Chapter 113 Mountain Forest Palace, I Miss You.
Xie Wenjun's fingertips caressed the rim of the brass cup, turning the sake inside amber. The two cups gently clinked together, producing a clear, melodious sound.
The two of them drank the wine in their cups.
Xie Wenjun said, "I have ordered the Changning Guard to escort Ye Weiwan and Han Die to Xiling by fast horses. They should arrive by tomorrow at the latest."
Chen Liangyu said, "The Consort Shu actually agreed to release them?" This was unexpected.
Xie Wenjun said, "She refused, so I took it from her."
"I ordered the Imperial Physician to make a few changes to the duty roster of the Imperial Physician's Office. When Ye Weiwan was on duty, the Changning Guard took her away."
Chen Liangyu said, "Imperial Physician Ye is here to ensure the safety of Consort Shu's pregnancy. This concerns the imperial heir. Aren't you afraid the Emperor will blame you for taking her away like this?"
Xie Wenjun said, "Then we'll see how the Emperor explains things to the people and officials. The soldiers who fought on the front lines to quell the rebellion suffered heavy casualties. How could the palace be reluctant to part with a single imperial physician? It's not like the other physicians in the Imperial Medical Bureau can't diagnose Consort Shu's pulse."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
As soon as the word "Xie" was uttered, Chen Liangyu felt a chill rise from the Qiongtai. She glanced down and saw that Xie Wenjun's fingers, which were holding the wine cup, indeed paused.
"I did not mean that."
She wasn't being formal; she just said it naturally.
Chen Liangyu felt that she should express her gratitude. Taking the imperial physician from Zhai Yu's palace to Xiling to treat Bu Ping'er's injuries was only one aspect of the matter. However, she should also thank Rong Jun for rushing over on the night Qiu Renshan slit his throat. He was there to convey Xie Wenjun's oral order, instructing Qiu Renshan to examine himself, reflect on his actions, and tell the truth.
When Rong Jun arrived, Qiu Renshan was already dead.
The sword mark that matched the fatal wound, the blood-stained blade... Qiu Renshan used his own life to smear Chen Liangyu with an indelible stain. Regardless of the truth, Chen Liangyu could never erase the stigma of "forcing a colleague to his death."
Therefore, Qiu Renshan's last words before his death were to tell her to take good care of herself.
The final case file presented to the Emperor showed a lighter sentence. This was due not only to Chen Xingqian using his personal favor with Zhao Xingli to pressure Censor-in-Chief Jiang Xiantang to stamp the document at the final stage of the joint trial by the three judicial departments, but also to Xie Wenjun's efforts in lobbying Tan Xialing, the Minister of Justice, over the past few days.
The case of fraudulently transferring land involved most of the officials in the court, including Tan Xialing. He was also among the officials who had extended favors to the Princess's residence.
With Xie Wenjun's intervention, the Ministry of Justice became exceptionally accommodating.
In the southeast corner of Qiongtan, there grows a century-old osmanthus tree with a thick trunk. When the evening breeze blows, the fragrance of osmanthus can travel far.
At the beginning of the year, Yueyanglou spent a lot of money to hire a sheng and xiao ensemble, and you can hear the sounds of string and wind instruments from inside the building. The music is grand and majestic, and the tune doesn't sound like it's from the south.
Chen Liangyu took a spoonful of the soup into his bowl.
Since Wang Biao and Qiu Renshan are already dead, it is no longer possible to trace the clues to the inner palace.
Chen Liangyu said, "If Consort Shu is indeed a spy from Northern Yong planted by Zhai Ji'an beside the Emperor, she must have a place in Yongdu to contact her spies..."
"Have you already shared your doubts with your elder brother?"
Chen Liangyu nodded, silently agreeing.
Xie Yuan had previously been furious and even fell ill because of this matter. He had forced the Vice Minister of Revenue to his death and then subtly accused the Emperor's wife, who was pregnant with his child, of being a spy. This was not just taunting the Emperor, but practically digging him out of the ground.
Although not explicitly stated, the meaning is clear.
She knelt from beginning to end in Chongzheng Hall that day, failing to see the slight hint of relief hidden beneath Xie Yuan's fury.
After a long wait, Xie Yuan finally spoke: "I didn't understand before why Father Emperor trusted the old Marquis Xuanping so much, but now I understand a little. A loyal and upright minister, though resourceful, does not resort to trickery; though understanding, he is unaware of slander. Should I say you are recklessly brave, or should I say you are courting death?"
Even after he had spoken for a long time, his brows were still furrowed into a sharp frown, his voice still tense, and he said with lingering anger, "You..."
He coughed up blood.
Xie Wenjun said, "This is too risky. What if we really anger the Emperor and he wants to take your head? I..."
Chen Liangyu put down her spoon, looked up at Xie Wenjun, and wondered what Xie Wenjun would do if the Emperor were to drag her to the Meridian Gate to be executed.
"...I will personally collect your body."
"Thank you so much, you are incredibly kind."
As he spoke, he stood up with an air of importance, walked closer, and bowed to Xie Wenjun with his sleeves folded. He was completely unrefined. The next instant, Xie Wenjun tapped him with her chopsticks.
"His Majesty may or may not believe the shady dealings at Zhaohua Palace. However, based on my understanding, His Majesty would rather hear those unpleasant but honest words and get angry than be misled by his close advisors."
He spoke frankly, and the emperor, once he had calmed down, let it go.
"It's just a pity that Qiu Renshan died too easily."
Xie Wenjun said, "You will be setting off back to the Northern Border tomorrow, so don't think too much about it. I will find a way to find out the truth about Consort Shu. A-Li, spend more time with me today."
Yes, things have come to this point. Even if there really is a spy network, they'll quiet down for a while. Chen Liangyu no longer has time to get involved with them.
Chen Liangyu suddenly leaned closer, pressing even more against her.
Xie Wenjun subtly pushed the wine cup away a few steps, lazily sinking her back into the carved chair, her nonchalant posture exuding a sense of ease and charm.
The autumn wind carried osmanthus petals from the southeast corner. Xie Wenjun reached out to pick them, scattering the tiny blossoms among Chen Liangyu's hair. Chen Liangyu caught the mischievous hand and, in the act of clasping hands, pulled Xie Wenjun closer.
The setting sun, half-hidden in the sake cup, was startled.
They sat side by side, their wide sleeves and skirts gently brushing against each other in the breeze. There was no need to talk about the troubles of the past, nor to think about the worries of tomorrow.
Xie Wenjun leaned down and rested her head on Chen Liangyu's shoulder.
Strands of hair brushed against the black collar of her clothes, causing a slight itch in her heart.
Chen Liangyu's thick, long eyelashes cast a shadow on her cheeks, and she couldn't help but turn her head to steal glances at Xie Wenjun's lowered eyes.
Good times and abundant harvests are nothing more than this.
Xie Wenjun lowered her eyes to look at the intertwined fingers of the two. Chen Liangyu had calluses on her hands and feet, which were caused by years of holding a bow and arrow and riding horses. There was a faint white mark around the base of her right thumb.
Something is missing here.
There should be a thumb ring there, used for plucking the strings.
Chen Liangyu suddenly felt a slight coolness at the base of her thumb. Looking down, she saw that Xie Wenjun had put a green jade thumb ring on her finger, with the character "jade" engraved on the inner wall pressing against the faint mark.
The thumb ring wasn't engraved with any special patterns; it only had a relief carving of intertwined branches on the inner ring.
The branches and vines intertwined.
Chen Liangyu suddenly remembered something and opened the sachet that Xie Wenjun had thrown back. Inside were some common herbs. In her haste, she poured all the spices onto the table. "The old lady who sold the sachets lied to me," she muttered. "She clearly said that her sachets contained red beans."
A sachet is sewn with half a coin of red beans, a token of longing sent from afar.
The old woman said this, and coaxed Chen Liangyu into happily buying the whole drawer of sachets.
Chen Liangyu rummaged around a few times and finally found a red bean the size of a fingernail in a small pile of hay. He picked it out, gathered the round bean between his thumb and forefinger, and examined it closely.
"Your Highness, look."
The top of the red bean has a crescent-shaped navel mark.
"It is also known as the love seed among the common people."
As soon as he finished speaking, that crimson stain was already lying in Xie Wenjun's palm.
Xie Wenjun asked, "If it's planted in soil, will it sprout?"
"I don't know, maybe it will work. Let's plant it and see."
"good."
Before the afterglow of the sunset had faded, two sparrows flew to the eaves of the jade terrace, their claws gripping the glazed tiles as they chirped. A short while later, they flapped their grey-brown wings and flew away.
A whistle sounded from below the jade platform. It was Rong Jun.
The whistle signaled that there were informants active in the vicinity.
After Xie Yuan detained Rong Jun at Taihuang Temple and took the Jianren Division from Xie Wenjun, Yongdu became like a giant checkpoint, teeming with spies and more than double the number of spies and lackeys.
Chen Liangyu walked to the railing, looked down, and immediately frowned. She had ordered her personal guards to clear this area of spies half a day earlier, but they had returned.
The prosecutors, already scattered and difficult to control, suddenly found themselves in a predicament with a large influx of people, turning the area into a playground for shady dealings. For a few taels of silver, anyone could be manipulated. And that wasn't all; in the brothels and gambling dens of the city, one could see commoners dressed in plain clothes, looking around furtively, selling their wares.
That would save trouble; a little silver would be enough to get rid of them all.
The carriages of Changning Guard and Princess Chang's residence stopped on the long street for a long time, and then they summoned spies from the Inspectorate.
Below, a lowly soldier from the Changning Guard was leading a peddler carrying a load into the alley.
Xie Wenjun said, "It is not appropriate for me to stay any longer."
"Let's go together."
Chen Liangyu picked up his sword, then looked down again. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a man dressed as a doctor beside Rong Jun, carrying a wooden box on his back. He seemed vaguely familiar.
She turned around and walked down the Qiongtai platform with Xie Wenjun.
"Your Highness."
"The iron letter tube could not only be used to deliver messages, but also to send letters home, whether necessary or not."
Below the Jade Terrace, waiting beside the carriage of the Princess was indeed a familiar face. Pei Danxing was momentarily surprised to see Chen Liangyu and the Princess emerge from the Jade Terrace together.
Chen Liangyu said, "Master Pei, it has been many years since we last met."
Pei Danxing performed the grand salute, lifted his robe and kowtowed, "This humble subject pays respects to the Great General, and has yet to express my gratitude for your great kindness in person."
Chen Liangyu declined the offer of kowtow.
"You're too kind. Although I know that the case of Lingxiao Manor was committed by the You family of Dongyin, this matter is not within my jurisdiction. I have no right to overturn the case for the Pei family. I am unworthy of the generous gift from Master Pei."
Pei Danxing said, "When the You family was imprisoned and their property confiscated, the General specially sent someone to Liangxi City to inform me that my grievances have been resolved. I should pay my respects."
He clasped his hands together and raised them to his forehead, then slowly lowered them to his knees. When he stood up, he was still half-bent over, taking three steps back before straightening his back.
He then bowed to Xie Wenjun, saying, "Your Highness."
Xie Wenjun asked, "What brings you here to see me?"
“Princess Roujia’s dementia is difficult to cure in the short term. I have already given her acupuncture and prescribed medicine. The next acupuncture treatment will have to wait until three months later. I would like to ask the Princess to grant me permission to go to Xiling and return to Yongdu in three months.”
After Pei Danxing finished speaking, he turned to face Chen Liangyu.
"I heard that one of the general's men is seriously injured and is still in a coma. I have studied medicine for several years and may be able to help."
Chen Liangyu knew that he was going there for Ye Weiyuan.
Although he didn't know what had happened over the years, it wasn't hard to see that Ye Weiwan was intentionally avoiding him. The relationship between the two seemed to be somewhat irreconcilable.
She said, "Physician Ye is from the Imperial Medical Bureau, and she went there on orders. Master Pei is just a traveling doctor from the common people, without any official rank or title. Even if he went, it would be difficult for him to enter the camp."
Pei Danxing bowed and said, "There are many casualties on the battlefield, and the military often requisitions civilian doctors. It would be best if we could obtain an imperial edict from the Princess. I have also heard about the Battle of Tongmen Pass. The soldiers who quelled the rebellion in Xiling suffered heavy casualties. The Princess cares about the common people and will not be reluctant to abandon a mere itinerant doctor like me."
This sounds so familiar.
Pei Danxing's words were impeccable, and even though Xie Wenjun knew he had gone there for Ye Weiwan, it left him with no reason to keep him in Yongdu.
Xie Wenjun boarded the carriage and said through the curtain, "In matters of the military camp, my decrees are not as effective as her personal letters. Doctor Pei has sought help from the wrong person."
Pei Danxing immediately bowed down, saying, "This humble subject thanks the Princess."
Chen Liangyu used the hilt of her sword to lift the carriage curtain and leaned against the carriage wall.
The carriage remained motionless for a long time.
“Ah Li.”
"I am here." She no longer referred to herself as a subject in front of everyone.
Xie Wenjun turned to her side, reached out through the window to pluck a osmanthus petal from Chen Liangyu's hair, and gathered her wind-blown hair. He said, "There is someone at the Puji Hall of Jingci Nunnery at the foot of Lingjiu Mountain who wants to see you. If you have time, go there tonight."
"Who wants to see me?"
"Zhou Pei".
The imperial carriage disappeared at the end of the long street. Chen Liangyu turned the jade ring on her thumb, which was still warm. When she turned her head, Pei Danxing was still standing in the same spot.
That scared me to death.
Chen Liangyu recalled the letter and said, "No problem. Master Pei's medical skills are superb. I also have a favor to ask of you. Please spare no expense to revive Bu Ping'er."
Pei Danxing cupped his hands and said, "I will certainly not fail in my duty."
Lingjiu Mountain is located southwest of Shangyong City. Chen Liangyu coated the letter with sealing wax and handed it to Pei Danxing. He then led Lin Yin and a group of personal guards on horseback south out of the city.
After leaving the south gate, the people and horses rushed towards the ancient temple. Jingci Temple was not located halfway up the mountain; it was hidden in the forest at the foot of Lingjiu Mountain.
A breeze rises in the mountains and forests, sweeping past the ancient pines and bamboo groves along the way.
rustling and whispering.
The hexagonal palace lanterns enshrined at Jingci Temple burned continuously. Chen Liangyu led his men forward on horseback, following the direction indicated by the lanterns. Eight drumbeats sounded in succession along the long street before they finally saw the lintel with the plaque "Jingci Temple" hanging on the gray wall.
The temple gates were tightly shut.
Chen Liangyu seemed like an uninvited guest who had barged in abruptly.
The nuns in the temple were awakened by the rapid sound of horses' hooves. As Chen Liangyu dismounted, the sound of the door latch being pulled came from inside the vermilion gate.
Chen Liangyu was dressed in plain clothes, but even so, the jade lion she was leading and the neatly arranged guards behind her with their swords at their waists still made the nuns guarding the gate realize that she was no ordinary person.
The crack in the door widened, and the young novice nun on night duty stepped out, clasped her hands in a respectful bow, and said, "Benefactor."
Chen Liangyu returned her greeting and said, "I'm looking for Zhou Pei."
She suddenly remembered that since Zhou Pei had become a monk, he should have abandoned his secular name. She forgot to ask Xie Wenjun what Zhou Pei's Buddhist name was.
As expected, the young novice nun looked bewildered and said, "Benefactor, the nunnery does not keep worshippers at night. If you are looking for someone, have you come to the wrong place?"
Chen Liangyu turned around in place. "Puji Hall. She's at Puji Hall."
The young novice nun asked, "Are you looking for Abbess Jingtan?"
"Jingtan." That should be it.
The young novice nun added, "Master Jingtan has been expelled from Jingci Nunnery by the abbess."
Why?
"Please wait a moment, benefactor."
The door was ajar, then opened again shortly afterward. A young novice nun, dressed in a warm robe and carrying a lantern, said, "Please come with me, benefactor."
She led the way along the path. "At first, Abbess Jingtan temporarily sheltered women and children who had nowhere to stay in the side rooms of the nunnery. After that, babies wrapped in straw mats often appeared outside the nunnery gate. The abbess advised her that although the Buddhist path is vast, it cannot save all the suffering in the world, and she should not force herself on them. Abbess Jingtan saw those little girls crying from hunger and could not bear it. When she failed to beg for alms, she sneaked into the kitchen and stole half a bag of raw rice and two sweet potatoes to make porridge. She broke the ten precepts, and the abbess had no choice but to let her leave the nunnery."
Chen Liangyu asked, "Where are we going right now?"
“The abbess cut out a bamboo courtyard behind the nunnery, and Abbess Jingtan lived there.”
Passing around the gray walls, one could faintly hear the intermittent cries of a baby in the dead of night. The bamboo courtyard the young novice nun spoke of had no walls; instead, it was enclosed by bamboo stakes.
The young novice nun carried a lantern and escorted Chen Liangyu to the bamboo gate before bowing and departing.
Chen Liangyu looked around.
Pujitang, which is known for "saving all living beings and helping people in need," is just a few dilapidated thatched huts.
A few steps away, there is a courtyard that looks newly built, connected to the back gate of Jingci Temple. The blue bricks and gray tiles are hidden in the night in the woods, and the scaffolding of the newly built houses has not yet been dismantled.
A number of people stood in the shadows in front of the thatched hut.
Chen Liangyu could recognize the carriage parked in front of the house even with his eyes closed.
Rong Jun, holding his sword, leaned against the bamboo stake. "General, what a coincidence."
What a coincidence!
You've been waiting for this long time!
An oil lamp was lit inside, but the light was still dim. A beautiful figure surrounded by children caught Chen Liangyu's eye.
Xie Wenjun, with a smile that was three parts teasing and seven parts amusement, said to her, "How have you been?"
Like a sparrow secretly hiding honey, Chen Liangyu tried her best not to smile too brightly. She also said, "It's been a long time since we last met."
A woman dressed in plain clothes stumbled out of the inner room. She was petite and had her long hair tied up with a wooden hairpin, with a few strands falling loose at her temples. The moment she caught sight of Chen Liangyu, she quickly tucked the stray hairs behind her ears and tidied her appearance.
Chen Liangyu asked, "Miss Zhou, is everything alright?"
"All is well. Her Highness the Princess said you would come tonight, and the children are all waiting."
Strangely enough, although we only had the chance to meet once more than a decade ago, we didn't feel like strangers. The impression of that brief encounter was undiminished, and our reunion felt like yesterday.
Zhou Pei's eyes were filled with a compassionate serenity after countless trials and tribulations.
She waved her hand, "Girls, come and meet me."
Chen Liangyu's shadow was cast on the rough earthen wall by the light of the oil lamp, her tall and imposing shadow occupying half of the wall. Her features were too distinct, with narrow eyes, a hooked nose, and she held a cold, menacing sword.
It was menacing.
He doesn't seem like a good person.
The girls opened their eyes in terror and scrambled to hide behind Xie Wenjun.
"Lin Yin".
Chen Liangyu bent down and gave Xie Wenjun a sinister smile, "Take them all away."
Several people were immediately frightened and cried.
This crying was quite something; it spread like wildfire, and in an instant, the whole room was filled with wailing.
Zhou Pei smiled and shook his head, looking rather helpless.
"This is going to be difficult."
Xie Wenjun looked at Chen Liangyu with a headache, "Whoever made her cry should comfort her."
Chen Liangyu shouted, "Stop crying!"
The bamboo courtyard returned to tranquility in an instant.
"Isn't this easy?"
Zhou Pei immediately put his index finger to his lips, signaling the girls to be quiet, and then invited Chen Liangyu outside.
As soon as she stepped out the door, several of the bolder girls pressed their heads against the window and peered out, their eyes never leaving her.
Chen Liangyu said, "Miss Zhou, you didn't just come to reminisce about old times, did you?"
Zhou Pei said, "Then I'll be frank. The Yunhui Women's Army of the Northern Border is renowned. General, do you see any of these girls from Puji Hall that you might find appealing?" She glanced at the window, and the head of the person lying there immediately shrank back down to the window. "These children have had a hard life. It hasn't been easy for them to grow up. Over the years, they've only survived thanks to the support of Headmaster Gu of Lingjiu Academy and Her Highness the Princess. Now that they're older, I'm thinking of finding a way for them to make a living."
"A bit too timid."
"The children have never left these mountains and forests. As for courage, they'll develop it with more experience."
Chen Liangyu said, "Lin Yin."
"Your subordinate is here."
"Don't rush back to the Northern Border tomorrow. Stay here and pick out any good candidates to take with you to Suzhou."
"Your subordinate obeys."
Although Pujitang was dilapidated and simple, Zhou Pei had prepared guest rooms for Chen Liangyu to stay in advance. Chen Liangyu needed to return to the city when the city gates opened at dawn, so he did not stay overnight.
She didn't ride a horse on her way back; instead, she hitched a ride in Xie Wenjun's carriage.
The jade lion clattered along with the carriage.
"Did Your Highness come to see me?"
Xie Wenjun neither nodded nor shook her head, and said, "You have to travel tomorrow, and the journey will be arduous. You should rest and recuperate first."
The carriages and horses moved slowly and steadily.
Chen Liangyu lay down and rested her head on Xie Wenjun's lap with her eyes closed.
She wasn't very sleepy at first, but with the swaying of the carriage, she nestled against Xie Wenjun's lap and quickly became drowsy. The sounds around her gradually faded. Suddenly, the wheels tripped, and with a violent jolt, Chen Liangyu's head rolled straight down. A hand steadily supported the back of her head, pulling her into the crook of his arm to help her sleep more peacefully.
Chen Liangyu instinctively leaned closer to him.
Two hands then wrapped around her shoulders and led her to a warmer place.
A warm breath brushed against the top of her head, and she heard Xie Wenjun say, "I missed you."
Author's Note: Simple annotations:
Bhikkhuni: A nun who has received full ordination and is over twenty years of age.
Novice nun: A nun under the age of twenty who has not yet received full ordination can advance to become a fully ordained nun.
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