Chapter 14: Life and Death
Fu Tingyun remained unaware of all this. Throughout her journey, she kept pondering Master Guohui's words.
Could he really be one of the Migrant Bandits?
But he didn't seem like one!
Setting aside his extraordinary martial skills, just his ability to gather so much information in half a day—clearly organized with priorities distinguished—was already remarkable. Moreover, he managed to lead over a dozen men quietly into Azure Cloud Temple in broad daylight and transport the grain out without major incident... With such capabilities, how could he have failed to protect his family estate and ended up as a Migrant Bandit?
He definitely wasn't some wanted outlaw or a fugitive murderer either. Such criminals usually operated alone, grabbing valuables and fleeing—they wouldn't dare linger in one place. Yet he traveled with numerous companions, entered her inner chambers multiple times without even glancing at the jewelry in her vanity case, and even sought medicine for his injured comrades.
Nor was he a hunter. Hunters lived in the mountains, moving through forests as easily as crossing plains, but they typically struggled with urban noise. He could read and interpret maps—after just one glance at her crude layout sketch, he navigated the Fu residence effortlessly. Such skills were far beyond ordinary.
At least he hadn't used force against Master Guo Zhi, who had stumbled upon their tracks.
Her footsteps faltered at this thought.
Back then, he had merely choked her unconscious.
Just like with Guo Zhi—he hadn't taken their lives!
Perhaps... it was intentional.
Once this idea took root, she couldn't suppress the turmoil in her heart.
That's why he'd left her beneath the old locust tree in the backyard. First, for shade to prevent sunstroke; second, even if she woke screaming, the nuns wouldn't hear—buying him time to escape!
It must have been deliberate!
Fu Tingyun clenched her fists.
Otherwise, with his skills, he could have dealt with ten of her easily.
Then she remembered how he'd kept his promise despite knowing the risks, helping her deliver the letter against all odds... She longed to see him again, to ask who he really was. Why had he fallen to such circumstances? Was there anything she could do to help? She couldn't promise much, but surely her mother would reward him generously for his tremendous assistance.
Ah... she hadn't even asked his name!
A faint blush colored Fu Tingyun's cheeks.
"Ninth Miss," called Lü'e from behind, "which way should we go?"
Snapping back to reality, Fu Tingyun realized she stood beside the Mahavira Hall.
The afternoon sun blazed brightly. Two ancient ginkgo trees spread umbrella-like canopies nearby, their dense shadows exuding an illusion of coolness.
"Return to tend Hanyan," she said, suddenly feeling lighter. "I'll rest in my quarters. Just come after dinner to help me wash up."
Lü'e protested with "This won't do" and similar fussing, but Fu Tingyun ignored her, turning onto the stone path leading to Tranquil Moon Hall.
Their first meeting had been so terrifying that she'd only feared him, wishing to stay far away—never imagining she'd want to know his name.
As a child, her mother had told her how Su Xun began studying seriously at twenty-seven, eventually becoming a Presented Scholar.
If she started changing now, it wouldn't be too late.
A smile playing on her lips, Fu Tingyun entered her chamber.Outside, the sun blazed like fire, while inside, the room was quiet and serene. The oppressive heat quickly dissipated, and her heart grew calm.
"Help me grind the ink," she said. At this time of day, she would usually be doing needlework, but with none to do, she might as well practice calligraphy. Come to think of it, she hadn’t practiced since arriving at Azure Cloud Temple.
Calligraphy required daily dedication to yield results.
Lü'e responded, fetching a water bowl to fill and bring inside.
As the soft brush tip touched the paper, Fu Tingyun gradually immersed herself in the joy of writing.
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The next day after lunch, Fu Tingyun dismissed Lü'e, closed the window lattice, and sat alone in the sweltering room, flipping through Miscellany .
A knock came at the door. "Ninth Miss, this servant has something to report!"
Fu Tingyun went to open it.
Despite the heat, Housekeeper Chen wore a white high-collared cotton blouse and a black sleeveless vest embroidered with blue lotus patterns. The white pipa buttons of her blouse were neatly fastened, lending her a solemn air.
Behind her stood Housekeeper Fan and another housekeeper, surnamed Sun. Both were stout, dressed in dark blue left-lapelled cotton robes, blocking the inner doorway like two wooden panels. Housekeeper Fan also held a red-lacquered bamboo food box.
Fu Tingyun found it odd but turned to sit in the Grand Tutor chair by the desk.
"What keeps Ninth Miss occupied?" Housekeeper Chen asked, though unlike usual, she didn’t stand before her but circled the room instead. When she noticed the closed window lattice, she seemed surprised.
Fu Tingyun saw no need for pleasantries. "What is it, Housekeeper Chen?"
Housekeeper Chen remained silent, standing motionless with her eyes downcast, fixed on the floor tiles.
What was this? Some kind of act?
Fu Tingyun frowned inwardly when Housekeeper Fan stepped forward, head bowed, and placed the food box on a side table.
"Ninth Miss, the weather is scorching. Since your heatstroke, you haven’t fully recovered. With the Yu Family’s marriage proposal approaching, the Eldest Master is anxious and sent a cooling tonic." Her voice was low and heavy. "While it’s still warm, please drink it." As she spoke, she opened the box.
The red lacquer gleamed, revealing only a blue-and-white porcelain bowl. The dark green glaze turned the brown liquid inside black.
What was the meaning of this?
Fu Tingyun stared blankly at Housekeeper Chen.
Housekeeper Chen stood frozen, gaze fixed on the floor like a statue.
Housekeeper Fan stood hunched, hands tightly clasped, as if bracing for something.
In the pin-drop silence, faint rustling sounded.
Fu Tingyun turned.
Housekeeper Sun now stood by the door.
A memory flashed—and suddenly, she understood.
Her face drained of color, blood surging violently to her head. She swept her hand toward the bowl.
Housekeeper Fan, who had been still, lunged forward to block her, barely uttering "Ninth Miss" before Fu Tingyun scrambled onto the Grand Tutor chair and threw herself at the window lattice.
The room froze for a split second.
Fu Tingyun clambered over the desk toward the window.
"Stop her!" Housekeeper Chen’s voice was frantic.
Housekeeper Sun, guarding the door, rushed over and seized Fu Tingyun’s ankles.
Fu Tingyun shrieked, "Lü'e! Hanyan! Master Guohui! Master Guo Zhi!"Her mouth was suddenly covered by a hand.
Without hesitation, she clenched her teeth with all her might.
"Ouch!" It was Mother Chen who cried out in pain.
Fu Tingyun bit down even harder.
Mother Fan and Mother Sun each grabbed her shoulders and Mother Chen's hand, urging, "Ninth Miss, let go!"
You're all trying to kill me—why should I care if I hurt you?
Fu Tingyun's mind buzzed with fury, her sole focus on tearing a piece of flesh from Mother Chen.
Pleas, tugs, frantic shaking, and relentless biting—the four of them spun in a chaotic circle, tangled like a mess of yarn.
Then, Fu Tingyun abruptly released Mother Chen.
Clutching her hand, Mother Chen stumbled back.
Seizing the moment, Fu Tingyun lunged headfirst at her.
Mother Fan and Mother Sun, relieved that Fu Tingyun had let go, instinctively loosened their grip—just enough for her to twist free.
With a swift motion, Fu Tingyun wrenched herself from their grasp, screaming "Help!" as she darted to the door and flung it open.
Mother Chen and the others paled in horror. Without needing orders, Mother Fan and Mother Sun chased after her.
The main hall was empty, its doors and windows tightly shut—clearly, the maids had been instructed to stay away.
By the time the latch was fully undone, Mother Fan caught up, her hand landing on Fu Tingyun's shoulder just as the door cracked open.
The chance was lost. There would be no escape now.
Without hesitation, Fu Tingyun bolted toward the central hall.
Mother Sun and Mother Chen rushed out after her.
"Ninth Miss!" Mother Chen called, her voice uneasy as she watched Fu Tingyun press fearfully against the long table. "We're only following the Eldest Master's orders—"
"You're lying!" Fu Tingyun's voice was sharper than ever. "He's my uncle—why would he want me dead? And household affairs have always been handled by the Wife of a Clan Leader. How could my uncle interfere? This is your doing—you resent that I never treated you with deference, so you’re deceiving him to kill me!"
Her heart pounded wildly, as if it might burst from her chest at any moment.
Even in death, she wouldn’t let Mother Chen—who dared bring her poison—rest easy.
"Ninth Miss!" Mother Chen's expression darkened, the last traces of hesitation in her eyes replaced by cold resolve. "What nonsense are you saying? The Eldest Master merely sent medicine out of concern for your illness. Why speak of life and death so dreadfully? Have you lost your senses?"
"If I'm ill, then call a physician!" Fu Tingyun shouted, hoping someone would hear the commotion and turn the tide in her favor. "I've never heard of giving medicine without a diagnosis. Our Fu family has no such custom. Don’t you dare use my uncle’s name to deceive me!"
She hadn’t expected the Ninth Miss to be so quick-witted.
But matters of life and death couldn’t be swayed by words alone.
Neither could she persuade the Ninth Miss, nor would the girl resign herself to fate.
Mother Chen exchanged a glance with Mother Fan and Mother Sun. While she guarded the door, the other two closed in from either side.
Fu Tingyun’s face twisted in panic. Her eyes darted around for something—anything—to defend herself.
Then she spotted the incense burner, plum vase, flower holder, and table screen on the long table.
In one swift motion, she hurled them all at Mother Fan and Mother Chen.The crisp sound of shattered porcelain and the dull tolling of bells rose and fell in succession. Though they slowed Housekeeper Fan and Housekeeper Chen's steps, the women were still drawing closer to Fu Tingyun.
Who will save me?
Fu Tingyun's heart sank as tears welled in her eyes.
Then, a gaunt and silent figure suddenly surfaced in her mind.
Her heart leaped with hope.
How could she have forgotten? They had an arrangement!
※
I kept trying to adjust my schedule, but this weekend ended up being a regular workday... (>_<)
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