Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The 15th of June was a bright and sunny day, with not a single cloud in the sky and geese soaring high.

A sea of people crowded along the stone steps, climbing towards the entrance of Qingshan Temple. The temple was situated on a slope of Buddha Mountain, southeast of the capital. Surrounded by lush mountains and evergreen pines, it offered a picturesque view. Initially, Qingshan Temple was just an insignificant small temple, but during the final years of the previous dynasty, when the former emperor rose to power, divine light shone upon the site, and a rainbow-colored auspicious cloud appeared in the sky, signaling a good omen. After ascending the throne, the former emperor personally inscribed a plaque for the temple and granted a hundred acres of land nearby to venerate the Buddha within. Since then, Qingshan Temple's popularity grew, eventually surpassing Daxiangguo Temple as the leading Buddhist establishment in the north.

The journey up the mountain consisted of 108 stone steps, and all visitors were expected to alight from their carriages at the foot of the mountain and walk the rest of the way to demonstrate their sincerity.

When Xu Yunqi picked up her mother and arrived at the foot of the mountain, they saw a colorful array of flowers along the path, with a continuous stream of people. Zhang, standing on the carriage, frowned, "How long will it take us to reach the top?"

Xu Yunqi reassured her mother with a smile, "There's no rush. If needed, we can stay here for the night."

Zhang was not accustomed to spending the night outside, but since they had come this far, there was no turning back. Recalling the presence of Buddha, she quickly dismissed her concerns and stepped down from the carriage, ready to climb the steps with sincerity.

Zhang's physical condition was not as robust as Xu Yunqi's, and after a short while, she was already panting heavily. The mother and daughter could only walk and rest intermittently. Upon finally entering the temple gates, they discovered that the temple was packed with people, making it difficult to seek the fertility charm before dark.

After passing through the gate, they climbed more steps to reach the Mahavira Hall. The spacious courtyard in front of the hall was completely congested. As the pair pondered their next move, they heard a familiar voice calling out,

"Sister-in-law, this way!"

Xu Yunqi traced the sound and spied a pavilion with overhanging eaves nestled in the southeast corner of the broad courtyard. It was packed with noblewomen and officials' wives. Pei Mushan was seated on a decorative balustrade, beckoning to the pair while gracefully fanning herself with a small palm-leaf fan.

Xu Yunqi and Lady Zhang proceeded forward, and Pei Mushan immediately approached to pay her respects to Lady Zhang as a junior.

Madam Zhang dared not accept Fang's reciprocal courtesy, only to be stopped by Pei Mushan. "You are my sister-in-law's own mother, tantamount to an elder in my eyes. There is no custom where elders offer salutations to juniors." Without waiting for Madam Zhang to refute, she then turned to Xu Yunqi with a face full of dejection and said,

"Dear sister-in-law, we're late, and it seems the crowd this year is even larger than before. When the servants from the palace arrived to join the queue, there were already a hundred people ahead of us. I've heard that some have been waiting here since the day before," Pei Mushan said, on the verge of tears. "Eldest Sister has arranged a guest house. Please support Aunt and go rest for now. We'll come for you when it's our turn."

Master Mingyuan had an inviolable rule when conducting physiognomical readings: before the Buddha, all sentient beings were equal. Regardless of their rank or status, all must queue and await their turn. It was precisely because of this principle that none dared to defy him. Even the prestigious token of Prince Qin's palace held no sway here, let alone that of the Xi Residence.

Daughter's manners were naive, and Xu Yunqi appeared ignorant of the world's ways. Concerned, Princess Xi dispatched Madam Xie to lend a hand. Madam Xie proved indeed capable, promptly arranging guest quarters for everyone to rest during midday.

A group of people circumnavigated the Great Buddha Hall and arrived at the guest courtyard on the west side of Qing Shan Temple. Xu Yunqi accompanied Lady Zhang as she rested in the courtyard, while Pei Mushan took Shao Fu to admire the flowers on the back mountain. Every hour, they dispatched someone to check for any developments at the Great Buddha Hall. As the time approached the late afternoon hour of wu shi and their palace still had not been called upon, Pei Mushan changed her plan and returned to confer with Yunqi.

"Sister-in-law, it's your birthday today. Let's not linger here any longer. Shall we descend the mountain and visit the marketplace first? We can always come back tomorrow."

For once, Lady Zhang was resolute. "No, it's only on this day each year that we celebrate my birthday. It just so happens that Master Mingyuan is here reading fortunes. This must be Qier's destiny. We should wait a bit longer, even if it means going into the night."

Unable to refuse Zhang's request, Pei Mushan sought out her elder sister-in-law, Yan Xuyi, who resided next door, and asked her to make arrangements for an overnight stay.

Every move Xu Yunqi made was reported to Lady Xun through her spies. The abbot of Qingshan Temple, respecting the new Prime Minister's wife, had allocated a private Buddhist chamber for her. Troubled by the situation, Lady Xun kept fiddling with her prayer beads while reciting scriptures. Upon receiving the news, the old nanny came to inform her,

"Everything is going according to plan. Once it gets dark, we can proceed."

Lady Xun still felt uneasy. She opened her eyes and looked at the nanny. "Nanny, I'm still afraid... afraid that our plan might be exposed. This isn't a small village in Jiangling, and she's the Duchess. Pei Muheng will surely investigate."

The old nanny's face darkened. "This old servant has made all necessary arrangements. There won't be any mistakes."

"But..."

"There's no 'but'!" The nanny interrupted her, then gently patted her shoulders and gazed into her eyes with tears welling up. "If, by chance, we're discovered, this old servant will take the blame. Miss, I must tell you, I've already prepared for the worst. I'll bear all consequences, not involving you or Little Miss."

Hearing this, Lady Xun was startled, and the prayer beads slipped from her hand, crashing to the ground. "How can that be?"

The old nanny embraced Lady Xun, weeping profusely. "Miss, your grandmother passed away early, and you were raised solely by this old servant. In my heart, you're like my own daughter. Back in the capital, you were a beloved princess. After Grandfather was demoted and returned to Jingzhou, you, the daughter of a Deputy Minister of the Hanlin Academy, fell for that insignificant scholar. Yet he didn't appreciate you... This old servant has endured so much on your behalf for years. How could their actions ruin everything at your most glorious moment? I'm sixty years old, and that's enough. If anything goes wrong, I'll confess that my jealousy over Xu's stealing our Little Miss's husband drove me to kill her, sparing you any connection to the matter."

Lady Xun held the nanny tightly, weeping uncontrollably.

After a bout of weeping, the mistress and servant wiped away their tears.

Madam Xun composed herself and lifted her gaze to ask, "What about that Taoist nun?"

The old nurse revealed a mocking smile. "She's performing an exorcism ritual on the southeastern hillside. The talisman paper and oil are ready. These are items from the temple; how does it concern us? It's not just our family, several others are also doing it. Since we didn't touch anything directly, we'll be clean if anyone investigates. For now, there's only one problem."

Madam Xun continued, "How to lure both mother and daughter there."

"That's right!"

"I've thought of something," Madam Xun said as she took out an object from her pouch at her waist and handed it to her. "There are many beggars at the temple today. Give a few copper coins to one of them and ask them to deliver this to Lady Zhang. Once she sees it, she will head to the ritual site."

The old nurse looked at the paper crane in her hand and asked in confusion, "What is this?"

Madam Xun averted her eyes and said uneasily, "When Xun Yunhe was studying, he liked folding these in his spare time. His real name is written inside. Once Lady Zhang sees it, she's bound to show up."

The old nurse wasn't entirely reassured. "Although the handwriting doesn't resemble yours, only you know about her past with Master. Aren't you afraid that Master will find out?"

Madam Xun turned her gaze back. "Therefore, you must instruct the Taoist nun to burn this item for sure."

With no other options left, the old nurse had no choice but to agree.

Ever since Pei Muheng had severed her ties with several key supporters, Lady Xun's actions had become less convenient. Fortunately, during their half-year convalescence at Green Mountain Temple, she and her daughter had cultivated some connections. For now, the old nurse could still manage.

After the old nurse left, Lady Xun sat alone in the Buddha room, lost in thought. Lately, her rest and appetite had been ruined by the tormenting obsession in her heart. Muttering to herself, she believed that only by getting rid of that mother and daughter would she be able to catch her breath.

As the sun began to set, her personal maid entered, drawing back the curtains. "It's the Xiao family's turn. The princess accompanied Miss Xiao to the Great Hall of the Vairocana Buddha. Now, only Madam Xu and her mother are left in the guest quarters."

The moment had arrived.

Lady Xun's palms were sweating with nervousness.

The maid brought in several dishes of porridge and side dishes, but Lady Xun didn't even glance at them, her gaze fixed on the window.

The afterglow of the sunset mingled with the lights, casting a colorful, dreamlike glow on the ground.

Hearing faint commotion, Lady Xun's heart leapt. She quickly rose and peered out the window. Silhouettes moved outside, some with quick steps, others with worried expressions. The noise was chaotic yet orderly, suggesting nothing disastrous had occurred.

Lost in her thoughts, Lady Xun numbly returned to her armchair.

After a while, a startled cry echoed from outside, and she couldn't help but wonder if the plan had succeeded. She leaned closer to listen attentively, but hearing no sound of flames, her already tense heart tightened even further. Pushed to the limits of her nerves, she was unaware that her inner garment had become soaked with sweat.

As she drifted in and out of consciousness, her personal maid rushed in, lifting the curtains aside.

"Attention, madam, Miss Second has been sighted at the temple."

Madam Xun's heart jolted. "Why is she here?"

To avoid implicating her daughter, Madam Xun visited Qingshan Temple yesterday, refraining even from paying a visit to her daughter at the neighboring Taoist temple.

The maid exclaimed anxiously, "With all the commotion at Green Mountain Temple today, it's attracted attention from the neighboring Taoist temple. Second Miss guessed that you were about to make your move and insisted on witnessing the outcome for herself—she wants to see how Madam Xu's story ends."

Madam Xun sucked in a sharp breath. "Where is she?"

"In the Reincarnation Pavilion to the southeast."

In front of the Reincarnation Pavilion was a terrace usually used for memorial rituals for deceased relatives. There, Xun Yunling could witness Xu Yunqi's fate with her own eyes.

"Take me there."

Lady Xun tottered along the corridor, leaning on her maid's arm, hastening towards the southeast corner of the palace.

As twilight fell, the scorching heat began to wane. Amidst the transition from day to night, the temple was bustling with activity.

Lady Xun hurried through the courtyard and stone pathways. People greeted her, but she merely offered a mechanical smile. Frames of light brushed past her cheeks, leaving her drenched in sweat with no time to wipe it away. She took a shortcut to the back entrance of the Nirvana Pavilion, instructing her maid to wait outside before entering alone.

A stifling scent of sandalwood filled her nostrils, causing Lady Xun to cough. As she lifted her gaze, flickering candlelight danced amidst swaying curtains. All was quiet. Lady Xun made her way from the rear hall to the main chamber. A tall figure loomed behind her, and as the person turned to face her, Lady Xun recognized the face, her knees buckling in fright, and she fell to her knees.

*

The last rays of sunlight were about to dip below the horizon, casting a fiery red orb in the western sky. The glow of the sunset spilled over the courtyard walls, casting a shadowy silhouette.

Cao Yide, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, presented his initial plan for administrative reform. Xun Yunhe, engrossed, sat at the long table in the hall.

Zheng, the Grand Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, strolled leisurely into the Ministry of Personnel, a small flask of wine in hand. Upon seeing Xun Yunhe still immersed in work, he crossed the threshold with a smile.

"Brother Xun, I hear that Right Vice Minister Wang Zhenchi has tendered his resignation. You've barely arrived at the Ministry of Personnel, and yet you've already forced a vice minister to step down. The court and the public alike say your first three fires as a new official burn fiercely," Zheng joked.

Xun Yunhe chuckled at the remark, closing the document in his hand and handing it to a scribe to file away. He then welcomed Zheng to sit down.

Wang Zhenchi, aware that Xun Yunhe held leverage over him, knew that with Xun Yunhe's upright character, his time was limited. After weighing the pros and cons, he voluntarily resigned and contributed his family's wealth to the national treasury. The emperor, intrigued, summoned Xun Yunhe. Upon hearing the truth, the emperor was furious but, considering Wang Zhenchi's willingness to admit guilt, decided to show leniency and deal with the matter lightly.

The position of Vice Minister in the Ministry of Personnel is currently vacant. Today's court discussion hasn't produced a suitable candidate yet.

Xun Yunhe had no intention of discussing this with him. "It's not your turn to be on duty in the cabinet today. It's already late. Why hasn't Elder Zheng returned home?"

Elder Zheng, however, sat leisurely and pointed at the remaining sunlight outside the hall. "His Majesty scolded me the other day, saying that among the cabinet's grand scholars, I'm the only one who leaves on time. He accused me of neglecting my duties. So, I'm waiting until it's dark before I leave."

Xun Yunhe smiled faintly. Despite the emperor's age and fading energy, he still had a keen eye for any stirrings in the court.

Just as he was about to instruct a junior official to serve tea, a figure hurriedly entered from outside.

"Sir."

Xun Yunhe turned his head to see Liu Fu, his personal attendant, whom the gingko tree had recognized last time, holding an ordinary envelope. "Sir, a beggar just delivered this envelope, asking me to give it to you."

Both elders' expressions froze.

Xun Yunhe glanced indifferently at the envelope and raised his hand. "Give it to me."

Liu Fu seemed slightly uneasy. "Shall I open it for you, sir?"

He was concerned that it might contain harmful powders, which could injure Xun Yunhe.

Xun Yunhe nodded in response.

Liu Fu used his fingernail to break the white wax seal and tore open the letter. Inside was an ordinary talisman.

Liu Fu took it out and glanced at it, noticing two sets of birth dates written on it, leaving him utterly perplexed.

Xun Yunhe caught a glimpse of familiar characters and his expression shifted. "Bring it here." His voice grew tense.

Liu Fu promptly handed it over.

As Xun Yunhe's gaze fell upon the elegant calligraphy, his pupils constricted, and his tall figure froze in place.

This was Qingniang's handwriting!

How could this be?

A sharp glint flickered in his eyes, and without hesitation, Xun Yunhe pulled out the fan shell from his chest. A faded talisman dropped out, and upon comparing the two, despite the difference in the ink's fading, it was evident that they were written by the same hand.

Basking in the fragrance of ink, it seemed to have been written recently.

Sweat trickled down Xun Yunhe's forehead in a dense cluster as he clutched the two slips of paper, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.

A hopeful notion suddenly pounded against his heart, but he dared not dwell on it.

Could it be that someone had imitated her handwriting?

No, no one in the court knew of Qingniang's existence, unless... unless she wasn't dead.

An intense wave of joy surged within him. Xun Yunhe took a deep breath and pushed himself up from the desk with both arms.

Zheng GaoLao, seeing this, wore a look of astonishment. He had known Xun Yunhe for many years, yet had never seen him so discomposed.

"Yunhe, what has happened?" he asked.

With great effort, Xun Yunhe suppressed the turmoil of emotions surging within him. Slowly, he clasped the two talismans in his palm. His usually composed eyes now seemed to have been drenched in autumn water, shimmering with moisture. He gazed at Zheng GaoLao for a long while before managing to speak in measured tones,

"The Emperor has summoned me tonight to discuss reforms. I fear I cannot attend. Please convey my apologies to His Majesty and tell him I must leave the palace for a while."

In a hurry, Xun Yunhe stepped out of the threshold without bothering to change into his official attire.

What could have made the usually workaholic Xun Yunhe disregard the emperor's summons and leave the palace?

Vice Premier Zheng was extremely curious, following closely behind and calling out, "Hey, where are you going? What are you doing? How am I supposed to answer His Majesty?"

The fluttering hem of his robe shimmered under the glow of the sunset, filling Xun Yunhe's mind with countless thoughts, leaving him no time to respond.

He dared not even ponder the truth behind this situation, only hoping desperately that she was truly alive.

Liu Fu quickly caught up to him, observing the rapid shift in Xun Yunhe's expressions. Not daring to probe further, he accompanied him all the way to the Meridian Gate.

"Sir, where are we heading?"

Xun Yunhe, lost in his rush, had no idea where to find Qingniang. Pausing to look around, he found himself surrounded by towering palace walls. The vast evening breeze brushed past him, like a trapped beast at the foot of these barriers, searching for an escape. After a moment of confusion, his mind raced, and he panted, staring at the talisman in his hand, asking, "Is there any temple in the city with some sort of gathering today?"

Liu Fu considered for a moment. "Outside the city, at Green Mountain Temple. It's said that Master Mingyuan is holding a divination session today, and many officials' families have gone to join in the excitement."

Xun Yunhe glanced at the crimson sky, the vibrant hues painting a picturesque scene against his refined features. A restrained agitation flickered in his eyes.

If Qingniang were truly alive, did that mean Nannan was as well…? No, he didn't dare to imagine it. The image of that arm adorned with a silver bracelet flashed before his eyes. Xun Yunhe shut his eyes tightly, forcing himself to suppress the sting in his eyes. Then, he turned and galloped out of the city.

Pei Muheng had just stepped through the Meridian Gate when a figure in crimson flashed past him.

"Hmm, isn't that Viceroy Xun?" Huang Wei wondered aloud beside him. "What could have happened for him to be in such a rush?"

Today was a significant day for Xu Yunqi, so Pei Muheng had no mind for anything else. "We've already delayed too long. Let's hurry so as not to keep Lady waiting."

Just as they reached the foot of the city gate, hurried cries came from behind them.

"Your Highness, please wait! Your Highness, please wait!"

It was the voice of an official from the Board of Censors.

Pei Muheng quickly turned back and called out, "What is it?"

The official panted as he ran up to them.

"Replying Your Highness, half an hour ago, someone pounded the drums of appeal outside the Zhengyang Gate, accusing the Chief Minister's favorite concubine of murdering his wife and allowing the concubine to rise to power!"

"What?"

Huang Wei's voice rose sharply. "How is that possible? Minister Xun doesn't even have concubines, let alone one he favors over his wife!"

Pei Muheng's expression darkened.

The only one who would publicly accuse Xun Yunhe at this moment was Prince Qin.

"Where is the complaint?"

"Vice Minister Shi is not present. The Deputy Minister of Censorate is holding the complaint and awaiting your decision!"

Pei Muheng rushed back to the Censorate and took the complaint from the Deputy Minister, briefly skimming it before ordering, "Suppress this matter for now. I'll go audience with the Emperor immediately!"

This was clearly a desperate move by Prince Qin.

He didn't consider that attacking the newly appointed Chief State Councillor was akin to pulling the dragon's whiskers.

Sure enough, when Pei Muheng presented the complaint, the Emperor flew into a rage, seizing a inkstone and smashing it to the ground.

"Vile creature!"

"Fetch Prince Qin! I demand to know what he's up to!"

Pei Muheng had presented the complaint without mentioning Prince Qin, but the emperor, well-versed in court affairs, shared the same suspicion as him that it was the prince's doing. Poor Prince Qin, on his way to pay respects to Empress Concubine Yan, was intercepted by a junior eunuch and brought to the Heavenly Praise Hall, clueless about the situation.

The emperor, slender and resolute, stormed around the imperial desk and kicked out at him.

"How dare you, Xun Yunhe! You'd lay a hand on him?"

Taken off guard, Prince Qin received the brutal kick, nearly spitting out blood from the pain.

The emperor was about to deliver another blow, but Pei Muheng quickly threw himself to the ground, grasping at the emperor's leg.

"Grandfather Emperor, please calm down and don't harm your royal body!"

Startled by the scene before him, Prince Qin wondered if the secret plot against the crown prince had been exposed.

"Father, I have no idea what I've done to provoke such wrath. Punish me if you must, but please don't harm yourself." Overlooking his own chest pain, Prince Qin knelt on the floor, weeping anxiously.

The Emperor barely managed to suppress his anger, leaning on his waist as he glared fiercely at Prince Qin.

"You're upset because Xun Yunhe has weeded out your allies in the Ministry of Personnel, so you're resorting to these tricks to deal with him, right? Let me tell you, the Ministry of Personnel is my ministry, it belongs to the court and the people. No one can touch it. You think you're sullying his reputation, but in fact, you're slapping my face!"

"It's well-known throughout the court that Xun Yunhe doesn't take concubines. How could he possibly have any to indulge?"

Prince Qin was utterly confused.

Liu Xiwen, trembling with fear, held the petition and presented it to Prince Qin.

"Your Highness, please take a closer look."

After scanning through it quickly, Prince Qin's hanging heart settled, but at the same time, a surge of frustration rose within him.

"Father, this is not the doing of your son!" He swiftly moved forward on his knees and defended himself earnestly. "Imperial Father, I swear on my life that I did not scheme against Xun Yunhe. I am well aware that he is a trusted aide whom you have painstakingly nurtured. Now is precisely the time when we need his services. No matter how foolish I am, I would never dare to oppose you!"

Seeing that his words were reasonable, the Emperor gradually calmed down.

Prince Qin had been active in the court for many years; he couldn't be that lacking in judgment.

But the emperor didn't soften his stance. "Whether it's you or not, I'll find out with an investigation. Return to your residence and await further orders!"

Prince Qin clutched his chest, leaving the palace in a pitiful state.

After he left, the emperor returned to his throne. His anger from earlier had given him a headache, and he pressed his fingers against his temples as he looked at Pei Muheng. "You oversee the Board of Censors. What do you propose we do?"

Pei Muheng replied, "For now, our only option is to locate Minister Xun and Lady Xun to uncover the truth."

The emperor frowned. "Where is Xun Yunhe?"

Liu Xiwen, the head eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, promptly answered, "Prime Minister Zheng is currently waiting outside for your instructions. He said that Minister Xun had an urgent matter and left the palace. The city gate officer sent word that Minister Xun went to Green Mountain Temple."

Upon hearing this, the emperor narrowed his eyes, realizing that the situation might be different from what he had anticipated.

After some thought, the emperor issued a solemn order. "Heng'er, go to Green Mountain Temple yourself."

Pei Muheng bowed. "According to Jìn dynasty law, when officials of the third rank or higher are involved in a case, personnel from the three supreme courts must be mobilized to assist in the investigation. Grandfather, I can represent the Board of Censors, but we will also need one person each from the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court."

The mere thought of it made the emperor's head spin. He mentally reviewed the heads of the three supreme courts and deliberated, "Justice Minister Xiao Yu from the Ministry of Justice and Vice-Minister Liu Yue from the Supreme Court. Take them both with you and rush to Green Mountain Temple. Find out who is spreading these false rumors and clear Minister Xun's name as soon as possible."

Liu Yue is a newly appointed competent official with a sharp mind and capable hands.

There exists a history between Xiao Yu and Xun Yunhe, and Pei Muheng is Xun Yunhe's disciple. The emperor has made it clear that he favors Xun Yunhe.

Without delay, Liu Xiwen promptly composed a handwritten decree, which was then submitted to the emperor for his seal. With the decree in hand, Pei Muheng hurriedly gathered the others to exit the palace swiftly.