The hexagram Shi (師) is a middle-upper-level hexagram.

Chapter 7 The Army Hexagram (Middle to Upper Level) - Guan Guanling

The Marquis's residence handled the homecoming ceremony very meticulously, preparing numerous and impressive gifts, including three carriages laden with gifts. Rong Yan was somewhat surprised that Madam Wang could prepare so much, but upon reflection, she realized it was all for the sake of the Marquis's reputation.

A large crowd gathered in front of the Rong residence. The Rong family members were all dressed in festive attire. Two thick red firecrackers stood in front of the gate. After waiting for half an hour, everyone's backs and hips ached from standing. The sun was high in the sky, but they still hadn't seen anyone.

Duan wiped the sweat from his forehead. Even though it was early spring, he was still a little hot after standing in the sun for a long time.

She turned her head and glanced at Rong Guangmao, who was still staring longingly at the street, and softly called out, "Master, I think Changyu has grown too big for her britches. She's only been married into the Marquis's mansion for a few days, and she's already putting on airs. Letting her family wait for her for so long, what kind of behavior is this? Look at your own wild girl, she just doesn't know any manners."

Her expression was gentle, but her words were very firm. The people who were further away were completely surprised that she could reprimand Minister Rong right at the door.

Minister Rong pursed his lips, neither refuting nor daring to refute, but his eyes darted away, no longer looking at the other side of the street.

Finally, a group of people from the Marquis's residence strolled in leisurely.

Rong Guangmao quickly ordered someone to light firecrackers, straightened his clothes, and put on a proper smile. Duan Shi, with her hair tied up in a high bun, smiled with great pride.

The two men kept their eyes fixed on the sedan chair in the distance, their faces haughty as they allowed the common people to watch.

The whole street was abuzz with excitement. Everyone was whispering and full of envy, saying that the Rong family had finally fulfilled their wish and had officially become relatives of the Marquis's family.

Many women were also jealous, saying, "What's so good about it? One is a second wife, and the other is a bride brought to bring good luck. Look at the old Marquis, how many concubines and mistresses does he have? Even if the eldest son isn't going to die, and he's still alive, how many concubines will he and the second son of the Xie family have in the future?"

"That's true. It's better to marry an ordinary person. They don't have that much money or that many scheming minds. With someone as beautiful as you, at least they'll treat you like a treasure."

"The young concubine's daughter who returned from the Taoist temple is said to be disliked by the Lady of the Marquis as well."

Firecrackers went off at just the right time, their deafening roar gradually drowning out the sounds of people.

After the sedan chair stopped, no one got out for a long time.

Rong Guangmao glanced at Duan Shi before stepping forward and saying, "Changyu, do you expect me, as your father, to come and invite you home?"

Silence fell inside the sedan chair. He was somewhat embarrassed and glanced back at Madam Duan.

After glaring at him, Duan looked away.

"Today is a great day, so let's not let the neighbors laugh at us."

At this moment, Rong Guangmao was standing in front of the sedan chair curtain, his body straight, his eyes not looking into the sedan chair, as if he was certain that even if the obedient girl acted coy, she would definitely get out of the sedan chair.

Everyone held their breath and craned their necks to look. The maid lifted a corner of the curtain and saw a white, fluffy hoof sticking out.

Rong Guangmao: ?

A pure white fox stepped down from the sedan chair, its disdainful gaze stunning everyone present.

Rong Guangmao: !!!

Everyone: !!

Rong Guangmao was the one standing closest, and he was so frightened that his face turned pale, especially by the fox's fierce eyes! Such a large-headed fox, it was rumored, would eat human flesh!!

A murmur arose from the surrounding crowd: "Why is a fox... the one they've brought to welcome the new son-in-law?"

Waiting behind the sedan chair was Qingzhu, who stepped forward with a distant yet polite smile, straightened her back and bowed to Rong Guangmao. "Lord Rong, our young mistress sent us to return the bridal sedan chair today. Because there is a custom in Lord Rong's household to welcome the new son-in-law, the Marquis's mansion sent the eldest son's pet to stand in for him. We hope Lord Rong will understand that the eldest son is too ill to come in person."

What? !

"Where is the young mistress?"

Qingzhu bowed again, "Reporting to Madam, our young mistress said that she will only return to Hebai Temple today."

Everyone: !!!

What? !

Why didn't Rong Yan go back to her parents' home? Instead, she went to a Taoist temple!

Doesn't this clearly tell everyone that her maternal family isn't the Rong family?

Duan's face darkened instantly, and she let out a cold snort. The Marquis's mansion was truly going too far. If the eldest son couldn't come, wasn't there the second son? Yet they sent a beast in his place.

Although the other party was a servant, he represented the Marquis of Runan's household, and Rong Guangmao dared not offend him.

Seeing Rong Guangmao's timid and hesitant demeanor, Duan Shi clenched her teeth, but smiled gracefully and stepped forward, "But I noticed that he hasn't come, and the etiquette seems... lacking as well?"

"Since the young mistress has returned to Hebai Temple, the proper etiquette will naturally be sent to offer incense. I suppose the young mistress will also use the etiquette to pray for the Rong family."

What? !

The crowd burst into laughter; the Rong family had really lost out instead of gaining something from their scheme.

Even the woman who had just said that Rong Yan was not favored by the Marquis's family was immediately attacked. "Didn't you just say that the Marquis's wife didn't like this little concubine's daughter at all? You're just talking nonsense! If she's not favored, how can we tolerate her behavior?"

"That's right, the second daughter of the Rong family dares to do this, she must have the Marquis's mansion backing her up."

Seeing the disdainful looks on their faces, the woman blushed instantly.

"Alright, then I must have asked the wrong person..."

Rong Guangmao felt utterly humiliated and hurriedly helped Duan Shi into the mansion. Qingzhu nodded to Yu Ling, who then entered the Rong residence with a small package in her hand.

Rong Yan had instructed that she didn't have a deep relationship with the Rong family elders, and it had nothing to do with the child, but the appropriate gift should still be given.

The pines and cypresses in Tianbao Mountain remain unchanged, and the air becomes increasingly crisp and clear as you climb higher.

Rong Yan alighted from the sedan chair halfway up the mountain, carrying a plain gray bag on her back. The bag was old and faded from washing, which seemed quite incongruous with her current status as the eldest daughter-in-law.

She seemed completely unconcerned and insisted on carrying the load up the mountain alone.

She climbed the moss-covered mountain steps, winding her way up. She had walked this path countless times in the past ten years, but today it felt different.

The clouds and mist on the mountainside were even thicker, and it seemed that you could see the crowds on the opposite mountain through the mountain stream, with incense burning brightly and the temples full of believers.

In contrast, on this road to Tianbao Mountain, you might encounter one or two pedestrians, but no one else.

For her, that view from the cliff on the mountain was her true home. As for the Rong family, the fact that Bai Qiong had graced them with his presence was already a great honor.

I heard that when Xie Zhezhi returned to his mother's home, Rong Guangmao made him break a large stone on his chest outside the mansion according to the custom of his mother-in-law's hometown.

Rong Yan refused to accept that Rong Guangmao's attempt to deflate the Marquis's arrogance by repeating the same tactic to demonstrate his authority as his father-in-law.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Taoist temple, two towering pine and cypress trees still stood straight against the wind. The area in front of the temple was clean, and the snow in front of the hall had long been cleared away. She exhaled a puff of white mist and stood there for a long time, but did not go in. She untied the bag on her back and placed it on the stone table under the pine and cypress trees.

He reached out and touched the smooth stone bench, slowly withdrawing his fingertips, which were red from the cold, and called out loudly, "How long are you going to keep watching? It's too cold. Tell Master to come out quickly."

With a creak, the gate of the Songxia Taoist Temple opened, and a young Taoist boy of about six or seven years old rushed out.

The young Taoist boy had a small bun on his head, wore a light blue Taoist robe, and had a blue crown pinned to his waist.

"Senior sister! Senior brother kept pulling me away from coming out!!" The childish voice started complaining as soon as it saw Rong Yan.

"Senior sister, you don't know. After you left, your senior brother wouldn't let anyone use the meditation cushion you used in the Taoist sect."

"Jixin, stop talking nonsense." A clear male voice rang out from behind the door, and a Taoist priest dressed in a gray-blue robe appeared before them. He had a thin face, particularly striking phoenix eyes, a tall stature, and a very handsome appearance.

“I’m not making this up. I never lie.”

Ji Kong stared at her for a moment, then lowered his eyes and smiled.

A fallen leaf drifted right in front of his face, making his smile seem like melting snow, warming everyone's heart.

Rong Yan unconsciously smiled as well, "Why won't Senior Brother let him out? Is it because you're afraid I'll settle scores with you later?"

After a moment of hesitation, Ji Kong narrowed his eyes gently and smiled warmly, "Master is doing this for your own good."

Rong Yan didn't respond. He and she both understood the implications, but he was somewhat worried. "Senior Sister, if Master doesn't take the exam to become a Daoist official, then our temple won't get the subsidies. Are we about to go bankrupt?"

Rong Yan: ...

Where is Master?

Ji Kong shook his head. "He came back yesterday and told us not to tell you, then he ran off. We both know his personality; he's just afraid you'll nag him."

Rong Yan: ...

When will you be back?

Ji Kong glanced at her face, seemingly sensing that she wasn't angry, before replying, "Next year in March. It wasn't entirely an escape; he said he still had unresolved worldly affairs in Putian County, and if he settled them, he could get back one hundred taels."

Rong Yan was speechless. Was the Taoist temple really that poor?

She knew about the mundane affairs of Putian County; it was her master's mundane affairs from twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, Gou Township was full of纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats), who spent money like water indulging in debauchery.

Ten years ago, I confidently declared, "How can I ask someone for the money I lent out to save my life back?"

Ji Kong seemed somewhat ashamed, and turned his head slightly away without replying.

After all, as the eldest disciple, he was somewhat embarrassed that he couldn't share the burden with his master.

“Since Master has given the Taoist temple to you, I feel it’s not good to hide it from you anymore. Over the years, Hebai Temple has accumulated a lot of debt. The rice and grain distributed for disaster relief a few years ago were all borrowed. Now we still owe three thousand dan of grain and three thousand taels of silver.”

Rong Yan: !!!

"Senior brother, I think you can actually keep this a secret forever."

Empty: ...

Although the Taoist priest from Gouxiang was a stingy person, he was kind at heart. Over the years, he had squandered all his wealth. By the time Rong Yan arrived at the Taoist temple, their lives were already difficult.

Ji Kong: "Junior sister, don't worry, I will find a way to pay back the money."

Ji Xin looked up at Ji Kong and then smiled at Rong Yan, "Senior sister, you don't know, when senior brother goes down the mountain to do face readings, so many women flock around him. He can earn dozens of taels of silver every time he goes down. You really don't need to worry, we can still eat our fill."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Ji Kong quickly covered Ji Xin's mouth, his face slightly alarmed.

Rong Yan deliberately looked Ji Kong up and down and teased, "Hmm, Senior Brother, you are indeed born with a handsome appearance."

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw that Ji Kong's ears had turned red. Rong Yan then smiled and changed the subject. Later, the two chatted for a while and learned that their senior sister Ji Yan had gone to Miao territory. As for why she went there, Ji Kong seemed to have no idea.

Now, in the vast Taoist temple, only Ji Kong and Ji Xin remain.

Finally, she patted the luggage on the table.

"This is the homecoming gift from the Marquis's residence. I took a look and it's all unnecessary stuff, so I'll treat it as money, a total of five hundred taels. Senior brother, use it to repair the Taoist temple. If it's not enough, I'll think of something else later."

The Taoist temple was in such bad condition that even the Three Pure Ones statues were missing, not to mention the doors, tables, prayer cushions, and so on. None of them were in good condition.

Rong Yan was too embarrassed to say it aloud. They were cultivators and had seen poor people before, but never a Taoist temple this poor.

“Now that you are the lady of the Marquis’s mansion, going to the pawnshop to do this kind of thing will be criticized by people in the future.”

Rong Yan, however, didn't seem to care. "People can say whatever they want; it's the natural order of things. Why bother caring about what others think?"

Ji Kong was taken aback for a moment, then Rong Yan sighed and said seriously, "Senior brother, let's close Hebai Temple."

Ji Kong looked surprised and suddenly stood up straight, seemingly in disbelief.

"You...you really think that way?"

For ten years, she had been the sole breadwinner of her family, and she just shut it down without hesitation.

Seeing Rong Yan nod firmly, his expression turned somewhat bitter. "Is it because of your current status?"

Rong Yan shook his head.

"Because of money?"

He knew she never wanted to get involved in anything, preferring to lie down rather than stand up. Now that her master had dumped all the affairs of the temple on her shoulders, perhaps she felt the pressure was too great.

"That's true. Things are different now. You are not the same person you were yesterday, and I am not the same person I was yesterday. Change is the norm. I understand."

With tears in her eyes, Ji Xin said, "No, senior brother, senior sister definitely doesn't want to close the temple. I believe her!"

Rong Yan chuckled softly, “Senior brother, we’ve known each other for so many years, yet you understand me better than I do. I closed the Taoist temple, of course, so that I could reopen it. This temple has been in disrepair for years and is very dangerous. If a worshipper were to be injured, the sin would be immense.”

Ji Kong was somewhat stunned, his mood fluctuating wildly, but his face seemed to show relief.

He lowered his eyes slightly, nodded, and seemed somewhat sad.

"These are dried February orchids. Take some home; you can steep them in water to drink if you have a sore throat later."

Rong Yan glanced down at it, then smiled with narrowed eyes, “Early spring grass, a wildflower that blooms silently in the cold spring, does suit my current identity.”

Ji Kong seemed to want to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back.

After seeing Rong Yan off, Ji Xin saw her walking alone on the mountain stone steps. The misty mountainside seemed to swallow her up, making her figure appear even smaller. Ji Xin frowned, her eyes reddening, and asked Ji Kong beside her, "Senior Brother, why can't you tell Senior Sister about Master?"

Ji Kong's gaze remained calm as he kept watching Rong Yan's figure, even after she had long since disappeared into the clouds. He did not look away, only withdrawing his smile, and said softly, "There are many unsolvable things in this world that you cannot understand now, but one day you will. Just remember what your senior brother told you, and keep the promises we made as men."

Xiao Jixin pursed her lips, nodded solemnly, and tightened her grip on the luggage in her hands.

"But senior brother, if you care about senior sister so much, why are you keeping it from her?"

Ji Kong seemed somewhat dazed, and after a long while, he replied as if talking to himself, "Nothing is up to us."

Ji Xin was already preoccupied with the big orange in her bag and had no interest in him.

"So many big oranges! I've never seen oranges this big before!!"

Still possessing a childlike heart, Ji Xin immediately and happily took out one and peeled it open.

Ji Kong smelled the scent of oranges wafting in the cold air, along with a faint fragrance of women. He frowned and glanced at the mountain path. "Ji Xin, oranges or silver, which do you want?"

"Why are you asking such a silly question, senior brother? I will take them all."

Ji Kong squinted, curved his lips into a smile, and patted Ji Xin's head.

When Rong Yan and her entourage returned to the Marquis's residence, the moon was bright and the stars were few. To Rong Yan's surprise, Rong Shu was waiting for her upon entering the residence.

She glanced at the maids kneeling on the ground, then at Rong Shu sitting arrogantly in the pavilion in the courtyard, and said lightly, "I thought I had gone to the wrong courtyard."