Escape to Your Heart

Chapter 60: Silver

Fu Tingyun was curious, but as a guest, there were certain matters she wouldn't inquire about, no matter how much respect Madam Lu showed her. Smiling, she saw Madam Lu out the door and sat on the bed, adding stitches to the edges of winter garments to make them appear more crisp.

Before she could finish one edge, Madam Lu returned, carrying a blue coarse cloth bag in both hands.

With a somewhat odd expression, she said, "Miss Fu, Ninth Master instructed that these two hundred taels of silver be placed in your room." As she spoke, she set the bag down in front of Fu Tingyun and opened it.

The gleaming silver immediately caught the eye.

"Place them with me?" Fu Tingyun looked at her in confusion.

Madam Lu replied, "That's what Ninth Master ordered." Beyond that, she knew nothing more.

Fu Tingyun called Zheng Sanniang in and had her store the silver in the cabinet, instructing, "When Ninth Master returns, come and inform me."

Zheng Sanniang cheerfully agreed.

Madam Lu observed this and smiled. "Young miss, you should also add a couple of trunks," she suggested. "Shall I have someone from our household help you buy a pair?"

Fu Tingyun also wanted to add some trunks to avoid having her clothes piled haphazardly at the corner of the bed.

But where would she get the money for that?

The thought flashed through her mind, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Could it be that Zhao Ling had given her this silver for her personal use?

Otherwise, since she wasn't responsible for the expenses of Willow Lane or managing Zhao Ling's income, why would he leave the silver with her?

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Yet, fearing she might be mistaken and invite ridicule, she became somewhat distracted. "We'll see about that later," she said vaguely.

Naturally, Madam Lu couldn't make the decision for her. Seeing that Fu Tingyun was occupied with her needlework, she exchanged a few pleasantries before taking her leave.

Fu Tingyun waited restlessly for Zhao Ling, but he didn't return until after dinner. Upon hearing that Fu Tingyun had asked for him, he changed his clothes and came over.

"Why are you back so late?" Fu Tingyun turned to pour him a cup of tea, completely unaware that her tone carried a hint of complaint.

When Zhao Ling had left earlier, he had intended to inform her, but seeing that she was still asleep, he thought of how exhausted she must have been from their recent travels. He instructed Madam Lu and the others not to disturb her, letting her sleep until she woke naturally. Upon returning and learning from Master Lu that the silver had been exchanged in the morning, he realized she might have been puzzled—perhaps even worried—all day. He silently berated himself for not leaving her a message and didn't dwell on the tone of her words.

"The man who lent me the sword is named Tang Daishan," Zhao Ling explained, skirting the more sensitive details. "He was originally a salt merchant from Pucheng and privately operated a few salt wells. Later, the Feng family partnered with Yin Zhongyuan, the Vice Minister of Revenue, to monopolize the official salt trade and took control of Shaanxi's private salt operations, leaving Tang Daishan nearly destitute. When I first started in the private salt trade, I didn't know much, but Tang Daishan gave me some guidance. Seeing that I quickly established myself, he partnered with me on a few deals, and we developed a rapport."

He continued, "When I went to return the sword, I intended to treat him to a meal as a gesture of gratitude. But he was adamant about taking me to the capital to seek connections. No matter how I refused, he wouldn't relent. He dragged things out, and we ended up having dinner at Thirteen Hills before I could return." He gave a wry smile. "I'm afraid he still won't give up and might come knocking again tomorrow."

Hearing this, Fu Tingyun immediately took a dislike to this Tang Daishan.Zhao Ling had already declined, yet the man kept insisting, making Fu Tingyun feel this Tang Daishan lacked sincerity and straightforwardness in his dealings.

She said, "Isn't Willow Lane the residence you bought years ago? I heard even Young Master Yang and Young Master Jin didn’t know its location, so how did Tang Daishan find out?"

"He didn’t know before," Zhao Ling replied. "But now that I’m living there, Tang Daishan naturally found out."

Fu Tingyun frowned slightly. "Then does he know about your upcoming assignment at the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission?"

"He probably doesn’t," Zhao Ling said. "He thinks the Feng family hired someone to deal with me."

"It’s better to be cautious," Fu Tingyun advised. "He’s so well-informed—he knew as soon as you moved. He might already know about your commission posting."

She considered how smuggling salt was a serious crime. If Zhao Ling had already joined the commission, others might turn a blind eye out of respect for Sixteenth Master. But since he hadn’t officially taken up his post yet, if this were exposed now, Sixteenth Master—being a feudal prince—couldn’t openly intervene. The commission, to protect its reputation, might not defer to him, and Zhao Ling’s future could be ruined.

Still, she couldn’t say this outright to Zhao Ling, so she softened her words. "Everyone is so happy about your commission posting. Madam Lu even plans to visit Guangren Temple soon to give thanks. The journey to the capital is long and arduous, and with autumn approaching, the weather will only get colder. Why follow him there and worry everyone?"

Would you worry?

The thought suddenly flashed through Zhao Ling’s mind. Had he not always been cautious, he might have blurted it out.

A cold sweat broke over him.

In a few days, he would report to the commission. With over twenty garrisons under the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission, and after his recent meeting with Wu Xin—where they’d lunched at Thirteen Peaks—he’d gathered from Wu Xin’s tone that the commission was overcrowded. Even those recommended by the Ministry of War were often first assigned to garrisons, waiting for transfers. The chance of staying directly at the commission was slim.

Then there was Huayin—news should arrive any day now. Once Madam Fu learned of Master Xie’s family’s tragedy, she would surely make arrangements for her daughter. And he… he was just an outsider, with an uncertain future ahead.

The thought left him dispirited.

He lifted his teacup and took a sip, finding the post-Grain Rain Longjing tea bitter and astringent.

Seeing him silent and downcast, Fu Tingyun grew uneasy.

Had Tang Daishan offered Zhao Ling some tempting deal?

But that seemed unlikely. Zhao Ling valued loyalty and kept his promises. If he’d agreed to join the military, he would go, even if reluctantly.

So why wasn’t he speaking up?

There must be something unusual going on.

Fu Tingyun pondered quietly.

If he wouldn’t say, she’d have to find out later.

Last night, she’d been so caught up in casual conversation that she’d forgotten to ask whether he truly wanted the commission post. Now, with Tang Daishan’s appearance, she needed to subtly remind him.

After a moment’s thought, she smiled and said, "Ninth Master, how did you ever get into salt smuggling? I’ve heard the profits are high, but so are the risks, and the work is grueling."

Why bring this up now?

Was it because of Tang Daishan?

Zhao Ling’s earlier ease in speaking with Fu Tingyun vanished. "The money comes fast and in large sums," he replied absentmindedly.In Fu Tingyun's eyes, it came across as dismissive.

She couldn't help feeling exasperated.

Not because they couldn't make ends meet, but simply because "it's profitable and quick money"...

She took deep breaths, repeatedly reminding herself, "Don't lose your temper. He might have been around Feng Laosi and Tang Daishan for too long, making him indifferent to salt smuggling." Only then did she gradually calm down. With a smile, she asked him, "Ninth Master, if you weren't smuggling salt, what would you be doing instead?"

Zhao Ling clearly hadn't expected this question and looked surprised.

"What would I be doing?" He thought for a moment before answering, "I've never really considered it!"

How could he not have thought about it?

Then why was he going to Jiangnan?

Or perhaps he didn’t want to tell her?

Fu Tingyun was furious, but seeing his indifferent expression, she felt pressing further wouldn’t yield any answers. With some resignation, she said, "Ninth Master is heading to the military camp, isn’t he? Why not take this opportunity to think it over properly? Confucius said, 'At thirty, one stands firm.' There’s still time to make plans later."

"That’s a good suggestion," Zhao Ling replied with a smile, though it seemed forced. "I’ll take this chance to think things through properly!"

What was wrong with him?

When he first arrived, he had been perfectly fine—patient and gentle as he explained Tang Daishan’s situation. How had he suddenly become like this?

Fu Tingyun was baffled. Unable to decipher his thoughts, she set aside her frustration for the moment and asked with a smile, "This morning, Madam Lu brought in two hundred taels of silver. Does Ninth Master have any plans for it?"

Zhao Ling perked up slightly at this. "This morning, I first went to Daxingshan Temple and arranged with one of the reception monks to hold a ritual ceremony for Master Xie’s family at any time. Why don’t you pick a date? I’ll take you there when the time comes." He continued, "The silver you have is all in my hands now. These days, settling accounts requires ready cash, and Baoqing Silver House only exchanges bank notes for amounts over two thousand taels. I think it’s best to leave your bank notes untouched for now. You know I’ve been wanting to invest in some property recently and need the silver, so I exchanged some at Baoqing Silver House and had Shopkeeper Lu bring you two hundred taels. That way, when we go to Daxingshan Temple for the ritual ceremony, you can donate for blessings and incense money. And if there’s anything you’d like to buy, you can always ask Zheng Sanniang to get it for you!"

She hadn’t expected him to remember this all along...

Fu Tingyun was surprised, but even more so, deeply moved.

She thanked him softly, her eyes glistening with emotion.

"There’s no need for thanks!" Zhao Ling said. "I should have taken care of this for you long ago, but with Mo Yi around, I was worried it might cause misunderstandings, so I delayed it." Then he asked, "When would you like to go?"

Fu Tingyun had Zheng Sanniang fetch an almanac and settled on the next day.

"Good!" Zhao Ling stood up to take his leave. "I’ll send Yucheng to Daxingshan Temple first thing tomorrow to inform them."

Thinking she needed to prepare for the temple visit, Fu Tingyun didn’t keep him long. She saw him out, and the next day, she set off for Daxingshan Temple in a hired carriage.

※※※※※

Daxingshan Temple was the oldest Zen monastery in Shaanxi, with over five hundred years of history. Its halls were grand, and its courtyards numerous. Perhaps due to the famine, the temple was unusually crowded—shoulder to shoulder, bustling with noise and activity, like a temple fair.Fu Tingyun followed Zhao Ling to the Mahavira Hall to pay respects to the Bodhisattva, then walked along the broad bluestone path toward the rear. After passing the Medicine Buddha Hall, the number of pilgrims gradually dwindled.

They headed west through a long corridor and entered a courtyard lush with pine and cypress trees. The main building faced south with five rooms—a central hall flanked by two side chambers, with wing rooms on either side. In the center of the hall stood an incense altar bearing a three-foot-tall Bodhisattva statue. The guest-receiving monk welcomed them into the hall to offer incense before leading them to rest in a side chamber. Meanwhile, forty-nine monks began their ritual ceremony in the main hall, chanting scriptures while shaking chime stones and striking drums.

Seated in the side chamber, Fu Tingyun listened to the waves of Buddhist hymns. Memories flooded her mind—her uncle holding her as a child to pick flowers, the joy of fishing at her uncle's estates with her third cousin, her eldest nephew's delicate beauty in crimson robes during his full-month celebration... Tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Despite Zheng Sanniang's continuous attempts to console her, Fu Tingyun remained sorrowful for a long while.

When the little monk brought vegetarian meals at noon, she noticed Zhao Ling standing beneath a sprawling pine tree at the courtyard's edge.

Hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight as the pine itself, he gazed indifferently toward the Mahavira Hall. His expression carried the weight of unspoken thoughts, radiating solitude and loneliness.

An inexplicable melancholy stirred within Fu Tingyun.

She hurried over in quick strides. "Weren't you supposed to view shopfronts with Master Lu? Did something happen?" Noticing the midday hour, she added, "The little monk brought some vegetarian food—it looks quite appetizing. Would Ninth Master care to join us?"

Zhao Ling turned to look at her, his gaze steady. Seeing the undisguised anxiety etched between her brows, he couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Nothing's wrong," he said, his eyes warm and gentle. "I just wanted to stand here quietly for a while."

Sometimes people need solitude.

Fu Tingyun didn't question further, her tension easing.

"Go ahead and eat. I'll take my leave first!" With that, he turned to go.

"But what about your lunch?" Fu Tingyun called after his retreating figure, surprised by his abrupt departure.

"Yucheng's waiting for me outside," Zhao Ling waved cheerfully without looking back. "Don't worry about me." His movements carried newfound lightness, as if a great burden had been lifted.

Watching him leave, Fu Tingyun found herself smiling quietly.

※

This is the third draft, with significant revisions...(>_