Chapter 50

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He Valley Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of Southern Chen, with the Ji Yu Mountain Range, and Qixia Mountain to the southwest. It governs five counties and, while not considered particularly wealthy, is still somewhat larger than Fushui County. Its broad streets are paved with stone bricks, but there are also narrow alleys with stone and dirt roads. In summer, the rainwater soaks into muddy ground, leaving behind traces of people, chickens, and dogs everywhere.

Lu Liangsheng led the old donkey through the city gates, having encountered no further incidents along the way.

Between the market streets, pedestrians are bustling about, creating a scene that is orderly yet noisy.

The first thing he did upon entering the city was to take out the letter given to him by his mentor, Wang Shuhua. In a way, after passing the scholar examination, Lu Liangsheng was now halfway into the ranks of scholars and officials, and the first order of business was to pay respects.

“Zhou Zhen…”

Sun Yingxian leaned over for a glance, shrugged, and turned away. “You scholars and your affairs—I’ll stay out of it. I’ll go wander around.”

“Hm, feel free to look around, but let’s first find an inn.” Lu Liangsheng replied, putting away the letter as he and the Daoist made their way through the long street, looking for an area where inns were concentrated.

After checking several places, they found them all fully booked. Upon asking around, they learned that because of this year’s autumn imperial examination, scholars who had to travel longer distances had already come to the city and reserved their rooms in advance.

After searching for two more inns, they finally found one called “Fortune and Prosperity”. They left the old donkey in the inn’s backyard and rented two rooms. Lu Liangsheng bathed and changed into the new clothes he’d bought before leaving home. While tying his silk headscarf, he spoke to the toad sitting on the bed.

“Master, before leaving Fushui County, my mentor asked me to visit an old friend of his here. Whether or not he’s at home, it’s important to show proper courtesy, so I’ll go pay him a visit shortly.”

The Toad Daoist, sprawled lazily on the bedding, was feeling quite sore after being cramped in a small bookcase compartment for most of the journey. Hearing his disciple’s words, he raised his webbed hand weakly and waved it in acknowledgment.

“Just go on your own. I have the female ghost to keep me company. When you leave, remember to ask the innkeeper to send some food over and leave it at the door.”

“Alright, but don’t scare anyone.” Lu Liangsheng said with a smile. “I might stay over there for dinner tonight. If there’s anything good, I will quietly bring some back for Master to taste.”

Having said that, he did not disturb the Toad Daoist’s rest and quietly exited the room. Outside, Sun Yingshan had been waiting for a while. Upon seeing Lu Liangsheng come out, he snapped his fingers and extended his hand.

“Give me some silver.”

“You don’t have any money?”

The Daoist opened the only yellow silk pouch at his waist. “Aside from the yellow talismans and the demon-subduing mirror, do you see anywhere else on me to put money?”

“Then be frugal. I didn’t bring much either.” Lu Liangsheng counted out a few pieces of silver for him, and the two parted ways after leaving the inn.

With the Autumn Examination starting in three months, the streets of He Valley Prefecture were bustling and crowded. Lu Liangsheng found the large city quite novel, with its high and low buildings, lively taverns, and teahouses. Literati and scholars were discussing the exam questions with great enthusiasm, and occasionally, one could see martial artists carrying weapons walking through the streets, and entering nearby brothels. Beneath unlit lanterns, courtesans in flowered silk leaned against wooden railings, smiling at passersby, and some even hummed songs, dreaming of the future.

As Lu Liangsheng walked down the bustling main street, the noise gradually faded. Following the address, he found the Zhou family’s residence. The long, ancient green brick walls exuded an old-world charm, with several gnarled pine branches reaching out into the street. Ahead, the tall gate of the estate was adorned with two red lanterns, and the stone lions at the entrance were partially covered in moss.

The large courtyard’s old trees appeared serene and gentle.

Lu Liangsheng glanced at the plaque reading ‘Zhou Residence’. Compared to the Landlord Chen’s residence he had seen in Fushui County, this place seemed simpler and more imposing.

After knocking on the gate, an elderly doorman emerged. After receiving the letter, he eyed the scholar in front of him, seemingly appraising him. After a moment, the doorman went inside to report. Soon, a steward came to receive Lu Liangsheng and led him into the guest hall.

Along the way, Lu Liangsheng couldn’t help but observe his surroundings. There were many flower beds and potted plants, and in the distance, a pavilion and loft could be seen. Though not luxurious, the residence had an elegant air about it, yet there was a faintly eerie feeling to it.

The estate seemed to have few maidservants and servants. When he did encounter them, they were mostly silent, with strange expressions, giving off a hurried impression.

Lu Liangsheng watched as a maid set down a tea cup and hurriedly left. However, since he had just arrived, he refrained from asking too many questions. Before long, the steward returned, accompanied by an elderly man with a graying beard and hair, meticulously groomed, and dressed in simple robes.

The scholar set down his tea cup, rose, and performed a respectful bow, introducing himself. The elderly man, who was Zhou Zhen, responded with a kind tone, inviting Lu Liangsheng to take a seat.

“I have known Mr. Shuhua for more than ten years. I didn’t expect him to be in Fushui County without me knowing. How has he been these years? Is his health still good?”

The elder spoke with genuine interest while appraising the scholar before him.

Lu Liangsheng took his seat and clasped his hands. “Teacher is in excellent health and spirits. When I left, he even walked me to the city gate to see me off.”

“That’s a relief.”

Zhou Zhen nodded, likely having already read the letter and understood Wang Shuhua’s request. He then began discussing the Autumn Examination and took the opportunity to assess Lu Liangsheng’s academic progress.

“Hmm… Your teacher mentioned in his letter that you have considerable talent but lamented that your studies are short and your foundation is not solid. Come with me.”

The elder spoke earnestly, beckoning Lu Liangsheng to follow him into the study in the back courtyard. The room contained only three bookshelves, a rosewood desk, and a variety of brushes of different sizes hanging from a brush stand, with some residual ink, suggesting recent use.

“From now on, you may browse through the books here at your leisure. By the way, Liangsheng, what kind of books do you enjoy?”

Lu Liangsheng brushed his hand over the neatly arranged books on the shelves and smiled in response.

“I’m not particularly picky. Besides those needed for my studies, I also read some strange tales and popular legends to pass the time.”

The elder didn’t admonish him for his interests or criticize his focus. Instead, he cheerfully selected a few books from the shelf.

“It’s a good thing to read. Strange tales and popular legends often contain simple truths about life.” He handed over one of the books.

“This book, Illustrated Records of the Mountains and Seas, describes various local customs and absurd beasts. It’s quite interesting.”

Lu Liangsheng took the book and flipped through a few pages. It was filled with brief descriptions of strange landscapes and peculiar or fearsome beasts, accompanied by illustrations of creatures he had never seen before.

…How could the author of this book even conceive of such strange monsters?

If I used illusionary techniques to recreate these images and show them to Honglian and the others… it might be quite amusing, and possibly scare a few people.

As Lu Liangsheng thought about how outsiders might react to the vivid appearances of these monstrous beasts, he couldn’t help but laugh. He then proceeded to ask the elder questions about his studies, for the pursuit of knowledge is a path with no end.

Before he knew it, dusk had arrived. Suddenly, there was a knock at the study door, followed by a low voice from outside.

“Master, the young lady’s illness has struck again.”

Lu Liangsheng set down the book and frowned slightly, glancing at the elder. Zhou Zhen’s expression darkened as he said: “Liangsheng, please wait a moment.”

He opened the door and stepped outside.

Inside the room, Lu Liangsheng had no intention of eavesdropping, but his heightened senses from years of training made them more sensitive than ordinary people, making it almost impossible not to overhear.

“…When did the illness occur?”

“Just now. The medicine seems to have no effect.”

“Have you sent for a doctor?”

“We’ve already dispatched someone… However, Master, I suspect the young lady may be afflicted by an evil spirit.”

“Don’t speak nonsense… It’s just a head ailment.”

“But… Master, the old woman who appears in the manor every night…”

Illness?

Old woman?

Lu Liangsheng’s frown deepened. From the voice, it seemed to be the steward from before.

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