Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Chen Daji’s father was named Chen Fu, and he certainly lived up to his name-his name literally meant “Chen Wealth.”

He first went to the police station to pick up Chief Zhou so they could head to Hua Jiunan’s house together.

Chief Zhou readily agreed. “It just so happens I haven’t visited the old lady in a while!”

Chen Fu had bought a trunk full of gifts, large bags and small boxes alike. He kept saying, “It’s my first time visiting; I can’t be lacking in etiquette.”

When the car reached the village entrance, they happened to encounter a funeral procession.

After asking around, they learned that Old Fourth Tian had died.

Word was that he had died quite miserably.

He had suddenly been struck by a strange illness, and within a few days, he had wasted away until he was barely recognizable as human. Even the county hospital had no way to treat him.

Chief Zhou and Chen Fu stayed with Deaf Granny for a while before preparing to leave.

Before departing, Chen Fu spoke up with some embarrassment.

“Old lady, could I ask for a peace talisman from you?”

“The kind you gave to Chief Zhou.”

What Chief Zhou was wearing wasn’t actually a peace talisman; it was the pouch of incense ash Deaf Granny had given him on the night they dealt with the evil ghost. However, after Chief Zhou returned home, he had his wife sew a brocade pouch for it, and he wore it around his neck at all times.

Deaf Granny smiled and agreed. Supported by Hua Jiunan and Chen Daji, she stood up and went to the side room.

According to the rules, before taking incense ash, one had to first light incense for the Immortal Spirits.

This was called “Gongque.”

But as soon as the incense was lit and placed in the burner, it snapped in half with a sharp crack.

Deaf Granny was greatly alarmed by this and hurried back into the courtyard.

With a solemn expression, she asked Chen Fu, “Young man, tell this old woman the truth. Have you done anything that goes against heaven or conscience?”

“Have you provoked something you shouldn’t have?!”

Chen Fu was bewildered by the question. He thought carefully for a long time before speaking.

“No. I wouldn’t dare call myself a saint, but I’ve never done anything wicked…”

“I haven’t provoked anyone either. Even if I occasionally pass a ruined temple in the village, I bow and show my respects.”

Chen Daji was anxious and blurted out, “Dad, you have to tell the truth! When Grandma was trying to get a peace talisman for you just now, the incense snapped!”

The more wealthy and powerful a person was, the more they feared death.

Chen Fu turned pale with fright and tugged at his hair forcefully. “Let me think, let me think again! I really haven’t done anything against my conscience!”

Suddenly, Chen Fu seemed to think of something.

He hesitated for a moment, waved Chen Daji aside, and then whispered, “Granny, don’t laugh at me, but I’ve been keeping a mistress secretly in the county seat. Does that count as…”

Deaf Granny was nearly amused to the point of anger. “That doesn’t count!”

“However, this old woman will remind you: harmony in the home brings prosperity to all things! Messing around behind your wife’s back damages your hidden merit!”

Chen Fu hurried to promise, “Don’t worry, Granny, I won’t dare do it again! But besides that, I really haven’t done anything out of line.”

Seeing that she couldn’t get anything else out of him, Deaf Granny handed the Wooden Axe she had enshrined for decades to Chen Fu.

“Take this back and hang it in your room. Offer to it every morning and evening.”

“If you notice anything wrong, come find me immediately!”

Chen Fu offered a thousand thanks while insisting on giving her money.

Deaf Granny gave him a sharp look. “I’m helping you because your son and Jiunan are classmates!”

“If you’re sincere, then accumulate more merit and do good deeds in your daily life. That will be repayment enough for this old woman!”

Chief Zhou also scolded him, “Put your money away! This lady is a true Living Bodhisattva, not the kind of traveling charlatan you usually meet!”

Chen Fu didn’t dare persist. He held the Wooden Axe and bowed in gratitude.

Hua Jiunan and Chen Daji walked Chen Fu and Chief Zhou to the car.

Chen Fu asked, “Son, do you and Jiunan need anything else? I’ll bring it to the school for you tomorrow.”

Chen Daji hesitated for a moment before saying sheepishly, “Dad, could you bring me a few detonators?”

Chen Fu flew into a rage and drove off. “Get the hell away from me!”

“I’m sending you to school to study, not to blow it up!”

“Dammit, what kind of sin did I commit in my past life to give birth to such a bastard son!”

In the car, Chief Zhou spoke to Chen Fu with a serious face.

“Given my profession, there are some things I shouldn’t say. But since we’re friends, I’m telling you: you must keep Deaf Granny’s words firmly in mind!”

“That old lady is no ordinary person!”

Chen Fu wiped his sweat as he replied, “I know, I know! The old lady’s reputation has spread for a hundred miles around!”

“Besides, you value that peace talisman she gave you so much; do you think I can’t see that?”

“Dammit, I just don’t know which deity I’ve offended. I’m feeling really uneasy!”

After Chen Fu finished speaking, he clutched the Wooden Axe in his arms even tighter.