Qin Lulu spoke up, “Eighth Sister, Seventh Sister used to be quiet and withdrawn because she was grieving. Now that the mourning period for Third Uncle and Aunt is over, and she’s the only one left in the Third Branch, she’s naturally become stronger. What’s so strange about that?”

  Qin Yunyun replied, “Fifth Sister, your words are rather perplexing. Are you saying Third Uncle and Aunt are still alive? Is Second Sister still here? Even if Seventh Sister isn’t the so-called malevolent star, the fact remains that Third Uncle, Aunt, and Second Sister are no longer with us. That’s undeniable, isn’t it?”

  Qin Lulu wanted to retort, but the Old Madam intervened, addressing Yuan Zhen, “Master, since you are a revered monk, surely you can determine who this malevolent star is and how to resolve the situation. Please enlighten us.”

  Yuan Zhen theatrically scanned the room, closed his eyes, and appeared to calcute. Finally, he said, “Then forgive this humble monk’s bluntness. Just now, I carefully observed everyone present and found no sign of the malevolent star here. However, I did sense a dark cloud pointing directly toward the southeast. I believe the malevolent star resides in that direction. As for how to resolve the issue, I would need to confront the star itself to determine the best course of action.”

  The southeast? That was exactly where Yin Garden was located. At this moment, everyone seemed to forget that Qin Yaoyao had once lived in that same direction as well.

  The Old Madam’s brows furrowed slightly, though almost imperceptibly. She asked, “Master, are you certain there is no malevolent star in this room?”

  “Precisely so!” Yuan Zhen affirmed.

  “Then, Master, you suggest that the malevolent star resides in the southeast direction?”

  “Your understanding is correct, Benefactor,” Yuan Zhen replied patiently.

  At this moment, Nanny Gu leaned in and whispered something to the Old Madam. The Old Madam let out a long sigh and cast a complex look at Madam Xu, whose heart skipped a beat under the weight of that gaze. Still, Madam Xu wasn’t particurly fearful of the Old Madam at this point—after all, she had the backing of a concubine in the pace. Even when the Old Madam had known Madam Xu was behind some previous mischief, the most she had done was confine Madam Xu to her quarters for a month.

  Yuan Zhen was somewhat surprised. In his experience, noblewomen of such households were usually most concerned about their own wealth and well-being. Shouldn’t the Old Madam have immediately asked him to investigate the southeast and root out the issue? Nevertheless, while some of his words were exaggerated, there was indeed something peculiar about the Qin residence.

  Frowning deeply, Yuan Zhen felt a growing sense of curiosity about the mystery within the Qin household.

  With his hands pressed together in prayer, he decred, “Fear not, Benefactor. This humble monk will exert every effort to ensure that the malevolent star cannot escape!”

  Inside the study behind the gauze screen, Qin Shuying continued to diligently copy scriptures. Such a riveting drama, yet she couldn’t watch it unfold personally—what a pity! As for Yuan Zhen, it was clear he had been invited by Madam Xu.

  Madam Xu had schemed and wielded her power for years, her grand ambitions to seize Qin Yongzhou’s wealth still unrealized. How could she possibly resign herself to defeat at the hands of a young girl? Of course, Madam Xu would have a follow-up pn; that much was obvious.

  Qin Shuying had long instructed Nanny Fu, Ziteng, and Mi Luo to keep a close eye on Madam Xu and the Qin sisters, even hiring people at great expense to monitor the Xu family’s activities daily.

  As a result, Qin Shuying was well-informed about Madam Xu’s movements. A few days ago, Madam Xu had gone to Fayuan Temple to offer incense—a seemingly ordinary activity for a woman. However, one particurly observant spy had noted that Madam Xu had a private discussion with Yuan Zhen during her visit.

  Mi Luo had dutifully reyed the information to Qin Shuying.

  Anticipating Madam Xu’s moves, Qin Shuying chose to remain in the Old Madam’s study this morning under the pretext of copying scriptures. She wasn’t sure when Madam Xu would act but had already prepared contingencies, including today’s excuse of scripture copying. Tomorrow, she could easily find another reason to stay in the Old Madam’s presence.

  Hearing Yuan Zhen’s pronouncement, the Old Madam finally nodded in agreement.

  The entourage moved grandly toward the southeast, stopping and starting along the way until they eventually arrived outside Yin Garden. Yuan Zhen surveyed the area before csping his hands in prayer and solemnly decring, “Amitabha! Such sin! Such sin!”

  Madam Xu asked, "Master, why stop here?"

  Yuan Zhen replied, "Madam, the malevolent star is somewhere nearby!"

  “Nearby” but not “here”? Madam Xu was slightly displeased.

  Her brows furrowed as she pressed, "Master, are you certain of this?"

  Yuan Zhen sighed heavily, appearing deeply concerned. "From youth, it curses grandparents. Later, it curses... parents. Then, it turns on retives and neighbors. This malevolent star brings nothing but camity. If it is not removed, the entire household is at risk! May I ask, who resides here?"

  Madam Xu gnced at the Old Madam, who gave no indication of stopping the conversation, and replied, "This is where the Seventh Miss of the Third Branch resides."

  However, Yuan Zhen’s gaze shifted toward a distant part of Yin Garden. His expression turned puzzled, and he fell silent once again.

  Madam Xu grew increasingly irritated. Hadn’t they rehearsed everything beforehand? Why was he suddenly acting so enigmatic? She gave Qin Fangfang a meaningful look, and Qin Fangfang asked, "Master, do you mean to suggest that my Seventh Sister is the malevolent star you’re referring to?"

  Yuan Zhen regained his composure and murmured a Buddhist chant, "Amitabha! Such sin! Such sin!"

  Madam Xu interjected, "Master, my niece is still young and as weak as a child. Surely, she cannot be the malevolent star you describe. Could there be some mistake?"

  Yuan Zhen nodded slightly. "The dy’s concern is understandable. This humble monk must observe her face before reaching a conclusion. May I inquire where the Seventh Miss is? Might I see her?"

  Madam Xu was growing impatient. Where else could Qin Shuying be if not here? Yuan Zhen’s vagueness was exasperating. They had gone over everything so meticulously beforehand. Why was he now being so evasive and unclear?

  The Old Madam cast a disappointed gnce at Madam Xu, her gaze chilling. She said, "Since we’re already here, we might as well go inside and take a look." With that, she stepped toward the entrance of Yin Garden.

  Madam Xu was eted but kept her composure and followed closely behind. Yuan Zhen trailed behind them, gncing once more toward the distance before lowering his head and shaking it slightly.

  Just as they reached the entrance, the gate creaked open, and a maid hurriedly emerged. Madam Xu recognized her—it was Luye, Qin Shuying’s personal maid.

  Luye kept her head down as she opened the gate. She was just about to step outside when she realized there were people in front of her. Startled, she froze. When she recognized the Old Madam, she quickly bowed respectfully, though her face betrayed traces of panic. "Old Madam! Madam!"

  “What’s going on?” the Old Madam asked.

  “Old Madam, n-nothing. This servant was careless!”

  But Madam Xu wasn’t about to overlook Luye’s startled expression and nervous demeanor. With all the commotion in the garden earlier, the people of Yin Garden were bound to have noticed something. Could this maid be on her way to inform someone? Naturally, Madam Xu couldn’t allow her to leave.

  "Such insolence!" Madam Xu scolded. "Did you not see the Old Madam? Hurry back inside and attend to your duties!"

  Luye became even more flustered but dared not argue. She could only turn around and lead the group inside.

  Beyond the screen, they entered the covered corridor and the small garden. Another maid came rushing out, this time Zhihua. She had just reached the edge of the corridor when she spotted the group. She hesitated, clearly wanting to retreat but realizing she’d already been seen. Left with no choice, she stopped and stood respectfully to the side, her fingers twisting nervously.

  The peculiar behavior of these two maids caught not only Madam Xu’s attention but also that of the Old Madam.