Determined to gain her freedom, Guan Xiyue went all out.
She spent a good amount of silver to bribe the gatekeeping maid and slipped out the back door. She rented a donkey cart and headed toward the Taoist temple.
The temple was not close—about an hour’s “cart ride” from the county town. Although the donkey cart was bumpy, Guan Xiyue felt lucky to have sold the recipe and had some money on hand. Without any funds, she would have been stuck.
She arrived at a modest temple, Baiyun Temple, partially hidden on a mountainside, shrouded in a misty, ethereal aura.
Inside, there were only five or six people. Guided by a young Taoist, she offered incense at the three altars, donated two taels for offerings, and requested an audience with the temple master.
Perhaps because the temple was quiet, the master of Baiyun Temple was not difficult to see.
Guan Xiyue met the master, a Taoist exuding an air of immortality and wisdom. She clasped her hands and addressed him: “Boundless Heavenly Exalted One.”
The master looked up, seemingly touched, and asked: “What brings you here, devotee?”
Guan Xiyue wondered how such a mystical Taoist could have suggested the Zhou family take in a concubine. Did he really possess some divine power?
She initially thought his advice was nonsense, a scheme to collect silver. If she had revived Zhou Zhengye, it was pure coincidence.
So this time, she had come to bribe the Taoist, hoping he would help her leave the Zhou household.
Still, she dared not overstep, introducing herself politely: “I am the concubine admitted to the Zhou family, the one you called a ‘blessed person.’ Master, Zhou’s young master has fully recovered. My task is completed, right? Can I now leave the Zhou household?”
The Taoist stroked his long white beard and spoke cryptically: “Perhaps, devotee, your task is not yet complete.”
Guan Xiyue shivered. Did he mean another devotee’s task? Had he seen through that the body had changed?
The Taoist continued slowly: “All things in the world have their destined course. A person’s life is set by Heaven, not by man.”
Guan Xiyue objected: “I may be unworthy, yet I cannot agree. Fate is partly destined, mostly earned. Has Master not heard the saying: ‘Are there born kings and generals?’”
The master’s eyes glimmered, his expression one of pity and insight: “Your arrival must have purpose. So be it—go now.”
Guan Xiyue was puzzled. Did “arrive” mean arriving at the temple, or arriving in this world? Did “go now” mean descend the mountain or leave the Zhou family?
Seeing that the Taoist did not wish to elaborate, she decided to push a little: “Master, then it is settled. In a few days, when Madam of the Zhou family comes to fulfill her vow, I wish to leave the Zhou household. Please simply say I am no longer needed. I will fulfill a vow later and donate ten taels in offerings.”
Meanwhile, the household servant Zhou Po leisurely sipped tea, watching a plump young woman arrive.
Zhou Po’s eyes were sharp; she immediately recognized this was a clever person. When the girl spoke, Zhou Po was stunned: “When the Zhou household sells me, how much do they think I’m worth?”
The young woman was plump, dressed in red and green, fair-skinned, with no jewelry. Not suitable as a servant, and not attractive enough as a concubine.
Zhou Po sneered: “Smart, but plain. Worth maybe three taels of silver.”
Guan Xiyue sighed inwardly. Even if sold, she wouldn’t fetch much.
She instructed Zhou Po: “Remember, when the time comes, you buy me. I don’t care how much, I will add two more taels to buy myself.”
Zhou Po understood—an opportunity to earn two taels easily. Nothing to refuse.
Meanwhile, Madam Wan and Madam Yu planned to visit the temple to fulfill a vow, and Guan Xiyue requested to accompany them: “Madam, perhaps I should go with you. I have a connection with the master and wish to personally give thanks.”
Madam Wan agreed; the master could observe Guan Xiyue’s fortune and know how to treat her in the future. A concubine in the son’s chamber should not gain the upper hand.
After donating the offerings, Madam Wan requested an audience with the master: “Thanks to Master’s guidance, my son has fully recovered. I come to fulfill my vow and bring Guan Xiyue for you to see. Is this proper?”
The master looked at Guan Xiyue, who winked subtly, and nodded: “Nothing is amiss. This Guan Xiyue truly is a blessed person. However…”
Madam Wan hurriedly asked: “However what?”
The master’s eyes narrowed, yet he seemed to see everything: “Nothing serious. This girl brought great fortune upon entry. Afterward, it is up to your young master himself. For a large household, maintaining harmony is precious. Even fortified homes face troubles from within.”
Madam Wan pressed for more details, but the master said no more. Guan Xiyue inwardly laughed. These monks and Taoists know fate, speak ambiguously, leaving half unsaid to retain mystery and authority.
Back at the mansion, Madam Wan quickly discussed the master’s words with Mr. Zhou.
They concluded that Guan Xiyue’s fortune was spent, no longer benefiting their son. Without her, the Zhou household would be stable; with her, internal strife could arise—hence the warning about “troubles from within.”
Madam Wan considered sending Guan Xiyue back home. After consulting with Madam Yu, Zhou Zhengye disagreed.
He found Guan Xiyue infuriating—she had a recipe, yet gave it to outsiders, repeatedly challenged the elders. Before, they tolerated her as a “lucky star,” but now she could not be simply let go.
Secretly, Zhou Zhengye also felt slighted. Even if the concubine was admitted for his illness, she was too fat and plain, harming the young master’s image. Now, getting rid of her—and far away—was best.
After discussion, they decided to sell Guan Xiyue. Simply sending her home would be too lenient. Selling her demonstrated the master’s authority and gave them the thrill of controlling her fate.
They sent a small servant to summon Zhou Po.
Zhou Po was intrigued to see visitors from the Zhou household, and upon seeing Guan Xiyue was to be sold, she was unsurprised.