Teng Yu’yi didn’t answer immediately. Jue Sheng pondered for a moment before hurriedly adding, “Senior Brother was worried about complications on the way back to the city, so he specifically asked this humble Daoist to bring some Spirit-Stabilizing Talismans for the injured.”

Only then did Teng Yu’yi relent: “Young Daoist, please come up.”

Though Jue Sheng was as round as a small barrel, his movements were agile. After sitting down, he imitated Master Qing Xu’s manner with a slight bow: “This humble one pays his respects.”

Despite his attempts to act maturely, his childish nature showed through everywhere. Madam Du and Teng Yu’yi held back their smiles as they replied, “Greetings, Daoist Jue Sheng.”

Du Tinglan was resting on a small couch behind the curtain. Teng Yu’yi and Madam Du sat together by a low table under the eastern window. Though the carriage had been quite spacious before, it felt cramped once Jue Sheng entered.

Having worn the veil all night, Teng Yu’yi was feeling stifled. Seeing that the young Daoist was only eight or nine years old, she removed her veil and set it aside.

Only now could Jue Sheng see Teng Yu’yi’s appearance. Far from being ugly, she was extraordinarily beautiful. His curiosity led him to steal several glances.

“Young Daoist?”

Jue Sheng sheepishly rubbed his head, then straightened his posture and said formally: “Actually, since the injured have taken the Six Origins Pills, they don’t need the Spirit-Stabilizing Talismans anymore. Senior Brother sent me to ask about what happened in the bamboo grove. Lady Teng, why did you and Lady Du go to the bamboo grove at that time? Did someone lead you there? What happened after you arrived? Besides the demon, did you notice anyone suspicious?”

He paused after each sentence as if reciting words Lin Chengyou had taught him.

Teng Yu’yi exchanged glances with Madam Du. The reason for Du Tinglan leaving Jingfu Temple was still a mystery, and both women had been deliberately concealing the matter to protect Du Tinglan’s reputation.

However, judging from tonight’s demon-catching events, the demon’s origins seemed unusually complex. If there were other twists involved, keeping everything hidden would only cause more problems.

Furthermore, Teng Yu’yi had another concern. In her previous life, she had never heard of any demons plaguing Chang’an during the half-year before her cousin’s incident. Yet tonight’s demon had already harmed more than ten women. Moreover, in her previous life, the coroner had determined her cousin died from strangulation, but given this demon’s abilities, it wouldn’t need such complicated methods to kill.

The more she thought about it, the more details didn’t add up. She remembered that in her previous life after her cousin was murdered, even her father had sent people to investigate secretly. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they never discovered the killer’s identity. This time, with Lin Chengyou’s help, perhaps they could uncover the truth.

So she explained truthfully: “We don’t know why my cousin went to the bamboo grove either. By the time we arrived, both my cousin and her maid Hong Nu had already lost consciousness. The demon was lurking in the trees and attacked as soon as we got close. Port Fu and I were busy dealing with the demon, so we didn’t notice if anyone else was hiding in the grove.”

Jue Sheng looked disappointed: “I had hoped Lady Teng knew the details.”

“I suppose we’ll have to wait until my cousin wakes up to ask her,” Teng Yu’yi said gravely. “However, there is something strange. After we rescued my cousin, we found a wound on her palm. The blood had already scabbed over, so it didn’t seem like it was just made by the demon.”

She turned and pulled her cousin’s right hand out from under the blanket, showing it outside the curtain.

“Young Daoist, look at this.”

Jue Sheng leaned forward to examine the thin, deep wound: “Hmm, how strange. It looks like it was made by a tree branch. No, a branch couldn’t cut this deep. It looks more like scissors.”

“It probably was scissors. When I went to look for my cousin in the temple’s Cloud Meeting Hall, I saw several colored ribbons on the table.” Teng Yu’yi took out some gold-leafed jade pieces from her sleeve. “Daoist, look at these. She probably cut her hand while cutting the ribbons.”

The two carefully examined the pieces under the light and soon found a dark bloodstain about the size of a fingernail on one of them. The foil was already a deep reddish-brown color, and the bloodstain had dried, making it inconspicuous.

Jue Sheng formed a hand seal with his left hand and drew his other finger across his brow, opening his Celestial Eye. Seeing nothing amiss, he turned to examine the wound on Du Tinglan’s palm.

“It seems she lost quite a bit of blood. If there had been a demon lurking in the grove, it would have smelled Lady Du’s blood as soon as she approached.”

Teng Yu’yi started: “Is Young Daoist suggesting my cousin was targeted by the demon because of her wounded hand?”

“Well…” Jue Sheng hesitated, “it doesn’t seem likely. Senior Brother said this demon has a plant-based nature, feeding on dew and soil. It doesn’t crave blood or flesh but loves the appearance of beautiful women. When it finds someone it fancies, it usually tries to steal their physical form. Once it finds someone more beautiful, it drains the host’s essence and abandons the shell. One thing is certain – it never damages the beauty’s flesh. Of the many women who died before, few reported it to the authorities because there were no visible wounds. They all thought it was sudden illness.”

Teng Yu’yi pondered before saying: “In that case, with such a deep wound on her hand, my cousin shouldn’t have caught the demon’s attention. So why did it target her?”

Jue Sheng cupped his round face in thought for a while, but unable to figure out the key point, he could only stand to take his leave: “I must hurry back to report this to Senior Brother. Lady Du should wake up tomorrow. If Madam and Lady Teng don’t mind, this humble one will visit your residence.”

Teng Yu’yi and Madam Du quickly rose slightly: “Then we’ll respectfully await Young Daoist’s visit.”

As Jue Sheng walked out with his plump little belly, Teng Yu’yi suddenly smiled and said: “Young Daoist, please wait. I have something to ask you.”

Jue Sheng turned back. If Lady Teng hadn’t voluntarily lent the jade sword tonight, Senior Brother wouldn’t have been able to lure the old demon out of the formation so quickly. In that situation, the longer they delayed, the more variables there would be. If they had waited for Senior Brother to fetch a fake sword, he and Qi Zhi might have already died under the demon’s claws.

Lady Teng had lent Senior Brother the jade sword, and Senior Brother had given Lady Teng the Six Origins Pills – they were even. However, if Lady Teng wanted to ask him and Qi Zhi for help because of this, he felt obligated to agree, both by reason and sentiment. So he smiled innocently and said: “Please speak, Lady Teng.”

“May I ask, Young Daoist,” Teng Yu’yi asked curiously, “what kind of magic did your Senior Brother use on Madam Dong tonight that made her itch so terribly?”

“Oh, that was the ‘Make You Wish You Were Dead Itchy Itchy Blooming’ Bug.”

Teng Yu’yi and Madam Du were stunned – what a bizarre name.

“It was originally called the White Bug, but Senior Brother thought that was boring, so he changed it. How about it? Isn’t it more memorable than the original name?”

Teng Yu’yi nodded with a smile: “Such an impressive name.”

Jue Sheng, still having a child’s nature, was delighted by Teng Yu’yi’s reaction. Once he started talking, he couldn’t stop.

“These bugs thrive in heat and can specifically drive away the Five Poisons. Master originally caught these bugs to make medicine pills, but at one Dragon Boat Festival, Senior Brother got drunk at the temple and put some bugs in jade-scented wine. He soaked them for seven days, and when he opened the wine vessel, the bugs were still alive! They had just changed from white to jade-green, and their nature had completely changed.

“They enter through any opening and love attaching themselves to human skin and flesh. If you’re unlucky enough to be touched by one, you’ll immediately feel an unbearable itch. The worst part is you can’t catch them or drive them away. Once they’re on you, you can only endure their gnawing. Fortunately, these bugs only live for a month, but even just a month is enough to torture someone beyond recognition.”

Teng Yu’yi grew more curious: “That’s quite formidable. If there’s no antidote and someone accidentally uses it, what can be done?”

“Since Senior Brother dares to use them, he naturally has a way to control them. These bugs are impervious to weapons and fire, and it took Senior Brother many trials to find an antidote.”

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes sparkled: “I heard the Young Master had people take the antidote before touching Madam Dong. Could it be that these bugs can spread?”

“Indeed!” Jue Sheng’s eyes were wide and round. “If someone accidentally touches a person infected with the bug’s poison, they’ll start itching too.”

“Then… isn’t your Senior Brother planning to give Madam Dong the antidote?”

“How could he?” Jue Sheng shook his head like a rattledrum. “Senior Brother has a heart of iron. Madam Dong not only deceived him about the Six Origins Pills but also caused him injury. It’s already generous that Senior Brother didn’t put more bugs on her, how could he possibly give her the antidote?”

Teng Yu’yi smiled imperceptibly and took something from her sleeve, opening it before Jue Sheng: “Young Daoist, my sword could cut off that demon’s claw. I wonder if it could deal with your Qing Yun Temple’s ‘Make You Wish You Were Dead Itchy Itchy Blooming’ Bug?”

Jue Sheng stared at the clear, jade-green small sword, secretly swallowing. He had been curious all night and finally got to see it up close. He was incredibly envious and wanted to touch it right away.

He tried reaching out his hand but regretfully pulled it back: “But I don’t have any bugs with me right now.”

Teng Yu’yi pretended to withdraw the jade sword, shaking her head with a sigh: “What a pity, I thought we could try it right away.”

Jue Sheng quickly said: “Well, since this humble one will visit your residence tomorrow to check on the injured, I can bring some bugs then.”

Teng Yu’yi smiled happily: “That would be excellent. Then it’s settled. At that time, I’ll let Young Daoist handle the jade sword yourself, and you can try it personally.”

Jue Sheng was happy for a while before gradually coming to his senses. While the bugs weren’t considered treasures at the temple, they weren’t meant to be casually shown to outsiders either. How had he agreed to Lady Teng’s request after just a few words? But when he thought about being able to play with the jade sword tomorrow, his heart started itching again.

The sword had only been shown briefly before Teng Yu’yi put it away. The more Jue Sheng thought about it, the more something felt off. He pouted at Teng Yu’yi, wondering if he had been tricked. However, Teng Yu’yi looked back at him with complete seriousness, as if saying, “Young Daoist, do I look like a bad person?”

As Jue Sheng got off the carriage, he thought that Lady Teng certainly couldn’t be considered a bad person. However, when Lady Teng had used her elbow to press down on Madam Dong’s leg tonight, he and Qi Zhi had been right by the curtain. That move might have fooled others, but not them – she had pressed so hard that Madam Dong’s leg was probably still bruised.

Looking at it that way, Lady Teng didn’t seem like a completely good person either.

***

Madam Du gently poked Teng Yu’yi’s forehead: “What scheme are you plotting now, child? You’re not thinking of bringing those bugs home, are you?”

Teng Yu’yi recalled the Duan siblings riding away on horseback and leaned against Madam Du’s shoulder with a sweet smile: “Don’t worry, Aunt. I have my reasons.”

Madam Du was also contemplating the night’s events. Judging from Duan Wenyin’s attitude when she left, breaking off the engagement wouldn’t be so simple. Duan Ningyuan was about to be appointed Crown Prince, and the Duan family wouldn’t allow his reputation to be tarnished at such a crucial time.

Although everyone present tonight understood what had happened, no one had witnessed the beginning of Duan Ningyuan and Madam Dong’s affair. If the Duan family insisted it was all a misunderstanding while the Teng family persisted in breaking the engagement, wouldn’t the blame fall on the Teng family instead?

Was there a way to make everyone know it was the Duan family’s fault…

She rubbed her temples, frustrated that she couldn’t think of a good solution. This concerned Yu’er’s entire life – they absolutely couldn’t let her suffer any grievance. Fortunately, her brother-in-law would return soon. This matter needed to be planned carefully and early.

Suddenly remembering something else, she exclaimed: “Look at me, I was so caught up in listening to your conversation that I forgot to thank the Prince of Jun’an. We were able to move to Purple Cloud Tower so quickly tonight thanks to His Highness’s help. I heard the Crown Prince of Cheng was also found through His Highness’s people. Yu’er, wait in the carriage while I go thank him in person.”

Teng Yu’yi lifted the curtain to look outside: “I’m afraid it’s too late, Aunt. Look.”

In front of Purple Cloud Tower, a procession of carriages and horses departed together, raising dust in their wake. Countless servants followed on horseback amid shouts. Lin Chengyou rode alongside a young noble in purple robes and a golden crown. They quickly disappeared into the night. The man’s bearing was dignified, his figure lean and straight – that must have been the Prince of Jun’an.

“Never mind,” Madam Du said regretfully. “Your uncle should arrive soon. When we meet him on the way, I’ll discuss properly visiting to express our thanks to him.”

The driver waved his whip, and the Teng family carriage also set out on the road back to the city.

Duan Wenyin reined her horse to block Duan Ningyuan’s path, glaring at her brother in anger: “What are you going to do?!”

Duan Ningyuan pulled on his reins, about to argue something, but in the end swallowed his words.

Duan Wenyin’s face darkened: “You saw what happened just now. The Crown Prince of Cheng was injured – this will certainly alarm the palace. If you get involved at this time, aren’t you afraid of damaging the Marquis’s reputation?”

“But if she’s sentenced to the rod, even if she doesn’t die, she’ll lose half her life.” Duan Ningyuan gritted his teeth. “Though Second Lady Dong did wrong, she only did it to save her mother. Sister, I’m not trying to help her escape punishment, but to ask me to ignore her completely – I cannot do it!”

“She brought this on herself!” Duan Wenyin viciously cracked her whip against the ground. “Ningyuan, you’ve been clever since childhood, yet you’ve become so foolish over a Dong Er Niang! Since she had private meetings with you, she must have known about the relationship between the Duan and Teng families. She was awake behind the curtain earlier, yet she let you blame Teng Yu’yi. Think carefully – is she as virtuous as you believe?”

Duan Ningyuan choked on his words.

Duan Wenyin laughed coldly: “She’s naturally hoping you’ll break off the engagement with Yu’yi.”

“Sister!”

“Her father, Magistrate Dong Ming, is up for evaluation this year. The Ministry of Personnel only gave him a ‘lower-middle’ rating. Not only can he forget about promotion, he’ll likely be posted to the frontier. And surely you know that Magistrate Dong once deeply offended Vice Director Zheng. Now that Vice Director Zheng has become Prime Minister, the Dong family’s hardships are just beginning. I’ve heard the Dong family has been delaying their second daughter’s marriage arrangements because they’re hoping to secure a son-in-law from a powerful family who can help them.”

Duan Ningyuan’s expression grew increasingly ugly: “Sister, even if you don’t like her, you don’t need to think so poorly of her.”

Duan Wenyin snorted coldly. If she had known her brother would fall so deeply, she would have been more ruthless from the start.

Although she had married and moved to Luoyang long ago, she still often heard people speak of Magistrate Dong’s daughter from Wannian County. The Dong family’s second daughter was known throughout Chang’an as a talented lady, accomplished in both poetry and music.

Her brother had served in the military in Longyou for three years. After returning, he encountered Second Lady Dong at a Lantern Festival. Young hearts are easily moved, and feelings often spark in an instant. After half a year of secret meetings, her brother had fallen deeply in love with Second Lady Dong.

When she accidentally learned of this, she was shocked and angry, immediately forcing her brother to distance himself from Second Lady Dong. However, her brother had been so thoroughly enchanted by Second Lady Dong that he even entertained thoughts of breaking off his engagement.

Duan Wenyin was heartbroken: “I shouldn’t have softened and agreed to let you bring Second Lady Dong to Purple Cloud Tower tonight. I thought her life was in danger, but who knew she had ulterior motives?

“Let me ask you this: if her mother urgently needed the Six Origins Pills, why didn’t she openly ask for your help? Father has some influence with His Majesty – if you were determined to get the pills for her, it wouldn’t have been impossible. Why didn’t Second Lady Dong come to you, but instead used this excuse to repeatedly seek out the Crown Prince of Cheng? Have you thought about the reason?”

Duan Ningyuan’s face changed instantly. Duan Wenyin smiled mockingly: “You and Yu’er have been engaged since childhood – breaking it off would be as difficult as climbing to heaven. The Crown Prince of Cheng is of noble status and hasn’t yet been betrothed. Second Lady Dong thinks highly of herself – how could she not have other calculations? If the Crown Prince hadn’t completely rejected her advances, Second Lady Dong might not have instigated you to break off your engagement with Yu’er tonight. Hmph, I’ve seen plenty of such scheming from young ladies.”

Duan Ningyuan forced out through clenched teeth: “She’s not that kind of person.”

“Not that kind of person? Her father and brother weren’t by her side tonight. She knew those pills wouldn’t be easy to obtain, so why did she go alone? You’re blindly trying to save her, yet you don’t even know what she’s thinking!”

Duan Ningyuan’s face went pale. Suddenly, he jerked his reins. Duan Wenyin exclaimed: “What are you going to do?”

“Go to the Metropolitan Court. There are some things I need to ask her face to face.”

“What if she lies to you again?” Duan Wenyin sneered.

Duan Ningyuan was silent for a moment: “I have ways to make her tell the truth!”

“Stop right there! The Teng family is determined to break off the engagement – they just lack evidence of your affair with Second Lady Dong. If you go to see her now and someone discovers something, nothing will stop the Teng family. At that point, everyone will know you were unfaithful first, and everyone will criticize you behind your back. If you must get answers, why not wait until after the Teng family has given up thoughts of breaking the engagement?”

Duan Ningyuan forcefully pulled his reins. Even if he didn’t care about himself, he had to consider the Marquis’s reputation.

“Forget about this Second Lady Dong. You used to say you didn’t like military officials’ daughters, but tonight you saw Yu’er. Although her face was covered, in terms of bearing and grace, how is she inferior to Second Lady Dong in any way? I saw her face – she’s truly a beauty among thousands.”

Duan Ningyuan was impatient to hear this: “Sister, Second Lady Dong’s matter can’t wait. If she’s sentenced to the rod, even if she’s not crippled, she’ll be injured for half a year. While she hasn’t been sentenced yet, I must go tonight. The Prefect isn’t in – Meng Fangzhong is currently on duty.”

Duan Wenyin was startled – he had gathered such detailed information, clearly having made arrangements in advance.

She thought bitterly that her brother was now deeply mired and desperately needed strong medicine. Second Lady Dong’s actions might not be a bad thing – once her brother saw Second Lady Dong’s true nature, they could use this opportunity to make a clean break.

Duan Wenyin sighed heavily: “Fine, if you must go, I can’t stop you. But be extremely careful when you go – don’t give anyone ammunition against you. After tonight, forget about this Second Lady Dong, take back your heart, and focus on marrying Yu’er.”

Duan Ningyuan didn’t respond. At this critical moment, he needed a foolproof plan. After running through various scenarios in his mind, he finally made a decision: “Don’t worry, Second Lady Dong and I won’t ‘meet,’ and others won’t know I went to see her. How could this leak out and give others ammunition? Sister, head back to the mansion first. I’ll return shortly.”

***

The Teng family carriage hadn’t gone far before encountering the Du father and son.

As soon as they met, the driver pulled the reins first: “Master, Young Master.”

Father and son each rode a horse, and were covered in sweat from their hurried journey. Du Yuzhi was not skilled at riding, and his body still swayed slightly as he dismounted.

Teng Yu’yi and Madam Du lifted the carriage curtain to confirm, then quickly got down. Drawing closer, they found Du Yuzhi’s face was as yellow as paper. Madam Du hurriedly went forward to support him: “My lord, don’t worry. Lan’er has taken medicine and is already better.”

Du Yuzhi grabbed Madam Du’s hand, still panting and about to ask for details when Du Shaotang rushed to his mother: “Mother, where is sister? What exactly happened? Oh, Cousin Yu?”

Du Yuzhi, having caught his breath, also said in surprise: “Yu’er, how are you together with your sister and aunt? Didn’t your letter say you wouldn’t arrive in Chang’an for another couple of days? Right, where is Lan’er now? Let me see her quickly.”

Teng Yu’yi answered with the most crucial information: “Sister is in the carriage. She’s just taken medicine and is no longer in any great danger.”

Du Yuzhi was beside himself with worry and wouldn’t be at ease until he saw for himself. He got into the carriage with Madam Du, who briefly explained the night’s events, then held their daughter’s hand dejectedly: “I suppose it’s a blessing in misfortune. To encounter such a powerful evil spirit and still keep one’s life. Tomorrow the young Daoist from Qing Yun Temple will visit to check on her. I expect she’ll be fine after some more rest. My lord, look, Lan’er’s color is already improving.”

Du Shaotang squeezed in behind them, silently watching, tears faintly visible in his eyes.

Teng Yu’yi observed her cousin. Not yet eleven years old, just beginning to understand things, he was quite tall but too thin. His features were identical to his mother and sister – fair skin, bright eyes, and a naturally delicate oval face. If his hair hadn’t been bound up, he might have been mistaken for a young lady at first glance.

When Du Shaotang was young, he often followed behind her and his sister. When they swung on swings, he would swing too; when they played with daylilies, he would carry a colored basket to pick flowers for them.

After being severely beaten by his uncle several times, Du Shaotang no longer dared to linger in the inner courtyard. Later, he entered the Imperial Academy to study. His studies were consistently good, but his temperament wasn’t firm enough – he would cry whenever he encountered difficulties.

She remembered her uncle once sighing that if only the siblings could switch – the daughter was quiet but had strong opinions at her core, while the son’s clingy, soft nature made him wonder when he would be able to support the family.

But her aunt had said: “What young master is born ready to hold up the sky? Later when he’s older and goes out with you, some experience will do him good.”

In her previous life, after her cousin was killed, her aunt had fallen ill. Teng Yu’yi and Du Shaotang had worked tirelessly, brewing medicine in the corridor every day.

Teng Yu’yi had been constantly busy investigating her cousin’s murderer, but Du Shaotang was different. Having lost the protection of his mother and sister, he was like a vine that had lost its support – unable to make decisions about anything, only knowing how to cry.

As past events flashed before her eyes, Teng Yu’yi was lost in thought. In her previous life, she hadn’t liked this timid cousin, but seeing Du Shaotang tonight, the first image that came to mind was his small figure chasing after them in childhood.

Du Shaotang didn’t know why Teng Yu’yi was lost in thought. Having not seen each other for so long, and now having his cousin Yu see him crying, he felt embarrassed. Wiping his tears, he called softly: “Cousin Yu.”

Teng Yu’yi handed her handkerchief to Du Shaotang: “Here, wipe your face. Sister is fine now, you can relax.”

Du Shaotang’s face reddened: “I wasn’t crying.”

Teng Yu’yi lightly scratched her cheek, making Du Shaotang laugh through his tears. Du Yuzhi scolded: “Look at you, not a hint of manly spirit! Your sister can’t take the wind – what are you doing squeezing in here? Quickly get down and lead the way.”

Du Shaotang didn’t dare make a sound, obediently getting down from the carriage. Madam Du called anxiously through the window: “It’s late, and the road isn’t good. It’s fine to ride slowly – be careful not to fall.”

Du Shaotang replied glumly: “Son understands.”

Du Yuzhi asked a few more questions about the Prince of Jun’an and the Crown Prince of Cheng, then stroked his beard for a moment and said: “Prepare generous gifts, and we’ll visit another day to express our thanks. The Prince’s mansion is full of carriages and horses – they might not accept our cards. If His Highness won’t see us, we needn’t keep visiting just to show our gratitude.”

Teng Yu’yi had guessed her uncle would say this – he was rigid and pedantic, most disdaining association with imperial nobility.

If one looked into it, the Du family had been prominent a hundred years ago. It wasn’t until her uncle’s grandfather’s generation that the Du family gradually declined.

Although her uncle had inherited the family business, their circumstances were no longer what they once were. However, he had shown talent from a young age, and his poetry and prose were unmatched in Chang’an. He passed the imperial examinations at nineteen and soon after was appointed as a Proofreader thanks to passing the Special Examination.

It happened that a branch of the Wang clan from Taiyuan was seeking husbands for their two daughters. Lord Wang appreciated Du Yuzhi’s talent and thus married his eldest daughter to him.

At that time, all of Chang’an admired him – so young yet already in office and married to a daughter of a noble family. Everyone believed Du Yuzhi’s future would be limitless. Who could have known that her uncle’s arrogant nature would quickly offend all his superiors and colleagues? Soon after, others found fault with him, and he was demoted far away to Yuezhou.

Twenty years had passed in a flash. Her uncle’s official positions grew increasingly minor, while his pedantic nature grew stronger by the day. Last year, he finally managed to transfer back to Chang’an, but due to the Minister of Personnel’s dislike of him, he only received an idle position at the Imperial Academy.

Madam Du knew her husband’s old habits and patiently advised: “My lord’s words are mistaken. Since we seek nothing from them, why not be more forthright? We’ll simply send our calling card, and if His Highness won’t see us, we can wait until my brother-in-law returns to Chang’an and visit together with him.”

Du Yuzhi sat silently. Teng Yu’yi had expected another of his lofty speeches, but perhaps Du Yuzhi also knew that the Prince of Jun’an was famous for his humility and kindness to common scholars. In the end, he only said:

“I’ll write the card when I return to the mansion, and have it delivered to the Prince of Jun’an’s residence tomorrow. The Prince hasn’t taken a wife yet and has no ladies in his household, so you needn’t go. I’ll take Shaotang with me.”

“That would be most appropriate.”

Du Yuzhi thought for a moment, showing some wariness: “As for that Crown Prince of Cheng, we’d better have minimal contact with him. Another day we can make more offerings at Qing Yun Temple and thank his master, Daoist Qing Xu, and that will suffice.”

Madam Du didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Everything will be as my lord arranges.”

Du Yuzhi prepared to get down from the carriage: “Yu’er, rest well when you return to the mansion. After such an incident, your father must be very worried. Write to him tomorrow morning to let him know you’re safe – don’t make excuses not to write again!”

Teng Yu’yi wasn’t in the mood to argue with him and obediently drooped her eyelids: “Daughter understands.”

There was no curfew tonight, and along the way back to the city, no checkpoints had been set up. However, the journey was long, and by the time everyone reached the Du residence in Qinren Ward, it was already past the third watch.

Teng Yu’yi had come from far-off Yangzhou with two large boats full of luggage. Upon reaching Chang’an, she immediately rushed to the outskirts to save her cousin, so the servants took the opportunity to send her belongings to the Teng residence.

After getting out of the carriage, Teng Yu’yi called her maid Qiyun over: “I’ll stay at my aunt’s tonight. Take some people to the Teng residence to fetch my daily necessities, and don’t forget my little doll.”

Qiyun secretly smiled – it was a doll the mistress had personally sewn for the young lady. Since she was five, the young lady had slept with it every night. If the doll wasn’t by her side for even one night, she couldn’t sleep soundly.

She quickly said: “This servant remembers.”

Teng Yu’yi continued: “Also, tell Chief Steward Cheng: select several guards with excellent martial skills – have one group wear ordinary clothes, and another disguise themselves as peddlers from the Western Market. Once the arrangements are made, come back quickly for instructions – I have use for them.”

Qiyun had many questions but dared not ask. She acknowledged the orders and left.

In the back courtyard, Madam Du was busy both tending to Du Tinglan and arranging bedding for Teng Yu’yi: “Your sister knew you were coming and prepared everything these past few days. The bedding is ready, and these are new clothes your sister had made – you can change into them after washing up.”

Teng Yu’yi moved closer to look at Du Tinglan. Her cousin’s color had returned to normal, and her limbs were gradually warming.

“Sister will wake soon. Let me watch over her for the latter half of the night.”

“You haven’t properly rested for half a month, and tonight you’ve had such a fright. How could you stay up? Go rest – your aunt will handle everything.”

Unable to persuade Madam Du otherwise, Teng Yu’yi went to wash up. Hot water had already been poured into the bath barrel, but Teng Yu’yi wasn’t in a hurry to bathe. Instead, she stood by the barrel gently wiping the small jade sword with a cloth.

Bilu came forward with towels and combs: “Let this servant hold this treasure, lest it get knocked or bumped.”

“Bilu, do you remember how this sword came to be?”

“Why does young miss ask about this again?” Bilu carefully wrapped the jade sword in a cloth. “Half a month ago, when we were coming from Yangzhou to Chang’an, the young miss was staying in the cabin due to a cold. That day during the afternoon rest, young miss said she was bored and saw the plum blossoms blooming beautifully in the temple on shore, so she wanted to go appreciate them and get some fresh air. When getting off the boat, it suddenly rocked, and Young Miss accidentally fell into the water. After being rescued, this small sword was in Young Miss’s hand. Come to think of it, the temple’s plum blossoms appeared strangely that day, Young Miss’s fall was strange, and this sword’s appearance was even stranger.”

For instance, there were rocks everywhere under the water – how did this sword, carried by the current, remain completely undamaged? The riverbed was so vast – how did this sword drift right into Young Miss’s hands?

“Steward Cheng and Port Fu both believed this sword was inauspicious and strongly urged throwing it back into the water, but even when young Miss was unconscious with a high fever, she refused to let go. Later, Port Fu was about to request the temple monks to perform rituals, but who knew young miss would wake up that night, not only completely fine but even cured of her previous cold.”

Teng Yu’yi turned the small sword over and over in her hands, examining it. Perhaps because she had just awakened, some things she remembered clearly while others she had completely forgotten, such as how this sword had come into her possession – she had no clue about that.

She turned to ask Bilu: “Do you remember what that temple on the shore was called?”

Bilu shook her head. At the time, everyone on the boat had been busy taking care of young miss. When young Miss finally woke up, she had kept urging the boatman to hurry – a twenty-day journey had been completed in just half a month.

“This servant can’t remember such things. If young miss wants to know, I can ask Steward Cheng tomorrow.”

Just then, someone outside said: “Qiyun has returned.”

After entering, Qiyun reported: “Steward Cheng has made arrangements according to Young Miss’s instructions. He’s waiting outside now. Steward Cheng says: ‘This old servant dares not presume, but judging by these arrangements, it seems young miss wants to have someone followed, though we don’t know who.'”

Teng Yu’yi slowly lowered herself into the bath. If Port Fu hadn’t been injured, there wouldn’t be a need for such trouble – sending him alone would have been sufficient.

She casually scooped some water: “Follow Duan Ningyuan. He’s trained in martial arts for years and is very skilled. If someone tracks him, he’ll certainly notice, so one group should disguise themselves as Hu people and deliberately let him know. Another group should follow secretly – don’t reveal yourselves. As soon as Duan Ningyuan and his attendants go to the Metropolitan Court, come back immediately to report.”

Qiyun and Bilu’s hearts surged – was Young Miss planning to deal with Young General Duan?

But after tonight’s events, this was to be expected. Young Miss was like a small tiger hiding its claws – whenever someone offended her, she could silently bite off a piece of their flesh. Young General Duan was unfaithful and disloyal – he had probably already been sentenced to “death” in Young Miss’s heart.

This concerned the breaking of the engagement between the two families. The two maids knew they couldn’t be careless and quickly said: “Yes, we’ll go tell Steward Cheng right away.”

***

Early the next morning, before dawn, Jue Sheng got up. Under cover of the early light, he went to the medicine room to catch several “Make You Wish You Were Dead Itchy Itchy Blooming” Bugs, then opened the medicine cabinet and secretly took two packets of medicine powder to hide in his clothes.

It was his first time doing such sneaking about, and he couldn’t help feeling nervous. After coming out, he hurried to the scripture hall furtively, afraid of being seen.

Fortunately, it was still early, and there wasn’t a soul in the temple. Jue Sheng was initially anxious but gradually straightened his chest – what was there to fear? Senior Brother wasn’t even in the temple right now.

Last night after they returned to Qing Yun Temple, Senior Brother immediately selected two old Daoists to help set up an altar, but the Marquis’s wife had been poisoned by the demon for too long – her soul had already scattered. Even though Senior Brother tried everything to help clear the demon’s poison from the Marquis’s wife, he couldn’t guide her soul back into her body.

Just then, His Majesty sent someone to inquire about Senior Brother’s injuries. Senior Brother used the Golden Stabilization Technique to maintain the last breath in the Marquis’s wife’s body and went to the palace to see His Majesty.

Senior Brother probably wasn’t confident he could save the Marquis’s wife, so he was eager to return to the palace to ask His Majesty about Master’s whereabouts. Master had been traveling for half a year, and no one except His Majesty knew where he was. This visit would take Senior Brother at least an hour or two to return.

Speaking of which, Qing Yun Temple only had three proper disciples – the rest were all miscellaneous Daoists and cultivators who came to seek refuge when they could no longer survive elsewhere, being poor, sick, or old.

Master appeared stingy but had a soft heart. As long as he confirmed someone wasn’t a criminal, he would generally take them in. Over the years, Qing Yun Temple had accumulated over a hundred people.

After settling in, these people helped with chores and ceremonies, but being old and weak, they mostly spent their days living out their remaining years in peace.

Master tacitly approved of this, and Senior Brother never said anything about it either.

As time passed, these people developed habits – for instance, though it wasn’t particularly early anymore, these old Daoists and cultivators were still sleeping in their rooms.

When Jue Sheng reached the scripture hall’s entrance, he looked up to see four rainbow-colored silk threads suspended above the well in the courtyard.

He was startled to see ceramic bowls beneath each thread – the two bowls on the left contained yarrow stalks, while the two on the right held turtle shells.

These were the customary divinations before soul-summoning – could Senior Brother have returned? Jue Sheng ran to the well in surprise. The turtle shells already showed hexagrams – the “Initial Six” of the Kun hexagram, indicating the birth of yin energy, an unmistakably ill-omened sign.

Suddenly hearing voices from the hall, Jue Sheng hurriedly climbed the steps to look inside. There were several people within, including the Marquis who had been watching over his wife since last night, and an elderly man with bushy eyebrows and white hair who appeared to be in his eighties.

Jue Sheng recognized the elderly man as Yu Fengyu from the Imperial Dispensary. He hadn’t expected Senior Brother to bring Yu Fengyu back from his visit to the palace.

Yu Fengyu sat formally by the couch, one hand stroking his beard while the other loosely held the Marquis’s wrist, apparently taking his pulse.

“Imperial Physician Yu, how is Lord Cheng?”

The speaker wore princely robes and sat opposite Yu Fengyu. He had long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, with an extremely elegant bearing.

The Prince of Jun’an? Jue Sheng bowed respectfully at the doorway. The Prince turned to look, recognized the small Daoist from the temple, and beckoned him to enter.

Yu Fengyu said: “The leg injury isn’t serious, as long as it’s not strained further. However, his blood and qi are unstable, with signs of affecting the liver meridian. If not dispersed in time, it will eventually severely damage the seven emotions. I’ll first prescribe some medicine – please take it as soon as possible, Lord Marquis.”

The Marquis lay on the couch, his expression both gloomy and agitated. Strangely, though he looked like he wanted to jump up immediately, he didn’t dare move at all.

The Prince of Jun’an smiled faintly: “Don’t glare at me. I can’t undo the pressure points Chengyou used on you – his techniques are too peculiar and ancient.”

The Marquis continued glaring at the Prince of Jun’an, his face turning purple from wanting to move so badly.

The Prince of Jun’an interpreted his meaning and sighed helplessly: “You’re saying Chengyou shouldn’t have ambushed you? That method was indeed improper, but how else could we restrain you? You were already injured, and you’ve been by your wife’s side all night – even an iron body couldn’t endure that.”

The Marquis sighed to the heavens and closed his eyes, trembling slightly.

Just then, a side door opened, and Lin Chengyou emerged with two senior Daoists. His blood-stained brocade robe was gone, replaced by a cyan round-collared robe.

His hair was unbound, with only a white jade hairpin inserted at an angle in his black topknot.

“Senior Brother.” Jue Sheng, guilty about stealing the bugs, tiptoed over.

Lin Chengyou yawned and walked straight out the door and down the steps. Outside, he clasped his hands behind his back and circled the well once, then crouched down to examine something carefully.

Qi Zhi spotted Jue Sheng and clapped his hands sharply: “Jue Sheng, where did you go? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Jue Sheng’s face reddened as he stammered: “I-I-I had a stomach ache and went to the privy.”

After speaking, he secretly glanced at Senior Brother outside, figuring Senior Brother was too busy to be suspicious, and quietly relaxed.

Lin Chengyou looked for a while, then beckoned to Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi: “You two come out and do some work.”

The two ran out, and Lin Chengyou tossed a package into Jue Sheng’s arms: “Sprinkle this Soul-Tracking Powder around the courtyard.”

With that, he strode up the steps and returned to the scripture hall.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi split up to do their task. It seemed that even after getting an “ill omen,” Senior Brother was still determined to summon the Marquis’s wife’s soul.

The Soul-Tracking Powder was colorless and odorless. When people stepped on it, it left no trace, but when souls passed over it, they would inevitably leave golden footprints.

As they carefully sprinkled the powder while slowly retreating back to the scripture hall, inside Lin Chengyou had already released the Marquis’s pressure points and was smiling at him: “How can you call it an ambush? Didn’t I greet Lord Cheng before acting? Ah, don’t glare at me just yet – use this to measure your wife’s feet inside.”

The Marquis, who had been pent up for so long that he felt his lungs might burst, saw Lin Chengyou holding out a red string and hurriedly asked: “Measure feet? What for?”

Lin Chengyou said seriously: “We have ways to slowly clear your wife’s demon poison, but her soul has been separated from her body for too long – bringing it back won’t be easy. I just cast several divinations, and unfortunately, they were all ill-omened. Therefore, although we’ll set up an array to summon souls tonight, I’m not confident we’ll summon your wife’s soul.”

The Marquis’s face turned ashen at hearing this, while the Prince of Jun’an and Yu Fengyu also showed slight changes in expression.

“That’s why we need to know your wife’s foot size beforehand. Soul-Tracking Powder has been sprinkled outside – when souls come, their footprints will be visible. If the size doesn’t match your wife’s feet, it means we’ve summoned the wrong soul. In that case, we’ll know which to drive away and which to expel, preventing endless troubles later.”

The Marquis understood perfectly and nodded vigorously, standing up with his cane: “I’ll go right away. Young Master, you mentioned earlier that my wife might still be saved, but you needed someone of profound Daoist skills to form an array with you. Have you found that person now?”

Lin Chengyou said: “The person is available. If they can arrive at the temple before the hour of Hai, we might be able to try, but I can’t guarantee we can save your wife.”

The Marquis felt his heart being torn apart and couldn’t bear to ask more. He sighed heavily and limped into the inner chamber.

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi secretly wondered who this person might be. Chang’an had many accomplished Daoists, but they’d never seen Senior Brother think highly of any of them. Whenever mentioning Daoists from other sects, Senior Brother most often used the phrase “frauds and charlatans.” How many in Chang’an could deserve Senior Brother’s praise as someone of “profound Daoist skills”?

Master was naturally unmatched, followed by the Princess Consort of Cheng – Senior Brother’s mother. But the Princess Consort was traveling with the Prince of Cheng, reportedly currently staying in Shu, so she couldn’t be in Chang’an.

As for Master, Senior Brother had just gone to the palace to inquire about his whereabouts. Even if they sent a message immediately by flying courier, it would take several days to return, so it probably wasn’t Master either.

The Prince of Jun’an asked curiously: “Could it be that Daoist Qing Xu is returning?”

Lin Chengyou stroked his chin, neither confirming nor denying.

Just then, the bell in the Cloud Meeting Hall rang – it was time for morning prayers.

Jue Sheng seized the opportunity: “Senior Brother, we’re going to morning prayers. You said last night for us to check on the injured at the Teng residence. They should be awake by now, so after prayers, we’ll go directly there.”

Lin Chengyou clearly had matters to discuss with the Prince of Jun’an and Yu Fengyu, so he merely waved his hand dismissively.

Jue Sheng had the bugs hidden in his sleeve and feared discovery. He quietly pulled Qi Zhi’s sleeve and casually walked outside.

Just as they crossed the threshold, they suddenly heard Lin Chengyou say from behind: “Wait.”

Not only did Jue Sheng not stop, but he walked faster. Lin Chengyou’s face broke into a smile as he snapped his fingers.

Jue Sheng tried to step forward but found he couldn’t move. Looking down, he saw a corner of yellow talisman paper exposed at the edge of his hemp shoes.

A Force Talisman! His mouth twisted as if about to cry – so Senior Brother had noticed something was wrong earlier. What should he do now? If Senior Brother discovered he had stolen temple items to give to Lady Teng, it would be terrible.

Lin Chengyou raised his eyebrows: “What good things are you hiding in your sleeve? Come here and let me see.”

Author’s Notes:

1. According to the Tang Dynasty’s official evaluation system, officials’ performance was divided into nine grades: upper-upper, upper-middle, upper-lower, middle-upper, middle-middle, middle-lower, lower-upper, lower-middle, and lower-lower.

2. The “privy” refers to the toilet.