Chapter 17

Zi Su returned to Dong Manor disguised as Fu Ling, while Song Lan and I went as usual to the County Office.

After discussing matters with the Li Family Brothers, I reported to Yu Baisu my intention to go to Liyang County to investigate Zhao Tiandong’s situation.

This was exactly what Yu Baisu wanted; he couldn’t wait for me to leave Anyang, even if only for a few days.

He gave me a generous amount of travel expenses and told me to investigate thoroughly and not be hasty. The implication was clear: he wanted me to return as late as possible.

Naturally, I agreed readily. After a brief stop at the County Office to tidy up, I left Nan Xing to look after things, took Song Lan and Qing Mu, and hurried off to Liyang with the Li Family Brothers.

Nothing of note happened on the road, so I won’t elaborate. We rode hard and arrived in Liyang at midnight.

Li Xiao suggested arranging for me to stay at an inn near the County Office.

Looking at the deserted street, I asked, “Which direction is Zhao Tiandong’s home? Is there an inn nearby?”

Li Zhong pointed east, “At the entrance of East Street, there’s Wang’s Old Inn not far from here.”

“Good, let’s go there,” I said to the Li Family Brothers. “We’ll go on our own. You’re officials-if you come with us, it might complicate things. You head back first; we’ll investigate on our own and find you if anything comes up.”

The two nodded, saluted, and left.

Following Li Zhong’s directions, the three of us quickly found Wang’s Old Inn. Song Lan stepped forward and knocked on the door, explaining our purpose.

The Waiter looked us over, scratched his head, and said, “If it’s just these two staying, there are two spots left in the common room.

“But you, Guest, are clearly the master, so you can’t stay with them. We’re fully booked tonight, so please find another place to stay.”

I gave Song Lan a look, and he immediately pulled a piece of broken silver from his sleeve and slipped it to the Waiter. “Young Man, please make an exception. It’s the middle of the night-where else can we find an inn? See if there’s anywhere you can arrange for our Young Master.”

The Waiter clutched the silver tightly, torn between duty and temptation. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, “There’s a small courtyard at the very back. The Young Master can stay there, but we won’t deliver food or water-you’ll have to fetch it yourselves, and cleaning is up to you.”

Song Lan and I exchanged glances, sensing there was more to the Waiter’s words. Still, we had to stay at this inn, so whatever the issue, we’d settle in first.

I nodded slightly. Song Lan said, “We’ll serve our Young Master ourselves; you needn’t worry. Just show us the way.”

Seeing we were determined to stay, the Waiter finally stomped his foot, took down the door panel to let us in, and led the way with an oil lamp, muttering under his breath, “Good advice can’t persuade a doomed ghost.”

We followed him all the way to the very back of the inn, where there was a particularly secluded small courtyard.

The Waiter approached, trembling as he unlocked the door, then said, “Here it is. You go in-I’m leaving!” He shoved the oil lamp into Qing Mu’s hands and dashed off.

Qing Mu pushed open the courtyard gate, shielding me behind him and entering first. “Young Master, be careful. There’s something strange about this courtyard.”

“Of course I know it’s strange,” I said, stepping inside and looking around. “Most likely a haunted house or ghost dwelling.”

“G-ghost house?!” Song Lan’s hair stood on end as he pressed close behind me, warily scanning the surroundings.

It was odd-this boy was incredibly strong and fearless against villains, yet terrified of ghosts. Sometimes, people are scarier than ghosts.

Inside, Qing Mu used the oil lamp to light a candle, brightening the room.

The house was elegantly furnished, and the tables and chairs were tidy, suggesting someone cleaned regularly.

I entered the inner room; the bedding was clean, and there was a washbasin and towel nearby.

Qing Mu sent Song Lan to fetch hot water and food, while he made my bed.

Half an hour later, after a good meal and a wash, I was ready.

“You both go rest,” I said, carrying the candlestick into the inner room. “We have to get up early tomorrow.”

Qing Mu was worried. “Young Master, perhaps I should keep watch in the outer room. This inn feels odd.”

Song Lan chimed in, “Exactly! What if there really are ghosts at night?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “The wise do not speak of strange powers or spirits. There are no ghosts in this world, only troublemakers. Enough-go rest.”

Unable to argue, the two retreated.

I loosened my outer robe, lay down on the bed, closed my eyes, and thought over the events of the past few days, reviewing the case in my mind. Soon, I drifted off to sleep.