeps the door open or closed is entirely up to her. Moreover, these past few months, a seriously ill child arrived there, said to be her younger brother. He was hidden away and unable to be seen before, suffering from various ailments. Now that she has taken him in, he is staying there. I am afraid of causing trouble, so I haven't gone over there much. I just send whatever she needs."
Xu Chen’s tone was tinged with faint dissatisfaction, but Pei Old Madam felt only pity, sighing: "She was originally the daughter of an aristocratic family, refined and cultured. I remember she even came to visit my house when she was small. Although her temperament was a bit aloof—unlike other girls who were clingy—she was very sensible. It is a pity that her fate was unkind. To have fallen to this state yet still maintain that integrity is rare; I fear many men would fail to match her before her."
Xu Chen accompanied her with a smile, "With your presence, Old Madam, it will naturally be different. I will send someone to call her over to pay her respects to you."
The Old Madam said, "She is not the same as before; now that she has taken vows, she has stepped beyond the mortal world. How can I ask her to kowtow to a worldly person like me? I will go see her myself." As she spoke, she leaned on Jiafu’s hand and continued forward.
Xu Chen said, "The Old Madam has a bodhisattva’s heart, always showing mercy to the weak and young. I had heard of this before, but seeing it in person today, the rumors were not exaggerated." While leading the Old Madam, she signaled to her young disciple, who caught the meaning and scurried away like a flash of smoke.
Jiafu supported Pei Old Madam, followed by Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and the others, as they headed toward the back of the temple as Xu Chen had indicated. The surroundings gradually became tranquil and secluded. At the end of the path ahead stood a green wall and a pair of black doors, with a few stalks of green bamboo peeking over the top.
"Old Madam, that is the place," Xu Chen pointed out.
Jiafu looked ahead to see a quiet door and a peaceful household, with a plaque hanging above inscribed with the three characters "Tai Su Guan" (The Hall of Great Simplicity).
Jiafu’s own calligraphy was not bad, but it leaned toward being round and elegant. These three characters, however, showed bone beneath the grace and were written with great mastery. Jiafu felt ashamed of her own skill, knowing that without years of dedicated practice, one could not write such excellent strokes. But looking closer, the flick and turn of the brush tips gave Jiafu a sense of familiarity, as if she had seen them somewhere before, though she couldn't recall where. Just as she was pondering this, the black doors creaked open. A figure in goose-yellow emerged—a beautiful Taoist nun—followed by two young disciples who rushed forward to offer a reception.
It was the nun Chi Hanzhen.
Chi Hanzhen walked quickly to Pei Old Madam and performed a Taoist salute: "I only just learned that you, Old Madam, came here in person to see me. How can my lowly self bear such an honor?"
Her tone was extremely respectful, but there was not a trace of sycophancy in her brows or eyes. Just like the day she faced Empress Zhou in the palace, she was neither humble nor pushy, possessing great poise.
Such an ice-clear and jade-clean person—Jiafu felt another wave of shame for having mistakenly suspected her of ulterior motives just a few days ago.
The Old Madam laughed, "It is no matter. I was just strolling about and happened to come your way. It is I who have disturbed your peace."
Chi Hanzhen said, "You humble me, Old Madam. If you do not despise my crude tea, please make yourself at home."
The Old Madam turned back and told the servants and maids to wait outside. She continued to lean on Jiafu and, accompanied by the two wives, entered the black lacquered door with its peeling paint. Inside the room, she saw a bookshelf against the wall stacked with yellow scrolls from floor to ceiling. By the window was a desk complete with the Four Treasures of the Study: brushes from Hu, ink from Hui, paper from Xuan, and an inkstone from She. Everything else was elegant and tasteful. On the table lay a half-written sheet of paper, and the brush resting on the rack still held ink. Pei Old Madam saw this and said, "It is I who have disturbed you."
Chi Hanzhen smiled faintly: "My younger brother’s condition has stabilized over the past two days, and I found a moment of leisure to scratch out a few characters. I hope you will not laugh at me, Old Madam." As she spoke, she ordered the young disciples to serve tea and offered a slight bow to Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and Jiafu.
Madam Xin disliked her arrogance and responded coldly, but the Second Madam was all smiles. She walked to the table, glanced at the words on the paper, and praised, "Fine calligraphy."
Jiafu took a peek.
By such a coincidence, the characters on the paper were from the "Lucky Odds" chapter of the Lunheng, which she had been reading recently. Although she did not fully understand it, she knew it discussed the nature of human fortune and misfortune. The handwriting on the paper was identical to the three characters inscribed on the plaque of the "Tai Su Guan" door.
Jiafu finally recalled why the three characters felt so familiar when she first saw them: they looked somewhat like Pei You’an’s calligraphy.
Jiafu was momentarily lost in thought. Meanwhile, the Old Madam and Chi Hanzhen continued to converse. The Old Madam asked about the condition of her young brother. Upon mentioning him, Chi Hanzhen’s usual coldness thawed, and her eyes welled with tears as she said: "A few days ago, the Empress summoned me to the palace to ask about returning to secular life. I was worried for my brother and naturally unwilling. On the way out, I happened to encounter Minister Pei. Recalling that the Imperial Physician Hu once said Minister Pei’s medical skills were so unique that even he himself felt inferior, I rashly asked for help. Fortunately, Minister Pei had both the miraculous skill and the benevolence to come and treat my brother that very day. Later, he debated the diagnosis with the imperial physician, and the physician took action again. In these past two days, my brother’s condition has finally stabilized. I am truly grateful. As one who has taken vows, I have no worldly possessions. Since you are here, Old Madam, please accept my kowtow as a token of thanks on behalf of my brother." Saying this, she bowed ceremoniously.
Pei Old Madam hurriedly had the Second Madam help her up and comforted her, "There is no need for this. You’an was once a student of your grandfather; if he can help, he naturally should do his utmost."
Chi Hanzhen thanked her again. Pei Old Madam stood up to visit the child, but seeing he had just fallen asleep, she did not enter, merely glancing from the doorway. Jiafu took a look and saw the boy lying on the bed—yellow-skinned and emaciated. Listening to Chi Hanzhen earlier, she knew the boy was ten years old, yet he looked like a child of seven or eight, incredibly frail.
Pei Old Madam, likely associating him with her eldest grandson’s circumstances in his youth, felt even greater pity. After sitting a while longer, she departed. Once they were seen off by Chi Hanzhen, she told Xu Chen, "She has her pride. If I give her other gifts, it might hurt her sense of dignity, and she might not accept them. That is why I had people prepare only some precious medicinal herbs; send them to her later."
Xu Chen agreed with copious flattery. She escorted them back to the front hall, where the altar for the ritual had already been set up. Xu Chen donned her ritual robes and conducted the first half of the ceremony. By noon, after Pei Old Madam and Jiafu had finished their meal and rested, they continued the second half in the afternoon. When it was finished, a divination tube was brought over. The Old Madam shook out a bamboo slip. Xu Chen picked it up, took a look, and beamed with joy: "The sixty-fourth slip: 'Guan and Bao distribute the gold, all goes well both coming and going, everything is as desired, auspicious and nothing but favorable'—it is the supreme auspicious slip!" She presented it with both hands to the Old Madam.
Pei Old Madam was naturally delighted, and there was no lack of further donations. Finally, toward evening, the group looked weary and were seen out. Pei Quan had already arrived and was waiting outside the main hall with Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo. Seeing them come out, he hurried to direct the stewards to arrange for the return journey. After a brief period of chaotic movement, the party boarded their carriages one by one as they had in the morning, moving with the rattling sound of wheels back toward the city.
On the road back, Jiafu was slightly preoccupied, while the Old Madam felt drowsy and closed her eyes to rest. Yuzhu also seemed to have something on her mind and did not initiate any conversation, so the carriage remained quiet, save for the rumbling of the wheels. As they gradually approached a fork in the road near the city gate, a dozen riders suddenly galloped by from the side with colorful saddles and jeweled reins. They were moving at great speed and reached them in the blink of an eye. The Pei family’s carriage driver, who was driving the lead carriage, failed to handle the reins in time and jerked the horses to a sudden halt. Because it was too abrupt, not only did the two carriage doors swing open on their own, but the Old Madam inside was also thrown forward. Luckily, Jiafu and Yuzhu both grabbed her, preventing her from falling, but Jiafu and Yuzhu themselves slammed into the carriage wall. Though they weren't injured, their shoulders were bruised and painful. Instinctively, they lifted their heads to look ahead.
The carriage doors had already swung shut again, but in that brief moment, Jiafu had seen it. At the fork in the road by the roadside, the one whose sudden appearance had caused the Pei family driver’s mistake was none other than Xiao Yintang and his retinue.
His eyes looked over, landing squarely on her face. His lips muscles flickered, and his gaze instantly turned strange.
The carriage door rebounded, blocking the people inside from view once more.
Pei Old Madam opened her eyes.
Jiafu steadied her nerves and listened intently. Outside, Pei Quan quickly dismounted and led Pei Xiuzhi, Pei Xiuluo, and the servants to salute Xiao Yintang, who had galloped over from the side road and was also returning to the city. After a brief exchange, footsteps were heard. The footsteps stopped right in front of the carriage, and then Xiao Yintang’s voice came through, sounding exceptionally respectful: "I did not know it was the carriage of the Pei Old Madam passing by. I was reckless just now; if I caused any offense, I hope the Old Madam will not take it to heart."
The imperial court had regulations: officials and noblewomen of the first and second ranks were exempt from kneeling to the Crown Prince. Pei Old Madam spoke clearly through the door: "How could I dare to accept such a salute from the Crown Prince? Blocking your path upon entering the city is our fault. I will have them clear the way immediately; please, Crown Prince, enter the city first."
Xiao Yintang said, "The Old Madam is virtuous and highly respected; even the Emperor treats you with great reverence, let alone me? I insist that you pass first, Old Madam. Waiting a while is no trouble for me." His tone sounded incredibly sincere. Following his words, a clamor was heard as the group of riders seemed to have moved to the roadside to make way.
Pei Old Madam said, "I am grateful for your graciousness, Crown Prince. I shall have to be rude then."
Pei Quan saw Xiao Yintang’s gaze fixed on the two carriage doors, a smile on his face, as if he truly wanted to yield the way. He had no choice but to lead his men up and urge the carriage fleet forward.
Xiao Yintang stopped by the roadside and watched the carriage carrying her gradually disappear. His eyes flickered, showing a strange light.
...
Night fell. Xiao Yintang returned from the send-off banquet the Emperor held for his uncle, Zhou Jin. He was half-drunk, his footsteps unsteady. Upon entering his bedchamber in the East Palace, he recalled the woman in the carriage he encountered earlier that day. Although it was but a fleeting glance, that beautiful face was etched into his mind, impossible to drive away. A surge of restlessness took hold. Before even entering the inner chambers, he recklessly dragged a newly promoted secondary consort surnamed Cao onto a luohan couch. In his intoxicated stupor, he stared at the woman beneath him, hallucinating peach-blossom cheeks and jade features, gnashing his teeth: "Lady Zhen! You think that just because you married Pei You’an, you can avoid me for the rest of your life? Keep dreaming!"
Lady Cao had been breathless from his actions, but upon hearing him say this, she saw his eyes staring at her, red and bloodshot, half-drunk and half-sober. Terrified, she hurriedly said, "Crown Prince, you have mistaken me! Your concubine is Lady Cao, not that Lady Zhen!"
Xiao Yintang’s drunken haze instantly cleared. He paused, stared at the woman beneath him, and his gaze gradually grew cold. He reached out one hand, his fingertips gently stroking her fair, smooth neck.
Lady Cao thought he was continuing and closed her eyes slightly, letting out a soft moan. Suddenly, her throat tightened as she was firmly clamped by his hand. The grip tightened and tightened. Her face turned bright red, and she struggled desperately, but she could not break free. Finally, she kicked out with all her might, knocking over a screen at the end of the couch with a loud "crash." She choked a few more times, her eyes rolled back, and her body slowly went limp.
Zhang Fengtong had heard the movement inside and knew the Crown Prince was favoring Lady Cao. Enduring her secret jealousy, she had dismissed the palace servants and kept watch outside. She faintly heard the Crown Prince’s words earlier, followed by something wrong with the sound. She hurried inside to find Lady Cao with her eyes rolled back, five deep fingerprints on her neck—she had been strangled to death by him.
Zhang Fengtong was shocked, staring at Lady Cao on the couch.
Although Lady Cao was of low birth—her father had only been a small official in Wuding—she had an outstanding appearance and figure and was well-versed in the arts of seduction, long having been favored by Xiao Yintang. Zhang Fengtong was a new bride, and the Crown Prince had barely shared a bed with her once or twice. Lady Cao had been secretly smug, and Zhang Fengtong had endured it in silence, but she never expected that in an instant, the woman would be strangled to death by him.
A death was no matter, but Lady Cao had just been named a secondary consort, entered into the imperial genealogy, and her father had been promoted to a fourth-rank official. Such a violent death would require an explanation.
She looked at Xiao Yintang, seeing him turn over and sit up from the couch. He said coldly, "Do you not have a reputation for being virtuous and capable? I leave this to you." Having said this, he turned and walked toward the inner room.
Zhang Fengtong watched the silhouette of Xiao Yintang disappear, then turned to the dead Lady Cao. After staring for a long time, she slowly said, "Do not blame me. If you must blame someone, blame the woman who harmed you.”