Chapter 19: The Eccentric Family

Mu Yunzhe paled, turning to Yan Qiao in panic. “Abbess Yan, why did the Ancestral Master’s tablet fall? Is this an ill omen? Will misfortune strike me again?”

Sweat dripped down his neck as fear gripped him.

Yan Qiao frowned slightly, straightening the tablet. “No. The Ancestral Masters were… overexcited. They’ve never received such a large donation before.”

Ancestral Masters, must you embarrass us? she thought dryly. The Dragon Jade Temple had always been impoverished despite its grand name.

Relieved, Mu Yunzhe bowed deeply. “This is merely a token of gratitude. May the Ancestral Masters shield me from harm. I’ll continue my contributions.”

He placed his incense in the burner. Unlike Yan Qiao’s steadily burning sticks, his flickered weakly.

“Rest assured,” Yan Qiao said firmly. “I’ll handle any troubles you encounter. Purchase more protective charms later.”

“Whatever you recommend!” Mu Yunzhe agreed readily.

Li Xiao interjected coolly, “Ling Fei, transfer one million to Abbess Yan for this month’s offerings.”

Clatter! All tablets toppled over simultaneously.

Yan Qiao massaged her temples. Must you act like starstruck peasants?

As Ling Fei acknowledged the order, she righted the tablets. “Xiao-ye, such frequent large donations…”

“Consider it an investment in our partnership,” Li Xiao replied, lighting incense. His sticks burned fiercely before sputtering—a stark contrast to Yan Qiao’s earlier display.

Now you realize his case is complicated? she mentally chided the Ancestral Masters.

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Dinner passed tensely. After the guests departed, the Yan family gathered in the living room.

“A-Qiao, will you attend your uncle’s fiftieth birthday tomorrow?” Su Min asked hesitantly.

“Mom, must we go? They’re insufferable!” Yan Hao grumbled.

“Hush! He’s still family.”

Yan Hao persisted, “Grandma always favored Uncle! She treated you horribly when Dad was poor. Now that we’re wealthy, they pretend to care!”

Yan Chen nodded. “Their sudden rise puzzles me. Uncle’s business failed repeatedly until two years ago. Now he rivals the Shens.”

“He claims a ‘noble patron’ guided him,” Yan Hao scoffed. “More like shady dealings!”

Yan Qiao’s interest sharpened. “What patron?”

“Rumor says his daughter Su Xiaofei has ties to Mu Yunzhe,” Yan Hao added conspiratorially.

“Enough gossip!” Su Min chided, though her eyes betrayed unease.

“I’ll attend,” Yan Qiao declared.

“But they’ll—”

“Their opinions don’t affect me.” Her tone brooked no argument.

As the family dispersed, Yan Qiao pondered the anomalies. Sudden wealth. Mysterious benefactors. A granddaughter linked to Mu Yunzhe’s calamities…

This birthday banquet might reveal more than family drama.