Luo Xueyan was startled, unsure why Su Furen suddenly sounded so ominous. She thought to herself, it's just that they haven't married yet—it's not like a woman fearing wasted youth. Su Mingfeng's talent and looks were evident for all to see, so being picky was only natural. However, seeing Su Furen's troubled expression, she still comforted her: "What's the big deal? Madam, there's no need to worry so much. Look at our family's Qiu'er—he still hasn't married either. Choosing a daughter-in-law must be done carefully. Haste makes waste. If you rush into picking someone only to find they're unsuitable later, wouldn't that harm both parties?"
"Madam speaks so wisely." Su Furen took Luo Xueyan's hand and smiled. "Children will have their own fortunes—that's what I originally thought. But Mingfeng, this child, is like a mute gourd. He never tells me anything, and I have no idea what he's thinking."
Luo Xueyan listened half-heartedly. She had met Su Mingfeng before—he was quite eloquent, capable of debating a room full of scholars. A mute gourd? Su Furen really dared to say such things. Unwilling to continue discussing another family's affairs, she changed the topic: "Doesn't Madam Su want to know how these birds are raised?"
Su Furen glanced at the two birds in the cage but pretended not to hear, continuing instead: "Let's talk more about my useless son."
Luo Xueyan: "..."
"Mingfeng loved a calligraphy painting his father once found when he was little. After that, no other paintings could catch his eye. Even when others gifted him some, he wouldn't even look at them. But that painting was given away by his father, and Mingfeng longed for it for years." Su Furen sighed. "Mingfeng is a deeply sentimental person. What he sets his heart on is always the very best, and precisely because of that, once he's chosen something, he refuses to settle for anything else."
Just as Luo Xueyan was puzzling over this, Su Furen's voice came again: "It's the same with girls. He's taken a liking to one young lady, and no others can enter his heart."
Luo Xueyan suddenly understood and laughed. "So Young Master Su already has someone in his heart? I wonder which family's daughter is so fortunate."
This was merely polite conversation, but Su Furen had been waiting for exactly this remark. She immediately clapped her hands and said, "Why, it's the young lady from your esteemed household!"
Luo Xueyan's face instantly turned pale, then green, then pale again.
So this roundabout conversation had been leading here all along. Luo Xueyan had wondered why the other woman brought two birdcages yet never once asked about the birds, instead going on and on about her son. Now it all made sense.
She was here to propose a marriage alliance.
Seeing Luo Xueyan's expression far from delighted, Su Furen grew uneasy. She knew the Shen family was vast and powerful—they truly didn't need to consider the Su family's modest assets. In Fixed Capital, many families like the Su would gladly form ties with the Shens. Moreover, having seen Shen Miao in person today, she found none of the rumored incompetence or vulgarity of a spoiled young lady. This poised and graceful girl, who knew exactly how to conduct herself, would make an ideal matriarch to command respect in the household. Satisfied in every way, it now depended on the Shen family's stance.
Luo Xueyan's expression cooled. "Was this Madam Su's purpose in visiting today?"Madam Su looked somewhat embarrassed, aware that coming under false pretenses to assess a potential daughter-in-law was improper, yet she still said, "Madam Shen, please don’t be angry. I know today’s visit was presumptuous of me, but as a mother yourself, you must understand my feelings."
Luo Xueyan’s expression softened slightly. Indeed, Madam Su’s attitude had been quite polite when she arrived, and one doesn’t strike a smiling face. She replied, "For no reason at all, why would Madam Su come to speak to me about this?" A sudden thought struck Luo Xueyan—had Shen Miao and Su Mingfeng secretly formed an attachment? Though Ming Qi’s customs were relatively open, making private vows without either family’s knowledge was hardly a respectable matter.
Madam Su said, "I heard from Minglang that Mingfeng has quietly taken a liking to the Fifth Young Lady. At first, I didn’t believe it, as my son has always been a blockhead when it comes to women—he’s never shown interest in any girl before. I didn’t know what kind of person the Fifth Young Lady was, so I came today. Seeing her now, I finally understand why Mingfeng likes her. She’s beautiful, gentle, and carries herself with grace. I daresay the entire Ming Qi could only produce such a girl from the Shen family. To be honest, Madam Shen, not only Mingfeng but even I have grown quite fond of her. That’s why I couldn’t wait to discuss this matter with you. I know you’re a straightforward person who prefers directness, so I won’t beat around the bush."
Her words were extremely sincere and subtly praised Shen Miao without being overt. What mother wouldn’t be pleased to hear her daughter complimented? Luo Xueyan’s expression gradually eased. However, Shen Miao’s marriage was not something that could be decided in a single conversation. Firstly, the Shen family’s current position in Ming Qi was delicate—neither too high nor too low—making the choice of a suitable match quite difficult. Secondly, though Su Mingfeng had a good reputation, his illness in previous years had delayed his entry into officialdom. Luo Xueyan didn’t want Shen Miao to marry a sickly man, and she had never met Su Mingfeng herself, so she couldn’t judge his character. Thirdly, and most importantly, Su Mingfeng might like Shen Miao, but did Shen Miao like him? Luo Xueyan was an open-minded mother. Though arranged marriages were the norm, she wanted Shen Miao to be happy and to marry someone she truly loved. Thus, she couldn’t make such a hasty decision.
"My daughter’s marriage cannot be settled so quickly," Luo Xueyan said with a smile. "On behalf of my husband, I thank Madam and your son for your kind regard. But marriage involves many considerations, and in such a short time, I cannot give you an answer. I’m afraid we’ll need more time to deliberate. As you said, we are both mothers. A mother’s heart aches for her daughter, and I hope you can understand." Luo Xueyan was careful not to close the door entirely, leaving some room for negotiation.
This response satisfied Madam Su greatly. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Madam Su took her leave.
Only after Madam Su had left did Luo Xueyan’s expression darken, her demeanor turning grave.
Until now, Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin had believed Shen Miao was still young and that her marriage need not be rushed. But Madam Su’s visit, with its clear intention of proposing a match, reminded Luo Xueyan that it was time to start considering Shen Miao’s betrothal.But who exactly are the promising young talents in Fixed Capital? Luo Xueyan planned to discuss this with Shen Xin when he returned and have someone compile a list. It was time to start looking around properly.
...
Su Furen returned to the Su residence, where Master Su, for once, had not gone fishing or playing with birds but had stayed obediently indoors. Seeing Su Furen return, he hurried forward to massage her shoulders and ordered the maids to serve tea. The way Master Su behaved around Su Furen was like a mouse seeing a cat—the servants were long used to it. Master Su asked, "Well, what did Madam Shen say?"
"She didn’t agree, but she didn’t refuse either. She probably needs more time to think," Su Furen replied. "After all, my sudden visit today must have caught her off guard. Besides, the Shen family isn’t an ordinary household—taking more time to consider isn’t a bad thing."
"Still thinking?" Su Yu scowled. "What’s there to think about?"
Su Furen found it amusing. "Did you really think she’d agree just because I went today?"
"Why wouldn’t she?" Su Yu retorted. "What’s wrong with Mingfeng? Can you find another young talent like him in all of Fixed Capital? Any girl marrying Mingfeng would be blessed by her past life’s merits." Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Wait—what about Fifth Miss Shen?"
At last, he remembered to ask. Master Su had seen Shen Miao at the palace banquet and thought highly of her, though her personality was a bit too strong. But men often misjudge women in such matters—it takes a woman to truly assess another woman. That’s why Su Furen had stepped in, scrutinizing this "potential daughter-in-law" with a critical eye. Su Yu wanted to hear her opinion of Shen Miao.
Su Furen took a sip of tea and said, "Mingfeng’s taste is quite good. I think Fifth Miss Shen surpasses most young ladies in Fixed Capital. Her temperament and appearance go without saying, and since she was raised by Shen Xin, her character can’t be lacking. Her bearing is rare—almost like a noble from the palace. There’s just one thing: a girl like this might be too much for Mingfeng to handle. But that’s fine. Mingfeng is gentle by nature, and having a strong-willed wife as the mistress of the household would keep things in order. It’s actually perfect."
Su Yu rarely heard Su Furen praise someone so highly and couldn’t help but wonder. Weren’t mothers-in-law supposed to be overly critical of daughters-in-law? Was his wife just too kind-hearted?
Su Mingfeng had just returned from outside and was about to step into the main hall when someone tugged at his sleeve. Turning, he saw Su Minlang.
Su Minlang looked at him seriously. "Big Brother, you’d better not go in and cause trouble now—you might ruin your own future."
"My future?" Su Mingfeng was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Huh? Today, I heard Sister Jinfeng joking with others, saying Mother went to find you a wife," Su Minlang said.
Su Mingfeng was shocked. "What? Who?"
"Isn’t it Sister Shen?" Su Minlang replied.
"Mother went to the Shen family to find me a wife?" Su Mingfeng raised his voice.
Su Minlang was startled and scolded, "What’s the big deal about getting married? When Sister Shen becomes my sister-in-law, she won’t stand for this kind of behavior." He patted Su Mingfeng’s arm. "I really envy you."
...The Su family came to the Shen residence to seek a potential bride for Su Mingfeng. On the surface, it seemed no one knew about this matter, but in reality, quite a few were aware. Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan discussed it seriously and began earnestly searching for talented young men in Fixed Capital as potential matches for Shen Miao. They even considered whether to have Shen Miao attend more flower banquets and similar events. Shen Xin also instructed Shen Qiu to keep an eye out for suitable young men of his age in the capital.
With such a commotion at the Shen residence, it would be truly remiss if Prince Rui's Residence remained unaware.
As soon as Xie Jingxing returned to Prince Qin's residence, he was met with Ji Yushu’s mischievous instigation. Somehow, Ji Yushu had gotten hold of a letter from Cong Yang and was waving it around excitedly, saying, "Third Brother, the Su family has already gone to propose marriage—what are you waiting for?" After a pause, he added, "Shouldn’t you go and give Su Mingfeng some trouble?"
Gao Yang also wore a worried expression. "Madam Su is quite adept at socializing in Fixed Capital and has good relations with many noble ladies. The Su family’s reputation is also favorable. If Shen Xin thinks highly of Su Mingfeng, he might just agree to this marriage."
Xie Jingxing glanced at the letter, already well aware of its contents, and felt a headache coming on.
Su Mingfeng was usually prudent in his actions, but his parents were far too impulsive. Now that they had taken the initiative to propose, who knew what other outrageous things they might do?
To make matters worse, Ji Yushu was fanning the flames, indignantly declaring, "That Su Mingfeng—back when he was with Third Brother, he acted like a sworn brother. After all these years of friendship, the moment Third Brother changed identities, he sneaks in to steal his woman. What a scheming man! They say adversity reveals true character, and now we see what kind of person Su Mingfeng really is. Third Brother, you should just cut ties with him."
Gao Yang couldn’t bear Ji Yushu’s nonsense any longer and interjected, "We should think of another approach. The Su family’s actions are minor compared to the Shen family actively seeking a husband for Fifth Miss Shen. Our time in Ming Qi is limited—if you want to act, you should resolve this sooner rather than later."
At these words, Xie Jingxing’s expression turned colder.
Unaware, Ji Yushu suddenly had an idea. "I’ve got it!"
Everyone turned to him. Ji Yushu continued, "Since Third Brother is already considered dead in their eyes, why not dress up as a ghost at night and pretend to visit Su Mingfeng in a dream? Tell him that Miss Shen is someone Third Brother has chosen for a ghost marriage. Once Su Mingfeng is scared off, he won’t dare pursue Fifth Miss Shen... Hey, Third Brother, where are you going? At least hear me out!"
Gao Yang shook his head and sighed, muttering, "Idiot."
Xie Jingxing returned to his study and sat down at his desk, his brow furrowed in thought. Tie Yi hesitated before asking, "Master, earlier at Putuo Temple, what Master Guan Zhen said..."
Master Guan Zhen was a wandering monk—some said he was from Great Coolness, others claimed he was from Qin State, and still others believed he was from Ming Qi. One thing was certain: whenever Master Guan Zhen visited a temple, he was treated as an honored guest. He was said to be a disciple personally taught by the Buddha, capable of seeing a person’s past and future. While this was likely exaggerated, Master Guan Zhen’s prophecies were remarkably accurate—he had once predicted a great flood in Great Coolness.The Yongle Emperor had once tried to retain Master Guan Zhen with the position of State Preceptor, but unfortunately, he was refused. Two years ago, when Xie Jingxing returned to Great Coolness, the emperor had wanted to find Master Guan Zhen to read Xie Jingxing’s fortune. However, by then, the master had already left Great Coolness on his travels, and no one knew his whereabouts.
Yet who would have thought they would encounter him here today?
Upon arriving at Putuo Temple during the day, before Xie Jingxing could even speak, Master Guan Zhen had already discerned his identity. No one knew how he had guessed it. The prophecy he gave for Xie Jingxing was: "The Destroyer Star and the Purple Star, the fierce dragon lies hidden in the heavens. One life holds the key to the grand scheme."
The interpretation was that Xie Jingxing was an extremely important figure, capable of influencing the entire situation with his actions alone. "The Destroyer Star and the Purple Star" referred to destruction before establishment, balancing kindness with authority. In Ming Qi, Xie Jingxing had posed as the Heir Apparent of Marquis Lin'an Manor, later "dying" on the battlefield—this was the destruction. Then, reappearing in the world as Prince Rui of Great Coolness—this was the establishment. "The fierce dragon lies hidden in the heavens"—the dragon is the leader of all creatures, but alas, it is a fierce one. Ruthless and merciless.
Xie Jingxing had asked about his calamity.
But Master Guan Zhen shook his head, saying only that the fierce dragon had no calamity—instead, he helped others overcome theirs.
When Xie Jingxing pressed further, the master refused to say more, claiming that divine secrets must not be revealed.
Tie Yi felt somewhat disheartened. Master Guan Zhen rarely read fortunes, yet his words were so vague. He also thought about how his master was indifferent to worldly matters. "The fierce dragon has no calamity, helping others overcome theirs"—it made his master sound like a bodhisattva. Who had the audacity to have Xie Jingxing as their protector? Even if someone dared, would his master agree?
Xie Jingxing said, "Never mind that. First, send this letter back to Great Coolness."
His expression was stern.
...
Shen Miao lay in bed, unable to sleep.
Cong Yang’s words from the afternoon still lingered in her ears. She had never expected that Su Furen’s visit to the Shen residence was to arrange a marriage for Su Mingfeng.
Thinking about how Cong Yang had woodenly repeated every word exchanged between the two in the room—especially a grown man mimicking a woman’s speech, saying things like "we mothers"—Shen Miao couldn’t help but feel amused. Xie Jingxing was truly a talent—where had he found such a gem of a Shadow Guard?
But soon, her amusement faded. Why would Su Furen come to arrange a marriage for Su Mingfeng? According to Cong Yang, Su Mingfeng was deeply infatuated with Shen Miao—something she absolutely refused to believe. Not only had Su Mingfeng met her only a handful of times, but that day on the street, his gaze had held nothing special for her.
Could this be some scheme of Su Mingfeng’s? Shen Miao wondered. Did he want to uncover the secret of the Tiger Head Bracelet, so he decided to marry her, thinking that living together would eventually reveal the truth? Or did he believe that as his wife, she would confess everything to him? But Su Mingfeng was going too far—sacrificing his entire life just to uncover the truth. The officials at the Court of Revision should be ashamed of themselves for failing their elders and fellow villagers.
Gu Yu walked in, carrying a stack of clothes. She smiled and said, "Miss, tomorrow we’re going to Putuo Temple. Madam said you should wear something plain. I’ve brought some darker-colored clothes for you to choose from in the morning." She then trimmed the wick of the oil lamp and added, "You should rest early tonight. We’ll be leaving at dawn tomorrow, and there’s quite a journey ahead."The mention of this matter made Shen Miao feel helpless. In the evening, Luo Xueyan's maid came to inform Luo Tan and Shen Miao that the three of them would be taken to Putuo Temple for incense offering the next day. Luo Tan, who had never been to Putuo Temple before, was naturally overjoyed, while Shen Miao seemed somewhat disinterested.
Putuo Temple was a renowned temple in Fixed Capital, nestled halfway up a mountain in the northern part of the city. It was said that the Bodhisattvas and Buddha there were particularly efficacious, especially the famed "Matchmaking Tree." Young women could exchange copper coins for red strings at the temple, tie them to pouches, and toss them toward the tree. If the red string and pouch remained hanging on the tree without falling, it was believed that the Matchmaker had heard the woman's prayer and would bring her a good marriage.
Shen Miao had visited that "Matchmaking Tree" in her past life. In her desperate hope to marry Fu Xiuyi, she had bought hundreds of red strings and tossed them all at once. Later, Shen Qing and Shen Yue "accidentally" spread the story, turning it into a laughingstock across Fixed Capital.
Thus, Shen Miao had little fondness for that "Matchmaking Tree."
Had she not overheard the conversation between Su Furen and Luo Xueyan from Cong Yang earlier that day, Shen Miao might have thought Luo Xueyan genuinely wanted to offer incense as the year drew to a close. But after learning what was discussed in the main hall, she understood—Luo Xueyan wasn't there for incense; she wanted Shen Miao to toss red strings at the "Matchmaking Tree."
Shen Miao was utterly unwilling, even considering feigning illness. But that would be too obvious. Besides, Luo Tan was brimming with excitement, and Shen Miao had always been soft-hearted toward Luo Xueyan. Thinking it was just about tossing a few red strings, she reluctantly agreed.
Still, a lingering discomfort remained in her heart.
That night, Shen Miao slept poorly, plagued by dreams of standing beneath the Matchmaking Tree, tossing red strings upward. In her dream, Luo Xueyan had bought her an entire wooden bucket of red strings. Shen Miao threw them until her arms ached, yet all the strings marked with her name vanished—neither on the ground nor in the tree. Just as she was baffled, she spotted a young man in purple robes sitting in the tree, cradling a handful of her red strings. With a faintly mocking smile, he asked, "Who do you want to marry?"
With his sharp brows, straight nose, thin yet rosy lips, and peach-blossom eyes that were alluring yet sharp as blades—it was unmistakably Xie Jingxing's face.
Shen Miao jolted awake from the dream and couldn't fall back asleep.
By dawn, when Jing Zhe came in, she was startled. "Miss, you didn't sleep well last night? There are dark circles under your eyes."
Shen Miao waved it off, finding the dream too bizarre and tinged with an inexplicable sense of shame. She said nothing more. After breakfast and freshening up, she stepped out to the hall, where Luo Xueyan and the others were waiting. To her surprise, aside from Luo Tan, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling were also present.
Luo Xueyan said, "Since we're going to offer incense, let the younger ones come along too. May the Buddha bless them."
Shen Xin chimed in, "Then I'll go too."
"You?" Luo Xueyan glared at him for his lack of tact. "No, you stay."Shen Qiu was puzzled as to why his father couldn't go, but Shen Miao understood. It seemed Luo Xueyan didn't just want her and Luo Tan to toss the red strings—she probably wanted Shen Qiu and Luo Ling to do the same. After all, both Shen Qiu and Luo Ling had reached marriageable age. But... wasn't the Matchmaking Tree only for women to toss the strings? If they really ended up tied together, would Shen Qiu and Luo Ling become two Cut sleeves in the future? Shen Miao couldn't help but shudder at the thought.
Without much delay, the group soon set off. The distance from the Shen residence to Putuo Temple was quite far. They departed in the morning and arrived close to noon. Along the way, Luo Tan was in high spirits, constantly asking Luo Xueyan whether Putuo Temple was truly as miraculous as the rumors said.
As Luo Xueyan spoke, she indeed steered the conversation toward the "Tree of Fate." Upon hearing about the tree, Luo Tan found it quite amusing and said, "This is somewhat similar to a custom in our Xiaochun City. But since Putuo Temple is a renowned temple, this Tree of Fate must be very efficacious." She tugged at Shen Miao's sleeve, "Little cousin, why don’t we go throw red ribbons too?"
"Aren’t you in no hurry to marry?" Shen Miao asked, eyeing her sideways.
Luo Tan coughed lightly. "Even so, when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Luo Xueyan also chimed in, "Jiaojiao, Tan'er, when we reach Putuo Temple, the two of you should go throw some red ribbons together. Whether you marry or not, it’s always good to seek a blessing."
Luo Tan eagerly agreed, while Shen Miao, already aware of her mother’s intentions, could only comply with silent resignation.
Meanwhile, as they journeyed, in one of the ancient meditation halls of Putuo Temple—a centuries-old institution in Ming Qi—incense smoke curled lazily in the air. Seated there was a monk well past his seventies.
The monk had a kindly and benevolent appearance, truly resembling a disciple of the Buddha himself. Clad in a grand crimson kasaya, he slowly turned the beads of his rosary one by one. A young monk beside him asked, "Master, we’ve been waiting here for several days. Will the destined one truly come?"
"This humble monk has waited all these days precisely for her arrival," the old monk replied calmly.
"But it’s been so long already," the young monk, likely in his teens and brimming with youthful curiosity, blurted out. "When will she come?"
The old monk remained silent, continuing to turn his rosary beads. Suddenly, his fingers paused, lingering over one particularly round bead.
After a long moment, the old monk smiled faintly.
"She comes," he said.
...
By the time Shen Miao’s group arrived at Putuo Temple, it was not yet noon. Perhaps the horses had run with unusual vigor, or the coachman had driven exceptionally well, or maybe the journey had simply been smoother than usual—whatever the reason, the trip that usually took two and a half hours was completed in under two today.
As they alighted from the carriage, Shen Qiu and Luo Ling dismounted their horses. Before them, nestled halfway up the lush, verdant mountainside, stood the ancient temple. Wreathed in layers of mist and clouds, it seemed almost ethereal, while distant Buddhist chants lent an air of solemn reverence.
Luo Tan sighed in admiration, "Truly befitting of a renowned temple."
Luo Xueyan instructed, "Qiu'er, Ling'er, you two go stable the horses first. I’ll take Tan'er and Jiaojiao inside."
After Shen Qiu and Luo Ling departed, the guards from Shen Mansion followed Shen Miao’s group. From afar, Luo Tan spotted a tree adorned with countless red ribbons outside and exclaimed, "That must be the Tree of Fate! Auntie, come look—it’s enormous!"
Luo Xueyan laughed. "Let’s go buy some red ribbons first."
Shen Miao trailed behind the two, feeling rather resigned. Luo Tan was quick on her feet, and Luo Xueyan had an energetic personality, leaving Shen Miao lagging behind. But with the Shen Mansion guards and Cong Yang hidden in the shadows, she wasn’t worried.
As she followed Luo Xueyan and the others into a prayer hall, the hem of Shen Miao’s skirt was suddenly tugged. She turned to look and saw a figure clad in Daoist robes crouched by the threshold.
In the sacred grounds of a Buddhist temple, why would there be a Daoist?The Taoist priest was dressed in tattered robes, with a divination tube placed in front of him and a horsetail whisk in his hand. For some reason, he looked rather comical. He appeared to be around forty years old, with a small mustache and piercing eyes fixed on Shen Miao.
"Young lady, this humble priest sees darkness between your brows—a sign of impending bloodshed. The green tinge in your eyes also foretells romantic troubles. Would you like me to divine your fortune?"
"What nonsense is this madman spouting?" Jing Zhe was furious.
Shen Miao pulled her skirt free and prepared to walk straight past without a glance.
But then the man said: "A phoenix's fate may be noble, yet it remains caged for life—what a pity."
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Fortune-tellers usually serve as plot catalysts and thematic pointers ╮╯▽╰╭
Happy National Day, dear readers!
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