Duan Qingying wrapped herself in a cloak, wearing a veiled hat, her hands tightly clasped together, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Upon seeing Lin Chengyou emerge, she immediately dropped her hands and gracefully stepped forward to bow: “I apologize for disturbing the Hereditary Prince.”

Lin Chengyou had previously verified the female guests attending today’s banquet at the Yuzhen Daoist Temple and knew this person was the daughter of the Duan family.

Duan Qingying spoke respectfully: “I’ve come abruptly because there’s something I wish to inquire about from the Hereditary Prince. Earlier, my mother came to deliver travel supplies, mentioning that my pregnant cousin is planning to return to Hongzhou soon. However, due to recent official inspections of pregnant women, my cousin and her husband have been hesitant to depart. Having heard that the Hereditary Prince is in charge of this case and happens to be at the temple, I’ve come to ask on my cousin’s behalf whether they may leave Chang’an now, and if they need to take any special precautions on the road.”

Lin Chengyou replied: “Extra caution would be futile. For safety’s sake, it’s best to wait until this matter is resolved before departing.”

Duan Qingying faltered: “But I heard the murderer has already been captured by the Court of Judicial Review. Logically, pregnant women should no longer be in danger—is… is such caution still necessary?”

Lin Chengyou didn’t respond. The question sounded suspiciously like an attempt to probe for details about the case’s progress.

Duan Qingying hurriedly explained: “My cousin’s condition grows heavier by the day. If they delay further, travel might become difficult. My cousin and her husband are anxious to depart, and naturally, my mother and I share their concerns…”

She added with a smile: “Thank you for clarifying, Hereditary Prince. I’ll advise my cousin against departing now.”

With that, she performed a formal curtsy and took her leave.

Lin Chengyou beckoned to several attendants standing nearby.

The attendants approached and saluted in unison: “Hereditary Prince.”

“Where is Kuan Nu?”

“He escorted Jun Nu back to the Prince’s mansion.”

“Go inquire whether the Duan family recently received a pregnant relative, supposedly from Hongzhou, who is eager to leave Chang’an. Check not only the Marquis’s mansion but also the residences of the Marquis’s two brothers. Whether or not this relative exists, report back to me within half an hour.”

“Yes, sir.”

Soon the attendants returned with their findings: “The Duan family indeed has a pregnant relative staying with them, said to be Second Madam Duan’s niece. She came to Chang’an with her husband last year for the imperial examinations, and the couple has been staying at the Duan residence for nearly half a year. The relative became pregnant several months ago, and her husband failed the examination. Once the pregnancy stabilized, the couple had planned to set out for Hongzhou two days ago, but when the Marquis of Wu came to investigate pregnant women, they dared not leave.”

This matched exactly with what Lady Duan had said. Viewed this way, it seemed natural for Lady Duan to inquire on her cousin’s behalf. Lin Chengyou pondered briefly, then nodded: “Understood.”

The Buddhist Canon Hall contained vast volumes of texts, making it quite laborious to search through scroll by scroll. The three martial brothers finally gathered all the relevant sutras about the Path of Asuras, only to discover they were mostly in Sanskrit.

Juesheng and Qizhi were dumbfounded—they couldn’t read a single Sanskrit character. Though their senior martial brother knew some Sanskrit, he couldn’t possibly comprehend such thick volumes of sutras.

Lin Chengyou was eager to investigate the case and couldn’t wait a moment longer. Remembering that Mingtong was the senior monk in charge of the Buddhist Canon Hall, he summoned him: “Are there no annotated copies available?”

Mingtong replied: “Our humble temple has over six hundred Sanskrit Buddhist sutras, but only seventy-odd have been translated so far. The remaining scrolls only have their titles translated. However, the Abbot gave clear instructions that matters concerning demon subjugation must not be delayed. This humble monk has already made arrangements—several junior monks will help with translation and transcription these few days. The entire west wing of the meditation quarters is currently empty. The Hereditary Prince might consider staying at the temple, so this humble monk can promptly notify you if we discover any clues.”

Stay at the temple? Lin Chengyou was startled, then smiled: “Then I’ll trouble Master Mingtong. However, there’s no need for me to stay—just let my two junior martial brothers stay these few days. Has the Abbot returned? I’ll go speak with the venerable one before leaving.”

Outside, another young novice monk came to report: “A guard calling himself Duan Fu is here looking for the two young Daoist masters.”

Duan Fu?

Juesheng and Qizhi put down the sutras and ran out.

“Uncle Duan Fu?”

Duan Fu said: “Please, let’s speak privately.”

He led them aside without a word and only spoke after confirming no one was around: “My lady has urgent matters to report to the Hereditary Prince, but with many eyes watching in the temple, she can only ask you, young Daoist masters, to relay the message. Some things must be shown in person—young masters will understand at a glance. It concerns those three cases and absolutely cannot wait until tomorrow. If you can spare the time, please come to Libaizuan in the east wing tonight.”

Juesheng and Qizhi quickly replied: “Alright, but we need to help transcribe the translated sutras first. We probably won’t be free until very late, but we’ll come find Lady Teng as soon as we can.”

Duan Fu acknowledged and left.

Juesheng and Qizhi prepared to return to the Buddhist Canon Hall, only to turn and see their senior martial brother standing on the steps watching them. But when they ran over, he simply descended the steps with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Senior Brother—”

Lin Chengyou gazed ahead, asking as if casually: “What did Teng Yuyi want with you?”

Juesheng and Qizhi quietly related what had just happened.

“She has urgent matters to report to me?”

“That’s what was said, and it can only be understood when seen in person. She also said it’s best to inform Senior Brother tonight, but with many eyes watching in the temple, she could only entrust us to relay the message.”

Lin Chengyou pondered silently. If it was such an urgent matter, wasn’t Teng Yuyi worried that Juesheng and Qizhi might miss something when relaying the message?

But her concerns weren’t unreasonable—many people were staying at the temple now. If she met with him privately, who knew what trouble it might cause?

“Where is she staying?”

“Libaizuan in the east wing.” Qizhi was surprised, “Senior Brother, are you going to see Lady Teng?”

How could he? This was the Dayin Temple. Though Juesheng and Qizhi were only nine years old and could move freely around the temple, if he went to see Teng Yuyi, just clearing all the watchful eyes from the surroundings would take considerable effort.

“You can relay her message to me later. Remember to find Teng Yuyi as early as possible, and try to memorize her words exactly, don’t miss a single character,” Lin Chengyou said. “Oh, and have dinner with Master Mingtong and the others. Senior Brother won’t prepare food for you.”

Juesheng and Qizhi responded with a sound of acknowledgment.

After saying this, Lin Chengyou went to find Abbot Yuanjue.

Abbot Yuanjue’s meditation room was located in the temple’s west wing courtyard. The courtyard contained both flower gardens and medicinal herb beds, with flourishing flowers and trees creating vibrant greenery everywhere. Lin Chengyou had no interest in appreciating the scenery and walked straight through the small courtyard to the corridor, unexpectedly catching sight of Teng Shao in the meditation room.

The meditation room’s windows were wide open, with incense quietly burning on a nanmu table near the window. Teng Shao and Abbot Yuanjue sat facing each other on meditation mats by the window, appearing to have been talking for quite some time.

The slanting rays of dusk reached through the windows, enveloping their figures in an orange glow.

Fragments of Teng Shao’s words drifted out the window.

“Ever since my daughter nearly drowned on her way to Chang’an last time, she has frequently encountered evil spirits. Moreover, she often has nightmares at night. One might think she’s being haunted by vengeful spirits, but when the Hereditary Prince and five Daoist masters from Dongming Temple examined her, they found nothing amiss. This matter is most unusual, and I am sick with worry… Please don’t laugh, Abbot. This child lost her mother at age five and has no siblings. She’s been so lonely all these years. I feel I’ve failed her greatly…”

Lin Chengyou’s footsteps halted. He didn’t want to hear these words, but his keen hearing couldn’t help it. Could it be that Teng Yuyi was still having nightmares? With the Xiaoya Sword warding off evil, this shouldn’t be happening…

Come to think of it, Teng Yuyi rarely mentioned her father in front of others. Having lost her mother at age five, she should be close to her father. Not often mentioning her father—was it because Teng Shao was rarely at home…

Lost in these thoughts, the monks under the corridor eaves saw Lin Chengyou and bowed: “Hereditary Prince.”

Teng Shao’s expression changed slightly. He immediately turned to look outside, then rose from his mat and strode toward Lin Chengyou.

“I heard from the servants that my daughter was kidnapped by that evil creature today, and it was thanks to the Hereditary Prince’s rescue—”

He walked with broad strides, his tone earnest. As he spoke, he came close and prepared to perform a deep “head-touching-ground” bow.

Though Lin Chengyou hadn’t had many dealings with Teng Shao, he knew the man’s character and deeds very well. In court, Teng Shao was the imperial family’s trusted advisor; on the battlefield, he was a valiant general capable of fighting thousands. In terms of seniority, Teng Shao was undoubtedly his elder.

Such a grand gesture was truly too formal. He quickly raised both arms to firmly hold Teng Shao’s arms, saying seriously: “General Teng is too courteous. Since childhood, I was taught by my parents and master to view demon subjugation as my duty. Today, when that demon threatened Chang’an’s citizens, how could we stand idly by? General Teng need not be so formal. Besides, we were fortunate that Abbot Yuanjue arrived in time today—otherwise, my strength alone would not have been enough to resist such a demon.”

But Teng Shao’s expression remained solemn: “The Hereditary Prince is too modest. Last time when my daughter was entangled with those two demons, it was entirely thanks to the Hereditary Prince’s strategic planning. Such troublesome demons—without the Hereditary Prince’s brilliant tactics, how could they have been successfully eliminated? I have long wished to repay this debt but never found the opportunity. Now being saved by the Hereditary Prince again, this kindness is like giving us new life. In the future, wherever Teng might be of use, I am willing to serve like a loyal horse or hound.”

Teng Shao was usually profound and reserved, rarely showing emotions on his face. Yet as he spoke these words, his gratitude was evident in both expression and tone, showing every word came from the heart.

Lin Chengyou still refused to accept such a ceremony. Beyond feeling it unnecessary, he had a strange feeling. He and Teng Yuyi were quite familiar now—how could he let a friend’s father perform such a grand gesture to him?

However, as Teng Shao insisted on making the grand bow, Abbot Yuanjue swept the chessboard with his wide sleeve and smiled: “The reason Youri’s master taught him these abilities was to help him uphold righteousness and eliminate evil. His repeated rescue of your daughter must be due to predestined karma. General Teng need not be so formal—don’t overwhelm the younger generation.”

With the Abbot having spoken and Lin Chengyou refusing to let go, Teng Shao had no choice but to desist for now. In his heart, he wondered if the Abbot’s words about “predestined karma” meant that Ayu could turn misfortune into blessing.

When Lin Chengyou stepped forward to pay his respects to the Abbot, Teng Shao returned to his seat. Beyond gratitude, he privately marveled at Lin Chengyou’s profound internal energy. Prince Cheng’s eldest son, Lin Chengyou had just turned eighteen this year. To possess such powerful internal energy, besides having received personal instruction from renowned masters since childhood, his natural talent must far exceed ordinary people. Yet such a heavenly-gifted youth was ambushed by a military spy.

After Yuyi had confided in him last night, he had made up his mind before dawn. Early this morning, he hurried back to the Western Camp to instruct his trusted subordinates to investigate quietly. When Prince Cheng heard the message he brought, whether he believed it or not, he would certainly pay attention to the people around his son. However, since this incident wouldn’t happen for three years, and the person was a soldier in the army, how could they identify who it was in advance?

As time passed, they might become careless.

Should he warn Lin Chengyou face-to-face now?

But even though Lin Chengyou was accustomed to supernatural occurrences, how could he blindly trust someone else’s dream? His daughter had no prior connection with Lin Chengyou before coming to Chang’an—suddenly dreaming about him was already incredible. If he chose his words poorly and caused any misunderstanding, that wouldn’t be good.

Abbot Yuanjue returned to their previous topic: “General Teng, regarding your daughter’s situation—”

Lin Chengyou smiled: “I’ve come at an awkward time. General Teng, please wait a moment—I’ll speak briefly with the Abbot and then leave.”

Teng Shao had already thought of how to warn Lin Chengyou, so he said: “It’s no matter. When dealing with the two demons last time, the Hereditary Prince probably already heard about this. Abbot, I know nothing of the netherworld—could my daughter’s sudden spiritual harassment be related to her near-drowning?”

Lin Chengyou was casually flipping through a sutra volume when he heard this, and his hand paused.

Abbot Yuanjue pondered for a moment: “Do you remember where your daughter fell into the water?”

Teng Shao started. Though he had investigated this matter long ago, he had never considered it might be connected to his daughter’s strange occurrences.

“My daughter fell into the water while traveling to Chang’an. There was a Buddhist temple on the shore called Puti Temple…”

At this point, Teng Shao’s expression darkened slightly. Years ago, when he had escorted Huiniang back to Yangzhou, they had passed by this temple. Ayu was already four years old then, but for some reason, Huiniang had been preoccupied during that time. Ayu was lively and active by nature—after staying in the cabin for too long, she would run about on deck. Huiniang would catch Ayu and bring her back to the cabin to study…Seeing the beautiful plum blossoms in the temple, Huiniang had been delighted and told him she wanted to go to the temple to appreciate the flowers and burn incense.

Rare to see his wife in such spirits, he immediately ordered the boat to dock. That night, Huiniang whispered in his ear that while drawing divination lots, she had also made a wish before the Buddha. He smiled and asked what it was, but Huiniang just smiled without saying, only raising one hand to gently caress his cheek. That tender expression remains vivid in his memory to this day.

Teng Shao shook himself from his reverie. Only a year after that incident, Huiniang had passed away from illness. His daily heartache had gradually faded his memories of the temple. If not for Cheng An and others investigating thoroughly after Ayu’s near-drowning, he wouldn’t have known his daughter had fallen into the water near that very temple.

According to Cheng An and Duan Fu, that day Ayu had also wanted to go ashore after seeing the temple’s beautiful plum blossoms. Unexpectedly, she slipped while disembarking and fell into the water. Fortunately, Duan Fu immediately pulled her out.

When he first heard about this incident, for a moment he wanted to believe Huiniang was protecting Yuyi from the netherworld. But thinking about it calmly, he knew it was all just coincidence.

He related the details of that day’s events.

Yuanjue asked again: “I hear your daughter suddenly acquired a spiritual sword—was that also during her return journey to Chang’an?”

Teng Shao nodded: “Yes, it was then.”

According to Duan Fu and Brother Cheng’s later report, just after they pulled Ayu from the water, they found her tightly gripping a sword.

Duan Fu and Brother Cheng considered the sword inauspicious and took it upon themselves to throw it back into the water. However, as soon as the sword left her hand, Ayu began running a high fever and crying out even during the day, clearly tormented by nightmares.

The elderly maids in the boat cabin were all terrified, saying it was as if all the evil spirits in the area had suddenly been drawn to the boat—they could see ghostly shadows entering and leaving the cabin even in broad daylight.

Brother Cheng had seen many strange things during his military years. After discussing with several senior stewards, they had no choice but to turn the boat back. They had Duan Fu, their best swimmer, dive to retrieve the sword. Strangely, although the boat had traveled several li, Duan Fu found the sword immediately upon entering the water, as if it had been waiting for them.

Once the sword returned, the ghostly shadows on the boat vanished, and his daughter’s fever subsided.

By nightfall, she had completely recovered.

Lin Chengyou found this slightly strange—so this was how the Xiaoya Sword came to be. Teng Yuyi must have also found the sword’s arrival peculiar, as whenever anyone asked about its origins, she would falsely claim it was an heirloom from her mother.

Yuanjue said: “What comes naturally should be accepted. Such an ancient divine artifact would never choose its master randomly. Since it has acknowledged your daughter as its master, there must be a reason.”

Teng Shao started: “The Abbot speaks wisely.”

“As for why your daughter is currently haunted by vengeful spirits…” Abbot Yuanjue fell silent for a moment. “With my humble insight, I cannot discern the cause. However, hearing General Teng speak of your daughter’s birth time and Eight Characters, her fate does not seem to be one of a peaceful end…”

At these words, both Teng Shao and Lin Chengyou’s expressions changed.

Teng Shao exclaimed: “What do you mean by this?”

Abbot Yuanjue calmly gazed at Teng Shao: “Your daughter was born with calamity in her fate. From her recent experiences, it seems she has reached the year when this calamity is due. However, looking at your daughter’s countenance, she doesn’t appear to be one of little fortune. Why such a calamity appears in her fate puzzles me greatly. In this old monk’s view, heaven’s mandate cannot be defied—your daughter need only follow her destiny… If she meets someone with whom she shares karmic ties, they might help her overcome this calamity. Once overcome, your daughter should enjoy a long life and prosperity.”

When Teng Shao and Lin Chengyou left the meditation room, Teng Shao stood at the steps, watching the last rays of sunlight disappear into the dark vault of the sky. His heart churned like surging waves, unable to find peace even for a moment.

“Why such a calamity suddenly appears in your daughter’s fate puzzles me greatly.”

He turned this sentence over and over in his mind, growing more uneasy with each consideration.

Could it be related to…

He dared not think deeper.

He could only try to comfort himself—since the Abbot had spoken of “following destiny,” Yuyi must be blessed. Otherwise, why would she have mysteriously acquired a demon-suppressing sword after falling into the water? The sword’s symbolism was auspicious—perhaps it could help Yuyi avoid disaster and overcome calamity.

At this thought, an idea suddenly occurred to him. Given his daughter’s karmic connection to Puti Temple, should he, as her father, go offer incense there? If the abbot from those years was still there, would they remember Huiniang making her wish at the temple?

Lin Chengyou seemed lost in thought as well. Teng Shao suppressed his worries and turned to address him: “Hereditary Prince, I have something to tell you.”

He told Lin Chengyou about the dream but changed the dreamer to himself.

Lin Chengyou’s expression grew strange. Setting aside how absurd the dream’s content was, why would Teng Shao randomly dream about him?

Naturally, Teng Shao couldn’t say it was his daughter who had dreamed of Lin Chengyou. But since the matter was already extremely bizarre, finding another explanation would seem forced. He could only lie: “The Hereditary Prince shouldn’t find this matter ridiculous. I rarely dream, but whenever I do, my dreams prove remarkably prophetic. If there are traitors hidden nearby, they would be impossible to guard against. It wouldn’t hurt for the Hereditary Prince to remain vigilant.”

The more Lin Chengyou pondered, the stranger he found the matter. Teng Shao didn’t seem like someone who would take a strange dream so seriously. To treat it with such gravity—could there be another reason…

After contemplating for a while, he said seriously: “Thank you for the warning, General Teng. I will remain vigilant.”

Just then, he saw Duan Fu approaching.

Upon reaching them, Duan Fu first respectfully bowed to Lin Chengyou, then said to Teng Shao: “The young lady wishes to see you, sir.”

Seeing this, Lin Chengyou smiled and said: “General Teng, I’ll take my leave first.”

As he walked, he thought about how Teng Yuyi had earlier sent Duan Fu to find him, saying she needed to see him personally. It must be an extremely urgent matter. He wondered if Juesheng and Qizhi could relay the message completely. If they missed a few words, wouldn’t that greatly hinder the matter?

Thinking this, he glanced toward the east wing. Other young ladies were also staying in the east wing—going to see Teng Yuyi would be too troublesome. Besides, Juesheng and Qizhi were older now; surely they could handle such a simple task.

He reached the temple gate, and just before mounting his horse, another thought suddenly struck him. Juesheng and Qizhi were impetuous—they might not handle it well. Should he… But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he found it absurd. Moreover, he needed to urgently interrogate Zhuang Mu—how could he have time for such trivial matters? So he mounted his horse and headed for the Court of Judicial Review.

***

Tonight the moonlight was like silver. Teng Yuyi had prepared wine and food early, sitting at the stone table under the pear tree in Libaizuan, appreciating the moon with her sister while waiting for news.

However, after waiting and waiting, neither her father nor Juesheng and Qizhi appeared.

Her father had mentioned earlier that he needed to find Abbot Yuanjue—having gone there now, he might still be talking with the Abbot. Duan Fu said Juesheng and Qizhi were busy in the Buddhist Canon Hall—who knew when they would finish.

Suddenly, there was movement from the neighboring Xuanpu Pavilion. After a while, Chunrong entered the courtyard with a surprised expression: “How strange—both young Daoist masters came by but then went to the neighboring courtyard to find Third Lady Li.”

Du Tinglan found it puzzling: “Did the young Daoist masters go on their own, or were they invited by Lady Li’s people?”

“They went on their own, saying they needed to return some writing brush to Lady Li. When Madam Peng heard the young Daoist masters had come, she also came out and immediately had people set out a table of delicacies. It looked like she wanted to keep the young Daoist masters for dinner in her quarters.”

Beiluo, listening nearby, laughed in surprise: “The two young Daoist masters are quite popular indeed.”

“Let’s wait a bit longer then.” Teng Yuyi lowered her gaze, playing with the wine cup in her hand. “We’ve waited this long already—what’s a little longer?”

Author’s Note: Hongzhou: Present-day Nanchang, Jiangxi.

During the Tang Dynasty, Guangzhou, Hongzhou, Yangzhou, Luoyang, and Chang’an were all prosperous commercial ports. The “Taiping Guangji” frequently mentions Persian merchants in Hongzhou.