Chapter 44
The maid quickly responded and retreated, rushing to look for someone.
The rain outside is getting heavier.
Wang paced back and forth in the room, becoming more and more anxious.
He's just a wandering Taoist priest, so it's no big deal to invite him in to hide from public view. Even if his magic doesn't work, just give him some money to keep his mouth shut.
The most important thing right now is whether we can find the person in time.
After about half an hour, I finally heard footsteps coming from the courtyard. I saw the maid returning in a straw raincoat.
"Madam, the summons have arrived and are waiting outside the inner courtyard gate." The maid reported breathlessly, "The Taoist priest was very fast and I almost couldn't catch up with him."
Upon hearing this, Wang's brows relaxed a little, and she immediately walked out with her personal maid.
The maid quickly opened the oil-paper umbrella and carefully shielded her from the rain.
In the rain, a group of people walked quickly towards the inner courtyard gate.
When she arrived at the inner courtyard, Wang saw the Taoist priest.
The Taoist stood in the corridor, his gray robe half wet from the rain. He was as slender as a crane, his three long strands of beard swaying gently in the wind. He wore a bamboo crown, and a faded gourd hung from his waist. He exuded a somewhat otherworldly aura.
Wang looked at him.
This person has an extraordinary demeanor and looks like a hermit.
"Master."
Wang bowed slightly.
The Taoist returned the greeting silently, his expression indifferent.
Seeing the other party remain silent, Wang continued, "I wonder where that evil spirit comes from? I hope the Taoist priest can guide me."
This statement contains a hidden temptation.
If this Taoist said "This is the residence of the second young master of your family" right away, no matter how mysterious his previous words were, she would still be suspicious of him.
I only heard the Taoist say, "Follow me."
After saying that, he turned and left. Wang exchanged a glance with the maid beside her, then followed.
The Taoist kept walking, making many detours before finally stopping in front of a courtyard. He pointed his whisk at the wall and said, "The source of the evil energy is right here!"
Wang's heart skipped a beat.
Isn’t this Lin An’s residence!
What frightened her even more was that this Taoist did not stop walking all the way, and it did not look like he was just guessing!
Wang was already about 70% convinced, but she didn't show it on her face. "Excuse me, Taoist priest, please come in and take a closer look."
As soon as everyone stepped into the yard, they heard the faint sound of a woman sobbing coming from the side room.
Wang frowned slightly and turned to the Taoist priest, saying, "Master, please understand. My daughter-in-law suddenly fell ill yesterday. She needs treatment, but I'm afraid this matter cannot be made public. I hope Master won't tell anyone."
She wasn't too worried that this Taoist would tell others.
In the capital, no one has the courage to offend the Li family.
The Taoist smiled knowingly and waved his hand, saying, "Don't worry, I know the answer and will never tell anyone else."
After the Taoist was led into the hall, Wei was seen coming out soon, supported by two maids.
Her forehead was wrapped in white gauze, her almond-shaped eyes were red from crying, and her face was as pale as paper. When she saw her mother-in-law with a Taoist priest, she was immediately trembling with fear.
Taoist priest!
He is a Taoist priest who can cast spells!
Should we treat her the same way we treated Zhao Wuyou?
This spoiled young lady was first frightened by her husband, and then had a high fever for several days. At this moment, she was no longer conscious.
"Mother..." She burst into tears, her voice trembling, "I won't say anything. I will listen to you from now on. Please forgive me..."
Wang's eyes suddenly turned cold.
She was so outspoken and said things that could bring disaster to the Li family. No wonder her usually gentle son wanted to lock her up in the yard.
"Mother, my daughter-in-law is pregnant with Li's child!" Wei said in a sad voice.
Wang sneered in her heart.
Is that even necessary?
If it weren't for the fetus in her belly, she wouldn't even want to look at such a useless daughter-in-law.
"This Taoist priest has come specially to exorcise the evil spirit for you. You'd better behave yourself and stop talking nonsense." Wang said in a cold voice and nodded slightly to the Taoist priest.
"Exorcise the evil spirits...it is indeed time to exorcise the evil spirits..." Wei murmured absentmindedly.
The Taoist priest walked forward slowly. Wei, who was supported by her old woman, looked up blankly and happened to meet a pair of deep and indistinguishable eyes.
"There's an evil spirit lurking in this courtyard," the Taoist said solemnly. "Pregnant women are weak and are most susceptible to evil spirits. Only by finding the source of the evil spirit can we completely exorcise it."
Upon hearing this, Wang immediately said, "If the Taoist priest can truly dispel the evil spirit, our Li family will certainly repay you with a generous gift."
She thought to herself: If this Taoist really has the ability, it is not a bad idea for him to stay in the mansion.
The emperor now holds a deep faith in Taoism, and the palace has specially built the Qianyuan Hall to pray for the prosperity of the nation. It's common for ministers to employ one or two Taoists as their advisors.
In fact, this Qianyuan Hall was built at the suggestion of her husband.
The raindrops gradually became lighter, and the Taoist priest left the hall and walked towards the courtyard.
Wang called the maid and ordered her to take two personal maids to serve the Taoist priest, while she herself stayed in the hall and waited for news.
Turning her head and glancing at Wei who was sitting beside her blankly, she frowned impatiently: "Help the young lady go back to her room to rest first."
The more I look at it, the more it annoys me.
Her son is outstanding in every way, so why did he become so obsessed with Wei, who has neither a prominent family background nor knows how to manage a household?
The Taoist held a compass in his hand and walked slowly through the courtyard.
Finally, we followed a bluestone path and came to the depths of the garden with lush flowers and trees.
Several old women and maids followed closely behind.
"Oh no, oh no! Something terrible is happening!"
The Taoist who had originally looked calm suddenly changed his expression.
The leading woman's heart skipped a beat: "Why do you say that, Taoist priest?"
Could it be that he wants to get more money and is deliberately exaggerating?
"Something evil is buried underground here!"
The Taoist pointed the whisk in his hand directly in the direction of the rockery.
The two little maids turned pale when they heard this.
This garden was built under the personal supervision of the second young master two years ago. It is said that every brick and stone was carefully selected by the young master, so it is particularly elegant and unique.
When they are on duty on weekdays, they love to come here to relax, especially in the afternoon when their masters are resting, they often take a nap leaning against this rockery!
"Is there any way to get rid of it?" asked the old woman.
"This evil spirit is filled with a violent aura that is extraordinary. If we want to exorcise it, it may not be easy..." The Taoist looked troubled. "I'm afraid it will take all my life's cultivation."
The corner of the old woman's mouth twitched.
In the final analysis, it's all about getting more money.
"Well, even if it costs me my life, I will definitely eradicate this evil spirit." The Taoist suddenly said seriously, "This creature's resentment is growing stronger day by day. If it is not eliminated soon, it will cause great disaster!"
After saying this, he counted with his fingers, his expression suddenly changed, he took several steps back, his eyes full of fear.
"This... this..." The whisk in his hand trembled constantly as he pointed at the rockery, seemingly so shocked that he couldn't speak.
The old woman frowned.
This drama is getting more and more outrageous.
"If this thing is not eliminated... it may damage the national destiny of Dasui..." The Taoist finally uttered these words with difficulty.
The old woman's face suddenly changed.
Good man, you even dare to say such big words!
Not far away, two Jinyiwei hiding in the shadows behind an ancient tree exchanged a meaningful look.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard was only established after the current emperor ascended the throne. It has only been six years since then, and its methods and power have not yet reached the point of being terrifying.
Although the Jinyiwei was responsible for supervising all officials, it was not necessary to send people to follow important officials like Li Shufeng day and night.
The current situation in the world is delicate. If we monitor too much, it will easily make court officials wary and lead to alienation between the emperor and his subjects. Wouldn't that be counterproductive?
It was by chance that I heard these remarks today.
I was originally ordered to track down the remnants of the previous dynasty, and happened to pass by this place. I saw the Li family sneaking in through the back door. Thinking of the recent events of the Li family, I became more cautious.
I just sent two people here to find out the truth, but I didn't expect to stumble upon such shocking statements.
"Master, be careful with your words! How can you say such things carelessly?" The old woman's face changed, and she lowered her voice to remind him, "If this gets out, it will be the end of us, both you and me!"
She was secretly annoyed: If you want more money, just say it directly, why bring up the fate of the country? She was not scared to death by the evil spirit, but she was scared to death by his words.
"How dare I speak nonsense when this is such a matter concerning the fate of our nation?" the Taoist said righteously, his expression agitated. "If this evil is not eradicated, the calamity it will unleash will be unbearable for your Li Mansion!"
He looked up at the gloomy sky, shook his head and sighed, "Today a vision will surely appear!"
Then he turned towards the Imperial Palace and said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid something is going to happen in Qianyuan Palace tonight!"
"Master, please shut up!" The old woman was so frightened that she almost rushed over to cover his mouth.
She dared not listen to a single word of such outrageous words.
Let Madam decide!
If it was just to scam people out of money, then just kick them out. But if it was just for money, why would you say something that would bring disaster upon yourself?
Thinking about this, the old woman felt that these words were more credible.
This Taoist dared to say such words - precisely because he was the Taoist Xu Qing invited by Suifeng.
The prince instructed him to come here to spread this word, and he also vowed that there would be a thunderbolt that would strike Qianyuan Palace tonight.
The Taoist was skeptical at first. How could a mortal predict the celestial phenomena?
The prince said that even if the thunder did not strike, he could keep him safe as the crown prince, and he also promised a large reward.
After all, His Majesty only has this one son. If he pleases the Crown Prince, he will also please the future Emperor. With this in mind, the Taoist bravely came forward.
The old woman hurriedly took the Taoist back to see the lady.
The Taoist repeated what he had just said. Even someone as calm as Wang couldn't help but change his expression several times.
"Master, how do we get rid of this evil creature?"
As a woman, she shouldn't be concerned about the fate of the country. But this evil creature that brings disaster must not be allowed to stay in her house.
"This evil resentment is so deep that I can only suppress it temporarily. If I want to completely resolve it, I need to find the root cause - repay kindness with kindness and resolve grudges with grudges, only then can the disaster be eliminated." The Taoist looked solemn.
"Is there another reason?" Wang was surprised.
"Of course, everything has its cause and effect. This kind of harmful evil spirit doesn't just come out of nowhere."
"Then the Taoist priest may be able to figure out the reason?" Wang said.
This evil spirit, whose authenticity is unknown, happened to appear on Lin An, who has been plagued by rumors recently. Is it a coincidence, or is it someone's doing?
"I dare not make any rash judgments. But since the evil creature has appeared here, the cause and effect must be within your house."
Wang's heart trembled. After all the twists and turns, it still led to her son.
"I wonder which immortal mountain he grew up in to practice? What is his Taoist name?" Wang changed the subject, as if he had no intention of bringing up what he had just said.
"I am just a wandering wanderer, without any sect or school, and I am just passing through here."
"So, the Taoist priest and my Li family are truly destined to be together." Wang's tone was hard to tell whether she was happy or angry. "Since we are destined to be together, why not stay for a few more days to discuss exorcism together?"
Her mind was in turmoil at the moment, and she couldn't make a hasty decision. She couldn't let someone who knew the secret escape so easily. If her words were to get out, both the Li family and her son would be in great calamity. Detaining the person for the time being was the safest option.
The Taoist priest appeared calm and composed, but inwardly he was already complaining bitterly—the prince hadn't said he wanted to stay at the Li family's house overnight! If he did, would he be able to leave alive?
Under Wang's half-smiled gaze, he could only bite the bullet and reply, "Alright...Alright."
Don't stay? I'm afraid leaving now will make me die faster.
The Taoist followed the maid out, his face calm, but his heart was shaken...
"Madam, what should we do now?" the old woman asked in a low voice.
Wang closed her eyes.
For the first time in her life, she was looking forward to meeting a real liar.
Swindlers are easy to deal with.
Don't take the words of a liar seriously.
Ultimately, this Taoist shouldn't have been allowed into the mansion today. Now that he's involved, it's a hot potato no matter how you deal with him.
"Since we invited the Taoist priest to come into the palace today, I have ordered everyone to keep their mouths shut. Especially, not a single word spoken by that Taoist priest can be spread outside."
The old woman agreed solemnly.
"Don't let Lin An know." Wang warned.
Lin An was a scholar, always upright and honest, and he didn't believe in such supernatural things. If he knew that a Taoist priest had entered his yard to inspect it and said such words, he would definitely be displeased.
Lin An has had enough troubles lately.
Let her, as the mother, handle this matter.
"Should we report this matter to the master?" asked the old woman.
Wang pondered for a long time and finally nodded.
This matter is of great importance and should be discussed with the master to prevent her from making any inconsiderate decisions.
Even though her husband blamed her for inviting the Taoist priest into the house today, she has never been a woman who does not know the importance of things.
Wei's sobbing was heard again from the inner room, and Wang frowned unhappily.
"You stay here and keep an eye on her," Wang ordered. "When Lin An comes back, let him stay in the study. It's not good for him to face a crazy woman."
It also saves Wei from talking nonsense in front of Lin An.
"I understand."
Wang nodded slightly and left with her personal maid.
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