Volume Two: The Lord and His Grandson Chapter 77: The Lady of the Household

Lin Qingxue spoke hesitantly, “Lin Hu is determined to restore the Lin family of Jun Prefecture. I fear he won’t be willing to leave.”

“Does becoming a mountain bandit restore the family’s legacy? Even if he manages to swallow up the other bandits, what then? Will he seize Jun Prefecture?” The Daoist woman replied with a calm disdain.

Lin Qingxue nodded. “I will try to persuade him. If he refuses, I will obey Master’s command and leave.”

“When you try to persuade him, do not mention the Prefect of Chuan’nan. Chuan’nan is too far away. Your husband said his grandfather became the Prefect of Jin Prefecture; I have heard of this as well. Advise Lin Hu to serve the Prefect of Jin Prefecture. Only then might he one day win Jun Prefecture.” The Daoist woman said.

Surprised, Lin Qingxue softly acknowledged. The Daoist woman continued, “There is some selfishness in my actions. I wish for the lineage of Grandmaster Lü to endure. For the Daoist sect of Wudang Mountain to prosper, we need the support of the imperial government.”

Lin Qingxue nodded gently, “I understand, Master. I won’t disappoint you.”

The Daoist woman nodded. “Go, I will await your return.”

Lin Qingxue turned and left, while the Daoist woman stood under the night sky, as motionless as a stone statue.

...

The next morning, when the sun was already high, Wei Fufeng and his followers visited Shanshui Temple to bid farewell.

He knocked on the wooden door. The Daoist woman opened it, and behind her stood Lin Qingxue and Xiaoxue, both dressed in black.

“Sister!” Wei Fufeng cried joyfully, then hastily bowed to the Daoist woman, “Thank you, Immortal Master.”

The Daoist woman nodded and turned to Lin Qingxue with a calm, “Go now.”

“Master, I bid you farewell,” Lin Qingxue said reluctantly.

“Master?” Wei Fufeng’s heart jolted. Only now did he realize the elderly Daoist woman was Lin Qingxue’s master—a martial arts expert, no doubt. He couldn’t help but feel grateful for his respectful attitude.

Lin Qingxue and Xiaoxue stepped outside. Wei Fufeng said warmly, “Sister, I should also bid farewell to our mother.”

“My mother will not see us,” Lin Qingxue whispered, her delicate features clouded.

Wei Fufeng softly acknowledged, then suggested, “Sister, shall we bid farewell outside the door?”

Lin Qingxue nodded, and together they knelt outside. Following Wei Fufeng’s lead, they performed three bows.

Wei Fufeng reached out and took Lin Qingxue’s hand. They stood together, then bowed once more to the Daoist woman at the door.

The Daoist woman nodded, turned inside, and closed the wooden door.

Having reunited with Lin Qingxue, Wei Fufeng was in high spirits. He smiled at her, “Sister, let us go. Perhaps it won’t be long before we return.”

Lin Qingxue nodded softly, “I have been with my cousin. Last night Master sought me out. I bid farewell to Lin Hu and advised him to leave Wudang Mountain and join you. Would you accept him?”

Wei Fufeng was surprised, hesitating as his expression betrayed concern. Then he asked, “Your cousin is willing to go to Chuan’nan?”

“No. I didn’t mention Chuan’nan. I suggested he serve the Prefect of Jin Prefecture. I worry, though, that you may not have authority over this.” Lin Qingxue replied quietly.

“Oh, that’s fine. I do have authority,” Wei Fufeng answered, immediately at ease.

Lin Qingxue nodded, “Cousin is waiting at Wuli Slope.”

Wei Fufeng nodded. “I have some business I forgot to mention to Master. You go ahead for now.”

Lin Qingxue was briefly startled, then nodded and left with Xiaoxue. Wei Fufeng’s followers withdrew as well.

Wei Fufeng approached the wooden door alone; just as he was about to knock, it opened. The Daoist woman stood inside, regarding him calmly.

Wei Fufeng bowed and spoke softly, “Master, last night I dreamt of a divine beast with a dragon’s head and a turtle’s body, transforming into the likeness of my ancestor.”

“You refer to Bixi, one of the nine sons of the dragon,” the Daoist woman replied serenely.

Wei Fufeng nodded. “Bixi has a turtle’s body and a dragon’s appearance. Among the water tribes, the turtle is said to be a prime minister, implying my ancestor could become a chancellor. The dragon form is not a true dragon, but still a dragon’s offspring.”

“In Daoism and Buddhism, dragons are merely guardians, not supreme beings. Daoist tradition honors the celestial court; its divine emissaries can become kings among mortals. If you have concerns, you may choose this interpretation.”

“The Daoist sect of Wudang Mountain venerates the True Lord of Xuanwu, who is attended by generals Turtle and Snake. Daoism also speaks of the three souls and seven spirits, and the concept of Three Pure Ones from One Breath. There are legends of Empress Wu being the reincarnation of Maitreya’s light. As for your ancestor, you may claim he is the reincarnation of the heavenly soul of General Turtle,” the Daoist woman explained.

“Master worships Lady Nuwa,” Wei Fufeng said.

“I am a female Daoist, so naturally I revere the goddess. Lady Nuwa is the ancestral deity, far above the True Lord of Xuanwu. A temple can honor many immortals. The ancestral deity presides over all, Xuanwu and the gods of fortune, prosperity, and longevity hold the middle rank, while the gods of earth and mountains are below,” the Daoist woman explained calmly.

Wei Fufeng nodded. The Daoist woman continued, “The immortals are elusive and intangible, merely embodying people’s wishes for peace and happiness. I value the practice of alchemy: breathing in the mountain’s spiritual energy, eating medicinal herbs, performing good deeds, following the natural order, embracing tranquility and non-action—all these lead to longevity.”

Wei Fufeng nodded respectfully, “I am enlightened.”

The Daoist woman shook her head. “Your desires are deep; you will be caught up in worldly affairs and cannot escape turmoil.”

Wei Fufeng gave a wry smile. At his age, his passions were strong; he could never become a monk or a Daoist.

He composed himself and solemnly said, “Since my dream concerns my ancestor, I must report it and not act recklessly. I ask Master’s permission.”

The Daoist woman nodded calmly, “Go now.”

Wei Fufeng bowed and departed Shanshui Temple, rejoining his beloved and his followers to descend the mountain.

After half a mile, they saw a dense crowd—at least a thousand men, women, and children, which surprised Wei Fufeng.

Hundreds of men stood at the front, holding all sorts of makeshift weapons. Their clothes were tattered, most wore straw sandals. Behind them were the elderly, women, and children, with baskets on the ground.

At the very front were a dozen sturdy men in armor, wielding swords, spears, and bows, trying to look imposing but appearing discordant compared to the rest.

Wei Fufeng approached calmly, with Lin Qingxue and Xiaoxue following.

His ten guards formed left and right wings, though few in number, their uniforms neat, belts cinched, boots sturdy, and blades in hand, radiating an air of military authority.

“Brother Wei Fufeng, greetings, Elder Brother Lin Hu,” Wei Fufeng greeted respectfully.

The leader, a robust man in chainmail with sharp brows and tiger-like eyes, a short beard, responded with a broad smile, “Brother-in-law, you are a fine man. I am Lin Hu.”

Wei Fufeng was left speechless. A simple “I am Lin Hu” sufficed, but “brother-in-law, you are a fine man” sounded awkward. Maintaining composure, he said, “Elder Brother, Qingxue tells me you wish to lead your followers to Jin Prefecture.”

“Yes. I lead everyone to survive in the mountains. They have always respected Qingxue. Since she has spoken, we are willing to go to Jin Prefecture,” Lin Hu replied.

Wei Fufeng nodded. “Elder Brother, may I speak with you privately?”

Lin Hu hesitated, then said, “If you have something to say, say it openly.”

Wei Fufeng blinked, then smiled, “Very well. I am willing to accept you all into Jin Prefecture. But since you are Qingxue’s kin, I don’t want you to suffer misfortune. If you go to Jin Prefecture, you may face war. Please consider carefully; anyone seeking peace may stay behind.”

Lin Hu replied instantly, “We have discussed it. Going to Jin Prefecture means fighting, but staying on Wudang Mountain is constant anxiety. The government troops raid often, and the mountain is divided by rival factions.”

Wei Fufeng nodded, “With so many people, it’s hard to leave Jun Prefecture safely. Can you lead them safely? I can send troops to meet you.”

Lin Hu paused, turned to consult with his companions, then returned, “To live safely, we must take the mountain paths and reach the Duhu River at Yun County, but crossing the river is difficult.”

“Good. I’ll send troops to help you cross at the east bank,” Wei Fufeng said, knowing the Duhu River flowed from Fangzhou into Jun Prefecture and joined the Han River.

Lin Hu agreed. He then chose four men to follow Wei Fufeng down the mountain. They returned to the Han River dock, boarded their hired boat, and set sail upstream.

As the boat left Yanqin City far behind, Wei Fufeng relaxed, fearing the Prefect of Jun Prefecture might question them. But he worried needlessly. The Han River was bustling; many groups passed through like theirs. As long as they paid the toll and caused no trouble, the soldiers wouldn’t interfere.

Wei Fufeng entered the inner cabin. Traveling, his followers crowded outside, while the inner cabin was his and Xiaoxue’s quarters—now joined by Lin Qingxue.

Entering, he smiled at Lin Qingxue, who was seated on a wooden bed.

Her delicate features were serene, her slender hand raised in a graceful gesture. Wei Fufeng walked over and called gently, “Sister.”

Lin Qingxue looked up at him and whispered, “Last night, Xiaoxue told me you have a fiancée?”

Wei Fufeng’s heart tensed. He nodded gently, “Great-uncle made the match, but rest assured, Sister, you are my principal lady.”

“Don’t say such things. Since I’ve gone with you, I accept my fate as your concubine,” Lin Qingxue replied softly.

Wei Fufeng answered seriously, “I say you are my principal lady, and so you are. The Miss from the Li family, chosen by Great-uncle, is the wife. In time, I will petition for the title of Lady for you and Xiaoxue. If you don’t wish to live with the Li family’s lady, you can settle in Chuan’nan. The foundation there is what you and I fought for together.”

Lin Qingxue’s eyes shimmered with tears. She lowered her gaze and whispered, “Thank you for not treating me lightly.”

Wei Fufeng turned forward, sat down, and gently embraced Lin Qingxue, whispering, “I once thought, if things failed in Chuan’nan, Xiaoxue and I would escape to Wudang Mountain and spend our lives with you. Xiaoxue knows I’ve hidden much treasure; we could live in wealth and be content.”

“You are already wealthy,” Lin Qingxue replied quietly.

“Sister, it is hard to survive in chaotic times. Living in comfort is my wish, but without protection, we would be easy prey for the wicked. My so-called wealth may be nothing but a dream,” Wei Fufeng said bitterly.

“Since I have followed you, I wish only never to part,” Lin Qingxue whispered. Wei Fufeng softly murmured assent, then awkwardly kissed her fragrant lips.