Chapter 22: Buying Off the Taoist Priest

Meanwhile, Jiang You’an had already left the mansion.

An hour later, she arrived at the Xuan Zhen Temple and met with Daoist Chongxu.

“I’ve heard that you, Daoist, are known as a living immortal who can glimpse the secrets of heaven. I’ve come today hoping to witness your abilities firsthand,” Jiang You’an said with a smile as she took a seat opposite Daoist Chongxu.

Daoist Chongxu narrowed his eyes and chuckled softly. “Divining heavenly secrets drains one’s spirit greatly. For trivial matters, it’s much easier. For example, with a quick calculation, I know you’re not here to have your fortune told today.”

“Your insight is truly remarkable, Daoist,” Jiang You’an remarked, sensing something a little off about him. She decided not to waste time and went straight to the point.

“I heard that Lady Yong’an often comes to you for fortune-telling, mostly inquiring about the marriage prospects of her fourth son.”

Daoist Chongxu stroked his long beard and laughed heartily. “From what I see, you are the truly insightful one, knowing everything. Lady Su came just the other day, but unfortunately, the right match for her fourth son has yet to appear.”

“Daoist, could you try divining again?”

Jiang You’an glanced at Qiulan, who stepped forward and opened a box revealing fifty taels of gleaming silver.

Daoist Chongxu closed the box with a half-smile. “What might this mean? I am but a humble monk.”

Jiang You’an handed him her birth chart. “Next time Lady Su comes to ask about marriage, please tell her that my chart matches perfectly with her fourth son’s. If a union is formed, I can bring joy and fortune to him.”

Daoist Chongxu tutted in mock disapproval. “Miss, how can you tamper so casually with the heavenly mandate?”

Jiang You’an had already learned that this Daoist loved money and was tired of beating around the bush. “This is fifty taels. If it succeeds, I will give you another fifty. Please help me.”

“Marriage is a serious matter, not a game. Fabricating lies for a hundred taels is beneath virtue. Impossible,” he said sternly.

“Daoist, it is for creating a good match and doing good deeds.”

After enough pretense, Daoist Chongxu slyly held up two fingers. “Two hundred taels.”

Jiang You’an steeled herself. “Deal.”

A short while later, Jiang You’an left Xuan Zhen Temple. On the carriage ride back, Qiulan sighed, “Money truly can move mountains. Seems this Daoist is often involved in such dealings.”

Jiang You’an smiled faintly. “Though he asks for a lion’s share, the money is well spent if it works.”

Now, all that remained was to wait for good news.

Jiang You’an returned to the Lu residence in high spirits. As she and her servant walked along, several maids suddenly rushed over, grabbing them by the shoulders and dragging them away without a word.

Jiang You’an thought it was Lu Yunzhu causing trouble again and sternly said, “Let me go! The matriarch said not to mistreat me. If you dare act recklessly again, I’ll go find her!”

One maid spat and jabbed a finger in Jiang You’an’s face. “After what you did, how dare you go to the matriarch!”

Jiang You’an was both anxious and confused. When they were brought before Madam Zhao, a bad feeling crept over her.

Although Madam Zhao disliked her, she wouldn’t casually make trouble. The only thing that could have angered her so much involved Jiang You’an and Lu Xuanheng…

“Kneel!”

Jiang You’an’s knee was kicked, and she groaned in pain before dropping to the floor.

Madam Zhao sat before her, eyes blazing with fury. “Tell me, when did you start seeing the eldest young master?”

As expected…

Jiang You’an raised her head. “I don’t know what you mean, madam.”

“How dare you lie to me!”

Madam Zhao slammed the table, throwing a pink undergarment onto Jiang You’an. “Look at this. Is this yours?”

It was the very undergarment Lu Xuanheng had kept after the night she stayed at Lanyue Pavilion last winter, when he returned from Yangzhou.

With the evidence before her, Jiang You’an was speechless. Her face paled as she pressed her lips tightly.

She had known her secret would be exposed sooner or later, but why now? If this blew up, the Su family’s plans would be ruined!

No, Madam Zhao wouldn’t let it escalate; otherwise, the marriage between Lu Xuanheng and the Princess of Nanhua would also be jeopardized.

Jiang You’an calmed herself as she understood the implications.

Madam Zhao pointed at her, scolding fiercely, “I always suspected something was off between you two. You shameless creature! The Lu family took you in, yet you planned from the start to seduce my son and stay here forever!”

“Madam, it takes two to tango. Even if I wanted to seduce him, if Lu Xuanheng didn’t want it, could I have forced him?” Jiang You’an sneered coldly, folding the undergarment. “Besides, Lu Xuanheng forced me. If I wished, I could sacrifice my reputation and report him to the authorities!”

Madam Zhao was livid at Jiang You’an’s defiance. “You vile wretch! Wang Mama, slap her mouth hard!”

Wang Mama rolled up her sleeves, ready to strike.

Jiang You’an snapped coldly, “Do you dare? I am not your servant for you to punish arbitrarily. If you have the guts, kill me outright. Otherwise, as long as I live, I’ll make this scandal known to all!”

Madam Zhao was nearly breathless with rage.

She neither dared to kill Jiang You’an nor wanted the matter publicized.

This little wretch had silenced her!

Trembling, she pointed at Jiang You’an. “If you leak a single word, I’ll skin you alive! Wang Mama, take her away and guard her tightly. From today, she shall not leave the house!”

“Yes, madam!”

Jiang You’an’s face remained calm as she stood.

Lock her away, she thought, it mattered little. She had already arranged things with Daoist Chongxu. She wouldn’t need to leave for a while. Lu Xuanheng would be back in a few days to handle this mess.

With composure, Jiang You’an left with Qiulan.

From beneath the eaves, Lu Yunzhu peeked out, watching Jiang You’an walk away before sneaking out herself.

She could hardly believe what she had just overheard!

She had intended to ask Madam Zhao for some bolts of silk, but instead, she had stumbled upon a grand drama.

Jiang You’an, the enchantress, was still entangled with her Shen Heping and had now hooked Lu Xuanheng!

No wonder Lu Xuanheng had been so protective of her!

Wait, if Lian Zhu found out about this...

If she couldn’t handle Jiang You’an, surely the princess could!

A sinister smile curved Lu Yunzhu’s lips as she hurried out.

Meanwhile, Madam Zhao, still fuming, was handed a cup of tea by Wang Mama.

“Madam, please drink some tea and calm yourself. Don’t let anger harm your health.”

Zhao couldn’t swallow. Gritting her teeth, she said, “I should never have kept her. That wretched girl seduced my son and will destroy him!”

Wang Mama comforted her, “That little wretch is all talk. I don’t believe she truly doesn’t care about her reputation or will spread rumors.”

Madam Zhao pressed her hand to her forehead. “I questioned Xuanheng before; he lied. It’s clear he’s bewitched by that vixen!”

After much thought, she said coldly, “No, she can’t remain near Xuanheng. We must find a marriage for her to send her away.”

“That’s a good plan, but the key is to make the eldest young master give up on her.”

Madam Zhao nodded, instructing Wang Mama, “Make sure no one speaks of today’s incident—not even the matriarch.”

Wang Mama solemnly promised, patting her chest that no word would leak.

Yet, three days later at dusk, the Princess Consort of Xian suddenly arrived at the Lu residence.