Chapter 351 - Chapter 351: Curiosity Killed the Cat
Chapter 351: Curiosity Killed the Cat
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The New Year’s Eve dinner concluded with Qiao Mai’s magic tricks, and the emperor kept Qiao Mai’s family behind, continuing the conversation in the grand hall.
“Are you visiting relatives on the second day of the New Year?”
“No, we’re not.”
“How about I bring the empress, Jiamei, and the Eleventh Prince to visit you?”
“That’s fine.
“I also want to go. Is it allowed?”
The old Taoist emerged from the corner, and the emperor felt awkward. “Qing Feng, have you rested well?”
“I only need a short meditation to restore my vitality.”
With a cold expression, Qiao Mai looked at Qingfeng. “Old man, don’t be swayed by momentary desires. Stay on the right path.”
Qingfeng hesitated, observing her, and then bowed to Qiao Mai.
“Madam, there’s a demonic aura on you.”
Qiao Mai couldn’t bother to argue with him. “Old man, just say that I am a demon.”
“You’re not a demon; you’re a soul that has entered someone else’s body. It violates the natural order. It’s better to leave this body soon.”
“Oh, screw you. I also want to leave. Violating the natural order? This is just Heaven playing tricks on me, bringing me here. What nonsense are you spouting? Let me leave?”
“If you don’t leave, I must take action myself.”
“Come on.”
The old Taoist swung a Buddhist relic towards her and chanted an incantation while Qiao Mai stood motionless.
After a while, the old Taoist opened his eyes, seeing Qiao Mai unharmed. He closed his eyes again, continued chanting, and finally pointed at Qiao Mai with two fingers.
She was too angry today. Did this old man become too impatient? Now, he wants to seize the spatial treasure for himself.
She focused her mental power and collided with the red light. The old Taoist screamed, flying backward and falling to the ground.
Qiao Mai sneered, “With such low cultivation, you want to seize my treasures?
Watch me cripple you.”
The emperor pleaded, “In-law, please spare him. He’s a good friend of mine. Spare his life for my sake.”
Approaching the old Taoist, Qiao Mai pressed his forehead, retracting her hand after a moment.
She glared at him. “Because of your merit in the mortal world, I spare your life. Greed leads to a lifetime of mistakes. Your cultivation ends here.’
The old Taoist looked at her. “Are you… a cultivator?”
“You haven’t transcended the human form yet wants to snatch my possessions? Get lost.”
The emperor quickly ordered palace servants to help the old Taoist back to Qingfeng Hall.
“In-law, is that true?”
“As long as you understand.”
The family looked at her. Ling’er and Haichuan were confused, thinking the old Taoist intended harm to their mother.
However, Yuan Jiaqi seemed to understand but didn’t say much.
After a short while, they bid farewell.
The emperor, empress, Jiamei, and the Eleventh Prince were baffled and couldn’t figure it out. In the end, they attributed the whole matter to the Taoist.
The emperor rushed to Qingfeng Hall and looked at the Taoist resting on the bed.
“Qingfeng, what happened to you today?”
“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have given in to greed for a moment.”
“She’s a cultivator?”
“Yes, and her cultivation is extremely high. She could kill me like an ant.”
“With your high level of cultivation, you still couldn’t match her?”
Qingfeng sighed, “Do you know what she did in the end, pressing on my head?” “What did she do?”
“She was probing my memories. This is far beyond what ordinary cultivators can do. I have read historical records of various sects. This is called the soul-searching technique. At the lowest level, it turns people into idiots after probing, but I’m still fine. What she used was an advanced technique. I can’t compare to her.”
“What about the demonic aura you mentioned?”
“It should be her pet. I have read records on this subject. Demonic pets come in many forms. Hers might be a demonic beast.”
“Oh my, she’s been so low-key, hiding in the capital for many years. She’s a cultivator. This is incredible.”
“My heart is damaged. I’ll recover here with my old friend. After that, I’ll return to the mountain. Once I leave, it might be impossible for us to meet again.”
“When I have free time, I’ll visit you.”
“Hopefully, we’ll have the chance to meet again.”
Back in his chambers, the emperor couldn’t sleep all night. At this moment, Yuan Jiaqi faced Qiao Mai. “Wife, aren’t you her?”
“No, when my soul entered her body, she had just died. There was no possession involved.”
“So, you saved her and her child?”
“Yes.”
“What about him wanting to take your treasures?”
“I have a spatial ability. Do you understand what space is?”
Yuan Jiaqi shook his head, and Qiao Mai explained, “Imagine having a movable house you can shrink and carry around with lots of space inside.”
His eyes lit up. “You mean the things that appear with a wave of your hand come from there?”
“Yes. He got greedy, thinking it would be easy to seize them. Little did he know he kicked a hornet’s nest. Understand now?”
“I understand. Any more explanations needed?”
“Wife, feel like we’re living in a fairy tale. It’s so unbelievable.”
“Are you scared?”
“Not at all. It just feels dreamlike and magical. My life is worthwhile after experiencing such wonders.”
“Of course. Get some sleep. We’ll be home tomorrow waiting for them to visit for the New Year.’
“I can’t sleep. I’m too excited.”
Qiao Mai slapped his neck lightly, and Yuan Jiaqi fainted. She covered him with a blanket and sighed.
He seemed to have one more question about cultivation. She knew he only understood that she was practicing but not cultivating. If he pressed further, she would lose her privacy.
Oh, there was also the spatial ability. She hadn’t taken him inside yet.
Lying next to him, she patted his cheek gently. “Curiosity killed the cat. From now on, don’t ask. It’s better not to know everything. Some mysteries are for the best.”
On the first day of the lunar new year, everyone gathered in the front hall. In previous years, no one came to offer New Year’s greetings.
This year, the Wang family, Lu Ruyi, the Eleventh Prince, and Jiamei will come to pay their respects.
Old Master and Mistress Wang were present, creating a lively atmosphere not seen in a long time.
Qiao Mai had prepared many gifts, presenting each person with a suitable gift.
Even the Eleventh Prince and Jiamei received gifts, maintaining her generosity.
Surprisingly, Prince Shunqin also came to wish them a Happy New Year with Jiaru.
Old Mistress Wang found it unexpected, but since they considered themselves juniors and came with sincerity, she was pleased.
Three tables were set for lunch, and everyone enjoyed a satisfying meal. Even Prince Shunqin ate much for the first time, probably benefiting from Jiaru’s influence.
The once-a-year festivity was chaotic, but Qiao Mai didn’t say anything.
After eating and drinking, they took many items as gifts, like a daughter returning home.
After seeing off the guests, Old Master and Mistress Wang returned to the courtyard, discussing Prince Shunqin.
Old Master Wang tolled his eyes. “You’re getting more confused as you get older.”
“Then explain? We’ve lived here for several years. but he has never visited.’ “Jiamei marrying into this family is one reason. Ling’er marrying the Eleventh Prince is another. The emperor was always with him. He is clearly cultivating the crown prince. Do you understand?”
Old Mistress Wang was surprised. “In the end, it’s all for power.”
“What else? Ling’er is the future empress. If they don’t befriend the future heir, whom should they befriend?”
“Tsk. But it’s also good now. With this backing, Jiaru doesn’t have to worry about being mistreated there.”
“Hmph, you have long hair but a short sight.”
Old Mistress Wang glared. “Would you dare to say that in front of Qiao Mai?”
“Hehe, she’s different. An exception.”
“Humph! You old man, always bullying me..”