Chapter 21: Secret Affairs Exposed

Madam Su was evidently a frequent visitor. Upon entering, a supervisor came to attend to her. She first went to pay respects to the Three Pure Ones, then proceeded to the meditation room to chant scriptures. Jiang You’an quietly followed behind, looking for an opportunity to speak with her.

As he hesitated, Madam Su emerged from the meditation room and was led by the supervisor to another temple hall.

Curious, Jiang You’an followed discreetly and peered inside from the shadows. It was a divination session.

“Daoist Chongxu, I would like you to divine my son’s marriage prospects today,” Madam Su requested.

A Taoist priest dressed in a bluish-gray robe spread out a Bagua chart on the table, then rose to cleanse his hands and light incense.

He took three copper coins, cupped them in his palms, murmured incantations, shook them, and cast them onto the table. Repeating this six times, the hexagram was complete.

Daoist Chongxu stroked his beard thoughtfully and spoke softly, “This hexagram indicates your son’s destined match has yet to appear. Please be patient, madam. Matters of marriage cannot be rushed or forced.”

Madam Su’s face fell with disappointment. She nodded and then asked the Taoist to also divine the career fortunes of her marquis son.

Jiang You’an observed all this quietly, a thought stirring in her mind.

Madam Su was fond of divination and trusted this Taoist deeply. Perhaps she could use this to her advantage…

She had heard of the custom of “counteracting misfortune through marriage”: if a man was ill, his parents would find a bride whose birth chart matched his, hoping to dispel the illness through their union.

If Daoist Chongxu could say that her and Su Mingxiu’s birth charts were compatible, might Madam Su be inclined to facilitate their marriage?

With this idea in mind, Jiang You’an left the Xuan Zhen Temple.

Back at the Lu residence, Jiang You’an quickly sent Qiulan to inquire about Daoist Chongxu.

“Daoist Chongxu arrived at Xuan Zhen Temple two or three years ago. His divinations are remarkably accurate, and he soon became renowned. Many high officials and nobles seek his counsel. Madam Su, for instance, visits him regularly every month.”

Jiang You’an nodded and said at once, “Prepare some silver. Tomorrow we shall go meet Daoist Chongxu.”

That evening, Jiang You’an was about to rest when Xiuzhu came with a message—Lu Xuanheng wanted her to come over.

Without hesitation, she knew why he summoned her and declined, “I’m a bit tired today. I won’t come.”

Xiuzhu’s face remained impassive. “The young master is leaving home tomorrow and wants to see you before he goes.”

Jiang You’an frowned impatiently, but hearing that Lu Xuanheng would be away made her secretly pleased; it would be easier to carry out her plans.

She knew if she didn’t go willingly, Lu Xuanheng would sneak to her window late at night anyway, so despite her complaints, she followed Xiuzhu stealthily to Lanyue Residence.

When she entered, Lu Xuanheng seemed to have just come out of the bath, bare-chested, water droplets tracing the firm lines of his muscles.

“Why are you only just here?”

“Don’t you see what time it is?”

Lu Xuanheng chuckled softly and approached, “It’s exactly the right time for a little illicit romance.”

Jiang You’an shifted her gaze awkwardly. Lu Xuanheng took her hand and pressed it against his chest. “I’ve shown you before; why be shy now?”

She wanted to say not everyone is as shameless as him, but he pulled her into his arms.

A fiery kiss descended; Jiang You’an pushed him away.

Lu Xuanheng wouldn’t let her escape, biting her earlobe, “Be good. Just this once tonight.”

Jiang You’an looked at him with resentment. He always said that but never seemed satisfied with just once.

Ignoring her anger, Lu Xuanheng kissed her forehead, eyes, and cheeks, his voice muffled as he asked, “Why did you go to the temple today? I didn’t know you believed in such things.”

Jiang You’an turned her head slightly, “Nothing to do, just went to have a look around.”

“I have official business in the coming days and will be away from the capital. While I’m gone, take care of yourself and don’t wander around too much.”

Jiang You’an, worried he might discover her plans and sabotage them, cautiously asked, “When will you return?”

His face brightened at her concern. “Not far away. At most, four or five days.”

His large, strong hand slipped beneath her clothes. Jiang You’an’s resistance melted.

Lu Xuanheng lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. The silk curtains were drawn, and soft whispers soon filled the room.

Another tormenting night.

The next morning, Lu Xuanheng rose refreshed. Since he was to depart that day, he got up early to pack.

After finishing, he saw Jiang You’an still asleep.

He sat beside her and poked her cheek.

Half-awake, she opened his hand, then turned inward to sleep again.

Lu Xuanheng smiled and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Still not getting up?”

Jiang You’an felt a hand roaming over her body. Opening her eyes fully, she saw Lu Xuanheng’s face and, assuming he was in the mood again so early, hurriedly sat up.

He watched her dress with a teasing smile. “If I didn’t call you, you’d sleep till noon.”

Jiang You’an snapped back, “Isn’t it because you kept me up so late? Beast.”

Lu Xuanheng just laughed silently.

Once dressed, Jiang You’an sneaked out of Lanyue Residence and returned to her own room.

Qiulan was already prepared, carrying a decoction of fertility herbs.

Jiang You’an set the medicine to cool on the table, rubbed her lower back, and said, “Get ready. We’re going to Xuan Zhen Temple shortly.”

Qiulan agreed and was about to leave to prepare the carriage when she unexpectedly bumped into Lu Xuanheng at the door.

“Young master…”

Qiulan and Jiang You’an both glanced at the dark concoction on the table as Lu Xuanheng stepped inside.

“Your hairpin fell at my place.”

Jiang You’an stood to block the medicine, but Lu Xuanheng’s sharp eyes caught sight of the black liquid instantly.

“What’s this?”

Sweat broke out on Jiang You’an’s palms. She forced herself to explain, “My cycle has been irregular lately. I’m taking some herbal medicine to regulate it.”

Lu Xuanheng frowned, lifted the bowl, and sniffed.

Jiang You’an watched nervously, relieved when he showed no suspicion. He left with a simple “Take good care of yourself.”

Only after he had gone did Jiang You’an return to her room and gulp down the medicine.

...

Lu Xuanheng finished packing and left the Lu residence. Lady Zhao saw him to the door, reminding him to take care of his health while traveling.

After he left, Lady Zhao returned to her room. No sooner had she sat down than Nurse Wang burst in hurriedly.

Lady Zhao asked, “What is it? Why the rush?”

“Madam, Jiang You’an spent the night at Lanyue Residence last night!”

Lady Zhao was shocked. “What did you say?”

“You told me to keep an eye on Jiang You’an. Just now, the maid I sent to deliver a message reported that Jiang You’an went out last night and was seen returning from the direction of Lanyue Residence early this morning.”

Lady Zhao slammed her palm on the table in fury. “Bring that shameless little wretch here at once!”