A crowd had gathered at the gate of a wealthy family’s mansion in the eastern part of the city. The well-dressed master and mistress were stuffing bundles into the hands of a kind-faced old monk: “Master, we are deeply grateful that you’re willing to exorcise evil spirits from our mansion. Though these are worldly possessions, the Master could use them to create a golden statue for the Buddha.”

The monk’s hair and beard were completely white, and his features naturally possessed an otherworldly, immortal bearing. He pressed his palms together: “Amitabha Buddha.”

A circle of onlookers surrounded them, all pointing at the monk and marveling. This was the recently famous Master Hui Jue, who was said to know the past and divine the future. He had only recently arrived in the capital and often helped wealthy families with blessing and exorcism rituals that were extremely effective.

After Master Hui Jue received the bundles, he bid farewell to everyone and walked alone. Turning away from the bustling street, he entered a dark, narrow alley where there was a small two-courtyard residence. He knocked at the door, and a young boy opened it to welcome him in.

After Hui Jue entered the courtyard, the boy said: “Master, there’s a visitor.”

“A visitor?” He was surprised. He had no acquaintances in the capital. Though puzzled, he maintained a calm expression as he walked inside.

In the hall stood a young girl in green robes, appearing to be only eleven or twelve years old, dressed as a maid. The green-robed maid smiled upon seeing him. Hui Jue was startled when he heard a gentle voice from behind the maid: “Master.”

Hui Jue looked toward the voice and saw a girl’s silhouette in the shadows. The green-robed maid stepped aside, and as light fell upon her, the figure in the shadows revealed her true appearance.

She was still a young girl, appearing about the same age as the green-robed maid. She wore red robes embroidered with white endless wan symbols, a standing collar, diagonal front, and scattered flower skirt. Even in the shadows, her beautiful features couldn’t be concealed. She smiled at Hui Jue as if looking at an old friend she’d known for years. Her slightly upturned, enchanting eyes were clear and moist, yet somehow made one feel they couldn’t see through her.

“Young lady, you are…?” Hui Jue pondered. The girl before him was completely unfamiliar, and he had no memory of her.

“Though Master doesn’t know me, I’ve long heard of Master’s great reputation. I’ve come today to ask Master about my birth date and time—how are they?”

“Young lady, you’re still so young. Why would you come alone to seek divination?” Hui Jue asked.

“My fate is rough, my future path unknown.” Jiang Ruan spoke only eight words.

Hui Jue was startled, thought briefly, then said: “In that case, please write down your birth date and time.”

Jiang Ruan picked up the brush and wrote.

While she was writing, Hui Jue was also quietly observing her. Seeing this girl’s extraordinary bearing, she must be a young lady from some noble family’s mansion. Her actions were unpredictable, yet there was a hint of malevolent energy between her brows. His mind turned, and looking at her maid’s expression, in just a brief moment, he had made up his mind.

Jiang Ruan pushed the paper with her birth information before Hui Jue: “Please examine it, Master.”

Hui Jue spread the paper open, reached up to remove the prayer beads from his neck, and lowered his head in silence. After half an incense stick’s time, his brow gradually furrowed.

Seeing this, Lu Zhu glanced at Jiang Ruan’s expression and asked with a smile: “What does Master make of this?”

Hui Jue looked at Jiang Ruan, hesitating to speak for a while, then shook his head and sighed heavily.

“Master may speak freely.” Unlike his sorrowful expression, Jiang Ruan was extremely relaxed, appearing as calm as if she were having someone else’s fortune told.

Hui Jue said: “Young lady, this divination is inauspicious. I fear it is… the fate of a Star of Calamity.”

“Star of Calamity?” Jiang Ruan savored the four words. Hui Jue lowered his eyes with a humble expression, truly like a compassionate Buddha. She heard Jiang Ruan say: “Master is brilliant. I indeed have the fate of a Star of Calamity. My mother died this way because of me, and my brother’s whereabouts are unknown because of me. Now strange incidents occur constantly in the mansion.”

Her voice was despondent, as if truly deeply saddened. Hui Jue spoke: “Though this is so, young lady needn’t worry. This old monk has ways to rewrite your fate. If young lady is willing, tomorrow this old monk will visit your mansion to discuss with your family members.”

“Why would Master help me?” Jiang Ruan asked.

Hui Jue lowered his head, pressing his palms together: “Amitabha Buddha. We who have left home are compassionate.”

“Master is truly kind. Not all monks are like Master. I’ve heard a story about a monk from Yuzhou who normally went around swindling people under the banner of being an eminent monk, amassing considerable wealth.”

When he heard the words “Yuzhou,” Hui Jue’s hands trembled slightly. He heard Jiang Ruan’s gentle voice continue from across the way: “This monk was an orphan. As a child, he was adopted by a wandering monk who was the originator of the deception techniques he learned. The wandering monk used him as a money-making tool, frequently beating and scolding him. When he had learned the wandering monk’s tricks and gradually grown up, he personally strangled the wandering monk to death, deceiving everyone by saying his master had passed away peacefully, inheriting the wandering monk’s legacy and continuing as a swindling master.” Here she paused: “Speaking of which, that Yuzhou monk had exactly the same dharma name as Master. I wonder if you’ve heard this story, Hui Jue?”

Hui Jue sat in place like a wooden carving, cold sweat breaking out on his back. He had never told these secrets to anyone, and these events happened decades ago. This little girl probably wasn’t even born then—why did she know these matters so clearly? He looked up to see the girl opposite him wearing a playful smile at the corner of her lips. Where was there the slightest trace of sorrow?

Hui Jue heard his own dry voice: “This old monk… has never heard of it.”

“There are many things in this world that Master hasn’t necessarily heard of, but I have some interesting stories I can share with Master. For instance, that boy just now reminded me of the story where that monk, while swindling at a household, had relations with the family’s young lady. The lady became pregnant but refused to reveal the child’s father until her death in difficult childbirth. When her family wanted to abandon the naturally weak baby, this falsely compassionate monk offered to take a disciple. The lady’s family naturally welcomed this, not knowing the baby was actually the monk’s own son.”

Hearing this, Hui Jue’s face lost all trace of its earlier calm detachment, already covered in cold sweat with a tense expression.

“After the baby was given to the monk, because he was born with deficiencies, he needed expensive medicinal materials to sustain his life. The monk had no choice but to redouble his money-making efforts. But Yuzhou was limited in scope, so he came to the most prosperous capital. With many wealthy families in the capital, once he gained fame and earned much money, he could treat his son’s illness.” Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Master, what do you think of this story?”

“Who are you?” After a long silence, Hui Jue asked. He truly couldn’t see through the girl before him, thinking she must be following orders from some expert. Otherwise, how could a complete stranger lay bare these secrets he had buried in his heart, never to see daylight, so brazenly? It was truly terrifying!

For the first time in his life, Hui Jue, who played others like pawns, felt a sense of being beyond control.

Jiang Ruan looked at him quietly: “I’m just a Star of Calamity. Hui Jue, you now have two choices. First, kill me, and your secret will never be known by anyone. Second, listen to me, and I’ll keep this secret for you.”

Her expression was calm, showing no unease about the uncertain future situation, as if she had already determined what Hui Jue’s answer would be. Looking at her, Hui Jue suddenly felt a surge of vicious intent and asked: “How do you know these things?”

“Hui Jue, do you want to save your son?” Jiang Ruan didn’t answer his question.

Son? Hui Jue’s body stiffened, and the murderous thoughts that had just emerged instantly vanished. He thought of his son lying on the sickbed. The doctor said his son was born with deficiencies and would be very weak without expensive medicine for conditioning. He had been a fake monk for so many years, never expecting to have a son in his old age. He wanted to save his son’s life.

“You… have a way?” Hui Jue asked.

“If you do as I say, I guarantee that in this life, you’ll never lack for fine clothes and food. Your son will receive treatment from the best physicians, you won’t worry about affording expensive medicinal materials, and you won’t need to travel around living in constant fear.” Her enchanting eyes shone brilliantly, her tone carrying a hint of seduction: “You’ll enjoy the respect of countless people, endless wealth and lasting peace. You’ll become the most effective eminent monk. You’ll become the National Teacher.”

Hui Jue was almost bewitched by the scene she described, but his years of swindling hadn’t been in vain—he was particularly sensitive in this regard. He quickly came to his senses: “Young lady, you’re joking with this old monk. I don’t know what business you have with this old monk, but I’m just an ordinary monk, unworthy of the title of eminent monk. I fear I’m willing but unable to help with many matters.”

Jiang Ruan looked at him calmly and smiled: “Know the past, divine the future? All those matters just now were from the past. It seems I still need to prove one thing to you.”

Hui Jue remained silent.

“Tonight, there will be ghostly incidents at the prefect’s mansion in the city. Tomorrow morning, they will certainly invite you to perform rituals.” Jiang Ruan said.

Hui Jue found it incredible: “Young lady?”

“Whether you believe my words or not, if you want to save your son, do as I say.” Jiang Ruan said: “Ten days from now is the birthday banquet for the old madam of Minister Jiang’s mansion. I want you to go there that day to perform blessing rituals for the old madam. Accidentally discover that demons are causing trouble in the mansion—it turns out the second miss of the Jiang family is a Star of Calamity.” She smiled lightly: “Master’s techniques are so sophisticated, you don’t need me to teach you how to do it.”

“How can you be so certain I’ll come that day?” Hui Jue couldn’t help asking.

Jiang Ruan stood up: “Didn’t I already tell you—know the past, divine the future?” With her back to the light, her expression was gentle, her features like a painting, her red robes bright, yet she made one’s heart grow cold. As if beneath that beautiful facade was a demon’s heart, truly like an enchantress from hell leading souls to damnation.

Jiang Ruan walked to the door with her maid, suddenly seeming to remember something as she turned back: “I forgot to mention—my name is Jiang Ruan, eldest legitimate daughter of the Jiang family of the capital.”

After leaving the dark alley, Lu Zhu looked at Jiang Ruan’s expression and asked carefully: “Miss, are you certain that monk will really come in ten days?”

“He’ll certainly come.” Hui Jue treasured his precious son like his life. Every spring, his son’s condition would worsen due to the weather. In her previous life, Xuan Li had exploited Hui Jue’s weakness, buying him off years later with the promise of treating his son’s illness. Hui Jue had indeed proven to be talented—under Xuan Li’s arrangements, he became National Teacher, providing Xuan Li with much convenience.

In this life, she was following the same method, securing Hui Jue for herself before Xuan Li could act. Now during spring, seeing his son’s condition and remembering her words, it would be hard for him not to be moved.

Everyone in this world has weaknesses. Once you grasp their weakness, you can manipulate them at will. Thinking back now, she should thank Xuan Li from her previous life. To make her a competent chess piece in the palace, he had told her these secrets without reservation. Without this information, how difficult it would have been to subdue someone like Hui Jue.

Lu Zhu said: “Thanks to Fifth Aunt mentioning this matter to Miss. That mother and daughter pair in Yanhua Court could think of such a vicious method—they’re truly too malicious!”

That evening when they returned to the mansion, Hong Ying hurried to Ruan Residence, saying only that Jiang Quan wanted to invite a Daoist to perform rituals at the old madam’s birthday banquet to dispel the bad luck that had plagued the mansion for some time. Though she didn’t say it explicitly, her words mentioned that the Daoist performing the ritual was the same wandering Daoist who had passed by the Jiang mansion five years ago to divine Jiang Ruan’s fortune.

Finally, Hong Ying said: “The old madam’s birthday banquet is a major event that cannot be treated carelessly. Please prepare well, eldest miss.”

Jiang Ruan smiled and thanked her, incidentally returning a favor by casually mentioning that the Xia and Jiang families had recently developed a rift, and that Jiang Quan wasn’t entirely without reservations about Xia Yan, asking Hong Ying to offer comfort.

Hong Ying was a clever person. Thinking of this, Jiang Ruan smiled slightly. Xia Yan could actually think of repeating the old trick. Five years ago—or rather, in her previous life—it was because she was stupid, allowing herself to be manipulated like a clay doll by Xia Yan. Now that Xia Yan wanted to repeat what happened years ago, it probably wouldn’t be so simple.

Lu Zhu looked ahead: “Miss Lin’s family carriage is coming.”

Jiang Ruan turned back and indeed saw a carriage stopped at the rouge shop at the alley entrance. Lin Zixiang jumped down from the carriage, and upon seeing Jiang Ruan, said with a stern face: “Why are you so slow? You’ve kept me waiting.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “I was delayed on the way here. Let’s go in and look around first.”

With Madam Jiang’s birthday banquet imminent, Jiang Ruan had no mind to personally make a gift for her. She had told Xia Yan that Miss Lin Zixiang and the other sisters would go together. Xia Yan naturally couldn’t refuse Lin Zixiang’s invitation on Jiang Ruan’s behalf. Thinking of how Jiang Susu couldn’t go out due to the scars on her face, she was furious but helplessly agreed.

As soon as they stepped into the rouge shop, a clear voice rang out: “Ah, Zixiang, Sister Ruan, we’ve been waiting for you for so long.” Dong Ying’er warmly greeted them, while Zhao Jin beside her looked somewhat helpless: “The powder smell is making me nauseous. Let’s go out.”

Dong Ying’er took Zhao Jin’s hand: “We just arrived. Really, Jin’er, you’re almost of age but don’t know how to dress yourself up. You’re still like a tomboy. Be careful your future husband will dislike you.”

Coming from a military family, Zhao Jin naturally looked down on these made-up delicate ladies, and Dong Ying’er was particularly clingy. Jiang Ruan smiled: “I’ve been to many rouge shops. I know there’s a newly opened jewelry building in the city with many rare treasures. Besides gold and silver jewelry, there are many precious swords and weapons—a dazzling array. Why doesn’t Sister Zhao go take a look?”

Hearing this, Zhao Jin quickly said: “Really? Sister Ruan, you mustn’t be deceiving me.”

Jiang Ruan smiled: “How would I dare deceive you, Sister?”

Dong Ying’er always loved seeing new things. Hearing this, she said: “In that case, Sister Ruan, let’s quickly go to that jewelry building. I’ve been needing a pair of exquisite bracelets lately.”

Lin Zixiang also thought it was good, so they all got in the carriage and headed toward the city.

When the carriage stopped, Dong Ying’er was the first to jump down. Jiang Ruan and the others followed, and indeed saw a pagoda-style building with the three large characters “Yi Bao Ge” (Treasure Exchange Pavilion).

They walked into the building, and a rather attractive maid led them in, explaining: “The first floor has jewelry, the second floor has precious weapons. What would the young ladies like to see?”

“Jewelry!”

“Weapons!”

Dong Ying’er and Zhao Jin called out simultaneously. Dong Ying’er glared at Zhao Jin: “Are you opposing me?”

“You know I never look at those things normally. Why don’t we split up? We can meet downstairs after looking around.” Zhao Jin suggested.

Lin Zixiang said: “That’s what we’ll do. I’ll also stay here to look at jewelry—I don’t understand weapons anyway. What about you, Sister Ruan?”

“Sister Ruan will definitely stay with us to look at jewelry,” Dong Ying’er interjected, but saw Jiang Ruan smile and shake her head: “I want to look at weapons.”

“Look at weapons?” Not only Dong Ying’er and Lin Zixiang, but even Zhao Jin was stunned, looking at her incredulously: “You don’t practice martial arts—why look at weapons?”

Jiang Ruan smiled apologetically: “After my elder brother joined the army, there’s been no news of him. I don’t know when he’ll return, but I think if he can come back, he’ll certainly be a man of iron will and backbone. If there’s a good weapon to match him, it would be very fitting.” She added: “But I’m just looking.”

The others were moved by her words. Zhao Jin said: “I know something about weapons too. Let’s go up together—perhaps I can give you some advice.”

Jiang Ruan naturally smiled and agreed. When they reached the second floor, it was indeed as the rumors said—all fine weapons, some emanating faint blue light, others aged by history. Upon entering, they felt dazzled by flowing light, and Zhao Jin was already exclaiming: “So many! And they look like treasures with spiritual energy!”

Jiang Ruan watched her. Zhao Jin touched a precious sword hanging on the wall, and as soon as her hand touched it, she felt a shock and quickly stepped back several paces, excitedly saying: “Indeed a treasure!”

Jiang Ruan wasn’t as excited as Zhao Jin. Looking around, she felt that a Fire Cloud Hard Moon Shield would be very suitable for Jiang Xinzhi. With such armor on the battlefield, Jiang Xinzhi would be much safer. However, looking at the silver amount marked below, she immediately felt a headache. Not to mention that she had used all her silver to buy old grain in the capital—even if she had money, it would be far from enough.

She continued walking forward, her gaze attracted by something in a basket. She reached out to pick it up—it was an exquisite, small bracelet emanating beautiful blue light. Jiang Ruan put it on her hand, and the bracelet made her fair hand appear even more slender. Zhao Jin came over, puzzled: “How is there jewelry on this floor too?”

The jewelry building maid following them explained: “This is a Blood Moon Bracelet, used for…” Before she could finish, she saw Jiang Ruan skillfully press the protruding pattern in the middle of the bracelet and aim it at her.

“Miss?” The maid was startled, her expression somewhat stiff.

“I won’t press it down,” Jiang Ruan removed the bracelet from her hand: “How many needles are inside?”

“Nine,” the maid explained stiffly: “But they’re all highly poisonous.”

Zhao Jin had been somewhat dazed seeing Jiang Ruan’s actions, but hearing the maid’s explanation, she understood: “So there’s such a mechanism!” Then she looked at Jiang Ruan: “Sister Ruan, you don’t normally encounter these things. I don’t even know what this is for—how do you know?” Jiang Ruan’s skilled movements just now didn’t look like the first time she’d seen such a thing.

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly: “Mother’s collection of rare books mentioned this type of bracelet before.”

Only then did Zhao Jin nod: “I see. But this thing can only be considered a hidden weapon. I still prefer that precious sword.”

Jiang Ruan extended her finger to caress the smooth surface of the bracelet, her gaze suddenly deepening. In her previous life, Jiang Quan had once found a similar bracelet for Jiang Susu. At that time, Jiang Susu wore it day and night, and Jiang Ruan was terribly envious, but ultimately didn’t have the courage to tell Jiang Quan she wanted one too. She could only pretend the silver bracelet on her wrist had the same function, occasionally touching it and deceiving herself that she also had such a mechanism.

Thinking back now, it seemed like an unreal dream. The Blood Moon Bracelet in her hand was more beautiful than Jiang Susu’s, could hold more needles, and the maid explained that the needles shot out would be pulled back by fine silkworm threads, and they were highly poisonous. Keeping it by her side would be extremely suitable. However, Jiang Ruan shook her head and put the bracelet back.

“Does Miss find it unsatisfactory?” The maid had originally seen from Jiang Ruan’s expression that she liked this bracelet very much, so her current actions were puzzling.

“I don’t have that much silver,” Jiang Ruan smiled. She could only bear to part with what she loved.

“Me neither,” Zhao Jin looked reluctantly at the precious sword hanging on the wall: “I hope I can persuade my father.”

The two smiled at each other, looked at the things in the building for a while longer, then went downstairs to find Lin Zixiang and the other.

After they left, the maid who had been explaining things to them walked to a celadon lion head on the wall behind the room and pressed it. A small door opened—next to it was actually an elegant room. Being so close, the conversation in the hall could be heard clearly.

“Master,” the maid said respectfully: “The young lady from the Jiang family took a liking to this Blood Moon Bracelet.” She presented the tray.

The man sitting in the elegant room hummed without turning his head: “Put it away.”

“Yes.” The maid quietly withdrew again.

The man walked to the window. The pattering light rain made everything in the capital hazy, yet couldn’t obstruct one’s vision. After a moment, downstairs, Jiang Ruan and the others got into their carriage. The carriage rolled its wheels and slowly drove away.

On this day out with Dong Ying’er to select birthday gifts, Jiang Ruan ended up buying nothing. Dong Ying’er asked curiously: “Are you going back empty-handed like this?”

“I don’t have silver,” Jiang Ruan smiled warmly.

The other three all felt somewhat sympathetic, not expecting that even the daughter of a noble family would have such difficulties. They wanted to help her with some silver but were afraid of hurting Jiang Ruan’s self-esteem, so they could only offer a few words of comfort. However, seeing Jiang Ruan like this and thinking of her background—losing her mother at a young age and being coldly treated by her father—their pity for her deepened.

Jiang Ruan didn’t mind the other three’s gazes at all, calmly returning to the mansion with Lu Zhu. On the way back, Lu Zhu asked: “Miss, really not buying anything?”

“Where would the silver come from?” Jiang Ruan repeated the same phrase: “Now penniless, buying cheap items would instead invite ridicule.”

“Miss shouldn’t have bought so much old grain—at least keep half,” Lu Zhu pouted, lifting the carriage curtain to look outside: “Speaking of which, it’s strange—this rain keeps falling. It’s been over ten days now.” She thought: “This servant thinks it would be good if this rain never stopped. The old grain Miss bought could make a fortune if sold. But then there would be many more refugees in the capital.” Lu Zhu frowned: “Truly troublesome.”

Jiang Ruan laughed inwardly. She never planned to sell that old grain—Lu Zhu’s wish to make silver would probably come to nothing. However, Jiang Ruan didn’t plan to tell Lu Zhu this for now. She said: “I’m not without a gift for the old madam’s birthday banquet. Hui Jue is the best gift.”

Lu Zhu’s eyes rolled as she giggled: “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 saw Jiang Ruan return empty-handed, and the gossipy ones went to report this to Yanhua Court. Jiang Susu was talking with Xia Yan when she heard this: “Just a pauper. Probably has no money to buy things.”

Xia Yan tapped her forehead: “No matter what, you must finish writing a hundred birthday characters properly. If you win your grandmother’s favor this time, your father will feel better too.”

“I know,” Jiang Susu was somewhat impatient: “I just don’t know what Jiang Ruan will give. If she prepares nothing, there’ll be a good show to watch.”

Xia Yan smiled: “No matter what gift she prepares or how much thought she puts in, she can’t possibly win the old madam’s favor.”

“Why?” Jiang Susu asked.

“Who would like a Star of Calamity?” A flash of viciousness crossed Xia Yan’s eyes. Moreover, Madam Jiang had always believed in ghosts and spirits, spending a large sum on incense money every year. Such a person was extremely superstitious about spiritual matters. Especially with the Jiang mansion having constant troubles lately—even if Jiang Quan wasn’t Madam Jiang’s biological son, after being mother and son for so many years, there was still some genuine feeling. As the old madam of the Jiang mansion, she couldn’t possibly watch the Jiang mansion face disaster and sit idly by. This time, Jiang Ruan would probably face inevitable doom.

Jiang Susu looked at Xia Yan’s expression, guessed something, and probed: “Mother already has a plan?”

Xia Yan lovingly embraced her, stroking her head: “You just need to know that everything Mother does is for you and Chao’er. Don’t disappoint Mother.”

Jiang Susu nestled in Xia Yan’s embrace, her beautiful eyes wide open, the hatred in them chilling. She said: “I know, Mother. I can hardly wait for the day of Grandmother’s birthday banquet to arrive.”