Chapter 112: Counsel

What a joke—calling the Celestial Master's self-portrait a ruined painting? That was only out of respect for Bai Ranhe; if an ordinary person dared to slander such a sacred Taoist artifact, no one would know how they’d meet their end.

“Li Xiaojuan, if you don’t want this Celestial Master portrait, our Mountain and Water Group can offer you a yuanqinghua of the same quality as the Chen family’s, plus thirty million, in exchange,” a businessman opportunistically interjected, hoping to profit.

Bai Ranhe quickly covered Li Xiaojuan’s mouth, glaring fiercely at her. “If you want to live, don’t act recklessly.” Then he turned to Mu Xiaoxiao and said, “Th-thank you, Lord Yin, for the generous gift. Such a sacred artifact truly as a betrothal gift for our Bai family?” With trembling hands stirred by excitement, he reached out to take the portrait from Mu Xiaoxiao.

But Mu Xiaoxiao withdrew the painting, leaving Bai Ranhe awkwardly staring at her, unsure of her meaning.

Without a glance at Bai Ranhe, Mu Xiaoxiao turned and handed the portrait to Bai Xiaoli instead. “This betrothal gift is not for the Bai family, but for Bai Xiaoli. Miss Bai, please accept it.”

For some reason, Bai Xiaoli hesitated, not reaching out immediately. Curious, I looked at her. Her face was pale, and she seemed deeply fearful of the painting, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Only an evil spirit would fear the Celestial Master’s portrait—why would Bai Xiaoli be so terrified by it?

Seeing this, I was deeply puzzled. But now was not the time to ponder. Seeing the terror on Bai Xiaoli’s face, I stepped in front of her and took the Celestial Master portrait from Mu Xiaoxiao’s hands on her behalf.

“Yang, Yangxi, please put the portrait back in its box,” Bai Xiaoli’s voice trembled with an uncontainable fear that seemed to come from her very soul.

I hurriedly and carefully rolled up the Celestial Master’s self-portrait and placed it into a box made of golden nanmu wood. Once the lid was closed, the invisible aura of solemnity vanished instantly.

Only then did Bai Xiaoli’s expression soften slightly, though her face still bore the marks of confusion, as if she didn’t understand why she had been so afraid.

“Why are you helping me?” After handing the portrait to Bai Ranhe, I looked at Mu Xiaoxiao, dressed in a white shirt. Beyond gratitude, I was filled with questions. No one gives without something in return. I couldn’t comprehend why Huanghe Manor would go to such lengths to aid me. Could all of this have been arranged by my grandfather?

“If you want to know, come find our manor lord after the wedding,” Mu Xiaoxiao said, then turned and walked off the stage, returning to Yin Shushu’s side and respectfully nodding at her.

At that moment, Yin Shushu stood up, lowered her head to speak a few words to Mu Xiaoxiao, who nodded in response. Then, across the hall, she shouted to me, “Pi Yangxi, we’re leaving for now. Our manor lord said you can come to Huanghe Manor whenever you need anything. The manor lord wants to adopt you as a younger brother.”

A gasp swept through the crowd.

Everyone present heard clearly: Yin Shushu of Huanghe Manor wished to take me as her younger brother. This was a great honor.

Hearing Mu Xiaoxiao’s words, I felt no excitement. Although Huanghe Manor had helped me, no one would do such a thing for a stranger without reason. I was puzzled but kept my tone respectful.

Seeing the noble guests around cast admiring and envious glances my way, I seized the moment to shout toward Yin Shushu’s direction, “Thank you for your generous gift, Sister Shushu. Yangxi will remember it always.”

Yin Shushu halted in her tracks at my shout. Her cold face turned toward me, and to my surprise, she smiled faintly. “Pi Yangxi, since you called me sister, I’ll give you one more piece of advice: whether or not this ceremony goes on doesn’t matter. If you want to live, leave here with me now.”