Chapter 47 In August, the sacred Buddhist site is resplendent, yet not a single person comes to worship…

"Sit down." Fu Sui propped himself up from the railing and pointed to the stone bench in the pavilion.

The stone bench, freshly soaked by the autumn rain, was as cold as ice. As soon as you sat down, you could feel countless tiny ice crystals seeping into your skin through the gaps in your clothes.

Fu Sui pulled the cloak that the maid had draped over her body tighter and covered her mouth as she yawned.

“I remember today is not a day of rest, so why does General Yue have the leisure to come and worship Buddha?” Fu Sui’s tone carried a hint of smugness at having caught Yue Shanling red-handed.

A smile appeared on Yue Shanling's lips. Fu Sui's cloak was wrapped in a mess, and there were still red marks on her face from pressing her hand against the back of her hand. At this moment, her slightly upturned eyes still had a bit of water in them, and her bright eyes looked like a spirited little fox looking through her long and thick eyelashes.

He explained earnestly, "The Duke of Wei gave me half a day off, and since my mother came here to worship Buddha, I came too."

"Oh." Fu Sui responded softly. It turned out that Madam Zhou was here. During her free time in Yueshanling, Fu Sui could not find fault with Madam Zhou. She complained somewhat dejectedly, "Why did you send that seal in such a hurry? Otherwise, you could have given it to me today."

Today's fake news was unexpected; how could someone who has crossed mountains and rivers have predicted it?

He spent more than ten days searching for the material for that seal. He was busy with official duties during the day and couldn't spare a moment. Afraid of making Fu Sui wait too long, he worked on it late into the night every day after returning home. As soon as he finished, he hurriedly asked the Zhou family's son to deliver it.

In truth, Yue Shanling had considered delivering it himself, but it was inappropriate for a man like him to frequently enter the princess's residence at night, so he had someone else do it for him. Had he known that today was a holiday, Yue Shanling naturally wouldn't have been in such a hurry.

Yue Shanling was secretly annoyed, but then he heard Fu Sui muttering to himself, "For Mid-Autumn Festival, I want a rabbit lantern and a mooncake from Jixiang Bakery."

Yue Shanling was stunned for a moment, then realized that this was meant for him. He found it amusing and made sure to remember Fu Sui's request.

After Fu Sui finished speaking, she tilted her head and looked at him: "What do you want?"

If you don't need anything when crossing the mountains, just answer truthfully that you lack nothing.

Fu Sui was very dissatisfied with Yue Shanling's answer: "This is not a question of lacking or not lacking. Any frivolous man would ask for a handkerchief, a sachet or a pouch at this time. How can you ask for nothing like this?"

Where did she get all this nonsense? It doesn't sound like she comes from a respectable family. Yue Shanling then asked, "What should a less frivolous man want?"

Fu Sui turned his face away and said irritably, "How would I know so much about you men's affairs? There aren't any men in the storybooks who aren't frivolous."

A deep, resonant laugh came from beside him. Fu Sui turned his head, and Yue Shanling's eyes, which were usually unfathomable, were now filled with tiny, shimmering lights, and he showed a rare gentleness.

"What are you laughing at?" Fu Sui's cheeks puffed out as he stomped his feet and shouted.

Watching Fu Sui throw a tantrum like a little beast, Yue Shanling only found her adorable. She was still a young girl who had just come of age. While other girls of this age were still hiding under their parents' wings, innocently waiting for their parents to carefully choose a reliable husband for them, she was aggressively conquering the man she liked.

“If the princess doesn’t mind,” Yue Shanling said softly, “would you be so kind as to grant me a sip of the Moon-Playing Soup?”

Fu Sui raised an eyebrow. What kind of request was this? "General Yue's family is so wealthy and powerful, does he really need a little something extra?"

Yue Shanling looked up at Fu Sui. They were very close, close enough that Yue Shanling could touch her if he just stood up slightly, close enough to see every single eyelash of the other.

Fu Sui was still unaware, his eyes lowered as he stared intently at Yue Shanling.

The bright young girl stood proudly, looking down on him like a goddess. A wistful voice rolled out from Yue Shanling's throat, carrying a pleading tone that he himself was unaware of: "Hmm, it's been a long time since I've eaten."

His dark, piercing eyes were like strong liquor from the borderlands; a single sip burned from the mouth to the stomach, igniting a fiery passion within. Fu Sui, accustomed to the sweet fruit wines and mellow sake of his life in a wealthy land, had no idea of ​​the power of strong liquor, and ended up drowning himself in it.

The majestic sound of the bells announced the end of the sermon in the front hall.

The Buddhist temple is a pure place, yet those who worship Buddha do not have a pure heart.

"I should go back now," Yue Shanling reminded Fu Sui.

Fu Sui, with an air of "I didn't stop you," calmly stepped back two steps to make way.

He seemed to lose his balance as he stood up and took a step, staggering slightly, but quickly regained his balance.

Fu Sui's gaze swept quickly over Yue Shanling's left leg, pretending not to see it, and watched Yue Shanling disappear into the forest as a sleek silhouette.

Wan Yuegeng, at her age, still knows how to act cute.

The autumn rain continued to fall incessantly.

Madam Yu approached Madam Zhou during a vegetarian meal, using the excuse that there were too many people in the temple and there were no extra rooms available, asking if she could share a room with Madam Zhou.

Zheng Langjun followed behind Madam Yu. He was not particularly handsome, with a narrow and thin face. He looked somewhat serious when he wasn't smiling. He wore a robe with a lotus pattern and appeared very proper.

He glanced briefly at the young woman beside Madam Zhou; she had a pleasing appearance, with a lively and fair complexion. He then looked at the tall man behind Madam Zhou, somewhat puzzled.

“This is my third son,” Madam Zhou revealed Yue Shanling’s identity.

Those who meet Yue Shanling and Yue Lingling for the first time would hardly guess that the two are siblings. Yue Lingling only inherited the old Yue Hou's short, round eyes, which is precisely the part of Yue Shanling that is least like the old Yue Hou. Compared to the Yue family's older brothers, Yue Lingling resembles Xiao's mother, Chen Siming, more.

The two families sat facing each other. To Yue Lingling's left was Madam Zhou, and to her right was Yue Shanling. She felt extremely awkward being sandwiched in the middle. She didn't even bother to look at what Zheng Langjun looked like and just buried her head in her food.

Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Yu chatted happily for a while, sharing their experiences of listening to the scriptures, and the conversation gradually turned to their children.

Yue Lingling picked up rice grain by grain with her chopsticks and put it into her mouth, listening intently to the sounds from both sides.

Mrs. Yu praised Yue Lingling highly: "She looks so well-behaved and clever. The first time I saw her, I thought to myself, how could there be such a pleasing girl? You have no idea how much I like her."

Whether the other person is being sincere or just flattering, it makes parents feel proud when someone praises their child.

Madam Zhou smiled broadly, but still tried to be modest: "It's not that good. This child may look clever, but she was spoiled at home and is clumsy and can't do anything. I don't even dare to let her pour tea for fear that she'll spill it and burn herself."

Yue Lingling lowered her head and bit her chopsticks. Her mother was really something, how could she expose her shortcomings in front of outsiders? She was a little clumsy, and she did spill a teacup once, but she couldn't be considered clumsy at all.

Madam Yu chuckled, "A girl as beautiful as a flower shouldn't be doing such rough work. It would be a waste. You're still not satisfied with Fourth Sister's quiet and refined manner. If any of my troublemakers were even half as sensible as Fourth Sister, I would be burning incense for them every day."

Hearing Madam Yu describe herself as gentle and quiet, Yue Lingling blushed slightly.

“They’re all the same. She’s always acting spoiled and clingy at home.” Madam Zhou sighed helplessly. “She’s the youngest in the family. The older ones are all married, and we don’t even see the younger ones for several years. There’s only one girl left in the family. She’s spoiled by her older brothers. She gets whatever she wants and has no say in the family.”

Yue Lingling silently retorted in her heart. She still listened to her brothers, so why did her mother's words make it seem as if she bullied her brothers every day?

On the other side, Yue Shanling was also exchanging pleasantries with Zheng Langjun.

"I've heard that Brother Zheng has made great achievements in his studies and has also won the favor of a great scholar. He is truly a promising young man." Yue Shanling's tone was calm and showed no emotion.

Young Master Zheng was younger than Yue Shanling and was to be engaged to Yue Shanling's sister, so how could he dare to address him as "Brother Zheng"? He quickly said modestly, "General, you can just call me Yanhong. I was just fortunate enough to study the classics and history under Master Tao. How can I be considered a young man with great achievements? It is you, General, who has made outstanding military achievements and is truly admirable."

Yue Shanling smiled and replied, "General, you are the bravest general in the army and a hero of our time. I am just an unknown soldier who has achieved what I have today thanks to the blessings of my ancestors and the favor of the emperor. Yan Hong is too kind. I am truly ashamed."

Yue Lingling chewed each grain of rice eight hundred times, her teeth chattering from listening. However, her third brother seemed to be in a good mood, and Yue Lingling secretly glanced to her side.

Today is another day without a day off. Could it be that Third Brother has abandoned his official duties to come here? Yue Lingling did not think that she held such a high position in Yue Shanling's heart. After thinking it over, she suspected that Yue Shanling had come here specifically to see her make a fool of herself in order to get revenge on her for trying to match him with Liu Shuya last time.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Zhou and Mrs. Yu shared a few embarrassing stories about their children when they were young, and gradually the conversation turned to their children's schooling.

"No one in my family is studying. Only Wulang is hardworking. You have no idea how much I envy those families who study, with a bunch of kids who are good at wielding swords and sticks."

Madam Zhou spoke the truth. Although the court valued martial prowess and young men considered it an honor to die on the battlefield, she still hoped that her descendants could live peacefully and safely, compared to the merits earned by the Yue family with their lives.

Yue Lingling felt that her mother's words were biased. She couldn't remember what her eldest brother looked like at all. Her second brother was a peaceful person who spent his days either around his sister-in-law and nephews or around the head of the estate. Although her third brother had a reputation, she had never seen him wield a sword or spear. Her fifth brother would go straight to his study as soon as he got home. Clearly, only her fourth brother would practice martial arts at home. Where did her mother's "group" come from?

Madam Yu also teased Madam Zhou: "The young men in the Yue family are all promising, but you've become a troublemaker. Take your fifth son, for example. I've heard that the teachers at the Imperial Academy praise him highly and believe he will surely pass the imperial examination with flying colors in the future."

Madam Zhou waved her hand and said, "He has only studied for a few days. Whether he has passed the high school entrance exam or not is just something his teachers say to encourage him to improve."

Madam Yu glanced at Yue Shanling, who was sitting upright beside her, and suddenly said that she needed to change her clothes, asking if Madam Zhou wanted to come along. Madam Zhou hadn't planned to go, but since Madam Yu had already taken her wrist, she agreed.

The two walked slowly along the temple path, continuing to talk about the younger members of their families.

"Let's not talk about anything else, just look at the young master of the Shen family. His talent is far superior to that of my good-for-nothing son. Does he intend to take the imperial examination next year?" Madam Yu changed the subject and asked about Shen Siming.

In front of Yue Shanling, Madam Zhou tried her best not to mention Shen Siming. Now that Yue Shanling was not present and Madam Yu had asked, she could not refuse to answer: "He has his own opinions, and I can't control him. It all depends on his own will."

Chen Siming did not make the list this year.

After learning that Shen Siming had failed the imperial examination, Yue Shanling entrusted someone to deliver Shen Siming's essay to Prime Minister Qiao. After reading it, Prime Minister Qiao believed that although Shen Siming had failed the imperial examination, he could have passed if he had focused on the classics.

Yue Shanling didn't tell his family about these things until he received Qiao Xiang's analysis, at which point he told Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou was grateful to Yue Shanling for making requests on behalf of Shen Siming, but she was also annoyed by Shen Siming's stubbornness, insisting that even if he were to take the Mingjing exam, it would still be considered as passing the imperial examinations, and she refused to take the Mingjing exam.

Madam Yu leaned closer to Madam Zhou and said earnestly, "In learning, one must rely on the right teacher. With the guidance of a renowned teacher, one can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Now that Master Tao is in the capital, why not become his student and study diligently? With young Master Shen's talent, passing the imperial examination is just around the corner."

After all, there was a young man in the family who was still studying, and Madam Zhou had heard of Tao Yunzhong's great reputation to some extent. However, neither the Yue family nor the Shen family knew Tao Yunzhong, so it seemed that becoming his apprentice would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

As if seeing through Madam Zhou's predicament, Madam Yu took the initiative to say, "It's quite a coincidence that Erlang is currently under Master Tao's tutelage. Why don't we have Erlang help make the connection? Master Tao values ​​talent, so this matter shouldn't be too difficult."

Hearing Madam Yu say this, Madam Zhou also thought it was feasible and was about to agree when she suddenly remembered that she had come today to find a match for Yue Lingling. If she owed the Zheng family a favor, she would have a hard time refusing them in the future. If Lingling was unwilling, wouldn't that harm Lingling?

Seeing Madam Zhou hesitate, Madam Yu continued to persuade her: "It's because we get along well, nothing else. Besides, if Erlang and Shen's young master can study together, they can help each other in the future officialdom. Moreover, in the competition between civil and military officials in the court, it is better to have brothers to support each other than General Yue standing alone."

Madam Zhou's heart softened. This was an excellent opportunity for Shen Siming. Madam Yu also seemed to value Shen Siming's talent and wanted to cultivate friends and acquaintances for the young master of the Zheng family.

After much deliberation, Madam Zhou was ultimately unable to give up the opportunity presented by the Zheng family: "If this matter succeeds, I don't know how to thank you enough."

Madam Yu smiled and took Madam Zhou's hand: "No need for thanks. I treat you like a sister, so please don't be so formal. We'll be visiting each other often in the future. If you say that, I'll feel embarrassed to come to your door again."

Seeing that Madam Zhou still seemed to have doubts, Madam Yu gently patted Madam Zhou's hand, showing great affection: "Don't worry about Fourth Sister's matter. I will be happy if it works out. Even if the two are not destined to be together, I really like Fourth Sister. If you are willing to let her recognize me as her godparent, I will be overjoyed."

Madam Yu held onto Madam Zhou's hand tightly, and in just a few words, they seemed to be sisters who had known each other for many years.

"General Yue is not young anymore, doesn't he have a wife?" Madam Yu asked tentatively.

Madam Zhou thought of Princess Yong'an. She hadn't heard Yue Shanling mention the princess since the Dragon Boat Festival. Several times she almost couldn't help but ask Yue Shanling, but she swallowed the question back down.

In the past few months, the Yue family and the Princess's family have exchanged some gifts, but there doesn't seem to be any particularly meaningful gift. Madam Zhou is also unsure about the true nature of Yue Shanling's relationship with Princess Yong'an.

“I had considered several young ladies for him before, but he was so busy that he didn’t even have time to come home, let alone think about those things, so it was always delayed.”

“Who says otherwise?” Madam Yu complained, “My husband is also someone who’s never home. Whenever you ask him, he’s always busy with the capital’s defenses. While other officials are on leave, they can’t all shirk their duties while guarding the capital. Although he’s a third-rank official, he’s actually doing a lot of hard work.”

Madam Yu whispered in Madam Zhou's ear: "The Duke of Wei is getting old and doesn't care about anything anymore. All the big and small matters are left to the people below. It's exhausting to listen to."

She glanced at Madam Zhou's expression, her tone becoming increasingly sincere: "I may not see other people, but I have seen my General's every move. He comes home, eats a few bites of food, falls asleep immediately, and then has to get up for court before dawn. I can't help him with official business, so I can only let him stay home and relax. I can handle all the big and small things at home, so I don't bother him. Otherwise, he would have to take care of both official business and family, and even a person of iron couldn't stand it."

Mrs. Zhou felt somewhat ashamed after what Mrs. Yu said, and quietly reflected on whether she had caused him a lot of trouble by always troubling him with household matters.

Madam Yu seemed oblivious to Madam Zhou's distraction, pointing to a large tree in the distance: "Look at that sal tree, its leaves have all turned red, it's so beautiful."

When Madam Zhou and Madam Yu returned to their room, chatting and laughing, the room was completely silent.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation between Zheng Langjun and Yue Shanling became awkward. Zheng Langjun had originally wanted to talk to Yue Lingling, but he had to give up in front of Yue Shanling.

He glanced at Yue Lingling several times, but each time she kept her head down and ate, completely unaware of his gaze. The vegetarian food at Longxing Temple was decent, but not particularly delicious, enough to keep Yue Lingling from even looking up, and yet, despite her eating for so long, the food on the table didn't seem to have decreased at all.

Zheng Langjun sighed inwardly, picked up his rice bowl, and the three of them ate in silence.

Madam Zhou and Madam Yu took their seats, and the eerie atmosphere in the room finally came alive again.

After finishing their vegetarian meal, Madam Zhou wanted to stay and watch the opera, but Madam Yu said she had to leave first because of family matters, and Yue Shanling also took her leave.

When listening to the opera, Yue Lingling finally came to life and listened to the opera with great interest. On the way back to the mansion, Yue Lingling was greeted by Madam Zhou's questions.

Yue Lingling was dumbfounded. She could at least guess how many grains of rice were in the vegetarian meal, but she couldn't remember Zheng Langjun's appearance or temperament at all.

Madam Zhou asked in confusion, "Didn't you speak to each other when Madam Yu and I left?"

Yue Lingling shook her head; everyone was eating very "seriously."

Madam Zhou then remembered that Yue Shanling was still there, so even if Zheng Langjun wanted to have a few words with A Ling, it would probably be inconvenient. Madam Zhou reached out and tapped Yue Lingling's forehead, wondering why she didn't care about her marriage at all. It seemed that she would have to find another opportunity to let the two meet again.

Yue Shanling originally intended to return to Weizhong for a visit, and if there was nothing else, he would go to the Princess's residence. The Seventh Prince has recently been searching for pastry shops everywhere, and he heard that a shop in the East Market has launched a new pastry called Chestnut Pastry. He wonders if Fu Sui will like it.

However, Yue Shanling ultimately failed to reach the Princess's residence.

When he arrived at Weizhong, the Duke of Wei had not yet left. It turned out that the Duke of Wei had suddenly decided to see the registers and transfers of all the troops stationed in the capital by the Left Guard. A Zhonglang (a military officer) named Cen from the Yiwei (another military officer) was serving tea, and Yan Tianqing was reading the thick booklet to the Duke of Wei.

Yan Tianqing had never attended school in its entirety, only learning bits and pieces here and there during breaks in the march, following the soldiers across the mountains. The transfer register was relatively easy to handle, but the register was full of names of people and places, and there were bound to be a few characters that Yan Tianqing did not recognize.

However, the Duke of Wei refused to let him switch places with Cen Zhonglang, so he had no choice but to grit his teeth and read on, stopping to ask Cen Zhonglang about any unfamiliar words. The Left Guard numbered only a thousand in the capital, and Yan Tianqing managed to read until he was drenched in sweat.

When Duke Wei saw Yue Shanling return, he didn't stand on ceremony with him and pointed to a shelf, instructing him to move the registers from it. Yue Shanling carried and lifted the registers, staying with Duke Wei in the southern office until nightfall.