Chapter 55 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Family

Chapter 55:

Phoenix Soars and Chimes Resound

The Grand Princess was still listening to Master Huian's sermon, but had requested all the ladies to sit and rest for a while. The person who brought this message is none other than Tao Mama, who is close to the Grand Princess.

Tao Mama, who was forty years old at the time, still appeared youthful, with her eyebrows arched and black, shining eyes that seemed to always carry warmth. Beneath her straight nose, she had a well-defined mouth that gave off an air of decisiveness. She exuded serenity and grace, and in her presence, anyone would have felt humbled and respectful. After surveying the hall, Tao Mama softly spoke, "The Grand Princess is still listening to Master Huian's sermon. Please, everyone, take a moment to rest."

Accompanying her words, the main hall exuded waves of rich incense from several bronze censers, filling the air with warmth and tranquility.

Everyone nodded in agreement. As long as it was initiated by the Grand Princess, even if it meant waiting here overnight, no one would dare to object.

Madam Zhou and Tao Mama sat together, chatting amicably. The other ladies also conversed cautiously, wearing smiles. Everyone knew that Tao Mama was the Grand Princess's closest confidante, and her words carried considerable weight. They all vied to leave a favorable impression in her presence.

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Tao Mama, seeing all the young ladies seated, couldn't help but smile. "The Grand Princess is currently listening to scriptures in the rear hall. You young ladies need not feel constrained. Feel free to walk around."

The implication was clear: the Grand Princess might not be available to meet you for some time. You could occupy yourselves as the hall had already been cleared, and there was no risk of outsiders intruding.

All the young ladies exchanged glances. Lin Yuanrou stood up with a smile. "Tao Mama, I've heard that the temple houses a scripture personally transcribed by the Grand Princess. Would it be possible for me to have a look?"

As Lin Yuanrou spoke, all the ladies present subtly glanced at her. Zhu Ningyu looked at Lin Yuanrou, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

"I've always heard about the Grand Princess's elegant handwriting, renowned for its beauty and rarity. However, I've never had the opportunity to see it firsthand," Lin Yuanrou continued calmly under everyone's gaze, as graceful as ever. "I've admired it from afar for a long time. I hope you can fulfill my wish, Tao Mama."

Tao Mama's face lit up with a slight smile at Lin Yuanrou's tactful and reasonable request. "The scripture transcribed by the Princess herself is currently enshrined in the side hall. If Miss Lin is interested, of course, you may have a look."

Madam Jiang couldn't help but feel pleased to see her daughter pleasing the Grand Princess without showing any signs of it. On the other hand, Madam Zhu quickly exchanged a glance with her daughter. Zhu Ningbi, however, seemed a bit bewildered, showing no signs of comprehension. Madam Zhu became increasingly anxious until she noticed Zhu Ningyu slowly rising to her feet with a smile. "Let my sister and me accompany you! My sister has been wanting to embroider a Buddhist scripture recently but couldn't find a good model. It's a perfect opportunity to admire the Princess's calligraphy for future reference." Zhu Ningyu pulled Zhu Ningbi up, who seemed dazed and unable to snap out of it.

Ouyang Nuan sighed softly. This legitimate daughter of the Xuan Duke's family was far from being as insightful as the illegitimate ones. Madam Zhu's beautiful eyes were almost popping out, but Zhu Ningbi seemed oblivious, truly like a block of wood. Her poor mother must be getting anxious and frustrated.

"You two young ladies have good intentions," Tao Mama said with a smile, looking at them warmly. "The Grand Princess will surely be pleased to hear you say that."

As soon as she finished speaking, several other young ladies also stood up, smiling and expressing their intention to join. Now, the group going to appreciate the Grand Princess's calligraphy became quite large, with seven or eight young ladies following Lin Yuanrou's initial proposal.

Lin Yuanrou's gaze turned mocking. How ignorant. The first one to suggest going was remarkably clever. Those who followed knew how to follow suit. But those who imitated them were extremely foolish! She glanced around and saw only Ouyang Nuan standing there calmly without moving. She couldn't help but sneer, saying, "I presume Cousin Nuan'er is also going with us, right?"

The gazes of everyone instantly focused on Ouyang Nuan. She smiled faintly and said softly, "After my mother passed away, my grandmother had a memorial tablet placed in the temple for her. I want to go see it, so I won't join everyone else for the sake of company."

Tao Mama, upon hearing this, had a slight moment of surprise on her face. It was the first time she had seriously noticed Ouyang Nuan, and she found herself momentarily stunned. The young girl before her was simply radiant. She possessed a pair of crystal-clear, lively eyes that were so captivating. Her simple hairpin, adorned with blue and green gems, perfectly complemented her dark, glossy hair and exquisite face. Wearing only a plain white silk jacket with nothing but a bright red gem button, she seemed more like a devout girl immersed in Buddhist rituals than the flashy daughters of wealthy families.

Having spent many years alongside the Grand Princess in the palace, Tao Mama had seen countless beautiful women, yet even the most stunning beauty would not surprise her. However, Ouyang Nuan's words made her look at her a few times more. This young girl showed no intention of pleasing the Grand Princess; instead, she openly stated her intention to pay respects at her mother's memorial tablet. Yet, when she spoke, it felt genuine and natural, without any hint of offense. She was truly a unique individual.

Old Madam Li was taken aback, only then realizing that she had indeed arranged for Lin Wanqing's memorial tablet to be placed in the Ningguo Temple. However, even she had forgotten about it. It was surprising to see that Nuan'er remembered it so clearly. She nodded in approval and said, "Yes, it's good to go and pay our respects."

Lin Yuanrou's face revealed a hint of sarcastic smile, finding it rather foolish that Ouyang Nuan chose to visit her deceased mother's memorial tablet instead of seizing the opportunity to curry favor with the Grand Princess. She said lightly, "Not everyone has the chance to appreciate the Grand Princess's calligraphy. Nuan'er, don't regret it."

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly and replied, "Please go ahead, everyone." Her cheerful and composed demeanor, along with the sincerity and tranquility reflected in her eyes, inadvertently earned her some goodwill from Tao Mama.

Behind the main hall of the Ningguo Temple was the Kaiyuan Hall, where the Bodhisattva Guanyin was enshrined. The main seat in the hall was occupied by the statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. To the west was a statue of Bhaisajyaguru Bodhisattva, while to the east was a statue of Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva. On the eastern wall hung red memorial tablets for praying to Buddha for blessings and relief from disasters, while on the western wall were yellow memorial tablets for the deceased to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, reserved for the most honorable royal family members, with those of other nobles placed below.

Ouyang Nuan was guided by the young monk towards the Kaiyuan Hall. As the hall was spacious, the excited chatter of the young ladies not far behind could be heard: "I wonder where the Grand Princess's sutras are enshrined?" "To be able to witness them with our own eyes today is truly a rare blessing!" "Indeed, the Grand Princess's calligraphy is extraordinary. We are truly fortunate." The cheerful voices of the young women disrupted the serenity of the temple.

Outsiders would not know their true intentions, assuming they were merely here for leisure rather than sincere worship. Ouyang Nuan had little interest in the Grand Princess. These noblewomen were of a different caliber, not easily impressed by a few words. Lin Yuanrou's attempt to appear clever might not only fail to win Tao Mama's favor but also leave the impression of flattery. Ouyang Nuan had no desire to join in the commotion.

Entering the Kaiyuan Hall, a faint scent of sandalwood greeted Ouyang Nuan. How serene it was. She left Hongyu and the others outside the hall, thanked the young monk who had shown her the way, and proceeded inside alone. She walked slowly and lightly, making her way to the many memorial tablets on the west side. When she saw the tablet for Lin Wanqing, a faint melancholy arose in Ouyang Nuan's heart, accompanied by a sense of sadness.

If Mother were still alive, she would surely do everything in her power to protect her children, right? Perhaps she would be like Madam Zhu, always finding ways to guide her daughters? Or would she be like Madam Jiang, constantly displaying her pride in her daughter? That cold and frail mother... Ouyang Nuan looked at Lin Wanqing's tablet and faintly smiled. No one could have imagined that within her mother's fragile body lay an unshakable determination.

Initially, she defied the opposition of the Marquis and the Old Madam to marry Ouyang Zhi, against all odds. Their marriage was not a happy one, but she insisted on enduring without ever complaining to her parents. Despite her frailty, she sacrificed her life to give birth to her son, then passed away not long after. The doctors said her body was unfit for childbirth after giving birth to Ouyang Nuan, but she stubbornly insisted on giving birth to Jue'er. If given the choice again, would she still risk her life to save Jue'er? Ouyang Nuan believed she would.

The Old Madam was right. If Mother were clever enough, she would have obeyed her parents' orders to marry a certain prince. She should have given up on Ouyang Zhi long ago, understood Lin Wanrou's schemes... But she didn't. She was ultimately just a stubborn noble girl. Besides giving away her heart in vain and sacrificing her own life, she left behind two helpless children.

Ouyang Nuan bowed three times before the tablet, knelt down, and kowtowed. With her hands clasped together in front of her chest, she devoutly murmured, "Please, Mother, in the heavens, bless Jue'er with a lifetime of peace and well-being."

At that moment, a woman in elegant palace attire with a high hair bun slowly walked in from the rear hall of the Open Yuan Hall. Beside her, Master Huian saw Ouyang Nuan kneeling there and wanted to step forward to remind her, but the woman waved her hand gently. Master Huian dared not say more and simply stood quietly beside her, gazing into the distance.

Ouyang Nuan did not notice the commotion nearby. She was completely focused on her prayers. Her face was as delicate and smooth as ivory, with her eyebrows slightly furrowed and her eyes containing a hint of tears. The Grand Princess watched silently, lost in her own thoughts.

There, with her prayers concluded, Ouyang Nuan stared at Lin Wanqing's tablet, but slowly closed her eyes. Her body sank down, gradually kneeling to sit on the ground. Two large and heavy teardrops gathered beneath her thick eyelashes, resembling mercury beads as they rolled down her cheeks, trickling down to her jawline, then onto her chest. One drop fell, followed by another, flowing down and down... Her entire form seemed like a jade sculpture, unmoving, with only tears flowing silently.

Such a beautiful young girl evoked an irresistible desire in one's heart—to hold her tightly, to protect her from raging storms, from the taint of evil, from cruel harm... The Grand Princess glanced at the tablet, then back at the sorrowful maiden before her, feeling her heart constrict painfully.

If her daughter, Chengjun, were alive, she would be even older than this girl. The Grand Princess stared intently at the oblivious Ouyang Nuan, through those clear and poignant black-and-white eyes, she seemed to see her late daughter, Chengjun. When she gave birth to her, she had insisted on not having a wet nurse, insisting on feeding her child herself. She had once caressed and kissed those eyes! Her daughter... more lively and adorable than the golden boys and jade maidens before the bodhisattva. After her husband's death, she had been the Grand Princess's sole comfort, her only hope...

The Grand Princess spoke softly but with authority, "Who is it that you are honoring?"

Ouyang Nuan was taken aback, abruptly standing up. She beheld the woman before her, dressed in simple attire with minimal makeup. While not conventionally breathtaking, her demeanor exuded confidence and vitality. Ouyang Nuan had encountered countless noblewomen from prestigious families, yet none could match her presence. Besides the Grand Princess, who else could possess such charisma? Casting a glance at Master Huian standing silently beside her with a gentle smile, Ouyang Nuan was certain. She bowed lightly and said, "Ouyang Nuan pays respects to the Grand Princess."

The Grand Princess gazed at her, her voice deep as she asked again, "Whom are you honoring?"

Ouyang Nuan lowered her head and truthfully replied, "My deceased mother."

'Deceased mother... Is it her deceased mother?' The Grand Princess couldn't help but glance at the memorial tablet, feeling as if patches of mist drifted past from the darkness before her eyes. The presence of this young girl awakened an unparalleled yearning in her heart for her own biological daughter. The rush of emotions, whether it was happiness or anguish, surged through her icy heart. Over the years, her eyes had dried up completely, unable to shed a single tear. But at this moment, there was a slight tingling sensation.

Although Ouyang Nuan's face had returned to calmness, the Grand Princess could perceive profound sorrow in her eyes. Indeed, sorrow. Who could smile in front of their deceased mother's memorial tablet? In that moment, she forgot that she was a distinguished and dignified princess. She only knew that the deepest, most delicate strings of her heart had been touched.

Master Huian explained softly, "This is the eldest daughter of Minister Ouyang."

For Ouyang Zhi, the Grand Princess had never held any particular fondness, but upon hearing this, she slightly furrowed her brow and asked, "Is she Old Madam Ning's granddaughter?"

"Reporting to the Grand Princess, indeed she is Old Madam Ning's own granddaughter," replied Master Huian, nodding, and concealing a sigh that was about to escape her lips.

"I remember, the daughter of the Marquis' Old Madam passed away quite some time ago, didn't she?" The Grand Princess held some respect for Old Madam Ning, known for her stubbornness and dignity. Yet, in this moment, she spoke without considering the presence of the person in question, forgetting entirely that she stood right before her. Such words could inflict great pain upon someone, but given her lofty status, who would dare advise her against touching upon another's wounds?

Ouyang Nuan remained calm for a moment before quietly responding, "To report to the Grand Princess, it has been ten years since my mother's passing."

"Ten years... Ten years..." The Grand Princess sighed suddenly, silently reflecting on how many years had passed since her own daughter's demise. So many years had elapsed that she was beginning to forget what her daughter looked and sounded like, remembering only the pale face she had at three years old when she passed away. Lost in these thoughts, she continued walking towards the depths of the hall. Ouyang Nuan, preparing to take her leave, was surprised when the voice of the Grand Princess echoed from afar, saying, "You, come along."

Master Huian was also taken aback. The Grand Princess was known for her arrogance and disdain for young and beautiful maidens from ordinary families, finding them frivolous and distasteful. Yet today, she showed such favor to Ouyang Nuan. Was there a reason behind this? She signaled to Ouyang Nuan with her eyes, and Ouyang Nuan nodded gently. In her heart, she sighed, thinking if Lin Yuanrou knew about her unintentional encounter with the Grand Princess, she would surely regret it deeply.

Ouyang Nuan followed behind the Grand Princess, but she remained cautious and didn't utter a single word. Master Huian nodded to herself, impressed by the astuteness of Old Madam Ning's granddaughter. If it were an ordinary young lady from a noble family, she would have seized the opportunity to ingratiate herself with the Grand Princess. Yet, Ouyang Nuan behaved as if nothing were amiss, silently trailing along.

Behind the Hall of Opening Virtue, there was a side hall that usually remained untouched, covered in dust. Whenever the Grand Princess visited, she merely glanced at it from afar before leaving. However, on this occasion, she headed straight for it. The attendant nearby was surprised, but Master Huian promptly and respectfully opened the door for the Grand Princess, who entered slowly.

Ouyang Nuan followed quietly behind the Grand Princess, sensing a melancholic aura emanating from her, completely at odds with the image of the arrogant and domineering Grand Princess described by others. As she surveyed the small side hall, she couldn't help but show a look of astonishment. To her surprise, instead of Buddhas, the hall housed children's toys. It dawned on her suddenly— the Grand Princess had once had a daughter who died of smallpox at the age of three. Could all these toys be hers?

Ouyang Nuan's guess was correct. After the Grand Princess's biological daughter passed away, she feared being reminded of her daughter by the sight of her belongings. Yet, she couldn't bear to discard these items either. Instead, she chose to send all of them, along with the child's memorial tablet, to the Ningguo Temple for safekeeping. In this chamber, the Grand Princess transformed into a mother filled with sorrowful emotions.

Beside her, the maidservants offered to handle the items, but the Grand Princess declined, opting instead to personally open each delicate wooden box. In the first box lay a small golden drum, exquisitely crafted with intricate floral patterns and auspicious phrases carved onto it. The Grand Princess gently shook the drum, her face filled with nostalgia.

In the second, larger box, Ouyang Nuan saw a tiny bellyband adorned with several pearls the size of longans. Despite the passage of time, the fabric remained vibrant in color. The Grand Princess bent down, pressing her face against the bellyband, eyes seemingly glistening with moisture, yet no tears fell.

Within the third box lay a puppet with strings attached, its braids neatly tied, its sculpted form lively and endearing with chubby little arms. The Grand Princess gazed at it for a long time before reaching in to pick it up. A string made of several threads, now faded to mottled white, was woven into the puppet's head. As she gently pulled the string, the puppet's arms began to move up and down, an amusing sight. However, there was no joy on the Grand Princess's face, only deepening melancholy. She cradled the puppet in her hands, standing motionless.

For a long while, the Grand Princess remained silent, until she finally spoke in a slow, subdued tone, "This was her favorite." Ouyang Nuan understood that the words were not meant for her, but rather an introspective murmuring. The Grand Princess's complexion had turned pallid, her eyes reddened, yet she held back her tears with great effort. Ouyang Nuan cast her eyes downward, feeling the anguish of losing a daughter, akin to her own loss of a mother. Such profound sorrow was almost unbearable to witness.

Many outside voices had labeled the Grand Princess as haughty and heartless, devoid of empathy. However, Ouyang Nuan now realized that if those same people could witness the Grand Princess's anguish upon seeing her daughter's belongings, they would no longer judge her so harshly.

Exiting the side hall, it took a long while for the Grand Princess to regain her composure. As she looked at Ouyang Nuan, calm and serene before her, she sighed softly in her heart, waving her hand dismissively. "You may go," she said. Ouyang Nuan bowed low in gratitude, then turned to leave. In that moment, however, she caught sight of a mist of tears welling up in the corners of the Grand Princess's eyes. Knowing well the Grand Princess's high station and her reluctance to reveal her innermost thoughts, Ouyang Nuan quickly lowered her head, pretending not to have noticed anything, and walked away.

The Grand Princess stood there, watching her retreating figure until it was far out of sight. Only then did she withdraw her gaze, puzzled by her own softened demeanor. Since the passing of her husband and daughter, she had been a formidable presence in the court, supporting the emperor and suppressing powerful ministers with unparalleled success. Everyone feared her. So what was happening today? Why did this seemingly icy and silent girl stir her heart so unexpectedly?

As soon as Ouyang Nuan walked out, she saw Lin Yuanrou and the others walking towards her from afar. Tao Mama walked at the forefront, with Lin Yuanrou eagerly chatting beside her.

At that moment, Tao Mama caught sight of Ouyang Nuan and smiled, saying, "Miss Ouyang is here. Miss Lin is going to see the Lingxian. I was just about to take her. Would you like to join us?"

Ouyang Nuan couldn't easily refuse Tao Mama's invitation. Despite Lin Yuanrou's displeased expression, Zhu Ningyu showed a friendly demeanor towards her, and the other young ladies also approached her to strike up conversations.

The so-called "Lingxian" referred to the Fox Immortal Hall. To be honest, Ouyang Nuan found it quite peculiar that a fox immortal was enshrined in the Ningguo Temple. According to legend, it was because Emperor Taizu once got lost during a hunting expedition in the mountains and was saved from falling off a cliff by a pure white fox that appeared at a critical moment.

Since then, this shrine had been erected to honor the fox immortal. It might seem somewhat out of place, but who would dare to question the authority of the royal family?

In the main hall of the Fox Immortal Hall, there was a large embroidered silk curtain adorned with flowers. Between these curtains, one could vaguely see a shrine painted with vermilion and gold characters, bearing the inscription "Shrine of the Ennobled White Fox Immortal," written in nine characters in formal script. Beneath the shrine, there was an altar table with candlesticks and incense burners placed on top.

The legend of the White Fox did not start with Emperor Taizu alone. Folklore tells of the White Fox often appearing as a benevolent doctor, with a compassionate demeanor, treating illnesses for the common people. Its magical abilities were so refined that it could cure any kind of ailment with great efficacy, leading to its increasing reputation day by day. Nowadays, devout followers who come to Ningguo An not only worship the Bodhisattva but also pray for the swift recovery of their sick family members.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuanrou asked curiously, "Tao Mama, I rarely go out, so I haven't heard of this before. How does this deity treat illnesses?"

Tao Mama smiled and looked at the attendant beside her. The attendant clasped their hands together and explained, "The seeker takes a bamboo tube and draws a lot. After receiving a number, they inform the masters in the hall, who then select the appropriate divine prescription based on that number."

Ouyang Nuan glanced towards the wall to her right and suddenly understood. The so-called divine prescriptions were narrow and thin strips of yellow paper, each printed with a dozen or so medicinal names, stacked together and hung on the wall with threads. When needed, one simply had to recognize the number and pull down a sheet.

Approaching, Ouyang Nuan casually examined several prescriptions. Most of them contained mild and gentle ingredients. She speculated that such prescriptions, when consumed by patients, likely wouldn't worsen their condition. Sometimes, when the prescription coincided with the illness and was accompanied by the placebo effect, it might yield results. After a few chance successes, people attributed most failures to fate, which constituted the so-called healing process.

Tao Mama smiled gently and asked Ouyang Nuan, "Miss Ouyang seems to have some knowledge about prescriptions?"

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly in response, saying, "When my younger brother was ill, I often accompanied my family to doctors and pharmacies, but I only understood half of what they were doing."

Tao Mama nodded in agreement.

Seeing this scene, Zhu Ningbi became quite displeased. She was not at all pleased with Ouyang Nuan attracting Tao Mama's attention. Suddenly struck by an idea to redirect everyone's focus onto herself, she spoke loudly, "Auntie, there's something I don't understand. I hope you can clarify it for me. Suppose a divine prescription is obtained and administered to a patient. However, if the medication contradicts the patient's condition, such as using hot medicine for a fever or cold medicine for a chill, wouldn't that pose a significant risk to the patient? What if the patient's condition worsens as a result? What should be done then?"

"How dare you speak such nonsense," Tao Mama's expression suddenly turned stern, and the nearby junior monk quickly scolded Zhu Ningbi.

Ningbi immediately regretted her words. She only wanted to showcase her exceptional knowledge in front of everyone, to demonstrate her ability to think of things others couldn't. But she didn't realize that everyone had already considered such matters. They just wouldn't voice it out loud. The reason was simple: how could they casually criticize something even the emperor believed in?

Zhu Ningyu felt anxious. Her elder sister was causing trouble. She feared that she might offend Tao Mama, so she hurriedly interjected, "Sister, there's no need to worry. With such a powerful divine being like the White Fox, how could they not know the patient's condition and provide suitable medicine?"

Tao Mama's expression remained stern, her previously gentle demeanor gone. She appeared somewhat severe now. She said, "Zhu Ningbi, kneel down and show respect to the divine being!"

Although Zhu Ningbi regretted her actions, she had no intention of showing weakness in front of so many people. She bit her lip, feeling unsure, and stood frozen in place. Seeing her sister's dilemma, Zhu Ningyu grew anxious, fearing that her lack of tact might completely offend Tao Mama, which could lead to blame from their stepmother if she found out. She quickly looked to Lin Yuanrou for help, but Yuanrou just looked away coldly, and the other young ladies seemed to enjoy the spectacle.

At that moment, Ouyang Nuan spoke softly, "Miss Zhu, I heard your aunt is seriously ill. Shouldn't you also pray to the divine being for her?"

Zhu Ningbi was taken aback, feeling her knees weaken. She glanced at Ouyang Nuan, unsure whether to thank her for providing an escape route. Her body had already begun to give in, and she knelt before the divine being, bowing her head in apology. Zhu Ningyu shot a grateful look at Ouyang Nuan, who simply smiled faintly. These young ladies of noble families were truly unable to endure even the slightest embarrassment. If it were her, what would a few bows of apology matter? Self-respect and pride were truly worthless in such situations!

After Zhu Ningbi stood up again, she looked somewhat embarrassed, refraining from speaking further, and the other young ladies also fell silent, their previous excitement completely gone.

Seeing the situation, the young attendant stepped in, saying, "The divine being is truly efficacious. Not only does his divine prescription work immediately for common illnesses, but even for the most severe diseases, as long as the person still has a breath, the divine being can bring them back to life. Besides healing, the divine being is also very spiritual in matters of marriage. Many people come here to seek blessings for their marriage. Would the young ladies like to draw a marriage fortune stick?"

Lin Yuanrou's face lit up at the suggestion. "Is it really effective?" she asked eagerly.

The young attendant nodded, smiling, "Indeed. The marriage fortune stick of Madam Quan was drawn here."

Madame Quan was renowned for her perfect marriage, family, and children. Upon hearing this, the young ladies all showed a longing expression. Lin Yuanrou smiled as she took the fortune stick tube and knelt down in silence, gently shaking it until a stick fell out.

The young ladies gathered around to take a look. Tao Mama smiled as she watched the little misses' charming demeanors, then stepped aside.

Lin Yuanrou looked closely and saw that it was the twentieth fortune slip. She stood up and handed the slip to the nearby old nun, who had been sitting by the door the whole time. When the old nun finally lifted her eyes, she didn't even look at Lin Yuanrou.

Instead, she said, "Miss has drawn the top slip. It speaks of an arranged marriage. Can harmony be achieved by forcing it? One overestimates oneself, attempting to climb too high. Even if one manages to climb high, things may not turn out as desired. Since that's the case, it's better to descend and seek a lower position. It's better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox."

The more Lin Yuanrou listened, the more displeased she became. When she heard the last part, she suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "Nonsense!" It truly was nonsense. What did it mean to prefer being the head of a chicken over the tail of an ox? Was it implying that one's marriage prospects should not aim high but instead settle for something lower? 'Why should she?' she thought angrily, but then she realized that everyone was looking at her. She couldn't help but blush and stutter, unable to find the right words to say.

At this moment, Zhu Ningbi also became lively. She ran to the side to draw a lot and then brought it over to have it interpreted. The old nun, without even looking at it, took the lot and quietly said, "The seventeenth lot: auspicious. The setting sun and the lonely bird fly together, with the autumn water merging into the same color as the sky. The setting sun and the lonely bird both signify solitude and desolation. Amidst the setting sun, a single bird flies alone, evoking a sense of the end of autumn and the arrival of winter. The flourishing and reproductive summer has passed, and autumn has come to an end. At such a juncture, one should be joyful, benevolent, tireless, and accumulate virtue first, as there will be a time of harmony."

This meant that Zhu Ningbi's marriage would encounter obstacles but would ultimately succeed.

Ouyang Nuan listened with a faint smile, and nearby Tao Mama asked curiously, "Why isn't Miss Ouyang drawing a lot?"

Ouyang Nuan replied calmly, "Marriage is a major event in life. Everything is predetermined by fate. Why bother worrying about it now?"

Tao Mama, rarely encountering such a magnanimous young lady, couldn't help but smile and said, "That may not be the case. Miss Ouyang can take it as a pastime if she wishes." She watched as the other young ladies went to interpret their lots, then walked over, took the lot container, and handed it to Ouyang Nuan. "What harm is there in drawing one lot?"

Ouyang Nuan looked at the lot container, then glanced at Tao Mama, puzzled as to why she suddenly became so interested in a trivial young lady like herself. However, when someone handed the lot container to her, she couldn't refuse directly. She reluctantly took it and drew a lot, then handed it over.

Tao Mama took it and walked over to the old nun, handing it to her personally. The old nun took the lot, glanced at it, then suddenly asked, "Whose is this?"

Ouyang Nuan walked over and whispered, "Master, this is my lot."

The old nun fell silent for a moment, then carefully looked up at Ouyang Nuan and whispered, "The lot you drew is supreme, signifying the phoenix soaring and harmonizing with the chiming of bells. There will be a blissful marriage in the future. No need to ask further."

After saying that, she suddenly stood up, grabbed the lot container, and shooed everyone away like chasing away flies, saying, "Alright, alright. That's enough for today. Everyone, please leave."

The young ladies left one by one, feeling disappointed. Lin Yuanrou stormed out almost angrily, thinking that the deity was clearly deceiving people. She, the daughter of the Minister of War and the young lady of the Marquis's mansion, would surely have the best marriage prospects. How could she draw such a lot? It was ridiculous!

Ouyang Nuan watched her leave, shaking her head inwardly. This young lady indeed had quite the temper. Madam Jiang's headaches were far from over.

Tao Mama deliberately stayed behind until everyone had left before turning back to the old nun and asking, "Master Huixin, did you have something else to say just now?"

Master Huixin, the eccentric old nun, chuckled softly and took out the lot drawn by Ouyang Nuan earlier, saying, "It's been a long time since I've seen this one."

"The phoenix soars high, harmonizing and chimes resound. When the phoenix flies, it soars through the sky. Through the melodious sound, harmony resonates. Those who draw this lot will surely attain a happy marriage, forever harmonious. However, the phoenix is the king of birds in ancient legends, with the male being the phoenix and the female being the phoenix. Those who draw this lot will undoubtedly marry an exceptional spouse."

"Why didn't Master Huixin speak directly? Why all this mystery?" Tao Mama asked curiously.

Master Huixin sighed and replied, "I have spoken the truth, but not the whole truth. When the Grand Princess drew that fatal lot here years ago, I foresaw that the Imperial Guard Commander would meet an untimely demise. However, the Grand Princess ordered me to be severely punished, and since then, I have learned to be cautious with my words, especially when they contain truths."

Tao Mama sighed and said, "The Grand Princess deeply regrets this matter. She often tells me that Master Huixin is a person of great wisdom who had foreseen the early death of the Imperial Guard Commander. If only she had listened to your advice earlier, perhaps this catastrophe could have been avoided. Unfortunately, she did not believe in you."

Master Huixin shook her head and gazed at the group of beautiful young ladies who had already walked far away from the hall. "That young lady just now, although she sought a lot, her mind wasn't truly on it," she said. "I observed a calm countenance but a hint of hostility in her eyes. Perhaps she has endured great injustice in the past and now harbors a profound resentment. Her thoughts are truly not focused on a blissful marriage. If she indeed reaches great heights, who knows what consequences it might bring. Sigh..."

Tao Mama was increasingly surprised as she listened, unable to help but stare blankly. It wasn't until the maidservant entered to remind her that the Grand Princess had ordered the vegetarian meal to be prepared immediately that she abruptly snapped out of her daze...

Shortly after everyone arrived at the dining hall, they heard someone report that the Grand Princess had arrived. The ladies hurriedly adjusted their attire and rushed to greet her at the entrance. Madam Zhou, as the highest-ranking, led the others in bowing to welcome the princess. The Grand Princess waved her hand lightly, signaling for Madam Zhou to rise, but she ignored the others and walked straight in. Instantly, the courtyard fell silent, and an air of solemnity enveloped the atmosphere.

In the center of the dining hall, there was a chair draped with apricot-yellow brocade cushions, with a table on each side. The Grand Princess sat alone, casting a glance at the nervous faces of the assembled ladies, her gaze lingering briefly on the composed countenance of Ouyang Nuan. Suddenly, she coldly addressed Tao Mama, "Am I a man-eating tiger? Why does everyone look so terrified?"

The remark was undeniably impolite, and it only intensified the nervous and uneasy expressions on everyone's faces. They all knelt down, pleading for the Grand Princess's forgiveness. Tao Mama smiled and said, "Your Highness, the ladies are just feeling a bit nervous due to the rare opportunity of meeting you."

The Grand Princess let out a cold snort and said, "Am I that terrifying? A bunch of fools who can't even speak properly, not even comparable to my Xing'er." Tao Mama hastily apologized, "Your Highness is right. Would you like Xing'er to come and accompany you?"

The Grand Princess nodded, and everyone exchanged puzzled glances. Who exactly was this "Xing'er"? Just then, a maid approached with a bamboo basket carefully cradled in her arms. The basket was covered with a thin layer of silk, which Tao Mama lifted to reveal its contents.

The Grand Princess personally lifted something out from inside, and all present saw a bundle of snow-white clouds. The clouds nestled gently in the Grand Princess's arms, resembling a well-behaved child. Wrapped around its body was crimson satin, and it was adorned with the softest leather. Around its neck hung three pure gold bells, two smaller ones on the sides and a larger one in the middle, giving it a playful appearance. In the Grand Princess's embrace, it shook its head and let out a cheerful bark. Everyone was astonished—Xing'er turned out to be a snow-white lion-dog hybrid.

In the eyes of this Grand Princess, the noblewomen and ladies present were deemed inferior to a mere dog. This was truly absurd and incredibly disrespectful! Many faces changed color instantly, but Madam Zhou remained composed, as if this were the most ordinary occurrence.

The Grand Princess casually stroked Xing'er's soft fur and nonchalantly asked, "I heard that the young miss who painted the longevity painting is also here. Step forward, let me have a look."

Suddenly, all attention shifted to Ouyang Nuan, who had been standing behind Old Madam Li...

•••

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