Both were struck on the head by falling objects from above—one invented Universal Gravitation, while the other set his sights on another man’s wife.
After the woman shyly closed the window, Ximen Qing remained wide-eyed, staring blankly for a long while, until the old woman beside him, cracking melon seeds, cleared her throat twice and teased, “If you keep staring like that, sir, your eyes might just stick to her.”
Snapping out of his daze, Ximen Qing chuckled dismissively and inquired in a low voice, “Greetings, Wang Qianniang. I wonder who this lady’s husband is? How is it that I’ve never heard of such a beauty in Yanggu County?”
“That’s precisely why you haven’t heard of her. This woman’s surname is Pan, and she’s from neighboring Qinghe County. Because of her stunning beauty, she became the talk of all the local libertines in Qinghe. Her husband couldn’t stand it anymore, so the whole family moved here.” Wang Po’s intelligence work was impeccable, and in just a few sentences, she laid bare the entire family’s background.
Ximen Qing, already a lustful devil at heart, couldn’t resist hearing such a “beautiful legend of Qinghe County” and eagerly pressed for more details.
“Ah, as the saying goes, ‘A good man gets no good wife, while a scoundrel marries a fairy.’ That Lady Pan is the wife of Wu Dalang, the three-inch-tall withered tree bark. Where’s the justice in that!” Wang Po shook her head regretfully.
Ximen Qing was stunned. Thinking of the hideous Wu Da, he couldn’t help but sigh, “What a fine piece of mutton, only to fall into a dog’s mouth!”
“Oh, my dear sir, you’d better not think about it. She’s a proper woman, and besides…” Wang Po gestured with her chin toward Zhao Chunmei behind her, “With such a lovely young lady right by your side, are you really lacking for women?”
Her intention was to curry favor with Zhao Chunmei, as everyone knew Ximen Qing’s character and naturally assumed she was his bedmate.
However, Zhao Chunmei, who was still processing the information and trying to keep a low profile, was suddenly called out. Seeing everyone’s eyes turn toward her, she was so startled and uncertain that she almost wanted to shout, “Old hag, shut your mouth!”
Fortunately, Ximen Qing’s heart was now entirely elsewhere, and he had little interest in Zhao Chunmei. After perfunctorily responding a few words, he steered the conversation back to Pan Jinlian.
Strangely enough, he was no stranger to romantic affairs. Although Pan Jinlian was beautiful, there were others more attractive. Yet, after just one glance, it felt as if his soul had been snatched away, leaving him restless and agitated. It must be said that for the two of them to come together, aside from external factors, the main reason was simply “a turtle eyeing a mung bean—a perfect match.”
Perhaps Zhao Chunmei gave Wang Po a sense of crisis, so unlike in the original story, where she patiently waited for Ximen Qing to take the bait, she chose to take the initiative. Smiling, she said, “If you truly have your heart set on it, sir, it’s not entirely impossible.”
She then laid out the five prerequisites for an affair—Pan, Lu, Deng, Xiao, Xian—and detailed her ten meticulously crafted schemes. It turned out that while Wang Po ostensibly ran a tea stall, she secretly engaged in the trade of a “Mabo Liu,” a matchmaker for illicit affairs in ancient times. With the Ximen Family’s wealth and influence, she naturally couldn’t let such a big fish slip away.
Zhao Chunmei, forced to listen to the entire exchange, couldn’t help but raise a thumb in admiration for Wang Po’s strategic planning, which was as detailed as a graduation thesis. She silently marveled, “Celestial Procuress Star” Wang Qianniang truly lived up to her reputation.
Of course, Ximen Qing was also quite eager to play along. Upon learning that Wu Dalang’s younger brother, the county’s tiger-slaying hero Wu Song, would be away on official business in a few days, he immediately beamed with joy. After paying the silver, he expressed that he would quietly await good news from Wang Po.
Once everything was settled, Ximen Qing took the somewhat dazed Zhao Chunmei back to the mansion. By now, he was completely preoccupied, his mind filled with thoughts of Pan Jinlian. He casually handed the little maid back to Wu Yueniang and paid her no further attention.
As for Wu Yueniang herself, after learning that her husband had gone out and instantly shifted his affections elsewhere, she looked at Zhao Chunmei with some difficulty, unsure how to place her. If she were to be taken as a concubine, it would be without proper status and might sound unseemly if word got out. But if she were treated as a servant, Ximen Qing had already singled her out, and any neglect might lead to complaints.
After spending this period together, Zhao Chunmei already knew that the other woman had a cautious, non-committal temperament, making it harder than climbing to heaven to get her to make any decision. Thus, she took the initiative to express her willingness to return to her previous role, serving by the mistress’s side.
Wu Yueniang breathed a sigh of relief. Since she had volunteered, it made things easier. She said gently, “Since you are willing, I won’t stop you. From now on, help me manage the maids in the household. The family will not treat you unfairly.”
Zhao Chunmei meekly agreed. Her mind was in turmoil, and she urgently needed a quiet place to sort out her thoughts. She let Wu Yueniang’s deliberate attempts to win her over go in one ear and out the other. After finally managing to deal with the situation, she returned to her room, pacing anxiously in circles.
The shift from “historical transmigration” to “novel transmigration” was no small change. Moreover, novels inevitably contain elements that defy logic, and sometimes handling matters could be even more challenging.
Additionally, as everyone knows, Pan Jinlian’s bamboo pole struck down two literary masterpieces: Water Margin and The Plum in the Golden Vase. The plot directions of these two books are vastly different. In her previous life, Zhao Chunmei was well-versed in Water Margin, but she only knew the general outline of the latter. To better adapt to her environment, she began to ponder how her circumstances would differ in these two books.
After a long while, Zhao Chunmei looked up blankly.
It seemed… there wasn’t much difference…
It was merely a matter of whether the master of the household, Ximen Qing, died early or late. As a maid, she couldn’t change the situation. Moreover, her deed of indenture was still in their hands. The only thing she could do now was to find ways to save up more silver to redeem herself as soon as possible.
Having clarified her thoughts, the young woman calmed down. In her previous life, she had been bedridden with illness for many years. Being reborn into this life was already a bonus, and her temperament was far more resilient and open-minded than most. Since she had already transmigrated, she would take one step at a time.
The original Pang Chunmei was originally a relative of a wealthy family, but after her family suffered a disaster, she was sold to the Ximen household. As a result, her personality was extremely arrogant and harsh, bullying everyone single-handedly, which was far removed from Zhao Chunmei’s own nature. So when she began trying to interact with the other maids, everyone was pleasantly surprised. This way, she managed to fit in quite well within the household.
Over the next half month, Ximen Qing was rarely at home. He spent his days either strengthening ties with local officials and wealthy gentry or gazing longingly at Wang Po’s teahouse. Finally, one afternoon, Ximen Qing succeeded, and from then on, he spent his days in pleasure with Lady Pan.
All of the above was relayed by Ximen Qing’s personal attendant, Daian.
Upon first hearing this news, everyone felt a surge of anger. Their husband had been away from home for months, and now, having just returned, he was already bewitched by a seductress. The days of lonely solitude were unbearably difficult, so they all clamored to the principal wife, Wu Yueniang, hoping she, as the rightful spouse, would intervene.
Wu Yueniang was also troubled by her husband’s behavior, but she had always been like a clay idol in the household—unfavored due to her temperament and appearance. She feared that speaking up might provoke him. After much thought, she turned to her distant family in Jizhou for a solution.
…
Gongsun Sheng sat calmly at the center of the banquet, surrounded by noisy chatter. He glanced around briefly before ignoring the commotion altogether.
A native of Jizhou, Gongsun Sheng had studied Taoist arts and mystical techniques under Luo Zhenren at the Two Immortals Mountain Purple Void Temple. As Luo Zhenren was highly esteemed locally, many officials and nobles sought his counsel, among whom Wu Qianhu was a frequent visitor.
Restless by nature, Gongsun Sheng volunteered immediately upon learning that Wu Qianhu sought someone to travel to Yanggu County to read the faces and fortunes of his youngest daughter’s family. Luo Zhenren gave him a meaningful look before ultimately agreeing.
However, upon arriving in Yanggu County, Gongsun Sheng realized that this fortune-telling session had been arranged solely by Wu Qianhu’s daughter, without her husband’s knowledge. Fortunately, Ximen Qing, ever the smooth operator, though uninterested in metaphysics, recognized the reputation of Two Immortals Mountain and hosted a family banquet in honor of the guest who had traveled so far.
As a monastic, Gongsun Sheng had little interest in the intricacies of the inner household. He had come merely for a change of scenery. After sharing a few drinks with Ximen Qing, he cut to the chase: “Who shall we begin with?”
Ximen Qing, curious, asked, “Won’t you need the Noble Fate? Or perhaps you’d like to observe further?”
The so-called “Noble Fate” referred to one’s birth date and time.
“Unnecessary,” Gongsun Sheng shook his head. “Reading fate is not my forte. Moreover, physiognomy emphasizes that ‘appearances cannot be judged in isolation.’ We cannot determine a person’s fortune based solely on whether their eyes or nose are well-formed. In the short time I’ve been seated here, I have already observed your voices and demeanors closely enough.”
Intrigued yet skeptical, Ximen Qing said, “Then, Master, please read my fortune first.”
Gongsun Sheng seemed to have already prepared his assessment and replied without hesitation, “Your life is one of prosperity, blessed with wealth through marriage. Currently, the Red Phoenix Heavenly Joy shines upon you, indicating a fate entangled with romantic affairs. However, an excess of yin water suggests that after this year passes, you may suffer from emaciation and decline. I advise you to act with caution.”
Ximen Qing smiled, brushing off the warning, and called over Wu Yueniang and his other wives and concubines for Gongsun Sheng to examine.
Gongsun Sheng spoke fluently, not only reading their faces but also pointing out minor health issues. This made Ximen Qing wonder if he had conducted prior investigations. On a whim, he pointed to a maidservant and said, “Master, take a look at her as well.”
The named Zhao Chunmei stood bewildered, holding a tray, rooted to the spot.
Gongsun Sheng glanced at her casually but suddenly straightened in his seat.
“This young lady has refined features, extraordinary bone structure, temples that arch auspiciously, promising enduring wealth and fortune. Her gait is like that of a flying immortal, her voice clear and spirit bright. Noble! Exceptionally noble!”
Perhaps inspired by such a rare and favorable countenance, Gongsun Sheng grew thoroughly engrossed. He studied Zhao Chunmei intently, admiring her features while murmuring in amazement.
However, as he continued to observe, something unusual caught his attention. It was midday, and sunlight streamed in from outside, illuminating everyone. Gongsun Sheng noticed that between Zhao Chunmei’s eyebrows, extending upward to the center of her forehead, there was a faint, slightly raised square-shaped bone. It would have been easy to miss if one weren’t looking closely, but now the girl was facing the light, and with his keen eyesight, he stared long enough to confirm it.
“The Fuxi Bone…” Gongsun Sheng froze, his entire body stiffening in place.
The Ancient Natural History Records stated: “On the head of the golden dragon, there is a feature resembling the shape of Mount Bo. The essence of its spirit crystallizes entirely here. Only with this spiritual object can it exhale clouds, soar upward, and ascend to the nine heavens.”
In other words, this bone often signified the bearing of an emperor—destined for great wealth, nobility, fame, and longevity. At the very least, such a person could achieve feats like expanding territories or rising to the rank of a high minister or noble. But now the question was: how could this rare Fuxi Bone appear on a mere maidservant from a small county town?
“Daoist? Daoist Gongsun?” Ximen Qing, seeing him stand motionless for so long, couldn’t help but speak up to remind him.
Gongsun Sheng snapped back to reality, merely saying he had drunk a bit too much wine and apologizing to his host.
Li Jiaor, who had been watching the scene with amusement, covered her mouth and laughed. “Perhaps the wine has impaired the Daoist’s powers. How could a lowly maidservant possibly show signs of great fortune and nobility? Could it be that she might even enter the palace and become a consort?”
The surrounding matrons and wives joined in the laughter, and even Ximen Qing curled his lips into a smile.
If it had been the original Pang Chunmei here, she would likely have exploded by now, ready to claw and fight with the others. But Zhao Chunmei couldn’t be bothered to argue—let them laugh if they wished. Yet, in Gongsun Sheng’s eyes, her calm and composed demeanor only made her seem more unflappable and serene.
Thus, when it was time to bid farewell, he asked if she could accompany him part of the way, using the excuse that his earlier reading might have been inaccurate and he wanted to study her further to pinpoint the issue.
Luo Zhenren of Mount Erxian was highly renowned, and Chunmei was merely a maidservant, so Ximen Qing naturally agreed. He had originally planned to leave as well to secretly rendezvous with Pan Jinlian, but Li Jiaor and the other concubines seized the moment, clinging to their husband and cooing that it was already afternoon and, having just finished drinking, he should rest at home instead. Ximen Qing hesitated briefly but ultimately agreed.
In the end, under the master’s orders, Zhao Chunmei had no choice but to put on a somewhat worn deerskin cloak, brace the light snowfall, and accompany Gongsun Sheng out with an umbrella.
After walking a short distance, Gongsun Sheng wore a complicated expression, several times on the verge of speaking but holding back. He was, after all, a Daoist with an impure heart, one who had long yearned for the mortal world even while studying under his master. It was no exaggeration to say that if Zhao Chunmei had been a man, he would have immediately prostrated himself at her feet and followed her to achieve great deeds. But she happened to be a delicate young woman, which left him deeply conflicted.
After a long while, Gongsun Sheng, still unable to let it go, tentatively spoke again. “Might I ask for Madam Pang’s birth date and time?”
Zhao Chunmei glanced at him in surprise. “I thought the Daoist wasn’t skilled in such calculations?”
Gongsun Sheng chuckled awkwardly; he couldn’t very well admit that his previous reluctance to perform readings for others was simply due to laziness.
Seeing this, Zhao Chunmei tactfully refrained from pressing further. However, having only transmigrated a few months ago, she didn’t know the original host’s birthday. So, she simply provided the birth date from her previous life.
Gongsun Sheng first began to calculate with his fingers upon receiving it, his brow furrowing tighter the more he calculated. Finally, he simply pulled out a few ancient-looking copper coins from his person and began to manipulate them back and forth. Before long, his expression changed drastically. He stared at Zhao Chunmei in terror, then suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and collapsed to the ground, even knocking over a small stall behind him.
“Daoist Gongsun!” Zhao Chunmei hurried forward to help him up, but Gongsun Sheng pushed her away! He scrambled to his feet, waving his hands and retreating as he said, “No, no need! I’m fine! Don’t come near me—I’m going back!”
Then he turned and ran off as fast as he could, leaving Zhao Chunmei utterly bewildered.
Hmm… where did this madman come from…
Shaking her head, she simply considered herself unlucky and resignedly bent down to help the affected stall owner pick up the steamed cakes scattered all over the ground.
A half-grown child who had been watching the spectacle quickly stopped her. “No need, no need. I recognize you, sister. You’re from Ximen Qing’s residence, right? The snow is heavy, and it’ll dirty your dress.”
Zhao Chunmei stared at the youth in slight surprise, then remembered that this was none other than Yun Ge, the one who had been selling pears that day. So, this man selling steamed cakes was…
Sure enough, accompanied by a dark and comical face, Wu Dalang, who stood less than five feet tall, struggled to stand up from behind.
He held a few steamed cakes in his hands, painstakingly wiping off the black dust on them.
“Alright, alright, I’ve told you before to have your brother, Constable Wu, set up a stall for you near the yamen. Not only is business better there, but you two brothers can also look out for each other in daily life,” Yun Ge complained.
Wu Da looked somewhat embarrassed. “With my appearance, wouldn’t others laugh at my brother if they saw me? He just arrived at the yamen, so naturally, I have to think of him. Besides, the place you mentioned may have good business, but the stall fees are high. I’ve been saving money these past two years to help my brother arrange a good marriage. We can talk about the rest later.”
His words were sincere, which left Zhao Chunmei momentarily stunned. In her previous life, she had died of cancer. Before her death, she had struggled for many years, with all kinds of surgery and medical expenses paid for by her parents and brother’s hard work. For this, her brother had even sold their house. Despite such difficulties, they had never complained, instead constantly comforting and encouraging her.
Since crossing over, Zhao Chunmei had been busy surviving. It wasn’t until she heard Wu Dalang’s words that she remembered this deliberately forgotten past life.
She wondered how her parents and brother were doing now. She missed home…
Sighing, she pulled out a dozen or so copper coins from her person and handed them over, indicating that it was compensation for Wu Da.
Wu Dalang quickly waved his hands, ignoring Yun Ge’er’s frantic eye signals beside him, and said with a simple smile, “Madam, please don’t do this. It’s just a few dirty ones—I’ll take them home and eat them myself. You all have it hard too, so there’s no need for compensation.”
Unable to persuade him otherwise, Zhao Chunmei had no choice but to give up. Before leaving, she looked at Wu Da, wanting to say something but ultimately holding back. In the end, she returned with a furrowed brow, feeling somewhat conflicted.