Aunt Ming's eyes flickered noticeably. Fifteen thousand taels of silver was a painful thought, but knowing Ouyang Hua as she did, she could understand why. Since money could settle things, Aunt Ming really didn't want to cause any more trouble when Ouyang Zhide returned to the mansion.
Seeing Aunt Ming's expression, Ouyang Hua reluctantly ordered someone to fetch the silver notes. Yang'er also arrived at this time, and the two of them pooled together 15,000 taels. Even Aunt Ming's expression changed. Although she was also from a prominent family and had been raised as a legitimate daughter since childhood, it was still money being taken from her, and she was forced to do so. No one would feel good about it!
Dongxue counted the silver notes twice, as if Ouyang Hua and Aunt Ming would take the opportunity to give her one or two less. Ouyang Hua snorted in dismay. After putting the silver notes away, Dongxue took out a piece of paper from her bosom: "Miss instructed that the small storeroom of Mingyue Pavilion is short of supplies. The General may not have anything good to entertain him when he returns to the mansion. She hopes that the eldest young lady will contribute some of the inventory from the small storeroom of Huacai Courtyard."
Aunt Ming pursed her lips tightly: "Mingyue Pavilion is Mingyue Pavilion, and Huacai Courtyard is Huacai Courtyard. If the Third Miss's small storeroom is truly lacking, she should report to the Madam and then allocate the items from the household's finances. Why did she have to ask the Eldest Miss's Huacai Courtyard? It's not a good thing to say that the Third Miss of the General's Mansion doesn't even have enough money to entertain the General with a meal. This doesn't seem like the generous Third Miss."
Dongxue seemed not to hear what Aunt Ming was saying, and repeated herself, "Miss instructed that the small storeroom of Mingyue Pavilion is short of items, and there may not be anything good to entertain the General when he returns to the mansion. She hopes that the eldest young lady will contribute some of the inventory from the small storeroom of Huacai Courtyard."
"How dare you! What kind of servant are you? You didn't answer my question honestly. Since the Third Miss has accepted the money, we are even. Don't try to bully me!" Aunt Ming scolded angrily.
This time, Dongxue didn't repeat herself. She just glanced coldly at Aunt Ming and Ouyang Hua, a sneer gradually creeping onto her face. She gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
Seeing Dongxue leave so readily, Aunt Ming's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and she reflexively replied, "Come back! Good, we'll give you what the Third Little Ones wanted!"
Dongxue stopped walking, turned slightly to the side, and said calmly, "Then thank you, Aunt Ming and Miss." Then she stopped moving, as if to say that I would leave immediately after taking the things.
Ouyang Hua's face turned pale with anger. She even somewhat didn't understand why Aunt Ming had finally agreed. However, seeing the look Aunt Ming gave her, she had no choice but to suppress her doubts and send someone to fetch the things. Of course, when they saw what Ouyang Yue had asked for, both Ouyang Hua and Aunt Ming looked very uncomfortable. Ouyang Yue really wanted everything good; even if all these things were added up, they would still cost one or two thousand taels of silver. She might as well have robbed them! But what difference was there between this and robbery? They were forced to swallow their anger; it was truly infuriating!
After examining the items, Dongxue politely bowed to Ouyang Hua and Aunt Ming, saying, "This servant takes her leave."
Throughout the entire process, Dongxue's face remained expressionless, as if the 15,000 taels of silver and numerous precious medicinal herbs belonged to Ouyang Yue, which was the most infuriating thing!
"Aunt, why did you give her those things again? Look at that wretched maid, she doesn't act like she's obligated to take a bribe. I'm so angry! I've never seen anyone so shameless! That wretched girl Ouyang Yue, why doesn't she just die? She's making us suffer like this!" Ouyang Hua paced back and forth in the room, muttering and cursing Ouyang Yue.
Aunt Ming shook her head: "Miss, you are still too impulsive. We have already taken 15,000 taels of silver, let alone some mere medicinal herbs. Have you forgotten? The most important thing now is to keep her in check and prevent her from saying anything outrageous in front of the general. The more arrogant and domineering Ouyang Yue is, the more advantageous it is for us. Let her be smug. The more she disregards us, the easier it will be for us to do our work."
Ouyang Hua stopped walking and calmed down. At this moment, a maid was looking out from outside. Ling'er immediately went over, and the maid whispered something in Ling'er's ear before leaving.
"What's up?"
Ling'er walked over and whispered a few words in Ouyang Hua's ear. Ouyang Hua's eyes lit up with a strange light: "Auntie, you were right. Our chance has come."
Aunt Ming chuckled softly, "Oh, the arrangements have been made with the Ning family."
Ouyang Hua walked over and gently took Aunt Ming's arm: "Aunt, Hua'er has been taught by you since childhood and understands very well what to do at what time. At this time, if we let Ning Xihai have a little bit of sweetness, he will be more willing to serve us."
Aunt Ming gently patted Ouyang Yue's soft palm, smiled slightly, but her eyes were as sharp as the sharpest knife!
In Mingyue Pavilion, Chuncao and Dongxue returned to report one after another. Ouyang Yue's room table was immediately piled with a bunch of precious medicines. Ouyang Yue picked up a 300-year-old ginseng, smelled it, and smiled: "They just brought it back like that? They were so quick to agree?"
Chuncao immediately laughed, "How could that be? Miss didn't see it. Aunt Hong and the Second Miss turned green with anger, and they almost fainted in the end. I was laughing so hard inside, but I couldn't laugh out loud. My stomach still hurts from holding it in." Chuncao thought to herself that it was so satisfying. She had never seen Aunt Hong and the Second Miss so angry that they were practically convulsing, but in the end they still had to do what Miss asked. It was truly delightful!
Dongxue nodded, a rare smile playing on her lips: "Miss is about the same."
Aunt Ming and Ouyang Hua have good possessions and are wealthy and well-off, but Ouyang Yue has also plundered a lot of things, at least three times more than Aunt Ouyang Rouhong. No matter how magnanimous and indifferent Aunt Ming and Ouyang Hua appear, they must feel disgusted, like they've swallowed a fly. This is naturally something that makes them feel very gratified.
Ouyang Yue smiled, picked up a ginseng, and said, "Alright, Chuncao, go and arrange to sell these things for cash. Also, keep an eye out for any shops in the capital that are being sold recently. Dongxue, go and find out if there are any horse farms near the capital."
Dongxue asked in confusion, "Does Miss want to buy a horse?"
Ouyang Yue's smile held a deeper meaning: "Go ahead and get it done, you'll know when the time comes."
Dongxue paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement and went to take care of the matter.
Just past noon, Old Madam Ning sent someone to instruct the masters of all the courtyards of the General's Mansion to go to Anhe Hall and wait together for the General's return. Old Madam Ning returned home and rested for a while, though she couldn't actually sleep. When she learned that Ouyang Zhide was coming back, her face lit up with excitement.
When Ouyang Yue and the others arrived, they saw Old Madam Ning with a rosy complexion talking to Madam Ning. She even responded lazily to Ouyang Yue's greeting. Ouyang Yue didn't mind. Soon after, Ouyang Hua, Ouyang Rou, several concubines in the mansion, Concubine Ming, Concubine Hong, Concubine Hua, Concubine Liu, and their only son Ouyang Tong all arrived.
Ouyang Hua glanced at Ning Shi and several other concubines from the Ouyang family.
Clearly, after returning, Ning Shi changed her clothes again. This time, the dress was predominantly bright red, making it appear more festive. Two peony gold hairpins adorned her head, making her head look very substantial and dignified. Ming Yiniang wore a light purple gilded skirt, and her hair was adorned with two magpie-and-plum blossom hairpins, both unique and festive. Since she could not compare with Ning Shi in terms of status, she naturally could not wear the bright red of the principal wife. Therefore, she went against the grain. Purple here also represents wealth and nobility, and her attire was exquisite, showing her own style.
Aunt Hong and Aunt Hua still preferred bright and colorful clothes. One wore a light chrysanthemum-colored gauze robe, which was specially designed to accentuate her alluring waist. Her makeup was mainly pretty. Aunt Hua, on the other hand, wore a light pink gauze dress and had a charming and seductive makeup. The most eye-catching thing on her head was a golden cloth with a bird spreading its wings, which was placed in front of her forehead, making her eyebrows and eyes even more charming.
As for Aunt Liu, she wore a light-colored brocade dress, her hair styled with two jade hairpins, and made no other adornments. Although she came from a scholarly family and her family had fallen on hard times, she still possessed the elegant and graceful demeanor of a refined young lady. As Ouyang Yue watched, a meaningful smile crept onto her lips. Indeed, the women in the General's Mansion were all quite charming.
Although Ning Shi was slightly less beautiful, she possessed a dignified and elegant demeanor. Ming Yiniang was the most well-dressed, with a graceful and beautiful air. Shui Yiniang, though dressed in a vulgar manner, was quite pretty and adept at playing the submissive, weak, and pitiful woman. Hua Yiniang, originally from a brothel, was the most daring in the household, naturally winning Ouyang Zhide's favor in that regard. Liu Yiniang never competed, but her serene demeanor, like a lotus emerging from the water, made her the most pleasant to be around.
If I were a man, I really wouldn't have much to choose from among the women in this household.
Could she be mistaken? Of course, we'll find out soon enough.
Around 1:00 PM, a servant outside reported that Ouyang Zhide's entourage had arrived on the street. Old Madam Ning immediately led everyone outside the mansion and gathered at the gate to wait for Ouyang Zhide to return.
From afar, they could see a robust middle-aged man riding a fine brown horse, leading a group of strong guards as they slowly approached. With each step closer, Old Ning's face grew more excited, and Ning's grip on Old Ning's hand tightened, though the latter seemed completely oblivious.
As soon as Ouyang Zhide's carriage stopped at the door, he leaped down gracefully and immediately knelt before Old Madam Ning: "Your unfilial son has returned."
Old Madam Ning's eyes were filled with tears as she nodded repeatedly, "Good, good, it's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. My son is a hero of the Great Zhou Dynasty. I'm so proud and happy." As she spoke, she hugged Ouyang Zhide's head, her face filled with endless words.
Ning was also very excited: "Husband, you're back."
Ouyang Zhide nodded slightly to her without saying anything more.
Old Madam Ning was very excited, but since they were outside, staying too long would make them a laughing stock. She immediately pulled Ouyang Zhide aside and said with a smile, "Alright, since you're back, a little longer won't hurt. Let's go home and talk. I've already had a feast prepared for you tonight."
Ouyang Zhide's appearance could only be described as above average. Upon closer inspection, his square face revealed well-proportioned features, giving him the air of a born loyal and patriotic general. He possessed an upright and honest appearance, yet a faint killing intent, honed over years of leading troops, lingered in his eyes. Although he appeared filial and humble while speaking with Old Madam Ning, the others, including Consort Ming and Consort Hong, dared not utter a single superfluous word, following behind with their heads bowed. Clearly, Ouyang Zhide's imposing presence was genuine.
Everyone turned to Anhe Hall. Ouyang Zhide exchanged a few words with Old Madam Ning, then turned his gaze to Ouyang Yue, who was standing on the left. Ouyang Yue was dressed in a light green gauze dress with a thin red and gold belt around her waist. She wore only light makeup, but her eyebrows were arched, her eyes were like glass, her nose was like a jade mountain, and her lips were like red cherries. Even standing quietly to the side, she exuded a quiet and beautiful feeling. The two jade leaves on her head swayed slightly with her breath, which made Ouyang Yue's bright and lively appearance even more vivid.
Ouyang Zhide was stunned for a moment, until Old Madam Ning felt something was wrong and asked, "What's wrong? It's been a year since I last saw you. You've grown up so much that you almost don't recognize your daughter."
Ouyang Zhide immediately snapped out of his daze and nodded with a smile: "Yes, it's been a year since I last saw you, and Yue'er has grown up so much. Yue'er, come here quickly. Why are you so quiet now that your father is back? This isn't like you."
Ouyang Yue looked up and saw the smile on Ouyang Yue's face. His normally stern features softened with the smile, creating a sense of harmony. His eyes, filled with kindness and affection, curved slightly, causing a sudden stirring in Ouyang Yue's heart. An indescribable feeling washed over her. For some reason, her eyes welled up, moistened, and reddened.
Ouyang Yue stepped forward, reached out and grasped the hand that Ouyang Zhide offered, pouting slightly: "It's only been a year since we last met, and Father has already forgotten what Yue'er looks like? Yue'er misses you so much that you might not even remember Yue'er anymore. You were so nervous just now."
Ouyang Zhide laughed heartily: "You're the best at finding fault. No matter who I forget, I can't forget Yue'er." As he spoke, he affectionately patted Ouyang Yue's head, causing her neatly combed hair to immediately become disheveled. Ouyang Yue stared at him, which only made Ouyang Zhide's smile deepen.
The atmosphere that had caused others to change their expressions because of Ouyang Zhide's words, "I will never forget Ouyang Yue," was also eased. After all, anyone who could make Ouyang Zhide, the head of the family, happy was naturally worth being happy about, although only Old Ning thought so at this moment.
"Father, you only think of Third Sister, have you forgotten about Hua'er?" Ouyang Hua also abandoned her eldest sister's dignified demeanor and said with some dissatisfaction. However, her voice was obviously full of laughter, so Ouyang Zhide just took it as a girl's coquettishness.
Ouyang Rou was not to be outdone: "Father, Rou'er has been looking forward to your early return every day this year. Now that I see you, Rou'er... Rou'er is so happy..." As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and her face showed admiration, which made Ouyang Zhide feel very accomplished.
"Good, good, good, you are all my good daughters. I am happy to see you all."
At this moment, Aunt Liu only held Ouyang Tong, who was fast asleep in her arms, and did not rush forward at all. On the contrary, Ouyang Zhide glanced at her and saw that Ouyang Tong's face was pale and she looked weak. He turned his head away and did not say anything.
"Cough cough cough..." Just as everyone was enjoying themselves in the room, a soft cough rang out, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
When Ouyang Yue saw who it was, a glint flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth pursed slightly, her gaze becoming even more scrutinizing.
Old Madam Ning was taken aback for a moment, while Madam Ning, Aunt Ming, Aunt Hong, and Aunt Hua all had their faces darken upon seeing the person. Only Aunt Liu stared at the person with the same expression as always.
Following the crowd, three women came to the back of the hall. Two of them were dressed in light yellow clothes, each supporting a woman on either side of them. They were clearly just maids, and this woman was the one who had coughed earlier.
She wore a simple blue wavy dress, with only a white brocade belt tied around her waist. The long belt would flow down her back, making her look like a white cloud when she moved, which was very elegant. The woman's adornments were minimal, with only a white cloud hairpin in her hair, which was placed near her ear as if to fix her hairstyle. However, the position of the hairpin made her face look as beautiful as white jade. However, her face was clearly sickly, and her lips were pale, indicating that she was ill.
Perhaps because of the pain she was suffering from, the woman's large eyes were always moist, and with the slightest blink, they seemed to be about to burst into tears, making her extremely endearing. It's hard to imagine any man not being moved by her.
Seeing such a woman, any woman would feel a strong sense of resistance and crisis, especially since Ouyang Zhide had personally brought her back. Even if they hadn't noticed before, they now understood. This mansion had no shortage of women.
The household had one wife, one concubine, and three other concubines. Among them, Ning Shi was related to the old Ning Shi; the General's Mansion and the Ning family were related by marriage. When Ouyang Zhide was young, he often visited the Ning family, which gave the two the opportunity to meet. They were childhood sweethearts. Later, Ning Shi gradually developed feelings for the old lady, Huang Shi, and begged her to marry Ning Wanru. It is said that the old Ning Shi disagreed at first, but it was ultimately a matter of strengthening family ties, and Ning Shi was determined to marry. In the end, the old Ning Shi could not resist the pressure from the Ning family and made the decision to marry her.
Unfortunately, Ning Shi did not conceive after entering the household. At that time, Old Madam Ning took it upon herself to bring in Concubine Ming. Not long after Concubine Ming entered the household, Concubine Hong was also brought in, this time at Madam Ning's behest. However, each of them was more fortunate than Ning Shi, and they all subsequently became pregnant.
Neither of these two concubines were brought into the household by Ouyang Zhide's own volition. Ouyang Zhide didn't need anyone to worry about him; when he returned to the capital the following year, he brought Concubine Hua with him. It was said that he had met Concubine Hua by chance on the way, encountering a virgin who refused to be deflowered. He couldn't bear it and took her in. Concubine Hua came from a poor background, was a virgin, and he had already taken her in; what could anyone say? Old Madam Ning already had two other concubines; even if she didn't want to, she had to accept it.
Originally, it seemed the matter was settled, but a year later, Ouyang Zhide returned to the capital to appeal his official duties, bringing back another woman. This woman truly came from a scholarly family, and was extremely indifferent to fame and fortune, never competitive. If it weren't for Ouyang Zhide's momentary kindness, she would have been sold into a brothel. Such a fate was truly lamentable, and naturally, Ouyang Zhide couldn't bear it and brought her back again. This woman was none other than Aunt Liu, the mother of Ouyang Tong.
This matter had always been a thorn in the side of the women in the household. Considering that Ouyang Zhide had been stationed at the border for years without a woman by his side, it wasn't impossible that he had acted impulsively. The problem was that Ouyang Zhide never took any of the women with him when he went to the border, and no one could persuade him otherwise. This had become a source of worry for the women, but as Ouyang Zhide returned to the capital alone on several occasions, they gradually calmed down. Unexpectedly, this year Ouyang Zhide brought back another woman!
This woman, this very beautiful and charming woman, immediately stirred up a storm in the hearts of all the women in the mansion, a storm that could not be calmed for a long time.
"Husband, who is she!" Ning's face turned pale instantly, her voice sharp and shrill.
Putting aside the woman's exceptional charm and striking appearance, the most important thing was that she was only fifteen or sixteen years old, about the same age as Ouyang Hua, in the prime of her youth and beauty, a flower in full bloom. This household hadn't welcomed any new women in a long time; even the most recent guest, Concubine Liu, was twenty-three, no longer young. The appearance of the girl in blue constantly reminded them that compared to young and beautiful girls, they were no longer competitive! How could they possibly remain calm?
Ouyang Zhide seemed to only then notice the woman in blue. He paused for a moment before saying to the two maids, "Your young lady isn't sick. She must be tired from the long journey. Quickly help her sit down and rest."
Such words of concern pierced the hearts of the women like needles. Aunt Hua twisted her handkerchief and kept glancing at the woman in blue. "Hmph, with that sickly body, how could she be good in bed? She's just using a pitiful, seductive look!"
The red-clad concubine's eyes turned cold, her voice fixed on the woman in blue. The bright-clad concubine's face had returned to normal, but her eyes were somewhat dark.
Finally, Old Madam Ning couldn't help but ask, "De'er, who is this...?"
Ouyang Zhide glanced at the woman, his voice tinged with sadness, and said, “Mother, this young lady is named Rui Yuhuan. She is the only child of General Rui Huaicheng, whom I served under. Although I returned victorious this time, it is a pity that General Rui died while saving my life during a surprise attack. General Rui was a valiant general and my most trusted subordinate. He was an orphan, and his wife died in childbirth. After his death, my niece Rui was left all alone. I originally wanted to settle her at the border, but the area is chaotic and there are frequent uprisings. It would be difficult for her to live alone. Moreover, my niece Rui has been bedridden since hearing that General Rui died in battle. General Rui died for me, how could I abandon his only remaining attachment in the world? I think it would be better to let my niece Rui stay at the General's residence for now, and then make further plans after we find a place to settle her.”
As soon as Ouyang Zhide finished speaking, the expressions of Old Madam Ning and the others changed again. This woman was actually the orphan daughter of Ouyang Zhide's savior. Old Madam Ning hadn't wanted to add anyone to the household, and besides, Rui Yuhuan was far too beautiful. As a woman, she was well aware of men's weaknesses. Old Madam Ning still had the other women in the household under her control, knowing a weakness in each of them, but this one, at first glance, made her wary. Naturally, she didn't want anyone to slip through her fingers.
However, this involves the identity of the orphan girl who saved Ouyang Zhide's life, which makes a big difference. If she disagrees, wouldn't outsiders accuse Ouyang Zhide of being ungrateful? This is the easiest time to cause trouble, and a good thing will turn into a bad thing.
Ning and the others understood this principle as well. Moreover, there was another point: no one could stop Ouyang Zhide from doing what he wanted to do. Back then, Old Ning turned a blind eye to Aunt Hua and Aunt Liu, but if Ouyang Zhide didn't insist, it probably wouldn't be so easy!
Therefore, it was a foregone conclusion that Rui Yuhuan would enter the mansion. Although Ning Shi, Aunt Ming, and the others were as unhappy as if they had swallowed a fly, they dared not speak at this time and cause trouble. They could only glare at Rui Yuhuan with hateful eyes.
Rui Yuhuan swayed slightly and nudged the arm of the maid beside her. The maid immediately understood and helped Rui Yuhuan step forward. Rui Yuhuan immediately knelt down and kowtowed three times to Old Madam Ning.
Ning was completely unsettled. This woman was so unruly. Although her husband had taken her into the household first, he hadn't said that she was his. Now she wanted to treat her with the respect due to a junior. Was he forcing them to agree and acquiesce?
Old Madam Ning's eyes flickered slightly, a hint of coldness appearing within them. However, when Rui Yuhuan raised her head again, her voice was soft and gentle as she said, "Yuhuan greets the Old Madam, Madam, and all the young ladies from the various generals' mansions. Although Yuhuan's father is dead, he doesn't want to live a life of dependence. Uncle Ouyang, out of elder's care, naturally worries that a frail woman like Yuhuan cannot survive. Actually, Uncle Ouyang is overthinking it; Yuhuan can manage. Cough cough cough..."
Rui Yuhuan's voice was very pleasant to hear, and her expression was just the right amount of firmness, with the pride that a general's daughter should have. This immediately made Ouyang Zhide sigh softly, and even Old Ning's eyes softened a bit.
“Yu Huan, your uncle knows you are very strong-willed, but ever since General Rui died, I have treated you as my daughter. How could your uncle bear to see you living alone and helpless in the capital? This capital may seem to be under the emperor's nose, prosperous and wealthy, but it is also full of dangers. If something happens to you out there, how will I face your father after I die?” Ouyang Zhide’s face was undeniably tough.
Rui Yuhuan shrank back at his words, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes. She possessed the fragility and helplessness befitting a young lady from a noble family, her eyes brimming with tears that fell without warning. Ouyang Zhide, seeing this, got up to help her, but then realized it would be too improper and froze, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Ouyang Yue's eyes curved into a smile as she walked over gently: "Miss Rui, Father is a kind-hearted man. He is the most upright person and always repays kindness. If you keep insisting like this, won't you be putting your father in a difficult position? You should get up quickly. I heard you are still sick. If your condition worsens, won't your father be the one who suffers the most?"
Ouyang Yue wore a faint smile, her eyes crinkling, her smile very friendly, but she was carefully observing Rui Yuhuan's expression.
Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, Rui Yuhuan's eyes brightened slightly, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily curled up slightly. It was an extremely subtle movement; if Ouyang Yue hadn't been so close, she probably wouldn't have noticed it.
Ouyang Yue could tell that Ouyang Zhide was simply repaying a debt of gratitude, but this Rui Yuhuan seemed to have more than just seeing Ouyang Zhide as an uncle...
☆、049、Punish the Ambitious Woman!
Seeing Ouyang Yue help Rui Yuhuan up, Aunt Hong and Aunt Hua glared at her again.
Rui Yuhuan grabbed Ouyang Yue's hand, her eyes filled with gratitude and affection: "I've heard my uncle mention the three young ladies in the manor many times along the way. I think this must be the third young lady, Ouyang Yue."
Ouyang Yue smiled and nodded: "Miss Rui has a good eye; she guessed it right away."
Rui Yuhuan's eyes softened and brightened: "According to age, I should call the Third Miss 'younger sister'. As the older sister, how can I not give her a gift?" As she spoke, Rui Yuhuan looked at Old Madam Ning again, "I am grateful to General Ouyang for his kindness in taking me under his wing and for allowing me to settle down temporarily. I am truly humbled and have prepared some gifts. I hope that the Old Madam, Madam, and the young ladies and concubines in the mansion will not find them offensive. This is just a small token of my appreciation."
As she spoke, her personal maid went out and soon returned with several guards, each carrying a tray. Following Rui Yuhuan's instructions, the guards presented the trays to the guards one by one before leaving.
"Oh, this white jade Buddha..." Madam Xi accepted the gift and immediately opened it for the old lady to see. As soon as the box was opened, a bright white light flashed, drawing everyone's attention. That holy white light seemed to cleanse everything; although it was only for a moment, it was enough to shock everyone's soul!
Rui Yuhuan was more surprised than anyone else, and then excitedly laughed, "Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations! This white jade Buddha was brought back from a temple we encountered on our way back to the capital. At that time, I was unwell and wanted to go in to draw a fortune stick for peace, but before I left, the old abbot stopped me. That old abbot was quite wise. I thought he was being deliberately mysterious, but he only said that I would meet a benefactor on this trip. He said that this benefactor was of noble birth, wise and refined, and compassionate. If anyone could make the white jade Buddha emit a holy white light, then that person would be the one destined for the white jade Buddha. He also said that this was a great opportunity, and that someone with such a connection to Buddhism was a Bodhisattva in their previous life, and that this time they had descended to the mortal world to experience life in order to save people from suffering. Their future was limitless!"