TSLSILMH Ch 31

Chapter 31

After agreeing to accompany Yu Chuxi to Qixia Monastery the following day, Xie Shu told Xi Mo about it when he returned to his room that evening.

Upon hearing this, Xi Mo immediately perked up and said, “Master, Qixia Monastery is on Mount She. I’ve often heard people say that the divinations there are especially accurate, which is why its incense offerings are flourishing. But it’s quite a distance from Jinling City. I’ve never been there with you before.”

Hearing this, Xie Shu felt relieved. Since Xi Mo had never been there, he wouldn’t have to worry about revealing anything out of place.

In ancient times, people had the custom of going to temples to pray for blessings. Even the Son of Heaven himself would perform rituals of worship to Heaven.

The first and fifteenth day of each lunar month were set dates, but people would also go light incense whenever certain occasions arose.

This tradition had continued into this world. With the development of human culture and advancement of technology, the role of religion had gradually lessened, though Xie Shu continued to regard faith with respect. Since his Young Lord wished to go, he would accompany him.

The next morning, when Xie Shu awoke, Xi Mo had already prepared all the necessities. Knowing the trip would last three days, he had even packed extra clothes.

This time, they traveled once again by carriage, though the vehicle was much smaller than before. Since Qixia Monastery was halfway up Mount She and the roads there were difficult, the smaller carriage could only just manage the climb.

Before reaching Mount She, Xie Shu and Yu Chuxi chatted idly, but once the path turned rougher and the jolting grew worse, both fell silent.

After some time, Xie Shu noticed Yu Chuxi frowning slightly, now and then lifting the carriage curtain to check how much farther they had traveled, his rare irritation plain to see. Clearly, the ride’s discomfort was wearing on him.

Seeing this, Xie Shu’s heart stirred. Suddenly getting an idea, he asked gently, “Young Lord, would you like to get down and walk with me for a while?”

This was a spur-of-the-moment thought. One of Xie Shu’s hobbies in his past life had been mountain climbing. Not only did it strengthen the body, but also cultivated determination.

He remembered that his Young Lord rarely exercised, his body delicate and frail. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to train alongside him.

Yu Chuxi turned his head, repeating almost incredulously, “Get down and walk?”

The thought had never crossed his mind. He had always preferred stillness and rarely walked unless necessary, let alone in such circumstances.

But the constant jolting had become almost unbearable. And seeing the warmth in the man’s eyes, hearing the gentle, coaxing tone—it carried a strange allure. After a moment’s hesitation, Yu Chuxi lowered his gaze and nodded. “Then let’s get down and walk.”

Hearing that the Young Lord was actually stepping down from the carriage, Feng He, who followed in another carriage, almost dropped her jaw. The Young Lord had been to Qixia Monastery before, and even when the road wearied him, he had simply endured a bit longer rather than get out and exhaust himself walking.

But seeing him glance toward Xie Shu with deliberate persistence, she understood the truth at once. Clearly, it was only because Master Xie had suggested it.

She wanted to dissuade him, but didn’t dare. After all, Qixia Monastery was close at hand, yet walking the path would still take a long time. With the Young Lord’s frail body, could he endure?

Still, there was nothing she could do if he was determined to walk with Xie Xianggong.

Worried, she ordered a few guards to follow with them while she and the rest took the carriages ahead, as the mountain road made it difficult to wait idly in place.

As soon as Xie Shu alighted, he extended his hand and carefully supported the Young Lord down to solid ground.

Once standing, Yu Chuxi seemed already more spirited. Looking around the scenery, he spoke with interest: “I’ve never walked such a mountain path before. The landscape is quite fine. I remember in autumn, these maple groves turn the color of sunset. That is the origin of Qixia Monastery’s name, did you know?”

Following his gaze, Xie Shu saw verdant ridges layered one after another, dotted all through with maples. Though now they bore only clusters of yellow blossoms, the woods were still beautiful.

It was early May, beginning of summer, but without the swelter of heat. Clouds sometimes steamed at the mountaintop, shifting in mesmerizing forms.

From the front, a cool mountain breeze carried through, rustling leaves, stirring birdsong and beasts’ cries—the very charm of climbing was to savor such sights along the way.

Smiling, Xie Shu replied, “Then, when autumn comes, let us return again, shall we?”

At his words, Yu Chuxi’s lips curved faintly, and he nodded.

The two then walked side-by-side up the mountain, the guards trailing a short distance behind.

At first, Yu Chuxi managed to match Xie Shu’s pace. Soon though, weariness began to slow him.

When Xie Shu noticed his steps faltering, he slowed in turn, waiting patiently until Yu Chuxi caught up.

Unwilling to appear weak, Yu Chuxi pushed on a little farther, but his legs grew increasingly unsteady. What he had imagined would be a mere stroll stretched painfully on, leaving him exhausted.

Aggrieved, he thought, Why hadn’t Xie Shu warned me this would be so tiring? And why did he seem entirely unaffected, while I am at my limit?

Finally, reaching a large tree stump, Yu Chuxi came to a stop, pouting in frustration: “I don’t want to walk anymore. I want someone to fetch me.”

Never before had Xie Shu heard his Young Lord use such strong words—“I don’t want to.” With his sulking expression, he looked positively endearing.

But Xie Shu only shook his head gently, coaxing: “Young Lord, let’s walk a little more. We’re nearly there.”

Yet Yu Chuxi remained resistant, lips pressed tight, determined to stand his ground.

Xie Shu felt somewhat helpless—how could he manage such a stubborn Young Lord?

Then an idea lit his eyes, and he smiled. “Young Lord, did you notice how easily I was climbing just now? Do you know why?”

Though Yu Chuxi stayed silent, his gaze flickered with interest.

Seizing on it, Xie Shu continued warmly: “When climbing an incline, lean your body slightly forward, knees bent naturally. That shifts your center of gravity ahead, easing the strain. Step with toes slightly outward so the heel bears your weight—this reduces strain on the calves. Breathing matters too—try inhaling deeper, from the throat down to the dantian.”

As he explained, Xie Shu demonstrated, his form graceful.

In truth, he himself had long grown accustomed to these techniques from many climbs, but had forgotten to tell Yu Chuxi.

Eyes locked on him, Yu Chuxi was bewildered. How did this man know something even such as mountain-climbing so well? Had he climbed often before? Yet he had never uncovered such things in his inquiries…

Then Xie Shu smiled. “Young Lord, would you like to try?”

Before Yu Chuxi could answer, a deep, dignified voice came from behind: “Young friend, is what you say truly effective?”

Turning, Xie Shu saw an elderly man in plain cloth and cloth shoes approaching with a young boy in tow.

The man looked to be in his fifties or sixties, clad humbly, his face weathered with age—but though he panted lightly, his steps were steady, his eyes bright.

Xie Shu smiled and nodded. “It truly works, sir. Try it yourself and see.”

The elder studied him silently for a moment. “And where did you learn such technique—from a book?”

Xie Shu could not say—from countless climbs, in fact. So he replied, “Not from books, sir, but from my own practice.”

At this, the elder gave him a lingering look and said simply, “I see. Thank you, young friend. I’ll take my leave.”

With that, he and the boy continued on, soon mere figures in the mist.

Xie Shu grinned at his Young Lord. “See? This elder’s good health comes from constant practice. Shall we also keep climbing?”

Yu Chuxi’s ears burned. That whole exchange had been overheard! Though the elder had behaved with courtesy, Yu Chuxi was still embarrassed.

Glaring briefly at the culprit before him, he finally nodded.

And indeed, trying the method Xie Shu taught, he found the strain greatly eased. Persevering, he climbed without pausing again, until at last the temple complex appeared before them—roofs and bell towers rising through the trees.

By then, Yu Chuxi’s legs had gone stiff and numb, every step a test.

Before he could even complain, Xie Shu asked softly, “Young Lord, can you still walk? Shall I… carry you?”

Yu Chuxi’s eyes widened, shocked that this stern man would say such a thing. His heart stirred, tempted—but seeing Xie Shu’s face, he steeled himself, shaking his head firmly.

Though Xie Shu looked hardly tired, how could he still carry another? And only two months past, he had just recovered from illness. How could Yu Chuxi impose like that?

Smiling, Xie Shu extended his hand. “Then let me hold yours, and together we’ll finish the climb.”

Yu Chuxi trembled slightly, then placed his hand into his.

Hand-in-hand, they ascended the final steep stretch, parting only when they reached the monastery gate. There, Feng He, Xi Mo, and the others were waiting.

Feng He’s eyes widened once more—with her own eyes she had seen it. Never would she have believed the frail Young Lord could climb the mountain on foot.

With Xie Shu and Yu Chuxi’s arrival, the group entered Qixia Monastery to offer incense. Though the abbot himself did not greet them, the elder monk who received them was experienced and well-known.

He pressed his palms together, bowing: “Benefactor Yu.” Then, glancing to Xie Shu, he showed recognition and offered a warm smile.

Apologetically, the elder explained: “Today the abbot received an old friend and could not come to greet you. We beg your understanding.”

Yu Chuxi only shook his head. “It is of no matter. I came to pray for my father’s health. We will only remain a couple of days.”

The elder monk hesitated, then said, “Benefactor Yu, one more thing—though you reserved four Zen rooms this time, only three are available.”

Usually Yu Chuxi had requested three: one for female guests, one for male companions, and one for himself. This time, unusually, he had asked for four.

But the elder thought—since Benefactor Yu would likely share a room with his husband, surely it would not be an issue.