Nanny Fang and Hongyu went over to take a look and saw that the cloth doll was sewn from simple white brocade. From top to bottom, a row of words was written. Astonishingly, it was the name and eight characters^[1]a person’s birth year, month, day, and hour, each represented by two Chinese characters of Lin Wanru. Thin needles were inserted into various parts of the doll’s body, causing both of their expressions to change drastically.

Lin Wanru had truly spared no effort. In order to frame Ouyang Nuan, she even included her own birth characters. It seemed she hated Ouyang Nuan to the bone. First, she deliberately feigned illness in front of Old Madam Li and invited Daoist Nun Ma over, insisting that the ritual be performed in Tingnuan Pavilion. This way, when everyone stepped out during the ritual, they could bury the cloth doll. At that time, only Daoist Nun Ma and her two disciples were in the courtyard. They buried the doll at the corner of the wall, and afterward, Nanny Wang found an excuse to conduct a search. Once the doll was discovered in front of everyone, with both witness and evidence present, the master of the courtyard would be accused of using sorcery to curse Lin Wanru. By then, Lin Wanru would undoubtedly claim that Ouyang Nuan had tried to harm her because she was pregnant and feared that her son would threaten Ouyang Jue’s position. If that happened, Ouyang Zhi would never let it slide! Worse yet, Ouyang Jue might even be mistakenly seen as an accomplice…… What a truly vicious scheme!

Ouyang Nuan’s lips curved slightly. With a flick of her sleeve, she tossed the cloth doll to Hongyu and said, “Burn it.”

Soon, the cloth doll was thrown into the brazier. Nanny Fang picked up the fire tongs and stirred the coals a few times. The doll that Lin Wanru had painstakingly arranged was quickly reduced to ashes. Ouyang Nuan smiled and said to Changpu, “Thank you for your efforts, Changpu.”

“I did nothing at all. It was really you, Young Miss, who was clever. If you hadn’t asked the young master to find that well-trained dog and deliberately starved it for a day, we would have suffered a great loss today!” Changpu smiled shyly, not taking any credit for herself.

Hongyu, however, was unconvinced and asked, “Young Miss, are we just letting this go?”

In the flickering firelight, Ouyang Nuan’s cold eyes seemed to be tinged with a brilliant, otherworldly hue. She smiled and said, “Since they delivered themselves to my doorstep, of course, I must return the favor with an even grander gift.”

Half an hour later, Ouyang Zhi stormed into Shou’an Hall, bringing along Ouyang Ke and Daoist Nun Ma. Ouyang Ke was the first to speak, “Grandmother, Sister has truly gone too far this time……”

Before she could finish her sentence, the rest got stuck in her throat. Sitting beside Old Madam Li, with a faint smile on her face, looking obedient and gentle— who else could it be but Ouyang Nuan?

“Sister, what’s the matter?” Ouyang Nuan asked in surprise.

Ouyang Ke pointed at Daoist Nun Ma, whose entire nose was wrapped up as she whimpered on the side, and said, “Grandmother, look! Sister allowed a vicious dog to attack and bite the Daoist nun’s nose like this! The physician said that if it’s not treated properly, she might suffer lasting damage!”

Ouyang Zhi’s voice was also cold as he said, “Nuan’er, you’ve gone too far this time. How could you injure the Daoist nun like this?”

“Father is right. Jue’er saw a dog with an exceptionally rare coat at the marketplace and insisted on bringing it back to show Grandmother. I was afraid he might disturb Grandmother, so I suggested keeping it at Tingnuan Pavilion for the time being. It just so happened that the Daoist nun was performing a ritual there, and by sheer misfortune, the dog startled her! I feel terribly guilty……” Ouyang Nuan said, her expression sincere and pitiful, making it difficult for anyone to reprimand her.

“You—” Ouyang Ke’s face instantly turned pale, then flushed red with anger. She wanted to lash out but couldn’t find the right words and could only clench her jaw in silence.

Old Madam Li, already impatient, said, “Enough, enough! How can you blame Nuan’er for this? Bringing a Daoist nun to perform a ritual in her courtyard was already an imposition, yet she was considerate enough to vacate the place for you. Then you claimed you needed to search the premises for something unclean, but in the end, you found nothing— only for the Daoist nun to be bitten by a dog. And now, you dare blame Nuan’er? Do you have any idea how laughable this would be if word got out? You’re utterly senseless!”

Ouyang Zhi hesitated. He had initially come prepared to scold Ouyang Nuan, but seeing Old Madam Li’s furious expression and the aggrieved look on his eldest daughter’s face, he suddenly found himself at a loss for words. In the end, he could only say angrily, “That beast caused all this trouble. Have it beaten to death tomorrow!”

Ouyang Nuan sighed softly and said, “Father, I think the dog is merely an animal and knows nothing of human affairs. Since Mother is pregnant and unwell, this is not an auspicious time for killing. Please spare it.”

Ouyang Zhi furrowed his brows, thought for a moment, and realized it was indeed inauspicious. He waved his hand and said, “Fine, forget it!”

Ouyang Ke was seething with resentment. The cloth doll was nowhere to be found, making it impossible to frame Ouyang Nuan. Pursuing the matter any further would be meaningless, so she simply said, “Grandmother, Daoist Nun Ma has something to say to you!”

Daoist Nun Ma, clutching her face, stepped forward. A strong scent of blood wafted toward Old Madam Li, who, upon seeing the other party in such a wretched state, completely lacking any ethereal aura, felt a growing sense of disgust. She frowned and said, “What is it that you wish to say, Daoist Nun?”

Daoist Nun Ma glared at Ouyang Nuan with resentment and said, “Old Madam, I am not sure if I should say this, but since the master invited me here, I must speak my mind to fulfill my duty. Do you know that this young lady’s birth characters are in conflict with the child in the madam’s womb?”

“What did you say?” Not only was Old Madam Li stunned, but even Ouyang Zhi was momentarily frozen in shock. Ouyang Ke, however, sneered coldly.

“Old Madam, Abbess Hui’an from Ningguo Nunnery requests an audience.”

Old Madam Li immediately stood up, her usual composed demeanor completely shattered. Her voice trembled with excitement, “What? Abbess Hui’an? Quickly, invite her in!”

Ningguo Nunnery was once the place where the grand empress dowager had practiced cultivation in seclusion, personally granted its name by the emperor. Every succeeding abbess was chosen with great scrutiny. The current abbess, Hui’an, had lived for many years preaching Buddhist teachings and enlightening all beings. She was highly respected, and even when Old Madam Li visited the nunnery to offer incense, she had to wait in line for a chance to see the other person. And even then, it was uncertain if Old Madam Li would be granted an audience. Yet now, the revered abbess stood at her doorstep. This was truly a stroke of incredible fortune!

Moments later, the faint sound of a wooden fish^[2]also known as a Chinese temple block or wooden bell resonated through the air, followed by a gentle voice chanting the mantra to untie karmic knots. A figure then slowly lifted the curtain and stepped inside.

All eyes turned toward the doorway. The visitor appeared to be around fifty years old, her features plain and unremarkable, yet her brows carried a natural air of compassion and benevolence. In that moment, she seemed like a white lotus in full bloom, inspiring reverence from those who beheld her.

Old Madam Li, seeing that it was indeed Abbess Hui’an, was overjoyed. Her smile was so broad that her eyes nearly disappeared as she personally stepped forward to greet the other person. “Abbess, what brings you here?”

“Amitabha. This humble nun happened to pass by and sensed an unusual aura within this residence. I presumed that something significant must have occurred and thus took the liberty of intruding.”

“The abbess is correct! It is this young lady’s ominous energy that has clashed with the child in the madam’s womb, causing these disturbances!” Daoist Nun Ma interjected eagerly. But just as she spoke, a sharp pain shot through her nose, prompting her to quickly cover it, fearing the draft would make it worse.

“Daoist Nun, perhaps you should say less.” Old Madam Li said coldly, casting the Daoist nun a disdainful glance. She found the Daoist nun’s crude manner utterly displeasing. “Abbess, may I ask what kind of anomaly you have sensed?”

“There is no rush to speak of that.” Abbess Hui’an replied. “Since fate has led me here, I shall offer a reading of your household’s fortunes.”

Hearing that, Old Madam Li was overjoyed. The noble families of the capital all longed for Abbess Hui’an to divine their fortunes, yet she rarely agreed to do so. Now, the abbess had come to Old Madam Li’s home of her own accord. What an extraordinary blessing! Even Ouyang Zhi, who normally dismissed superstitions, was visibly pleased. Having Abbess Hui’an read their fortunes would be an honor that carried great prestige.

Only Ouyang Ke frowned, feeling irritated. This old Buddhist nun was truly meddlesome. Of all times, why did she have to come now, interrupting Daoist Nun Ma’s words at such a crucial moment?!

Abbess Hui’an carefully examined the birth characters of Old Madam Li and Ouyang Zhi, then studied their faces. As she spoke, her words were full of praise. She declared that Old Madam Li was destined for both wealth and prosperity, her blessings boundless. She proclaimed that Ouyang Zhi would have a successful official career, with children and fortune in abundance. Her flattery made the two of them beam with delight, nodding repeatedly.

However, when Abbess Hui’an looked at Ouyang Nuan, she stared intently at her brows and eyes for a long time. Finally, she said, “You are of an extremely noble fate. This humble nun dares not read it.”

Old Madam Li and Ouyang Zhi exchanged puzzled glances. The abbess had no issue reading their fates, so why was she unwilling to read Ouyang Nuan’s? Yet Abbess Hui’an merely smiled without explanation and remained silent.

Ouyang Nuan, however, did not care about her own fate. Instead, she smiled serenely at the abbess and said, “Abbess, my mother has been unwell. Would you be willing to read her fortune and determine what might be troubling her?”

Abbess Hui’an nodded and said, “Alright.”

Upon hearing that, Ouyang Zhi immediately wrote down Lin Wanru’s birthdate and eight characters and respectfully handed them over. He said, “My wife has been pregnant for over a month, but starting yesterday, she suddenly complained of unbearable pain all over her body. I would like to ask Abbess to take a look and see what the cause might be.”

Abbess Hui’an lowered her head and examined Lin Wanru’s birth chart. She nodded and then asked, “Do you know exactly when the madam conceived?”

Ouyang Zhi’s expression turned slightly awkward. Old Madam Li shot him a cold glance, prompting him to smile and promptly report the date of conception.

Abbess Hui’an lowered her head and calculated on her fingers. Her expression gradually grew serious, and she frowned as she asked, “Are you certain?”

Ouyang Zhi nodded. “Yes.”

Abbess Hui’an suddenly let out a long sigh. Without saying a word, she stood up and started to walk outside.

Old Madam Li panicked and hurriedly stepped forward to block the other person’s path. “Abbess, what is the matter? Did we offend you in some way?”

Abbess Hui’an shook her head and said, “There are some things that cannot be spoken of. Forgive me for disturbing you.” With that, she prepared to leave.

Old Madam Li grew even more suspicious. She quickly grabbed hold of the abbess, pleading earnestly, “Abbess, do you have something to say? Please, tell us the truth!”

Ouyang Nuan smiled slightly and said, “Abbess Hui’an, you just mentioned that fate brings people together. My grandmother sincerely respects you. Why would you stop halfway through your words? How can she find peace of mind if you leave things unclear? You are compassionate, so please, tell us everything you know.”

Ouyang Zhi also looked puzzled. He quickly stepped forward and implored sincerely, “Abbess, please speak plainly.”

Abbess Hui’an’s brows furrowed and she remained silent for a long moment before finally sighing. “Since you insist, I will speak openly. The child in the madam’s womb was conceived under an ominous alignment— born under the Yin Moon, on a Yin Day, at a Yin Hour, carried on the Yin Wind. This child bears the fate of the ‘Heavenly Calamity Lone Star’— the so-called ‘Solitary Luan^[3]mythical bird related to phoenix and Widowed Crane.’ When advancing, they bring loneliness; when retreating, they bring misfortune. Benefactor, this is a grave misfortune!”

“Heavenly Calamity Lone Star?” Old Madam Li’s face changed drastically. She clutched Abbess Hui’an’s sleeve tightly. “Abbess, what does that mean? You must explain clearly!”

Abbess Hui’an sighed and said, “When I first arrived, I noticed a layer of black aura shrouding your residence, which made me suspicious. I decided to come in and examine everyone’s fate. I found no abnormalities in your household, but the moment the master mentioned the date of conception, I recalled the peculiar symptoms the madam has been experiencing and combined this with the black aura I saw earlier. Only then did I dare to conclude that the child in her womb carries the fate of the ‘Heavenly Calamity Lone Star.’ This fate brings destruction to family members. The pain the madam is suffering now is merely the beginning, as she is already affected by the child’s ominous aura. A child with this fate will bring misfortune to parents, siblings, spouses, and children alike. They will harm their kin, sever ties with all six relations, and live a life of loneliness. Worse still, I fear that the old madam and the master of this household may have their lifespans cut short because of this child! Benefactor, you have spent your life devoted to Buddhism, so how could you be burdened with such misfortune?”

Old Madam Li’s face turned deathly pale. She suddenly recalled Ouyang Jue’s recent dream and was struck with terror. Ouyang Zhi had planned to name the child Ouyang Hao^[4]Vast, and the book of Yu had mentioned that ‘the flood is vast.’ If the flood represented Ouyang Hao, and the floodwaters destroyed homes and buried people beneath them, wasn’t that a sign that the child would bring ruin to his family? Could this be the heavens’ warning?

She had initially thought that although she disliked Lin Wanru, the child was still a descendant of the Ouyang family, so she had felt a trace of joy at the pregnancy. But now she realized the child was a bringer of disaster!

Ouyang Zhi immediately stepped forward, his face filled with urgency. “Abbess, are you certain of this?”

Abbess Hui’an’s expression darkened. “I am merely a passing traveler and have no past dealings with your family. Why would I utter falsehoods? I have spoken, and whether you believe it or not is up to you!”

Ouyang Ke listened in confusion, her face drained of color. What was going on? Her mother had fallen ill as part of a scheme to frame Ouyang Nuan, yet now, according to Abbess Hui’an, the illness was caused by her unborn brother’s ominous fate? This was completely opposite to her mother’s original plan!

Old Madam Li and Ouyang Zhi exchanged glances. They were now eighty percent convinced. Abbess Hui’an had no prior connection to their family, so there was no reason for her to deceive them. Could it be that the child truly carried a fate that brought disaster to his kin?

“Abbess, please don’t be angry. My father is only anxious. Just now, when we heard your guidance, we became worried that my unborn brother might bring harm to his own family. Is there any way to resolve this fate?” Ouyang Nuan asked worriedly.

Abbess Hui’an sighed and said, “Benefactress, it is not that I am unwilling to help. But as the ancient saying goes— ‘The Heavenly Calamity Lone Star cannot be warded off. It brings misfortune to all six relations, dooming parents to an early grave. Unless one finds divine intervention, cultivating virtue and performing good deeds is the only remedy.’ I advise you all to do more good deeds and be extra cautious in the future.”

Old Madam Li grew anxious and clung tightly to Abbess Hui’an’s sleeve. “Abbess, what if the child were to be gone now?”

Ouyang Ke’s expression changed drastically. “Grandmother, how can you say such a thing?”

“That’s right!” Daoist Nun Ma, who had been observing the situation, was about to interject.

Ouyang Nuan’s gaze turned cold for an instant. She smiled faintly and said, “Daoist Nun, you are gravely injured and should focus on resting. Moreover, our family has pressing matters today and cannot entertain guests. Another day, I will personally visit with a generous gift to apologize for any offense.”

Daoist Nun Ma had initially believed that her performance today had been wasted, thinking that Lin Wanru would not pay her a single coin now that Abbess Hui’an had spoken. Abbess Hui’an’s reputation far surpassed hers, and if she were to challenge the abbess directly, the public would surely see her as a fraud, making it difficult for her to continue her business in the future.

She had been caught between a rock and a hard place, but the mention of a generous gift immediately changed her mind. The grudge of having her nose bitten earlier was forgotten, and she quickly put on a fawning smile. “Yes, yes! Abbess Hui’an is right. My cultivation is too shallow, so I must have mistaken the young lady’s noble aura for ominous energy. In that case, the misfortune must reside in the madam’s womb.”

“If you dare utter another word of nonsense, I will cut out your tongue!” Ouyang Ke stomped her foot and threatened viciously.

With a resounding smack, Ouyang Zhi ruthlessly slapped Ouyang Ke across the face. Ouyang Ke clutched her cheek in shock, unable to comprehend why her father had suddenly struck her. Ouyang Zhi’s voice was cold as he commanded, “Shut up! Do not be rude to our guests! Get out, now!”

Ouyang Nuan’s gaze remained indifferent, but her voice carried a tone of surprise as she said, “Father, Ke’er is still young and ignorant. Please do not be angry!”

Ouyang Ke glared at Ouyang Nuan with hatred but shamelessly refused to leave. If she left now, what would happen if Old Madam Li insisted on getting rid of the child in her mother’s womb? That child was their only hope! Her mother had waited for this moment for so many years, believing that having a son would finally allow her to rise in status. How had things turned out like this?

Seeing the situation, Daoist Nun Ma awkwardly bowed and followed the maid out.

Old Madam Li was not a foolish woman. The moment she spoke, she regretted it. There were many ways to deal with the child, so why had she asked Abbess Hui’an for advice? If this matter were to spread, would it not bring disgrace upon the Ouyang family? Her face flushed with embarrassment. At that moment, Ouyang Nuan stepped forward at just the right time, gently supporting her as she said, “Grandmother, do not worry. Whatever the issue, let us discuss it calmly. Abbess Hui’an is not an outsider. She will surely understand.”

As soon as she spoke, Old Madam Li hurriedly nodded. “Yes, Abbess, please, I beg you to find a solution!”

Abbess Hui’an responded, “At this point, we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. From today onward, Old Madam must recite scriptures a hundred times daily to pray for the Ouyang family’s blessings. Once the child is born, he must be sent to a monastery as soon as possible to be apprenticed to a master with profound spiritual cultivation. That way, he will not burden his family and can accumulate virtue for himself, securing a better reincarnation in his next life.”

“No! That is impossible!” Ouyang Ke nearly jumped in fury. This younger brother was their greatest leverage in their struggle against Ouyang Nuan. How could he be sent to a monastery the moment he was born? She could no longer care about anything else. Rushing forward, she desperately grabbed Ouyang Zhi’s arm and pleaded urgently, “Father! The child in Mother’s womb is your own flesh and blood! How can you believe this old nun’s nonsense?!”

“You wretched girl! Kneel!” Old Madam Li’s fury reached its peak. That wretched Lin Wanru had schemed time and again to harm her eldest grandson, yet she still refused to give up. Now she even dared to give birth to a calamity-starred son, deliberately trying to sever the Ouyang family’s bloodline! And this daughter of hers— utterly shameless! How dare Ouyang Ke cause an uproar in Shou’an Hall?! She was truly insufferable!

Seeing his mother’s extreme anger, Ouyang Zhi forcefully pushed Ouyang Ke away. Caught off guard, she fell to the ground, staring in disbelief at her heartless grandmother and father, trembling with rage.

Ouyang Nuan watched from the sidelines as Ouyang Ke wept bitterly, making a disgrace of herself. A cold sneer surfaced in her heart. In Old Madam Li’s eyes, a daughter-in-law was nothing, and a granddaughter was nothing either— only sons and grandsons were her lifeblood. Especially Ouyang Zhi, who was Old Madam Li’s only pillar of support in her later years. How could she possibly allow anyone to take that away from her?

As expected, Old Madam Li did not hesitate to agree. “It is fortunate that Abbess Hui’an enlightened us today. If you had not come, we might have ignorantly accepted such a cursed child into our family. If my son were to be harmed in the future, would that not mean the end of our bloodline? Abbess, rest assured, we will follow your advice. Soon, we will even commission a new golden statue of the Bodhisattva for the temple to pray for peace and safety for our family.”

Abbess Hui’an nodded and smiled. “The Buddha is merciful. He will surely bless your family with prosperity and longevity.”

Old Madam Li clasped her hands together in prayer. “I hope so. Amitabha, may the Bodhisattva protect us!”

When Abbess Hui’an departed, Old Madam Li personally escorted her to the door, while Ouyang Nuan gracefully assisted the abbess every step of the way, ensuring she was safely seated in the carriage.

Abbess Hui’an brought her hands together in a respectful gesture and said with a gentle smile, “There is no need to see me off any further. Please remain here.”

“Take care, Abbess.” Ouyang Nuan replied with a soft smile. Her delicate brows relaxed, and her radiant beauty was so striking that it was almost blinding. Abbess Hui’an took another deep look at her before smiling and departing.

After circling the city three times, Abbess Hui’an’s carriage did not return to Ningguo Nunnery but instead entered the back courtyard of Marquis Zhengou Manor. Grand Madam Ning had been waiting for her early on. As Abbess Hui’an stepped forward with a smile to pay her respects, Grand Madam Ning hurriedly helped her up. “We are old acquaintances. There is no need for such formalities.”

Abbess Hui’an smiled faintly and sat beside Grand Madam Ning. Her voice carried an indescribable warmth, “How has your health been?”

Grand Madam Ning nodded with a smile. “Much better these past few days. Ah Nan, how have you been?”

Nanny Du looked at them with a gentle smile. After serving tea, she stepped aside to attend to them.

Abbess Hui’an smiled slightly, gently patting Grand Madam Ning’s hand. A flickering light seemed to dance in her eyes. “I have been well, but Hua Jun^[5]a respectful and somewhat formal way to address someone, you have grown old. There is even white hair on your head.”

Although Grand Madam Ning still wore a gentle smile, tears welled up in her eyes. “Among the sisters we knew in our youth, only a few of us remain. Sometimes, I think back to the first time I saw you. You were only eleven years old, wearing that butterfly hairpin inlaid with emerald. When you walked toward me, the butterfly’s wings fluttered, looking so lively……”

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon the monastic cap on Abbess Hui’an’s head. A deep sorrow surged in her heart, and she could not continue.

Anyone who overheard this conversation would be astonished. Everyone now knew Abbess Hui’an, but very few were aware of her origins. She had, in fact, come from a noble family and had been a close friend of Grand Madam Ning in their youth. However, after her parents passed away, she refused to accept the path arranged for her by her family and resolutely chose to become a nun.

“There is no need for such sorrow.” Abbess Hui’an said calmly. “I was born into a family of power and prestige. I spent the first half of my life trying to decipher people’s hearts, even dreading their malicious schemes in my dreams. I grew weary of it all. I once told you that rather than staying in my family, enduring the humiliation of living under others’ gazes, I would rather shave my head and become a nun, spending my days in meditation and prayer, and ending my life in quiet solitude. Do you remember? I have never once regretted those words.”

After her parents’ deaths, her vast family fortune had been seized by her uncle and aunt. The perfect marriage she had been promised was stolen away. From a noble young lady, she had become an orphan forced to depend on the mercy of others. How could she not resent it? What was even more detestable was that those people had intended to marry her off to a hedonistic wastrel, ruining her entire life. If that was her fate, she would rather abandon the immense wealth others envied and endure a lifetime of solitude in a monastery.

Speaking of spending her life in prayer sounded simple, but for a young girl to live out her youth within the confines of a nunnery was nothing short of a torment that gnawed at the soul. It was precisely because Grand Madam Ning understood this that she felt even more heartache for Abess Hui’an’s past. Reflecting on her own life experiences, she felt sorrow rise in her heart, and her words carried a sense of desolation, “What you say is true, but it is still hard to accept. You were already engaged back then. It was such a good match, yet your aunt falsely accused you of being afflicted with a terrible illness, forcing your betrothed to marry your cousin instead. They ruined your entire life. Every time I think of it, I am filled with anger. Why does heaven allow such wicked people to act with impunity, leaving innocent girls with no way out?”

“You!” Abbess Hui’an chuckled lightly. “I have endured hardships in the first half of my life, and in the second half, I have forsaken worldly affairs to remain in the monastery. Yet, my experiences have been far more eventful than those of ordinary women. The empress dowager herself visits Ningguo Nunnery to hear my sermons. The empress and imperial consorts go to great lengths to bribe and flatter me, all for a single favorable divination. Meanwhile, my so-called cousin, consumed by jealousy, tormented her own shu son and became infamous. In the end, her mother died of anger because of her. Compared to them, I am much more at peace.” She laughed softly as she spoke.

Grand Madam Ning smiled. “You have not changed at all. You appear so kind and gentle, but deep down, you are unyielding and refuse to bow to anyone.”

Abbess Hui’an’s expression carried a trace of sorrow. “If I were not this way, how could I have endured this long and bitter life?”

“That is true.” Grand Madam Ning sighed. “Even my life has not been much better than yours. First, my beloved daughter died young, then my husband passed away. Now, my son is bedridden with illness. On the surface, Marquis Zhengou Manor still appears grand and prosperous, but in reality, it is surrounded by wolves. I truly……” She sighed deeply, unable to continue.

Abbess Hui’an’s voice softened slightly with a hint of pity, “You have had a difficult life.”

After a brief pause, Abbess Hui’an smiled faintly. “But I can see that your granddaughter is not one to be easily bullied, despite the persecution from her stepmother. If it had been me back in the day, I might have been so enraged that I coughed up blood. Yet, she remained completely unfazed, not showing the slightest trace of anger. Instead, she dealt her opponent a decisive blow with a bright smile and even had the foresight to seek your help in advance. To be honest, if you hadn’t come to invite me personally, how would a mere Ouyang Manor have warranted my presence?”

Grand Madam Ning nodded. “I think so too. If not for your intervention, that muddle-headed old woman and that heartless son of hers would have been difficult to convince.”

Abbess Hui’an sighed. “If your daughter had been half as formidable as your granddaughter back then, she wouldn’t have been forced to death by a mere concubine-born daughter.”

Grand Madam Ning’s brows furrowed deeply. Thinking of her daughter, who, despite being gravely ill, had still pleaded on behalf of her heartless husband, Grand Madam Ning could not help but feel grief and anger. “Wanqing was foolish. I warned her repeatedly not to trust that woman too much, yet she insisted on believing in their so-called sisterly bond. I had planned to marry that woman off far away, and I had even arranged the marriage contract, but who would have thought that she had such cunning means? Not only did she seduce her own brother-in-law, but she also tricked my foolish daughter into kneeling before me despite her illness, begging me to let them be together! At the time, Wanqing truly believed that woman, as her sister, would treat Nuan’er and Jue’er kindly. How could she have imagined that she was inviting a wolf into her home? Now, it is too late for regrets! I only hate that I wasn’t ruthless enough back then. I should have eliminated that woman before she had a chance to spread her wings. Now, I am left with my hands tied!”

Abbess Hui’an nodded slightly. “At least you see it clearly now, though it is indeed troublesome that she now has an elder brother who has risen to the rank of minister of war. But you must put your mind at ease. If anything arises, discuss it with Nuan’er. With one more person helping you, things will be handled with more precision.”

Grand Madam Ning laughed bitterly. “What are you saying? No matter how clever Nuan’er is, she is still just a child. Leaving her in that household to face an unfeeling grandmother, a heartless father, and a vicious stepmother, I already worry enough for her. How could I let her worry about me in return?”

Abbess Hui’an shook her head with a smile. “I have spent many years cultivating in the monastery under my late master, and it was not all for nothing. Today, I spread the rumor that the unborn child is cursed as a lone star of calamity at your request. I agreed to do so, even though it cost me part of my spiritual cultivation. But since it has come to this, I might as well reveal another secret to you. Your granddaughter’s fate is extraordinary. When her wings are fully grown, I fear even you, the grand madam of a marquis household, will have to rely on her greatly!”

Grand Madam Ning did not entirely believe Abbess Hui’an’s words, but her eyes still reddened. She gently dabbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “If that is truly the case, then my poor daughter, if her spirit can see from the afterlife, can finally rest in peace.”

Abbess Hui’an nodded. “If you truly wish to see that day, you must take good care of yourself. Keep your health in check, and do not concern yourself with all those trivial matters. Eat when you should, sleep when you must, and reprimand those who deserve it. You are an esteemed dowager marchioness, a first-rank titled lady of the court. You are their legitimate mother. If any of those blind fools dare to slight you, then even as a mere nun, I will not hesitate to argue the principles of morality and order with His Majesty himself!”

Grand Madam Ning was deeply moved and tightly grasped Abbess Hui’an’s hand, unable to find the words to speak.

Standing to the side, Nanny Du watched with an amused expression. This Abbess Hui’an, despite years of cultivation, had not changed her nature in the slightest. She remained someone who valued deep emotions. Otherwise, she would not have agreed so readily the moment Grand Madam Ning approached her, nor would she have ignored her monastic status to speak such heartfelt words.

“Ah Nan, in this entire world, you are the only one left who would speak such words to me. If not for the urgency of the situation, I would never have dragged you into this mess……” Grand Madam Ning murmured, her hands trembling slightly.

“That is foolish talk. Even if I have taken monastic vows, do you think a thin monastery gate can truly separate me from the affairs of the mortal world? We are still people, living in this world, eating grains and breathing mortal air. If I were truly so aloof, longing only for the bliss of the Western Paradise, then why would I personally attend to the empress dowager and His Majesty, those wielders of power? Moreover, for the sake of the one last person in this world who still calls me ‘Ah Nan’, I must do everything in my power to help.”

“I will never forget your kindness as long as I live. Do not worry, no matter what, I must hold on until Nuan’er is married. At the very least, I need to see with my own eyes the downfall of those despicable villains!” Grand Madam Ning declared solemnly.

────ρя

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

Furui Courtyard

Lin Wanru had not even finished listening to Ouyang Ke’s words before she was trembling with rage, her lips quivering as she struggled to utter a single word. Seeing the situation turn dire, Nanny Wang hurried forward to soothe her, saying, “Madam, Madam, you are with child— you must take care of yourself!”

“What use is this child now?!” Lin Wanru’s voice was filled with despair. The esteemed Abbess Hui’an had already decreed that the child carried the fate of a calamity star, so who could possibly refute her words? Even her own husband would likely no longer hold any expectations for this child.

She had painstakingly orchestrated everything, only for it all to be in vain. The precious son in her womb had now become an ill-fated star that would bring disaster to his family and friends! It was over— completely over!

She had longed for a son for so many years, and now that she was finally pregnant, the child had turned into an ominous curse that everyone would fear and shun. This would ruin all her hopes! In a fit of fury, Lin Wanru slammed her palm against the bed frame, her eyes burning red with rage.

Nanny Wang grew even more anxious at the sight, yet she could not persuade Lin Wanru, who appeared almost deranged. Left with no other choice, she turned to grab Ouyang Ke’s hand and pleaded, “My dear young miss, what did the master say?”

Ouyang Ke shook her head repeatedly, her expression utterly dejected.

Lin Wanru’s fury soared even higher upon seeing this. She wanted nothing more than to storm out and slap Ouyang Nuan twenty times over! Originally, as long as that Daoist nun insisted that Ouyang Nuan and the child in her belly were at odds and that Ouyang Nuan had used witchcraft to harm her, she could have begged Ouyang Zhi to send Ouyang Nuan away.

Whether Ouyang Nuan was sent to a nunnery or an isolated estate, her fate would have been sealed. With his formidable elder sister out of the way, Ouyang Jue, that frail little boy, would be entirely at Lin Wanru’s mercy! Within two years, she could arrange for him to follow his mother to the afterlife. By then, her own son would become the legitimate heir!

Everything had been meticulously planned, with every detail accounted for. But never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that Ouyang Nuan would turn the tables on her!

“Ouyang Nuan, you are truly vicious!” Lin Wanru ground her teeth, wishing she could tear the flesh from Ouyang Nuan’s body with her bare hands.

“Madam! Madam! I beg you, please calm down!” Nanny Wang knelt before her mistress, desperately pleading. “Things have already come to this. Losing your composure now will only make matters worse!”

Lin Wanru knew that too well, yet she had never felt such utter disappointment before. Was she truly going to allow Ouyang Nuan to trample all over her?

Nanny Wang continued to advise her earnestly, but Lin Wanru remained livid.

Ouyang Ke muttered resentfully, “It’s all that Abbess Hui’an’s fault! Why did she have to appear at such a critical moment and declare that my little brother is a calamity star? If not for her, Ouyang Nuan would have already been driven out of the house!”

“What good does complaining do now? If I had known this would happen, I would have waited until after the child was born to act!” Lin Wanru forced herself to calm down as she rubbed her belly. She had gone over the situation countless times in her mind, yet she still had no idea how to salvage it.

“Mother, today I heard Grandmother say that she does not wish to keep this child……” Ouyang Ke shuddered as she recalled Old Madam Li’s cold and indifferent tone.

A chilling gleam flickered in Lin Wanru’s eyes, but before she could speak, Nanny Wang slowly interjected, “Madam, if that is truly the case, you must start making preparations early.”

“They wouldn’t dare! My elder brother is the minister of war. If they dare to harm me, my brother will never let them off!” Lin Wanru’s voice was laced with fury.

Hearing that Nanny Wang’s eyes gleamed with sudden realization. She whispered, “Madam, perhaps you should also inform the second master of Marquis Zhengou Manor about this matter……”

“Yes!” Lin Wanru’s eyes lit up. As long as her elder brother stood behind her, Old Madam Li would not dare to touch this child no matter what. If she could protect the child now, she could think of other ways in the future. She refused to believe that once Ouyang Zhi saw a chubby, fair-skinned son, he would still harden his heart!

“Madam, please write a letter quickly. I will find a way to send it out.” Nanny Wang urged.

Lin Wanru nodded repeatedly and wrote a brief letter. Nanny Wang hid the letter in her sleeve and walked out. Ouyang Ke glanced at Lin Wanru worriedly and asked, “Mother, will this work?”

“It has to work! If I lose this child, I will lose my only bargaining chip!” Lin Wanru thought bitterly. As long as she had a son, even if Old Madam Li and Ouyang Zhi disliked him, she would still find a way to ensure he inherited the Ouyang family name legitimately!

────ρя


Shou’an Hall

A faint scent of pine and cypress drifted through the room from the incense burner. Old Madam Li leaned against a crimson brocade pillow, her face dark with displeasure.

Inside the room, only Ouyang Zhi remained, sitting in his chair with a grim expression. For the time it took half a stick of incense to burn, neither of them spoke a word.

Finally, Old Madam Li broke the silence. “The child cannot be kept.”

Ouyang Zhi hesitated for a moment. Though the child was his flesh and blood, he was also a calamity star. If he truly brought misfortune to his father, it would be too great a loss. There would be other children in the future. Even if Lin Wanru could not give birth again, he still had Li Yue’e, and perhaps other women would bear him sons as well.

Before he could respond, Nanny Zhang entered and reported, “Old Madam, the second madam of Marquis Zhengou Manor has come to visit.”

Madam Jiang? Old Madam Li frowned. Lin Wanru’s elder brother, Lin Wenyuan, was the minister of war. His wife had arrived at such a precise moment— had she caught wind of something? Abbess Hui’an had left only two hours ago and Lin Wanru had already made a move!

Old Madam Li gritted her teeth in secret and said, “Ask her to wait in the front hall for a moment. Zhi’er, you should step aside for now.” After some thought, she added, “Go to Tingnuan Pavilion and bring the eldest miss here.”

“Yes.” Nanny Zhang bowed in acknowledgment, thinking to herself that the old madam now truly relied heavily on the eldest miss.

When Madam Jiang entered, Ouyang Nuan was already seated beside Old Madam Li, massaging her legs affectionately.

Seeing the other party’s arrival, Ouyang Nuan lifted her gaze. Her star-like eyes were calm and unwavering, like the still surface of a deep lake, sending a chill through Madam Jiang’s heart.

Madam Jiang had broad cheekbones and a high nose bridge, making her a beauty. However, her gaze was slightly slanted, carrying a sense of superiority that made her appear overly aggressive. Nanny Zhang served her tea, but she did not touch it. Instead, she smiled slightly at Old Madam Li and said, “Old Madam, how is your health?”

Old Madam Li nodded, her attitude neither warm nor cold. Even if the woman before her was the wife of the minister of war, she was still her junior in rank, and Old Madam Li saw no reason to yield.

Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, “Second Aunt suddenly visiting— might there be something urgent?”

The last time at Rongxi Hall’s entrance, Madam Jiang had witnessed Ouyang Nuan’s sharpness firsthand. Naturally, she did not dare to underestimate her now and replied with a smile, “Your second uncle heard that your mother was unwell and sent me to check on her.”

Unwell……?

Abbess Hui’an had just left in the morning, and Madam Jiang had arrived in the afternoon. News truly spreads fast. Ouyang Nuan smiled slightly. If Lin Wanru wanted to protect this child, the best way was to reveal her pregnancy to Marquis Zhengou Manor. Lin Wenyuan would certainly stand up for her. Was this visit a warning that Lin Wanru had her brother’s backing, or was Madam Jiang simply anxious about the unborn child and looking for reassurance?

Whatever the reason, Ouyang Nuan did not care. She had not intended to take action against this unborn child in the first place. Everything that had happened was Lin Wanru’s own doing. Thinking she could use the child against Ouyang Nuan— what a delusional fantasy!

“What nonsense.” Old Madam Li said leisurely. “She came to greet me this morning and was perfectly fine. I heard nothing about her feeling unwell. Since Wanru has married into my family, she is now one of us. Although the Ouyang family is not as wealthy as the minister of war, we can still afford a physician. Please tell the minister that he need not worry about his sister.”

Madam Jiang’s gaze turned cold, and she said slowly, “Old Madam, please do not misunderstand. We had no other intentions.” Then, she sighed and continued, “Sister-in-law has always been intelligent and sensible. The late marquis cherished her dearly. Although she was not born of the main wife, she was still raised as if she were a precious pearl. My husband specifically reminded me that Sister-in-law has a straightforward nature and is honest and sincere. He fears that she may offend you without realizing it, and if she has been disrespectful in any way, I hope you can be forgiving, considering she lost her mother at a young age.”

Straightforward and sincere? Was Lin Wenyuan being sarcastic?

Did he expect them to see Lin Wanru as some poor, pitiful woman deserving of sympathy?

What an absolute joke!

Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, “Second Aunt, the grand madam often tells me that although Mother is not her biological daughter, she has been intelligent and gentle since childhood, bringing the grand madam great joy. Mother was raised as if she were the grand madam’s own, and the kindness of a legitimate mother far surpasses that of a birth mother. Yet, you just said that Mother lost her mother at a young age. If this were to reach the grand madam’s ears, who knows how heartbroken she would be?”