Chapter 9

Shunhua was astonished. This Cui Shunhua was indeed overly greedy, as she actually wished for herself alone to attain immortality.

Indeed, at present, the only adults in the Weichi family are my cousin, who is the head of the family, and myself. He became the head of the family at the age of sixteen, while I entered the temple. He seemed to see through her thoughts and chuckled lightly: "The world of Beitang is governed by the Wen family, yet the esteemed Beitang High Priest, whom the Wen family values, is under the care of the Weichi family"

Exactly

Wei Chigong pretended not to notice her expression and said softly, "Perhaps it was that night when they developed some feelings for each other, and she followed him to the capital. It is unlikely that Qi Yuming would formally marry her with a proper matchmaker; he is a man of integrity, but the Qi family has always adhered to the principle of marrying within one's social class, without exception. He has kept her by his side for nearly two years, yet he has never clearly rejected Cui Shunhua's advances. Do you know why?"

Lian Bi replied: "Perhaps one's appearance is born from one's heart? When a person believes they look a certain way, over time, they will indeed become that way. If others see the person as having a green face and fangs, and that person never changes this belief, even if their face changes, they will still firmly believe that they have a green face and fangs."

It is a request.

Chi Liu then said: "Has Wei Chi arrived yet?"

She took a deep breath, was about to speak, when she suddenly heard Liu Yeyue softly say: "The person beside Master Cui cannot really be considered a man."

She could not hide her admiration and said, "Your literary talent is truly remarkable; writing such a book is indeed a waste."

His eyelids did not blink. "That was a casual work of mine. You should know that I have half of the Nanlin lineage, and I have practiced the painting skills of Nanlin. If I am not careful, it may carry some shadows of Nanlin, and if it gets out, it would tarnish my reputation, so of course, it must be destroyed"

She let out a low sigh, wiped her face, and brushed over the noticeable scar under her eye. She composed herself, lowered her hands, and said to Lian Bi: "In the future, when writing 'The Four Seasons of the Capital', do not mention the matter of the Liu family young lady"

At this moment, it is roughly when she in the Bai residence is suffering to the point of near suffocation. Is it possible that Cui Shunhua is coming back? Hasn't he already taken the knife to her right hand? Or, regardless of whether Cui Shunhua returns or not, must her days come to an end in the spring of the fourth year of Jianxi?

The Liu family is highly respected and comes from a scholarly lineage, with ancestry that can even be traced back to an ancestor who held the title of Grand Tutor. This greatly benefits Bai Qi, and he will undoubtedly marry me. However, the Xu family no longer brings any advantages to Bai Qi and may even pose a danger to him at any moment. She is merely a woman who will not live for many more years, so whether she leaves early or late makes no difference. Would it not be better to let her go early and relieve her suffering? If she knew she was leaving for the sake of the one who cares for her, Bai Qi, she would surely do so willingly. If Heaven has any compassion for her, let her be reborn into a good family in her next life, allowing her to live without illness or pain. Would that not be wonderful? Cui, what is your purpose?

Shunhua, feeling unwilling to accept her fate, bit down hard on her lip, drawing back a semblance of awareness. Her limbs were already powerless, but fortunately, she could still force out some sound from her throat.

Then may I ask you a question in a rather childish manner

Unbeknownst to her, at some point, Liu Ye Yue turned her face to gaze at Bai Qi's back, her eyes subtly carrying resentment and hatred

Chi Liu smiled slightly: "Cui, the head of the family, the priest is not someone who can be easily touched by women"

He whispered, "There is an invisible indentation on the back of the book, Xu."

Wei Chi Ge, have you noticed it too? Now I no longer act childishly in front of others; it is only when I face you that I wish to be carefree, even if it means behaving like a child, it does not matter, for you have indulged me in this way

"Has your father not mentioned this book?" he asked

"Lian Bi... go back..." she rasped, "Take all the performers away... can't leave the city... find Wei Chi..." It was agreed that another would assist with the aftermath. Brother Wei Chi understood her intentions and would ensure this group was sent away from Cui Shunhua's sight.

He wrote a character on her palm with his index finger

Destruction? Why is there a need for destruction?

Bai Qi was also taken aback upon seeing her. "Cui, you are here too?"

Lord Chiliu spoke of this matter in a very profound manner

"You are covered in sweat," Lian Bi said softly, "and your complexion is extremely pale."

Today, fortune has come to the heart, and it has arrived as expected. I see that Miss Liu has injured her foot; if you were present, it would truly be a case of a hero saving a beauty. I did not expect you to actually be here. Shunhua glanced at the distant carriage and said with a smile: "I believe the sedan chair is already waiting, so I shall not chat for long."

You ask. He stares intently.

I heard Bai Qi say that his sister is like a child, she poses no harm to you

Wei Chi Gong's gaze first fell upon her face, and then slowly lingered on her chest, which she was trying to conceal by hunching her back. He cleared his throat, turned his head away, and covered his mouth for a moment

Yes. Lian Bi did not hesitate to create distance between them and stepped forward to fetch water

Bai Qi has always treated her like a younger sister

Damn it, the heavens! Damn it, the heavens always gave her hope and then despair, damn it, the heavens!

I have heard that the Xu family has a curse of retribution, and it is quite a coincidence that the Longevity Spell has fallen into the hands of Cui Shunhua. She does not harbor any ill intentions towards you, and perhaps this Longevity Spell may not even manifest at all

No, thank you for your guidance, my lord. Shunhua smiled and said, "My lord, please feel free to attend to your matters."

"Brother Weichi, there is no need for you to fight for me; you would choose me, the Xu clan, wouldn't you?" She smiled, intertwining her fingers with his, raising them to her lips, gently kissing the back of his hand, and softly yet clearly said: "Brother Weichi, let us also pledge our loyalty to each other for life. Perhaps you will need to take care of me, but I will also learn to protect you. When we grow old, regardless of who departs first, the other will be responsible for the aftermath"

Suddenly, Lian Bi turned around the corner and said with a smile, "Master, it is time to go pay our respects."

She raised her eyes to meet his gaze, their large eyes locking onto each other. A flash of lightning suddenly struck her thoughts, and Shunhua instantly grasped the truth. "Are you waiting at the post office... for news from your nephew in the capital?"

"Oh, please, grant me the path to immortality. Did you not carry Miss Liu back to her residence? How is it that you have returned?"

Am I also just a commodity to her... This truly leaves her with mixed feelings

Lian Bi smiled and said, "As the head of the household, Miss Liu, you cannot learn this style. Look at her; she comes from a scholarly family. Normally, her outer garment would reach her waist, but today she has deliberately changed into a short outer garment, clearly showing her special intentions towards Young Master Bai."

Shunhua hesitated for a moment, steeling herself to step forward, and forced a smile as she said, "Miss Liu, are you here to pay your respects as well?"

Lian Bi hurriedly lifted her into his arms. "Master, are you alright?"

Kiss me

Bai Shao and Wei Chi are friends, not foes; Chi Liu will certainly do his utmost to help. Chi Liu smiled

Who said that? In this matter, almost everything is true, with eleven out of ten things being credible.

Shunhua was moved upon hearing those words ... If she could cover the incantation and cause it to malfunction, she wanted to take a gamble, she really wanted to gamble, but ...

"Shall we try to create a wound on the arm sufficient to cover the spell? It may not exist, but it's better to be safe than sorry," said Wei Chi Gong calmly, leaving no possibility unconsidered

"Are you sure ... ... is the lifelong bond of the white-haired?" The voice was slightly hoarse, and her ink-black eyes were focused. She kissed each of his fingers one by one and smiled at him:

Let the Xu family vanish into thin air in Beitang, and let all the people of Beixu descend to the underworld to confront Emperor Kangning and seek justice

In the spring of the fourth year of Jianxi

I speak no falsehood; if taken seriously, your literary talent surpasses those old scholars you privately sought by three points. However, do not let this remark escape your lips. Shunhua said with a smile, and then, with his hands clasped behind his back, he entered the temple.

The post office belongs to the Weichi family, and by dispatching swift riders, it is possible to know everything that happened in the capital three days ago by changing points at least.

Is it because of this that you missed the beloved one? Wei Chi, you wouldn't have gone to save the child first when the Western bandits invaded the town and robbed it, just because Qi Yuming was by her side, would you?

Will even Lieutenant Chi be able to see through Yi Ren's plan at Chunhui Tower? She asked softly: "In Chunhui Tower, you brought her into the private room..."

In the painting is a portrait. On that day, I remained in the painting building and instructed the owner not to sell it outside. Coincidentally, Wei Chigong came to visit and took away that painting. I encountered him several times, but he treated me as if I were invisible. If this continues, I will have no way to deal with it, so I ask Cui Dangjia to urge him for me. Bai Qi did not mention the importance of that painting, nor did he express any emotions.

Are you afraid of pain? His voice softened slightly

Liu Ye Yue looked at her in silence, and suddenly said: "Cui Dangjia, do you know why Bai Qi accompanied me to offer incense, but upon returning, he must accompany Xu Shi Shunhua for dinner?"

Chiliu then said

She silently recited: Bai Qi, may you have a lifetime of peace.

Shunhua sat at this corner of the bench, maintaining a slight distance. She noticed her fingers trembling slightly and couldn't help but smile bitterly inside; she was still somewhat afraid, afraid of getting too close to the woman who had caused her demise

They also come to offer incense... In this world, coincidences happen all the time. She truly hopes to continue to learn that Bai Qi is doing well in the future, but to often see the person who caused her death remain untroubled, she thinks she may not yet be enough of a saint

It was still early, and she originally intended to enter the main hall to offer incense. Speaking of which, she had never had the experience of entering the hall to pray for blessings. Just as she was about to step over the threshold, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure before the deities.

The Xu family is guilty, their crime lies in their inability to make the suspicious emperor trust them

I understand. His lips softened slightly

It turns out that the tactic of a hero saving a beauty has been used long ago. Shunhua asked, "What about you? Where is Brother Weichi right now?"

I think ... ... this is killing a person ... ... From childhood to adulthood, she has really never harmed anyone

This temple is the famous Tian Ning Temple located in the suburbs of the capital. Those who come to offer incense and pray for blessings are mostly from the upper-class families of Beitang. Shunhua checked the time and realized that she had arrived early. There were not many worshippers around, most of whom were women. Upon seeing her dressed in a deep robe of Western Xuan style, even those who had never met Cui Shunhua in person could guess her identity.

Shunhua forced a smile: "I must be too nervous. Just now in the teahouse, I felt like I had no strength, my heartbeat was quite irregular, very much like that day when I..." Without any warning, she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

Shunhua turned to look at him, and soon after, Bai Qi appeared behind him. Her heart trembled as she glanced at the pale-faced Liu Yeyue and tried to act nonchalantly, saying: "Bai Qi, you are here too"

He chuckled softly, saying that this could hardly be considered eating. He glanced over the courtyard, landing on the Zen room that no one had entered, and remarked:

Every day... even going outside... how can the journey be completed in just one day?

Liu Ye Yue suddenly looked at her, quickly scanning the empty surroundings. She steadied her mind and said: "Cui Dangjia, what is this..."

Before his death, her beloved grandfather told her never to acknowledge this surname until her last breath. This surname is the glory of the Xu family, but Xu Shunhua lacks the ability to bear the consequences that come with uttering this name

I am at the post office

He laughed out loud, and there were actually noticeable dimples on his cheeks. He said:

I do not know if it belongs to the Golden Blade Queen Xu Da. However, it certainly does not belong to the Xu family of the Western Xuan. Miss Shunhua, please extend your hand towards me

Lian Bi complied with the order and withdrew

Shunhua immediately raised her head to look at him. His expression was calm, reminiscent of the feeling from that first night of the ringing bells and the feast, but upon closer inspection, there was a gentle emotion in his eyes, one directed towards her

Shunhua, who was beside her, sniffed and smiled: "Bai Qi, you indeed made the sachet from the formula I gave you." She remembered very clearly that this formula was the one she had suggested to be given to the daughter of the Liu family.

Shunhua happened to make eye contact with a group of women; she smiled, but instead, the women hurriedly offered polite greetings and fled.

Coming from the Weichi family, she thought she still needed to get used to Weichi Ge, but as for the person in front of her, let's just forget about it

She turned around, and Lian Bi was less than two steps away behind her, expressionless.

Shunhua, upon hearing this, pretended to ponder and nodded. "Let me inquire about this diagram."

It is today, it is today

In fact, I am not certain whether that spell still remains on your right arm; only Cui Shunhua has seen the spell on her arm with her own eyes. That book, "The Longevity Spell," consists of only a few pages, which the High Priest and I could not see, but we carefully touched each page. She suspects it to be a relic of the Great Wei's Golden Blade Empress, Xu Da, who hailed from the renowned Xu family of the Western Xuan. In the history of the Four Nations, she is known as the Daughter of Ghosts and Gods, having been resurrected multiple times throughout her life. This book, "The Longevity Spell," must possess its own efficacy, which is why Cui Shunhua requested the High Priest to use divine power to cast the longevity spell on her, ensuring her endless resurrection.

I am Bai Qi from the Bai residence

It is Young Master Bai who accompanied Ye Yue here

She is not the real Cui Shunhua, but in front of him, she does not feel the slightest bit of fear. She has not done anything to feel guilty about; in fact, she is now striving to protect those she should treat well, regardless of how these people may come to confront her because of what Cui Shunhua has done. She wants to follow her own heart in everything she does, and it does not matter if others mock her for being overly kind.

Chi Liu spoke incessantly for half a day, and in the end, he delivered a final couplet

He appeared slightly regretful, as if to say that it would have been better if he had been born a few hundred years earlier. In the end, he said

She had agreed with Wei Chi Ge that she would wait for him at this teahouse while he accompanied Xu Shi Shunhua on her final journey. ... She thought ... . ... She hoped to see Wei Chi Ge as soon as possible. She was unsure if today was her day of death, which made her somewhat anxious; since early morning, she had been sweating profusely and felt weak in her limbs.

Cui Dangjia wishes to achieve a good relationship with Brother Weichi, but he must also pay more attention to Brother Weichi. Taking a woman away for no reason is not a good thing for you. Looking down, he saw the "Four Seasons of the Capital" in her hands. "You also read this kind of thing?" He was somewhat surprised that Cui Shunhua did not pursue the matter after reading it.

Shunhua turned to look at him. Is it possible to tell this way?

Shunhua watched them leave. After a moment, her legs suddenly went weak, and she leaned precariously against the mud wall behind her

I see, looking across Beitang, it seems that only Wei Chi can be worthy of Miss Shunhua

Shunhua suddenly raised his head

He had to leave for some matters. She briefly explained the situation. I see that this spell has likely failed against Cui Shunhua. She felt a mix of emotions. Upon learning that Cui Shunhua might not return, she felt a sense of relief

The daughter of the Western Xuan Ghost God, Xu Da, picked up the Great Wei Golden Knife and became the Golden Knife Queen. The origin of the mysterious Golden Knife is untraceable, yet Xu Da lifted it with ease; the source of the "Longevity Spell" is also untraceable, but it belongs to the Northern Xu. If I were to encounter someone from Northern Xu, I would truly like to ask how they obtained these items. Is it possible that among the four nations, only the Xu family is qualified to possess these divine objects? Are the priests of Northern Tang truly inferior to the divine beings who created these objects?

Shunhua did not look at her, only staring at the fallen leaves on the ground. After a moment of silence, she asked again: "Have you learned about the Xu family Shunhua?"

It is too late to seek medical help! If he revives her, it will be the return of Cui Shunhua, and then everyone is doomed

Shunhua gazed into the water bucket for quite a while, and suddenly laughed, saying

Wei Chi Gong took away a painting of mine. I kindly ask that Cui Dangjia convey to him my request for its return

"Suddenly, the red turned to green." Raising her eyes, she saw Lian Bi gazing at her. In a gentle voice, she said, "Just now, I suddenly noticed I had a beauty spot, which startled me. When I looked again, it was gone, but upon a third glance, I felt it was there again."

However, she felt extremely embarrassed, clearly not wanting Wei Chi to send anyone off again, at least not so early... Yet, she had already done her best. Had she known this would happen, she would have asked Master Ran to play a tune to ascend to the Western Paradise before leaving... She had thought she would not die, so she did not let them play... In her dazed state, she felt Lian Bi suddenly turn around, pulling her onto his back and carrying her away.

He nodded and cooperatively said: "If it were the Xu family, that would be great. If it were the Xu family, then under the assumption that I do not acknowledge my mistake with the high priest and that this book is indeed true, perhaps this longevity spell belongs solely to the Xu family, granting them a chance at life, while others cannot use it"

The scars on her arm are not significant, but there are large areas of abrasions, with fine little scars interspersed... She feels joy at times and sorrow at others. "It seems like it isn't, yet it seems like it is... It should be scars, right?" she convinces herself

Liu Yeyue smiled and said: "Recently, my mother has not been well, and I have come to pray for her health. Master Cui, please forgive me for not being able to stand and pay my respects; I just twisted my ankle a moment ago and am currently nursing it."

Very well, thank you for your concern, Cui Dangjia

Wei Chi Ge, usually you mock me, but there is no need to turn the conversation at the beginning. I have always wanted to say that although I am not at all infatuated with beauty, your smile indeed makes my heart flutter and tremble more than when you are not smiling

Moreover, the Xu family has endured the scrutiny of the Northern Tang royal family for hundreds of years; how could the members of the royal family possibly be so timid as to refrain from plotting against the Xu family? It is certain that the Xu family has suffered in silence, which has led to a gradual decline in their numbers. But have you ever heard of anyone meeting a fate similar to yours? In my opinion, perhaps the longevity spell is meant for the last member of the Xu family, Xu Shunhua. The principle of retribution can only be wielded by Xu Shunhua; other members of the Xu family cannot use it. In other words, Miss Shunhua, you must be a person of special significance...

Wei Chi Gong followed her words and embraced her. "What happens next?"

Wei Chi Gong bent down to pick up "The Four Seasons of the Capital" from the ground. He casually flipped through a few pages before closing it and said: "Isn't Xu Shihun too bored in the Bai residence? Next time, I will bring her other books. There are not many books like this that can be trusted"

The term "infatuation" has been overused. The young lady comes from an orphan background. I encountered her in a small town near Xixuan with Qi Yuming. She possesses a strong character, speaks with kindness, and is willing to protect other orphans who lack parents. In my eyes, this naturally adds to my admiration for her. The night before we left the city, Qi Yuming treated her to a hearty meal at the inn. However, that night, bandits from Xixuan passed through and committed robbery, and Qi Yuming saved the young lady as a result.

As the head of the household, Lian Bi stepped forward and softly said, picking up the "Four Seasons of the Capital" from the ground

Bai Qi slightly frowned, but quickly concealed it. "Look at the expression of Master Cui, has he seen that painting?"

The knight on horseback is Bai Qi

Cui Dangjia, are you testing me? Among the pair of maidservants you sent to me that day, one of them is indeed a girl sold by the Bai family. She mentioned that Bai Qi has an unspoken engagement with Xu Shi Shunhua. Although Bai Qi does not regard her as a woman at present, and she offers him no assistance, it is not guaranteed that he will not recall Xu Shi's kindness to him in the future and take her as a concubine to repay her great favor

Yes. Lian Bi found a monk to lead the way and arrived at a quiet meditation room. She did not enter but waited in the small courtyard. There was a well in the courtyard, and when she leaned over to look, the water was too deep to see her own reflection.

Lord Chiliu, I believe that even if you were to encounter the descendants of Beixu, she would be unable to unravel the mystery for you. The era is too distant; she has lived her life under the protection of others, and no one has ever informed her of these extraneous matters. How could she possibly know the origins of these things

"The fourth season of the capital, Episode 3... is truly well written." Shunhua stepped out of the carriage with a thin book in hand and smiled at Lianbi, saying, "You and Ying have been collaborating on this; this episode must be written by you, right?"

Even now, she does not dare to tell the person who helped her that the book is inscribed with "Beixu," which likely indicates that this item belongs to the Xu family.

But... did it fail?

Shunhua rolled up the injured cloth, let down her wide sleeves, and murmured to herself

Shunhua was taken aback. "He ... ... he ... ..."

She suddenly smiled bitterly, why didn't you say so earlier? She could find a way to quickly recover her health, go out and see the world, and perhaps she would soon find someone she likes and be able to get married. Isn't this a better solution?

Shunhua smiled and said: "It is merely to dispel loneliness. Whenever I encounter unhappiness, I will naturally scour the capital to find the one who dares to play tricks on me."

Caring so much about the safety of his relatives in the capital even while he is away, one can imagine the immense pain he endured during those days when he collected corpses daily.

Chiliu responded and walked to the courtyard gate with Bai Qi, and then he suddenly said

Are you cousins? Wei Chi mentioned it

I have already reserved you. The deposit has been paid, and you cannot leave. He said, recalling how Bai Qi had guarded her, yet he did not realize that he had missed his chance with her

Shunhua's heart trembled. Is it really going to endanger her like this? As long as she spends a little more time with Bai Qi and finds an opportunity to understand Xu Shi Shunhua, she will know that Xu Shi Shunhua would never compete with her sister-in-law for the same man. She will understand that when Bai Qi relinquished the unspoken engagement, he would never force her to be a concubine, even if it were his.

Chiliu tilted his head to listen to the voice of the newcomer. "Who are you...?"

What?

Shunhua stepped forward and affectionately embraced his waist. With her eyes curved in a smile, she said

Bai Qi smiled and said, "It is merely a fabrication"

What? She came to her senses and looked at Chi Liu

Who is in the painting

I have asked the doctor to minimize your pain and to avoid causing any serious injuries. I have inquired with the doctor, and he is confident that with the appropriate surgical approach, you will recover within a month

Lian Bi followed Shunhua's gaze and smiled, "Miss Liu has done it remarkably well"

I want her to refrain from doing anything foolish. After witnessing the return of the bodies of my relatives for six consecutive days, the interests of a prestigious and wealthy marriage no longer hold any significance for me. I only wish for my loved ones to live safely and soundly, and for a woman who can care for them as if they were her own children. She must possess a strong character without losing her kindness, and be capable of managing the Wei Chi family during times of great adversity. Furthermore, should I unfortunately depart this world early, she must be able to protect every child bearing the Wei Chi surname. Generally, daughters of wealthy families are well-protected from a young age and cannot withstand great hardships; therefore, it is better to seek a more ordinary girl. At this moment, I see her, and she perfectly aligns with my thoughts. If Qi Yuming were to form a lifelong bond with her, I would be pleased; however, if she is not destined to be with Qi Yuming, then that presents an opportunity for me. Thus, I pay close attention to her, hoping to cultivate some feelings in the process, so as not to waste too much time. A merchant, when interested in a particular item, must invest effort and incur some costs, regardless of whether they ultimately acquire it. If Qi Yuming were to form a lifelong bond with her, I would be pleased; however, if she is not destined to be with Qi Yuming, then that presents an opportunity for me. Thus, I pay close attention to her, hoping to cultivate some feelings in the process, so as not to waste too much time. A merchant, when interested in a particular item, must invest effort and incur some costs, regardless of whether they ultimately acquire it. He looked at her subtle expression and suddenly said: "Shunhua, as for you..."

Shunhua felt quite dizzy upon hearing this. "Your words truly possess a Zen quality." It is rare for her to speak so seriously. Unfortunately, she lacked the insight; she had heard that Lianbi came from a scholarly family, and even as a young master, he was chosen and castrated by Cui Shunhua. Indeed, children from scholarly families are different and stand out.

Shunhua pondered for a moment and exclaimed, "No way? Did Yuchi Ge actually take that painting of Shunhua playing in the water by the Xu family? Didn't he only glance at it and then not look again?"

Will Yuchi Ge be able to recognize it when the time comes? Do not be affectionate towards that Cui Shunhua, do not smile at that Cui Shunhua, do not reveal his good qualities to that Cui Shunhua. That Cui Shunhua does not have upturned eyes, does not have slightly thick lips, does not have a beauty's peak, and even less does he possess the beautiful heart of Xu Shih Shunhua

Upon hearing this, she was momentarily at a loss for words

Cui Dangjia, these are not the reasons I wish to take action. It is you who informed me of the significance behind the Xu family. With the Xu family in place, no matter how hard Bai Qi strives, he will never be able to become the foremost among the prominent and wealthy families. Furthermore, those within the royal family can use the Xu family to frame Bai Qi. His connections are not as strong as those of the other three surnames, and it is precisely for this reason, is it not?

"Try to touch as little as possible, but it's not that you can't touch." He smiled

Indeed, it is this picture. It is nothing more than ordinary, and I truly do not understand why Brother Weichi has not returned it. This picture is to be destroyed, and I kindly ask Master Cui for assistance.

You intend to prompt me to speak of these matters, why is that? The affairs concerning Xu Shi were all told to me by you, and the medicine was also provided by you. I know you are using me to eliminate Xu Shi, and I am willing to do so. However, if you wish to burn the bridge after crossing it, it may ultimately harm Bai Qi or the Liu family, I...

Bai Qi looked at her warily and said politely, "Cui, it is rare to see you come to the temple."

She was stunned

At the moment of Bai Qi's bow of gratitude, he did not forget to add a phrase:

Shunhua lowered her eyes, momentarily unsure of how to respond

So it turns out it is you, Brother Bai. Lian Bi, you step aside; there are some matters that only women should hear.

He would rather have his daughter live happily under the protection of Bai Qi for her entire life than foolishly aspire to revive the Xu family and loudly proclaim the Xu surname

Oh? Is there someone helping? Who accompanied you today? Shunhua deliberately looked around. Alas, I didn't expect that she, who was not very good at acting, can now play any role.

She turned her eyes and smiled, saying: "Hug me?"

North

Shunhua was completely bewildered

If it were not for the alliance of old age, I would feel regretful. Therefore, Yuchi Ge, when the doctor you have invited performs the surgery, it is essential to be very careful, and it must be a one-time solution. Please do not let this happen again, as I will be unable to bear the pain.

It makes me believe that this is an ancient and special booklet, because of a single word. "Chiliu said.

So what

... ... Oh, Shunhua did not know how to respond. She thought about hiding "The Four Seasons of the Capital" at her waist, but that would only make it look more peculiar. In her teachings, there was nothing that could not be accurately outlined at the waist, so she decided to pretend it was not an issue.

I heard that the esteemed priest would arrive at Tian Ning Temple today, so I turned back to request a small favor from him

"Well, I know that Wei Chi Ge likes me," she said softly

Chiliu turned towards Cui Shunhua and said, "Miss Shunhua, do you have any questions?"

Chi Liu reached out and gently touched it. "A sachet?"

Eh? She responded with her mouth, her gaze still darting back and forth... The more I looked, the less it resembled... The more I looked, the less it resembled...

He does not appreciate Cui Shunhua, but he will not firmly refuse her to avoid causing trouble for the Qi family. At Chunhui Tower, the lady's tactics have not been effective; it seems that Qi Yuming has not yet made up his mind in the short term

Bai Qi carried the young lady of the Liu family out of the palace, but she quickly dodged away, beckoning Lian Bi to wander to other parts of the temple, just as she ran into Liu Ye Yue.

Xu

This book does not belong to Xu Shi

Miss Shunhua, the mysterious person before me said that this matter is quite enigmatic, truly amusing

He wore a magnificent outer robe, with gold and red double lines along the sleeves, just as she had seen that day

It is also good to be a little carefree occasionally. She smiled and said, "The time is about right, let's go to the meditation room and wait for the priest."

Shunhua exchanged a glance with the slightly panicked Liu Yeyue, then followed Bai Qi to the side

Bai Qi turned back suspiciously to glance at Cui Shunhua. After leaving the courtyard, Bai Qi noticed Lian Bi pressed tightly against the wall, head lowered, seemingly lost in thought. Standing here, he could clearly hear the conversation inside; this kid was truly audacious. However, the internal strife of the Cui family had nothing to do with him, so he said little and left with Chi Liu.

Shunhua covered her face, and a muffled voice emerged from between her fingers: "It's nothing... just a bit dizzy and nauseous, feeling like I might throw up."

Bai Qi, having heard the name of Wei Chi Gong, has recently been quite displeased with him. However, he has chosen to endure in silence and discreetly took out an item from a hidden pocket in his sleeve. He said: "This item was originally blessed by the abbot, but it is far inferior to the power of the esteemed divine official. Bai Qi wishes to request that the esteemed official bestow some divine power upon it."

Shunhua Wei looked wide-eyed, watching as saliva flew from his mouth. What's going on now? Has this person gone mad? How did he start treating her like a goddess, and next, will she be able to ascend to heaven while sitting on a lotus platform?

Lian Bi coughed lightly and said: "Lian Bi thinks... the women of Beitang wear short tops and soft skirts, covered by short outer garments. In recent years, some women from scholarly families have lengthened their outer garments to cover their waists, as they believe the waist is the most beautiful part of the body and should not be exposed to outsiders. However, the women from wealthy families do not adhere to such trivialities. The wealthy women, while tightly cinching their waistbands, still wear short tops and skirts, unlike the head of the household who wears a long, flowing garment that fits closely and reveals... the waist..."

Bai Qi responded and walked over to Liu Ye Yue's side. Shun Hua turned to leave, but unexpectedly, Bai Qi suddenly said: "Cui Dang Jia, please hold on for a moment."

In his eyes, Cui Shunhua is merely a life, but it pales in comparison to the people and matters he values. When faced with a choice, he can easily disregard things that are unimportant to him, even if it is a life. Is this the absolute ruthlessness cultivated over years of being in charge?

After she finished her prayer, she looked towards the willow leaf moon in front of the hall, sighed softly, moved her steps, and approached the other side of the hall door to confirm that she was not mistaken.

"Lian Bi, please help me fetch a bucket of water"

He carefully looked back and forth at the belt around her waist, and smiled, "The daily clothing in the house is all taken care of by the maidservants, and I personally inspect them. How could there be any flaws..." As he continued to look, he suddenly turned his face away.

His face was gentle, with a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He is not very talkative by nature, belonging to the type of "you understand, so there's no need to say more," but since she asked, she wanted to get a definite answer. He said softly, "I only let the woman I like tie up my hair. Shunhua, do you want to tie it up for me now?"

Her heart skipped a beat, and she secretly thought it was not good. Previously, she had not pursued why Liu Yeyue had harmed her, merely assuming that she disliked the young girl Xu Shunhua. What if she married into the Bai family and harmed Bai Qi as well

Shunhua lifted his gaze slightly and met the eyes of the gods and Buddhas in the palace. This temple has gone through several hundred years and has gained the wholehearted trust of the people of Beilang. I wonder if Xushi sought his help back then? When he was protecting the people of Beilang, did he also protect Xushi?

Because the Xu family is originally surnamed Xu, and the Xu family is located in the north of the mainland, the four surnames are like one family, so why must it be explicitly stated? Even if we were one family five hundred years ago, what does it matter now? Each has long since served their own masters. Such actions are clearly intended to harm the Xu family in Beitang, causing the Kangning Emperor of that time to lose timely military assistance and financial support that the other three kingdoms could not match.

Today, I can only go out under the pretext of absorbing spiritual energy at the Baodi of Tian Ning Temple, and I must return by evening. If it were not for the order from the head of the Wei family, Chi Liu would never dare to come into contact with members of the royal family

... ...

Cui Dangjia has come to see the esteemed divine official

A depiction of an ordinary woman with upturned eyes, a beauty peak, and slightly thick lips playing in the water

Bai Qi? The distinguished and wealthy Bai family has a daughter from the Xu family. Chi Liu felt somewhat puzzled, but did not turn back towards Cui Shunhua. "What is the matter?"

Bai Qi glanced at her again, Shunhua pretended not to notice, standing with hands behind his back and looking around, shamelessly refusing to leave. Just kidding, with her present, Chilu was afraid of letting slip any secrets, relying on her embroidery skills to mend the torn net.

She, having taken on the role of head of the household midway, is far from reaching his level. Moreover, it can be said that he has long noticed that this novice monk treats her own people very well, while also being unwilling to harm others, even wishing to spare the lives of those who have harmed her.

Arrogant! Arrogant! Too arrogant! Even more so than her, Cui Shunhua! She is too embarrassed to ask him whether he disregards the Emperor and only cares about Wei Chige, yet he dares to be so brazen! Back in the day, Cui Shunhua should have learned more from him!

Yes, with sharp eyes, even the neighbors admire.

What is that? Shunhua saw the dense array of spells, resembling a flourishing tree branching out when viewed from the sky, which was not at all like any earthly script. The person before her could actually depict each one, truly remarkable. She hurriedly unwrapped the bandage on her right side, revealing faint scars, and she widened her eyes, comparing them back and forth.

Wei Chi Ge, you must recognize it!

Chiliu spread out the paper he took out, facing her. "Xu Shi Shunhua, please take a good look here. This item is drawn from my memory, and after you finish looking at it, you must burn it. Take a close look and see if it resembles the scar on your right arm"

"Cui Dangjia, may I have a word with you?" He lowered his head and said to Liu Yeyue, "Miss, please bear with me for a moment; I will just speak a few words with Cui Dangjia."

Lianbi, you go first. After Lianbi left, Shunhua smiled and stepped forward, saying, "Chi Liu, may Shunhua assist you?"

Now ... ... is it to avoid or not to avoid

Is my stinky tofu too stinky? She self-deprecatingly asked. She lowered her head to look at her waist, touched it, and turned to ask Lianbi, "Is my belt torn? Why do they keep looking at me?"

Yes. The head of the household's complexion... is very pale.

Indeed. Since there is such intention, it should not be to harm Bai Qi by approaching him

Her expression is too complicated, so complicated that even she herself may not be able to see whether she is resentful towards him or grateful that he prioritized the overall situation and missed out on a great woman.

"Master!" Lian Bi exclaimed in astonishment

Shunhua was momentarily stunned. It was Qi'er! It turned out that Qi'er had been bribed to such an extent that she was practically monitoring her!

Her cheek gently brushed against his clothing, catching the faint scent of soap and medicine on him. This medicinal aroma mingled with the fragrance that the woman cherished, a scent she was very familiar with. He always took the opportunity to accompany his own presence in the Bai residence when Bai Qi was not around.

Xu Shunhua ... ... Xushi Shunhua sounds better, doesn't it? Forget about Kangning Emperor, forget about Xu Zhi, forget about Xu Da, forget about Bai Qi, forget about Liuye Yue, forget about Yuchi ... ... She stretched lazily, pushing her elbows back, exerting force to push out her small round chest. Suddenly, she came face to face with Yuchi Gong, who had just entered the courtyard.

She remains unchanged amidst constant changes, obediently extending her hand. He puts away the paper and grabs her wrist. She expresses surprise, "Aren't you not supposed to let women touch?"

Perhaps her death today has disrupted Bai Qi's proposal, but the Xu family is different from the Bai family. As long as he buries her as a common guest of the Bai residence, it will not affect their wedding date

Bai Qi paid no heed and returned to embrace his beloved, departing with her

Upon hearing this, she was taken aback and then laughed out loud. "Brother Weichi, it is broad daylight... I only learned the reason she caused my demise after a conversation with Miss Liu. Since then, I have been thinking, if she had spoken with Brother Bai Qi, if she had inquired with the Bai family, she would not have needed to resort to poison. Anyone could do it, but she should not have. Fortunately, only you and I know this. If we do not speak of it, Brother Bai Qi will never discover this matter. I keep thinking, what if one day I become like Liu Yeyue, unwilling to ask directly and instead deducing things on my own? That would ruin your feelings for me, and I would surely regret it immensely. Brother Weichi, I know you believe she has the capability to be the matriarch of the Weichi family, but aside from that... how... how did you once become infatuated with Miss Yiren?" Brother Weichi, I know you believe she has the capability to be the matriarch of the Weichi family, but aside from that... how... how did you once become infatuated with Miss Yiren?

Lian Bi also smiled: "Lian Bi is quite surprised to be able to say such words that even I do not understand"

Only I touched it. The high priest did not touch the spine of the book, and the characters are extremely small, located right above the character 'Xu'

If she does not kill you first, why must you suffer this bitter fruit? Moreover, it was I who took action, and it has nothing to do with you, so do not bear the burden of guilt in secret.

She is reluctant to part with some of the people and things she encountered during her time with Cui Shunhua, especially Wei Chi Ge. She also wants to protect certain individuals in the Cui residence; she does not want them to be sent to their deaths when Cui Shunhua returns. She wishes to engage in commerce through legitimate means; she does not want Cui Shunhua to harm others for the sake of acquiring wealth upon his return. She... still wants to live on, using her eyes to become a person of integrity throughout her life.

... ... connected ... ... '' She felt the hazy scenery rushing past her. Lian Bi seemed to be saying something she couldn't hear, was he going to take her to seek medical help

It turns out that to kill someone, one must find so many reasons. Liu Yeyue blamed her surname for her own crime, but she heard it. What Liu Yeyue cared about was the weight of Xu Shi Shunhua in Bai Qi's heart. Regardless of their relationship as siblings or their identity, there should not be any weight, not even if Bai Qi looks at her.

Shunhua's hands were sweating as she gazed from the second floor of the Weichi Teahouse at the distant marriage proposal procession

Upon hearing these words, Lianbi felt a complex mix of emotions. He glanced at her back and silently followed along.

... ... Hmm. Her palms were slightly sweaty

She smiled as she received his kiss. When he kissed the scar beneath her eye, she chuckled and said, "It tickles a bit. How unfortunate, Wei Chi, you had stinky tofu again today"

Of course, the most likely scenario is that from beginning to end, I and the high priest, these two blind individuals, never completely inscribed the incantation in the non-continental script. The incantation is naturally ineffective; everything is predestined. Miss Shunhua should continue to live peacefully according to fate.

Liu Ye Yue chuckled lightly: "I once accidentally overheard Bai Qi consulting a high monk at the temple, asking how to handle the situation when there is a sick person at home who cannot go out to pay respects to the Buddha. I remember the monk saying that someone could go to the temple on behalf of the sick person to absorb the divine energy, and upon returning, they should spend some time with the sick person to share that energy. Naturally, the deities would bless her. Therefore, even if two people under the same roof rarely see each other, as long as he accompanies me to the temple, that evening, Xu Shi Shunhua will surely dine with him. In the end, I could not discern whether he came to accompany me or if he came specifically for Xu Shi Shunhua; I was merely a guest... In the end, I could not discern whether he came to accompany me or if he came specifically for Xu Shi Shunhua; I was merely a guest..."

Is that so?" She hesitated for a moment and said:

Cui Dangjia, you have been getting close to Yu Chi Gong in recent months.

She discovered that, at some point, he was tightly gripping her arm, not allowing her to escape

A sound of footsteps approached from a distance. Shunhua looked over and saw it was Chiliu from the Weichi family. Today, he was again wearing a light yellow silk scarf, moving about like an ordinary person, making it nearly impossible to tell that he was a person who had lost his sight

Shunhua turned back and met Bai Qi's gaze

She immediately withdrew, taking a step back, half-concealed behind the palace door

连壁一怔, 笑道: "是当家不嫌弃。" Translated Result: The wall was startled and laughed, saying, "If you're in charge, I won't reject you."

Miss Shunhua need not worry. The Xu family has chosen you as the conclusion of their lineage, and there must be a purpose behind this choice

Dead... This was Shunhua's current thought.

Wei Chigong remained silent

Well, he will arrive later

Where is Chiliu?

Shunhua saw him wiping the corner of his mouth, as if he had said too much and was utterly exhausted, and could not help but avert her gaze, unable to hide her smile. After all this time, it turned out he was not possessed by madness. This person was too young, not knowing how to please her, which led to his clumsy attempts at flattery. Fortunately, she also did not know how to cultivate the relationship between a sister-in-law and an uncle, so she let him speak freely. She covered her mouth, wanting to burst into laughter, when she suddenly saw Bai Qi hurriedly enter the courtyard.

After pondering for a moment, she turned around and rushed downstairs, arriving at the street side, watching the marriage proposal procession pass by on the cross street ahead.

Chi Liu hesitated for a moment and nodded. "At present, it is a failure. However, that book 'The Longevity Spell' must have its efficacy; it is just unclear what that efficacy is. I mentioned that I had touched that book, and the cover and pages are very ancient, made of paper not produced in the Four Nations. The High Priest instructed Cui Shunhua to carefully engrave all the incantations from those pages onto wood, so that we could familiarize ourselves with them before they could be left with her. After she engraved them onto the wood, she burned that booklet."

This is truly a good way to comfort others, Shunhua thought. This person is quite decent, not explicitly stating that the main reason for the Xu family's downfall lies in her ineffectiveness, but rather implying that she has opened another path.

She was stunned

She whispered: "A little."

In the grand hall, there were mostly female guests. The young woman in a green dress kneeling before the deities was Liu Yeyue. Shunhua recognized her from her back, as Bai Qi was speaking softly with the host beside the hall

Shunhua's face turned red upon hearing this

Yuchi Dangjia knows that I have always regarded his requests as commands; as long as he is willing to speak, I will certainly fulfill them

What is Beixu? Shunhua turned away, looking at the green and yellow fallen leaves on the ground. The surname known only to the Xu family, the surname that dare not be revealed. Once it is exposed, the sin will become their shackles, preventing them from seeing the light of day again.

He quietly pulled her into his arms, not allowing her to get too far away. He said:

Shunhua was taken aback and replied, "I haven't really thought about it. If Lianbi thinks of him as a man and behaves with a masculine attitude, then I will treat him as a man..." She received a strange glance from the other party and quickly pretended to ask casually, "How is your relationship with Brother Bai?"

At that moment, Liu Ye Yue weakly and gracefully stood up, but stumbled and twisted her ankle. She let out a cry, and Bai Qi turned around, quick-witted and agile, catching her in his arms

He is very likely to marry you

What scroll? Which scroll?

She gazed at the statue of the deity, her lips curling into what seemed to be a compassionate lotus smile. With her hands clasped together, she offered blessings for everyone she knew, unaware that Lian Bi was watching her intently from the side