Chapter 66 How many days until Qixi Festival?
What Jiang Geyun experienced in the double illusion was another person's complete life and a story that still haunts her to this day.
However, upon waking up and escaping the illusion, only a brief moment had passed in reality.
She remained silent, gazing at Shou Zhuo, feeling as if she had grasped something, as if some idea was about to sprout, but lacking a crucial clue, she didn't even know what her hesitation was pointing to.
The voice of the white-clad ghost interrupted Jiang Geyun's thoughts.
It was still a series of incomprehensible babbling words from Jiang Geyun. The white-clad ghost was roaring at her without any restraint.
The Liu Zhuozhi that Jiang Geyun saw in the illusion was always an overly silent person.
This excessive silence refers not only to reality but also to the depths of one's heart, something Jiang Geyun, who was able to glimpse through the power of the white dragon, understood best.
Or perhaps... Liu Zhuozhi's thoughts lie hidden in a deeper, more profound place, in an unformed deep contemplation, as light as a newly sprouted willow branch by the lake, or as fleeting as the spring breeze that cannot be grasped.
A question arose in Jiang Geyun's mind.
Will Liu Zhuozhi really turn into an evil spirit?
Jiang Geyun did not believe that Liu Zhuozhi died with deep resentment.
She suddenly realized at some point that dying was easier and would make her happier than living, so she made that choice.
She gave herself a chance to regret it, but she never did.
Liu Zhuozhi doesn't seem to have such a strong obsession with anything that he could transform into a demon.
Even though the white-clad ghost's method of manipulating illusions and influencing people's minds does indeed have a bit of a "let's see if anyone can figure out what I can't" feel to it, judging from the white-clad ghost's behavior...
Is she really Liu Zhuozhi?
Jiang Geyun's thoughts were not because she was unwilling to accept the reality that the girl had become a demon; rather, she actually hoped that the girl could become a demon.
Jiang Geyun carefully examined the white-clothed ghost.
Shouzhuo plunged the dagger into the tree behind the white-clad ghost from her lower abdomen. Despite the white-clad ghost's constant struggles, the dagger remained unyielding, leaving her only able to flail about, unable to break free, like a kitten wrapped tightly in a towel.
However, judging from the white-clad ghost's reaction and expression, Shou Zhuo only kept the white-clad ghost in place and did not make her suffer too much pain.
Speaking of expressions...
The white-clad ghost's face was obscured by her disheveled, damp black hair, making her features unclear.
Jiang Geyun stepped forward and parted the gap with her fingers.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the white-clad ghost suddenly opened its mouth towards her hand!
As if she had expected this, Jiang Geyun withdrew her hand and took two steps back lightly, displaying an air of impeccable cleanliness.
She calmly met the gaze of the white-clad ghost.
With his hands behind his back, he gently touched his right hand, which had almost been bitten, with his left hand.
The white-clad ghost was indignant and glared hatefully at Jiang Geyun. The face revealed after she brushed aside her hair was exactly the same as Liu Zhuozhi's.
Was she wrong?
After a brief moment of thought, Jiang Geyun called out, "Liu Zhuozhi."
The white-clad ghost seemed not to understand what she was saying at all, and continued to shout incoherently, trying to break free and continue attacking Jiang Geyun.
Even if there is a language barrier, shouldn't they at least have some reaction to their own name?
Clearly, the white-clad ghost couldn't discern what Jiang Geyun was thinking; she maintained her fierce expression, staring intently at Jiang Geyun.
Looking at it this way, it certainly has the aura of a demon.
The next moment, as if drawn by something, the white-clad ghost stopped struggling and looked blankly behind Jiang Geyun.
This change sent a chill down Jiang Geyun's spine.
Behind you, there's always been a place where anything is possible.
Jiang Geyun followed the white-clad ghost's gaze with slight stiffness, and after seeing what had happened, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
A glimmer of light is emerging from the dark mountains.
Judging from the origin and destination of this light, it must be from the wandering monk.
Jiang Geyun unconsciously smiled.
This white-clad ghost, from being scared and running away at the beginning, to now shouting with a bit of bravado, to being so easily distracted, unable to speak clearly, and having such a straightforward personality, all of these things make him act like a child.
……etc.
Jiang Geyun's pupils contracted slightly.
child?
If what she saw in the illusion within the illusion was indeed Liu Zhuozhi's life, if she remembered what happened correctly...
Cui Ni visited Liu Zhuozhi after she was placed in solitary confinement.
Liu Zhuozhi, who was confined, was no longer able to administer the contraceptive soup to herself.
so……
What continues to trouble the people of Lianzhou is their obsession with an unborn child.
She was formless and invisible, and could only appear in the form of her mother. Relying on her instincts, she asked the world what it was that made her mother choose death.
No one answered.
After this conjecture emerged, the details that had troubled Jiang Geyun and left her puzzled all became clear.
Why is there a language barrier? Because she can't speak at all.
Jiang Geyun slowly raised her head and looked at the white-clothed ghost with a complicated expression.
...
The abbot quickly settled down and stood protectively in front of Jiang Geyun.
She looked up warily, but saw nothing.
Abbot You was a light sleeper and rarely slept. Since she had accepted Jiang Geyun's request, she was determined not to be perfunctory and had maintained a high level of vigilance for the past few days.
The copper bell she gave Jiang Geyun was a pair; when one rang, the other would ring as well. If Jiang Geyun encountered any misfortune, she could shake the bell at any time, and she would do her best to rush to her aid.
Sure enough, as soon as Fang received Jiang Geyun's message, the copper bell in the room rang, and she immediately rushed over with a lantern.
But why is there nothing in front of me?
Jiang Geyun isn't the kind of kid who wanders around aimlessly. Besides, her presence in a place like this late at night is enough to indicate that something is wrong with her.
Abbot You maintained his protective stance towards Jiang Geyun, and turned his head slightly to ask, "Lord Jiang, are you alright?"
Jiang Geyun shook her head.
Turning his head, out of the corner of his eye, Abbot You noticed that Jiang Geyun was holding an unsheathed dagger.
Seeing the hesitant look in Abbot You's eyes, Jiang Geyun gave a wry smile.
She raised her hand to show Abbot You the slack, and said with lingering fear, "Abbot's judgment was correct, this dagger is indeed a divine weapon, thankfully we have it..."
"I was just affected by the white-clothed ghost and almost fell to my death in this deserted place. It was the ghost that came in time, killed the evil spirit, and saved me."
Hearing Jiang Geyun personally confirm that the crisis had been resolved, Abbot You relaxed somewhat, but she still maintained a minimum level of vigilance, looking around while praising:
"This dagger's capabilities are truly beyond expectations. It can sense its master's predicament from such a distance and arrive so quickly. It is indeed a powerful weapon!"
"When Lord Jiang asked me to take it, I thought he was being paranoid. But now it seems that if something this powerful can terrify evil spirits and prevent them from acting recklessly, it's only natural."
Jiang Geyun smiled in agreement, thinking to herself, "Master, please stop praising it. It's already proud enough."
With the scabbard not nearby, she could only continue to hold the sword, maintaining contact and sensing its emotions through the connection.
As they talked, Abbot You finished his investigation and completely relaxed.
She walked to the lamp that she had hurriedly put down, straightened it, and picked it up.
Jiang Geyun suddenly asked, "Abbot You, this lamp is so magical. When it was flipped over like that just now, I thought it would go out."
With the evil spirits vanquished and the worries of the past few days no longer materializing, the wandering monk's mood eased.
She smiled kindly and said, "The internal structure of this lamp is ingenious. No matter how the outer shell shakes, the place where the candle is placed inside will always face upwards, so it will not easily go out."
Jiang Geyun said, "I see."
She knew that the rolling lamp, with its internal structure called a constant-level frame, worked on a principle similar to that of a gyroscope.
Jiang Geyun stepped forward with a face full of curiosity, pointed to the lamp, and asked, "Would Abbot You be willing to give me this lamp?"
The abbot was taken aback.
This thing is certainly rare, but not so rare that even the Night Watcher would find it strange.
As long as Jiang Geyun wanted, she could summon her natal fire with a wave of her hand. What was a lantern compared to that?
But kids are kids, it's normal for them to be playful.
Moreover...
Master You laughed and said, "The important matter is settled. It seems that Lord Jiang can rest assured and wants to go celebrate the festival."
A holiday?
Jiang Geyun paused for a moment.
That's right, she almost forgot that the best time for lantern festivals is Qixi Festival, which is just around the corner.
However, that's not why she brought it up.
Lanterns are not only on Qixi Festival in July, but also on the Ghost Festival.
A lamp is truly a wonderful thing, a vessel for prayers and a way to convey one's heartfelt wishes.
Moreover, the lamps in this temple, which have absorbed the essence of faith, are most suitable for containing souls.
Jiang Geyun replied, "I have been frail since childhood and have never seen a lantern festival. I was just thinking of going to join in the fun. The abbot is really clever and saw right through my thoughts."
The first half of the statement is true.
Jiang Geyun originally didn't like going out. She always had one thing to do after another, so she didn't have time to go out. In the book, Jiang Geyun's mother and father died early, and she was even more busy. From any perspective, she had never participated in the hustle and bustle of a lantern festival.
Upon hearing her words, Abbot You smiled and shook his head, pointed at her, and silently said, "You." Then, the elderly abbot reached out and handed the lantern in his hand to Jiang Geyun.
Jiang Geyun held Shouzhuo in one hand and put it in her sleeve, while taking the lantern with the other hand and thanking him repeatedly.
The abbot looked around one last time and asked, "Has the matter of the white-robed ghost truly been resolved?"
Jiang Geyun gave an affirmative reply: "With Shou Zhuo's help, I have already delivered that evil spirit to the afterlife."
After a long silence, Abbot You asked, "What are Lord Jiang's plans for the future?"
Jiang Geyun said, "I would appreciate it if the abbot could remove the seal for me first. After that, I will go and settle this matter completely."
"Completely resolved?"
Jiang Geyun shrugged, looking tired, and said, "There's still some paperwork to do. I don't think being the Night Watcher is an easy job."
The abbot did not press further, but said meaningfully, "Being able to relieve the suffering of all beings and bring them blessings and peace is a good job."
Jiang Geyun gripped the lantern handle tightly, smiling calmly.
She said, "I have the same idea as the abbot."
...
Jiang Geyun had instructed Zhang Jing—the very useful clerk in the Legal Affairs Office—to regularly deliver the case files to Cheng Xi, making it seem as if she was temporarily staying in Cheng Xi's courtyard, staying indoors, and focusing on studying the case files.
For days, Zhang Jing has been delivering the items to her regularly, just as she had promised.
Not only that, she also made a copy and sent it to Cheng Xi's residence, then brought it to Bailong Temple so that Jiang Geyun could refer to it. At the same time, she reported to Jiang Geyun that she had completed her mission.
Jiang Geyun had never been a leader before, but even she couldn't help but sigh when she encountered a subordinate like Zhang Jing.
This kind of subordinate not only perfectly completes tasks, but also understands the superior's thoughts, thinks on a deeper level for the superior, and performs beyond perfection... no, I mean, is a lackey.
It's really soothing.
Moreover, she doesn't need Jiang Geyun to pay her a salary.
The capitalists' hearts are about to burst!
No to this disgusting stuff!
Thanks to Zhang Jing, Jiang Geyun was able to continue studying the case files and discover that the victims affected by the white-clothed ghost were all, openly or secretly, related to the Liu or Cui families.
It seems that although the white-clad ghost only has the mind of an infant, he is not completely ignorant of the ways of the world.
Furthermore, now that Jiang Geyun has confirmed that the Cui family is behind this case, the altered memories of the white-clothed ghost have also been explained.
Ordinary people like the Cui family may not have special abilities, but that doesn't mean that people with special abilities won't be driven by the Cui family.
Just like the incense burner that led to Su Guang's death, wasn't it also sent to Yunshui Temple by an "ordinary pilgrim"?
Jiang Geyun closed the book with a cold laugh.
She composed herself, looked up, and said to Zhang Jing, who was waiting, "Thank you for your hard work these past few days. I will certainly repay you handsomely."
Anyone would be pleasantly surprised that the Night Watcher owed him such a huge favor, but Zhang Jing remained calm and said with his head bowed, "It is my honor to be able to help Lord Jiang."
Jiang Geyun asked, "Has the Legal Affairs Office given you any difficulties?"
She had asked this question many times.
Zhang Jing said, "No, I didn't know it was for Lord Jiang. The office has given me even more freedom. These past few days, I only need to copy case files and send them to two places. There is no other work. I should thank you, sir."
Zhang Jing's answer remained consistent.
She made it sound simple, but Jiang Geyun wasn't stupid. Let alone sending it, copying the case files was no easy task.
It's always difficult to discern the truth from falsehood in people's words.
Seeing that she couldn't get any information out of her, Jiang Geyun stopped pressing the issue. She planned to finish her current tasks and then decide to increase her salary and make some protective items for her.
The candlelight in the lantern beside him suddenly flickered.
Jiang Geyun immediately turned her head and stared intently at the candlelight until it stopped flickering and became a steady flame before she could relax.
Zhang Jing did not leave, but stood in front of Jiang Geyun.
Jiang Geyun's actions were nothing; she acted as if she hadn't seen anything, showing no curiosity or further questions.
He's a really reliable person.
How could he be so reliable? None of the other clerks in the Legal Affairs Office are as competent as Zhang Jing.
Let's just say it's because the gap between people is too big.
Jiang Geyun chuckled softly.
As if she had just thought of something, she asked, "How many more days until Qixi Festival?"
...
The governor's mansion today is no different from the past.
In Cui Ni's eyes, his life had almost never been different, except... except for the days he spent with Zhizhi.
However……
Everything was just as the plaque said, "like dew and like lightning."
He glanced at the plaque of the Buddhist hall, his eyes filled with exhaustion.
Seeing his expression, the maid behind him cautiously said, "Master, may we inform Madam that you are unwell today and should not go to pay your respects to her, lest you inhale her illness..."
Before she could finish speaking, Cui Ni shouted, "Insolence! This is no place for you to speak!"
I don't know where this maid got the audacity to suggest to him that if things went any further, she should try to control him.
He only dared to make such a suggestion because he took advantage of her during his period of grief and spent a night with her. He probably already had designs on Zhizhi.
With Zhizhi's body still warm, he couldn't possibly take another woman as a concubine.
Moreover, he didn't know what kind of person the eldest daughter of the Mu family was.
Seeing Cui Ni's strong reaction, the maid immediately fell silent, knelt on the ground, and said, "This servant has overstepped her bounds, please punish me, Master!"
She knelt so firmly that her voice trembled as she spoke with a thud, sounding utterly pitiful.
Seeing her like this, Cui Ni didn't bother to argue.
He waved his hand and said, "Go down and receive your punishment."
He didn't specify what the punishment was, but the maid understood. She kowtowed again and retreated shakily.
Leaving aside the maids, he was in a very irritable mood today.
The Night Watcher has arrived in the capital to investigate the White-Clad Ghost case.
Before Zhaoyeshi arrived in Lianzhou, Cui Ni had already learned about this matter from his father. His father's fury at the time left a very deep impression on Cui Ni, and even after punishing many servants, he could not quell his anger.
He didn't think Zhizhi was related to the white-clothed ghost; it was just a coincidence. He told the Night Watcher to investigate and let it go. But Cui's father didn't think so. He looked at his son with disappointment and told him to step back, not to cause any more trouble, and to properly arrange the marriage with the Mu family.
Besides Cui's father's fury, Cui Ni's mother also became increasingly silent.
She was devoted to Buddhism and did not concern herself with worldly affairs. If it weren't for the limitations imposed by her status as the governor's wife, Cui's father would not have allowed her to truly convert to Buddhism. She would probably have gone to a temple in the prefecture the very next day.
Throughout her life, she lived in the Buddhist hall day and night, constantly chanting mantras.
What's the use of it?
Could he be spared from marrying the eldest daughter of the Mu family, or could he be replaced with Zhizhi?
The deathly silence made Cui Ni, who was already in a bad mood, even more reluctant to see his mother.
But if one does not greet one's mother, one will surely be scolded by one's father.
Cui Ni sighed and stepped into the Buddhist hall.
The deep, dark sandalwood scent made him feel instantly out of place; it was as if this place, from the very first smell, didn't welcome him.
Cui Ni looked at his mother's back.
The woman knelt on a prayer mat, with various items laid out on the altar in front of her, none of which Cui Ni recognized.
The woman herself was a devout Buddhist, yet she never forced her husband and son to do the same. This showed her propriety and manners. "My mother truly deserves to be a young lady of the Xue family," Cui Ni thought to himself.
He stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Mother."
Xue Chenbi seemed to only then realize that someone had entered the Buddhist hall. She slowly opened her eyes, staring at the three incense sticks in the incense burner. After a long while, when Cui Ni could no longer wait, she finally spoke, "You've come."
Cui Ni bowed and said, "Your son greets Mother with good morning."
Xue Chenbi nodded gently and said, "Get up."
Cui Ni stood up.
She did not answer whether it was peaceful, and Cui Ni did not ask any further questions.
The greeting was just a formality, meaningless, and I didn't understand why my father cared so much about it.
Xue Chenbi asked, "How is your father?"
Her every word and action was sluggish, with a weariness that seemed to come from the very marrow of her bones. She was only in her thirties, and there was no way she could be considered old, but the twilight-like aura she exuded in her movements was something that Cui Ni really disliked.
He cupped his hands and said, "Father is well."
Xue Chenbi nodded, about to speak again.
Cui Ni, growing impatient, said, "Mother is well, I shall take my leave for now."
Xue Chenbi did not stop her. The words she originally wanted to say were swallowed back down, and she never had the chance to say them again.
She's used to it.
So she said, "Go ahead."
Cui Ni bowed slightly, took a few steps back, and turned to leave.
The Buddhist hall returned to complete silence once again.
Without Xue Chenbi's instructions, the servants in the Buddhist hall would not make any moves without permission. Everyone watched silently as the mother and son performed the same act over and over again.
Xue Chenbi's gaze remained fixed on the incense burner without ever shifting.
She lit the three incense sticks herself, and they burned at the same time, but now they appear to be two long and one short.
After a long silence, Xue Chenbi said, "All of you, step back. All of you."
Upon receiving the order, everyone in the Buddhist hall left.
...
Cui Ni had not yet paid his respects to his father today.
When he answered his mother's question, he said that his father was well, but it was just to appease her, since she wouldn't care anyway.
With his father away, Cui was happy to have some peace and quiet.
However, his happiness did not last long.
Shortly after paying his respects to his mother, someone announced, "A guest has come to the mansion to visit Governor Cui."
Cui Ni originally intended to send someone to find his mother and deal with the person as he had done last time, but the servants reported back that the lady was still locked up in the Buddhist hall.
Cui Ni cursed inwardly. A servant informed him that the person waiting was Jiang Zhaoye, and that he should not be negligent.
Left with no other choice, he got up and had his servants lead the way.
The familiar lobby. The last time Jiang Zhaoyeshi came, she brushed past him. At that time, he did not know that she was Zhaoyeshi who was investigating the case. He even sighed that this woman was very beautiful and wondered why she came here.
Upon learning her identity, Cui Ni's admiration for her beauty vanished instantly.
At times like this, he only felt annoyed.
Cui Ni stepped forward, forcing a smile, and said, "Lord Jiang, I am sorry for not greeting you sooner."
Jiang Geyun also smiled.
She said, "Your family is quite esteemed. You've come twice, and both times I've kept you waiting. May I ask what your current academic achievements are, Young Master Cui?"
Cui Ni roared, "You!"
He has not yet achieved any official rank, and no one in the entire Cui family dares to mention this matter in front of him.
Jiang Geyun gently stroked the lantern and said, "Young Master Cui, what's the rush? I just wanted to confirm how to address you."
The servants tried to stop Cui Ni to prevent him from doing anything irreversible, but Cui Ni didn't need their help; he knew Jiang Geyun's identity.
He suppressed his dissatisfaction and was racking his brains to come up with an answer when suddenly, his gaze was drawn to something incongruous.
...a lantern?
Why turn on the lights in broad daylight?
He looked up suspiciously and met Jiang Geyun's smiling eyes.
For some reason, I felt a chill all over my body.
-----------------------
Author's note: - How many days until Qixi Festival?
-Actually, Qixi Festival has already passed this year (closes eyes) (disappointment comes from the author who failed to time it correctly)
Also: The plan was just a simple little side story, but I didn't expect to write so much despite rushing around. Once it's finished, I can start writing about the couple's daily life. Keep it up, SZXY!! (But even if it's just daily life, it'll most likely be the kind of unpredictable and turbulent daily life; that's the tone of this story, hmm.)
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