Chapter 20 Miss Wang’s Sect

Zhang Chi nodded in acknowledgment, and as he lifted his gaze, he suddenly saw a familiar figure standing not far ahead, smiling at him. Zhang Chi was confident that, even amidst a crowd of thousands, he could instantly recognize this man with his unique air of mysticism—none other than the enigmatic and somewhat lecherous old Taoist who had once told his fortune in the southern part of Huainan.

The old Taoist chuckled and approached. “Young master, we meet again.”

“Are you here to give me another free divination?” Zhang Chi asked with a grin.

“This time I am not here to read your fortune,” the old Taoist replied, still smiling. “However, there are indeed a few words I wish to say to you.”

“Please, do go on.”

“Have you heard the recent children’s rhyme circulating in Jiankang?” The Taoist swayed his head, reciting, “The world in chaos, heaven’s secret revealed; the master of cold gates, white horse, blue robes.”

Zhang Chi shook his head, puzzled.

“I fear this rhyme concerns you greatly,” the old Taoist said.

Zhang Chi asked with curiosity, “Might you explain it to me in detail?”

“That is a heavenly secret—not to be spoken,” the Taoist replied. “But as the secret is now manifest, it is only a matter of time before you know.”

Seeing the Taoist unwilling to say more, Zhang Chi felt a flicker of irritation. “So, the important words you had for me amount to these cryptic lines?”

“Not only that. Your brow is shadowed with misfortune, and you are destined to face calamity. Hear my advice and remember it well.” Without waiting for Zhang Chi’s response, the old Taoist turned to leave, calling out as he went, “When the times are unclear, fate meets difficulty. Calm by water, danger by locust tree. Beware, young master.”

Before Zhang Chi could fully digest this, the Taoist had vanished into the crowd. Zhang Chi searched but found no trace, as if the old man had never appeared at all.

Zhang Chi smiled at Ding Yizhi, then pointed to his own nose and joked, “So I’m heaven’s secret now?”

“How should I know?” Ding Yizhi laughed and shook his head.

Zhang Chi was simply making light conversation; he had never placed much faith in the words of fortune-tellers. In their banter, they soon returned to the academy. Zhang Chi, being alone, had little to pack, but upon arrival, he gathered Santong and Dao Xuan, preparing to head to the military camp for his new post.

Back at their lodgings, Zhang Chi called for Santong and Dao Xuan and recounted what had transpired at the military office. The group then retired to their rooms to prepare their belongings.

As Zhang Chi was about to return to his own room, a voice called from behind, “Young master, why have you been avoiding Siyou these past days?”

He turned to see Miss Wang, and with a smile asked, “It’s only been a few days—what makes you say that?”

At this, the tavern girl approached, cheeks flushed, and said, “Young master, Miss Wang came this morning while you were out and has waited for you in the academy ever since. While chatting with her, I accidentally mentioned your discussion with Young Master Pei at the tavern.”

Though the tavern girl had become familiar with Zhang Chi, she remained cautious, mindful of the many unspeakable matters that often arise between men and women. Now of an age to understand such things, she worried she had overstepped and angered Zhang Chi, and so spoke softly, as if she had erred gravely.

Fearing she would worry unnecessarily, Zhang Chi quickly waved his hand and smiled, “It’s nothing, really.”

Noticing Zhang Chi’s gentle manner with his servants, Miss Wang couldn’t help but smile. “Young master, you are so kind to those around you, and yet, why avoid Siyou? Could it be you truly dislike her so?”

During the Wei and Jin dynasties, as ritual and propriety waned, even women dared to love and hate openly. Yet Zhang Chi, for all his boldness, was bashful in matters between men and women, both before and after his journey through time. Flushed red, he could only stammer, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

The tavern girl stifled a laugh, and Zhang Chi feigned annoyance. “You dare laugh? Off with you—go pack your things; we’ll be leaving soon.”

She dutifully obeyed. Miss Wang, already fond of Zhang Chi, found it amusing to see this usually spirited man blushing and at a loss for words. But seeing his embarrassment, she let him be and changed the subject. “You enter the military camp today. There will be much to do, and I doubt we’ll meet for some time. I’m here to bid you farewell.”

She hesitated, then continued, “One more thing: have you heard talk of ‘heaven’s secret’?”

Zhang Chi started, but before he could reply, Miss Wang recited, “Heaven’s secret revealed, the world in chaos, the master of cold gates, white horse, blue robes.”

“Why do you mention this to me?” Zhang Chi asked.

“Have you never considered that you might be the one they speak of—the heaven’s secret?” Miss Wang’s words were startling.

“How would you know I am ‘heaven’s secret’?” Zhang Chi asked, perplexed.

“I only said perhaps; don’t take it to heart,” she replied evasively.

It wasn’t long before everyone was ready, and they set out together. At the stables, Zhang Chi led out his white steed, while Miss Wang, having anticipated their needs, had arranged horses for the rest. Zhang Chi could not help but feel grateful for her thoughtfulness.

Jiankang had no outer walls, but to the north lay the Yangtze, to the east stood Bell Mountain, and to the west, rolling hills. Natural barriers surrounded the city, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. Even Zhuge Liang, when visiting Eastern Wu, had praised Jiankang as an imperial seat. Only the southern side lacked natural defenses, so barriers were constructed along the Qingxi and Qinhuai rivers.

The military camp Zhang Chi was headed for lay just south of the city.

Miss Wang accompanied them all the way to the banks of the Qingxi, several miles outside the city, before reluctantly stopping. “A thousand miles I would see you off, but in the end, we must part. The camp is not far ahead; I will not go further.”

Zhang Chi nodded. She added, “The camp is full of rough men. Be cautious and prudent in all things.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Miss Wang, please, I’m not a child. I know how to take care of myself.”

She knew his free-spirited nature and refrained from further nagging, watching as Zhang Chi and his companions rode away, her eyes filled with unspoken longing.

When they had vanished from sight, Miss Wang turned her horse—not back toward Jiankang, but southward along the winding Qingxi. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she reached a bend where a thatched cottage appeared by the river.

She dismounted and entered, finding an elderly woman seated inside, sipping tea.

“Master, I am here,” Miss Wang greeted, bowing.

The old woman did not reply at first, but poured her a cup of tea before asking, “Heaven’s secret is in your hands. How goes it now?”

Miss Wang smiled. “Since it is called ‘heaven’s secret,’ how can it truly be in my hands? If it is heaven’s secret, how can anyone grasp it?”

“You are right; it was a slip of the tongue,” the old woman smiled. “Have you made preparations?”

Miss Wang nodded. “Rest assured, Master. I recommended him for military service—by now, he should have arrived.”

The old woman nodded. Miss Wang then asked, “How did you know he was heaven’s secret?”

The old woman fell silent for a time, then finally replied with a smile, “I guessed.”

“What if he isn’t?” Miss Wang asked anxiously.

“It doesn’t matter. If he survives, he is heaven’s secret. If he dies, we will search for the true one,” the old woman replied, unhurried and calm as though speaking not of life and death. “In any case, the true heaven’s secret will not die now.”

“But if we are wrong, does that not mean we have wronged an innocent man?” Miss Wang asked, troubled.

“There is a price for everything,” the old woman said serenely.

“That price might be the life of someone wholly unconnected,” Miss Wang sighed.

“My child,” the old woman smiled, “you worry too much. I have never known you to be so hesitant. Could it be that you care for him?”

“And if I do? Born into a noble family, I cannot decide my own marriage,” Miss Wang sighed helplessly.

“So what if you are born to privilege?” the old woman replied. “Our school, the Gate of Heaven’s Secret, is of the Daoist tradition. To seek immortality or unravel the secrets of fate is already to defy the heavens.”

She set down her cup. “Remember, my fate is mine to command—not heaven’s.”

Though aged and frail, when she spoke those words, a surge of vigor seemed to emanate from her.

Miss Wang had her own thoughts, but answered respectfully, “Yes, Master.”

“You have many strengths, but you are stubborn to a fault,” the old woman sighed. “The Jin dynasty is on the verge of collapse, and it has survived this long only because you have managed to balance the powers of the land. But now that chaos reigns, how can mere mortals stem the tide? If you do not withdraw, you will be caught in the disaster.”

“Did you not say, Master, that my fate is mine alone?” Miss Wang replied calmly. “I understand all you say, but how can I give up without trying?”

Knowing her disciple’s resolve could not be swayed, the old woman tried to reason. “Your father, Wang Guobao, is not a man of great ambition. Wang Xun, though shrewd, is gravely ill and will not live long.”

Miss Wang nodded. The old woman continued, “Yet the land is filled with powerful families. Huan Xuan harbors rebellious intent, Wang Gong commands strong forces, and in the south, the Celestial Master’s Daoist sect stirs restlessly. You have maintained a fragile balance for a few years, but if open warfare erupts, what will you do?”

Miss Wang seemed prepared for this. “If it comes to that, we may have no choice but to take desperate measures.”

A flash of surprise crossed the old woman’s eyes; her hand trembled, spilling tea. She straightened. “You mean to say…”

“If the world descends into chaos,” Miss Wang’s voice was calm but resolute, “then we must raise an army, eliminate Sima Daozi first, and, like Cao Cao, control the emperor to command the unruly. With no one to hold us back, we may yet restore order.”

“I fear you lack the strength,” the old woman said, seeing her resolve and sighing.

Miss Wang only smiled faintly. “Master, I once made a promise: ‘So long as Siyou lives, the Jin dynasty shall not fall.’ Even if fate decrees otherwise, I must try.”