Chapter 3: Encounter in the Mid Levels

In the back hall of the Cian Temple, two people sat cross-legged on cushions behind a low table, both with serene expressions and simple attire.

Incense and candles were lit in the room, creating a lingering mist, and a pot of pine and cypress was placed in front of the half-open window, adding a touch of freshness to the room.

"Master, we have come here this time for the matter of the prince's chronic illness. A year ago, we obtained some incense from the temple, and initially, it had some effect for several months. However, towards the end of the year, it gradually became less effective. Now it seems completely useless. We ask the master to make a new batch of incense to relieve the prince's insomnia," the middle-aged scholar spoke respectfully, with a hint of pleading in his tone.

"This quickly, it has lost its effectiveness," the abbot furrowed his brow slightly, rolling the prayer beads between his thumb and fingers, closing his eyes. After a long sigh, he shook his head slowly in the disappointed gaze of the scholar.

"In that case, I am also powerless," he added.

With a sharp sound, a spearhead was pointed at the abbot's forehead. Despite the sudden change, the abbot remained unmoved, closing his eyes and reciting scriptures word by word. The dignified and serene expression on his face indicated that he had already seen through the cycle of life and death.

"Zhou Zhun."

"Yes," unwilling to retract the spear, Zhou Zhun, a handsome young man, obeyed the prince's order and stepped aside.

"Medicines and herbs are of no use?" the person on the cushion asked lightly and calmly, as if the matter had nothing to do with him, showing great composure.

The young man, with only a jade hairpin holding his hair, not yet wearing a crown, appeared to be under fifteen. His voice had the huskiness typical of a young man, yet he exuded a deep calmness, especially in his eyes, which were tranquil and profound.

"Ordinary incense cannot cure the prince's stubborn ailment. If a useful method is found, it may serve as an aid or be worth a try."

"Where can we find such a useful method?" Clearly lacking the patience of the prince, Zhou Zhun's eyes flashed with a cold light as he saw the abbot speaking in riddles.

Reciting a Buddhist mantra, the abbot sighed, shaking his head with regret. If he had known, he would have already traveled far and wide in search of a cure, to repay the kindness shown to him by the old duke.

The seated man pondered for a moment, then waved his hand to dismiss his attendants.

"You two, wait outside. When the prince has finished listening to the abbot's teaching, then return to the mansion."

With no one else around to disturb them, only the calm chanting of the abbot filled the scripture hall, accompanied by the ancient temple bell, gradually calming their hearts.

"Master, why didn't you inquire about the cause of the prince's nightmares?"

With clasped hands, the abbot, dressed in a deep gray linen robe, exuded an otherworldly aura.

"Everyone has their own karma. The prince has his own fate."

The words were carefully chosen, seeming to say nothing, yet at the same time, conveying profound meaning.

A flash of coldness flickered in the man's eyes, as he gazed at the abbot for a moment before closing his eyes, putting an end to the conversation.

Unmoved, the old monk continued to chant another scripture, then opened his eyes, nodding in understanding as he observed the man opposite him, and spoke in a deep voice, "The prince's mind has calmed."

In the scripture hall, only the tranquilizing mantra filled the air. "The form arises from the formless, and the formless gives rise to the form. All phenomena are illusory..."

In the front hall, Chunying returned after offering incense, only to find the seventh miss standing in the courtyard with a group of people, showing no intention of going to the Guanyin Hall to seek divination. "Miss, why don't you go with the fifth miss to seek a divination slip?"

The seventh miss waved her hand, lacking enthusiasm. "Watching the excitement is not as good as worrying about it myself?"

Having one's fate interpreted by others, whether good or bad, would never bring peace in the future.

As the saying goes, if things don't go well in the future, one will blame others, adding to the discontent.

If things don't go well, there's no need to wait for the future; stepping out of this temple gate, one can already feel a sense of unease.

"In front of the Buddha, why are you speaking such nonsense!" Upon returning from offering incense, Mrs. Xu heard the seventh miss speaking so irreverently and immediately scolded her sternly.

"Yes, yes, Madam is right. I spoke out of turn. I will go and make amends to the Bodhisattva." With that, she straightened her demeanor, entered the hall, and respectfully bowed three times.

Turning back, she tilted her head to assess Mrs. Xu, to see if she had calmed down. Only then did she reveal a slightly mischievous nature, different from her usual well-behaved self.

"Only when I make a mistake will I be so obedient." She poked Mrs. Xu's forehead, and finally, Mrs. Xu smiled.

This daughter was good in every way, but she was a bit indifferent. Unlike the fifth miss, Jiang Rou, who was competitive and stubborn. Also unlike the other concubine-born daughters, who were submissive and secretive about their own schemes.

With this little drama, the divination was naturally abandoned. Divination requires sincerity, and forcing her would not yield accurate results.

"Madam, you and the first madam can have tea in the backyard and listen to the master's teachings. These chanting and Buddhist practices are too much for someone so young. So, allow me to take them to the back mountain to visit the famous grottoes of the Cian Temple. We will surely be back before lunch."

Seizing the opportunity to go to a quiet place alone, the seventh miss linked arms with Mrs. Xu, shaking and shaking again.

"Alright, but don't make people dizzy. Remember not to go too far, and take Mrs. Cui with you, so as not to worry anyone." Today, the Cian Temple declined outside visitors. Apart from the female relatives of the governor's mansion, they only received a group of people of unknown origin. Considering their status, they were unlikely to do anything disgraceful. Mrs. Xu could now rest assured.

The Cian Temple was vast and had a long history. The true essence of the temple lay in the "Thousand Buddha Caves" on the back mountain.

The seventh miss and her entourage walked along the plank road, and in just a short while, they arrived at the covered walkway built against the mountain.

"These colorless statues of Buddha look even more ancient and solemn. Jiang Yuan led the way, inspecting each Buddha statue one by one, leaving Cui Mama Chunying to devoutly bow to each one. Only Lv Fu stayed close, with a somewhat helpless look in her eyes. This is not a visit to the temple to pay respects, but rather a leisurely outing."

At the end of the narrow corridor, there was a stone pavilion halfway up the mountain. To the left of the pavilion, there was a towering ancient tree. One side of the branches was surrounded by lush greenery, while the other side was bare, with no leaves in sight.

"Miss, this tree grows quite strangely," Lv Fu looked up and surveyed the surroundings, holding up her skirt.

"Stop talking nonsense," Cui Mama pretended to scold her, pinching her ear. "Every plant and tree in the ancient temple has its own spirit. You must not speak carelessly and burden the young lady."

With a resigned "Yes," Lv Fu turned around to help Chunying prepare the tea and snacks.

Miss Seven smiled. She was indeed a person chosen by the lady of the house, and Cui Mama had been well trained by the lady. Speaking of Cui Mama, she was only in her early twenties, carefully selected from the Xu family to serve as a maid.

Sipping the barley tea provided for guests in the temple, they rested in the pavilion, facing the distant mountains, layered and vast, a delightful sight. Standing up and walking to the railing, it felt as if her chest had also expanded.

"What a rare beautiful scenery! I see the green mountains are so charming, they must see me in the same way."

Cui Mama readily agreed. Having watched the young lady grow up, she treated her like her own daughter. Children from one's own family are always good, so praising her was a bit exaggerated.

"Miss, in a few more years, you will surely be the unparalleled beauty of Tailong County. How can 'charming' fully describe it? And this poem sounds very good, who knows, in the future, the young lady might gain some literary fame."

Jiang Yuan was taken aback, realizing that Cui Mama had misunderstood. This poem was not about "charming," but about being emotionally attached to the mountains and rivers, making friends with the mountains.

"I cannot create such a poem. I just borrowed it to fit the occasion."

"Cui Mama, look at you. With such praise, the young lady is too modest to accept it." The people serving in the Peach Blossom Village all knew that their young lady loved reading from a young age. Reciting poetry was nothing, just her way of being humble.

Jiang Yuan smiled lightly and let them tease her.

She had no interest in literary fame, and she would never show off ancient poems and verses from her past life. She clarified, and whether others believed it was their business.

It's fine to live like this. Warm and peaceful, chatting and laughing. Even in a different time and space, life can still go on.

Miss Jiang, the Seventh Miss of the Jiang family, was unaware that behind the stone pavilion, in the bamboo forest, several people were standing and observing. Through the branches and leaves, they could see her and her maidservant's every move and word.

The man in front fixed his gaze on her for a long time, lost in thought.