On the ninth day of the second lunar month, the weather was exceptionally fine. By the time the sun hung high in the sky, the last remnants of snow on Mount Shuxi had finally melted.
The mountains were colder than the city. Frost often clung to the shaded eaves and temple doors; one careless step could easily lead to a slip.
In years past, once the first lunar month ended, few pilgrims came to the temple to offer incense or make vows. With the temple short-staffed, no one had the leisure to clear the frost; everyone simply walked with extra caution.
Today, however, the courtyard was markedly different. Not only was the thin frost gone, but even the dust on the leaves seemed to have been wiped clean.
Li Suyu crouched amidst a large thicket of lilacs, her embroidered shoes resting on a small handkerchief to keep them clean, her hands carefully hoisting her skirts.
"Miss, you’ve been crouching here for nearly an hour. If the sun sets and we haven't returned, the Master will surely scold us," the little maid beside her grumbled, her round eyes and thin brows pinched in a piteous expression. Her legs had long since gone numb.
"Wait a bit longer. I definitely didn't see wrong just now—it was the two of them." Li Suyu bit her nails in anxiety, her eyes darting around as she watched the path outside. "I went through so much trouble to follow them here. I’m not leaving until I figure out what’s going on between them!"
Early spring in Que City was far colder than one might imagine. The hand warmer she had filled with charcoal before leaving that morning had long since gone cold, feeling like a lump of ice.
The maid rubbed her stiff hands, feeling sorry for both herself and her mistress. "If you ask me, they aren't fools. If they really wanted a tryst, why would they choose a day like today when there are so many eyes around?"
Li Suyu was too engrossed in her stakeout to notice that half her body was frozen numb. "What do you know? It’s called 'fishing in muddy waters.' It’s precisely because there are so many people that it’s harder to be noticed." Halfway through, she realized her words seemed to confirm the "adultery" of her beloved trysting with another, and she quickly tried to mend it. "Of course, Middle Commander Lu isn't that kind of person..."
The maid secretly rolled her eyes.
She truly couldn't see what was so great about that narrow-eyed, thin-faced Middle Commander Lu that would make her mistress—a young lady from the household of the Minister of Imperial Sacrifices, raised on strict etiquette—condescend to chase him into these wild mountains.
Today, the Emperor had used the occasion of the new Prince of Xinqing, Su Yuanxiu’s, investiture to host a plum blossom banquet at this temple. Many carriages from various noble houses were parked before the mountain gate, providing a perfect cover. Otherwise, she wouldn't have had the courage to sneak out with her mistress.
The plum trees were currently in full bloom. In a few days, when the weather truly warmed, the petals would begin to fall and leaves would sprout.
Pinkish-white, rattan-yellow, pale ink, and purplish-red blossoms intertwined on the branches. They were truly more flamboyant and enchanting than the temple’s most precious artifacts, drawing people to linger.
Unfortunately, Li Suyu was in no mood for flowers.
She kept watch over a nearby plum tree with gnarled, dragon-like branches and blossoms as red as blood, but her gaze never lingered on the flowers, only on the area surrounding the tree.
There were many plum trees, but only one "Reflected Waters" variety.
She refused to believe that if a gentleman and a lady were truly having a secret meeting, they wouldn't come to see this particular tree.
Faint voices approached from a distance. She immediately widened her eyes and pricked up her ears.
Before long, an old man with white hair and a white beard emerged from the moon gate, followed by two middle-aged men dressed as military officers.
Disappointment flashed across Li Suyu’s face. She signaled her maid to remain silent.
The old man leading the way was unaware of the "ambush." He headed straight for the Reflected Waters plum, occasionally admiring the colors or leaning in to catch the scent, looking quite content.
"This flower is truly rare. Why are you two generals standing so far away? You aren't afraid of the battlefield, yet you're afraid of a flower?"
Sun Zhuo and Yan Guang exchanged a glance, both still appearing somewhat constrained.
"In response to the Prime Minister, I am a crude man," Yan Guang replied. "I don't understand flower appreciation. Standing here and looking is enough."
"What does appreciation have to do with being crude or refined? It is merely about the heart’s delight."
Bai Zhaoyu’s posture was no longer as upright as it once was, yet he looked more refreshed and spirited than he had two years ago. He intentionally lowered his voice, pulling the two stiff figures closer and speaking mysteriously.
"In all of Chizhou, there are likely only two of these trees left. This one was previously in the Prince of Xuanyuan’s estate. I heard the Emperor had people dig it up from the Prince’s mansion. Usually, moving a plum tree like this damages its vitality, yet it bloomed in its very first spring. Wouldn't you say that's rare?"
Yan Guang nodded perfunctorily, not really taking it to heart, though he did spare the tree a few more glances.
Sun Zhuo, however, thought a bit deeper, a hint of doubt appearing between his brows. "Since it is so precious, why would he be willing to donate it to such a dilapidated temple? Could it be that there’s movement from the Mei family’s side, and this is a way of testing the winds?"
The old Prime Minister chuckled, clearly not intending to delve deeper. "Who knows? The mind of the current one is much easier to guess than the previous one."
Silence fell over the garden for a moment. After a long while, Bai Zhaoyu spoke again.
"General Yan, the pearls of your household should have all reached the age of hair-pinning, yes? I heard that yesterday, Middle Commander Lu of the Black Feather Camp visited your estate again. I wonder if..."
"No!"
Before Bai Zhaoyu could finish, Yan Guang interrupted him irritably.
The thought of that eccentric, scheming man with his belly full of plots setting his sights on his daughter made his anger flare. But in front of the old Prime Minister, he couldn't speak too harshly, so he settled for a cold snort.
"He is currently the Emperor’s favorite. How would my Goose Wing Camp dare to seek a marriage alliance with the Black Feather Camp?"
The old Prime Minister laughed, clearly sensing something unusual from the straightforward general’s reaction.
But he didn't want to press further. For the younger generation, the days ahead were long.
He looked around to ensure no one was watching, then reached out, plucked a Reflected Waters blossom, and hid it in his sleeve. He cleared his throat, signaling the two behind him not to say a word.
Sun and Yan exchanged looks, caught between laughter and tears, and could only follow him out.
Once the three had walked far away, Li Suyu could no longer restrain herself. She nearly lunged out of the lilac bushes.
"Why did he go to see that Yan Chunhua again?!"
"No, no, Miss, keep your voice down!" The maid used all her strength to push her mistress back down. "Didn't they say he just went to General Yan’s estate? Perhaps he was just looking for the General? They are both military men; it’s normal to visit one another."
"Did you see General Yan’s reaction? It’s definitely not that." Li Suyu recalled something, her voice trembling slightly. "What do you know? Ma Yueyuan told me himself that those two might have known each other long ago. It must have started back when they were in Bijiang. Now it’s a mess."
As she was lost in her thoughts, a voice suddenly rang out from above her head.
"What is the benefactor doing crouching there?"
The mistress and maid were both startled. They looked up to see a young novice monk with a smooth, bald head peering down at them.
Seeing it was just a child, Li Suyu immediately regained her haughty air and straightened her face. "I am a distinguished guest. Is a guest not allowed to stroll through the garden? Is this how your Yongye Temple treats its guests?"
"I have seen many distinguished guests, but I have never seen one who tramples the flowers and refuses to come out of the bushes."
Li Suyu was not usually such a domineering person. Her face flushed red. Just as she was about to leave without further argument, the little monk tilted his head, his eyes brightening as he whispered mischievously.
"Could it be that you can't find the latrine?"
The Li family’s young lady turned scarlet from a mix of shame and fury. She scrambled out of the lilac bushes, not caring if her expensive raw silk jacket was snagged, and hurriedly led her maid away from the courtyard.
Why were the monks in this temple all so cunning? This one was so difficult to deal with—was he intentionally trying to cross her?
Li Suyu thought indignantly, her feet moving fast in her retreat. As she turned a corner of the corridor, she wasn't paying attention and slammed into a thick, sturdy figure. The other person didn't budge an inch, but she was sent flying.
She had lived a pampered life. As a child, she would cry for half a day over a scratched finger, let alone a fall. Now that she was grown, she was still afraid of pain, and a sense of grievance welled up within her.
The maid, arriving a step late, was horrified. She helped her mistress up, and both glared at the "culprit," only to see another pair of master and servant.
They were two young men, both with round faces paired with small, rat-like eyes, giving them a crafty, thick-skinned look. Though their clothes were made of expensive materials, the color coordination was gaudy and vulgar, exuding a common, marketplace aura. One look told her they weren't from a prestigious family, but likely the sons of some merchant who had struck it rich in the city.
Li Suyu withdrew her gaze, forcing back the tears of pain. The moment she stood up, she regained her poise as a noble young lady.
"This is a temple. Why are you rushing about so recklessly? Next time you hit someone, they might not be as easy-going as I am."
Having said her piece, she didn't look back at the strangely expressive pair. She flicked her sleeves and walked away quickly.
"Miss! Wait for me! Should we head back now..."
The maid followed in a hurry, truly unsure of what was happening. As soon as she spoke, her mistress snapped back.
"Go back? We’ve already come this far; how can we just go back!"
Li Suyu felt stifled and disheveled. She looked toward the main hall in the distance and said with some reluctance, "Tell me, is this temple’s fortune-telling for marriage effective?"
The maid froze, instinctively feeling something was wrong. "Miss, I heard this main hall was only rebuilt at the beginning of the year. I don't even know if it's open yet. Don't look at those new golden tiles; they surely aren't as efficacious as the old ones. Their spiritual power must be much weaker. Let’s not seek a marriage slip..."
She tried her best to persuade her, but the more she spoke, the more stubborn her mistress became. Li Suyu felt she had to get an answer for herself today—even if that answer came from the Buddha.
"After today, I’m afraid I won't be able to leave the estate for months. Just consider me muddled and let me seek a slip just once, alright?"
The maid looked fearful. Whether the fortune was accurate was one thing, but if the result was good, fine; if it was bad, wouldn't there be another uproar later?
Li Suyu looked at her maid and, knowing her thoughts, took her hand and said sincerely, "Jinhe, you’ve been with me since we were children. You're the only one in the estate I can truly talk to. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't help me today. Just tell me, are you still on my side?"
Looking at her mistress’s simple and urgent eyes, the maid couldn't help but nod vigorously. "Of course! I am always on your side, Miss!"
"Good."
Having achieved her goal, Li Suyu pulled Jinhe toward the main hall without another word.
They passed the meditation rooms and walked about a hundred paces along the veranda until a newly built hall with a golden roof appeared.
However, while the hall doors were grand and majestic, the surroundings were empty and somewhat desolate. It was unclear if it was because the post-disaster reconstruction wasn't finished, or if there was a problem with the feng shui—otherwise, why would a perfectly good temple hall be struck by lightning?
Li Suyu stared at the entrance. Just as she was about to climb the steps, a man in green suddenly appeared and blocked their path with his arm.
"The Buddha statues in this hall have not yet been gilded. You should come back another day, Miss."
He had appeared silently, startling both the girl and her maid. It took them a moment to recover.
"It’s fine. I don't mind," Li Suyu said.
As the saying goes, the path to a good thing is often fraught with obstacles. Li Suyu’s stubbornness flared up, giving her a sudden burst of fearlessness. She tried to push past. Seeing the guard’s brow furrow as he prepared to act, Jinhe suddenly lunged forward and grabbed the green-clad guard in a tight embrace.
"Da Zhuang! Da Zhuang, is it you?! I haven't seen you in so many years, how did you grow so tall..."
The guard’s hand was on his saber, the veins on the back of his hand bulging. "Let go..."
Yet the little maid was both cowardly and stubborn. The moment she released his waist, she lunged for his legs. "No! I won't! You can't just leave the village and pretend you don't know me! You promised to marry me once I got my freedom papers..."
The guard had no choice but to drag her away with a stony face.
Jinhe cleverly winked at Li Suyu, who took the hint, lifted her skirts, and hurried toward the half-open hall doors.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a puff of fine dust met her. She coughed twice and looked around.
The central Buddha statue, carved from golden-thread sandalwood, was unfinished, but the hall was already draped with banners. No one was offering incense at the altar, and the oil lamps were unlit.
She sniffed the air, her brows furrowing in confusion.
Besides the scent of wood, why was there a faint smell of "Cloud Leaf Fresh" tea and roast goose from "Xinhengji"?
Weren't monks supposed to be vegetarians who avoided worldly pleasures? How could...
Before she could figure it out, her gaze was drawn to something beneath the altar.
It was a freshly lacquered fortune cylinder, the bamboo slips inside neatly arranged as if they had just been placed there.
Li Suyu’s heart began to race.
The statues weren't finished, but the cylinder was already there—it was clearly meant for her. She had heard that Yongye Temple was the most effective for clearing karma; surely it wasn't bad for marriage fortunes either? Could Lu Songping and Yan Chunhua have just been here to ask about their marriage?
Recalling that the two figures she saw earlier seemed to be coming from the direction of the main hall, her suspicion grew.
Her small hands gripped her skirt, released it, and gripped it again. Finally, with a look of determination, she stepped forward and picked up the cylinder.
She had never sought a fortune before, only watched others do it. She shook it for a long time before a single slip fell out. She eagerly picked it up and saw a few small characters carved on the simple surface.
*Slip Number Forty-Nine: Great Misfortune.*
Li Suyu’s cheerful brows instantly slumped, and her face fell.
Did temples nowadays carve the luck directly onto the slips?
"That girl Jinhe, why didn't she stop me! Now look at this—I’ve drawn a 'Great Misfortune' slip for no reason..."
What should one do after drawing a bad omen? Li Suyu wished she could fly back to the city to find a fortune-teller to explain it away, but for now, she could only stare at the bamboo slip, neither wanting to hold it nor daring to throw it away.
"There is only one 'Great Misfortune' slip in the entire cylinder, yet you managed to draw it."
A voice suddenly rang out from behind the banners—a slightly raspy female voice that sounded a bit weak.
Li Suyu hadn't expected anyone else to be in the empty hall. She was startled at first, then felt a wave of embarrassment and lowered her head in silence.
"What did you pray for?"
The girl paused, then whispered, "A marriage fortune..."
"If you don't mind, you can bring the slip over for me to see."
Li Suyu hesitated for a moment before reluctantly handing the bamboo slip over.
A hand reached out from behind the banner and took it.
The girl caught a glimpse of it—a hand with strong joints, long and powerful. She truly didn't understand how someone with such a hand could have a voice like that.
"Are you a monk of this hall? No, a nun?" The girl seemed to briefly forget her unhappiness, her crisp voice tinged with curiosity. "What do you see?"
The next moment, the response was the sharp *clack* of the slip hitting the cylinder. The bamboo slip flew out from behind the banner and landed perfectly back in the container.
Despite the voice sounding weak, the person’s movements were incredibly swift.
"It’s a wretched thing; why look at it?"
Li Suyu froze, then felt a surge of anger. "You! How could you throw it back without my permission? If the bad luck sticks to me, who am I supposed to complain to?"
"What’s the rush?" the voice said leisurely. "Fortune-telling is a matter of 'believe it and it exists, disbelieve it and it doesn't.'"
The girl was skeptical. "So, you're saying it’s not accurate?"
There was a moment of silence behind the banner. When the voice spoke again, it had returned to its weak, listless tone.
"Didn't you want your fortune explained? How about I give you a few words of advice?"
Li Suyu hesitated, looking around once more. The green-clad guard was still nowhere to be seen, and there was no one else in the hall. She leaned in slightly, her voice low. "Go on."
The voice cleared its throat. "Once you leave this temple, go straight to your beloved. Do not pay attention to anyone you meet on the way. The first thing you say to him must be to ask if he likes you. If he says yes, pick an auspicious day and marry him. If he says no..."
Li Suyu asked urgently, "If he says no, what should I do?"
"Then cut your ties completely and find someone worthy of your devotion as soon as possible."
Li Suyu’s face fell, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. "True feelings cannot be cut off just like that. You don't understand the heart; you're just talking big because it’s not your problem."
"I am currently lying down while talking to you, so my back certainly doesn't hurt," the voice said with a hint of a smile. "The answers to some things are right there. Whether you don't look at them for a day, a month, or ten years, they won't change. What is real cannot be made false, and what is false cannot be made real. Do not deceive yourself."
Li Suyu lowered her head again, her voice soft. "But I really like him. If he rejects me, I will never love anyone else in this life."
"How old are you, to be talking about 'this life'? Besides, eight or nine out of ten things in life don't go as planned. If you truly cannot find your fated person, you must still live well for yourself. Face your own heart honestly, be kinder and more patient to those around you, and cherish every day they are by your side. Do not wait until they are gone to regret it."
Li Suyu froze, instinctively looking toward the hall doors. The guard and her maid were still missing.
The voice behind the banner grew quieter, as if the speaker were getting tired. "And one more important thing: in the future, don't just ask anyone to explain your fortune."
*Just anyone?* How was she being casual? Was this person not from the temple? She had indeed never heard of Yongye Temple having nuns...
Suspicion rose in Li Suyu’s mind. Just as she was about to lift the banner, hurried footsteps approached from outside.
"Benefactor, please wait."
She stopped and turned to see a handsome monk walking quickly toward her.
This monk was very fair-skinned and much more pleasant to look at than the little novice from earlier, though he had a scar on his face that looked somewhat intimidating.
"I am Yikong, the abbot of this temple. I wonder if there is anything I can help you with, Miss? Please, tell me."
Li Suyu thought for a moment and quickly recounted what had happened.
To her surprise, the monk focused on a different detail. After hearing about the slip, his expression faltered for a moment, followed by a sigh of emotion.
"The last time someone drew that slip was three years ago."
So it wasn't just bad luck; it was a once-in-three-years kind of bad luck.
Li Suyu asked weakly, "What happened to that person? Did the fortune come true?"
"That person, later..."
Suddenly, a cough came from behind the banner—this time, it was a man’s voice.
Yikong’s hesitant expression froze, and when he turned back, he had resumed his usual calm demeanor. "That, I do not know."
Li Suyu looked disappointed, her heart heavy with worry. She looked back at the Buddha statue in the hall, lost in thought.
Seeing this, Yikong stepped forward and offered some low-voiced comfort, escorting the girl slowly out of the hall.
Silence returned to the main hall. After an unknown amount of time, a man’s voice rang out lazily from behind the banner.
"Since when did you know how to explain fortunes?"
The woman chuckled. "I know a little, just a little."
The man paused, then said meaningfully, "If you knew whose daughter she was, I doubt you would have been so kind."
The woman indeed asked, "Whose?"
"Her father is Li Li, the Minister of Imperial Sacrifices—the one who wanted me to reopen the selection and recruit more beauties for the palace."
The man finished, waiting expectantly for the woman’s reaction. Unexpectedly, she took a different path and poked at his sore spot instead.
"How is it that you recognize everyone’s daughter? Hmph, you must have intended to bring many into the palace back then."
The man sighed.
Old debts, once brought up, were never-ending. If they were really going to settle scores, she was the one who had personally sent Cui Xingyao into the city back then.
He was so wronged, truly wronged.
But he understood her temperament best. Seeing that his "provocation" had failed, he suddenly changed tactics, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance.
"When we were walking in the courtyard last night, you only cared about looking at the flowers. You didn't spare me a single glance." At this, his voice grew deeper. "Had I known, I wouldn't have told him you were coming here."
The woman was indeed left speechless.
Before she could even find a reason to complain, she was the one being blamed. It was truly a case of the thief crying thief.
Who in the history books had described him as brilliant, noble, and caring for all under heaven? He was clearly a thick-skinned, petty ghost.
She cleared her throat and said with feigned seriousness, "I saw many old friends today, but he was the only one who couldn't come. Don't be too hard on him."
"Hard on him? If I were truly hard on him, I’m afraid you wouldn't be able to bear it."
As the man spoke, there was the sound of rustling fabric and something heavy hitting the floor. The woman let out a small gasp, followed by the low laughter of two people.
"Are you happy now that we’ve come back for this trip? Satisfied?"
The woman didn't speak, but whatever her response was, the man let out a deeply satisfied sigh.
"The carriage is ready. We leave tonight..."
"Oh, right, why didn't I see the Bai family’s child?"
The man, being interrupted, was clearly dissatisfied. "I had Jiang Fei take him to the Andao Academy. Zong Hao will be his teacher. One is stiff and the other is obsessed; they’re a perfect match."
"And about Hao Bai’s side..."
"If you find another excuse, I’ll send Jixiang to the camp to pull a cart."
Seeing that the man was truly getting a bit angry, the woman restrained herself and coaxed him with a smile. "Alright, alright, I won't say more. Yikong’s tea is bitter and terrible; you haven't touched a drop either. How about I go find Zhuyu and ask for some water..."
A hand partially lifted the banner, and a woman in red with her hair tied up was about to step out when she was suddenly pulled into a hug by a tall, slender figure from behind.
The banner fell softly back into place, concealing everything once more.
"What’s the rush?" the raspy male voice said with a laugh, instantly filled with a warmth that felt like the first melting snow of early spring. "Our time together is still very long."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
枢夕山 | Mount Shuxi | The mountain where Yongye Temple is located.
阙城 | Que City | The city where the story takes place.
太常卿 | Minister of Imperial Sacrifices | A high-ranking official title (Taichang Qing).
新庆王 | Prince of Xinqing | A noble title.
夙远修 | Su Yuanxiu | The name of the new Prince of Xinqing.
赏梅宴 | Plum Blossom Banquet | A social event held to admire plum blossoms.
映水重楼 | Reflected Waters | A rare variety of plum blossom.
柏兆予 | Bai Zhaoyu | Former Prime Minister.
孙灼 | Sun Zhuo | A general.
颜广 | Yan Guang | A general, father of Yan Chunhua.
烜远王 | Prince of Xuanyuan | A noble title.
赤州 | Chizhou | A geographical region.
黑羽营 | Black Feather Camp | An elite military unit.
鹿中尉 | Middle Commander Lu | Lu Songping's rank and surname.
雁翅营 | Goose Wing Camp | A military unit.
颜春花 | Yan Chunhua | Daughter of General Yan Guang.
马跃原 | Ma Yueyuan | A character mentioned by Li Suyu.
碧疆 | Bijiang | A border region mentioned in the characters' past.
永业寺 | Yongye Temple | The temple where the chapter takes place.
一空 | Yikong | The abbot of Yongye Temple.
下下签 | Great Misfortune | The worst possible luck on a temple fortune slip.
金荷 | Jinhe | Li Suyu's maid.
安道院 | Andao Academy | An educational or training institute.
宗颢 | Zong Hao | A character mentioned as a teacher.
将飞 | Jiang Fei | A subordinate of the male protagonist.
吉祥 | Jixiang | Likely a horse or pet belonging to the protagonists.
烛鱼 | Zhuyu | A character associated with the protagonists.
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