Chapter 6

In the end, whether Yi Yun had his legs broken or was tied up and nailed into the ancestral hall window, Yi Ling could not know.

Because on her way back, she fainted again.

This time, when she passed out, it seemed that Yi Ling had some forewarning.

When she felt her limbs go weak, she immediately loosened the pillow beneath her and leaned against Mallow’s shoulder.

Sure enough, before they could reach the Xie Mansion, she lost consciousness.

However, this time she did not sleep for long.

Dr. Huang, who had been waiting at the estate, arrived just in time. After a quick examination, he forced a crushed life-saving pill into her mouth.

In less than half an hour, Yi Ling woke up.

Dazed, she saw the yellow gauze curtain embroidered with hibiscus moving before her eyes and immediately thought she had escaped from the identity of “Shang Yiling.”

But when she looked up, seeing Xie Hengzhi enter the room, Yi Ling immediately lost all such thoughts.

It was the same as before, only she had been moved from the Lin Fengyuan to another room.

Her fleeting fantasies dissipated, and Yi Ling, feeling disheartened, turned her face away from the bed, not noticing that along with Xie Hengzhi, his mother and sister had also entered the room.

The old madam of the Xie family was blind and usually relied on hearing to discern what was around her.

Not hearing any movement from Yi Ling, she turned to ask the doctor, “Why hasn’t the madam woken up yet?”

Dr. Huang, aware that Xie Hengzhi had entered, was on high alert and cautiously replied, “The madam has not fully recovered from the shock of the fall into the water. She is physically weak and needs to rest and recuperate.”

“I’ve grown tired of hearing this excuse, Mr. Huang.”

Xie Hengzhi’s voice was calm, without anger, and his expression was as impassive as ever.

However, Dr. Huang, still nervous, broke into a cold sweat, feeling wronged in his heart.

What else could he say?

Coming from a family of doctors, having saved countless lives, with a steady hand that had never failed him before, he had never encountered a situation where he was helpless.

Yet, this madam of the Xie family—her pulse, tongue coating, and the whites of her eyes all indicated that… She was as healthy as could be!

So why did she faint so frequently?

Moreover, no medicine or remedy worked, and she always woke up when Xie Hengzhi returned home?

With years of experience as a physician in the capital, Dr. Huang knew this ailment was simple, could be treated easily, but didn’t require any medicine.

As a doctor, Dr. Huang could not directly say such things, so he could only hint, “The madam was startled when she fell into the water, and her mind is unsettled. It’s a condition of the heart.

If the master spends more time with her, naturally, things will improve.”

Yi Ling heard every word clearly.

This explanation felt rather off-putting, as if they were implying she was pretending to be sick to win Xie Hengzhi’s affection.

Yi Ling could no longer pretend to be asleep. Annoyed, she sat up and bluntly said, “Dr. Huang, after practicing medicine for decades in the capital, is this all you can do? You can’t even diagnose my condition, and you offer me such an excuse?”

Dr. Huang was immediately left speechless by Yi Ling’s sharp words.

Had he guessed wrong?

Xie Hengzhi, hearing Yi Ling’s words, walked toward the bed.

This room was usually unoccupied, and the four-poster bed only had a thin layer of yellow gauze curtains. When the wind blew, they fluttered gently.

Xie Hengzhi bent down, lifted the curtain lightly with his fingers, and looked in, his gaze scanning Yi Ling faintly, as if trying to understand her intentions.

He also caught the implication in Dr. Huang’s words.

Yi Ling, fearing he might actually believe it, immediately said, “I’ve moved to this villa specifically to enjoy some peace and quiet, so please don’t overthink it.”

A faint smile appeared in Xie Hengzhi’s eyes, one that Yi Ling couldn’t quite understand.

“Do you really think so?”

He was clearly a refined, aloof man, yet every time he smiled—even if it was just a slight curve of his lips—Yi Ling couldn’t help but feel it was not with good intentions.

“Of course!” 

Though there was fear in her heart, Yi Ling gathered all her courage and said firmly, “If there’s nothing important, sir, you should stay away from my frail body. The farther you keep, the better.

It would be best if you never return to the Xie Mansion.”

This, indeed, sounded like a petty quarrel, as if she were sulking.

Dr. Huang fell silent, further convinced of his diagnosis.

In the entire room, only the elderly Mrs. Xie interpreted Dr. Huang’s words in her own way.

She pondered for a while, then suddenly said, “Master Huiming seemed to have mentioned that if Yi Ling still felt dizzy after awakening, it wouldn’t be due to illness. Only a noble person could help resolve it.”

Mrs. Xie’s voice had a slight hoarseness but remained calm and serene, like a gentle stream flowing quietly.

Yi Ling’s tension suddenly eased, and when she turned her head, she finally noticed an elderly, frail figure sitting by the couch, with a young girl in a bun standing behind her.

It was Xie Hengzhi’s mother who was speaking, which Yi Ling recognized.

During the month Yi Ling had been in a coma, Mrs. Xie often brought Xie Hengzhi’s younger sister, Xie Xuan, to visit her.

When Yi Ling failed to wake up for so long, the devoutly religious Mrs. Xie decided to go up to Qin Gongshan to pray for Yi Ling at a Buddhist temple, chanting scriptures for seven days.

Counting the days, today was exactly when she was returning down the mountain; no wonder Xie Hengzhi had come personally to pick her up.

A sudden jolt ran through Yi Ling’s heart.

She loathed Xie Hengzhi, and logically, she should also resent his birth mother. But the elderly lady was so kind and gentle that even if Yi Ling’s heart were made of stone, it would be difficult for her to act coldly towards her.

Now that she finally saw her in person, Yi Ling hesitated, unsure of how to address her.

Calling her “Mother” was something Yi Ling just couldn’t bring herself to do.

“Did Master Huiming really say that?”

Mrs. Xie didn’t mind Yi Ling’s rudeness. She nodded, “I have some Buddhist connections with Master Huiming. On the day I went to Jing’an Temple to chant scriptures, Master Huiming said that you would wake up yesterday, and it turned out to be true. This morning, when Jin Xuan came to pick me up, Master Huiming said the same thing under the eaves.”

Master Huiming, far away at the Buddhist temple on Qin Gongshan, had accurately predicted the day Yi Ling would wake up, proving himself to indeed be a true master.

Yi Ling quickly asked, “Did the master mention who the noble person is?”

Mrs. Xie shook her head. “At that time, the temple bell rang, and I couldn’t hear clearly. When I tried to ask for more details, Master Huiming had already left.”

It seemed that Yi Ling’s fainting spells weren’t caused by an ordinary illness, which explained why Dr. Huang couldn’t find a cure.

Having experienced a miraculous revival herself, Yi Ling couldn’t help but begin to believe in some supernatural explanations.

She pondered for a moment, a glimmer of understanding appearing in her eyes. Just as she was about to ask more details, Xie Hengzhi suddenly interrupted their conversation.

“The journey down the mountain has been bumpy for half a day; Mother must be tired.”

He stood in the center with his hands clasped behind his back and instructed Xie Xuan, “Yaya, please accompany Mother back to rest.”

Xie Xuan hummed in response, then supported Mrs. Xie as they slowly left the room.

Before stepping out the door, she couldn’t help but glance back at Yi Ling.

It was said that her sister-in-law, Yi Ling, had a graceful and dignified appearance, noble and elegant. Though they had only met a few times in the past months, Xie Xuan could still sense the poise and cultured air Yi Ling carried.

But today, it felt as if she had become a completely different person.

Once the door closed, the room darkened.

Yi Ling was still lost in her thoughts about Master Huiming’s words, not noticing that Dr. Huang and the servants had already left and that Xie Hengzhi, after quietly sizing her up for a while, had also left the room.

Dr. Huang, unable to hold his frustration any longer, stayed outside and waited for Xie Hengzhi to leave.

He was a renowned physician with decades of experience, and he had never once sullied his reputation. Today, he had tried to offer a hint but was treated like an incompetent doctor—he could not swallow his pride.

So, when Xie Hengzhi stepped out, he bowed deeply and said, “Sir, there is something I need to say, but I am unsure if it is appropriate.”

A breeze blew, and Xie Hengzhi didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his head, watching a leaf fall from his shoulder and casually brushing it off.

Dr. Huang, still respectful, said, “Madam’s illness is indeed related to her heart. As the saying goes, ‘To untie the knot, one must find the one who tied it.’ Madam is young and reserved, and there are likely some things she cannot say directly… What she needs is your concern and affection.”

Xie Hengzhi: “Doctor, you jest. Madam is my wife, and of course, I care for and cherish her.”

Dr. Huang: “…”

He hadn’t seen that.

“I just feel that, besides the dizziness, her temperament has changed recently. She seems like a different person,” Xie Hengzhi continued. “Perhaps the usual diagnosis methods are indeed insufficient to uncover her illness.”

Dr. Huang thought for a moment, “Do you mean… some ritual is needed?”

“…”
Xie Hengzhi turned his back to Dr. Huang. “I’ve always disliked talk of ghosts and spirits. What I mean is for you to check if there is something wrong with her mind.”

---

Yi Ling had no idea what Xie Hengzhi was planning.

Since Mrs. Xie mentioned those things, Yi Ling couldn’t stop thinking about visiting Master Huiming at Jing’an Temple.

So, the next morning, as soon as dawn broke, Yi Ling got up and set off for Qin Gongshan.

The wheels of the carriage creaked as it rolled out of the outskirts of the capital, and the first light of dawn spread across the sky, the damp smell of earth filling the air.

Yi Ling had hardly slept all night, and now her head was heavy, her body drained of energy, but she still eagerly looked out the window at the winding mountain road.

If Master Huiming is really that capable, maybe he can also help answer her doubts.

Why did she end up as Xie Hengzhi’s wife, the merchant lady?

And what happened to the original merchant lady? Is she still alive?

With this thought, Yi Ling couldn’t help but urge the carriage driver to whip the horses harder.

“Why does the lady look more and more haggard each day?” 

Mama Cao was only concerned about Yi Ling’s health, feeling anxious yet unable to think of any solution. She said, “It must be because the other courtyard hasn’t had anyone staying in it for a long time; the dampness is heavy. If you stayed there for a night, it would make things worse. Why not just return to Lin Fengyuan?”

Yi Ling, who was already feeling breathless, grew even more agitated when she heard this.

“No, I won’t go back.” She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, “I’d rather die than go back!”

Living under the same roof and moving to the other courtyard was the last bit of stubbornness Yi Ling had.

Although the courtyard was cold, damp, and old, with the floor made of simple bricks that gave off a chilling feeling, the walls hadn’t been decorated with silk; they were just a dull grayish color, making everything feel unlucky.

Mama Cao and Mallow didn’t understand what she was thinking, exchanging puzzled glances.

Since the lady woke up after the fall, her actions had become strange, almost like she was a different person.

But since they weren’t the ones who had grown up with her, they didn’t know her deeply. So, even with many doubts, they dared not ask too much.

Unknowingly, by the time dawn broke, the carriage had stopped outside Jing’an Temple.

It was still early, but the streets outside the temple were already bustling, with vendors preparing to pack up their stalls.

When the carriage curtain was lifted, the noise around seemed to quiet down a little.

The passing pilgrims and pedestrians all stopped in their tracks, their eyes focusing on one spot.

The woman stepping out of the carriage was dressed very simply. Her pale blue tunic didn’t even have any embroidery, and she wore a light blue cloak over it. It was clear she hadn’t spent much time on her appearance.

But this didn’t diminish her grace. In fact, the simple attire made her resemble a pure white magnolia, untouched by the world.

Yi Ling was unaware of the attention around her. She wasn’t in the mood to admire the scene and, after adjusting her clothes, hurriedly got out of the carriage.

A seven- or eight-year-old young monk was standing outside to greet the pilgrims. His sleepy eyes were half-open as he lazily waved them on.

“Little master,” Yi Ling stood before him, bent down, and asked, “I’m here to see Master Huiming. Could you help me pass on a message…”

Before Yi Ling could finish, the little monk gestured with his hand while yawning and led her into the temple.

It seemed that Master Huiming already knew Yi Ling was coming. Truly a wise monk, reliable.

Yi Ling felt more and more reverent toward him and even regretted not bringing more incense money today.

If he really could save her from this crisis, she would reward him generously and even have a new golden statue made for the temple’s Buddha!

The little monk walked neither fast nor slow. The group followed him up several flights of stairs, around the grand main hall, through a shady path, and into a long corridor.

Just as Yi Ling thought she was about to meet Master Huiming, the little monk took her into a quiet room.

“Please wait for a moment, madam.”

The little monk clumsily went to pour tea from the kettle on the stove and filled a cup for Yi Ling.

“Master Huiming is chanting; he’ll see you once he’s free.”

As expected of a great monk, a bit of pompous air.

“Thank you, little master,” Yi Ling said, though disappointed, she didn’t rush him. “How long do I need to wait?”

“I’m not sure,” the little monk replied. “Maybe one or two hours.”

Yi Ling nodded, “I understand. I’ll wait here for Master Huiming.”

Once the little monk left, Mama Cao muttered, “This Master Huiming is really full of himself; even the madam has to wait.”

“Didn’t you notice when you entered?” Yi Ling replied, “There’s the carriage of Lord Liang and the Princess of Fu’an outside. They must be waiting too.”

“Well, that can’t compare to the mighty Xie family.”

Mama Cao didn’t say anything more, but in her heart, she still thought Master Huiming was acting too aloof. Xie Hengzhi wouldn’t kneel even before the emperor, yet his wife had to wait for a monk.

Only Mallow, still in awe, gave Yi Ling a thumbs-up.

“Madam, you’re amazing! You’ve never seen Lord Liang or the Princess of Fu’an, yet you can recognize their carriages!”

Yi Ling: “…”

She turned away, not wanting to face Mallow’s praise.

Mama Cao, now realizing something, asked with a puzzled expression, “How did you recognize them?”

In that brief moment of concentration, Yi Ling wracked her brain but couldn’t think of how to answer.

She could only look up at the door and say, “It’s too stuffy in here. I’ll go out for a walk.”

Under Mama Cao’s questioning gaze, Yi Ling and Mallow stepped out of the room.

The adjacent room was a Buddha hall, peaceful and quiet, with only one woman kneeling on the prayer mat.

“Madam, let’s go in and pray too,” Mallow suggested. “There’s nothing else to do right now.”

“Alright.”

Yi Ling lifted her clothes and gracefully walked inside.

Kneeling before the Buddha, Yi Ling stared at the statue for a while, feeling utterly confused.

She rarely came to temples, so she didn’t recognize which deity was being worshipped here and didn’t know what to wish for.

Next to her, the woman praying was extremely devout, muttering prayers.

“May the Bodhisattva bless my husband to be a successful scholar, and it would be best if he tops the exam.”

She paused for a moment, then added, “Forget it; I know my husband’s abilities. As long as he can make second rank, that’s fine.”

“Secondly, may my husband treat me better and not frequent brothels.”

“If he wants to take a concubine, I hope she’s not too talented. I can’t deal with someone too powerful.”

“Three wishes…”

“If my husband cannot achieve scholarly honors and cannot devote himself wholeheartedly to me, then I simply wish him peace, good health, and a long life.”  

“If so, this humble woman will be content.”  

“…”  
The woman kept repeating “my husband, my husband,” which inexplicably made Yi Ling feel uncomfortable.  

Pressing her palms together in front of her chest, she quietly made a wish of her own.  

“I wish my husband wouldn’t live past tomorrow.”