Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The horse and sheep were temporarily tied up next to Aunt Ping’s kitchen hut. Wang Sanhu and his second brother slept in the kitchen, and with the two of them there, they weren't worried about thieves.

After washing up, Shen Yuan went to bed. His younger siblings were already fast asleep.

Early the next morning, the children, who hadn’t seen their brother all day, woke up early. Before Shen Yuan left for work at the teahouse, they clung to him for a long while.

It wasn't until Aunt Ping milked the goat, heated the milk, and called them that the children reluctantly let go.

Shen Yuan asked Aunt Ping to send some goat’s milk to Village Head Liu’s house for their little Hua Hua to drink.

Remembering how tiny Hua Hua was, just a little thing with hardly any meat on her bones, Aunt Ping’s heart ached too.

She didn’t delay, filling an earthenware jar with some milk.

Goat’s milk was good stuff. She hoped that after drinking it, the child would put on a little weight and grow up safe and sound.

Otherwise, Liu Si’s wife might not survive either.

With a horse to ride instead of walking, there was plenty of time in the morning.

After feeding Beibei the goat’s milk, Shen Yuan went to check on the progress at the house before riding to the county town.

Since they didn’t need to haul any loads for now, the cart was dismantled and left at Aunt Ping’s house.

Wang Sanhu struggled for a bit before successfully mounting the horse. Shen Yuan told him to hold tightly to his waist so he wouldn’t fall off during the ride.

Wang Sanhu, who always listened to Shen Yuan, immediately wrapped his arms tightly around him, pressing his whole body against Shen Yuan’s back.

Shen Yuan nodded, “Yes, otherwise, having never even touched a horse before, how would I know how to ride?”

To call it deceiving people wasn’t entirely accurate. Nowadays, Shen Yuan felt that all his past experiences truly seemed like a distant dream. Saying he learned everything he knew from a chance encounter with immortal fortune was also plausible.

Wang Sanhu wanted to say more, but upon hearing Shen Yuan remind him to sit properly as they were about to depart, he closed his mouth and held Shen Yuan even tighter.

“Giddy up!”

Shen Yuan skillfully flicked the reins and nudged the horse’s sides, and the horse galloped forward.

At this hour, there were few people on the road. Whether going to work or to the market, most had already set out earlier.

Many tenant farmers working in the fields were startled by the sound of hoofbeats.

They feared it might be the landowners coming to inspect or young masters and misses out riding for fun, worried they might trample the crops.

After a moment of anxiety, they saw the horse ride straight past and sighed in relief before returning to their work.

After entering the city, Shen Yuan slowed down. Upon reaching the teahouse, he pulled the reins tight to stop the horse. Wang Sanhu felt like he’d been jostled to pieces, his head dizzy and uncomfortable. He slid off the horse, holding onto a pillar outside the teahouse for support as he squatted down, retching.

“Brother Sanhu, are you alright?!” Shen Yuan hurriedly tied the horse to a hitching post outside and squatted beside Wang Sanhu, asking anxiously.

Wang Sanhu’s dark face had turned pale. Weakly, he said, “I’m… I’m fine… just dizzy.”

Confirming it was just riding sickness, Shen Yuan sighed in relief and helped him inside to sit down. Fang Zaoshang poured him a cup of water. Shen Yuan then led the horse through the rear gate to tie it up in the backyard.

Afterward, he went to a private room to write the next part of the story. When it was almost time for storytelling, Ji Xingwang came up to call him.

Going downstairs, he noticed Song Zijuan had arrived. Before the storytelling began, Song Zijuan informed Shen Yuan of the meeting time.

Since it didn’t conflict with his storytelling schedule, Shen Yuan nodded in agreement.

“The steamed milk custard is ready. Shall I take it now?” Shen Yuan asked him.

Song Zijuan smiled, “A-Yuan, you remembered.”

“Of course I remember what I promised,” Shen Yuan said. “Besides, you just mentioned it last night. How could I forget today?”

Song Zijuan didn’t say that he had thought Shen Yuan’s words last night were mere polite lip service. He hadn’t expected him to genuinely keep it in mind.

“Alright. After listening to the storytelling, we’ll take it back together.”

Today’s storytelling content was about Liu Mingqing confirming that Chu Qi was still there, albeit in the form of a ghost by her side.

When she went out, she would hold an umbrella, allowing Chu Qi to stay under it. They would go to the mountains together to gather herbs. Chu Qi could touch things and float, making herb gathering very convenient.

Grandpa Liu initially didn’t believe that Chu Qi had become a ghost staying in the thatched cottage. He thought his granddaughter, overwhelmed by deep affection, had lost her mind.

It wasn’t until Chu Qi poked Grandpa Liu’s arm that he slowly began to believe.

The person was already dead, and it wasn’t Chu Qi’s fault. Grandpa Liu held no more hatred toward Chu Qi. Before returning to his room, he said, “I’m sorry. I wrongly directed my anger at you.”

The two humans and one ghost lived peacefully in the thatched cottage. Several months later, both Grandpa Liu and Liu Mingqing fell seriously ill.

Grandpa Liu, due to his age, was the most severely affected. No matter how Liu Mingqing diagnosed, she couldn’t find the cause of the illness.

Coincidentally, an old Taoist priest knocked on the door, asking for a bowl of water. Because of his experiences while alive, Chu Qi had no good impression of Taoists, but he didn’t stop Liu Mingqing from opening the door.

As she opened the door, Liu Mingqing heard the old priest whisper, “Young lady, do not panic. Act normally. There is a fierce ghost here. You are deeply permeated with ghostly energy. I fear your life may not last long.”

Thinking the old priest had come to capture Chu Qi’s soul, Liu Mingqing immediately cried out anxiously into the air, “Chu Qi, run! A Taoist priest has found you!”

The old priest hadn’t expected this reaction from Liu Mingqing. After a struggle with Chu Qi, the old priest confirmed that the fierce ghost had no intention of harming the people in the cottage. Only then did he say, “If you continue staying here, even without meaning harm, they will die because of you.”

It turned out ghosts could not get close to humans, as they would be burned by human yang energy. Similarly, humans could not coexist with ghosts in the same space for long, or they would be eroded by the ghost’s yin energy until they fell gravely ill and died.

Having overcome life and death to finally be together, Liu Mingqing and Chu Qi once again faced the inevitable reality of separation.

Moreover, Chu Qi learned from the old priest that the latter had tracked the aura of his junior brother, who had betrayed and fled their sect, to this place.

He came to the cottage because the ghostly energy was mixed with the unique power of the Soul-Binding Talisman, a technique specific to their sect.

This curse was a forbidden art. It required a living person to endure the agony of having their soul bound, gradually losing their five senses, losing control of their body, suffering nightmares every night, and experiencing excruciating physical and mental pain as if being devoured by ten thousand ants.

Resentment, hatred, and desire accumulated. After death, the soul, bound and unable to enter the cycle of reincarnation, would be refined by the caster into a fierce ghost for their own use.

Until its soul scattered and vanished completely.

The old priest looked at Chu Qi, his mind greatly shaken.

He had never imagined that someone who had suffered the Soul-Binding Curse could remain so pure and clear-hearted.

Even though the ghostly energy on him was so dense he could touch all things in the world, he hadn’t harmed a single person.

“Don’t you resent it?” the old priest asked Chu Qi. “Don’t you have any such emotions at all?”

If not, why was the Soul-Binding Curse still absorbing energy?

Chu Qi searched for pretty little flowers while saying, "I just want to be with Mingqing and Grandpa Liu."

The old Taoist had a sudden realization: the Soul-Binding Curse gathers and absorbs the emotions of ghosts as energy, and among the many emotions, love is one of them.

Chu Qi's love for the world and people outweighed his hatred. The more he cared for others, the stronger his ghostly power became.

The old Taoist thought Chu Qi was a very strange fierce ghost. To prevent him from suddenly losing control and harming people, he asked Chu Qi if he would be willing to become his disciple.

Chu Qi thought the Taoist priest was a very strange Taoist. After confirming that the priest could teach him how to restrain his ghostly energy and avoid harming Liu Mingqing and Grandpa Liu, he decided to become the priest's disciple.

Upon learning that the Taoist from the Chu residence had intentionally harmed him and attempted to bind his soul, Chu Qi also prepared to go with the old Taoist to find him.

The old Taoist wanted to help his sect purge the traitor; Chu Qi wanted revenge.

Not only Chu Qi, but even the deaths of Liu Mingqing's parents were linked to that Taoist.

According to the old Taoist, they had fought before, and a pair of fierce ghosts had been bound and enslaved, suspected to be Liu Mingqing's parents.

Grandpa Liu's health was truly failing, and he couldn't go searching for them.

Liu Mingqing, the two humans and one ghost, embarked on the long road to find them.

After hearing that a ghost's yin energy could harm people, Song Zijuan's gaze as he looked at Shen Yuan became even more grave and focused.

Yet another detail about ghosts that only those who had lived in the North Country for a long time would know.

Could this Shen Yuan truly have a connection to the immortals?

Do gods, immortals, and ghosts truly exist in this world?

The story ended, and the tea guests began tipping generously. Excellent! Truly excellent!

In just one chapter, they experienced the crisis of the old Taoist discovering Chu Qi's ghostly existence, the sorrow of separation once more, the hatred upon learning the truth—the resentment that a human soul could be harmed by evil arts and find no peace even after death—and the fate of Healer Liu's parents' souls.

On the road ahead, would Healer Liu see her parents? Could Chu Qi get his revenge? How would the old Taoist cleanse his sect?

The tea guests were thoroughly satisfied, tipping without batting an eye.

Song Zijuan also gave a tip of thirty taels, neither too much nor too little.

After all, he didn't want to compete for the top spot, and he had only brought that much silver with him today.

The first session ended; the second session was Wang Sanhu telling the second chapter of "Love Between Human and Ghost."

The tea guests didn't leave. Instead, they ordered tea and snacks. Those who managed to get the steamed milk pudding happily ate it, while those who didn't paired their tea with pastries delivered from the bakery.

The main hall of the teahouse was packed. Newly arrived tea guests couldn't even get a table, only a stool to sit on.

Even so, no tea guest complained.

Ever since hearing one story session, they dreamed about the plot upon returning home, itching to know what happened next.

Even if they had to stand or squat, they would squeeze in to listen. Having a seat now was already good enough.

As far as they knew, many others wanted to come in and listen but had no space.

These latecomers couldn't even snag any milk pudding, only able to smell the aroma in anxious frustration.

Not short on money, they could only urge Ji Xingwang to get more ingredients, even offering to help him contact suppliers.

Ji Xingwang noted down all the names and shop fronts, promising to make contact.

It would be good to increase the ingredients and make more pudding—it was income, after all.

Ji Xingwang was also thinking of discussing business with the bakery. He would purchase a fixed daily quantity of pastries to sell in the teahouse. This way, tea guests could get pastries faster.

As for pricing, making a small profit was enough; he valued reputation more.

Ji Xingwang had mentioned this idea to Shen Yuan, who praised him for his thinking and affirmed his direction.

It's just that things were too busy now, and he hadn't had time to negotiate with the bakery yet. He needed to finalize things before other teahouses caught on.

Shen Yuan was going out and said goodbye to Ji Xingwang, who asked if he would be back for dinner.

Shen Yuan said, "Yes, Auntie Chun is making fried fish today. I love that."

Ji Xingwang immediately smiled, "Alright, I'll save an extra two pieces for you. Come back early for dinner, or the fried fish won't taste as good when it's cold."

"Got it!"

Shen Yuan waved goodbye to Ji Xingwang with a smile. Song Zijuan, beside him, held back repeatedly but finally couldn't resist asking, "Manager Ji, are you related by blood?"

Otherwise, how could their relationship be so close?

Shen Yuan shook his head, "No, why do you ask, Brother Song?"

Song Zijuan knew he was overthinking. Shen Yuan's background had been thoroughly investigated; Ji Xingwang truly had no relation to him, just an ordinary servant of the Ji family.

"Never mind. Let's go to the ancestral residence."

Shen Yuan didn't know the way, so he simply rode in Song Zijuan's carriage.

Along the way, Song Zijuan kept advising Shen Yuan on how to speak and interact with Xie Yulin.

"Never tell lies to Young Master Yulin. Don't try to get overly familiar, don't ask anyone to probe for any information about him, and don't scheme. Young Master Yulin despises hypocrisy and those who feign closeness for personal gain the most."

Shen Yuan listened attentively, memorizing each point, and thanked him, "Brother Song, you know Fifth Great-Uncle so well. Thanks for the reminder. If you hadn't said so, I'd surely have offended him without knowing how."

Last time they met, he had reflexively reached out to shake hands in greeting.

Oh, and his shoe still had a big footprint from someone stepping on it.

Fortunately, Fifth Great-Uncle hadn't held it against him.

Song Zijuan couldn't help but smile, "I don't actually understand Young Master Yulin. No one understands him. These are all things he deliberately allowed others to observe to make his own life easier."

"The parts he doesn't want people to know, no one can find out."

Shen Yuan was still counting on his fingers to remember. After all, this was a feudal society; Xie Yulin's word could decide life or death. He couldn't afford not to remember.

From Song Zijuan's words, this Fifth Great-Uncle seemed quite mysterious.

Like a layer of fog obscuring the true view.

The two arrived at the Xie family ancestral residence and got out of the carriage.

Upon entering, they found people in the courtyard hurrying about, everyone looking grave and overwhelmed, as if something major had happened.

Song Zijuan stopped a servant. "What's going on?"

The servant recognized Song Zijuan—a strategist close to Young Master Lin and a figure of high status—and dared not be negligent. He immediately replied respectfully, "Strategist Song, Young Master's Life Jade is missing. We are searching for it."

Life Jade?

Shen Yuan found the name of the jade odd. He noticed that Song Zijuan, who usually wore a smile, now showed a trace of astonishment, suggesting the jade was extremely important.

"Alright, go ahead and search. I won't hold you up," Song Zijuan said. The servant thanked him repeatedly and continued the search.

Song Zijuan, who was leading the way, spoke gravely to Shen Yuan, "The Xie family has a tradition: when a woman is pregnant, various jade stones are prepared. On the child's hundredth day after birth, the stones are laid out for the child to choose. The one selected becomes the child's Life Jade. From then on, the owner's spirit is connected to the jade. It's said the jade can ward off fatal calamities for its owner, so the Life Jade is as important as life itself to the Xie descendants."

"For them, the Life Jade is a second self. Even spouses and children cannot touch it casually."

"With Young Master Lin's Life Jade missing, his mood is certainly foul. A-Yuan, you must be extra careful today. Do not offend the Young Master, lest you invite disaster."

Song Zijuan's worry wasn't feigned, and it was truly odd—the Life Jade had never had any issues for over twenty years, so why did it go missing precisely today?

Shen Yuan got a bit flustered, influenced by the tense, fearful expressions of the people around him and Song Zijuan's serious demeanor. "Should we help search?"

Song Zijuan shook his head. "The jade stones chosen are uncarved, allowing the descendants to carve them themselves. Jade plaques, hairpins, bracelets, pendants... they all differ. I've never seen the jade piece Young Master Lin consistently wears, so I don't know what his Life Jade looks like."

"Can't we ask someone?" Shen Yuan suggested. "They're searching for it, so they must know what it looks like."

Song Zijuan reminded him, "Do not inquire about anything related to Young Master Lin. Since we don't know what his Life Jade looks like, the servants won't utter a single word about it."

"Your inquiry would reach Young Master's ears before you even meet him." Song Zijuan pulled Shen Yuan forward. "That would be asking for trouble and could bring misfortune."

Shen Yuan fell silent, abandoning the idea of kindly helping with the search.

It was terrifying. Brother Ping'an's fifth granduncle was truly a bit too frightening.

He lowered his head and followed Song Zijuan without another word.

Song Zijuan glanced down at Shen Yuan, finding his obedient demeanor rather endearing, and couldn't help but look a moment longer. He wanted to offer some comfort, but they had already arrived at the courtyard.

In the distance, faint screams could be heard. Song Zijuan knew many people were being punished with beatings, likely due to the missing Life Jade.

Because Young Master Lin preferred quiet, punishments were carried out somewhat farther away to keep his courtyard clean, so the sounds were not too distinct.

Remembering Shen Yuan's silence earlier, Song Zijuan thought it was just as well the punishments weren't held directly in the courtyard; otherwise, Shen Yuan might have been truly frightened.

Shen Yuan also heard the screams. He silently recited the precautions for meeting Xie Yulin once more in his mind, then tugged at Song Zijuan's sleeve and asked, "Is my face clean? Is my hair messy?"

Song Zijuan studied him. "Clean, not messy."

He adjusted Shen Yuan's collar. "This was a bit messy. Don't be too nervous when you go in. Remember to answer when spoken to."

Shen Yuan nodded. "Alright, thank you, Brother Song. I understand."

In the study, a servant came to announce them while Xie Yulin was writing.

His hands, free of silk gloves, had long, slender fingers and pale skin, like cold jade.

"Let them in."

Xie Yulin set down his brush, and an attendant immediately brought water at the perfect temperature.

He immersed his hands in the water, meticulously washing them, rubbing each finger from thumb to pinky, then washing his palms and the backs of his hands seven times each.

He dried them with a cloth in the same order until his hands were refreshed, then put on a new pair of white silk gloves.

Outside, Song Zijuan and Shen Yuan had been waiting for a while.

"Greetings, Young Master Lin."

"Greetings, Fifth Granduncle."

As Xie Yulin emerged and sat in an armchair, Shen Yuan felt the temperature in the room drop several degrees.

The man was like an iceberg, exuding coldness from head to toe.

Xie Yulin's cool gaze swept over Shen Yuan, and he frowned slightly. His voice was equally cold. "Sit."

The two breathed a sigh of relief and took their seats. Shen Yuan spoke first, "Fifth Granduncle, I'll get straight to the point to save time. I only know how to write stories and be a storyteller. I cannot work for the Xie family. However, if you need it, we could collaborate."

Song Zijuan inhaled sharply upon hearing this—had all his earlier reminders been in vain? How could this kid be so bold!

Not only Song Zijuan, but even the two attendants waiting nearby couldn't help but sneak a glance at Shen Yuan, curious to see what this audacious person looked like.

Song Zijuan immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed, pleading for Shen Yuan. "Young Master Lin, please forgive him. A-Yuan..."

"Song Zijuan, leave," Xie Yulin said coldly.

Song Zijuan couldn't finish his sentence. Young Master Lin rarely interrupted others. This reaction made it clear he was truly angry. Not daring to defy further, Song Zijuan lowered his head and replied, "Yes, I take my leave."

After Song Zijuan left, Xie Yulin's gaze settled on Shen Yuan.

"Quite bold, daring to negotiate terms with me."

Shen Yuan spoke frankly, "Not really. I'm quite scared too. Fifth Granduncle, when you told Brother Song to leave, I was so frightened I sat up straight."

"If you're scared, why did you dare to speak?" Xie Yulin retorted.

Shen Yuan didn't hide anything. "Since this matter has to be resolved sooner or later, dragging it out isn't a solution. Better to speak plainly..."

Xie Yulin's fingers, encased in silk gloves, curled slightly. His gaze remained fixed on Shen Yuan, not shifting away.

He looked Shen Yuan up and down openly, a hint of mockery hidden in the depths of his cool, dark eyes.

At least he's honest, not presumptuous or scheming. It seems Song Zijuan taught him well along the way.

Xie Yulin picked up his teacup to drink. One attendant, eyes lowered, said to Shen Yuan, "The North Country claims to be the leader among nations, possessing ancestral heritage and receiving the protection of forebears. The Monarch of the North Country also proclaims himself the true emperor, mocking other nations for lacking sacrificial traditions, disbelieving in gods and ghosts, having no divine or ancestral protection, gaining their thrones improperly, lacking imperial legitimacy, and possessing no imperial bearing. How would you address this?"

Shen Yuan truly knew nothing about political tactics. Due to his era, he was aware of some methods to manipulate public opinion, but those were based on the existence of the internet. This era was different—a place where conflicts could erupt over a single disagreement.

He felt it was better not to offer advice casually, so he replied honestly, "I don't have a solution for this. I really only know how to be a storyteller."

Then, recalling some experiences from his past life, he added, "But if I must say something, then defeat them until they submit. Rules are written by the victors."

Xie Yulin paused mid-sip, lifting his eyes to look at Shen Yuan.

"Though I overestimated you, you do have some spirit."

Shen Yuan smiled. "Thank you for the praise, Fifth Granduncle!"

Xie Yulin: ...

"I wasn't complimenting you."

Shen Yuan nodded. "Got it."

Xie Yulin couldn't help closing his eyes and massaging his temples.

He said, "Spies have infiltrated the North Country for several years and have already uncovered all their sacrificial rituals. His Majesty intends to promote them."

He had made a special trip back to his ancestral home to bury his uncle, partly to orchestrate a suitable miracle to publicize and make people believe in and understand sacrifices.

However, after hearing Shen Yuan's storytelling, he had dismissed this method.

Because there was a better, faster way.

"Love Between Human and Ghost," by sheer coincidence, could perfectly solve this problem.

It happened to be about ghosts.

In the current story progression, some of the descriptions of ghosts were exactly the same as those in the North Country.

It was such a coincidence that Xie Yulin couldn't help but suspect whether Shen Yuan was a spy planted by another country, getting close to the Ji family and using this incident to gain visibility to enter the Xie family.

But according to the investigation by the secret guards, Shen Yuan's ancestors had been thoroughly investigated. As far back as could be traced, every generation was from Wu Country.

None had ever left Wu Country. And when Shen Yuan was young, a Taoist priest in his village really had read his fortune, saying he had a predestined connection to immortality.

Not long before Shen Yuan’s change in behavior, there was a time when he almost starved to death.

After that, Shen Yuan seemed like a different person.

Although it was very strange, the theory of a predestined connection to immortality could also explain it.

So, there was no need to fabricate any so-called miracles. Shen Yuan's very existence was a miracle worth promoting.

Belief in deities, knowledge of ghosts and spirits, and emphasis on sacrifices.

This was the first step Wu Country needed to take.

The influence of storytelling was immense. If novel and interesting stories were spread widely—with storytellers in every street and alley—these ideas could be disseminated quickly.

It could even manipulate thoughts.

If not controlled, it would indeed be a source of endless trouble.

Shen Yuan figured that even if he promised not to manipulate people's minds, he probably wouldn't be believed.

As both sides were at an impasse, Shen Yuan suddenly heard Xie Yulin ask him, "Are you afraid of death?"

Shen Yuan nodded. "Naturally, I am."

Xie Yulin said coldly, "Afraid of death, yet you still refuse? Do you think you can avoid assassination by spies once the influence of storytelling expands? Or can you guarantee that no one will covet your immortal destiny or act against you out of curiosity?"

Xie Yulin's words were like icicles, piercing Shen Yuan until he felt like a frozen hedgehog. "Without the ability to protect yourself, yet you still attempt to control everything. Shen Yuan, are you a child? How naive."

Shen Yuan fell silent.

Shen Yuan drank tea.

Shen Yuan put down the teacup, not cowed into silence by Xie Yulin's presence. He had been negligent, thinking that by intentionally controlling the scope of influence, at least within Qingyun County, no one would dare oppose the Ji family.

But he had overlooked spies and underestimated the influence of the theory of a predestined connection to immortality.

For him, this connection was a matter of life and death, success and failure.

He lived by it, and he could die because of it.

"But if I go under the Xie family's banner, besides writing stories, I can't do anything else. And I also can't adapt to a life where every day is filled with scheming against this one and guarding against that one." Shen Yuan honestly voiced his concerns; he truly couldn't handle all the scheming and guarding.

If he went to the Xie family at the center of the vortex, he might die even faster than outside.

Hearing Shen Yuan's words, Xie Yulin rubbed his temples again.

So utterly useless.

He had indeed overestimated him.

Shen Yuan felt that Xie Yulin was about to be driven mad by him, having rubbed his temples twice already.

He thought about saying something to smooth things over, but then remembered what Song Zijuan said about not trying to get too familiar. In Fifth Uncle's eyes, that would probably count as getting too familiar.

Thinking this, Shen Yuan fell silent again and drank his tea.

Xie Yulin said with a cold face, "Then let's just cooperate. From now on, I will protect you and those close to you. You also don't need to interact with other strategists or enter the Xie residence."

"You only need to expand the influence of 'Love Between Human and Ghost' as much as possible. If you need anything, just tell Song Zijuan, and he will handle it. When it's done, you'll be well rewarded."

This was exactly the result Shen Yuan wanted most, even better than he had imagined.

Not only him, but even the personal safety of those close to him was guaranteed! In this regard, Xie Yulin had considered things very thoroughly.

As if afraid Xie Yulin would change his mind, Shen Yuan hadn't even swallowed the tea in his mouth before he started nodding in agreement.

"Fifth Uncle, you're so kind! I'll get right on expanding the influence. Fifth Uncle, you can rest assured and leave it to me!" Shen Yuan was full of motivation. He really had many ideas in his head that couldn't be realized relying on the Ji family.

Xie Yulin looked at the smiling Shen Yuan, listening to his unmistakably cheerful words, and said warily, "Get out."

Shen Yuan stood up, habitually waving his hand. "Okay, I'm leaving then. Goodbye, Fifth Uncle."

Xie Yulin stared at Shen Yuan's back until his figure disappeared around the corner.

After leaving, Song Zijuan emerged from beside the rockery and asked Shen Yuan nervously, "How did it go? Is everything alright?"

Shen Yuan waved his hand and shook his head, his whole body exuding the relief of having resolved the matter. "It's fine, it's fine. The tea at Fifth Uncle's place is really good, hahahaha."

Song Zijuan covered his mouth and dragged him away. "Stop laughing. Young Master Lin dislikes noise."

Shen Yuan blinked, then nodded again. "Mmm, got it."

Inside the study, a servant added tea for Xie Yulin and asked softly, "Does the Young Master truly believe in the theory of a predestined connection to immortality?"

Xie Yulin's calm gaze fell on the seat Shen Yuan had previously occupied. "What does it matter whether I believe it or not?"

The man couldn't escape his grasp anyway.

"Continue to have people follow Shen Yuan. Report anything immediately," Xie Yulin said. "Have Number Nineteen come and report."

The servant respectfully nodded and withdrew to find the person.

Soon, a black-clad shadow guard appeared in the room. Xie Yulin asked, "Have all the spies and those who were bribed been cleared out?"

Nineteen replied respectfully, "Reporting to the Master, they have all been purged. Word has been sent down that the Young Master's life-protecting jade has been recovered."

The spies hidden in the Xie family ancestral residence and the servants bribed by various factions were all eliminated by Xie Yulin under the pretext of searching for the person who handled his clothes when his life-protecting jade went missing.

Xie Yulin had originally intended to turn a blind eye to these people, not bothering to deal with them. Who knew they would be so audacious as to dare to plant people by his side.

Thinking of the nauseating sensation of being touched by someone else during his bath that morning, Xie Yulin felt uncomfortable all over again.

"Prepare water," he said through gritted teeth, his voice cold.

...

After reaching a cooperation agreement with Xie Yulin, Shen Yuan returned to the teahouse and formulated a series of plans.

The most important of these was training storytellers.

Also, he needed to find ways to promote the concept of the cenotaph. In Wu Country, which had been at war for years, how many cases were there of people dying without their remains being returned home for burial?

The original body's father was the same, with no remains returned home.

By seizing upon the thoughts and concerns of the common people, he hoped to plant the seeds of ancestral rites and comforting the deceased in the hearts of Wu Country's people, who had almost no tradition of such rituals.

Shen Yuan planned to prepare cenotaphs for both the original body and his father once the house was repaired.

In the afternoon, while Fang Zaoshang was storytelling, Ji Ping'an arrived.

"Those five men investigated in the alley all day, asking the residents if they heard any commotion or saw any suspicious individuals. Everyone said they heard nothing and saw no suspicious people."

Ji Ping'an took a sip of tea. "How could they not hear such loud shouting? The men knew the people were lying, but there was nothing they could do. They even wanted to question me, but I ignored them and walked away."

If only one person said they didn't hear anything, they could be interrogated. But if everyone said they didn't hear, there was nothing to investigate.

Shen Yuan couldn't help but sigh. Although it couldn't be traced back to them, he had to admit that public security was in a sorry state.

However, matters of public order were beyond the control of minor officials; even the county magistrate couldn't manage them. These were deep-rooted, long-standing issues; reform wouldn't be achieved in a day or by a single person's effort.

Shen Yuan thought of something he had wanted to ask Ji Ping'an earlier and changed the subject. "Brother, do you know where Grandpa Xu's house is? If you do, could you take me there when you have time?"

"I know it. What do you need from him?" Ji Ping'an asked.

Shen Yuan said, "The old man mentioned before that he wanted to save money to build cenotaphs for his sons. He also said he would come find me at Big Tree Village on a set date and asked me to keep an eye on things. But it's been a long time, and I haven't received any news from him, so I'm a bit worried."

Ji Ping'an replied, "We can go now. But what exactly is a cenotaph?"

Shen Yuan explained the concept of a cenotaph to Ji Ping'an and also mentioned his cooperation with Xie Yulin.

Ji Ping'an hadn't expected Shen Yuan to actually refuse Xie Yulin and choose to stay at the teahouse.

He worriedly said, "If you're not a retainer of the Xie family, once you complete their requirements, the Xie family's protection for you probably won't be wholehearted."

Shen Yuan paused, recalling Xie Yulin's words. "When Fifth Granduncle said this, he didn't say the Xie family would protect me. He said *he* would protect me."

Ji Ping'an was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. "If that's the case, then there's no need to worry. Although Fifth Granduncle isn't the current Family Head of the Xie clan, even the Family Head has to listen to him."

"Why?" Shen Yuan asked.

Ji Ping'an explained, "Because Fifth Granduncle and the current Emperor are brothers who went through life and death together. This also involves Xie family secrets; my sister told me."

"She said that many years ago, Fifth Granduncle suddenly left home. The Xie clan even planned to remove him from the family genealogy, but before they could act, the princes all perished in the struggle for the throne. At the critical moment, it was Fifth Granduncle who supported the Emperor, who was then living among the common people, to ascend the throne."

"Since then, no one in the Xie clan has mentioned those past events. The Xie Family Head even respectfully invited Fifth Granduncle back to the family. As for why Fifth Granduncle left home back then and why the Xie clan wanted to erase him from the register, no one knows."

Ji Ping'an said happily, "The promise of the Xie Family Head might not be reliable, but if Fifth Granduncle says he'll protect you, with his capabilities, he will definitely ensure your safety."

Shen Yuan hadn't expected it to be like this. He initially thought that because he wasn't entering the Xie residence as a retainer, they couldn't protect him under the Xie family's name.

"Fifth Granduncle is a truly good person," Shen Yuan said sincerely.

Ji Ping'an was startled. He knew Shen Yuan liked to get close to people he perceived as good; it was Shen Yuan's subconscious behavior. But Fifth Granduncle was different!

Such a high-ranking and powerful person, who disliked being touched or approached—he was truly afraid that Xiao Yuan, unaware of the man's nature, might offend him.

If that really happened, probably only the current Emperor could save Xiao Yuan's life.

Ji Ping'an was very worried. "Xiao Yuan, listen to your brother. Don't get close to Fifth Granduncle in the future. Even if you think he's a good person, just don't approach him, okay?"

Shen Yuan fell into an odd silence for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Okay, brother."

Afraid of worrying Ji Ping'an, Shen Yuan didn't dare tell him that he had already angered the man today. He figured that from now on, Fifth Granduncle would likely avoid him at all costs... he wouldn't even have a chance to see him if he wanted to.

Reassured by Shen Yuan's answer, Ji Ping'an said, "Let's go, I'll take you to find Lao Xutou."

Lao Xutou lived in Stone Alley, a place teeming with peddlers and porters—a real rough neighborhood.

Because the ground was low-lying, any water would accumulate. Without sewers, every household poured their wastewater outside their doors. So even without rain, the path was a muddy mess.

Not only that, but the air was filled with an indescribable stench, a foul mixture of several different smells.

Shen Yuan couldn't help but cover his nose and mouth, his eyes almost stinging from the odor.

Ji Ping'an, however, was used to it. He usually walked through all sorts of streets and alleys, and there were places with even worse smells than Stone Alley, so he didn't react much.

Reaching the end of the alley, Ji Ping'an raised his hand and knocked on a worn wooden door.

A woman opened the door a crack, peeking out. Seeing Ji Ping'an in his official uniform, she turned pale with fright, her voice trembling. "Officer, please stop knocking. There's only a bedridden old woman in that house; she can't come open the door for you."

Knowing he had scared her, Ji Ping'an motioned for Shen Yuan to step forward.

"Auntie, hello," Shen Yuan greeted her warmly. "We're looking for Grandpa Xu. If he returns, could you please pass on a message for us?"

Shen Yuan was fair-skinned, handsome, and friendly, so the woman's fear eased. She glanced at the neighboring house and shook her head helplessly. "Young man, you might not know. Lao Xutou said some time ago that he was going out to find work. He gave a bit of grain to each neighbor, asking us to look after his wife. He said he'd be back in half a month at most, but that time has long passed, and there's no sign of him."

The woman sighed. "At his age, I'm really afraid something has happened to him."

Shen Yuan roughly calculated the time; it must have been shortly after their last meeting that the old man left to find work.

Perhaps because Shen Yuan seemed kind, the woman continued, "Lao Xutou isn't the kind to abandon his wife. He's stayed by her all these years; there's no reason to do such a thing now. Besides, when he left, he said he'd be back to earn money for his sons' graves. Called them 'clothes graves' or something, said a little immortal told him about it. But he had no money for burial plots, and he needed three at once. He also had to hire a Taoist to pick an auspicious date. Everything costs money. That's why he had to go out for labor."

"But I ask you, who would hire someone his age? I suspect Lao Xutou was tricked. It's been so long, and he still hasn't returned. I'm afraid he's met with trouble."

Shen Yuan and Ji Ping'an exchanged a look, their expressions turning grave.

Shen Yuan took out some copper coins and gave them to the woman. "Please, auntie, continue to look after the old man's wife and bring her some food."

The woman agreed repeatedly. She glanced fearfully at Ji Ping'an, wondering how Lao Xutou had ever come to know such a person.

Seeing the officer, her calves trembled with fear. She quickly averted her gaze back to Shen Yuan, assuring him—and making sure Ji Pingan heard—"Young sir, don't worry. Old Man Xu and his wife are both decent folk. I promise I'll spend every penny of this properly on the old lady."

"I appreciate your help," Shen Yuan said with a nod.

After leaving Stone Alley with Ji Pingan, Shen Yuan wore a serious expression, lost in thought.

Although Old Man Xu was advanced in years, his health was still quite robust. He was still strong enough to carry heavy loads at the docks, so he couldn't have been in bad shape.

According to what the neighbor lady said, when he left, he’d made it clear he intended to return; with hopes and concerns in his heart, it was even less likely he would seek death.

If he hadn't been delayed by something along the way, things were likely grim.

Ji Pingan patted Shen Yuan's shoulder. "Don't worry. Wherever he went, he would have needed travel permits to pass through city gates. If we want to investigate, it'll just take some effort to track him down. By the way, I asked someone to check Shen Yushu's travel permit registrations earlier. We should be hearing back any day now. If Old Xu hasn't returned by then, I'll have them check his records too."

Shen Yuan nodded. "Alright, thank you, brother."

"It's nothing," Ji Pingan said, pressing his hand on Shen Yuan's shoulder. "Don't worry. A living, breathing person can't just vanish into thin air."

Yet, a few days later, when Ji Pingan received the news, the reality was that a living, breathing person could indeed disappear without a trace.

Previously, Ji Pingan had found Shen Yushu's travel permit registration for leaving Qingyun County. Since his family's merchant caravan had connections with minor officials in various counties, Ji Pingan had asked the caravan members to send messages requesting these officials to check Shen Yushu's travel permit registrations.

The responses that came back one after another were all the same: there was no record of Shen Yushu entering any city.

Anyone entering a city had to register their information, especially when moving from one city to another, where checks were even stricter.

Could it be that Shen Yushu was in a village outside the city?

But Ji Pingan had already checked—none of the tenant farmers named Shen Yushu matched. According to the law, Shen Yushu couldn't tenant land outside Qingyun County.

Unless he had deregistered and lived in another county for three full years to obtain a new household registration.

If you had no registration and were drifting, you could only be a beggar.

If he were to become a beggar, why would he leave Dashu Village in the first place?

Ji Pingan couldn't make sense of it.

And Old Man Xu still hadn't returned. Ji Pingan had also checked his travel permit registration for leaving the city.

For some reason, Ji Pingan felt a sudden unease, sensing something odd about the situation. Not daring to jump to conclusions, he asked someone to check whether Old Man Xu had any entry registration records in other counties.

Lately, Shen Yuan had been swamped with the expansion of his storytelling work, barely having a moment to rest. Ji Pingan didn't disturb him, deciding to hold off on sharing the news about Shen Yushu for now. He planned to wait until Old Man Xu's whereabouts were fully investigated before discussing everything with Shen Yuan together.