In the prepared gift box, a finely carved box adorned with intricate patterns appeared, and the Wen Family opened it with curiosity.
As the gap in the box gradually widened, a translucent emerald jade pendant emerged, featuring a vividly lifelike phoenix that seemed ready to take flight at any moment, transforming into a real presence.
The quality of the jade and the craftsmanship showcased its immense value.
"Yichan, this..." The Wen Family was deeply immersed in its beauty; under the sunlight, the pendant shimmered brilliantly.
"Mother, let's give this as a gift." This pendant was crafted by Yang Yichen after he accidentally obtained a piece of exquisite jade, commissioning the best artisan to create it. In addition to this Phoenix Pendant, he also had a Dragon Pendant in his possession.
The Dragon and Phoenix Pair symbolized their beautiful fate together, destined to be united for eternity across lifetimes.
"Very nice, very nice. Only Qingxi can match this Phoenix Pendant," the Wen Family said cautiously as they closed the box.
"Yichan, this preparation is almost complete. Ming Wo should go up the mountain to ask the master to calculate your fates together." In this era, it was customary for couples to have their Ba Zi matched before engagement.
"Alright!" Yang Yichen agreed to leave these matters to the Wen Family: "Mother, you've worked hard during this time!"
"It's not hard at all. What's tiring about preparing for my son's marriage? I'm happy about it and can't wait for you two to have a big baby while I'm still young enough to help out for a few years."
Suddenly, Yang Yichen's face flushed with a rosy hue, slowly spreading across his fair and handsome face like a colorful cloud rising gracefully, stunningly beautiful.
If Liu Qingxi were to see this, she would surely exclaim, "Absolutely a beauty that brings disaster."
However, Liu Qingxi was unaware that despite the recent swirling rumors, the Wen Family remained steadfast in their support for her and would soon bring her immense surprises.
The next day at dawn, the Wen Family set off and traveled by carriage to the mountain twenty miles away.
There is a small temple here, which, compared to those near the county town, is naturally not large, but within a hundred miles, it is considered quite good.
Moreover, the master here is said to be very accurate in predicting relationships. In the nearby villages, whenever someone’s child is about to get married, they come here to ask the master for advice, and the Wen Family is no exception.
On the towering mountain, there is only one path leading to the temple at the top. The winding steps twist and turn, with only bare branches remaining on the shrubs along the sides.
From a distance, the mountain appears gray and desolate, starkly contrasting with its lushness in spring and summer.
Occasionally, a few devout individuals pass by, walking together. The Wen Family and Nanny Wen proceed slowly.
Given the numerous steps, one cannot rely on others; only by climbing up oneself can one express respect. This way, the master’s predictions will be more accurate.
As the lady of the house, Wen Family has never done any physical labor since arriving at Yang Residence, even during the most difficult times.
Half an hour later, she was panting heavily, warm air gradually rising from her body as her cold limbs began to warm up.
“Sister, why don’t we take a break?” Nanny Wen suggested while looking at the distant temple and wiping the beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
“No need; this shows our sincerity,” Wen Family gritted her teeth and continued forward. Unfortunately, a few servants could only slowly follow behind with gifts.
An hour later, a temple covering about two acres appeared before them. The weathered wooden door quietly told tales of its long history, and the dull sound of bells seemed to echo from afar, bringing back waves of resonance.
The weight of history made people sincerely bow three times at the main entrance before stepping inside.
Although the temple may seem small from the outside, inside it was bustling with activity as people came and went continuously.
In the main hall of the temple, the most eye-catching feature was the thread of fate belonging to the Matchmaker. The Wen Family retrieved their gifts from the maid and placed them before the Matchmaker.
They slowly knelt down, bowing three times with utmost respect, then picked up the bamboo stick in front of them and gently shook it. With a snap, one stick fell to the ground.
The Wen Family did not understand its meaning and, under the guidance of the Novice, approached the Fortune Teller Master.
"We still trouble Master to help us interpret the fortune."
The old monk opened his tightly closed eyes, glanced at the content above, and slowly spoke: "Fate brings people together from a thousand miles away; a connection across lifetimes is tied by a single thread. The bond between you two is one of yin and yang, one soft and one strong; this mutual growth creates an excellent union."
The smile on the Wen Family's face gradually widened with the old monk's words, unable to hide their joy any longer.
"This boy and girl possess the grace of a dragon and phoenix. If given a good opportunity, they will surely soar high. Congratulations to this lady."
"Thank you, Master, for your guidance."
"There is no need for thanks; this is what I should do. However, I advise you to remember that good and evil will eventually be rewarded. Keep a kind heart, and you will find success. Do not lose yourself."
"Thank you for your advice, Master."
Though these were just simple words, they brought immense joy to the Wen Family.
On their way back, they couldn't stop smiling; who wouldn't wish for their children to soar high? They never expected their son would have such good fortune, bringing great happiness to the Wen Family.
Yet amidst their joy, they also felt concern over the Master's other words.
When she took out the Ba Zi of the two children, the old monk, who had been unraveling their fate for many years, suddenly stood up, filled with excitement: "A perfect match, a perfect match indeed."
The two Ba Zi placed together were simply the best example; throughout history, there have been very few perfect combinations that fit so well.
"I have never seen such a perfect union in my life," he said, but then his brow furrowed: "However, these two children will face a calamity in their destiny. If they can withstand it, their lives will be smooth sailing; if not, they will surely suffer."
"Master, is there any way to break this calamity?"
To his surprise, the monk shook his head: "Let everything take its natural course. It may lead to unexpected turns and brighter days. Benefactor need not worry too much."
Afterward, the Wen Family found themselves in a state of alternating joy and worry.
"Sister, don't take it too seriously. Young Master and Miss Liu are both destined for greatness; how could their fate be easily disrupted?"
As the carriage moved slowly forward, under the grandmother's persuasion, the Wen Family began to understand the master's words. Letting things take their natural course would yield the best results; so be it, let the two children strive on their own.
However, when she lifted the curtain of the carriage, she suddenly saw a light blue figure standing at the door against the cold wind, with a nose turning red from the chilly air. Who else could it be but her silly son?
Seeing the Wen Family return, he rushed forward eagerly: "Mother, how was it? What was the result?"
The Wen Family was speechless: "Alright, don't worry. You two are fated for each other. I will just mention it to Qingxi and see how we can proceed with the arrangements. After all, she currently has no elders and handling her own marriage would be somewhat improper."
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