Luo Xueyan was startled. She didn’t understand why Madam Su suddenly spoke so ominously. In her heart, she thought, it’s just that he hasn’t married yet, and it’s not like he’s a woman afraid of wasting her prime years. Su Mingfeng’s talents and looks speak for themselves, so being selective is natural. Seeing Madam Su’s worried expression, she comforted her: “This is nothing to worry about. Look at our Qiu’er, he still hasn’t taken a wife either. When selecting a daughter-in-law, one must choose carefully. Haste makes waste. If you rush to find someone and later discover they’re unsuitable, you’d be harming both parties.”

“Madam speaks so wisely,” Madam Su held Luo Xueyan’s hand and smiled. “Children and grandchildren have their blessings. That was my original thinking. But Mingfeng is such a tight-lipped gourd—he never tells me anything. I have no idea what he’s thinking.”

Luo Xueyan listened with feigned interest. She had met Su Mingfeng before and knew he was quite eloquent. During debates, he could verbally defeat a group of scholars. For Madam Su to call him tight-lipped was truly absurd. She didn’t want to continue discussing someone else’s family matters with Madam Su, so she changed the subject: “Doesn’t Madam Su want to know how these birds are raised?”

Madam Su glanced at the two birds in the cage but pretended not to hear and continued: “Let’s talk more about my disappointing son.”

Luo Xueyan: “…”

“When Mingfeng was younger, he loved a painting his father found. After that, no other paintings could catch his eye. Even when others gave him gifts, he wouldn’t even look at them. But that painting was given away by his father, and Mingfeng has been thinking about it for many years.” Madam Su sighed. “Mingfeng is a steadfast person. What he cherishes is always of the highest quality, and because of this, once he sets his heart on something, he won’t settle for anything else.”

While Luo Xueyan was still confused, she heard Madam Su continue: “The same applies to this young lady. Once he fell for a girl, no other could enter his heart.”

Luo Xueyan suddenly understood and smiled. “So Young Master Su already has someone in his heart? Which family’s daughter is so fortunate?”

This was merely a polite question, but Madam Su had been waiting for precisely this opening. She immediately clapped her hands and said: “It’s a young lady from your noble family!”

Luo Xueyan’s face instantly turned from green to white, then from white to green.

So all this beating around the bush and visiting with bird cages without asking a single question about the birds, constantly bragging about her son—it was all leading up to this moment. Now it made perfect sense.

She had come to propose a marriage alliance.

Madam Su noticed that Luo Xueyan’s expression wasn’t particularly delighted, which made her anxious. She knew that the Shen family was wealthy and prestigious and wouldn’t necessarily be impressed by the Su family’s modest fortune. Many families in the capital would be willing to ally with the Shen family, just like the Su family. Moreover, after seeing Shen Miao today, she found no trace of the rumored weak and vulgar young lady. Instead, she saw a dignified and appropriately mannered young woman who would make an excellent mistress of a household, commanding respect from all. She was thoroughly satisfied with her, and now it all depended on the Shen family’s attitude.

Luo Xueyan’s expression cooled. “Did Madam Su come today just for this?”

Madam Su looked somewhat embarrassed, knowing it was improper to come under pretenses to assess a potential daughter-in-law. Nevertheless, she continued: “Please don’t be angry, Madam Shen. I know I’ve been presumptuous today, but as a mother yourself, surely you can understand my feelings.”

Luo Xueyan’s expression softened slightly. When Madam Su arrived today, her attitude had indeed been good, and one shouldn’t reject a smiling face. So she asked: “Without any prior connection, why would Madam Su come to discuss this with me?” Luo Xueyan’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Shen Miao and Su Mingfeng had been secretly communicating? Although Ming Qi had relatively open customs, secretly pledging to each other without family knowledge wasn’t a respectable matter.

Madam Su said: “I heard from Minglang that Mingfeng has secretly taken a liking to the Fifth Miss. I didn’t believe it at first because my son is such a blockhead who hasn’t been close to any young ladies yet. I didn’t know what kind of person the Fifth Miss was, so I came today. Upon seeing her, I finally understand why Mingfeng likes her—beautiful appearance, good temperament, and excellent bearing. I suspect only the Shen family in all of Ming Qi could raise such a fine young lady. To be frank with Madam Shen, not just Mingfeng, but I too am extremely fond of her, which is why I couldn’t wait to discuss this matter with you. I know you’re a straightforward person who prefers directness, so I won’t beat around the bush any longer.”

She spoke with such sincerity, subtly praising Shen Miao in the process. What mother doesn’t like hearing her daughter praised? Luo Xueyan’s expression gradually improved. However, Shen Miao’s marriage wasn’t something that could be decided with just a few words. First, given the Shen family’s special position in Ming Qi, the power of their in-laws couldn’t be too high or too low, making the choice of Shen Miao’s marriage partner quite difficult. Second, although Su Mingfeng had a good reputation outside, he had fallen ill a few years ago, which had delayed his official career. Luo Xueyan didn’t want Shen Miao to marry a sickly person, and besides, Luo Xueyan hadn’t even met Su Mingfeng and didn’t know his character. Third, and most importantly, Su Mingfeng might like Shen Miao, but did Shen Miao like Su Mingfeng? Luo Xueyan was an open-minded mother. Although matches were traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers, she hoped Shen Miao would be happy and that her future husband would be someone she liked. Therefore, this couldn’t be hastily decided.

“My daughter’s marriage cannot be determined so quickly,” Luo Xueyan smiled. “On behalf of my husband, I thank Madam and young master for their regard. However, marriage alliances require much consideration, and in such a short time, I cannot give Madam an answer. I’m afraid we’ll need more time to think about it. As you said, we are both mothers. A mother cares for her daughter, and I hope Madam can understand.” Luo Xueyan didn’t completely refuse, leaving some room for future discussion.

This already made Madam Su very satisfied. After some further conversation, Madam Su departed.

After Madam Su left, Luo Xueyan’s expression became solemn, showing some gravity.

All along, both Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin had felt that Shen Miao was young and her marriage wasn’t urgent. But Madam Su’s visit had reminded Luo Xueyan that at this age, it was time to arrange an engagement for Shen Miao.

But who were the talented young men in the capital? Luo Xueyan planned to discuss this with Shen Xin when he returned and have someone prepare a register. It was time to start looking around.

…

When Madam Su returned to the Su residence, Master Su had, for once, not gone fishing or bird-watching but was dutifully staying indoors. Seeing Madam Su return, he hurriedly went forward to massage her shoulders and ordered the maid to bring tea. Master Su behaved like a mouse spotting a cat whenever he saw Madam Su, which the servants were all used to by now. Master Su asked: “How did it go? What did Madam Shen say?”

“She neither agreed nor refused, so I suppose she needs more time to think,” Madam Su replied. “After all, my sudden visit today was probably quite abrupt for them. Besides, the Shen family isn’t ordinary, so taking longer to decide isn’t a bad thing.”

“Still needs to think?” Su Yu frowned. “What is there to think about?”

Madam Su laughed. “Did you expect her to agree immediately just because I visited today?”

“Why wouldn’t she agree?” Su Yu questioned. “What’s wrong with Mingfeng? Can you find another young talent like Mingfeng in the entire capital? Any girl who marries Mingfeng is blessed from her previous life.” Then he seemed to remember something: “Wait, what about the Shen Fifth Miss? What is she like?”

He had finally remembered to ask about this. Master Su had seen Shen Miao at the palace banquet and thought she was quite good, though perhaps a bit too assertive. But men often misjudge women, which is why Madam Su had gone to scrutinize this “potential daughter-in-law” with her critical eye. Su Yu wanted to hear Madam Su’s opinion of Shen Miao.

Madam Su took a sip of tea and said: “Mingfeng has good taste. I find this Fifth Miss Shen superior to most young ladies in the capital. Her temperament and appearance need no mention, and being raised by Shen Xin, her character can’t be too bad. Her bearing is rarely seen, like that of a noble lady from the palace. However, there is one thing—a young lady like that, I’m afraid, Mingfeng won’t be able to subdue her. But that’s also good. Mingfeng has a gentle nature, so having a more assertive wife to manage the household can keep things in order, which is excellent.”

Su Yu rarely heard Madam Su praise someone so highly, which made him suspicious. Isn’t it said that mothers-in-law are always overly critical of their daughters-in-law? Could it be that his wife was too gentle?

Su Mingfeng returned from outside and was about to step into the main hall when someone grabbed his clothing. Looking back, he saw Su Minglang.

Su Minglang looked at him solemnly: “Big Brother, don’t go in and disrupt things now, lest you ruin your lifelong happiness.”

“My lifelong happiness?” Su Mingfeng was confused. “What lifelong happiness?”

“Oh? Today I heard Sister Feng and others joking that Mother went to look at a bride for you,” Su Minglang said.

Su Mingfeng was greatly shocked. “What do you mean by looking at a bride? Who is it?”

Su Minglang replied: “Isn’t she the Shen family’s sister?”

“Mother went to the Shen residence to look at a bride for me?” Su Mingfeng raised his voice.

Su Minglang was startled, then lamented: “It’s just taking a wife, isn’t it? When the Shen family’s sister becomes my sister-in-law, she won’t tolerate such behavior from you.” He patted Su Mingfeng’s arm: “I really envy you.”

…

The Su family’s visit to the Shen residence to look at Shen Miao as a potential bride for Su Mingfeng seemed like a private matter on the surface, but in reality, many people knew about it. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan discussed it and began to seriously consider finding talented young men in the capital for Shen Miao. They also contemplated whether to let Shen Miao attend more flower banquets and the like. Shen Xin even asked Shen Qiu to pay attention to young men his age in the capital.

With the Shen residence making such a big movement, it would be incomprehensible if the Rui Prince’s residence didn’t know about it.

As soon as Xie Jingxing returned to the Prince’s residence, he faced Season Yushu’s mischievous provocations. Somehow, he had obtained news sent back by Cong Yang and was jumping up and down with a letter, saying: “Third Brother, the Su family has already gone to propose marriage, what are you still waiting for?” After a pause, he continued: “Why aren’t you going to cause trouble for Su Mingfeng yet?”

Gao Yang also showed a worried expression: “Madam Su is very sociable in the capital and is on good terms with many ladies. The Su family also has a good reputation. If Shen Xin thinks Su Mingfeng is suitable, he might agree to this marriage.”

Xie Jingxing glanced at the letter, its contents clear to him, and felt a headache coming on.

Su Mingfeng was usually quite stable in his actions, but unfortunately, he had a pair of impulsive parents. Now that they had already gone to propose marriage, who knows what other shocking things they might do?

Moreover, Season Yushu was fanning the flames on the side, looking indignant: “That Su Mingfeng! When he was with Third Brother, they called each other brothers and had years of friendship. Once Third Brother changes his identity, he secretly tries to steal away what’s ours. He’s truly calculating. People say time reveals a horse’s strength, and time reveals a person’s heart. So this is what Su Mingfeng is really like. Third Brother, you should end your friendship with him.”

Gao Yang couldn’t bear to listen to Season Yushu’s nonsense anymore and said: “Let’s find another solution for now. The Su family’s matter is minor; what’s major is that the Shen family has started looking for a husband for the Fifth Miss. We don’t have much time in Ming Qi. If you want to act, resolve it soon.”

With these words, Xie Jingxing’s expression cooled.

Season Yushu didn’t notice and had a sudden inspiration: “I have an idea!”

Everyone looked at him, and Season Yushu said: “Third Brother is already considered dead in their eyes, so why not disguise himself as a ghost at night, pretend to appear in Su Mingfeng’s dreams, and say that Miss Shen is someone Third Brother has his eye on for a ghost marriage? Su Mingfeng would be scared and naturally wouldn’t dare to pursue the Fifth Miss… Hey, Third Brother, don’t leave, let me finish!”

Gao Yang shook his head and sighed, uttering a single word: “Foolish.”

Xie Jingxing returned to his study and sat down at the desk. His brows were furrowed, lost in thought about something. Tie Yi hesitantly asked beside him: “Master, today at Putuo Temple, what Master Guanzhen said…”

Master Guanzhen was a wandering monk. Some said he was from Da Liang, others claimed he was from Qin, and still others believed he was from Ming Qi. However, one thing was certain: whenever Master Guanzhen arrived at a temple, everyone treated him as an honored guest. Master Guanzhen was said to be a direct disciple of Buddha and could see a person’s past and future. This was surely exaggerated, but Master Guanzhen’s predictions were extremely accurate. He had once predicted a flood in Da Liang.

Emperor Yongle had once offered him the position of Imperial Preceptor, but Master Guanzhen declined. Two years ago, when Xie Jingxing returned to Da Liang, Emperor Yongle wanted to find Master Guanzhen to read Xie Jingxing’s face, but by then, Master Guanzhen had already left Da Liang on his wandering journey, and no one knew his whereabouts.

Unexpectedly, they had encountered him here.

Earlier that day at Putuo Temple, before Xie Jingxing could say anything, Master Guanzhen had already guessed his identity. It wasn’t clear how he had figured it out. His prediction for Xie Jingxing was: “Broken Military Purple Star, Fierce Dragon Subduing Heaven. With one life affecting the entire situation.”

The explanation meant that Xie Jingxing was a very important person who could influence the entire situation. “Broken Military Purple Star” indicated breaking first, then establishing, combining both favor and majesty. When Xie Jingxing was in Ming Qi, he claimed to be the heir of the Marquis of Lin’an, then died in battle—this was the breaking. Later, he reappeared as the Rui Prince of Da Liang—this was the establishment. “Fierce Dragon Subduing Heaven” meant that the dragon, being the head of all creatures, was unfortunately a fierce one—cruel and merciless.

Xie Jingxing had asked about a calamity.

But Master Guanzhen shook his head, saying only that the fierce dragon had no calamity but would help others overcome calamities.

When Xie Jingxing asked further, Master Guanzhen said that heavenly secrets couldn’t be revealed and refused to say anything more.

Tie Yi felt discouraged. It was rare for Master Guanzhen to read someone’s fortune, yet he had spoken so vaguely. And thinking about his master’s indifferent nature toward external matters—a fierce dragon with no calamity, helping others overcome calamities—it sounded like his master had become a bodhisattva. Who would have such a privilege to have their master as their support? Even if someone dared, would his master be willing?

Xie Jingxing said: “Don’t worry about that. First, send this letter back to Da Liang.”

His expression was somewhat stern.

…

Shen Miao couldn’t sleep in her bed.

Cong Yang’s words from the afternoon still echoed in her ears. She had never imagined that Madam Su’s purpose for visiting the Shen residence was to arrange a marriage for Su Mingfeng.

Thinking about how Cong Yang had maintained a wooden expression while repeating every word from the two women’s conversation, especially as a grown man saying phrases like “we’re both mothers,” Shen Miao found it somewhat amusing. Xie Jingxing was truly talented to have found such a precious bodyguard.

But as she thought more about it, she couldn’t laugh anymore. Why would Madam Su want to arrange a marriage for Su Mingfeng? According to Cong Yang, Su Mingfeng himself was deeply in love with Shen Miao, but she absolutely wouldn’t believe that. Not only had Su Mingfeng barely met her a few times, but also, that day on the street, there was nothing special in the way Su Mingfeng looked at her.

Could this be Su Mingfeng’s plot? Shen Miao wondered. Perhaps because Su Mingfeng wanted to uncover the secret of the tiger head ring, he decided to marry her, thinking that with daily interaction, he would eventually discover the truth. Or maybe he believed that once she became his wife, she would reveal everything to him? But this would be too much of a sacrifice for Su Mingfeng, betting his entire life just to uncover the truth. The people at the Ministry of Justice should feel ashamed to face the public.

Guyu entered from outside carrying a stack of clothes and smiled: “Miss, tomorrow we’re going to Putuo Temple. Madam said you should wear some subdued colors. I’ve brought some darker-colored clothes for you to choose from in the morning.” She then trimmed the wick of the oil lamp for Shen Miao and said, “Miss should rest early tonight. We need to get up early tomorrow, and there’s a long way to go.”

Mentioning this made Shen Miao feel helpless. In the evening, Luo Xueyan’s maid had come to tell Luo Tan and Shen Miao that she would take the three of them to offer incense at Putuo Temple tomorrow. Luo Tan, who had never been to Putuo Temple, was naturally very excited, but Shen Miao was somewhat unenthusiastic.

Putuo Temple was a famous temple in the capital, located on a hillside in the northern part of the city. It was said that the Bodhisattvas and Buddhas there were very efficacious, with the most miraculous being a “matchmaking tree.” Young women would exchange copper coins for red strings from the monks, tie the strings to small pouches, and toss them at the tree. If the red string with the pouch stayed on the tree without falling, it meant that the Matchmaker God had heard the woman’s prayer and would bring her a good marriage.

Shen Miao had visited that “matchmaking tree” in her previous life. To be united with Fu Xiuyi, she had bought more than a hundred red strings and tossed them up. Later, this was “accidentally” mentioned by Shen Qing and Shen Yue, causing quite a scandal in the capital.

Therefore, Shen Miao didn’t particularly like this “matchmaking tree.”

If she hadn’t heard about Madam Su and Luo Xueyan’s conversation from Cong Yang today, Shen Miao wouldn’t have thought much about it and would have assumed that as the New Year approached, Luo Xueyan genuinely wanted to offer incense. But knowing what they had said in the main hall, Shen Miao now understood—Luo Xueyan didn’t just want to offer incense; she wanted her to toss red strings at the “matchmaking tree.”

Shen Miao was extremely reluctant and even considered pretending to be sick. But that would be too obvious, and Luo Tan was so excited. Besides, Shen Miao was naturally soft-hearted toward Luo Xueyan. Thinking it was just tossing some red strings, she reluctantly agreed.

However, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Shen Miao didn’t sleep well that night. She had several dreams, all of herself standing under the matchmaking tree, tossing red strings. Luo Xueyan had bought her an entire wooden bucket of red strings, and Shen Miao’s arms were sore from throwing, but all the marked red strings had disappeared. They weren’t on the ground, nor the tree. Just as she was puzzled, she saw a young man in purple robes sitting in the tree, carrying a large bundle of her red strings. He looked at her with a half-smile, curling his lips, and asked: “Who do you want to marry?”

With sharp eyebrows, a straight nose, thin red lips, and a pair of peach blossom eyes that were beautiful yet sharp as blades—it was Xie Jingxing’s face.

Shen Miao suddenly woke from the dream and couldn’t fall back asleep.

She barely made it to dawn. When Jingzhe came in, she was surprised and asked: “Miss, didn’t you sleep well last night? There are dark circles under your eyes.”

Shen Miao waved her hand, feeling that this dream was strange and somewhat shamefully embarrassing, so she chose not to mention it. After eating and getting ready, she went out. In the hall, Luo Xueyan and the others were waiting. To Shen Miao’s surprise, besides Luo Tan, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were also there.

Luo Xueyan said: “Since we’re offering incense, all the young ones should come along to seek the Buddha’s blessing.”

Shen Xin said: “Then I’ll come too.”

“What are you coming for?” Luo Xueyan chided him for not understanding her intentions. “You don’t need to come.”

Shen Qiu was puzzled why his father couldn’t go, but Shen Miao understood. Luo Xueyan not only wanted her and Luo Tan to toss red strings but also wanted Shen Qiu and Luo Ling to do the same. After all, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were also of marriageable age. But… wasn’t the matchmaking tree only for women to toss strings at? If they succeeded, would Shen Qiu and Luo Ling become a same-sex couple? Shen Miao couldn’t help but shudder.

Without much delay, everyone soon set off. Putuo Temple was quite far from the Shen residence. Leaving in the morning, they arrived close to noon. Along the way, Luo Tan remained enthusiastic, constantly asking Luo Xueyan if Putuo Temple was so miraculous.

As Luo Xueyan spoke, she eventually steered the conversation toward the “matchmaking tree.” After hearing about it, Luo Tan found it fascinating and said: “This is quite similar to a custom in our Xiaochun City, but since Putuo Temple is famous, this matchmaking tree must be very efficacious.” She tugged at Shen Miao’s arm: “Little cousin, shall we go toss red strings too?”

“Weren’t you in a hurry to get married?” Shen Miao gave her a sidelong glance.

Luo Tan coughed lightly: “Though that’s true, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Luo Xueyan also said: “Jiaojiao, Tan’er, when we get to Putuo Temple, you two should go toss some red strings. Whether you get married or not, it’s still a good omen.”

Luo Tan excitedly agreed, and Shen Miao, having already known her mother’s intentions, could only reluctantly comply.

While they were on their way, in this ancient temple that had existed in Ming Qi for hundreds of years, in one of the meditation rooms where the fragrance of incense wafted, sat an elderly monk over seventy years old.

This monk had a kind face, truly like a disciple of Buddha, wearing a bright red kasaya and holding a string of prayer beads, counting them one by one. The young monk beside him asked: “Master, we’ve been waiting here for several days. Will that destined person come?”

“This poor monk has been waiting here for many days, just to wait for her arrival,” the old monk said calmly.

“But we’ve waited for so long,” the young monk, who was only about fifteen or sixteen, was at an age of youthful curiosity and asked quickly: “When will she come?”

The old monk didn’t speak, only silently turning the prayer beads in his hand. Suddenly, he stopped, his fingers repeatedly caressing a round bead.

After a while, the old monk smiled slightly.

“She’s coming,” he said.

…

By the time Shen Miao’s group arrived at Putuo Temple, it wasn’t yet noon. Perhaps the horses ran diligently today, or the driver drove well, or the road was smoother. In any case, a journey that usually took two and a half hours took less than two hours today.

Everyone alighted from the carriages, and Shen Qiu and Luo Ling also dismounted from their horses. They saw a lush forest on the hillside where an ancient temple stood. With its layered clouds and mists, it seemed like a fairyland, and the distant Buddhist chants evoked a sense of awe.

Luo Tan exclaimed: “It truly has the demeanor of a famous temple.”

Luo Xueyan instructed: “Qiu’er, Ling’er, go settle the horses first. I’ll take Tan’er and Jiaojiao inside.”

After Shen Qiu and Luo Ling left, the Shen family guards followed Shen Miao’s group. From a distance, Luo Tan spotted a tree covered with red strings and exclaimed: “Is that the matchmaking tree? Auntie, come look, it’s so big!”

Luo Xueyan smiled: “Let’s go buy some red strings first.”

Shen Miao followed behind them, feeling quite helpless. Luo Tan walked quickly, and Luo Xueyan was also a brisk person, leaving Shen Miao behind. However, with the Shen family guards and Cong Yang hidden nearby, Shen Miao wasn’t worried.

As she followed Luo Xueyan and the others into a Buddhist hall, Shen Miao’s skirt was suddenly pulled. She looked back and saw a person in Taoist robes crouching by the threshold.

How could there be a Taoist in a Buddhist sacred place?

This Taoist’s clothes were tattered, with a divination tube in front of him and a whisk in his hand, which somehow looked comical. He appeared to be middle-aged, with a small beard, looking at Shen Miao with bright eyes.

“Young lady, this poor Taoist sees darkness on your forehead, suggesting a calamity of bloodshed, and blueness under your eyes, indicating romantic troubles. Would you like this poor Taoist to cast a divination for you?”

“Where did this madman come from? Talking nonsense!” Jingzhe was extremely angry.

Shen Miao pulled her skirt away and was about to walk straight ahead without looking.

Then she heard the man say: “Though your phoenix destiny is good, you’ll be imprisoned for life. What a pity.”