The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 214 Yue Niang Scolds Her Brother, the Number One Person in the Daoist Sect

Seeing that it was still early, the official gave in to Jinlian'er's delicate wish, and simply lifted her up and laid her down on the desk.

Meanwhile, in the side hall of the Ximen Mansion, a sliver of light shone through the window screens, casting shadows on the porcelain pieces on the antique display shelves.

Wu Yueniang sat upright in a rosewood armchair inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Sitting on the two stools at the bottom were her eldest brother, Uncle Wu, and her second brother, Uncle Wu.

On the small table in front of me was freshly brewed, piping hot, fragrant tea, along with several small, gilded porcelain dishes filled with seasonal fruits.

Uncle Wu, Wu Qianhu, took a sip of tea, put down the covered bowl, and with a broad smile on his face, spoke first:

"My dear sister! You've finally reached the pinnacle of success! Your husband has been granted an official position, and he's now the proper Master Ximen! Tsk tsk, look at the grandeur of his mansion, the throngs of people coming and going, it's truly..."

He clicked his tongue twice, as if the glory had already covered him. "The title of Lady of the Imperial Decree in the future, with her phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, will surely be yours, sister! Our Wu family's ancestral graves are emitting auspicious smoke, so we can't help but benefit from it, can we?"

Uncle Wu, standing to the side, nodded hurriedly like a chicken pecking at rice, and chimed in with flattery:

"Brother is right! Sister, you are the luckiest person in our family! Who would have thought we would be like this today? From now on, when we brothers see you, we must be proper and respectful in addressing you as 'Madam'!"

As he spoke, he rubbed his hands together, his eyes darting around at the gilded and painted decorations in the side hall, before finally settling on Yue Niang with a fervent expression of obsequiousness and longing.

As Yue Niang listened, her expression remained indifferent. She simply picked up the pink Ding kiln covered bowl in front of her and gently skimmed the tea foam floating in the bowl.

She didn't respond to the "noble lady's" comment, but instead lowered her eyelids and said:
“Brothers, please don’t make fun of us. The master’s official position is due to the Emperor’s great favor, but it is also something he earned through his own abilities. We women are just following along and getting some empty titles. We will not forget any of our duties.”

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wu wiggled his bottom a few times on the stool, leaned forward, and forced a tighter smile, his cheeks creased with wrinkles, as he lowered his voice with utmost obsequiousness:
"What you say makes sense! You are indeed the wife of an official; your perspective is different! However..."

He leaned closer, his voice even lower, "I've heard that the household has no steward, and even that servant Dai'an has been given an official's robe! Sister, you see... I've been out here all these years, braving wind and rain, without a proper place to live. Sister, could you... put in a good word for me with your husband?"

"Whether it's a leisurely job in the government office or managing a farm or shop outside, even a nominal, idle position... it's still respectable! It lets people know that I'm the direct brother of a Lady of the Imperial Decree, isn't it?"

These words were quite blatant. He stared intently at Yue Niang, wishing he could get a definite answer right away.

Upon hearing this, Yue Niang paused slightly in her hand holding the teacup. She slowly put down the covered bowl, the delicate porcelain clinking softly against the small rosewood table.

She raised her eyes, her gaze fixed directly on Uncle Wu's face. The slight politeness she had displayed vanished instantly, replaced by a solemn expression. She sat up straight, her brows furrowing slightly, and her voice deepened:

"Second brother, that's a confusing statement!"

Her voice was cold, like the frosty wind of deep winter outside, which froze the smile on Uncle Wu's face.

“Now that I’ve married into the Ximen family, I’m a member of the Ximen family through life and death! Women in the inner quarters should only be tending to the stove and doing needlework. As for external affairs, career prospects, and official duties, are they things that a woman like me should dare to interfere with or comment on?”

Yue Niang spoke slowly, but each word was like a nail driven into her mouth. "Normally, out of consideration for family ties, I use my own savings or some jewelry to help my family and support my brothers. It's my way of showing my love as a sister, and it's also to save face for the Wu family. This is my duty, and it's also a matter of affection."

Her tone suddenly shifted, her eyes sharpening: "But Second Brother, what do you take me for today? What kind of filthy place do you think this Ximen mansion is? You actually want me to beg the master—to get you an official position? What kind of nonsense is this? This is like a 'crab without legs trying to climb the dragon gate'! This is like 'trying to squeeze money out of a crack'!"

"If word gets out, what will people think? Will they say that I, Wu Yueniang, am shameless and use my husband's future to curry favor? Or will they say that the brothers of the Wu family only know how to scheme and curry favor through nepotism?"

The more Yue Niang spoke, the angrier she became, her chest heaving slightly. The words "drilling for a crack" and "squeezing out" were loud and crisp, like slaps to Uncle Wu's face.

"Second brother, you're not a child anymore, you should know better! This official position isn't something you can just beg for. Even if you did, could you do it well? If your misconduct ruins Master's future, then I, and the entire Wu family, will be sinners! This isn't about loving your sister, it's about ruining me and the Wu family!"

These words, spoken sharply and sternly, were both scathing and righteous. Uncle Wu's face turned purple from the scolding; his fervent smile vanished without a trace. He felt as if hot oil had been poured over his face, burning and stinging, his skin alternating between red as Guan Yu and white as window paper.

His mouth was open, his throat bobbing, but he couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal. Sweat instantly beaded on his forehead and temples, and he wished he could shrink his head into his neck. The smugness and fawning he had shown when he first entered had now turned into utter shame and fear.

Uncle Wu, who was watching from the side, knew very well that his second son's foolish words had touched a raw nerve with his sister.

He quickly put down his teacup, a worldly-wise smile plastered on his face, and stood up to smooth things over:

"Oh dear, sister, calm down, calm down! That second brother of yours, after a few sips of liquor, he's got a big head and doesn't know his place anymore, spouting nonsense! He deserves a beating, he deserves a beating!"

He pretended to pat Wu Erjiu's shoulder, then turned to Yueniang with a forced smile and said:

"Don't worry, little sister. Your second brother was just blinded by greed and talking nonsense! As his older brother, I apologize on his behalf! Our Wu family is able to live peacefully and respectably entirely thanks to your hard work and thoughtfulness at the Ximen residence. That's why your husband takes such good care of you. We brothers all understand and remember your kindness! We would never dare to cause you any trouble!"

As he spoke, he secretly kicked Uncle Wu.

Uncle Wu then seemed to wake from a dream, hurriedly stood up, and bowed deeply to Yue Niang, his voice trembling: "Sister... Sister, please calm down! It was... it was my fault! I deserve to die! I will never do it again! Please don't take it to heart..."

Seeing that the time was right and her elder brother had given her a way out, Yue Niang slowly took a breath, her stern expression softening slightly. She picked up the bowl of tea again, took a small sip, and said calmly, "It's good that my brothers understand. Don't mention such things again in the future. Living a peaceful and law-abiding life is the best long-term solution."

The air in the side room seemed to begin to flow again slowly after her snort, but the invisible barrier was ultimately thicker.

Seeing that her words had scolded her second brother until he was red in the face and couldn't lift his head, while her eldest brother stood by awkwardly smiling, the atmosphere in the hall was as stiff as ice.

A pang of reluctance flickered in her heart. After all, he was her own brother, born of the same mother, and it would be a disgrace to her if things got too tense.

She picked up the teacup and took another sip, then, using the lid as cover, quickly glanced at Xiaoyu, who was standing to the side.

Xiaoyu understood immediately, lowered her head, and quietly withdrew.

In no time, Xiaoyu returned carrying a small tray with vermilion lacquer and gold trim. On the tray were two neatly arranged silver ingots, both wrapped in fine Songjiang three-loom cloth, heavy and clearly not light.

Moon Lady put down her teacup, the frost on her face melting slightly, replaced by a hint of helplessness and compassion.

She gestured for Xiaoyu to place the tray on the small table in front of her two older brothers.

"Eldest brother, second brother," Yue Niang's voice softened, carrying a hint of heartfelt sincerity, "My words just now were a bit harsh, but it was for your own good, second brother, and for the good of our Wu family. You are not only my own brothers but also the support of my maternal family. We are blood relatives, how could I not wish you well?"

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the two packets of silver, and sighed softly, "To be honest, the Ximen household does look more luxurious than before. Now that Master has obtained an official position, all the social obligations and favors require money."

"With over a hundred people in the household, their food, clothing, daily necessities, and monthly stipends are all spent like water. That's all public money from the Ximen household, and every single transaction is accounted for. Although I hold the position of the head mistress, I'm merely looking after the inner quarters for the master. How could I possibly use public funds for personal favors? That would be truly disgraceful and make people gossip about me!"

Then, she pointed to the two silver notes: "These are my personal savings or my monthly allowance. They are clean and have nothing to do with the Ximen family's public accounts."

Xiaoyu cleverly pushed the silver coins in front of Uncle Wu and Uncle Wu Er respectively.

Uncle Wu looked at the heavy silver note with a complex expression. He felt a mixture of gratitude, bitterness, and regret for the trouble his second son had caused earlier.

He suddenly stood up, waving his hands repeatedly, like lotus leaves swaying in the wind, his face full of sincere refusal:
"Oh dear! No! Absolutely not!" Uncle Wu's voice was trembling with anxiety. "Sister! What are you saying! Did your brother come to see you for this? What you said to your second brother just now was absolutely right! He's confused and deserves to be scolded! Take this money back immediately!"

"It's true that the Ximen family is now very large and prosperous, but the expenses are also much greater! It's not easy for you to run the household. You have to manage everything, and there are so many eyes watching you from top to bottom. During festivals, you have to reward the servants and entertain guests. Every place needs you to have some spare cash. You've given all your savings to your maternal family, and you don't even have any money left for yourself. How can your brothers live with that? Aren't you trying to make us suffer? Take it back! Take it back!"

He spoke with such sincerity that he even reached out to push the silver further away, as if it were burning his hand.

When Uncle Wu saw the silver note being handed to him, his eyes lit up instantly, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

The embarrassment from before was somewhat lessened by the sight of the "yellow and white things" in front of him. He subconsciously reached out and twirled the cloth bundle with his fingers, weighing it in his hand and quickly calculating in his mind how much wine and meat, or how much gambling money, he could exchange for it.

But the elder brother's resolute and earnest refusal was like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head.

His outstretched hand froze in mid-air, unsure whether to take it or not. He glanced at his elder brother's resolute yet fearful expression, then stole a look at the calm yet scrutinizing gaze of the young lady at the head of the table, Yue Niang, and felt his face burning again.

Brother is right. If we take this money, won't we just look even more shameless, like we're just here to freeload? And won't we make things difficult for my sister in the Ximen household?

"What elder brother says is true... is true..." Uncle Wu awkwardly withdrew his hand, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace, his eyes still fixed on the silver envelope. "Sister... your kindness... I... I appreciate it. Keep this money for yourself... the household expenses are high..."

As he spoke, his hands seemed to have their own ideas, slowly and reluctantly pushing the coin in front of him back towards Xiaoyu's tray.

The movement was as slow as a dull knife cutting flesh; his fingers lingered on the cloth cover for a moment before letting go.

On one side, the powerful official, dressed in his official robes, was comforting Jin Lian'er with unparalleled might. On the other side, in Song Family Village, Chao Gai was shirtless, with a thick white cloth wrapped around his chest, from which dark red bloodstains were faintly seeping.

He leaned back in a hardwood armchair, a jar of village-style fermented rice wine and a plate of braised beef on a small table in front of him. His brows were furrowed, and he slammed his rough porcelain wine bowl down heavily, spilling a little wine.

"Wu Xuejiu! Don't you think this is suspicious? Damn it! We brothers risked our lives and went through all sorts of trouble to get our hands on that birthday tribute of 100,000 strings of gold and jewels! We were just about to divide it up and build an earth-shattering empire when that unscrupulous band of thieves suddenly appeared out of nowhere, their methods were so ruthless and vicious!"

"That leader's fists and kicks were as heavy as iron hammers, and his knife skills were as cunning as a viper's tongue! He snatched this piece of fat meat from our mouths! What's even more hateful is that after being beaten so badly, we can't even figure out which evil god was behind it!"

He grew angrier as he spoke, and the anger in his chest aggravated his old wound, causing him to hiss and gasp for breath, his forehead veins bulging.

Lying prone on the couch beside him was Wu Yong, the strategist. He had been struck hard on the buttocks and was covered with herbal medicine. Unable to move, he could only speak with his face turned to the side.

The strategist who usually wore a feather fan and a silk turban, chatting and laughing, was nowhere to be seen; he was now just a pathetic figure lying on the kang (a heated brick bed) recovering from his injuries.

His face was somewhat pale, but his eyes still flickered uncertainly. After listening to Chao Gai's words, he pondered for a long while before slowly speaking, his voice carrying a hint of weakness and contemplation from his injuries:

“What the Heavenly King says is absolutely right. That group of people… are definitely not ordinary caravan guards. The fact that the leader is highly skilled in martial arts is secondary; his companions, who throw nets, tripwires, and lime, coordinate perfectly… are like killing machines trained in the greenwood.”

He paused, seemingly trying to recall the moment of bloodshed, "Those two idiots who hit me weren't particularly skilled, but they were ruthless and precise, always targeting my weak points... In the chaos... I think I heard one of them vaguely mention something about 'Qinghe County'..."

"Qinghe County?" Chao Gai's eyes, as big as copper bells, widened suddenly. "Why is he mentioning Qinghe County? Could it be an enemy from Qinghe County?"

Wu Yong shook his head slightly, which caused another sharp pain in his buttocks. He grimaced and said, "Ouch... At that time, there were flashing swords, shouts, and neighing horses. My ears were ringing, and I was in a lot of pain, so I couldn't hear clearly."

"I only vaguely remember hearing the words 'Qinghe County'... Perhaps I was delirious from the pain and misheard. Maybe it was 'Yanggu County'? Or some other place name?" He sighed, with a hint of helplessness and frustration. "This clue is like looking at flowers through the fog; it can't be taken seriously."

He suddenly remembered something, struggled to lift his head, and the movement aggravated his injury, causing him to grimace again.
"By the way! During the chaos, Mr. Gongsun, the Cloud Dragon, wasn't far from me. He was surrounded and being punched and kicked. Nine out of ten of the people surrounding the two of us were hitting him... I wonder if he, with his sharp ears and eyes, could have heard everything clearly? Mr. Gongsun has traveled all over the country and has extensive knowledge. Perhaps he could have guessed something from the group's style and accent? Why don't we... ask him to come and ask him?"

Upon hearing this, Chao Gai's face showed a strange expression. He picked up his wine bowl, took a large gulp, wiped the wine stains from his lips, and shook his head, saying:
“Scholar, you’re too confused from your injuries to know anything. That Taoist Gongsun… said on the night he entered Song Family Manor that the manor was stifling and he wanted to go out to visit an old friend, clear his head, and also buy some herbs to treat the brothers’ injuries. He went… and hasn’t returned since. When we asked the people in the manor, no one knew where he went, only that he left in a hurry.” “Hasn’t returned since?!” Wu Yong’s head, which was lying on the pillow, suddenly jerked up, causing a sharp pain in his buttocks. He hissed in pain and went limp again, but the slight weakness on his face after his injuries was instantly dispelled by a layer of cold suspicion.

His narrow eyes narrowed, shooting out a sharp, dagger-like glint. "This... this is the time to leave? And where are they?"

He lay on the pillow, his voice low, shrewd and wary, "Brother Heavenly King, it's not that I'm being paranoid, but Gongsun Sheng... his arrival was suspicious from the start! Our robbery of the birthday gifts is a capital offense, a highly confidential matter!"

"How could a wandering Taoist priest like him possibly be so shrewd as to travel thousands of miles to join my brother's cause just before we made our move? And he keeps talking about 'gathering righteousness under the stars of heaven' and 'acting on behalf of heaven'? Now that the birthday tribute has just been lost, and all the brothers are injured and in a state of utter chaos, he has found an excuse and vanished without a trace... This..."

Wu Yong didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken meaning, like a cold snake, burrowed into Chao Gai's heart.

Chao Gai's anger was gradually replaced by a thick cloud of suspicion. He put down his wine bowl, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, making a dull thud.

Wu Yong's words shattered the illusion that had been lurking in his heart but which he had been unwilling to delve into.

Yes, Gongsun Sheng's arrival was too opportune, too mysterious! A Taoist priest, abandoning his peaceful cultivation, came to join the robbery of the imperial treasury? What was he after?
"What the scholar said...is not without merit." Chao Gai's voice deepened, carrying a hint of annoyance at being fooled and a profound confusion.
"This Taoist priest... his actions are indeed strange! If you say he's after money? The birthday gifts have been lost, and he hasn't received a single penny. If you say he's after fame? I, Chao Gai, am just a village headman; what great title could I possibly give him? He's just a Taoist priest who can summon wind and rain and command spirits..."

Chao Gai, realizing the absurdity of his words, slammed his hand on the table, making the dishes clatter. "What exactly does he want from us brothers? What do we, a few down-on-our-luck men, have that would make someone like him scheme and plot against us? Is he after us to become his father?"

The room fell into a deathly silence.

Outside the window, a few sporadic barks of dogs added to the desolate atmosphere.

The lost birthday gifts, the mysterious robbers, and the elusive Taoist priest weighed heavily on the hearts of Chao Gai and Wu Yong like several enormous shadows.

Wu Yong lay on the couch, his eyes fixed on the bronze key on the table in the distance, and his buttocks began to ache even more.

Meanwhile, in the capital city at this moment...

The emperor, dressed in a bright yellow casual robe with a soft gauze scarf wrapped around his forehead, ascended the newly built "Jie Pavilion" in Genyue, surrounded by eunuchs and palace maids.

This pavilion sits atop Longevity Hill, its name signifying "standing alone in the mountains." From its railing, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire scenic Genyue Garden.

The Genyue Imperial Garden is a landscape of layered peaks, all constructed from exquisite Taihu stones presented as tribute from all directions, some resembling dragons reaching out their claws, others like tigers crouching.

Even more remarkable is the "Divine Mandate and Manifest Merit" peak, rising abruptly from the ground, majestic and towering into the clouds. It is the treasure of the garden, transported from thousands of miles away in Jiangnan at the cost of the labor of countless people!
The mountain stream draws water from the Bian River to form a ravine, where waterfalls and springs cascade and gurgle, flowing into the Qujiang Pool below, where the clear waters ripple and the vast expanse is like a mirror.

The pond is surrounded by exotic flowers and trees; even the finest jade trees cannot adequately describe their preciousness, and the rarest herbs and flowers cannot adequately depict their beauty.

Even more remarkable are the rare birds and animals purchased at great expense from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and even overseas: white cranes preening their feathers atop pine trees, peacocks displaying their plumage on flower paths, golden monkeys frolicking among vines, and deer strolling leisurely on fragrant grasses.

Pavilions and towers, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, are scattered like stars in the sky, with flying eaves and brackets, all adorned with gold and colorful decorations, making them extremely beautiful.

The Huayang Palace, Jiangxiao Tower, Eluhua Hall, and other scenic spots are all exquisitely crafted and ingeniously designed.

It was winter, and sunlight filtered through the thin frost and mist, casting a glow upon the strange rocks, clear waters, and magnificent buildings, imbuing them with a radiant and auspicious light. Truly, it was:
You can move the heavens and shrink the earth within your embrace, encompassing the past and present and holding the universe in your hands!

The emperor was delighted by the sight, his face beaming with joy. He held a warm, smooth Lingbi stone in his hand and sighed deeply:
"Wonderful! The scenery of Genyue, though inspired by nature, is truly the pinnacle of human craftsmanship! It blends the wonders of the world with the beauty of the past and present, all gathered in this one garden! When I see it, I feel a surge of inspiration within me, and all my worldly worries vanish!"

He pointed to several palaces still under construction in the distance, still full of enthusiasm: "Even though it is not yet fully completed, it is already so magnificent. When it is finally completed, won't it truly be a fairyland on earth, a paradise on earth?"

Standing to the side was none other than the wise and insightful Master Lin Lingsu, who was deeply favored by the Emperor.

He was dressed in a purple Taoist robe, holding a whisk, and exuded an air of otherworldly elegance.

He stepped forward, bowed, and spoke in a clear, melodious voice, carrying a mysterious quality:

"Your Majesty is wise! This Genyue is more than just a scenic spot on earth; it is truly an unparalleled blessed land for our Taoist sect, a spiritual hub connecting heaven and earth!"

With a flick of his whisk, he pointed to the cloud-shrouded mountain peak, "Your Majesty, please look! This mountain's shape aligns with the Big Dipper, its water veins connect to the Mysterious Netherworld, and its layout subtly conforms to the numbers of the stars in the heavens, drawing spiritual energy from all directions to converge here!"

“This humble Taoist observed the celestial phenomena last night and felt that purple qi was coming from the east, lingering and not dissipating. This is all because Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, performed the work of creation, building this spiritual root of heaven and earth! When the work is completed and all spirits return to their places, this garden will be the ancestral home of our Taoism, a symbol of peace and tranquility throughout the world!”

"At that time, Your Majesty will hold a fast and pray for blessings here, which will surely move Heaven and bring peace to the people, so that our country's fortune will be long-lasting, and Your Majesty will also live a long and healthy life, as long as Heaven and Earth!"

These words struck a nerve with the official.

He had always called himself "the leader of the religion, the emperor of the Dao".

Lin Lingsu elevated a lavish royal garden to the status of "Taoist Ancestral Temple," "Spiritual Root of Heaven and Earth," and "Immortal Abode of Longevity," which suited her perfectly.

The emperor was overjoyed, feeling as if every stone in Genyue shone with the golden light of Taoism and every drop of water contained the elixir of immortality.

"Excellent! What a wonderful 'ancestral home of Taoism'! What a wonderful 'spiritual root of heaven and earth'!"

The Emperor clapped his hands and laughed heartily, his pride rising. Pointing at Lin Lingsu, he promised, "Minister Lin's words resonate deeply with me! When Genyue is fully completed, all spirits return to their places, and its grandeur is complete, I will issue an edict to designate this garden as the first holy site of Taoism, the eternal ancestral temple of our Taoist sect!"

"And you, Lin Lingsu, have assisted me in building this supreme achievement, your profound understanding and subtlety are of immeasurable merit! At that time, I will appoint you as the 'Guardian Celestial Master' of my Great Song Dynasty, not only to lead all the Taoist sects under heaven as you do now, but also to govern all religions, your rank will be comparable to that of a king or nobleman!"

The Celestial Master Who Protects the Nation! He commands all religions! His rank rivals that of kings and nobles!

Lin Lingsu felt a surge of heat rush to his head. Even though he had cultivated Taoism for many years and had profound self-cultivation skills, he couldn't help but feel his heart flutter and his joy was evident on his face.

He knelt down with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly, his voice trembling with excitement: "This humble Taoist... no, Your Majesty! Your Majesty's virtue is as vast as the heavens, your grace extends to all living beings, and the construction of this sacred mountain is a merit that will last for a thousand years! Your Majesty will surely do your utmost to assist Your Majesty, so that Taoism may flourish and forever protect the Great Song Dynasty!"

His kneeling and bowing were expressions of deep gratitude, a gesture he made with utmost respect.

As he stood up, his peripheral vision inadvertently swept over Grand Tutor Cai Jing, who remained silent beside him, like a clay or wooden sculpture.

Grand Tutor Cai stood with his hands at his sides, eyes downcast, his face expressionless, as if the lively scene of the emperor and his ministers exchanging poems and bestowing official titles had nothing to do with him.

A surge of indescribable smugness and contempt welled up in Lin Lingsu's heart: "Hmph, Cai Yuanchang, so what if you hold a high position? You're just a lowly official, what do you know about the mysteries of creation? This great path to heaven ultimately belongs to me, Lin Lingsu! In His Majesty's heart, who is more important and who is less important will be clear today!"

A barely perceptible sneer curled at the corner of his mouth, before he switched to an even more respectful and obsequious expression, turning to the emperor and continuing to sing his praises.

Not long after.

Lin Lingsu, the True Man, received the emperor's praise and returned to his extremely luxurious meditation room in the Shangqing Baolu Palace with great pride.

The interior was furnished in a royal style. He leaned against the sandalwood cloud bed covered with thick Suzhou embroidery quilts, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly asleep but not quite.

Two handsome young Taoist boys, about twelve or thirteen years old, were kneeling on the footstool, gently massaging his legs.
One stood at the head of the bed, holding a peacock feather fan, the breeze from which carried the sweet scent of ambergris bestowed by the emperor.

Inside the gilded lion-shaped incense burner, the aloeswood incense ash burned silently, emitting wisps of blue smoke that filled the room with the warmth of spring.

The outer curtain rustled softly, and a young Taoist priest, about fifteen or sixteen years old with bright eyes, tiptoed in, holding his breath. He stood in the shadows by the door, his voice barely audible.
"Reporting to Master, outside... outside... Mr. Yiqing... has returned."

Lin Lingsu didn't even lift her eyelids, snorted, and said lazily, "Oh? Gongsun Sheng is back? A few days earlier than expected. Let him in."

The young Taoist priest responded with "Yes," but hesitated and didn't move, a strange and indescribable expression on his face, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Lin Lingsu waited for a while without any movement, then opened one eye halfway and said impatiently, "What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and go!"

The young Taoist priest then seemed to wake from a dream and hurriedly ran out.

Before long, a rustling sound could be heard from outside, mixed with the "thump, thump" of bamboo canes hitting the ground, and the rubbing of clothes dragging across the threshold, which was quite sluggish and messy.

The curtain was lifted, and a figure practically stumbled and rolled in.

Lin Lingsu casually lifted his eyelids—and what he saw startled the Grand Preceptor, who was used to grand occasions, so much so that he almost slipped off the cloud bed!

The two young Taoist boys who were massaging his legs and fanning him were so frightened that they stopped what they were doing, their mouths agape and their eyes wide open.

The person who entered was no longer the renowned, spirited Gongsun Yiqing, hailed as "the number one young person of the Taoist sect" and "the future pillar of the Shenxiao Sect." Instead, he was clearly a blind beggar who had just been pulled out of a muddy pond!

Gongsun Sheng's eyes were black-rimmed, swollen to the point of being just two thin slits, cloudy and lifeless, as if he were truly blind! Dried bloodstains and grime were found at the corners of his eyes and mouth.

His usual spotless and elegant crane-feather Taoist robe was now torn to shreds.

He clutched a hastily made, rough bamboo cane tightly in his hand, and shakily pointed forward, his steps unsteady and unsteady, looking exactly like a blind man who had just suffered a great calamity.

The stumble I made when I entered was due to the not-so-high threshold. If it weren't for the bamboo cane, I probably would have fallen flat on my face!

Gongsun Sheng stumbled in, and then with a "thud," his knees slammed heavily onto the smooth, mirror-like gold brick floor, his entire upper body collapsing to the ground, his forehead hitting the earth with a dull thud.

Then he slowly recounted what had happened, one sentence at a time.

The room was deathly silent.

Only the incense ash in the incense burner popped open with a slight, faint sound.

The two young Taoist boys dared not breathe, keeping their eyes down and their minds focused.

After an unknown amount of time, perhaps a cup of tea, perhaps a stick of incense.

Lin Lingsu finally spoke, her voice not loud, but like a knife dipped in ice water, chillingly cold, each word striking the deathly silence:
“Gongsun Yiqing,” he paused, his gaze sweeping across the mud-like human figure on the ground with a thunderous rage and an incredulous absurdity:
"What you just said means...you, the leader of the younger generation of the Daoist sect, the pillar of the Shenxiao Sect on whom we place high hopes, the most prized disciple of our Daoist sect...you actually let a few lowly, ignorant street thugs..."

"...beaten into this state, beaten into this filthy mess with a pig's head and a dog's face? Even the 100,000 strings of cash for the birthday celebration were...robbed by those filthy scoundrels?"

(End of this chapter)