Chapter Forty
The three siblings first paid their respects in the Mahavira Hall, then went east to the side hall to worship Guanyin.
Perhaps the smoke had gotten to her. Cui Lanyin’s head felt slightly swollen. She thought that stepping outside for some fresh air would help, but after standing outdoors for a while, the discomfort only grew more pronounced. The strength seemed to drain from her body all at once, and her eyelids became so heavy that she could barely keep them open.
Cui Lanzhi noticed something was wrong. “Is your head hurting? We won’t go any farther. Let’s hurry home and give you your medicine.”
Cui Lanzhi had been married into the Hong family for a year without having had the chance to go anywhere. After learning that they would be visiting Tianfu Temple, she had looked forward to it eagerly, hoping to pray for the child in her womb and for Hong Ji, who was preparing for the autumn examinations.
The fortune sticks at Tianfu Temple were said to be remarkably accurate, and Cui Lanzhi had been hoping to draw one herself.
Cui Lanzhi was still in the early months of her pregnancy. Once she began to show, it would be inconvenient for her to go out, so Cui Lanyin did her best to look as though nothing was wrong. “I only inhaled too much incense smoke and felt a little stifled. I’ll be fine after standing here for a while.”
Chiyun, Chiyue, and Buyan, who had been following behind them, had also noticed that something was wrong. Chiyun and Chiyue came forward and supported her from either side. They were both strong, and with their help, Cui Lanyin felt somewhat better.
“Sis, you and Jian go draw your fortunes. I’ll wait here and enjoy the breeze.”
Cui Lanzhi and Cui Jian were still uneasy. “We can always come another time. If your headache gets worse before we get home, it may be too late to take your medicine.”
“My headaches have improved considerably since I changed medicines. Even when they come on, they aren’t as severe as before.” When the two of them still did not move, Cui Lanyin added, “I’d like to draw a fortune too. Please draw one for me while you’re there.”
It would be good to see what fortune the stick revealed, given her condition. With Chiyun, Chiyue, and Buyan there, there was nothing to worry about. Only after reminding her to call them immediately if she felt worse did Cui Lanzhi take Cui Jian and head toward the rear of the temple.
Supported by Chiyun and Chiyue, Cui Lanyin went to the edge of the lotus pond and found a stone platform to sit on. Chiyue massaged the acupoint between her thumb and forefinger, and Cui Lanyin felt a little better.
With Chiyun blocking the view, Cui Lanyin half-closed her eyes and rested. She did not want the Yao family to think that Prince Wei had raised someone too sickly to shoulder any responsibility. Prince Wei already had more than enough matters weighing on his mind.
“Second Young Miss, Young Master Tan is coming over,” Buyan reminded her softly.
Cui Lanyin opened her eyes. At that moment, she truly felt that she had let go of her feelings for Tan Shao. Now that he had come looking for her, she no longer felt any need to avoid him. Even if Seventh Miss Yao came looking for her, she could face her openly and without shame.
“Cousin Shao, is something the matter?”
Tan Shao studied her for a while. “Your headache has returned?”
“Yes. I’m sitting here to let the breeze ease it.”
Tan Shao was a very perceptive man and immediately noticed that Cui Lanyin was different. “You’re not avoiding me anymore?”
“I want us to be good relatives from now on. You’re a good elder brother.”
“I feel the same.” Tan Shao hid the moisture in his eyes. “The Yao family is not a suitable match for you. I heard Cousin Ying mention it before. Prince Wei has misgivings about the way the Yao family acted in the past. The struggles between powerful families are not something people like us can afford to become involved in. Once you become a discarded pawn, life with the Yao family will be difficult.”
With Chiyun, Chiyue, and Buyan present, Tan Shao could not speak too plainly. Yet he was afraid Cui Lanyin would not understand, so he continued, “My mother’s displeasure will only show on the surface. The methods used by powerful families, however, can kill without leaving a trace. Back then, they treated…”
“I understand.” Cui Lanyin smiled sincerely. “Cousin Shao, don’t worry about me anymore. From now on, treat Cousin Ying well. She is the one best suited to you.”
“I know you have your own ideas. I just couldn’t settle my conscience without saying this. Make your decision carefully.”
Tan Shao smiled faintly. “Then I’ll be going.”
He strode forward, and before long his pace quickened, as though only by walking faster could he put the past behind him and become the Tan Shao his parents expected him to be.
Cui Lanzhi and Cui Jian soon returned with the fortune they had drawn. Seeing the two of them chatting and laughing, Cui Lanyin knew that Cui Lanzhi must have received a favorable result.
The moment she came over, Cui Lanzhi eagerly said, “I drew you an excellent fortune. It says you’ll marry a noble husband.”
She unfolded the slip of paper bearing the verse. Cui Lanyin glanced at it and read, “When the clouds part and the moon appears, joy comes with your meeting; when the phoenix cries toward the morning sun, spring fills the halls.”
She was rather doubtful. “What does that even mean? It doesn’t make any sense.”
“They say the interpretation differs for men and women, and it must be matched with one’s birth date and hour to be accurate. Birth details aren’t something one can casually reveal to others. But the monk who interpreted it said that whoever draws this fortune is destined for wealth and honor. A woman will certainly marry a noble husband, and if she meets someone whose birth details are compatible with hers, she may become exceedingly wealthy and honored.” Cui Lanyin leaned closer and lowered her voice. “He even said that Empress Cao once drew this very fortune.”
“Of course, that has nothing to do with us. I’m only telling you because your marriage certainly won’t be a bad one. Isn’t the answer right in front of us?”
The young master of the Yao family did indeed count as a noble husband. It was only… Cui Lanyin suppressed the thought. “You must have drawn a good fortune too, Sis.”
Cui Lanzhi could barely conceal her delight. “An auspicious one. It says that the child and your brother-in-law will both be well.”
“Then I’ll wait for my nephew to arrive—and for brother-in-law to pass the examinations.”
“It would be nice if the fortune had said more. Have you decided what you want to do?”
“There’s no hurry. I’ll listen to what our maternal uncle says when we get back.”
“That’s right. This marriage came to you through the prince’s blessing. He should be the one to give you some advice.”
On the way back, they ran into the Yao family and the Tan siblings, who had also gone to draw fortunes. After waiting for them to return, it was already time for the midday meal.
Seeing the relaxed expressions on the Yao siblings’ faces, they knew that they too had drawn favorable fortunes.
Only Tan Lian’s smile seemed somewhat forced. Her fortune must have been an unfavorable one. It was because of Tan Lian that Cui Lanyin did not suspect that Tianfu Temple had tampered with the fortunes.
Even so, Cui Lanyin did not attach much importance to the slip of paper she had received. It was merely something offered to give those who sought fortunes a pleasant hope.
The vegetarian dishes at Tianfu Temple were famous and not to be missed.
After asking the monk in charge of receiving guests, they learned that the food could be sent to a particular courtyard. Tan Lian and Tan Lanting had eaten the temple’s vegetarian dishes several times before, so the two of them chose the dishes.
Once they had finished ordering, the monk looked over the list and suggested with a smile, “Benefactors, you might consider adding two plates of tofu-skin buns. They take a great deal of time and effort to make, so only a limited number are prepared each day. Once you leave this courtyard, you won’t be able to get them.”
Naturally, they had to try them. Taking the monk’s advice, they added two plates of tofu-skin buns to the order.
The vegetarian dishes were delicious, but the tofu-skin buns were especially exquisite. Each bite was bursting with savory flavor, and they could rival Cui Sheng’s cooking.
Cui Jian was still savoring the taste when he came over to whisper to his sisters, “I think these buns alone made the trip worthwhile.”
Cui Lanyin wholeheartedly agreed. Even though she was still unwell, she had eaten three of the tofu-skin buns.
“Let’s have Father try them when we get home.”
Cui Lanzhi said, “He’ll have to taste them first before we know whether he approves.”
Cui Lanyin calculated silently for a moment, then called Buyan over. “See if we can get twelve plates of tofu-skin buns to take home.”
Cui Lanzhi stopped her. “That’s far too many. How could we possibly eat them all?”
“Four plates for our family, two each for our eldest and second uncles’ families, and the remaining four for our maternal uncle.”
Cui Lanzhi suddenly looked embarrassed. “Look at me—I nearly forgot the prince.”
Tan Lian pouted from where she sat. “Cousin Lanyin, don’t forget your Uncle and Aunt Xian, either, will you?”
The Eighth Miss Yao suddenly remembered the real purpose of their trip, and pushed the Sixth Young Master Yao forward as she spoke, "Cousin Tan Lian, you can't compare to us anymore. From now on, we and Cousin Yinyin will be the closest of all."
Cui Lanyin did not even glance in their direction, pointing instead at the guest monk, "These pastries are not something I can give out as I please."
The guest monk nodded with a deferential smile, "What Second Miss Cui says is perfectly true. If we had more of these, our temple would never have hidden them away instead of selling them to the public all this time."
Before long, Buyan came back, "Second Miss, you predicted it exactly right. I intercepted the full twelve plates that were meant for the abbot and the senior monks, and had all of them packed away."
Cui Lanyin looked around at the crowd, "In that case, I can only give priority to the elders of my own family first."
Tan Lian had no words to argue back, and the Eighth Miss Yao, after a sharp glance from the Fifth Young Master Yao, also fell silent.
If they divided them up in such a partial way, what would the elders of the Yao family think? Cui Lanzhi tried to persuade her, "That doesn't seem right. We should share a bit among every family, shouldn't we?"
Cui Lanyin did not have the energy to explain it all in detail at the moment, "No, we won't split them evenly. When there are good things, everyone puts their own family first. No one can find fault with that logic, no matter where you go."
The group then went outside to admire the cherry blossoms, and did not leave Tianfu Temple to head back until almost shen hour.
As soon as she climbed into the carriage, Cui Lanyin slumped back against the seat, "Chiyue, press my shoulders for me again."
It was nearly you hour by the time they returned to Prince Wei's Manor. Two quarters later, it was time for dinner. Worried about Prince Wei's condition, Cui Lanyin forced herself to stay awake and went to his study anyway.
When she saw Prince Wei sitting cross-legged in meditation just as he usually did, it felt as if the scene from that morning had all been a figment of her imagination, never having happened at all. The tight string in her heart finally loosened, and the last bit of strength she had been clenching her teeth to hold onto drained away. Her vision swam, and she went limp like a lump of dough, tipping over and about to fall to the ground.
Buyan set down the food box, and she and Buyan both cried out in alarm, lunging forward to catch her, but they were already too late.
The very moment Cui Lanyin was about to hit the floor, a figure darted over like a streak of light. With a quick, fluid tug and lift of his hands, Cui Lanyin was caught and lifted up, then gently laid down on the arhat couch.
Cui Lanyin recognized the person in front of her, and even managed a smile at him, "Uncle, the tofu skin buns at Tianfu Temple are so delicious."
"I brought four plates of them back for you," Prince Wei said. "I wouldn't give them to anyone else. Have Buyan heat them up for you to eat later."
Seeing that she could only speak in broken, disjointed phrases, her words slurred and muddled, Prince Wei pressed his hand lightly over her mouth, "Close your eyes. Don't talk anymore."
"Oh... I'll listen to you, Uncle..." Cui Lanyin meekly closed her eyes and stopped speaking. The pain had already reached its peak, and she soon began to whimper and moan in agony in intermittent gasps.
Prince Wei reached for a bolster to tuck under her head, but the second his hand brushed against her scalp, she wrapped her arms around her head and cried out repeatedly, "It hurts, it hurts... Don't touch me..."
Prince Wei carefully sat down on the side of the couch. When he turned around, his face still wore his usual aloof, impassive expression, but Buyan felt as if the blood in his veins was about to freeze over. He stepped forward trembling with fear, "Your Royal Highness, I will go get Aiye first to boil a medicinal brew for Second Miss."
Prince Wei's gaze shifted to Buyan, who immediately said, "I'll go get Aiye right now." No sooner had the words left his mouth than he was already running out the door.
Prince Wei turned to face Buyan, "When did the pain start?"
"Not long after we arrived at Tianfu Temple, Your Royal Highness."
"Why didn't you bring her back earlier?"
"Miss Cui's eldest sister is with child, and she had been looking forward to going to Tianfu Temple to pray to the Buddha and draw a fortune slip for ages. If we had left early, she would have missed this rare chance..." Buyan's voice grew quieter and quieter, and he knew very well now that nothing was more important than Second Miss's health.
"Bailin, Xuanlin," Prince Wei called out.
"I'll go get them right away," Buyan replied, and ran out even faster than Buyan had a moment before.
It was not long before Bailin and Xuanlin arrived. They glanced at Cui Lanyin lying on the arhat couch, pushing aside all the chaotic thoughts that had sprung up in their minds, and Bailin said, "I'll go fetch the imperial physician at once."
Prince Wei waved his hand, and Bailin hurried off.
Xuanlin did not wait for Prince Wei to ask, and reported, "All the famous doctors we have tracked down so far are not nearly as skilled as their reputations claim. We are still searching for a truly capable one."
"Speed up the search."
"Understood, Your Royal Highness."
Since Prince Wei had not dismissed him, Xuanlin did not dare leave. Before long, Buyan came back carrying a pot of medicine boiled with Aiye and Sangzhi. The two of them had plenty of experience with such matters, and they lifted Cui Lanyin up an inch at a time to carefully tuck the bolster under her head, then fed her the medicine spoonful by spoonful.
When the entire bowl of medicine was finished, even Xuanlin let out a long, relieved breath.
Prince Wei pointed at the small square table set on the arhat couch, "Remove it."
Buyan and Buyan stepped forward together to carry the table away. Cui Lanyin, curled up on the couch, seemed to sense the movement, and shifted her leg a little. The motion pulled at her injury on her head, and she wrapped her arms around her head again, whimpering in pain.
Prince Wei dragged a chair over, sat cross-legged on it, and began to meditate. The room fell so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Ever since Cui Lanyin moved into Prince Wei's Manor, this arhat couch had been Prince Wei's usual spot. He meditated on it, napped on it, and even slept on it at night. Aside from the time he spent going out, eating, and taking care of personal needs, he practically lived on that couch.
But right now, the prince was letting Second Miss take over his entire couch, while he himself was huddled on a hard chair. This version of Prince Wei, who was so full of warm, human affection, was something Xuanlin would never have dared to imagine before. He remembered what Bailin had said the other day, about what it would be like if Second Miss married into the manor for real...
Another incense stick's worth of time passed, and Bailin hurried in with three imperial physicians, Chief Imperial Physician Cao leading the way, his face glistening with sweat. Xuanlin could easily guess how frantically Bailin must have urged them to rush along the way.
This was the first time Chief Imperial Physician Cao and the other two physicians had ever been inside Prince Wei's Manor. But the layout of every imperial manor followed the same rules, and when they saw Second Miss Cui lying on the arhat couch in the outer hall of the prince's study—clearly the very bed Prince Wei used for his own daily rest—while Prince Wei himself sat on a simple chair by her side guarding her, all three of them were completely stunned.
Did Yinyin manage to defuse Qiqi's move? Wait and see~ [smirking emoji]
