The Three Teachings Converge into One: The Path of the Mortal and the Saintly is the Same

Poetry:

Spring rains knock repeatedly on the old door, and beautiful guests arrive like clouds in the morning light.

With a compassionate heart, I silently pray for no harm or regret; the osmanthus shadow sways in the wind, awaiting the opportune moment.

After Su Qingxuan returned to Qingxi Town in Jiangnan, he spent his days serving his parents. With Chi Ying by his side, his home was naturally peaceful and harmonious.

Every morning, Madam Liu would personally cook rice porridge, and every evening she would think of adding clothes for her son. Seeing that her son had become more composed and open-minded after experiencing hardships, and that Chi Ying was gentle, considerate, and took good care of her, Madam Liu felt as sweet as if she were soaked in honey. She often told Su Wenyuan that this was because the Su family had accumulated good deeds, which was why they were blessed by God and could enjoy this peaceful family life.

Su Wenyuan also felt comforted. Sometimes he would discuss history and metaphysics with his son in the study, or move to the old osmanthus tree in the courtyard, play a game of chess, have a pot of tea, and watch the clouds roll and unfold. The iron horses on the frontier and the turmoil in the court of the past have all turned into the gentle breeze under the eaves and the fine rain outside the window, as if the past was a dream.

Who would have thought that this peaceful and serene time would be quietly disrupted by a lingering March rain in Jiangnan—

I. An old friend walks in the rain, the fragrance of orchids lingers in the air.

That afternoon, the sky was a pale gray, like newly painted rice paper. Fine rain, like thousands of shimmering threads, fell silently from the sky, making the bluestone path gleam softly. Water dripped from the eaves, playing an ethereal spring melody. The entire town of Qingxi was immersed in a misty atmosphere, with distant mountains, nearby trees, white walls, and black tiles all appearing as faint, hazy ink washes.

Mrs. Liu was carefully steaming her signature osmanthus sugar cake in the kitchen. The sweet and mellow aroma, mixed with the warmth of the burning pine wood in the stove, filled the small house.

Suddenly, three knocks came from outside the courtyard gate, slow and steady, and were particularly clear in the sound of the pattering rain.

She wiped her hands clean, strode quickly across the pebbly courtyard, glistening with the light rain, and unlatched the old wooden door.

The door opened slightly, and a woman stood quietly behind the misty rain, holding a plain oil-paper umbrella.

She wore a moon-white cross-collar ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with two-finger-wide light blue silk trim on the collar, sleeves, and hem. A few orchids were sparsely embroidered with silver thread at the hem of the skirt, fluttering slightly in the wind, as if carrying a faint fragrance.

Her black hair was styled into a languid yet dignified updo, adorned only with a silver orchid-patterned hairpin, from which a few delicate tassels dangled.

Her eyebrows and eyes were gentle and beautiful, her nose was straight and delicate, and her lips were a very light cherry pink. She wore no other ornaments except for two tiny pearls the size of rice grains by her ears, which shone brightly.

Its elegant and tranquil charm is like a quiet orchid blooming silently in the rain, untouched by dust.

Upon seeing Madam Liu, the woman tilted her umbrella slightly back, revealing her full face. She gracefully curtsied and spoke in a clear, melodious voice, like jade striking stone: "The spring rain is disturbing, and I apologize for bothering you, my lord. I am Lin Wanqing, from Pingjiang Prefecture. I have long admired Qingxi Town for its literary and cultural prosperity due to the birth of a sage, and thus I have come here to study."

"I recently stopped at a teahouse in a neighboring town and heard that there is a family surnamed Su in Qingxi Town with an old osmanthus tree in their courtyard that is over a hundred years old. When it blooms, its fragrance permeates half the town, and I have longed to visit it ever since. Today, I have come here in the rain, which is extremely presumptuous. I wonder if I could ask your esteemed home for a bowl of hot tea to take shelter from this lingering drizzle?"

Seeing that she spoke humbly, behaved with grace and elegance, and exuded an undeniable scholarly air, Madam Liu felt an immediate liking for her and quickly stepped aside to greet her: "Please come in, young lady. The spring rain is chilly and damp; don't catch a cold."

He ushered the person into the main hall while calling out to the inner room, "Xuan'er, Tao'er, we have guests."

Su Qingxuan and Chi Ying emerged from the inner room. Lin Wanqing rose, curtsied, and greeted them with clear and open eyes. She first inquired about the well-being of Master Su, and then exchanged greetings with Su Qingxuan and Chi Ying. Her demeanor was poised and graceful, showing none of the shyness or awkwardness that one would expect from a young lady meeting a man for the first time.

Su Qingxuan was slightly taken aback when he saw that it was Lin Wanqing, but he was quick-witted and didn't say anything.

Liu offered Lin Wanqing freshly brewed ginger tea, which she accepted with both hands. Her fingers were as slender as scallions. She thanked her softly, took small sips, and her demeanor was extremely elegant.

During their conversation, Su Wenyuan noticed that Su Wenyuan spoke eloquently and decided to test him, asking him about the profound meanings of several ancient poetry and prose texts.

Lin Wanqing was able to quote classical texts and answer fluently, and her insights were unique, often expressing ideas that no one had thought of before, and she did not fall into old clichés.

Speaking of the scenery of Jiangnan, her eyes shone with genuine joy and delight: "When I read Bai Juyi's 'Jiangnan is beautiful, its scenery is familiar to me,' I always felt it was so true. Today, seeing the raindrops falling like pearls on the eaves of Qingxi Town, and the alleys shrouded in mist, I realize that even the poem's meaning is only a fraction of the reality."

After speaking, his gaze gently swept across the dense rain outside the window, his expression as if he wanted to etch the misty rain of Qingxi Town into his heart.

Su Qingxuan occasionally interjected with his own remarks, and she responded calmly, speaking with measured words and citing appropriate sources.

Under her clear and peaceful gaze, Su Qingxuan sensed that she seemed to deliberately avoid the shyness, evasiveness, or burning curiosity that a typical woman would show when first meeting a handsome man. Instead, she was open and natural, as if meeting an old friend with whom she shared knowledge.

Watching from the side, Madam Liu secretly marveled: such talent, appearance, and magnanimity are truly rare in this world. The vague thought in her mind couldn't help but resurface.

Lin Wanqing said that she was traveling and studying and did not have a fixed place to stay. She was looking for a quiet place to rest, so that she could read, drink tea and appreciate the spring in Qingxi Town.

Lady Liu was kind-hearted and genuinely pleased with the girl's manners and intelligence, so she gently asked her to stay for two days.

Lin Wanqing hesitated for a moment, then curtsied and thanked him, readily agreeing.

From then on, every morning, Lin Wanqing would first help Liu sweep and clean the courtyard. Although her movements were not very skillful, she was extremely serious and meticulous. She also had a knack for brewing tea and cooking soup. In particular, she was quite adept at making Hangzhou chrysanthemum and goji berry tea, and she controlled the heat just right, resulting in a clear chrysanthemum fragrance and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste.

She was extremely skilled at needlework. Seeing that Liu's handkerchief was old, she found some plain silk and, in less than half a day, she embroidered a handkerchief with orchids. The veins of the leaves were distinct, and the handkerchief had an elegant and graceful appearance, as if one could smell its fragrance.

She would simply pluck a few wild chrysanthemums and reeds and casually place them in a vase. With a few deft touches of her delicate hands, they would become an elegant and refined painting on her desk, adding a touch of sophistication to this rustic farmhouse courtyard.

Su Wenyuan praised her highly, and Liu Shi also grew to love her more and more. The vague idea in her heart that she hoped to have a knowledgeable and reasonable daughter-in-law in the family became clearer and clearer.

However, seeing how she always behaved with her son, maintaining proper etiquette and only discussing academic principles without crossing any boundaries, Liu felt that perhaps she was overthinking things.

Only at that moment did Liu catch a fleeting, extremely faint ripple in her eyes when she looked at Su Qingxuan's tall and straight back. Her gaze was like a still pond ruffled by a spring breeze, spreading almost imperceptible ripples, only to calm down in an instant, so fast that it seemed like an illusion.

Lady Liu saw this and sighed inwardly, but pretended not to know.

It turns out that Lin Wanqing was not someone you met by chance.

She was the talented Lin woman who, at the Pingjiang Literary Gathering, was captivated by Su Qingxuan's brilliant poetry and philosophical discourse, and subsequently went up to him to discuss the doctrines of the three religions by the Qingxi River and under the willows, and they became close friends.

Upon their first meeting, Su Qingxuan's theory of "the three religions sharing the same origin and the mind as the foundation" deeply resonated with her, and she could never forget him. Although they occasionally corresponded and discussed scholarship, they eventually went their separate ways.

In addition, Su Qingxuan spent more than ten years pacifying the border and going deep into the northern lands. Communication took a lot of time, and letters were sometimes lost along the way, so the contact was gradually lost.

Upon hearing that Su Qingxuan had resigned and returned to his hometown of Qingxi Town, the feelings of gratitude and admiration that had been buried deep in her heart for many years were stirred even more. After much deliberation, she finally took the opportunity of "visiting Guilin out of admiration" to come through the rain.

She was naturally reserved and demure, so she kept these complicated feelings to herself and dealt with them calmly under the guise of studying abroad.

Three days passed in a flash, and the weather cooperated, clearing up the sky. The air was crystal clear, without a single cloud in sight.

Lin Wanqing took her leave, and Madam Liu held her hand, very reluctant to part with her.

Before leaving, Lin Wanqing gave the orchid handkerchief she had embroidered herself to Madam Liu, and said gently, "I have nothing of value but this clumsy work. The needlework is rough, but it is a small token of my gratitude for the trouble I have caused these past few days. I hope you will not find it offensive, Aunt."

He then bowed to Su Wenyuan, Su Qingxuan, and Chi Ying one by one to bid them farewell.

Finally, turning to Su Qingxuan, her eyes were clear and bright, her voice still gentle, yet containing a profound meaning that was difficult to detect: "Young Master Su, your insight is outstanding, and the kindness and generosity of your household will be forever etched in my heart. The beauty of Qingxi lies not only in its scenery, but also in the charm and elegance of its people. This study tour has been incredibly beneficial, far surpassing ten years of reading."

Her voice was gentle and her feelings were sincere, yet she still maintained a sense of propriety.

Su Qingxuan and Lin Wanqing had been in love for many years. He knew Lin Wanqing's feelings, but just like with Chi Ying, he could not make any promises now.

Lin Wanqing, intelligent and reserved, wouldn't dare to speak frankly, and he certainly wouldn't point it out. Therefore, he didn't try to persuade her to stay, but simply bid her farewell politely...

Some feelings are like wine; they need to settle and mature... the longer they age, the more mellow and fragrant they become...

After saying that, Lin Wanqing opened the plain umbrella and stepped into the clear and bright sunlight after the rain.

The pebble path was still wet with water, reflecting the sunlight and clouds, as well as her graceful figure as she walked away into the distance. Finally, she turned the corner of the alley and disappeared from sight.

Only a faint fragrance of orchids remained in the courtyard, lingering and almost imperceptible, much like the lingering aftertaste of the literary gathering in Pingjiang and the discussions by the stream that day.

Madam Liu held the handkerchief, still warm from the woman's fingertips, and stood at the door for a long time until her husband came to her side. Then she sighed softly, "This Lin family girl is truly a rare and perfect person. She is excellent in every way, from appearance to talent."

Yet, a strange emptiness lingered in my heart, like the lingering melody of a beautiful and elegant zither, its echo still resonating in my ears and mind, but the music has ended and the audience has dispersed, and I wonder when I will hear it again.

II. A gentle ripple of Zen mind, dressed in simple clothes, I visit the mortal world.

Five or six days later, the rains had stopped, but the morning chill was still strong, and glistening dewdrops often clung to the leaves and branches of the plants.

On this day, as dawn broke in the east, a thin mist, like a milky white veil, gently enveloped the still-sleeping town.

Mrs. Liu was scattering grains in the yard to feed the chickens. The yellowish-brown grains dripped from between her fingers, attracting a group of brightly colored chicks to peck at them.

Suddenly, a light knock was heard on the door, two soft knocks, the sound restrained and carrying a subtle politeness.

Liu was slightly puzzled. Who could be visiting so early in the morning? She dusted off her clothes and went to open the door. In the dim light and misty haze, she saw a figure in plain white standing quietly at the foot of the stone steps.

The woman wore a plain white silk robe without any embroidery, over which was a light blue, gossamer-thin gauze blouse. Her entire body was completely unadorned, without a single embroidery, making her extremely simple. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, loosely tied up with a single ebony hairpin, the rest flowing smoothly over her shoulders.

On her fair wrist hung a string of dark brown sandalwood prayer beads, each bead round and lustrous.

Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her skin was so white it was almost translucent, her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes were like cold stars reflected in water, and her lips were extremely pale. She was shrouded in an indescribable aura of serene detachment, as if she were a jade maiden standing at the feet of Guanyin Bodhisattva, who had accidentally descended to the mortal world, her clothes untouched by the dust of the world.

Upon seeing Madam Liu, the woman clasped her hands together, her fingertips lightly touching her brow, and bowed slightly. Her voice was clear and cold, like a spring gurgling over stones: "I am Xiao Lingyue, disturbed by the morning mist. I have come from the capital. Passing through this blessed land, I heard that the osmanthus tree in your residence is a hundred-year-old tree, quite spiritual, and I have longed to see it. I have abruptly requested an audience and disturbed the peace of your household; I hope you will forgive me."

She referred to herself as "this humble woman," yet her tone, demeanor, the calmness in her eyes, and the dignified bearing all subtly revealed the otherworldly quality of someone detached from worldly affairs, and the noble air of someone long accustomed to being in a superior position.

Madam Liu quickly said, "I dare not," and stepped aside to let her in, secretly thinking, "When did our osmanthus tree become so popular?"

The woman moved with light steps, landing almost silently, as if walking on clouds, and gracefully entered.

Hearing the commotion, Su Qingxuan got up and went out to greet them.

Xiao Lingyue looked up and their eyes met. In that instant, her eyes, which were as calm as still water, rippled slightly, like a tiny pebble thrown into a deep pool, before returning to stillness.

She clasped her hands in a gesture of respect, her voice calm and undisturbed: "Young Master Su, how have you been?" She said nothing more, as if it were a genuine reunion of old friends.

Su Qingxuan also returned the greeting with his palms together: "Your Highness's presence at my humble abode is an honor."

It turned out that the woman in plain clothes before them was none other than the Emperor's younger sister, Princess Zhaoyang, Xiao Lingyue, who lived in the Jingxin Nunnery in the palace, devoted herself to Buddhism, and prayed for the well-being of all people.

In the past, during a meeting in a side hall of the palace, amidst the fragrance of sandalwood and the shadows of plum blossoms, Su Qingxuan's theory of "emptiness as the essence, salvation as the function, and the unity of essence and function" dispelled her long-standing confusion, leading her to regard him as a kindred spirit in Buddhism.

Su Qingxuan was not unaware of the feelings hidden beneath her Buddhist heart, but at that time, they were both bound by their own responsibilities and kept it unspoken. This time, her sudden visit in simple clothes and without any entourage, referring to herself as "this humble woman," carries a profound and intriguing meaning.

She sat down in the hall, and Madam Liu served her tea. She accepted it with both hands, her fingertips as smooth as jade, nodded in thanks, and quietly sipped the tea, her posture extremely elegant, yet she remained silent.

Most of the time, she simply sat quietly, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the lush, ancient osmanthus tree outside the window. Her eyes were distant and hazy, as if looking through the layers of branches and leaves towards some unknown, silent other shore. That profound tranquility seemed to calm even the warm, everyday atmosphere of the room.

In the afternoon, Chi Ying accompanied her for a walk by the stream. The stream was babbling and crystal clear, with small, unidentified fish darting to and fro. Wildflowers dotted the banks, and birds chirped, making the mountain scenery even more tranquil.

Xiao Lingyue stood by the stream, watching her slender, pale reflection sway gently in the water. Suddenly, she spoke softly, as if to herself, yet also as if confiding in the quiet Chi Ying beside her:

"I was frail and sickly from childhood, and I was also tired of the chaos of the palace, so I was fostered in Ciyun Nunnery outside the city, where I spent my days with ancient books and scriptures, reading and praying for blessings. This time, it was my elder brother... my brother was worried that I was too lonely, so he ordered me to go down the mountain and travel around, to 'see the world.'"

When she said the words "look at the world," her speech slowed down slightly, as if it carried a great weight, and also seemed to contain a trace of confusion and exploration.

At that time, Su Qingxuan was playing chess with his father on a stone board under an old elm tree in the distance. Occasionally, the sound of chess pieces tapping lightly and the low laughter of the father and son could be heard.

Xiao Lingyue's gaze involuntarily swept over, lingering for a brief moment on Su Qingxuan's profile as he pondered deeply. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on his blue robe, reminiscent of the serene and gentle blue robe he wore in the side hall of the palace years ago.

She immediately lowered her eyes, her long, thick eyelashes trembling almost imperceptibly like the wings of a startled butterfly. Her fingertips unconsciously flicked the cool sandalwood prayer beads on her wrist, one after another, as if counting her heartbeats, or perhaps soothing some sudden, inappropriate emotion.

As Liu was mending clothes in the shade of the corridor, she saw this scene from afar and her heart skipped a beat.

She was an experienced person who had seen it all. She noticed Xiao Lingyue's extraordinary demeanor, the Buddhist beads that indicated her identity, and her quiet words about "going down the mountain to see the world." She also noticed Xiao Lingyue's glance, tremor, and the subtle movements of her fingertips.

This girl is no ordinary princess; she's more like a celestial being, like the clouds and the moon. How could a mother's keen eyes miss that seemingly hidden loneliness and otherworldly aloofness, and that fleeting emotional fluctuation?

She sighed inwardly, thinking, "Another child with deep affection and suffering."

Xiao Lingyue stayed at the Su family's residence for three days.

Every morning, before dawn, she would get up and stand quietly under the old osmanthus tree for half an hour, her eyes slightly closed, as if meditating, or as if having a silent conversation with this ancient tree.

During the day, she would either peruse the Buddhist and Taoist classics treasured in Su Wenyuan's study or discuss profound Buddhist principles and Zen koans with him. Her words were exquisite, often hitting the nail on the head, and her insights were profound and insightful. Even a learned scholar like Su Wenyuan would often applaud her and marvel at how formidable this young woman was.

She gifted Liu a handwritten copy of the Heart Sutra. Unfolding it, the characters were written in tiny, elegant script, their strokes restrained yet revealing strength and power, penetrating the paper—a feat that could only be achieved through decades of quiet contemplation. Holding it in her hands, Liu felt as if the thin scroll carried an immense weight.

On the day of her departure, the sky was still a pale gray, and the morning stars had not yet faded. She was already dressed, still in the same plain clothes she had come in. She stood under the osmanthus tree for a long time, her delicate hand gently stroking the rough, cracked bark, as if caressing the marks of time, and whispered:

"Plants and trees have spirits, witnessing the vicissitudes of a hundred years. This tree has seen joys and sorrows, and should have a compassionate heart. May it bless the people in this courtyard, keeping them away from all the sorrows of the world, and bringing them peace and happiness year after year." The voice was as soft as a dream, almost blown away by the morning breeze, yet every word was clear, containing a deep prayer.

After speaking, she turned around, her white robes fluttering, untouched by dust, and stepped into the still-lingering, milky-white fog.

Her figure gradually blurred and faded until she disappeared completely, like a dream that left no trace. When she woke up, only a faint sandalwood scent remained, proving that she had been there.

Liu stood at the door, holding the slightly cool scroll of the Heart Sutra, gazing at the empty mist, speechless for a long time.

Chi Ying quietly approached, draped an outer garment over Liu Shi's shoulders, and looked in the direction where Xiao Lingyue had disappeared. She said softly, "Auntie, it seems that Sister Lingyue is carrying something very, very heavy in her heart, so heavy that it makes it hard for people to breathe."

"When she saw Xuan-gege clearly, there was light in her eyes, unlike the empty and blank look she usually had. But that light... it shone for a moment, then dimmed again. It made my heart ache and I wanted to cry."

Madam Liu sighed deeply, pulling the sensible and considerate Chiying into her arms. She gently stroked Chiying's soft hair, her voice filled with endless pity and helplessness: "They are both the best of children, pure-hearted, kind, and loyal. But it is precisely these two words, 'loyalty,' that are the most tormenting. In this world, relationships are the hardest to reconcile and the hardest to achieve fulfillment."

Third, the princess, innocent and naive, bursts into the palace with laughter.

It had only been two days since Xiao Lingyue left, and the empty and melancholy atmosphere had not yet completely dissipated from the Su family courtyard.

On a bright and sunny afternoon, in the prime of spring, the old osmanthus tree in the courtyard was bursting with new leaves, its greenness overwhelming. Suddenly, the old wooden door of the Su family's courtyard, which usually creaked, was pushed open with a loud "bang," and a bright, lively figure, accompanied by a clear and unrestrained laugh like silver bells, skipped and jumped in.

"This is it! This is it! Lord Su's house! We've finally found it! Wow, this osmanthus tree is huge, the leaves are so green, and it smells so good!"

Liu was leaning out of the kitchen window, drying the washed vegetables on a bamboo pole, when she heard the sound and looked over in surprise.

A young girl was seen wearing a pale yellow, narrow-sleeved short jacket embroidered with butterflies and flowers, and a red, begonia-patterned, gold-embroidered skirt. The colors were bright and vibrant, as if she were wearing the spring sunshine.

Her hair was styled in two buns, each adorned with a string of pearls and pink tourmaline tassels. The jewels shimmered as they swayed, making her face appear even more radiant.

Her small face was rosy and radiant, like a newly blossoming peach blossom. Her almond eyes were round and bright, with clear black and white, and she looked around with a lively spirit. Her nose was delicate and small, and her cherry lips were naturally red without any makeup. The corners of her mouth were naturally slightly upturned, carrying a charming and bright smile.

At this moment, she was standing on tiptoe, trying to reach the drooping osmanthus branches and leaves. Her sleeve slipped down, revealing a section of her snow-white and slender wrist.

Behind her followed two young women dressed as ordinary maids. They were beautiful, had agile figures, and walked with steady, silent steps. However, their eyes contained helplessness and vigilance as they whispered, "Miss, be careful not to break the branches."

The young girl paid no heed, plucking a small cluster of tender green leaves and gently inhaling their fragrance under her delicate nose, her face filled with delight. Glancing up at Liu's half-face peeking out of the kitchen window, her eyes darted around cleverly, and she immediately hopped over, curtsying with a cheerful smile, her voice clear and melodious, like a nightingale's song:

"You must be Aunt Su? How are you, Aunt Su? I am Xiao Lingxi, and I have come to Jiangnan from Luoyang for a visit! Is... is Lord Su at home?" She was about to call him by his name, but changed her mind before she could finish.

Liu's heart softened at the sight of her bright, carefree smile. Looking at the osmanthus leaves in her hand, she couldn't help but jokingly remark to herself, "Our osmanthus tree is really something else!"

As she hurriedly dried her hands, Madam Liu greeted them, saying, "Yes, yes. Please come in and sit down, Miss." She led the three of them into the main hall while giving Chi Ying, who was collecting clothes in the courtyard, a look that signaled her to go to the study to fetch someone.

Su Qingxuan was discussing recent political developments with his father by the study window when he heard the news and came out.

Xiao Lingxi, who had been looking around the simple yet elegant furnishings in the hall with her hands behind her back, turned around at the sound and her eyes met Su Qingxuan as he stepped into the hall.

Her almond-shaped eyes suddenly widened, shining brightly as if starlight were bursting forth, and she blurted out, "You're the 'extraordinary man' Su Qingxuan that my father and aunt couldn't forget and praised so highly? How come you look so different?"

The room fell silent. Chi Ying had just stepped inside when she heard this and chuckled softly, covering her mouth and turning away. Su Wenyuan stroked his beard, his eyes full of amusement.

Lady Liu was both amused and exasperated, and suddenly realized that this was the "little princess" that the "extraordinary man" had mentioned.

Su Qingxuan was also visibly taken aback, then shook his head, a helpless bitter smile appearing on his lips.

Xiao Lingxi realized she had spoken out of turn, and two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks, as if she had been adorned with the finest rouge, the blush spreading all the way to her ears.

Yet she wasn't particularly shy; she still opened her bright, round eyes and boldly looked Su Qingxuan up and down, muttering to herself:

"I saw you back then, but... it's been many years. Later, the court painters painted you looking fierce, but in person... you're not that scary. You don't look quite like the image I remember. However, you're quite... quite handsome." The last two words were barely audible, but enough for those nearby to hear clearly.

It turned out that she was Xiao Lingxi, the only daughter of Prince Jing, Xiao Jingyao, who was granted the title of Princess. Her personality was completely different from that of her aunt Xiao Lingyue, who was as calm as water. She was lively, active, innocent and carefree. Having been confined to the strict rules of the Prince's Mansion in the capital for a long time, she felt suffocated.

Some time ago, after her aunt returned to the palace, she would occasionally mention Lord Su, who had once discussed philosophy with her and helped her break through her confusion. Although her words were calm, Xiao Lingxi keenly noticed the subtle ripples in her aunt's voice when she mentioned this person.

She suddenly recalled her innocent feelings after meeting Su Qingxuan when she was a child. It was as if a string in her heart had been touched, and her curiosity grew wildly like weeds. She begged her father for a long time without permission, but he did not give her permission. So she dared to sneak out without telling her family and only took two of her most trusted guards (disguised as maids) to protect her.

Under the guise of "traveling through Jiangnan to broaden my horizons," my primary purpose was to see in person what Lord Su, whom even my aloof aunt remembered and whom my father praised as "young and promising with extraordinary intelligence," looked like now.

With Xiao Lingxi's arrival, the Su family's courtyard was like a tranquil pond tossed with a cheerful pebble, instantly splashing water and becoming lively and vibrant.

She was like a tireless nightingale, chattering and laughing all day long, pestering Su Qingxuan to tell her about the vast sandstorms and the grim military formations of the northern frontier.

When he recounted the old story of how he used the three religions and benevolent customs to guide the mountain bandits, I unconsciously clenched my fists and held my breath when I heard the tense parts; when I heard the exciting parts, I clapped my hands and cheered without any restraint.

Pulling the serene Chi Ying along, she learned to weave grasshoppers and make colorful nets. Although her little hands, which had practiced martial arts and held horsewhips, always wove the grass stems crookedly and made the nets loose and shapeless, she was still happy to do it and never got discouraged.

Squatting by the vegetable patch, pointing at the lush green plants, she tugged at Liu's sleeve and bombarded her with questions: "Auntie, Auntie, what are these lush green patches of vegetables? And what are those with little purple flowers in clusters? Are they edible? How do you eat them?"

Her clear, unrestrained laughter, like the tinkling of silver bells, filled every corner of the courtyard, and even the air seemed to be infected by her, becoming lively and cheerful.

Her closeness and admiration for Su Qingxuan were completely undisguised and crystal clear. She would call him an "extraordinary man" right off the bat. At first, Su Qingxuan felt quite embarrassed and helpless, but later, seeing her innocent and carefree nature, without any scheming or guile, and with eyes as clear as a mountain stream, he gradually let her have her way. Only when she went too far or lost her sense of propriety would he slightly straighten his face and lightly scold her for "being silly".

She wasn't afraid at all. She just stuck out her pink tongue, made a face, and then forgot about it in the blink of an eye, continuing to ask him all sorts of questions.

As Liu watched with her eyes closed, she saw the little princess's bright, expressive eyes following her son's every move. The undisguised admiration and joy in those eyes were almost overflowing. The worry that had been vaguely surfacing in her heart since the visits of the Lin family's daughter and the eldest daughter of the Xiao family gradually solidified into a real and heavy sorrow, pressing down on her heart.

IV. A Mother's Heartfelt Melody, A Hundred Twists of Sorrow

Since Xiao Lingxi's arrival, the tranquility of the Su family, once steeped in scholarly atmosphere and the leisurely seclusion of the countryside, has been replaced by a lively atmosphere full of vitality, which softens the heart and makes one's lips unconsciously curl into a smile.

The courtyard was filled with cheerful laughter from time to time. When cooking, the princess would occasionally "help" and cause a little chaos. Even the old yellow dog at the entrance of Su Family Alley seemed to have become more energetic because it had a lively playmate.

However, beneath this vibrant warmth, a subtle hint of worry, barely perceptible to others and perhaps even unclear to Su Wenyuan, was hidden in Liu's smile.

During the day, she continued to lovingly care for each child, being as considerate to Chi Ying as ever, and doting on the lively Xiao Lingxi. Occasionally, when she mentioned the departed Lin Wanqing and Xiao Lingyue, she spoke highly of them.

But when the night is deep and quiet, the sorrow that was masked by the daytime hustle and bustle spreads out like the night, thick and inseparable.

She saw it all too clearly.

In the dim light of dawn, Chi Ying was always the first to quietly get up, silently prepare the water at the perfect temperature for washing, carefully check the outer robe that Su Qingxuan had changed out of the day before, and if there were any loose threads or stains that were not easily noticeable, she would quietly mend and wash them, then gently scent them with her usual light pine and cypress fragrance, fold them neatly, and place them on his bedside table.

She was always a woman of few words, but when she followed Su Qingxuan, her calm, autumn-water-like eyes held complete trust, tender affection, and a habit ingrained in her very being. She was like a plum blossom quietly blooming on a branch in winter, exuding a delicate fragrance despite the cold; perhaps inconspicuous, yet unmoved by wind and frost, silently accompanying him with unwavering affection.

When the afternoon sun was shining brightly, Xiao Lingxi would often hop around like a cheerful little sparrow, grabbing Su Qingxuan's sleeve: "Strange man, there must be little fish and shrimp under the rocks by the stream! Come with me to take a look! Sister Chiying, come too!" Her laughter was as clear as the clinking of pearls, as if it could splash a babbling brook, and it could always bring out a faint smile of helplessness yet indulgence between Su Qingxuan's brows.

She is the most radiant and beautiful crabapple in autumn, blooming freely and unrestrainedly, innocent and carefree, with clear likes and dislikes. If she likes someone, she will get close to them. Her thoughts are as passionate and direct as her smile, without any gloom.

The day before yesterday, a caravan heading south passed through Qingxi Town and specially brought a letter for Liu. Upon opening it, one could see that it was written in Lin Wanqing's elegant handwriting. The letter first inquired about the well-being of Aunt Su and Uncle Su, then expressed concern about the recent rains in Jiangnan, asking the two elders to take good care of themselves, and finally casually mentioned that she had returned to Pingjiang Prefecture and was doing well.

The letter was written on Xue Tao paper with delicate orchid leaves tucked inside, releasing a subtle and elegant orchid fragrance as soon as it was unfolded. Tucked inside was an exquisitely crafted bookmark, shaped like an apricot leaf, its veins meticulously outlined and inlaid with fine gold thread, shimmering and sparkling in the light.

The postscript reads: "The spring branches of Pingjiang are also clear. I happened to obtain this fortune slip, which is shaped like an apricot leaf with golden threads as veins. I use it to express my thoughts of spring in Jiangnan. Seeing it is like meeting you in person."

The girl is already in Pingjiang, but this delicate and elegant longing, like a delicate orchid, quietly lingers on this small, exquisite bookmark, silently proclaiming "I have never forgotten you."

She is like an orchid blooming alone by a secluded valley in spring, elegant in appearance and with a lingering fragrance. She is unassuming and unassuming, yet possesses a unique charm that makes people forget the mundane world upon seeing her.

As for the departing Xiao Lingyue… Madam Liu’s gaze would involuntarily drift toward the corner of the simple desk by the window in her son’s study.

Beside the dark brown sandalwood prayer beads that he had unintentionally put away, yet often took out to caress when sitting alone, lay a small sandalwood bead of the same color.

It was something that had fallen from Xiao Lingyue's wrist prayer beads while she was meditating, and rolled to the corner of the bed where Su Qingxuan picked it up. He said nothing, but gently placed it next to the prayer beads, as if offering a silent companion.

She is like a white lotus emerging from the mud, pure and untainted, standing tall and clean, to be admired from afar but not to be touched.

However, deep waters run still; who can see the intricate twists and turns of the lotus stem beneath the clear lake water? Who can know the bitterness nurtured in the lotus heart within the glistening white petals?

The four women, Dongmei, Qiutang, Chunlan, and Xiahe, were like flowers of different seasons, each with its own unique posture and nature. Yet, unknowingly, they all left their mark on the life of her son, Su Qingxuan, in ways that were either deep or shallow, but none of them could be ignored.

Each and every one of them is a rare gem, a truly exceptional girl. Seeing them all makes her, as their mother, feel heartache, soften her heart, and... her mind is in turmoil.

That night, the moonlight was exceptionally clear, like silk or gauze, and softly bathed the bed in its gentle glow through the plain white paper covering the window.

Lady Liu lay awake, staring at the lotus scroll pattern embroidered on the canopy ceiling, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Beside her, Su Wenyuan was already snoring softly and evenly. Finally, she couldn't resist and gently nudged her husband's arm.

"Master, master, wake up, I feel so choked up, I can't sleep."

Su Wenyuan, still half-asleep, mumbled, "Hmm...it's about Qingxuan again?"

"Indeed!" Madam Liu sat up abruptly, leaning against the headboard. The moonlight streaming through the window revealed a deep frown forming between her brows.

"We watched Chiying grow up, we know her inside and out. This child is very kind and sincere to Xuan'er, without any reservations. Xuan'er also clearly has deep feelings for her, they are already like family, and it is hard for them to part with each other."

"You've met Miss Lin before. She's well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. She's beautiful, kind, and talented—she's got it all. What's even more remarkable is that her mind and insight are no less than a man's. She's the kind of woman who's perfect for a home, capable of supporting the family, and a worthy wife and mistress."

"Miss Xiao..." She paused, her voice unconsciously lowering, tinged with a sigh, "Although she is taciturn and excessively quiet, her overall demeanor and the refined elegance she exudes are extraordinary. She hides her feelings for Xuan'er most deeply, but my old eyes haven't lost their sight yet! Beneath that serene and otherworldly appearance lies a turbulent sea that even she herself may not be able to fully control."

"And then there's this little princess in the family right now," she sighed, her voice a mixture of genuine affection and overwhelming sorrow.

"She's so childlike, innocent and pure like crystal. What she thinks is written all over her face. Her heart is completely open and honest with Xuan'er, without any attempt to hide it, nor does she want to. With her privileged status and fiery temperament, how will we manage in the future? We can't just keep living like this in ambiguity forever; how could her family possibly agree to it?"

The more she spoke, the more anxious she became, as if the tangled threads had become entangled in her heart. She involuntarily grabbed Su Wenyuan's sleeve:

"If we consider social standing, the two daughters of the Xiao family are truly of noble birth, of golden branches and jade leaves, and there is absolutely no reason for them to be concubines. Even if Xuan'er is now in a high position, it is still against etiquette."

"But Chiying and Wanqing are such good children. Can we bear to watch them be subservient to others and suffer such injustice? Xuan'er is now in a high position and has great power. According to common sense, even if he takes a few concubines, no one will dare to say a word."

"But in our Su family, from your ancestors to when I married into the family, has there ever been a tradition of having multiple wives and concubines, or of mistreating women? Neither you nor I are the kind of people who cling to power or lust after beauty, and Xuan'er is even less so! My heart feels like it's being pulled and tugged in different directions by several ropes, it's so painful, I can't breathe..."

Su Wenyuan listened quietly to his wife's anxious outpouring. Once her breathing had calmed down, he slowly opened his clear eyes in the moonlight and said gently, "My lady, your heart is in turmoil."

He extended his broad, warm hand and grasped Liu's slightly cool hand, saying slowly, "As the old saying goes, children and grandchildren have their own destinies and their own blessings. Qingxuan is a child we've watched grow up. He has experienced life-and-death trials and tribulations, and has seen through the ways of the world and people's hearts. He is by no means a fool."

"The word 'love' may seem irrational, but in reality, the human heart has its own measure. It has its own scale in its heart to weigh what is more important, who is deeper and who is shallower, how to handle it, and how to live up to its promises."

"As parents, we should do our duty, treat others with sincerity, and cherish and love these children as our own, regardless of their background. If we can do this, we will have a clear conscience."

"As for titles, staying or leaving, and the depth of their fate... it all depends on their own destiny and how Xuan ultimately chooses. Such matters cannot be forced, and worrying is futile and will only harm oneself."

How could Lady Liu not understand the reasoning her husband was speaking? Every word was reasonable, every sentence insightful. But reason is reason, and heart is heart. How could a mother's loving heart, a devoted heart hoping all good children would have their wishes fulfilled and everyone happy, simply let go of it peacefully?

Scenes involuntarily flashed before her eyes:

Late at night, under the dim light of a lamp, Chi Ying carefully mended the tiny, barely noticeable tear on the inside of her son's outer robe. Her slightly reddened ears and her profile, which appeared unusually focused and gentle in the light and shadow, were captivating.

When Lin Wanqing was talking to Su Qingxuan about a desolate frontier poem on the banks of the Qingxi River, her eyes suddenly lit up with a clear and admiring light, like stars falling into the dark night.

As Xiao Lingyue sat alone under the eaves, her gaze blankly and silently following Su Qingxuan's tall and upright figure as he busied himself in the courtyard, a deep sense of loneliness lingered around her, a loneliness that seemed out of place in this warm and mundane world.

Holding up the crookedly woven grasshopper that was almost unrecognizable as a grasshopper, Xiao Lingxi hopped up to Su Qingxuan like she was presenting a treasure, her little face upturned, her smile as radiant and pure as the morning sun...

"My heart is not made of iron or stone; I cannot be that hard or that clear-headed."

Lady Liu lay back down, gazing at the intricate embroidery on the canopy ceiling casting hazy shadows in the moonlight, murmuring as if to herself:

"I think they are all perfect. I think they are all good matches for Xuan'er and deserve a happy ending. I wish... I wish all their good qualities could be gathered in one person, so that I would be spared so many troubles and entanglements."

"But in this world, is there a way to have it all, to be true to both Buddha and to one's beloved?"

"Buddhism teaches that greed, anger, and ignorance are suffering. My greedy wish for everyone to be well is perhaps also a form of delusion. I'm just afraid... I'm afraid that Xuan'er might take a wrong step in the future, or that he himself will be tormented by inner conflict, or... or that he will ultimately hurt one of these good children. If any of them are saddened and shed tears because of this, my heart will ache terribly, as if a piece of my flesh has been ripped out..."

Outside the window, the moonlight grew ever brighter, casting the shadows of the old osmanthus's sparse branches and leaves clearly onto the plain white window screen. The leaves swayed gently in the breeze, rustling softly, like long, gentle sighs, or as if silently recounting the joys and sorrows it had witnessed over the past hundred years.

From the depths of the alley, the faint barking of guard dogs could be heard, further emphasizing the quiet stillness of the spring night.

Su Wenyuan gently patted his wife's hand, as if soothing a restless child, and said softly, "Alright, stop thinking about it and go to sleep. If you don't sleep, tomorrow morning, that energetic girl Lingxi will definitely be knocking on the door again, clamoring for Xuan'er to take her to the town market to buy all those strange and wonderful trinkets. If you don't get enough rest and are exhausted, how will you have the energy to deal with that little rascal's pestering?"

Thinking of Xiao Lingxi's carefree and lively appearance, and imagining her coming to disturb her peaceful sleep early tomorrow morning, Liu couldn't help but burst out laughing. But her laughter was tinged with lingering tears and deep affection: "What a little devil! She's just here to torment this old woman."

As she laughed, a heavy sigh welled up from the bottom of her heart, turning into a long, helpless "Ah!" filled with a mother's tenderness: "So be it, so be it. I've come to understand that this old woman can't manage or worry about all this anymore."

"My son, my dear son, you are so worrisome, I wonder who you take after. My heart is filled with both joy and worry, I really can't help you."

"I only hope that whatever choice you make, you will always be kind-hearted, discerning of your own heart, honest and upright, and never betray anyone's sincerity. I only hope that you will not let someone's heart end up broken."

"Tell me, can't I see it? They're just very well-preserved. They're still unmarried at this age. Who are they waiting for? Alas! May Buddha protect them, and may the God of Marriage be kind, so that these children suffer less..."

V. Laughter and conversation in the courtyard remained the same, but turmoil raged in my heart.

The next day, just as Su Wenyuan had predicted.

As dawn broke and the eastern horizon began to lighten, a thin mist lingered among the green tiles and white walls, not yet dispersed by the morning light.

The old wooden door of the main room in the Su family courtyard was then struck by a series of crisp, rapid, and unrestrained knocks, accompanied by a girl's cheerful, bell-like calls.

Piercing the stillness of the morning:

"Aunt Su! Brother Su! Open the door quickly! The sun's already high in the sky! If you don't get up soon, all the good stuff at the temple fair will be bought up!"

Liu was awakened from her sleep. Hearing the energetic voice outside the door, she felt both amused and helpless. She shook her head with a smile, put on her clothes, and got up.

Upon opening the door, one sees Xiao Lingxi dressed in a neat, light green outfit, her hair tied high in a ponytail with a matching ribbon, revealing a smooth, full, and radiant face, standing spiritedly in the cool morning air outside the door.

Behind her, the two maids were dressed in clothes suitable for travel, carrying small bamboo baskets and embroidered pouches, clearly having made thorough preparations.

"Good morning, Auntie!" Xiao Lingxi's eyes sparkled, as if they held two stars. Upon seeing Liu Shi, her smile grew even brighter. "Yesterday, I promised Brother Su that we'd go to the temple fair at the Niangniang Temple in town! Where's Brother Su? Sister Chiying, are you coming too? I heard it's very lively, with sugar figurines, masks, and even acrobatics!"

Before long, Su Qingxuan and Chi Ying finished getting ready and came out of the house.

Su Qingxuan changed into an ordinary indigo scholar's robe, looking tall and handsome with a gentle temperament; Chi Ying wore a light pink fine cloth dress that Liu had recently made for her, the color of which was light and soft, making her look as elegant and gentle as a chrysanthemum.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Lingxi immediately and affectionately took Liu's arm with one hand, while her other hand naturally reached out to grab Su Qingxuan's sleeve. Su Qingxuan subtly shifted his feet, turning half a step to the side to avoid her, and said gently, "It's getting late, let's go."

Xiao Lingxi missed her chance, but didn't mind. She chuckled and ran to Chi Ying's side, taking her arm. The group bid farewell to Madam Liu and Su Wenyuan, left the courtyard, and merged into the newly awakened streets and alleys of the small town, filled with the scent of cooking smoke and morning mist.

Liu leaned against the door frame, watching them leave with a tender yet complex gaze.

Su Qingxuan walked in the middle, his posture as upright as a pine tree in the courtyard. To his left was Xiao Lingxi, who occasionally turned her head to talk to him. She seemed to have completely forgotten the small "setback" that morning, and was talking excitedly again. Sometimes she pointed to the newly blooming pink roses on the roadside fence, and sometimes she turned to Su Qingxuan to describe the lantern festival she had seen in the capital last year. She was as lively and agile as a tireless lark.

Half a step behind on the right was Chi Ying, who was quietly following. Most of the time she just listened, but her gaze always unconsciously fell on Su Qingxuan in front of her.

Seeing him about to step over a small ditch formed by the rain, her hand unconsciously rose slightly, then silently lowered again, as Su Qingxuan had already stepped across steadily. A barely perceptible, reassuring, and gentle smile curved her lips.

The two maids followed five steps behind them, silently protecting them.

The rising sun cast its golden rays obliquely, elongating the three figures on the damp cobblestone path. In the interplay of light and shadow, their silhouettes sometimes overlapped due to their interlacing steps, and sometimes separated as the path meandered.

Xiao Lingxi's clear laughter, Chi Ying's occasional gentle replies, and Su Qingxuan's deep, warm words drifted on the wind, gradually fading into the distance as they walked away, disappearing into the end of the alley, while the sounds of the bustling market could be faintly heard.

Liu stared blankly at the three figures walking away until they turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

Suddenly, she felt a slight warmth in her eyes. The tangled mess in her heart that had been lingering since yesterday, and even since the day Lin Wanqing arrived in the rain, seemed to be illuminated by the clear morning light, making the origin and development of every single thread clearly visible.

But precisely because of this, the entanglement and confusion not only failed to be resolved, but instead became even more complicated and difficult to understand, weighing heavily on my heart.

She recalled Lin Wanqing's elegant figure, like a secluded orchid in a valley, as she walked through the gentle spring rain, and the glistening raindrops dripping from the edge of her umbrella.

I recall Xiao Lingyue, dressed in pure white, silently disappearing into the milky white fog, a boundless loneliness that seemed to melt into the light.

I recall Chi Ying's gentle silhouette, working silently day after day in the morning light and evening twilight, and those deep, affectionate eyes that always held concern and reliance.

I recall Xiao Lingxi's bright smile and vibrant energy when she burst into the courtyard, a smile that seemed to dispel all sorrow and gloom.

These four women were like four strands of silk, each with a completely different texture and color: one as calm as ink, one as elegant as blue, one as serene as moon white, and one as bright as clear yellow.

She didn't know when it started, but it had quietly clung to the hem of her son Su Qingxuan's clothes, and also seeped into her heart as a mother, day and night, impossible to unravel, and growing ever tighter.

"This fate, is it deep or shallow, a blessing or a debt... Xuan'er, your life is destined to be anything but peaceful."

She murmured to herself, her voice as soft as a sigh, and as soon as it left her lips, it dissipated in the morning breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers and grass, unheard by anyone.

Turning around, preparing to close the courtyard gate, she couldn't help but look back one last time at the old osmanthus tree in the courtyard that had weathered a hundred years of wind and rain, witnessing the rise and fall of the mansion and the changing of people.

It remains lush and verdant, standing silently and resiliently in its place, its dense shade like a canopy. Like a wise and kind elder, it silently watches over the joys and sorrows, the gatherings and partings of everyone in the courtyard, embracing all love, hate, and entanglements.

A morning breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the green leaves on the trees. The sound was like a long, deep, all-knowing sigh, or an eternal, gentle, and compassionate gaze.

It is:

Three shadows knock on the door in spring beneath the osmanthus tree; cloud-patterned paper and sutra leaves bear mossy imprints.

The whispers in the courtyard are endless, a tree's gentle shade covers dawn and dusk.