Chapter 8: The Peony That Blooms and Closes

Master Li's marriage proposal was naturally rejected by Fan Qiongzhi. She still held high hopes for Ji Hanzhang, and Xu Hua understood—she didn't approve of the marriage either.

Fan Qiongzhi brought back a lot of clothes to mend. Xu Hua sat at the table, set up her embroidery hoop, and said, "Mother, let me teach you an embroidery technique."

Fan Qiongzhi felt that her daughter, who had regained her senses, had been acting strangely these past few days. But being a mother, she was overjoyed that her daughter had suddenly become so intelligent. She sat down beside Xu Hua, who threaded the needle, saying, "I haven't used this embroidery technique in a long time, so I'm a bit rusty. But I think it'll be enough for this piece."

Her needle moved lightly and quickly, and the embroidery seemed to have a spirit, growing on its own. Fan Qiongzhi made a living by mending and was also skilled in needlework. However, after watching for a while, she was already dazzled.

Tian Quzi was checking the Yin-Yang Academy disciples' lessons through the Profound Light Mirror. Today's instructor trial was led by the Third Elder, Yan Huiliang. However, after his mentor's weapon was downgraded, Xi Yunjie found fighting him effortless.

Tian Quzi was fairly satisfied with his first disciple's progress. Seeing that Xi Yunjie's victory was assured, he glanced at the embroidery. It was one of the basic techniques of the Flying Needle Workshop, not considered particularly profound in the Xuanmen. But his gaze was like a thread, intertwining and following the hand that was putting down the needle.

In the Profound Light Mirror, Xi Yunjie gave Yan Huiliang some face, stopping his attack before a clear winner was decided—perhaps because Tian Quzi was aloof, his personal disciples were the most sensible. After all, there were few hotheads like Mu Kuangyang who beat their masters to a pulp in the training ground.

Tian Quzi was lost in thought when the aura of the gods and demons suddenly said, "You want a piece of embroidery?" It coaxed in a negotiating tone, "I'll ask my puppet master for one for you, and our contract will be terminated, how about that?"

Tian Quzi snapped back to reality, his gaze returning to the Profound Light Mirror, ignoring its question.

After four days of study, Fan Qiongzhi had finally grasped the basics of the needlework. Xu Hua had chosen the simplest embroidery method, one that required minimal spiritual energy. However, such techniques were rare in the mortal world.

"There's one last point, the ultimate skill of this method," Xu Hua said, adding the final outline to the peony embroidered with silk thread. "Once this stitch is completed, the peony will open during the day and close at night."

Fan Qiongzhi laughed. "There's no such embroidery method! Hua Hua is talking nonsense again."

But that very night, the peony, in full bloom, truly closed.

Fan Qiongzhi was stunned. Xu Hua said, "The last stitch requires a little spiritual energy. Given Mother's physical condition, one embroidery might take six months to complete. But this is the least energy-consuming method; Mother should use it with caution."

Before Fan Qiongzhi could recover from her shock, Xu Hua stood up and smiled. "Tomorrow, Mother, go to town and sell this embroidery. Ten thousand taels of silver."

Fan Qiongzhi's mouth dropped open again.

---

On a bright, sunny day, the town of Xiancha was as still as boiling oil.

Lady Fan had received a dream from a celestial being, learning a divine embroidery technique. Not only were her embroidered pieces lifelike and vibrant, but she also possessed a lost secret technique: the peony in the Luoyang Peony Painting, where the peonies bloom by day and close by night.

A priceless treasure, worth a fortune.

As evening fell, after school, Ji Hanzhang heard of this.

Years ago, when Fan Qiongzhi was first expelled from the Ji family, Ji Hanzhang had visited her a few times. However, his elderly mother, who was in charge of the household, always considered the woman unlucky. He visited less often, especially after the new wife entered the family, making visits even more inconvenient.

Furthermore, his daughter's mental disability made him lose face, and he gradually stopped paying attention to the mother and daughter.

Now, suddenly hearing of this, he found it amusing—he had been married to Fan Qiongzhi for two years; how could he not know this woman? She spoke in a barely audible voice; what kind of celestial dream could she have received?

But hearing that the mother and daughter were at the tavern in the west of town, he couldn't help but go there.

The "divine dream" was, of course, orchestrated by Xu Hua. But the spectacle was considerable.

Most were onlookers, but no one actually made a move—ten thousand taels of silver? Did they think everyone was stupid?!

When Ji Hanzhang entered the restaurant, Fan Qiongzhi was at a loss. She kept tugging at Xu Hua's sleeve. "Huahua, let's go back. In this public place..."

Xu Hua ignored her, but Ji Hanzhang's face darkened. "Qiongzhi! You, a woman, do you even know propriety and shame? Now you not only come out in public yourself, but you also bring your daughter? Aren't you ashamed?!"

Fan Qiongzhi jumped to her feet. Because many people in the restaurant were still watching the spectacle because of this so-called "divine embroidery," standing in the center of so many eyes for the first time, and being publicly reprimanded by her husband, Fan Qiongzhi immediately teared up.

Xu Hua glanced at Ji Hanzhang, shook her head, clearly expressing extreme disappointment with her "mother's" taste.

Ji Hanzhang, of course, saw her too, but he had always known that the girl was mentally challenged, a fact that had once caused him great embarrassment. Therefore, he merely scolded Fan Qiongzhi. "Take her back home now!"

Fan Qiongzhi desperately wanted to tell him that her daughter had regained her senses, but in front of everyone, she could only look on with shame and grief, unable to utter a single word. Xu Hua remained seated, some things beyond words.

Fan Qiongzhi almost pleaded as she whispered to her, "Hua Hua, let's go home. Don't upset your father anymore."

But as soon as she finished speaking, a cry of surprise rang out from the crowd—the peony had closed.

The shock of the crowd mirrored Fan Qiongzhi's initial reaction upon seeing the embroidery.

Ji Hanzhang was also stunned. However, before he could speak, a wealthy man in a long robe of ingot-patterned silk spoke up from upstairs. "Madam Ji, our master invites you upstairs for a chat."

Before the exclamations subsided, someone whispered, "It's Master Zhou's head steward!"

The Zhou family was a prominent family in Xiancha Town, owning half of the town's land. Ji Hanzhang was stunned—he had repeatedly wanted to become a tutor for the Zhou family, teaching the young masters and ladies of the Zhou household. But Master Zhou had hired tutors from outside and didn't take him seriously at all.

Fan Qiongzhi was somewhat bewildered. Xu Hua said, "Let's go, Mother." As she spoke, she helped her up and slowly led her to the elegant room upstairs.

Master Zhou was, after all, well-traveled and knowledgeable; he knew what such embroidery skills meant. Seeing Fan Qiongzhi and her daughter, he was somewhat surprised—Fan Qiongzhi had fair and translucent skin and looked no more than sixteen years old. He didn't expect her to already have such a grown daughter.

He smiled. "Madam Fan, I greatly admire your embroidery, but even at ten thousand taels of silver, I'm afraid no one in the entire Xiancha Town would be willing to pay for it. I am willing to offer three thousand taels of silver. What do you think, Madam Fan?"

"Three...three thousand taels?" Fan Qiongzhi was completely stunned, as if in a dream.

Master Zhou said, "To be honest, Madam, three thousand taels is indeed not a high price for this embroidery. However, I have many friends in the provincial capital who own embroidery workshops. With your embroidery skills, Madam, I'm sure you wouldn't be content to stay here."

Fan Qiongzhi stammered, "Master Zhou, I... no, I don't know..."

Xu Hua said, "Master Zhou is a kind and benevolent man. This painting is fortunate to have met its rightful owner. My mother has also been planning to visit other embroidery workshops recently, so it seems we'll have to trouble Master Zhou."

Master Zhou nodded and ordered the steward to fetch the silver immediately.

---

The steward announced in public that Master Zhou had purchased two embroidered pieces for three thousand taels of silver. The crowd erupted in uproar, and Ji Hanzhang was stunned.

Three thousand taels of silver! Even with his twenty-odd students in his private school constantly showering him with gifts each month, he could only afford a maximum of thirty taels.

Fan Qiongzhi and Xu Hua carried the silver downstairs. Her gaze was vacant; every step seemed to tread on clouds. So, when she passed Ji Hanzhang, she didn't even greet him.

Even after returning home, Fan Qiongzhi still felt like she was dreaming.

Xu Hua stuffed the silver notes into her hand. "Keep it."

Fan Qiongzhi then began to tremble. "Huahua, are you my Huahua? Where did you learn all this? You…" She remembered the supernatural tales she had heard long ago, and asked tremulously, "Was I possessed by some demon?"

Her imagination was quite vivid. Xu Hua laughed. "This matter can't be explained in a short time. But you were pregnant for three years, so I am indeed your daughter. Just think of these fifteen years of chaos as me learning from the immortals."

Fan Qiongzhi was still shaken. Xu Hua patted her shoulder. "The Ji family should send someone to take you back tomorrow. But Mother, can you listen to me for a second?"

Fan Qiongzhi asked, "What?"

Xu Hua said, "Master Zhou will definitely recommend other embroidery workshops for you. Promise me you'll postpone it for a while. A year or two is fine, then we can consider the Ji family. Okay?"

Fan Qiongzhi said, "But... Hua Hua, he is, after all, your father, my husband. I..."

Xu Hua said, "He is nobody, just a shadow you love." Fan Qiongzhi was bewildered. Xu Hua said, "Mother, this is my only request. Promise me, okay?"

Meeting her beloved daughter's gaze, Fan Qiongzhi finally nodded.

---

The next day, a carriage indeed arrived at the door. Accompanying her was Ji's maid, Chuizhu. Standing at the door, she called out, "Is anyone home?"

Fan Qiongzhi now trusted Xu Hua's words implicitly, so she wasn't particularly surprised to see Chuizhu arrive. However, despite promising her beloved daughter she would reconsider the Ji family's welcome, she still harbored a secret expectation.

Hearing this, she quickly replied, "Who is it?"

Upon stepping outside and seeing Chuizhu, she felt a bittersweet feeling—her husband's family had finally accepted her again.

Chuizhu said, "Madam, last night when Master returned home, he mentioned you to the Old Madam again. Seeing that Master still harbored feelings for you, the Old Madam sent me to fetch you and Miss."

Fan Qiongzhi almost immediately agreed, but turning around, she saw Xu Hua smiling against the door. She lowered her head; having rarely refused anyone in her life, she couldn't think of words to say no.

Chui Zhu said, "Madam, hurry up and pack your things, come back with me."

Xu Hua didn't speak; she wanted this woman to refuse directly. Fan Qiongzhi had no choice but to say, "I... still have some work to finish. You go back first, and after a few days, once the embroidery is all delivered, I'll discuss going back with Master."

Chui Zhu was stunned, clearly surprised that this woman hadn't readily agreed. She said impatiently, "Madam, the Old Madam wants you to go back today. Master went to great lengths to persuade you; if you change your mind later, don't blame me. Even if you send more cloth and chickens, it probably won't help."

Fan Qiongzhi was worried about this too, and upon hearing this, she looked at Xu Hua again. Xu Hua said lazily, "I trust Mother's promise."

Fan Qiongzhi bit her lip. "I... will explain to the Old Madam another day."

Chui Zhu snorted angrily and ordered the coachman to return. Before getting into the carriage, she muttered under her breath, "How ungrateful."

---

Two days later, a manager named He indeed came from the embroidery workshop. After personally examining Fan Qiongzhi's embroidery, Manager He was very satisfied. As the manager of a large embroidery workshop, he immediately bought up all of Fan Qiongzhi's subsequent embroidery, offering a high price.

Fan Qiongzhi was naturally delighted, and Manager He then instructed her, "Madam Fan, last time I saw Old Zhou's Luoyang peony painting, I was amazed. If you have any more embroidery like this in the future, just keep it; I will come to buy it regularly."

Fan Qiongzhi naturally agreed readily. After seeing Manager He off, Fan Qiongzhi was clearly in a good mood. Xu Hua said, "Mother, let's go shopping."

Fan Qiongzhi was always very generous to her daughter and immediately agreed. Xu Hua had been too hungry to walk recently and didn't want to walk, so the two rented a carriage and went to town.

Fan Qiongzhi had over four thousand taels of silver. She had completely lost track of that amount. Along the way, Xu Hua bought a lot of silk and cosmetics. Having been away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a long time, she quite enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

Seeing her daughter so happy, Fan Qiongzhi decided to take her to buy a few more pieces of jewelry—her daughter was all grown up now, and it wouldn't look good without them.

The two entered the jewelry shop, but Fan Qiongzhi was taken aback—there were other customers inside. Unfortunately, it was Ji Hanzhang's second wife accompanying the old lady, preparing to have some bracelets made into new pieces of jewelry.

Their eyes met, and Fan Qiongzhi quickly stepped forward. "Mother-in-law."

The old lady's face immediately turned cold upon seeing her. "What? Last time I sent someone to invite you, and you're already putting on airs? Do you expect me, an old woman, to come in person?"

She was confident in her daughter-in-law's character; given her temperament, she figured that if her son went to visit again in a few days, she would definitely return to the Ji family. Therefore, she wasn't in a hurry at all.

Fan Qiongzhi said urgently, "No, Grandma." Her voice was low, but then she suddenly remembered Xu Hua and quickly pulled her over. "Hua Hua, come here and call her Grandma."

Xu Hua walked slowly to the old lady. When the old lady saw her, she raised her chin slightly, waiting for a reprimand. Xu Hua bypassed her and went straight to the counter. "Mother, are we still going to buy the jewelry we agreed on?"

Fan Qiongzhi was quite flustered. "You child, how can you be so rude? Come here right now!"

Having been humiliated in front of another daughter-in-law, the old lady was displeased. "Since you know you don't know manners, you should discipline yourself properly! Don't be so vulgar and frivolous, you're disgracing the Ji family!"

At this moment, Ji Hanzhang's second wife was very perceptive and quickly helped the old lady by patting her chest and calming her down. "Mother, don't argue with that wild girl, you'll hurt yourself."

Fan Qiongzhi was at a loss. Xu Hua said, "Mother, I want this!"

She pointed to a sapphire ring with a yellow silk cushion. The old lady often came to this shop and knew the price of this prized possession—four hundred taels of silver.

Fan Qiongzhi said, "Hua Hua."

Xu Hua pleaded, "Mother, buy it for me."

Her voice was soft and sweet, its sweetness palpable even through the barrier between gods and demons. Tian Quzi, who was at his desk correcting his disciples' magic array diagrams, looked up upon hearing this. Seeing her gently shaking Fan Qiongzhi's arm, he made a mistake, the ink staining the paper.

Fan Qiongzhi softened at Xu Hua's coquettishness. Even now, four hundred taels of silver was painful for her. But if her daughter wanted it, she wouldn't be stingy. She said, "Okay, if you call me 'Grandma' obediently, Mom will buy it for you, okay?"

Only then did Xu Hua turn to the old lady of the Ji family and reluctantly call out, "Grandma." It was utterly perfunctory and insincere.

Fan Qiongzhi couldn't bear to scold her, so she took out a silver note and, amidst the shopkeeper's flattery, bought the sapphire ring.

Xu Hua tried it on casually; her fingers were too thick, and the ring didn't fit at all. "What a waste! Nothing good, and it doesn't even fit." She grabbed Fan Qiongzhi's hand and put it on her finger. "Oh, Mother, it fits you perfectly. Here, take it. Buy me a new one next time."

Four hundred taels of silver, as if it were child's play.

The old lady of the Ji family and her daughter-in-law both changed their expressions. Of course, they had heard about Fan Qiongzhi's situation, but the old lady knew her well. She was always frugal, and this money would just sit there unused. When they returned to the Ji family, wouldn't it all just rot in the pot?!

But now it seemed that her daughter was no good! If she spent money like this, how much would be left when they returned to the Ji family?

---

That very night, Ji Hanzhang rushed to Fan Qiongzhi's doorstep—he had no choice; the old lady was berating him fiercely, saying that if things continued this way, the mother and daughter would squander their entire fortune! He immediately abandoned his pretense and urged his son to bring them back to the Ji family home.

He needed to get the money first, no matter what.

Fan Qiongzhi stood at the door, momentarily unable to recognize the figure.

Ji Hanzhang said, "Wife, Mother sent me to take you and your daughter home."

Suddenly, tears streamed down her face. Then she realized that sixteen years had passed. Ji Hanzhang was standing nearby; the room was dimly lit, and the person before him wore a thin white shirt, her cheeks rosy and her skin fair, just like in her prime.

A touch of love finally stirred in his heart, and he said softly, "You've suffered these past years. Take the child home."

Fan Qiongzhi covered her face with her hands, her voice choked with sobs. "Hanzhang, I've waited sixteen years to hear these words."

Ji Hanzhang sighed softly and put his arms around her shoulders. Xu Hua's spiritual energy flowed into her body, her aura sweet and pure. Ji Hanzhang's heart swayed, and he said, "Let's go home. From now on, be a good wife and mother, and don't cause any more trouble."

Fan Qiongzhi's back stiffened slightly. The man's embrace and caresses before her were a nightmare she had endured for years. Yet, it felt so unfamiliar now. She instinctively recoiled and turned away.

This time, Xu Hua was not there.

She took a deep breath. "Hanzhang, thank you for coming. But I can't go back with you."

Ji Hanzhang could hardly believe his ears. When had this woman ever disobeyed him? He asked, "What do you mean?"

Fan Qiongzhi said, "I promised my daughter that I wouldn't go back to the Ji family for now."

Ji Hanzhang angrily said, "She's my daughter! When did she get to make decisions about the family? Look at the manners and ethics you've taught her!!"

Fan Qiongzhi finally couldn't hold back anymore. Over the years, he could criticize her, but her daughter was her heart and soul! She said, "Hanzhang, Huahua has finally recovered. You can't talk to her like that!"

For the first time, she dared to defy and argue!

Ji Hanzhang roared, "I'm her father! At home, one obeys their father; after marriage, one obeys their husband! She doesn't even understand this basic principle—is she considered to have recovered?!"

Fan Qiongzhi took a step back and suddenly asked, "Hanzhang, if Huahua can't regain her senses, if she hadn't taught me embroidery, could I still return to the Ji family?"

For so many years, she had held onto love and hope, waiting patiently even knowing the road ahead was fraught with thorns. Suddenly, she asked herself the same question. But the answer had always been in her heart.

Ji Hanzhang paused, then said, "Of course. Mother was just angry for a moment, and afraid of gossip, that's why she let you and your daughter live outside. You are, after all, a daughter-in-law of the Ji family; how could she be angry forever?"

Fan Qiongzhi shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "You're lying to me. I know you've been lying to me all along." She murmured, "I know you've been lying to me all along."

With that, she retreated back into the house and closed the door.

Xu Hua didn't come forward; she just watched quietly as Fan Qiongzhi leaned against the wooden door, sliding down and weeping.

At one end of the Divine Demonic Aura, Tian Quzi remained silent. Born into a prestigious family and mentored by renowned teachers from a young age, he had risen to his current position through sheer talent and perseverance. He possessed a thorough understanding of the secret arts of the Xuanmen sect, but he had no recollection of human nature.

She, on the other hand, had immersed herself in the mortal realm, meticulously dissecting human nature.

Xu Hua ignored Fan Qiongzhi and returned to her room, changing into her undergarments—she practiced external martial arts every night to work up a sweat. However, Tian Quzi clearly had no intention of cutting off the image, so the Divine Demonic Aura adjusted its angle, allowing him to see the night outside the window.

He remained silent and motionless; the Divine Demonic Aura truly couldn't fathom his thoughts.

This man didn't follow human logic at all. Logically, after paying such a price, a normal person would at least try some form of imprisonment or training, right? At the very least, they could take advantage of his vulnerability, win his favor, and take advantage of him—wouldn't that be the perfect opportunity?

But what had he done? The dignified head of the Nine Abyss Immortal Sect! A beautiful woman fell into misery, and he hid to the side, secretly spying on her...

Thoughts:

Xu Hua has been reborn into the body of a "mentally disabled" girl, daughter of Fan Qiongzhi, a woman cast out by her husband's family sixteen years ago. In this chapter, Xu Hua orchestrates a plan to free her mother from toxic dependence on the Ji family. By teaching Fan Qiongzhi a mystical embroidery technique (one that makes peonies bloom and close like real flowers), she gives her mother both financial independence and the courage to refuse her manipulative husband.

It brilliantly contrasts two observers: Xu Hua, who understands human nature intimately and uses that knowledge to liberate Fan Qiongzhi, and Tian Quzi, a cultivation genius who knows every secret art but cannot comprehend the simple human drama unfolding before him. The ironic ending—where even the Divine Demonic Aura is baffled by Tian Quzi's behavior—sets up the romantic tension between these two very different but equally powerful individuals.