Lin Chengyou led Teng Yuyi forward to pay respects to each elder.

After making the rounds, Teng Yuyi received many treasures.

Imperial Eunuch Guan also brought rewards from the Emperor and Empress, saying to Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi with a smile:

“The mansion of the Prince of Qingyuan will be the Prince and Princess’s new residence. Its renovation absolutely cannot be handled carelessly. His Majesty has appointed Chief Imperial Craftsman Feng Yu to personally oversee the construction. However, even the finest craftsman can only shape the major features—the minor details must be decided by Your Highness and the Princess. During these days of rest, Your Highness might take the Princess to make several visits to Qinren District. If you have any new ideas, you can inform Master Feng promptly.”

Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi thanked them and accepted the rewards.

Uncle Qu Ziyu had always favored his nephew, and hearing this, he nodded:

“‘Qingyuan’—’ Clear Origins’—this title truly couldn’t be more fitting for Young Master. Wasn’t this child born with the mission to ‘cleanse impurities and eliminate filth’? From a young age, he followed his Master to capture demons and subdue evil spirits. By eleven or twelve, he could handle matters independently, and later served in the Court of Judicial Review, solving no small number of strange and mysterious cases.”

Grandmother Qu Chen continued:

“Speaking of this, I remember once in the South City there was a flower demon who transformed into a beautiful woman and went about eating people’s hearts and livers. At that time, Youer was only twelve or thirteen, but he chased it for three days and three nights until he finally caught the demon. The flower demon saw how young the Young Master was and tried to bewitch him with honeyed words, but ended up being pinned to the ground by the Young Master and beaten into flower paste. We happened to be there—it made my heart tremble, but his mother was different, cheering him on from the side. Truly like mother, like son.”

Lin Xiao smiled slightly, while Qinyao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry:

“Mother, if you’re talking about the Young Master, just talk about him—why bring up your daughter?”

Teng Yuyi rarely heard such stories from Lin Chengyou’s childhood and listened with great interest.

Lin Xiao, fearing his wife’s embarrassment, said to his son and daughter-in-law:

“Alright, your Master must be thinking of you. Now that you’ve paid respects here, go to Qingyun Temple to kowtow to your Master.”

Teng Yuyi rose with Lin Chengyou, but Qu Qinyao beckoned her closer:

“That divine sword of yours—it can’t be retrieved, can it?”

Teng Yuyi said with regret:

“No.”

“You don’t know Daoist arts, to begin with, and now you don’t even have a suitable magical weapon. In the future, even if you go with Youer to subdue demons, how can you accumulate merits for yourself?”

Qu Qinyao lowered her voice and said, “Your Master has many treasures. When you go to Qingyun Temple later, just have Youer help you ask the Master for magical items. The Master will prepare gifts to celebrate your wedding—just pick the best ones. Even if the Master verbally refuses at first, he’ll give them to you in the end.”

Teng Yuyi nodded shyly.

After Qu Qinyao finished speaking, she looked up and noticed her son watching them. She said with a low laugh:

“Given Youer’s personality, he’s probably already been eyeing those treasures of his Master’s on your behalf. When you get to Qingyun Temple, Youer will even grab one for you if he has to. Go on now.”

Lin Chengyou held Teng Yuyi’s hand as they bid farewell to the elders:

“We’ll take our leave to pay respects to Master.”

At Qingyun Temple, before getting out of the carriage, Lin Chengyou indeed stopped Teng Yuyi:

“When we see Master, don’t speak first—follow my lead.”

Teng Yuyi’s eyes brightened:

“Are you going to help me get treasures?”

Lin Chengyou lifted Teng Yuyi’s hands to examine them, wearing a look of disapproval:

“Look at you—claiming to have studied martial arts with Dunfu for almost a year, yet you can’t even defeat a few thieves. Though your lightness skills aren’t bad, that’s only because you have the internal power I transferred to you as a foundation. I estimate at your rate of progress, it’ll take at least three to five years before you amount to anything. This time on our journey, besides going to Nanyang, we also need to visit Puyang, Jiangnan, and other places to catch demons. If I don’t help you get some good treasures now, you’ll only hold me back.”

Teng Yuyi raised her delicate eyebrows:

“Hah, in my view, Dunfu was truly wronged. The first complete martial arts I learned was the Peach Blossom Sword technique that Young Master taught me. Speaking truthfully, you are my real master. If the master doesn’t help his disciple make up for shortcomings, who will?”

“Isn’t that why I’m here helping you make up for them now? Later, just give me a signal when you see any magical items you like—I guarantee I’ll get them for you.”

Teng Yuyi’s heart lifted with joy, and she wrapped her arms around Lin Chengyou’s neck:

“Then you must first tell me which magical items are the best.”

Lin Chengyou pinched Teng Yuyi’s cheek:

“There are no inferior items in Master’s collection. Moreover, the better the magical item, the more it chooses its master—you need to like it, but it also needs to accept you. Anyway, don’t say anything later. The old master is very stingy—I’m the only one who knows how to get things from him.”

Teng Yuyi smiled and agreed.

Just as they stepped onto the stairs, Juesheng and Qizhi came whirling out like a windstorm to meet them.

“Senior Brother, Miss Teng.”

The old cultivators in the temple reminded them with a smile:

“You should call her Sister-in-law now.”

Juesheng and Qizhi said cheerfully:

“Senior Brother, Sister-in-law, Master is waiting for you in the scripture hall.”

With that, they ran back to the side room like the wind, busy preparing tea and snacks.

Teng Yuyi followed Lin Chengyou inside. Qingyun Temple’s pines and cypresses reached the sky, creating a world of Daoist tranquility. It was only thanks to Juesheng and Qizhi’s love of talking and laughter that it didn’t feel too lonely.

Master Qingxu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion in the scripture hall. Lin Chengyou led Teng Yuyi forward to kowtow:

“Master, your disciple, and Yu’er have come to pay our respects.”

Master Qingxu lifted his eyelids slightly:

“Rise.”

At this moment, the old cultivators came in carrying tea. Teng Yuyi respectfully served tea to Master Qingxu:

“Master, please drink your tea.”

Master Qingxu still maintained a stern face, though his eyes revealed a hint of a smile. He flicked his whisk, took the teacup with his right hand, finished the tea, and used the whisk to point at a tray to the side:

“A match made in heaven, in perfect harmony—these are Master’s gifts to celebrate your wedding. Take them.”

Lin Chengyou glanced over—on the tray were two rhinoceros horn ruyi scepters inlaid with gold, who knew from which corner his old master had dug them out? Looking at their style, they were most likely past rewards from the palace.

There were also two gold ingots, which seemed to be prepared by Master himself. Though the ingots were indeed bright yellow, they were only slightly larger than chestnuts.

He was truly exasperated—if he had known his Master would be so stingy, he would have sent some gold, silver, and jade items to the temple in advance.

Seeing Lin Chengyou’s expression, Teng Yuyi suppressed a smile as she lifted the tray high above her head, saying clearly:

“Yu’er thanks, Master.”

Master Qingxu raised his hand:

“Rise, rise.”

Just as the two sat down, Lin Chengyou suddenly said to Juesheng and Qizhi:

“How is your study of the Four Auxiliaries and Seven Parts coming along?”

Juesheng and Qizhi’s hands trembled as they held the snack tray:

“Still… still haven’t finished learning.”

Lin Chengyou sighed:

“Too young, skills not refined—Senior Brother doesn’t expect you’ll be much help in Puyang this time.”

Then he said to Master Qingxu:

“Master, we only know that the demon in Puyang has considerable magical power, but we don’t know its true nature. Uncle assigned the Five Daoists and Juesheng and Qizhi to go with me, but the Five Daoists habitually drink and make mistakes, and Juesheng and Qizhi are especially unreliable. Originally Yu’er had the Little Blade sword—with Yu’er’s intelligence, she could usually help your disciple deal with demons, but now she has lost her magical weapon. When the crucial moment comes, your disciple might be the only one who can handle it. Master, your disciple can’t be without a single useful person by his side—please help think of a solution.”

Master Qingxu shook his beard:

“Master can’t think of a solution.”

Lin Chengyou smiled:

“No matter, actually your disciple has already thought of a solution for you.”

“Oh? Then congratulations.”

Master Qingxu slowly shook out his sleeves and stood up, “Take Yu’er for a walk around the temple—Master is going back to the upper room to meditate.”

Lin Chengyou blocked his Master’s way, smiling as he said:

“Your disciple hasn’t finished speaking—the solution lies with you.”

Master Qingxu forcefully pulled back his sleeve:

“I don’t want to hear any of your tricks.”

With that, he began strolling out.

Strangely, this time Lin Chengyou didn’t stop him. Master Qingxu was walking slowly to the corridor when he suddenly realized something was wrong. After a moment’s thought, he reached into his wide sleeve to feel around—sure enough, the storehouse key that he never parted with was gone.

“You awful boy!”

By the time Master Qingxu rushed to the storehouse, Lin Chengyou had already brought out the treasures he had stored away for many years.

Ten or more mother-of-pearl inlaid treasure chests, some large, some small, some long, some flat, all with their lids open, filled the room with spiritual light.

Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi crouched in front of the chest lids, picking and choosing, while Juesheng and Qizhi foolishly helped advise on the side.

Master Qingxu stepped forward like an arrow and gave his disciple a sound knock on the back of his head:

“You awful boy, if I don’t give them to you, you just steal them?”

Lin Chengyou endured this blow, turning back with an innocent face:

“Your disciple is thinking of you, Master. On this journey to Puyang, your disciple knows nothing of that demon’s background—with the slightest carelessness, arms and legs could be broken. If Yu’er had a suitable magical weapon, your disciple would at least have a capable helper when subduing demons. As for Juesheng and Qizhi, there’s no need to mention them—if your disciple and Yu’er are injured, those two might not even make it back in one piece. When that time comes, wouldn’t you be the one who grieves most?”

“Can’t afford to grieve. What does it matter if arms and legs are broken? They’ll grow back anyway.”

Master Qingxu blew his beard and glared, though, despite his words, he didn’t snatch the items back, letting Lin Chengyou persuade him to sit to the side.

After settling his Master, Lin Chengyou pulled Teng Yuyi back to crouch before the chests. After picking through them for a while, he held up a strangely styled small shrine and turned to ask Master Qingxu:

“Look, wouldn’t this gold and silver tortoiseshell shrine be perfect for Yu’er?”

Master Qingxu couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Juesheng and Qizhi scratched their heads:

“This is too cumbersome—not good for wielding in hand.”

Seeing Lin Chengyou’s signal, Teng Yuyi deliberately weighed it in her palm:

“It is a bit heavy.”

Master Qingxu couldn’t bear to watch—this picking and choosing made Qingyun Temple’s storehouse seem like a market stall in the Western Market.

He closed his eyes and stroked his beard.

Lin Chengyou rummaged for a while and pulled out a red ivory ruler with openwork carving:

“This one’s light enough.”

Teng Yuyi shook her head:

“Too long and too rigid—not easy to hide on one’s person.”

“How about this?”

This time Lin Chengyou simply took out a mother-of-pearl purple sandalwood Ruan.

Teng Yuyi appeared very “troubled”:

“…This is too big… besides, I don’t know how to play the Ruan.”

“Foolish boy, can’t you pick something Yu’er can carry with her at all times?” Master Qingxu finally couldn’t help but speak up, “Look at what you’ve chosen—what are these?”

Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi exchanged smiles, then quickly furrowed their brows and responded:

“Your disciple is stupid—I only ask for Master’s guidance.”

“See those crimson embroidered shoes? They’re called Merchant-Leading Shoes, named after ‘the sound that leads merchants and carves feathers.’ They were made by the Golden Immortal who was most skilled in music by the side of the Primordial Yang Daoist Lord. They contain the thirty-six sounds of the nine lands and are especially good at bewitching evil spirits. The more skilled in music the owner is, the better they can use these shoes to control evil spirits. If Yu’er wears these shoes, she won’t need to carry a bunch of jingling items.

“And that ink-painted slingshot contains Three-Fold True Fire. The body is only as big as a palm—it won’t be conspicuous hidden in a sleeve.

“That agate silver incense ball is called the Purple Spirit Heavenly Gong Yu – Chapter Ball. It looks no different from ordinary sachets, but inside are hidden two invisible jade insect wings. When thrown to the ground, they can transform into a pair of jade butterflies. One butterfly wing is inscribed with the Supreme Daoist Lord’s ‘Great Eastern True Scripture,’ while the other wing bears the ‘Life-Summoning Incantation.’ Though its power isn’t particularly strong, it can still help its owner resist evil spirits for quite a while. Wouldn’t wearing this be much more convenient than carrying instruments like the ruan?”

Lin Chengyou listened while finding these three treasures to place before Teng Yuyi:

“Did you hear? These are Master’s gifts to you—quickly thank him.”

Teng Yuyi promptly stepped forward to the bow, saying loudly:

“Many thanks to Master for these precious gifts.”

Master Qingxu’s heart softened, and he bent to help Teng Yuyi up, though his expression remained stern when facing Lin Chengyou:

“Though the items are good, it depends on whether they accept their master. Let Yu’er try them first.”

“You awful boy, go set up the altar in the courtyard.”

Lin Chengyou hurriedly carried the three magical items out, first placing them on the offering table in the courtyard. After preparing everything, he invited the Master to the altar.

Master Qingxu performed the ritual steps and patterns, removing the seals from each magical item one by one. After the ceremony, the precious light above the three items seemed even more dazzling.

Lin Chengyou pulled Teng Yuyi to the offering table:

“Now you can try them.”

Teng Yuyi was most interested in the Merchant-Leading Shoes. She curiously stepped forward to touch them, vaguely feeling the shoes move. She thought it was just her imagination, but just as she was about to lift them from the offering table, the shoes suddenly seemed to grow feet of their own, jumping down from the table and pattering away toward the other end. Fortunately, Lin Chengyou moved extremely quickly and managed to catch them.

Master Qingxu shook his head:

“The first owner of these shoes was the Golden Immortal, and the second was True Person Xuanguang. Both True Persons were famously plump in figure—these shoes are used to such weight and probably don’t like light-bodied owners.”

Nothing could be done about that.

Master Qingxu suddenly slapped his forehead:

“Look at Master’s memory—that Purple Spirit Heavenly Gong Yu – Chapter Ball has always only accepted owners with innate Daoist true qi. Yu’er doesn’t know Daoist arts, so the incense ball might not accept her.”

Teng Yuyi was instantly extremely disappointed. Though she had learned some basics from Lin Chengyou, and he had transferred internal power to her several times, it was far from qualifying as “innate Daoist true qi”—it seemed the sachet ball couldn’t be counted on either.

She simply went directly to touch the ink-painted slingshot, but at that moment, the agate silver incense ball unexpectedly emerged from its box, rolling along the offering table until it reached Teng Yuyi’s waist before falling, perfectly entwining itself with her sash.

Teng Yuyi was startled. Lin Chengyou smiled and said:

“That’s the one.”

Teng Yuyi was bewildered:

“But I don’t have Daoist true qi—”

“Can’t you see it likes you?” Lin Chengyou said casually, “For spirit items like this, perhaps compatibility is most important.”

Master Qingxu looked suspiciously at his disciple, and Teng Yuyi was also full of doubts.

Lin Chengyou was deflecting, but never mind—she could ask in detail later. Teng Yuyi smiled as she lifted the silver incense ball, stroking it with great care:

“You’re called the Purple Spirit Heavenly Gong Yu – Chapter Ball, right? I’m Yu’er, and this is my husband Lin Chengyou. You can stay with me at ease—I’ll certainly treat you well in the future.”

The silver incense ball rolled back and forth in Teng Yuyi’s palm, appearing extremely affectionate. As it rolled, four tiny antennae suddenly emerged from its holes and waggled playfully.

Juesheng and Qizhi were thoroughly amused:

“These butterflies have such fun personalities—are they greeting Sister-in-law?”

Master Qingxu instructed Teng Yuyi:

“They are very greedy—you must not be careless when making offerings. Youer knows how to make the offerings—don’t be late with them.”

Teng Yuyi hurriedly agreed.

Master Qingxu glanced at his disciple:

“Now that you’ve chosen your magical items, you awful boy should be satisfied. Stop pestering Master—go on, go on.”

But Lin Chengyou wouldn’t leave:

“Now that Yu’er and I are here, we absolutely won’t leave without mooching a lunch from you.”

Master Qingxu snorted and walked away on his own, but no matter how stern his face was, he couldn’t hide the smile at the corners of his mouth.

Lin Chengyou pulled Teng Yuyi back to help tidy the storehouse.

First, they put away the remaining treasures, then carefully examined the locked Daoist texts.

Teng Yuyi could tell at a glance that Lin Chengyou was used to this. While helping dust everywhere, she asked:

“Do you often organize the storehouse?”

“Master is getting on in years—I can’t bear to let him labor. Whatever I can help manage, I do.”

“Senior Brother cares for Master.”

Qizhi picked up the conversation: “Though he’s been increasingly busy since taking his position at the Court of Judicial Review, Senior Brother still returns to rest at the temple almost every night. When he has free time during the day, he always comes to help manage affairs.”

Teng Yuyi was slightly stunned. Lin Chengyou turned back and smiled:

“What are you thinking about?”

“I’m thinking that from now on, we should come often to keep Master company…”

As she spoke, she looked up to see Lin Chengyou staring fixedly at a spot on the shelf.

“What’s wrong?”

Lin Chengyou reached into the shelf, carefully extracting an ivory bookmark from between the shelf and the wall. He brushed off the dust, revealing its original color—the item was very old, and the ivory had turned yellow.

It had probably been stuck behind the shelf partition before, so they hadn’t seen it. Earlier when they moved so many magical items off the shelf, they must have accidentally shifted its position.

Fortunately, the carved characters were still clear:

“Tianchang Year 11, received this book.”

Teng Yuyi and Lin Chengyou both showed surprised expressions:

“This is from forty years ago.”

Lin Chengyou recognized his Master’s handwriting and couldn’t help but look back at the shelf before him. There was a small wooden box with a lock that he knew extremely well because it contained the “Emotion-Breaking Gu” manual.

Judging from where the bookmark had fallen, it had originally been placed in this “Emotion-Breaking Gu” manual.

Lin Chengyou was stunned. He had always thought this book was confiscated from those evil practitioners of the Wuji Sect, but looking at the year on the bookmark, this book had been in Master’s possession forty years ago.

Forty years ago, Master had sought out this book for some unknown purpose, but never used it, until ten years ago when he, in his ignorance and recklessness, was accidentally poisoned by the gu in the bronze awl.

Teng Yuyi also understood this connection and was indescribably surprised. The Emotion-Breaking Gu was certainly for breaking emotions—could it be that the Daoist master had also had someone he yearned for but couldn’t have?

But the Daoist master had lived alone his whole life—she had thought he had never been moved by romantic feelings.

Ah yes…

Back then, Master Qingxu had risked death to save the Emperor, then endured hardships to raise him, suffering greatly to nurture the Emperor. Because he was used to living frugally, he had developed miserly habits. It was said the Daoist master raised the Emperor without complaint or regret only because he and the Emperor’s tragically deceased birth mother, Noble Consort Hui, had been acquaintances from their hometown.

But it was said Noble Consort Hui had entered the palace very early due to a twist of fate…

If not for extreme pain, the old Daoist master surely wouldn’t have thought to use evil arts like the “Emotion-Breaking Gu” to suppress his longing.

Lin Chengyou was only lost in thought for a moment before quickly tucking the ivory bookmark into his sleeve, then continuing to clean elsewhere as if nothing had happened.

Since Lin Chengyou didn’t mention it, Teng Yuyi naturally wouldn’t bring it up either.

The four of them left the storehouse. Afraid of Master’s scolding, Juesheng and Qizhi shuffled off to practice. Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi went to keep Master Qingxu company in the upper room, making tea and meditating with him, talking and laughing until the room had not a moment’s peace.

Master Qingxu was thoroughly annoyed, yet couldn’t bear to drive them away.

As he sat meditating with closed eyes, he suddenly noticed it had grown much quieter. Master Qingxu curiously opened his eyes to see the two children sitting on the window couch studying the “Life-Summoning Incantation.”

Lin Chengyou pointed at the page:

“Repeat after me: ‘If you wish to urgently drive away evil spirits, you must wear this talisman. A talisman is heaven and earth’s trust.'”

Teng Yuyi repeated this line, then closed her eyes and recited the rest in one breath, her voice clear as an oriole’s, without a single mistake in the entire text.

Lin Chengyou’s eyes were full of smiles.

Teng Yuyi opened her eyes again, propping her chin on one hand as she looked at Lin Chengyou:

“You said if I memorized it without missing a word, you’d teach me how to use talismans. Look, now I remember it all.”

Lin Chengyou shook out a talisman from his sleeve, opened Teng Yuyi’s fingers, and had her hold it properly.

“Watch carefully—I’ll only teach once.”

Teng Yuyi nodded without taking her eyes away.

Master Qingxu revealed a kind smile. This scene brought peace to one’s heart. He regulated his breath and closed his eyes again.

After lunch at the temple, Master Qingxu claimed he needed his afternoon rest and drove them away. Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi couldn’t linger any longer and had to leave the upper room.

Going down the steps, Teng Yuyi couldn’t help but turn to look at Lin Chengyou. From start to finish, he hadn’t asked Master about the ivory bookmark.

She looked back and, though separated by many courtyard gates, seemed to see Master Qingxu’s thin, aged face. Such a stern and serious old man, yet he had the deepest and most generous love in this world.

Teng Yuyi felt melancholy. When they reached an acacia tree, Lin Chengyou raised his right hand, and in just a moment, the ivory bookmark turned to powder, falling like snow into the soil.

“Let’s go.”

After scattering the powder, Lin Chengyou casually took Teng Yuyi’s hand and walked forward. Teng Yuyi looked back at the acacia in the courtyard and after a long while, let out a soft sigh.

Some inexpressible love should remain forever sealed in memory.

***

Just as the two returned to Prince Cheng’s mansion, Kuannu came running with Junnu:

“Young Master and Miss, you’re finally back—Miss Du and Young Master Du have been waiting for you in the east wing courtyard for a long time.”

Teng Yuyi happily urged Lin Chengyou:

“Let’s hurry back.”

Lin Chengyou also smiled:

“Has tea been served to Cousin Du and Cousin Du?”

“Did the Young Master need to ask about that?” Kuannu muttered softly.

“Why did you bring Junnu out?”

“The Second Young Master and Princess brought him out, but after just one round of play, the Prince and Princess took them to the palace. This servant hadn’t had time to tie Junnu back up.”

Teng Yuyi took Junnu’s leash:

“I’ll lead him.”

Then she asked Lin Chengyou for food:

“Give me some dried meat.”

Lin Chengyou took a pouch from his waist and handed it to Teng Yuyi:

“Don’t feed him too much—he’ll be even pickier later. By the way, that time when I went to Huaixi Circuit and left Junnu with you, I came back to find he’d gotten fatter. Tell me, what did you feed him those months?”

Teng Yuyi crouched down to pat Junnu’s head:

“Just some meat and fruit and such. Junnu is the Young Master’s treasure—if he’d gotten thin from hunger, wouldn’t the Young Master have blamed me? Junnu, how was the food at our Teng mansion?”

Before Junnu could respond, the Purple Spirit Heavenly Gong Yu – Chapter Ball at Teng Yuyi’s waist unexpectedly gave a roll.

Teng Yuyi was startled.

Lin Chengyou understood at a glance:

“Those butterflies inside are also greedy for the dried meat in your hand—give them some too.”

Then he smiled teasingly:

“Teng Yuyi, I’ve discovered that unless they’re first-class gluttons, they won’t gather around you. Little Blade was greedy enough, but it seems these greedy butterflies are even more unrestrained than Little Blade.”

After feeding them, Teng Yuyi patted her hands and stood up:

“Oh right, quickly tell me, why do I have innate Daoist true qi?”

Lin Chengyou evaded the question:

“I was planning to take you to tame that crimson flame horse, but since we have no time today, we might as well wait until you’ve rested for a few days before going to the stables.”

With that, he started walking away.

Teng Yuyi naturally wouldn’t fall for it and blocked Lin Chengyou’s path:

“Is there something strange about that Peach Blossom Sword technique?”

Lin Chengyou smiled without answering.

Teng Yuyi looked at him with a smile:

“I’ve long thought it strange. Since learning the Peach Blossom Sword technique, I haven’t had cold hands and feet at night anymore, but this sword technique only has seven moves—how could it have such a great effect? Tell me quickly, did you transfer some true qi to me?”

“Want to know? I’ll tell you tonight.”

“Why can you only tell me tonight?”

“Aren’t guests here now? After entertaining the guests, we still need to go to the palace for dinner. By the time we’re both free, it’ll be about nighttime.”

Teng Yuyi was suspicious:

“Then why are you blushing?”

“It’s just too hot.”

Lin Chengyou said no more and led his wife back to the east wing courtyard. The servants knew the young couple would inevitably have some intimate words to say and deliberately kept their distance.

It was spring, and the courtyard was full of flowers in bloom, with orioles singing and butterflies dancing. As Teng Yuyi walked and looked around, she felt every spot was secluded, every scene beautiful.

Compared to her Moon Above the Pool, Lin Chengyou’s courtyard was more refreshing and simple.

She had visited his residence before when Lin Chengyou was blind, but they weren’t married then, so even when she came, she wouldn’t stay long, let alone examine it carefully.

Today her feelings were naturally different—after all, until the Prince of Qingyuan’s mansion was finished being renovated, this would be her and Lin Chengyou’s residence.

“A rose bush would be nice here.” Teng Yuyi pointed here and there, “And we could add two banana trees there.”

Lin Chengyou clasped his hands behind his back and followed his wife’s gaze, looking here and there:

“Alright, whatever you want. Tell me what you want to add to Qinren District too. You love roses so much—if you want to plant a mansion full of roses then, that’s up to you.”

Teng Yuyi nodded with satisfaction:

“We should certainly plant many roses, but we can’t neglect other flowers. Think about it—if we only planted roses, how lonely the garden would be when the flowers wither.”

She counted on her fingers as she told Lin Chengyou:

“Second month’s apricot blossoms, third month’s forsythia, fourth month’s peonies, fifth month’s pomegranate, seventh month’s tuberoses… And we need Chinese pear, jasmine, golden flowers… We should plant them all.”

Lin Chengyou listened and nodded with a smile:

“That’s fine, but aren’t you afraid the Prince of Qingyuan’s mansion will turn into a giant garden?”

“This way I can make you flower cakes in all seasons, can’t I?”

Lin Chengyou fell silent.

“What’s wrong?”

“I want to kiss you.”

There were people all around.

Teng Yuyi blushed:

“How can you be like this? I’m discussing serious matters with you.”

“Which of my words wasn’t serious?”

“Young Master, Yu’er.”

They looked up at the voice to see the Du siblings sitting in the covered corridor. A phoenix feather mat was spread beneath them, covered with precious fruits and fragrant wines. In the gentle spring breeze, the siblings—one gracefully dignified, one delicately refined—looked remarkably similar.

Teng Yuyi and Lin Chengyou hurried to greet them:

“Elder Sister, Shaotang.”

The siblings rose to bow, saying apologetically:

“We should call you Prince and Princess now, but we’re so used to the old way, we can’t change immediately.”

Lin Chengyou lifted his robes to sit:

“If you called us that, it would feel too distant. Elder Sister is used to calling Yu’er little sister, so you might as well simply call me brother-in-law. Shaotang, you can just call me brother-in-law too.”

Du Tinglan’s gentle gaze fell on Teng Yuyi—her sister’s expression was full of joy, her beauty somehow even more delicate than before the wedding. Knowing her sister lived freely and happily, she felt genuinely happy for her.

“You’re newly married—my brother and I shouldn’t come disturbing you.”

Du Tinglan took a lacquer box from her maid’s hands and said softly, “We learned yesterday about Brother-in-law’s restored sight but didn’t have time to congratulate you during the ceremony. This morning our parents were so happy they couldn’t wait until Yu’er’s return home day. They prepared gifts early and had us come to offer congratulations.”

Teng Yuyi personally accepted the gifts and moved close to Du Tinglan:

“Father knows about this too, right? This morning the Young Master had messages sent to both families.”

“Uncle naturally knows—Father said Uncle was overjoyed.”

“Brother-in-law, I hear you and Sister Yu are going to Puyang to catch demons?”

Lin Chengyou swirled the osmanthus wine in his crystal cup, waiting for some alcohol to evaporate before placing it beside Teng Yuyi:

“The local monks and Daoists can’t handle that demon. His Majesty fears more civilians will suffer. Since we’re going to Nanyang with Abbot Yuanjue for a ceremony anyway, His Majesty asked us to subdue the demon on the way.”

Du Shaotang glanced at his sister beside him and said somewhat shyly:

“Elder Sister’s marriage to the Crown Prince is set for the seventh month—Brother-in-law and Cousin Yu must make it back in time.”

Du Tinglan’s face reddened slightly.

Lin Chengyou smiled and said:

“In Yu’er’s heart, Elder Sister’s matters are of the highest importance. In my heart, Aqi’s matters are also of the highest importance. Rest assured, we’ll make it back early no matter what.”

Suddenly a voice laughed from behind:

“What are you saying about me now?”

Everyone turned to see a noble young man in purple robes and a gold crown walking along the corridor. He had a properly square face with slightly thick lips, but his bearing was noble and his expression very kind.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The servants all bowed, and the Du siblings also withdrew to curtsy.

The Crown Prince couldn’t help looking at Du Tinglan—seeing her as graceful as a peony, remembering their words from their meeting days ago, his heart felt as sweet as honey, and his gaze grew even gentler.

Du Tinglan wouldn’t look at the Crown Prince in public, only blushing as she performed the proper courtesies.

The Crown Prince had to withdraw his gaze and sit down to address Lin Chengyou:

“Father and Mother worry your eyes might be unstable, so they specially sent me to check on you. How are they today—have they remained well all day?”

As he spoke, he deliberately waved his hand in front of Lin Chengyou’s eyes.

Lin Chengyou smiled and blocked the Crown Prince’s hand:

“Enough, I’m perfectly fine.”

The Crown Prince let out a great sigh of relief:

“It seems that Red Beard Wing has completely neutralized the gu worms in your body. But speaking of this, Father and Mother are curious—Sister-in-law, were you originally acquainted with the New Chang Prince’s widow? To even be able to get such a rare treasure as the Red Beard Wing.”

Lin Chengyou and Teng Yuyi awkwardly looked at each other before Teng Yuyi said with a smile:

“The New Chang Prince’s widow stayed at my home for a time ten years ago. My mother had shown her kindness, and since I knew her from childhood, we could be considered quite close.”

The Du siblings’ faces simultaneously flashed with surprise, which they quickly concealed.

Lin Chengyou, afraid of further questions at the table, rubbed his wine cup and said:

“Since we’re all so happy today, why don’t we play something? Shaotang, do you know archery? We could have an archery contest in the courtyard.”

Shaotang modestly shook his head.

The Crown Prince knew the Du family was conservative and hurriedly said:

“It’s rare to have a day or two of leisure—why bother with bows and arrows? Ada, you’re skilled with the flute, Shaotang with the konghou, Ting—Miss Du is said to be skilled with the ruan, my xiao playing isn’t bad, and Sister-in-law must also have some musical talent. Spring is in full bloom—why don’t we simply play some music?”

Lin Chengyou immediately became excited. He only knew his wife could play the qin but had never personally seen her perform. He had Kuannu bring his jade flute and arranged for unused konghou and xiao to be brought from storage. He turned to ask Teng Yuyi:

“Would you like to play the qin?”

Teng Yuyi enthusiastically told Chunrong:

“Go fetch the qin.”

When all the instruments were brought, the five remained seated, each holding an instrument and smiling at each other.

As the wind rose, fragrance filled the air, and everyone’s expressions were joyful.

Lin Chengyou said:

“The konghou is deep and profound—why don’t Shaotang start?”

Du Shaotang agreed with a smile, gripped the konghou firmly, tuned it briefly, and a solemn melody poured forth.

As soon as the tune began, Lin Chengyou’s expression instantly faded.

The Crown Prince’s smile also froze on his face.

Teng Yuyi and Du Tinglan looked at each other in surprise—it was “Yearning for Home,” a piece commonly heard in both the palace and the countryside.

Du Shaotang noticed their troubled expressions and stopped in confusion:

“What’s wrong?”

The Crown Prince frowned and sighed. The Prince of Tunan’s skill in recognizing and analyzing music was unmatched in the world, and he had personally taught music to Ada and his sister.

He particularly remembered that Mid-Autumn Festival when there was a palace banquet and someone suggested the Prince of Tunan and Ada perform together—they had played “Yearning for Home.” It was outside the Linde Hall of the Daming Palace, with frosty moonlight carpeting the ground before the hall. The Prince of Tunan and Ada, one playing qin, one playing the white jade flute, were truly resplendent.

After that, whenever uncle and nephew performed together, they almost always included “Yearning for Home.” Now hearing this tune again, how could they not feel uncomfortable? By rights, they should have changed the topic by starting a different song, but neither had the mood anymore.

The Prince of Tunan was now confined in Xingqing Palace. The Emperor, mindful of family ties, couldn’t bear to have him put to death, but officials inside and outside the court constantly submitted memorials saying the Prince of Tunan first raised violent followers to usurp the throne, then killed innocents to fulfill his ambitions—his crimes were unforgivable. From the tree demon’s havoc at Purple Cloud Tower to launching the palace coup in the eighth month, countless people had died at the Prince of Tunan’s hands.

By law such a person should be executed—they didn’t know why His Majesty delayed deciding. If His Majesty truly intended to be lenient, what would the world think?

But they both knew His Majesty’s hesitation was only because he pitied how the Prince of Tunan had been led astray from childhood by evil people and his mother. One moment of error had led to eternal damnation.

His crimes could not be forgiven, but his circumstances were truly pitiable.

As a half-brother to the Prince of Tunan, how could one bear to kill him?

Teng Yuyi stared blankly at Lin Chengyou from the side. She rarely saw such a troubled expression on his face, and besides surprise, her heart was full of various speculations.

After a moment, Lin Chengyou forced a smile:

“Shall we change to a different song?”

Just as Teng Yuyi was about to speak, Matron Caiping hurried over:

“Crown Prince, Young Master, there’s an urgent matter for you at the palace.”

Everyone was startled. Lin Chengyou paused, then said to Teng Yuyi:

“Chat with Elder Sister—I’ll be back soon.”

Teng Yuyi quickly nodded.

Even after the Crown Prince and Lin Chengyou left, the three remained somewhat dazed.

Given the circumstances, surely something major had happened at the palace—but if it was truly major, why hadn’t Imperial Eunuch Guan come to announce it?

The three had no heart for more tea and music. Teng Yuyi walked with Du Tinglan in the courtyard, then pulled her sister back to the inner room to talk.

Seeing her sister’s tired expression, Du Tinglan said:

“You’re still newlyweds—my brother and I shouldn’t stay long. You should rest first—when the Young Master returns, you’ll know what happened.”

Teng Yuyi changed into sleeping clothes and lay down, placing the Purple Spirit Heavenly Gong Yu – Chapter Ball beside her pillow. She suddenly grabbed her sister’s hand and said softly:

“I think something has happened to the Prince of Tunan.”

Du Tinglan was surprised and sat on the bed’s edge:

“Why do you say that?”

“Sister, think about it—Matron Caiping is an old servant of Prince Cheng’s mansion and doesn’t usually come to deliver messages personally. For even her to be so formal, it must be urgent. Yet strangely, Matron Caiping didn’t say what the matter was—for the royal family, isn’t the Prince of Tunan’s situation the only thing that’s ‘unspeakable’ right now?”

Du Tinglan sighed:

“If it’s him, I really can’t feel pity. No matter what reasons a person has, they shouldn’t harm innocents, and he indirectly harmed you too.”

Teng Yuyi fell silent. Her sister only knew to care for her, not knowing that her death in her previous life was also related to the Prince of Tunan. Even in this life, her sister had nearly fallen victim to Lu Zhao’an’s group.

As for her death in her previous life—Teng Yuyi felt deep regret. Though they had tied on the Twin Lives Twin Companions Knot last night, neither she nor Lin Chengyou had dreamed of the previous life. It seemed the mysteries remaining in her heart were destined to remain unclear.

As Teng Yuyi pondered while arranging her quilt and pillow, she accidentally found a red cord under the pillow. Pulling it out to look, it was the Twin Lives Twin Companions Knot. This morning Lin Chengyou had instructed it be kept safe—Bilochun probably feared losing it and had tucked it under the pillow.

Teng Yuyi glanced at it and tucked the red cord back:

“Sister, stay and talk with me more.”

Du Tinglan tucked in the corners of Teng Yuyi’s quilt:

“Alright.”

Perhaps because she was exhausted from the past few days, as Teng Yuyi talked, drowsiness suddenly overwhelmed her, and she fell asleep after just a few sentences.

When Teng Yuyi next became conscious, she felt her chest and lungs about to burst with pain. She forced her eyes open and suddenly choked on a great mouthful as large amounts of ice-cold water poured down her throat into her lungs, making her whole body shudder.

Teng Yuyi froze, frantically looking around—wasn’t—wasn’t this the pond where she drowned in her previous life?

Just moments ago she had been resting in her and Lin Chengyou’s bedroom. Her soul scattered in terror as she struggled in the water, cursing how her limbs had become stiff as wood, while gradually the heartbeat in her chest grew weaker.

After struggling feebly for a while, that feeling of desperate helplessness came again. With blurry eyes half-open, she drifted hazily in the icy water. When she had only one breath left, someone suddenly dove into the pond from the bank, swimming quickly toward her.

At that moment, Teng Yuyi’s heart gave a violent tremor in her chest, and her vision once again fell into eternal darkness.

Teng Yuyi kept her eyes closed, quietly waiting to fall back into the netherworld. As she waited, she suddenly realized something was wrong—though she had died, she could still clearly hear water.

She hurriedly opened her eyes and suddenly found herself still in the pond, but she was no longer cold or in pain. Her whole being felt weightless, as if without sensation.

In the next moment, she saw someone floating quietly in the pond, so close she could see every eyelash. That face was still beautiful but now completely lifeless.

Teng Yuyi’s throat constricted—that was her dead self. Somehow it looked particularly pitiful. She moved closer in distress, wanting to embrace the lonely corpse, when another person swam over quickly through the water, grabbed the drowned girl into his arms, and immediately began swimming toward shore.

Teng Yuyi’s pupils contracted violently. The moment she saw that person’s face, it was as if something shattered her heart.

All her guesses paled in comparison to seeing it with her own eyes—it was—it was truly Lin Chengyou.

Her whole body trembled, her vision spinning. She clutched her collar and opened her mouth wanting to call to him, but heat and tears caught in her throat.

“Lin Chengyou.”

She choked out his name, but Lin Chengyou seemed unable to hear anything behind him.

Tears silently rolled down Teng Yuyi’s cheeks as she instinctively followed. With his skilled movements, Lin Chengyou quickly swam to the shore, first pushing her corpse up onto the bank before pulling himself up.

It was deep winter, with snow piled along the pond pavilion. A solitary moon hung overhead, dimly illuminating the empty Teng mansion.

The moonlight fell on the bank, lighting Lin Chengyou’s features with perfect clarity.

He was soaked from head to toe. After being in the icy water for so long, his complexion was much paler than usual. He wiped his face, but water still dripped steadily down his cheeks. Yet he paid no attention to this, focused only on crouching by the bank to try to save her.

“Lin Chengyou, I’m right here.”

Teng Yuyi’s eyes were full of tears as she drifted closer, but no matter how she called him, Lin Chengyou remained unaware. Teng Yuyi grew anxious and moved forward to embrace his shoulders, but Lin Chengyou still did not react.

His entire attention was focused on the young woman’s corpse before him. After struggling to save her for a while, he seemed to finally realize it was too late. His expression became extremely troubled. After a long daze, he slumped down to the side.

When Lin Chengyou stopped, silence returned to their surroundings.

On this cold winter night, in the lonely world, only Lin Chengyou’s chaotic breathing could be heard. He seemed frozen, his appearance indescribably dejected. He sat numbly for so long that the water drops on his brows were nearly freezing. Finally, he slowly raised his hand to wipe his face: “So you were A’gu.”

His tone was filled with as much regret as possible.

Teng Yuyi pushed him sorrowfully: “Lin Chengyou, I’m right here, look at me.”

Lin Chengyou was silent for a moment, then pulled over the soaked fox fur cloak to cover the young woman’s corpse from head to toe. He suddenly stood up. At that moment, ten or more figures appeared on the wall, two of them carrying something heavy as they jumped down and ran toward Lin Chengyou.

The leader was Kuannu, who was startled to see Lin Chengyou completely soaked from far away: “Young Master?”

He hurriedly turned to instruct those behind him: “Quickly fetch the Young Master’s fur coat from the carriage.”

As they spoke, the group placed down the corpse of a black-clothed person, then suddenly discovered another corpse by the pond covered with a fox fur cloak.

“This is—” Kuannu’s expression changed dramatically, “General Teng’s daughter?”

Lin Chengyou stared coldly at the empty top of the wall: “I told you to surround them—did you catch anyone alive?!”

Kuannu tensed: “Those people were not only highly skilled in martial arts but also well-versed in evil arts. It happened so suddenly—we only caught one earlier, but before this servant could question him, he bit poison and killed himself. This was found on his body, with no other items.”

Lin Chengyou took the silver thread-like object and examined it silently.

At the same time, another large group of armed guards carrying torches emerged from the other end of the garden. In the firelight, the shadows showed at least fifty people.

“Young Master, we checked along the way—most of the mansion’s stewards and guards were ambushed. The few who survived by luck are all dazed and confused. We just don’t know where General Teng’s daughter is—”

Seeing the corpse covered by the snow-white fox fur on the ground, everyone’s expressions changed dramatically.

Lin Chengyou spoke coldly: “Search everywhere—there might still be survivors in the mansion.”

“Yes.”

After everyone dispersed, Lin Chengyou crouched to examine the black-clothed person’s corpse: “The person in the black cloak who fought me on the wall was the leader of this group tonight. I was in a hurry to save someone and had no time to continue fighting, so she escaped, but during the fight that person revealed their identity—it should be a woman.”

Kuannu was shocked: “A woman?!”

“And a short woman at that. She wore a large cloak to disguise herself as a man. Earlier, if I hadn’t kicked her shin, I wouldn’t have noticed everything below her ‘knees’ was wooden stilts. Later when I grabbed her shoulder, I discovered she had also padded underneath. There are many short men, but only a woman would have such delicate bones.”

As he spoke, Lin Chengyou searched the black-clothed corpse again, then stood to gesture: “About this tall. No perfume, no accessories, fresh fighting techniques, and extensive disguising of her figure. Going to such lengths means either she feared being recognized by people in the Teng mansion, or she is a prominent figure in Chang’an.”

Teng Yuyi felt ice-cold all over—Master Jinchen!

To help Wu Qi eliminate competition for the Crown Prince’s bride selection, Master Jinchen had personally taken action.

“It’s Master Jinchen,” she hurriedly stood on tiptoe to speak in Lin Chengyou’s ear. “Quickly investigate Master Jinchen.”

Lin Chengyou remained completely unaware.

Not just Lin Chengyou—none of the people by the pond could hear her voice.

After giving instructions here, Lin Chengyou left his guards to watch over Teng Yuyi’s corpse while he walked toward the outer courtyard. Teng Yuyi was drawn along, drifting behind Lin Chengyou.

The study was brightly lit, with not only the earlier guards but also Imperial Guards who had been summoned.

“Young Master, those people seemed to be looking for something—they turned the study inside out.”

Teng Yuyi followed Lin Chengyou to the treasure cabinet. Sure enough, that hidden compartment had been pried open. Strangely, the letter signed “From Wu of Nanzhao Nation” had been carelessly discarded in a corner.

Lin Chengyou picked up the letter and shook off the dust. The letter read:

[Since parting in Nanzhao Nation, it has been ten years since I’ve seen General Teng.

[This humble one has never forgotten the General’s kindness in sending me off to marriage. The other day I suddenly saw Sister-in-law in a dream and woke with tears soaking my collar. After ten years of life and death, neither side can forget. I especially remember how the General and Sister-in-law were as close as glue and lacquer. Alas, her fragrant soul has departed—the General must take care of himself.

[When taking refuge in Yangzhou, I was fortunate to receive my Sister-in-law’s attentive care. Thinking of it recently, she is often in my thoughts. Though the General surely won’t believe my words, I still dare to present myself: Though those matters in Nanyang City were spoken by Grandfather when drunk, Grandfather had followed Old General Teng unto death. In such matters concerning the Teng family’s ancestral prestige, he would never dare to fabricate. Back then, Sister-in-law repeatedly miscarried and was repeatedly troubled by nightmares. This humble one has been thinking lately—could Sister-in-law’s illness have been related to the Nanyang matter?]

In the latter part of the letter, Wu Yingying tactfully told Teng Shao that in recent days she had gradually recalled some things from back then. The letter couldn’t detail everything—if General Teng wanted to know more, he could have old servant Wu Si bring her a letter.

Looking at the date, this letter was written to Teng Shao half a year after the Prince of Xinchang’s death.

Teng Yuyi smiled coldly. Seeing no other reply letters in the hidden compartment, it seemed Father hadn’t written back then, but Father must have finally begun to suspect the cause of Mother’s illness mentioned in the letter, otherwise he wouldn’t have locked this letter in such a private compartment.

“The Battle of Nanyang.” Lin Chengyou’s eyes showed contemplation. He then raised the candlestick to examine the outer envelope. “There are boot prints on the letter that look fresh. I guess those people originally wanted to take the letter but were stopped by the Teng mansion’s guards. During the fight, the letter fell into the corner behind the desk, and they didn’t have time to retrieve it when escaping.”

He tucked the letter into his robes after thoroughly searching inside and outside the study. There were four hidden compartments in the walls and corners—all had been pried open.

“All the valuables are here, but one type of thing is missing.”

Kuannu was confused: “What items?”

“Letters and official documents.” Lin Chengyou stood in the room looking around. “For the study of the Huainan Circuit’s Military Commissioner to be so clean of even a single military report or letter—it can only mean those people took the letters as soon as they arrived.”

Jingnu was surprised: “What kind of people would steal internal documents from the Zhenhai Army?”

“People with ulterior motives. Though General Teng has died, those old subordinates of the Zhenhai Army are still around, like Lu Yan and Liu Wenxiu—all renowned generals with prestige. They were loyal to General Teng, and when they couldn’t come to see him personally in the past, they could only report by letter. When the court issued orders, the letters inevitably contained some complaints. As for the Zhenhai Army’s internal documents, the contents were even more varied. Those people took the letters probably hoping to find leverage against these people.”

“So they want to control the Zhenhai Army?”

“At least control its high-ranking generals.” Lin Chengyou walked outside and crouched to examine the chaotic footprints in the snow. “Look at these traces—they headed straight for the study when they arrived.”

Kuannu hurried to follow: “Then surely Peng Zhen is behind this. With the court’s punitive expedition about to set out, if Peng Zhen can find leverage against Lu Yan and others of the Zhenhai Army before then, he won’t fear being caught between the court and the Zhenhai Army.”

Lin Chengyou neither agreed nor disagreed. After a moment he said suspiciously: “Peng Zhen has already openly rebelled—he probably wouldn’t fear adding another family massacre to his crimes. But tonight these people all concealed their faces, clearly very afraid of their identities being known. Besides, Miss Teng may not have known about Zhenhai Army military affairs—why did they have to kill her?”

By now Teng Yuyi had figured out the whole truth and hurriedly crouched beside Lin Chengyou: “No, no, it wasn’t Peng Zhen—it was the Prince of Tunan. Taking Father’s letters and documents was to control Uncle Lu and the others. Killing Me was to help Wu Qi become the Crown Prince’s bride. The Prince of Tunan had long held leverage over Wu Qi—if she became the Crown Prince’s bride, he would not only have a chance to control the Eastern Palace and Crown Prince but could also use Wu Qi to threaten Minister Wu. But the Prince of Tunan hadn’t expected the Crown Prince now intends to marry me—without killing me, none of his moves would work.”

But Lin Chengyou stood and walked toward the courtyard. Teng Yuyi was about to follow when she suddenly stumbled. When she got up again, her surroundings suddenly brightened.

Before her was a wide street market, bustling with people.

Teng Yuyi turned around to find herself standing at the entrance of a shop selling Hu-style flatbreads. Lin Chengyou and Yan Zhizhi sat in an inconspicuous corner inside.

Teng Yuyi was startled and hurried back inside to sit beside Lin Chengyou, just hearing Yan Zhizhi say in surprised low tones: “Inspector Lin suspects those people killed Miss Teng because she might become the Crown Prince’s bride?”

Teng Yuyi examined this colleague whom Lin Chengyou most admired with an almost sorrowful gaze. In his blue robes and headwrap, with slightly elongated eyes that held a clear, gentle gaze when looking at people, sitting as straight as bamboo or pine—crucially, at this moment Yan Zhizhi was a living person, not a cold corpse.

Lin Chengyou stared at the street corner outside the shop: “Everything is still just speculation. Let’s follow this Second Miss Wu first.”

Yan Zhizhi nodded with slight surprise: “The Crown Prince’s bride will be the future Empress—it concerns interests from all directions. It’s worth expending any amount of manpower and resources to pave the way. However, if we investigate along this line of thinking, all our previous deductions will have to be overturned. By the way, could the mastermind be Minister Wu? I really can’t imagine a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl having such capabilities. Also, there are currently three candidates for Crown Prince’s bride—besides Miss Teng and Second Miss Wu, there’s also Minister Deng’s granddaughter. Why not investigate the Deng family too?”

Lin Chengyou: “I already investigated. Minister Deng wants to promote his granddaughter before His Majesty to contend with Chief Minister Zheng and Minister Wu, but Miss Deng spends most of her time in Luoyang and only came to pay respects to the Empress on Winter Solstice last year. Looking at her lazy manner, she doesn’t seem desperate to become the Crown Prince’s bride. Second Miss Wu is different—this lady has a straightforward personality and seems uninterested in marrying into royalty on the surface, but after my careful investigation, guess what, Brother Yan? At any banquet the Crown Prince attends, Second Miss Wu is there.”

Yan Zhizhi listened attentively.

“Last year when the Crown Prince attended the polo tournament, Azhi and Changyi both saw Second Miss Wu in the women’s seats. Coincidentally, that day was the Elder Young Master Wu’s birthday—Second Miss Wu somehow made time to watch a match despite being so busy. These things seem unconnected, but together they seem too coincidental. As for Minister Wu, his depths can’t be gauged yet—better to first see who Second Miss Wu usually associates with, then judge whether Minister Wu is behind this.”

Yan Zhizhi’s gaze suddenly moved: “She’s come out.”

Teng Yuyi followed his gaze to see Second Miss Wu energetically emerging from the silk shop across the street.

Teng Yuyi stared hard at Wu Qi’s back as Lin Chengyou unhurriedly finished a cup of tea and said to Yan Zhizhi: “Brother Yan, let’s split up—you investigate who Miss Teng has associated with these past months, and I’ll follow Miss Wu. My martial arts are good—I’m not afraid she’ll notice me.”

Yan Zhizhi said: “Alright.”

Lin Chengyou left his seat. Teng Yuyi hurried to follow but was blinded by the sunlight outside. When she came to her senses, she was in what appeared to be a government office.

By the window was a desk and bookshelf. Yan Zhizhi sat at the desk reviewing case files while Lin Chengyou leaned against the shelf with his arms crossed, frowning in thought.

Though night had fallen, the two were still busy at the Court of Judicial Review.

“Just as we started investigating Wu Qi, she died suddenly from illness.” Yan Zhizhi sighed deeply. “The timing is too convenient. Yet the autopsy revealed nothing suspicious. We previously suspected Minister Wu was involved, but can we rule him out now? Even a tiger won’t eat its cubs—even if he feared we might trace things back to him through Wu Qi, he wouldn’t be cruel enough to kill his daughter first.”

After saying this, he received no response from Lin Chengyou for a long while. Yan Zhizhi turned back: “Inspector Lin, have you thought of something?”

“I’m wondering when exactly the information leaked?” Lin Chengyou frowned. “Miss Teng’s case is full of suspicious points. The Court of Judicial Review’s investigation has focused on Peng Zhen and his followers—who could have noticed so quickly that we were already suspecting Wu Qi?”

Yan Zhizhi paused: “The leak must have happened in recent days—the problem must lie either with you or with me. Let’s both think carefully—where have we been recently and who have we met?”

As he spoke, he recalled and listed his recent movements one by one.

Lin Chengyou suddenly said: “That day at Purple Cloud Tower, Changyi asked Wu Qi in front of everyone why she loved wearing red. She asked this because that day I had taken a list of Chang’an ladies to ask them which ladies left the deepest impression. I mixed in Second Miss Wu and Miss Deng’s names—Changyi and Azhi didn’t know my purpose and just spoke casually. Since Changyi is the Crown Prince’s sister, perhaps after that she also noticed how Wu Qi always appeared around the Crown Prince, leading to that question. To others, this might seem like idle chat, but to those with ulterior motives it would mean something different.”

Yan Zhizhi was startled: “Those who can enter Purple Cloud Tower are at least third-rank officials or above—could it be Minister Wu?”

Lin Chengyou’s gaze flickered: “Let me think who was present then…”

As Teng Yuyi listened, she wandered around the room, unconsciously reaching the desk where she saw two case files labeled “Lu Zhao’an Case” and “Du Tinglan Case.”

Both files were open, describing how Lu Zhao’an had used love gu to plot against Elder Sister and Zheng Shuangyin, how he had developed murderous intentions finding Elder Sister troublesome, and finally how he had strangled Elder Sister outside the bamboo grove at Moon Lantern Pavilion on the Upper Prime Festival night, among other criminal details.

Only in the column for motive for murder were there two characters: “Doubtful.”

The neat handwriting in the case files was probably Yan Zhizhi’s, but the two characters “Doubtful” were clearly in Lin Chengyou’s hand.

Teng Yuyi felt melancholy. Though she had already learned from Li Huaigu that Lin Chengyou had solved her sister’s case, seeing these details still moved her deeply. She drifted behind Lin Chengyou and silently pressed against his back.

Lin Chengyou seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around.

Yan Zhizhi was startled: “What’s wrong?”

Lin Chengyou looked around: “Strange—lately I keep feeling someone behind me.”

“Could it be some spirit passing by? But with Inspector Lin’s magical powers, you should be able to see it.”

Teng Yuyi suddenly felt playful and stood on tiptoe to put her face in front of Lin Chengyou’s, frustrated that his gaze only wandered above her, still unable to detect her presence.

Teng Yuyi deliberately waved her hand in front of Lin Chengyou’s eyes but then heard Yan Zhizhi exclaim: “It’s already past midnight without us noticing. Inspector Lin, you should head back first. Once I organize these files, I’ll also retire to rest.”

“No hurry—let me go through everything once more.” Lin Chengyou casually picked up a record book and sat at the opposite desk, leaning back against the chair as he reviewed the clues.

As Yan Zhizhi picked up his brush, he asked gently: “Inspector Lin, did you know General Teng’s daughter before? You arrived at the Teng mansion so quickly that night, and afterward, you investigated with particular thoroughness.”

Teng Yuyi leaned against the desk, resting her chin in her hand as she watched Lin Chengyou, who remained focused on reviewing the clues in the record: “You could say I knew her. When I was young and careless, I nearly drowned—it was this Miss Teng who saved me. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn whose child she was before we were separated. These years of searching for her were just to say a proper ‘thank you’ in person, but alas—”

Yan Zhizhi was surprised and sighed: “So that’s why.”

He comforted Lin Chengyou: “This case is complex—others might not be able to uncover the truth, but it’s different in Inspector Lin’s hands. You’ve said yourself there’s no case you can’t solve. As long as we can quickly find the murderer, if Miss Teng knows in the netherworld, at least she can reincarnate in peace.”

Lin Chengyou’s eyes showed contemplation: “But Miss Teng’s fate seems—”

He thought for a moment then swallowed his words: “Never mind.”

Just as Teng Yuyi was about to sit beside Lin Chengyou, she was suddenly pulled backward. When her feet steadied, she had unexpectedly arrived in a secluded courtyard. Flowers fell silently in the front yard, spring orioles sang in the flowering trees, and two chubby young Daoist boys sat cross-legged under the corridor, both dozing.

“Juesheng, Qizhi.” Teng Yuyi was both surprised and delighted. She called out to them several times, but Juesheng and Qizhi did not react. Teng Yuyi found it amusing and was about to make them sneeze, but before she could bring her finger near their round faces, familiar voices drifted out from the main house.

“Absurd! What does it matter if Miss Teng’s fate is strange—that’s still caused by her ancestors’ remnant karma? You dare help her borrow life—aren’t you afraid of the backlash on yourself?” It was Master Qingxu’s voice.

Teng Yuyi’s ears rang, and she hurriedly floated to the window to look inside. She saw Lin Chengyou lounging lazily on the couch, unbothered by his master’s scolding, casually tossing aside the slingshot in his hand: “Of course your disciple is afraid. But as you said, Master, this is the most vicious wrongly-bound curse you’ve ever seen. If no one helps manage it, Miss Teng and General Teng will die unjustly again and again until all the curses are repaid.”

“Such is fate.” Master Qingxu interrupted his disciple. “Neither you nor I can help!”

“We might be able to help. Your disciple has read that ‘Soul Scripture’—there are now two methods: changing fate patterns or borrowing lifespan. The former is like what you and Abbot Yuanjue did back then, directly exchanging fate patterns for Noble Consorts Hui and Yi, but this method can only save one person, and only if Miss Teng has just one curse left—otherwise she’ll still die tragically in future lives. The latter means directly gifting lifespan, preferably willingly given by someone with great fortune and long life, or taken from great evildoers. You’ve calculated that one of Miss Teng’s close relatives helped her obtain some good fortune—if we add some borrowed lifespan, perhaps Miss Teng might have some unexpected fortune in her next life. This bit of fortune might just help her and General Teng break the curse—once broken, it would be resolved forever.”

Master Qingxu sighed: “This goes against heaven—it will damage karmic merit no matter what. Master has never heard of anyone breaking a wrongly bound curse.”

Lin Chengyou sat up: “That’s not necessarily true—human effort can accomplish anything. You often say not repaying kindness also damages karmic merit. Back then your disciple promised to help that little benefactor find her mother but ended up abandoning her. Then Miss Teng met with disaster, and your disciple was again a step too late to save her—your disciple truly owes her a life. Now knowing this benefactor will die tragically in her next life too, I can’t help but feel some compassion.”

“You’ve already made up your mind?” Master Qingxu’s voice rose. “You’ve feared nothing since childhood—you probably think using evil arts to borrow some lifespan is no big deal. The master will make this clear to you today: everyone has their fortune. What you can do now is catch the murderer and help Miss Teng avenge herself. If you dare use evil arts without permission, your parents won’t need to act—Master will break your legs personally!”

Teng Yuyi was absorbed in listening at the window when she heard Lin Chengyou shout: “Who’s there?”

Before his words finished, a talisman flew from inside the window. Teng Yuyi hurriedly dodged to the side, but when she stood up again, she found her surroundings extremely noisy. Looking around in confusion, she saw a huge city gate had appeared before her. Flames burned fiercely, lighting up the entire sky. Below the city walls, horses and human shadows crossed chaotically, with shouts reaching the clouds. In waves of sword light like snow, people constantly fell from their horses.

Teng Yuyi was terrified and hurriedly looked around. The Imperial Guard had always been stationed around the imperial city—Xuanwu Gate in the south, and Xuande Gate in the north. This was the White Tiger Gate. Given the situation, could rebels be attacking the imperial gardens?

At this moment, something rolled to Teng Yuyi’s feet. She looked down to see it was a bloody, mangled head. Startled, and with arrows falling like rain that could take a life with the slightest carelessness, she hurriedly retreated. She turned to search for Lin Chengyou in the crowd: “Lin Chengyou! Lin Chengyou!”

Suddenly an arrow shot toward her forehead from across the way. Teng Yuyi hurried to dodge, but the arrow passed through her ethereal form and struck someone behind her.

Teng Yuyi turned to look. Blood mist sprayed in the air, the thick bloody smell assaulting her nose. The person who was shot was short in stature—after being hit, they staggered backward, desperately covering their wound.

Teng Yuyi’s gaze turned sharp—Master Jinchen!

Master Jinchen hissed angrily at those around her: “Don’t you understand? We’ve fallen into a trap! The White Tiger Gate is now surrounded by Imperial Guards—they’re just waiting for us to walk into their net. That day in Fuzhou Prefecture, the Prince of Cheng’s son was only hit by a normal arrow—the injury was real but the poison was fake. This plan was so thorough that everyone in the army was fooled—tonight we’ll surely fail! Quickly go tell Young Master Min to prepare!”

Just as Teng Yuyi hurried to follow, a short man came galloping on horseback. When he got close, he dismounted in one motion and scooped up Master Jinchen.

Master Jinchen: “Elder Brother!”

Teng Yuyi secretly observed the man—so this was Scattered Man Wenqing. Perhaps from years of hiding in the prince’s mansion’s cellar, Scattered Man Wenqing’s skin had a strange pallor, his hair thin and sparse, looking like dead grass from afar. But his martial arts were supernatural—he cut through enemies like entering unoccupied territory.

“It’s too early to say we’ve failed!” Scattered Man Wenqing shouted violently. “Come with me! Tonight no matter what we must first escort Young Master Min out of Chang’an. If he gets trapped too, it will be a certain defeat—do you all understand?”

“Yes!”

Teng Yuyi stumbled as she ran, and when she got up again, she found herself in front of the Linde Hall of the Daming Palace.

The heart-stopping sounds of battle from earlier had vanished. Everything was eerily quiet. Golden-armored guards stood before the hall, Imperial Guards holding weapons and holding their breath as if waiting for something.

Two people stood before the hall. One wore military clothes and a whip at his waist, radiating vigor, seemingly fresh from battle with his body covered in blood and dust, holding a gleaming long sword pointed at the other’s throat.

The other wore a three-ridged crown for traveling afar and crimson court robes with hidden dragon patterns—it was the Prince of Tunan.

“Lin Chengyou.” Teng Yuyi’s nose stung as she hurriedly pushed through the crowd to move forward. Something was completely wrong with Lin Chengyou—his face was splattered with blood, his left arm bound with cloth, the wound seemingly reopened with fresh blood seeping through the fabric.

His eyes were blood-red as he glared at the Prince of Tunan opposite him. Though the arm holding the sword didn’t move, the sword tip trembled slightly.

The Prince of Tunan had always been as clear as wind and bright as the moon, but now he was particularly wretched, his clothes stained with blood, several strands of black hair fallen loose at his temples. He stared fixedly at an embroidered package in his hand and laughed madly: “So that’s it—so that’s it—Mother, you deceived me so cruelly!”

He violently tore apart the embroidered package, his gaze suddenly turning cold as he grabbed Lin Chengyou’s long sword and forced it toward his own throat: “I know you hate Uncle extremely—to draw me out, you’ve been setting up this plan since last year. Look at the wound on your arm—you’ve been so ruthless with yourself to accomplish this. Simply put, you and I are the same kind of person. Now you’ve got what you wanted—kill your uncle and you can pacify this rebellion.”

But Lin Chengyou’s sword tip didn’t move at all.

In the dead silence, blood dripped steadily down the blade from the Prince of Tunan’s palm. He gripped the sword tightly, laughing mockingly: “Can’t bear to? I ordered your good colleague killed, and I had the Teng family massacre carried out three years ago. I hear you’ve always wanted to help Miss Teng borrow life, but couldn’t find anyone willing to donate their lifespan. Uncle is a great evildoer—take my lifespan. You needn’t fear heaven’s punishment.”

Teng Yuyi coldly watched the Prince of Tunan. Lin Chengyou’s eyes reddened as he smiled through gritted teeth: “No need! You made Miss Teng suffer so terribly—even if you’re willing to donate your lifespan, she might not want it!”

The Prince of Tunan nodded tragically: “Good, good, good. You’ve always acted honorably, even in repaying kindness you’re upright and open. Uncle isn’t like you—Uncle’s life ultimately went astray.”

As he spoke, he suddenly exerted force secretly. Lin Chengyou seemed to have anticipated this change and swiftly moved forward to grip the Prince of Tunan’s wrist, disregarding his wounds, but was still a step too late. Blood trickled from the corner of the Prince of Tunan’s mouth as he fell backward.

Lin Chengyou’s expression changed dramatically as he withdrew his sword and moved forward to catch him, but was still too late.

In an instant, the Prince of Tunan’s face was like golden paper. Lin Chengyou knelt on one knee beside him and gritted his teeth: “Uncle.”

The Prince of Tunan choked on blood but laughed indistinctly: “In this life, what I yearned for most was family affection. But fate is cruel—the more you want something, the more you can’t have it. Hearing you call me ‘Uncle’ tonight, I finally understand how wrong I was before.”

Before he could finish speaking, his expression suddenly froze. His face was so handsome and serene, looking no different from the usual Prince of Tunan, except for a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth—who knew if he was mocking himself or questioning heaven.

Lin Chengyou closed his eyes briefly.

Teng Yuyi felt indescribable heartache and moved forward to lean against Lin Chengyou, but then heard someone calling from behind: “Yu’er! Yu’er!”

Teng Yuyi turned back in surprise—this was Lin Chengyou’s voice, but Lin Chengyou was right beside her.

“Yu’er, Yu’er.” The other voice seemed deeply worried, growing more urgent.

Teng Yuyi anxiously looked around but couldn’t find the source of the voice. Without realizing it, she drifted to a willow tree in front of the hall. She saw an unusually bright place ahead and was about to step forward when a red cord flew from somewhere and tied itself to her. There was great force at the other end of the red cord, suddenly pulling her toward the bright place.

***

It was already evening when Lin Chengyou returned from Xingqing Palace, galloping the whole way in unusual silence.

Kuannu and others followed closely on horseback, none daring to make a sound. Halfway through the ride, Lin Chengyou seemed to feel chest tightness and suddenly pulled his reins to stop by the road, gasping for breath.

Kuannu worried and hurriedly stopped too: “Young Master?” Seeing Lin Chengyou’s expression, the words caught in his throat—without realizing it, the Young Master’s face was covered in tears.

Kuannu silently withdrew to the side.

Lin Chengyou didn’t respond, expressionlessly pulled his reins, and continued galloping.

Kuannu couldn’t help but sigh heavily in his heart.

At noon, the Prince of Tunan hanged himself in Xingqing Palace. To prevent discovery or interference, he had first drawn a rough formation at the entrance with his blood. By the time the imperial guards discovered something wrong, the Prince had been dead for some time.

He left so decisively, without leaving even a word.

When the news spread, those voices dissatisfied with His Majesty and the Prince of Cheng immediately dispersed.

He remembered that night when the Young Master, despite being blind, had gone to Xingqing Palace to visit the Prince of Tunan—whatever needed to be asked or said, the Young Master must have said it all that night.

Since then, the Prince had never repented his crimes. Given the Young Master’s nature, even if not for Yan Zhizhi’s death, just for how the Young Lady had died once that night due to the Prince’s schemes, he would deeply hate this uncle of his.

But with the Prince’s death, the Young Master was still grieved to the extreme.

Just as he was thinking this, Lin Chengyou suddenly pulled his reins and dismounted. Kuannu was startled, only then realizing they had reached the mansion gates.

Lin Chengyou climbed the steps, entered the mansion, and headed straight for the east wing courtyard.

His heart was both pained and bitter—he just wanted to see his wife as quickly as possible. Even without speaking, just pinching her soft earlobes would bring comfort.

“Is the Young Lady still napping?” Lin Chengyou asked the servants as he walked, but saw several matrons hurrying toward him.

“Young Master, something seems wrong with the Young Lady.”

Lin Chengyou’s expression changed suddenly: “What’s wrong? What nonsense are you talking about?”

The old matrons spoke urgently: “The Young Master will understand when you see—the Young Lady started napping as soon as you left and has been sleeping for two hours. Chunrong and others thought she was just exhausted and didn’t dare disturb her. But now it’s dark and the Young Lady still shows no signs of waking. Several maids had no choice but to go in and try to wake her, but they couldn’t wake her at all. Not only that, but the Young Lady is trembling all over and talking nonsense. The Prince and Princess are still at the palace—this old servant was just about to send word to the Young Master.”

Before they finished speaking, Lin Chengyou had vanished.

Lin Chengyou hurried to the east wing courtyard, hearing chaotic voices from the main house. His heart grew more anxious as he began running along the corridor.

Entering the room full of maids, he shouted: “Everyone get out!” Moving forward to lift the curtain, he saw his wife lying in bed, who knew what she was dreaming of—her white forehead was covered in beads of sweat.

“Yu’er.” Lin Chengyou anxiously bent down to feel his wife’s forehead—far from being hot, it was extremely cold. Looking carefully around, there were no signs of evil spirits causing trouble.

His heart pounded—could she be having a nightmare?

“Quickly go to the Imperial Dispensary to request a doctor!” Then he called softly again, “Yu’er, Yu’er.”

Teng Yuyi trembled and spoke in her sleep. Lin Chengyou leaned close to listen carefully and heard his wife murmuring: “Lin Chengyou, he’s the murderer, he’s the one…”

A white light flashed through Lin Chengyou’s mind. He hurriedly lifted the quilt to check his wife’s ankle but found the Twin Lives Twin Companions Knot wasn’t tied there. After searching elsewhere, he finally found the red cord on his wife’s right little finger. His wife would never tie this red cord without reason—could it be that the cord had sensed his wife’s past life karma and tied itself? No wonder the cord’s color looked brighter than usual.

Just then Teng Yuyi screamed again. Cold sweat broke out on Lin Chengyou’s forehead as he hurriedly embraced his wife, constantly patting her: “Yu’er, don’t be afraid, I’m here.”

When Teng Yuyi became calmer, Lin Chengyou quickly took out the red cord. Following the mental techniques taught by the Jade True Person of the Purple Ultimate Official Register of Luoyang, he recited an incantation with sweat pouring down his face, then quickly tied the other end to his fingertip. Suppressing his chaotic thoughts, he forced himself to close his eyes and feel. After quite a while, feeling no difference, he was about to open his eyes when he suddenly felt someone pull him from behind.

Lin Chengyou struck backward with his elbow but hit nothing. Before he could make another move, his ears suddenly became extremely noisy.

He opened his eyes in surprise to find himself in a garden with exquisite pools and pavilions, the layout quite familiar. Looking carefully, it was the Jade Truth Daoist Nunnery.

Just as he was feeling puzzled, familiar laughter came from beside him. Lin Chengyou turned toward the sound to see a youth carrying a golden bow passing through the garden.

The youth’s laughter was like pearls, his appearance extraordinarily handsome.

“Isn’t that me?” Lin Chengyou was bewildered.

Then he heard girls whispering behind him: “Look, that’s the Prince of Cheng’s son.”

Lin Chengyou looked back to see the trees full of richly dressed ladies.

With one glance, Lin Chengyou recognized Teng Yuyi sitting on the east side. She wore a green-calyxed upper garment with a white silk skirt tied at her chest, pomegranate red silk ribbons hanging at her chest, and upturned shoes also in pomegranate red. Even among so many noble ladies, she was the most outstanding in appearance, with bright, lively eyes in her flower-like face.

Lin Chengyou knew he had entered his wife’s previous life dream and anxiously walked toward her instinctively: “Yu’er, come back with me.”

After a few steps, he realized Teng Yuyi was staring at something else. Following her gaze back, he discovered she was secretly observing that youth with the golden bow. Her gaze was intense—who knew what she was thinking, but that determined expression was amusing.

Lin Chengyou couldn’t help but smile. He walked in front of Teng Yuyi, crouched down, and waved his hand in front of her eyes, deliberately asking: “What’s so interesting to look at?”

At this touch, there was only emptiness before him—it seemed in this dream he could only be an observing spirit. But he heard the girls saying softly: “They say it’s flower viewing, but it’s choosing brides for the imperial clan members. Even the Princess of Cheng came—looks like they’re seriously looking for the Young Master. I heard the Prince and Princess of Cheng don’t care about family background, they only look at character. Whoever performs most outstandingly today, the Princess will likely question personally.”

Another person said softly: “Stop talking—the Empress and Princess of Cheng have given the topic: a seven-line regulated verse on ‘Appreciating Spring.'”

Lin Chengyou watched Teng Yuyi without blinking.

Teng Yuyi appeared nonchalant, but her ears were perked up. Hearing this, she tensed and began composing poetry with all her might.

The smile in Lin Chengyou’s eyes deepened.

Soon, the poem was complete.

Lin Chengyou stroked his chin, reading the poem word by word from the side. The “Appreciating Spring” poem was written exquisitely, clearly showing much thought. He glanced at his wife and simply sat down beside her. Soon, palace servants came to collect the poems. Teng Yuyi carefully presented her composition.

Before long, an announcer came to Teng Yuyi with a smile: “Congratulations to Miss Teng—the Empress and Princess of Cheng have personally selected Miss Teng’s poem as today’s finest. They summon Miss Teng for an audience.”

Teng Yuyi hurriedly agreed, her eyes even brighter than before when she lowered her head.

Lin Chengyou’s heart melted completely, and he instinctively followed, but suddenly felt light-footed and with a flash found himself in another place.

It was a magnificent palace garden, unusually quiet. After walking around, Lin Chengyou saw another version of himself sitting in the courtyard.

Probably bored, the youth held a bow and idly shot arrows for entertainment.

At this moment, someone came from the end of the corridor—it was Imperial Eunuch Guan, trotting over with a scroll painting: “The portrait is finished, please review it, Young Master.”

The youth found it somewhat amusing: “Aunt called me to the palace early this morning just for this?”

Imperial Eunuch Guan persuaded earnestly: “The Daoist master also said that perhaps everyone guessed wrong in the past—the Emotion-Breaking Gu might not prevent men from feeling emotions but have other harmful effects. To break this gu, the only way is for the Young Master to first fall in love. Why doesn’t the Young Master take this opportunity to look properly—you might meet someone you like. You were at the flower viewing that day—Miss Teng’s learning and appearance are truly outstanding. The Empress also said she won’t force you—anyway, see if you like each other first.”

As he spoke, he slowly unrolled the painting, revealing a fairy-like young lady.

The youth glanced carelessly.

Lin Chengyou sat beside the youth to remind him: “Hey, what are you waiting for? She’s the best young lady in the world.”

But he heard the youth say: “Won’t marry her.”

Lin Chengyou felt like thunder had rolled over his head. Imperial Eunuch Guan was also stunned.

The youth unhurriedly cleaned his bow and arrows: “So what if she’s excellent at poetry and music? I don’t see anything special. The young lady I want must at least suit my taste—never mind anything else, her personality must be fun enough. I have no interest in this Miss Teng.”

Lin Chengyou pushed him: “Are you stupid or blind? Teng Yuyi is the most fun young lady in the world—”

The youth dusted off his robes and left gracefully with his bow.

Lin Chengyou was about to chase down the steps when his footing suddenly emptied again. Opening his eyes, he found himself in a bedroom decorated exquisitely, with a sweet clean rose fragrance filling the air.

Turning his head, he saw Teng Yuyi sitting properly, blending fragrances. Chunrong and Biluo timidly relayed Butler Cheng’s words: “The Prince of Cheng’s son looked at Young Lady’s portrait, then said ‘won’t marry.'”

Teng Yuyi accidentally knocked over the fragrance cup.

Lin Chengyou frustratedly slapped his forehead—if he weren’t powerless in this dream, he would have strangled his other self.

He heard Teng Yuyi snort carelessly: “I understand. I should go accompany Aunt—pack things up.”

She stirred the white honey in the fragrance cup for a while, then went to the washroom to bathe. As she approached, Lin Chengyou heard Teng Yuyi quietly click her tongue: “Won’t marry? Well, I won’t marry either.”

Lin Chengyou’s heart trembled. He hurriedly said with a smile: “That fool isn’t me. Yu’er, I know how wonderful you are—how could I not want to marry you? That person was blinded by ignorance, literally blind. Don’t be angry first—I’ll punish that fool for you—”

Teng Yuyi completely ignored him. Lin Chengyou almost followed into the washroom but fortunately remembered she wasn’t his wife yet and had to stop at the curtain. Just then, a maid ran in panicking: “Young Lady, something’s wrong with Aunt Du!”

The curtain lifted as Teng Yuyi emerged pale-faced from the washroom: “Prepare the carriage—to the Du mansion.”

Lin Chengyou rarely saw Teng Yuyi so flustered, and his chest ached in sympathy.

Just as he was about to follow to investigate, a blinding white light shot toward him. When he came to his senses, he had hazily arrived at a familiar mansion. Looking around, he immediately recognized it as the outer study of the Teng mansion.

It was deep winter, and every corner of the mansion was covered in snow.

Lin Chengyou stood in the snow for a moment. Just as he was about to search for Teng Yuyi, he heard sounds from the study. Following the soundover, he was shocked by the scene inside.

Teng Yuyi was dressed in plain white mourning clothes, without a single ornament in her double buns.

Lin Chengyou froze at the door—only one person could make Teng Yuyi wear full mourning. Could General Teng have passed away? But if even General Teng was gone, Yu’er would be all alone. His heart was in chaos as he moved closer to examine Teng Yuyi—her expression was wooden, her whole person much thinner. “Yu’er—” Lin Chengyou carefully reached out to touch her, but just then a strange sound came from outside.

Lin Chengyou tensed and hurriedly reached into his robe for hidden weapons, but found nothing. The strange sound grew louder, and Teng Yuyi called alertly from the room: “Dunfu! Butler Cheng!”

Outside was dead silence. Teng Yuyi grew tense, hesitated briefly, then pushed open the door and walked out cautiously. Lin Chengyou blocked her path: “Come with me.”

But Teng Yuyi passed through his ethereal form and went straight to the corridor.

Lin Chengyou’s temple throbbed as he hurriedly followed. After just a few steps, he heard Butler Cheng and others screaming in agony.

Teng Yuyi seemed terrified and immediately stopped: “Butler Cheng! Butler Cheng!”

Lin Chengyou’s heart ached terribly: “Yu’er—” But he couldn’t even grab his wife’s arm.

When he chased out again, he saw Dunfu carrying Teng Yuyi standing on the garden wall. In the night, on the other side of the wall stood a black-cloaked figure silently. Blood poured from Dunfu’s throat—he couldn’t survive.

Teng Yuyi lay crying on Dunfu’s back, constantly calling softly: “Dunfu, Dunfu.”

Then she demanded sharply of the black-cloaked figure: “Who are you?!”

Lin Chengyou’s heart and gut were torn apart as he began running wildly along the pond. But whether the wall before him or the willow tree beside it, everything was just an ethereal shadow. Countless times he leaped forward, countless times he grasped nothing. For all his abilities, he now had no way to help.

In desperation, Lin Chengyou began forming hand seals and chanting incantations, quickly exhausting all his techniques, but still unable to touch anything before him.

On the wall, Teng Yuyi was clearly terrified to the extreme, but she still tried to negotiate: “As long as you spare me and my people, I’ll take you to find—if you dare touch them again, I guarantee you’ll get nothing!”

Lin Chengyou watched this scene through gritted teeth, his heart, liver, and lungs all torn to pieces. As he anxiously looked around trying to think of another way, the black-cloaked figure suddenly grabbed Teng Yuyi and threw her into the pond inside the wall.

Lin Chengyou’s mind went blank as he recklessly leaped forward but couldn’t even catch the hem of Teng Yuyi’s clothes.

With a splash, Teng Yuyi fell into the icy pond before his eyes. “Yu’er!” Lin Chengyou’s eyes nearly burst as he jumped into the water without hesitation, but the pond before him was still just an illusion—he plunged through nothing.

Teng Yuyi struggled desperately in the pond. As time ticked by, the ripples in the water grew weaker and weaker. Lin Chengyou tried again and again to enter the water but was repeatedly blocked at the edge. He watched helplessly in horror as Teng Yuyi’s breath grew weaker and weaker, feeling as if an invisible sharp knife was slicing his heart piece by piece.

“Yu’er.”

When the pond finally fell silent, Lin Chengyou’s heart felt as if squeezed tight, frozen in his chest. He lay by the pond staring fixedly at that pale face, his body stiff and cold, without any feeling.

At this moment, he vaguely heard someone rushing toward the pond, but Lin Chengyou had no strength to turn his head because he could feel that Teng Yuyi in the pond was completely lifeless. But when he saw the youth diving into the pond was himself, he still smiled self-mockingly.

Indeed, in their previous life, he had been one step too late—even though he quickly retrieved Teng Yuyi from the pond, he only saved a cold corpse.

Lin Chengyou staggered over and fell kneeling beside the corpse, cursing how his tear-filled eyes couldn’t see the face before him. His hand reached out but hung in the air—was this their previous life? Looking at that pale face, his heart twisted in pain. Finally, he embraced that ethereal form and buried his head, weeping hoarsely: “Yu’er!”

Teng Yuyi warily surveyed her surroundings. One moment she had been before the Linde Hall of Daming Palace, the next she had drifted into a pitch-dark tunnel. Looking down, she found the red cord had unknowingly tied itself around her waist.

Recognizing it as the Twin Lives Twin Companions Knot, Teng Yuyi secretly sighed in relief. She followed the red cord forward while calling softly to its other end: “Lin Chengyou, Lin Chengyou.”

Suddenly remembering the scene before Linde Hall, her steps faltered.

Little Blade had said she could be reborn because someone had helped her borrow life in her previous life. Her fate pattern was extremely inauspicious and destined for a short life, but if someone with great fortune and a long life was willing to lend her a few years of lifespan—using great fortune to suppress great misfortune—she would have a chance to break the curse in her next life. Who knew she would be reborn early by chance?

Because she had borrowed life, she had constantly attracted evil spirits since awakening. Earlier when she learned the truth about the past, she had thought her mother was the one who had lent the lifespan, but from the conversation between the Prince of Tunan and Lin Chengyou just now, it seemed someone else had lent the life.

Could it have been a great evildoer? Only then would the ritual master not suffer heaven’s punishment. But from Lin Chengyou’s conversation with the Prince of Tunan, he disdained to take another’s lifespan to repay kindness.

Just as she was lost in thought, she heard someone calling from behind: “Yu’er.”

That call carried not only urgency but also a heart-rending pain—the kind of pain that comes from extreme grief suddenly moved her.

Teng Yuyi grew anxious: “Lin Chengyou?!”

She turned back, frantically searching for the source of the voice. From not far away came another thin voice: “You don’t know? This is the tomb of the Duke of Jin’s youngest daughter, beside it is the Duchess of Jin Lady Wang, and ahead is Duke of Jin Teng Shao. His Majesty, mindful of General Teng’s glorious military service, specially built this mausoleum for the family. The palace sends people to maintain it every year, but the Teng family was already small in numbers. With Miss Teng’s death, the Teng line is extinct. Only some relatives come to burn incense during festivals—it’s as desolate as can be normally. The Crown Prince came to burn incense yesterday, first to mourn his military mentor Teng Shao, and second to inform Miss Teng that her great revenge has been achieved.”

“The Crown Prince?” the other person asked in surprise.

The first person lowered their voice: “Surely you know the Crown Prince almost married Miss Teng? It’s quite strange—there were three candidates for Crown Princess, but in the end, none succeeded. Miss Teng was killed, Second Miss Wu died suddenly, and as for Minister Deng’s granddaughter, the Crown Prince refused to marry her because her manner somewhat resembled Miss Teng. After delaying for three full years, he finally married Fourth Miss of Minister Liu.”

The other person said impatiently: “Ah yes, I already knew about the Crown Prince’s matter. I’m asking why the Prince of Cheng’s son comes to the Duke of Jin’s mausoleum. He has no relation to the Duke of Jin.”

“That I don’t know—I heard he solved the case. Perhaps he’s come to mourn the departed spirit?”

The two voices grew more distant. Teng Yuyi pressed against the wall listening carefully, but unexpectedly the wall suddenly sank inward. She lost her balance and stumbled forward. When she steadied herself, she saw she was in a mausoleum—ancestral temple in front, tombs behind.

A fine rain fell from the sky, apricot blossoms crushed to mud. The three tombs looked particularly desolate in the rain.

Teng Yuyi stood dazed for a moment before approaching the tombs. She first quietly touched her father’s tombstone, then drifted to her mother’s tombstone, sat down, and made out the character “Lady Wang” on the stone.

After sitting numbly for a long while, Teng Yuyi looked around. As the two eunuchs had said, this place was cold and silent—in such a large mausoleum, not a single person could be seen.

Teng Yuyi suddenly felt unprecedented loneliness. She curled into a ball against her mother’s tombstone and choked out: “Mother—”

Just then, hoofbeats came from beneath the apricot trees ahead—someone was coming.

Teng Yuyi looked back through her tears and was stunned—it was Lin Chengyou…

He had come alone in the rain. Reaching the white jade steps before the tomb, he dismounted and tied his horse, then walked straight up the steps.

“Lin Chengyou.” Teng Yuyi watched him melancholically. His arm was bound with cloth—it seemed his arrow wound still hadn’t healed.

Lin Chengyou lit incense for Teng Shao and Lady Teng, then crouched down to gaze at Teng Yuyi’s tombstone. After a while, he took out a dark ochre talisman from his robes.

The talisman was several inches wide and covered densely with mystic writing.

With a whoosh, Lin Chengyou lit the strange talisman. The flames danced, illuminating his bright eyes.

“You once saved my life, but I couldn’t recognize you in time.” Lin Chengyou quietly watched the flames as he spoke. “If I hadn’t been so conceited at that flower viewing a year ago, perhaps I could have saved you in time that night at the Teng mansion.”

Then, pointing at the talisman, he smiled apologetically: “My fate pattern is very heavy—I hope you won’t suffer such a bitter fate in your next life.”

After saying this, he put down the talisman, stood up, and left freely.

Teng Yuyi saw the writing on the talisman and her heart suddenly contracted. It read “Cangshan Wuji Sect Life-Borrowing Talisman,” with two lines written side by side below. One line read: Teng Yuyi, born in the Yi-Ji year, twelfth month, twenty-eighth day, Zi hour.

The other line read: Lin Chengyou, born in the Ren-Yin year, second month, twenty-first day, Yin hour.

Their names and birth times were written side by side, with another line written at the bottom of the talisman: Willing to lend three years of lifespan to help pass through tribulation.

Teng Yuyi’s mind roared—it was Lin Chengyou! It was Lin Chengyou! Because he disdained using another’s lifespan to repay kindness, he had offered his lifespan.

She wiped her tears and hurriedly chased after him: “Lin Chengyou.”

But Lin Chengyou had already mounted his horse—man and horse quickly vanished into the rain and mist.

Teng Yuyi chased for a while but couldn’t catch up. She could only stand there watching Lin Chengyou’s figure grow more distant, her chest feeling as if it had been hollowed out. She couldn’t help but burst into bitter tears.

Teng Yuyi didn’t know that while she was crying heart-rendingly, not far behind her, another spirit of Lin Chengyou sat before the tomb watching her with reddened eyes.

Suddenly feeling someone pull her from behind before Teng Yuyi could react, she fell into a warm embrace.

Teng Yuyi opened her eyes gasping, meeting those familiar eyes.

Tears instantly welled up in Teng Yuyi’s eyes as she hurriedly embraced him with all her strength: “Lin Chengyou—”

The familiar curtains hung around the bed, the air filled with her usual rose fragrance. There was no mistake—this was her and Lin Chengyou’s bridal chamber.

Teng Yuyi’s tears still flowed, but as soon as she felt Lin Chengyou’s warm temperature, her heart suspended in her chest instantly settled.

“I just dreamed of our previous life,” she burrowed her head desperately into Lin Chengyou’s embrace, her sobbing voice reaching his heart. “I dreamed of you—and of me. So it was you who helped me borrow life in our previous life.”

Only then did she notice Lin Chengyou’s breathing was unusually ragged. Teng Yuyi sensed something wrong and hurriedly raised her head to examine him.

But Lin Chengyou suddenly tightened his arms, pulling her back into his embrace.

Teng Yuyi felt puzzled, then felt something cool on her forehead as tears fell. Startled, she looked down at the red cord tied to both their fingertips and suddenly understood. Leaning against his chest, she asked chokingly: “You saw everything?”

“I saw.” He answered with a smile, but his voice trembled.

Teng Yuyi’s tears flowed more strongly as she mumbled: “So now you know you didn’t yearn for me unsuccessfully in your previous life?”

He smiled and made a sound of agreement.

Teng Yuyi sniffled and said through tears: “See? You looked down on me.”

“He was blind—how could he know how wonderful you are? I—” As he smiled, the words caught in his throat again. “I’m just grateful I didn’t let go in this life.”

—

Author’s Note:

Note: The daily items mentioned in this Gong Yu – Chapter can be found in “Archaeological Records of the Shosoin.”

Though crossing paths by chance may bring regret, fortunately, A’da and Yu’er are an indomitable young couple. Whether misfortune or setbacks, nothing could make them bow to fate. After experiencing countless hardships, they finally found each other. In the years ahead, they will always love each other dearly, hehe.

I originally wanted to write more to put at the end, but Jinjiang only allows 30,000 characters per chapter. The original already had 11,000, so I’ll put 150 first—I need to leave some space for later edits. The main text ends here. There’s still an “Afterword” coming about A’da and Yu’er’s sweet daily life. The update time isn’t fixed. Last night I passionately wrote 2,000 characters, writing with tears and snot flowing, when suddenly our director called me to work. The venue was busy until 11:30, and I didn’t get home until after 1. Speaking of which, our director often gives me the illusion that the world can’t turn without me, but why am I never the first one thought of for good things? (just kidding)

Last time readers asked about the physical book. “Jade Mastery” has signed both traditional and simplified Chinese versions, but the fantasy genre is too difficult—whether it can pass review is another matter. If A’da and Yu’er’s story can be published, this old mother will passionately give away thirty signed copies to readers. Everyone can write long reviews on this Gong Yu – Chapter and the next afterword (remember you must must must give seasonal points, otherwise the system will judge it as score inflation. I’ll choose from the long review readers to send signed copies). This story accompanied me for exactly two years from outlining to drafting to publication. I miss A’da and Yu’er even more than you do, wuwuji. I forgot to advertise myself—those interested can follow the author’s column, that way you can receive notifications as soon as I start new works~