Chapter Five: Parting Ways with the Doppelgänger

Nanan Temple is an ancient place of worship under royal protection. Upon learning that a lady from the palace would be arriving to offer prayers, the abbot had long since arranged accommodations for Wei Yanqiao.

When Wei Yanqiao arrived at Nanan Temple and took a tour, she found the conditions even worse than she had anticipated, particularly regarding the water supply. A sudden idea struck her, and she instructed Shuiyao to prepare a bath, as she wished to cleanse herself.

Shuiyao hurried to prepare, but the temple’s conditions were far from those of the palace; even fetching water proved to be a challenge.

"My Lady, the water at Nanan Temple is carried up from the foot of the mountain by the young monks every day. There is no excess water available for your bath."

Wei Yanqiao furrowed her brows, expressing her dissatisfaction, but she quickly composed herself. "Then go and find out where there is a river. We shall bathe in the river ourselves tonight."

Following these instructions, Shuiyao set to work immediately. She inquired among the monks and learned that there was a clear, flowing river to the north of the back mountain. Wei Yanqiao decided they would go there that very night.

As night fell, the world was silent, save for the occasional chirp of insects breaking the stillness. Wei Yanqiao had Shuiyao pack a set of clean clothes, and together they made their way toward the river north of the back mountain. When they arrived, the moonlight shimmered upon the water, which wound through the landscape like a ribbon of silver.

"Shuiyao, keep watch on the bank for me. If anyone approaches, you must warn me immediately."

"Yes, My Lady."

Wei Yanqiao slowly removed her outer robes, placed them on a nearby stone, and gently stepped into the river. Shuiyao stood guard nearby.

In the quiet of the night, Wei Yanqiao savored the bathing time. She took a deep breath and submerged herself silently, moving with the grace of a nimble fish. As she swam, an exotic luster began to bloom upon the skin of her forehead. Suddenly, a face identical to her own began to peel away, as if being birthed by the water itself. The contours grew increasingly distinct until a complete head emerged. Then, as if pulled by some mysterious force, the body of the double slowly separated from Wei Yanqiao’s own. Every passing second felt like an eternity; the process of separation was profoundly uncanny.

Moments later, the double was entirely detached. She stood naked in the water as Wei Yanqiao looked at her, touching her cheeks and body before finally grasping her hand. From this moment on, there was another person in this world exactly like her. They shared a telepathic bond and knew each other's secrets.

Wei Yanqiao gave the double a push, and the double dove into the depths like a mermaid. Wei Yanqiao then surfaced abruptly, gasping for air. She swam back to the shore, donned the clean clothes Shuiyao had brought, tidied herself, and walked toward where Shuiyao was waiting.

With all attention focused on her, the double could emerge from the water once she had departed. The double waited silently until the figures on the bank had receded into the distance before slowly rising to the surface. A flicker of subtle cunning crossed her eyes. She was now a person in her own right; though merely a double, she could breathe and act. She donned the clothes Wei Yanqiao had left behind, which still held the faint scent of the original. Once dressed, she headed down the mountain without looking back, intent on fulfilling the mission Wei Yanqiao had entrusted to her.

"From now on, your name is Wei Tianze. I want you to go and resolve the flooding in Min Prefecture in the guise of a man."

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Wei Tianze used the money Wei Yanqiao had left her to purchase suitable men's clothing. Henceforth, she would walk the world as a man. Once her appearance was convincing enough to avoid suspicion, she bought a swift horse and galloped toward the capital.

The following evening, Wei Tianze arrived near the Prime Minister’s residence. She approached the back gate and, familiar with the layout, entered the Wei estate. A maid, noticing someone acting suspiciously, cautiously asked, "Who is there?"

Receiving no answer, the maid grew more suspicious and approached with care. When she caught sight of the person’s face, a look of shock crossed her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, Wei Tianze clamped a hand over her mouth and pulled her behind a rockery to keep her from crying out.

Wei Tianze’s expression was grave as she whispered a warning: "Do you wish for everyone to know that I have defied an imperial order and snuck back home?"

The maid trembled in terror and shook her head. She understood the severity of the situation; if discovered, not only would Wei Yanqiao face grave danger, but the entire Wei family could be implicated.

Wei Tianze released her. The maid stood there trembling, tears of excitement welling in her eyes. She whispered, "Young Miss, why have you returned?"

Wei Tianze had no intention of lingering. She said coldly, "Where is my father? Bring him to me, and do not alert anyone else."

"Yes," the maid replied, hurrying off to find Wei Changlong.

Wei Changlong was currently agitated, wondering why Wei Yanqiao had suddenly left the palace, when the maid whispered that she was in the back courtyard. Startled, he followed her quickly to the spot.

Upon seeing Wei Tianze, Wei Changlong felt both pity for her current plight and frustration at her impulsiveness. "Qiao'er, you have suffered! Why do this? Everything was fine—why go to Nanan Temple? You have been pampered since childhood; how will you live in such a remote and bitter place? I do not know when the Emperor will permit your return to the palace."

Although Wei Tianze herself possessed no emotions, everything she experienced was transmitted to Wei Yanqiao through their telepathic link. Wei Yanqiao, who was in the midst of transcribing scriptures, suddenly shed tears. She knew her father’s deep love and concern for her. She was a filial failure; in her past life, she had not only neglected her duties to him but had also caused the ruin of the Wei family. This time, she would never allow such a thing to happen again.

Wei Tianze wiped the tears from Wei Changlong’s eyes and said softly, "Father, my leaving the palace was not an impulsive act. The Emperor has grown suspicious of our family and is plotting to eradicate us. By leaving, I have made it impossible for him to act rashly."

Wei Changlong knew that what Wei Tianze said was true. He had thought that as long as his daughter was safe and he acted with caution in the court, she would not be involved. He had not realized she had seen through it all. "But you have suffered so much."

"It is nothing. Father, the Emperor’s suspicion of the Wei family is deep. If we are to dispel it, you must cooperate with me on one matter."

"What matter?" asked Wei Changlong, puzzled.

Wei Tianze whispered into his ear. "Father, whether I can return to the palace in glory depends entirely on you."

Wei Changlong vowed, "Rest assured, I will do exactly as you have arranged."

Before Wei Tianze left, Wei Changlong pressed a pouch of silver into her hand, worriedly saying, "You must stay safe. I await your good news."

Wei Tianze did not refuse the money; she was alone now, and she would indeed need silver to facilitate her plans. She smiled and replied, "Do not worry, Father. We will both be just fine."