At dinner, snow began to fall heavily, raising concerns about the mountain path’s conditions. Master Wei criticized Madam Wei for allowing the siblings to go up the mountain in snowy weather. Before bed, Xi Linxuan asked the eunuch if the snow had stopped, but the eunuch estimated it would continue until the next day.
The eunuch was wrong. The snow lasted three days, covering the courtyard with over a foot. After the snowfall, the weather turned cold. Xi Linxuan hesitated to open the doors to enjoy the snow, not wanting to drink bitter medicine.”
On the fifth day at noon, the Wei siblings returned. Weilin Xia was fine, but Weifen Zhi looked weak, sneezing and claiming the mountain was uninhabitable and they would freeze even with two quilts at night. Madam Wei felt distressed, while Weilin Xia remained silent.
Weilin Xia brought back two small white cranes, barely larger than chickens. The sick Weifen Zhi told Madam Wei that these cranes were Master Xu Zhen’s beloved pets, which Weilin Xia had persuaded him to give up. Weilin Xia ignored him and planned how to raise the cranes, considering asking her mother to speak with Xi Linxuan for help.
A blush appeared on Lady Wei’s face. This little Taoist nun always spoke in a way that left one at a loss for words. Her daughter was so well-behaved!
The little Taoist nun Tai Qing was sent by the old Taoist nun to deliver medicine to Xi Linxuan, looking reluctant. At the door, she complained about the consequences of Weilin Xia’s actions, saying it was a trivial matter that brought her trouble.
“Tai Qing is always stubborn but soft-hearted. She mentioned giving two fine cranes to Lin earlier but then spoke like this. However, Lady Wei, given the prince’s noble status and Tai Qing’s impetuous nature, I’m truly worried she might not serve him well.”
