Volume 4 Chapter 15: Washing Jade

  After chatting for a while, seeing the Empress's face had a tired look, I stood up to bid farewell. The Empress turned to Xuan Qing and said: "It's not convenient for two girls to go home, you help me see them off."

  Xuan Qing respectfully answered "yes", and then Ah Jin led the "Yu Feng" to follow behind me and Huan Bi, with Xuan Qing walking beside us. Huan Bi occasionally turned back to chat and laugh with Ah Jin for a few sentences. The four of us strolled towards Ganlu Temple.

  I inadvertently said: "Just now I heard the imperial concubine mention that the prince went to Sichuan and surrounding areas a few months ago."

  Xuan Qing said: "The emperor suddenly became interested one day, saying that I had traveled to Shu and stayed for many months. He then ordered me to go to Sichuan again in plain clothes to observe the performance of officials. Receiving the order hastily, I quickly packed up and left for Sichuan. Originally, I wanted to let Ah Jin inform the empress dowager and also tell my wife, but unfortunately, time was too short, and I didn't have a chance to give any instructions."

  I smiled faintly, "It's been nearly three months since we last parted."

  His faint smile seemed to carry the cool breeze through the forest, with a fresh and clean scent unique to plant sap, saying: "It's been ninety-seven days since I last saw you, my wife."

  My heart skipped a beat, as if I heard someone tapping open a walnut with a small copper hammer, the hard shell cracking open with a "crack" sound, and the soft, refreshing, and slightly sweet fragrance of the nut suddenly filled my desolate inner world.

  "King Wang's memory is really good, and he attaches so much importance to his daughter-in-law, treating her just like the queen."

  Miss Huanbi said, I felt a pang in my heart, and almost felt my eyebrows gathering together one by one, my face already showing an indifferent expression. "Your Highness is well-read and has a good memory, it's natural that you would remember...".

  "As for my trip to Shu, I wanted to tell you, Mother, that it's because both of your parents are in Jiangzhou." He took out a letter from his bosom and said, "On the way back, I made a detour to Jiangzhou. Although it delayed my journey by two days, it was worth it. Please take a look at this letter, Mother."

  My hand trembled for a moment as I reached out, and on the light yellow envelope was pinned a small pink lotus flower. He said: "The first lotus flower has bloomed in the queen mother's pond, I thought it looked good, so I picked one and brought it back." Usually, putting a petal of the lotus flower in the letter means that people far away are thinking of each other and missing each other, and it is also a symbol of peace among family members and close friends. But he had pinned it on the envelope instead. His eyes were fixed on me, his voice clear and bright with a smile, saying: "Open it quickly, this is a letter from Lord Zhen to your mother."

  I trembled as I opened it, and saw Father's familiar handwriting, neatly written: "Your mother and I are both well, don't worry. I heard that you and Xuanbi are together at Ganlu Temple cultivating yourselves, which is good. The overall situation has been settled, don't do anything rash. But I don't know how Huan'er is doing, and I'm worried sick about her. We're each in our own distant place, take care of yourselves, and don't be too anxious."

  A thousand words and phrases, Father's loving heart, all condensed into these few sentences, for my heart, for Huanbi's heart, for Brother's heart, are all in it.

  Xuan Qing said: "As you can see from the letter, Lord Zhen's handwriting is still strong, which means he doesn't have any major health issues. When I left, I heard that Lord Zhen was quite popular during his tenure as Jiangzhou Governor. He himself also said that being far away from the imperial court and its struggles, life is more relaxing."

  I felt a pang of sorrow and said with tears: "What kind of place is Jiangzhou? Although I've never been there, I also know. Living near the Yuanjiang River, the land is low and humid, with yellow reeds and bitter bamboo surrounding the house. In the morning and evening, what sounds can be heard? The cuckoo's mournful cry and the monkey's sad howl. Father and mother are already old, how can I bear to call you?" After finishing speaking, my voice became even more choked with sobs.

  He gently patted my back, letting me lean against his shoulder, and softly comforted: "Although Jiangzhou is bitter, people can still have a peaceful evening. This time with Lord Zhen, I heard that he has a sense of relief in his words, as if he has found peace. In the imperial court, there are countless internal struggles and conflicts, although it appears to be prosperous and glorious, but Lord Zhen is already old, and having a place where he can live peacefully and quietly is enough for him. Lord Zhen's words also showed great concern for you, compared to the palace's open and secret struggles, Lord Zhen hopes that you can live a peaceful and quiet life. After all, one's life and fate are more important than wealth and honor. As parents, we only hope that our children can be safe and sound, which is the greatest wish of our lives."

  "I sobbed: 'I just don't know how brother is doing?'"

  He slowly stretched out his hand and gently stroked my head, the soft fabric of his clothes quickly absorbing my tears. "I've sent someone to inquire about your brother's situation in Lingnan. Compared to Governor Zhen, he can't have any family letters. But I heard from the generals in Lingnan that your brother works hard every day, building city walls, and is still in good spirits. However...” He paused, “the news of your sister-in-law and nephew's passing is still being kept from him."

  I was startled and suddenly raised my head, "This is natural. Brother can rest assured to stay in the border area with a good spirit, only because he thinks his wife and children are all safe and sound. You don't know how much my brother loves Shu Shu and Zhi Ning, if he knew..." I myself didn't dare to think about it anymore, covering my mouth and not daring to say another word.

  He said, "I know, and naturally I will do my best to help. In the past, with Brother Huan, we worked together to pacify the King of Runan, using all our energy and resources. We can be considered old friends. Wherever I can exert my strength, I will certainly do so."

  I suddenly realized that the weakness of crying on his shoulder was too intimate and too rude. My face felt hot and I quickly retreated two steps, wiping away my tears, and with my usual composure, I said: "I apologize for being rude just now, please don't mind it, Your Highness." I carefully folded the letter from home and placed it in my bosom, saying: "The beacon fires have been burning for three months, a letter from home is worth a fortune. But to me, this letter that you brought, Your Highness, is worth more than a city." I bowed deeply, "Thank you, Your Highness."

  Xuan Qing supported me with a gentle smile and said, "Qing has had a good relationship with you for some time now, do you still want to say such hurtful words?" He thought for a moment, "Just now the Empress mentioned Xuan Bi's marriage, I actually have someone in mind, what do you think, my lady?" He smiled and his gaze fell on Ah Jin.

  "I exclaimed in surprise: 'Ah Jin?'"

  Her face suddenly turned red with anger, Ah Jin was also shocked, and the two of them looked up at each other and exclaimed in unison: "What?"

  Actually, Ah Jin can also be considered a handsome young man. Xuan Qing said: "Ah Jin has grown up with me since childhood, and I can naturally guarantee his character. Moreover, Huan Bi is also familiar with him, so it's not a blind marriage."

  Ah Jin scratched his ear and cheek, his face turned red as he stuttered: "Th-th-this..."

  "I don't want to."

  I pulled her hand and softly said: "Feng Qing, are you shy?"

  Xuan Qing smiled at Ah Jin and said: "Ah Jin, are you willing to marry Miss Huan Bi?"

  A Jin's face turned bright red, and when asked about it, he just twisted the reins in his hand, stroking "Yu Feng"'s mane with force, saying in a low voice: "Ah? Whatever Prince Wang says is what it is."

  Xuan Qing was both amused and annoyed, "A big man like you, either be decisive or don't. Where's your usual cleverness?"

  She suddenly broke free from my hand, smoothed her clothes, and knelt down: "Your Highness doesn't need to ask Ah Jin anymore. Even if Ah Jin is willing, I am not willing. Miss wants to practice in Ganlu Temple for a lifetime. If she leaves me, Miss will be alone, even with Tongtai, my relationship with Miss is different. Today I have spoken frankly, Miss is my elder sister, and I am her younger sister. I cannot bear to see her suffer alone while I marry and live a life of luxury." She spoke calmly, every word sincere.

  Xuan Qing said with a warm smile, "If you marry Ah Jin as his wife and live in the Clear and Cool Pavilion, you can also see your mother frequently. If it's not convenient, we can have your mother stay at the Clear and Cool Pavilion for a short while too."

  "Then, Prince Wang's intention is to have me marry Ah Jin, or to borrow my marriage with Ah Jin to let Miss Xiao stay in Qingliangtai, is it convenient for us sisters to meet, or is it convenient for Prince Wang and Miss Xiao to meet? Some words, Prince Wang can say clearly."

  Huanbi's sharp and cutting words were like a thin blade, scraping against my cheek, making me feel ashamed and unable to show my face. I stopped her: "Huanbi!"

  My face must have turned pale. Xuan Qing furrowed his brow and said, "Lian Bi, are you helping your mistress or hurting her heart?"

  Lan Bi saw my face change greatly and was also frightened, pulling on my sleeve and calling out in a low voice: "Miss..."

  Xuan Qing's lips were slightly pale as he supported my body and called out: "Huan'er!"

  I stood there in stunned silence, he had never called me that before, Huàn'er - using my old nickname. It's been a long, long time since anyone has called me by that name, not even Xuan Ling, who always calls me "Huàn Huàn". In this instant, I felt both sorrow and joy, and in the daze, there was a sense of reunion with past events.

  However, that feeling was just a flash of lightning, and I quickly calmed down, quietly and calmly pushing away the hand that Qingfeng had placed on my shoulder, restoring my usual coldness and composure, saying softly: "My Dharma name is 'Mo Chou'."

  Mo Chou, this name, has abruptly severed me from the reluctance to part with past events. Now, I am Mo Chou with loose hair and in cultivation.

  His expression had a fleeting loss and deep sorrow, silently loosening his hand.

  I softened my tone, "Mei is a girl from a good family, after all, she's shy. It's not good to rush into engagement like this. Why don't we go back and I'll ask her about it in detail later?"

  "No need," said Bi Lan in a firm and cold tone, leaning against a cedar tree with her posture straight and upright. "Since it's already been said, then there's no need to say it twice. Once is enough." Her gaze was fixed intently on Ah Jin, biting her lip as she asked: "Ah Jin, be honest with me, do you like me or not?"

  Ah Jin had never seen a girl speak so directly, his face turned red and he stuttered: "No, no! Bi'ge, I do like you, but I just treat you as my sister."

  Bianbi's expression relaxed, as if she had let out a sigh of relief. "You don't like me, and I won't marry someone who doesn't like me either," she said. "But what's most important is that I don't like you either. Bianbi doesn't like someone, and I definitely won't marry him, no matter how much he likes me!" Bianbi glanced at me, her thoughts exactly the same as mine when it came to Wen Ruo. She composed herself and continued, "If one day I were to get married, I would tell Miss myself, without needing others to arrange it for me. If I liked someone, even if it meant becoming his concubine, I would be willing with all my heart. But for now, I just want to stay by Miss's side peacefully." Bianbi finished speaking, as if she had finally put a huge burden at ease. However, being a young woman, saying such words in public made her delicate face flush bright red, and she stomped her foot before running away quickly.

  "Alas, I'm afraid I'm not worthy of Fairy Calabash's hand in marriage."

  I said with a smile: "Miss Huanbi's temperament has always been high-minded, but now that she has gone through the changes of her family, it is inevitable that she would look at everything lightly. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

  Xuan Qing also looked distressed and apologized to me, saying: "Today's matter was my fault, I was just thinking of letting Hu Bi have a place to settle down as soon as possible, but it made Miss Hu Bi angry."

  I was worried in my heart and said, "Don't worry, I'll go back and persuade her properly." I bowed slightly and chased after her without even saying goodbye.

  When she returned to the house, Yu Xiang quietly came up and said: "But what's wrong? Miss Huan Bi cried as soon as she got back."

  I went in and took a look, and Hongyu was indeed covering her head with the quilt, sobbing. My heart felt a wave of coolness, and for a moment I couldn't comfort her, so I first put that small new lotus flower into the vase.

  The next day, when I got up, I found that the lotus flower in the bottle had only one stem with a perfect posture and slightly yellowish color overnight. The light pink petals were scattered around the porcelain bottle, like a pair of butterflies that couldn't fly, lying quietly.

  I sighed faintly, also full of sorrow, "A good flower, fell overnight."

  "The first flower that blooms, never lasts long." Lan Bi's voice echoed behind my ear. She reached out to pluck the petals and put them in a gauze bag, "I'll dry them under the sun and store them away later."

  I held her hand, "Lanbi, are you still sad?"

  She smiled faintly, "I thought about it all night, the king is considering me." Her lips slightly raised, "In the king's eyes, I am the daughter of Shu Gui Taifei's old friend, arranging a marriage for me to marry someone he knows. What's wrong with that?" But the desolation in her eyes was so clear and distinct, "In the king's eyes, I'm just a little maid following Miss around, so naturally, the one who can be married is his trusted follower, not even half a mistake."

  I let out a sigh and said, "Xuanbi, you've always been clever, but sometimes you think too much. Even if the prince didn't know yesterday that you're He Niang's daughter, he knew that we're as close as sisters. How could he possibly want to easily marry you off to a servant? It's precisely because he knows I'm like a sister to you and also the daughter of an old friend of the empress dowager that he let you marry someone he trusts." I brushed aside the loose hairs on her forehead and said, "Besides, you've always gotten along with Ah Jin, so it's inevitable that the prince would have misgivings."

  She had been quietly listening, but when she heard the last sentence, she suddenly looked up and stared at me, saying "But..." Her smile gradually deepened, "The prince and the young lady have always gotten along well."

  She emphasized the two words "all along", I was startled, "I just discussed with Wang Ye. So, you suspect that Wang Ye wants to get close to me by using your marriage, right?"

  Fen Bi bit her lip and lowered her head, silent for a moment before saying: "I always feel that the prince is too good to Miss, even going thousands of miles to fetch a letter from home for her."

  "So..." I asked: "How did Wen Shi Chu treat me? And how did I treat him?"

  "Master Wen has been very good to Miss since she was young, and Miss is also very good at grasping the measure. On the day I first came to Ganlu Temple, I saw Miss suffering from all kinds of trivial hardships, and I also wanted Miss to have a lifelong dependence, even if it's not known to others. Of course, Prince Wang's character, appearance, demeanor, and knowledge are all superior to Master Wen's. But... " Hu Bi hesitated for a moment, "Prince Wang is the Emperor's younger brother after all."

  Her words were like a basin of cold water, poured over my head. I remained silent for a moment before speaking in a light tone: "How could I not know that he is his younger brother? Besides, I don't have any ill intentions towards him."

  The blue-clad maid hastily pulled me along, saying: "I know that many things happened yesterday would be heart-wrenching for you to hear, Miss. But even if you don't have feelings for the prince, does the prince not have feelings for you? Some things are better left unspoken, just in case. We... we can't take it anymore, can we?"

  Yes. I am so scared.

  I remained silent for a long time, as if the sandalwood incense burning in the house had gradually blurred my eyes. I forced a smile and said: "Xuanbi, don't worry about it. There's nothing like that between us. The king treats me with understanding, and I treat him with understanding too. Whether inside or outside the palace, he has helped me so much. When have you ever seen him say anything to offend me? Of course, I also know how to draw boundaries."

  She nodded slightly, leaning against me, and said: "Miss, I didn't have a mother since I was young, it's all been you taking care of me. Now, we sisters are also dependent on each other for survival."

  I stroked her hair and said softly: "I know, I know."

  But Huan Bi's words fell one by one into my heart, and I sighed silently. Perhaps I should indeed distance myself from Xuan Qing.

  My estrangement from Xuan Qing originated from this, and in my heart, I had secretly harbored resentment. From then on, subconsciously, I stopped going to the riverside. He was such an intelligent person, aware of my taboos, and our interactions became less frequent. Sometimes, carried by the wind, in the quiet afternoon, I could still hear Anu's bright and cheerful singing voice, singing that same song:

  Little sister is waiting for her lover - the affection is deep, don't let little sister down - a romantic affair, when you see her face - treat her well, when you don't see her face - think of her every day seventeen or eighteen times!

  The singing voice passed through the layers of halls, settling on every glazed tile of Ganlu Temple. Jingbai spat out with disgust, "Obscene words and profane songs, blaspheming the Buddha!"

  The abbot said: "If you listen with your heart, you will naturally hear it. If you don't hear it after listening, that's fine too."

  I sighed, even though I was absent-minded, this song still fell into my ears.

  But I have found her going to the riverside several times, and when she came back, even her shoes and socks were wet by the river water. So I asked her out of curiosity, and she only said: "What I said last time seemed to hurt Wang Ye and Ah Jin's heart, sometimes really want to apologize in person." She paused, "After all, Wang Ye is very good to us."

  I quietly said, "Huan Bi, what you're saying this time is different from last time, it seems to be self-contradictory."

  She blushed and said: "I'm just telling the truth."

  "So," I asked, "have you seen the king?"

  "I've seen him a few times," she said, lowering her head to fiddle with the hem of her garment. "But he just stared at the river, lost in thought. He only spoke to Ah Jin and me. I couldn't bring myself to apologize."

  I hummed in response, not thinking much of it. Xuan Qing's concern arrived as usual, only now it was through Tong Yu's relay. Sometimes she would ask Tong Yu to bring Heng Yue's portrait over, and sometimes she would ask Tong Yu if I was doing well or not.

  Naturally, according to the palace's emotional divisions, naturally, it was more familiar with Gongzi and him.

  Summer is passing quickly and autumn is approaching soon.