Chapter 83: The Mountain Temple

Beneath the peach blossom tree stood Song Yunjian, the cherished daughter of the weaving house, and Gongsun Yuqing, the young heir of the Salt Guild. Song Yunjian was dressed today in a blue and pink garment, and amidst the profusion of peach blossoms, she was not particularly conspicuous. Banxia glanced around, noticing as expected that Song Yunjian’s maid was scanning the surroundings. Banxia hid herself even deeper, but from this distance, she could barely hear what they were saying.

The two seemed to be in the midst of a quarrel. Song Yunjian, eyes brimming with tears, rushed forward, happening to run right past the rockery where Banxia was concealed. Banxia was quite fearful of being discovered, but the pair outside were clearly too preoccupied to care if someone was hiding nearby.

“Juan’er, have you forgotten our vow? We promised to walk together always, to see the sea at Qiongyun Prefecture, to visit the desert in Liangzhou—you said so yourself…”

“Then let it be that I am heartless and fickle. Find yourself a better woman in the future and forget me…” With these words, she pulled her hand free and ran off, her maid chasing after her.

Among the rocks, Banxia could neither stretch her hands nor feet, anxiously hoping Gongsun Yuqing would leave quickly. Yet she heard footsteps approaching, and could only continue to endure.

“Young master…”

“I thought she was different, but in the end she’s just the same—preferring wealth over poverty, fickle as water,” Gongsun Yuqing’s voice was laced with gritted bitterness.

“Young master, you are a hidden dragon in the abyss. Once our business here is settled, you can return to the Wen family. What is this weaving house’s daughter to you? Even the Salt Transport Commissioner is eager to curry favor with you!”

“What do you understand? Those who approach me purely for my status, I have no interest in them. Find me some people. Since Song Yunjian has been unkind, I shall not be righteous. Spread word of our affair discreetly, and leak a letter or two. Let’s see, once her fickle nature is known, will Prince Guang still want her?”

“Yes, I’ll arrange it at once.”

Listening, Banxia felt a chill in her heart. In matters of love, it was always women who suffered most. Only after the pair had gone did Banxia emerge from the rocks, stretching her limbs. She had no mood to admire the peach blossoms, and simply pulled Xiangyu along toward the front hall.

The Assistant Magistrate’s wife had just finished her divination and was beaming with joy—no doubt the fortune was favorable.

“Sister Meng, you’ve finished your divination. It must have been a good sign. Congratulations!”

“A most auspicious sign—it says I shall have a fine son-in-law, so half my worries are laid to rest…” Suddenly she noticed Banxia’s sleeve. “Where have you been? Your sleeve is torn!”

Banxia glanced down—it must have happened when she was hiding among the rocks earlier. “I was just viewing the peach blossoms, perhaps I snagged it on a branch.”

“This Azure Silk is precious—so easy to tear, though comfortable to wear. I’ll go ask Madam Weaving if she has any left. I saw her earlier, listening to Lady Jingru expound the scriptures.”

“Madam Weaving is here? Then it’s only right to pay her a visit—perhaps I can mention what’s happened.”

“That would be good. We’re all colleagues in the court, and Madam Weaving is of excellent temperament. It’s pleasant to sit together.”

Banxia went with the Assistant Magistrate’s wife to visit Madam Weaving, who had already settled into the monastery. Song Yunjian had returned and was crying beneath her quilt. Madam Weaving stood beside her.

“Have a good cry, and then forget it. Don’t think your mother doesn’t care for you. Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parents and matchmakers, but if that man could come and propose himself, and prove he could bring you happiness, your father and I would not hesitate to offend Prince Guang for your sake. But he…”

“Mother, please don’t say any more…”

“Madam, the Lady of the Prefect and the Assistant Magistrate’s wife have come to visit,” the maid reported.

“Why are they here?”

“They said they’d finished their divination and saw you here, so came to call.”

“Invite them to the guest room for tea. I’ll tidy up and join them shortly.”

The maid hurried out. Madam Weaving stroked her daughter’s head, sighed, and left the room. Song Yunjian sobbed quietly under the covers, knowing in the end she had wronged that man.

“I never expected to meet you two in these mountains—such fate. Are you here for divination or to honor the Bodhisattva?” Madam Weaving entered and took her seat, asking questions.

“The Lady of the Prefect accompanied me. I came to draw a marriage lot for my daughter. Children are debts—live to a hundred, and you’ll worry ninety-nine years.”

“Sister Meng, you speak my heart. I see those two little rascals—mischievous by day, crying by night—I wish they’d grow up sooner.” As a new parent, Banxia had endless complaints about her own little ones. Children are wondrous creatures: when they’re naughty, you wish you’d never had them, but when they smile sweetly, everything is worthwhile.

“Growing up brings its own troubles. I’d rather she stay young a while longer.” Madam Weaving sipped her tea and continued, “I hear the Assistant Magistrate’s daughter is quite lovely. Has her match been settled?”

“Not yet. Marriage is a lifelong matter—we parents must consider carefully.”

“But seeing your joy, I’m guessing the lot was good. You can arrange a match when you return. If you need materials, just come to me. In our trade, I dare not boast of much, but fine fabrics I know well.”

“I was hoping to trouble you. I saw your Azure Silk recently and thought it perfect for a cloak for my daughter. Yesterday I inquired, but the shopkeeper said it’s all gone from the market.”

“It’s true. Previously, the Imperial Consort favored it, so a large batch was sent up at once. But I still have a few bolts in my house—I’ll spare you two.”

“How can I accept such kindness?”

“It’s just two bolts of cloth. It’s too delicate for my taste—better to give it to you, and if you find a fine son-in-law, I’ll gladly toast at your wedding.”

They chatted for a while, but Banxia could see Madam Weaving’s spirits were low. The Assistant Magistrate’s wife sensed it too, and after sitting awhile, they excused themselves.

Banxia walked out with the Assistant Magistrate’s wife.

“Oh, Sister Meng, I think I left my jade pendant at Madam Weaving’s. I’ll go back and look for it—you wait for me ahead.”

“All right, hurry then. I’ll go listen to Lady Jingru expound the scriptures in the hall.”

Banxia turned back, finding Madam Weaving still in the reception room.

“Madam Su, have you returned for something?”

“I have a few words to say. Earlier, I met your daughter and a young man in the rear garden…”

“You…”

“Rest assured, what is said here and seen here will be as wind through the pines—gone and forgotten.”

“Speak.”

Banxia related everything she had heard to Madam Weaving, then said, “A woman’s reputation is of utmost importance, especially now that your daughter’s betrothal is arranged. If anything goes awry, it could ruin relations between the families. If you wish to act, it must be swiftly.”

“The Lady of the Prefect has shown me great kindness—I will remember it. Consider my house indebted to you. The matter is urgent, so I won’t keep you longer. I shall visit to thank you another day.”

Banxia said nothing further and went to the main hall to listen to the sermon. When Lady Jingru finished, she and the Assistant Magistrate’s wife left together. “Lady Jingru is truly remarkable, her preaching lively and engaging.”

“I always thought scriptures were dull, but she makes them fascinating. We should come again next time. It’s getting late—let’s return home.”

“Should we say goodbye to Madam Weaving?”

“When I went to find my pendant, I heard she had to return home for urgent matters. She’s likely already on her way.”

“Then let’s go.”

Banxia returned home to find Gan Sui already back. Yuhai was using his father’s stomach as a trampoline, bouncing vigorously, while Liuguang sat nearby, gnawing her fingers and laughing foolishly. Upon seeing Banxia, she called out softly, “Mama!”

Yuhai was not to be outdone, calling, “Mama!” The two children were like parrots, repeating “Mama” again and again.

“Did you miss me? Come, let mama hold you.” Banxia picked up Liuguang, kissing her plump cheeks. “Were you good today, Liuguang?”

“Good!”

Gan Sui sat up, holding Yuhai. Brother and sister grinned at each other in their parents’ arms, drooling happily.

“Were the peach blossoms beautiful?”

“They were all right.” She hadn’t actually looked, so who could say? “I brought peach blossom cakes for you—I tried them, and they taste quite nice.”

“I never have time to go out with you. Does it make you unhappy?” Yuhai, bored in Gan Sui’s arms, reached out to pinch his sister’s chubby foot. Liuguang, ticklish, retreated immediately, giggling.

Banxia patted her. “Sister Meng said today that adults have rejected many beauties for my sake. Yet I’ve never heard of it.” Banxia’s gaze was pointed.

Gan Sui kept a calm facade, but inside he was flustered. “Beauties? What beauties? I know only my wife.”

“Hmph, best to keep it that way. If I ever find you with a wandering heart… Ouch!” Banxia’s hair was tugged, and looking down, she saw Liuguang pulling her hair while chewing her fingers.

“See, even my daughter knows my grievances. My heart is pure as the moon, yet my wife doubts me—how wounded I am.” Gan Sui acted out a melodramatic lament, truly a beauty with tear-streaked cheeks.

“I was only joking. You’ve had so much to deal with lately, always frowning. I wanted to help you relax.”

“It’s the peak season for salt. The salt merchants seem oddly quiet, and I’m anxious.”

“Trust me—no need to worry. By tomorrow at the latest, you’ll have a breakthrough.”

“What did you do? Is it dangerous? Why didn’t you tell me beforehand? If anything happens… No, no, those salt merchants are ruthless. I’ll arrange for you and the children to stay outside the city for safety.”

“Don’t worry. I’m careful. But this concerns a woman’s heart, so I can’t tell you yet. Just wait—a great harvest is coming.”