Chapter 359: Plum Blossoms Bloom in the Capital

The most elegant of the Ten Wonders of Changjing was no more.

The once-bustling Hexian Pavilion, frequented by nobles and high-ranking officials, had closed its doors after the funeral of Miss Wanjiang.

𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Situated at the border between the eastern and western districts, the pavilion was often passed by dignitaries and refined scholars. Former regulars couldn’t help but pause as they walked by, glancing at its now-desolate entrance.

Memories of drinking fine wine and listening to the ethereal melodies played there would resurface—of that transcendent music, like it descended from the heavens, and the unparalleled grace of the fairy of

qin

herself. A sigh inevitably followed.

Neighbors occasionally claimed they could faintly hear the sound of a zither from the Hexian Pavilion at night. The music was as beautiful as ever but could only be heard in a dreamlike state, half-awake and half-asleep.

Once fully awake, no matter how hard they listened or searched, the sound was nowhere to be found.

At first, a single account could be dismissed. But as more neighbors shared the same story, unease began to spread. Some wondered if something supernatural was at work.

Conversely, a few literary types took comfort in the notion, imagining that Miss Wanjiang’s spirit still lingered, guarding the Hexian Pavilion. If not for the concern of maintaining appearances, they might have donned thick coats, scaled the walls, and spent the night inside.

As for Miss Wanjiang’s maids and the old staff who had long served her, no one knew where they had gone.

Snow began to fall in Changjing.

This was no wintry mix like the one on winter solstice but a proper, heavy snowfall.

Large snowflakes filled the sky, dimming the daylight. Passersby hurried through the streets, hands tucked into sleeves and shoulders hunched against the cold. Others huddled in sheltered corners to escape the biting wind, forming small groups. Whether they knew each other or not, they pressed close to share warmth.

On the Hexian Pavilion’s street-facing pavilion, its open design still intact, a woman stood at the edge, leaning on the railing as she gazed down at the scene below. Snowflakes danced in the air, her white veil fluttering gently. The pedestrians below, however, could not see her.

Behind her, the sound of footsteps approached.

“I wonder how many people will freeze to death during this year's harsh winter,” the woman said softly without turning her head. Her voice was gentle and calm.

“You've really stayed in Changjing for too long,” came the voice of the maid behind her. “Talking to people so much, you're starting to think of yourself as one of them. But we’re not human. How many people freeze to death in Changjing has nothing to do with us. As long as we’re not the ones causing their deaths, it’s none of our concern.”

“That’s true...”

“Out in the wild, more foxes die every year than people,” the maid continued with a cheeky laugh. “We don’t care about ordinary foxes, just like the emperors and gods of Changjing don’t care about the common folk. If anything, they might even be happier if more people froze to death. There are too many people and too little land.

“If it weren’t for that Swallow Immortal, it would already be a disaster. More deaths mean more souls for the Ghost City of Fengzhou, after all.”

“Yi Yi[1]...” the woman murmured.

“I’m San San[2],” the maid corrected.

“Ah, San San...”

“How can you not even tell your own tails apart?” the maid grumbled, clearly dissatisfied.

“There are too many tails,” the woman replied, her voice still calm, without a hint of embarrassment.

Her eight tails were all identical. How could she possibly distinguish which came first, which was left, and which was right? If one fell off, it was only natural not to tell them apart. After all, there were creatures with only one tail who couldn’t even recognize their own.

She was about to say more when a faint fragrance wafted through the wind. It came from a courtyard nearby.

The woman turned her head to look.

In the courtyard stood a plum tree, over ten years old. Such trees typically bore flowers but no leaves. In the heart of winter, its dark branches looked almost dead. Yet amidst those branches were scattered white blossoms.

They were not yellow plums or red plums, but white flowers with green calyxes. From a distance, they looked whiter than snow. At a glance, one might mistake them for snowflakes resting on the branches.

But they were not snow. Snow didn’t carry such a fragrance.

“The plum blossoms have bloomed,” the woman murmured.

“They must’ve just opened,” the maid said.

“Has the Daoist Master from Hidden Dragon Temple returned?”

“How would I know?” the maid replied. “I don’t even know where he went.”

“He went to Mount Beiqin to look for the Snake Immortal.”

“How do you know?”

“I'm guessing,” the woman replied calmly.

“If he went to seek the Snake Immortal, he would surely discuss the State Preceptor's Ghost City of Fengzhou. Aren't you afraid?” the maid asked with a mischievous smile.

“What's there to fear? Just let fate take its course,” the woman said as she turned her gaze to the lone plum blossoms blooming in the cold. “If it works out, then it's destiny. If not, then it’s a chance to forge a bond with Hidden Dragon Temple.”

“You’re really quite open-minded.”

“What choice do I have?”

“Knowing that the successor of Hidden Dragon Temple has descended the mountain, the State Preceptor must have made ample preparations over these years. I think, even if that successor is extraordinary, he might not be able to resolve so many methods by himself alone.”

“Do you think he’s returned?”

“If he went to Mount Beiqin, he should’ve been back by now, don’t you think?” the maid replied. “Should I go check?”

As she spoke, she spun around in place, transforming into a white fox with red eyes, crouching down to scratch an itch with her hind leg.

“It’s been half a month since our last meeting. It’s about time we paid a visit,” the woman said. “And now that the plum blossoms have bloomed, bring me a branch.”

“Planning to probe him for information?”

“Don’t make wild guesses.”

“Shouldn’t I go check first?”

“I should go in person.”

“You’re well learned indeed...”

The maid laughed teasingly, her tone playful.

Before long, the woman, her face veiled with a light gauze, emerged through a side door. In her hand was a single branch of white plum blossoms. Accompanied by a small white fox, she strolled leisurely toward the western district, taking in the snowy scenery as they walked.

Her attire hadn’t changed much from before. Though her face was veiled with light gauze, her ethereal demeanor was unmistakable. Any ordinary passerby would naturally take a second glance, and any acquaintance would immediately recognize her as Wanjiang. Yet, as she walked along, not a single person gave her a curious look, as if no one could see her at all.

The journey from here to Willow Street passed through countless alleys.

The streets were a tapestry of life’s myriad expressions.

The woman seemed to be in high spirits, walking at an unhurried pace. The dim sky, with snow falling heavily, made it feel as though night had already fallen. But unlike true nightfall, this murky twilight would linger for quite some time before fully giving way to darkness.

By now, the streets were completely devoid of pedestrians.

From the homes lining the street, however, occasional wisps of cooking smoke curled upward, accompanied by the aroma of meals being prepared and the bustling sounds of domestic life.

The woman’s mood grew brighter the closer she drew to Willow Street. By the time she arrived, her expression carried a lively charm. She stopped before a door marked with a shop sign and a flag bearing the character

Dao

.

But the door was locked, and the place was deserted.

“Hehe...”

The little white fox at her side looked up at her, narrowing its naturally foxy eyes. Its lips curled slightly into what seemed like a smirk. “I told you to let me check first. Now look, they’re closed.”

“No matter,” the woman replied with a faint smile. “Let’s head back.”

“In this heavy snow? What a wasted trip!”

“It’s not wasted at all.”

“We didn’t get any information, didn’t see anyone. And you still call this worthwhile?”

“I came here on a whim,” the woman said calmly as she turned to leave. “Now that the whim has passed, it doesn’t matter that we didn’t meet.”

“Well learned, indeed...”

The little white fox chuckled mischievously.

Two figures, one tall and one small, made their way home through the wind and snow.

***

Meanwhile, on Mount Beiqin, the two disciples of Doctor Cai had just finished copying the first half of the

Doctor Cai’s Medical Canon

. Carefully organizing the thick stack of paper, they handed it to Song You.

It was quite a hefty bundle.

Song You took the stack of papers, examined them briefly, and then began to cast a series of spells. Just as he had done with Sir Dou’s family heirloom painting, the papers were now rendered impervious to blades and resistant to fire and water. Only then did he carefully wrap them layer by layer in oil paper, before enclosing them in a square cloth to form a bundle that could be carried on the back.

Turning to Doctor Cai, he said, “Rest assured, Doctor. I will preserve this with the utmost care. When you finish writing the second half, we will return to collect it. Since this is the culmination of your life’s work, I will ensure, no matter what, that it is passed down to the world.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Here are two talismans.”

Song You produced two talismans, each folded into a triangular shape for easy carrying. “Before you finish the medical canon, it’s best for you not to leave the mountain or stray far from this place. If your two disciples need to go down the mountain for supplies or to fetch something from the village, for safety’s sake, have them carry these talismans. They will ward off ghosts and evil spirits.”

“Understood.”

“Be cautious in all things. Take it step by step and prioritize your health. As a healer, you surely don’t need me to remind you how to take care of yourself,” Song You said with a smile. “We’ll be heading down the mountain now. My horse will remain here. If you have any needs, and you see it, feel free to ask it for assistance. Just speak plainly—it understands human speech. If you don’t see it, it must have gone elsewhere.”

“Sir, thank you for your kindness...”

“There’s no need for such gratitude, Doctor, and no need to see me off,” Song You replied, picking up the bundle and turning to leave. “Farewell.”

Despite his words, Doctor Cai and his two disciples still escorted him to the door.

They watched as the Daoist, carrying his belongings, made his way into the snowy landscape, leaning on his staff. A cat trailed behind him, stopping occasionally to glance back at them. A jujube-red horse also followed silently.

In the snowy mountain woods, a serpentine trail stretched ahead.

Song You followed the snake’s path, making the journey easier.

At the end of the trail, atop a mountain peak deep within Mount Beiqin, where it bordered the human world, he came to a stop. From there, he could see the distant mountain villages below. The snake’s path ended at this point.

At the trail’s terminus, an old man sat cross-legged atop a massive boulder, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, inhaling and exhaling the essence of the sun and moon.

Song You stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.

“With this, I take my leave, Senior.”

“Leaving the capital in spring?”

“Yes, as soon as spring arrives.”

“That’s quite soon.”

“Yes, indeed,” Song You replied to the Snake Immortal. “Thank you, Senior, for your care.”

The Snake Immortal remained seated, unmoving. His face was aged, his eyes closed, and he neither looked at Song You nor responded to his gratitude. He simply said, “If you need help in the future, send that swallow in the sky to Mount Beiqin to find me—while I’m still able to move.”

“Understood.”

“No need to see me off.”

“Very well.”

Song You turned and continued his descent down the mountain.

The jujube-red horse followed him for another stretch of the journey but stopped before reaching the nearby mountain village.

Only then did the Snake Immortal open his eyes to watch them.

The vast snowy mountains stretched endlessly, and they had already gone far.

“...”

The Snake Immortal, as if struck by some thought, shook his head with a smile before closing his eyes once more.

The essence of heaven and earth continued to gather here.

Song You made a detour to visit the Ghost Market before returning to Changjing. By the time he arrived, it was the morning of the fourth day.

The city gate was bustling with activity. A long procession of attendants and carriages was emerging from the city. No one cleared the road for them, and they moved quietly, yet their presence carried an indescribable sense of authority.

Many citizens lined the streets to watch, whispering and speculating among themselves.

1. Yi 一 means one. ☜

2. San 三 means three. ☜