Although he could travel through time at any moment, and the tools were fully prepared, the thought of possibly confronting a creature from a mythical legend made Lu Zheng feel uneasy.
“Actually, knowing the whereabouts of this corpse ghost, I could easily go to Baiyun Temple and inform Master Mingzhang.”
With a clear target, and given that the Wang scholar’s family was evidently well-off, if Master Mingzhang saved his life, the reward would surely be generous. It would also boost the temple’s reputation in the county, making its incense offerings flourish.
“So, am I just reluctant to give up the fortune on that corpse ghost?”
The six strands of fortune’s light had significantly enhanced Lu Zheng’s physical condition, even turning him into a skilled swordsman.
How could he resist such a feeling?
“Very well, I’ll try handling it myself first. If it gets out of hand, I’ll go to Baiyun Temple for help.”
“Besides, that corpse ghost targeted Scholar Wang the other day. It might not come for me, and I can’t exactly go looking for it, can I?”
For a moment, Lu Zheng felt torn, hesitating.
He neither dared to take the initiative nor could he bear to let go of the substantial fortune’s light.
…
Bringing his belongings back to the Dajing Dynasty, Lu Zheng prepared to have dinner.
Halfway through his meal, the peace talisman in his pocket began to warm faintly.
It’s here!
Lu Zheng’s pupils contracted sharply.
“Knock, knock, knock!”
A knock came at the door.
“Coming!” Uncle Li shouted from the front yard kitchen, hurrying out. “Who is it?”
Uncle Li moved quickly. Before Lu Zheng could stop him, Uncle Li creaked open the front gate.
“Young lady, who are you?”
At that moment, the heat from the peace talisman in Lu Zheng’s pocket faded.
The malice… has it subsided?
Hearing Uncle Li’s faint conversation at the front gate, Lu Zheng relaxed slightly, realising the other party wasn’t planning to confront him directly yet.
Lu Zheng set down his chopsticks, calming himself, no longer in the mood to eat.
Moments later, Uncle Li came around the screen wall to the main hall’s entrance.
“Who is it? What’s going on?”
“Master, it’s a young lady who’s been robbed,” Uncle Li said. “Her family was moving to Tonglin County when they were attacked by bandits on the road. Only one guard protected her escape, but he succumbed to his injuries yesterday.
Now she’s alone and helpless. Passing by our gate, she smelled the food and, being terribly hungry, asked for a bowl of rice.”
“Just a bowl of rice?”
“If we could shelter her for a month, she’s willing to write to her uncle’s family, offering a hundred gold as thanks. If that’s inconvenient, a bowl of rice would still earn her gratitude.”
Uncle Li stepped closer, whispering, “Master, I’ve seen her. She’s graceful, beautiful as a fairy, and carries an air of wealth. If you get along well this month…”
Oh, so you’re suddenly concerned about your master’s lifelong prospects?
Do you even realise you’ve brought a corpse ghost into your master’s house?
Though unsure why the corpse ghost had changed its appearance, or even if this woman was indeed the corpse ghost, the talisman’s earlier heat was undeniable. For now, the malice was merely concealed.
“I almost hope they’re the same corpse ghost. Otherwise, double the trouble might be more than I can handle!”
“Let her in,” Lu Zheng said, controlling his expression and steadying his racing heart.
“Wait a moment!”
Uncle Li, beaming, scurried back to the front gate and soon returned with a tall, elegantly proportioned woman.
She wore a warm goose-yellow floral silk blouse over a willow-floss patterned skirt, cinched at the waist with a pale gold sash, accentuating her graceful curves and slender waist.
As she walked, her figure swayed gently, exuding charm.
Drawing closer, the woman revealed her face: crescent brows, starry eyes, skin fairer than snow, and cherry lips like plum blossoms.
Her expression, reserved yet tinged with pride, could ignite a spark in any man’s heart.
“This humble woman greets the young master!”
With a slight bow, a glimpse of fair skin caught Lu Zheng’s eye.
*Gulp.* Lu Zheng swallowed hard.
“Come, come, Uncle Li, fetch another chair. Miss, please take a seat,” Lu Zheng said, suddenly enthusiastic.
To both Uncle Li and the young lady, his reaction seemed perfectly natural.
“Thank you, young master.”
“No trouble at all. I’m Lu Zheng. May I know your name, miss?”
“This humble woman is surnamed Su, given name Yi.”
“Fragrant and charming, a fine name.”
“Young master flatters me. You, with your refined talents and brilliance, are truly impressive,” Su Yi said softly in praise.
Lu Zheng appeared somewhat flustered by the compliment.
He asked Uncle Li to fetch another set of chopsticks for Su Yi, whose eating manners were elegant and composed, despite her hunger, befitting a refined lady.
In the time it took to finish the meal, Lu Zheng deliberately ingratiated himself, and Su Yi’s responses showed no strong resistance, suggesting she was fond of him.
Uncle Li, serving nearby, watched with quiet amusement, thinking the match was set.
…
After dinner, Lu Zheng had Aunt Liu clean the west wing, preparing bedding, then sent the couple to sleep in the front quarters.
“No matter what noises come from the back courtyard tonight, do not come in.”
“Rest assured, master. We understand. My wife and I will sleep soundly under the covers tonight, deaf to any noise, no matter how loud.”
Uncle Li gave a knowing look in response to Lu Zheng’s instructions.
Lu Zheng nodded with a faint smile, then turned and closed the side door connecting the front and back courtyards.
Turning around, he saw Su Yi leaning against the west wing’s doorway. Catching his gaze, she blushed and slipped into the room.
Lu Zheng chuckled, then slowly walked to his own bedroom.
Leaving the door slightly ajar and lighting an oil lamp, Lu Zheng picked up a Confucian classic he’d bought but couldn’t understand, pretending to read.
“Should I go to her, or wait for her to come to me?”
“Knock, knock.”
Moments later, a knock came, and the door was gently pushed open. Su Yi’s graceful figure appeared in the doorway.
It seemed someone was even more eager than Lu Zheng.
“It’s late, and the young master is still studying?”
“My heart’s a bit restless, hard to sleep,” Lu Zheng said with an awkward smile, giving a slight bow.
Su Yi smiled, her eyes alluring, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her hand gliding down from her fragrant shoulder.
“Thanks to the young master’s kindness in taking me in, I have little to repay you with, save for myself, to show my gratitude.”
Lu Zheng’s eyes lit up. “Is that true, miss?”
“I only ask for your gentle care.”
Lu Zheng’s joy was evident as he stood, opened the door wider, and headed toward the bed.
“Please come in, miss.”
Seeing Lu Zheng eagerly approach the bed, Su Yi smiled faintly and stepped inside.
Lu Zheng quickened his pace, reaching the bed and slipping his hand under the covers.
At that moment, moonlight streamed through the window, and the room held two figures in its glow.
