Song Chuyi ultimately did not have a ceremony performed, but Master Taibai called her back before she left. He began with great interest by asking Song Chuyi, “Don’t you want to ask what kind of disaster you’ll encounter?”

Song Chuyi was not intimidated by him. Though she respected gods and Buddhas, she was not a blindly superstitious person. Hearing this, she didn’t answer but instead asked back, “If I asked, would Master tell me? And conveniently erect an altar and perform rituals to dispel disaster and resolve difficulties?”

Master Taibai became even more satisfied, smiling until his eyes curved. “What a clever child. You’re right—even if you asked me, I wouldn’t tell. How easily can heavenly secrets be leaked? Besides, you girl have a hard fate. In your previous life, even after dying you could retain a trace of your soul to return and change your destiny. How much more so now when you’re living well, having lived two lifetimes—you should naturally be stronger than in your previous life.”

When Song Chuyi was first seen through by Master Yuanhui, she had been unable to eat or sleep peacefully. But now having experienced it once, encountering it again didn’t feel so shocking and distressing. She smiled and sat down across from Master Taibai, watching him leisurely brew tea.

“Erect what altar, perform what offering?” Master Taibai lifted the pot to pour her a cup of fragrant Xinyang Maojian tea. “The Celestial Masters sect is the one that likes doing such things. If you really want to dispel disaster and avert misfortune, you should seek that Highness—his master is accustomed to making such ceremonies look impressive.”

Song Chuyi truly couldn’t help but smile slightly—Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain indeed possessed extreme grace and beauty. When performing ceremonies he wore Daoist robes made of gold and silver threads, quite giving the impression of an immortal descending to earth. Combined with his especially elegant bearing when performing rituals, he was particularly favored by Emperor Jianzhang. Master Taibai was being sarcastic about him.

Master Taibai looked at her suspiciously. “Though you’re not an ordinary girl, ultimately it’s a matter of life and death. You really can keep your composure—at this moment you can still smile.” Without waiting for Song Chuyi to answer, he laughed first. “But I just like people like this—no endless crying to vex people’s hearts. You’re right—though fate is determined by Heaven, matters depend on human effort. When encountering trouble, rather than constantly hoping to rely on Heaven, it’s better to rely on oneself. I said the same to that Highness. He doesn’t have a long-life aspect, yet he forcibly broke through his fated tribulation and lived until now—it’s already a miracle. Since the miracle has already occurred, what does it matter what the fate thereafter holds? Even Heaven cannot decide your destinies, let alone me? However, I find you, little lady, pleasing, so I’ll specially gift you one more phrase.”

Song Chuyi gently brushed away a butterfly that had flown in through the window, her bright eyes meeting Master Taibai’s gaze without evasion. “I’m all ears.”

Master Taibai set down the thin-walled white porcelain teacup in his hand, his fingers still resting on the vividly painted parrot on it, suddenly restraining his smile. “Disaster is imminent—avoid changing routes midway.”

Song Chuyi listened in confusion, but knew that heavenly secrets could not be penetrated by ordinary people. That Master Taibai was willing to say this much was already an unexpected joy. Though she couldn’t figure out what these words truly meant, she still solemnly gave thanks before rising to take her leave.

Master Taibai hadn’t encountered such an easy-to-talk-to person from the mortal world who didn’t ask excessive questions in a long while. He truly developed some fondness for her, smiling as he waved at her. “Go quickly then. Here’s an auspicious phrase for you—may you have a peaceful and smooth life hereafter.”

What most people sought in life was nothing more than this. Song Chuyi devoutly performed a Daoist bow, then turned to descend the mountain with Old Madam Cui, gently comforting the perpetually worried Old Madam Cui. “Though Master said it was a star illuminating fate, he said perhaps disaster could be turned into fortune. Grandmother needn’t worry too much.”

How could she not worry? Anyone encountering such a major matter couldn’t just smile carelessly. Old Madam Cui not only worried about Master Taibai’s words coming true, but also worried about today’s words spreading—previously when Master Yuanhui said those things, Song Chuyi had been gossiped about for quite a while. Now a Daoist master was saying the same things. She patted Song Chuyi’s hand, her brow furrowing even tighter—moreover, if things were truly as Master Taibai said, who would dare marry Song Chuyi in the future?

How could the imperial family tolerate an inauspicious person? Likely Her Majesty the Empress would no longer maintain today’s attitude. She deeply regretted meddling in this matter. Unable to feel at ease, she fell ill upon returning.

It was Zhou Weizhao who learned of this matter and specially had someone send word in, teaching Song Chuyi how to ease Old Madam Cui’s heart.

Qing Luo repeated Zhou Weizhao’s words while observing Song Chuyi’s expression. “His Highness says you should tell Old Madam that though Master Taibai also said this, this is Jinzhong—the news likely cannot spread to the capital. Even if it spreads to the capital, there’s no need to worry. The Daoist school isn’t limited to the Complete Reality sect—there’s also the Celestial Masters sect. At that time, request Master Tianshi to perform a ceremony to dispel disaster and pray for blessings—it will be the same.”

Master Taibai still refused to erect an altar and perform rituals, yet Zhou Weizhao dared make such promises using Zhang Tianshi. Song Chuyi didn’t know whether to be angry or amused. Expressionless, she pondered for half a moment before ultimately following Zhou Weizhao’s words to comfort Old Madam Cui. Otherwise, Old Madam Cui would always feel she had meddled unnecessarily and caused these troubles. Having the old lady constantly frightened and worried wasn’t a solution either.

Hearing this explanation, Old Madam Cui finally recovered and hurriedly prepared to pack Song Chuyi’s things—they had to depart immediately at the end of the month, and there were still many things not yet properly arranged. Previously she couldn’t bear to part with Song Chuyi and wished to delay day by day, but now she couldn’t wait for Song Chuyi to quickly return to the capital, in time to catch Master Tianshi going to the palace to burn green memorials and pray for the Emperor’s longevity.

Madam Yu also learned about Master Taibai’s comments on Song Chuyi’s fate on the mountain, but wasn’t worried in her heart. Previously Masters Yuanhui and Yuankong had said more than once something about bloody disaster, yet in the end Song Chuyi had still safely gotten through it all. As for fate—if you believe in it, it exists; if you don’t believe, it doesn’t.

She had now married off her daughter and was in a relaxed state. Her own luggage for going to the capital had long been packed. Seeing the situation, she hurried over to help.

Though there were many things, there would always be a time when packing was finished. Both Old Madam Cui and Madam Yu were very meticulous. In just seven or eight short days, the luggage was already completely organized. The boat was also very properly arranged. The servants traveling back were registered one by one in a roster and, under the Imperial Guard’s inspection, boarded the boats one by one to begin preparations.

Time practically flew by in a flash to the end of the month. This time Old Madam Cui had to send away not only her granddaughter but also her granddaughter. Originally she would have been sad, but thinking that her granddaughter needed to return to have Zhang Tianshi perform a ritual to clear her name, and her granddaughter should also go to the capital to her mother’s side to let her mother properly guide her, she no longer had time to feel sad and forced herself to rally her spirits to arrange everything for them.