Early the next morning, the entire Pei household bustled with activity, preparing for Old Madam Pei's journey to the White Crane Temple. Since it was outside the city and the road was somewhat long, they opted for carriages instead of sedan chairs. The old madam asked Jiafu to ride with her, accompanied by Yuzhu, while Madam Xin and Second Madam shared another carriage. The maids and servants from various courtyards were divided among the remaining carriages. The procession, consisting of dozens of people and a line of ornate carriages with crimson wheels, set off one after another. Under the gaze of passersby, they traveled several miles beyond the southern gate to a tranquil, densely shaded spot by the moat—the White Crane Temple.
Pei You'an knew the old madam would be traveling today with many female family members. Although Pei Xiuzhi had already gone ahead to make arrangements and wait, and Pei Xiuluo along with the stewards were escorting them on the road, he still felt uneasy. Worried about any potential disturbances, he had requested leave early in the morning and stayed home to personally escort them.
The temple's middle-aged abbess, known by her Daoist name Xuchen, had been informed the previous day of Old Madam Pei's visit with her household for a religious ceremony. She had cleaned and prepared the temple and now came out with her disciples to greet them from afar, joined by Pei Xiuzhi, who had arrived earlier.
Pei You'an escorted the old madam to the temple gate, where she repeatedly urged him to return, saying, "You took leave from Your Majesty to come. Though it’s out of filial piety, many eyes are on you, and I don’t want to set a bad example. Now that I’ve arrived, your task is done. Hurry back—there’s no need for you to fetch us later. Your second uncle will come to meet us."
Xuchen smiled and said, "When the venerable madam arrives at this humble abbess’s temple, it’s like a celestial descent. How could I dare neglect her? Lord Pei, you need not worry."
Pei You'an thanked Xuchen for her trouble and instructed Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo to take good care of the group, ordering the stewards to guard the gates and prevent outsiders from entering. After giving his instructions, he glanced at Jiafu, who stood beside Old Madam Pei.
Jiafu had been watching him all along. When his gaze met hers, she couldn’t help but recall the scene in the study the night before. Afterward, he had personally tended to her, treating her with such tenderness that it felt like a dream—too sweet and unreal to put into words.
Knowing he loved her smile, she dared not beam at him in such a public setting. Instead, she pursed her lips slightly, revealing a small, adorable dimple.
Pei You'an showed little expression, merely giving her another glance before mounting his horse and riding away, his figure gradually disappearing into the distance.
With Jiafu and Yuzhu supporting her on either side, Old Madam Pei entered the temple gates with Xuchen. Behind them, Madam Xin, Second Madam, and the entourage of maids and servants filed in quietly. Though the group was large, there was no clamor. Old Madam Pei first went to the main hall, offering incense and bowing devoutly to the Three Pure Ones, silently reciting prayers before making a donation. Afterward, she was guided around the temple.
The White Crane Temple was vast, with three interconnected courtyards and three gates, offering many sights. After briefly touring a few areas, the old madam paused. Xuchen, thinking she was tired, offered to lead her to her quarters for rest, but Old Madam Pei waved her hand and asked, "Why don’t I see Daoist Nun Hanzhen?"Xu Chen hurriedly replied, "She is currently in the temple. However, Old Madam, you may not know that she is different from others. Though she is nominally my disciple, I dare not truly act as her master. She has always been aloof and dislikes being disturbed, so I allocated her a secluded place at the back for quiet cultivation. Whether her door is open or closed is entirely up to her. Moreover, these past few months, a seriously ill child has been staying with her—said to be her younger brother, who had been hiding from the world and fell gravely ill. She brought him here to stay with her. Fearing any mishap, I avoid visiting unless necessary, only sending her whatever she might need."
Xu Chen’s tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction, but Old Madam Pei only grew more sympathetic. She sighed and said, "She was once the daughter of a noble family, elegant and refined. I remember her visiting my home as a child—though reserved, unlike other girls who clung to others, she was exceedingly well-mannered. It’s a pity fate has brought her to this state. Yet, her integrity remains rare; even ordinary men might pale in comparison before her."
Xu Chen smiled ingratiatingly. "Your visit, Old Madam, is naturally different. I’ll have someone summon her to greet you."
The old lady waved her hand. "She is no longer who she once was—now a monastic, detached from worldly affairs. How could I ask her to come to me, a mere mortal? I’ll go see her myself." With that, she took Jiafu’s arm and continued forward.
Xu Chen remarked, "Old Madam, your compassionate heart is legendary. Seeing it firsthand today proves the tales true." As she guided the old lady, she discreetly signaled to a young disciple, who darted away.
Jiafu supported Old Madam Pei, followed by Madam Xin, Second Madam, and others, as they made their way toward the rear of the temple as directed by Xu Chen. The surroundings grew increasingly serene until, at the end of the path, they saw a green wall and a pair of black doors, with a few bamboo stalks peeking over the top.
"Old Madam, that’s the place ahead," Xu Chen pointed out.
Jiafu looked over—a quiet, unassuming dwelling with a plaque above the door bearing the inscription "Taisu Hall."
Jiafu’s own calligraphy was elegant, leaning toward softness and grace, but these three characters were refined yet strong, displaying remarkable skill. She felt inadequate, knowing such mastery could only come from years of dedicated practice. Yet, upon closer inspection, the strokes and turns of the brushwork seemed oddly familiar, though she couldn’t place where she had seen it before. As she pondered, the black doors creaked open, revealing a figure in pale yellow—a beautiful female Daoist, accompanied by two young novices, hurrying forward to greet them.
It was the female Daoist, Chi Hanzhen.
Chi Hanzhen approached Old Madam Pei with quick, light steps and bowed. "I only just learned that you have come to visit me in person. How could someone as lowly as I deserve such honor?"
Her tone was deeply respectful, yet her expression showed no trace of flattery—just as it had been when she faced Zhou Hou (Empress Zhou) in the palace, dignified and composed.
Such a pure and noble person, yet Jiafu had once mistakenly suspected her of ulterior motives. She felt ashamed once more.
The old lady smiled. "No need for formalities. I was merely taking a stroll and ended up here. If anything, I’ve disturbed your peace."
Chi Hanzhen replied, "You humble me, Old Madam. If you don’t mind the crude tea here, please feel free to stay as long as you wish."Old Madam Pei turned and instructed the maids and servants to wait outside, then continued to support Jiafu as they, along with Madam Xin and Second Madam, entered the weathered black-lacquered door of the cottage. Inside, they saw a bookshelf against the wall, stacked high with yellowed scrolls, filling the entire space. By the window stood a writing desk adorned with the Four Treasures of the Study: a Huzhou brush, Huizhou ink, Xuan paper, and a She inkstone. The rest of the furnishings were equally refined and elegant. On the desk lay a half-written sheet of paper, the brush resting on its stand still moist with ink. Noticing this, Old Madam Pei said, "It seems I’ve disturbed you."
Chi Hanzhen smiled faintly. "My younger brother’s condition has stabilized these past two days, so I found a little time to scribble a few characters. Please don’t laugh at my poor attempt." She then instructed a young novice to serve tea and greeted Madam Xin, Second Madam, and Jiafu with a slight bow.
Madam Xin, disliking her aloof demeanor, responded coolly, while Second Madam beamed and walked over to the desk. Glancing at the writing, she praised, "What excellent calligraphy."
Jiafu stole a look.
What a coincidence—the words on the paper were from the "On Fortune and Misfortune" chapter of Lunheng , a text she had recently begun reading. Though she didn’t fully grasp its meaning, she knew it discussed the principles of human fortune and misfortune. The handwriting was identical to the three characters inscribed on the door plaque: "Taishu Hall."
It finally dawned on Jiafu why those characters had seemed familiar at first glance—they bore a striking resemblance to Pei You'an’s calligraphy.
Lost in thought, Jiafu barely registered the ongoing conversation between Old Madam Pei and Chi Hanzhen. The old madam inquired about the health of Chi Hanzhen’s younger brother. At the mention of him, Chi Hanzhen’s usual composure softened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "A few days ago, Her Majesty summoned me to the palace to discuss my return to secular life. I was preoccupied with my brother’s illness and naturally declined. On my way out, I happened to meet Lord Pei. Remembering that Physician Hu once said Lord Pei’s medical skills were so exceptional even he admired them, I boldly sought his help. Fortunately, Lord Pei is both skilled and compassionate. He came that very day to examine my brother and later consulted with the imperial physician. After further treatment, my brother’s condition has finally stabilized these past two days. I am deeply grateful. As a nun, I possess nothing of worldly value. Now that you’ve come, Old Madam, please accept my bow as thanks on behalf of my brother." With that, she knelt solemnly.
Old Madam Pei hurriedly instructed Second Madam to help her up, consoling her, "There’s no need for this. You'an was once a student of your grandfather’s. If he can help, it’s only right that he does."
Chi Hanzhen thanked her again. Old Madam Pei then rose to visit the child, but finding him asleep, she merely peered in from the doorway. Jiafu caught a glimpse of the boy lying in bed—his face sallow and emaciated. Though Chi Hanzhen had mentioned he was ten, he looked no older than seven or eight, frail beyond his years.
Old Madam Pei, perhaps reminded of her eldest grandson’s childhood struggles, felt even more sympathy. After sitting a while longer, she prepared to leave. Once escorted out by Chi Hanzhen, she said to Xuchen, "She has her pride. If I were to offer her anything else, it might only remind her of her misfortunes, and she may not accept it. That’s why I only brought some rare medicinal herbs. Deliver them to her later."Xu Chen agreed and showered them with flattery as he escorted them back to the front hall, where an altar had already been set up. He donned his ceremonial robes and conducted the first half of the ritual. By noon, Old Madam Pei, Jiafu, and the others had their lunch and rested briefly before continuing with the second half of the ceremony in the afternoon. Once it was completed, Xu Chen brought over a bucket of divination sticks. The old madam drew one, and Xu Chen took it, glanced at it, then beamed with joy. "The sixty-fourth stick—'Guan and Bao Dividing Gold'—signifies smooth journeys in all endeavors, everything going as desired, auspicious and without hindrance. Truly an excellent omen!" he declared, presenting the stick to the old madam with both hands.
Naturally, Old Madam Pei was delighted and made another generous donation. By the time the ceremony concluded, it was nearly evening, and the group showed signs of weariness as they were escorted out. Pei Quan had already arrived and was waiting in the outer hall with Pei Xiuzhi and Pei Xiuluo. Seeing them emerge, he quickly directed the stewards to arrange their return journey. After a brief flurry of activity, the group boarded their carriages in the same order as they had arrived that morning, the wheels rumbling as they headed back toward the city.
On the return journey, Jiafu seemed somewhat preoccupied, while Old Madam Pei dozed with her eyes closed. Yuzhu also appeared lost in thought and remained silent, leaving the carriage quiet except for the sound of the turning wheels. As they neared a fork in the road close to the city gate, a group of over a dozen riders suddenly galloped up from the side, their horses adorned with colorful trappings and jade saddles. They approached swiftly, and the Pei family coachman, caught off guard, abruptly reined in the horses. The sudden stop flung the carriage doors open, causing Old Madam Pei to lurch forward. Fortunately, Jiafu and Yuzhu both caught her in time, preventing a fall, though the two women themselves were thrown against the carriage walls. Though unharmed, their shoulders ached from the impact. Instinctively, they looked up and ahead.
The carriage doors had swung open and then shut again in an instant, but in that brief moment, Jiafu had seen clearly—standing at the fork in the road, the cause of the coachman's mishap, was none other than Xiao Yintang and his entourage.
His gaze had also swept over, landing squarely on her face. His lips twitched slightly, and his eyes took on a strange intensity.
The carriage doors snapped shut again, instantly concealing those inside.
Old Madam Pei opened her eyes.
Jiafu steadied herself and listened carefully. Outside, Pei Quan quickly dismounted and led Pei Xiuzhi, Pei Xiuluo, and the servants in bowing to Xiao Yintang, who had just galloped up from the side road and was also returning to the city. After a few exchanged words, footsteps approached and soon stopped before the carriage. Then, Xiao Yintang's voice came through, sounding exceedingly respectful: "I was unaware of Old Madam Pei's passing carriage. My haste was reckless, and if I have caused any disturbance, I humbly beg your forgiveness."
According to court regulations, officials of the first and second ranks, as well as women bearing the Imperial Mandate of the same ranks, were exempt from kneeling before the Crown Prince. Old Madam Pei thus replied through the door in a clear voice, "How dare I accept such courtesy from the Crown Prince? It is we who obstructed your path back to the city. I shall have my party make way at once so Your Highness may enter first."
Xiao Yintang responded, "Old Madam, your virtue and prestige are such that even my father holds you in high esteem, let alone myself. I insist you proceed first—we can wait without inconvenience." His tone was utterly sincere, and as he spoke, the sound of his retinue moving aside could be heard, their horses shuffling to the roadside.
Old Madam Pei said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's graciousness. Then I must beg your pardon for taking precedence."Pei Quan noticed Xiao Yintang's gaze lingering on the carriage doors, his face wearing a smile as if genuinely willing to yield the way. With no choice, Pei Quan led his men to rise and urged the convoy to pass through.
Xiao Yintang stood by the roadside, watching the carriage carrying her gradually disappear into the distance. His eyes flickered with an unreadable glint.
...
Night fell. Xiao Yintang returned from the farewell banquet Emperor had hosted for his uncle Zhou Jin, half-drunk and unsteady on his feet. Entering the Eastern Palace's bedchambers, his thoughts drifted back to the woman in the carriage he had encountered earlier that day. Though it had been but a fleeting glimpse, her delicate features had etched themselves deeper into his mind, refusing to fade. A restless heat surged within him. Before even reaching the inner chambers, he roughly dragged a newly promoted concubine, Cao Shi, onto a daybed. As he vented his frustrations, his drunken eyes blurred, staring down at the woman beneath him. In his haze, her rosy cheeks and jade-like face seemed to transform, and he ground his teeth: "Zhen! Did you think marrying Pei You'an would let you hide from me forever? Dream on!"
Cao Shi, already panting from his rough treatment, suddenly heard these words. His bloodshot eyes fixed on her, caught between drunkenness and clarity. Fear gripped her as she hastily pleaded, "Your Highness, you've mistaken me! This humble one is Cao Shi, not that Zhen woman!"
The drunken haze abruptly lifted from Xiao Yintang. Slowly, he stilled, his gaze turning icy as he studied the woman beneath him. One hand rose, fingers lightly tracing the smooth, pale column of her neck.
Thinking he meant to continue, Cao Shi closed her eyes slightly, letting out a soft moan. Suddenly, her throat constricted—a hand had clamped around it, tightening relentlessly. Her face flushed crimson as she struggled desperately, but escape proved impossible. With one final violent kick that toppled a folding screen at the foot of the bed with a crash, her throat emitted a few gurgles before her eyes rolled back and her body went limp.
Zhang Fengtong had heard the commotion earlier, knowing the Crown Prince was favoring Cao Shi. Suppressing her jealousy, she had dismissed the palace maids and stood guard outside. She faintly caught the Prince's earlier words, then noticed the sounds turning abnormal. Rushing in, she found Cao Shi with white-rolled eyes and five deep finger marks on her neck—strangled to death.
Shocked, Zhang Fengtong stared at Cao Shi's body on the daybed. Though of humble origins—her father had merely been a minor official in Wuding—Cao Shi had been exceptionally beautiful and skilled in the arts of seduction, long enjoying Xiao Yintang's favor. As a newlywed, Zhang Fengtong had shared the Prince's bed only once or twice, while Cao Shi had grown smug. Zhang Fengtong had quietly endured, never expecting Cao Shi would suddenly meet such an end.
A death could be managed, but Cao Shi had recently been enfeoffed as a secondary consort, entered into the imperial records, with her father promoted to a fourth-rank official. Such a violent death required explanation.
She turned to Xiao Yintang, who had risen from the daybed with a cold expression. "Aren't you renowned for your virtue and competence? Handle this." With that, he turned and walked away.
Watching Xiao Yintang's retreating figure vanish, Zhang Fengtong looked back at the unjustly slain Cao Shi. After a long pause, she murmured, "Don't blame me. Blame the woman who brought this upon you."
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