Chapter 61 God of War Record

Chapter 61 Chronicles of the God of War

In the following days, A-Chan still hadn’t seen the Lin family released, suggesting the case was not yet concluded.

If it were any other case, rumors would have spread among the common folk. But since it involved the Bright Mirror Bureau (a feared investigative agency), everyone seemed to value their lives too much—no whispers circulated at all. This left A-Chan quite dissatisfied.

Chen Hui noticed her going out every day to glance at the tightly shut gates of the general’s residence and couldn’t help but find it amusing. Seeing the fine weather that day, Madam Chen suggested, “Work’s already underway in Changping Lane. Would you like to go for a breath of fresh air?”

A-Chan thought for a moment and nodded. Lately, she had been rather bored and decided to stop by Boss Xu’s bookstore to pick up some novels to read at home.

Chen Hui drove the carriage to Changping Lane with A-Chan. Along the way, passing by a bookstore in Anping Lane, A-Chan saw a crowd of scholars gathered outside, seemingly scrambling to buy books.

It was the first time she had seen a bookstore so swarming with customers. Unable to resist, she leaned out to take a closer look, faintly hearing an exaggerated title like "God of War."

Clearly, what they were buying wasn’t exactly serious literature. What decent person would call themselves "God of War"?

Last time, the bookstore craze had been about Justice Yan (a once-revered judge now disgraced), but now Justice Yan was languishing in disgrace at home.

The last person called a "war god" was the Northern Marquis, who was currently under house arrest in penitent seclusion.

A-Chan thought that if this "God of War" had a real-life counterpart, he might be the next one in line for misfortune.

The carriage soon arrived at Changping Lane after passing through Anping Lane.

A-Chan immediately spotted her own shop. In just over ten days, the destroyed building had been cleared away, the foundation for the new house laid, and the skeleton structure already erected.

The three rooms in the backyard had been torn down and incorporated into the adjoining yard she’d acquired, walled in anew to form a larger compound. New structures were also being erected there.

Between the front and back courtyards, a good fifteen workmen were hard at work. Judging by their progress, the house would likely be completed in a fortnight, tops.

Chen Hui stepped forward to have a quick word with the foreman, who nodded repeatedly.

The reconstruction had been entirely managed by Chen Hui, and the foreman had been hired through an agency.

The foreman wouldn’t dream of cutting corners with this seemingly gentle yet resolute lady. Whether it was his imagination or not, he always felt an unaccountable wariness in her presence.

When he mentioned this to his workers, they shared the same sentiment—all agreed this lady was a force to be reckoned with and thus worked with extra caution.

Chen Hui, unaware of the foreman’s unease, was quite satisfied with him. Though the cost was slightly higher, the craftsmen’s diligence made it worth the price.

After watching from the carriage for a while, A-Chan got off and headed to Boss Xu’s bookstore.

Since her shop’s reconstruction would inevitably disturb neighboring businesses, Chen Hui had approached the adjacent shop owners early on, presenting gifts as a courtesy.

Boss Xu had accepted cheerfully, while the neighbor on the other side seemed displeased—taking the gift but shooing Chen Hui away.

This time, A-Chan brought another gift for Boss Xu.

“Boss Xu, look what I’ve got—” A-Chan stepped into the bookstore carrying two pounds of premium spiced beef from *Yuzhen Pavilion*, only to freeze at the sight of the packed house inside.

Boss Xu, squeezed among the throng, had no choice but to stand on a chair and shout, “Everyone, easy there! There are only ten copies left of *Chronicles of the God of War* Volume 3 today. Those who didn’t get one can come back tomorrow.”

Someone immediately shot back, “Why wait till tomorrow? I want it today!”

“Yeah, we want it today!”

Mopping sweat from his brow, Boss Xu could only relent. He sold the ten books in order of arrival, then patiently soothed the rest before finally ushering them out.

“Boss Xu, business is booming,” A-Chan teased.

“Miss Ji, don’t jest. Just a modest shop, really,” Boss Xu chuckled, then sniffed the air and squinted at the package in her hands. “That aroma… is it *Yuzhen Pavilion’s* spiced beef?”

“Indeed. I passed by and thought I’d bring some for you.”

Without further pleasantries, Boss Xu took the package and gestured grandly, “Ah, our esteemed customer, please take a seat!”

A-Chan smiled and sat down while Boss Xu personally brought over two plates of pastries and a cup of tart-sweet plum tea.

“Was that a new novel they were fighting over just now?” She picked up an almond pastry and took a dainty bite.

“Exactly! Who knows where this author, Mr. Baomu, comes from? The illustrations and poems in the book are all his own work—not only is the writing brilliant, but the storytelling is incredibly vivid. No wonder it became an instant hit.”

“But the title sounds a bit…”

Boss Xu suppressed a laugh. “Perhaps the gentleman prefers straightforward names.”

“So what’s the story about?” A-Chan couldn’t help her curiosity.

Boss Xu summarized, “It’s about a farm boy who suffers a tragic childhood—losing his parents, being driven out by his elder brother and sister-in-law, and then joining the army. After surviving countless battles and near-death experiences, he eventually rises to become a general and is ennobled.”

“That doesn’t sound particularly unique?” She had read similar tales before.

Boss Xu quickly countered, “The core might be similar, but the execution makes all the difference.

Miss Ji, you wouldn’t believe it—the protagonist is exceptionally gifted. By his second battle, he alters the course of the war single-handed. It might sound exaggerated, yet you can’t find flaws in the logic, only feeling your own mind isn’t sharp enough to keep up.

Especially the battle scenes—they’re so pulse-pounding they set your blood boiling. That’s why Volume 3 flew off the shelves in just two days after release.”

“To write such a clever and capable protagonist, this Mr. Baomu must be extraordinary himself.”

“Absolutely! At first, people speculated he was a talented scholar from some academy. But after Volume 3, guesses have shifted to the Hanlin Academy.”

Boss Xu’s lavish praise stoked A-Chan’s curiosity. “Do you have any extra copies left?”

Boss Xu grinned. “For anyone else, absolutely not. But since you brought me two pounds of beef, that’s easily worth three volumes.”

He dug through the back storeroom and soon returned with three new books for A-Chan.

Just as she took them, a fair-complexioned scholar in his early twenties walked in, dressed in a blue cloth robe with a back-strapped book chest. Two scrolls protruded slightly from the case.

Spotting A-Chan chatting with Boss Xu, the scholar paused briefly before stepping forward.

“Shopkeeper Xu,” the scholar greeted with a bow.

“Master Song! I’ve been waiting for you,” Shopkeeper Xu’s face lit up, hurrying over. “A patron wanted to buy calligraphy or paintings a few days ago, but none of my wares met his standards. I knew only your work would satisfy him.”

The scholar’s cheeks colored faintly at the praise.

Shopkeeper Xu helped him unload the bookcase and eagerly unfurled both scrolls. A-Chan edged closer to inspect, and the scholar glanced at her before looking away shyly.

One painting rendered lotuses in bloom, the other a landscape with accompanying verse.

A-Chan failed to stir her by the landscape, but the calligraphy struck her with admiration.

As for the lotus painting—just a passing glance made the petals appeared to quiver, leaving her marveling.

Shopkeeper Xu leaned over the long desk, carefully admiring the two paintings before finally sighing in satisfaction. "Master Song, you're incredibly talented. These are such masterpieces I almost don't want to sell them."

"You're too kind, Shopkeeper Xu."

Shopkeeper Xu shook his head. "I mean every word. Given time, Master Song will surely become renowned throughout the capital."

"Oh, right." Shopkeeper Xu seemed to recall something else. "Master Song, do you need money right now? If not, I can advance you some silver, and the rest can be settled after the paintings are sold."

The scholar shook his head. "There's no need to worry, Shopkeeper Xu. I'm not short on funds at the moment. We'll settle up after the paintings sell."

"Very well. With such fine works, I'll surely fetch you a good price."

"I'd really appreciate that." The scholar smiled faintly before asking, "Shopkeeper Xu, has Mr. Wen—the one who played chess with me in the bookstore last time—been by lately?"

"Not in the past few days." Shopkeeper Xu then turned to A Chan. "Oh, I meant to tell you, Miss Ji. A Mr. Wen came by a few days ago to buy incense pills. When he learned your shop would be closed for a month, he said he'd return once it reopened."

"Thank you for letting me know, Boss Xu. The building should be done in another half-month. I've troubled you these past days."

"That's what neighbors are for—it's no trouble." Shopkeeper Xu waved his hand dismissively.

"Could you pick me out a few more new stories for me to take home?"

"Of course, Miss Ji. Just a moment." After agreeing, Shopkeeper Xu turned to the scholar. "Master Song, please rest for a bit. I'll be right back."

As Shopkeeper Xu went to the back shelves to find new books for Ji Chan, the scholar didn't sit down. Instead, he lingered by the brush stand, seemingly considering buying a new brush.

A sudden thought struck A Chan, and she called out to him. "Excuse me."

The scholar turned at her voice. "Can I help you, Miss?"

"I noticed your handwriting is amazing. My shop will reopen in half a month, but I still haven't had a signboard made. Would you mind inscribing it for me?"

Originally, A Chan had planned to write it herself, but after seeing his superior handwriting, she changed her mind.

"Sure. Any particular style you like? If not, I can write out a few for you to choose from." The scholar was exceedingly considerate.

A Chan nodded eagerly. "That'd be great. I'm Ji Chan. And you are?"

"I'm Song Yan."

Song Yan took out paper from his bookshelf, borrowed ink from Shopkeeper Xu, and began to write various renditions of the character "fragrance" (香) on the long desk for A Chan to choose from.

Since A Chan ran an incense shop, he naturally focused on that character.

As she looked at all the different "fragrance" characters on the paper, A Chan got the idea to have a dozen or more signboards made—one outside the shop, one inside, one for each new room, even one for the kitchen where Hui Niang would see it often.

When Song Yan finished writing and set down his brush, he noticed A Chan's conflicted expression.

"Don't you like any of these styles?"

"No." A Chan shook her head, tapping her finger on over a dozen characters. "I like all of them. Could you also write other words in these styles as well?"

"Of course." Song Yan nodded. "What would you like me to write, Miss Ji?"

"Names suitable for a study, kitchen, garden, main hall, and the entrance of the residence."

Song Yan hesitated. "How many signboards are you planning to make, Miss Ji?"

"As many as possible. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all." Song Yan chuckled and proceeded to write "Ji Residence" for the front gate, "Fortune Smiles upon the Kitchen" for the kitchen, "Incense Shop" for the storefront, and "Fragrance Lingers, Pure and Far-reaching" for inside the shop.

By the time Shopkeeper Xu returned with a stack of books, A Chan and Song Yan had settled on ten large inscriptions.

When Shopkeeper Xu heard A Chan’s idea, far from dissuading her, he laughed heartily. "Miss Ji has quite the vision! Come to think of it, my shop could use a new signboard too. Master Song, you mustn’t favor one over the other."

So Song Yan had no choice but to agree to write two large inscriptions for Shopkeeper Xu as well.

Happy with Song Yan’s agreement, Shopkeeper Xu cheerfully set down the pile of books for A Chan to browse before heading off to find travelogues for her.

A Chan flipped through a few books, but she could guess the endings right away and lost interest.

Meanwhile, Song Yan noticed the three volumes of *God of War Record* beside A Chan and asked, "You're reading *God of War Record* too?"

"Not yet. Boss Xu said it’s very well-written, and the author, Mr. Baomu, is really talented. I was just about to start reading. Do you know if the protagonist is based on a real person?"

"Probably."

"Do you know who the prototype is, Master Song?"

"Just guessing, but the battles described in the book are very similar to several major wars recorded in historical texts from a century ago. Among those who participated in those wars and later became famous generals, only one matches."

"Who?"

"The late Duke of Song, Song Yinnian."

A Chan paused to think. From what she knew, the Duke of Song had no daughters—at least, no one from the Duke’s household had ever appeared in Ji Chan’s social circles.

She only remembered the Duke from Bai Xiuming, who once mentioned that the Duke was his neighbor.

"Was the late Duke of Song truly as amazing as the book portrays?" A Chan asked.

"I never met him, so I can't say for sure. But historical records do state that the late Duke was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. After working his way up in the military ranks to become a general, he remained undefeated in countless battles throughout his life."

Song Yan sighed. "What a shame..."

"A pity for what?"

"What a shame that the late Duke didn't leave anyone as capable." Song Yan shook his head, apparently feeling emotional.

"Is the current Duke of Song not good at military stuff?"

"Indeed. But they say the Duke’s son has extraordinary martial prowess and has already begun training in the army at a young age."

Noticing A Chan’s gaze, Song Yan flushed slightly. "Sorry—I tend to get carried away with books. You must find it amusing."

"Not at all. I've learned a lot from what you said."

Now, she was even more interested in the three volumes of *God of War Record*. If it was based on a legendary figure from history, the story should be fine.

As they spoke, Chen Hui entered the shop. A Chan eagerly showed her the calligraphy Song Yan had just written. After examining it for a moment, Chen Hui looked up at Song Yan in surprise. "Master Song, your calligraphy is incredible."

Having been influenced by her father since childhood, Chen Hui knew something about art and calligraphy. This young master’s handwriting was indeed exceptional—her father would love to see this.

"That's very kind of you."

Chen Hui then pulled out a banknote as a deposit for the ten large inscriptions A Chan had commissioned. Song Yan took it right away.

Before leaving, A Chan bought a few more storybooks and travelogues, then said goodbye to Shopkeeper Xu and Song Yan.

A few days after returning from Changping Lane, A Chan had lost interest in the general's estate gates and instead went daily to the Chongming Lane bookstore, waiting to buy the fourth volume of *God of War Record*.

It was frustrating to reach the best part of the story only to find no conclusion.

Fortunately, Mr. Baomu understood how readers felt and finally completed the fourth and final volume.

After badgering Chen Hui all afternoon yesterday, Chen Hui set out at daybreak to line up at the bookstore for A Chan. By the time she arrived, a long line had already formed outside.

The shopkeeper was shouting, "No shoving! Plenty in stock today. Mr. Baomu's new book, *Revenge Chronicle* Volume 1, is also available. Please line up one by one."

Sadly, his words had little effect. Just as Chen Hui was about to reach the counter, people behind her kept shoving forward.

Annoyed, Chen Hui glanced at the jostling crowd and waved her hand, sending the two men behind her sprawling.

The noisy line instantly fell silent.

"No pushing. Didn’t you hear?" Chen Hui looked down at the two sprawled on the ground.

"Y-yes ma'am, we heard."

The rest of the queue nodded unconsciously, now too afraid to push.

When it was finally her turn, Chen Hui quickly paid and bought a copy of *God of War Record* and the first volume of *Revenge Chronicle*.

Just as she got out of the line with the books, someone called out to her from nearby, "Hui Niang!"

Chen Hui looked up and saw Lin Sui waving at her, with Lin Yi standing behind. Both looked tired but cheerful, probably just coming from the *Bright Mirror Bureau*.

As she approached, Lin Sui asked curiously, "Hui Niang, were you queuing for books?"

Remembering how she had just knocked down two burly men to secure the books—and now being witnessed by acquaintances—Chen Hui felt a little embarrassed. "Yes... getting some novels."

She quickly changed the subject. "How is your family’s case? Has it been resolved?"

Lin Sui nodded. "The case is closed. Father and the others went home first, but my eldest brother insisted on accompanying me back."

As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly, revealing a cut on her neck.

Considering their family had split into two groups to return home, there was clearly more going on.

After a brief thought, Chen Hui said, "A Chan has been asking about you these days. If you’re not in a hurry to go home, why not come with me? I was planning to buy some shrimp to make shrimp-pork dumplings for you."

Lin Sui glanced at Lin Yi, her hopeful gaze making him smile faintly. He said to Chen Hui, "Then my sister will be in your care."

Though unconventional, given the unresolved troubles at home, he and their father had already let their sister put up with enough already. This time, they would handle it themselves.

"Be safe, big brother."

Lin Sui accompanied Chen Hui to the market to buy shrimp and fresh pork before heading home together.

A Chan had risen unusually early that day, too excited about finally reading the conclusion of *God of War Record* to sleep.

When Chen Hui returned, she found A Chan pacing like a caged animal.

Spotting Chen Hui, A Chan’s eyes lit up. "Hui Niang, did you get—"

Before she could finish, she noticed Lin Sui entering with Chen Hui and exclaimed in delight, "Lin Sui, you’re back!"

Lin Sui smiled at her. "I’m home."

A Chan dragged Lin Sui over to chat about recent events. Only when Chen Hui served the freshly made wontons did the three sit down to discuss what happened to the Lins.

"Last night, the Yao family was secretly executed. During Lin Ting’s execution, I asked the officers at the *Bright Mirror Bureau* to let me see it for myself."

Lin Sui blew on a steaming wonton, recalling Lin Ting’s final moments.

Lin Ting had cursed her birth parents incessantly, saying they'd killed her.

Even in her last moments, Lin Ting kept calling for Yao Shi, as if hoping for a miracle.

But Yao Shi never came—only Lin Sui did.

Upon seeing her, Lin Ting even begged, claiming she had been made part of the Lin family and was thus Lin Sui’s sister. She claimed she had never intended to harm Lin Sui and begged for her life.

Lin Sui stood before her and said, "You didn’t want my life, but I want yours."

When that didn't work, Lin Ting screamed curses at her, even as the blade fell, vowing that Yao Shi would never forgive her.

Recalling last night’s events, Lin Sui had to laugh. Did Lin Ting really think she cared whether Yao Shi forgave her?

"With Lin Ting dead, the effects of *Zhan Grass* should have worn off. How are your mother and second brother?" A Chan asked.

"They’ve completely turned against each other."

This outcome surprised A Chan. "Why?"

"The *Bright Mirror Bureau* discovered Lin Ting had stole good fortune from Lin Heng. Lin Heng blamed our mother for letting a viper into our nest, ruining his talents and leaving him a cripple.

After taking a few insults, our mother fired back, calling Lin Heng unfilial and rotten to the core, saying it was fortunate he never took the imperial exams—otherwise, he’d have been a disgrace to *Great Xia*’s bureaucracy."

All the poison she'd once aimed at Lin Sui now rained down on Lin Heng. In just over ten days, their mother-son bond had turned to hate.

Lin Sui had once believed Yao Shi’s hatred was due to *Zhan Grass*’s influence. Only last night did she realize the truth: Yao Shi had always been hypocritical, selfish, and cold.

Lin Heng and Lin Ting, raised by her, had grown into the same kind of people.

Yao Shi was right about one thing—it was indeed fortunate Lin Heng never took the exams. Spending the rest of his life bedridden, wallowing in regret, was the best ending he could hope for.

"What about your father? Is he just letting this go?"

"Father said he’d find a quiet Taoist temple for our mother. Since she loves mysticism, she can study it there for the rest of her days."

"General Lin doesn't hesitate," Chen Hui remarked. "With him around, your family won’t cause more trouble."

Lin Sui shook her head. "He’s returning to Xiling soon. From now on, it’ll just be me and my eldest brother at home. Once we return, I’ll have to learn household management and practice cultivation with him."

"*Cultivation*?" A Chan and Chen Hui exclaimed in unison.

Lin Sui also found it unbelievable. "At the *Bright Mirror Bureau*, an old man tested why the *Zhan Grass* had no effect on me. He said I seem to have a unique physique—very suitable for *cultivation*."

This was an outcome no one had anticipated.

After finishing two bowls of wontons, Lin Sui went home satisfied.

Watching her open the door and walk briskly toward the general’s residence under the morning sun, A Chan couldn’t help but smile.

This kind of life was full of surprises—and pretty interesting.

After Lin Sui left, A Chan finally remembered her books. She first read the conclusion of *God of War*. The protagonist outsmarted a mighty demon king, was made a duke by the emperor, and brought peace to the realm.

After finishing the ending, A Chan felt something was missing—this protagonist's life seemed to consist only of battles, with no room for ordinary life.

Such thoughts vanished completely when she opened Baomu Shanren's new book.

*Revenge Chronicle* actually told the story of the God of War's descendants. The story opened in the Duke's estate, where the God of War was already frail with age, nearing the end of his life, while the new Duke's consorts were about to give birth.

Learning of his grandson's imminent arrival, the old Duke died content.

Two boys came into the world with their first cries.