Deep in the flower garden, the old madam took several deep breaths of the cool air, barely managing to suppress the trembling of her body. However, an indescribable wave of anger surged in the depths of her heart.
She was angry at her own loss of composure, which was so unsightly; she was even angrier that this originally peaceful residence had suddenly been thrown into turmoil by blood malice and evil entities because of the arrival of these cultivators.
‘If that woman in red sees through something, will she strike me with her sword without a word?’
This thought was like a maggot in her bones, making her more irritable the more she thought about it.
Her withered fingers unconsciously twisted a blade of grass. A sharp light flashed in her cloudy eyes as a plan formed in her mind.
She called out to a servant who happened to be patrolling nearby. Her voice carried its usual authority but was intentionally laced with a hint of fatigue. “Go call Hai-er. I have something to discuss with him.”
No one in the residence dared to neglect the old madam’s orders. Furthermore, Xiang Hai was a famously filial son. Upon hearing his mother’s summons, he did not dare to delay.
He immediately apologized to Lu Qiancha and the other two for his temporary departure and followed the servant hurriedly to the flower garden.
“Mother, you summoned me. What are your instructions?” Xiang Hai bowed respectfully. His gaze swept over the garden, thinking she was dissatisfied with the plants.
“Are these flowers and trees not to your liking? I will have people replace them tomorrow.”
“Flowers, plants, and trees also have lives. How can you talk about replacing them so lightly?” The old madam’s face suddenly darkened, her tone full of admonishment.
Soon after, her expression softened, carrying a deep sense of pity as she said slowly, “Hai-er, your mother observes a vegetarian diet and chants Buddha’s name not for myself, but entirely for you and your late father…”
Her gaze turned distant.
“The two of you, father and son, have held high positions, making life-and-death decisions, and are burdened with a lifetime of sin and karmic obstacles.”
“Without the liberation of Buddhist scriptures and daily prayers, how would those unjustly killed souls ever let you go?”
“Thank you for your prayers, Mother. I am truly grateful.”
Xiang Hai did not know why his mother suddenly spoke of these things today, but to make her happy, he cooperated with her sentiment.
Seeing the groundwork was laid, the old madam shifted the conversation. Her expression became serious again, her words full of guidance.
“Hai-er, do you know? The Buddha statues enshrined in our mansion were consecrated by an accomplished monk. The true Buddha’s light resides in the residence, protecting the peace of our home.”
She sighed with the helplessness of “wishing iron could become steel.”
“You, this killer, have mortal eyes and naturally cannot see this Buddha’s light. But just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
“Furthermore, you should not have brought that kind of blood malice and fierce aura into the mansion, as it will clash with the peaceful Buddha’s light that protects our home.”
“Mother, you’ve wronged me.” Xiang Hai let out a series of bitter smiles upon hearing this.
“Even if I have blood malice on me, it is because of my duty. As an official, I protect a region, and it is inevitable to involve criminal executions.”
“But I dare to swear to the heavens that I have never killed the innocent or harbored personal grudges, for fear of ruining the prayer services you have so painstakingly maintained.”
Xiang Hai often participated in sentencing death row prisoners, but he believed his conscience was clear.
“Silly child, you are flesh from my own body. How could I blame you?”
The old madam immediately put on the face of a loving mother, her tone earnest as she continued, “I am speaking of those three Daoist Priests from the Tianyuan Sect.”
“Their beliefs are contrary to our Buddhist path and are completely incompatible. Moreover, they carry an aura of slaughter and an outward ferocity.”
She deliberately lowered her voice.
“With these factors combined, that fierce aura is almost enough to scatter the Buddha’s light our family has worked so hard to gather. This is a disaster for our family, not a blessing.”
“This…” Xiang Hai’s face stiffened, suddenly caught in a dilemma.
Others had just helped him expel an evil entity, and he was to issue an eviction notice immediately after? This was far too cold and ungrateful.
However, as Xiang Hai looked at his mother’s worried face and thought of his sense of debt toward her and his family since his father’s death, the desire to make everyone around him happy took precedence. He truly could not bear to go against his mother’s wishes.
The old madam keenly captured the struggle and softening on her son’s face. An imperceptible curve rose at the corners of her mouth. She knew the timing was right.
“I know,” she immediately changed to an understanding tone. “Those three are Immortals from the Tianyuan Sect. You cannot afford to offend them. I am not forcing you to make enemies of them…”
She looked at Xiang Hai eagerly, providing a perfect solution.
“You only need to politely see them out of the mansion. If you really want to be close and show gratitude, you can find an elegant tavern or restaurant outside.”
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to talk and drink to your heart’s content there?”
Finally, she delivered the fatal blow, her voice mourning.
“As long as you do not bring them into this mansion, and as long as you do not ruin the prayer services, it will be fine. Otherwise, if the Buddha’s light is scattered and the vengeful souls come for my life, I truly won’t be able to live.”
While speaking, the old madam’s tears were about to fall, forcing Xiang Hai to the edge of the cliff of filial piety with no way to retreat.
“Mother, you must never say such words.” Xiang Hai’s heart shook violently. Seeing his mother so sorrowful and desperate, his hesitation was instantly drowned by his filial heart.
He quickly supported his mother, his tone resolute.
“I will go and see the Masters off now. Don’t worry, Mother. In the future, if I have an appointment with the Masters, I will find another courtyard to host them. I will never let them step foot into the mansion again. I will not let you worry.”
“Good child…” The old madam let out a long sigh of relief as if a 1,000-pound burden had been lifted. A gratified smile finally appeared on her face. “With those words from you, my heart is truly at ease.”
***
Xiang Hai returned to the guest hall with a complicated mood. Facing the three seated people, he put on an apologetic smile and bowed deeply.
“I thank you all for displaying your divine powers to expel the evil entity and resolve the disaster for me. I am infinitely grateful.”
“To show my gratitude, I have prepared a modest banquet at the city’s most famous Zuixian Restaurant. I humbly ask the three Masters to grace us with your presence. What do you think?”
“Yay, we’re going out to eat!” Gantang was the first to cheer, her eyes sparkling. She had been busy since dawn, and aside from a bowl of dumplings in the morning, she hadn’t had a single drop of grease.
“…Very well.” Lu Qiancha’s gaze caught Gantang’s greedy appearance, and the corner of his mouth twitched imperceptibly as he nodded in agreement.
Shangguan Yunzhu’s gaze always rested on Lu Qiancha. Hearing this, she smiled beautifully, her voice soft. “Wherever Senior Brother Qiancha goes, I will naturally follow.”
The four of them then arrived at an elegant private room by the window in Zuixian Restaurant. Xiang Hai was generous, filling the table with delicacies and Qiongjian, acting as the perfect host.
After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, a flush appeared on Xiang Hai’s face.
Buoyed by the alcohol, he finally gathered the courage to apologetically and vaguely explain the situation at home, clarifying why he had to see them out of the mansion.
Shangguan Yunzhu only watched coldly upon hearing this. Gantang frowned, her small mouth pouting slightly. Lu Qiancha, however, nodded in understanding.
“The old madam is devoted to Buddhism and prays for the household. This is the duty of a filial son and the weight of family ties. As a son, City Lord Xiang naturally has his difficulties. We understand.”
“The Master is reasonable and truly righteous. If you encounter any trouble in this city, just mention my name. I will certainly be there whenever called,” Xiang Hai spoke gratefully.