HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 59

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 59

The weather was unbearably hot during this peak summer season. Usually, the young ladies and madams rarely ventured out, except to pay their morning respects to the Old Madam, spending the rest of their time resting indoors.

The summer heat was especially intense, and for the heat-sensitive female family members, riding in carriages and climbing mountains to burn incense in July was nothing short of torture. Their light, snow-white fine gauze stuck to their bodies with sweat, and their carefully applied rouge began to blur, creating patchy patterns on their cheeks like cracking powder-covered walls. Zheng Jun’s young madam, Lady Bai, let out a soft sigh and dabbed at the sweat around her collar with a handkerchief. She shared a carriage with Lady Ming, and being a new bride of just a few months, she couldn’t properly complain, only furrowing her brows and letting out a gentle sigh.

Zheng Lun and Zheng Jun were born to the same mother, so their wives were sisters-in-law by blood, naturally closer to each other. Seeing Lady Bai’s discomfort, Lady Ming fanned her for a while, feeling irritated herself, and muttered, “Madam is something else. It’s her wanting to pray for the Second Miss’s fortune, yet she’s dragging us into it! Saying something about how the young masters’ success in the military examinations depends entirely on the Buddha’s blessing!”

Lady Bai spoke softly, “They say we’re paying respects to the Great Emperor of Perfect Achievement, though our family hasn’t worshipped this deity before.”

Lady Ming replied, “She’ll say whatever she needs to accomplish her goals. Some common folk do worship the Great Emperor of Perfect Achievement, though not many, especially with the approaching fifteenth of the seventh month when people are somewhat superstitious.” She laughed mockingly, “Our Madam is quite something, truly unafraid of ill fortune.”

Lady Bai smiled faintly and lifted the carriage window curtain to look outside. Ahead were the carriages and sedan chairs carrying the Old Madam and the other madams, while behind followed the concubines, young ladies, servants, and maids. As they approached the foot of the mountain, the temple emerged among the layered greenery, revealing expanses of yellow walls and black tiles. Perhaps due to the overwhelming amount of incense being burned, a grayish smoke hung over the temple like a thin mist, staining half the mountain.

When the carriages finally stopped, the sounds of voices filled the air. Lady Ming and Lady Bai descended together and turned to watch the young ladies’ carriages stop one by one. Fourth Miss was always slower than her sisters; Clear Ru and Clear Rong had already gone up the steps when she finally descended from the footboard, holding her fan.

Bao Xian went up to hold an umbrella for her, while Xiao Xi followed beside her carrying a basket. She smiled and said “It’s so hot,” wearing a smoke-colored purple jacket and skirt with a magnolia-green satin ribbon tied at her chest, which fluttered in the wind like a beautiful kite.

The group entered through the mountain gate and headed toward the Main Hall. Clear Yuan, having visited once before with Fang Chun, was somewhat familiar with everything in the temple and obediently stayed beside the Old Madam. Clear Ru and Clear Rong, however, couldn’t help looking around while offering incense at each hall, despite Madam Hu calling them several times, unable to keep them close.

The Old Madam felt somewhat melancholic, “Let them be. Once they enter the palace, they won’t have such opportunities anymore.”

Madam Hu couldn’t say much, but the knot between her brows wouldn’t smooth out. She still signaled Cai Lian to call them back, whispering, “There are likely other candidates for palace selection offering incense today. I just saw the daughter of the Secretariat Drafter. Many people are watching here, who knows what might become gossip!”

Clear Ru, having been scolded, couldn’t react as she would at home and could only meekly agree, secretly sticking her tongue out at Clear Rong.

The Huguo Temple was truly grand. Because the palace had once gilded the Buddha statues, those noble officials followed suit by donating money for expansion. Originally, the temple had twenty-two rooms including sutra halls and meditation chambers, but it grew year by year until now it boasted one hundred and eight rooms. If visitors wanted to explore from the front hall to the back mountain, it would likely take half a day. Unfortunately, the weather was too hot, and the Old Madam was advanced in age, so after adding incense and candles before the Great Emperor of Perfect Achievement and reciting two scrolls of blessing sutras, she led the family’s women to retreat to the mountain chambers in the back.

All larger temples had areas specifically for noble visitors to rest, somewhat removed from the clamor at the front. Although the Buddhist chants could still be faintly heard, the atmosphere wasn’t as heavy with incense smoke, which helped prevent Third Madam Pei’s asthma from acting up.

The Old Madam encountered an old acquaintance there, a childhood friend from their maiden days who was now the Old Madam of the Kaifeng Prefect’s family. Having not met for many years and each leading their family’s younger generation, they naturally needed to properly get acquainted.

In truth, the circles of noble ladies in various regions were like small imperial courts, with news traveling fast and far, spreading a thousand times more efficiently than one might imagine. The Xie family, including both the East and West mansions, had eight young ladies in total, yet the first person the Prefect’s Old Madam asked about was the Fourth Miss.

“Our family has ancestral connections with the Marquis of Danyang’s wife’s family. A few days ago, I heard that the Marquis’s eldest son abandoned his duties and rushed back to Hengtang to seek your Fourth Miss’s hand in marriage?” As the Prefect’s Old Madam spoke, her gaze swept over Clear Yuan, clicking her tongue in appreciation, “Indeed, she’s a perfect child, no wonder…”

Being beautiful and capable of enchanting others – if the one enchanted was a good-for-nothing young master, then her background as a concubine’s daughter would become a topic of discussion – after all, she was born a concubine’s daughter, naturally behaving in such a way. But if the one enchanted was a promising young talent with an inherited title in his future, then her background could be viewed differently – heroes shouldn’t be judged by their origins, and a less-than-illustrious birth became like a black trim on a rich background, adding depth and enhancing the beauty.

Clear Ru, even now, felt extremely averse to hearing people link Li Cong Xin with Clear Yuan. She disdainfully turned her gaze away, feeling that these so-called noble ladies were nothing special – everyone had calculating eyes, making such a fuss over something that wasn’t even certain.

The Xie Old Madam no longer courted the Marquis of Danyang’s family, as what was once considered a good match had fallen from grace after weighing the pros and cons, becoming rather ordinary.

“Where did you hear such rumors? I’m surprised you believed them,” the Old Madam smiled, “The young Marquis did rush back to his mansion for urgent matters, but it has nothing to do with our Fourth Miss.”

The Prefect’s Old Madam let out an “oh,” then looked at Clear Yuan again, smiling even more warmly, “If not the Marquis of Danyang’s family, then perhaps she’s entering the Commander’s household?”

This time the Old Madam didn’t deny it, smiling ambiguously with an air of tacit agreement, half-concealing as she said, “Our child is close with the Commander’s wife, but doesn’t have much interaction with Commander Shen himself.”

The Prefect’s Old Madam immediately clicked her tongue, “Elder sister, you’re even being evasive with me. When we were young ladies, we were extremely close, I never kept anything from you. Now you’re being so distant with me, you’re truly hurting my feelings.”

The Old Madam hurriedly appeased her so-called old sister, taking her hand and saying, “How could I intentionally hide things from you? It’s just that the marriage hasn’t been settled yet, and if word spreads, we’re the young ladies, aren’t we the ones who would suffer?” After a pause, she asked, “I heard the Grand Prefect’s family also has a young lady entering the palace selection this year?”

The Prefect’s Old Madam confirmed, “Yes, there’s another selection on the sixteenth, and that selection is particularly difficult. They examine everything from head to toe, down to each strand of hair. Those who pass must be truly perfect. I heard your family also has two young ladies participating in the selection?” As she spoke, she searched through the group of women, and after a while, exclaimed, “Forgive my poor eyesight, all the young ladies in your household are extremely beautiful, which two are they?”

The implication was that none stood out, particularly in the crowd of beauties. Clear Ru heard this and laughed coldly, and the Old Madam wasn’t pleased either but had to maintain face. She called Clear Ru and Clear Rong over, “Quickly pay your respects to the Grand Prefect’s Old Madam.”

The sisters stepped back and bowed, but the Prefect’s Old Madam hurriedly helped them up one by one, asking them to forgo the formalities, “Look at them, aren’t they all beautiful? Indeed, the elder sister was beautiful in her youth, and now her granddaughters are all like flowers.” She turned and instructed her attending elderly servant, “Go call the Second Miss to pay her respects to the Commissioner’s Old Madam and Madam.” Then she turned back to the Xie Old Madam to smooth things over, “The child is naturally shy, not having seen outsiders before, so she’s inevitably a bit timid. Since she’ll be participating in the selection with your two young ladies, let them get acquainted, and please ask your two young ladies to look after her.”

The Prefect’s Old Madam spoke humbly, suggesting their family’s young lady was likely just average. Madam Hu and her daughters always maintained a hint of pity for ordinary people, after all, outstanding individuals were rare, and imperfection had to be allowed to exist.

The Xie family’s women also waited to see this Second Miss, both being second daughters, inviting comparison. However, they hadn’t heard of any particularly outstanding young ladies from Youzhou before, so their expectations weren’t too high. But to everyone’s surprise, when the servant led her in, the sight instantly brightened everyone’s eyes.

The young lady was only sixteen or seventeen, tall and well-proportioned. Her features were cold yet alluring, like a cherry atop a snowy mountain. Even amid chaos, she was like a clear stream in muddy waters, seeping into people’s hearts drop by drop.

When it came to comparing superiority and inferiority, such feelings were too intuitive, and visible at first glance. Clear Ru’s prepared pity collapsed completely, like spring snow on branches. A sense of impending failure crept up, leaving her breathless and disheartened. She suddenly felt her participation in the selection was somewhat presumptuous. Originally confident of success, now faced with such a competitor, she suddenly saw reality clearly, feeling both angry and defiant.

Clear Yuan glanced at Clear He, and the sisters exchanged subtle winks, their eyes almost overflowing with amusement.

The Old Madam couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, no longer bothering to check Madam Hu’s expression, and simply praised, “What a perfect child. You must have kept her hidden in the inner chambers, reluctant to let anyone see her. I had no idea we had such a beauty in Youzhou.”

What beauty? With that tall height, she looks like a long-legged heron! Clear Ru discussed with Clear Rong behind their backs, her words full of resentment. Even the vegetarian meal tasted nauseating. She took a bite of mock chicken, found it completely tasteless, and then put down her chopsticks, saying she was done eating.

Madam Hu paid no attention to the child’s emotions, having more important matters to attend to. She responded to the Old Madam, “Since we’re here, we should donate some oil money at various places and get some safety talismans for the children.”

The Old Madam agreed, but being hot, she was too lazy to move about. They had paid respects to most of the Buddhas already and were just waiting for the sun to move westward before preparing to return home. However, she granted permission to the accompanying women, saying since they rarely came out, they could wander around, either listen to sutra lectures or seek fortune-telling, as they wished.

Madam Hu left with Granny Sun, asking as they walked toward the temple’s merit hall, “Is everything prepared?”

Granny Sun confirmed, whispering near her mistress’s ear, “People have been disguised as temple monks. Even if Fourth Miss has a hundred eyes, she can’t be suspicious of everyone.”

Madam Hu nodded, turning to look at the plaza filled with worshippers, where monks passed by occasionally, making it impossible to distinguish real monks from fake ones.

Her previous unease gradually dissipated; having come this far, they just needed to proceed. If something happened to someone in the inner residence, Shen Run might not let it go, especially since he had specifically warned them before. But if someone was kidnapped, robbed, or violated in broad daylight outside, it could only be blamed on bad luck. Whether Shen Run or Li Cong Xin, if they still had an interest in a ruined flower, that would truly be deep love!

Madam Hu let out a long breath, gripping her handkerchief as she stepped over the threshold, coldly commanding, “Go do it.”

Granny Sun accepted the order and retreated, disappearing in an instant at the end of the corridor.

Today was the Great Emperor of Perfect Achievement’s birthday, and monks chanted sutras all day. Their murmuring waves of sound were like long songs from the Buddha’s realm, bringing a calming power even in the height of summer. Since the Old Madam had permitted everyone to disperse, Clear Yuan naturally went along. Initially, she was with Clear He, but later when Concubine Lian wanted to take Clear He for fortune-telling, Clear Yuan wanted to go to the Ksitigarbha Hall to donate a deity tablet for her mother, so they parted ways.

The Ksitigarbha Hall was some distance from the Guanyin Hall. She held up her round fan to block the sun; through its thin surface and two layers of silver-patterned cicada gauze, she saw an old woman hurriedly emerging from the corridor, running as if in great urgency. Upon reaching her, the woman quickly bowed, saying, “Fourth Miss is here! Our First Madam suddenly developed severe stomach pain, her face has turned pale white, and she can barely walk… This servant is rushing to report to the Old Madam and Madam. First Madam only has one little maid with her, and she’s with child. Could Fourth Miss please look after her for a moment?”

Clear Yuan made a sound of acknowledgment, “Where is she?”

The old woman pointed to the other side of the large banyan tree, “In the pavilion not far ahead. Thank you, Fourth Miss, I’ll go find the Old Madam and Madam now.” With that, she hurried off toward the meditation chambers.

Clear Yuan watched her leave and gave a slight, mocking smile, “They went to such lengths.”

Bao Xian said to Xiao Xi, “You go now. Remember to carefully carry out Miss’s instructions, and you won’t go unrewarded.”

Xiao Xi timidly agreed but didn’t move, still mumbling something.

Clear Yuan looked at her with a kind expression, “If you obey me, I’ll naturally care for you. But if you don’t listen to me…”

Xiao Xi shuddered; there was no need to hear the rest. Yesterday when Fourth Miss said she should accompany them, she hadn’t thought much of it. Later that night when she was summoned to the room, she thought it was still about going to the temple to offer incense, but when she entered past the curtain, she saw Fourth Miss sitting by the lamplight, with several pieces of jewelry neatly arranged on the crescent-shaped purple sandalwood table beside her.

Fourth Miss said, “Miss Xiao Xi, come and take a look, do you recognize these items?”

She hesitantly stepped forward to look, her knees weakened, and she fell to them with a thud.

Granny Sun sneered from the side, “Miss usually treats you all as people, not strict in discipline, thinking you would appreciate the kindness, but who knew some wouldn’t want to be human, instead coveting the Miss’s dowry. Xiao Xi, don’t think people don’t know your background. Fourth Miss was magnanimous enough to keep you in the courtyard, but I’ve been watching you. How many times have you sneaked into Miss’s room? Miss saved your face, simply saying things were lost without investigating, but you’ve gone too far, trying to empty Miss’s jewelry box. Who gave you such courage? Your parents, or the Madam?”

She trembled violently, feeling like thousands of windmills were spinning in her ears, her heart nearly splitting with fear as she kowtowed repeatedly on the ground.

Fourth Miss maintained her gentle manner, “You’re a house-born servant, stealing from your master’s property means you and your parents would all be driven out, didn’t you know?”

She begged through tears, “I was momentarily greedy, please spare me, Miss… please, I’ll never dare again, please don’t drive me away or let my parents know…”

But others had waited so long for this leverage, and now that it was time to settle accounts with interest, how could mere kowtowing and begging to brush it aside?

Fourth Miss smiled, her beautiful face showing Buddha-like mercy even while scheming. She beckoned, saying “Come closer, I’ll teach you how to atone.” She listened trembling, and Fourth Miss smiled and said, “I’ll keep these items for now. If you do well, we’ll let it go, and you can continue serving in Tanyu Pavilion. If you fail, you’ll be sent to the Criminal Court, and then no one can save you.”

Xiao Xi was beyond tears; even if Madam was kind, she couldn’t serve jail time for her. When pushed to the extreme, people will risk everything. Now that the moment had come, she steeled her heart and quickly headed toward the meditation chambers.

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