Chapter 23: Someone Like Jade

Mei Qing stared blankly at the towering stacks of paper manuscripts before him.

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that joining this mysterious inner group would mean becoming a mere copyist.

Even less expected was that his immediate superior would turn out to be this icy beauty, the female Taoist nun known as Bi Zhen.

Mei Qing gazed blankly at the towering stacks of paper booklets piled before him. No matter how much he had pondered, he never imagined that joining this enigmatic inner group would lead him to become a mere copyist. Even more unexpected was that his direct superior turned out to be this ice-cold, ethereal female Taoist priestess, Bi Zhen.

As Mei Qing’s mind wandered, he recalled the various rumors surrounding this priestess. The current emperor favored Taoism, generously bestowing official titles upon renowned Taoist masters, with the Zhang Heavenly Masters of successive dynasties receiving almost unparalleled honors. Among the court officials, figures like Shao Yuanjie from years past and the currently influential Taoist master Tao Zhongwen were prime examples. However, Bi Zhen was an anomaly. Not only was she one of the rare female Taoist priests to be honored, but she was also in the prime of her youth. Moreover, the emperor’s favor toward her was extraordinary, with whispers suggesting she frequently entered the inner palace and was even rumored to be the emperor’s most cherished dual cultivation partner.

Bi Zhen’s place of practice was the renowned Dongyue Temple, officially known as the Dongyue Rensheng Palace, though commonly referred to as Dongyue Temple. Built during the Yuan dynasty by the Xuanjiao sect leader Zhang Liusun, it was a significant Taoist site of the Zhengyi sect, second only to the Chongzhen Wanshou Palace in the capital. Since the Ming dynasty, the Dongyue Rensheng Palace had undergone multiple expansions, all funded by the inner palace, with several empresses, emperors, and princesses donating from their private treasuries, imbuing the temple with a strong royal aura. Bi Zhen’s ability to secure this site as her practice ground further highlighted her esteemed status in the eyes of the higher-ups.

Previously, Mei Qing had only heard snippets of such royal secrets, which were always shrouded in mystery, difficult to verify, and both feared and eagerly gossiped about, often treated as mere anecdotes. However, after joining the Experience Bureau, he discovered several incidents related to this woman, confirming her extraordinary status. Yet, the archives only vaguely mentioned her, often glossing over details, clearly indicating a sense of taboo. If not for Mei Qing’s exceptional memory and keen insight, he might have overlooked these references entirely. Never did he expect that this Bi Zhen would also be a member of the inner group and become his direct superior. As for her true identity, Mei Qing could only speculate.

Now, Bi Zhen sat across from Mei Qing, her jade-like face exuding a faint radiance, resembling an immortal, making it impossible for anyone to harbor any impure thoughts.

“Master Mei, this is the task assigned by our superiors. Most of these manuscripts are illegible and contain sensitive information, so we must rely on your expertise,” Bi Zhen’s voice was as clear and melodious as an immortal’s, yet carried an undeniable commanding tone.

Mei Qing frowned as he examined the chaotic manuscripts before him. Indeed, as she had said, the handwriting was extremely sloppy, and the order was completely disorganized. Organizing this massive pile would likely take years.

No wonder Sixth Master had said that upon completing this task, he would reveal the truth. In his mind, this was probably an impossible mission.

“Since the priestess commands, Mei Qing will naturally do his best,” Mei Qing replied, though he knew this task was daunting, he felt a strange sense of ease. While he lacked other skills, deciphering handwriting was his forte. Sixth Master, though aware of his expertise in appraising antiques, likely didn’t know about this particular talent.

The study of ancient scripts might seem simple, but few in the entire Ming dynasty could claim to rival Mei Qing’s expertise. While most relied on dictionaries like “Shuowen” and “Erya” to recognize various scripts, Mei Qing’s understanding of ancient inscriptions and oracle bone scripts was unparalleled, though even he couldn’t fully explain his own knowledge. Nonetheless, he was extremely confident in his abilities. Moreover, his months at the Experience Bureau had honed his skills in handling documents, and his exceptional mental fortitude made him unafraid of the daunting task before him.

Sensing Mei Qing’s confidence, Bi Zhen was slightly surprised. She had expected anyone facing such a workload to feel overwhelmed. Yet, Mei Qing, though initially struck by her beauty, quickly regained his composure and now exuded such confidence, making her look forward to the outcome of her task.

“Master Mei, there’s no need for formalities. The title of ‘priestess’ is unnecessary. Here, you may simply call me Bi Zhen. Since you seem unbothered, I won’t disturb you further. Please proceed at your leisure. If you need anything, just call for the acolyte,” Bi Zhen said, giving Mei Qing some pointers on organizing the manuscripts before taking her leave.

Mei Qing stood up to see her out. As Bi Zhen was about to leave, she turned back and called, “Oh, Master Mei.”

“Yes, what is it?” Mei Qing turned back to inquire.

Bi Zhen hesitated for a moment, her beautiful eyes flickering, then softly said, “Nothing.” With a faint smile, she turned and left.

As Mei Qing watched Bi Zhen’s smile bloom like a hundred flowers, his heart seemed to explode, a surge of desire rising from within. The graceful figure of the beauty before him, her loose Taoist robe accentuating her delicate curves, made his eyes turn blood-red, fixated on her every move. A sudden impulse to pounce on her overwhelmed him.

Just as Mei Qing took a step, his inner energy surged, and he immediately realized his abnormal state. He took a deep breath, gripping the door frame to steady himself. His body felt as if it were on fire, his heart pounding as if it would leap out of his chest. Not daring to linger, he stiffly turned and stumbled back to his seat.

Though Mei Qing’s Taoist foundation was solid and his energy abundant, this lustful thought arose from his own mind, a spiritual sensation that even his energy couldn’t easily dispel. Had another cultivator encountered such a situation, they would recognize it as a demonic tribulation, likely terrifying them. Mei Qing, unaware of this, blamed himself for harboring improper thoughts, forcing himself to endure. He randomly picked up a manuscript, suppressing his restless mind to focus on the characters.

After a few glances, Mei Qing realized the manuscript contained profound and esoteric phrases, seemingly a cultivation method. After reading one, he didn’t rush to copy it but picked up another to study. The handwriting was irregular, with some characters difficult to decipher, so he needed to review several manuscripts to gain a clearer understanding.

Once immersed in his work, Mei Qing’s mind became focused, and the physical discomfort lessened. However, he still occasionally felt restless, forcing himself to endure. He sat there all afternoon, barely making it to evening.

“Master Mei, your dedication is truly commendable,” a voice interrupted. Mei Qing looked up to find Bi Zhen at the door, smiling at him.

While engrossed in his work, Mei Qing hadn’t noticed her arrival. Seeing her jade-like face again, the intense heat and desire surged within him, even stronger than before. Drawing on his previous experience, he quickly calmed his mind to avoid embarrassment. Still, he tightly gripped the desk to steady his trembling body.

Bi Zhen, seemingly oblivious, softly explained that Mei Qing had arrived in the afternoon and would need to spend the entire day here in the future. Since the temple only served vegetarian meals, she suggested he bring his own food if it didn’t suit him. Today, Fifth Bing had brought him by carriage, but the temple was far from his home, so she advised him to bring a horse tomorrow. For now, the temple had a horse he could borrow.

She rambled on for a while, her pleasant appearance and soothing voice a stark contrast to the torment Mei Qing felt. Finally, when she paused, Mei Qing quickly thanked her and bid farewell.

As he stood up abruptly, his body stiffened, and he walked out mechanically, like a zombie. Only after turning the corner did he exhale deeply, bending over and hurrying toward the gate.

Watching Mei Qing’s retreating figure, Bi Zhen, far from her usual icy demeanor, chuckled to herself, “He’s quite resilient. Well, he doesn’t seem like a bad person, but since we’ve made a bet, I can’t lose. Let’s see how long he can hold out!”

Mei Qing rode back home, the journey excruciating—not because he couldn’t ride, though his skills were mediocre, but because of the torment he had endured at the temple. Ancient sayings warned that those who harbored improper thoughts would be punished by the heavens, turning to stone. While Mei Qing hadn’t literally turned to stone, a certain part of his body had indeed become rigid…

Thus, the bumpy ride was unbearable, almost akin to the legendary torture of “riding the wooden donkey.”

Finally reaching home, Mei Qing dismounted, hastily greeted Old Zhang at the gate, and rushed inside. Seeing Duo Yun and Fifth, the fire within him burned even hotter. After a hasty dinner, he sent Fifth away and pulled Duo Yun into his room.

Duo Yun, initially confused, noticed Mei Qing’s flushed face and heated breath as he carried her to the bed. She wondered why the usually gentle and composed young master was suddenly so eager. Normally, she would have been willing, but today was unfortunate. A sense of unease settled in her heart, and her expression turned uncomfortable.

Though Mei Qing was in a hurry, he wasn’t the type to ignore his partner’s feelings. Seeing Duo Yun’s discomfort, he slowed down, gently holding her and asking, “Duo Yun, what’s wrong?”

Hearing Mei Qing’s gentle tone, Duo Yun felt even more sorrowful. Though she tried to hold back, tears welled up in her eyes.

Yet Bi Zhen was an exception among them. First, she was an extremely rare female among the honored Taoists, and still very young. Second, the emperor’s favor toward her was extraordinary. It was said she frequently entered the inner palace, and there were even whispers that she was the emperor’s favored partner in esoteric sexual practices.

The temple where Bi Zhen cultivated was the famous Dongyue Temple, officially known as Dongyue Ren Sheng Palace, though commonly called Dongyue Temple. It had been built by Zhang Liuxun, the leader of the Yuan dynasty’s Xuanjiao sect, and was one of the largest Taoist centers of the Zhengyi sect at the time, second only to Chongzhen Wanshou Palace in the capital. During the Ming dynasty, Dongyue Ren Sheng Palace had undergone repeated expansions funded by the imperial household, with donations from several empresses, emperors, and princesses, giving it a distinctly royal air. That Bi Zhen had been granted this prestigious temple as her base clearly reflected her special status in the eyes of the imperial court.

Previously, Mei Qing had only heard vague rumors about such royal secrets, always shrouded in mystery and difficult to verify, the kind of gossip people both feared and loved. Later, while working at the Experience Bureau, he came across several cases involving this woman, confirming her unusual status. However, the files often mentioned her only briefly and ambiguously, suggesting there were strong taboos surrounding her. If Mei Qing hadn’t possessed an exceptional memory and sharp insight, he might have easily overlooked these clues. Yet he never expected that Bi Zhen would also be a member of this inner group—and his direct superior at that. As for her true identity, Mei Qing could no longer even begin to guess.

Now, Bi Zhen sat across from him, her face glowing with a serene radiance, like a celestial being, exuding an aura of untouchable purity.

“Master Mei, the task assigned by our superiors is as follows. These manuscripts are mostly illegible, with chaotic handwriting and containing sensitive information. Thus, we must rely on your exceptional talents,” Bi Zhen’s voice was as clear and melodious as celestial music, yet carried an unmistakable tone of authority.

Mei Qing frowned at the messy pile of manuscripts before him. Indeed, the handwriting was chaotic and the pages disordered. Organizing all of this would likely take years, perhaps even decades.

No wonder Sixth Master had said that once this task was completed, he would reveal the truth. Perhaps, in his mind, this was an impossible task.

“Of course, I shall do my best,” Mei Qing replied, though he inwardly felt no great anxiety. If there was one thing he excelled at, it was deciphering handwriting. Sixth Master might have known of his expertise in identifying antiques, but likely had no idea of his true skill in this area.

The study of writing might seem simple, but few could truly claim mastery over it. In the entire Ming Empire, none could rival Mei Qing in this field. At the time, most scholars relied on dictionaries like Shuowen Jiezi and Erya. Being able to recognize the various scripts—seal, clerical, cursive, and regular—was already considered exceptional. Yet the study of ancient inscriptions on bronze and oracle bones remained a mystery to all.

Though Mei Qing himself couldn’t fully articulate the intricacies, he had unwavering confidence in his abilities. Moreover, the past few months at the Experience Bureau had sharpened his skills in document handling, and his mental acuity was exceptional. Thus, faced with this daunting pile of manuscripts, he felt no fear.

Bi Zhen, sensing his confidence, looked slightly surprised. She had expected anyone confronted with such a daunting task to feel at least some hesitation. Yet Mei Qing, though momentarily taken aback by her beauty, quickly regained his composure. His calm assurance intrigued her, and she found herself genuinely curious about his work.

“There’s no need for such formality, ‘Master’ is too much. Here, you may simply call me Bi Zhen. If you have any needs, just call one of the young Taoist apprentices,” she said, offering some guidance on the organization process before rising to leave.

Mei Qing nodded indifferently and accompanied her to the door. As she was about to leave, she suddenly turned back.

“Oh, Master Mei.”

“What is it?” Mei Qing, already turning, quickly turned back again.

Bi Zhen hesitated for a moment, her beautiful eyes glimmering, then softly said, “Nothing.” With a slight smile, she turned and walked away.

As she smiled, it was as if a thousand flowers had bloomed at once, sending a jolt through Mei Qing’s heart. A surge of desire flared up from deep within him. Watching her graceful figure move away, her loose Taoist robe accentuating her curves, his eyes turned bloodshot, and he felt an overwhelming urge to chase after her.

As he took a step forward, a sudden surge of inner energy coursed through his body. Recognizing the anomaly, he quickly inhaled deeply, gripping the doorframe to force himself to stop. He felt as if his entire body was burning, his heart pounding wildly. Not daring to linger, he stiffly turned around and staggered back into the room, forcing himself to sit down.

Though Mei Qing had already established a strong Taoist foundation and abundant energy, this sudden desire arose from his own mind, a product of his thoughts and emotions. Even circulating his inner energy brought little relief. Another practitioner might have recognized this as a trial of the heart demon, likely panicking at the thought. Mei Qing, however, simply thought he had entertained improper thoughts and silently chastised himself, forcing his attention onto a random manuscript, trying to suppress his turbulent emotions.

After glancing at it, he quickly realized it was a collection of esoteric verses, seemingly some kind of cultivation technique. He didn’t rush to copy it but picked up another page and began reading again. The handwriting was somewhat irregular, with several characters difficult to identify. He needed to examine a significant number of pages before he could form a clear understanding.

As he immersed himself in this work, his mind gradually focused, and the physical discomfort eased somewhat. Still, occasional waves of restlessness surged through him. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to remain seated, staring at the pages for the entire afternoon until dusk finally approached.

“Your dedication is truly admirable,” a voice suddenly said. Mei Qing looked up to find Bi Zhen standing at the door, smiling.

Earlier, while engrossed in work, the discomfort had been less noticeable. But now, seeing Bi Zhen’s beautiful face again, the heat and desire surged back with even greater intensity than before. If not for his previous experience, he might have lost control completely. Even so, he tightly gripped the edge of the table, forcing himself to remain still.

Bi Zhen, however, seemed oblivious. She gently explained that since Mei Qing had arrived in the afternoon today, he would need to work a full day tomorrow. The temple only served vegetarian meals, so she suggested he bring his own food if he preferred. Today, Wu Bing had brought him by carriage, but the distance from his home was considerable, so she advised him to ride a horse in the future. The temple had horses available for his use.

She continued chatting for quite some time, her voice as soothing as ever. Yet to Mei Qing, it felt like the most torturous punishment imaginable. When she finally finished, he quickly thanked her and bowed in farewell.

But as he hastily stood up, his body stiffened. He straightened his posture, pulled in his stomach, and stepped forward mechanically, like a stiff, awkward puppet. Only after turning the corner did he finally exhale in relief, hurrying toward the main gate with a hunched posture.

Behind him, Bi Zhen, watching his retreating figure, no longer resembled the cold, aloof beauty. Instead, she was quietly chuckling to herself, “Didn’t expect him to hold out so well. Hmm, seems like he’s not a bad person after all. But since we made a bet, I can’t afford to lose. Let’s see how long you can last!”

Mei Qing rode home, enduring an agonizing journey—not because he couldn’t ride, but because of what he had endured at the temple. As the saying goes, if someone harbors improper thoughts, heaven punishes them by turning them to stone. Though Mei Qing hadn’t literally turned to stone, a certain part of him had indeed become rigid and unyielding.

Thus, the jolting ride was pure torture, rivaling even the legendary punishment of riding a wooden donkey.

Finally arriving home, Mei Qing hastily dismounted, greeted the old servant at the gate, and rushed inside. Seeing Duoyun and Wu’er only intensified his inner fire. At dinner, he ate hastily, without his usual leisurely stroll or poetic reflections. He quickly sent Wu’er away and pulled Duoyun toward their room.

At first, Duoyun was puzzled. As he hurriedly embraced her, she noticed his flushed face and feverish breath, wondering why her normally gentle master had suddenly become so urgent. Usually, she would have been delighted, but today was different. Her heart sank slightly, and a hint of discomfort appeared on her face.

Though Mei Qing was eager, he wasn’t the kind of man who only thought of his own pleasure. Seeing Duoyun’s hesitation, he immediately slowed his actions, gently pulling her into his arms and asking softly, “Duoyun, what’s wrong?”

Hearing his gentle tone, Duoyun felt even more sorrow. Though she tried to suppress it, tears welled up in her eyes, ready to fall at any moment.