The former principal's mention piqued Ye's curiosity even further.

According to what Fuzi had relayed, Ye should go and talk to Granny Hua, an elderly lady living near the school.

Granny Hua was an old alumna of the school, known to Fuzi from a public service event organized by the school.

The old lady had a bit of folk magic knowledge, and perhaps from her, Ye could learn some interesting past events about the school.

Granny Hua lived in the main house of an old courtyard residence.

She was a high-spirited old woman with a full head of silver hair, extremely kind, with nimble hands and feet that belied her age of over eighty.

She especially enjoyed having young people chat with her, so Ye brought up the topic of the midnight makeup incident.

After listening, Granny Hua took out a yellowed photo album from a cabinet, pointed to a group photo, and asked, "Have you seen that person dressed like this? The first one on the left is Ye."

The old black-and-white photo showed several young girls in dresses with old-fashioned shirts, standing in front of a European-style building.

Upon closer inspection, Ye realized that building was indeed the school's teaching building!

"Do you know who built the monument?"

"Some say it was to commemorate the founding of the school, others say it was to remember those who died there. It's been so long, I can't say for sure. However, if you want to avoid taboos, I can help you divine the fortune behind this matter."

After speaking, she pulled back the curtain of a small room, revealing a miniature shrine.

It was not clear which deity was enshrined there.

Granny Hua took out a few copper coins from the shrine, tossed them onto the offering table, observed them for a while, and frowned.

"This hexagram of 'Adults and Official Ghosts' foretells that the power of the officials extends deep into the land, hinting at the history of the monument."

"From the hexagram alone, it looks ominous, but there is also a potential for turning things around."

Seeing Ye's incredulity, Granny Hua said meaningfully, "Young man, the matters of spirits and gods are beyond human comprehension, but one must maintain inner peace and self-reliance."

Understanding her good intentions, Ye acknowledged it, but still remained resolute to uncover the truth behind the matter, believing it to be a mix of human and supernatural elements.