The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“Those who can come to pay their respects will undoubtedly receive ample blessings, protection, and success in their endeavors. Hence, many people have come to Cuiwei Mountain these past few days.”

“However, despite seeming like a paradise within, Cuiwei Mountain’s narrow passage is very cramped. The towering cliffs almost meet at the top, leaving only a thin sliver of light. This is why it’s known as a ‘one-line sky’. The entrance is even darker and narrower, making it extremely difficult for larger men to enter. It’s said that being there can be quite uncomfortable. Hence, many people choose not to enter, but rather pay their respects from outside.” Banqing vividly described the scene.

“I see.” Zhuang Qingning nodded.

Regarding this so-called auspicious sign, she reasoned that either someone had mistaken the flowers’ significance, or someone with ulterior motives had spread news of the sign to advance their own agenda.

Zhuang Qingning clearly understood this, but seeing everyone’s interest in the auspicious flowers, she kept her thoughts to herself.

During this time, most people believed in spirits and deities, and even those who didn’t were not averse to actions believed to bring good luck.

Speaking too much about it might make her seem meddlesome.

Furthermore, if this belief led to heightened spirits and increased confidence, then it wasn’t entirely without merit.

“Why don’t we go and see what the auspicious flower looks like?” Chu Jinzhou suggested.

“Sounds good.” Fan Wenxuan stroked his beard and nodded.

“Then let’s keep moving up the mountain.” Zhuang Qingning helped pack up some items, and everyone continued to ascend.

The ‘One-Line Sky’, situated at the peak of Cuiwei Mountain, still involved a long climb according to the one-third of the route they had completed so far. Especially as they ascended higher, the mountain path grew steeper. Close to the peak, even the carefully laid stone steps had disappeared, replaced by a narrow path worn by travelers, surrounded by wild grass and bushes.

Many people chose to stop here, especially the elderly, who would offer their respect here and continue no further.

However, some continued to the One-Line Sky, and Zhuang Qingning and her companions were among them.

After two more breaks, Banqing returned from scouting ahead and said smilingly, “Another hour’s walk and we’ll be there. It looks like there aren’t too many people right now. If we go up, we might be able to enter the One-Line Sky to take a look.”

Upon hearing that there weren’t many people there and that they might have a chance to enter, Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou, who had previously complained of fatigue, suddenly regained their energy. They merrily bounded ahead, chattering and laughing.

Zhuang Qingning, bolstered by her strength and agility, didn’t feel tired at all. Seeing the two children recover quickly, she laughed and followed them.

Fan Wenxuan, however, couldn’t go on.

Bent over, with his back rounded and his hands on his knees, he panted heavily. “Master, let me help you.” Seeing Fan Wenxuan fall behind, Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou returned to assist Fan Wenxuan, acting as human crutches.

Fan Wenxuan, on the other hand, looked up at the increasingly steep mountain and arduous path, and immediately became discouraged. He waved his hand vigorously, “You go on, let me rest here for a while.”

“Master, aren’t you going to go up and see the flower from the auspicious sign?” Chu Jinzhou craned his neck to look at him.

“I won’t go up. The flower is not rare. Nothing will change whether I see it or not, you go ahead and look.” Fan Wenxuan smartly gave himself a way out without saying much, and just found a fairly smooth rock to sit on, “I’ll wait here for all of you.”

“Alright then.” Chu Jinzhou obediently responded, “Since Master is physically exhausted, forgive us for leaving you here. When we get up there, I will pray on your behalf.”

“Hmm.” Fan Wenxuan nodded slightly, stroking his beard, and watched them continue to ascend.

When they got far enough away, the smile on Fan Wenxuan’s face immediately fell.

This Chu Jinzhou, although filial and respectful, was thinking of praying on his behalf. But…

What does he mean by ‘physically exhausted’?

Is he mocking me for being old, with frail limbs, unable to climb mountains?

Even though this is true, saying it openly is still unacceptable. Do I have no dignity?

In the past, I climbed mountains like I was walking on flat ground, a gallant and dashing young man. I just couldn’t withstand the rush of time…

Hmph!

Fan Wenxuan randomly picked up a thin, long dry twig and started drawing circles on the ground.

Zhuang Qingning accompanied Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou to the One- Line Sky.

The One-Line Sky was exactly as Banqing had described – like a crevice split open in the mountain – very narrow. While the entrance wasn’t long, it was extremely slim.

Women or children could get through if they turned sideways, but it was much harder for larger adult males.

About three or four people knelt at the entrance, paying their respects. After waiting a while, they left.

Among these people were Daoists holding dusters.

It seemed that the flower of the auspicious sign had indeed attracted many.

Zhuang Qingning thought with amazement.

After those people left, Zhuang Qingning and her companions approached the entrance.

Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou looked into the entrance for a while.

“Can you see inside?” Zhuang Qingning asked.

I can t see it.” Zhuang Qingsui shook her head, “I can only see that it seems to be quite large inside, like a cave, but I can’t see the flower.”

“Yes, I can’t see the flower.” Chu Jinzhou also chimed in.

Of course you can’t see it from here.” A strong man wearing coarse cloth clothes and straw sandals, and carrying a shoulder pole, put down the two water jars he was carrying on his shoulder, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and began to laugh, “You need to go in to see it; it’s in the deepest part.”

Have you been inside to see it?” Chu Jinzhou perked up immediately, “What does the flower look like?”

“I went in when I came up to carry spring water yesterday. As for the flower… how should I put it…” The strong man scratched his ear, “It’s hard to describe, but it’s very beautiful. Everyone says it’s an auspicious flower. I didn’t dare to look at it too much, afraid that looking too much would shorten my life.” “But this flower really is auspicious. After I went to see it yesterday, my old mother, who has been sick for over half a year, suddenly felt better last night and could even get out of bed and walk a few steps.”

“So I came again today, intending to express my gratitude.”

Is it really so effective?” Chu Jinzhou opened his eyes wide, exchanging glances with Zhuang Qingsui.

“I couldn’t believe it either, but my old mother really did get better.” The strong man laughed heartily.