Chapter 7, A Fortuitous Encounter with Benevolent Grace

Today, it seems that history is repeating itself, yet the daughter's answer was beyond her expectations

Yet Dong Susu did not look back, and that dark figure grew smaller and smaller, eventually disappearing into the mountains and forests, leaving no trace

Dong Susu gently stroked her beautiful hair, her eyes revealing a sense of worry: "Your father is supervising construction in Beijing and cannot leave. It is Jizong who accompanied me here."

At that time, without a second thought, I took my pipa and followed my father to a distant land

However, regret is only momentary

Niang? At this moment, Ruo Wei truly resembled a child, clinging tightly to Dong Susu's hem and refusing to let go.

Mother! Ruowei rushed into her embrace

Within the mountain gate of the Sanyuan View, approximately ten zhang away, a small medicinal hut has appeared, the origin of which is unknown.

Mother? If only the faint sound of weeping could be heard

The harmonious relationship with Sun Jingzhi, the affection between husband and wife, and the joy of having a pair of children around one's knees are what is eternal and genuine

"Has Jizong arrived?" Ruo Wei's face lit up with joy: "Where is he?"

Just as one was secretly feeling pleased with oneself, suddenly there came a gentle knock at the door from outside

She no longer spoke, merely gently stroking the small turtle in her hands, her eyes filled with tenderness

Xiangting also smiled: "Yes, the young lady has sharp eyes, she actually knows that the area under the silk flower she usually wears is bald, and she found a way to treat it, which left her with nothing to say!"

Qixia Mountain has naturally become a place of great fortune in the eyes of many, so it is not surprising to find such a talented young Taoist priest here

Mother?" Ruowei's eyes suddenly dimmed. She suspected that her mother had come to the capital because she had received news. It was the announcement to the world about the joyous occasion of the Crown Prince's consort being conferred, a piece of news that everyone had heard, and surely her mother had heard it as well. Thus, she murmured softly, saying: "I am sorry, Wei'er has disappointed you!"

Every afternoon, before sunset, a young Taoist apprentice is present here to diagnose and prescribe remedies for passersby. For those who are financially constrained, he even provides some herbal medicine. This young apprentice not only possesses striking good looks, with rosy lips and white teeth, but also has an exceptionally kind and friendly demeanor. More importantly, regardless of the ailment, just a few doses of his herbal concoctions can effectively cure the illness.

Purple smoke! She called softly.

Mother? If Ruowei is completely confused, in her impression, Mother is a gentle and delicate beauty, indeed beautiful, but with a temperament as soft as water, rarely stepping out of the front door or the back door. Apart from embroidery, playing the piano, writing, and painting, she is solely focused on supporting her husband and educating her children, concerned only with the latest fashions and new cosmetics. Today, however, this mother, with a face full of determination and a strategy that reveals itself everywhere, makes her feel so unfamiliar.

Dong Susu shook her head: "When has Mother ever had any expectations for you to enter the palace? She never thought of having you enter the palace, gain favor, or be conferred as a consort. This time, Jizong accompanied Mother here. The royal Daoist temple appears tranquil, but in reality, every move you make is being watched. Therefore, Mother disguised herself as a wandering Daoist nun to see you, while Jizong is waiting for her below"

"Second Grandma, what brings you here? Please come in and sit down!" Ziyan said while wiping her tears and helping Dong Susu.

This was sent to me by someone when I left the palace, along with a jujube! A faint smile appeared on Ruo Wei's face, as if she were being playful: "Mother, I have eaten the jujube, and this little turtle has also been kept by my side all along"

Dong Susu pulled Ruowei, her expression solemn: "Life in the palace is not easy. I have come this time to find someone. He can determine your future. Now, I only want to ask you one question: do you want to return home with me, to live a simple and ordinary life, and marry a kind and gentle person who can share equal status with you? Or..."

Dong Susu was momentarily taken aback, and then she tightly embraced Ruo Wei in her arms, whispering softly in her ear: "Perhaps mother can help you fulfill this wish, but mother hopes this is to help you, not to harm you"

Stopped? Have you forgotten how much effort we put into opening this pharmacy?" Ruowei puffed her cheeks, leaning against Xiangting, her body soft like a puddle of mud

Indeed, at the moment she heard this news, she felt a slight twinge of regret, for it is an honor and a source of pride for every woman to receive the favor of the emperor

If Wei had never seen such a resolute and composed side of her mother, she lowered her eyelids and pondered carefully, yet for a moment, she was at a loss for ideas

It was only later that I learned that the Yan army general I had inadvertently saved, the one who listened to the pipa music outside my chamber door late at night and confided his feelings, was none other than Zhu Di, the emperor who usurped the throne and a formidable hero of his time

Good! Mother! This medicine room is in disarray, just like the consultation room during the day. We originally lived in the small courtyard behind the Sanyuan Temple, which is quite secluded. Let us go to the back to talk!" Ruowei looked up at her mother, feeling somewhat shy instead.

"It's so late, could it be that someone is still coming?" Zi Yan walked to the door, opened the bamboo door, and couldn't help but exclaim: "Second Madam!"

Dong Susu nodded: "Yes, originally it was Ji Zong's intention to take you and Ji Ming to Beijing to reunite with your grandfather. I pleaded with Ji Zong, concealed it from your grandfather, and secretly took a detour to this place just to see you for a moment, to settle one more matter, and then I must hurry to Beijing!"

Dong Susu sighed: "Still this temperament, with your disposition, how can the palace accommodate you?"

Holding her petite and delicate daughter tightly, Dong Susu did not want to cry, yet the tears could not be stopped.

Dong Susu nodded, then turned back to glance at Ruowei, whose face was streaked with tears, before hurriedly departing

Mother! If she slightly furrows her delicate brows, it seems as if she understands yet does not fully comprehend

Dong Susu sighed: "Do not ask so many questions, all I want to know is your choice"

At this moment, a phrase kept flashing repeatedly in Wei's mind: this is what he gave, this is what he gave, it is the hope in his heart, it is the promise he made with himself

Dong Susu looked at her daughter's expression and couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. Many years ago, her father had also asked her this question. He said to stay here and wait for him; he might welcome her into the palace and grant her a noble status and favor. Following her father meant marrying an ordinary official, but it could ensure a lifetime of peace.

Dong Susu looked at her and sighed again. Finally, she steeled herself and pushed the door open

At that moment, a small object was slowly moving on the bamboo couch. Dong Susu seemed startled, her expression slightly changing: "What is that?"

Xiangting sat down next to Ruowei, fanning her with a hand fan, while Ziyan stood beside them, gently massaging Ruowei's shoulders: "Good girl, running the pharmacy not only earns you money but also does good deeds. However, if you are too tired, it might be better to take a break..."

Xiangting poured a cup of hot tea from the kettle, the clear tea brewed with spring water emitted wisps of steam and a fragrant aroma. She reached out to help Ruowei up and gently coaxed, "My dear, quickly have a sip of water, you haven't had a drop all afternoon, your lips are all dry!"

Xiangting seemed to understand in her heart, and immediately pulled Ziyan to walk away at a distance

The purple smoke let out a laugh: "Indeed, the young lady is truly remarkable, to think of treating Granny Gui's hair loss. Initially, she was reluctant a hundred times over, but later, new hair really grew thickly on the top of her head. Only then did she regard our young lady as a deity, no longer watching over us everywhere, managing this and that!"

Seeing this scene, Xiang Ting felt quite sad in her heart, but being somewhat older, she considered matters more thoroughly. She looked around and then advised, "Miss, please invite the lady to our small courtyard in the back hall to sit down and talk slowly"

Dong Susu embraced Ruo Wei, walked into the bamboo house, closed the door properly, and then sat down on the couch

Mother? What are you saying? I can't understand a word. Who are you looking for? Who can decide my fate? I...

If Wei buries her head in her mother's embrace, reluctant to lift it, she has always believed herself to be strong. Regardless of the circumstances she faces, whether it is suddenly summoned to the palace or being forced to part with Zhanji and come to this Qixia Mountain for seclusion, she thought she could accept the ups and downs of life with equanimity. However, at this moment, facing her mother who has suddenly appeared before her, all she wants is to cry heartily in her arms.

Upon taking the teacup, I gulped it down in one go, and immediately jumped up with a grimace: "Heavens, are you trying to scald me to death!"

When she slightly raised her eyes and looked, she couldn't help but smile. She climbed onto the couch, reached out, and held the little turtle in her hand, gently stroking its cold shell with her warm fingers. The little turtle seemed to recognize her, stretching its limbs and its ugly little head comfortably in her palm. She lightly brushed its small feet with her finger and suddenly laughed. This turtle was given to her by a messenger from Zhanji when she left the palace. The jujube had already been eaten by her, but she had kept this little turtle by her side. Every morning, when she went to the main hall to recite scriptures, she would tuck it into her sleeve. In the afternoons, when she saw patients, she would also bring it to the medicine chamber, occasionally glancing at it, and whenever she had a moment, she would take it out to play with in her palm, as if her heart instantly became tranquil and comfortable.

Do you regret it

If Wei relies entirely on your care, now on the mountain, you all must endure hardships together with her!" Saying this, she took off a pair of jade bracelets from her wrist.

After Xiangting and Ziyan exchanged glances, they could only express their gratitude with a deep bow.

As Ziyan and Xiangting were about to decline, Dong Susu had already placed a bracelet on each of their wrists, saying: "This is a small token of my appreciation; if you insist on refusing, it would put me in a difficult position"

As Ziyan tidied up the medicine box, she remarked, "Xiangting, did you see? Our girl appears so kind-hearted and benevolent in front of others, but when the door is closed, she truly doesn't want to lift a finger. This water must be left to cool to just the right temperature before it can be brought to her lips"

If Wei waved his hand: "I'm so tired. I originally thought that our stay at Qingxin Courtyard was too simple, so I opened a pharmacy to earn some pocket money, to exchange for some food and necessities. Who would have thought that once I started, it was like harnessing a grinding donkey, and I could no longer control it myself. Now, I can't even find time to relax!"

Mother? As Ruowei met her mother's gaze, a pair of lively eyes seemed to be shrouded in a layer of mist, with smoke and clouds swirling, enchanting and infatuated.

Dong Susu paused slightly: "Do you still wish to rekindle the past with that imperial grandson?"

Dong Susu gently brushed her hand across her face, using the sleeve of her robe to wipe away the tears, and sighed: "This is a royal temple, and no one else is allowed to enter. Mother does not want others to know that I have been here, so I can only say a few words to you before I must hurry back to the city"

If Wei, have you thought it through? In the palace, it is a time of blooming flowers and vibrant colors, where no one can stand out alone and enjoy the favor of heaven exclusively. If... Su Su was about to persuade further, but Wei merely nodded lightly: "To be favored is to be at risk of losing that favor; once lost, even the golden house of Emperor Wu of Han, the Zhaoyang Palace, will become a cold palace. Daughters understand this."

Dong Susu, let go of your hand: "Now, being on Qixia Mountain, you are still able to take care of yourself so well, finding joy amidst hardship and helping the world with your skills. In this way, I can truly rest assured!"

Mother? '' If it was a slight surprise: `` What? Mother is leaving just like this? ''

Xiang Ting nodded repeatedly: "I was careless, young lady, did you get burned?"

If Wei Teng suddenly stood up and ran to the door, "Heavens!" Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, wearing a dark robe, with long black hair elegantly tied at the top of her head, and a black hood on her head.

If I have a mind to think, although you praise me so much, I will never admit that the few pounds of fresh ginger missing from the kitchen were stolen by me. Without this fresh ginger, I would have no way to prepare any hair growth potion for the old lady

Thus, the originally desolate Sanyuan Temple suddenly became bustling with crowds, with a continuous flow of people. Even the wealthy families in the city often drove their carriages here for consultations

And this young Taoist boy, who often wears a water-green robe, with a jade hairpin securing her dark, elegant hair into a high bun and a thin veil covering her face, is precisely Sun Ruowei

The purple smoke in the distance and Xiangting immediately stepped forward to pay their respects, "Second Madam," "Madam!"

Mother, how did you come to this place? Where is Father? Who came with you?

Once again, as the sun sets in the west, within the medicinal chamber, they have finally sent off the last patient after much effort. As Ziyan just closed the door, Ruowei lay down on the bamboo couch, sprawling out in a large character, exclaiming: "I am exhausted, this won't do, this won't do. Tomorrow, I must take a day off from consultations, otherwise, this master will have to meet the Celestial Venerable!"

The news of the discovery of the Dragon Cave on the San Yuan View Cliff spread rapidly, and many people specifically came to the Longkou area to fetch a pot of spring water, claiming that the Longquan spring water is sweet and delicious, capable of curing all ailments