They never expected the third daughter-in-law to show her favoritism so blatantly, nor did they anticipate that the seventh girl would look like this—especially that faint golden lotus mark on her forehead. What was that about?

When she first arrived, the child had been exhausted from the long journey, her complexion dull and her ill-fitting clothes hidden beneath thick bangs that covered her forehead. No one had noticed the delicate golden lotus imprint.

At the time, glimpses of her face had only hinted at a budding beauty, but now, properly dressed, she outshone all the other girls in the household.

That lotus mark lent her an almost divine aura, transforming her into the very image of an immortal child.

Yue Fuguang observed their reactions with quiet satisfaction. Good. Since they barely knew her, no one questioned the changes in her appearance.

This body had been carefully crafted to inherit the finest traits of her parents—all to make the tale of an immortal’s mortal trial more convincing.

She had begun her preparations with her appearance, first having the system imprint a radiant six-petal lotus mark on her forehead, one that shimmered ethereally in the light.

Later, when the system manifested, it would take the form of a seven-colored spirit pearl adorned with the same lotus insignia.

Next, she had exchanged points with the system for a Marrow-Cleansing Pill. After taking it in three doses, she shed all impurities, her complexion now flawless, her skin like jade—utterly transcendent.

"Now that everyone’s here, let’s depart," declared Old Madam, and the entire household of over a dozen stirred into motion.

At the estate gates, Old Madam announced, "The seventh girl will ride with me."

Having witnessed Madame Sun’s behavior earlier, she refused to let her newly returned granddaughter—already distant from the family—grow any colder toward them. For now, keeping the girl close was necessary.

Yu Ningrou tugged at Madame Sun’s sleeve, prompting her to interject, "Mother, there’s no need. Let the seventh girl ride with me and the sixth girl. It’ll give us a chance to bond."

Old Madam eyed Madame Sun skeptically. As a grandmother, she was one step removed, and she couldn’t very well deny a mother time with her own child.

"Very well," she conceded, though not without caution. "The seventh girl is still young. Take good care of her."

She hoped the third daughter-in-law would finally act wisely. If she repeated her mistakes, mending the rift with the child would be near impossible.

Yue Fuguang didn’t care whose carriage she rode in—as long as she made it into the palace.

But sharing a carriage with Madame Sun and Yu Ningrou wasn’t so bad. While they performed their mother-daughter affection, she could converse with her system undisturbed.

Closing her eyes as if resting, Yue Fuguang mentally instructed, "Remember, System—we are celestial; they are mortal. All beneath the immortals are mere ants. Maintain an air of detachment toward people and affairs.

"My persona must also include capricious moods and a vengeful streak—unwilling to suffer even the slightest slight.

"Only then can we avoid being manipulated.

"And when I call you ‘System’ or ‘System dear,’ it’s our private chat. When I say ‘little pearl’ or ‘Boundary-Breaking Pearl,’ my thoughts are audible to others."

[Understood, understood. My persona is the loyal divine artifact, the Boundary-Breaking Pearl—mighty, aloof…]

The system ran through its checklist, summarizing that aside from unwavering loyalty to Yue Fuguang, it would show no emotion toward anyone or anything else!

At the palace gates, the Yu family disembarked. Old Madam and Madam Yu (Eldest) immediately struck up conversations with the noblewomen arriving around them.

"My, isn’t this your seventh young miss? What a vision—like an immortal child from the side of the Bodhisattva Guanyin herself!"

Old Madam beamed at the praise.

Yue Fuguang was equally pleased. Her transformation was clearly convincing.

At least when she eventually revealed her "celestial" identity, her appearance would lend credibility to the tale of an immortal’s trial, making it easier to swallow.

Following the palace maids and eunuchs guiding them, the group proceeded toward Guangning Hall—the usual venue for grand palace banquets, thanks to its vast size.

Outside Guangning Hall lay an expansive garden, not quite rivaling the Imperial Gardens but still breathtaking in its autumn splendor, with osmanthus and chrysanthemums in full bloom, their fragrance as enchanting as their beauty.

Noblewomen and young misses loved strolling here before banquets, since the rest of the palace was off-limits.

Trailing behind Old Madam, Yue Fuguang watched as they paused repeatedly to greet acquaintances, the endless socializing making her exhausted on their behalf.

Thankfully, once she revealed her "true identity," she wouldn’t have to endure such mundane noblewoman routines.

Old Madam and the others chatted about the usual feminine topics—clothing, food, daily life—all perfectly safe subjects.

No one dared broach sensitive matters within palace walls, where a single misspoken word could spell disaster.

Madame Sun’s family lacked prominence, so her circle consisted of wives and daughters of fourth- or fifth-rank officials.

Spotting the strikingly beautiful, unfamiliar girl behind her, they couldn’t resist asking.

Of course, they already knew—who else could it be but the seventh young lady, brought home just a month prior?

Rumors said she’d been raised in a Daoist temple. Judging by her ethereal looks, that temple clearly knew how to nurture children.

With such an otherworldly appearance, some wondered if the Yu family had adopted her purely for her looks.

Perhaps they ought to visit outlying temples themselves—see if there were more girls like her.

Madam Zhu, wife of the Hanlin Academician Wu, greeted Madame Sun. "Madam Yu (the third), it’s been too long. My husband mentioned your family’s newest addition—is this the young lady?"

"Indeed," Madame Sun replied. "This is our seventh daughter."

Turning to Yue Fuguang, she said, "Xiao Qi, come greet Madam Wu."

Yue Fuguang performed a flawless curtsy, poised and graceful without a hint of shyness.

"What excellent manners!" Madam Wu praised. "You’ve raised her well."

Hard to believe this refined child came from some remote temple.

"You flatter me," Madame Sun demurred. "If we’re speaking of refinement, my Ningrou is the true exemplar—her etiquette was personally taught by Nanny Yu, who served in the palace."

Yue Fuguang suppressed an eyeroll. How many times today had Madame Sun hijacked praise for her to spotlight Yu Ningrou instead?

She couldn’t wait to see Madame Sun’s face when she dropped her bombshell later.

Would the woman regret her actions when she became the laughingstock of the capital—the epitome of foolish mothers-in-law?

The anticipation made her eager for the banquet to begin.

Little did Yue Fuguang know, Madame Sun’s behavior today—and the revelations to come—would cement her reputation so thoroughly that future matchmakers would warn, "Whatever you do, don’t get a daughter-in-law like Madam Yu (the third)."

The phrase would spread far and wide—an outcome Yue Fuguang hadn’t foreseen.