Thousand Dusts Ferry Me - Chapter 89

After Magistrate Chang changed out of his official robes, he hurried to the prison without stopping. Upon seeing Helan Qing, he smiled bitterly and said, “Dear nephew, such a major incident has occurred, yet you didn’t give me advance notice. This puts me in a very difficult position!”

Helan Qing said carelessly, “It’s a long story. Let me out first—this place stinks to death.”

“Very well, very well. I’ve already prepared a banquet. Go change your clothes first.”

This Magistrate Chang was about the same age as Helan Qing’s father, yet he acted subserviently toward Helan Qing. Helan Qing was accustomed to this and comfortably enjoyed his flattery.

As a murder suspect, Helan Qing thus swaggered out of the prison. Several beautiful maidservants attended to him as he changed clothes, then he sat down and drank several cups of warm wine to calm his nerves before telling Magistrate Chang the whole story from beginning to end.

Magistrate Chang listened in bewilderment—Shared Fate Gu, immortal ladies, haunting spirits—how could this devil’s one-day experience be more exciting than other people’s entire lifetimes…

After pondering for a moment, Magistrate Chang said, “Regarding those supernatural matters you mentioned, as a mere mortal, I cannot control them. For now, let me first find a way to clear you of the murder charges.”

“That’s good. I’ll trouble you to make the effort then.”

“Bah! What’s our relationship? Speaking such polite words makes it seem distant.”

“I’ll write a letter to grandfather about this matter.”

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Chang smiled so broadly that his mustache nearly turned upside down. “Ah, very good, very good. First, tell me what kind of person this Chen Fengchun is.”

“Him? Just a fallen family.” He then briefly described the Chen family’s situation in a few words.

When Chen Jinshu came of age, the Chen family had already declined, while the Helan family was at its peak. Helan Qing and his parents all looked down on the Chen family and wanted to break the engagement.

Because Chen Jinshu had quite a reputation for talent, Helan Sheng hoped she could raise several promising children and grandchildren, so he decided to continue with the marriage.

Helan Qing had even made a fuss about this. Helan Sheng, knowing what kind of person he was, sent an old servant to Zhuze City to secretly observe. The servant returned and reported that the Chen family’s sixth daughter was born with stunning beauty, which finally satisfied Helan Qing.

In Helan Qing’s view, talent was merely icing on the cake—birth was most important. Naturally, for women, the most important things were being good-looking and good in bed.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Chang’s face showed some embarrassment. He came from an ordinary family and had become an official through studying. The elders in his hometown all envied him, but how could they know that at his age, he still had to flatter this well-born young master?

Magistrate Chang pretended to wipe sweat, secretly rubbing his stiff cheeks, and smiled, “Yes, yes, that’s right.”

….

Chen Fengchun and Liang Xiao bought offerings and paper money to pay respects at Chen Jinshu’s grave. The two then discussed moving Chen Jinshu’s grave, otherwise when Helan Qing died later, Chen Jinshu would still have to share the same burial ground with the beast who beat her to death—even as a ghost, she would be disgusted.

Chen Fengchun sat before the grave, talking about Chen Jinshu’s past.

“She was clever from childhood, and her studies were first-rate—much more intelligent than us men. The clan elders sighed many times about why she had to be born a daughter.”

“She was very filial and considerate. Whenever she got something good, she would always present it to our parents first. As her brother, I sometimes felt ashamed of myself.”

“She always saw things very clearly, with sharp insights. Because of this, she sometimes spoke without sparing feelings and easily offended people. However, we all enjoyed chatting with her—we could always hear her express refreshing viewpoints.”

“She often made rouge from rose petals herself. This rouge was even sold at powder shops.”

Liang Xiao looked dazed, murmuring, “I never knew she had sold rouge. If I had known, I would definitely have bought some.”

Chen Fengchun looked at her and asked curiously, “What exactly was your relationship with my sister?”

Liang Xiao lowered her head, sighed softly, and said, “Actually, we had no relationship at all.”

Chen Fengchun was stunned. “How is that possible?”

Liang Xiao shook her head. “She was the daughter of a respectable family, while I’m a despised courtesan. Tell me, what relationship could two such people have?”

“If you two were strangers, why are you helping me?”

“You don’t need to know. Let’s go. Rest well, and tomorrow we’ll continue beating the grievance drum. I want to see how long this magistrate can delay.”

…..

Chen Fengchun returned to Rugui Inn. Seeing it was dinner time, he asked a waiter to order a bowl of plain noodles and sat in the main hall to eat. The noodles were overcooked and broke when picked up with chopsticks. After eating two bites, he became somewhat dissatisfied and called the waiter over to complain.

The waiter smiled and said, “Since the noodles are already cooked and edible, they cannot be returned. If the customer doesn’t like them, you can order another bowl. I guarantee this time I’ll instruct the kitchen to use less heat.”

Ordering another bowl meant spending money again. Chen Fengchun had to give up and continued eating with his head down.

After the waiter left, he rolled his eyes at Chen Fengchun’s back and silently mouthed three words. “Picky pauper!”

When Chen Fengchun was halfway through the bowl of plain noodles, someone sat down across from him.

There were clearly empty tables in the main hall, yet this person insisted on sharing his table. Chen Fengchun felt displeased, but being away from home, he didn’t want to start a dispute with anyone, so he endured it and continued eating with his head down.

However, that person called his name. “Chen Fengchun.”

Chen Fengchun paused, looked up, and saw a dark-skinned man sitting across from him. He didn’t recognize him.

He swallowed the noodles in his mouth, carefully wiped his mouth with an old, worn-white handkerchief, then said, “Who are you, sir? How do you know me?”

“Who I am doesn’t matter. Come with me.”

The dark, burly man took him to the best restaurant in Mengliang City. They entered a private room and ordered a table full of food and wine. After the dishes were served and the waiter had left, carefully closing the private room door.

Chen Fengchun looked at the table full of meat and fish and swallowed. He knew his reaction was unseemly, and his face involuntarily reddened.

The man placed a box in front of Chen Fengchun and said, “Open it and look.”

Chen Fengchun curiously opened the box. The golden light emanating from within immediately made him squint.

Inside were neatly arranged gold ingots filling the entire box.

Chen Fengchun stared blankly at the gleaming box, feeling his mouth go dry.

It had been too long—far too long—since he had seen so much money.

…….

Early the next morning, Liang Xiao came to Rugui Inn to meet with Chen Fengchun. The two went together to the county office entrance and stood before the grievance drum.

Yesterday’s events had spread like wildfire. Several citizens, eager to know what happened next, had already arrived early at the complaint drum, waiting for Chen Fengchun to beat it so they could call friends to come watch the trial.

Chen Fengchun stood before the drum, hesitating to act. Seeing this, Liang Xiao took down the drumstick and placed it in his hand.

However, Chen Fengchun put the drumstick back.

Liang Xiao frowned. “Chen Sanlang, what are you doing?”

At this point, Chen Fengchun could no longer avoid or delay. He steeled himself and said, “Liang Xiao, today… I came to withdraw my complaint.”

Liang Xiao was stunned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I’m not pursuing the case anymore.”

“You!” Liang Xiao’s face darkened. She looked at him coldly, then suddenly sneered, “What benefits did Helan Qing give you?”

Her gaze was like looking at something filthy. Chen Fengchun couldn’t bear it and lowered his eyes, avoiding her stare. He only said, “Don’t ask.” Then he started walking toward the county office.

“Stop right there, Chen Fengchun!” Liang Xiao called after him loudly, “Jinniang is watching from heaven!”

Chen Fengchun’s face flushed red as he said, “I have my difficulties.”

Liang Xiao grabbed his sleeve.

Chen Fengchun shook her off in disgust, frowning as he said, “Don’t pull and tug in public like this. What does it look like?”

Liang Xiao said, “What difficulties do you have that are more bitter than Jinniang being beaten to death? Chen Fengchun, don’t make me despise you!”

“What do you understand?!” Chen Fengchun could no longer contain himself. With red eyes, he said, “All these years, because my family has fallen on hard times, I’ve endured countless cold stares and had to eat other people’s leftovers!

The coldness and warmth of human relationships can only be truly understood by those who have experienced them personally. No one has the right to criticize me!

Yes, my sister died miserably, but her death wasn’t caused by me! The dead cannot return to life, but the living must continue living.

What I’m doing is just to let my family live better lives, so that at least my parents can have decent coffins when they pass away! Jinniang was so filial—she would surely support my decision from heaven!”

Liang Xiao sneered, “You speak so righteously, but aren’t you just doing this for yourself! You’re not only greedy for wealth and status but also hypocritical and cowardly! Chen Fengchun, do you have no shame at all?”

“Ha, shame?” Chen Fengchun seemed to have finally caught her weakness. He looked at her mockingly, his lips twisting into a strange smile.

He said, “You, a courtesan, talk to me about shame? You’ve served so many men—why don’t you discuss shame with your patrons?”

Liang Xiao bit her teeth, holding back tears as she said, “Yes, I am a prostitute, but what you’re doing now is something even prostitutes would despise.”

At this moment, a voice came, “Miss Liang Xiao, you can’t say that. As the saying goes, ‘Those who know the times are wise men.'”

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Helan Qing standing at the county office entrance, holding a rolled-up paper in his hand, smiling triumphantly.

Liang Xiao looked at him with disgust.

Helan Qing naturally hated her too, but after Magistrate Chang’s advice last night, he was now restraining himself and trying not to provoke her.

Magistrate Chang’s exact words were: “No matter what, first trick her into removing the gu, then you can do whatever you want afterward.

Women are all soft-hearted. Wear her down slowly—don’t act impulsively for momentary satisfaction. Bear with it for now. If that immortal lady you mentioned can help you remove the gu, that would be even better. Bet on both sides—you can’t go wrong.”

Helan Qing was persuaded.

Now, Helan Qing walked up to the two and handed the rolled paper to Chen Fengchun. This was precisely Chen Fengchun’s complaint document.

Chen Fengchun taking back his complaint meant the case had no plaintiff. Magistrate Chang wouldn’t actively investigate either, so the case would be concluded in confusion, with defendant Helan Qing released without charges.

Helan Qing said to Chen Fengchun, “Big brother, come eat at my house later. I’ve had a banquet prepared. Really, coming to Mengliang City and staying at an inn—don’t you consider me family?”

Chen Fengchun still had some face left. His pale features turned completely red. “No, no, I have urgent matters at home. I must leave now.” He turned and fled in panic.

Helan Qing looked at Liang Xiao and said gently, “I had a ruby headpiece made for you the other day. I originally planned to deliver it personally that day, but you treated me like that.” He looked at her resentfully. “You’ve vented your anger, haven’t you?”

Liang Xiao remained expressionless, her hand reaching into her sleeve.

Helan Qing’s scalp prickled. He reached out to stop her, but she drew her dagger even faster than last time—swoosh—the unsheathed blade flashed silver and was again pressed against her throat.

Helan Qing was so frightened he didn’t dare move. Previously, he thought Liang Xiao was just using the Shared Fate Gu to threaten him into confessing, not really believing she would commit suicide.

Now, seeing her like this, he was truly afraid. He hadn’t expected this woman to be so crazed. He was very curious about what relationship this mad woman actually had with Chen Jinshu to go this far for her.

Helan Qing said nervously, “Put the knife down first. Let’s talk nicely. I’ll give you whatever you want, okay? I can even make you my legitimate wife.”

Liang Xiao laughed bitterly. “Helan Qing, you don’t think becoming your wife would be some incomparable honor, do you?”

Helan Qing remained silent. He truly thought so, but fearing it would provoke Liang Xiao, he didn’t dare speak the truth. He only said, “I didn’t mean that. Liang Xiao, what exactly do you want?”

“What do I want?” Tears suddenly welled up in Liang Xiao’s eyes. “Since the law cannot give me justice, I’ll have to seek justice myself. Murderers must pay with their lives!” She closed her eyes and gripped the dagger tightly, thrusting it fiercely toward her neck!

Helan Qing screamed, “No!!!”

Clang——

The expected bloody suicide didn’t occur. The dagger slipped from her hand and fell to the ground.

A pine nut also fell to the ground, though it wasn’t very conspicuous.

Liang Xiao opened her eyes, confusion showing in them.

Helan Qing looked around and immediately brightened, as if receiving a great reprieve: “Immortal lady!”

Not far away, Yun Qing and her group slowly approached.

As Yun Qing walked, she said, “I know why everything has been going wrong for us.”

Fu Xue asked, “Why?”

“It’s been too long since we meddled in others’ affairs.”