Jingхu Daozhаng smilеd fаintlу аnd turned around, sауing, "Everуone, if уоu аrе mеmbеrs of this housеhold, please steр fоrward."
Нis words wеrе dirесted аt thе guеsts, nаturаlly еxcluding the mаidsеrvants. Рresent werе only thе Zhou Sisters, Zhuаngshаn, Наn Yаn, аnd Zhuаng Shiyang. Zhuаng Нanming wаs рrаctiсing martiаl аrts at Shunchаng Мartiаl Arts Schoоl, while Conсubinе Wаn and hеr daughter had nоt соme оut аt аll.
Аftеr thеy stерpеd forwаrd, the Daоist priеst сlаspеd his hаnds tоgеther and said, "Рlease let the уoung ladies оf the housеhold stер forwаrd."
Zhuangshan was somewhat puzzled, but after catching Madam Zhou's gaze, she felt reassured and stepped forward very naturally, even taking the opportunity to cast a gloating look at Han Yan. In her view, Han Yan was now in trouble. Jingxu Daozhang did not lift his head and continued, "Please let the unmarried young ladies of the household step forward."
At this, only Han Yan remained.
Jingxu Daozhang slowly raised his head, and the moment he clearly saw Han Yan's appearance, his eyes lit up.
Han Yan was naturally delicate and lovely, and recently, perhaps having grown a bit taller, the soft beauty of a young girl was beginning to emerge. Although not as stunningly beautiful as Zhuangshan, she had a unique freshness and naturalness. Moreover, up close, her skin was as fair as jade, her features exquisite and charming, and her pair of dark, sparkling eyes were exceptionally clear. Given time, she would undoubtedly grow into one of the Great Dynasty's top beauties. Most importantly, the innate nobility about her was something even a princess could not match. Originally thinking this was just an ordinary transaction... Jingxu Daozhang narrowed his eyes slightly... he hadn't expected such an unexpected gain.
Han Yan simply allowed him to look her over, though inwardly she felt somewhat displeased, as the Daoist's gaze was far too lecherous. This lustful look seemed to regard her as a woman who could be easily bullied. She raised her head and smiled sweetly at Jingxu Daozhang, "Daozhang, is there something wrong with me?"
Zhuang Shiyang had long been impatient and, hearing Han Yan's question, quickly chimed in, "Yes, Daozhang, have you discovered something?"
Jingxu Daozhang stroked his beard, looked at Han Yan, and shook his head, saying, "In this humble Daoist's view, the problem lies with this young lady."
As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings erupted in murmurs. Madam Zhou smiled and asked, "What does Daozhang mean by that?"
Jingxu Daozhang circled around Han Yan once. "This girl has an unusual fate and is of marriageable age, making her prone to attracting evil deities. Ah..." He shook his head, appearing deeply regretful. "That is why this household is filled with such ominous energy."
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang's gaze toward Han Yan immediately turned disgusted. However, Madam Da Zhou spoke unhurriedly, "Daozhang, are you certain? If so, is there any way to resolve it?"
"It's not difficult," Jingxu Daozhang said, twirling his small beard. "She only needs to follow this humble Daoist back to the temple. I have a method to dispel the ominous energy from her. Once the ominous energy is removed, everything will naturally be auspicious."
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Shiyang quickly said, "In that case, take her away quickly." His tone was one of avoidance, showing not the slightest concern. In his eyes, Han Yan now resembled a malevolent ghost, and getting close to her would only bring misfortune.
Madam Da Zhou also chimed in, "Fourth Miss, for the peace of the household, why not go with Daozhang for a visit?""Exactly," Madam Zhou thought gleefully. "We can't risk everyone's lives just for you alone. You must know that Concubine Mei just had a miscarriage—it might very well be because of that evil deity."
Seeing Han Yan remain silent while those around her chimed in agreement, Zhuangshan's eyes darted craftily. She cooed sweetly, "My dear sister has always been the most compassionate and devout in matters of gods and spirits. What harm could there be in going with the Daoist priest for a while? Unless you're deliberately staying in the mansion to cause trouble for everyone?"
Her words were utterly unreasonable, yet difficult to refute. Amidst the clamor of voices, Han Yan finally lifted her head and smiled gently. Her smile was warm and lovely, showing no sign of anything amiss—as if she had merely heard an ordinary joke. But to be able to smile under such circumstances made everyone feel an inexplicable chill.
Han Yan's gaze swept slowly over the crowd. For some reason, her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled, yet held a trace of peculiar mockery that sent shivers down their spines.
Han Yan raised a finger and shook it gently. "Is the Daoist priest saying that I, Han Yan, attracted the evil deity?"
Jingxu Daozhang's eyes had long been fixed solely on Han Yan's fair complexion and graceful figure. He nodded eagerly.
"And by going with the Daoist priest, the baleful aura can be dispelled?" she continued, her smile growing even brighter.
Jingxu Daozhang exchanged a glance with Madam Da Zhou before putting on an air of solemnity and nodding. "That is correct."
"Is that so?" Han Yan said lightly. "I've heard that those of great virtue and prestige must examine a person's birth chart to deduce their life's fortune. I never imagined the Daoist priest possessed such skill—without even looking at my birth chart, merely glancing at me a few times, you could see my entire fate. Truly remarkable." By the end, her tone had suddenly sharpened, her eyes deepening, with not a trace of the earlier docility and obedience.
The Daoist priest, who was merely taking money to do someone's bidding, was momentarily stunned upon hearing Han Yan's words.
Ignoring his expression entirely, Han Yan continued calmly, "The Daoist priest likely doesn't know that I am soon to become the current Xuan Qing Prince Consort. The prince, after all, is of royal lineage. I have spent many days with him, yet it seems the baleful aura has not been dispelled. According to you, the prince's imperial majesty appears less potent than the Daoist priest's abilities. Perhaps I should summon the prince. Having stayed with me, he must have been tainted by the baleful aura as well. Why not have the Daoist priest exorcise the evil from both of us?" She turned her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, which struck Jingxu Daozhang as utterly terrifying.
"No need, no need," he coughed lightly. "The prince's noble body is naturally impervious to evil influences." No one had told him earlier that this young lady was the Xuan Qing Prince Consort. Knowing the immense power of the Xuan Qing Prince, if he were summoned and discovered the truth behind this scheme, it could spell disaster. Yet this young lady of the Zhuang family was pressing him relentlessly. His mind raced, and he forced a smile. "The young lady speaks with great reason. Although this humble Daoist possesses some unusual abilities, to ensure absolute certainty, please provide your birth chart."
Han Yan smiled faintly and retrieved a handkerchief from her sleeve. "My birth chart is written on this handkerchief. I originally intended to use it for incense offerings, but it seems it can serve another purpose now. Please take a look, Daoist priest."Jingxu Daozhang took the handkerchief from Han Yan's hand, furrowed his brow and examined it for a long while before finally shaking his head. "Miss... this... ah."
Zhuang Shiyang impatiently asked, "What does this mean, Daozhang?"
The daozhang moved his lips as if struggling to speak, and in the end, he sighed once more. His demeanor only heightened the curiosity of those around them. Han Yan also smiled and said, "Daozhang need not hold back. Please speak freely."
Jingxu Daozhang sighed. "Miss possesses a noble fate, yet... she brings misfortune to father and husband, born with a White Tiger fate. The White Tiger is greatly inauspicious, bringing unrest to the household, ah..." After speaking, he shook his head repeatedly.
OpenNovel