Early the next morning, the entire Pei household was astir, preparing for the Old Madam’s departure to the White Crane Taoist Temple. Since they were leaving the city and the journey was somewhat distant, they chose carriages instead of sedan chairs. The Old Madam asked Jiafu to sit in her carriage, accompanied by Yuzhu. Madam Xin and the Second Madam shared another carriage, while the maids and servant women from various courtyards were distributed among the remaining vehicles. The entourage totaled several dozen people, forming a procession of carriages with ornate canopies and vermilion wheels. They departed in a continuous line, attracting the gazes of passersby. After exiting the South Gate and traveling several li, they arrived at the White Crane Temple—a tranquil place densely shaded by greenery, situated where the moat flowed past the city.
Pei You’an, knowing that the Old Madam was going out today accompanied by many women, was concerned despite Pei Xiu Zhi already being there to make arrangements and Pei Xiu Luo and the stewards escorting them on the road. Fearing they might encounter some trouble, he specifically submitted a leave request early in the morning to stay home and personally escort them there.
The Taoist priestess at the temple was middle-aged, with the religious name Xu Chen. She had learned yesterday that Old Madam Pei would be bringing the women of her household to perform a Taoist ceremony today, so she had already swept and cleaned the place. Now she led her disciples to open the gate and come out to welcome them from afar, with Pei Xiu Zhi, who had arrived early, standing beside her.
Pei You’an escorted the Old Madam to the temple entrance, where she urged him several times to return, saying: “You took leave from His Majesty to come out, and although it was out of filial piety, many eyes are watching you. It wouldn’t be good for you to set a bad precedent because of me. Now that I’ve arrived, the rest is no longer your concern. You should hurry back, and there’s no need for you to come pick us up today either. Your Second Uncle will come to meet us.”
Xu Chen smiled and said: “With the Old Madam visiting this humble Taoist priestess, it’s as if the Heavenly Immortal himself has descended. How would I dare to be negligent? Master Pei can rest assured.”
Pei You’an thanked Xu Chen for her care, then instructed Pei Xiu Zhi and Pei Xiu Luo to attend carefully to the Old Madam, and ordered the stewards to guard all the gates and not allow outsiders to enter freely. After giving all his instructions, just before turning to leave, he glanced at Jiafu who was standing beside Old Madam Pei.
Jiafu had been watching him, and when their eyes met, she couldn’t help but recall the scene from last night after they returned from the study. After they had finished, he had personally helped her clean herself, showing such tender care that whenever she thought of it, she felt as if in a dream, too good to be true, with an indescribable sweetness and satisfaction filling her heart.
Jiafu knew he liked to see her smile, but in this public setting, she naturally dared not smile at him. She merely pressed her lips slightly, revealing a small dimple beside her mouth, looking utterly adorable.
Pei You’an showed no particular expression, just looked at her once more before turning his gaze away. He mounted his horse and departed, his silhouette gradually disappearing at the end of their vision.
The Old Madam, supported by Jiafu and Yuzhu on either side, entered the temple gate with Xu Chen. Behind them, Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and the accompanying servants and maids also filed in. Though numerous, they made no disorderly sounds. Old Madam Pei first went to the main hall to sincerely offer incense and bow to the Three Pure Ones, silently reciting her prayers. After making her donation, she was guided to tour various parts of the temple.
The White Crane Temple was very large, with three courtyards arranged one behind the other, and three gates at the temple entrance. There were many places of interest to see. The Old Madam briefly looked at several areas before stopping. Xu Chen thought she was tired and was about to lead her to her quarters to rest, but the Old Madam waved her hand: “Where is the Taoist nun Han Zhen?”
Xu Chen hurriedly replied: “She is in the temple now. But Old Madam may not know that she is different from others. Although nominally my disciple, I dare not truly consider myself her master. She has always been aloof and doesn’t wish to be disturbed, so I’ve assigned her a separate place for quiet cultivation at the back. Whether she opens her door or keeps it closed is entirely up to her. Moreover, in these past few months, a gravely ill child has come to stay with her—said to be her younger brother. Previously hidden away from people, he fell seriously ill and has now been taken in by her. He stays in her quarters, and fearing something might go wrong, I don’t visit casually. I just see what she needs and send it to her.”
Xu Chen’s tone revealed subtle dissatisfaction, but hearing this, the Old Madam felt even more sympathetic. She sighed: “Originally from a noble family, refined and cultured—I remember she visited my home when she was young. Though her temperament was somewhat detached, unlike other girls who cling to people, she was extremely sensible. Unfortunately her fate was not kind, leading her to this circumstance. Her integrity is all the more admirable; even men of distinction might not measure up to her in her presence.”
Xu Chen smiled ingratiatingly: “The Old Madam’s visit is certainly different. I’ll send someone to call her to pay respects to you.”
The Old Madam said: “She’s no longer as she was before. Now she’s a person who has left the secular world, stepping beyond worldly concerns, no longer in the mortal realm. How could I make her attend to a worldly person like me? Let me go see her myself.” As she spoke, she took Jiafu’s hand and continued forward.
Xu Chen said: “The Old Madam has a Buddha’s heart, always showing compassion for the weak and pity for the small. I had heard of this before, but now seeing it with my own eyes, I find the rumors were not exaggerated.” While guiding the Old Madam, she signaled with her eyes to a young disciple, who understood immediately and ran off quickly.
Jiafu supported Old Madam Pei, with Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and others following behind as they proceeded toward the back area of the temple as directed by Xu Chen. Gradually, the scene became more secluded. At the end of the path ahead was a green wall with two black doors, and several bamboo shoots visible above the wall.
“Old Madam, it’s just ahead there,” Xu Chen pointed.
Jiafu looked and saw a quiet, peaceful entrance with the three characters “Tai Su Guan” (Hall of Supreme Simplicity) on the door plaque.
Jiafu’s calligraphy was not bad, but it tended toward a rounded, graceful style. These three characters, however, showed both elegance and strength, displaying great skill. Jiafu felt humbled, knowing that without many years of dedicated practice, she could never write such fine characters. But looking more carefully at the strokes and turns of the brush, Jiafu vaguely felt they looked familiar as if she had seen them somewhere before, though she couldn’t recall where at the moment. As she pondered this, the two black doors creaked open, and a figure in pale yellow emerged—a beautiful Taoist nun, followed by two small serving nuns, hurrying out to welcome them.
It was the Taoist nun Chi Han Zhen.
Chi Han Zhen walked with quick small steps to Old Madam Pei’s front and performed a Taoist salutation: “I just learned that the Old Madam has personally come to see me. How could my humble self deserve such honor?”
Her tone was extremely respectful, but her eyes and expression showed not a trace of flattery, just as when she had faced Empress Zhou in the palace the other day—neither servile nor arrogant, with perfect dignity.
That such a pure and noble person had mistaken herself for someone with ulterior motives made Jiafu feel ashamed once again.
The Old Madam smiled: “It’s no matter. I was just walking around and happened to come to your place. I hope I haven’t disturbed your tranquility.”
Chi Han Zhen said: “The Old Madam humbles me. If you don’t mind the crude tea and simple conditions here, please feel free to come in.”
The Old Madam then turned and told the maids and servant women to wait outside, while she continued supported by Jiafu, along with the two Madams, and entered through the black-lacquered door with its peeling paint. Inside, they saw a bookshelf against the wall, stacked full with yellow scrolls, filling the entire wall. By the window was a writing desk with the four treasures of the study: the brush was from Huzhou, the ink from Anhui, the paper was Xuan paper, and the inkstone from She County—all exquisite items. The rest of the furnishings were equally elegant. On the table lay a half-written sheet of paper, and the brush resting on the rack still contained ink. Seeing this, Old Madam Pei said: “I’ve disturbed you.”
Chi Han Zhen smiled slightly: “My younger brother’s condition has stabilized these past few days, so I had a little free time and casually wrote a few characters. I’ve made the Old Madam laugh at my poor efforts.” She then ordered the young nuns to bring clear tea and gave slight bows of greeting to Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and Jiafu.
Madam Xin, disliking her haughtiness, responded with a lukewarm attitude. The Second Madam, however, was all smiles as she walked to the table, glanced at the characters on the paper, and praised: “Beautiful writing.”
Jiafu took a glance.
By coincidence, the characters on the paper were from the “Fortune and Chance” Biao Mei Wan Fu – Chapter of “Lunheng,” which she had been reading recently. Though she might not fully understand it, she knew it discussed the principles of human fortune and misfortune. The calligraphy on the paper was identical to the three characters “Tai Su Guan” on the door.
Jiafu finally realized why she had found those three characters familiar at first glance—they somewhat resembled Pei You’an’s handwriting.
Jiafu was slightly lost in thought while the Old Madam and Chi Han Zhen continued their conversation. The Old Madam asked about Chi Han Zhen’s younger brother’s illness. As she spoke of her brother, Chi Han Zhen gradually lost her usual coldness. Her eyes welled with tears as she said: “Some days ago, the Empress summoned me to the palace to discuss returning to secular life. I was worried about my brother at the time, so naturally, I was unwilling. Upon leaving, I happened to encounter Master Pei and remembered that Imperial Physician Hu once said Master Pei’s medical skills were exceptional, even beyond his own. So I boldly asked for help. Fortunately, Master Pei, with his skillful hands and benevolent heart, came to examine my brother that very day, and later discussed the diagnosis with the Imperial Physician. The Imperial Physician then treated him again, and in the past few days, my brother’s condition has finally stabilized. I am truly grateful. As a person who has left the secular world, I have no material possessions. Now that the Old Madam has come, please accept my bow as a way to thank Master Pei on my brother’s behalf.” With that, she bowed solemnly.
Old Madam Pei quickly asked the Second Madam to help her up, comforting her: “There’s no need for that. You’an was once a student of your grandfather, and now that he can treat your brother, he should certainly do his best.”
Chi Han Zhen thanked her again. Then the Old Madam rose to visit the child, but as he had just fallen asleep, she didn’t enter, only looking from the doorway. Jiafu took a glance and saw the child lying in bed, yellow-skinned and emaciated. From what Chi Han Zhen had said, he was already ten years old, but he looked only seven or eight, extraordinarily frail.
The Old Madam, perhaps reminded of her eldest grandson’s childhood condition, felt even greater pity. After leaving, she sat for a short while longer before departing. Chi Han Zhen accompanied her out, and the Old Madam said to Xu Chen: “She has her pride. If I were to give her other things, it might make her pity her circumstances, and she might not accept them. So before coming, I only had some precious medicinal herbs prepared. You can send them to her later.”
Xu Chen agreed, continuing with her flattery as she escorted them back to the front hall. There, the altar for the Taoist ceremony had already been set up. She donned her ceremonial robes and performed the first half of the ceremony. By noon, Old Madam Pei, Jiafu, and the others had lunch and rested briefly before continuing with the second half of the ceremony in the afternoon. When it was completed, Xu Chen brought over a container of fortune sticks. The Old Madam drew one, which Xu Chen took and looked at, her face breaking into a delighted smile: “The sixty-fourth lot—’Guan and Bao divide gold’—favorable for all endeavors, wishes fulfilled, auspicious with no disadvantages, therefore a most excellent fortune!” She presented it to the Old Madam with both hands.
The Old Madam was naturally pleased, and there was inevitably another donation. Finally, as evening approached and everyone in the party showed signs of fatigue, they were escorted out. Pei Quan had already arrived and was waiting in the outer hall with Pei Xiu Zhi and Pei Xiu Luo. Seeing the group emerge, he quickly directed the stewards to arrange for the return journey. After a brief period of bustle, everyone boarded the carriages as they had in the morning, and the wheels rattled as they headed back toward the city.
On the return journey, Jiafu was somewhat preoccupied, while the Old Madam was drowsy and rested with her eyes closed. Yuzhu also seemed to have something on her mind and didn’t initiate conversation. The carriage was thus very quiet, with only the sound of the turning wheels. As they gradually approached a fork in the road near the city gate, a group of about a dozen riders suddenly galloped toward them from the side, adorned with colorful ornaments and jade saddles, their horses moving extremely fast. In an instant, they were right in front of them. The driver of the lead Pei family carriage failed to control his horses properly and abruptly halted. Due to the sudden stop, both carriage doors flew open, and the Old Madam inside lurched forward. Fortunately, Jiafu and Yuzhu both caught her in time, preventing her from falling forward. However, Jiafu and Yuzhu themselves hit the carriage wall. Though they didn’t fall, their shoulders were bruised from the impact. Instinctively, they raised their faces to look ahead.
The carriage doors had just opened and were now closed again, but in that brief moment, Jiafu had already seen that at the fork in the road ahead, the cause of the Pei family driver’s error was none other than Xiao Yin Tang and his retinue.
His eyes had also looked over, falling precisely on her face. His lips moved slightly, and his gaze instantly became strange.
The carriage doors had bounced back by themselves, once again concealing the people inside.
Old Madam Pei opened her eyes.
Jiafu steadied herself and listened carefully. Outside, Pei Quan quickly dismounted, leading Pei Xiu Zhi, Pei Xiu Luo, and a group of servants to bow to Xiao Yin Tang, who had galloped from the side road and was also returning to the city. After a few words, footsteps approached and stopped in front of the carriage. Then, Xiao Yin Tang’s voice came through, sounding very respectful: “I did not know that Old Madam Pei’s carriage was passing by. It was my side that was reckless just now. If there was any offense, I hope the Old Madam will not blame us.”
According to court protocol, officials of the first and second rank and ladies with equivalent titles were exempted from kneeling when meeting the Crown Prince. Old Madam Pei replied clearly through the door: “How dare I receive such courtesy from the Crown Prince? It is we who have blocked the Crown Prince’s path while returning to the city, so we are the ones at fault. I will order my people to make way and invite the Crown Prince to enter the city first.”
Xiao Yin Tang said: “The Old Madam is highly virtuous and respected. Even my Imperial Father holds her in great esteem, not to mention myself. Please, Old Madam, you must go first. We don’t mind waiting.” His tone sounded extremely sincere, and along with his words came a rustling sound as his entourage seemed to move to the roadside.
Old Madam Pei said: “Thanks to the Crown Prince’s courtesy, this old woman is deeply grateful. Then I can only be impolite.”
Pei Quan, seeing Xiao Yin Tang’s gaze fall on the two carriage doors with a smile on his face, seemingly sincerely wanting to give way, had no choice but to rise with his men and urge the caravan to pass through.
Xiao Yin Tang stood by the roadside, watching the carriage carrying her gradually disappear, his eyes flashing with a hidden, unusual light.
…
That night, Xiao Yin Tang returned from the farewell banquet held by the Emperor for his uncle Zhou Jin. Half drunk, his steps were unsteady as he entered the Eastern Palace sleeping quarters. Remembering the woman he had glimpsed in the carriage that day, though it was but a glance, her lovely face became increasingly engraved in his mind, impossible to dismiss. In a surge of restlessness, before even entering his inner chambers, he randomly grabbed a Cao family concubine who had recently been promoted to secondary consort and pushed her onto a couch. Amid his release, with drunken, blurry eyes fixed on the woman beneath him, he seemed to see peach-like cheeks and a jade face, and gritted his teeth: “Zhen family woman! Do you think that by marrying Pei You’an, you can avoid me for the rest of your life? Dream on!”
The Cao woman, originally breathless from his actions, suddenly heard these words. Seeing his eyes fixed on her, bloodshot as if both drunk and awake, she became frightened and hurriedly said: “Your Highness, you’ve mistaken me. I am of the Cao family, not that Zhen woman!”
Xiao Yin Tang’s drunkenness instantly vanished. He slowly stopped, staring at the woman beneath him, his gaze gradually turning cold. He reached out a hand, his fingertips lightly caressing her white, smooth neck.
The Cao woman thought he was continuing and closed her eyes slightly, letting out a coquettish moan. Suddenly, her throat tightened as a hand firmly gripped it, squeezing tighter and tighter. Her face turned bright red as she struggled desperately, but she could not break free. Finally, she kicked violently, knocking over a screen at the end of the couch with a crashing sound. After a few more gasping sounds from her throat, her eyes rolled back, and her body gradually went limp.
Zhang Feng Tong, who had heard the movement inside earlier and knew the Crown Prince was favoring the Cao woman, had been suppressing her jealousy. She had sent the palace servants away and was guarding outside herself. She had faintly heard the Crown Prince’s words just now, but then the sounds became wrong. She hurried in, only to see the Cao woman with her eyes rolled back, five deep finger marks on her neck—she had been strangled to death.
Zhang Feng Tong was shocked, staring at the Cao woman on the couch.
Though the Cao woman’s background was somewhat humble—her father had only been a minor official in Wuding—her appearance and figure were outstanding, and she was also deeply versed in the arts of pleasing. She had always been quite favored by Xiao Yin Tang. Zhang Feng Tong was newly married, and the Crown Prince had only slept with her once or twice in total. The Cao woman had been secretly pleased about this, and Zhang Feng Tong had been silently enduring. But she never expected that so suddenly, the woman would be strangled to death by him.
The death of a person might not matter much, but the Cao woman had recently been made 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 Yin Tang, who had turned over and sat up from the couch, saying coldly: “Aren’t you known for being virtuous and capable? I’ll leave this to you.” With that, he turned and walked toward the inner chambers.
Zhang Feng Tong watched Xiao Yin Tang’s silhouette disappear, then turned to the murdered Cao woman. She stared for a long while before slowly saying: “Don’t blame me. Blame the woman who caused your death.”