Chapter 36

June 15th was a sunny day with a clear sky and wild geese flying overhead.

Crowds of people, shoulder to shoulder, climbed the stone steps towards the entrance of Qingshan Temple. The temple is located halfway up Buddha Mountain, southeast of the capital, surrounded by green mountains and lush pine and cypress trees. Initially, it was just a humble monk’s temple. At the end of the previous dynasty, when the former Emperor rose to power, a divine light appeared here, and a seven-colored auspicious cloud floated in the sky. Taking this as a good omen, the former Emperor, after ascending the throne, personally inscribed a plaque for Qingshan Temple and granted it a hundred acres of nearby land for its upkeep. Since then, Qingshan Temple has grown in renown, surpassing Xiangguo Temple to become the foremost Buddhist temple in the north.

The 108 stone steps extended from the foot of the mountain to the entrance of the temple. Devotees coming to pray at Qingshan Temple would dismount from their sedan chairs and climb the steps on foot to show their sincerity.

When Xu Yunqi and her mother arrived at the foot of the mountain, they saw the mountain path ahead filled with a vibrant throng of people.

Standing on the carriage shaft, Madam Zhang frowned, “How long will it take to climb the mountain?”

Xu Yunqi reassured her with a smile, “We’re not in a hurry. At worst, we’ll stay here for a night.”

Madam Zhang was not used to spending the night away from home, but since they were already here, turning back wasn’t an option. Thinking of the Buddha, she quickly dispelled her distractions, exited the carriage, and sincerely started climbing the steps.

Madam Zhang’s physical strength couldn’t compare to Xu Yunqi’s, and after a while, she was out of breath. The mother and daughter had to climb a segment and rest a segment. Finally, they reached the temple entrance, only to find it crowded with people and the air filled with voices. It seemed unlikely they could obtain a fertility amulet before nightfall.

Upon entering the mountain gate and climbing another segment of stone steps, they finally reached the Mahavira Hall. The spacious area in front of the hall was packed with people, leaving Xu Yunqi and her mother at a loss. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, “Sister-in-law, over here!”

Xu Yunqi looked towards the voice and saw a pavilion at the southeast corner of the area, crowded with the wives and daughters of officials. Pei Mushan was sitting there, waving a small fan and beckoning them over.

Xu Yunqi and Madam Zhang walked over, and Pei Mushan immediately came to greet Madam Zhang respectfully.

Madam Zhang hesitated to accept the greeting and was about to return it when Pei Mushan stopped her. “You are the sister-in-law’s mother, which makes you my elder. It’s improper for an elder to return a junior’s greeting.” Without waiting for Madam Zhang’s response, she turned to Xu Yunqi with a face full of disappointment and said, “Sister-in-law, we’re late. This year, there are more people than ever. When the servants from the prince’s residence arrived to queue, there were already over a hundred people ahead. I’ve heard some have been here since the day before.” Pei Mushan was nearly in tears. “The eldest sister-in-law has arranged a guest house for us. Sister-in-law, please take your aunt to rest, and we’ll come back when it’s our turn.”

Master Mingyuan had a rule for giving consultations: in front of Buddha, everyone is equal, and regardless of status, all must queue. Because of this rule, no one defied him. Even the token from Prince Qin’s residence was useless, let alone one from Prince Xi’s.

Xu Yunqi knew Princess Consort Xi wouldn’t be at ease with her daughter’s naivety and had sent Madam Xie to assist. Madam Xie had indeed been efficient, having arranged for a guest house early on for everyone to rest in.

The group bypassed the Mahavira Hall and reached the guest house on the western side of Qingshan Temple. Xu Yunqi stayed with Madam Zhang in the courtyard while Pei Mushan and Xiao Fu went to the back mountain to admire the flowers. Every hour, someone was sent to check on the situation at the Mahavira Hall. By the time it was the hour of the sheep (1-3 PM), it still wasn’t the prince’s residence’s turn. Pei Mushan changed her mind and returned to discuss with Xu Yunqi, “Sister-in-law, today’s your birthday. Let’s not waste time here. Let’s go down to the market first and come back tomorrow.”

Madam Zhang, unusually decisive, said, “No, a birthday comes once a year, and it just so happens that Master Mingyuan is giving consultations today. It must be fate for Qi’er. Let’s wait a little longer, even if it means staying into the night.”

Pei Mushan couldn’t refuse Madam Zhang’s request, so she went next door to seek help from her eldest sister-in-law, Xie Yunyi, to arrange for them to stay overnight.

The movements of Xu Yunqi were all reported to Madam Xun by her informants. The abbot of Qingshan Temple, giving face to the new Chief Cabinet Minister’s wife, specially arranged a Buddhist chamber for her. Madam Xun, feeling restless, continuously held her prayer beads and recited scriptures. The old nanny came with news, “Everything is going as expected. Once night falls, we can act.”

Madam Xun, still uneasy, opened her eyes and looked at her, “Nanny, I’m still afraid… afraid it will be easily exposed. This is not a small village like Jiangling, and she is the county princess consort. Pei Muheng will definitely investigate.”

The old nanny’s expression darkened, “I’ve arranged everything; it will be foolproof.”

“But…”

“No buts!” The old nanny interrupted her, then gently held her shoulders, looking deeply into her eyes, speaking with a choked voice, “If anything goes wrong, I’ll take the blame. Miss, to be honest, I’ve prepared for the worst this time. I’ll take responsibility for everything, and it won’t involve you or the young miss.”

Hearing this, Madam Xun was shocked, the prayer beads slipping from her hands and falling to the ground, “How can this be?”

The old nanny embraced Madam Xun, tears streaming down, “Miss, the old madam died early. I raised you as if you were my own daughter. In the capital, you were once a cherished lady. Later, when the old master was demoted and we returned to Jingzhou, you, the daughter of the Deputy Director of the Hanlin Academy, fell for a mere scholar who didn’t know how to appreciate you. I felt wronged for you…”

“After so many years of enduring hardships, how can we let that mother and daughter ruin everything now that we’re at our peak? I’ve lived for sixty years, and it’s enough. If anything happens, I’ll claim I killed Miss Xu because of jealousy over her taking our young miss’s husband, and it will end quickly, without involving you.”

Madam Xun held the old nanny, crying uncontrollably.

After a while, they wiped away their tears.

Madam Xun, calming down, asked, “What about the Taoist woman?”

The old nanny sneered, “She’s setting up an altar in the southeast field with the temple’s talisman fire and oil prepared. What does it have to do with us? We’re not the only ones; several families are doing the same. If investigated, we are clean. The only issue is how to lure the mother and daughter there.”

Madam Xun replied, “Yes, how to lure them over.”

“Exactly!”

“This, I have thought through,” Madam Xun said, taking something from her waist pouch and handing it to the old nanny. “Today, there are many beggars in the temple. Give a few coins to one of them and have them deliver this to Madam Zhang. Just one look at it, and she will head to the altar.”

The old nanny looked at the paper crane in her hand, puzzled, “What is this?”

Madam Xun averted her gaze, uneasily replying, “Back when Xun Yunhe was studying, he used to fold these in his free time. It has his original name written inside. Madam Zhang will surely recognize it.”

The old nanny was still not reassured, “Even though the handwriting doesn’t look like yours, you are the only one who knows about her past with the master. Aren’t you afraid he will find out?”

Madam Xun turned back to her, “That’s why you must instruct the Taoist woman to burn it.”

There were no better options at the moment, so the old nanny had to agree.

Since Pei Muheng had cut off several of her spies last time, Madam Xun had not been able to act as freely. Luckily, she and her daughter had spent six months recovering at Qingshan Temple before, building up some connections. The old nanny could still manage for the time being.

After the old nanny left, Madam Xun sat alone in the Buddhist chamber, lost in thought. These past few days, she couldn’t sleep or eat well, tormented by the devilish thoughts in her mind. She kept mumbling to herself, thinking that if she could get rid of that mother and daughter, she would finally be able to breathe easy.

After sitting for a while, as the sun set, her personal maid lifted the curtain and came in to inform her, “It’s the Xiao family’s turn. Princess Shanshan accompanied Miss Xiao to the Mahavira Hall, and now only Miss Xu and her mother are in the guest house.”

It was time.

Madam Xun’s hands were sweating with nervousness.

The maid brought in some porridge and small dishes, but Madam Xun didn’t look at them, staring dazedly toward the window.

The remaining light of the setting sun mingled with the lamplight, casting colorful shadows on the ground like a woven dream.

Hearing some indistinct commotion, Madam Xun’s heart pounded, and she hurried to the window to look out. She saw shadows of people, some walking briskly, some looking worried, but it didn’t seem like anything unusual had happened.

Madam Xun, feeling disheartened, returned to her chair.

A while later, there was a sudden exclamation from outside. She couldn’t help but wonder if they had succeeded. Listening carefully, she didn’t hear the sound of a fire, and her heart grew even more tense, her nerves stretched to the limit, her undergarments soaked with sweat.

Just as she was feeling dizzy, her personal maid burst in, “Madam, something’s wrong. Second Young Lady has appeared at the temple.”

Madam Xun’s heart tightened, “Why is she here?”

To avoid implicating her daughter, Madam Xun hadn’t even visited her at the nearby Taoist temple since arriving at Qingshan Temple the day before.

The maid quickly explained, “The commotion at Qingshan Temple was so loud today that it disturbed the nearby Taoist temple. The second young lady guessed you were taking action and insisted on seeing the outcome for Miss Xu herself.”

Madam Xun gasped, “Where is she?”

“In the Wang Sheng Ge Hall on the southeast side.”

Wang Sheng Ge Hall, located next to the hillside where rituals for deceased relatives are performed, was where Xun Yunling intended to witness Xu Yunqi’s downfall.

“Take me there.” Trembling, Madam Xun gripped the maid’s arm and quickly made her way through the corridor towards the southeast.

As dusk fell, the heat subsided. The temple became even more lively in the twilight.

Madam Xun hurriedly wove through the stone paths of the courtyard. People greeted her, and she responded with a numbed smile. Shadows of light and darkness flickered across her face, and she was too distracted to wipe the sweat dripping down. Taking a shortcut to the back door of Wang Sheng Ge Hall, she instructed the maid to wait outside and entered alone.

A rush of hot sandalwood incense filled her nostrils, making her cough. Looking up, she saw flickering candlelight and swaying curtains. Everything was eerily silent. Moving from the back hall to the front, a tall shadow wavered at her feet. When the figure turned, Madam Xun saw the face, causing her knees to go weak, and she collapsed to the ground in fright.

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The setting sun hung on the western horizon, casting a fiery red glow. The lingering twilight spilled over the courtyard walls, painting the area with light and shadow.

Cao Yide, the Vice Minister of Personnel, presented initial reform strategies to Xun Yunhe, who was absorbed in reading them at his desk.

Grand Secretary Zheng, passing by the Ministry of Personnel with a flask of wine, strolled in leisurely and, seeing Xun Yunhe busy, crossed the threshold with a smile. “Brother Xun, I heard that the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, Wang Zhenchi, resigned. You’ve just arrived at the Ministry, and a Vice Minister has already stepped down. People say you’re quite the force to be reckoned with as a new official.”

Xun Yunhe chuckled and handed his documents to a clerk, welcoming Grand Secretary Zheng.

Wang Zhenchi, knowing that Xun Yunhe held evidence against him, anticipated that Xun Yunhe’s integrity would eventually lead to his downfall. He resigned voluntarily and contributed his family’s wealth to the national treasury. The Emperor, suspicious, summoned Xun Yunhe, who reported truthfully. The Emperor, though furious, decided to be lenient since Wang Zhenchi admitted his guilt.

The position of Vice Minister remained vacant, and today’s court meeting had yet to propose a suitable candidate.

Xun Yunhe, uninterested in discussing the matter, remarked, “Grand Secretary Zheng, you’re not on duty in the Cabinet today. It’s getting late. Why haven’t you gone home?”

Grand Secretary Zheng, comfortable in his seat, pointed to the lingering twilight outside. “The Emperor scolded me the other day for being the only Grand Secretary who leaves work on time. He accused me of neglecting my duties, so I’m waiting until nightfall to leave.”

Xun Yunhe smiled faintly. Despite the Emperor’s age and declining energy, nothing in the court escaped his notice.

About to instruct a clerk to bring tea, they were interrupted by someone rushing in. “Master.”

Xun Yunhe turned to see his personal attendant, Liu Fu, holding a common envelope. “Master, a beggar just delivered this envelope for you.”

Both Grand Secretaries looked puzzled.

Xun Yunhe glanced indifferently at the envelope and raised his hand, “Give it to me.”

Liu Fu, feeling uneasy, asked, “Should I open it for you?” He was concerned that the envelope might contain poison or something harmful to Xun Yunhe.

Xun Yunhe nodded.

Liu Fu used his fingernail to break the white wax seal and tore open the envelope. Inside was a simple talisman.

Liu Fu took it out and looked at it. There were two birth dates written on it, and he was puzzled.

Xun Yunhe caught a glimpse of the familiar handwriting, and his expression changed, “Give it to me.” His voice tightened.

Liu Fu quickly handed it over.

When Xun Yunhe’s gaze fell on the delicate script, his pupils contracted sharply, and his tall figure froze.

It was Qing Niang’s handwriting!

How could this be?

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Without a second thought, Xun Yunhe pulled out a seashell from his chest and shook out a faded talisman from it. Comparing the two, even though the handwriting was slightly different, it was clearly the same person’s work.

He sniffed the ink; it was written recently.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, and Xun Yunhe, holding the two pieces of paper, couldn’t stop trembling.

A hopeful thought pounded in his heart, but he didn’t dare dwell on it.

Could someone be imitating her handwriting?

No, it couldn’t be. No one in the court knew about Qing Niang.

Unless… unless she wasn’t dead.

An overwhelming joy surged within him. Xun Yunhe took a deep breath, pressing his arms against the table.

Grand Secretary Zheng, seeing his reaction, was shocked. He had known Xun Yunhe for many years but had never seen him so shaken. “Shuzhi, what happened?”

Xun Yunhe tried to suppress his surging emotions, slowly clutching the two talismans in his palm. His usually calm and composed eyes seemed to be filled with autumn water, shimmering with tears. He looked at Grand Secretary Zheng for a long time, then restrainedly said, word by word, “The Emperor has summoned me tonight to discuss reforms, but I fear I cannot go. Please inform His Majesty and apologize on my behalf. I need to leave the palace.” With that, Xun Yunhe hurriedly stepped out, not even changing his official robes.

What could make the usually tireless Xun Yunhe leave the palace despite the Emperor’s summons?

Grand Secretary Zheng, extremely curious, chased after him, calling out several times, “Hey, where are you going? What are you doing? How should I explain this to the Emperor?”

The flowing hem of his robe caught the sunlight, making it dazzling. Xun Yunhe’s mind was filled with countless thoughts, and he couldn’t answer. He didn’t dare to think too deeply about what was happening, only hoping she was truly alive.

Liu Fu quickly caught up with him, seeing his master’s face turn pale and then flush with changing emotions. Mystified, he didn’t ask further questions and accompanied him to the Meridian Gate. “Master, where are we going?”

Xun Yunhe, focusing only on rushing forward, didn’t know where to find Qing Niang. He paused, looking around at the long palace walls. The vast evening wind blew, and he felt like a trapped beast. After a moment of confusion, he quickly thought, looked at the talisman in his hand, and asked, “Is there any lively temple event in the city today?”

Liu Fu thought for a moment, “Qingshan Temple outside the city. I’ve heard that Master Mingyuan is holding a fortune-telling session today, and many officials’ families have gone to see.”

Xun Yunhe looked at the evening glow in the sky, the brilliant light weaving over his refined features. His eyes showed a restrained excitement.

If Qing Niang was really alive, did that mean Nannan was too… No, he didn’t dare to think about it. The image of a wrist wearing a silver bracelet flashed before him. Xun Yunhe closed his eyes tightly, forcing himself to endure the pain. He then mounted his horse and sped out of the city.

When Pei Muheng was stepping out of the Meridian Gate, he saw a crimson figure flash by.

“Hey, isn’t that Grand Secretary Xun?” Huang Wei, beside him, wondered, “What happened to make him so rushed?”

Today was Xu Yunqi’s important day, and Pei Muheng was focused solely on her. “We’ve already been delayed. I’m worried she’s been waiting too long. Let’s hurry.”

As they reached the city gate, a hurried call came from behind, “County Prince, please wait! County Prince, please wait!”

A voice from a Censorate official.

Pei Muheng quickly turned around and asked loudly, “What is it?”

The official, out of breath, ran up to him.

“Your Highness, a quarter of an hour ago, someone struck the Drum of Complaints outside Zhengyang Gate, accusing the Chief Cabinet Minister of favoring his concubine and killing his wife, allowing the concubine to usurp her place!”

“What?”

Huang Wei’s voice rose sharply, “How is that possible? Grand Secretary Xun doesn’t even have a concubine; where would such a claim come from!”

Pei Muheng’s face also darkened.

The only one who could publicly attack Xun Yunhe at this time was likely Prince Qin.

“Where is the complaint?”

“Grand Secretary Shi is not here. The Deputy Imperial Censor is holding the complaint, waiting for your decision!”

Pei Muheng quickly returned to the Censorate, took the complaint from the Deputy Imperial Censor, and without reading it thoroughly, gave concise instructions, “Suppress this matter for now. I will go to see His Majesty immediately!”

Prince Qin was clearly acting out of desperation.

Attacking the newly appointed Chief Cabinet Minister at this time was as foolish as pulling a dragon’s whiskers.

As expected, when Pei Muheng presented the complaint, the Emperor, enraged, smashed an inkstone on the ground.

“Outrageous!”

“Summon Prince Qin! I want to ask him what he thinks he is doing!”

Pei Muheng handed over the complaint without mentioning Prince Qin, but the Emperor, well-versed in court politics, recognized it as Prince Qin’s doing. Unfortunately for Prince Qin, he was intercepted on his way to pay respects to Noble Consort Yan and brought to the Fengtian Hall without understanding what was happening.

The stern Emperor stormed around his desk and kicked him.

“How dare you touch Xun Yunhe!”

Prince Qin, caught off guard, almost coughed up blood from the blow.

The Emperor was about to kick him again when Pei Muheng quickly knelt, hugging his leg, “Grandfather Emperor, calm down! Don’t harm your health!”

Stunned by the scene, Prince Qin wondered if his plot against the Crown Prince had been exposed.

“Father, I don’t know what I did wrong to make you so angry. Punish me if you must, but please don’t harm yourself.” Ignoring the pain in his chest, Prince Qin knelt on the ground, crying anxiously.

The Emperor, barely suppressing his anger, held his waist and glared fiercely at Prince Qin.

“You saw Xun Yunhe cutting off your influence in the Ministry of Personnel, so you decided to play these tricks against him? Let me tell you, the Ministry of Personnel belongs to me, to the court, and to the people. No one can touch it. You think you’re tarnishing his reputation, but you’re slapping me in the face!”

“The entire court knows Xun Yunhe doesn’t take concubines. Where would he get one to favor?”

Prince Qin was completely baffled.

Liu Xiwen, trembling, handed the complaint to Prince Qin, “My lord, please take a closer look.”

Prince Qin quickly read through it, feeling relieved but also furious.

“Father, I swear this isn’t my doing!” He shuffled forward on his knees, fervently defending himself, “Father, I swear on my head, I didn’t scheme against Xun Yunhe. I know he’s a pillar you’ve worked hard to elevate. Now is precisely when we need him the most. I may be foolish, but I wouldn’t dare oppose you!”

Seeing the logic in his words, the Emperor gradually calmed down.

Having maneuvered in the court for years, Prince Qin certainly wasn’t that foolish.

The Emperor didn’t let him off easily, “Whether it’s you or not, I’ll find out. For now, go back to your residence and wait for orders!”

Prince Qin, holding his chest, left the hall in frustration.

Once he was gone, the Emperor returned to his desk, his earlier anger causing a dull ache in his head. Rubbing his temples, he looked at Pei Muheng, “You oversee the Censorate. What do you suggest?”

Pei Muheng replied, “The only solution is to find Grand Secretary Xun and Madam Xun and get to the bottom of this.”

The Emperor frowned, “Where is Xun Yunhe?”

Liu Xiwen, the Chief Eunuch, immediately responded, “Grand Secretary Zheng is waiting outside with a report. He said Grand Secretary Xun had an urgent matter and left the palace. The gate officer reported that Grand Secretary Xun went to Qingshan Temple.”

The Emperor squinted, realizing the situation might be different than expected.

After a moment’s thought, the Emperor ordered, “Heng’er, go to Qingshan Temple yourself.”

Pei Muheng bowed, “According to the laws of the Jin Dynasty, when an official of the third rank or above is involved in a case, a joint investigation by three departments is required. I can represent the Censorate, but we need someone from the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to accompany us.”

The Emperor, thinking for a moment, went through the officials in his mind and decided, “Take Minister of Justice Xiao Yu and Deputy Minister of Judicial Review Liu Yue. Go to Qingshan Temple immediately, find out who is spreading false accusations, and clear Xun Yunhe’s name.”

Liu Yue was a newly appointed, capable official with a clear mind. Xiao Yu had a past connection with Xun Yunhe, and Pei Muheng was Xun Yunhe’s student, showing the Emperor’s clear favoritism.

Liu Xiwen quickly wrote the imperial decree, had it stamped by the Emperor, and Pei Muheng left with it, gathering the rest and heading out of the palace in haste.