When Gu daren woke up, he learned that his favored concubine, Tan yiniang, was ill. Furious, he scolded the steward, Gu Quan.
“What are you doing? Such a serious matter, and you didn’t wake me?”
Gu Quan looked aggrieved. “Laoye was asleep…”
“Shut up!”
Gu daren, anxious and frantic, hurried to the back courtyard to see Tan yiniang.
When Tan yiniang learned he was coming, she first screamed loudly, then covered her face.
“Laoye, please don’t come in. I beg you, don’t come in.”
Her voice was choked with sobs, sounding particularly pitiful.
Gu daren stood outside the bedroom door, unsure whether to enter.
He coaxed her gently, “Alright, alright, I won’t come in. But you are sick, and benguan cannot be at ease, I have to at least take a look.”
“No!”
Tan yiniang screamed in alarm, leaving Gu daren embarrassed.
Realizing the misunderstanding, she softened her tone and explained, “Qie has a rash on my face. I don’t want laoye to see me like this. Please forgive me, laoye.”
“How did it come to this?”
“The doctor said it’s an allergy.”
“Serious?”
Tan yiniang faced away from the door and nodded slightly.
She thought for a moment, then removed her dress to reveal her shoulders and back, which were covered with red rashes, looking alarming.
Gu daren’s face turned ashen. “Take good care of yourself. Once you recover, benguan will visit again. If you need anything, have someone inform the steward.”
“Thank you, laoye.”
Gu daren left the courtyard, his expression grim, instructing Gu Quan, “Investigate. Send people to thoroughly look into this. Tan yiniang’s allergy is no accident. If benguan find out who did this, benguan won’t let her off.”
Gu daren already had a suspect in mind: Xie shi.
Xie shi managed the second household as well as the kitchen and sewing rooms, plenty of opportunities to tamper with things.
The steward took the orders and launched a thorough investigation.
News soon reached Furong Yuan.
Chun He worried incessantly. “Taitai, what should we do now?”
Xie shi remained calm. “What’s there to fear? Even if Gu Quan is capable, he won’t find evidence linking this to benfuren. Benfuren did not cause Tan yiniang’s allergy.”
Indeed, Tan yiniang’s allergic reaction wasn’t Xie shi’s doing. At most, she may have fanned the flames.
Gu Quan and his team investigated for two days and finally uncovered the truth.
The person who caused Tan yiniang’s allergy was none other than Tan yiniang’s own family.
A few days earlier, Tan family’s relatives had visited her, including her younger sister, Tan Xiaomei.
Seeing Tan yiniang living well, Tan Xiaomei became jealous and deliberately rubbed pollen on her hands.
During the visit, Tan Xiaomei kept holding Tan yiniang’s hand. Once the family left, red rashes soon appeared all over Tan yiniang’s body.
Gu daren was surprised to learn that the Tan family was responsible.
He asked Gu Quan, “You checked thoroughly? It really was Tan family?”
Gu Quan nodded. “Xiaode confirmed it repeatedly. It really was them.”
“Not taitai?”
Gu Quan replied, “This matter has nothing to do with taitai.”
Gu daren frowned.
The truth was uncovered, yet he felt uneasy. It wasn’t Xie shi? Could she really behave so properly? Impossible!
Could it be that he truly misunderstood Xie shi this time?
Gu Quan asked, “Laoye, how should we deal with Tan Xiaomei?”
Gu daren frowned. “Tell Tan shi. Let her handle it herself.”
Inside Furong Yuan, Xie shi laughed triumphantly.
No matter how capable Gu Quan was, he could never link this to her.
Even if Gu daren suspected her, without evidence, he could do nothing.
Xie shi felt elated, after so many days, finally something gave her a sense of satisfaction.
“That wretched Tan shi, thinking she can act arrogantly because of favor. Benfuren will teach her a lesson.”
This time, not only would Tan yiniang be disfigured, but the Tan sisters would be set against each other.
And Xie shi could watch from afar, how delightful.
While Xie shi was pleased, Gu Shan was nearly frantic.
Several days had passed, yet Haixi bo fu had still made no move, not sending anyone to hold them accountable, nor to cancel the engagement.
This was strange.
Gu Shan frowned. “Could it be that Haixi bo furen still doesn’t know about Gu Yue setting the fire? Impossible!”
The maid, Hong Ling, said, “Guniang, could it be that Haixi bo furen knows but is pretending not to?”
“Pretending not to know? Why?”
“Nubi dares to guess, perhaps she doesn’t want to cancel the engagement, so she’s pretending ignorance.”
Gu Shan’s mind raced. “Without Gu Yue, Zhao erlang could easily find another wife. Why be unwilling to cancel? Is Gu Yue really that exceptional?”
Hong Ling quickly added, “Nubi is just speculating. Guniang, please don’t take it seriously.”
Gu Shan frowned deeply. “If it’s true that Haixi bo fu is unwilling to cancel, does that mean Zhao erlang has a worse problem than rumors suggest?”
Hong Ling exclaimed, “Impossible! That Zhao erlang… both you and nubi have seen him. Apart from being somewhat gloomy, he’s perfectly fine. He doesn’t seem problematic.”
Gu Shan shook her head. “You can’t judge by appearances. Looking fine doesn’t mean he truly is. If Zhao erlang really has a problem, this engagement cannot be broken. I have to ensure Gu Yue marries smoothly.”
Hong Ling asked, “Guniang, have you made your decision?”
Gu Shan smiled wryly. “Does anyone care about my decision? No matter my stance, Father and Mother will surely marry Gu Yue into Haixi bo fu. I’ll just wait to see whether Gu Yue’s carefully arranged marriage will actually bring her happiness.”
Hong Ling felt sorry for Gu Shan. “Guniang has been wronged.”
Gu Shan smiled. “As long as Gu Yue doesn’t have a good life, I’ll be happy. All the suffering I endured in the past will have been worth it.”
The red rashes on Tan yiniang’s body showed no sign of improving.
Gu daren grew anxious and angry.
Finally, he had a woman close to his heart, yet something like this happened.
His temper flared, and he scolded the doctor harshly.
The doctor was so angry he almost quit.
Xie shi watched the scene while advising, “Laoye, calm down. The doctor has already done his best; you can’t blame him.”
Gu daren glared at Xie shi with a hostile look.
He had always suspected that Tan yiniang’s rash had something to do with Xie shi, but had no evidence.
Now, Xie shi’s sarcastic remark only made him more upset.
“Shut up! This has nothing to do with you. Step aside.”
Xie shi’s lips trembled. For a concubine, the master scolding her in front of servants, showing her no respect, was humiliating.
What was this, trying to favor a concubine over his wife?
Xie shi’s whole body trembled with anger. Worried she might say something inappropriate, she simply flung her sleeves and left.
Chun He seized the opportunity to suggest, “Since the new year started, nothing has gone smoothly. Taitai, shall we go worship the Bodhisattva? I’ve heard that Xiangguo Temple is particularly efficacious.”
Xie shi was immediately tempted.
Since returning to the capital, she had never gone to pray at a temple. Perhaps that was why things hadn’t gone well.
She told Chun He, “Pick a good day. I will take the children and go together to Xiangguo Temple to burn incense and pray to the Bodhisattva.”
Chun He smiled. “Nubi will go pick the day right away.”
Hu yiniang came to pay her respects to Xie shi.
Passing by the entrance, she exchanged a subtle glance with Chun He.
Hu yiniang nodded subtly to Chun He, who left reassured.
Hu yiniang entered the side room, first paid respects to Xie shi, then sat on a low stool to speak.
She knew what Xie shi wanted to hear, so she chose her words carefully: “Tan yiniang has a rash, and she’s so ugly, yet laoye treats her like a treasure. From what biqie see, laoye must have been bewitched by her.”
Xie shi’s face darkened. “Why bring up that wretched woman Tan shi? Do you think I’m not angry enough?”
Hu yiniang hurriedly said, “Taitai misunderstood. Biqie only meant to ease your worry.”
Xie shi looked at Hu yiniang with disdain. “Ease my worry? With your looks, you think you could make laoye turn back to you?”
Hu yiniang smiled awkwardly. “Taitai jests. Biqie is past my prime; how could I make laoye change his mind? Biqie only thought, since laoye likes young and beautiful women, why not pick two young and pretty girls from your side and place them near him?
“This way, laoye has competent people around, and they can compete with Tan shi for his favor. Perhaps Tan shi will lose favor entirely and henceforth be under your control.”
Xie shi frowned, hesitating.
Hu yiniang added, “This is just biqie’s humble opinion. I wonder what taitai thinks?”
Xie shi’s brow furrowed. “This was your idea?”
Hu yiniang nodded.
Xie shi asked calmly, “Do you have suitable candidates?”
Hu yiniang waved her hands. “Biqie doesn’t have suitable candidates. Biqie thinks they must be chosen from your side, people you trust and who wholeheartedly want to ease your worries.”
Xie shi nodded silently. Hu yiniang’s suggestion made sense in part. She still had to think it over.
A fall rain brings a chill.
After a night of rain, the next day was much cooler.
Xie shi was to go worship the Bodhisattva.
Zhang shi wanted to join for the outing.
She also brought along Xiao Zhang shi and Gu Jun.
On the second branch’s side, except for Gu Yue, the three Gu sisters, including Gu Jiu, also went to Xiangguo Temple to burn incense.
Everyone boarded carriages at the second gate and headed for the temple outside the city.
After leaving the city, the carriages sped along the road.
Gu Jiu lifted the carriage window curtain and curiously looked at the scenery.
It had been almost a year since returning to the capital, and this was her first time leaving the city.
Qing Mei said, “Nubi heard incense burning at Xiangguo Temple is especially efficacious. Guniang, do you want to burn incense when we arrive?”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Of course! Since we’re going all the way to Xiangguo Temple, we must burn a stick of incense. Otherwise, the Bodhisattva might think I’m not sincere. Might as well contribute some incense money too.”
“Guniang, you make the Bodhisattva sound so mercantile. Be careful or you’ll offend him.”
“The Bodhisattva saves all sentient beings. He wouldn’t hold that against me. If he really did, then the Bodhisattva of Xiangguo Temple is simply petty.”
“Guniang, don’t say more. The more you speak, the more uneasy nubi feels, it sounds like sacrilege.”
Gu Jiu shook her head and smiled, then kept silent.
Regarding deities, in her previous life, Gu Jiu had been respectful but distant, she neither denied nor believed.
After experiencing reincarnation, she now approached deities with skepticism, half-believing.
She didn’t know which deity had granted her this second life, perhaps it was the work of the Great Time Deity.
In the distance, Xiangguo Temple came into view.
The carriages entered the temple’s mountain gate. Everyone dismounted and climbed the steps.
The mountain didn’t seem high, but the climb was tiring.
Both madams were gasping for breath.
Xiao Zhang shi asked whether they needed a sedan chair.
Xie shi wanted one; her strength was insufficient. If she had known climbing the mountain was required, she would never have come.
Zhang shi waved her off. “No need. Sitting in a sedan chair wouldn’t show sincerity; the Bodhisattva won’t bless you.”
Hearing this, Xie shi did not request a chair. She could only hope the Bodhisattva was truly efficacious.
Finally, they reached the top.
Gu Jiu and her companions were young and fared well, only slightly sweaty.
Xie shi and Zhang shi almost collapsed.
After resting for a while, they stood up.
A welcoming monk gestured, “Benefactors, please enter.”
Upon entering the Great Hero Hall, everyone’s expressions became solemn.
They received incense from the monk and prepared to burn it.
Xie shi quietly asked Chun He, “Is it really efficacious?”
Chun He said confidently, “Taitai, rest assured. Nubi has already inquired, Xiangguo Temple is the most spiritually effective temple in the capital and surrounding areas.”
“That’s good.”
They lit incense and prayed with utmost devotion, all to have the Bodhisattva hear their wishes and grant them.
Gu Jiu was also burning incense.
She thought for a moment, her current wish was simple: to be a small wealthy lady who could make her own decisions.
In short, financial freedom and independence.
After making her wish, she placed the incense sticks into the censer.
Then she noticed that Xie shi and Zhang shi each added a large sum as incense money.
Gu Shan whispered, “Mother prepared 100 taels for incense. Da bomu prepared even more, probably 200 taels.”
Whether it was 100 or 200 taels, for incense money, it was a huge sum.
The temple steward monk, however, remained impassive, as if it made no difference whether it was a single coin or 100 taels, his expression did not change at all.
Gu Jiu silently nodded. Indeed, this temple carried prestige and reputation, it was not comparable to those flashy, cheap places outside.
Xie shi, however, was a bit dissatisfied. She had contributed 100 taels, yet did not receive even a smile from the steward monk.
The monk politely said, “Resting chambers have been prepared for the several benefactors. Please follow this humble monk.”
Everyone followed him to the back courtyard of Xiangguo Temple and settled in.
Zhang shi asked, “Little Master, are the maple leaves on the back mountain red yet?”
The steward monk chanted a Buddha name before replying, “Some have already turned red. If you wish to go to the back mountain, exit the courtyard to the left and pass through the Moon Gate.”
“Thank you, Little Master.”
“You’re welcome, benefactor.”
The monk departed.
Zhang shi said to Xie shi, “Xiangguo Temple is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. Since we’re here, we must try it before leaving. The back mountain scenery is also beautiful. Dalang’s wife, take the girls to the back mountain, but be careful.”
Xiao Zhang shi smiled and replied, “Meimei, shall we go see the back mountain?”
“It’s an honor to follow dasao’s invitation.”
Gu Jiu, Gu Shan, Gu Lin, and Gu Jun followed Xiao Zhang shi out of the courtyard toward the back mountain.
As the steward monk had said, some of the maple leaves had already turned red, creating a stunning scene.
Gu Jiu said, “When all the maple leaves turn red, it will be so beautiful here!”
Xiao Zhang shi smiled, “Er meimei, you don’t know yet, every autumn, visiting Xiangguo Temple to see the red maples is a favorite pastime for the capital’s residents. In another 10–20 days, it will be very crowded. From the mountain gate to the temple, both sides will be lined with vendors, people pressing in, with barely any space to step.”
Gu Jiu felt drawn. “Hearing that, I almost want to come see and join the crowd.”
Xiao Zhang shi smiled. “We cannot join that crowd. When the maples turn red, there are always kidnappers around. Every year, children go missing, and even young women are abducted.
“Actually, this time we came is the safest, fewer people, red leaves, and security. It couldn’t be better.”
“Dasao is right.”
They wandered around the back mountain.
Gu Shan and Gu Lin grew tired and could not continue.
Xiao Zhang shi said, “I’ll take you back first.”
Gu Jun also said, “I’ll go back too, I’m too tired.”
Xiao Zhang shi looked at Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu said, “I still want to explore a bit. Dasao, take the others back. Wang Yi is with me, so don’t worry.”
“Alright. Er meimei, stay safe. Return to your chambers for vegetarian food before noon.”
“Don’t worry, dasao. I’ll be back on time.”
After watching the others leave, Gu Jiu continued wandering the back mountain.
Since she had gone out, she wanted to make the most of it, not waste her time in the chambers listening to idle gossip.
Besides the vast maple groves, there were whole sections of plum and peach trees.
In bloom, this place would surely be breathtaking.
Suddenly, whoosh!
A sharp sound pierced the air.
“Guniang, watch out!”
Wang Yi pushed Gu Jiu aside, swinging a rolling pin.
Clang!
An arrow fell to the ground.
Gu Jiu’s face went pale.
Someone was trying to kill her!
And using a long-range weapon, a bow and arrow.
What had she done to deserve this, someone had even taken the effort to try and kill her with archery?
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