Chapter 16, Temple of the Matchmaker
The temple of the Old Man Under the Moon was bustling with incense smoke, the thick smoke carrying the scent of incense and candles, making it difficult for people to open their eyes.
Pilgrims lined up one after another, stretching from the temple gate into the courtyard, winding like a long dragon.
Most of the devout men and women held red ropes in their hands, gently shook the divination tubes, and whispered their wishes in front of the image of the Old Man Under the Moon, their expressions particularly focused.
The soft whispers of prayers, mixed with the occasional ringing of prayer bells, created an atmosphere of solemnity and piety.
Xiao Yunzhan followed Pei Zhiwei through the long corridor, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed marriage locks under the corridor. He suddenly whispered, "I really didn't expect that Pei Shaoqing would send us here to investigate."
"I was inconsiderate and offended you at Zuixianlou before."
Pei Zhiwei, who had been gazing absently at the passing pilgrims, turned around upon hearing this and said calmly, "My father always said that since we are ordered to investigate a case, we should do it openly and honestly. Moreover... as long as we can find clues, we don't need to care about other people's gossip."
There was not a trace of hesitation in her eyes. Over the years, she had followed her father to investigate cases everywhere, focusing solely on finding clues and not caring what others said.
The two walked along the corridor. The wishing trees on both sides were covered with red ribbons, and as if they were about to collapse under the weight, some leaves fell down and landed on Pei Zhiwei's clothes.
Xiao Yunzhan looked at Pei Zhiwei. The sunlight shone on her profile, softening her usual sharpness when investigating cases and making her look much gentler.
He didn't say much, but simply raised his hand naturally and removed the leaves from her hair, his movements as practiced as if he had done it countless times.
Pei Zhiwei was stunned for a moment, and her ears burned. She quickly turned her head and pretended to look at the marriage tree wrapped in red silk in front of her, even holding her breath for a moment.
Just then, a figure in plain clothes slowly emerged from behind the moon gate in the backyard.
The person's steps were slow, but their footsteps were so light that they made no sound when they landed on the ground, like a temple keeper.
He moved closer, holding an old wooden tray steadily in his hand. On the tray were more than a dozen peach wood marriage plaques that had not yet been engraved with names. They were obviously just taken from the back storeroom and were to be sent to the main hall in front.
When his gaze swept over Xiao Yunzhan and Pei Zhiwei, he first revealed a kind smile, "You two look unfamiliar. Is this your first time visiting our Matchmaker Temple?"
He bowed slightly as he spoke, his fingertips lightly touching the edge of the tray, revealing a hint of the respectfulness of a temple keeper: "I am Feng Chao, the temple keeper who guards this temple."
Xiao Yunzhan's gaze first fell on the marriage plaques in the tray before he looked up to reply, his tone as natural as that of a worshipper who had come to offer incense, without the slightest flaw.
"It is indeed the first time here. My wife and I have just been transferred back to the capital from another place. Yesterday, the old lady at the alley entrance told me that the marriage fortune sticks here are the most accurate, so I specially brought her here to worship today."
As he finished speaking, he gently put his arm around Pei Zhiwei's back, a gesture so familiar that it seemed as if he had been protecting his wife for many years. Even the coldness in his eyes had faded, replaced by a touch of gentleness.
Pei Zhiwei leaned slightly against his side, following his lead, her eyelids lowered to conceal her expression, and her voice became soft and gentle, carrying a hint of a young girl's submissiveness.
"Yes, we also hope that the God of Love will bless us so that our lives as husband and wife will be smooth and our relationship will be even better."
Upon hearing this, Feng Chao's smile deepened. He raised his hand and pointed towards the west courtyard, saying, "Since you two are so sincere, why don't you move to the west courtyard and sit down?"
It's quieter and less crowded over there, so I can explain the rules for making wishes and hanging plaques to you both in detail, instead of not being able to explain them clearly when there are more people in the main hall later.”
His words were earnest, and his eyes revealed sincerity; they did not seem like mere polite formalities.
Xiao Yunzhan did not respond immediately. He turned to look at Pei Zhiwei first, his eyes filled with a questioning look, as if he were discussing it with his wife.
Pei Zhiwei glanced at him for a moment, then quickly scanned the smile on Feng Chao's face before nodding slightly and continuing the conversation.
"Since Master Feng has said so, we might as well go and sit down, so we won't come here in vain without knowing what's going on."
Following Feng Chao into the west courtyard, the tree of marriage in the corner of the courtyard had particularly lush foliage. The red ribbons on the tree swayed gently in the wind, as if countless tiny wishes were swaying before one's eyes.
Feng Chao led the two to the stone table beside the tree and gently put down the tray in his hand: "What would you two like to ask for? A marriage fortune slip, a marriage lock, or a marriage lamp?"
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Pei Zhiwei deliberately feigned hesitation, gently placing her hand on the stone table and smiling shyly: "It all looks good. We've only been married a short time, and I just want our hearts to be in sync and to love each other for a lifetime."
Feng Chao's eyes lit up, and his tone became even warmer: "Your kindness is truly commendable! In that case, may I ask if you two have some free time today?"
"There is another way in the temple to pray that husband and wife will be of one mind in this life, but the rules are more complicated than drawing lots or lighting lamps."
First, one must bathe and change clothes, shedding worldly dust, and don clean clothes provided by the temple. Then, hand in hand, one must climb step by step to the top of the mountain to offer sincere prayers. Only in this way can one demonstrate utmost sincerity.
Pei Zhiwei immediately looked up at Xiao Yunzhan, her face showing a charming and innocent expression, and her voice softened even more: "Husband, since there is nothing else to do today, why not do as the temple priest said?"
Go and take a bath first, then we'll meet in the front hall. Don't come looking for me unless I'm looking for you, lest we break the rules.
A barely perceptible smile flickered in Xiao Yunzhan's eyes, and he readily agreed: "Alright, whatever you say."
After saying that, he followed the boy that Feng Chao had summoned to the east wing room.
Only Pei Zhiwei and Feng Chao remained in the courtyard.
Feng Chao led her to a small hut on the side, his pace slower than before. "The road to the east courtyard is long, and the bathing area for female guests is behind the hut."
"Please rest here for a moment, sir. I will prepare a cup of tea to soothe the dryness caused by the incense. This tea is picked from wild trees on the back mountain; it has a light and refreshing taste, just right for quenching thirst."
Pei Zhiwei thanked him and sat down, his gaze subtly sweeping around: there were two old wooden stools in the room, a shelf in the corner was covered with red silk, and a pottery jar filled with incense ash was placed on the windowsill; nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Feng Chao walked around to the cabinet behind Pei Zhiwei and rummaged through it for tea. The wooden cabinet creaked as it opened and closed.
When he turned around, he had a thin, long silver needle in his hand. The tip of the needle gleamed coldly in the dim light and was aimed at Pei Zhiwei's Baihui acupoint, approaching it very slowly and steadily.
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