Chapter 144: Chapter 143: Has the Buddha Statue Shown a Miracle?
"Jing Rui, haven’t you heard of any members of the Yao Family nearby?"
"Never. I’m most familiar with the Black Market. Outside of that, I’m a stranger." Jing Rui shook his head innocently.
"So where should we look for this Yao Jing’er then?"
Being able to send her a dream was fate, indicating that Mrs. Yao indeed had a sincere heart last night. If she could fulfill her wish, she would undoubtedly become a devoted follower in the future.
"My lord, if you want to know who Yao Jing’er is and where her family resides, just ask me."
A strange voice came from atop the wall. Looking up, they saw a yellow, mixed-fur fox sitting on the wall, leisurely licking its fur.
"I knew it; ever since the lady gave her approval, it’s been acting like this," Jing Rui snitched to the fox spirit.
"Fox spirit, do you know Yao Jing’er’s identity?" Yu Nianzhao asked directly.
"My lord, my surname is Bai, with the single name Heng. You can just call me by my name."
The fox spirit Bai Heng stretched lazily, landing lightly on the ground. Pacing gently, he bowed towards Yu Nianzhao, "I’ve been on this mountain for hundreds of years and am familiar with the scenery and the people here. This Yao Jing’er is the daughter of Mr. Yao, a wealthy man in the neighboring town. She used to play on this mountain when she was young, so I have a clear impression of her."
He suddenly smiled, "Of course, it’s also because Yao Jing’er is so pretty. We foxes are fond of beautiful colors, giving me a deeper impression of her."
"I didn’t expect you to be of some use. Then take me to Mr. Yao’s residence."
Having a fox spirit guide the way, Yu Nianzhao naturally wouldn’t decline the opportunity.
"Yes, serving you is my honor, my lord."
The fox spirit obediently lowered his posture. The recent incense offered to him had greatly benefited his cultivation, so naturally, he wanted to flatter Yu Nianzhao, his benefactor.
An hour later, Yu Nianzhao arrived at the gates of the Yao Mansion.
Guarded by imposing stone lions, the grand entrance indeed gave off a wealthy impression.
Yu Nianzhao approached the door, announcing directly, "I am here at someone’s request to visit Miss Yao Jing’er of the Yao Family."
As the attendant hesitated, the butler of the Yao Mansion hurried over.
He examined Yu Nianzhao in surprise, belatedly asking, "Are you the Daoist who came to exorcise the demon for the young lady?"
Yu Nianzhao raised an eyebrow, "Your information network is quite impressive, isn’t it?"
Seeing her acknowledgment, the butler silently sighed with relief, hastily putting on a friendly smile. "Yes, the old lady had informed us in advance and specifically sent someone to greet you. Please follow me."
The old lady?
Yu Nianzhao shrugged. It didn’t matter who it was; she would just follow them inside.
As they crossed the maze-like corridors and reached the doorway, a porcelain vase was thrown toward them, shattering against the door frame.
"Jing’er has been in a coma for so many days, and none of you care if she’s dead or alive? She’s a part of me, and I’m absolutely not giving up on her."
Mrs. Yao’s cries of anguish echoed from inside the room.
Yu Nianzhao entered to find a large room filled with at least seven or eight people inside and out.
"Sister-in-law, don’t get us wrong. How could we not care about Jing’er? Aren’t we all here because we care? If we didn’t care, why would we be here visiting her? Besides, using ginseng and snow lotus every day hasn’t awakened her—she’s growing thinner by the day. That’s why we’re advising you to accept reality. Otherwise, even if the Yao Family is rich, it can’t withstand this loss."
The man’s words were sarcastic, echoed by a woman’s remark, "Husband is right. They’ve changed doctors one after another, all shaking their heads, saying they can’t help. Sister-in-law prays day and night without results, right? After all, the Yao Family isn’t just about the main house. You should listen to the suggestions of the other houses."
Mrs. Yao replied bitterly, "Have you forgotten? The Yao Family has already split. Jing’er’s matters have nothing to do with you!"
"Still, you should listen to our mother. She agreed with you and invited a Daoist to exorcise demons. So, sister-in-law, what more do you want? It’s strange enough you choose to believe your daughter’s possessed rather than severely ill. Please don’t lose your mind."
The second and third branches spoke sarcastically, angering Mrs. Yao.
Mr. Yao, chubby and jiggly with each step, took Mrs. Yao’s hand, shaking his head, "Don’t be upset, dear. Since mother invited a Daoist, she, too, hopes for Jing’er’s recovery."
The butler quickly interrupted, "Master, Madame, the Daoist is here."
The members of the Yao Family turned in unison. Upon seeing Yu Nianzhao’s elegant appearance, they were momentarily stunned.
Especially Mrs. Yao, whose pupils trembled as if she’d seen a ghost when she saw Yu Nianzhao, pointing in shock without words.
"Sister-in-law, even if the Daoist is a woman, it’s not that surprising," snorted the second sister-in-law of the Yao Family, most disdainful of Mrs. Yao’s dramatics.
"A miracle... it really is a miracle."
Mrs. Yao couldn’t hear anyone else. She gazed tearily at Yu Nianzhao, filled with intense emotion.
"Where is Yao Jing’er? Let me see her."
Yu Nianzhao smiled slightly, slowly approaching them, especially to Mrs. Yao’s side, softly reassuring her, "You hoped for me to save your daughter, didn’t you? Don’t worry, with me here, she’ll be unharmed."
Mrs. Yao’s heart tightened, choking with emotion, "Thank you, truly thank you!"
Ignoring their gazes, Yu Nianzhao looked down at the emaciated Yao Jing’er lying on the bed, noticing her barely clinging to life, appearing ready to pass away at any moment.
"Has she met anyone previously?" Yu Nianzhao asked, her brows furrowing more the longer she observed, as she casually grabbed a few strands of malevolent spirit in her hand.
Wiping away her tears, Mrs. Yao answered, "My daughter only went out once, and returned with a cold. Initially, she just took medicine, so we didn’t worry too much. Later on, she fell into a coma. As for her earlier outing, she was with the second and third branches’ sisters, boating outside. They also caught a cold, but it wasn’t as severe as Jing’er."
"She’s been unconscious for six days, right?" Yu Nianzhao asked calmly, yet with certainty.
"Yes, indeed six days. Including the cold, she’s been ill for over ten days," Mrs. Yao’s heart ached, but looking at Yu Nianzhao’s beautiful profile, she felt an inexplicable sense of trust.
Yu Nianzhao glanced around the room, coldly declaring, "If I didn’t come, by the seventh day, she’d surely perish!"