Chapter 42: Holding Waist and Hand
Chapter 42: Holding Waist and Hand
Li Zian faced the Big Dipper, observing the Four Guardian Beasts and their Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. All the stars entered his mind instantly.
He performed Star Observation without walking through the guardian positions, chanting spells, or using a Luopan to measure angles. In one glance, the stars imprinted in his mind. The Great Sluggish Cauldron within him contained celestial imagery and fate itself—the essence of all causes and consequences.
This was the Star Observation Technique passed down by Ji Da. No flashy theatrics, just pure substance.
In his mind, the seven stars of the Big Dipper shone brightly in the center. Surrounding them were the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise of the North—each constellation equally radiant.
The Great Sluggish Cauldron not only emitted Zhenqi but also released a wisp of blue smoke. It resembled a furnace that had absorbed incense smoke from the ground only to exhale its own.
How did it operate?
How was it created?
These answers remained a mystery.
Li Zian had no mind to ponder them now. Only stars filled his eyes and thoughts.
When the Dipper’s handle points south, summer reigns the world.
It was currently summer… nothing noteworthy there.
Rain falls at night when Horn and Neck appear; sunshine returns by day.
This foretold rain tonight ending with clear skies tomorrow. Again, no revelation—who could defy rain?
Li Zian never understood these signs before. But now, reading the stars felt like studying an open book where all meanings became clear.
The Great Sluggish Cauldron truly was his second brain—the one mastering Fangshi Esoteric Arts.
Li Zian’s gaze locked onto Polaris.
Polaris ruled fate charts—the primary star in destiny studies, associated with earth element. In ancient times, it symbolized imperial authority, guiding kingdoms in critical events.
Observing it, a sudden discovery dawned in Li Zian.
Blue smoke curled from the Great Sluggish Cauldron as if the incense sticks weren’t planted in soil but within its belly.
A Hexagram Interpretation for star observation manifested suddenly in Li Zian’s mind:
Purple Qi shines on the Empress from east.
Water Ape spreads arms embracing wealth.
Seek bronze by journeying downward.
Divert water, halt its flow; the vault fills itself.
“The Purple Qi shines on the Empress” referred to Yu Meilin. Though seemingly in crisis, her luck was excellent. Her New Star Company wouldn’t collapse—it would soar to greatness.
“Water Ape spreads arms embracing wealth”—’Water Ape’ meant the Well constellation of Western White Tiger, associated with water element. ‘Embracing wealth’ pointed to a copper vein. The verse implied the vein lay below the position aligned with Water Ape constellation—related to water!
“Seek bronze by journeying downward”—’bronze’ meant copper. It wasn’t on this mountain slope but deeper underground.
The last verse was simplest: “Divert water, halt its flow; the vault fills itself”—cut off the river’s course to fill the storehouse.
Li Zian traced the path downward from Water Ape’s position until his eyes landed on the winding river at the mountain’s foot. The spot aligned with Water Ape was on the east side of the mine—a river bend.
The copper vein lay beneath that river bend.
Found it. Elation and profound relief surged through Li Zian.
With the vein located, the Copper Mine was saved—and Yu Meilin’s New Star Company along with it.
A fierce northwesterly wind gusted suddenly, flinging the incense sticks into the air until they vanished. Clouds rolled over, swallowing the stars whole.
Luckily I came early, Li Zian thought with relief. A later start might have thwarted tonight’s observation.
Tucking the unused incense sticks securely into his jacket, he strode downhill. Raindrops—fat and heavy—splattered his face before he’d gone far. His clothes soaked through within moments.
Ring-ring, ring-ring…
His Mobile Phone chimed.
Sheltering from the wind, he pulled out the phone. The Housekeeper was calling.
Yu Meilin’s voice came through immediately after he answered: “Where are you? In this downpour… I was so worried.”
Her words alone made the drenching worthwhile. He chuckled, “I’m on the mountain.”
“Why go up so late? Come down—you’ll be in danger up there!” Alarm and concern sharpened her tone.
“Descending now. Don’t worry.”
“Let me bring you a raincoat—”
“No need! I hike this mountain often. What if you slip bringing it? Gotta hang up—rain might wreck the phone.” Though he ended the call, her words echoed warmly.
In four years of marriage, those few sentences sounded sweetest.
The incense wrapper was soggy. He discarded the sticks but wrapped his phone in their oiled paper before continuing downward.
Rain pounded harder. The steep, muddy path grew slicker. Skidding his way downhill just past the midpoint, he spotted someone climbing up—holding a flashlight and an umbrella through the slippery gloom.
Yu Meilin was bringing him an umbrella.
Li Zian froze. His chest tightened with warmth; tears prickled his eyes.
If she didn’t care… why climb through a storm like this?
The flashlight beam swept over him. Her voice called out: “Why just stand there? Hurry down!”
He snapped back to awareness and rushed toward her.
“Why vanish without a note?” she chided breathlessly upon nearing him. “What possessed you to hike up here at midnight?”
Typical Housekeeper behavior, he mused inwardly. Full of nagging even while showing care.
Stopping beside her, he answered: “Searching for the ore vein.”
“Wang Cheng spent years hunting for it—and he’s a pro! Did you expect to find it overnight? In this storm? What if… something happened? What would I do? What about Xiaomei?”
Though scolded, his spirits lifted. He grinned. “Alright, I messed up.”
Yu Meilin lifted the umbrella, shielding him while her own back faced the downpour.
“Let me hold it.” He took the umbrella and angled it over her head.
She sighed softly. “I’ve thought it through… Let nature take its course. If we lose the Copper Mine and New Star, I’ll rebuild from nothing. But I won’t let Grandma go to Yu Jiahao’s. She needs you… needs Xiaomei. Sending her to Second Uncle would destroy her. I won’t do it.”
He swallowed the urge to say, “I’ll provide for you.” Knowing her fierce pride—she’d refuse even amid ruin. He’d offered earlier that day; she’d rejected it then too.
“Descend with me,” she said firmly. “Never pull this stunt again.”
A low chuckle escaped him. “Planned to tell you tomorrow… but can’t wait.”
Yu Meilin halted mid-step. “Good news? Don’t say you…”
He nodded.
Her voice trembled with disbelief and hope: “True? You promise?”
“Found the vein while star gazing atop the ridge,” he explained. “Your Copper Mine survives. New Star Company endures.”
“Really?” Her doubt lingered.
“How many times must I swear it?” he teased gently. “I’d be digging right now if not for the rain.”
“Finding ore veins… via stars?”
“Zhuge Liang commanded winds through star observation!” Li Zian countered. “Compared to that, finding ore is child’s play.”
Yu Meilin rolled her eyes. “Zhuge Liang was genius only born once in millennia. Comparing yourself—shameless!”
“What I mean is… his skills might not match mine. Seriously, no boast.” Her eye-roll didn’t offend him; instead, he savored this glimpse of playfulness beneath her stern exterior.
“Fine, Mister Expert,” she said dryly. “Show me this vein then. I’ll never sleep otherwise.”
“Guess its location?” he deflected coyly.
She swatted his waist lightly. “Tormenting me on purpose?”
Though her fist landed softly, Li Zian stiffened instantly.
Yu Meilin hesitated too—surprised by her impulse. Slowly, she withdrew her hand.
Wind whistled. Rain poured.
Yet their world hung silent—without wind or storm, just them.
“Well?” she challenged, breaking the quiet. “Guide me, or I’m turning back.”
Li Zian laughed softly. “That threat ensures compliance! The vein’s at the mountain base.” Pointing east, he added: “See that River Bend? Copper lies right beneath. Come—I’ll explain as we walk.”
She followed him downhill but stumbled after two steps on the sludgy path.
Li Zian reflexively hooked an arm around her waist—drawing her snugly against him.
Though their child could fetch groceries… this was his first time embracing the Housekeeper’s waist.
It felt slender yet soft. An electric softness prickled his palm; the touch traveled deeper—into his arms, then his chest, electrifying his heart too.
Motionless again, they stared at one another.
Suddenly bold, Li Zian leaned toward her jade-like cheek…
Her lips seemed aflame with youth and ripe womanhood both.
Closer…
“I… I’m not ready.” Her soft declaration halted him.
His neck tensed; the small fire within him guttered out.
When would she be ready? The question burned silently within him.
“Let’s go,” she whispered, straightening up.
“Path’s slippery… If you don’t mind, hold my hand?” Li Zian proposed.
Before he finished speaking, her cool, delicate hand slid into his.
Her softness felt like… holding his entire world.
The descent stretched onward.