With Zhang Dayou’s matter resolved, Gu Qingyun could not resist the warm hospitality of Bai Fan’s aunt and her family, staying behind to join them for a sumptuous lunch.
After the meal, Zhang Dayou’s wife sliced a platter of watermelon to treat her. Watermelons were expensive at this time of year, and Gu Qingyun certainly would not have brought herself to buy one.
As she ate her watermelon, Gu Qingyun said to Bai Fan:
“Huh, I noticed Brother Zhang’s house isn't too far from that Marriage Tree—just two blocks over. When I passed by earlier, I saw quite a crowd gathered around it. I didn't expect so many people to pray to it. Is it really that effective?”
Before Bai Fan or the others could answer, she took another bite of watermelon and added,
“If it's that effective, wouldn't all the matchmakers lose their jobs? Young men and women wouldn't need formal matchings anymore—they could just go pray at the Marriage Tree.” She chuckled to herself as she finished speaking.
Hearing this, Bai Fan’s aunt paused, looked around, and lowered her voice to a whisper:
“Qingyun, don't put too much faith in it. I feel there's something very strange about that Marriage Tree. It only became famous over the past few years; before that, it was just an ordinary tree. And honestly, the matches it brings together feel rather bizarre.”
Before Gu Qingyun could say anything, Bai Fan asked impatiently,
“Auntie, how are they bizarre?”
Bai Fan’s aunt thought for a moment.
“I don't quite know how to put it, but among the couples who match, one person is always ugly while the other is good-looking. I've never seen a pair where both are handsome and pretty.”
“There must be something wrong with that Marriage Tree, forcing two mismatched people together. Though... surprisingly, all those matched couples seem to live together quite harmoniously.”
“Aiya, you old woman, you think too much! Stop bothering our benefactor while she's eating watermelon. What could possibly be wrong with it? If two people are fated to be together, isn't that normal?”
“It's alright, we're just chatting. It's only natural for Aunt Bai to feel something's off—after all, everyone prefers seeing handsome men with beautiful women.”
Gu Qingyun was puzzled as well. If it were just one or two couples, it could be a coincidence, but according to Aunt Bai, not a single pair had equal looks. That was definitely abnormal. That Marriage Tree was probably sick in the head.
Although she had no intention of marrying in this life, if she ever did, she certainly wouldn't want an ugly husband.
She had been a total visual person even in her past life. Given such a choice, she would rather stay single forever. Her rule was simple: quality over quantity; better to go without than accept second best.
Having finished his watermelon, Zhang Dayou looked at Gu Qingyun with a simple, warm smile.
“Sister Qingyun, you're an expert. Do you have any talismans for sale? Ever since I went through this mess, I've felt uneasy. I'd like to buy a few talismans from you so everyone in my family can keep one on them at all times.”
As he spoke, he even rubbed his hands clean, ready to receive the talisman with utmost respect. The others looked at her with eager anticipation as well.
Gu Qingyun gave an embarrassed smile.
“Brother Zhang, I've never drawn a talisman before.”
“Oh, no problem then,” Zhang Dayou muttered, drooping like a frost-bitten eggplant. The others looked equally crestfallen.
Gu Qingyun offered tentatively,
“How about... when I have time, I buy some cinnabar and other supplies to try drawing a few?”
“Really? That's awesome! Sister Yun, when the time comes, I'll buy a bunch from you!” Bai Fan said excitedly.
“Me too! Sister Qingyun, don't forget about us!” Zhang Dayou added.
Gu Qingyun put on a helpless expression.
“Don't get your hopes too high. I've had zero experience with this before. Besides, drawing talismans takes immense effort—the stroke can't break midway, or the talisman is ruined. If it proves too difficult, I might just give up, so don't be disappointed if I can't deliver.”
Hearing Gu Qingyun speak with such expertise, Bai Fan felt even more confident in her. He patted his chest and said:
“Sister Yun, just go ahead and draw with ease! I have total faith in you—there's nothing you can't accomplish.”
Over the years, Bai Fan had heard his elders tell stories of strange people and bizarre events, but he had never witnessed any himself. Who knew if those stories were real or fake?
Only Gu Qingyun was a real, living master whom he had witnessed with his own two eyes—twice now. If he didn't believe her, who could he believe?
Gu Qingyun’s expression turned serious and grave as she looked at the Zhang family and said:
“The wooden token Brother Zhang wore was clearly man-made. As for whether his coworker targeted him intentionally, I doubt it. The person working alongside Brother Zhang shouldn't possess such formidable capability.”
“This item isn't something an ordinary person could produce. It likely came from someone in the Daoist or Buddhist traditions. It was probably delivered to your hands through another person, but from the very beginning, the culprit's true target was you.”
Seeing the lingering fear on their faces, she continued:
“I don't know if you've ever heard of the Resentment of Greed and Madness. It's composed of three types of resentment: greed, obsession, and mania.”
“When a purely kind, filial man with a peaceful marriage like Brother Zhang falls into gambling, he develops an unattainable longing. The more he loses, the more he gambles, culminating in extreme resentment born from financial ruin and self-destruction.”
“This resentment is even more potent than sheer malevolence. Furthermore, the family members who perish because of the gambler also produce overwhelming resentment. When these forces stack together, they form the Resentment of Greed and Madness.”
“However, don't worry. The wooden token Brother Zhang wore has been destroyed. Crafting such a resentment-laden wooden token is no easy task—carving the talismans and seal script onto it is difficult enough, let alone finding a purely good man like Brother Zhang.”
“Moreover, the family must be harmonious. Most importantly, as long as you don't recklessly accept strange objects given by others, anyone wishing to harm you will have no way to strike.”
Having spent most of the day there, Gu Qingyun stood up to take her leave. The Zhang family wished she could stay forever, and seeing her prepare to depart, they pleaded with her repeatedly:
“Qingyun, why not stay for dinner before heading back? Go rest in the guest room—we have a guest room with clean bedding.”
Gu Qingyun declined again and again. Her cultivation time today had been far too short, and she was anxious to make up for it.
Besides, Zhang Dayou had just survived a narrow escape and needed proper rest. Staying here any longer would only make her feel awkward.
Just before she stepped out the door, Zhang Dayou thrust three taels of silver into her hand, smiling honestly.
“I heard from the older generation that when an expert lends a hand, money must be paid to sever the bond so the expert isn't tainted by karma. Brother Qingyun, this isn't much money, so please don't mind.”
“It's mostly because I gambled away almost all our savings. Once I earn more money in the coming days, I'll give you more.”
Gu Qingyun declined repeatedly, but unable to refuse their persistence, she ultimately accepted the money into her purse.
“Brother Zhang, this is plenty. Thank you.”
“It really isn't much. If not for you, our family would have fallen apart. Now we have something to look forward to again. Don't be fooled by how simple your Brother Zhang looks.”
“He's actually very skilled at woodcarving and earns good money. We keep our word—once he earns more, I'll have Cousin Fan deliver it to you.”
The speaker was Zhang Dayou’s wife. She looked soft and gentle, but had a very generous and forthright personality.
Bai Fan’s aunt came out holding an oil-paper package and handed it to Gu Qingyun.
“Here, take this. These are meat pies I baked. I noticed you enjoyed them at lunch, so I made another batch specially for you. Come visit us with Bai Fan whenever you have time.”
Zhang Dayou’s wife nodded beside her and also presented Gu Qingyun with a braided tassel.
“I made this myself. Sister Qingyun, you can tie it to your saber for decoration—it goes very well with your outfit.”
As they were leaving, Gu Qingyun and Bai Fan looked back. The entire Zhang family was still standing at the doorway watching them leave, and upon seeing the two look back, they all smiled and waved.
Gu Qingyun couldn't help but smile. How wonderful. This trip hadn't been in vain—she had saved a truly happy family.
Rate on N.U.
