The Emperor and Liu Bingyu stared at each other in astonishment.

Master Qingxu scrutinized his grand disciple. As soon as the words left his mouth, the young man’s face changed color.

Master Qingxu sighed. “You need not doubt that your Master-Grandfather has miscalculated. I’ve divined her fate using three different methods – the Six Rhythms, the Great One, and the Thunder Lord systems. All three yielded identical hexagrams. This child was born with a deadly fate mark. Starting at age fifteen, she will begin to manifest this doom. This is no minor calamity – it is a great tribulation, one that cannot be transformed or avoided. She won’t even reach sixteen; this child is destined to perish when the tribulation arrives. She turned fifteen on the twenty-eighth day of the last lunar month. She has now officially entered the year of her tribulation.”

Impossible. A thunderous buzzing filled Lin Chengyou’s ears. Previously, Abbot Yuanjue had mentioned that Teng Yu’yi’s fate was somewhat unusual, but the Abbot had been more tactful, unlike Master-Grandfather who directly declared that Teng Yu’yi wouldn’t live past sixteen.

He struggled to speak: “That night when you, respected elder, saw Teng Yu’yi at the Zhixu Pavilion, didn’t you say afterward that she had the countenance of one blessed by fortune?”

As he spoke, he suddenly halted in realization. Yes, Abbot Yuanjue had also said Teng Yu’yi’s facial features were auspicious, yet such favorable features paradoxically corresponded to an extremely inauspicious fate. The Abbot had found this puzzling as well.

Then he heard Master-Grandfather say: “That’s why your Master-Grandfather feels there’s something strange about this child. Looking at her face, she truly bears the features of one destined for prosperity and longevity. Yet examining her fate, she’s marked for an early death.”

Upon hearing this, the Emperor recalled something: “Master, I remember you once said that such cases where facial features contradict one’s fate are extremely rare, usually caused by deep resentment, almost like… a curse.”

Master Qingxu made a sound of acknowledgment: “Let me give you an example to clarify. About twenty years ago, a wealthy household in Changle Ward invited your Master to exorcise evil spirits. The family surname was Cheng, and they had one son, known as Cheng Dalang. Young Cheng had been healthy and intelligent since childhood, never falling ill before age fourteen. Unexpectedly, as soon as he turned fourteen, he was struck by a mysterious illness. The elder Cheng and his wife sought countless medical treatments for their son, but neither famous physicians nor ordinary doctors could diagnose Cheng Dalang’s ailment. Some suspected he might be possessed by evil spirits, so the elder Cheng came to Qingyun Temple requesting your Master’s help in examining him.

“After arriving at the Cheng residence, I first inspected everything inside and out, finding no signs of vengeful spirits at work. Then, looking at Cheng Dalang’s facial features, indicated longevity, yet his forehead showed darkness, clearly indicating karmic entanglement. Knowing something was amiss, I requested Cheng Dalang’s birth time and date from the elder Cheng. Upon calculation, I discovered Cheng Dalang wouldn’t live past fifteen, and he had already entered his year of tribulation. It seemed he could hardly escape his fate. Madame Cheng naturally broke into inconsolable weeping, while the elder Cheng was both shocked and furious: ‘It must be, it must be that peasant’s doing!’

“Seeing their reaction, I suddenly recalled a type of curse called the ‘Misplaced Hook.’ I asked if the Cheng family had previously wronged anyone. The elder Cheng haltingly related an old incident. It turned out that over twenty decades ago, before moving to Chang’an, this couple had made a mortal enemy while fighting over land in the countryside. That old farmer had his land seized by the Cheng family and refused to become their tenant. The Cheng family drove him into a corner until, taking a hemp rope, he hanged himself at their front gate. Before dying, his resentment reached the heavens as he cursed the Cheng family to have their lineage cut off, saying that even if they managed to have descendants, none would live past fifteen.

“The Cheng couple had been troubled by this incident ever since. Whether coincidence or not, for five or six years afterward, they remained childless. Even when conception occurred, it always ended in miscarriage. The elder Cheng took several concubines because of this, but the result was always the same. Remembering the farmer’s curse from years ago, the elder Cheng and his wife vaguely sensed something was wrong and were about to seek a high monk’s counsel when Madame Cheng suddenly became pregnant. This pregnancy proceeded smoothly, resulting in the birth of Cheng Dalang.

“According to the couple, Cheng Dalang had been healthy since birth. Initially, they would occasionally remember the farmer’s curse, but as days passed and Cheng Dalang grew, they gradually forgot about it. Who could have known that as soon as he turned fourteen, something would go wrong? The elder Cheng insisted this was connected to the old farmer’s curse, begging your Master to find a solution, saying he had created this feud and how the consequences fall upon his son. He said he would willingly trade his own life if his son could live.

“Before your Master could devise a solution, Cheng Dalang died that very night.”

The Empress listened with deep sighs, while Lin Chengyou was secretly alarmed. He knew of such curses. Those who cast them often harbored boundless hatred, willingly sacrificing their eternal existence to curse their enemies. At the moment of casting, the curser’s soul would scatter completely, resulting in extremely powerful resentment. The term “Misplaced Hook” referred to how such curses couldn’t directly affect the enemy but would instead transfer to their descendants.

Those cursed would carry deadly fate marks for three generations, dying either by accident or illness.

None could escape.

Moreover, this curse had no solution, because the curser had already sacrificed all chances of reincarnation, having already inflicted the most severe punishment upon themselves.

It was a mutually destructive form of revenge.

The Empress anxiously asked, “If Miss Teng’s situation is similar, could it be that the Teng family made a mortal enemy of someone?”

The Emperor pondered, “The Teng men have slain thousands on battlefields, campaigning for years. Excessive killing was unavoidable, but such battlefield slaughter shouldn’t normally incur such deep hatred.”

Lin Chengyou thought silently that whether in court or on the battlefield, Teng Shao would inevitably make enemies where interests conflicted, but those seeking revenge against Teng Shao had many other methods available. Why sacrifice their eternal existence to cast such a blood curse?

Unless… unless the hatred ran bone-deep.

Master Qingxu had considered this point as well: “Your Master is unfamiliar with court affairs. What kind of person is this Teng Shao?”

The Emperor showed approval: “The entire Teng family is known for their loyalty and valor. When Teng Yuanhao served in court, he governed with integrity and strictness. Later, when the Hu rebels plotted to seize the throne, Lord Teng led his eldest and second sons to resist them, sacrificing their lives for the country – an act that left a legacy of righteousness. As for Teng Shao, I remember Master once taught your disciple that to judge someone’s character, don’t look at how they treat their superiors, but how they treat their subordinates. Though Teng Shao shows no mercy to enemies on the battlefield, he treats his troops, prisoners, and civilians with kindness and generosity. Wherever his army passes, not even a cooking pot is disturbed. Countless people can testify to this. A person might fake their nature for a year or two, but not for one or two decades. Teng Shao has remained consistent throughout, so I absolutely cannot believe he would have done anything unconscionable.”

Master Qingxu contemplated: “Then this is strange indeed. If the Teng family is truly honorable, how could they have brought such a curse upon their child?”

Lin Chengyou’s mind was in chaos. Forcing himself to organize his thoughts, he looked up at his master grandfather and said, “Venerable elder, you’ve only discovered that Teng Yu’yi’s facial features contradict her fate. This doesn’t necessarily mean she’s afflicted by the Misplaced Hook curse. Could there be other possibilities?”

Master Qingxu snorted: “Your Master-Grandfather is approaching eighty years old. In all my years since entering the Dao, I’ve never seen such an inauspicious fate, nor such blessed facial features. Such a situation is extremely rare, indicating this child was cursed before birth. Even if it’s not the Misplaced Hook curse, it must be something similar involving grievous karmic debt.”

“Then—” Lin Chengyou asked desperately, “Is there any way to break such a Misplaced Hook curse?”

The Emperor and Empress exchanged grim looks.

Master Qingxu raised an eyelid: “Oh? After asking about the method, don’t tell me you intend to help extend her life?”

So there is a way, Lin Chengyou thought as his heart pounded heavily. He forced a smile and said, “Your grand disciple feels that Miss Teng has done no wrong, and such a vicious curse shouldn’t fall upon her. She lost her mother at a young age, and if she can’t even live to sixteen, it seems truly pitiful. If there’s a way to save her, I… I can’t simply stand by and watch.”

Master Qingxu stared directly at his grand disciple.

Lin Chengyou bore his Master-Grandfather’s gaze.

He knew there must be a method, but it certainly wouldn’t be an orthodox one.

When one’s fate is misaligned and curses cannot be broken, the only option is to directly help them exchange their fate.

The temple stored secret texts about life-exchange techniques. The method was easy to learn, but as it went against heaven’s principles, the practitioner would certainly pay a price.

If Master-Grandfather wouldn’t tell him, he would find a way himself.

Thinking back to Teng Yu’yi’s difficult circumstances these past months – wasn’t she fighting so desperately just to stay alive? If after all that struggling she still died—

His heart felt as if someone had seized it in their grip.

Fine then. Teng Yu’yi might not like him for now, but it would be best if she lived a long and prosperous life.

How could Master Qingxu not see what his grand disciple was thinking? He set down his teacup and sighed, “You—”

Hearing this tone, was there hope? Not only did Lin Chengyou’s heart leap with joy, but the Emperor and Empress also held their breath in anticipation: “Venerable elder, do you perhaps have a better solution?”

“On the night of her birthday, your Master-Grandfather carefully observed Miss Teng. If she had truly entered her year of tribulation, her forehead would certainly show darkness, and even her whole body would emanate deadly energy. But from what I saw that night, Miss Teng showed none of these signs, which again contradicts her fate reading. After divining her fortune today, your Master-Grandfather finds this truly puzzling.” Master Qingxu looked at Lin Chengyou and said, “Let’s do this – go inquire about any dangerous situations Miss Teng might have encountered after her coming-of-age ceremony, and how she managed to survive them. Remember, it must be something that happened after she turned fifteen.”

Lin Chengyou pondered briefly, then his heart suddenly jolted: “Master-Grandfather, do you mean—”

“Someone has already helped her borrow a life.” Master Qingxu’s gaze was piercing. “In your Master-Grandfather’s lifetime, I’ve only seen two people afflicted by the Misplaced Hook curse. When they truly entered their year of tribulation, none showed such complete absence of signs as Miss Teng. That’s why after much thought today, your Master-Grandfather believes the most likely explanation is that someone has secretly helped her exchange her fate.”

“Miss Teng is Teng Shao’s only daughter.” The Emperor nodded in realization. “Given Teng Shao’s capabilities, finding someone skilled enough to help his daughter exchange or borrow a life wouldn’t be too difficult. However, since this practice violates natural law, I imagine even if the Teng family did this, they would keep it secret.”

Lin Chengyou not only quickly grasped this point his uncle raised but also recalled that Teng Yu’yi had fallen into the water during her journey back to Chang’an. It was in the second month, right after her coming-of-age ceremony.

According to General Teng, after his daughter was rescued, the boat suddenly became plagued by evil spirits, and since then, Teng Yu’yi would have nightmares whenever she was separated from the Xiaoya Sword.

Teng Yu’yi herself had told him that the drowning incident had left her with a fear of water.

Could Master Grandfather’s guess be correct? Was that incident Teng Yu’yi’s deadly tribulation, and because someone secretly helped her borrow a life, she was able to survive?

Yes, one who borrows life carries karmic debt, naturally attracting evil spirits.

If so, had the great tribulation in Teng Yu’yi’s fate already been transformed?

As he pondered this, his expression gradually improved, yet the heavy feeling in his heart didn’t diminish one bit.

Could it be that Teng Yu’yi also knew someone had helped her borrow life, which was why she absolutely wouldn’t reveal the truth?

To protect her father?

It was possible.

He suddenly found himself unable to speak.

If the life-borrowing was true, should his uncle investigate or not?

Not investigating would contradict the court’s policy of suppressing evil practices.

But if they did investigate—

It seemed he would have to delay for a while.

At least until he could get the truth from Teng Yu’yi herself.

“Well—” He deliberately furrowed his brow, “I haven’t heard of Miss Teng encountering any great misfortune recently. Your grand disciple isn’t particularly close to her, so how about this – I’ll have someone make inquiries.”

“Find out as quickly as possible.”

The Empress’s worried heart finally settled, and she said with relief: “I hope Miss Teng has indeed borrowed life. Youri has finally taken a liking to a young lady – it would be too heartbreaking if she couldn’t live past sixteen. Now that Miss Teng has transformed calamity into fortune, Youri need not worry anymore.”

The Emperor and Master Qingxu exchanged glances – this matter probably wasn’t so simple. Youri had reached the age of love’s tribulation, and they feared it might manifest in this way.

Despite their concerns, once this matter was discussed openly, the heavy atmosphere in the hall completely dispersed.

The palace maids brought up reheated porridge and refreshments.

The Empress inquired if the Crown Prince was still playing polo on the field and had some late-night refreshments sent over.

After the meal, Lin Chengyou escorted Master Qingxu back to his quarters.

Meanwhile, Liu Bingyu said to her husband: “Now that Youri’s marriage prospects have some direction, I wonder when Qi will show any movement in this regard. This time I invited all the young ladies from the Xiangxiang Academy up the mountain, hoping Qi might choose someone himself, but who knew that after just one night, evil spirits would appear in the palace. If we depart down the mountain tomorrow, all these arrangements would have been wasted.”

The Emperor looked tenderly at his wife: “Not only do you have arrangements, but I also need to discuss an important matter with several ministers while we’re on the mountain. Although Chi Kuo is difficult to deal with, they’re not like Naizhong who would immediately try to turn heaven and earth upside down. I’ve already sent people down the mountain to deliver messages to the city. The Great Seclusion Temple and various Taoist temples will make countermeasures overnight. Here at the palace, formations, and talismans have all been distributed. I don’t think any Chi Kuo will break in for the time being. We need not move tomorrow; we can set out back to the city early the day after.”

Liu Bingyu was overjoyed and nodded: “That would be perfect. Qi is pure-hearted by nature. As his mother, I only hope he finds a compatible wife in the future. Also, Minlang isn’t young anymore – once the two nephews are settled, he won’t feel comfortable delaying any longer. These young ladies from Xiangxiang Academy seem promising, but their true character might not be apparent from their appearance— While they’re all here on the mountain, I’ve thought of a good method.”

The Emperor laughed in surprise: “You want to test them?”

Liu Bingyu thought carefully, then smiled: “We can’t use ordinary methods. Tomorrow morning, we’ll summon these young ladies, and then—”

***

When Lin Chengyou returned to his chambers, he hadn’t yet figured out how to question Teng Yu’yi. Moreover, given their current situation, she would not tell him the truth. Rather than hitting another wall, he might as well sleep first. Tonight’s emotional rollercoaster had left him more exhausted than playing ten polo matches. If he hadn’t remembered he still needed to bathe, he would have collapsed into bed immediately. Standing beside the bed with his eyes closed, he had just started to remove his outer robe when a palace servant announced: “His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prince, and His Highness the Crown Prince of Nanzhao have arrived.”

Lin Chengyou lazily retied his jade belt, took a sip of tea to refresh himself, and went to the outer hall, coincidentally meeting the servants leading the Crown Prince and others.

Gu Xian was the first to bow, though his tone was teasing: “Heard you had a headache so bad you couldn’t join the polo match, so we came to check on you.”

The Crown Prince was also smiling, and even Prince Chun’an showed traces of amusement.

Lin Chengyou felt secretly puzzled.

The four sat down by the moon-viewing window, which faced a flower pool. Moonlight covered the ground like silver frost, with flower shadows swaying in its light.

After sitting down, Lin Chengyou looked around and smiled: “Why are you all looking at me like this? What’s happened?”

The Crown Prince said: “Heard you’ve taken a fancy to Minister Wu’s second daughter?”

“Who?”

Gu Xian said: “They say this Second Miss Wu sprained her ankle in the garden, and to curry favor with her, you voluntarily offered your jade token to summon Imperial Physician Yu. Who knew Second Miss Wu would refuse such kindness, preferring to limp back to her room on her own? Tonight everyone at the polo field was talking about how proper and dignified Second Miss Wu is, and how you failed to win her over.”

Lin Chengyou was stunned – what kind of drama was this? He instinctively looked at Imperial Uncle, who nodded to confirm this had indeed happened.

“Probably by tomorrow, everyone in the palace will know about your admiration for Second Miss Wu.”

“However, Wu Yuanluo has already solemnly declared that his sister absolutely cannot marry the Crown Prince of Cheng.”

Wu Yuanluo?

Lin Chengyou snorted – he had underestimated just how despicable that fellow could be.