The first rays of morning sun pierced through the thin mist, slanting onto the flying eaves of Fuyun Temple, making the line of mythical beasts placed there for lightning protection seem almost alive.
The mountains were shrouded in milky-white fog, revealing only vague corners, delicate and charming.
The fog was fine and dense; occasionally, a gust of wind swept through, quickly changing its shape, dreamlike and illusory.
But Tian Shu had no mood for appreciation.
Her steps were even heavy, growing slower and slower, as if waiting ahead was not a loved one, but some man-eating beast.
Eventually, Zhang Mama had to remind her.
“Miss, you’ll miss the time for your morning greetings.”
Tian Shu irritably tugged at her handkerchief and reluctantly quickened her pace. “I know that already!”
She could no longer clearly remember exactly when her affection for her father had turned into fear, making the daily morning greetings unbearable.
When Tian Shu arrived, Tian Bin was sorting through letters delivered the previous day.
Tian Song enjoyed being adored, but happened to be suspicious by nature. After losing his position, he grew increasingly sensitive, always suspecting others wanted to harm him.
After years in office, there were naturally those who praised him and those who hated him.
Since a few years ago, when a student had once hidden a letter filled with curses inside a submission, he had even refused to open letters himself, suspecting poison or traps from martial cultivators.
Therefore, in recent years, all letters were first screened by Tian Bin, filtering out those with poor literary quality or vulgar vocabulary.
But sometimes, Tian Bin couldn’t help but smile bitterly, wondering what exactly he was in his father’s heart.
Was it because he feared being secretly harmed that he had dragged his son into this?
Leaning back in a large armchair, Tian Song held a cup of tea in his hand, half-closing his eyes, occasionally scraping the rim.
Steam rose from the tea, swirling upward, covering half his face, making it impossible to discern his mood.
“How many did we receive yesterday?” he suddenly asked.
Tian Bin hesitated slightly before respectfully replying, “Twelve letters with articles, plus two scrolls of paintings.”
“Hmph!” Tian Song carelessly set down the cup, the lid clinking heavily against the cup, producing an unpleasant sound.
Tian Shu’s heart jolted involuntarily.
She truly feared her father’s unpredictable temper.
Tian Bin naturally understood his anger.
It was simply because the number was dwindling.
Actually, it was understandable; once people leave, the tea cools—nothing unusual.
But he couldn’t say that outright.
Tian Bin remained expressionless and said, “Father’s coming to Fuyun Temple hasn’t been widely publicized, so few scholars outside know about it. Moreover, since it’s the first day here and the location is remote and difficult to reach, even if they wanted to rush over, they would need time.”
Tian Song indeed hadn’t loudly announced his arrival, but inevitably, his children had helped spread the word. Otherwise, there might not even have been these few letters.
If a few more years passed, he might even have to fabricate letters to make up the numbers.
Hearing this, Tian Song’s expression indeed softened somewhat. He finally opened his eyes and noticed his daughter standing aside.
Tian Shu immediately stepped forward. “Greetings, Father. Did you sleep well last night?”
Tian Song frowned. “What comfort can there be with a dirt bed and cotton quilt?”
He paused, then asked, “Have you greeted the old madam yet?”
The “old madam” he referred to was the countess, who had also arrived at Fuyun Temple the previous day.
Tian Shu lowered her head further. “Since I’m not yet betrothed, it’s somewhat inappropriate…”
She truly didn’t want to go.
Tian Song frowned. “Nonsense! It’s precisely because you’re not betrothed that you must go!”
Until it’s officially decided, anything is possible.
You think it’s a demotion, but countless people outside are eagerly hoping to marry into the Count’s family!
Of course, he wouldn’t say this aloud, because once it was made explicit, it would mean admitting the Tian family’s decline.
The Count’s family might sound prestigious, but that’s only from the perspective of those below. The Count holds no real power, and what remains is merely a hollow, intimidating facade.
Back when he held great authority, not only a mere count, but even marquises and princes had still…
But there was one advantage: with a noble title, one could frequently request an audience at court!
As long as one could regularly visit the palace, there was hope of making a comeback!
Seeing the situation deteriorate, Tian Bin quickly interjected to ease the tension. “My younger sister is just being overly cautious. It’s merely a customary visit between noble families. Since Mother is unwell and couldn’t come herself, you’re visiting the elder on her behalf, which is perfectly appropriate.”
Tian Song approvingly looked at him.
Among all his children, only this legitimate son showed some depth of calculation.
After dismissing his sister, Tian Bin immediately shifted the topic. “Father, I noticed several individuals with excellent literary talent. In the future, they might certainly achieve high ranks. Father could take a look and perhaps take them as disciples. Additionally, there’s another letter here, seemingly from an old friend of yours. It contains only three characters, which I don’t understand the meaning of.”
“Oh?” At the mention of an old friend, Tian Song’s interest was piqued. “What three characters?”
“Yan Gui Lai (The Wild Geese Return).” Tian Bin replied.
“Nonsense! Pointless showing off!” Tian Song scoffed. “It’s the height of summer; swallows…”
Then Tian Bin watched as his smile abruptly stopped, his entire body suddenly sitting upright as if someone had grabbed his throat. “Which Yan?”
Tian Bin looked again, puzzled. “Wild goose.”
What was going on?
“Give it to me!”
Tian Song snatched the letter. Indeed, on the paper were three bold, sharp characters:
The Wild Goose Returns
His hand couldn’t help but tremble. His gaze slowly shifted to the signature at the bottom.
The next moment, his eyes widened, his breathing quickened. “An old friend from Liangzhou… an old friend from Liangzhou…”
“Father,” Tian Bin’s heart jumped. Even a fool could tell this letter was significant. “What’s wrong?”
What was the matter with the word “Yan”?
And what about Liangzhou?
Tian Song never spoke of his past to his family, and out of fear of his authority, no one had ever dared to ask.
Therefore, now witnessing this sudden change, Tian Bin was truly at a complete loss.
Tian Song’s mind was completely captivated by the thin piece of paper. He stared at it in shock and fear, repeatedly flipping it over, then grabbed Tian Bin and shouted, “Where is the messenger? Where is the messenger?”
Tian Bin had never seen him so unhinged, nearly delirious, and his strength was unusually great for an elderly man.
Enduring the pain, he replied, “No one was guarding the entrance. We saw the letter early this morning but don’t know who delivered it.”
“They’re back… they’re back…”
Tian Song muttered, his entire being seemingly losing its soul.
“Father, what exactly is going on? Someone, call a doctor!” Tian Bin was genuinely frightened.
His father couldn’t collapse now!
He himself had not yet entered the political arena, and his sister’s marriage was still undecided. As long as his father lived, the old connections would still be useful.
Once his father truly fell, the Tian family’s tea would truly have gone cold!
“Silence!” Tian Song hissed. “No one is to come in!”
“Father!” Not understanding the situation, despite his deep composure, Tian Bin was at a loss and had no choice but to compromise. “Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding, or someone deliberately trying to scare us. Should I go and fetch someone?”
Fetch someone…
Tian Song suddenly calmed down.
Right, he wasn’t the only one involved in that past matter. Perhaps others had also received letters.
Even if not, why should only he bear the anxiety alone?
“Come, prepare the carriage.” Tian Song immediately ordered.
After speaking, he fixed his gaze on his son.
Tian Bin instantly understood. “Today, nothing happened here. Father simply left temporarily due to an urgent family matter.”
Nodding in satisfaction, Tian Song even neglected to change clothes, hastily grabbing a summer hat before rushing out.
Tian Bin hesitated for a moment before hurrying after him, only to see his father not even glance back as he got into the carriage. He vaguely heard a sentence: “To Prince Suyi’s Mansion!”
Prince Suyi?
Did his father still have connections with Prince Suyi? But why had there been no contact all these years?
Meanwhile, on the other side, Tian Shu reluctantly went to greet the Countess but was told she was unwell and not receiving visitors.
Tian Shu barely suppressed her humiliation and left her gifts before departing.
What illness? She had clearly heard someone speaking inside!
Yesterday, the old Countess had eagerly waited outside Princess Shouyang’s courtyard. How could she suddenly fall ill today?
When Princess Shouyang came to Fuyun Temple, the Countess was willing to visit in person despite her age.
But when she, Tian Shu, came to visit, the Countess refused to even open the door…
It was clearly favoritism!
Zhang Mama was also anxious on her behalf.
The young lady was no longer young, yet she remained unmarried, neither high nor low.
Finally, she had set her sights on the Count’s family. The old Count had once had some connection with Master Tian and seemed willing, but unexpectedly, the Countess appeared reluctant.
Now, they wouldn’t even let her in, directly humiliating her.
Indeed, power and wealth are blinding.
The Tian family hoped to revive their fortunes through the Count’s title, while the Count’s family naturally sought to further elevate themselves by aligning with other influential families, thus looking down on the declining Tian household…
Her father and brother didn’t understand her. In a few days when she returned home, her mother would surely ask about it. Thinking of all this, Tian Shu felt a lump in her chest. Without returning to her courtyard, she headed up the distant mountain.
But before she had even ascended, she encountered Ma Bing, soaked in dew.
Meeting again, both felt somewhat awkward.
Looking at her, Ma Bing really wanted to ask: How is your father?
But she didn’t say it.
Looking at her, Tian Shu couldn’t help but recall what she had seen the previous night. Acting on impulse, she blurted out, “Miss Ma, you and the young Marquis…”
Ma Bing’s expression immediately darkened.
“Miss Tian, please mind your words.”
What she had with Xie Yu was none of someone else’s business!
She didn’t mind others developing feelings for Xie Yu, but she would not tolerate anyone questioning her directly.
Tian Shu hadn’t expected such a sharp response and was momentarily stunned.
Ma Bing had no intention of getting involved in this kind of distasteful drama resembling two women fighting over a man. She quickly descended the mountain in three large steps, brushing past Tian Shu’s shoulder.
Tian Shu instantly regained her senses and impulsively took a couple of steps forward. “Miss Ma!”
“What exactly do you want?”
Actually, Ma Bing had gotten up early, collecting a lot of herbs from the back mountain, and was in a very pleasant mood.
But now, that pleasant feeling had largely dissipated.
Tian Shu was caught off guard by her question.
Actually, she herself didn’t know what she wanted.
Was she disappointed?
Yes.
Jealous?
Naturally.
But even if she was jealous, what could she do?
Could she make Ma Bing leave the young Marquis?
Even if she could, would the young Marquis then like her?
As her elder brother had said yesterday, even if he had the slightest affection for her or considered her father’s position, he wouldn’t have been so cold and indifferent.
Seeing Tian Shu’s expression darken, her eyes gradually reddening, Ma Bing felt no sympathy for this kind of clingy, pitiful person. Instead, she found her annoying.
“Miss Tian,” she said coldly.
Tian Shu instinctively looked up, her expression bewildered.
Ma Bing continued coldly, “In life, nine out of ten things are unsatisfactory. You still have both parents, which already makes you much luckier than most people in the world. If you’re unwilling, go out and fight for what you want. If you don’t dare, then accept it quietly. Who are you trying to show that look to, as if the whole world has wronged you?”
Tian Shu was stunned, watching the other person walk away without even turning back.
Zhang Mama and the maids following Tian Shu were intimidated by Ma Bing’s aura. Seeing her approach, they instinctively split to both sides, watching her leave.
After a while, everyone finally regained their senses.
What a formidable young lady!
Afraid of trouble, Zhang Mama hurriedly called out to the still-dazed Tian Shu, “Miss, this mountain is not like the artificial hills in the city, which are maintained daily. Look at the ground—there are broken stones, dry branches, and mossy patches. It’s not fit for walking!”
“Silence!” Tian Shu, already embarrassed and angry after being scolded by Ma Bing, heard this and became even more defiant. “Now I don’t even have the freedom to go where I please? Are you servants or have my father sent you to confine me?!”
This accusation was too heavy, scaring Zhang Mama and the maids into kneeling and kowtowing.
Tian Shu ignored them, looked at the mountain again, then down at her beautiful dress and embroidered shoes, finally giving up the idea of climbing.
“You may rise,” she calmed herself slightly. “There’s no need to follow me. I won’t climb the mountain. I’ll just walk around the front courtyard.”
She couldn’t help but wonder: that Miss Ma looked very slim. How had she managed to climb up?
Could it be that the young Marquis liked that kind of girl?
Zhang Mama sighed in relief and tentatively suggested following her, but was met with a glare from Tian Shu.
With no choice, she could only watch helplessly as she walked away.
But she still dared not return directly.
Zhang Mama thought for a moment and said to the other maids, “Let’s also walk forward a bit, keeping a distance, waiting for the young lady to come back.”
Don’t get too far away, in case something happens and she calls out, we can at least hear.
Many of the temples in Fuyun Temple were somewhat dilapidated, with no dedicated monks to attend to them, making them uninteresting to those who didn’t believe in Buddhism.
Today, some master was going to give a lecture, and the monks were busy in the main hall, making the area even more deserted.
Tian Shu wandered briefly through the front few large halls, finding them empty, with faded, awe-inspiring statues, finding it uninteresting.
Just as she turned to leave, she looked back and saw an extremely refined man just stepping in.
Their eyes met, both startled, then simultaneously bowed.
“I didn’t expect to see the lady here. I apologize for the intrusion.”
The man spoke, his voice warm like jade, clear and crisp, very pleasant to hear.
Tian Shu quickly replied, “Anyone may come. Sir, there’s no need to be so courteous.”
Everyone appreciates beauty. She couldn’t help but look a second time.
The man was composed, meeting her gaze with a faint smile.
Tian Shu hastily averted her eyes, her heart pounding, hurriedly wanting to leave.
It was inappropriate for a young man and woman to be alone together.
As they passed each other, the man asked, “The lady seems troubled. Is there something on your mind?”
Tian Shu paused, a flood of worries surging in her heart.
Last night she couldn’t sleep and went to the courtyard to admire the moon. Unexpectedly, she heard voices outside and instinctively peeked through the door crack.
Just that one glance shattered her heart.
The young Marquis had personally escorted Miss Ma back!
Walking under the moonlight, though they hadn’t done anything overly intimate, their expressions were clearly affectionate, indicating mutual feelings.
At parting, the young Marquis had even gently touched her hand!
At that moment, Tian Shu knew she had no hope.
That wasn’t all. This morning, her father hadn’t even considered her feelings, forcing her to visit that old Countess.
But the result was a direct refusal, a closed door…
Then, she met Miss Ma again…
With all this, naturally, her brows were furrowed.
But how could she say all this to a stranger?
The man didn’t press further but comforted her, “The Buddha says all beings suffer. People say good things often face obstacles. I see the lady comes from a noble family. I’m sure your current difficulties are temporary. After enduring them, things will naturally turn for the better.”
No one had ever comforted her like this.
Tian Shu couldn’t help but look at him. “Really?”
Up close, she realized he was much older than her, around thirty years of age.
But his eyebrows and eyes were gentle, his features handsome, and his demeanor so kind that he exuded more charm than those young men she usually saw.
The man nodded earnestly, smiling warmly. “Of course.”
Even though Tian Shu couldn’t imagine what turn of events might occur, having someone sincerely comfort her was already rare.
She gracefully bowed. “Then I’ll take your kind words. By the way, may I ask for your honorable name?”
It was still early, and outside visitors couldn’t come in yet, so he must be staying at Fuyun Temple.
And those who could stay here these days mostly had some background.
But the man smiled and said, “We met by chance, just a passing traveler. Why insist on names? If fate allows, we shall meet again in the future.”
Tian Shu was entranced, nodding absentmindedly. “Indeed, if fate allows…”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she blushed, hastily bowed, and hurried away.
The man watched her retreating figure, his smile gradually fading.
Meanwhile, Zhang Mama saw Tian Shu running from the end of the path and immediately felt relieved.
Looking closer, she noticed her young lady’s flushed cheeks and flustered expression, which worried her again.
“Miss, what happened?”
Tian Shu calmed herself slightly and made up an excuse. “I just saw a mouse or something. It was quite frightening.”
Zhang Mama immediately became concerned. “In this remote wilderness, there are often fox spirits around. Don’t get possessed. Let’s go back quickly. I’ll perform a soul-calling ritual for you.”
Tian Shu vaguely agreed, walked a few steps, but couldn’t help thinking: In the future, would they really meet again?
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