Wei Linxia had always been fascinated by martial arts books about miraculous doctors, dreaming of becoming a fairy-like healer in a mountain cottage. She practiced enthusiastically, using up half of her silver needles by the time Master Xu Zhen returned from checking on Xi Linxuan.
Master Xu Zhen provided guidance and observed silently, her calm demeanor reflecting her experiences. Wei Linxia, lost in her dream of being a “mysterious needle female doctor,” remained unaware of her gaze.
Before leaving, Master Xu Zhen gave Wei Linxia a one-foot square box containing a bright red wax figure. Upon exiting with the box, Wei Linxia found Xi Linxuan and Princess Yan in the central hall, drinking tea. Tai Qing, who had been leaning sideways, abruptly asked, “What good thing have you tricked from your master again?” Master Xu Zhen replied, “Tai Qing, do not be rude. This is an immortal sought by Madam Wei for Linxia to take back.” Tai Qing then relaxed, letting out a snort.
With her pleasant acquisition in hand, Wei Linxia felt somewhat restless.
Helplessly, Princess Yan was talkative today, so Wei Linxia could only accompany her, forcing a smile while thinking that if Tai Qing were here, she would surely shout to make her shut up. Unfortunately, she could not learn that; she had to be proper, or her parents would be frightened. Just then, her maidservant rushed in to say that Little Crane had been vomiting all day. Wei Linxia stood up with a “huh,” ran a few steps, then realized her impropriety, turned back to curtsy, and walked slowly away without a word. Xi Linxuan, who remained silent, shook his head, thinking that this girl, always reminding herself to be proper, was not cute at all.
Hearing about the little white crane, Princess Yan rushed to join the excitement, almost disappearing from the doorway. The next morning at breakfast, Wei Linxia looked somewhat downcast but maintained an upright posture. Princess Yan arrived late, yawning delicately, and asked how the crane was doing. Wei Linxia said, “It was a bit better in the morning.”
“I couldn’t stay awake until midnight, but you didn’t sleep all night?” Princess Yan asked. Wei Linxia slightly curved her mouth in response. How could she sleep? Having grown up in the temple with the beautiful cranes, it would be heartbreaking if anything were to happen to them.
