The four of them finally arrived at the Marriage Fate Temple atop the mountain. After alighting from their sedan chairs, they were astonished by the sea of people. It seemed that today the Marriage Fate Temple was hosting an unusually large number of visitors, almost as if some major event was taking place.
It was only later that Xiaoxiao learned that, unlike other temples, the Marriage Fate Temple would occasionally hold various events, and they had just happened to catch one today.
Xiaoxiao was particularly excited as she pointed to the crowd, "Look, I told you there was something fishy going on! Let’s hurry over and see what they’re up to."
Having said that, she squeezed her way forward. Yang Ming, seeing his wife move off, quickly followed. With so many people around, losing one another would not be good. "Wife, slow down, don’t get lost."
Seeing the pair walk away, Chu Lian looked towards Wang Xiangxiang and anxiously instructed, "Stick close to me too, don’t get separated."
"Alright, let’s catch up," Wang Xiangxiang didn’t refuse, genuinely worried about the inconvenience if they got separated from Xiaoxiao and the others.
The four finally pushed their way into the throng and saw people crowding around a makeshift stage. Xiaoxiao, dying of curiosity, wanted to find out what event was being held. The setup looked quite grand.
She listened attentively to the conversations around her, looking for any gossip, but to her surprise, everyone’s lips were sealed tight as if by prior agreement, leaving no rumors to be overheard. Xiaoxiao and the others had no choice but to wait.
A moment later, an elderly man of respectable appearance took to the stage and addressed the crowd, "Today, the Han Family will hold a women’s talent competition at this Marriage Fate Temple."
A women’s talent competition? She hadn’t expected such refinement in a place so much less advanced than the modern world. The only question was, what would the competition entail?
As Xiaoxiao wondered, the old man continued, "The winner will receive this piece of Blood Jade that I’m holding in my hand. I believe there’s no need for me to elaborate on the true meaning of this Blood Jade."
Upon seeing the Blood Jade in the old man’s hand, Xiaoxiao’s eyes gleamed with excitement. That must be a ruby, and about the size of an egg, she thought. She really wanted it.
"Those who want to participate can go over there to line up and register. The competition will start shortly." After announcing this, the elder stepped down from the stage.
The registration area was already packed with people; there were staff keeping order and taking notes.
While they had thought they were only there to spectate, Xiaoxiao suddenly said, "Husband, I want that Blood Jade."
"..." The others were speechless. Was it something one could just want and have? One would need to compete and win, and besides, they weren’t here to compete but to seek marital fate.
"Wife, you would need to compete and come out on top. Do you excel in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"
Xiaoxiao shook her head. How could she know the local music, chess, calligraphy, and painting? She was a person without any of those skills. But she really did want that Blood Jade.
Seeing how much Xiaoxiao loved that piece of Blood Jade, Wang Xiangxiang felt some compassion. Xiaoxiao had helped her so much. If she liked it, Wang Xiangxiang wanted to help her get it. So she spoke up, "Xiaoxiao, I will help you claim that Blood Jade."
"Really? Sister, are you sure?" Although Xiaoxiao was delighted to hear Wang Xiangxiang say this, she was worried not knowing her true abilities.
Wang Xiangxiang gave Xiaoxiao a reassuring look and, leaving behind the words "Just watch me," headed towards the registration area.
Chu Lian watched her confident figure and smiled slightly. He absolutely believed in her, "Don’t worry, your sister is a talented woman. That piece of Blood Jade is as good as yours."
Having said this, he followed Wang Xiangxiang.