The Han Dynasty Empress is a Ghost | Chapter 27 | A New Life | Novela.app

“Mother, did Lord Shen tell you that himself?” A’jiao took a deep breath. “Of course. Now, you stay home today, do you hear me?” “I know,” A’jiao replied, nodding as she walked outside. Dou Yifang felt her mood sour even further. In the courtyard stood a newly built swing, its lacquer not yet dry. A’jiao carefully rescued a butterfly that had accidentally stuck to it. Most flowers in the Underworld were scentless, and mortal butterflies could not survive in the realm of the dead. She had heard that these butterflies were specially brought back from other immortal realms by the Goddess Nuyi. A’jiao had originally wanted to raise a few, until one day, while passing the Bureau of Nuyi, she saw a butterfly of that size transform into a young girl with her own eyes. Since she had to wait for Lord Shen today and couldn't go out, she figured she might as well take a nap. But just as she entered the house, Gao Tie’s voice rang out from outside: “Shen Zhi, why are you here so early? Jiaojiao, come out quickly!” A’jiao scurried back out eagerly. “Things are quiet at the Reincarnation Platform for the moment, so I came over to take a look. A’jiao, come here, let me see you.” Shen Zhi unfastened his cloak and handed it to Guantao. A’jiao walked over obediently. Shen Zhi traced a seal in the air and gently tapped it into A’jiao’s body. A’jiao felt a warm current surge through her, feeling immensely comfortable. Guantao set the cloak aside and asked, “How is she? I’ve been taking good care of her these past two years.” After about fifteen minutes, a cloud of orange mist seeped from between A’jiao’s brows and slowly dissipated into the air. Shen Zhi smiled at Guantao. “She is fine now. There will be no issues with her participating in the Reincarnation Platform trial this time.” Seeing a flicker of worry on Guantao’s face, Shen Zhi reassured her, “Rest easy, nothing will go wrong this time. Over the past two years, the two Divine Lords have tested and improved the Reincarnation Platform many times. The risk of a soul being scattered to the winds is gone, which is why we are proceeding with this second batch. Besides, I am the one in charge of the Reincarnation Platform now. What is there to fear?” “Weren’t you the one in charge last time? My Jiaojiao almost lost her life!” Guantao turned her face away. “Last time was a miscalculation on my part. I guarantee it won't happen again.” “Then do you have any more protective talismans? Give A’jiao another one, just in case.” “Uh... haven't you already given her three? You want more?” “Sigh, I just can't feel at ease.” “Fine, then. A’jiao, come here. Take this.” Shen Zhi opened his palm, revealing a red pearl. “Wow, it’s beautiful! A pearl of this color is truly rare.” Even though the mother and daughter were accustomed to the treasures of the mortal world, they couldn't help but be amazed. “While I was capturing an evil ghost previously, I subdued a clam spirit along the way. This is that spirit’s inner core. I have already purged the demonic toxins from it. Originally, I used this core to anchor a formation for storing magical artifacts. Since A’piao is so worried, A’jiao, you should keep it. The formation upon it would require even me to strike with full force to break; it is more than enough to protect you. However, remember: this formation only guards against magical attacks. After you are reincarnated, conflicts between mortals are unavoidable.” “I understand. Thank you, Lord Shen.” “Good. In ten days, I will come for you and take you to the Reincarnation Platform.” “Thank you for your hard work, Lord Shen!” A’jiao gave a sweet smile. “Mother, why don't you chat with Lord Shen for a while? I’ll head out first.” “Alright, go play.” *** Ten days later, A’jiao was brought to the Reincarnation Platform early in the morning. Speaking of which, the Bureau of Reincarnation had undergone great changes over the past three years. A small building had been constructed to serve as an office and rest area for the soul-reapers and officials of the bureau. Where there had once been only a single Reincarnation Platform on the empty ground, there were now three, standing side-by-side. Upon arriving at the Bureau of Reincarnation today, A’jiao learned that Lord Shen had been promoted a few days ago. He had been transferred from the Soul Induction Bureau to the Bureau of Reincarnation to serve as its Director. By now, a large number of ghosts and soul-reapers had gathered near the platforms. She heard that two thousand ghosts had been selected this time, to be led to the mortal world by two hundred soul-reapers. “Lord Yuandeng!” A’jiao called out, spotting a familiar face. “Oh, Chen A’jiao!” Yuandeng looked closer and laughed. Ever since Lord Hongsang had been sentenced to the Purification Chamber by the Lord of Hell to reflect on her sins, the association between Lord Shen and that mortal ghost named Liu Piao had gradually come into the light. He had heard from Yunhe that this Chen A’jiao was that female ghost’s daughter. Tsk tsk, he had certainly guessed wrong back then! “Chen A’jiao, are you all better?” “I’m all better. Thank you for your concern, Lord Yuandeng. Lord Shen said I can return to the Reincarnation Platform now.” “That’s good. You gave me quite a scare last time. I wonder if you’ll be assigned to my group again? We are practically old acquaintances now.” “If I am assigned to your group, it must be fate!” A’jiao smiled with guileless innocence. Shen Zhi looked down from the building and quickly located Chen A’jiao. The Reincarnation Platform was now essentially under his full authority; he only needed to report upward if an emergency occurred. Furthermore, the past three years had been spent identifying and fixing the flaws of the platform one by one. This second round of trials was the first true implementation of reincarnation. Shen Zhi walked down gracefully. He issued his instructions. The subordinates organized the groups and set the order accordingly. The process was similar to before, so A’jiao felt no discomfort. “Hahaha, Chen A’jiao, I didn't expect you to actually end up in my group again.” Yuandeng laughed as he looked at her. “Then I must ask for your guidance, My Lord.” The ghosts on the clearing were divided into three waves, waiting before the three Reincarnation Platforms. They lined up in three orderly rows and stepped into the Reincarnation Mirrors one by one. *** A’jiao’s figure vanished into the light of the Reincarnation Mirror. A sphere of white light enveloped her entire body. This time, she felt no pain. A’jiao stretched her body comfortably. She felt herself growing increasingly drowsy and fell asleep shortly after. ... “Young Madam, push! I can see the head! Quick, Dongmei, wipe the Young Madam’s sweat. Chunlan, Xiazhu, go change the water. Qiuju, feed the Young Madam some ginseng soup. Young Madam, one more push, the young master is almost out!” The woman on the bed was flushed red and drenched in sweat. Tears streamed down her face. “It hurts... it hurts so much...” “Waaah—waaah—” The sound of a child’s cry rang through the room. “The Young Madam has given birth! The Young Madam has given birth!” Chunlan was so happy she didn't know what to do with herself, spinning in circles in the room. “Stop spinning and go pour the water!” The midwife carefully picked up the child and inspected her thoroughly. The curtain at the door was carefully lifted, and a woman dressed in deep green entered. “This old servant congratulates the Young Madam.” Though the young woman on the bed was so exhausted she wanted to fall asleep immediately, she forced herself to remain conscious. “Thank you, Nanny Jin...” Seeing that the young woman was on the verge of fainting, Nanny Jin hurriedly said, “Rest now, Young Madam. I will go report to the Old Madam and the Madam.” Only then did the young woman dare to drift off. Nanny Jin walked softly over to the midwife and asked, “Granny Han, how is it?” Granny Han showed the infant in the wooden basin to Nanny Jin. “It’s a girl.” Nanny Jin’s expression dimmed for a moment, her sigh nearly inaudible. But when she turned her head, she wore a gentle smile. “You’ve worked hard, Granny. Wrap the girl up and let me carry her out to show the Old Madam and the others.” A’jiao squirmed in the water basin, trying her best to avoid the hand that was parting her little legs. How embarrassing! Seeing the little girl’s legs kicking wildly, Nanny Jin couldn't help but chuckle softly. “She’s a lively child.” With that, she picked up the child and walked toward the outer room. A young man was peering anxiously at the door. Seeing Nanny Jin emerge, he rushed forward. “Nanny, how is Qingqing?” Nanny Jin said warmly, “The Young Madam is exhausted and has fallen asleep. Don't worry, Eldest Young Master...” Before she could finish, an old woman’s voice called out, “Wanniang, how is the child?” Nanny Jin hurried forward. “Old Madam, congratulations! You have a great-granddaughter!” The Old Madam’s face stiffened for a split second before she broke into a smile. “Good, good. Qingqing has given birth to the first child of our family’s great-grandchild generation. We must reward her well. Come, come, bring my little great-granddaughter here for me to see.” The young man followed her lead and stepped forward. “Exactly, Grandmother. This is Qingqing’s first time giving birth; it was very hard on her. You must reward her generously.” The middle-aged woman beside them shook her head slightly and smiled. “Alright, Yang’er, go report the good news to your father. Don't just stand here like a fool.” Chen Yang gave an affirmative shout and ran outside in a hurry. The middle-aged woman touched the child’s face and said softly, “After all, the children are still young. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Surely, she will give Mother a fat great-grandson later on.” The Old Madam nodded with a smile. A’jiao felt uncomfortable being held. Unfortunately, having just been born, she could neither see nor hear clearly. It was truly miserable! “Oh, the child is crying again. Quick, call the wet nurse!”