Ten days passed quickly, and during this period, the Jiang mansion had been extremely peaceful, as if all the previous troubles had exhausted the bad luck, gradually settling down after the storms.

The only problem was that the Jiang mansion’s frequent troubles in recent days had caused enormous expenses, creating financial difficulties. The steward of the household, Lady Jiang Xia Yan, proposed cutting expenses. To appease the servants, she reduced the monthly allowances of the young ladies by more than half.

Naturally, Jiang Susu and Jiang Li didn’t care about a few months’ allowance, as they occasionally received supplements from Jiang Quan. However, Jiang Dan and Jiang Ruan had no relatives to send gifts or supplement their household expenses, and they also needed to reward the maids and old women in their courtyards, making life extremely difficult.

The rain continued falling without stop. Ruan Residence was originally a hastily arranged room, and with the aging roof in disrepair, it began leaking. Rainwater dripped through holes in the roof into the room, making it unbearably damp. Lu Zhu found an iron bucket from outside to place under the leak. Though it temporarily prevented water from dripping everywhere, the cold wind blowing through the hole was enough to make everyone feel cold.

Bai Zhi entered and said: “This servant went to find Granny Song earlier, asking her to find some people to repair Miss’s roof. That old woman made excuses, saying the mansion has been busy preparing for the old madam’s birthday banquet and couldn’t spare time. Today is the banquet—preparations should be nearly complete—yet she still refuses.” Even the usually good-tempered Bai Zhi couldn’t help showing anger when speaking of this.

“She must have received orders from that other courtyard,” Jiang Ruan was completely unconcerned: “Don’t take it to heart.”

“They really want to freeze Miss into illness,” Lian Qiao said angrily: “This is too hateful.”

Lu Zhu thought: “Why don’t I go outside to find a craftsman? We can’t leave it broken like this forever.”

“Where would we get silver to hire a craftsman?” Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. Xia Yan had reduced the young ladies’ monthly allowances by more than half—it was obvious who this was targeting. She probably hoped they wouldn’t have money to buy birthday gifts, or even afford decent materials, so today at Madam Jiang’s birthday banquet, in front of everyone, they couldn’t present gifts and would lose face.

Lu Zhu was discouraged: “This is truly troubling.”

“Don’t worry about it. After today, naturally someone will come to repair it.” Jiang Ruan walked to the dressing table and sat down: “Let’s dress up. I imagine quite a few guests have arrived. Even if Second Sister is entertaining guests in front, as her elder sister, I can’t keep hiding in my room.”

Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi exchanged glances, both smiling. Lian Qiao said: “We servants will definitely dress Miss up beautifully to outshine Second Miss!”

In the flower hall, Xia Yan was leading Jiang Susu in conversation with various ladies. Today’s guests were all female relatives with some status in court. Concubine-born daughters couldn’t come out to entertain guests, so the managing matron and legitimate daughter received the ladies together.

Jiang Susu wore a frost-white rose-patterned plain Hangzhou silk chicken-heart collar, straight-neck brocade robe, with a trailing moon-white dark-patterned carved silk moon skirt, draped in silver-white edged folded floral thin smoke gauze with scattered gold. Her fine, soft hair was arranged in a stylish white jade hairpin, with pearl-clustered cloud ceramic ornaments inserted in her gently gathered cloud-like bun. Her skin like congealed fat bore an inlaid silver bracelet, her waist tied with an auspicious tasseled sash from which hung a fragrant pouch, and her feet wore treasure-flower patterned cloud-head embroidered shoes. Her entire appearance was elegant, refined, and beautiful. Today she wore no veil, and her whole face seemed to have been treated with some miraculous medicine—the scars had healed considerably and were covered with thick powder, completely concealing them. Though it looked fair, the powder was too thick, making her appear charming but not as ethereally beautiful as usual.

Grand Historian’s wife smiled: “This must be Second Miss. She’s grown increasingly lovely. In a few years, countless suitors will wear down your threshold.”

Jiang Susu was startled, her pretty face immediately flushing red as she lowered her head and walked to Xia Yan’s side, appearing somewhat shy from the lady’s words.

Minister’s wife had a somewhat harsh, long face and squinted: “But I heard Second Miss fell into water some time ago? Is she well now?”

The ladies and young misses present had naturally heard about the events at Linglong Pavilion on Lantern Festival night. Remembering Jiang Susu’s situation then, they looked at Xia Yan and her daughter differently.

Xia Yan smiled: “Thank you for your concern, Madam. Su’er was just frightened but is fine now.”

But Minister’s wife persisted: “How is Second Young Master of your mansion? I heard his imperial examinations didn’t go well, and someone cut off one of his fingers. Ah, young people must bear failure well. Like my two sons—they didn’t test very well either, but they still act carelessly every day.” Minister Gao’s two young masters had taken the same examination as Jiang Chao and both achieved high honors.

Though Xia Yan smiled, she nearly twisted her handkerchief to pieces. This Minister’s wife always spoke so harshly. Jiang Susu was young and couldn’t disguise her emotions as well as Xia Yan—she almost wanted to rush up and shut Minister’s wife’s mouth.

The atmosphere grew awkward as others felt uncomfortable. Just then, General’s wife Mrs. Gu smiled cheerfully: “Why speak of imperial examinations? The Zhuangyuan’s mother is right here!” She looked toward Madam Liu, who had been sitting quietly to one side.

Since arriving, Madam Liu had been somewhat constrained—she wasn’t very familiar with these upper-class social circles. Fortunately, being a scholar’s daughter herself, she wasn’t completely out of place. Hearing Mrs. Gu’s words, she blushed slightly: “Madam needn’t tease me.”

“How could this be teasing?” Xia Yan joined in laughing: “Mrs. Gu has raised such a fine son. That day, the Zhuangyuan’s bearing was known throughout the capital.” She spoke sincerely, as if truly happy for Madam Liu: “With such bearing as the Zhuangyuan’s, I wonder which family’s daughter will have the fortune to marry him.”

Speaking of Liu Min, Madam Liu’s constraint lessened, and she laughed along.

But Mrs. Gu seemed to have just thought of something: “Speaking of which, is your eldest miss older than Second Miss? Is she betrothed?”

“Not yet.” Xia Yan was startled and looked at Mrs. Gu inquiringly: “Why does Madam ask this?”

“Nothing,” Mrs. Gu smiled: “I’ve just never seen your eldest miss and was curious.” But she had her own thoughts. Since Lantern Festival, Gu Yi had often mentioned the eldest Miss Jiang at home. Gu Yi was the youngest son in the family—his older brothers were either married or engaged. Gu Yi was now of marriageable age, and the Jiang family could be considered prestigious. If the eldest Miss Jiang had good character and temperament, it wouldn’t be impossible to consider. It was precisely because of this matter that Mrs. Gu had readily attended Madam Jiang’s birthday banquet.

A young lady from the Privy Council family asked curiously: “Miss Jiang, why don’t we see your sister?”

Jiang Ruan was also a legitimate daughter of the Jiang family and should come out to meet the ladies.

Jiang Susu’s face showed difficulty: “Elder Sister doesn’t usually come out much. Perhaps there are no familiar people here.” Her tone contained several parts reverence.

This expression naturally had another meaning in everyone’s eyes. They couldn’t help thinking that Jiang Ruan had been sent to an estate since childhood, completely ignorant of proper etiquette, and now feared meeting strangers—an image of a timid, small-minded girl appeared in their minds. Looking again at Jiang Susu’s uneasy appearance, the ladies and young misses present even wondered if this eldest Miss Jiang was quite fierce—otherwise why would this legitimate second miss appear so nervous?

Just as everyone’s thoughts were swirling, a crisp voice rang out from outside the hall: “Miss, please go slower—be careful not to fall.”

“If I go any slower, I’ll be remiss in welcoming guests.” The response came in a gentle female voice. Immediately after, a red figure appeared before everyone. Among a room full of beauties, this bright red was particularly striking.

Jiang Ruan wore a crabapple-colored openwork patterned auspicious cloud brocade round-collar front-opening color-changing long robe, with a trailing three-bordered gold-decorated plum and bamboo leaf eight-panel skirt, draped in bright red edged gold branch and leaf jade cloud gauze brocade. Her soft ponytail was arranged in a stylish round-turned topknot, with crabapple carved flower ornaments in her gently gathered cloud-like bun. Her skin like congealed fat bore a twisted silk three-color bracelet, her waist tied with a peacock-patterned sash from which hung a pouch embroidered with red plums and spread wings, and her feet wore soft-soled boots.

Today she wore no cosmetics, only a touch of light rouge on her cheeks, making her jade-like skin appear crystalline and lovely. Step by step she walked from outside the hall, her skirt hem motionless, and though still young, she naturally possessed myriad charms.

All the ladies looked at her in surprise, thinking there was nothing improper about this eldest Miss Jiang who came from the countryside—looking at her bearing, she clearly seemed like a noble person from the palace!

Seeing this, Jiang Susu viciously twisted her handkerchief. She couldn’t understand why Jiang Ruan, raised on an estate, possessed such invaluable bearing. Whenever the Jiang family was mentioned, everyone only knew her name, Jiang Susu. But since Jiang Ruan’s return, one by one, Jiang Ruan had overshadowed her, even in the appearance she was most proud of. She cursed inwardly, calling her a seductress—Jiang Ruan was so young yet possessed the allure that only mature women should have, making people instinctively dislike her.

When Jiang Ruan reached the front, Mrs. Gu smiled: “You are Jiang Ruan?”

“I greet General’s wife.” Jiang Ruan smiled and curtsied to her.

“How did you know I’m General’s wife?” Mrs. Gu was surprised.

“I heard that General is iron-blooded and heroic, deeply devoted to his wife. I saw that Madam’s pouch is embroidered not with flowers and grass but with a shield, so I made a wild guess. Looking now, it seems I guessed correctly by chance.”

Mrs. Gu laughed: “So that’s it. Lady Jiang, your daughter truly has an orchid heart and intelligent nature.” She found Jiang Ruan’s manner generous, bearing extraordinary, and intelligence crystalline, developing some fondness for her. The only concern was her excessive beauty—at such a young age she was already so charming, and when older, she would surely be a one-in-ten-thousand beauty. Excessive beauty wasn’t necessarily good—it might cause trouble.

Thinking this, the other ladies in the hall had already begun discussing this suddenly appearing eldest Miss Jiang. Jiang Ruan greeted them one by one. Her smile was warm, and though no one knew what she said, she conversed pleasantly with all the ladies, quickly winning many hearts. Even the harshest Minister’s wife couldn’t maintain a cold face upon seeing her.

Jiang Susu was probably gnashing her teeth, naturally furious beyond measure. After talking for a while, Cai Que and Du Juan helped Madam Jiang arrive. Everyone stood to pay respects, and Madam Jiang smiled in acknowledgment, appearing vigorous and healthy, showing no trace of the weakness from lying in bed recently. Seeing Jiang Ruan, a deep meaning flashed in Madam Jiang’s eyes as Cai Que helped the old lady sit in the main seat of the hall. The ladies then presented their birthday gifts.

The nanny had servants collect them to one side. Jiang Quan arrived with Jiang Li and Jiang Dan, with Jiang Chao following behind. Seeing Madam Jiang, he stepped forward: “Grandson wishes Grandmother a hundred years of life and prosperous health.”

His eyes were bright and flying, wearing blue straight robes, appearing refreshed and cheerful, no longer showing the gloomy appearance of recent days. Those unaware of the situation had some doubts about previous rumors. Jiang Chao brought out a stool-high small wooden box from behind: “Grandson’s birthday gift for Grandmother.”

Everyone looked curiously at the wooden box. Madam Jiang smiled and had Cai Que open it. Cai Que did as told, carefully lifting out a white jade Bodhisattva statue. This Bodhisattva was carved lifelike, with vivid features, as if alive. Most precious was that it was carved from a single piece of white jade, naturally formed and certainly valuable. Everyone marveled, and Jiang Chao said: “When grandson saw this Bodhisattva, it looked very familiar. Looking carefully, isn’t this Grandmother? So grandson bought it, hoping the Bodhisattva will bless Grandmother with health.”

His words were extremely flattering, and Madam Jiang laughed and scolded: “What’s this about looking like a Bodhisattva? Pure nonsense!”

Jiang Li let out a barely audible snort from the side. Jiang Chao’s methods of pleasing Madam Jiang were truly at his fingertips—he specialized in beautiful words, and Madam Jiang just fell for his approach.

With Jiang Chao leading, Jiang Susu also stood up, pouting: “Brother gave such a wonderful gift—I’m truly embarrassed to bring out my own thing.”

“Sister mustn’t say that,” Jiang Chao scratched his head: “My gifts are never as good as yours.”

“Stop arguing back and forth,” Xia Yan smiled: “Su’er, bring out your birthday gift for Grandmother to see.”

Jiang Susu had her maid present a sandalwood box. The box was also exquisitely made. Butterfly opened the box, and with Dragonfly, they spread out what was inside.

It was a huge double-sided embroidery covered with a hundred longevity characters. Regardless of the embroidery itself, just the thoughtfulness and effort involved was shocking.

Jiang Susu lowered her head modestly: “I didn’t embroider well. Time was short, so it could only be made like this. Please don’t mind, Grandmother.”

The embroidery was exquisite, with bright yet dignified color combinations. The characters were meticulous, and at first glance, not a single flaw could be seen in the needlework. Even in the entire Great Jin Dynasty, this would be considered top grade. Jiang Susu indeed had talent—in embroidery, she could truly be called unparalleled in the capital. This filial devotion and modesty immediately earned praise from many ladies present.

Madam Jiang also smiled: “Su’er’s thoughtfulness is much more careful than your brother’s.”

Jiang Chao chuckled without speaking. Jiang Susu looked at Jiang Ruan: “Elder Sister, what is your gift for Grandmother? Are you hiding it? Please let us open our eyes.”

With Jiang Chao and Jiang Susu’s excellent examples, everyone turned their gaze to Jiang Ruan, wanting to see what good things she could produce. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “My gift cannot be brought out yet.”

Everyone was somewhat disappointed. Jiang Susu asked: “Why? Elder Sister, can’t Su’er see it?”

Jiang Ruan gently refused: “No.” Though her tone was firm.

Jiang Chao smiled: “Big Sister wouldn’t have forgotten to prepare a gift for Grandmother and is saying this, would she? Wasn’t it the same last time at Grandfather’s house? Mother had to prepare it for you.”

His words seemed carelessly spoken. Xia Yan quickly said: “Chao’er!” interrupting his words, but everyone had already begun thinking that without a birth mother’s guidance, though she looked very good, she was weaker than Jiang Susu in human relations and worldly affairs.

“Let big brother laugh at me,” Jiang Ruan smiled: “But speaking of which, why didn’t Grandfather’s family come today? Could it be because I forgot to prepare a visiting gift, so they won’t even participate in Grandmother’s birthday banquet?”

At these words, Jiang Chao’s expression stiffened, and Xia Yan was also stunned. Indeed, for Madam Jiang’s birthday banquet, not one person from the Xia family, who were in-laws, had come. Even if they didn’t come, they should have sent someone with a message and gift, but from beginning to now, there had indeed been no news from the Xia family. The Xia family naturally couldn’t be absent because Jiang Ruan hadn’t sent visiting gifts, but what exactly had happened? The suspicious gazes made Jiang Quan immediately lose face. He glared at Xia Yan, who quickly said: “Your grandmother hasn’t been well recently, and the household is truly overburdened, so they didn’t come to the banquet.”

Jiang Ruan suddenly understood: “Right, last time at Grandfather’s house, didn’t Grandmother vomit blood and faint? She still hasn’t recovered.”

Xia Yan quickly followed her words: “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 still had to manage Grandmother’s birthday banquet and made it so beautiful. This is truly the Jiang family’s fortune. I am deeply ashamed.”

She spoke gratefully, but Xia Yan felt as if sitting on pins and needles. Jiang Ruan’s words implied that with her own mother bedridden, she still had the mind to manage birthday banquets—this was unfilial. Today she had been smiling and chatting with the ladies, showing not a trace of melancholy. Probably all the ladies were now thinking about this.

She looked at the warmly smiling girl before her, secretly grinding her teeth. Suddenly smiling: “It’s nothing.” Thinking of what would happen later, Xia Yan felt satisfied.

Madam Jiang watched them impassively. Just then, a sharp shout suddenly rang through the hall: “What demon is this!”

Everyone turned to see a middle-aged Daoist in blue robes and hat appear at the hall entrance, carrying a bundle, holding a peach wood branch, with a stern expression.

Xia Yan was startled: “Daoist Xukong.” Then she apologetically told everyone: “A few days ago I invited this Daoist to perform rituals for the Jiang mansion. I didn’t expect him to arrive today.”

Daoist Xukong had already entered. Seeing him, Jiang Quan was quite polite: “Long time no see.”

“Five years in a flash.” Daoist Xukong bowed to him: “Since Master is well, this poor Daoist is relieved.”

Madam Jiang frowned: “What is this messy, smoky nonsense you’re bringing?” She was completely impolite.

Jiang Quan said: “Mother, this Daoist is an old friend of your son’s. He also visited our mansion five years ago.”

The ladies present had never seen Daoist Xukong before. Hearing Jiang Quan’s explanation, they all felt relieved.

Jiang Ruan stood in place, quietly watching the stern-faced Daoist. When she heard “five years ago,” an ambiguous smile crossed her lips.

“This poor monk came today at Madam’s request to pray for the mansion’s blessings,” Daoist Xukong said: “But as soon as I entered, I saw dark energy shrouding the mansion—I fear demons are causing trouble.”

Madam Jiang showed slight anger: “Throw this person out!”

“Mother! Daoist Xukong is an expert.” But Jiang Quan went against Madam Jiang’s wishes. He turned to Daoist Xukong urgently: “Is what the Daoist says true?”

“This poor monk never lies.” Daoist Xukong stroked his beard: “Moreover, that demon is in the mansion!”

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

Seeing this, everyone held their breath. They heard Daoist Xukong say: “Though this poor monk doesn’t know who this young lady is, I dare assert that all the dark energy in the mansion is caused by this young lady.”

“Impossible.” Xia Yan was startled: “She’s our mansion’s eldest miss.”

“Eldest miss?” Daoist Xukong said: “The one sent to the estate five years ago? I didn’t expect her to grow so much—then there’s no mistake.”

“Daoist, what do you mean?” Jiang Susu said: “How could my elder sister be a demon?”

But Daoist Xukong said to Jiang Quan: “Master, didn’t this poor monk divine for this young lady five years ago, advising her not to return to the mansion, or great disaster would surely arise? Even if Master is soft-hearted, you cannot court destruction.”

No one present had heard this story, thinking no wonder Jiang Quan called this Daoist an old friend—he had divined for Jiang Ruan five years ago?

But Xia Yan shook her head: “But she is still Master’s daughter. How could Master bear to be separated from her forever? Does the Daoist have any other good methods?”

Listening, Jiang Ruan’s smile took on a mocking edge. Xia Yan’s words made it sound as if Jiang Quan had deep father-daughter feelings for her. If not for Minister Wang’s memorial, Jiang Quan would probably prefer to keep her on the estate forever, pretending there was no such Miss Jiang!

“Mother, what is this all about?” Jiang Chao said: “What does the Daoist mean?”

“This…” Xia Yan looked at Jiang Ruan with some difficulty, as if finding it very hard to speak.

Seeing this, Daoist Xukong said: “This poor monk calculated the birth date and time of the eldest Miss Jiang—it’s the fate of a Star of Calamity, bringing misfortune to husband and mother, causing death to all relatives throughout life, and bringing bloody disasters to family members. It’s a naturally demonic fate.”

Star of Calamity!

At these words, everyone was immediately shocked, unconsciously looking at Jiang Ruan with fear. No matter how beautiful she was, in their eyes she was no different from a demon.

Among everyone’s varied gazes, only Jiang Ruan remained unmoved, still standing there quietly. After a moment, she laughed softly.

“What are you laughing at?” Jiang Li, who had been gloating, asked.

“I laugh that thanks to Daoist Xukong, I finally know I have the fate of a Star of Calamity.” These words were somewhat unclear, and everyone looked at her uncomprehendingly. Jiang Ruan said: “Since Daoist Xukong can calculate my fate, having left five years ago and returned now with greatly advanced powers, surely you have a way to break this fate?”

Daoist Xukong was startled and shook his head: “Miss’s fate is too hard. With poor monk’s level of power, I’m truly helpless.”

Jiang Ruan shook her head: “The Daoist speaks reasonably. But according to the Daoist, I bring misfortune to father, mother, and relatives. Yet during five years on the estate, I didn’t cause anyone’s death. Except for my own weak health, the people on the estate lived better and better—how do you explain this?”

These words had other implications. Everyone present was astute, accustomed to social interactions—how could they not understand? Xia Yan seemingly casually touched her temples as Daoist Xukong immediately said: “That’s because the people on the estate aren’t Miss’s relatives—they’re just farmers and servants.”

“I see,” Jiang Ruan suddenly understood, smiling: “So after I returned to the Jiang mansion from the estate, the Jiang mansion always has inexplicable troubles?”

“Exactly.” Daoist Xukong nodded.

“Then I should have brought misfortune to the closest people first,” Jiang Ruan looked at Jiang Quan: “So I first caused Mother’s death. Following this logic, returning to the mansion, I should have brought misfortune to Father first—how is it… that it was Second Brother and Second Sister instead?”

Hearing Jiang Ruan say this, Jiang Quan was already somewhat displeased. Daoist Xukong paused: “This… this poor monk doesn’t know.”

“So the Daoist also has things he doesn’t know.” Jiang Ruan smiled: “Mother, do you think I’m a Star of Calamity?”

“Naturally… naturally not,” Xia Yan wiped tears: “But Ruan’er…” She couldn’t continue, her expression extremely sorrowful.

“Father, do you also think I have the fate of a Star of Calamity?” Jiang Ruan looked at Jiang Quan.

Jiang Quan stared directly at her, feeling that though Jiang Ruan smiled at him, those beautiful eyes seemed soaked in ice, making his heart grow cold. His vision blurred momentarily, as if seeing Zhao Mei lying gaunt on the bed asking coldly. His heart panicked, immediately feeling stifled, and he said coldly: “Do you want to harm the entire Jiang mansion?”

“How would I want to harm the entire Jiang mansion?” Jiang Ruan said. Simply harming it wouldn’t satisfy her—she wanted to step on it bit by bit, crush it into powder, into dregs, to disappear forever from this world.

Jiang Ruan looked at Madam Jiang, who had already closed her eyes, seemingly unwilling to watch this poor farce. Xia Yan said: “Daoist, what should we do now?”

Daoist Xukong looked at Jiang Ruan: “In the past, sending her to the estate was enough. But you brought her back, and now this malevolent energy grows daily. It would be best to find a family temple and have her stay there for several years to somewhat calm it—perhaps it could be resolved.”

Lian Qiao, following behind Jiang Ruan, felt a chill in her heart. What vicious intentions—staying in a temple as a nun for several years meant people in the capital would long forget there was such a person as Jiang Ruan. Once she passed marriageable age, as Jiang Ruan grew older, it would be even harder to find a good marriage. No, wait—Xia Yan had established Jiang Ruan’s Star of Calamity fate in front of so many people. Which good family in the capital would dare want her? They’d probably avoid her at all costs!

In the complete silence, a low voice suddenly rang out: “Daoist, watch your words.”