Baiyun Nunnery was nestled halfway up Cuwei Mountain, not far from the Pei residence.
Third Madam had heard that the nuns there were deeply versed in Buddhist teachings and planned to pay a visit to pray for Third Master’s blessings, bringing Sang Wu along as she set out.
The carriage rumbled along, the wind rustling, stirring the dark, fledgling-colored tassels beneath the window curtain, making the passing scenery flow like a moving picture.
Sang Wu recalled that the last time she had ventured out, snowflakes had still been drifting in the sky, and the roadsides were all frozen earth.
Now, the willows along West Lake stretched in winding lines, forming a misty green haze filled with the melodious chirping of orioles.
Pedestrians wore light spring robes, laughing and playfully jostling one another.
This liveliness infected Sang Wu inside the carriage, and the faint smile at her lips brightened.
“Mother-in-law, haven’t you always wanted to plant some peonies beneath the corridor?” she said, noticing someone by the lake carrying flower baskets for sale. “Shall I accompany you to take a look later?”
Third Madam glanced at her and replied vaguely, “We’ll see.”
Sang Wu felt somewhat puzzled by that glance.
But as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were not particularly close, even if she found it strange, she wouldn’t be tactless enough to ask.
After offering incense and donating oil money, Third Madam emerged from the main hall, where a young nun waiting outside approached and whispered a few words.
Third Madam turned to Sang Wu and said, “I have some matters to discuss here with Second Sister-in-law. There’s no need for you to follow. Wait for me in the mountain’s meditation room.”
Sang Wu grew even more curious.
In the past, Third Madam had taken her out to offer incense before, but she had always kept a close watch.
Nor had she ever heard that Third Madam had such deep ties with Second Madam.
On the contrary, because of the old injury Third Master had suffered, Third Madam’s attitude toward this sister-in-law was always somewhat delicate in private.
“If it weren’t for her noble background, who would indulge her aloof temperament?” Third Madam would say dismissively. “Her husband has been dead for so many years, and she’s been living in the nunnery all this time—it’s all just for show. In reality, when Second Brother was alive, they quarreled constantly.”
Because her own son couldn’t compare to Second Madam’s, Third Madam took every opportunity to belittle her, finding a sense of superiority in marital matters.
It was only when discussing Second Madam that Third Madam could treat Sang Wu with unreserved closeness.
Thus, even though Sang Wu had never met this Second Aunt and knew nothing about her, she had long felt a sense of gratitude—thanking her for her noble background and temperament, which allowed Third Madam to unite with her in shared resentment on such occasions.
What matter could it be that made Third Madam set aside her pride and pay a visit?
Sang Wu’s curiosity was piqued.
She tentatively suggested, “I’ve long heard that Second Aunt lives in a nunnery practicing Buddhism. So it’s Baiyun Nunnery. As a junior, should I also go and pay my respects on this first visit?”
“No need!” Third Madam firmly refused.
Sang Wu blinked.
Third Madam realized she had refused too abruptly.
Especially after meeting Sang Wu’s bright, watery eyes, she paused and added with a hint of sarcasm, “My Second Sister-in-law thinks too highly of herself and never bothers to say pleasant things to spare others’ feelings. You’re young and might not handle it well, so let it be.”
The sarcasm, of course, wasn’t directed at Sang Wu, but it unconsciously assumed that Second Madam would look down on her.
Second Madam, after all, had nothing to do with Sang Wu. Her reliance in the household was Third Madam. If Third Madam didn’t want her to interact with Second Madam, it was likely out of fear that her merchant-born daughter-in-law would embarrass herself, making Third Madam appear inferior in front of Second Madam.
Sang Wu lowered her gaze, assuming the gentle and obedient demeanor that Third Madam favored, and said meekly, "Then I shall go up first and wait for you."
Third Madam turned and left with a large entourage of servants in tow.
Not even a single maidservant was left behind for Sang Wu.
Tao Zhier muttered, "Last time, even when Madam stopped for a bowl of tea at a roadside teahouse, she brought you along."
It was still too strange.
Sang Wu smiled faintly, casually brushing away the fallen petals on her lapel.
"What is there to fear?" she said.
Master and servant followed the young nun up the mountain, climbing a hundred or so steps before reaching the meditation room.
Compared to those halfway up the mountain, the meditation room here was not much different. It was favored by the families of officials simply because of its secluded location, free from the disturbance of casual pilgrims.
Although Third Master Pei held no official position, he was still a descendant of the Pei clan, the son of the former Grand Councilor.
Additionally, perhaps due to the goodwill from the mother of that Pei Silang, who often worshipped Buddha here, the zhike had arranged for Third Madam the highest meditation room on Cuwei Mountain.
The young nun waited on the mountain path to guide Third Madam when she arrived.
With no elders to attend to, Sang Wu felt quite at ease. She took a leisurely stroll around the meditation room, and the most eye-catching feature was a pair of Vessabhū Buddha verses hanging on the wall.
—"When the preceding state is absent, the mind is absent; sin and merit arise and vanish like illusions."
Aside from that, it was an ordinary meditation room.
However, the rear window was close to the cliff, offering an excellent view.
She pushed open the window.
Before her eyes, the mountains and waters of Yuhang City unfolded in all their graceful splendor.
At the foot of the mountain, West Lake resembled a shimmering piece of silk, cradled by the surrounding peaks.
Encircled by mountains and embraced by water, gathering wind and energy, this had long been regarded as a treasured location, where many of Yuhang's Scholar-Gentry families built their residences.
From this angle, amidst the deep layers of buildings, the Pei family's estate still stood out as the most imposing.
She gazed at the Pei residence, but her eyes were involuntarily drawn to the mist swirling among the mountains.
Having been a widow for so long, she had nearly forgotten how she used to climb Cuwei Mountain before dawn just to complete a painting of the sunrise.
At this moment, the mist outside the window shifted and swirled.
Sang Wu couldn't help but reach out her hand, feeling the flowing clouds brush against her fingertips, savoring this tangible sense of freedom.
Footsteps sounded in the courtyard, and Sang Wu heard the young nun respectfully greeting the newcomer.
Third Madam—had she finished her business so quickly?
A faint sense of disappointment stirred within her.
Even so, she knew she had to go out and greet her.
Pushing open the door of the meditation room, she suddenly froze.
It was not Third Madam.
In the faint morning mist, a young man stood facing the meditation room, his robe as white as snow.
His features were reflected against the verdant mountains—the mountains like dark ink, his brows and eyes like a painting.
Sang Wu stood on the steps, her breath catching.
For a moment, she thought her grievances had been noticed by the gods, and in this mist-shrouded Buddhist nunnery, Pei Liulang had been returned to her.
But in the next instant, she met those calm, unreadable eyes and saw the young man's cool, refined face.
Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly.
Pei Xin's gaze was clear and bright, full of sincerity—it lacked this kind of cold, sharp edge.
And this man's dark hair was meticulously tied up high with a jade crown.
This was a man who had already come of age, with a face even more handsome than Pei Xin's.
She quietly let out a breath.
"Fourth Cousin… are you also here to offer incense and worship Buddha?"
She bowed gracefully, both polite and lovely. Even her slightly worn dress could not conceal her youthful grace. Unobtrusively, Pei Xu had already taken her measure.
"Sixth Sister-in-law, my apologies."
He said, "It was I who asked to meet you here."
On the mountainside, Tao Zhier had grumbled that unusual events must harbor hidden schemes. Sang Wu had only smiled, never imagining she would encounter Pei Silang today.
Yet his presence at Baiyun Nunnery was not particularly surprising. What she hadn’t anticipated was that Pei Silang had deliberately sought her out.
The man brewed tea, his movements unhurried, his knuckles like jade.
Sang Wu lowered her gaze.
He pushed the teacup toward her, nodding slightly with restraint. "Sister-in-law of Sixth Brother, please."
Sang Wu accepted the tea, cradling the cup in both hands. As the steam curled upward, she raised her lashes, dampened by the mist. "Fourth Cousin said you wished to see me. What is the matter?"
Her tone was questioning, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, yet her gaze remained clear and penetrating.
Under such a gaze, Pei Xu hesitated for a moment, still finding it difficult to speak.
It was almost laughable. Since entering officialdom, he had made decisions on matters great and small with ease, rarely experiencing such hesitation.
This hesitation lasted only an instant, subtle and fleeting, yet Sang Wu noticed it.
She set down the teacup and spoke softly, "I have often heard of Fourth Cousin’s esteemed reputation. Sixth Brother has always regarded you as the elder brother he admires most."
"I believe that as brothers, we are all one family. In front of family, why should there be so many reservations?"
Having said this, any lingering concerns should have been set aside.
Yet Pei Xu gave her a subtle glance.
Sang Wu curved her eyes into a more earnest smile.
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke slowly, "I have heard some things about the past. Today, I wished to ask you, sister-in-law: in keeping vigil for Sixth Brother, is it out of affection or gratitude?"
Sang Wu was taken aback. "Why would Fourth Cousin inquire about this…?"
Pei Xu replied, "Sister-in-law of Sixth Brother, I apologize for the intrusion."
Though his words apologized, his dark eyes bore into her with a palpable intensity.
A pressure as tangible as a physical presence.
Sang Wu could not help but recall his identity: Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a seasoned veteran of criminal justice.
She lowered her eyes and said, "How can such matters be clearly distinguished? If I must say, it is both gratitude and affection."
"Xinlang and I were brought together by the art of painting. In this world, priceless treasures are easy to find, but a devoted lover is rare. Though Xinlang was a child of a noble family, he lacked the frivolous habits of the privileged. He treated others with genuine sincerity, and naturally, he deserved to be treated with sincerity in return."
To be brought together by the art of painting was, by all accounts, an elegant affair.
Pei Xu’s gaze swept over the nostalgia in her expression but offered no comment.
Since his youth, he had strictly held himself to the standards of a Scholar-Gentry gentleman, while also restraining those around him to uphold virtue and abide by propriety. He held no fondness for such private, unorthodox interactions and naturally could not empathize.
Yet the deceased was gone. Even if he disapproved, he would not criticize at such a time.
He said calmly, "With your temperament, sister-in-law, whether it is gratitude or affection, once you resolved to keep vigil for Sixth Brother, you would not easily change your mind, correct?"
He gazed at this woman dressed in plain attire, seeking a definitive answer.
Sang Wu could not help but look up.
"Fourth Cousin," she emphasized, "what exactly are you trying to say?"
After a pause, Pei Xu finally told her, "Uncle has been ill for a long time and cannot help but dwell on worries. He is concerned about the continuation of the third branch’s lineage."
"He wishes for me and you—" His expression darkened slightly.
Even stating this was difficult to articulate.
Sang Wu understood now, but…
If he felt it was inappropriate, he could simply refuse. Why go out of his way to speak with her about it?
It must be that he could not refuse—the wish of a gravely ill elder was too heavy a burden.
Or perhaps he had wavered and urgently sought a firm stance from her.
Sang Wu’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.
For a long time, as a widow whose words carried little weight, she had always tried to be as gentle, tactful, and observant as possible, never putting others in difficult positions.
Of course, she could have taken a stand, pledging her resolve before Third Master with her life. The Pei Family, being a prominent and noble clan, would never resort to coercion.
But at this moment, perhaps because she had briefly touched the surging, flowing clouds, her heart could not return to its usual calm.
The thought of returning to the Pei residence and resuming that unchanging, day-in, day-out life made a faint, lingering resentment spread through her like creeping ivy.
She raised her eyes and said softly, "My voice is insignificant. I can only follow the arrangements of Father-in-law and Mother-in-law."
Pei Xu fell silent for a moment before replying, "If you are unwilling, no one can force you."
Sang Wu smiled gently. "Fourth Cousin, you flatter me too much."
"If even someone as outstanding as you cannot manage it, how could I possibly do so?"
Pei Xu was left speechless.
Only now did he finally understand why Linqin had subtly reminded him that this girl might seem obedient, but that wasn't entirely the case.
Yet deep down, he knew she spoke the truth.
If there was something even he found difficult, imposing it on this sister-in-law, whose position was already awkward, would only make matters more complicated.
His emotions were complex, but on the surface, all that remained was silence.
After a long silence, he finally stood up and walked to the door of the meditation room, slowing his steps as he said, "…There is no need to tell Uncle everything I discussed with you today."
Sang Wu gave a slight curtsy. Under the daylight, her fair skin and clear eyes made her appear graceful and slender.
Pei Xu gave her a deep look before turning and stepping onto the mountain path.
Only after he had left did Tao Zhier dare to run in from outside the courtyard.
When Fourth Young Master's imposing aura was present, ordinary people simply didn't dare to approach!
Yet Tao Zhier saw her Young Madam standing under the corridor, her expression calm and not the least bit flustered.
The spring sunlight poured down, casting a soft glow upon her.
But somehow, from the aura surrounding Young Madam, she sensed a feeling of joy.
Huh?
That made no sense at all.
Tao Zhier was momentarily stunned before snapping back to reality and seeing Young Madam turn to look at her and beckon.
She hurried over. "Young Madam!"
Sang Wu smiled. "Take your time."
"This servant thought Fourth Young Master came to trouble you over what happened with Eighth Sister last time…"
Sang Wu lowered her head and chuckled.
"What is there to fear?" she said.
Author's Note:
Pei: Firmness
Wu: Overcoming firmness with softness