A yellow-robed monk slowly walked in from outside the hall. His beard had turned completely white, and he held a Buddhist staff in his hand. Compared to Daoist Xukong, this old monk had kind eyebrows and gentle eyes, with a sacred aura in his movements that brooked no blasphemy—truly like a great disciple under the Buddha’s seat.

Upon seeing this monk, Lian Qiao let out a long sigh of relief. Someone in the hall recognized the monk and cried out in surprise: “Isn’t this Master Hui Jue? How is he here?”

Master Hui Jue’s reputation was far greater than Daoist Xukong’s. All the wealthy families in the capital knew that at the end of last year, an enlightened monk with profound Buddhist teachings had appeared in the capital.

When Xia Yan saw Hui Jue, she knew something was wrong, but Jiang Ruan still stood in the hall with a smile on her face. Xia Yan wondered in her heart how Jiang Ruan could have formed a connection with this monk. However, thinking of today’s events, she absolutely could not let Hui Jue ruin things, so she smiled and said: “How did the master come to our residence? Are you also here to exorcise evil?”

Hui Jue put his palms together, lowered his head slightly, and said: “Amitabha.” Then he turned to Jiang Ruan: “Miss.”

“Elder sister, you usually don’t leave your quarters. When did you meet this master?” Jiang Susu asked innocently, though her words were meant to attack Jiang Ruan’s heart—implying that if Jiang Ruan was truly a virtuous maiden in her boudoir, she shouldn’t be able to meet even a monk casually.

Jiang Ruan sighed gently and looked at Madam Jiang, who had opened her eyes at some unknown time: “This is the gift I prepared for grandmother.”

Jiang Quan said gravely: “What’s going on?” Compared to Daoist Xukong, he naturally understood that Master Hui Jue was more trustworthy, but with his connection to Jiang Ruan, he couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

“A few days ago, I went out with Miss Lin Zixiang from Grand Secretary Lin’s family to pick some gifts for grandmother, but I couldn’t find anything satisfactory no matter what I chose. Grandmother lacks nothing in food and clothing now, and even magnificent treasures might not catch her eye. I thought that among worldly matters, nothing is more important than peace, health, and lasting blessings. I heard there was Master Hui Jue in the capital who is a disciple under the Buddha’s seat, and Grand Secretary Lin’s family happened to have some connection with the master, so I asked Lin Zixiang to sell me a favor and invited the master to come pray for great-grandmother’s blessings.”

Among the wealthy families in the capital who believed in Buddhism, most had been invited by Hui Jue into their homes to lecture on Buddhist scriptures. Lin Zixiang’s mother had always been devout. This reason was quite sufficient and would never arouse suspicion.

She spoke sincerely, as if not believing her would be a betrayal of her earnest devotion. Jiang Ruan said gently: “If I had known earlier that mother had already invited the Daoist to pray for the Jiang residence’s blessings, I would never have acted so presumptuously.” She bowed slightly to Hui Jue: “Thank you for your favor, master, for being willing to come and pray for grandmother’s blessings. I am infinitely grateful, but since there’s already a Daoist here, it seems redundant now.” She smiled slightly: “However, the Daoist is currently busy exorcising demons and has no mind to pray for grandmother’s blessings. I trouble the master to pray for grandmother’s blessings now. The blessed light from Buddha will surely bring lasting fortune.”

When everyone heard her say this, they were all slightly surprised. Those with deeper thoughts wondered if this Jiang family’s eldest daughter had been frightened silly, still having the mind to mention praying for blessings at this time. Those with shallower thoughts looked at Jiang Ruan with full praise—how difficult it was that at this moment, she still didn’t care about being cursed with the fate of a jinx star and still thought of praying for her family’s grandmother’s blessings. Her filial piety was commendable. In contrast, Xia Yan and the others, including Jiang Quan as a son, only cared about asking about that fate theory, completely ignoring what kind of mood the old madam was in at this moment.

Madam Jiang looked at Jiang Ruan indifferently. Although she said nothing, a flash of understanding crossed her eyes. However, she didn’t speak to stop it, just quietly observed.

“This matter of praying for blessings, the Daoist can also do,” Xia Yan said, fearing something strange might happen in between: “Why trouble the master?”

Finally, one of the ladies present couldn’t stand it and reminded: “After all, it’s the Jiang family’s eldest miss’s sincere intention. Why disappoint the child?”

“Yes, Master Hui Jue’s reputation in the capital is well-known. How many people want to request a blessing but can’t get one.”

The voices of agreement grew louder—some truly felt sorry for Jiang Ruan, others were just stirring up trouble in muddy waters. Only Jiang Ruan stood quietly in place, with a smile on her lips, seemingly unmoved by the situation before her.

Hui Jue was closest to her and could naturally see her expression clearly. Seeing that since his appearance, the people in the hall had intentionally targeted her, yet this young lady still stood straight with a smile, as if she had everything under control. He remembered that after Jiang Ruan left that day, indeed as she had said, the prefect’s residence was haunted, and they invited him to exorcise evil the next day. Could it be true as she said—are there really people in the world who know the past and understand the future? He secretly denied this in his heart. This Jiang family’s eldest daughter must have a skilled person guiding her from behind, otherwise how could she know so many things?

He shook his head: “This humble monk originally came today only to pray for the old madam’s blessings, but after hearing what the Daoist said just now, this humble monk has something that must be said.”

When Xia Yan heard this, she knew it was bad and immediately smiled: “Whatever the master has to say, please wait until after the birthday banquet to discuss privately.”

“Monks do not speak falsely,” Hui Jue said calmly: “This humble monk sees that the young miss has a full forehead, straight nose bridge, and full lips—her facial features indicate she is a person of good fortune. The Daoist’s claim about the jinx star fate may be questionable.”

His words were spoken with such righteousness that people couldn’t help but believe him. Daoist Xukong had been feeling guilty since seeing Hui Jue—he was nothing more than someone who knew some small tricks, usually deceiving ordinary people. This time was no different, following Xia Yan’s instructions. Hui Jue’s reputation and credibility in the capital were incomparable to his. However, having come this far, he could only steel himself and continue. Daoist Xukong assumed an arrogant posture: “Master, could you have seen wrong? This poor monk learned from Maoshan, and has never been wrong in fortune-telling. I have already calculated Miss Jiang’s birth date and time without error—she is indeed a jinx star.”

Jiang Ruan stood in place with a smile, looking at Hui Jue. Hui Jue’s deception skills should be much more refined than Xukong’s. For Hui Jue to have successfully deceived people in that small place of Yuzhou for so many years without being discovered, he naturally had his abilities. Of course, most importantly was his disguise—anyone who saw him would never connect this kind-faced, righteous-looking monk with a swindler. This time, not only did she need Hui Jue, but it was also a test for him. If Hui Jue couldn’t even handle this small matter, there would be no need to support him in the future.

Her gaze was profound: Hui Jue, let me see your abilities.

After hearing Daoist Xukong’s words, Hui Jue wasn’t angry and said: “What the Daoist says, forgive this humble monk for not being able to agree.” His manner made the surrounding ladies who were watching the excitement feel even more respectful, thinking that Hui Jue was neither humble nor arrogant, truly worthy of being a great monk of his generation. In contrast, Daoist Xukong’s arrogant attitude unconsciously aroused everyone’s disgust.

Daoist Xukong was completely unaware and only knew he couldn’t let Hui Jue ruin his story, so he pretended to be angry: “Master, are you deliberately making things difficult for this poor monk?”

Hui Jue sighed deeply: “If the Daoist insists on this, this humble monk is powerless. But I cannot watch Miss Jiang bear false accusations. There is indeed dark qi in the residence, but it’s not caused by a jinx star—rather, there are passing demons making trouble, apparently attached to someone in the residence. That person… is not Miss Jiang.”

Lian Qiao behind her felt like laughing as she listened to such mystical talk, yet the ladies in the hall listened with grave faces, as if they believed it completely. Before Daoist Xukong could speak, Hui Jue said: “This humble monk will now find a way to force the demon out.”

“This… isn’t good,” Xia Yan said urgently, looking toward Jiang Quan.

Jiang Quan was somewhat hesitant in his heart. He urgently wanted to dispel the recent bad luck at the Jiang residence. Although he didn’t trust the person Jiang Ruan had found, Master Hui Jue’s reputation was well-known. If he could really find that demon, wouldn’t the Jiang residence be peaceful?

Seeing his hesitant appearance, Xia Yan became even more anxious. She had calculated everything but never expected Jiang Ruan to call Master Hui Jue—using others’ methods against them. Master Hui Jue’s reputation was far greater than Daoist Xukong’s. Once he raised objections, everyone would likely side with Master Hui Jue. Thinking of this, Xia Yan felt both hatred and anger.

Before Jiang Quan could make a choice, Madam Jiang spoke: “Since the master has the intention, please trouble the master.”

“Grandmother?” Jiang Susu frowned.

Madam Jiang didn’t even look at her and spoke to Xia Yan: “Daughter-in-law, didn’t you always want to dispel bad luck for the Jiang residence? Master Hui Jue is an enlightened monk—aren’t you pleased, daughter-in-law?”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Xia Yan forced a smile.

Daoist Xukong was left aside. Hui Jue put his palms together: “Amitabha, this humble monk needs to look around each courtyard.”

“That’s not difficult,” Jiang Quan said: “Show the master the way.”

Two maids immediately came forward to guide Hui Jue. Hui Jue and the maids walked in front, with Xia Yan and her daughter following closely behind, probably to prevent Hui Jue from playing any tricks. Jiang Quan and those ladies watching the excitement also followed. Cai Que and Du Juan supported Madam Jiang—all wanting to see what would happen. Jiang Ruan followed unhurriedly behind. Jiang Chao’s viper-like gaze almost drowned her, but Jiang Ruan pretended not to see and called to Daoist Xukong nearby: “Daoist, please come along too. Buddhism and Taoism each have their strengths—perhaps today will also be a great opportunity to improve your cultivation.”

Her words carried mockery, yet her face bore a gentle smile, making it hard to guess what she was really thinking. Jiang Ruan didn’t allow him to refuse—Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi surrounded Xukong from front and back, leaving him no choice but to reluctantly follow.

Hui Jue indeed did as he said, walking through every courtyard and every room. Several concubines hadn’t come out to greet guests today, but seeing such a commotion, they were all quite surprised. After servants explained the reason to them, they felt shocked and suspicious, so they simply followed along.

Hui Jue didn’t miss a single courtyard. The last one was Hong Ying’s courtyard. After Hong Ying heard the whole story, she hid behind Jiang Quan with a look of being badly frightened. Xia Yan frowned almost imperceptibly, but Hong Ying took advantage of everyone’s inattention to quickly glance at Jiang Ruan.

After walking through all the courtyards safely, Daoist Xukong couldn’t help but provoke: “Master, didn’t you say there were demons making trouble? Everything looks quite peaceful now. I’m afraid the master was mistaken.”

Hui Jue put his palms together: “Amitabha, now, please follow this humble monk to the main courtyard.”

In front of Jiang Quan’s study in the main courtyard at the center of the Jiang residence, Hui Jue said nothing and only took out an incense burner from his bag. Another cloth bundle was shaken open, revealing some incense ash. He poured the ash into the incense burner and lit a stick of tribute incense. When the blue smoke began rising, he sat cross-legged on the ground, holding prayer beads in one hand and a wooden fish in the other, closing his eyes and beginning silent meditation.

In such an atmosphere, everyone was somewhat nervous, except for Jiang Ruan who remained composed. Xia Yan and Jiang Susu were naturally extremely anxious. Hui Jue chanted under everyone’s watchful eyes. At first nothing happened, but after half an incense stick’s time, somehow a large patch of dark things came flying from the sky, startling everyone.

The sky had already been overcast, and those dark things almost covered the entire sky above the Jiang residence. When they got closer, everyone could see clearly—they were hundreds of black-winged large bats, flapping their wings in a dark mass pressing down.

The ladies and young misses present all cried out in alarm, but the black-winged bats flew over the main courtyard without stopping, flying straight ahead. After circling around, they all suddenly stopped above Suxin Courtyard. After a moment, the large bats suddenly rushed into the house. That room was a boudoir with maids cleaning inside who immediately ran out with pale faces when such a large flock of bats rushed in.

Everyone present was dumbfounded. Jiang Susu and Xia Yan turned pale. Master Hui Jue stopped chanting: “The demon has revealed its form.”

“Whose room is that?” Counselor’s wife asked first.

Another lady answered: “It seems to be Second Miss Jiang’s courtyard.”

Jiang Chao’s face turned iron-blue: “Master, what do you mean by this? Is my sister a demon?”

Hui Jue said calmly: “Second Miss Jiang is not a demon, but the evil spirit causing trouble is now in Second Miss Jiang’s room. The second miss has been living with the demon for a long time and has been possessed, which is why she brought disaster to the residence.”

“For no reason, why would my sister be possessed by a demon?” Jiang Chao’s expression was unpleasant: “All these incidents in this residence only started after elder sister returned.”

Jiang Ruan smiled without speaking, as if she hadn’t heard Jiang Chao’s slander at all. Hui Jue said: “Perhaps Second Miss Jiang previously encountered some danger, or fell ill. When people are sick, their spiritual awareness is weak, making them vulnerable to possession.”

“Didn’t Second Miss fall into the water at Linglong Pavilion some time ago?” Counselor’s wife laughed: “At that time she was pulled out of the water soaking wet, barely breathing. It was probably then that something went wrong.”

“Amitabha.” Hui Jue put his palms together.

With these words, everyone suddenly understood. So the Jiang family’s eldest daughter was not a jinx star after all—it was the second miss who brought the malevolent qi. Recalling how Jiang Ruan had been falsely accused but never became angry or lost composure, instead responding with smiles, the ladies all admired her in their hearts. Those who liked to defend justice began speaking up.

“So Miss Jiang is innocent. I knew it—such a nice young lady, suffering such humiliation for no reason.”

“She almost became a scapegoat. Tsk tsk, could Second Miss have known she was possessed by demons and wanted to pin the blame on the eldest miss?”

“The eldest miss is all alone with no one to speak for her. If not for today’s enlightened monk, her whole life would have been ruined.”

People’s voices were neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to be heard. Jiang Susu felt utterly humiliated and was extremely resentful. She hadn’t expected today’s plan to fail again, with Jiang Ruan turning the tables on her. Thinking of this, she felt somewhat panicked. Now she was the ominous person—what would happen in the future? After thinking it over, fortunately this monk didn’t say she had the jinx star fate, just that she was possessed. After some time, it would pass.

Xia Yan was so angry she wanted to rush over and bite Jiang Ruan to death. She was certain that Master Hui Jue definitely had problems and had probably already colluded with Jiang Ruan. Although she didn’t understand why a reputable master would help Jiang Ruan, Xia Yan believed those black-winged bats today were definitely Hui Jue’s doing. But they had followed behind the whole time, and Hui Jue hadn’t made any moves—how did he manage this?

Madam Jiang hadn’t said a word from beginning to end, only quietly observing Jiang Ruan. Even if Jiang Quan hadn’t believed before, seeing so many black-winged bats all rushing into Jiang Susu’s room for no reason made him believe Hui Jue’s words somewhat. He said: “Master, what should we do about my daughter now?”

Jiang Ruan’s smile showed a trace of mockery. Even now, Jiang Quan still cared about Jiang Susu—such deep father-daughter affection indeed. If it were her who was possessed by demons, Jiang Quan would probably feel dirty just looking at her once more, wishing she would disappear from this world.

Hui Jue said: “We only need to dispel the bad luck. This humble monk will write some Buddhist scriptures to paste in the room, and after a few days there will be no problem. However…” He hesitated before saying: “The evil spirit attached to Second Miss has been there too long—a few short days won’t suffice.”

“Then what should we do?” Jiang Quan asked urgently: “Please master, save my daughter!”

“Lord Jiang need not worry,” Hui Jue said: “This humble monk knows of a family temple. Second Miss should go cultivate at the family temple for a while. With Buddhist scriptures suppressing evil there daily, over time the filthy qi will be removed and Second Miss will naturally be safe.”

Xia Yan was shocked. Jiang Susu had already cried out: “I’m not possessed by any demons at all! I don’t want to go to a temple!”

“Su’er!” Jiang Quan shouted coldly, then looked at Master Hui Jue: “How long would she need to stay?”

Master Hui Jue said quietly: “This humble monk dares not guarantee, but within three to five years, Second Miss probably cannot return home.”

Xia Yan’s face immediately turned extremely ugly. She turned to look at Jiang Ruan. They had just wanted to make Jiang Ruan stay in a temple for three to five years, and now Jiang Ruan was returning the favor exactly, making Jiang Susu stay in a temple for several years. What vicious scheming!

She said mournfully: “Is there no other way? Master, she’s my only daughter.”

Master Hui Jue shook his head and sighed, saying no more.

Although Jiang Quan struggled in his heart, if Jiang Susu stayed at the Jiang residence, it would only create more trouble for the household. If Jiang Susu was in a temple, the bad luck on himself could also be cleansed. Though reluctant, Jiang Quan understood this was the best solution.

Seeing Jiang Quan’s expression, Xia Yan became more anxious. Jiang Chao had already started shouting at Hui Jue regardless: “You fame-seeking monk! You’re clearly deceiving people under false pretenses! Watch me not tear your mouth apart!”

Although Hui Jue was afraid inwardly, his face maintained a calm and composed appearance. He stepped back a few paces without speaking.

“Stop him.” Jiang Quan’s guards blocked Jiang Chao. Jiang Chao usually appeared as a good-natured person in everyone’s eyes, but now with his fierce expression and offensive words, several ladies present who wanted to choose husbands for their marriageable daughters began having other thoughts.

Jiang Quan had a headache. This pair of children usually made him most proud, but recently they had repeatedly disappointed him—impetuous, short-sighted, not even as good as Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan? He was startled and looked at Jiang Ruan, seeing she was still the same as when she arrived, standing with a smile. Though she was right in the middle of the whole affair, she looked as relaxed and carefree as if she had nothing to do with it, like someone who controlled everything, quietly watching developments from outside, coldly observing others’ disputes.

Jiang Quan couldn’t help but shiver inwardly. He heard Jiang Ruan speak: “Second brother’s words are wrong. The master was invited by me. Second brother doubting the master is doubting me. Why does second brother think such a personage would accept my orders—for money? Two qian of monthly silver wouldn’t even buy incense at an ordinary temple.”

The crowd was in an uproar again. Two qian monthly silver was just what an ordinary second-class maid earned. Jiang Ruan was the Jiang family’s legitimate daughter, yet she was so frugal and restrained, making people wonder whether the Jiang residence was now financially strained or if Xia Yan as the managing mistress was harsh to her stepdaughter.

Jiang Quan felt his face completely lost and glared angrily at Xia Yan, forcibly suppressing his rage. He heard Jiang Ruan continue: “Second brother thinks Master Hui Jue is a swindler, but I haven’t said Daoist Xukong is a swindler. Since second sister is possessed by demons, then I’m not some jinx star fate. Five years ago the Daoist calculated my fortune—so have I stayed at the estate for five years for nothing? How should this account be settled? No matter how we calculate, it can’t be clear. Why not find the Capital Magistrate to ask? I’m friends with the Capital Magistrate’s daughter—perhaps there could be some accommodation.”

Her face bore a gentle smile, yet every sentence carried strong aggression, pressing forward relentlessly until there was no retreat. That Daoist Xukong was already covered in cold sweat, looking to Xia Yan for help.

Xia Yan said stiffly: “The Daoist is an old friend. There must be some misunderstanding. You’re young and don’t understand many things clearly. Better not pursue this further.”

Jiang Quan finally couldn’t bear the crowd’s spectating gazes and shouted: “Enough!”

Xia Yan quickly fell silent. Hui Jue said: “This humble monk will have his disciple deliver the written Buddhist scriptures. This matter is concluded, and this humble monk should take his leave.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “Not so, master. You’ve forgotten one thing.” Hui Jue was slightly startled, and heard Jiang Ruan continue: “I invited the master today to pray for grandmother’s blessings. I didn’t expect the master to exorcise evil for the Jiang residence instead. If the master is available, please pray for grandmother’s blessings.”

Everyone was slightly surprised that Jiang Ruan still remembered to pray for Madam Jiang’s blessings at this time. But Madam Jiang’s face showed no expression: “No need. Today both the master and I are tired. Cleansing my Jiang residence of these demons and monsters is the best blessing for me.” Then she said: “Cai Que, help me back to my room.” And she simply walked away.

Seeing this, the ladies quickly got up to take their leave. Having watched such a spectacle today, it wasn’t appropriate to stay longer, but starting tomorrow, there would surely be another tale about the Jiang family circulating in the capital.

In a moment, all the guests had left. Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Is the master leaving? I’ll see you off.”

Hui Jue nodded.

When they reached the residence gate, Jiang Ruan looked at him with a smile: “Thank you for your help today, master.”

“Was what the young lady said that day true?” Hui Jue lowered his eyes, like a compassionate Buddha statue.

“Naturally,” Jiang Ruan smiled: “If the master can help me more like today, seeing the master accumulate such virtue, Buddha will not treat your child poorly.” She said: “Master truly opened my eyes today.”

Hui Jue had been swindling for so many years. To rely on just words alone wouldn’t work—mixing truth with lies, lies with truth, plus the tricks that wandering monk had taught him. Today he simply sprinkled some pig’s blood powder when passing by Jiang Susu’s room.

Bats love pig’s blood. Bats wouldn’t normally appear in this world, and that pig’s blood powder was mixed with other medicinal powders. Combined with the incense burning in the main courtyard, bats would emerge even in daylight. Those who knew found it unremarkable, but those who didn’t thought demons had manifested.

Jiang Ruan smiled: “Mother loves second sister dearly and won’t easily send her to the family temple.”

“The bats will disperse during the day but come knocking at night. Second Miss will worry in her heart and naturally won’t object.” Hui Jue said calmly. He had also smeared much medicinal powder on Jiang Susu’s door. At night when bats flew to strike the door, the sound would be loud enough, but when Jiang Susu opened the door she would find no one there. After several times, Jiang Susu herself would become suspicious and paranoid, and before long would actively propose entering the family temple.

“Master is brilliant.” Jiang Ruan raised her eyebrows. This Hui Jue had some brains and knew to leave backup plans. If she could firmly control him… She smiled: “Since the master helped me so, I also have a favor to return to you. In a few more days I’ll visit again. Master must not forget my words.”

Hui Jue stared at the young lady before him. Those beautiful eyes held a cold smile. She was so young yet her thoughts were deeper than any back-courtyard woman he had ever met—her intelligence bordered on demonic. Hui Jue withdrew his thoughts, bid farewell to Jiang Ruan, and left.

At General Gu’s residence.

As soon as Madam Gu returned home, Gu Yi bounded in, taking a few steps to reach Madam Gu: “Mother, did you see that Jiang family’s eldest daughter? How was she?”

Madam Gu smiled: “Beautiful appearance, gentle nature, well-read and reasonable, proper conduct too.”

“So she’s good then?” Gu Yi smiled: “I knew mother would find her good.” Then he scratched his head: “You see…”

“Bah! How old is she? Go back to your room quickly. When your father returns and sees you like this, he’ll punish you again. We’ll discuss this matter another day.” Madam Gu scolded with a laugh.

Hearing that General Gu was returning, Gu Yi immediately ran away like smoke. After he left, Madam Gu sighed deeply.

“Does madam find Miss Jiang unsuitable?” a maid beside her asked softly.

“You saw today too—the Jiang family’s waters run deep. Miss Jiang just returned and already stirred up such big waves, yet could retreat unscathed today. Her thoughts aren’t as simple as they appear on the surface.” She shook her head: “I just want to find a simple girl to be Yi’er’s wife. That girl has too much malevolent qi.”