Chapter 44

Chapter 44

"In a few days, it will be Jiang Jieyuan’s death anniversary, won't it? I'll accompany you to pay respects to him."

Du Lingjing, fidgeting with the bamboo leaf in her palm, looked up in surprise at his words.

He walked closer, his dark eyes like undiluted ink. Du Lingjing froze slightly.

"If you don’t mind, I can go alone that day."

She was already grateful that he had taken the initiative to mention it and spoken to such an extent. There was no need for him to actually accompany her to pay respects to Third Young Master.

After all, Third Young Master had nothing to do with him—in fact, their relationship was rather delicate due to past events.

Yet he looked at her and chuckled. "It seems Quan Quan thinks I’m joking."

Du Lingjing did somewhat think so, but he denied it. "I’ve already made arrangements for the memorial site. Jiqing Ward is closest to Guangji Temple—I’ve asked the abbot to reserve half a day for us."

Guangji Temple was an ancient monastery from the previous dynasty. After being consumed by war, it was rebuilt on its original site during the late emperor’s final years. The late emperor had particularly valued such ancient temples, making it practically a quasi-imperial monastery, flourishing with devotees. Its abbot was an enlightened monk.

She hadn’t expected him to have already arranged everything, even securing half a day at Guangji Temple.

She froze, momentarily at a loss for words, simply staring blankly at the man before her.

He hadn’t always been this way about Third Young Master.

When they first met, his words had implied that the past was gone and she should forget the deceased.

Those words had unsettled her, and because she had no desire to marry—let alone marry him—she had repeatedly referred to Third Young Master as "my late husband" in front of him.

She had done so with a quiet defiance, as if Third Young Master had never truly left, yet he had taken her as his wife against her wishes.

But his attitude had shifted. Not only had he not grown angry, but he had also softened his tone, offering both apology and consolation.

She had assumed he still harbored some resentment, so she hadn’t planned to bring up Third Young Master’s death anniversary with him. Yet he had taken the initiative to mention it.

Most of the time, she couldn’t fathom his thoughts, but he always seemed to see through hers.

"My lord, you really don’t have to—"

You don’t have to be this indulgent.

Du Lingjing wanted to finish her sentence, but halfway through, he interrupted her with a laugh.

"Your current husband accompanying you to pay respects to your former betrothed isn’t anything strange. On the contrary, if I forbade you from going or avoided the topic altogether, wouldn’t that cast doubt on the legitimacy of our union?"

Little did she expect him to have considered so much. She looked at him with even greater surprise.

The man’s expression was serious, his brow relaxed and open, his gaze meeting hers as if inviting her scrutiny.

Indeed, he had married her three years after Third Young Master’s passing. Even if she had married Third Young Master back then and observed the twenty-seven-month mourning period, that period would have long since ended.

Besides, she had never married, and he had only met her in the past six months. Their marriage had been arranged by imperial decree.

Du Lingjing thought to herself—who would question the propriety of our marriage?

She had no choice but to say, "The Marquis is overthinking it."

For a moment, he said nothing, only his lips thinning slightly before shifting his gaze to her palm.

The bamboo leaf she had picked up earlier still rested there.

He didn’t mention the leaf, instead saying, "If we’re going to Guangji Temple to pay respects to Jiang Jieyuan, we ought to have at least one of his belongings."

That was true. Third Young Master was buried far away in Qingzhou—there wasn’t even a memorial tablet for him in the capital.

But a mere bamboo leaf made poor keepsake.

When she had left Qingzhou in haste, she hadn’t imagined she would stay in the capital, let alone marry. So she hadn’t brought anything of Third Young Master’s with her—except for that lantern.

Just as she thought of the lantern, he brought it up as well. "Would the lantern suffice, my lady?"

Du Lingjing considered it. "If the lantern is repaired, then it would do. Otherwise, we could find something else."

That lantern had accompanied her for so long...

The man nodded at her words but immediately called for Chong’an.

He asked directly, "Has my wife’s lantern been repaired yet?"

Chong’an blinked a few times at the sudden question.

Originally, bringing in a lantern craftsman from Xi’an would have taken only half a month, but the Marquis had privately instructed him not to rush.

Since the Marquis had said there was no hurry, Chong’an had delayed the matter. With the approach of Layue, the twelfth lunar month, the Xi’an contingent was due to deliver goods to the Marquis’s estate, so he had mentioned the craftsman’s arrival. The artisan’s arrival was imminent.

If they wanted it repaired, it would only take a few more days.

But now, he glanced at the Marquis and subtly blinked.

He replied that it hadn’t been fixed yet. "We haven’t found a suitable craftsman yet. It might have to wait until after the New Year."

After Chong’an’s response, Lu Shenru looked at his wife.

Could she bear to? To offer this lantern as a memento at Guangji Temple—for an entire year?

But the lantern was already broken.

Du Lingjing also knew the lantern no longer worked. Though she didn’t understand why it had suddenly stopped lighting, keeping it by her side was useless now.

She lowered her lashes. "Then let it be. There’s no need to have it repaired. Let it be this lantern."

As soon as the words left her lips, his expression softened entirely.

Chong’an accepted the order and left. Lu Shenru stepped forward and took his wife’s hand.

He said they rarely had leisure time to stroll in the back garden. "Judging by the sky, it looks like snow is coming. Why don’t we have an evening banquet at the Shushi Pavilion?"

This winter had been exceptionally dry. Only now was the capital brewing its first snowfall.

For the first snow of the season in the capital, he intended to host a banquet at the Shushi Pavilion, the estate’s highest vantage point, to admire the snow.

Du Lingjing was once again amused by him. Even the most bookish literati might not match his flair for such poetic diversions.

Lu Shenru noticed her soft chuckle but also discreetly placed the bamboo leaf from her palm on the windowsill outside.

A breeze lifted the leaf, sending it dancing into the wind.

Under her arched brows, her eyes sparkled like they held snowflakes—quietly, glistening like snow.

Lu Shenru clasped her hand firmly in his.

She asked him, "What if the feast is set in the Shushi Pavilion, but the capital’s first snow doesn’t come? Wouldn’t that be poor planning—waiting for nothing?"

The man laughed. "Do you really think I’m waiting for the capital’s first snow?"

It was her...

She froze, a faint blush bloomed on her cheeks, and she averted her gaze from his intense gaze.

"Oh, so the Marquis is waiting for snow promising good harvests, peace across the land, and a prosperous era. Truly worthy of the Marquis."

But as soon as the words left her lips, the man burst into laughter.

He said, "It is my lady who is ever mindful of the nation’s peace and the people’s welfare. Even if there’s no merit or hardship to claim, good intentions count too."

At his words, her lips parted in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected him to flatter her so, teasing her for merely speaking empty words and acting as though her idle concerns were some great contribution.

The man lowered his head, chuckling.

Compared to those old men in court who openly mocked and criticized him daily, she was far more naive.

But the faraway look had already faded from her face. At a loss for words, she turned and walked away.

He didn’t stop her, but the moment she took a step forward, a single snowflake drifted on the wind and landed on the tip of her nose.

She stared at the first snow of the capital on her nose, then turned back to look at him.

"It’s really snowing?"

The man’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Then, my lady, do you still have doubts about the feast in the Shushi Pavilion?"

He asked, watching as she pressed her lips together and lifted her gaze to him. "The Marquis always gets what he desires."

The words gave Lu Shenru pause, and he stared into her eyes.

If that were truly the case, then it would be heaven's blessing.

...

That evening at the Marquis of Yongding’s residence, the first pristine snow covered the pavilions, transforming the scenery into a winter wonderland. The Marquis himself took his wife to the feast.

The first snow lasted for two days, covering the entire capital in a flurry of white, turning the red gates of the city walls a new hue. From afar, even the majestic imperial palace looked softer, as if wrapped in a snowy blanket.

Two days later, when the snow ceased, it was the third anniversary of a departed soul’s passing.

At Hongluo Temple, Jiang Fengchuan changed into plain white mourning clothes and accompanied Imperial Dowager Consort Jiang to pay respects to the deceased in the main hall.

Before leaving the guest quarters, however, he received a message delivered by a young novice.

The novice informed him that Guangji Temple was also holding a memorial service for Jiang the Jieyuan that day. "The Marchioness is coming, so Guangji Temple closed its gates this morning."

Marchioness Lu.

Jiang Fengchuan hated the title but said nothing. At least she hadn’t forgotten that today was his third brother’s memorial day.

He called for Uncle Hui and mentioned that he had tracked down a Song-dynasty book for her. "I’ve already paid for it. It’ll arrive tomorrow. Uncle Hui, please deliver it to her along with the two jugs of mountain springwater the abbot gifted me. Doesn’t she prefer spring water for tea?"

This time, he didn’t play any tricks, simply sending the book and water. Seeing him act so decently, Uncle Hui, relieved that he was no longer pestering her, eagerly agreed.

"If the Sixth Master can be civil to the Marchioness, the Third Master’s spirit in heaven will surely be comforted."

Jiang Fengchuan gave a dry laugh.

As long as she remembered his third brother and didn’t discard the past for the sake of new affections, he was willing to interact with her civilly.

But the thought of Guangji Temple shutting its doors for half a day for her sake made him question the novice further.

"Marchioness Lu is quite favored by the abbot of Guangji Temple? They even closed the gates to welcome her personally?"

The novice quickly explained, "I heard Marquis Lu is accompanying her as well."

At this, Jiang Fengchuan’s expression shifted slightly.

"Did I hear correctly? He’s going too?"

The novice confirmed it. Seeing Jiang Fengchuan’s face darkened, Uncle Hui hastily dismissed the young monk.

He said, "If the Marquis doesn’t mind the Marchioness’s past with the Third Master, that’s a good thing."

Jiang Fengchuan snorted. "Is he truly that magnanimous? More likely, he’s retreating to advance, playing nice to win favor."

Uncle Hui was at a loss. Fortunately, Nanny Pu sent someone to fetch them, and the Sixth Master said no more, pressing his lips together as he headed to the memorial hall.

*

At the Marquis of Yongding’s residence, just as the household was about to leave for Guangji Temple, Chong’an arrived and murmured to the Marquis,

"The wife of the Wei Duke’s heir wishes to see you."

Du Lingjing heard this and saw the man wave a dismissive hand. "No."

Chong’an added, "She came once before, but the Marquis was not home at the time."

Du Lingjing knew about this, but since the lady wasn’t seeking her, Chong’an had asked her to return another day.

She found herself saying to the man beside her, "Perhaps the Duchess has urgent matters. I can go to Guangji Temple alone. The Marquis doesn’t have to come."

But Lu Shenru insisted. "Didn’t we agree to go together?"

He explained that the Duchess was none other than the eldest Yang daughter of the Earl of Rongchang’s household. "What could she want? Nothing more than to beg me to plead with His Majesty again to spare her two brothers, who are facing murder charges."

With Shao Boju facing severe charges and the Shao family implicated, Grand Secretary Dou and Prince Yong’s faction were dragging down everyone involved, relentlessly pressuring the Emperor to severely punish Miss Yang’s brothers.

"They’re pushing hard. Even if I intercede with the Emperor, what difference would it make? Besides, murder demands justice." He sighed. "As things stand, preserving the Earl of Rongchang’s household is the best we can manage. Miss Yang wants the impossible. It’s inconvenient for me to see her."

Du Lingjing understood.

He had chosen the *Fu Party* over the Yang brothers. On this matter, she couldn’t argue.

Seeing he had already made his decision, she said no more.

Soon after, the two departed for Guangji Temple.

At Guangji Temple, a private memorial service was held for Jiang Zhuxiu, and Du Lingjing offered her prayers there.

She gazed at the lamp that stubbornly refused to ignite, and in a daze, she suddenly felt as though Sanlang was drifting further and further away from her.

A momentary panic seized her. She wanted to grasp something, yet it slipped through her fingers—just like that unlit lamp.

Du Lingjing lingered before the memorial objects for a long time until someone approached, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Only then did she slowly rise to her feet. She watched as he, too, took three sticks of incense, bowed, and placed them in the incense burner.

Seeing this, Du Lingjing could no longer justify lingering. After casting a final glance at the lamp temporarily entrusted to Guangji Temple, she turned and walked away with him.

The abbot offered a few words of Buddhist comfort—words for the living, acknowledging the departed.

The abbot of Guangji Temple was on good terms with the abbot of Hongluo Temple, mentioning that since Guangji Temple was located within the city, "If a grand ceremony is to be held for the provincial top scholar (Jieyuan), Hongluo Temple would be more suitable."

Du Lingjing had considered this but wondered whether holding such a grand ceremony at Hongluo Temple might disturb Dowager Consort Jiang’s tranquility.

Yet the man had no such reservations. He directly addressed the abbot of Guangji Temple, "Please ask both abbots to conduct a grand Land and Water Ceremony (*shuilu*) for Jieyuan at Hongluo Temple. No expense should be spared—let it be as lavish as possible, and ensure it is completed before the new year. I will cover all incense offerings."

With a single word, he arranged for an extravagant *shuilu* rite.

At his mere suggestion, the abbot of Guangji Temple pressed his palms together and murmured, "*Amitabha*," agreeing at once.

Du Lingjing couldn’t help but whisper, "With both abbots presiding and the ceremony held at Hongluo Temple, won’t it draw too much attention?"

He dismissed her concern. "Jieyuan’s third death anniversary memorial is no ordinary occasion. This is only fitting."

Du Lingjing hesitated. "Then the incense offerings should be my—"

Before she could finish, he frowned at her. "What do you mean by this, Madam?"

"I—I only meant..." Under his steady gaze, she faltered, unable to articulate her thoughts.

He cut straight to the point. "I, too, have read Jiang Qianyun’s essays—those that earned him the title of provincial top scholar. His writing was brilliant, enlightening. Is it so wrong for me to express my respect through this ceremony? Or does Madam forbid it?"

Du Lingjing hadn’t expected him to have read Sanlang’s writings. He always did things that caught her off guard.

But how could she refuse now?

She murmured, "I’m not forbidding anything..."

"Then Madam need not trouble herself," he said.

The two followed the abbot of Guangji Temple for a brief tour of the temple, listening to Buddhist teachings and sampling some temple food before departing.

Just as they were leaving, Chong’an arrived with another report.

"Marquis Lu, the wife of the Duke of Weiguo's heir still wishes to see you. She is waiting outside the temple."

Du Lingjing saw his brow furrow, yet he still did not agree.

He refused again. "Go and tell her plainly—I have done all I can. There is nothing more to be done."

It was already a grave crime of murder and silencing witnesses, and with Grand Secretary Dou and his faction pressing relentlessly, the only way the two could escape execution was if the Emperor showed mercy—and pardoned Shao Boju and the Shao family as well.

He did not meet the woman, simply returning to the estate with his wife.

Outside the temple, the wife of the Duke of Weiguo's heir—also known as Miss Yang of the Earl of Rongchang’s household—remained silent upon hearing Chong’an’s words.

She watched in silence as Marquis Lu’s carriage carried him and his new wife away.

Her attendant urged her, "Madam, let us return as well."

She scoffed. "Return to what? To await the day my brothers are beheaded?"

As she spoke, tears of frustration spilled down her cheeks.

"My father and eldest brother have sacrificed for the Lu family’s Yongding Army for years. Now that Marquis Lu has taken a new wife, favoring her civil servant family, he casts aside old allies like us... What was the point of all those years spent supporting the Lu siblings in securing the Crown Prince’s position?"

She continued, "Prince Hui hasn’t even ascended to the Eastern Palace yet, and already Marquis Lu is turning his back on his old comrades. Has Marquis Lu changed? Did taking a new wife change him? I’d like to see for myself what kind of woman this new wife is—what tricks she used to ensnare him..."

Her attendant hastily hushed her.

"Madam, you mustn’t speak like this! Such matters are not to be discussed lightly. If others overhear, it would be disastrous!"

The attendant quickly changed the subject. "This old maid just heard that the Countess of Rongchang has taken ill again today. Why not return to your family home to see her first?"

At the news of her mother’s collapse, Miss Yang paled and immediately ordered the carriage turned toward the Earl of Rongchang’s residence.

*

Hongluo Temple

News of Marquis Lu’s family arranging a Land and Water Ceremony for the provincial top scholar Jiang soon reached Hongluo Temple.

Dowager Consort Jiang was surprised. "To have both abbots preside—that is truly excessive."

But since the Lu family was covering the expenses, how could she object?

The dowager consort said nothing, but word of the matter reached Jiang Fengchuan, who was staying in the temple guesthouse preparing for the examinations.

The young man had spent the afternoon working on examination essays. Now, standing, he flipped through his elder brother’s old notes—preparations for the metropolitan examination during the spring *hui shi*.

The thick volume of essays and notes proved that, had he been able to come to the capital for the exams, his talent as a provincial top scholar would have guaranteed success. He might even have topped the *hui shi*, then gone on to achieve top honors in the palace examination—a rare triple crown!

Yet he hadn’t even been able to leave Qingzhou.

Jiang Fengchuan had barely begun reading when news of the ceremony reached him.

"A Land and Water Ceremony presided over by both abbots?"

The novice monk confirmed it. "Jieyuan will surely attain peace in the Pure Land now."

The monk knew nothing of the underlying tensions, but these words made Huishu glance uneasily at Sixth Young Master Jiang.

Sure enough, the Young Master muttered,

"Does sending the departed far away make it easier for the living to forget?"

He added, "Is Marquis Lu in such a hurry?" Could it be that this imperially arranged marriage also concealed some ulterior motive?