The memorial ceremony was to last seven days, and after the seventh day’s completion, the offered memorial tablets would be enshrined in the temple to receive perpetual incense offerings.
Old Lady Pei, her two daughters-in-law, and Pei Quan would stay tonight to continue the ritual observance for the old Duke, staying for three days in total. The grandchildren’s generation could return home in the evening after completing the day’s ceremonies and come back the next day.
Pei You’an and Jia Fu were returning together, but at the moment he still had some matters to attend to inside. Jia Fu waited by the stone tablet pavilion near the mountain gate, accompanied by her maids and a guest-receiving monk. After waiting a while, she saw Pei Xiuzhi and Zhou Jiao’e emerge first.
The atmosphere between the two was completely different from their midday quarrel. Pei Xiuzhi now walked behind Zhou Jiao’e without the slightest trace of anger.
The men of the Pei family were all extraordinarily handsome. Pei Xiuzhi had once been dashing and spirited in his fine attire, but at this moment, that spirit had completely vanished. Like a defeated rooster, he exuded an air of dejection from the inside out, his head hung low. Zhou Jiao’e, in stark contrast, had transformed in just one afternoon. Her face was flushed with delight, and she walked with her head held high. Behind her followed a wet nurse, Quan’ge, and seven or eight maids, emerging in a bustling group. Seeing Jia Fu standing by the tablet pavilion, the maids all addressed her as “First Mistress.” Zhou Jiao’e paused, turned her head toward Jia Fu, and stretched her lips into a half-smile, also calling her “Sister-in-law.” Then she glanced at her husband beside her, rubbed her lower back, and said in a coquettish voice: “Xiuzhi, I’m exhausted. There’s still a way down, and I can’t walk another step.”
Ci’en Temple was located on a mountain, though not at a great height. From the mountain gate down to the foot of the mountain was a stretch of several hundred steps.
The maids nearby seemed to be suppressing smiles.
Pei Xiuzhi’s face flushed red, and he seemed unable to meet Jia Fu’s eyes. Swallowing his shame, he called for servants to bring a sedan chair to carry the Second Mistress down the mountain.
The sedan chair was quickly brought. Zhou Jiao’e raised her chin and approached it. The servants lifted the curtain and invited her to enter, but she didn’t move, nor did she acknowledge the outstretched hand of the maid beside her. Her eyes were fixed solely on Pei Xiuzhi.
Pei Xiuzhi followed and reluctantly extended his hand to assist her.
Zhou Jiao’e’s face showed satisfaction as she glanced at Jia Fu once more before holding her husband’s hand and bending to enter the sedan chair. Seeing this, Quan’ge clamored that he also wanted to ride in a sedan chair, but there was no response from inside. Pei Xiuzhi, helpless, was about to order another sedan chair to be brought when Zhou Jiao’e lifted the curtain and said with a smile: “A child is still growing, unlike a frail woman like me. Walking is beneficial for his legs. If he truly can’t walk, I’ll get out and let Quan’ge have the seat!” She made as if to descend.
Pei Xiuzhi hurriedly stopped her and instructed the bearers to carry her down. He then told the wet nurse to carry Quan’ge. Quan’ge resisted but was forcibly picked up by the wet nurse, who covered his mouth and followed the sedan chair down the mountain steps. Pei Xiuzhi escorted the sedan chair and hurriedly departed.
Jia Fu watched this procession disappear, then turned to see Pei You’an’s figure gradually appearing. She hastened to meet him.
Pei You’an saw her and quickened his pace, soon reaching her side. “Have you been waiting long? I was arranging tomorrow’s matters with my uncle and was delayed.”
Jia Fu shook her head: “It was only a moment. I wasn’t impatient.”
Pei You’an thanked the guest-receiving monk and then led Jia Fu down the mountain steps toward the foot of the mountain. Governess Liu and Tanxiang followed with several other maids. After walking some distance, they encountered a slightly raised step. Pei You’an paused and extended his hand toward her. Jia Fu’s delicate fingers lightly grasped his sleeve. He turned his hand and took hold of hers, guiding her over the step until she stood steadily.
“Watch your step,” he said softly, then gently released her hand.
However, one of Jia Fu’s soft fingers remained hooked around his, as if reluctant to let go. Their hanging sleeves concealed their interlocked fingers, making it difficult to see clearly from behind; one could only observe that they stood very close together.
Pei You’an slightly turned his head, glancing at the maids not far behind, then looked back, apparently hesitating briefly before ultimately not withdrawing his hand, allowing her to maintain her grip.
Jia Fu quietly tightened her hold on his finger, refusing to let go.
Pei You’an’s gaze remained fixed ahead, his expression unchanged, though a faint hint of a smile gradually appeared in the depths of his eyes as she continued to hold his finger throughout the remainder of their descent.
The coachman, seeing the master and mistress approaching, hurriedly brought the carriage closer and set down a footstool after stopping. Jia Fu stepped up, assisted by Pei You’an, who then entered after her. The servants boarded another carriage that followed, and they all headed toward the city.
The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the entire countryside, with distant silhouettes of farmers returning home with their plows and hoes. One side of the carriage curtain was rolled up, allowing a ray of evening light to shine through the window onto Pei You’an.
He gestured for Jia Fu to rest her head on his shoulder while he held a book, lowered his gaze slightly, and began to read.
Jia Fu complied, leaning against his arm and closing her eyes, but her mind was filled with what she had heard earlier that day about his origins.
Bearing such a background was undoubtedly a source of shame and profound suffering for someone once as noble as he. Presumably, even he would keep this deeply concealed. Naturally, Jia Fu would not rashly tell him what she had overheard that day.
She wanted to comfort him, to let him know her feelings for him, but didn’t know how to begin.
She secretly opened her eyes to steal a glance at him.
He was absorbed in his book, the evening light touching his slightly lowered eyelashes, making the tips appear as if dusted with fine gold powder. She couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and touch them.
“What’s wrong? Do you have something on your mind?”
Those eyelashes suddenly moved as Pei You’an turned to face her.
Jia Fu shook her head.
Pei You’an lightly tapped his forehead with the corner of his book and said in a slightly apologetic tone: “Are you upset that I’ve been reading without paying attention to you? I forgot. It’s my fault.”
He put down his book and reached out to her. Jia Fu immediately climbed onto his lap. Holding her, he rolled the side window curtain higher and gazed out at the countryside, saying: “You’ve been married to me for some time now, and I’ve been busy every day, leaving you alone at home. I’ve never taken you out for enjoyment, which must be quite dull for you. In a few days, when the weather is a bit cooler, I’ll take you to Yuquan Mountain in the southeast of the city. I remember climbing it as a child—the scenery is quite nice, though I haven’t been there for many years.”
“Yes, yes,” Jia Fu nodded vigorously.
Pei You’an looked at her and smiled, stroking her head gently as he said in a soft voice: “If you’re tired, lean against me and take a nap. I won’t read anymore; I’ll just hold you.”
Jia Fu made a sound of agreement, wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed her face against his chest, and slowly closed her eyes.
The carriage swayed gently, and Jia Fu curled in his embrace, gradually fell asleep. She didn’t know how long she slept, but in her hazy state, she was gently awakened by his tapping. Opening her eyes, she realized they had arrived.
Pei You’an helped her out of the carriage, and as they entered, the gatekeeper quickly approached, saying: “Young Master, the Taoist nun Chi Hanzhen from White Crane Temple has sent someone with a message. Her younger brother has improved significantly from the medicine you prescribed last time, but for some reason, his appetite has worsened again in recent days. The Imperial Physician Hu was called to examine him a few days ago but with no effect. She asks when you might have time to again apply your remarkable skills.”
He then presented a scroll wrapped in a patterned brocade sutra wrapper.
“The Taoist nun also sent this sutra, saying it’s a meritorious scripture she copied for the old Duke’s memorial service.”
Pei You’an accepted it, opened the wrapper, flipped through a few pages, and then closed it. He led Jia Fu back to their room, where they changed out of their outdoor clothes.
Jia Fu, who had been somewhat groggy from sleep, was now fully awake. Knowing he was preparing to go out, she saw him looking at her and, suppressing the unusual feeling rising in her heart, took the initiative to say: “Treating illness is important—you should go quickly. Just don’t tire yourself out, and remember to come back early to rest.”
Pei You’an asked her: “Are you still tired?”
Jia Fu looked slightly bewildered and shook her head.
Pei You’an said slowly: “If you’re not tired, would you accompany me? Having a companion on the road would be nice.”
Jia Fu was momentarily stunned before reacting, her face immediately blossoming into a smile as she nodded: “Yes, I’ll accompany Elder Cousin…”
Pei You’an was already heading outside, saying: “Change your clothes and come out. I’ll prepare some things.”
…
By nightfall, the carriage stopped in front of the mountain gate of White Crane Temple. Pei You’an sent someone to announce their arrival, and shortly after, a young Taoist nun who attended Chi Hanzhen hurried out to lead them inside. Upon reaching the Taisu Pavilion, the young nun ran inside. A moment later, she emerged carrying a bright-cornered lamp, with Chi Hanzhen appearing from the doorway to welcome them. She seemed about to address Pei You’an when her gaze fell on Jia Fu beside him, causing her to falter slightly and stop in her tracks.
Pei You’an, escorting Jia Fu forward, smiled and said: “Today my wife and I went to Ci’en Temple together and were returning when I received Taoist Master Chi’s message, so I brought my wife along on our way. I’ve also received your hand-copied scripture. In a few days, I’ll present it to my grandmother. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
Chi Hanzhen’s gaze finally withdrew from the smiling face of Jia Fu. Composing herself, she said: “Master Pei need not be so formal. You saved my brother’s life. I had simply heard about the Duke’s memorial service by chance and, as a person who has left the secular world, had little to offer except this copied Taoist scripture. Please, Master and Madam, come in.” As she spoke, she hurriedly turned and led them inside, instructing the young nun to serve tea, while Pei You’an said he would examine the patient first.
Chi Hanzhen led him inside.
The child’s complexion was considerably better than when Jia Fu had last seen him. Pei You’an examined him carefully, requested the previous prescription from the Imperial Physician, glanced at it, and said the problem was minor—likely a digestive disorder caused by the previous medication. This time, the ingredients could be adjusted appropriately for gradual treatment, and the condition should improve in a few days. The Imperial Physician’s prescription aligned with his assessment, so he advised Chi Hanzhen to fill that prescription.
Chi Hanzhen, with slight embarrassment in her eyes, thanked him softly and apologized for the day’s abrupt disturbance.
Pei You’an said: “Why be so concerned? Though you have now left the secular world, I still regard you as a worldly sister. If you have any future need, whatever it may be, that you feel unable to handle, please feel free to seek my help. If I’m not available, you can also approach my wife. She will certainly do her utmost to assist.”
Jia Fu was slightly startled. Seeing Pei You’an look toward her, she quickly responded, standing beside him and smiling with a nod: “My husband’s words reflect my thoughts. Taoist Master, like a white crane in the clouds, your character is pure and noble. I have always respected you and ask that you not be constrained by worldly formalities.”
Chi Hanzhen stared fixedly at Jia Fu, momentarily speechless. Pei You’an gathered his things and, with Jia Fu, took their leave.
Chi Hanzhen saw them out, watching as their figures gradually disappeared. With an empty gaze, she turned and slowly returned to her purification chamber where she practiced, closed the door, and could no longer contain herself. Covering her face with both hands, tears flowed ceaselessly through her fingers.
The apricot-yellow Taoist robe sleeve slid from her wrist, revealing several ghastly scars on her snow-white skin, made by a knife’s point. Old wounds had not yet healed before new ones were added.
Once an extraordinary flower of the world, she had in a single moment fallen into the mud.
He was as pure as the bright moon, his integrity as fierce as autumn frost—there was no second person in the world like him, a gentleman as precious as jade. She had initially looked down on the woman he married, but tonight, standing before that woman at his side, she experienced for the first time a profound awareness of her baseness, to the point where, in the end, she felt utterly unworthy.
He and she were truly made for each other, their shadows paired without equality. Though well aware that he harbored no romantic feelings for her, why couldn’t even the pain of a knife cutting her flesh drive away the demon in her heart?
…
Jia Fu and Pei You’an returned home late at night. After bathing and changing clothes, they went to bed.
Pei You’an tucked the blanket around her and kissed her lightly: “You’re just a sleepy cat. When you don’t get enough sleep, you get dark circles, and people might think I’ve mistreated you. We need to rise early tomorrow. Go to sleep now.” Having said that, he closed his eyes.
Jia Fu gazed at his face, not feeling sleepy at all. Her mind alternated between the day’s events and what had just transpired. Feeling countless words welling up inside her that she could no longer contain, she extended her soft arms to embrace his neck, pressing her lips against his ear, and whispered: “Elder Cousin, from now on, if you ever have any sorrows or troubles, don’t keep them bottled up inside. Tell Fu’er, and Fu’er will cherish and love you.”