County Magistrate Lin was so moved that he almost cried. “I, Lin, am truly fortunate to have such a wonderful wife in this lifetime.”
“You’re overestimating me, Master. I’m just a woman fulfilling the most basic duties as a wife. By the way, Master, about Mother… I never had the chance to meet her yesterday when I entered the house. She hasn’t appeared at all. Could it be that Mother dislikes me?”
County Magistrate Lin quickly shook his head. “No, no, Madam, why do you assume everything is your fault? Let me tell you the truth, Mother is devoted to Buddhism, she kneels in the temple all day and rarely goes out. Even I don’t see her for days at times.”
“She doesn’t like the worldly noise. It’s not just you, among my previous wives, only the first one paid respects to our ancestors and the ancestral hall. If mother refuses, it’s hard for me as a son, I can’t force her to do anything. I can only comply.”
“I just didn’t expect you to misunderstand.”
“It doesn’t matter,” the “Madam” on the bed said, her eyes teary. “Mother works so hard for the family. She should be the priority. Didn’t I say that to me, all these formalities like paying respects are just for societal expectations? I don’t mind. As long as you and Mother are comfortable, I’m fine with anything. Besides, I don’t feel wronged.”
“Master, let me accompany you to see Mother.” The “Madam” said, supporting herself with a pale hand on the bed, another hand lifting the blanket as if to get up.
“Momo, come and help me change clothes.”
Upon seeing this situation, County Magistrate Lin cried out in his heart, “Help!”: “Madam, this won’t do. Your body is still so weak, it’s best to rest in bed.”
“Master!” The delicate “Madam” looked at County Magistrate Lin with teary eyes, “This isn’t concern, it’s harming me.”
County Magistrate Lin was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“Madam”: “Paying respects to our parents is a matter of filial piety. Today is my second day in this house; I should have visited Mother. If I don’t go now, it’s like putting me in a position of disloyalty and impiety. How could you bear to do that?”
County Magistrate Lin felt helpless. “But… but didn’t you just say you don’t care about these formalities?”
“I don’t mind. These formalities don’t matter to me personally, but when it comes to family, I must observe the proper etiquette. It’s not about unnecessary rituals; it’s about respect. I respect you and Mother, so I should act accordingly. If I keep this respect hidden in my heart, how would you and Mother know my sincerity? These are things I should do.”
“Please, Master, let me go with you to meet Mother.”
County Magistrate Lin couldn’t resist the kindness and determination of the woman in front of him and nodded, “Alright, I’ll wait for you. Take your time. I’ll inform Mother and ask her to wait for us. You can come slowly.”
The “Madam” instantly had red eyes, feeling deeply moved. “Thank you, Master. You’re truly kind, you are completely different from the rumors outside.”
County Magistrate Lin was slightly surprised, “What kind of rumors are circulating about me outside?”
Bai Lixin: “It’s just idle gossip, I couldn’t care less. I never believe in them anyway, for me, seeing is believing. Master, would you please wait outside? I don’t want you to see me in this disheveled state while changing. I want to present my best self to you.”
County Magistrate Lin was deeply moved by the words. “Of course, Madam, I respect your wishes. I’ll wait outside.”
Once County Magistrate Lin left, the thin maid promptly closed the door. County Magistrate Lin pulled over a servant boy. “Go tell my mother that we’ll be a bit late, she shouldn’t wait anxiously. Hurry.”
The servant boy received the order and ran off, not daring to delay. Meanwhile, Xiaodie supported the Yi Niang, waiting on the side. Seeing the tightly closed door and the servant boy running, the Yi Niniang suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
She and Xiaodie exchanged glances and then she cleared her throat lightly. Xiaodie immediately understood and hurriedly supported the Yi Niniang, anxiously saying, “Yi Niniang, are you alright?!”
County Magistrate Lin glanced at the two and asked, “What’s wrong, Qian’er?”
Xiaodie: “Master, Yi Niniang knew she had offended Madam so she insisted on coming to apologize to Madam even though she is sick. She had a restless night and cried in her sleep several times. Plus, she didn’t eat breakfast this morning and is very weak.”
“Master,” Xiaodie suddenly knelt down, “Please don’t despise Yi Niniang because of this. It’s all Xiaodie’s fault. I didn’t like Madam, which led to this. Yi Niniang knows nothing. It’s all my fault. Please don’t blame Yi Niniang for it. Considering the years Yi Niniang has spent with you, please don’t misunderstand her.”
County Magistrate Lin glanced at The Yi Niniang, who had teary eyes and was biting her lip, and he felt pity for her.
Then he looked down at Xiaodie, who was charming and lively. When she spoke, the butterfly-shaped hairpin on her head swayed as if it were alive.
His heart softened, and he casually waved his hand, “Alright, alright, I understand that you didn’t think it through at the moment. It’s not your fault. Xiaodie, help your Yi Niniang sit in the corridor and let her rest for a while.”
Only then did Xiaodie stand up and assist the weak Yi Niniang to sit down.
The person inside the room was still changing clothes and showing no signs of opening the door. County Magistrate Lin lowered his voice and spoke to Xiaodie, “Xiaodie, Qian’er, what I said last night was out of necessity. You both know Madam has powerful backing. The senior elder of the Qingcheng Sect specifically mentioned her, claiming to have a karmic connection with her. If the senior elder finds out I mistreated her, they won’t spare our family.”
He paused and held the Yi Niniang’s hand, “Qian’er, don’t you know what kind of person I am? I haven’t even touched a strand of Madam’s hair. My heart is filled with thoughts of you.”
The Yi Niniang’s complexion eased slightly, “Master, I also had my faults. I made you embarrassed in public.”
“It’s not that serious,” County Magistrate Lin glanced at Xiaodie beside Yi Niniang, “Xiaodie, they didn’t really beat you yesterday, did they? I was just bluffing.”
Xiaodie quickly waved her hand, “Master, rest assured, the brother guard just made a point. I didn’t feel any pain and it ended quickly. I’m perfectly fine.”
After speaking, she shook the Yi Niniang’s shoulder, “Miss, even when Master was furious, he still considered our safety. It shows that he has always cared for you. Are you relieved now? Master’s deepest love has always been for you.”
The Yi Niniang finally smiled through her tears. She looked up at County Magistrate Lin, and the two of them shared a smile.
The thin maid crouched at the door, secretly peering outside and trembling with anger.
She turned to look at Bai Lixin and found that he had already changed into his clothes.
Today was the second day of their marriage so he wore a light red dress. Although it was light in color, it was undeniably crimson, not the peach pink worn by concubines.
After changing, the thin maid’s eyes lit up. Even though her mood was bad just now, she couldn’t stop herself from praising the Immortal Lady in front of her.
“Immortal Lady, you’re truly beautiful. Even the most ordinary clothes have a unique charm when worn by you.” She glanced at the three thousand black strands scattered behind the Immortal Lady and hurriedly added, “Immortal Lady, please sit down. Let me style your hair for you.”
Bai Lixin really wasn’t skilled at tying hair. At most, he could tie a ponytail or make a simple bun. Making a proper ancient woman’s hairstyle was beyond him.
So he didn’t refuse and sat in front of the mirror without any worries.
The thin maid combed Bai Lixin’s hair while grumbling, “Those three outside are truly despicable. I’m furious.”
“Xiaodie treated you like that yesterday. If it were Miss, she would have been truly ill by now. But that County Magistrate Lin can’t distinguish between good and evil and just scolded them for show. He promised twenty heavy lashes, but he didn’t keep his word. Isn’t this favoritism?!”
Bai Lixin: “We’ve only been here for a few days, while they have been here for much longer. Don’t worry, if we can’t handle them once, we’ll handle them twice. If twice isn’t enough, we’ll do it thrice. They probably don’t understand what kind of person they’ve provoked.”
The thin maid sighed, “Only someone as calm and steadfast as you can prevent them from causing harm. If it were an ordinary family’s young lady…”
The thin maid didn’t finish her sentence. She shivered and silently continued combing Bai Lixin’s hair.
Her skills were excellent, and in no time, she had fashioned Bai Lixin a graceful hairstyle.
Looking at the Immortal Lady in the mirror, the thin maid couldn’t help but admire, “It looks beautiful, Immortal Lady. Please be careful!”
Bai Lixin raised an eyebrow, “Be careful? Me?”
The thin maid suddenly had a bad feeling, and the next moment, Bai Lixin continued, “You should accompany me. What if I faint on the way to pay respects? I need someone to support me, right?”
Thin maid: “…”
‘Immortal Lady, what exactly are you planning?!’
——————————-
In the live broadcast room
[I thought County Magistrate Lin wasn’t a good person, but at least he would be captivated by God Xin’s appearance and stand up for God Xin. I didn’t expect him to be this cunning. He’s playing both sides. Bah!]
[He think he has gained our Xin God. This scum, he’s acting one way in front of him and another behind his back? He even spared Xiaodie secretly? Hahaha, God Xin, let them know what real palace intrigue is!]
[But I have to admit, God Xin looks really good. I can’t get enough of him no matter how much I watch. It would be even better if the big boss was by God Xin’s side.]
[Hahaha, God Xin threw himself into his arms, only to be stunned when he was turned into a fox by the clueless monk and flown in the sky for several rounds. God Xin wanted to have fun, not ascend to the heavens.]
[Pfft, this Big Brother or Big Sister, can you please make an announcement before speeding up? You almost threw me out.]
[I’m your big sister, what are you afraid of? Just drive when you need to. After we leave the game lobby, no one will remember anyway. As long as I lose my memory, the past social death won’t catch up with me, hahaha.]
[Is this why you guys do extreme drifting?]
————————————-
On the winding and twisting corridor, a group of people walked from a distance.
Leading the way was a middle-aged man and a stunning woman with a slightly pale complexion. The woman’s steps were graceful, and she needed the support of the maid beside her to walk.
Behind the two of them were two women.
One was a madam, and the other was a servant girl.
The charming servant girl supported the madam, walking carefully.
Behind them were several attendants. In no time, nearly ten people arrived in a small courtyard. Bai Lixin glanced inside the courtyard. It wasn’t small, and there were two ponds inside, filled with lotus flowers.
Beside the ponds, the ground was covered with lush green grass, and amidst the shade, flowers swayed gently.
It was the peak blooming season for lotus flowers. The fragrance of lotus flowers wafted in the air, gently entering the noses of the people.
Lotus flowers.
County Magistrate Lin had mentioned that this old lady believed in Buddhism, and it seemed to be true.
Bai Lixin glanced at County Magistrate Lin and saw him shaking his head before cautiously approaching the closed door.
He walked very carefully, afraid of stepping on the pebble path’s small flowers and grass by the side.
It seemed that he was genuinely afraid of this old lady.
County Magistrate Lin crept up to the door. He was just about to knock when a stern voice came from inside the room, “You’re already this old, why are you sneaking around like this? Stop lingering outside and come in!”
A true heroine among women.
County Magistrate Lin seemed genuinely fearful of his mother. Upon hearing the voice, he shuddered. After shuddering, he turned to gesture to Bai Lixin and Yi Niniang Qian to follow him.
Bai Lixin entered first, followed by Yi Niniang Qian. Once they were inside, another voice came from the inner room, “Close the door.”
Xiaodie immediately turned back and closed the door. She also appeared quite afraid of the old lady.
County Magistrate Lin led Bai Lixin inside the room and Bai Lixin finally saw the true appearance of this old lady.
She was an old woman with graying hair, a slightly round face, and slightly chubby figure.
She appeared to be around sixty or seventy years old, with wrinkles on her cheeks, yet her complexion was exceptionally rosy, fitting the description of “white hair, youthful face.”
The old lady sat cross-legged on a soft couch, wearing a plain light blue robe. One hand held small prayer beads, her lips murmuring something.
Most likely, it was a Buddhist mantra.
Her lips tightened slightly, exuding authority without anger and displaying immense dignity.
County Magistrate Lin, who acted tyrannical outside, turned into a subdued monkey in front of the old lady, as if he had encountered the Buddha himself.
He stood before the old lady respectfully. “Mother, I’ve brought your daughter-in-law to see you.”
After saying this, he gestured towards Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin bowed, “Greetings, Mother. May you be blessed and at peace.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the rustle of clothing.
Next, his hands were firmly grasped by someone. He raised his head in confusion and saw that the old lady had descended from the couch at some point, her eyes scrutinizing him intensely.
Bai Lixin glanced at County Magistrate Lin, noticing his surprise.
Surprise?
So, the old lady rarely made such gestures?
“Child, what is your name?”
The old lady was no longer stern, asking Bai Lixin in a kind tone.
Bai Lixin blinked in confusion.
Ah, he had impersonated Miss Song for so long, but he had never asked Miss Song’s real name.
After a brief moment of consideration, Bai Lixin replied, “Replying to Mother, my name is Song Xin’er.”
“Xin’er, ah,” the old lady held Bai Lixin’s hand, “this name is good. I see a faint Buddhist light enveloping you. Child, you must have a deep affinity with Buddhism. A seedling like you should enter the Buddhist path and focus on practicing. You will surely become a living Buddha benefiting the people in the future.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
Buddhist light?
That probably wasn’t his but the one Fanjia left on him.
It seemed that this old lady had a certain level of spiritual cultivation to perceive the Buddhist light Fanjia left on him.
He didn’t react much, but County Magistrate Lin beside him suddenly became anxious. “Mother, what are you doing? She is your daughter-in-law. How can a mother force her daughter-in-law to become a nun? Don’t you want grandchildren?”
The old lady gave County Magistrate Lin a disdainful glance. “What grandchildren? If you could have had them by now, you would have. Why wait until now? This child is such a good seedling. It’s a waste for her to be following you. You have so many beautiful women in your backyard, have children with them. Haven’t you heard a saying? Exceptional talents emerge once every hundred years, sages once every thousand years, and living Buddhas once every ten thousand years. Do you know how rare it is to find someone with a deep affinity for Buddhism?”
County Magistrate Lin stomped his feet in frustration.
Bai Lixin almost burst out laughing inside, but he managed to keep a straight face, not letting himself laugh out loud.
——————————–
In the live broadcast room
[ “Good Mother-in-law in Ancient Times”]
[I’m laughing so hard. Child, come, don’t marry my son, learn Buddhism with me.]
[This old lady has some guts.]
————————————-
In the end, County Magistrate Lin persuaded and begged, and coupled with Bai Lixin’s apparent weakness, the old lady reluctantly gave up the idea of keeping him by her side for now.
Although she couldn’t keep him, the old lady still gave Bai Lixin plenty of face.
County Magistrate Lin and Yi Niniang Qian were still standing, but the old lady patted the soft seat next to her, indicating Bai Lixin to sit.
“Xin’er, I heard you fainted yesterday. With your fragile health, you should take good care of yourself. You shouldn’t have come to see this old lady. You’re a good child. Come, sit by my side and don’t tire yourself out.”
The equally frail Yi Niniang: “…”
‘Old lady, are you blind? Am I not weak too? Aren’t you being too biased?!
Why is it that when this woman comes to see you, she has good intentions, but when I come to see you, I have ‘ulterior motives’?
Isn’t this a double standard?’
“Son,” the old lady grabbed Bai Lixin’s hand and spoke in a serious tone, “Son, from now on, you will provide for Xin’er just like you provide for me, understand?”
County Magistrate Lin was so moved that he almost cried. “I, Lin, am truly fortunate to have such a wonderful wife in this lifetime.”
“You’re overestimating me, Master. I’m just a woman fulfilling the most basic duties as a wife. By the way, Master, about Mother… I never had the chance to meet her yesterday when I entered the house. She hasn’t appeared at all. Could it be that Mother dislikes me?”
County Magistrate Lin quickly shook his head. “No, no, Madam, why do you assume everything is your fault? Let me tell you the truth, Mother is devoted to Buddhism, she kneels in the temple all day and rarely goes out. Even I don’t see her for days at times.”
“She doesn’t like the worldly noise. It’s not just you, among my previous wives, only the first one paid respects to our ancestors and the ancestral hall. If mother refuses, it’s hard for me as a son, I can’t force her to do anything. I can only comply.”
“I just didn’t expect you to misunderstand.”
“It doesn’t matter,” the “Madam” on the bed said, her eyes teary. “Mother works so hard for the family. She should be the priority. Didn’t I say that to me, all these formalities like paying respects are just for societal expectations? I don’t mind. As long as you and Mother are comfortable, I’m fine with anything. Besides, I don’t feel wronged.”
“Master, let me accompany you to see Mother.” The “Madam” said, supporting herself with a pale hand on the bed, another hand lifting the blanket as if to get up.
“Momo, come and help me change clothes.”
Upon seeing this situation, County Magistrate Lin cried out in his heart, “Help!”: “Madam, this won’t do. Your body is still so weak, it’s best to rest in bed.”
“Master!” The delicate “Madam” looked at County Magistrate Lin with teary eyes, “This isn’t concern, it’s harming me.”
County Magistrate Lin was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“Madam”: “Paying respects to our parents is a matter of filial piety. Today is my second day in this house; I should have visited Mother. If I don’t go now, it’s like putting me in a position of disloyalty and impiety. How could you bear to do that?”
County Magistrate Lin felt helpless. “But… but didn’t you just say you don’t care about these formalities?”
“I don’t mind. These formalities don’t matter to me personally, but when it comes to family, I must observe the proper etiquette. It’s not about unnecessary rituals; it’s about respect. I respect you and Mother, so I should act accordingly. If I keep this respect hidden in my heart, how would you and Mother know my sincerity? These are things I should do.”
“Please, Master, let me go with you to meet Mother.”
County Magistrate Lin couldn’t resist the kindness and determination of the woman in front of him and nodded, “Alright, I’ll wait for you. Take your time. I’ll inform Mother and ask her to wait for us. You can come slowly.”
The “Madam” instantly had red eyes, feeling deeply moved. “Thank you, Master. You’re truly kind, you are completely different from the rumors outside.”
County Magistrate Lin was slightly surprised, “What kind of rumors are circulating about me outside?”
Bai Lixin: “It’s just idle gossip, I couldn’t care less. I never believe in them anyway, for me, seeing is believing. Master, would you please wait outside? I don’t want you to see me in this disheveled state while changing. I want to present my best self to you.”
County Magistrate Lin was deeply moved by the words. “Of course, Madam, I respect your wishes. I’ll wait outside.”
Once County Magistrate Lin left, the thin maid promptly closed the door. County Magistrate Lin pulled over a servant boy. “Go tell my mother that we’ll be a bit late, she shouldn’t wait anxiously. Hurry.”
The servant boy received the order and ran off, not daring to delay. Meanwhile, Xiaodie supported the Yi Niang, waiting on the side. Seeing the tightly closed door and the servant boy running, the Yi Niniang suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of crisis.
She and Xiaodie exchanged glances and then she cleared her throat lightly. Xiaodie immediately understood and hurriedly supported the Yi Niniang, anxiously saying, “Yi Niniang, are you alright?!”
County Magistrate Lin glanced at the two and asked, “What’s wrong, Qian’er?”
Xiaodie: “Master, Yi Niniang knew she had offended Madam so she insisted on coming to apologize to Madam even though she is sick. She had a restless night and cried in her sleep several times. Plus, she didn’t eat breakfast this morning and is very weak.”
“Master,” Xiaodie suddenly knelt down, “Please don’t despise Yi Niniang because of this. It’s all Xiaodie’s fault. I didn’t like Madam, which led to this. Yi Niniang knows nothing. It’s all my fault. Please don’t blame Yi Niniang for it. Considering the years Yi Niniang has spent with you, please don’t misunderstand her.”
County Magistrate Lin glanced at The Yi Niniang, who had teary eyes and was biting her lip, and he felt pity for her.
Then he looked down at Xiaodie, who was charming and lively. When she spoke, the butterfly-shaped hairpin on her head swayed as if it were alive.
His heart softened, and he casually waved his hand, “Alright, alright, I understand that you didn’t think it through at the moment. It’s not your fault. Xiaodie, help your Yi Niniang sit in the corridor and let her rest for a while.”
Only then did Xiaodie stand up and assist the weak Yi Niniang to sit down.
The person inside the room was still changing clothes and showing no signs of opening the door. County Magistrate Lin lowered his voice and spoke to Xiaodie, “Xiaodie, Qian’er, what I said last night was out of necessity. You both know Madam has powerful backing. The senior elder of the Qingcheng Sect specifically mentioned her, claiming to have a karmic connection with her. If the senior elder finds out I mistreated her, they won’t spare our family.”
He paused and held the Yi Niniang’s hand, “Qian’er, don’t you know what kind of person I am? I haven’t even touched a strand of Madam’s hair. My heart is filled with thoughts of you.”
The Yi Niniang’s complexion eased slightly, “Master, I also had my faults. I made you embarrassed in public.”
“It’s not that serious,” County Magistrate Lin glanced at Xiaodie beside Yi Niniang, “Xiaodie, they didn’t really beat you yesterday, did they? I was just bluffing.”
Xiaodie quickly waved her hand, “Master, rest assured, the brother guard just made a point. I didn’t feel any pain and it ended quickly. I’m perfectly fine.”
After speaking, she shook the Yi Niniang’s shoulder, “Miss, even when Master was furious, he still considered our safety. It shows that he has always cared for you. Are you relieved now? Master’s deepest love has always been for you.”
The Yi Niniang finally smiled through her tears. She looked up at County Magistrate Lin, and the two of them shared a smile.
The thin maid crouched at the door, secretly peering outside and trembling with anger.
She turned to look at Bai Lixin and found that he had already changed into his clothes.
Today was the second day of their marriage so he wore a light red dress. Although it was light in color, it was undeniably crimson, not the peach pink worn by concubines.
After changing, the thin maid’s eyes lit up. Even though her mood was bad just now, she couldn’t stop herself from praising the Immortal Lady in front of her.
“Immortal Lady, you’re truly beautiful. Even the most ordinary clothes have a unique charm when worn by you.” She glanced at the three thousand black strands scattered behind the Immortal Lady and hurriedly added, “Immortal Lady, please sit down. Let me style your hair for you.”
Bai Lixin really wasn’t skilled at tying hair. At most, he could tie a ponytail or make a simple bun. Making a proper ancient woman’s hairstyle was beyond him.
So he didn’t refuse and sat in front of the mirror without any worries.
The thin maid combed Bai Lixin’s hair while grumbling, “Those three outside are truly despicable. I’m furious.”
“Xiaodie treated you like that yesterday. If it were Miss, she would have been truly ill by now. But that County Magistrate Lin can’t distinguish between good and evil and just scolded them for show. He promised twenty heavy lashes, but he didn’t keep his word. Isn’t this favoritism?!”
Bai Lixin: “We’ve only been here for a few days, while they have been here for much longer. Don’t worry, if we can’t handle them once, we’ll handle them twice. If twice isn’t enough, we’ll do it thrice. They probably don’t understand what kind of person they’ve provoked.”
The thin maid sighed, “Only someone as calm and steadfast as you can prevent them from causing harm. If it were an ordinary family’s young lady…”
The thin maid didn’t finish her sentence. She shivered and silently continued combing Bai Lixin’s hair.
Her skills were excellent, and in no time, she had fashioned Bai Lixin a graceful hairstyle.
Looking at the Immortal Lady in the mirror, the thin maid couldn’t help but admire, “It looks beautiful, Immortal Lady. Please be careful!”
Bai Lixin raised an eyebrow, “Be careful? Me?”
The thin maid suddenly had a bad feeling, and the next moment, Bai Lixin continued, “You should accompany me. What if I faint on the way to pay respects? I need someone to support me, right?”
Thin maid: “…”
‘Immortal Lady, what exactly are you planning?!’
——————————-
In the live broadcast room
[I thought County Magistrate Lin wasn’t a good person, but at least he would be captivated by God Xin’s appearance and stand up for God Xin. I didn’t expect him to be this cunning. He’s playing both sides. Bah!]
[He think he has gained our Xin God. This scum, he’s acting one way in front of him and another behind his back? He even spared Xiaodie secretly? Hahaha, God Xin, let them know what real palace intrigue is!]
[But I have to admit, God Xin looks really good. I can’t get enough of him no matter how much I watch. It would be even better if the big boss was by God Xin’s side.]
[Hahaha, God Xin threw himself into his arms, only to be stunned when he was turned into a fox by the clueless monk and flown in the sky for several rounds. God Xin wanted to have fun, not ascend to the heavens.]
[Pfft, this Big Brother or Big Sister, can you please make an announcement before speeding up? You almost threw me out.]
[I’m your big sister, what are you afraid of? Just drive when you need to. After we leave the game lobby, no one will remember anyway. As long as I lose my memory, the past social death won’t catch up with me, hahaha.]
[Is this why you guys do extreme drifting?]
————————————-
On the winding and twisting corridor, a group of people walked from a distance.
Leading the way was a middle-aged man and a stunning woman with a slightly pale complexion. The woman’s steps were graceful, and she needed the support of the maid beside her to walk.
Behind the two of them were two women.
One was a madam, and the other was a servant girl.
The charming servant girl supported the madam, walking carefully.
Behind them were several attendants. In no time, nearly ten people arrived in a small courtyard. Bai Lixin glanced inside the courtyard. It wasn’t small, and there were two ponds inside, filled with lotus flowers.
Beside the ponds, the ground was covered with lush green grass, and amidst the shade, flowers swayed gently.
It was the peak blooming season for lotus flowers. The fragrance of lotus flowers wafted in the air, gently entering the noses of the people.
Lotus flowers.
County Magistrate Lin had mentioned that this old lady believed in Buddhism, and it seemed to be true.
Bai Lixin glanced at County Magistrate Lin and saw him shaking his head before cautiously approaching the closed door.
He walked very carefully, afraid of stepping on the pebble path’s small flowers and grass by the side.
It seemed that he was genuinely afraid of this old lady.
County Magistrate Lin crept up to the door. He was just about to knock when a stern voice came from inside the room, “You’re already this old, why are you sneaking around like this? Stop lingering outside and come in!”
A true heroine among women.
County Magistrate Lin seemed genuinely fearful of his mother. Upon hearing the voice, he shuddered. After shuddering, he turned to gesture to Bai Lixin and Yi Niniang Qian to follow him.
Bai Lixin entered first, followed by Yi Niniang Qian. Once they were inside, another voice came from the inner room, “Close the door.”
Xiaodie immediately turned back and closed the door. She also appeared quite afraid of the old lady.
County Magistrate Lin led Bai Lixin inside the room and Bai Lixin finally saw the true appearance of this old lady.
She was an old woman with graying hair, a slightly round face, and slightly chubby figure.
She appeared to be around sixty or seventy years old, with wrinkles on her cheeks, yet her complexion was exceptionally rosy, fitting the description of “white hair, youthful face.”
The old lady sat cross-legged on a soft couch, wearing a plain light blue robe. One hand held small prayer beads, her lips murmuring something.
Most likely, it was a Buddhist mantra.
Her lips tightened slightly, exuding authority without anger and displaying immense dignity.
County Magistrate Lin, who acted tyrannical outside, turned into a subdued monkey in front of the old lady, as if he had encountered the Buddha himself.
He stood before the old lady respectfully. “Mother, I’ve brought your daughter-in-law to see you.”
After saying this, he gestured towards Bai Lixin.
Bai Lixin bowed, “Greetings, Mother. May you be blessed and at peace.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the rustle of clothing.
Next, his hands were firmly grasped by someone. He raised his head in confusion and saw that the old lady had descended from the couch at some point, her eyes scrutinizing him intensely.
Bai Lixin glanced at County Magistrate Lin, noticing his surprise.
Surprise?
So, the old lady rarely made such gestures?
“Child, what is your name?”
The old lady was no longer stern, asking Bai Lixin in a kind tone.
Bai Lixin blinked in confusion.
Ah, he had impersonated Miss Song for so long, but he had never asked Miss Song’s real name.
After a brief moment of consideration, Bai Lixin replied, “Replying to Mother, my name is Song Xin’er.”
“Xin’er, ah,” the old lady held Bai Lixin’s hand, “this name is good. I see a faint Buddhist light enveloping you. Child, you must have a deep affinity with Buddhism. A seedling like you should enter the Buddhist path and focus on practicing. You will surely become a living Buddha benefiting the people in the future.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
Buddhist light?
That probably wasn’t his but the one Fanjia left on him.
It seemed that this old lady had a certain level of spiritual cultivation to perceive the Buddhist light Fanjia left on him.
He didn’t react much, but County Magistrate Lin beside him suddenly became anxious. “Mother, what are you doing? She is your daughter-in-law. How can a mother force her daughter-in-law to become a nun? Don’t you want grandchildren?”
The old lady gave County Magistrate Lin a disdainful glance. “What grandchildren? If you could have had them by now, you would have. Why wait until now? This child is such a good seedling. It’s a waste for her to be following you. You have so many beautiful women in your backyard, have children with them. Haven’t you heard a saying? Exceptional talents emerge once every hundred years, sages once every thousand years, and living Buddhas once every ten thousand years. Do you know how rare it is to find someone with a deep affinity for Buddhism?”
County Magistrate Lin stomped his feet in frustration.
Bai Lixin almost burst out laughing inside, but he managed to keep a straight face, not letting himself laugh out loud.
——————————–
In the live broadcast room
[ “Good Mother-in-law in Ancient Times”]
[I’m laughing so hard. Child, come, don’t marry my son, learn Buddhism with me.]
[This old lady has some guts.]
————————————-
In the end, County Magistrate Lin persuaded and begged, and coupled with Bai Lixin’s apparent weakness, the old lady reluctantly gave up the idea of keeping him by her side for now.
Although she couldn’t keep him, the old lady still gave Bai Lixin plenty of face.
County Magistrate Lin and Yi Niniang Qian were still standing, but the old lady patted the soft seat next to her, indicating Bai Lixin to sit.
“Xin’er, I heard you fainted yesterday. With your fragile health, you should take good care of yourself. You shouldn’t have come to see this old lady. You’re a good child. Come, sit by my side and don’t tire yourself out.”
The equally frail Yi Niniang: “…”
‘Old lady, are you blind? Am I not weak too? Aren’t you being too biased?!
Why is it that when this woman comes to see you, she has good intentions, but when I come to see you, I have ‘ulterior motives’?
Isn’t this a double standard?’
“Son,” the old lady grabbed Bai Lixin’s hand and spoke in a serious tone, “Son, from now on, you will provide for Xin’er just like you provide for me, understand?”
