The matriarch, with a face full of benevolence, finished speaking and gently walked to the prayer mat, sitting down cross-legged once more. She began to chant prayers again, her thumb moving over the prayer beads in her hand, murmuring softly.

However, whether her devout faith in Buddhism was for the safety of the son she disdained or to cleanse her own sins was unknown.

To Aunt Wan, it seemed more like the latter. Chanting and praying had become a habit for the matriarch.

Every time the family executed someone, she would burn incense, bathe, and sincerely pray for three days in front of this Buddha hall.