Chapter 33: Lifting a Rock Only to Drop It on One's Own Feet
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Madam Li was suddenly roused and instantly glared fiercely at Lin Siyuan, her gaze dropping to the young woman’s belly.
“Master, there’s another one in her womb. Could the disaster star be that child?”
“No, no disaster star. What nonsense are you talking about?” Lin Siyuan’s face was full of disbelief.
Li Mumu snorted coldly. Sure, she had paid two taels of silver, but she had given even more herself.
Such charlatans in the martial world naturally listened to whoever paid more.
The blind man turned to Lin Siyuan. “Indeed, the malevolent aura comes from this direction, and that child is still unborn, hence the small character.”
Madam Zhao had already believed him. “Isn’t the one in her womb the youngest in the family?”
“No, don’t speak recklessly. Why are you lying?” Lin Siyuan shouted.
“I am not lying. If the old madam doesn’t believe me, she should consider whether misfortune befell the household once this child arrived.”
Madam Li drew a deep breath, frozen in place for a long moment before finding her voice. “Isn’t it true? Ever since this little wretch brought the child home, our family has been plagued with disasters.”
The blind man stroked his goat beard proudly.
Lin Siyuan shook her head. “It’s not like that, it’s not like that. Why would you say such things?”
“I say what I say.”
“Shut up, you pest! If it weren’t for you coming in, how could we have been so unlucky?”
Madam Zhao merely spoke, but Sun suddenly stood up and rushed toward Lin Siyuan, shouting, “It’s all your fault, you disaster star! You brought death to my son! I want your life!”
Li Mumu laughed, surprised at the unexpected turn.
However, Lin Siyuan was not knocked down. Li Yuan’s quick reflexes pulled her aside, causing Sun to miss.
“Second sister-in-law, this is all nonsense. It was the snake that killed Yun Zhe, an accident.”
Li Mumu sneered coldly. Accident, is it?
“Father, didn’t you say before it was Mumu who killed Brother Yun Zhe? So was it an accident, or did Mumu kill him?” Li Mumu looked at Lin Siyuan’s belly. “Or is it the little sister?”
Li Yuan glared at Li Mumu and scolded, “Stop causing trouble.”
Li Mumu would never listen so easily. “Second aunt, who really killed Brother Yun Zhe?”
“It was her and the disaster star in her womb.” Sun glared at Lin Siyuan. “I will avenge my son.”
“Li Mumu, you are forbidden to speak.” Li Yuan shouted loudly.
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Li Mumu puffed her cheeks and nodded. “What is this disaster star?”
“A disaster star is something harmful.” Madam Zhao replied irritably, still annoyed that Li Yuan had saved all the good food for Lin Siyuan.
“Right, mother, I’m afraid that little aunt’s fetus was also doomed by the child in her belly!” Madam Zhao delighted in adding insult to injury.
Of course, this was to curry favor with Li Rong and Madam Li.
She was once overlooked at home, but now, with second brother’s family out of the picture and third brother’s wife gone, only this one remained, with no hope of surpassing her.
Madam Li looked at Li Rong, whose eyes flickered but offered no explanation. Her own pregnancy had been deliberately terminated, but Lin Siyuan had also offended her these past days.
Everyone looks out for themselves in this ruthless world.
She said no more; not explaining was explanation enough.
Lin Siyuan shook her head. “No, it’s not like that. You’re lying. You’re a fraud.”
Smack!
A sharp, loud slap landed on Lin Siyuan’s delicate face, leaving five red marks instantly. “Shut up! A liar? Can a liar be so accurate? This is clearly a living deity.”
The Gu family did not believe such things but could not fathom where the blind man had gained such insight—he had described the Li family’s affairs perfectly.
“A deity? How can we make amends?” Madam Li asked devoutly.
The blind man smiled and said, “This is not easy.”
“Money... we will pay.”
Li Mumu’s eyes lit up, while the blind man turned toward her, making her jump, fearing he might expose her.
“This isn’t about money. This disaster star’s malevolent aura is strong; it’s not easy to handle.”
“Deity, you must have a way. Just tell us how much, we will pay. When my son becomes a general, I will reward you handsomely.”
“Well...”
“Ten taels, deity? Shall we pay ten?” Madam Li asked.
“Ten taels?” The blind man raised his tone.
“No... no, ten taels for tea, twenty... thirty taels?”
“Mother!” Li Yuan frowned, “We don’t have that much silver!”
Madam Li glared at him. “You’re bewitched! This little wretch has harmed you and our whole family. I’m trying to help you!”
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Madam Li turned with a smiling face. “Deity, don’t listen to him. Why don’t you name a price?”
The blind man continued to hold his pose. He had never seen so much money in his life; the young lady had been right—this deal was truly profitable.
“Old madam, sincerity brings miracles. If your heart isn’t sincere, then the matter will only be half done.”
Madam Li panicked. This fortune teller was truly amazing; he even saw how much money they had. “All of it! I offer all my sincerity!”
Li Mumu’s eyes shone, knowing the matter was settled.
“Mother, this is all the money we have. What about the journey?” Li Yuan advised.
“This is for the sake of the whole family. Maybe with true sincerity, we won’t have to be exiled. Perhaps the emperor will revoke the decree tomorrow, and we can return directly to the capital,” Madam Li said.
The Gu family listened, barely containing their laughter. Did they think the emperor’s word was a joke?
But no one dared to say a word. Not throwing stones at them was already merciful.
“Big brother, second brother, Rongrong, speak up quickly.”
The eldest Li was a useless man; the second was a loafer—worthless when it came to serious matters.
“Mother, shouldn’t we save some for the road?” Li Ye suggested.
“Save what? If third brother becomes a general, this money is nothing!” Madam Li said decisively. “Third brother, give me the money now.”
“Old madam, if that’s the case, I think we should forget it.”
The blind man made as if to leave, which made Madam Li’s eyes redden. She scolded all three sons at once.
Especially Li Yuan, who first gave the good food to the little wretch and then refused to help him. Madam Li was furious.
“Last question: will you give me the money or not? If not, I’ll bash my head in and earn the reputation of being unfilial.”
She used her ultimate weapon: crying, causing a scene, and threatening self-harm.
Li Yuan frowned tightly, but even a reputation for unfilial conduct could ruin him.
Lin Siyuan was anxious, regretting having lifted a stone only to drop it on her own foot. Why had the blind man gone back on his word?