Chapter 28

Chapter 28

When Mrs. Lu saw the Old Taoist priest approach the carriage, she had no choice but to dismount. In front of her stood an Old Taoist priest in tattered robes, with sparse hair barely tied back with a wooden hairpin, and a weathered, haggard face. Yet the Master's wise and perspicacious gaze sent a shiver through Mrs. Lu's heart, prompting her to bow solemnly and address him as "Master."

"Madam, there's no need for such formalities," said the Old Taoist priest as he accepted her bow and gestured vaguely to support her.

"Master, may I ask the reason for the good tidings you bring?" Mrs. Lu inquired upon rising.

"A being of great virtue is soon to be born into your household, madam. Is this not a joyous occasion?" the Old Taoist priest chuckled, stroking his beard.

Upon hearing these words, Mrs. Lu was reminded of the suspicion expressed earlier by Mei Ying. "Master, that child..." Before she could finish, the Old Taoist priest had already departed. Mrs. Lu turned to Chunlu Granny. "Where did the Master go?"

Chunlu Granny seemed equally bewildered by the Old Taoist priest's sudden disappearance.

"Madam," Chunlu Granny approached Mrs. Lu cautiously.

Mrs. Lu regained her composure and instructed the carriage to proceed to Puzhao Temple.

Upon arriving at Puzhao Temple, she made offerings and donated money, praying for rain. Mrs. Lu specifically requested an audience with the Abbot Huian, to whom she recounted the strange encounter on the journey.

"Amitabha Buddha, the Master you speak of must be Master Chisongzi. The Master and our renowned Monk Hui Zhen are close friends," replied the Abbot. Mrs. Lu, being a Buddhist, was familiar with the esteemed Monk Hui Zhen, regarded as the foremost figure in the Buddhist world. If Master Chisongzi was on par with him, he must be an exceptionally powerful master.

With some uncertainty, Mrs. Lu asked, "Is what Master Chisongzi said true?"

"Master Chisongzi is well-versed in the workings of fate and destiny. I congratulate you, madam," said the Abbot, offering his blessings to Mrs. Lu.

Mrs. Lu's initial skepticism faded, and upon returning, she accepted Mei Ying as Auntie Mei and allowed her to keep the child. Regardless of whether the child was a being of great virtue or not, it was a life. She saw it as a blessing for the Lu family.

Shortly thereafter, rain fell, alleviating the drought in Anping County. Mrs. Lu became fully convinced, believing that the Li family would prosper. However, contrary to her hopes, the Li family did not flourish. Li Ming was transferred to Bailang County, where he served as a magistrate for nine years. Over time, Mrs. Lu gradually forgot about these events.

"Sister has great virtue?" Li Hui found it hard to believe that the gluttonous Li Xia could possess any virtue.

"Mother, I just twisted my ankle a little. Doctor Wang has already applied medication. I'll be fine after resting for a couple of days," Li Xin replied, lifting her foot to demonstrate her well-being. She then glanced toward Li Hui's bedchamber. "Mother, what injury did Brother sustain? He was fine when I left. How did he get seriously injured so suddenly?"

Li Xin had hurried over as soon as she heard that Li Hui had returned directly to Songtao Courtyard, ignoring dissuasions in her concern.

"Hui has been injured..." Before Mrs. Lu could elaborate, a commotion arose at the entrance of Songtao Courtyard. Her brow furrowed momentarily before smoothing out. "XinEr, stay seated. I'll go see what's happening at the gate."

Mrs. Lu headed toward the entrance, teacup in hand. Aunt Wang and her daughter, Madam An and her sons, and Auntie Mei were gathered outside the gate, their expressions ranging from urgency to underlying emotions. Aunt Wang and her daughter seemed to revel in schadenfreude, while Madam An's eyes glinted with excitement—if Li Hui were to meet his demise, her two sons would be next in line, securing the Li family for her branch. Li Chou and Li Guang appeared concerned.

Auntie Mei, in addition to her worry, was anxious to know where Li Xia was and why she was not among the young masters and ladies who had returned to the manor. She feared something might have happened to Li Xia.

Exasperated by the chaos at the gate, Mrs. Lu forcefully smashed the teacup to the ground. The shattered ceramic and splashing tea caught the group off guard, forcing them to scatter. Madam An, too slow to react, suffered a cut on her hand from the shards. Aunt Wang's dress was stained by the spilled tea.

"Have you had enough?" Mrs. Lu's imposing presence silenced the group. "Nanny, escort them back to their respective courtyards. No one is to leave without my permission."

"Yes, Madam," Chunlu Granny stepped forward to usher them away. Madam An attempted to protest but was restrained by Li Chou and Li Guang. Aunt Wang, gripping the trembling Li Shan, retreated with her daughter.

Auntie Mei hesitated before approaching. "Madam, XiaEr has not returned?"

"Second Miss is unharmed and will return shortly," Mrs. Lu responded curtly.

Dissatisfied with the answer but intimidated by Mrs. Lu's stern demeanor, Auntie Mei could only return to Plum Blossom Pavilion to await Li Xia's return anxiously.

With the others gone, Mrs. Lu re-entered the courtyard. Li Xin attempted to rise, but Mrs. Lu pressed her back down. "You twisted your ankle. Don't move around." She instructed Liu Mian, "Take the Young Lady back to rest."

"Mother, let me stay and keep you company," Li Xin pleaded, unwilling to leave without knowing Li Hui's condition.

"Do as you're told. I'll be here. Your brother will be fine. Go and rest," Mrs. Lu stroked Li Xin's head reassuringly.

Acquiescing, Li Xin allowed Liu Mian and Zi Juan to support her back to Elegant Refinement Pavilion.

Inside, Doctor Wang followed Li Chuan into the chamber, where he found one man seated in a chair with an injured leg, and another lying on the bed, covered in blood.