"Old Madam, your birthday is in a few days. Furen said she wants to personally arrange a grand celebration for you." Only when Du Juan saw Old Madam Jiang's expression soften slightly did she cautiously speak up.
"It's just a cover-up," Old Madam Jiang sneered. "Does she think I don't know what she's scheming?"
Cai Que and Du Juan exchanged glances. Old Madam Jiang had always been stern and composed, but since falling ill, she seemed like a different person—especially in her evident displeasure toward Xia Yan and her two children. Then they heard Old Madam Jiang continue, "But this time, her plans might come to nothing. The eldest young lady is no ordinary person."
Cai Que and Du Juan lowered their heads in silence, though their minds were already turning with new thoughts.
...
For several days in a row, the capital had been drizzling with rain, the dark clouds seemingly never leaving the sky above the city. The stored grains in wealthy households had begun to grow moldy and damp, let alone the plight of the poor.
Yet the newly built Zhuangyuan residence of the Liu family gleamed under the rain's wash, its plaque radiating joy even in the gloomy weather. Inside the study, Liu Min stood by the window, lost in thought as he watched the raindrops fall from the eaves.
It had been a long time since the capital had seen such prolonged rain—not heavy, but persistent, causing the waters of the Moat River to rise significantly. Even in the newly constructed Zhuangyuan residence, a faint chill of dampness could still be felt indoors.
A maidservant behind him considerately offered a cup of ginger tea. "Young Master, drink this to warm yourself."
Liu Min turned, took the cup, and sipped lightly. Though young, he carried an air of quiet dignity, standing out like a cool, smooth stone amidst the frivolous noble youths of the capital—his presence alone brought a sense of comfort.
"Has there been any letter for me these past few days?" he asked.
The maidservant hesitated, then shook her head. "No."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Liu Min's face. Ever since he had been appointed Zhuangyuan, that mysterious correspondent had ceased sending letters.
Just then, Liu Furen hurried in, holding a gilded invitation card. "A-Min, why are you dressed so lightly?"
Liu Min smiled and shook his head, then noticed the card in her hand. "Mother, what is that?"
"An invitation card from Lord Jiang's wife in the capital, inviting us to Old Madam's birthday banquet." Liu Furen hesitated. "I initially thought to decline, but now that you're part of the official circles, it might be good to have connections. The card mentions that since we've newly settled in the capital, this is a special visit. I thought... it's just a banquet, so attending shouldn't be an issue." She suddenly smiled as if remembering something. "Besides, there will surely be many noble young ladies there. If any catch your eye, I'll keep them in mind. You're not getting any younger—it's time to think about your future."
"Mother," Liu Min said helplessly, "right now, I only want to establish my career. Marriage isn't on my mind."
"Nonsense," Liu Furen chided. "I want to hold a grandchild." Then she looked at him expectantly. "But A-Min, do you think I should accept this invitation?"
Seeing his mother's hopeful gaze, Liu Min couldn't bring himself to refuse. He smiled and said, "If Mother wishes to go, then of course we should."A crowd had gathered at the entrance of the City East Yuanwai's mansion. The richly dressed Yuanwai couple were handing a bundle to a kind-faced old monk. "We are deeply grateful that the Master would exorcise evil spirits for our household," they said. "Though these are mere worldly possessions, the Master may use them to gild a statue of the Bodhisattva."
The monk, with his completely white hair and beard, exuded an air of profound mystery. He pressed his palms together and chanted, "Amitabha."
Spectators circled around, pointing at the monk in awe. This was the recently renowned Master Huijue of the capital, said to know the past and foresee the future. Having just settled in the capital, he often performed blessings and exorcisms for wealthy families with remarkable efficacy.
After accepting the bundle, Master Huijue bid farewell to the crowd and walked alone. Turning from the busiest street, he entered a dim, narrow alley where a small two-courtyard house stood. Knocking on the door, a young servant boy opened it and welcomed him in.
Upon entering the courtyard, the boy said, "Master, there is a visitor."
"A visitor?" Huijue was startled. He had few acquaintances in the capital. Though puzzled, he maintained his composure as he walked in.
In the hall stood a young girl in emerald-green attire, no more than eleven or twelve years old, dressed as a maid. The maid smiled at him, and Huijue was taken aback when a gentle voice came from behind her: "Master."
Following the voice, Huijue saw the outline of another girl in the shadows. As the maid stepped aside and light fell upon the figure, her features became clear.
She was a young girl, likely the same age as the maid. Dressed in a water-red embroidered long skirt, her striking beauty was undeniable even in the dim light. She gazed at Huijue with a smile, as if looking at an old friend, her slightly upturned, alluring eyes clear yet somehow unfathomable.
Even as a "monk," Huijue couldn't help but inwardly admire her beauty.
"Young lady, you are...?" Huijue mused. The girl before him was unfamiliar, and he had no memory of her.
"Though the Master does not know me, I have long heard of your reputation," she said. "Today, I came to ask the Master about my Eight Characters."
"Young lady, you are still so young. Why come alone to inquire about divination?" Huijue asked.
"My fate is troubled, and the road ahead is unknown," Jiang Ruan replied with just eight words.
Huijue paused, thought for a moment, and said, "In that case, please write down your Eight Characters."
Jiang Ruan picked up a brush and wrote.
As she wrote, Huijue quietly observed her. The girl's dignified bearing suggested she was a young lady from a noble family. Her actions were enigmatic, yet there was a hint of fierceness in her expression. After a brief moment, he made up his mind, glancing at the maid's expression as well.
Jiang Ruan pushed the paper with her Eight Characters toward Huijue. "Master, please take a look."
Huijue unfolded the paper, removed the prayer beads from around his neck, and bowed his head in silence. After half an incense stick's time, his brows gradually furrowed.
Luzhu, noticing this, glanced at Jiang Ruan's expression and asked with a smile, "What does the Master say?"
Huijue looked at Jiang Ruan, hesitated, then shook his head and sighed heavily."Master, please speak freely." Unlike his troubled expression, Jiang Ruan appeared utterly at ease, her demeanor so composed it was as if she was having a fortune told for someone else.
Huijue said, "This divination for the young lady is inauspicious. I fear... I fear it is the fate of the Star of Calamity and Solitude."
"Star of Calamity and Solitude?" Jiang Ruan repeated the words slowly. Huijue lowered his gaze, looking every bit the compassionate Bodhisattva. Then Jiang Ruan spoke again: "Master, you are truly perceptive. Indeed, I bear the fate of the Star of Calamity and Solitude. My mother was struck down by my ill fortune, my brother has gone missing because of me, and now strange occurrences plague my household."
Her voice was heavy, as though weighed down by genuine sorrow. Huijue spoke up, "Even so, young lady, there is no need for despair. This old monk has a way to alter your fate. If you are willing, I shall visit your residence another day to discuss the matter with your family."
"Why would you help me?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Huijue bowed his head, pressing his palms together. "Amitabha. Compassion is the way of the monastic."
"Master, you are truly kind. Not all monks are like you, though. I once heard a story—about a monk from Yuzhou who paraded as a revered master, swindling people and amassing great wealth."
At the mention of "Yuzhou," Huijue's hands trembled slightly. Jiang Ruan's gentle voice continued from across the table: "This monk was an orphan, taken in as a child by a wandering monk who taught him the tricks of deception. The wanderer treated him as a tool for profit, beating and scolding him at will. When the boy grew older and learned some of the wanderer's tricks, he strangled the old monk with his own hands, lied to everyone that his master had passed peacefully, and inherited his mantle—continuing the legacy of a fraudulent master." She paused, then added, "Curiously, that monk from Yuzhou shared the same monastic name as you. Have you heard this story, Huijue?"
Huijue sat as still as a wooden statue, a cold sweat breaking out along his spine. These secrets were things he had never spoken of to anyone, and they were decades old—this girl couldn’t have even been born then. How did she know them so clearly? He lifted his head to see the young woman opposite him, a playful smile on her lips, not a trace of sorrow left in her expression.
Huijue heard his own hoarse voice reply, "This old monk... has never heard of it."
"There are many things in this world the master may not have heard of. But I have some interesting tales to share. For instance, that young novice just now reminded me of a story—how that monk, while swindling a household, became entangled with the family’s young mistress. She became pregnant but refused to name the father even as she died in childbirth. When her family sought to abandon the frail infant, the monk, feigning compassion, offered to take the child as his disciple. The family was all too eager to agree, unaware that the child was, in truth, the monk’s own son."
By now, not a trace of Huijue’s earlier serenity remained. His face was drenched in cold sweat, his expression tense with fear."After handing the infant over to the monk, the child's congenital deficiencies required expensive medicines to sustain its life. The monk had no choice but to redouble his efforts to amass wealth. However, Yuzhou was too small, so he came to the most prosperous capital. The capital had many wealthy families, and with his growing reputation, he earned a great deal of money to treat his son." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "Master, what do you think of this story?"
"Who are you?" After a long silence, Huijue asked. He truly couldn't fathom the young woman before him, suspecting she must have been sent by some master to meet him. Otherwise, how could a complete stranger so directly reveal the secrets he had buried deep in his heart—secrets never meant to see the light of day? It was truly terrifying!
For the first time in his life, Huijue, who had always manipulated others with ease, felt a loss of control.
Jiang Ruan gazed at him calmly. "I am merely the Star of Calamity and Solitude. Huijue, you now have two choices. First, kill me, and your secret will remain unknown forever. Second, obey me, and I will keep your secret."
Her expression was serene, showing no unease about the uncertain future, as if she had already determined what Huijue's answer would be. Huijue stared at her, and a sudden surge of ruthlessness rose in his heart. He asked, "How did you know these things?"
"Huijue, do you wish to save your son?" Jiang Ruan ignored his question.
His son? Huijue stiffened, the fleeting malice vanishing instantly as he recalled his son lying sick in bed. The physician had said his son was born with deficiencies and would remain frail without expensive medicines. After decades of living as a false monk, he never imagined he would have a son in his later years. He wanted to save his son.
"You... what can you do?" Huijue asked.
"If you follow my instructions, I guarantee you a life of luxury without want. Your son will receive the finest physicians, and you will never again worry about affording costly medicines or living in constant fear, running from place to place." Her enchanting eyes gleamed startlingly bright, her tone laced with temptation. "You will enjoy the reverence of thousands, endless wealth, and lasting stability. You will become the most revered monk, the State Preceptor."
Huijue was nearly entranced by the vision she painted, but his years of deceit had honed his instincts. He quickly snapped out of it and said, "Young lady, you must be jesting with this old monk. I wonder what business you truly have with me, but I am merely an ordinary monk, unworthy of such lofty titles. Many things are beyond my power."
Jiang Ruan watched him calmly and smiled. "Know the past, foresee the future? So much of the past has already been revealed. It seems I must prove one more thing to you."
Huijue remained silent.
"Tonight, the prefect's residence in the city will be haunted by ghosts. By tomorrow morning, you will surely be summoned to perform rites." Jiang Ruan declared.
Huijue could only stare in disbelief. "Young lady?""Believe me or not, if you wish to save your son, do as I say." Jiang Ruan spoke softly: "Ten days from now will be the birthday banquet of Lord Jiang's mother. I want you to arrive that day to perform blessings for the old madam, and 'accidentally' discover an evil presence haunting the residence—that the Jiang family's second young miss is the Star of calamity and solitude." She smiled faintly: "With your masterful skills, I needn't teach you how to proceed."
"How can you be so certain I'll come that day?" Huijue couldn't help asking.
Jiang Ruan stood up: "Haven't I already told you? I know the past and foresee the future." Backlit by the light, her expression was gentle, her beauty like a painting, yet the vivid red of her robes chilled the heart. It was as if beneath that lovely exterior lay the heart of a demon, truly like a temptress luring travelers to their doom in hell.
As Jiang Ruan reached the door with her maid, she suddenly turned back as if remembering something: "Ah, I forgot to mention—my name is Jiang Ruan. Eldest legitimate daughter of the Jiang family in the capital."
Once they left the dark alley, Luzhu studied Jiang Ruan's expression and ventured cautiously: "Young Miss, are you certain that monk will really come in ten days?"
"He'll come." Huijue treasured his precious son like life itself. Every spring, his son's condition worsened with the weather. In her past life, Ye Li had exploited this weakness years later, buying Huijue's loyalty by offering to cure his son. Huijue had indeed proven talented—under Ye Li's arrangements, he became state preceptor and provided many conveniences.
This lifetime, she employed the same method, securing Huijue's service before Ye Li could make his move. Now, with spring here and his son's condition deteriorating, Huijue would find her offer hard to resist after hearing her words.
Most people in this world have weaknesses—grasp that weakness, and they become pliable. Thinking back, she had Ye Li to thank for this. To make her a competent chess piece in the palace, he'd revealed all these secrets without reservation. Without such information, how difficult would it have been to subdue someone like Huijue?
Luzhu said: "Thank goodness Fifth Aunt mentioned this matter! That mother-daughter pair in Delicate Splendor Courtyard could devise such a vicious scheme—truly wicked!"
That evening, Hong Ying hurried to Ruan Residence, mentioning only that Jiang Quan had invited a Taoist to perform rites during the old madam's birthday banquet to dispel recent misfortunes in the residence. Though not stated explicitly, her words hinted that the Taoist was none other than the Wandering Taoist who had passed by the Jiang residence six years ago to read Jiang Ruan's fortune.
Finally, Hong Ying added: "The old madam's banquet is a grand occasion—we mustn't be careless. The young miss should prepare accordingly."
Jiang Ruan thanked her with a smile, repaying the favor by casually mentioning recent tensions between the Xia and Jiang families—that Jiang Quan wasn't entirely without grievances against Xia Yan—and advising Hong Ying to offer comfort.
Hong Ying was clever. At this thought, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. That Xia Yan would attempt to reuse this old trick... Six years ago—or rather, in her past life—it had worked because she'd been foolish, as malleable as clay in Xia Yan's hands. But now that Xia Yan wanted to replay those events, it wouldn't be so simple.
Luzhu looked ahead: "Miss Lin's carriage has arrived."
Turning, Jiang Ruan indeed saw a carriage stopped by the rouge shop at the alley's entrance. Lin Zixiang jumped down, scowling at Jiang Ruan: "What took you so long? I've been waiting forever."Jiang Ruan smiled and said, "We were delayed a bit on the way here. Let's go inside first."
With Old Madam Jiang's birthday banquet approaching, Jiang Ruan had no intention of crafting a gift herself. Instead, she informed Xia Yan that she would be going with Miss Lin Zixiang and the other sisters. Xia Yan couldn't refuse Lin Zixiang's invitation on Jiang Ruan's behalf. Thinking of Jiang Susu, whose facial scars prevented her from going out, Xia Yan seethed with resentment but had no choice but to agree.
As soon as they stepped into the cosmetic shop, a clear voice rang out, "Ah, Zixiang, Ruan Meimei, we've been waiting for you for ages!" Dong Yinger greeted them warmly, while Zhao Jin beside her looked somewhat exasperated. "The smell of cosmetics is making me nauseous. Let's get out of here."
Dong Yinger clung to Zhao Jin's arm. "We just got here! Jin'er, you're almost of age, yet you still don't bother to dress up. You're like a tomboy—what if your future husband dislikes it?"
Coming from a military family, Zhao Jin naturally disdained these delicate young ladies who powdered their faces. Dong Yinger was particularly clingy. Jiang Ruan chuckled and said, "We've visited enough cosmetic shops. I heard a new jewelry store has opened in the city, filled with rare treasures. Besides gold and silver ornaments, there are also many precious swords and weapons—a dazzling array. Why don't you go take a look, Sister Zhao?"
Zhao Jin immediately perked up. "Really? Ruan Meimei, you'd better not be fooling me."
Jiang Ruan smiled. "How would I dare deceive you, Sister?"
Dong Yinger, always eager for novelty, chimed in, "In that case, Ruan Meimei, let's hurry to that jewelry store. I've been in need of a pair of delicate bracelets lately."
Lin Zixiang also thought it a good idea, so the group boarded a carriage and headed into the city.
When the carriage stopped, Dong Yinger was the first to jump out. Jiang Ruan and the others followed, and sure enough, they saw a tower-like building with the words "Treasure Exchange Pavilion" inscribed in large characters above the entrance.
As they entered the building, a rather pretty maidservant led them inside and explained, "The first floor is for jewelry, and the second floor is for precious weapons. What would the young ladies like to see?"
"Jewelry!"
"Weapons!"
Dong Yinger and Zhao Jin exclaimed simultaneously. Dong Yinger glared at Zhao Jin. "Are you deliberately opposing me?"
"You know I never bother with those things. Why don't we split up and meet back here later?" Zhao Jin suggested.
Lin Zixiang said, "That sounds good. I'll stay here to look at jewelry—I don't understand weapons anyway. What about you, Ruan Meimei?"
"Ruan Meimei will definitely stay with us to look at jewelry," Dong Yinger interjected, only to see Jiang Ruan shake her head with a smile. "I'd like to see the weapons."
"See the weapons?" Not only Dong Yinger and Lin Zixiang, but even Zhao Jin was stunned, looking at her in disbelief. "You don't practice martial arts. Why would you want to see weapons?"
Jiang Ruan offered an apologetic smile. "After my eldest brother joined the army, we lost contact with him. I don't know when he'll return, but I imagine if he does, he'll be a proud and unyielding man of steel. A fine weapon would suit him perfectly." She added, "But I'm just looking, that's all."
The others were moved by her words. Zhao Jin said, "I know a thing or two about weapons. Let's go up together—maybe I can offer some advice."Jiang Ruan smiled and agreed. The two of them went up to the second floor, and just as the rumors outside had said, it was filled entirely with top-tier weapons. Some emitted a faint blue glow, while others had endured the passage of time. The moment they stepped in, they were dazzled by the brilliance. Zhao Jin couldn’t help but exclaim, “There are so many! And they all seem like spiritual treasures!”
Jiang Ruan watched her as Zhao Jin reached out to touch a sword hanging on the wall. The moment her hand made contact, she felt a shock and hastily retreated a few steps, exclaiming excitedly, “It really is a treasure!”
Unlike Zhao Jin, Jiang Ruan wasn’t as exhilarated. She looked around carefully and thought that a certain long-moon shield armor would be extremely suitable for Jiang Xin Zhi. If he had such a piece of armor on the battlefield, he would be much safer. However, when she saw the price marked below, she immediately felt a headache coming on. Not only had she already spent all her silver on purchasing grain reserves in the capital, but even if she had any left, it would still be far from enough.
She continued walking forward when her gaze was drawn to an item in the basket. Reaching out, she picked up an exquisitely crafted small bracelet emitting a strikingly beautiful blue glow. Jiang Ruan slipped it onto her wrist, the bracelet accentuating the delicate slenderness of her fair hand. Zhao Jin approached and asked curiously, "Why are there jewelry pieces on this floor too?"
The jewelry shop maid accompanying them explained, "This is the Blood Moon Bracelet, used to—" Before she could finish, she saw Jiang Ruan expertly press the raised pattern at the center of the bracelet, aiming it directly at her.
"Young Miss?" The maid froze momentarily, her expression stiffening.
"I won't press it down," Jiang Ruan said as she slid the bracelet off her wrist. "How many needles are inside?"
"Nine," the maid replied stiffly. "But they're all highly poisonous."
Zhao Jin, initially stunned by Jiang Ruan's actions, immediately understood upon hearing the maid's words. "So there's such a mechanism!" she exclaimed, then turned to Jiang Ruan. "Meimei, you've never been exposed to these things before. Even I didn't know its purpose—how did you?" Jiang Ruan's practiced movements clearly didn't seem like this was her first encounter with such an object.
(End of Chapter)
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