Divination Ten

“Peach blossoms usually bloom in March, yet the inscription mentions the dead of winter—this is truly an extraordinary matter. Traveler, have you encountered anything unusual lately?”

Jiang Shuwan’s heart trembled. She recalled that she should have died, yet here she was, reborn. Could this be a sign of that very matter? But such a thing must remain secret. If others found out, they would surely deem her possessed by evil spirits, rendering her rebirth meaningless.

Suppressing her fear, Jiang Shuwan shook her head. “Nothing special. I merely fell into a pond a few days ago and was gravely ill. Nothing else happened.”

Master Yuanming fixed her with a deep, penetrating gaze. Already uneasy, Jiang Shuwan felt her resolve falter. Her hands clenched tightly at her side, forcing a calm expression, fearing any hint of truth might be revealed.

Yet Master Yuanming seemed to see through her façade. A chill ran down Jiang Shuwan’s spine as she shivered, stammering, “Master Yuanming, why do you look at me like that? Is there something wrong?”

Master Yuanming withdrew her gaze and placed a divination slip on the table.

“Amitabha. Since fate has granted you this chance, cherish it well. Yet the path ahead is perilous. I hope you will take care of yourself.”

Jiang Shuwan’s heart quaked, her face draining of color.

“Thank you for your counsel, Master Yuanming.”

Though more was said afterward, Jiang Shuwan no longer registered the words. When she stood, her legs trembled, and she nearly stumbled while walking. Thankfully, Liusu, who had arrived, caught her.

“Miss, what’s the matter with you?” Liusu asked, puzzled.

Jiang Shuwan shook her head.

After walking some distance, Jiang Shuwan’s thoughts were in turmoil. She said to Liusu, “You don’t have to follow me anymore. I just want to walk around for a while.”

Liusu looked at her worriedly.

“I’m really fine. Just taking a stroll nearby,” Jiang Shuwan reassured, patting her hand.

“Alright,” Liusu nodded in agreement.

---

In the temple’s meditation chamber, outside in the courtyard, magnolia flowers bloomed profusely, a few sprightly branches creeping through the window into the room.

One window was open, allowing a gentle breeze to waft inside.

At a writing desk sat a tall, poised man dressed in a fitted black robe. His knuckles were prominent as he held a brush pen; his left hand rested behind him. The breeze brushed his face, yet it did not disturb his steady hand.

After a while, he paused, setting the brush aside on the inkstone. Folding the paper carefully, he handed it to a guard standing nearby.

“Maple Leaf, deliver this letter to the palace.”

“Yes, Master,” Maple Leaf replied respectfully.

He seemed to recall something, hesitating as he looked at the man.

“What is it?” the man asked, casting a faint glance at him before continuing to write on the rice paper.

“Master, the matter you asked me to inquire about—I have obtained information,” Maple Leaf said, presenting a letter.

The man’s hand froze, the brush halted mid-air, ink staining the paper black. Setting down the brush, he took the letter and said calmly, “Leave now.”

“Yes.”

After Maple Leaf departed, the man opened the letter. A playful gleam flashed in his eyes.

He walked to the window and casually plucked a magnolia flower, twirling it between his fingers.

---

Jiang Shuwan descended the stone steps slowly, her heart in disarray.

The words from the divination slip replayed vividly in her mind, coupled with Master Yuanming’s warning, stirring an unshakable unease.

She had died once and been reborn, with only one desire—to see those who had wronged her in her past life receive their just deserts. She wished to avoid further trouble, but the divination suggested that nothing would come easily.

Suddenly, the scent of flowers drifted to her nose—delicate and subtle, unmistakably magnolia.

Following the fragrance along the corridor, her eyes brightened as she spotted a tree adorned with luscious, white blossoms. She quickened her pace.

She had always loved magnolias. When she was little, before her mother passed, a large magnolia tree grew in their courtyard. But after her mother’s death, Lady Li, claiming children couldn’t tolerate such fragrant flowers, ordered it uprooted completely.

In her previous life, Jiang Shuwan had thought Lady Li did it for her own good. Now, she realized Lady Li sought to destroy everything precious to her.

White petals scattered on the ground. Jiang Shuwan crouched to pick one, inhaling its faint aroma. The gentle scent transported her back to joyful childhood days.

A breeze stirred, petals falling like soft rain, breathtakingly beautiful. She spread her hands, tilting her head back with a smile as petals settled on her skin and clothes.

The man’s gaze lingered on the woman not far away, frozen in admiration.

Her fair skin, bathed in sunlight filtering through layers of petals, seemed to glow with an ethereal light. His eyes burned with intensity.

---

Feeling someone watching her, Jiang Shuwan turned slightly and saw a man leaning by the window, his eyes fixed on her.

Startled, she abruptly composed herself, lifted her skirt, and hurried away.

The man smiled faintly at her startled retreat.

After putting distance between them, Jiang Shuwan’s heart still pounded fiercely.

“Miss, what’s wrong?” Liusu called from afar, confused.

Shaking her head, Jiang Shuwan replied, “Nothing. Let’s go.”

Liusu said no more and followed her.

Later, after praying for blessings with Gu Yunting, Jiang Shuwan and Liusu descended the mountain.

The carriage slowly wound through bustling streets, vendors calling out their wares.

Liusu lifted the curtain slightly, watching the crowd flowing like a river, smiling at Jiang Shuwan. “Miss, today’s market day—it’s so lively!”

Jiang Shuwan felt dazed. In her previous life, she had remained mostly confined to the estate, rarely venturing out.

Through the carriage window, she saw people carrying baskets, faces alight with joy, mingling with the cacophony of vendors’ cries—a vibrant scene.

“Liusu, let’s get out and take a look,” Jiang Shuwan said, a spark of excitement in her voice.

Liusu lowered the curtain in surprise, staring incredulously. “Miss, are you serious?”

Jiang Shuwan laughed at Liusu’s strong reaction and nodded.

“That’s wonderful! If I may speak frankly, you should go out more. Staying cooped up in the estate every day will only make you sick.”

Realizing she had overstepped, Liusu lowered her gaze, murmuring, “Miss, I didn’t mean—”

In the past, Jiang Shuwan had been reclusive and reserved, rarely leaving home, often expressionless, which had made Liusu somewhat afraid of her.