Chapter 769: Yuan Miaoping

"It's rare to get to watch TV for entertainment. My husband says he wants to get rid of it, but I won't allow it." Zhao Xiaowan walked into the fifth room and went over to touch the television.

Meng De asked in a low voice, "Isn't the Madam supposed to be revived? Why is she inhabiting a puppet again?"

Hong Ying shook her head slightly as she looked at Zhao Xiaowan's back. "That's not a puppet," she said.

The Pendulum was very surprised. "Not a puppet? Could this be the Mistress?"

The Projector lit up its lens and declared, "Now this is the most wonderful art!"

Zhao Xiaowan wore a floor-length dress, her hair casually styled in a bun. She hadn't applied any rouge or powder. Her expression was somewhat tired, and her movements sluggish, yet she looked as though she had just woken up as she fiddled with the switches and knobs on the television.

"I've seen televisions before, and the ones in Puluo State are all blurry," she said. "My dear husband, this TV is excellent. Let's keep it at home from now on!"

"My dear wife, this television cannot stay at home; it has a significant use outside," Li Banfeng replied. He was very worried about his wife's condition, as the Old Master had said she would suffer a lot during the revival process.

"I know its use outside; isn't it just for attacking the Bandit Suppression Camp?" Zhao Xiaowan said. "It's not necessarily essential to send the TV away." She twisted the channel knob, making clicking sounds. The images on the screen constantly flickered, transforming from a beach to a snow-capped mountain, then to an outdoor stage at a music festival. Only the figure of the rock female youth remained in the center of the screen.

"Stop twisting that!" the rock woman snapped angrily. "Can you even get other channels in this lousy place? It's good enough that you can see me! And besides, who are you? Who gave you permission to lay your hands on me?"

Zhao Xiaowan smiled. "What, are you untouchable?"

The rock woman shouted loudly, "Do you know who I am?"

Zhao Xiaowan twisted the volume knob, lowering the rock woman's voice. "Although we haven't met, it doesn't hurt for me to take a guess," she said. "All the Taoist sects in Puluo State were founded by Puluo State natives, with one exception: the Electric Cultivator Patriarch was from another state. Yet, the Peddler still recognized this sect, and for that, he received a lot of criticism! Electric cultivators were also once besieged by the major Taoist sects. To this day, electric cultivators in Puluo State are deeply hidden and dare not easily reveal their identities."

Li Banfeng was surprised. This rock woman was actually the Electric Cultivator Patriarch?

The rock woman shifted her gaze elsewhere and stopped chewing her bubblegum. It was clear this was a sore spot for her. "Some people in Puluo State are too ignorant," she said. "Electricity is a product of advanced civilization, a vital means to guide Puluo State toward progress. I came to Puluo State to spread civilization, and I made significant contributions. They shouldn't have treated me, or my sect, this way!"

Hong Ying quietly asked Li Banfeng, "What did she say? I can't understand any of it."

Li Banfeng briefly explained to Hong Ying.

His wife smiled at the television. "It truly is Yuan Miaoping, the Electric Cultivator Patriarch," she said. "You indeed made significant contributions to Puluo State. The few electrical devices in Puluo State almost all came from your sect's disciples, and you also established the radio station there. It's just a pity that electrical energy cannot be transmitted over long distances in Puluo State, which has made it difficult for your sect to achieve much."

Hearing this, Yuan Miaoping was very indignant. "Actually, there's a way to change it," she said. "All that's needed is for our sect to recruit more disciples. Puluo State has strong electromagnetic interference that prevents long-distance electrical transmission, but electric cultivator disciples can compensate for this through their own cultivation."

His wife shook her head. "This would require turning a large number of electric cultivator disciples into tools for power transmission," she explained. "Not hundreds or thousands, but millions. Do you think the Peddler would agree to such a thing? What's more, even if you sacrifice millions of electric cultivators, it might not succeed. For you to use so many lives as leverage to negotiate business with the Peddler, it just shows you don't understand his nature at all."

Yuan Miaoping was unconvinced. "Doesn't he talk about business all the time?" she retorted. "How can you do business without putting in capital!"

His wife smiled. "We can't explain the capital issue clearly right now; you'll have to wait for the Peddler to tell you later," she said. "Let's first talk about the Brotherhood Alliance. How did you join it, and how did you get into the Dark Star Bureau? Let's discuss this properly."The television itself twisted open the volume knob. "Why should I tell you?" it blared. "Who are you?"

"Oh, that's quite a loud voice," his wife said. "Do you think being loud makes you impressive?" A large loudspeaker suddenly grew on the palm of her right hand and blared a "yu" sound at the television.

The television shivered, and its casing started smoking again.

Hong Ying smiled triumphantly. "Kill that wretch!"

Li Banfeng was overjoyed. The loudspeaker was still there!

"Competing with voices, huh? You think I'm afraid of you!" Yuan Miaoping retorted, turning the volume to maximum, making the casing tremble.

"Who's competing with you in volume?" his wife scoffed, exhaling a puff of steam. "Do you think you're a three-year-old who gets candy for crying?" She took out a coin-sized record from her pocket, placed it on her tongue, and held it in her mouth.

Li Banfeng was even happier. The record player was there too!

*Clang! Jingle! Clatter!* The sounds of gongs and drums rang out. His wife's expression became solemn as she sang in the dignified style of a male opera lead: "The bright mirror hangs high, discerning every detail, and royal law is strict, suppressing all evil! Bold criminal woman, how dare you be so glib in court? Consider the pain of the flesh; confess and sign to avoid torture! Do you confess or not?"

Every word was filled with chilling killing intent!

The television, sounding a little scared, stammered, "Well, uh, let me change the channel; this channel doesn't really connect with you!"

Zhao Xiaowan's sword-like eyebrows furrowed as she sang, "With evidence like a mountain, how can you debate? Without the torture stick, you won't speak! Come on!"

Hong Ying picked up the board and walked towards the television.

Zhao Xiaowan commanded, "Thirty strokes first!"

Yuan Miaoping retreated repeatedly. "Don't be impulsive!" she pleaded. "This is a civilized society; we should resolve issues in a more civilized manner. Setting up a private court is illegal and not allowed under any civilized system! Put that board down first; we can discuss things properly. Don't break the screen!"

Hong Ying snatched the board and launched into a violent beating. The television fought back vigorously but couldn't withstand the combined assault of Zhao Xiaowan and Hong Ying.

Seeing his wife so energetic, Li Banfeng felt relieved. He yawned and went to the thirteenth room to rest.

Jiu'er wasn't interested in watching the commotion. She had originally intended to follow Li Banfeng back to his room, but then she glanced at Honglian and the Fifth Room Maiden.

Honglian was sitting on the table, watching, while the Fifth Room Maiden was hiding among the flowers, trembling.

Were these two too quiet?

Jiu'er then moved a chair and sat in a corner of the main room, reading a book, occasionally glancing at the two.

Honglian could sense Jiu'er's intention and watched the television steadily losing ground, without ever intervening.

Li Banfeng slept for over two hours and was woken up by Jiu'er. "A-Qi, wake up," Jiu'er said, "Xiaowan has subdued the TV."

Returning to the main room, Li Banfeng saw the television standing obediently before his wife.

Its casing and screen were undamaged, but the rock young woman on the screen was bruised and swollen, still chewing bubblegum.

Zhao Xiaowan said, "My husband is here; you know what to say."

"Well, I'm new here, and there are some rules I truly don't understand—" Yuan Miaoping mumbled a couple of sentences indistinctly.

Hong Ying said angrily, "Spit out whatever's in your mouth and speak properly!"

Yuan Miaoping spat out the bubblegum and tidied her hair. "I am impressed by the abilities of Boss Zhao and Boss Hong," she said. "From now on, whether it's serving tea and water or charging into battle, if Boss gives a command, this little sister will not hesitate!"

Zhao Xiaowan nodded. "This child is quite sensible," she commented.

Li Banfeng pulled up a chair and sat down. "Picking up where we left off," he began, "how did you join the Brotherhood Alliance, and why did you go to the Dark Star Bureau?"

Yuan Miaoping looked at Zhao Xiaowan. "Boss," she said, "didn't I just tell you about this?"

Hong Ying reprimanded, "Qilang is the head of the household. Whatever he asks, you answer!"

Yuan Miaoping turned, so the screen faced Li Banfeng. "To talk about the Brotherhood Alliance, I first need to talk about the radio station," she began. "Back then, I established the radio station with the goal of opening a door to the civilized world for Puluo State. I wanted to use the radio station to popularize electrical knowledge, but the cultivators under me were all Puluo State natives, and they constantly promoted violent and combative matters on the radio. At first, I opposed it, but they told me it was the custom of Puluo State, so later I stopped caring. Among the radio station's broadcasters, there was a person named A-Hui. She had a sweet voice, was diligent in her work, and thoughtful in her actions. Gradually, we became friends."

Upon hearing A-Hui's name, his wife's eyes flashed with a cold light. "Go on," she prompted, "tell me how thoughtful she was."

Yuan Miaoping explained, "She often reminded listeners to dispose of bodies after killing, to choose the right time for revenge, what matters were suitable for daytime action, and what situations were suitable for nighttime action. She explained every aspect thoroughly, wholeheartedly considering her listeners. Such broadcasters are uncommon. She brought a good atmosphere to the entire radio station, and after she arrived, the station's listenership continuously soared."

His wife smiled. "So this person is so capable," she said. "Was it she who pulled you into the Brotherhood Alliance?"

Yuan Miaoping nodded. "She said that the Brotherhood Alliance could bring about change in Puluo State," she explained. "Whether in technology or culture, the Brotherhood Alliance would bring new hope. Puluo State's culture still had some depth, but I truly looked down on its technological level. I wanted Puluo State to enter the electrical age, so I listened to A-Hui and joined the Brotherhood Alliance."

As she spoke, Yuan Miaoping's jaw constantly twitched unnaturally.

Hong Ying got angry. "Did you not spit everything out of your mouth?" she demanded.

Yuan Miaoping stuck out her tongue and spat out the remaining piece of bubblegum.

Zhao Xiaowan turned her face and said, "Husband, this A-Hui doesn't seem like a good person!"

Li Banfeng nodded slightly, then asked Yuan Miaoping, "Why did you enter the Dark Star Bureau?"

Yuan Miaoping said, "Back then, Old Madam Ku told me to go to another state—"

Hong Ying interrupted, "When was 'back then'? Be clearer!"

"A few years ago, I guess," Yuan Miaoping replied. "How could I remember such a thing?"

Hong Ying didn't believe it. "How could you not remember?"

Yuan Miaoping said, "I was imprisoned in the Dark Star Bureau. There was no signal in that room, and no one to talk to me. It was already good enough that I could maintain my consciousness; how could I have any concept of time?"

Li Banfeng said, "Your radio station broadcasts news, so there must be corresponding news dates. When was the last news broadcast before you entered the Dark Star Bureau?"

Yuan Miaoping shook her head. "I truly don't remember; I'm not lying to you," she insisted. "This whole Dark Star Bureau situation was arranged by Old Madam Ku. She told me to go in and contact the leader of the Brotherhood Alliance, but after I went in, I couldn't get out. In that room, there was a locomotive that was incredibly powerful. It understood many mechanical principles, and my electromagnetic techniques had limited effect on it. I even got injured when fighting it. It seems this locomotive is quite a significant figure."

Hong Ying chuckled. "What do you mean 'a significant figure'?" she scoffed. "You don't recognize the Old Locomotive? Back then in Puluo State, he was a dominant and influential figure! With your limited knowledge, how could you become a Patriarch?"

"Why can't I be a Patriarch?" Yuan Miaoping protested. "The depth of one's knowledge isn't about how many people you know, but about how much knowledge you possess. The knowledge I've learned—"

Hong Ying raised the board.

Yuan Miaoping lowered her head. "Boss Hong is right," she conceded, "my knowledge is too shallow. In short, I couldn't rescue that leader; I was trapped by this locomotive and couldn't get out of that room."

Li Banfeng asked, "All these years, you haven't come out even once?"

Yuan Miaoping glanced at Honglian and whispered, "It's not that I haven't even once—"

Hong Ying shouted, "Speak louder!"

Zhao Xiaowan was also listening very intently; Yuan Miaoping hadn't mentioned this earlier.

Yuan Miaoping's gaze flickered between Honglian and Zhao Xiaowan for a moment, finally resting on Li Banfeng. "There was a man who once took me out of that room," she revealed.

Li Banfeng asked, "What did that man look like?"

"He was in his forties, with an unremarkable appearance," she described. "But his knowledge of wireless radio was exceptionally good. When he ran, his steps were quite unique, like he was dancing."

Du Wenming?

Li Banfeng's first thought was of him.

"Why did he take you out?"

"He wanted to make a device that involved a lot of electromagnetism knowledge," she explained. "I gave him a couple of pointers, and he put me back."

Li Banfeng frowned. "He just came and went as he pleased?" he asked.

Yuan Miaoping thought about the process at the time. "Anyway, that big iron door couldn't stop him," she said. "As for the locomotive, I don't know what happened to it then. That day, it didn't move at all, as if it had taken sleeping pills. It only slowly woke up after Du Wenming left."

It was confirmed; it was Du Wenming.

His status was very high, and his understanding of the Dark Star Bureau was far beyond Li Banfeng's. He certainly had the opportunity to take the television out.

Seeing Yuan Miaoping's eyes still darting around, Zhao Xiaowan asked, "Sister, is there anything else you haven't told us?"

"No more," Yuan Miaoping said, her cheeks flushing.

Zhao Xiaowan walked forward and touched Yuan Miaoping's antenna. "Really nothing more?" she pressed. "When Du Wenming took you out, did you not think about doing some private work yourself?"

Yuan Miaoping lowered her voice. "Private work, I did do a little," she admitted.

Honglian turned slightly towards Yuan Miaoping, and her lotus leaves spread open slightly.

Hong Ying glared at Honglian. "Wretch, what are you trying to do?" she snapped. "Don't you want her to speak?"

Yuan Miaoping looked at Hong Ying, then at Honglian, hesitated repeatedly, and finally told the truth. "I took the opportunity to go out and contacted A-Hui," she confessed. "A-Hui, through me, contacted the leader of the Brotherhood Alliance. The leader of the Brotherhood Alliance had A-Hui take something from the Dark Star Bureau. How exactly it was taken, I don't know."

Li Banfeng said, "Then you should at least know what was taken."

Yuan Miaoping nodded. "I know this," she said. "It was the Profound Lotus."

Honglian!

Honglian was originally with the Heavenly Maiden. Was she brought out of the Dark Star Bureau by Teacher Song?

But the Heavenly Maiden herself couldn't get out. How did Honglian get out?

Li Banfeng was still pondering, while the rest of the family had already focused their attention on Honglian.

Honglian spread her lotus leaves and chuckled. "I've said it; it's no big deal," she said. "The Heavenly Maiden and I were imprisoned together in the Dark Star Bureau. She found a way to rescue me so that I could find some helpers to rescue her too. That's how simple it is. Now you know."

Zhao Xiaowan praised, "Sister Honglian is truly honest. It would have been even better if you had been so honest earlier. Hiding things from each other and mutual suspicion will certainly lead to nothing in the end. If you had told the truth earlier, my husband and I could have helped you."

Honglian chuckled. "You can help me?" she asked. "Do you believe that yourselves when you say it?"

Zhao Xiaowan tugged at Honglian's lotus leaf. "We've lived under the same roof for so many years, and our bond is so deep," she said. "What can't we help with?"

After speaking, Zhao Xiaowan turned around and said, "And this maiden from the Fifth Room, from now on, don't hide things. Let's be open with each other."

The Fifth Room Maiden remained hidden in the flower bushes. Seeing this, Yuan Miaoping also dimmed her screen slightly. "Bosses, I'm just a battery," she said. "I haven't been charged for so many years, and my power is almost depleted. I need to rest for a while too."

Hong Ying felt something was off. "Didn't you say earlier that you could get electricity anytime?" she asked.

Yuan Miaoping smiled sheepishly. "Boss Hong, I was just boasting," she said. "Why did you take it seriously? I'm really almost out of power; my screen is dark. If you don't believe me, look."

She dimmed her screen to the lowest setting.

Zhao Xiaowan said to Hong Ying, "Take our sister here to the eighth room to rest. The eighth room is currently empty as its resident is on an errand. Jiu'er, give her two more batteries. Your rooms are next to each other, so please look after her often."

Hearing this, Yuan Miaoping flipped a switch and powered herself off.

Hong Ying and Jiu'er settled the television. Zhao Xiaowan then led everyone back to the main room, leaving Honglian in the fifth room.

This was to save the Old Master trouble; if he wanted to close his eyes and block his ears, he could just block both their eyes and ears.

Upon reaching the main room, Hong Ying mocked Yuan Miaoping. "Even a rookie like that can be a Patriarch?" she scoffed. "Just beat her once, and she'll tell you everything."

Jiu'er shook her head. "Yingying, you're wrong," she said. "This isn't a rookie; this is a genuine veteran."

Hong Ying was stunned. "What nonsense are you talking about?" she exclaimed. "Someone like that is a veteran too?"

Zhao Xiaowan nodded. "Jiu'er is right," she said. "This person acts with great discretion. Her initial arrogance was to test the waters. Once she understood the situation, she immediately found the right backing. She knew who she could rely on in this house. You see her being submissive and hesitant, but in reality, she had already made her calculations. By siding with us, she definitely wouldn't lose out, and telling us a little more wouldn't harm her."

Jiu'er's face showed considerable pride. Hong Ying sat before the dressing table and hummed, "Actually, I saw it too."

Zhao Xiaowan stood behind Hong Ying, helping her braid her hair. "It's good that you can see it," she said. "From now on, you'll have to get along well with her and treat her like family."

Hong Ying was unconvinced. "What is she?" she retorted. "Why should I treat her like family?"

Zhao Xiaowan chuckled. "Du Wenming brought her out of the Dark Star Bureau because he must have wanted to make a device that could cross boundaries," she explained. "If she can help Du Wenming, she can naturally help us too."

Li Banfeng suddenly remembered something. "Teacher Song left some materials for me at school," he said. "Do you want them, wife?"

"Yes, please!" his wife exclaimed. "How could I not accept Teacher Song's kindness?" She wore a genuine smile, with no trace of jealousy on her face.

Li Banfeng added, "I promised to give this television to A-Yi. A-Yi, A-Yu, and I all signed a contract. If I go back on my word, it might not be good."

Zhao Xiaowan nestled into Li Banfeng's arms. "Don't worry, husband, this can be discussed," she said softly. "A-Yi is my sister, and A-Yi's mother is also A-Yi's sister. So we're all sisters, aren't we? What can't be discussed between sisters?"

Li Banfeng hugged Zhao Xiaowan tightly. "My wife is truly virtuous!" he exclaimed.

Zhao Xiaowan said softly, "I have already revived, so I can no longer be my husband's house spirit. I should help my husband more with matters outside. From now on, leave the household matters to Yingying. She is your only house spirit now, and she will be your proper wife from now on."

Hong Ying stood up, her eyes filled with tears. "Xiaowan, do you really mean that?" she asked. "I knew you were good to me!"

Li Banfeng didn't spare Hong Ying another glance. He hugged Zhao Xiaowan tightly. "Don't say such things, wife," he insisted. "You are the only one!"

"Husband!" Zhao Xiaowan cooed, then exhaled a large loudspeaker from her mouth, which sucked Li Ban