“How could I possibly wish to harm the entire Jiang household?” Jiang Ruan said. If it were to be destroyed so easily, how could she be satisfied? What she truly wanted was to crush it step by step beneath her feet, grind it into dust, and make it vanish from this world forever.
Jiang Ruan turned her gaze to Old Madam Jiang, who had already closed her eyes, as if unwilling to watch this farcical spectacle. Xia Yan asked, “Taoist Priest, what should we do now?”
Void Taoist Priest looked at Jiang Ruan and said, “In the past, sending her to a rural estate would have sufficed. But since you’ve brought her back, the resentment within her grows stronger by the day. The best course now is to find a family temple and have her stay there for a few years to calm her spirit. Perhaps then it can be resolved.”
Lianqiao, standing behind Jiang Ruan, felt a chill run down her spine. What a vicious scheme! Spending years as a nun in a temple would ensure that the capital’s society would forget Jiang Ruan even existed. And once she passed marriageable age, it would become even harder to secure a match. No—Xia Yan had already publicly branded Jiang Ruan as the “Star of Calamity and Solitude” in front of so many people. What respectable family in the capital would dare take her now? They’d flee from her like the plague!
Amid the heavy silence, a deep voice suddenly spoke: “Taoist Priest, choose your words carefully.”
A yellow-robed monk slowly entered the hall from outside. His beard was entirely white, and he carried a staff. Compared to Void Taoist Priest, this elderly monk had a kindly and benevolent appearance, his every movement exuding an aura of sacred purity that commanded reverence—as if he were truly a great disciple of the Buddha himself.
At the sight of the monk, Lianqiao let out a long sigh of relief. Someone in the hall recognized him and exclaimed in shock, “Isn’t that Master Huijue? Why is he here?”
Master Huijue’s reputation far surpassed that of Void Taoist Priest. Among the wealthy families of the capital, it was well known that toward the end of last year, a highly enlightened monk of profound Buddhist wisdom had emerged in the city.
The moment Xia Yan saw Huijue, she knew things had taken a bad turn. Yet Jiang Ruan remained standing in the hall with a faint smile, which made Xia Yan suspicious—how could Jiang Ruan have any connection with this monk? Still, determined not to let Huijue ruin today’s plans, she forced a smile and said, “Master, what brings you to our residence? Have you also come to dispel evil?”
Huijue pressed his palms together, bowed slightly, and uttered, “Amitabha.” Then he turned to Jiang Ruan and addressed her, “Young lady.”
“Da Jiejie, you rarely leave the house—when did you come to know this master?” Jiang Susu asked with feigned innocence, though her words carried a venomous implication. She was suggesting that if Jiang Ruan were truly a proper young lady of the inner chambers, she shouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet even a monk in private.
Jiang Ruan sighed softly and looked toward Old Madam Jiang, who had opened her eyes at some point. “This is the gift I prepared for Grandmother.”
Jiang Quan’s voice was stern as he demanded, “What is the meaning of this?” Compared to Void Taoist Priest, he naturally trusted Master Huijue more, but since Jiang Ruan was involved, he couldn’t help but harbor some suspicion.
“A few days ago, I went out with Miss Lin Zixiang, the daughter of the Imperial Historian Lin, to select a gift for Grandmother. But no matter what we looked at, nothing seemed suitable. Grandmother lacks for nothing in terms of food and clothing, so even the most extravagant presents might not impress her. I thought—what matters most in this world is peace, health, and enduring blessings. I heard there was a Master Huijue in the capital, said to be a disciple of the Buddha himself. As it happened, the Lin family had some connection with the master, so I asked Lin Zixiang to do me a favor and request the master’s presence to pray for Grandmother’s blessings.”In the capital, wealthy families who believed in Buddhism were often invited by Huijue to their homes to expound on Buddhist scriptures. Lin Zixiang's mother had always been devout, making this reason quite plausible and unlikely to raise suspicion.
She spoke earnestly, as if disbelief would be a betrayal of her sincerity. Jiang Ruan said softly, "Had I known Mother had already invited a Taoist priest to bless the Jiang household, I would never have acted so presumptuously." She bowed slightly to Huijue, "I am deeply grateful for your esteemed presence, Master, to bless Grandmother. However, since the Taoist priest is already here, your visit now seems redundant." She smiled faintly, "But since the priest is preoccupied with exorcising demons and has no time for blessings, may I trouble you, Master, to bless Grandmother now? The divine light of Buddha will surely bring enduring blessings."
Her words caused a stir among the crowd. Those with deeper thoughts wondered if the Jiang family's eldest daughter had lost her wits from fright, still thinking of blessings at such a time. The more straightforward observers admired Jiang Ruan, praising her for disregarding her own cursed fate as the "Star of Calamity and Solitude" to pray for her grandmother's well-being—a commendable filial piety. In contrast, Xia Yan and others, including Jiang Quan as a son, were solely focused on the fate discussion, oblivious to Old Madam Jiang's feelings.
Old Madam Jiang watched Jiang Ruan calmly, her gaze revealing a trace of understanding, though she remained silent and merely observed.
"Blessings can also be performed by the Taoist priest," Xia Yan interjected, wary of potential complications. "Why trouble the Master?"
One of the ladies present finally spoke up in disapproval, "At least acknowledge the young lady's heartfelt intentions. Why dismiss her efforts?"
"Indeed, Master Huijue's reputation in the capital is beyond reproach. Many would vie for his blessings but fail to secure them."
The murmurs of agreement grew, some genuinely pitying Jiang Ruan, others merely joining the commotion. Yet Jiang Ruan stood composed, a faint smile on her lips, seemingly unshaken by the unfolding scene.
Huijue, standing closest to her, could clearly see her expression. Despite the targeted hostility since his arrival, the young girl remained poised and smiling, as if holding all the cards. He recalled how, after Jiang Ruan's visit, the prefect's residence had indeed been plagued by hauntings, just as she had foretold, prompting his summoning the next day. Could it truly be, as she claimed, that there existed someone who knew the past and foresaw the future? He dismissed the thought inwardly—the Jiang family's eldest daughter must have a mastermind behind her, else how could she know so much?
Shaking his head, Huijue said, "This humble monk came today solely to bless the household's matriarch. Yet, having heard the Taoist priest's words, I feel compelled to speak."
Xia Yan, sensing trouble, quickly interjected, "Master, whatever you have to say can wait until after the birthday banquet."
"Monks do not speak falsely," Huijue replied calmly. "But I observe that the young lady has a full forehead, a straight nose, and full lips—her countenance is one of fortune. The Taoist priest's claim of her being the 'Star of Calamity and Solitude' seems... questionable."His words were spoken with such righteousness that they were impossible to refute. Void Taoist Priest had already felt somewhat guilty upon seeing Huijue. After all, he was merely skilled in a few petty tricks, usually fooling ordinary people, and this time he was only acting on Xia Yan's orders. Huijue's reputation and standing in the capital far surpassed his own. Yet, having come this far, he had no choice but to brazen it out. Void Taoist Priest adopted a haughty demeanor: "Great Master must be mistaken. This humble priest studied at Maoshan and has never erred in divination. I have calculated the Eight Characters of the eldest Jiang young lady without error—she is indeed the Star of calamity and solitude."
Jiang Ruan stood smiling in place, watching Huijue. His deception was surely far more refined than Void's. Having swindled people for so many years in Yuzhou without being exposed, Huijue naturally had his own skills—most importantly, his disguise. No one would ever associate this kind-faced, righteous-looking monk with a fraud. This time, she not only needed Huijue but was also testing him. If he couldn't handle even this small matter, there would be no need to support him in the future.
Her gaze was profound. Huijue, let me see what you're capable of.
Upon hearing Void Taoist Priest's words, Huijue showed no anger. "I beg to differ with the Taoist Priest's view," he said. His demeanor only deepened the respect of the surrounding ladies, who felt Huijue was neither servile nor overbearing—truly a great monk. In contrast, Void Taoist Priest's arrogant attitude inadvertently provoked their disdain.
Unaware of this, Void Taoist Priest only knew he couldn't let Huijue ruin his narrative. Feigning anger, he said, "Great Master, are you deliberately making things difficult for this humble priest?"
Huijue sighed deeply. "If the Taoist Priest insists, this old monk can do nothing. But I cannot stand by and let Miss Jiang bear false blame. It is true there is dark energy in this residence, but it is not caused by the Star of calamity and solitude. Rather, it is the work of a passing demon that has likely attached itself to someone in the household. And that person... is not the eldest Jiang young lady."
Lianqiao nearly laughed aloud behind them. Such mystical nonsense, yet the ladies in the hall listened with grave expressions, as if utterly convinced. Before Void Taoist Priest could respond, Huijue continued, "This old monk will now begin the method to drive out the demon."
"This... is hardly appropriate," Xia Yan interjected anxiously, looking at Jiang Quan.
Jiang Quan, however, hesitated. He was eager to dispel the recent ill fortune plaguing the Jiang residence. Though he didn't trust the person Jiang Ruan had brought, Huijue's reputation was undeniable. If he could truly uncover the demon, wouldn't the Jiang residence finally find peace?
Seeing his hesitation, Xia Yan grew even more frantic. She had planned meticulously, never expecting Jiang Ruan to bring Huijue into this—turning her own tactics against her. Huijue's prestige far outstripped Void Taoist Priest's; any objection would only sway the crowd to his side. The thought filled her with hatred and fury.
Before Jiang Quan could decide, Old Madam Jiang spoke up: "Since the Great Master is willing, we would be grateful for his assistance."
"Grandmother?" Jiang Susu frowned.
Old Madam Jiang didn't even glance at her, addressing Xia Yan instead: "Daughter-in-law, haven't you always wished to cleanse the Jiang residence of its ill fortune? Great Master Huijue is an enlightened monk—aren't you pleased?"
"I dare not object," Xia Yan forced a smile.Void Taoist Priest was left standing aside as Huijue clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha. This old monk needs to inspect each courtyard."
"That's no trouble," Jiang Quan replied. "Escort the master."
Two maids immediately stepped forward to guide Huijue. He walked ahead with them, followed closely by Xia Yan and her daughter, likely to prevent any tricks. Jiang Quan and the curious noblewomen also joined the procession. Cai Que and Du Juan supported Old Madam Jiang as everyone moved to witness the spectacle. Jiang Ruan followed leisurely at the rear, ignoring Jiang Chao's venomous glare that seemed intent on swallowing her whole. She turned to Void Taoist Priest and said, "Reverend, why not join us? Buddhism and Taoism each have their strengths. Perhaps today will be an excellent opportunity to enhance your cultivation."
Her tone was teasing, yet her face wore a gentle smile, making her intentions inscrutable. Without giving him a chance to refuse, Lianqiao and Zisu flanked Void, leaving him no choice but to follow reluctantly.
True to his word, Huijue inspected every room in each courtyard. The concubines, who had not come out to greet guests earlier, were startled by the commotion. After hearing the reason from the servants, they too joined the procession in bewilderment.
Huijue left no courtyard unchecked. The last one belonged to Hong Ying, who, upon learning the situation, hid behind Jiang Quan, visibly shaken. Xia Yan frowned almost imperceptibly, while Hong Ying quickly glanced at Jiang Ruan when no one was paying attention.
After touring all the courtyards without incident, Void Taoist Priest couldn't resist taunting, "Master, didn't you say there was a demonic disturbance? Everything seems perfectly calm. Perhaps you were mistaken."
Huijue clasped his hands again. "Amitabha. Now, please follow this old monk to the main courtyard."
The central courtyard of the Jiang residence lay before Jiang Quan's study. Without explanation, Huijue retrieved an incense burner from his bag and unfolded a cloth bundle containing ashes. He poured the ashes into the burner, lit an offering stick, and sat cross-legged on the ground as the smoke curled upward. With one hand tapping a wooden fish and the other counting prayer beads, he closed his eyes and began silent meditation.
The atmosphere grew tense, yet Jiang Ruan remained composed. Xia Yan and Jiang Susu, however, were visibly uneasy. As Huijue chanted under the crowd's watchful gaze, nothing seemed amiss at first. But after half an incense stick's time, the sky darkened as a massive, shadowy swarm descended upon them.
The already overcast sky was blotted out by the approaching mass, which, upon closer inspection, revealed itself to be hundreds of large black-winged bats. Their flapping wings cast an oppressive shadow as they surged forward.
The noblewomen and young ladies shrieked in terror, but the bats flew over the main courtyard without stopping, heading straight for Plain Heart Courtyard. After circling above, they abruptly dove into the building. The room, originally a boudoir, had maids cleaning inside, who fled in panic as the bats invaded.
The onlookers stood dumbfounded. Jiang Susu and Xia Yan turned deathly pale as Huijue ceased his chanting and declared, "The demon has revealed itself.""Whose room is that?" The wife of the Vice Minister was the first to ask.
Another lady replied, "It seems to be the courtyard of the second young miss of the Jiang residence."
Jiang Chao's face darkened. "Master, what do you mean by this? Is my sister some kind of demon?"
Huijue replied calmly, "The second young miss is not a demon herself, but the malevolent spirit currently resides in her room. Having been in prolonged contact with such evil, she has become possessed, which is why misfortune has befallen your household."
"Why would my sister suddenly become possessed by a demon?" Jiang Chao's expression turned hostile. "All these incidents began only after Eldest Sister returned."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly, as if she hadn't heard Jiang Chao's slander. Huijue said, "Perhaps the second young miss encountered some danger earlier or fell ill. When one is weakened by illness, the spirit is vulnerable to possession."
"Didn't the second young miss fall into the water on the Exquisite Boat some time ago?" the Vice Minister's wife remarked with a smile. "She was fished out drenched and barely conscious. That must have been when the change occurred."
"Amitabha," Huijue intoned, pressing his palms together.
At this, the crowd suddenly understood—it wasn't Jiang Ruan who bore the fate of the Star of Calamity and Solitude, but Jiang Susu who had brought this misfortune. Recalling how Jiang Ruan had remained composed and gracious even when wronged, the ladies couldn't help but admire her. Some who were inclined to champion justice began to speak up.
"So the eldest young miss was innocent all along. I thought as much—she seemed like such a sweet girl, undeserving of such baseless accusations."
"She nearly became the scapegoat. Tsk, tsk. Could it be that the second young miss knew she was possessed and tried to pin the blame on her elder sister?"
"The eldest young miss stood alone, with no one to speak for her. If not for the master's intervention today, her life might have been ruined."
Their voices were neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to be heard clearly. Jiang Susu felt utterly humiliated, her heart burning with resentment. Once again, her plans had failed, and Jiang Ruan had turned the tables on her. Panic crept into her thoughts—if she was now the one branded as ill-omened, what would become of her? Then again, at least the bald monk hadn't declared her fate as the Star of Calamity and Solitude. Even if she was possessed, she could recover in time.
Xia Yan was so furious she could have lunged at Jiang Ruan and bitten her to death. She was certain this "Master Huijue" was part of some scheme, likely colluding with Jiang Ruan. Though she couldn't fathom why a renowned monk would aid Jiang Ruan, Xia Yan was convinced those black-winged bats had been his doing. Yet, they had all been watching him closely the entire time—how had he managed it?
Old Madam Jiang remained silent throughout, her gaze fixed intently on Jiang Ruan. Even Jiang Quan, who had been skeptical earlier, now found himself swayed by Huijue's words, especially after witnessing the swarm of black-winged bats rush into Jiang Susu's room. "Master," he asked, "what should be done about my daughter now?"
A trace of mockery flickered in Jiang Ruan's smile. Even now, Jiang Quan's concern was solely for Jiang Susu—such profound fatherly love. Had it been her who was possessed, he would have recoiled in disgust, wishing her erased from this world.Huijue said, "We only need to dispel the ill fortune. This old monk will also write some Buddhist scriptures to post in the room, and in a few days, all will be well. However..." He hesitated before continuing, "The demon attached to the Second Young Miss has been there for too long. A mere few days won't be enough to resolve it."
"What should we do then?" Jiang Quan urgently asked. "Master, please save my daughter!"
"Lord Jiang need not worry," Huijue replied. "This old monk knows of a family temple. It would be best for the Second Young Miss to cultivate there for a period. The temple is constantly suppressing evil with Buddhist scriptures day and night. Over time, the tainted air will dissipate, and the Second Young Miss will naturally be safe and sound."
Xia Yan was startled, and Jiang Susu immediately cried out, "I haven't been possessed by any demon! I don’t want to go to a temple!"
"Su Su!" Jiang Quan coldly rebuked her before turning to Master Huijue. "How long must she stay?"
Master Huijue lowered his voice. "This old monk cannot guarantee, but it is likely the Second Young Miss will not be able to return to the residence for three to five years."
Xia Yan's face instantly turned extremely grim. She glanced at Jiang Ruan—just moments ago, they had wanted to send Jiang Ruan to the temple for three to five years. Now, Jiang Ruan was returning the favor by having Jiang Susu stay in the temple for years. What a ruthless mind!
"Is there no other way?" Xia Yan pleaded sorrowfully. "Master, she is my only daughter."
Master Huijue shook his head, sighed, and said no more.
Though Jiang Quan struggled inwardly, he knew that keeping Jiang Susu in the Jiang residence would only invite more trouble. If she stayed at the temple, the ill fortune clinging to him could also be dispelled. Despite his reluctance, he recognized this as the best solution.
Seeing Jiang Quan's expression, Xia Yan grew even more anxious. Jiang Chao, unable to restrain himself, shouted at Huijue, "You fraud of a bald donkey! You’re clearly here to deceive people under false pretenses! I’ll tear your mouth apart!"
Though Huijue was inwardly fearful, he maintained a calm and detached demeanor, stepping back a few paces without a word.
"Restrain him," Jiang Quan ordered, and his guards immediately held Jiang Chao back. Jiang Chao had always been seen as amiable in others' eyes, but now, with his furious glare and offensive words, several ladies present—who had been considering him as a potential son-in-law—began to rethink their plans.
Jiang Quan felt a headache coming on. These two children, once his greatest pride, had recently disappointed him time and again—impatient, short-sighted, and now even inferior to Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan? He paused and looked at her, finding her standing there with the same composed smile as when she had arrived. Though she was at the center of this entire affair, she appeared completely detached, as if she were an outsider calmly observing the unfolding events, watching the disputes with cold indifference.
A chill ran down Jiang Quan’s spine. Then Jiang Ruan spoke, "Second Brother, you are mistaken. The master was invited here by me. To doubt him is to doubt me. Then tell me, Second Brother, why would a man of his stature act at my behest? For money? Two taels of silver a month—even the incense at an ordinary temple costs more than that."
The crowd erupted in murmurs again. Two taels of silver a month was the wage of an ordinary second-tier maid. Jiang Ruan, the legitimate daughter of the Jiang family, was frugal to such an extent that it raised suspicions—was the Jiang family now in financial straits, or was Xia Yan, the mistress of the household, mistreating her stepdaughter?
Jiang Quan felt his face burning with humiliation as he glared at Xia Yan, barely containing his fury. Jiang Ruan continued, "Second Brother claims Master Huijue is a fraud, yet I haven’t even accused Void Taoist Priest of being one. If Second Sister was possessed by evil spirits, then I couldn’t possibly bear the fate of the 'Star of calamity and solitude.' The priest who divined my fortune six years ago—does that mean I’ve wasted six years in the village estate for nothing? How should this debt be settled? Since the accounts remain unclear no matter how we calculate, perhaps we should summon the Metropolitan Magistrate for clarification. I happen to be on good terms with his daughter—he might be willing to accommodate us."
Her smile was gentle, yet every word carried sharp aggression, leaving no room for retreat. Void Taoist Priest was already drenched in cold sweat, casting pleading glances at Xia Yan.
Xia Yan stiffly replied, "The priest is an old acquaintance—there must be some misunderstanding. Ruan, you’re still young and unaware of many things. It’s best not to make hasty judgments."
Finally unable to endure the crowd’s mocking gazes, Jiang Quan snapped, "Enough!"
Xia Yan immediately fell silent. Huijue said, "This humble monk will have my disciple deliver the transcribed scriptures. The matter is settled, and I shall take my leave."
Jiang Ruan smiled. "Not quite, Master. You’ve forgotten one thing." Huijue paused in surprise as she continued, "Today, I invited you to pray for Grandmother’s blessings. Unexpectedly, you ended up exorcising evil from the Jiang residence. If it’s not too much trouble, could you now offer prayers for Grandmother’s well-being?"
The crowd was taken aback—even now, Jiang Ruan hadn’t forgotten Old Madam Jiang. Yet the old madam’s expression remained indifferent. "No need. Both the master and I are weary today. Cleansing our household of these vile creatures is blessing enough for me." With that, she called, "Cai Que, help me back to my quarters," and left without another word.
(End of Chapter)
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