153 Cure
However, as the beatings continued, Ah Hui suddenly began experiencing problems. Her appetite decreased, and she became increasingly emaciated, with her once round cheeks taking on a gaunt appearance.
Initially, Aunt Mei didn't pay much attention and even scolded Ah Hui for being overly dramatic.
However, over time, Ah Hui's lively eyes grew vacant, and she fell silent. Occasionally, she would stand at the doorstep, gazing at the distant mountains, muttering, "I want to go home."
Eventually, Ah Hui's health deteriorated significantly.
Aunt Mei realized she couldn't afford to continue hitting Ah Hui. After all, she had invested a considerable amount of money in bringing Ah Hui back. While hitting Ah Hui was one thing, she couldn't afford for Ah Hui to die. Losing Ah Hui would render all that money spent in vain.
Aunt Mei was left with no choice but to seek a doctor's help. Initially, she consulted a barefoot doctor, but the doctor couldn't identify any physical issues with Ah Hui.
Given Ah Hui's healthy physique, it was evident that something had "contaminated" her.
In rural areas, many people held strong beliefs in spirits and the supernatural.
People in the countryside often refrained from directly mentioning the names of supernatural beings and referred to them as "dirty things" instead.
Once these supernatural entities came into contact with a human body, the individual would undergo various unusual changes.
The idea that her second daughter-in-law, Ah Hui, had been "contaminated" by these "dirty things" filled Aunt Mei with dread. She quickly sought out a witch doctor from the neighboring Lotus Village.
In rural areas, witch doctors specialized in treating patients who were believed to be afflicted by these supernatural entities, all while conducting sacrifices, rituals, and divination. They claimed to have the ability to communicate with spirits and were skilled in a range of exorcism techniques to expel the ghosts and demons tormenting the affected individuals.
The old lady enthusiastically shared these details, occasionally pausing as her words carried on. She put her grandson down and let him play nearby, settling herself on a rock under a tree to continue recounting the story.
After Aunt Mei engaged the services of the witch doctor, it was determined that Ah Hui was being tormented by a fox demon. A ritual was to be performed to banish this malevolent entity.
On the day of the ritual, the old lady also attended with her grandson in her arms. The rural population, it seemed, had a fondness for such spectacles. The old lady remarked that a large crowd had gathered that day, and Aunt Mei's house was bustling with onlookers.
The witch doctor donned a vibrant, multicolored outfit, and the hem of his clothes was adorned with colorful fabric strips. Following the preparation of the incense burner, the witch doctor commenced the "exorcism dance."
After the "exorcism dance", the witch doctor ignited the five charms with fire and placed the ashes of the charms into the white wine, stirring it before having Ah Hui drink it.
At this stage, the witch doctor's "treatment" was far from over. Following Ah Hui's consumption of the talisman-infused wine, the witch doctor instructed Aunt Mei's family to prepare a large jar filled with scalding water. Next, they were directed to remove Ah Hui's clothing and gently lower her into the boiling water.
Ye Ling was left utterly astounded by this account.
While Yun Jie had previously mentioned the witch doctor to her, Ye Ling had not received a comprehensive explanation at the time. Having grown up in the countryside in her past life, she had never encountered witch doctors and was entirely unaware that they employed such an outlandish method for "treating" patients.
This couldn't be labeled as exorcism. It was deceitful and harmful!
Though Ye Ling seethed with anger, she could only contain her frustration and continue listening to the old lady's narrative.
Aunt Mei believed the witch doctor's words without a doubt. She immediately sent someone to prepare a water tank filled with boiling water. However, Aunt Mei considered that there were too many people watching outside, so she discussed with the witch doctor whether she could complete this last step in the house. After all, Ah Hui was her daughter-in-law. It was not good to be seen taking off her clothes.
However, the witch doctor said that it was impossible. The last step was very important. It had to be done in an open environment at noon and surrounded by people.
The witch doctor maintained that the fox demon dreaded the "fire" within a human body, necessitating the use of this "fire" to coerce the fox demon out of Ah Hui's body.
Aunt Mei found herself without alternatives but to heed the witch doctor's directives. They positioned the water tank in the courtyard and filled it with boiling water, adding two white cloths as a modest form of concealment.
Into the water, the witch doctor poured a packet of powdered substance, and after the pouring, the witch doctor's assistant briefly mentioned the price of the powder.
The witch doctor immediately reprimanded the assistant. "Why mention money now? Saving a life is paramount!" It was as if the mention of money made Aunt Mei feel insulted.
Aunt Mei had initially harbored thoughts about the high cost of the powder but, hearing this, she sealed her lips, feeling too embarrassed to say anything further.
Ah Hui, who had taken off her clothes, was supported by two women who had come to help. They were about to put Ah Hui into the water tank.
Ah Hui gazed at the boiling water and her eyes were filled with fear. She struggled hard, but it was useless. Aunt Mei walked forward and pushed Ah Hui into the water tank.