As Qin Liuxi was preparing to leave Qingping Temple and return to the city, she encountered Mrs. Shen, who had come back, and she was accompanied by Yu Qiucai.
Yu Qiucai saw Qin Liuxi, stepped forward, and respectfully clasped his hands, saying, "Master, it has been a while since we last met. How has your health been?"
Mrs. Shen, following behind him, was secretly shocked upon seeing this. Yu Qiucai himself was a court official and hailed from a noble background. Yet, he was exceedingly respectful towards Master Buqiu. It seemed that she truly possessed great capabilities; otherwise, how could he treat her with such profound respect?
Mrs. Shen dismissed her previous condescension and assumed an attitude of respectful humility.
Qin Liuxi returned the greeting to Yu Qiucai and smiled, saying, "Mr. Yu has been busy with official duties. To take the time to visit the temple, could it be that you are here to play the mediator?"
Yu Qiucai clasped his hands again and replied, "I dare not. I am only addressing urgent needs. As you know, I am a father and cannot bear to see another father distressed over his children’s issues. Since Master Buqiu possesses profound Daoist cultivation and great benevolence, would you consider making a visit?"
He stepped forward and moved aside with Qin Liuxi, whispering, "I have seen the young lady, and her condition seems more severe than my daughter’s. You know about my child—though she is mad, it is merely madness. But this girl from Mrs. Shen’s residence, whom I regard as a niece in this world, is usually very courteous and sensible."
Qin Liuxi listened quietly without uttering a word.
Yu Qiucai, seeing her expression unchanged, continued, "But recently when I visited, I learned of this matter. Seeing the young lady again, she seemed completely transformed. I don’t know what has possessed her, turning a good girl into someone akin to... cough cough, like someone from a disreputable place."
Qin Liuxi slightly raised her eyebrows.
"The pity of parents is profound; seeing their child change so drastically is heart-wrenching. You are a member of the Mystic Sect, skilled in Taoism, surely you have a way. Could you not save her from this disaster? She truly is a good girl." Yu Qiucai bowed deeply, saying, "If you would perform this great kindness, my old friend will also have a generous reward."
Qin Liuxi said, "It’s not that I wish to refuse this favor and make this trip, but recently the temple has had many tasks to attend to. I will not hide from you that in a few days, we at Qingping Temple will be hosting a ritual for the golden statue of our Grandmaster. If you are free, you might consider coming to the temple to attend the ceremony and offer incense. Without our teacher here, although other junior monks can manage the hosting, I must assist from the side, so truly, I cannot be absent."
"I said the same to that old woman. If you wish to seek medicine, you could bring the young lady here, and even if she stays at your residence, I can pay a visit," Qin Liuxi said. "As for going to the state government, the journey is very long, and I really cannot leave. Please excuse me."
Yu Qiucai hurriedly said, "Hosting the golden statue of our Grandmaster indeed is a major event, and I am troubling you unduly."
Qin Liuxi smiled slightly.
"I shall speak with her to see how my old friend arranges it, and by then, may I kindly request your great benevolence?"
Yu Qiucai did not say more but walked over to Mrs. Shen, spoke with her briefly, and said, "Monks do not speak falsely; her being unable to leave is not an excuse but a truth, as the temple has duties in hosting the Grandmaster’s golden statue. Please return and report back; either send your young lady here and have her stay at my residence where she won’t be scrutinized, or have your master or lady personally make a request."
Mrs. Shen was startled, having the mistress personally come to request?
Yu Qiucai spoke meaningfully, "Seeking medicine, no matter how imposing the other party, if they have the skills, why not set aside pride for the child’s well-being? Isn’t that most crucial for your young lady?"
Don’t fear her stature, fear if she lacks the skill!
Mrs. Shen shivered slightly and pursed her lips.