Chapter 15

Peaceful days passed swiftly, and in what seemed like the blink of an eye, Mingtan had already completed forty-nine days at Lingmiao Temple. The prayer period was over, and she could return home.

Although prayer was just a pretense, during her time at the temple, Mingtan had sincerely copied many scriptures and frequently reflected and prayed before the Buddha.

Buddhism emphasizes karma, and Ming Tan deeply believes in this principle. Therefore, every time she prays, she deliberately circles back to the same hall she accidentally entered on her first day.

“Buddha above, your devoted follower A-Tan will return home today. I have disturbed you frequently these past days and beg for your forgiveness. I know I have made many wishes, but each one is of utmost importance. Currently, the most pressing matter is to arrange another good marriage…”

Returning home?

The young monk silently recited “Amitabha,” feeling an inexplicable sense of relief in his heart.

After all, no one could have imagined that the lengthy list of requirements for choosing a husband that day was just the beginning. This female benefactor, who had taken up temporary residence in the temple, would return every few days to add or revise her demands.

In truth, she also prayed for other things—for the health and well-being of her parents and friends, for peace and prosperity in the world, free from disasters and calamities…

Yet, the various demands this female benefactor had regarding marriage proposals left such a deep impression on him that he occasionally felt a twinge of relief at being a monk, free from the worldly obligations of marriage.

Before long, Mingtan finished her prayers and bowed three times.

As she stepped out of the treasure hall, the scorching spring sun cast dappled light through the gnarled branches of ancient trees.

Ming Tan was just leaving when, unexpectedly, she encountered the long-absent Master Hui Yuan, who had suddenly returned to the temple after being away for over a month.

She didn’t recognize Hui Yuan, but whenever she met monks in the temple, she would respectfully clasp her hands and greet them: “Amitabha, greetings, Master.”

“Amitabha,” Hui Yuan responded, hearing her voice and recalling something, a faint smile appearing on his face. “With such sincerity, the benefactor will surely achieve her wishes.”

“……?”

Is this just polite talk, or is he serious?

Ming Tan paused for a moment. This master appeared kind and amiable, yet somewhat inscrutable—not the type to engage in idle pleasantries… By the time she snapped out of her thoughts and wanted to press further, Hui Yuan had already strolled into the temple hall. She hurried after him but found no trace of his figure.

In the Scripture Depository, the young novice who had initially intended to see her off also overheard Hui Yuan’s words. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, “Master, will that female benefactor truly achieve her heart’s desire?” Such an excellent match is rarely found in ordinary circumstances.

Huiyuan walked slowly, searching through the scriptures, and eventually handed a particular sutra to the young novice. With a smile in his eyes and a meaningful tone, he said, “Monks do not speak falsehoods.”

Outside the scripture library, Mingtan, who had not found the person she was looking for, soon left the main hall. She did not dwell on this incident, as she was unaware that the man she had encountered was the renowned and elusive monk, Master Huiyuan, who spent most of his time traveling.

When she had come to the temple to pray, her entourage consisted of five carriages. On her return, Mingtan first sent the servants carrying her belongings back to the mansion. She then rode in the same carriage with Suxin and Lü’e, enjoying the spring scenery along the way as they made a low-key journey back to the capital.

Having spent half a month at the temple, the bustling and lively capital appeared just as it always had. However, with spring in full bloom, the willows and ancient trees along the Xianjiang River were a vibrant green, and people of all ages had exchanged their old winter coats for new spring attire, giving the city a fresh and lively atmosphere.

Word has it that the results of this year’s imperial examination have been released, with Shu Jingshan’s name prominently topping the list. Bai Minmin could be considered far-sighted, having booked a seat at Huichun Restaurant well in advance. By the time the examination results were announced, all the window-side private booths in the street-side restaurants had been completely reserved, with prices soaring several times over.

After two days of rest at home, Ming Tan soon faced the day of the Golden Hall Policy Response.

The Golden Hall Policy Response consisted of only one question, with Emperor Chengkang posing a query on military strategy.

The candidates, well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, had little knowledge of military affairs. Most of their thoughts and ideas remained superficial, mere words on paper, with those capable of profound discussion as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

Shu Jingran, after all, is the son of a high-ranking minister and has a close friendship with Jiang Xu and Lu Ting, so he naturally knows a great deal. However, Emperor Chengkang also held him to higher standards than other candidates for this very reason.

During the palace examination, Shu Jingran’s policy responses were outstanding, but they were not as innovative as those of another candidate from a humble background. In the end, Emperor Chengkang named him the Tanhualang (Third Place Scholar).

Of course, Emperor Chengkang also took into account the unwritten rule that “the Tanhualang must possess outstanding appearance and demeanor.”

The news of Shu Jingran being selected as the Tanhua (third place in the imperial examinations) spread, and many young women in the capital cheered in delight.

Emperor Chengkang, following tradition, granted Yi the honor of a parade. Departing from the Zhengde Gate, the top three scholars—the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua—all wore red flowers and rode on majestic horses.

As the parade began, the streets were packed with bustling crowds, noisy and lively. Just as Bai Minmin had predicted, it was impossible to move even half a step forward.

Even the most poised and self-restrained ladies of the capital were cheerfully calling out “Third Scholar” and “Second Young Master Shu,” tossing fruits and scented sachets, with colorful ribbons flying everywhere—what a lively scene it was.

Ming Tan, Bai Minmin, and Zhou Jingwan had all arrived early at the tavern to wait. The three of them stood by the window, watching as the top three scholars of the first rank and the other successful candidates were escorted forward by the imperial guards. Their hearts couldn’t help but race with excitement.

Especially Bai Minmin, who pointed at Shu Jingran excitedly and exclaimed, “Look quickly! That’s the second son of the Shu family! Just look at his handsome face and noble bearing—this is what they call…!”

Zhou Jingwan: “A peerless gentleman, as flawless as jade on the path?”

“Yes, yes! ‘A peerless gentleman, as flawless as jade on the path!'”

Zhou Jingwan smiled and nodded, “Second Young Master Shu is both talented and handsome, truly worthy of such poetic praise.”

Mingtan rarely praised men, but even she had to admit that the renowned Second Young Master Shu of the capital was indeed a sight for sore eyes. In truth, the top two scholars in the imperial examinations were also quite handsome, but both were already approaching their thirties. With such jewels setting the standard, others seemed to pale in comparison when it came to looks.

Mingtan rested her chin on her hand, her thoughts already drifting far away.

Her father and uncle were both military men, so they probably weren’t very familiar with the Right Chancellor.

His wife doesn’t seem to enjoy socializing. Even when Lady Pei took her out, they rarely encountered the Right Minister’s wife.

Unmarried sisters… there shouldn’t be any. The capital isn’t that big—if there were, even if she weren’t familiar with them, she should at least know of them.

How very strange indeed.

If they’re this unfamiliar, how can they arrange an “accidental” meeting?

“……?”

“You’ve already thought about setting up a chance encounter?”

“You really don’t know shame when it’s said you don’t!”

Bai Minmin’s eyes widened as she listened to Ming Tan talk about her own little schemes.

“What’s all the fuss about? It’s just that he’s recently been appointed Tanhua, and these days, our threshold is practically worn out by matchmakers knocking on the door. I merely wanted to find a proper occasion to let him see from afar that this young lady’s talent and character are top-tier wife material—rest assured, there’ll be no impropriety whatsoever!”

“Ah Tan is the most proper and respectful.” Zhou Jingwan chimed in.

“You just love to spoil her!”

Zhou Jingwan softly defended, “This isn’t indulgence at all—A’Tan has always known her limits very well.”

“……”

Such a talented young lady, utterly ruined by Ming Family’s Atan—now all she knows how to do is praise!

Zhou Jingwan continued, “If you’d like to meet the second young master of the Shu family, I happen to know of a perfectly proper opportunity. Minmin could join us as well.”

Bai Minmin kept her lips tightly sealed, but after a brief pause, her ears still leaned in with unmistakable honesty.

Zhou Jingwan: “Han Miao… she’s the third young lady of the second branch of the Pingguo Duke’s residence. She used to study at my family’s private school, so we have some acquaintance. She has a childlike temperament and knows many young ladies in the capital have long admired the Second Young Master Shu. She wants to seize this opportunity to host a late spring poetry gathering. Han Miao’s cousin has already agreed that on the day of the poetry gathering, he will invite the Second Young Master Shu to the residence for tea. At that time, the curious young ladies who wish to see the Second Young Master Shu can observe him from a distance.”

The third young lady of the Pingguo Duke’s second branch household, Zhang Hanmiao.

Once Zhou Jingwan said this, Ming Tan and Bai Minmin understood immediately.

If it were any other cousin, it would be difficult to invite Second Young Lady Shu to the estate for tea on a specific day, and there would be no guarantee that she wouldn’t feel slighted afterward and cut off contact.

But isn’t Pingguo Manor precisely the Empress’s maternal family?

Isn’t Zhang Hanmiao’s cousin precisely that Zhang Huaiyu—the younger brother of the Empress, heir to the Duke of Pingguo, and a close friend of the Second Young Master Shu?

If one is able to invite, then it must surely be possible.

“Previously, before Second Young Master Shu had passed the imperial examination, the invitations for the poetry gathering were never sent out, to avoid any mishaps and prevent awkward situations,” said Zhou Jingwan. “Now that he has succeeded, even if I don’t mention it, she will surely send you invitations.”

That is indeed true.

Zhang Hanmiao is about two years younger than them. As a young lady hosting a poetry gathering for the first time, she naturally wants it to be lively and dignified.

To make it lively and dignified, it would be unthinkable not to invite prominent noble ladies like Ming Tan and Bai Minmin from the capital, as long as there are no prior conflicts.

The two readily agreed.

Meanwhile, as Ming Tan and Bai Zhou left the mansion together to watch the horseback parade, Ming Chu disdained joining such frivolity—nor did she have the means to secure a street-facing private booth for the occasion.

Early in the morning, she was in the mansion’s garden, cracking her pliant whip. The blooming flowers on the branches were lashed into disarray, and many delicate twigs were snapped off.

Shen Yu had been assigned duties during this period. Upon hearing that Ming Tan had returned to the mansion, he hurried back once his tasks were done, only to find no trace of her—not even a shadow. With drills to oversee at the capital’s military camp, he left the mansion in low spirits.

“Cousin?” Ming Chu, upon seeing Shen Yu, suddenly suppressed her usual mischievousness for some reason and called out to him.

Shen Yu looked up and recognized another cousin from the Ming family. From a distance, he cupped his hands in greeting: “Cousin.”

Ming Chu stepped forward with her hands behind her back, but Shen Yu, remembering Ming Tan’s advice about propriety, took a step back.

Ming Chu paused and chuckled lightly, “I’m not a ghost, cousin. What are you avoiding?” She tilted her head and observed, “You seem… in a bad mood.”

Shen Yu was not very familiar with her and did not wish to speak further. He cupped his hands in salute once more, intending to take his leave.

“Cousin!” Ming Chu quickly called out to stop him. “Do you have feelings for my fourth sister?”

Shen Yu stiffened and only after a long pause replied, “Cousin, please be cautious with your words.”

“Having feelings for someone is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s hardly some disgraceful secret.” Ming Chu brushed it off casually. “You’re still young, yet you’ve already earned numerous military merits and gained the favor of Prince Dingbei. Oh, I’ve also heard that you distinguished yourself in the battle of Dongzhou… With such achievements, if you do have feelings for my fourth sister and speak to the Prince about it, I’m sure he would request an imperial decree for your marriage.”

Shen Yu’s grip on the sword hilt unconsciously tightened.

The honor of an imperial marriage—if he were to request it, it might be granted. But the Jing’an Marquis’s household is no ordinary family, and Cousin Tan is the sole legitimate daughter of the marquis. More importantly, Cousin Tan has explicitly stated she does not wish to marry him.

Ming Chu seemed to read his thoughts: “Feelings take time to develop. It’s rare for two people to fall in love at first sight. And when a woman says she doesn’t like or is unwilling, it’s usually not that she truly dislikes or is unwilling—it’s often just shyness. I’m telling you this because I see boundless potential in you, cousin. If Fourth Sister could be with you, it would be a good match for her.”

“Cousin, think it over carefully. Don’t wait until the pearl falls into another’s hands to regret it. I’ll take my leave now.” She made her point succinctly and turned to leave without hesitation.

As dusk approached, the slanting rays of the setting sun bathed half of the Dingbei Prince’s Mansion in a golden glow. Shen Yu came to report on his duties.

He knew that the prince usually remained silent when he had no objections. After finishing his report in the quiet, he paused and suddenly asked, “Your Highness, if one day I find someone I truly love, would you be willing to request an imperial decree for our marriage?”

Jiang Xu looked up and gave a nonchalant hum of acknowledgment.

Shen Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

Sure enough, this decency still exists.

He had already started planning. Once he returned and explained to Cousin Tan the unintended rudeness from last time, and after obtaining her nod of agreement, he would definitely come back to ask the prince for help in seeking the imperial decree.

Unexpectedly, the person at the head of the table added, “As long as it’s not the fourth young lady of the Ming family, I can make an effort to assist you with any other woman.”