Chapter 43: The Purification Ritual II
Old Madam Xie lowered her gaze slightly, unconsciously turning Xie Rong’s question over in her mind.
Before she could speak, Liu Yuxin stepped forward. Her graceful smile had already returned, as though the momentary stiffness on her face had never existed.
"Young Master has misunderstood." She bowed respectfully before continuing in an unhurried tone, "This purification ritual has never been intended to imply that the Young Madam is the source of the Xie Residence’s misfortune."
She then took time swallowed her saliva before continuing, "The Taoist merely suggested that, since the Young Madam is the newest member of the household, allowing her to participate in the ritual would enable Heaven’s blessings to enter the residence through fresh fortune, while any lingering misfortune would naturally disperse."
She paused briefly before looking toward Shen Taotao with a gentle smile, "In truth, this one only wishes for the Young Madam to be accepted by Heaven’s blessings as soon as possible." She blinked, "The ritual is, in fact, a blessing. How could this one possibly harbor any intention of harming the Young Madam?"
Her words were gentle and sincere, leaving no obvious flaw for anyone to grasp.
Even the servants quietly exchanged glances. After hearing the explanation, the ritual no longer sounded frightening.
Instead, it sounded like a thoughtful gesture made entirely for the Young Madam’s benefit.
Xie Rong quietly listened until Liu Yuxin finished speaking. He didn’t interrupt her once and only after the courtyard returned to silence did he slowly speak.
"So..." His calm voice slowly echoed through the courtyard. "According to Miss Liu, the ritual is performed because my wife is the newest member of the Xie Residence."
Liu Yuxin smiled gently, "That is correct, Young Master."
A faint smile appeared on Xie Rong’s lips. It was so slight that it was almost impossible to notice.
"In that case..." He paused for only a heartbeat, "When Miss Liu first entered the Xie Residence all those years ago..."
His face remained turned toward her, "I presume the Taoist also performed the same purification ritual for you."
The smile on Liu Yuxin’s face instantly froze.
Although the change lasted only for a fleeting moment, Xie Rong caught it. The corners of his lips curved upward almost imperceptibly.
"It appears I was mistaken..." A pause followed, "I almost forgot... Miss Liu entered the Xie Residence in a different capacity."
His tone remained calm, as though he were merely correcting his own assumption. "So naturally... There was no need for such a ritual."
"Rong’er." Old Madam Xie’s voice suddenly became stern, "That is enough."
She looked at her grandson with a slight frown, "Whether you agree with this matter or not is one thing... but Yuxin has watched you grow up."
Old Madam Xie stepped forward, closing their distance, "For so many years, she has devoted herself to managing the inner residence without seeking anything in return."
Her grip tightened slightly around the walking stick, "She is still your elder... You should not speak to her in such a manner."
Xie Rong remained standing where he was. His expression did not change in the slightest.
After a brief silence, he slowly inclined his head. "This grandson understands Grandmother’s meaning."
His voice was as calm as ever. "But..." He paused, "I am merely reminding Miss Liu of the identity with which she entered the Xie Residence."
His face remained turned toward Liu Yuxin. "I fail to see where this grandson has spoken out of line."
Old Madam Xie let out a weary sigh. "Rong’er... You have always been a sensible child. I know you are trying to protect your wife."
She paused before continuing in a gentler tone. "But this matter is not as serious as you imagine. It is merely a purification ritual. Once it is over, no one will speak of it again."
Xie Rong turned his head slightly, "This grandson cannot agree."
His voice was flat but the determination within it was unmistakable. "My wife will not undergo the purification ritual."
Old Madam Xie’s expression gradually became solemn. "Rong’er, do not be stubborn."
Xie Rong lowered his head slightly, "If Grandmother truly believes this ritual is nothing more than a prayer for blessings..." He lifted his head once more, "then let this grandson undergo it instead."
The words fell lightly and they struck everyone present like thunder.
Old Madam Xie stared at him in disbelief. Even Liu Yuxin’s composed expression showed the slightest crack.
Xie Rong, however, did not wait for anyone to respond. He simply turned around and walked toward Wang Gege.
The coldness that had surrounded him moments ago quietly faded.
Wang Gege stood there blankly for a moment.
Her mind was still struggling to untangle everything that had just happened. From the purification ritual, to Liu Yuxin’s explanation, and finally Xie Rong’s unwavering refusal... every sentence seemed to carry another meaning hidden beneath the surface. She understood the words, yet somehow felt as though she had missed the most important part.
After hesitating for only a brief moment, she slowly reached out and placed her hand into his.
His fingers gently closed around hers.
The warmth of his palm instantly spread through her hand, firm enough to reassure her, yet careful enough that she did not feel the slightest discomfort.
Without another word, Xie Rong led her away.
The two of them walked past Old Madam Xie, past Liu Yuxin and past every servant whose eyes silently followed their departing figures.
No one dared to stop them or to utter another word.
Throughout the entire walk, Wang Gege found herself unconsciously staring at Xie Rong’s side profile.
The black blindfold still covered his eyes.
His expression remained as cool as ever. His pace was neither hurried nor slow, as though everything that had just transpired was nothing more than an ordinary conversation.
But for some reason...
The image of him standing before everyone without the slightest hesitation, refusing to let her undergo the purification ritual, continued replaying inside her mind.
Before she realized it, the corners of her lips had quietly lifted and by the time they reached the waiting sedan chair...
A familiar mechanical voice suddenly echoed inside Xie Rong’s mind.
[DING!]
[CONGRATULATIONS, HOST.]
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