A Dream within a Dream

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. "There was a rare book among the ones Mother collected that mentioned this type of bracelet."

Zhao Jin nodded in understanding. "I see. But after all, this is just a hidden weapon. I still prefer that treasured sword."

Jiang Ruan ran her fingers over the bracelet's smooth surface, her gaze suddenly deepening. In her past life, Jiang Quan had once sought out a similar bracelet for Jiang Susu. Back then, Jiang Susu wore it day and night, and Jiang Ruan had envied her deeply. Yet she never mustered the courage to ask Jiang Quan for one herself. She could only pretend the silver bracelet on her own wrist had the same mechanisms, occasionally touching it to deceive herself into thinking they were the same.

Now, looking back, it all seemed like an unreal dream. The Blood Moon Bracelet in her hand was even more exquisite than Jiang Susu's, capable of holding more needles. The maid had explained that the needles could be retrieved via fine silk threads after being shot out, and they were laced with potent poison. It would be highly suitable for her. Yet, Jiang Ruan shook her head and placed the bracelet back.

"Young Miss, do you find it unsatisfactory?" The maid had noticed Jiang Ruan's expression earlier, clearly fond of the bracelet, so her current action was puzzling.

"I don't have that much silver," Jiang Ruan replied with a smile, resigning herself to giving it up.

"Neither do I," Zhao Jin said wistfully, gazing at the sword hanging on the wall. "I hope I can persuade my father."

The two shared a knowing smile. After browsing the items in the building a while longer, they went downstairs to find Lin Zixiang and the others.

After they left, the maid who had been accompanying them walked to a green porcelain lion's head on the wall at the back of the room and pressed it. A small door opened, revealing an adjacent elegant chamber. The proximity made it easy to overhear the conversation in the main hall.

"Master," the maid said respectfully, "the Jiang family's young miss took a liking to this Blood Moon Bracelet." She presented the tray.

The man seated in the chamber responded with a nonchalant "Hmm," not turning his head. "Put it away."

"Yes." The maid quietly withdrew.

The man walked to the window. The drizzling rain blurred the capital's scenery, yet it couldn't obscure his vision. Moments later, Jiang Ruan and the others boarded a carriage downstairs, its wheels creaking as it slowly rolled away.

...

That day, when Jiang Ruan went out with Dong Yinger to select a birthday gift, she ended up buying nothing. Dong Yinger asked curiously, "Are you really going back empty-handed?"

"I have no silver," Jiang Ruan replied with a gentle smile.

Unbeknownst to them, the life of a marquis's daughter could be so difficult. Dong Yinger and the other two felt a pang of sympathy for her. They considered offering her some money but feared hurting her pride, so they could only offer a few comforting words. Observing Jiang Ruan's demeanor and recalling her tragic past—losing her mother young and being neglected by her father—their pity for her deepened.

Jiang Ruan, however, paid no mind to the others' gazes and calmly returned to the manor with Luzhu. On the way back, Luzhu asked, "Young Miss, are you really not buying anything?"

"Where would I get the silver?" Jiang Ruan repeated the same line. "I'm penniless now. Buying cheap items would only invite ridicule.""Young Miss shouldn't have bought so much old grain, at least half should have been kept." Luzhu pouted, lifting the carriage curtain to look outside. "It's strange though, this rain hasn't stopped for over ten days now." She pondered, "This servant was thinking, if the rain keeps going, the old grain Young Miss bought could be sold for a huge profit. But then there'd be more refugees in the capital." Luzhu frowned, "What a dilemma."

Jiang Ruan smiled inwardly. She had no intention of selling that old grain—Luzhu's hopes for profit would surely be disappointed. But she wasn't ready to tell Luzhu yet. "I do have a gift for Old Madam Jiang's birthday banquet," she said. "Huijue is the best present."

Luzhu's eyes sparkled as she giggled, "Young Miss is right, this gift is bigger than anything else. This servant can hardly wait for that day to come."

When they returned to the mansion, the servants noticed Jiang Ruan came back empty-handed. Some gossipy ones hurried to report this to Delicate Splendor Courtyard. Jiang Susu was speaking with Xia Yan when she heard the news. "Just a pauper," she sneered. "She probably couldn't afford anything."

Xia Yan tapped her forehead. "No matter what, you must finish writing those hundred longevity characters properly. Winning your grandmother's favor will please your father too."

"I know," Jiang Susu said impatiently. "But I wonder what Jiang Ruan will present. It'll be quite a spectacle if she shows up empty-handed."

Xia Yan smiled. "Whatever gift she prepares, no matter how much effort she puts in, she'll never gain the old madam's favor."

"Why?" Jiang Susu asked.

"Who would ever like a Star of calamity and solitude?" A trace of malice flashed in Xia Yan's eyes. Moreover, Old Madam Jiang had always been devout, donating large sums for temple offerings every year. Such a person would be extremely superstitious. With the Jiang family's recent misfortunes, even if Jiang Quan wasn't her biological son, decades of motherly affection counted for something. As the matriarch, she couldn't possibly ignore impending disaster. This time, Jiang Ruan wouldn't escape unscathed.

Reading her mother's expression, Jiang Susu guessed part of the plan. "Mother already has a solution?"

Xia Yan embraced her lovingly, stroking her hair. "Just know everything I do is for you and Chao'er. Don't disappoint me."

Jiang Susu nestled in her mother's arms, her beautiful eyes wide with chilling hatred. "I know, Mother. On Grandmother's birthday banquet, I can hardly wait for that day to come."

Ten days passed swiftly. During this period, the Jiang household enjoyed unusual peace, as if all their misfortunes had been exhausted, settling into calm after the storms.

The only downside was the family's recent troubles had drained their finances. With expenditures tight, Madam Jiang Xia Yan, who managed household affairs, proposed cutting expenses by slashing the young ladies' monthly allowances by more than half. Since servants' wages couldn't be reduced without risking unrest, the cuts had to come from the masters.Jiang Susu and Jiang Li naturally didn't care about a few months' worth of silver, as they occasionally received subsidies from Jiang Quan. Jiang Dan and Jiang Ruan, however, had no relatives to send gifts or supplement their household expenses, and they still had to reward the maids and servants in their own courtyards from time to time. For a while, life became extremely difficult for them.

The rain continued to pour relentlessly. The Ruan Residence, originally a temporarily vacated house, had a roof that had fallen into disrepair over the years and had begun to leak. Rainwater dripped through the holes in the roof, making the interior unbearably damp. Luzhu found an iron bucket from outside and placed it under the leak. Although this temporarily prevented water from dripping everywhere, the cold wind blowing through the hole was enough to chill everyone inside.

Zisu walked in, fuming. "This servant went to find Granny Song earlier and asked her to send someone to repair the roof for the young lady. But that old woman made excuses, saying the entire household was busy preparing for the old madam's birthday banquet and couldn't spare the time. Today is the banquet, so preparations should be nearly complete, yet she still refuses." Even Zisu, who was usually even-tempered, couldn't help showing a trace of anger when speaking of this.

"No doubt she received instructions from that other courtyard," Jiang Ruan said indifferently. "Don't take it to heart."

"They truly want to freeze the young lady into illness!" Lianqiao said angrily. "How utterly despicable."

Luzhu thought for a moment. "Perhaps this servant could go outside and find a craftsman. Leaving it like this isn't a solution."

"Where would we get the silver to hire a craftsman?" Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. Xia Yan had drastically reduced the monthly allowances of the young ladies in the household, and it was obvious for whose benefit. No doubt she hoped they wouldn't have enough silver to buy birthday gifts, or even decent materials, so they would be embarrassed at Old Madam Jiang's banquet today when they couldn't present proper gifts in front of everyone. They weren't even trying to hide their intentions anymore, but to Jiang Ruan, their behavior still seemed somewhat laughable.

Luzhu sighed in frustration. "This is truly vexing."

"No need to trouble yourself. After today, someone will come to repair it," Jiang Ruan said as she walked to the dressing table and sat down. "Let's prepare for the banquet. The guests must have arrived by now. Even though Second Sister is receiving them at the front, as the elder sister, I can't hide in my room forever."

Lianqiao and Zisu exchanged glances, both smiling. Lianqiao said, "We'll make sure the young lady looks absolutely stunning, putting Second Young Lady to shame!"

...

In the flower hall, Xia Yan was leading Jiang Susu in conversation with the various noble ladies and their daughters. Today's guests were all women, and all held some status in the court. Since the daughters of concubines couldn't come out to receive guests, it fell to the mistress of the household and the legitimate daughter to entertain the ladies.

Jiang Susu wore a frost-white brocade dress embroidered with monthly roses, draped with a soft, misty gauze shawl. Her long hair was styled in an exceptionally unique manner, adorned with a white jade hairpin. The sachet at her waist emitted a faint orchid fragrance, giving her an air of refined elegance and grace. Today, she wasn't wearing her veil, and her face—whether through some miracle cure—had healed considerably. Thick layers of powder completely concealed the scars, making her skin appear fair, though the heavy makeup, while still charming, lacked her usual ethereal beauty.

Lady Taishi smiled and said, "This must be the Second Young Lady. She's grown even more lovely. In a few years, suitors will be lining up to break down your doorstep."Jiang Susu was taken aback, her delicate face instantly flushing with two rosy clouds as she lowered her head and walked to Xia Yan's side, seemingly shy from the words spoken by the madam earlier.

The wife of the Vice Minister had a somewhat sharp, long face and narrowed her eyes as she said, "But I heard the Second Young Lady fell into the water some time ago. Is she better now?"

The madams and young ladies present naturally knew of the incident on the Exquisite Boat during the Lantern Festival. Recalling Jiang Susu's state at the time, their gazes toward Xia Yan and her daughter shifted subtly.

Hearing this, Xia Yan inwardly cursed the tactless Vice Minister's wife viciously, but on the surface, she smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Madam. Su Su was merely frightened, but she’s fine now."

The Vice Minister's wife, however, pressed on relentlessly, "And how is the Second Young Master of your household? I heard he didn’t do well in the imperial exams and even had a finger cut off. Ah, at such a young age, one must learn to endure failure. Like my two sons—they didn’t perform well either, yet they still carry on carefree every day." The two young masters of the Vice Minister's household had taken the exams alongside Jiang Chao, and both had achieved the rank of Gongyuan .

Though Xia Yan maintained a smile, the handkerchief in her hand was nearly twisted to shreds. This Vice Minister's wife had always been sharp-tongued. Jiang Susu, being young, was less adept at concealing her emotions and could barely restrain herself from rushing forward to silence the woman.

The atmosphere in the hall grew awkward. Just as the tension thickened, Madam Gu, the wife of the Commander-in-Chief, smiled and interjected, "Why speak of the imperial exams? Isn’t the mother of the top scholar right here?" She then turned her gaze toward Liu Furen, who had been sitting quietly to the side.

Liu Furen had been somewhat reserved since her arrival, unfamiliar with the circles of these high-ranking ladies. Fortunately, as the daughter of a scholar herself, she managed to avoid any breaches of etiquette. Now, hearing Madam Gu's words, she blushed slightly. "Madam, there’s no need to tease me."

"How could it be teasing?" Xia Yan chimed in with a smile. "Madam Gu has raised an outstanding son. The entire capital witnessed the top scholar’s brilliance that day." Her tone was sincere, as if she genuinely rejoiced for Liu Furen. "With such remarkable talent, I wonder which family’s daughter will have the fortune to marry him in the future."

Mention of Liu Min eased Liu Furen’s nervousness, and she smiled along with the conversation.

Madam Gu, however, seemed to have just recalled something. "Speaking of which, the Eldest Young Lady of your household is older than the Second Young Lady—has she been betrothed?"

"Not yet," Xia Yan replied, startled, and looked at Madam Gu inquisitively. "Why does Madam ask?"

"It’s nothing," Madam Gu said lightly. "I’ve just never seen the Eldest Young Lady of your household and was curious." But inwardly, she had her own thoughts. Ever since the Lantern Festival, Gu Yi had often spoken of the Jiang family’s Eldest Young Lady at home. Gu Yi was the youngest son in his family, and his older brothers were either already married or betrothed. Now that Gu Yi was of age, and the Jiang family was a prominent household, if the Eldest Young Lady’s character and temperament were suitable, it wouldn’t be out of the question to consider a match. It was precisely because of this that Madam Gu had readily accepted the invitation to the Jiang family’s matriarch’s birthday banquet.

A young lady from the Privy Council’s household asked curiously, "Miss Jiang, why isn’t your sister here?"

Jiang Ruan was also a legitimate daughter of the Jiang household and should have come out to greet the madams.

A trace of hesitation flickered across Jiang Susu’s face. "Da Jiejie seldom comes out. Perhaps it’s because she isn’t familiar with anyone here." Her tone carried a hint of reverence.Such an expression naturally gave rise to a different interpretation among the onlookers. Everyone couldn't help but think that Jiang Ruan, having been sent to the countryside estate from a young age, must be completely ignorant of proper etiquette and manners. Now, she seemed afraid of strangers, painting the image of a timid and awkward girl in their minds. Observing Jiang Susu's uneasy demeanor, the ladies and young misses present even wondered if the Jiang family's eldest daughter was particularly fierce—otherwise, why would the legitimate second daughter appear so nervous?

Just as these thoughts swirled through everyone's minds, a crisp voice rang out from outside the hall: "Miss, slow down, be careful not to fall."

"If I go any slower, I'll be the one neglecting our guests," came a gentle female voice in response. Immediately after, a figure in red appeared before the crowd. Amidst a room full of delicately dressed ladies, this vibrant crimson stood out strikingly.

Jiang Ruan wore a haitang-colored eight-panel skirt embroidered with plum blossoms and bamboo leaves. Her long hair was loosely tied up, adorned only with a matching carved haitang hairpin. The color was already vivid enough, so she wore no additional jewelry—simple yet dazzling, making her stand out among the crowd. Though perhaps it wasn't just her bright attire that drew attention.

She wore no makeup that day, save for a faint touch of rouge on her cheeks, which accentuated her jade-like, radiant complexion. Step by step, she walked into the hall with a light smile. Though still young, she carried an innate charm that was utterly captivating.

The ladies watched her in astonishment, thinking to themselves—where was the slightest hint of impropriety in this Jiang family's legitimate daughter raised in the countryside? With such grace, she hardly seemed like someone an ordinary family could have nurtured!

Jiang Susu, upon seeing her, clenched her handkerchief tightly. She couldn't understand how Jiang Ruan, having grown up on a rural estate, had somehow become even more striking than before. In the past, whenever the Jiang family was mentioned, everyone only knew of Jiang Susu. But ever since Jiang Ruan's return, she had overshadowed her in every way—even her most prideful asset, her beauty, was no match. Silently, she cursed Jiang Ruan as a fox-spirit. Despite her youth, Jiang Ruan carried the allure of a mature woman in her every gesture, making it impossible not to despise her.

As Jiang Ruan approached, Madam Gu smiled and asked, "So you are Jiang Ruan?"

"Jiang Ruan greets the Commander's Lady," Jiang Ruan replied with a curtsy.

"How did you know I am the Commander's Lady?" Madam Gu asked in surprise.

"I've heard that the Commander is a heroic and formidable man, deeply devoted to his wife. When I noticed the sachet at your waist was embroidered not with flowers but with a shield, I made a presumptuous guess. It seems I happened to be right."

Madam Gu laughed. "So that's how it is. Madam Jiang, your daughter is truly clever and refined." She found Jiang Ruan's poised demeanor, extraordinary grace, and sharp wit quite endearing. The only drawback was her overwhelming beauty—already so striking at such a young age, she would undoubtedly grow into a peerless beauty in the future. Yet such excessive beauty wasn't necessarily a blessing, as it might invite trouble.

As she pondered this, the other ladies in the hall had already begun murmuring about this suddenly appearing eldest daughter of the Jiang family. Jiang Ruan greeted each of them in turn, her gentle smile and words quickly winning their favor. Even the most critical among them, the Minister's wife, found it impossible to remain cold toward her.Jiang Susu was so furious she nearly ground her teeth to dust. After some conversation, Cai Que and Du Juan assisted Old Madam Jiang into the hall. Everyone rose to greet her, and the old madam responded with a smile, appearing vigorous and showing no trace of her recent illness. When her gaze fell upon Jiang Ruan, a profound glint flashed in her eyes. Cai Que helped the old madam take her seat at the head of the hall, after which the assembled ladies presented their birthday gifts.

The maidservants were instructed to set the gifts aside. Jiang Quan arrived with Jiang Li and Jiang Dan, followed by Jiang Chao. Spotting Old Madam Jiang, Jiang Chao stepped forward and said, "Your grandson wishes you longevity, wealth, and good health."

His eyes bright and spirited, dressed in a refreshing blue robe, he appeared entirely cheerful, with none of his previous gloom. Those unaware of the circumstances might have doubted the earlier rumors. Jiang Chao produced a small wooden box about the height of a stool and presented it. "This is your grandson's birthday gift for you."

Curious eyes turned toward the box. Old Madam Jiang smiled and instructed Cai Que to open it. Inside was a white jade Bodhisattva statue, exquisitely carved with lifelike features, as if it were alive. Most remarkable was that it was crafted from a single piece of flawless white jade, undoubtedly priceless. The guests marveled at it, and Jiang Chao said, "When I first saw this statue, it looked strangely familiar. Upon closer inspection, I realized—it resembles you, Grandmother. So I bought it, hoping the Bodhisattva would bless you with good health."

His words were exceedingly flattering, and Old Madam Jiang laughed and scolded, "Nonsense! How could I resemble a Bodhisattva?"

Jiang Li let out an almost imperceptible scoff. Jiang Chao had a knack for pleasing Old Madam Jiang, always knowing just what to say—and she ate it up.

Following Jiang Chao's lead, Jiang Susu stood and pouted, "Brother has set the bar so high with his gift that I'm almost ashamed to present mine."

"Don't say that, little sister," Jiang Chao scratched his head. "My gifts are never as good as yours."

"Enough bickering," Xia Yan interjected with a smile. "Susu, show Grandmother your gift."

Jiang Susu signaled her maidservant to bring forth a sandalwood box, exquisitely crafted. Butterfly opened it, and together with Dragonfly, they unfurled the contents—a massive double-sided embroidery featuring one hundred variations of the character for "longevity." Even disregarding the skill of the embroidery, the sheer dedication and effort behind it were astonishing.

Jiang Susu lowered her head modestly. "I didn't embroider it well, and time was short, so this is the best I could do. I hope Grandmother won't disdain it."

The embroidery was immaculate, with vibrant yet dignified colors and flawless stitching. Even by the standards of the entire Da Jin Dynasty, it was a masterpiece. Jiang Susu was indeed talented—her embroidery could truly be called unmatched in the capital. Her filial piety and humility earned the admiration of many ladies present.

Old Madam Jiang smiled. "Susu, your thoughtfulness far surpasses your brother's."

Jiang Chao chuckled but said nothing. Jiang Susu turned to Jiang Ruan. "Da Jiejie, what gift have you prepared for Grandmother? Don't keep it hidden—let us see it."With Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu having set such high standards, everyone turned their attention to Jiang Ruan, eager to see what fine gift she would present. Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and said, "My gift cannot be revealed just yet."

The crowd showed slight disappointment. Jiang Susu asked, "Why not? Da Jiejie, can't you let Su Su take a peek?"

Jiang Ruan gently but firmly refused, "No."

Jiang Chao laughed and remarked, "Could it be that Eldest Sister forgot to prepare a gift for Grandmother and that's why she's saying this? Wasn't it the same last time at Grandfather's house? Mother had to step in and help you then."

His words seemed careless, but Xia Yan quickly interjected, "Chao'er!" cutting him off. However, the damage was done—everyone began to ponder, thinking that without a birth mother's guidance, though her appearance was excellent, her understanding of social etiquette paled in comparison to Jiang Susu's.

"Please excuse my poor joke, elder brother," Jiang Ruan smiled. "But speaking of which, why hasn't the Xia Family come today? Could it be that because I forgot to prepare visiting gifts, they won't even attend Grandmother's birthday banquet?"

At these words, Jiang Chao's expression stiffened, and Xia Yan was also taken aback. Indeed, for Old Madam Jiang's birthday banquet, not a single member of the Xia Family, as in-laws, had come. Even if they couldn't attend, they should have sent someone with a message or a gift. Yet from the beginning until now, there had indeed been no news from the Xia Family. Naturally, the Xia Family wouldn't have stayed away just because Jiang Ruan hadn't sent gifts, but what exactly had happened? The suspicious gazes of the crowd made Jiang Quan feel humiliated. He glared at Xia Yan, who hurriedly said, "Your maternal grandmother hasn't been well recently, and the household has been quite busy, so they couldn't attend the banquet."

Jiang Ruan seemed to suddenly understand: "Ah, that's right. The last time I visited Grandfather's house, didn't Grandmother vomit blood and faint? She still hasn't recovered?"

Xia Yan quickly followed her lead: "Yes, her condition hasn't improved."

"In that case," Jiang Ruan suddenly bowed to Xia Yan, "with Grandmother bedridden, Mother must be extremely worried, yet you still managed Grandmother's birthday banquet so beautifully. It's truly the Jiang Family's good fortune. I feel quite ashamed."

Though her words sounded grateful, Xia Yan felt as if needles were pricking her back. Jiang Ruan's words implied that while her own mother was bedridden, she still had the heart to organize a banquet—an act of filial impiety. Today, she had been laughing and chatting merrily before the ladies, not showing the slightest hint of melancholy. Now, the ladies were probably all pondering this in their hearts.

Looking at the gently smiling young girl before her, Xia Yan gritted her teeth secretly. Then she suddenly smiled: "It's nothing." Thinking of what was about to happen, she felt a surge of satisfaction.

Old Madam Jiang watched them expressionlessly. Just then, a sharp cry rang out in the hall: "What kind of monster is this!"

Everyone turned to see a middle-aged Taoist priest in a blue robe and black hat standing at the entrance, carrying a bundle and holding a peach wood branch, his expression stern.

Xia Yan was momentarily stunned: "Void Taoist Priest." Then she apologized to the crowd: "A few days ago, I invited this Taoist priest to perform a ritual for the Jiang residence. I didn't expect him to arrive today."

Void Taoist Priest had already entered. Jiang Quan greeted him politely: "It's been a long time."

"Six years in the blink of an eye," Void Taoist Priest bowed to him. "I'm relieved to see you well, my lord."

Old Madam Jiang frowned: "What kind of nonsense are you bringing here?" Her tone was utterly impolite.

Jiang Quan said, "Mother, this Taoist priest is an old acquaintance of mine. He visited our residence six years ago."

The ladies present had never seen Void Taoist Priest before. Hearing Jiang Quan's words, they all relaxed.

Jiang Ruan stood still, quietly watching the stern-faced Taoist priest. When she heard "six years ago," a faint, inscrutable smile crossed her lips.

"I came at this time originally at the lady's request to perform blessings for the residence," Void Taoist Priest said. "But upon entering, I saw dark energy shrouding the house, suggesting the presence of evil spirits causing trouble."

Old Madam Jiang's face showed slight anger: "Drive this man out!"

"Mother! Void Taoist Priest is a master." Jiang Quan, however, disregarded Old Madam Jiang's wishes. Turning to Void Taoist Priest, he asked urgently, "Is what you say true, Taoist Priest?""This humble priest never lies," Void Taoist Priest stroked his beard. "And that demonic presence resides right within this household!"

He paced around the hall, his gaze gradually settling on Jiang Ruan.

Everyone held their breath as the priest declared, "Though this humble priest knows not who this young lady might be, I dare assert that the dark aura in this household stems from her."

"Impossible," Xia Yan was taken aback. "She's the eldest daughter of our household."

"The eldest daughter?" Void Taoist Priest said. "The one sent to the village estate six years ago? I hadn't realized she'd grown so much. Then there's no mistake."

"Master Priest, what do you mean by this?" Jiang Susu interjected. "How could my Da Jiejie be a demon?"

Instead, the priest addressed Jiang Quan directly: "My lord, did I not cast this young lady's fortune six years ago? I warned then that she must never return to this household, lest great calamity befall you. Even if your lordship's heart is soft, you must not court your own destruction."

This revelation surprised everyone present. So this was why Jiang Quan had called the priest an old acquaintance—he'd read Jiang Ruan's fortune six years ago?

Xia Yan shook her head. "But she is after all the master's daughter. How could he bear to be separated from her forever? Does the master priest have any alternative solution?"

Jiang Ruan listened, a hint of mockery coloring her smile. To hear Xia Yan speak, one might think Jiang Quan cherished his daughter deeply. Were it not for Imperial Censor Wang's memorial, Jiang Quan would probably have been content to leave her at the village estate forever, as if the Jiang family had no such daughter!

"Mother, what's going on here?" Jiang Chao asked. "What does the master priest mean?"

"This..." Xia Yan glanced hesitantly at Jiang Ruan, as if struggling to speak.

Seeing this, Void Taoist Priest declared: "This humble priest has examined the eldest young lady's Eight Characters. Hers is truly the Star of calamity and solitude—she will bring misfortune to husband and mother, sever all kinship ties in her lifetime, and bring bloodshed upon her family. Hers is an inherently demonic destiny."

Star of calamity and solitude!

At these words, everyone gasped in shock. Unconsciously, their gazes toward Jiang Ruan filled with fear. No matter how beautiful she might be, in their eyes she was now no different from a demon.

Amidst the varied stares, only Jiang Ruan remained unmoved, standing quietly, perfectly still. After a moment, she began to laugh softly.

"What are you laughing at?" Jiang Li, who'd been gloating, demanded.

"I laugh because thanks to Void Taoist Priest, Jiang Ruan finally understands she bears the Star of calamity and solitude." Her words carried hidden meaning that puzzled everyone. Jiang Ruan continued: "Since Master Priest could divine my fate six years ago, and having cultivated his skills since then, surely he must have a method to break this cursed destiny now?"

Void Taoist Priest hesitated, then shook his head. "Young lady's fate is too formidable. This humble priest's limited powers cannot overcome it."

Jiang Ruan shook her head. "The master priest speaks reason. Yet according to your words, I bring misfortune to father, mother and kin. Yet in six years at the village estate, I've brought misfortune to none. Apart from my own frail health, the villagers there have prospered more with each passing year. How do you explain this?"

Her words carried pointed implications. Everyone present was worldly-wise, accustomed to reading between lines in social interactions—none could miss her meaning. Xia Yan casually touched her temple as if by accident, prompting Void Taoist Priest to immediately respond: "That's because those at the village estate were not your true kin—merely peasants and servants.""So that's how it is," Jiang Ruan suddenly understood, smiling faintly. "That's why ever since I returned to the Jiang residence from the manor, inexplicable incidents keep occurring in the household?"

"Precisely," Void Taoist Priest nodded.

"But logically, I should first bring misfortune to those closest to me," Jiang Ruan looked at Jiang Quan. "So I first caused my mother's death. Following this reasoning, upon returning home, the first person I should affect is my father. How strange... why is it Second Brother and Second Sister instead?"

Hearing Jiang Ruan's words, Jiang Quan already felt displeased. Void Taoist Priest paused before saying, "This... this humble priest does not know."

"So even the Taoist Priest has things he doesn't know," Jiang Ruan smiled gently. "Mother, do you think I'm the Star of calamity and solitude?"

"Of course... of course not," Xia Yan wiped her tears. "But Ruan'er..." She couldn't continue, her expression filled with extreme sorrow.

"Father, do you also believe I have the fate of the Star of calamity and solitude?" Jiang Ruan turned to Jiang Quan.

Jiang Quan met her gaze directly. Though Jiang Ruan was smiling at him, her beautiful eyes seemed to have been steeped in ice, sending chills down one's spine. His vision blurred momentarily, as if seeing Zhao Mei's gaunt figure lying on the bed, coldly questioning him. His heart panicked, and a surge of suppressed anger rose within him. He said coldly, "Do you want to bring ruin to the entire Jiang residence?"

(End of Chapter)