Chapter 38: Ascending Ling Mountain Temple

After sending her daughter off, Tian Shi carefully stored away the silver and jade pieces that her daughter had left behind in a small box.

The jade had been sent along with the cloak by Luo Jin’an. It was a small box filled with pieces the size of soybeans—clearly meant for Xu Nian to play with.

Thinking of her daughter’s words before leaving, Tian Shi couldn’t help but smile warmly.

At that time, Xu Nian had told her, “Mother, when you have time, take these jade pieces to the silver shop and have some jewelry made. When you return to the village, give them to Grandmother and the aunts—they will surely be overjoyed.”

How could Tian Shi not understand her daughter’s intention? This was meant to maintain harmony within the family. She and her husband were in the county, while the household affairs were managed by the two sisters-in-law. Over time, resentment could easily build up.

It was well known that one criterion in an official’s performance review was whether his household was harmonious—this showed just how important family unity was.

While Tian Shi was deep in thought, Zhao Lan entered the room.

“Madam, Madam Liu at the gate has delivered an invitation.”

Curious, Tian Shi took the invitation and opened it. To her surprise, it was from the wife of the Assistant Magistrate, inviting her to Ling Mountain Temple for incense offerings the next day.

At the banquet held by Old Madam Mei yesterday, Lady Rong had indeed mentioned the idea of going to the temple, but Tian Shi had not taken it seriously. She had not expected to receive such a formal invitation today.

This was the first time Tian Shi had ever received an invitation addressed specifically to her, so she took it very seriously.

That evening, she even consulted Xu Yaozu on how she should behave and what topics were appropriate or inappropriate for conversation.

Seeing Tian Shi so anxious, Xu Yaozu couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Qiao Niang, you don’t need to be so nervous. Just interact with them normally. The Assistant Magistrate and I are several ranks apart. Even if you say something slightly off, they wouldn’t bother holding it against a mere minor official like me.”

However, rather than easing her worries, his words only made Tian Shi more nervous.

That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep for a long time. It was only when dawn was breaking that she finally drifted off. As a result, she looked quite haggard when she woke up the next day.

Fortunately, after applying makeup and using the lip rouge Xu Nian had given her, her complexion appeared much more refreshed. Only then did Tian Shi finally breathe a sigh of relief.

With Zhao Lan accompanying her, Tian Shi took the county office’s carriage to the foot of Ling Mountain. The letter from Lady Rong had mentioned that they would meet there.

By the time Tian Shi arrived, Lady Rong was already waiting. Startled, she quickly got off the carriage and greeted her with a formal bow.

“Lady Tian, no need to be nervous. I simply arrived a bit early. Let’s head up the mountain now,” Lady Rong said with a gentle smile.

Tian Shi’s carriage followed behind Lady Rong’s, traveling for about two quarters of an hour before coming to a stop.

Lifting the curtain, Tian Shi was surprised to see that they had only reached halfway up the mountain. As she stepped out of the carriage, Lady Rong explained,

“To reach Ling Mountain Temple from here, one must climb 1,080 steps. Since we are only here to offer incense today, we can take a sedan chair up the mountain.”

Tian Shi looked up and indeed saw an endless flight of stone steps stretching up the mountain, seemingly vanishing into the sky. Curiously, she asked,

“May I ask, Madam, when would one need to walk up instead of taking a sedan chair?”

Lady Rong smiled and replied, “That would be for those with sincere hearts and pressing wishes.”

“I once heard from my mother-in-law that ten years ago, when Prince Chang was critically ill, the Princess of Zhenbei climbed these steps, kneeling on every step and bowing three times at each kneeling point. She moved the Buddha with her sincerity, and he granted her wish, saving the prince’s life. Nowadays, the golden statues of all the Buddhas in the great halls are gilded by the Zhenbei Royal Residence.”

Tian Shi gasped in shock and quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her voice choked with emotion. “Was Prince Chang’s illness really that severe?”

“Who knows? Matters of nobility are best left unknown to us common folk.”

Seeing Tian Shi’s eyes turn red, as if tears were about to fall, Lady Rong sighed, “I did not expect Madam Tian to be such a compassionate person.”

Tian Shi did not explain further. She simply felt sorrowful for the child Changsheng, who had suffered from illness since a young age.

The two of them took the sedan chair up the mountain. Ling Mountain Temple was indeed a renowned ancient monastery, its entire structure shrouded in mist, giving it an even more sacred and mysterious aura.

At the mountain gate, a young monk greeted the visitors. After learning that the two ladies were here only to offer incense and would not be staying overnight, he led them into the temple’s main hall.

As Tian Shi walked through the temple grounds, she marveled at the sight before her. Despite the harsh winter season, the temple remained lush and vibrant, with fresh green grass and blooming plum blossoms. The scenery reminded her of Qingyun City.

Lady Rong, aware that this was Tian Shi’s first visit, explained, “Since the founding of Ling Mountain Temple, its landscape has remained unchanged, regardless of the scorching summer or freezing winter. The only exception is during the month following the passing of the temple’s abbot—during that time, everything withers. The new abbot is the one who can restore life to the temple through chanting scriptures.”

“It is said that when Master Yunxin chanted scriptures back then, the wilted flowers and plants within the temple miraculously regained their vitality overnight. A divine bird even circled the temple beams for three days before departing…”

Tian Shi was utterly astonished by Lady Rong’s words. The vast world was truly full of wonders.

After offering their incense, Lady Rong led Tian Shi to a monk-prepared guest room, where she finally revealed the true purpose of this trip.

“Madam Tian, you may not know this, but among my dowry businesses, I own several rouge and powder shops. However, business has always been mediocre.

Yesterday, at Old Madam Mei’s banquet, I saw the lip rouge made by your daughter and was quite fond of it. I wonder if Madam Tian would be willing to sell me the formula?”

Tian Shi had considered many possibilities but had never expected that the Assistant Magistrate’s wife would want to buy the formula.

However, since it was something her daughter had created, she couldn’t make the decision on her behalf.

“Logically speaking, it is an honor that Madam finds my daughter’s craftsmanship impressive.

But as you may have noticed yesterday, my daughter is quite independent-minded. I would have to ask her first before giving you an answer.”

Lady Rong did not press the matter.

“This is only proper. I will be staying in the county for a few more days. If Madam Tian is interested, you may visit my residence in three days.”

“Certainly.”

With the conversation settled, the two did not linger and took the sedan chair back down the mountain.

After sending Tian Shi off, Lady Rong sat in her carriage, deep in thought.

Beside her, her personal maid, Qiuyue, handed her a cup of tea. “Madam, there’s no need to worry. She is merely the daughter of a minor official. How much knowledge could she possibly have? Most likely, she will be overjoyed to hand over the formula to you.”

Lady Rong let out a slow sigh.

“If she were truly ignorant, this would be easy. I fear we will have to pay a hefty price this time.”

Qiuyue scoffed. “Madam is simply too kind. It’s just a formula—our Lord could settle this with a single command.”

With a sharp “PAH,” Lady Rong slammed her teacup down onto the table, her expression darkening.

“If you continue speaking so recklessly, do not blame me for forgetting our years of mistress and servant relationship.”

Qiuyue was so frightened that she immediately dropped to her knees, sliding forward on the carriage floor.

“Please have mercy, Madam! Qiuyue realizes her mistake and will never speak out of turn again!”

Looking at her teary-eyed maid, Lady Rong softened, remembering their years together since childhood.

“From now on, mind your words and actions. Remember—discretion is key. Only if the Lord’s career flourishes will we continue to enjoy good days.”

Qiuyue glanced at her mistress’s sorrowful expression and felt a deep pang of regret. She had spoken too carelessly and had unknowingly touched on a painful subject for her mistress.

Lady Rong’s heart was heavy. She had spent years painstakingly managing businesses, accumulating wealth, and paving the way for her husband’s career. Yet, despite all the benefits he reaped from her efforts, he still looked down on her as nothing more than a mere merchant’s daughter.