Luan'er sighed and said, "I fell ill a few days ago and have just started to recover, but I still feel weak and have no appetite."
Daoist Gu Cui sighed repeatedly, closed her eyes slightly, murmured incantations, and made a sword-finger gesture. She pulled out a roll of yellow paper money from her sleeve, circled it twice around Luan'er's head, then took it outside to burn. Returning to the room, she said, "I've just dispelled the negative energy and sickness from you. After a good night's sleep, you'll feel better. You're experiencing an unlucky year with malevolent stars affecting your fate, which is why your health is weak. You've also encountered petty people and verbal conflicts. Though you had some good fortune in the first half of the year, the second half has been full of setbacks and unexpected misfortunes."
Every word struck a chord with Luan'er, who nodded eagerly. "Exactly! You truly are an immortal goddess!"
Daoist Gu Cui sighed again. "Fortunately, you're blessed with great fortune and noble destiny, which has protected you. Anyone else might not have fared so well."
Luan'er leaned forward anxiously. "Then, Immortal One, is there any way to resolve this?"
Daoist Gu Cui sat cross-legged on the heated brick bed. "It's not difficult. In two days, the Taoist temple will hold a Buddhist Mass specifically to expel evil spirits. If you donate some incense money, your merits will be doubled, the malevolent stars will naturally retreat, auspicious stars will shine upon you, and blessings, prosperity, longevity, and happiness will all follow."
Luan'er asked, "How much incense money should I donate? I must contribute."
Daoist Gu Cui replied, "Two taels of silver wouldn't be too much, and not a single copper coin would be too little—it all depends on your intention. However, donations of one tael or more require a merit plaque with your name to be burned. In the evening, I'll perform rituals and send word to the Queen Mother's attendants to report your merits."
Luan'er thought for a moment. "Lately, I've been surrounded by petty people, and it's been quite turbulent. I should donate more and beg you, Immortal One, to put in a good word for me with the celestial beings." She then ordered Cun Xin to bring the key, unlocked the chest at the head of the heated brick bed, and pulled out a brocade pouch from the bottom. From it, she retrieved a piece of broken silver weighing two taels and handed it to Daoist Gu Cui, who exclaimed, "Infinite blessings! You are truly benevolent and righteous!"
Luan'er sighed. "It's just a few taels of silver—I can afford that much. If this Buddhist Mass can truly dispel my misfortunes, it will be my great fortune."
Daoist Gu Cui smiled. "Why say such things? Look at Eldest Master Lou, who became a third-rank official at such a young age. He might even be enfeoffed as a marquis or appointed as a chancellor in the future. You are destined to be a noble lady. If you bear a noble son someday, you'll enjoy a lifetime of blessings."
Luan'er scoffed. "What noble destiny? Right now, I'm like a fan after autumn—everyone tramples on me. It's understandable that Master values Hua Mei; after all, she was sent by his superior and has some face. Her father and brother are both officials, so it's not excessive to elevate her as a Concubine. It's just..." She caught herself and immediately fell silent.
Daoist Gu Cui, being clever, observed her expression and said, "You can't stand Xianglan, can you?"
Luan'er hadn't intended to say more, but once Daoist Gu Cui asked, her resentment overflowed. She sneered, "Who else but her? She's a genuine fairy. Since Master acquired her, everyone else is treated like dirt. She's just a bit prettier, but she's timid and awkward, reeking of pettiness—not a single quality that's fit for high society!"Daoist Gu Cui said, "I don't think she's any good either. I heard the Master has taken a new concubine, so I wanted to pay her a visit as soon as I entered this courtyard. Unexpectedly, a little maid blocked the doorway and wouldn't even let me in. Forget about a cup of hot tea—she didn't even show me the slightest respect! My Buddha and Jade Emperor, aside from Taitai, I've never encountered anyone putting on such airs!"
Luan'er snorted, "Exactly! The Master has lost his senses to take a fancy to her."
Daoist Gu Cui remarked, "As the saying goes, 'No man is always fortunate, no flower blooms forever.' Those who rely on beauty to please others won't last long. In a few days, when the Master's infatuation wears off, he'll remember your virtues again."
Luan'er sighed deeply, "What else can we do but wait for that?"
"Why must you sigh like that?" Daoist Gu Cui said. "You still have Shuran. She's in the Master's good graces and has the most influence with him."
Luan'er's anger flared up again. She sneered, "Her? When I was ill a few days ago, she only visited once and sent some gifts. Now that she sees that little Goblin is winning favor, she's rushing to flatter her. How could she still think of me!"
Daoist Gu Cui scoffed, "I've noticed Shuran is like that too. You're her own cousin—she should be looking out for you in everything. If she were willing to put in a bit more effort, that little Goblin wouldn't be so insolent. But since you lack support, you should plan everything for yourself. Why should you let others trample over you? If you don't fight for yourself in matters like this, how will you ever rise in the future?"
Luan'er said, "I do want to fight, but I'm powerless. It's not so easy to scheme. I wonder if the Bodhisattvas and immortals would intervene in such matters? Tomorrow, could you pray for me a few more times? If it works, I'll reward you handsomely."
Daoist Gu Cui laughed derisively, "Man proposes, Heaven disposes. If you don't even make an effort, how can Heaven help you? I see you're clever, your birth chart is noble, and you're sharp-witted. I've taken a liking to you and want to lend a hand. You've been confined to the Inner Chambers for too long and don't know—outside, many noble ladies have had their futures smoothed out by me, as I traverse both the mortal and spiritual realms. But if you won't strive yourself, there's nothing I can do."
Hearing this, Luan'er's heart stirred with hope. She hurriedly refilled Daoist Gu Cui's tea herself and said, "You've traveled far and wide and visited many wealthy households—you must have experience and insight. We've always gotten along well and understood each other. Now that I'm facing such difficulties, I beg you to teach me."
Daoist Gu Cui said, "I dare not claim to 'teach' you. I just can't stand seeing you suffer such indignities. But helping you will require great effort... perhaps even cost me ten years of spiritual cultivation and five years of my lifespan!"
Luan'er smiled, "If you exert yourself for me, I naturally won't treat you poorly. When I become the new concubine and bear a son, we'll surely have a share of the Lin Family's vast estate in the future. I'll never forget your kindness—I'll remember it for life. Even now, I won't shortchange you." As she spoke, she opened a chest and took out a package wrapped in red silk. Unwrapping it, she revealed a pair of gold earrings inlaid with red coral and a gold necklace with a coral pendant, gleaming so brightly they dazzled the eyes.Luan'er handed them over and said, "These were brought back by the Master from outside, goods not even available in Jinling. Look at this coral, red as blood. Take this set first, Daoist Aunt. There's also a stone-blue silk garment—I found the color too dull and never wore it—you take that too. Additionally, here are ten taels of silver, newly rewarded by the Master. Spend it as you please. As long as you can drive out that little goblin and make the Master return to me, when you come again, I’ll thank you doubly."
Daoist Gu Cui had already reached out to grab the jewelry and silver, stuffing them into her sleeve as she smiled and said, "You’re a straightforward girl, and I won’t mince words either. With this bit of silver, getting rid of that little goblin is easy, but to make the Master return to you, I’m afraid it’s still…"
Luan’er immediately replied, "That’s all negotiable." She then pulled out a few hairpins and glanced at the remaining valuable trinkets at the bottom of the chest. After hesitating for a moment, she couldn’t bring herself to part with them and only handed over the ones she had taken out to Daoist Gu Cui, saying, "These are the only valuable items left. If you truly prove effective, I’ll empty my savings and even borrow from home to give you all the silver."
Daoist Gu Cui clicked her tongue without speaking. After a long pause, she said, "This amount of silver really isn’t enough, but I see you’re a sincere person, and we two have a long-standing relationship. How about this—you write me an IOU, so there’s proof for the future."
Luan’er agreed, "That’s fine." She then called for ink, brush, and paper. Daoist Gu Cui swiftly wrote out a note, read it aloud to Luan’er, and after Luan’er pressed her fingerprint to it, Daoist Gu Cui tucked the paper away. She then pulled out two cloth-wrapped packets and handed them to Luan’er, saying, "The red cloth holds a 'Return-to-Devotion' talisman. Take a strand of your hair and one from the Master, tie them into a knot, place it with the talisman under your pillow, and it’s guaranteed to take effect within forty-nine days. The green cloth holds a 'Fatal' talisman. Find a strand of that little goblin’s hair, bind it to a paper figure, and on the fifteenth of next month, burn it in a secluded place. Wait forty-nine days, and she’ll die without a burial place."
Luan’er was startled and said, "I—I only want to drive her away, not to kill her."
Daoist Gu Cui sneered, "You really are a fool. If she doesn’t die, how will you have a way out?"
Luan’er stammered, too afraid to take it.
Daoist Gu Cui impatiently said, "Since ancient times, those who achieve great things aren’t so indecisive. Do you want it or not? If not, I’ll take it back."
Only then did Luan’er take it. Daoist Gu Cui spoke with Luan’er a while longer before taking her leave. She then went to Hua Mei’s room and sat for a short while before departing.
The next day, the new official robe and jade belt were delivered, and Lin Jinlou finally showed a smile. Everyone in Knowing Spring Pavilion breathed a sigh of relief. The Lin Family had long kept young opera performers, and coinciding with Lin Jinlou’s promotion, they had learned a few new plays. Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu, who were usually bored, seized the opportunity to set up a stage for opera viewing. Qin Shi readily agreed. By afternoon, the stage was erected at Pruning Autumn Pavilion, and all the women from the inner chambers gathered there.Xianglan naturally did not want to go, but she feared Lin Jinlou would be displeased if he found out, leaving her no peace. So she waited a long while before finally tidying herself up and going over. By then, Qin Shi had already grown tired of the opera and, supported by her maid, had returned to her quarters. Second Mistress Wang Shi sat in the center, with Lin Dongling on her left and Lin Dongxiu on her right. Lin Jinyuan was running around with a large wooden sword, several old women flustered as they tried to keep up with him. Wang Shi called out several times, "Good child, come here quickly, I'll peel some crab meat for you." But Lin Jinyuan acted as if he hadn't heard and continued his wild romping, creating more commotion than the opera on stage.
Xianglan quietly made her way to the back, where she saw Hua Mei, Luan'er, and Ying Ge all seated at a rear table, each dressed to the nines. Hua Mei's eyes were fixed on the stage, as if she hadn't noticed Xianglan's arrival. Ying Ge, however, quickly stood up, pulled out the round stool beside her, and said, "Xianglan's here, come sit." She then bustled about instructing the maids to brew hot tea and said with a smile, "Why are you so late? There were two acts at the beginning, sung beautifully—it's a shame you missed them."
Thank you to fat wanghua001 for the Peach Blossom Fan, qian20051978 for the sachet, Xiao Yuan Yuan and Ling Ling Qing Qing for the Peace Talismans, and also thank you to everyone for the pink votes^_^
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