Madam Feng was fuming at Jiang Zhan’s words, but with Liu Xianggu present, she forcefully suppressed her anger, shooting a fierce glare at Jiang Ancheng.
Jiang Ancheng rubbed his nose. It wasn’t his fault; he didn’t know this unfortunate child.
“Xianggu, please begin,” Madam Feng said in a deep voice.
Liu Xianggu nodded, glanced at the water clock, and began to walk around the incense altar with her eyes closed.
Everyone held their breath, hearing only the muffled words from Liu Xianggu’s mouth and the sound of wind rustling through the leaves of the Chinese toon tree in the corner.
Liu Xianggu circled the incense altar again and again.
She wore a loose robe today, and as she moved, the hem fluttered. Her seemingly chaotic steps subtly revealed a certain rhythm, inspiring a sense of solemnity in those who watched.
Jiang Zhan quietly pulled at Jiang Si: “This fortune-teller’s spinning is making me dizzy. Fourth Sister, are you alright?”
As the younger generation stood together, everyone turned to look as soon as Jiang Zhan finished speaking.
“I’m fine,” Jiang Si said, tugging at the corners of her mouth, suddenly feeling the urge to give her brother a good thrashing.
Suddenly, a sharp shout rang out, followed by a crisp bell sound, which finally drew everyone’s attention.
Jiang Si took the opportunity to step on Jiang Zhan’s foot, chiding, “Second Brother, can’t you stay quiet?”
“So we’re not allowed to talk now?” Jiang Zhan grumbled.
“Because quiet pretty boys are more likable.”
“Ahem,” Jiang Zhan coughed into his fist, his tone deepening, “Fourth Sister doesn’t know, but I’m a man of few words.”
“Ah!” A sudden exclamation rang out.
Jiang Si stopped responding to Jiang Zhan and looked toward Liu Xianggu, who was performing the ritual.
Incense had been inserted into the altar at some point, and accompanying the alternating fast and slow bell sounds, the rising white smoke from the burning incense suddenly turned black.
How could good white smoke change color?
Liu Xianggu shook the bell in her hand more urgently. The rapid bell sounds combined with the black incense smoke made everyone subconsciously tense up.
At that moment, the bell sound suddenly stopped.
Everyone’s hearts seemed to skip a beat.
“Look!” Jiang Qiao pointed forward, losing her voice.
The black smoke above the incense burner on the long altar seemed to have come to life, condensing into a stream that slanted towards a certain direction.
That direction was exactly where Jiang Si and the others stood.
A shadow suddenly fell over the hearts of the younger generation standing there.
No one was a fool. The black smoke pointing in their direction surely wasn’t a good omen.
Jiang Si nodded inwardly.
She had to admit, Liu Xianggu did have some skills.
Liu Xianggu, holding the bell, looked towards Madam Feng.
Madam Feng understood and said in a deep voice, “There are no outsiders here now. Xianggu, please speak freely.”
Liu Xianggu’s lips trembled slightly: “Madam, that harmful evil spirit is attached to one of these people!”
Except for Jiang Si, whose face remained expressionless, everyone else looked stunned. Jiang Zhan even couldn’t help but shout, “Stop talking nonsense!”
Among the grandchildren, Jiang Zhan had the most straightforward personality, which was why he had never been favored by Madam Feng.
“Silence!” Madam Feng wished she could throw Jiang Zhan out.
“Fine, I’ll be quiet. This is ridiculous,” Jiang Zhan grumbled softly after feeling Jiang Si gently tug at him.
Madam Feng’s deep gaze swept over Jiang Si and the others, lingering a moment longer on Jiang Qian.
At such a sensitive time, Jiang Qian felt her face heat up, even feeling that everyone’s gaze towards her had changed.
Don’t panic!
Jiang Qian took a deep breath inwardly.
Given that dream, it was normal for Grandmother to suspect her.
Jiang Qian turned her head slightly to look at Madam Xiao, who nodded lightly at her.
Jiang Qian relaxed, her expression composed.
Liu Xianggu was invited by her mother, and everything had been arranged by her mother. Once Liu Xianggu pointed out Jiang Zhan, it would no longer be her concern.
Jiang Qian’s eyes turned to Jiang Zhan, and his disdainful expression made her laugh inwardly.
She could hardly wait to see Jiang Zhan’s expression when he found out he was the culprit.
It would surely be spectacular.
“Can Xianggu point out who the evil spirit is attached to?” Madam Feng asked, enunciating each word.
No matter who this person was, even if it was her usually beloved granddaughter Jiang Qian, she wouldn’t tolerate it!
Liu Xianggu slowly walked in front of Jiang Si and the others, her gaze sweeping across everyone’s faces. Those she looked at couldn’t help but feel nervous, especially the usually timid Fifth Miss Jiang Li, who even began to tremble, her frail body like a withered leaf hanging from a branch in the autumn wind.