Chapter 164: Magic Defeats Magic

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.

Following the provincial examination, Lu Yan Shu’s schedule quickly filled with studying alongside his peers and preparing for the upcoming royal examination in February. As the end of the year drew near, the cold deepened. Meanwhile, the fourth prince, after absorbing some spiritual energy from Chao Chao, found his health restored and resumed his regular activities, even enrolling at the Royal Academy. Always diligent, Hostage Prince Xuan Jichuan devoted himself to staying close to Chao Chao.

“Chao Chao… Chao Chao…” whispered Rong Che, peering over the wall, his voice gentle.

“Chao Chao, could you place this hairpin on your mother’s bedside table for me?” Rong Che cautiously handed her a hairpin he had crafted for Madam Xu.

Chao Chao folded her arms behind her. “Unca Rong! That my momma! You think I go behind her back?” Though nearing two years old, her speech had sharpened.

Rong Che’s face held a mix of emotions as he produced a paper-wrapped parcel from his pocket. “This is a freshly roasted lamb bun for you, sizzling and succulent.”

Chao Chao’s eyes widened, struggling with her desire. “This… This not ’bout yummy buns… I can’t be mean to momma…” The aroma was tantalizing.

He then revealed another parcel, this one radiating an even more enticing scent. Chao Chao inhaled deeply, the delicious smell overwhelming her senses.

“Roast lamb leg, tender and fresh from the oven…”

Her mouth watering, Chao Chao coughed lightly before accepting both the bun and the lamb leg. “Just this once. I not being mean to momma, I just giving her surprises.” She nodded firmly. “Don’t worry, Unca Rong,” she assured, dismissing him with a wave.

As Chao Chao disappeared inside with the hairpin, Deng Zhi entered to deliver urgent news.

“Madam, a messenger from Marquis Zhongyong’s residence has arrived. The old madam is gravely ill and wishes to see the children…” It was Madam Pei who had brought the word personally.

Madam Xu’s brow creased. “Is this verified? Has a physician confirmed her condition?” she inquired, wary. Though her children had been formally distanced from that part of the family, societal expectations might compel their presence if the old madam was indeed dying.

“I was informed a physician attended her. Madam Pei suggested if the young masters are unable to return promptly, Chao Chao should visit first,” Deng Zhi relayed cautiously.

Madam Xu scowled, resistant to sending the children back to a home they had left. “Chao Chao? Absolutely not!” she objected outright. Yet, the harsh realities of societal judgment weighed on her; failing to pay last respects could tarnish their reputations irreparably.

“Not even death brings tranquility,” Madam Xu muttered bitterly.

Overhearing the conversation, Chao Chao handed the hairpin to Yuqin and slipped out with Yuhua.

“Momma busy, Chao Chao help.”

Chao Chao gathered some silver coins and approached a coffin seller. “Unca, I need to buy a coffin. My grandma has passed… Only the biggest and best,” she said, handing over the money.

Yuhua looked on, words caught in her throat as the shopkeeper accepted the coins.

“The most lavish coffin costs 360 taels. Where should we deliver it?”

“To Marquis Zhongyong’s residence,” Chao Chao instructed, tears welling up. “Grandma died suddenly, and they weren’t ready,” she explained earnestly.

As they arranged for delivery, inquiries came from passersby.

“My grandma died,” Chao Chao responded repeatedly.

“Princess Sunshine, where are you going?” a court official asked, stopping to greet her.

“Grandma died, Chao Chao is going to send her off,” she replied in her childlike voice.

The official, taken aback, confirmed, “Really?”

“Yes, Madam Pei said so herself,” Chao Chao affirmed, knowing the gravity of the situation well.

At a distance, Yuhua observed, aware that Madam Pei awaited at the Lu household.

“Such sudden news of her death?” the official remarked, surprised. Despite Lu Yuan Ze’s modest status, the foundational legacy of the old Marquis Zhongyong commanded respect. The official promptly spread the word: the old madam was dying, and all should pay their respects.

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

As Lu Yuan Ze departed the palace, he was met with condolences. “Marquis, our deepest sympathies…”

Confused, Lu Yuan Ze received an explanation, “The old madam has passed.”

“People are gathering at the marquis’s residence for her final farewell.”

Visibly shaken, Lu Yuan Ze steadied himself with the help of a servant, his expression one of deep sorrow.

“Mother, gone?” Grateful yet distraught, he rushed home.

As Chao Chao’s purchased coffin arrived, they found officials and a grieving marquis outside.

“Mother, oh mother… You were taken too soon…” Lu Yuan Ze lamented before even crossing the threshold.

The gatekeeper, alarmed by the commotion and crowd, paled, remembering the situation inside.

Lu Yuan Ze brushed past him, entering the residence. As officials and Princess Sunshine followed, the bearers announced, “The coffin has arrived, please clear the way.”

“Where is the old madam? We need to prepare her for the coffin,” one bearer inquired, wiping his brow.

At that moment, the old madam herself, pale and trembling, pointed at them, unable to speak.

“Mother, you’re not dead?” Lu Yuan Ze gasped in disbelief.

The absurd scene unfolded as the old madam might as well have been dead for all the confusion her supposed demise caused.

Witnessing the gathering crowd with mourning paraphernalia, she nearly fainted.

“Madam Pei came this morning, claiming you had died, urging Chao Chao to come,” Chao Chao explained in her innocent voice, having used her New Year’s money for the coffin. “Am I the most filial?” she boasted proudly.

The old madam, speechless with rage, pointed at Chao Chao. The onlookers exchanged puzzled looks, the old madam clearly alive.

“Why declare her dead if she’s still alive?” Lu Yuan Ze demanded angrily.

The old madam’s face darkened, her lips sealed. She had feigned severe illness to lure Chao Chao, intending to use her in a life-extending ritual for the Xue family. But how could she possibly admit that now?

“Grandma, want to try the coffin to see if it fits?” Chao Chao cheekily suggested.

For those that just want to support me, you can follow the link to paypal donating. Sadly you won’t be able to get the benefit of reading ahead 

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