At midnight, Lu Zheng bid farewell to Duan Changzai and returned alone to the inn. He sorted through the items purchased and delivered during the day before settling down to sleep.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, Lu Zheng did not leave the city immediately. Instead, he headed to the east side of Yizhou to visit Zhen’s Pawnshop. According to Duan Changzai, this was a reputable, long-established business known for fair prices, honesty, and integrity, widely praised by all.
However, a transaction worth over a thousand guan kept Lu Zheng at the pawnshop for nearly an hour. It was close to noon when he finally mounted his horse and left the city.
Reflecting on the trip, Lu Zheng considered his gains substantial. Selling another ornament was one thing, but encountering more cultivators was the greater reward.
The two demonesses and the experts of the Anomaly Suppression Bureau aside, the old monk alone seemed an untouchable master. This world’s true nature had revealed a glimpse of itself to him, safely, like a peek beneath a skirt’s hem.
…
By the end of the You hour, night had fallen, and Lu Zheng, riding swiftly, reached a ferry crossing on the Lushui River after half a day’s travel.
The Lushui, one of Yizhou’s three great rivers, stretched several li wide, its depths unpredictable. During the day, small boats and passenger ferries operated, and some cargo ships earned extra by carrying passengers.
But now, in the pitch-black night, with undercurrents swirling, all boats were docked. No one dared navigate the river after dark.
Arriving at the ferry’s inn, Lu Zheng dismounted and knocked on the door.
“Coming, coming!” The inn assistant’s grumbling voice grew closer. “It’s so late, who’s still out? Bold one, aren’t you, wandering the wilds at night, unafraid of ghosts.”
“Creak!”
The door opened, and upon seeing Lu Zheng, the assistant was struck by his presence, quickly forcing a smile. “Sir, please come in! I’ll take your horse!”
Lu Zheng nodded, handed over the reins, and effortlessly lifted the cargo from the horse’s back as if it weighed nothing. The assistant’s eyes twitched, realizing this was no ordinary man. He led the horse away sheepishly, fearing Lu Zheng might take offense at his earlier careless words.
Entering the inn, Lu Zheng found the main hall surprisingly lively. Groups of three or four sat together, eating, drinking, and chatting.
“Hm?”
Lu Zheng’s eyes flickered as he noticed a dozen burly men gathered around two joined tables. Though they had no wine, they had plenty of meat. The two leaders—one robust, the other steady and capable—stood out.
“Xiong Feng Escort Agency?”
It was the same group he had seen leaving the city the previous day.
Their convoy moved slowly, and Lu Zheng, riding fast, had caught up in half a day.
As he noticed them, they saw him too, observing how he carried his load with ease. The robust escort leader nodded. “A martial artist.”
Lu Zheng nodded and smiled in greeting, then scanned the room. There were a few scholars, peddlers, and craftsmen, none seeming remarkable.
“Guest, here to stay?” The innkeeper approached with a smile. “I’m sorry, but our regular rooms are full. We only have two superior rooms left, and the price…”
“One room,” Lu Zheng said calmly, not bothering to ask the cost.
“Yes, yes, yes! Little Tang, take the guest to the superior room on the west side of the third floor!” The innkeeper called to the assistant who had just returned, instructing him to lead the way.
…
Following Little Tang to the third floor and into the west superior room, Lu Zheng watched as the assistant lit the oil lamp on the table. Glancing around the room by its light, Lu Zheng pursed his lips.
“Sir, have you eaten dinner? Shall I have the kitchen prepare something, or would you like to rest in the hall? Or perhaps I can bring a basin of hot water for washing?” Little Tang asked, bowing obsequiously.
“No need for anything.” Lu Zheng shook his head, took a few copper coins from his pouch, and handed them over. “Go on, don’t come in unless I call.”
“Yes, yes, thank you, sir!” Little Tang, beaming, took the coins, bowed, and backed out, closing the door.
…
Eat here? Stay here?
No way. Instant noodles back home would be better than anything this inn offered. A hot shower and a comfortable sleep on a spring mattress sounded far more appealing. Besides, after a day’s ride, going out for a beer and some skewers wouldn’t hurt.
Lu Zheng placed his items by the bed, bolted the door from the inside, and walked to the table, about to extinguish the lamp. Suddenly, a burst of gongs and drums sounded outside, lively and festive.
Lu Zheng froze. Playing such music in the middle of the night? A ghost wedding? At this inn?
This exciting?
His eyes lit up. No longer tired or eager to leave, he untied a long, narrow bundle, revealing a rectangular wooden box.
Crafted by Li, the carpenter from the county, it was a weapon case containing a sword and a saber.
Grabbing the case, Lu Zheng opened the door and stepped out.
…
At the third-floor railing, he looked down to see the hall’s diners standing, meals halted. Scholars and merchants cowered at the back, while the escort agency members had drawn their swords, standing ready.
Lu Zheng’s eyes narrowed. The music was now at the door. “Strange, it’s not ghostly yin energy. This aura… mixed with incense and demonic energy. Could it be…”
The music stopped, and a clear voice rang out. “Luo Wensheng, deputy of the Lushui River God’s Mansion, greets you all.”
“Creak.” The inn’s main door swung open. Two burly men with long spears entered, followed by a middle-aged man in a cyan embroidered robe, his face pale, with large eyes and thick lips. He bowed courteously to everyone in the hall.
“Lushui River God’s Mansion?”
“Phew—”
“It’s the court’s people. Scared me to death!”
“But why are the River God’s Mansion folks coming ashore? I recall the last time was during the flood five years ago.”
The escort agency members lowered their weapons, and the scholars and peddlers relaxed. Lu Zheng blinked, set down his weapon case, and looked with interest at the deputy from the River God’s Mansion below.
“Today, the River God’s Mansion is holding a wedding for a groom, a scholar from the prefecture who lost his parents young. He’s marrying into the mansion. The guests are all river and water spirits, which may not be ideal, so by the River God’s decree, we invite the ferry’s guests to join the feast at the Water Mansion,” Luo Wensheng said, clasping his hands.
They’re… inviting us to a feast?
This kind of good fortune?
And… beyond the feast, a few down-and-out scholars showed a glint of envy.
The Lushui River God! Though it meant marrying in, wedding the River God’s daughter guaranteed wealth and longevity. With some talent, even entering the court as an official wasn’t impossible.
Which destitute scholar had such luck to win the River God’s daughter’s favour? Truly enviable!
