At this point in the conversation, what else could Shi Fengju say? He could only smile and deny it, leaving his delicate wife behind in the mansion and set off alone.
Mrs. Wang’s illness was actually one part real, two parts feigned, and five parts pique. After Shi Fengju left, Sang Wan and Gu Fangzi took care of her day and night, and things remained peaceful.
It was initially thought that the illness would soon pass, but after several days, not only had it not lessened, it had worsened. Mrs. Wang, pampered and an elder, had lost her appetite and couldn’t eat; her appearance grew more haggard. A few days prior, she was still able to get out of bed and walk about, but now she was too languid to even leave her bed.
This alard everyone in the household.
They discussed and decided to urgently send a ssage to call Shi Fengju back, but Mrs. Wang insisted they shouldn’t, believing it to be a minor sickness that would get better with rest. Seeing her speak energetically and being so adamant, everyone had no choice but to agree and let it go.
That day, the teacher from ihua Temple ca to collect debts for sesa oil, and hearing Mrs. Wang was ill, she was shocked and hurried to her bedside to keep her company for a good while.
Mrs. Wang, already a believer, beca even more devout during her illness. She not only doubled the paynt for sesa oil but also requested the teacher to copy more scripture for her and recite extra sutras in front of the Buddha and Bodhisattva.
The teacher readily agreed and then suggested she use her clairvoyance to see if Mrs. Wang had offended any ghosts or gods. She lit incense and, in the air above Mrs. Wang’s body, waved her hands as if drawing talismans, all the while murmuring incantations.
Whether it was a placebo effect or truly effective, after her ministrations, Mrs. Wang indeed felt much better. The oppressive gloom that had lingered in her chest seed to have dispersed significantly, and she felt remarkably more at ease. Overjoyed, Mrs. Wang profusely thanked the teacher and eagerly asked if she had indeed offended sothing.
The teacher sighed and hesitated before answering, under Mrs. Wang’s persistent questioning, nodding and sighing, "To tell the truth, there have been foul energies upon you, but alas, my powers are limited and I cannot fully dispel them. I fear—"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang grew anxious. She thought to herself that it was odd for what seed like a minor cold to beco more serious day by day, unresponsive to dicine. So it was the doing of malevolent spirits! That explained everything!
"Master, you are the most compassionate, you must save !" Mrs. Wang begged urgently: "No matter the cost, as long as you na it, I can afford it!"
Gu Fangzi, who was serving at her side, also nodded fervently, "Yes, Master, whatever you say, we will surely be able to do it!"
Sang Wan followed suit, expressing her willingness to help.
The teacher, upon seeing this, nodded and said, "It’s rare to see such devoted hearts, and the affection between the lady and I stretches back many years. I am well aware of the lady’s sincere devotion to Buddhism! However, it is not a matter of money. Just now, I have seen that a family mber needs to personally go to Bixia Yuanjun Temple at Mount Tai to obtain a peace talisman and a packet of incense ashes from the incense burner before Bixia Yuanjun, so that upon return, I can perform a rite to avert this calamity."
"Mount Tai... Bixia Yuanjun Temple, that’s so far away!" Mrs. Wang frowned slightly, hesitant for a mont.
Indeed!" The teacher replied with a smile: "Otherwise, how could it be considered a true act of devotion! In fact, a round trip could be done in ten days, or in a rush, seven to eight days. It is not too far after all!"
Mrs. Wang was still hesitant when Gu Fangzi suddenly knelt down with tears, pleading, "Auntie, your kindness to Fang’er is greater than the mountains. Fang’er owes you everything from food to clothing, relying solely on your care. The only thing I can repay you with is my service! Please, let Fang’er go to Bixia Yuanjun Temple at Mount Tai. I will set off today and return as soon as possible to alleviate auntie’s suffering! Seeing auntie in this condition, Fang’er also feels unbearably distressed!"
"Ah, get up quickly! Mrs. Jiang, Miss Wan, help Fangzi up!" Mrs. Wang half rose and lifted her hand, sighing as she praised Gu Fangzi, "You do have a kind heart, child. Ah, you repay my love well! But after all, you are an unmarried girl, how can I be at ease with you traveling so far? No, no! This simply cannot be done, do not ntion it again!"
"Auntie, please let Fang’er go! As long as you can recover sooner, what is a little distance? Besides, maids, nannies, and servants will accompany . There’s no trouble!" Gu Fangzi continued to plead earnestly, her intentions sincere. Mrs. Wang, seeing this, felt even more pity but firmly refused.
Sang Wan stepped forward, smiling gently, "Mother, let your daughter-in-law go! I will leave and return promptly, to ensure your speedy recovery!"
Mrs. Wang’s eyes flickered, and she remained silent.
Gu Fangzi, unwilling to give up, insisted on going herself and asked Sang Wan not to compete with her.
The teacher cleared her throat and laughed: "The lady is truly blessed! To have such a filial daughter-in-law and such an attentive niece! But in my view, it would be more suitable for the eldest daughter-in-law to go. After all, she is the lady’s daughter-in-law! And the young Miss has grown up by the lady’s side since she was a child, and is more familiar with the lady’s habits and preferences. Wouldn’t it be better for her to stay and take care of the lady?"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wang looked towards Sang Wan.
Sang Wan quickly added, "Mother, what the Master says is true, please let go! I will prepare briefly and then set out with a carriage; I will not delay the matter!"
Since Gu Fangzi had declared that she would leave today, naturally, Sang Wan couldn’t say she would only depart tomorrow.
"Just be cautious on your journey and take so trustworthy people with you! And don’t rush too much, safety is the most important thing," said Mrs. Wang after so thought, finally nodding in agreent. Though she was worried about Sang Wan travelling so far alone.
Gu Fangzi, upon hearing these words, clenched her hand involuntarily, also voicing her concern, "Yes, sister, please be careful on the road. Don’t exhaust yourself, or auntie will be worried!"
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