Chapter 82: Worshiping the Gods

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.

The Old Madam did not awaken until dusk.

When she did, her entire body felt numb, as though she had been frozen solid. Yet, upon opening her eyes, she saw a warmly lit room, a heated brazier at its center, and a silk quilt draped over her. Since Nanny Lin had passed away, there was no one by her side to care for her thoughtfully.

Hearing that the Old Madam had developed a high fever during the night and complained of numbness, Madam Xu had summoned the household physician. After prescribing medicine, the physician’s face turned grave.

“Madam, the Old Madam’s body cannot withstand further shocks. I fear she shows signs of a stroke.”

Tears welled in Madam Xu’s eyes as she delicately dabbed them with a handkerchief, her face a picture of grief. Once the physician left, however, her expression turned cold.

“Make sure she experiences shocks often,” she said calmly. “Keep her nerves frayed by letting the cats and dogs roam freely. Every so often, give her a good scare.”

Madam Xu’s lips curled in a faint smile. Thanks to her past efforts, who didn’t see her as the picture of filial piety? No one would ever suspect her.

“Has Chao Chao said anything?” Madam Xu asked.

Deng Zhi shook her head. “She wouldn’t say a word.”

“She ate the drumstick but still kept silent.”

Madam Xu waved dismissively, just as Lu Chao Chao needed her nightly bath. She led the child to the bathing area, where the little one splashed about in the tub with glee.

“Chao Chao, where did today’s borrowed money go?” Madam Xu asked softly.

[Mother seems worried. Chao Chao is a good child and can’t lie to Mother…]

“Uncle, big uncle bought stuff,” Lu Chao Chao said, blowing soap bubbles.

Madam Xu blinked in surprise. If it was given to her elder brother, there was no more to be said.

“Mama… Wo no likey Daddy.”

“Mama, can Daddy be changed?”

“Mama… Wo wan’t rich Daddy.”

“Wan’t Daddy who play wif Wo!”

“Wan’t Daddy who… who’s officer Daddy!”

“Mama… How ‘bout… three daddies?” Lu Chao Chao gazed at her mother with sparkling eyes.

Madam Xu nearly choked.

Smiling, Madam Xu lifted a teacup. “Chao Chao, when bathing, it’s good for your body to hold water in your mouth. Just don’t swallow it, alright?”

Chao Chao stared at her with wide, trusting eyes. Really?

The child obediently took a big gulp, cheeks puffed out as she sat like a cherub in the tub. After Madam Xu finished bathing, she told her daughter it was alright to swallow the water. “Chao Chao is such a good girl.”

Once Lu Chao Chao was tucked into bed, Madam Xu quietly extinguished the lights and slipped out.

“Madam, does holding water in one’s mouth during a bath truly benefit the body?” Deng Zhi asked, puzzled. “I’ve never heard of such a remedy.”

Amusement glimmered in Madam Xu’s eyes. “She talks too much. With her mouth full of water, she can’t speak.”

Deng Zhi was dumbfounded. Madam Xu, you’re ruthless! Poor Miss Chao Chao, outwitted by her own lack of education and utterly bamboozled.

Meanwhile, Lu Chao Chao drifted into a deep slumber, mumbling, “Roast chicken… roast chicken…”

…

Far away, the Emperor spent a sleepless night.

“Do you think Chao Chao might be a blessing bestowed upon North Zhao?” he mused. “Could she be here to save our kingdom?”

“My son, this Truth Talisman worked perfectly on the hostage prince. Remarkably effective!” His Majesty’s eyes sparkled.

But then a shadow crossed his expression. “Chao Chao’s abilities in the hands of outsiders could spell disaster for North Zhao.”

The Crown Prince immediately fell to his knees. “Father, Chao Chao is but a one-year-old child! I swear upon my life she harbors no ill intent towards North Zhao. Her loyalty is beyond question.”

The Emperor waved dismissively. “What nonsense are you spouting? Should the late Emperor haunt me in my dreams for treating Chao Chao poorly?” He sighed. “I only mean… it would be safer if she remained within the family.”

“So, what do you think about me marrying Madam Xu? Or perhaps arranging a childhood betrothal between you and Chao Chao?”

The Crown Prince sputtered and choked. “Father, no, no, absolutely not! I cannot!”

Taking a deep breath, he continued. “Father, my life was forfeit until Chao Chao reversed fate itself to save me. She shared her lifespan with me to do so. Now, I live only by her grace, a mere servant of her borrowed years.”

The Emperor was stunned. Remembering the late Emperor’s words, he sighed wearily. “Fine, fine. Let us discuss this after arranging a divorce for her mother.”

…

Lu Yuan Ze, oblivious to the fact that others already coveted his cast-off wife, was busy scrambling to repay debts. Desperately, he sold family heirlooms and even reclaimed the manor he had gifted to Lu Jing Yao, just to scrape together funds. Rumor had it Pei Jiao Jiao was so furious her eyes turned red.

To repay 25,000 taels, Lu Yuan Ze had resorted to borrowing from ruthless moneylenders, their interest rates squeezing him like a vice. Just the thought of the debt made his chest tighten painfully.

…

Soon, the fifteenth day of the lunar new year arrived—the Festival of Praying to the Gods. This day marked a grand occasion of worship across the land, with tales of divine miracles whispered among the people. It was said that when gods descended, even heaven and earth would bear witness.

At dawn, the Old Madam left with a large entourage to visit the Pei family for prayers, despite Su Zhi Qing trying in vain to dissuade her. Meanwhile, Madam Xu made meticulous preparations, setting up an altar with offerings and observing days of fasting and cleansing in solemnity.

The entire capital bustled with ritualistic fervor, the atmosphere more reverent than even during the New Year. Everyone hoped for the gods to heed their prayers.

“The divine attendants of the Southern Kingdom must commune with their gods regularly,” Madam Xu remarked wistfully, then fell silent.

Lu Chao Chao, however, cared little for divine worship. Her eyes gleamed only for the offerings—freshly prepared and exquisitely fragrant foods, from crisp pastries to roasted chicken that filled the manor with mouthwatering aromas.

“When can we worship?” she asked, hands clasped piously, though her drool betrayed her true intent.

“You mustn’t steal bites. The gods are watching,” Madam Xu admonished. “Worship begins at night, under the full moon.”

“Worship… which god?” Chao Chao asked, tilting her head.

Madam Xu shook her head. “The Supreme Deity of Heaven and Earth. Unlike other gods, there are no folk legends about this one.”

Chao Chao nodded and waited, longing for the night to arrive. When the full moon hung high, and lanterns illuminated the city, the household gathered around the altar set in the courtyard. A cloth-draped table laden with offerings stood at the center, and Madam Xu led the servants in their prayers.

“Where is Chao Chao?” Madam Xu asked, noticing her absence.

“She was here earlier. Likely she returned to her room,” Deng Zhi replied. Since the courtyard gates were guarded, there was no concern she had wandered off. “We shouldn’t miss the auspicious hour.”

Madam Xu nodded, resuming the ceremony with everyone else.

Unbeknownst to them, Lu Chao Chao was fast asleep beneath the altar, dreaming of roast chicken.

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