Chapter 37: When Something Unusual Occurs, There Must Be Something Amiss (Part 2)

Feng Yuan led Hu Xiao cautiously into the house. As soon as they entered, he saw three men seated at the stone table in the garden pavilion. Two of them were familiar faces: Fat Zhang and Professor He.

The third, a middle-aged man, was none other than the magistrate of Fengcheng, Liu Chengwan.

Liu Chengwan was dressed in plain clothes; his face was fair, and he wore a small mustache. His eyes were sharp, his brows sword-like, and between them was an imposing air, solid and weighty as a mountain. A single glance at him brought a sense of pressure, making it difficult for anyone to harbor disrespect.

He was not tall—barely reaching one meter seventy—but his build was strong and well-proportioned, rivaling that of Master Zhang whom Feng Yuan had met earlier. Rumor had it that Liu Chengwan had once been a military champion, serving in the army before turning to civil service. His physique, then, was quite understandable.

“Feng Yuan, you’re finally back! The magistrate has been waiting for you for ages!”

Fat Zhang hurried over, excitement written all over his face as he stood before Feng Yuan. “You’re in luck! The magistrate seeks you—surely a good thing. If you make it big, don’t forget me!”

Feng Yuan pushed Fat Zhang aside and walked over to the magistrate, bowing respectfully. “Student Feng Yuan greets the magistrate and teacher. I did not expect your esteemed presence, sir. Please forgive me!”

“There’s nothing to forgive. If anything, it is I who intrude. Come, no need for formality. Sit with us,” Magistrate Liu said with a friendly wave, smiling warmly.

This magistrate’s name was Liu Chengwan. Feng Yuan had met him once during his scholar’s exam. He was not arrogant, and though he’d only governed Fengcheng for four or five years, he managed it with order and was beloved by the people. Feng Yuan’s impression of him was exceedingly good.

Feng Yuan did not sit, replying, “I am fine standing, sir.”

“No need to be so reserved. When the magistrate asks you to sit, you should sit,” Professor He interjected.

Feng Yuan nodded and finally took a seat.

“Feng Yuan, you’ve become quite famous these days! The novel you wrote has captivated many scholars—entire streets are deserted as everyone rushes to read it. Even I envy such popularity!” Magistrate Liu smiled at him.

Feng Yuan quickly stood up, a bit nervous. “Magistrate, I merely wrote some crude, unrefined stories, hardly worth mentioning. As for deserted streets, only you, sir, beloved by the people, could achieve such a thing. We are merely basking in your light.”

Magistrate Liu burst into hearty laughter. “Young man, you seem honest but are actually quite sly—such clever words!”

“Your popularity is well-deserved, sir. I speak only the truth, not flattery,” Feng Yuan replied quickly.

“Yes, yes, Feng Yuan is right, Magistrate. In Fengcheng, you are like a deity in the hearts of the people!” Professor He chimed in.

Magistrate Liu waved a hand, smiling. “Enough of that. Let’s not waste time. You all may leave. I have some matters to discuss with Feng Yuan.”

Professor He promptly stood, leading Hu Xiao and Fat Zhang out and closing the door behind them. The courtyard was now left to Feng Yuan and Magistrate Liu.

Magistrate Liu stood, glancing around the yard, and then turned to Feng Yuan. “Do you know who owns this house?”

“Sir, I do not. I am simply helping to watch over it. The person who entrusted me with this task did not wish to say more,” Feng Yuan answered.

“Hmm, since the one who told you prefers secrecy, they must have their reasons. I won’t tell you, then.”

He turned to Feng Yuan and asked, “There are rumors this house is haunted. Many who have lived here have met with accidents. Since you’ve been here recently, have you noticed anything unusual?”

“There was indeed something odd. In the first two days after moving in, I often heard a woman crying in the back wing. But after that, it stopped. The person who asked me to watch the house instructed me that as long as I didn’t go to the back wing, nothing would happen. So, nothing has occurred,” Feng Yuan replied.

“You haven’t seen anything supernatural?”

“Nothing, sir.”

Magistrate Liu frowned slightly, murmuring, “Impossible…”

Feng Yuan watched him, uncertain why he had been summoned. Did the magistrate intend to help him expel the supernatural? That seemed unlikely—there was no familial connection.

He pondered and then asked, “May I ask why you sought me out, sir?”

Magistrate Liu regarded him thoughtfully and smiled. “It’s like this. I’ve long heard rumors of hauntings here, but I’ve been powerless to address them. Recently, a friend visited and introduced a method for expelling spirits. I came to see if it might help, but after what you’ve just said, it seems my intervention isn’t needed.”

“I see. Thank you for your concern, Magistrate. I am deeply grateful!” Feng Yuan bowed.

“No need for thanks. As your official, it is my duty,” Liu replied with a gentle smile. “However, I do have a favor to ask of you.”

Here was the true purpose. Feng Yuan knew the magistrate hadn’t come merely to help with ghosts. He showed concern, then smoothly revealed his real intention, making it difficult for Feng Yuan to refuse. A sly old fox, indeed.

“Please speak, sir. If I can be of service, it would be my highest honor,” Feng Yuan said respectfully.

“Good!”

Magistrate Liu nodded in satisfaction. “Here’s the matter: My father, in his leisure, enjoys reading strange tales. Recently, he’s become enamored with your novels, praising them highly. His birthday is coming up, and for some reason, he insists I write a novel for him. But I have no talent for such things. So, I hope you will help me and write one instead. Of course, I won’t let you go unrewarded—I’ll give you five taels of silver as a fee. What do you say?”

“Another request to write a novel?” Feng Yuan was momentarily stunned.

“Another? Has someone else asked you for such a favor?” Magistrate Liu looked at Feng Yuan in surprise.

“To be honest, I’ve just returned from Master Zhang’s house. He sent someone to request my help in writing a novel, offering thirty taels of silver per month as payment, plus all proceeds from sales,” Feng Yuan explained.

Magistrate Liu’s expression changed dramatically. “Did you accept?”

“No,” Feng Yuan shook his head.

The magistrate breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Feng Yuan. “Why not accept such a generous offer?”

“It’s nothing, sir. My abilities are limited, and I simply don’t have time to write another novel.”

Magistrate Liu nodded, then smiled slyly. “Feng Yuan, if I ask you for this favor, would you be willing?”

“Your invitation, sir, is an honor. I would gladly go through fire and water for you. But truly, I have no time. The novel I’m working on is already exhausting me. I beg your forgiveness, for I am unable to help,” Feng Yuan politely declined.

Magistrate Liu was not offended. He stroked his mustache and smiled. “Feng Yuan, don’t be so quick to refuse. I haven’t finished. If you agree to help me, then in two months, during the provincial exams, I will personally guide you and ensure you achieve top scholar—first place!”

Feng Yuan was stunned, his eyes wide. Such an offer was incredibly generous. To have the magistrate guarantee he would pass as top scholar just for writing a novel? Was he mad? Was the novel really so important?

There must be something strange behind this. Master Zhang offered a high price for help, and Magistrate Liu was even more aggressive, offering a scholar’s title. Clearly, there was a hidden secret behind these requests. Feng Yuan resolved not to agree.