C18 He Was the Fortune Teller

Hua Xiangxue was thrown into the ancestral hall. Inside, two stern-looking women stood like fierce guardians on either side, resembling mythical protectors. Xiangxue begrudgingly knelt to one side, grateful for the cushions that made it slightly more bearable.

The two women stood motionless, clearly there to keep an eye on her. Xiangxue couldn't help but wonder if they ever got tired just standing there. It was already midday, and her stomach was growling.

After a while, she heard one of the women leave the room. Seizing the opportunity, Xiangxue quickly put on a sweet and considerate demeanor. "Ma'am, you must be tired. Why don't you sit and rest for a while? I wouldn't want you to suffer because of me."

Her voice was full of sincerity and concern, her eyes reflecting guilt and empathy. The woman, Madam Zheng, glanced at her before responding coldly, "Miss, you shouldn't speak in the ancestral hall. Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine standing."

With that, Madam Zheng resumed her stoic stance, unfazed. Xiangxue felt a bit discouraged at her failed attempt. She had no idea how long she would have to kneel there; it had already been nearly an hour, and her knees were going numb.

"Oh no, my leg's gone numb, numb—ugh!"

Taking the opportunity, Hua Xiangxue collapsed to the ground, stretching her leg, pretending to be uncomfortable, but really just trying to discreetly move it around.

"Miss, please kneel properly," Mrs. Zheng said, unfazed and with a stern tone.

Hua Xiangxue gritted her teeth internally, thinking this woman was truly cold-hearted, definitely one of Mrs. Lau's people!

Slowly, Hua Xiangxue got up from the ground and knelt again.

While mentally cursing this old woman and Mrs. Lau, she wondered why she was having such a bad day. Unfortunately, she had no clue about her luck.

She blinked and sneaked a glance at Mrs. Zheng, who kept a stern face and said seriously, "Miss, please focus ahead and stop looking around!"

Hua Xiangxue sighed and continued to kneel with a pained expression.

After about an hour, another woman came in, and Mrs. Zheng left.

Hua Xiangxue blinked, curious if this new woman was just like the last one.

With a slight smile, she spoke softly, "Ma'am, you must be tired. Why don't you sit and rest for a bit? Don't let me be the reason you suffer too."

After speaking, Hua Xiangxue turned her head, looking with concern at Granny Lee, who had just entered. Granny Lee's expression was somewhat strained, but compared to the imposing presence of the previous matron, she seemed less confident. She appeared to be deep in thought.

With just a moment's observation, Hua Xiangxue made up her mind. "Miss, this old servant is not tired. Please, kneel properly," Granny Lee instructed.

Hua Xiangxue nodded, then glanced at Granny Lee again before softly asking, "Granny, is there something troubling you at home lately?"

Granny Lee was taken aback and asked in surprise, "How did you know, Miss?"

With a slight smile, Hua Xiangxue sighed, her back to Granny Lee. "Do you trust me, Granny? I'd be happy to read your fortune."

Granny Lee looked at Hua Xiangxue with skepticism, then shook her head and replied coolly, "No need, Miss. You should focus on your own fortune."

Hua Xiangxue sighed regretfully, "Granny, you know, this reading isn't for oneself! If you don't speak up, no one can help you solve your problems. As the saying goes: A man's face is read through his features, a woman's through her years. A full forehead signifies prosperity, a strong jaw indicates authority. Youth is seen in the roots, old age in the nose. The eyebrows show siblings, the eyes reveal the heart, and the philtrum hints at descendants."

"Look to the corners of the eyes to see one's parents, and to the temples to understand marriage. A broken mountain root and low forehead mean a woman will overpower her husband, and a man his wife—"

Before Xiangxue could finish, Granny Lee's eyes widened in surprise, her voice trembling as she asked, "Miss, do you really understand this?"

Xiangxue nodded, turning to Granny Lee with a gentle voice, "My mother was an extraordinary woman. Although I rarely left the Snow Reflection Pavilion growing up, I studied the books she left behind and became quite knowledgeable about these things."

Granny Lee's eyes flickered slightly. In this land, while many revered the mystical arts, few truly understood them.

"My... my grandson has been crying at night lately, and nothing seems to calm him. I just don't know what's wrong!"

Xiangxue looked at Granny Lee with curiosity and asked, "How old is your grandson?"

"About a year old," Granny Lee sighed, muttering, "He used to be so well-behaved. I don't know what's changed recently."

Xiangxue smiled and, without hesitation, sat down on the cushion, saying, "Let me take a look for you, Granny Lee."

Granny Lee watched her sit so quickly, feeling a bit uneasy, but she needed Xiangxue's help, so she held her tongue.