Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Two bolts of lightning and Mother Godâs voice echoed through the mountain, sending a jolt of fear through everyone. They scrambled to find the source of the divine anger.
The four maids, swifter than the rest, rushed toward the back mountain, guided by the lightning strikes. They soon stumbled upon the unconscious figuresâthree struck by lightning and one seemingly drugged.
Panic gripped the families as they recognized their loved ones. They quickly carried them to the front yard, desperately seeking a doctor. The maids, hearts pounding, learned the drugged woman was unconscious from a potion, not lightning.
âPlease wake them up, doctor!â a maid pleaded.
âJust splash them with cold water,â the doctor replied.
The maids wasted no time, bringing a bucket of well water. While the icy water was no longer freezing, it was enough to jolt the four unconscious figures awake with shivers. The drugged woman, however, needed two injections from the doctor before regaining full consciousness.
The tension remained thick.
âWhat angered Mother God?â a maid questioned. âHer heavenly lightning is a rare sight, reserved only for the truly wicked. Confess your wrongdoings!â
An uneasy murmur spread through the crowd. âIndeed, Mother Godâs lightning strikes are uncommon, and those struck are always evildoers. Come clean!â
âWe did nothing wrong!â one of the accused stammered. âWe were just talking in the backâ¦â
âLies!â a maid countered sharply. âTalking wouldnât necessitate drugging someone!â
Suddenly, the drugged young lady turned to her servant, Qing Yu, her gaze chilling. âTell the truth. You were the one who drugged me, werenât you?â
The servant girl shook her head, denial trembling on her lips. Before she could speak further, a deafening boom resonated again.
âLies.â Another bolt of lightning accompanied the voice of the Mother God, this time striking near her feet.
Terror overwhelmed Qing Yu, forcing a full confession. The crowd erupted in an uproar. The drugged lady, enraged, pointed at the Second Miss and shouted, âAs expected of a concubine daughter, ever so ruthless and cunning! Why didnât you die from the lightning bolt?!â
Whispers came from the crowd as they recognized the accused. Fingers were pointed, and accusations were hurled.
âThe Mother God Temple is a sacred ground, not a place for your schemes!â boomed the voice of the Mother God once more. âDefile it again, and you shall be cast out, forsaken by the divine!â
Everyone dropped to their knees, offering desperate pleas and kowtows. But Zhou Ying, cloaked in her divine voice, remained silent.
A maid rose from her kneeling position and addressed the crowd. âEveryone, please stand. Let this day be a lesson. Spread the wordâletâs purify the Mother Temple and return it to its former glory. As for you four,â she directed her gaze to the accused, âdescend the mountain and seek proper treatment. You will not be welcome here again.â
A woman pleaded, âLady, please! Iâll punish her severely when we returnâ¦â
The maid waved her hand dismissively. âSpare your empty words. True believers respect Mother God and do not defile her temple. Leave! Our goddess sees through such hypocrisy.â
âWell said!â someone in the crowd chimed in. âTrue faith resides in the heart, not just on the lips..â