Chapter 16: Resolution

“The young lady’s birth chart is lacking in wood; although the surname ‘Liu’ contains ‘wood’ and compensates somewhat, her fate is dominated by water. Water nurtures wood, yet the wood does not flourish—it cannot be complete. Therefore, her benefactor must bear a surname with the element of wood, either as a component or as a radical, and possess abundant metal in their destiny, granting inexhaustible wealth and prosperity. Most importantly, the benefactor’s character must harmonize with the young lady’s: their birth dates and zodiac signs should be compatible.”

“Could you tell us, Master, who this noble person might be? We would like to seek them out.”

“Madam, I am able to divine fate, not foresee it. What I have calculated is already the limit; I cannot be more specific. As for the benefactor, please pay close attention, both you and the young lady. With their help, calamity will turn to fortune. But the destiny of serving others with beauty is predetermined, a fate that cannot be altered before the age of seventeen. Afterward, if the benefactor is willing to assist, it will be resolved, and a blissful marriage will follow.”

“What if she never meets this benefactor?”

“That too is fate.” Master Yixing’s expression was calmer than before, but regret lingered.

“Master, please advise me—how can my granddaughter encounter her benefactor soon and receive their help?”

“Madam, the young lady is at the age for marriage. Take her out more, let her meet strangers and make friends; she will surely come across the benefactor.”

Madam Han carefully noted his words, repeating them silently. She looked up and asked, “Are there any zodiac signs or birth dates that clash with hers?”

“The young lady is a sheep; she clashes with those six years older born under the ox, so extra care must be taken when arranging a marriage. Tigers are strong-willed, rabbits gentle—the former complements, the latter shares virtues; both are suitable matches. Those seven years older born under the rat are clever and quick-witted, also acceptable. The rest of the zodiac signs are average, neither beneficial nor harmful.”

“Yanyan, remember these well.” Madam Han saw that Liu Chuyan was still bewildered and patted her hand.

Liu Chuyan bit her lip, said nothing, and merely blinked, signaling her assent.

“Songling, escort the young lady back to rest. Yunling, invite Fourth Miss over.”

“Yes.” Songling obeyed and supported Liu Chuyan, while Yunling went to find Han Shuwei.

“Young lady,” Songling watched Liu Chuyan sink weakly onto the couch, as though all her energy had drained away, her eyes vacant and limbs limp. Songling brought a bowl of hot tea. “The master’s words shouldn’t be entirely believed. Earlier, Third Miss sought out a fortune-teller who predicted lifelong wealth, marital bliss, and blessings of children and grandchildren. Yet only three months later, her newlywed husband died unexpectedly. This matter—”

“Silence!” Liu Chuyan suddenly raised her voice.

“Young lady…” Songling realized her error and bowed her head in shame.

“The matter of Third Miss must never be mentioned again. Suffering once does not mean suffering always. You know Third Miss is gentle and virtuous and deserves a better man; her future will only grow brighter and more harmonious—understand?”

“Yes.”

Liu Chuyan thought of Han Shujing’s misfortune and sighed inwardly, yet felt some relief. Yes, those words are not to be trusted in full. Still, this master was different from the one Han Shujing had sought; he spoke accurately about many matters—such as the three men, their dishonorable ways, and recent disasters.

“Qinghe, go to the Tranquil Residence and see if Fourth Miss is finished. If so, ask if the master is available; I’d like another audience.”

The maid outside received the instructions and hurried off.

“Young lady, Master Yixing is waiting in the Waterside Pavilion,” Qinghe soon returned.

“Very well.” Liu Chuyan rose, drank a cup of hot tea, calmed herself, and stepped out.

The Lotus Pavilion was surrounded by Xiangfei bamboo, with ponds filled with lotus blooms—white, red, pink, yellow, every shade imaginable. But autumn had come; the bamboo was tinged with yellow, the lotus flowers withered. If not for the scattered patches of evergreen holly, the scene would be desolate indeed. Liu Chuyan’s heart grew more troubled at the sight.

Master Yixing was seated within, eyes closed in meditation. Hearing the soft rustle of skirts, he did not look up. “Young lady, I have already said much. If you have further questions, speak them; though I may not have answers.”

Liu Chuyan did not expect him to resolve her troubles, but she was unsettled and sought him out. After dismissing Songling and Qinghe, she considered her words and then half-concealed her question: “Master, you must have heard of the saying that cats have nine lives—have you ever heard of a person living more than once?”

Master Yixing instantly opened his eyes, gazing at her in astonishment. “You… No wonder… You seek answers from me, but it is you who have resolved my doubts.”

“Master, you must have divined it, but perhaps you simply cannot believe?”

Master Yixing nodded. “Indeed, the world is full of wonders. Your origins were already extraordinary, and now another layer of mystery is added. Since Heaven has shown mercy, you shall have no worries.”

“Then, the fate you spoke of—serving others with beauty—is it avoidable?”

“I dare not speak rashly, but the Buddha is compassionate. You have accumulated virtue, saved others from disaster—you are certain to have a good ending.”

“Saved others from disaster?” Liu Chuyan was surprised. What else did he know?

Master Yixing smiled mysteriously, stood, and slowly wound his prayer beads twice around his wrist. “Madam Han’s fate included a calamity this September—I calculated it long ago and planned to come for her farewell. Yet she did not pass; instead, she gained more time, and that is your gift to her.”

“You mean…” Liu Chuyan’s face lit with joy, but Master Yixing interrupted.

“Young lady, Heaven’s secrets cannot be revealed. It is enough that you and I understand.”

“Thank you, Master, but I…”

“Young lady, when the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten itself. Fate is written in the stars, but success lies in man’s hands, and fulfillment in Heaven’s. Yet destiny is not always unchangeable. I see that you have survived great trials and are destined for future blessings—wealth and honor beyond measure. Take each step as it comes; if you find your benefactor, your chances will multiply.”

“I borrow your auspicious words, Master.”

“I only speak the truth. Meeting you today, I realize that worldly affairs are both fixed and unpredictable. May you keep your original heart and persist in kindness; your life shall be smooth. I shall take my leave.”

“Please, Master Yixing, stay for a meal before departing.” Madame Han, upon hearing that Liu Chuyan had sought the master again, came to find him, only to see him about to leave. She hurried to keep him.

Master Yixing pressed his palms together and intoned, “Amitabha. Benefactor Hong, only by accumulating virtue can one achieve true results. There is no need to expend effort on me—do good to those around you, and act kindly.”

Madame Han, her motives laid bare, blushed and lowered her head, murmuring, “Thank you for your guidance, Master. Safe travels.”

They watched Master Yixing depart. After a long while, Madame Han returned to herself, glanced at Liu Chuyan, and, though briefly embarrassed, regained her composure. On ordinary days, she would have made things difficult for Liu Chuyan at a moment like this, but Master Yixing’s words echoed in her ear. She simply smiled and left quietly.

“Cousin! Cousin!” As Madame Han left, Han Shuwei hurriedly chased after, waving from the end of the corridor and calling urgently.

“Shuwei, what is it?” Liu Chuyan, distracted by her own thoughts, spoke absentmindedly, only asking out of courtesy.

Han Shuwei pouted, her expression sorrowful. “Cousin, I know what the master said about you, and I understand what you’re thinking—but I’m not as fortunate as you.”

“Huh?” Liu Chuyan’s eyes widened. Could she be more unfortunate?

“Cousin, let’s talk in the osmanthus grove behind.” Han Shuwei glanced at the servants and maids bustling nearby, wary of prying eyes, and pulled her away.

In her previous life, after Liu Chuyan was sent to the Residence of the Noble Lord, she lost touch with Han Shuwei, hearing only fragments from gossiping maids and nannies.

When Madam Han passed away, the Marquis of Wukang’s residence lost its pillar, and the two households began to split. Afterward, Liu Chuyan was manipulated by Lady Rong into becoming a servant, suffering abuse. Because Madam Han’s memorial tablet was placed in the main house’s ancestral hall, Liu Chuyan could visit often and did not resist. Unexpectedly, Han Zhen got into trouble, and Zhao Panyu caught him; Lady Rong sent Liu Chuyan to Zhao Panyu. Though Zhao Panyu spared Han Zhen, the Marquis of Wukang, without Madam Han’s restraint, could not maintain the prestige of his house, and it declined further.

As for the second branch, Han Ruogu was smarter than Han Ruhui and allied with Xue Ao to suppress corrupt officials like Zhao Panyu. Yet the Noble Lord feared them and devised a scheme to send Han Shuwei into the palace, supposedly as a lady-in-waiting to the Noble Consort, but in reality she endured daily humiliation and abuse. Still, for the sake of her family, she persevered.

Later, the Emperor somehow took a liking to her and made her his close attendant—a slight improvement over serving the Noble Consort, but a slap in the face to the Noble Lord. Lady Fengxian, an ally of the Noble Lord, could not tolerate it and falsely accused her of stealing palace treasures. The Emperor defended her, claiming they were gifts. Lady Fengxian grew even more furious, intensified the persecution, and in the end, the Emperor promoted her directly to concubine. The Emperor, having become a lawless tyrant, cared little for propriety and elevated her to Noble Consort, rivaling the former Consort Lin.

The intricacies of these events were not fully clear to Liu Chuyan, nor was it certain whether they were fortunate or not for Han Shuwei.

Now, Han Shuwei hurried to find her—surely Master Yixing had spoken to her about fate.

Indeed, after entering the osmanthus grove, Han Shuwei clung to her shoulder, voice trembling with tears. “Cousin, I’m terrified!”

Liu Chuyan’s body jolted, seeing the shocked faces of Songling and the others; only Qingya, Han Shuwei’s maid, kept her head down. Liu Chuyan dismissed them. “Shuwei, speak slowly, don’t be afraid.”

Han Shuwei, comforted, cried harder, soaking her thin dress. “Cousin, it’s too frightening. Tell me, what Master Yixing said won’t come true, it won’t!”

“Shuwei…” Liu Chuyan called her softly, unable to say more. It seemed her fate had been no better than Liu Chuyan’s. Now, she too was frightened by the master’s prediction. But Liu Chuyan had managed to change her fate, save her great-aunt, so she believed she could help Han Shuwei as well.

“Cousin…” Han Shuwei’s voice quivered, tears streaming down her face, unstoppable.

“What did Master Yixing say to you?” Liu Chuyan gently wiped her tears with a silk handkerchief, stroked her cheek, and asked softly.

“Master Yixing said I would enter the royal family. But with the Emperor as he is now, how could I have any happiness? I’d rather marry a commoner than be a flower vase without respect. Besides, our Marquis of Wukang’s household has no ties to the palace, nor do we share interests with the Noble Lord and his faction—I…”

“All right, all right, I understand.” Han Shuwei’s anger rose, and Liu Chuyan quickly covered her mouth. “Don’t let anyone overhear.”

Han Shuwei muffled a few sounds, realizing Liu Chuyan’s anxiety, and understood she had spoken too rashly, uttering words that could offend the throne. She nodded to show she understood.

Once calm, Liu Chuyan breathed a sigh of relief. “Shuwei, do you know what else Master Yixing said to me?”

“What?”

“He said worldly matters have their fixed fate, but also exceptions. Fate may be written, but human effort can change the outcome. Our birth charts are indeed unfortunate, but if we strive, we can change things.”

“Can it really be changed?”

“It can.” Liu Chuyan spoke firmly, encouraging both Han Shuwei and herself. “He told me I could not escape the fate of serving others with beauty, but if I find the benefactor and receive their help, it can be resolved. Did he tell you any way to resolve your fate?”

“To others, entering the royal family is fortune earned over lifetimes—how would he offer a solution?” Han Shuwei was full of indignation.

“That can’t be.” Liu Chuyan guessed that perhaps the master had not yet known her circumstances. If he’d heard of her rebirth and considered Madam Han’s case, he would surely have devised a perfect plan for Han Shuwei. But now the master had left—what should be done?

“Cousin, what are you thinking?” Han Shuwei saw Liu Chuyan lost in thought after saying ‘that can’t be,’ and shook her arm.

“Shuwei, the master has gone; we cannot ask him again. But he said my troubles could be resolved, so yours surely can as well. Think carefully—did he say anything else besides what you remember?”

Han Shuwei immediately shook her head, but Liu Chuyan wrinkled her nose and fixed her gaze. “Think harder.”

Han Shuwei turned, staring at the withered branches and leaves, pondering. After a moment, she murmured, “He seemed to say one more thing.”

“What?”

“He said, as long as Han Manor is well, I will be well.”

“That’s all?” Such words were almost meaningless; Liu Chuyan did not believe it.

“He added something as he left, but I was so upset I didn’t hear clearly.”

“Never mind, I’ll ask Great-Aunt later.” Han Shuwei’s state was probably much like her own—too distraught to pay attention. If she missed it, so be it, Liu Chuyan sighed inwardly.

“Cousin, what else did the master say to you?”

Master Yixing had not spoken in depth, and Liu Chuyan feared Han Shuwei might be unable to keep secrets, risking others hearing if she spoke too much. She shook her head slightly. “Nothing more. Shuwei, focus on yourself, don’t worry about me. And tomorrow we’re visiting the General’s residence—are you prepared?”