Read Novel Full CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 8
“They say the Duke of Wei is gravely ill…” Third Miss Lu voiced her concern. “What exactly is the Duke of Wei suffering from?”
The Princess Ning Shu replied. “My father said the Duke of Wei has spent decades on the battlefield, accumulating old injuries causing his health to deteriorate over the years. Last month, after getting caught in the rain he developed a fever that hasn’t subsided accompanied by relentless coughing.”
“The Duke of Wei’s residence has summoned nearly every physician in the capital, even several imperial physicians have visited. They’ve tried acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements, but nothing has worked. The duke’s condition keeps worsening.”
“My father inquired with the Imperial Medical Bureau, and the chief physician explained that, although the Duke of Wei appears physically robust on the surface, internally, he’s riddled with ailments. His vitality is severely depleted, leaving him vulnerable to cold, which turned into a severe heat illness, now festering. In recent days, he’s been struggling to breathe, coughing up blood incessantly, and is confined to his bed. If this continues, the outcome is unimaginable.”
‘Unimaginable’ was a tactful way of saying it—anyone could understand that the imperial physician had effectively pronounced a death sentence for the Duke of Wei.
As Xiao Yanfei listened, his brows furrowed slightly.
A fever after getting caught in the rain, coughing… then progressing to difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.
Could it be that the Duke of Wei developed pneumonia from a cold?
If left untreated, pneumonia could escalate into severe pneumonia, which given the medical limitations of ancient times would indeed be difficult to treat. No wonder the Duke of Wei’s condition keeps deteriorating.
Xiao Luanfei sighed. “Gu Yue must be worried sick these days.”
“Indeed. The duke’s household is in chaos right now, especially with Gu Feichi away on duty away from the capital.” Princess Ning Shu remarked casually. “Otherwise, this situation…”
As her father had put it, with Gu Feichi absent the Duchess of Wei had been causing a ruckus summoning Taoist priests and shamans to perform rituals at the duke’s residence, and stirring up a commotion about a ‘marriage to ward off bad luck.’
The words “marriage to ward off bad luck” reached her lips but were swallowed back as she lightly bit her cherry lips.
Her mother often reminded her that her tongue was too quick, without any filter.
“Don’t mention that Gu Rakshasa!” Third Miss Lu shivered at the mere mention of his name, gulping before saying. “Let’s hurry up the mountain. I’ve heard that peace amulets sought before the hour of Si are the most effective.”
Gu Feichi, the heir of the Duke of Wei had been disfigured at the age of thirteen in a battle between Dajing and the Xirong people. Since then, he had always appeared in public wearing a half-mask and had become infamous for his ruthless and cold-blooded nature earning him the nickname “Gu Rakshasa” throughout the capital.
The original owner not only knew of Gu Feichi but had also encountered him once.
It was a year and a half ago back when the original owner was still living in the countryside. A group of refugees had taken to banditry nearby, terrorizing several villages, pillaging, and setting fire to homes leaving the locals in a state of panic.
Terrified, the original owner sent someone to deliver a message to Concubine Cui, asking her to return to the marquis’s residence. However, the message seemed to vanish without a trace.
Eventually, the bandits set fire to the estate where the original owner was living.
The fire spread quickly, and the original owner barely managed to escape, only to encounter Gu Feichi leading his troops to suppress the bandits.
Gu Feichi mounted on his horse wearing a black mask that covered half his face. His entire body was stained with blood, exuding a murderous aura as he sliced through a bandit’s neck with a single strike. In the next moment, an arrow pierced through his right forearm.
The arrowhead was sharp and dripping with blood…
Even in memory, recalling this scene made Xiao Yanfei shudder involuntarily.
It must have been excruciatingly painful.
Xiao Luanfei cheerfully called out to her. “Second Sister, let’s hurry along.”
The young princess disliked being followed by a large entourage, finding it bothersome, so she left all the maids and attendants at the foot of the mountain. It was just a few of them making their way up the winding stone steps toward the summit.
On either side of the mountain path, lush trees formed a thick canopy shielding them from the harsh sunlight while the dense foliage created a cool and verdant atmosphere.
The incense offerings at Xilin Temple were indeed prosperous. Along the way, they passed many people coming and going making their way up and down the mountain.
The customs of the Dajing Dynasty were more liberal compared to the conservative attitudes of the previous dynasty. Both the laws and societal norms were more accommodating towards women, allowing them the freedom to venture outside their homes.
Among the pilgrims, there were also groups of young girls traveling together much like themselves.
Xiao Yanfei who was brimming with enthusiasm ascended the mountain while taking in the surrounding scenery.
The mountain breeze carried a soothing coolness, and clusters of vibrant azaleas, peach blossoms, and apricot blossoms swayed gently in the wind creating a scene of radiant spring beauty.
Delicate blooms adorned the branches, their petals trembling slightly with each gust of wind releasing a faint refreshing fragrance into the air.
After pausing for a couple of breaths on a stone step, Xiao Yanfei resumed her ascent only to spot Princess Ning Shu by the roadside, her hair snagged on a peach branch.
The princess was tugging at the tangled strands with increasing frustration causing the branch to sway. Her entire demeanor radiated anxiety and irritation.
As Xiao Yanfei focused her gaze, she noticed a plump, green, fuzzy caterpillar inching along the branch towards Princess Ning Shu, wriggling closer with each movement.
“Ah—” Princess Ning Shu let out a shrill cry, her face pale with distress, eyes glistening with tears on the verge of spilling over.
She yanked at her hair even harder in a panic but the more she pulled the tighter it became entangled.
“Don’t move.” Xiao Yanfei quickly bent down, picked up a stick from the ground, and held its tip out towards the caterpillar.
Princess Ning Shu bit her lower lip so hard it nearly drew blood, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the slow-moving caterpillar as it gradually shifted onto the stick in Xiao Yanfei’s hand.
Xiao Yanfei tilted her head, smiled sweetly, and casually tossed the stick into a nearby flower bush, then briskly dusted off her hands.
Problem solved!
Princess Ning Shu’s eyes widened in astonishment, momentarily forgetting her hair was still caught in the branch as her gaze clearly conveyed:
You’re not afraid? You’re amazing!
Xiao Yanfei chuckled and gently untangled the strands of hair from the peach branch. “All done.”
Princess Ning Shu who was still shaken smoothed her hair and asked awkwardly. “W-why are you laughing?”
Xiao Yanfei lifted her chin, mimicking the princess’s earlier tone. “Such a delicate flower.”
Princess Ning Shu: “…”
She pouted as she stamped her foot, and turned on her heel marching off in a huff.
After only a few steps, she couldn’t resist glancing back and accidentally locked eyes with Xiao Yanfei.
She quickly averted her gaze, letting out a soft huff pretending to admire the scenery.
Xiao Yanfei chuckled unable to hide her amusement.
They continued their journey with occasional stops and by the time they reached the summit, their breaths were slightly labored, and their cheeks were flushed.
Princess Ning Shu had sent word to Xilin Temple the day before, so a young novice monk, about five or six years old was already waiting eagerly at the temple gate.
“Little Monk Jingwu greets the esteemed ladies.” The chubby novice monk greeted them with a cheerful smile and led them inside.
Within the temple, ancient trees towered over the grounds, and grand halls were arranged harmoniously throughout the serene space.
The air was filled with the rich scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and solemnity.
“Master Jingwu.” Princess Ning Shu eagerly inquired as she stepped over the high threshold of the temple gate. “There are still peace amulets available today, right?”
“Yes, indeed. This way, please.” Jingwu smiled widely. “Would you like to draw a fortune stick as well? Our abbot, Master Huaiyuan is personally interpreting them for the visitors today.”
As he spoke, the little monk led them toward the main hall.
Princess Ning Shu and Third Miss Lu both brightened at the news.
“How wonderful! We’re so lucky today.”
“We should get a peace amulet for Gu Yue as well. I’ll deliver it to her later.”
As they chatted and laughed, Jingwu guided them to the main hall where each of them including Xiao Yanfei received a peace amulet.
Xiao Yanfei might not have believed in spirits or deities before but after experiencing a time-traveling adventure, what was left to doubt?
She carefully tucked the peace amulet into the pouch at her waist, then joined the others in queuing up to enter the hall, offering incense, and praying to Buddha. It all felt like a delightful excursion, and she approached every part of it with eager enthusiasm.
She mimicked their actions, shaking the divination tube earnestly and drawing a lot.
However, while the other three received auspicious fortunes, her slip of paper read:
“Peach and plum wither in the spring breeze, westward flight returns east again. No peace in the family, the boat rides turbulent waves.”
No matter how Xiao Yanfei interpreted it, this seemed like an ominous fortune.
She sighed inwardly but still followed Jingwu’s guidance, joining Xiao Luanfei as they made their way to the northwest corner of the main hall.
“Master, these two ladies seek an interpretation.” Jingwu respectfully addressed an elderly monk with a white beard seated in the corner.
Master Huaiyuan who well into his seventies with a serene and lean appearance, draped in a crimson kasaya exuded an aura of transcendence from worldly concerns.
“Second Sister, you go first.” Xiao Luanfei said.
Without hesitation, Xiao Yanfei stepped forward and handed the bamboo slip to the elderly monk. “Please, Master.”
Master Huaiyuan took the slip, glanced at the inscription, and sighed. “Your path is uncertain, and there is unrest at home…”
As he spoke, he looked up at Xiao Yanfei and paused, falling silent as he gazed at her intently.
His eyes were deep and wise as though they could see through all things making Xiao Yanfei feel as if every layer of herself was laid bare under his scrutiny.
Master Huaiyuan stared at Xiao Yanfei for a moment as if pondering something deeply or puzzled as he murmured. “Your fate doesn’t seem to be as it should be.”
“The natural order is reversed. What should be above is below, and what should be below is above…”
Xiao Luanfei’s pinky finger twitched slightly causing the slip of bamboo in her hand fell to the ground. She sighed softly. “The Master’s insight is truly profound, every word is layered with meaning.”
“Second Sister.” She called as she picked up the bamboo slip from the table and covering her mouth with a handkerchief as though overwhelmed by the lingering incense. “The scent here is a bit strong. Let’s go outside for some fresh air.”
Turning slightly away from Master Huaiyuan’s gaze, she grasped Xiao Yanfei’s wrist tightly as if trying to hold on to something. “Come, let’s go.” Xiao Luanfei led Xiao Yanfei out of the Grand Hall and toward a large bodhi tree outside, its lush canopy spread wide like a giant umbrella, shading them.
The branches were adorned with countless red ribbons swaying gently creating the illusion of a tree in full bloom.
“Second Sister, don’t take the fortune too seriously.” Xiao Luanfei said gently, holding the bamboo slip Xiao Yanfei had drawn. “Grandmother always says, if you draw an unfavorable lot, burn it in the temple’s fire, and the bad luck will dissipate.”
With that, she tossed the bamboo slip into a nearby copper incense burner, where paper money was being burned.
In an instant, the slender bamboo slip was consumed by the roaring flames.
In this life, Xiao Yanfei would remain a “concubine’s daughter.”
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