The news of Madam Xu’s encounter with a “ghost” quickly spread throughout the Wei family compound. Ming Shu didn’t get a chance to speak with Lu Chang, as she was summoned back to the residence by people sent by Second Madam Wei. She could only exchange a few meaningful glances with Lu Chang across the distance, silently assuring him of her safety.
Last night’s incident had caused quite a stir – the Duke’s daughter-in-law encountering a “ghost” at the Wei residence and being frightened badly. The Wei family had to provide an explanation one way or another.
When Ming Shu returned to the residence, Du Wenhui, Madam Xu, Wei Chao, and Madam Liu were all seated in the main hall, Mingshi Tang, with a crowd of servants standing below. Madam Xu looked unwell, presumably from getting little sleep after retiring late the previous night. She managed to maintain her composure while sitting there, merely nodding slightly when Ming Shu entered. Ming Shu’s gaze swept across everyone’s faces in the hall before finally settling on Du Wenhui – this was her first time seeing Du Wenhui since entering the Wei residence.
The weather was growing warmer in the fourth month, and all the ladies had changed into light spring attire – sleeveless bodices and layered skirts. Only Du Wenhui remained heavily clothed, with a high collar and buttons done up to her neck. Her features were delicate, and one could tell she had been a beauty in her youth. However, she now appeared even more haggard than the shocked Madam Xu, with protruding cheekbones and lifeless eyes. Though seated in the mistress’s position, she lacked the bearing of a family matriarch, frequently glancing at the elderly maid by her side for guidance.
Seeing this, Madam Xu’s face showed clear displeasure, but being a guest in the Wei household, she held her tongue. Ming Shu understood that the elderly maid must be Mama Lu, whom Madam Xu had mentioned – Wei Xian’s spy planted beside Du Wenhui. The woman had an unpleasant demeanor with a gloomy countenance.
With Wei Xian absent and no one to oversee matters big and small, Second Master Wei Chao was temporarily asked to preside. However, Wei Chao was also someone without much backbone, having grown accustomed to relying on his elder brother. He couldn’t come up with any proper course of action. In the end, it was the limping and disfigured Ding Xuan who stood in the hall and spoke with a lowered head: “The household is unsettled, disturbing our masters and ladies. It is due to the servants’ negligence, and we beg the masters’ forgiveness. I have investigated last night’s incident – the window screen in Madam Xu’s quarters was indeed broken, and there were handprints left on nearby doors. Besides these, no other traces were found. I have also questioned the maids and elderly servants on night duty, but none of them noticed anything unusual. No one knows where that thing came from or how it disappeared.”
“I’ve been saying there are ghosts in the house, why won’t any of you believe me?” Du Wenhui suddenly lost control upon hearing this, grabbing Mama Lu’s hand in fright.
“Please calm down, Madam,” Mama Lu placed her hand over Du Wenhui’s, “The doctor said it’s just hysteria – it will improve with proper medication. Last night’s incident might have been a misunderstanding. Perhaps someone was playing a prank on Madam Xu, or she might have seen wrong at the moment…”
“Mama Lu, why don’t you just say I have hysteria like your mistress, and that ghost was also my hallucination?” Madam Xu let out a cold laugh.
“This servant wouldn’t dare.” Mama Lu quickly lowered her head. “Madam was frightened while staying in our residence, and we certainly owe an explanation. But our household has always been peaceful, with no history of violent deaths. How could such a thing happen so suddenly? There must be more to this, but with the master away today, I beg Madam to grant us some time until the master returns to make a final decision.”
“Yes, yes, let’s wait for my elder brother to return,” Wei Chao hastily agreed.
“Additionally, since Madam was frightened while staying with us, this servant was thinking – perhaps we should send word to the Duke’s mansion, or arrange to send Madam back there to rest? Once the master investigates the truth, we can send someone to explain everything to Madam,” Mama Lu added.
Madam Xu laughed coldly again: “I saw this ghost with my own eyes. Before investigating, Mama Lu first claims it was human mischief, then wants me to leave the Wei residence – are you trying to hide something? Could it be that you, as a cunning servant, have been taking advantage of your mistress’s illness to overstep your bounds and have done something unspeakable, making you so afraid now?” She then turned to Wei Chao and said, “Second Master Wei, pardon my words, but is this how disordered your household’s hierarchy has become? The masters and ladies haven’t spoken, yet servants are making all the decisions? This wouldn’t sound good if word got out.”
“Madam Xu, you wrong me! This old servant hasn’t done anything!” Mama Lu’s gloomy expression changed as she hurried to defend herself.
“You old woman, withdraw at once! Who gave you the right to speak here?” Wei Chao, having lost face, had no choice but to order Mama Lu to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Madam Xu continued: “Your household’s affairs are none of my concern, but I cannot stand to see my sister-friend being mistreated. Please pardon me, Second Master Wei. Whether this ‘ghost’ is real or human-made, the important thing is to investigate clearly. I’m in no hurry – I’ll stay at your residence until Commander Wei returns to discuss this matter face to face.”
“Yes, yes, Madam speaks wisely,” Wei Chao quickly put on a smile and agreed.
“Second Master Wei, actually I wasn’t the only one who saw the ghost yesterday. There was also that female Daoist priest you invited back – why don’t we hear her account as well?” Madam Xu looked toward Ming Shu.
Ming Shu had been standing in the corner, listening to Madam Xu spar with Mama Lu.
Though a guest at the Wei residence, Madam Xu boldly confronted Mama Lu and refused to return to the Duke’s mansion despite being frightened – she had clearly resolved to use this incident to stand up for her close friend.
More than Mama Lu, Ming Shu was more interested in Ding Xuan. He and Mama Lu were likely Wei Xian’s two confidants used to monitor the inner compound – Mama Lu specifically watched Du Wenhui, while Ding Xuan oversaw all activities in the inner compound. His thoughts ran deeper than Mama Lu’s.
“I was invited by Second Madam Wei last night to investigate strange sounds that had been disturbing her sleep,” Ming Shu, having been called upon, swung her duster and walked casually into the hall, making a bow before speaking.
“Yes, yes, she’s the expert I invited back. Recently I’ve been hearing odd sounds from the rockery at night. I felt anxious and couldn’t sleep for entire nights. Last night she was staying in my side room when these sounds occurred again, so I asked her to investigate,” Madam Liu quickly chimed in, then nervously asked Ming Shu, “Did you discover anything last night?”
“I did. What was affecting Madam’s sleep was likely a stray cat that had entered the inner compound through a hole in the wall and made its nest in the rockery crevices. The cat should also be responsible for frightening Madam and causing her to fall earlier. If you search the rockery carefully during the day, you should be able to find this cat.”
“A cat… not a ghost?” Madam Liu mumbled.
“Are you disappointed?” Wei Chao snapped at her irritably.
Madam Liu shot him a glare.
Ming Shu continued: “What disturbed Madam was a cat, but while searching for it last night, I accidentally encountered Aunt… Madam Xu and we indeed ran into a ghost together.” Her tone changed as she continued with a grave expression, “That ghost wore white robes, floating in mid-air, with a deathly pale face and blood-dripping eyes. Its resentful energy had transformed it into a fierce spirit – very difficult to handle. I didn’t bring my spiritual tools yesterday, so I dared not rashly confront it, allowing it to escape.”
The surrounding people let out soft gasps, and Du Wenhui began trembling in fear.
“That vengeful spirit has taken root in your residence for unknown reasons, emerging at night to absorb the vital essence of your household members. It has already gained considerable power. If left unchecked, it will surely lead to disaster in time,” Ming Shu added.
“Then… what should we do? Please guide us, Immortal Xuanqing,” Wei Chao and Madam Liu huddled together, faces pale as they spoke.
“No need to worry too much, Second Master Wei. I can capture this ghost,” Ming Shu smiled slightly. “The evil spirit is hiding somewhere in your residence. I need to locate its lair before I can set up an array to capture it, and I’ll need everyone’s help with this. I heard from Second Madam that many people in the household have encountered strange incidents – that would be from the evil spirit attaching to them and absorbing their vital essence. I need to collect the spirit’s aura from these people to track down its hiding place. So I must trouble Second Master to have these people step forward – firstly so I can collect the spiritual energy, and secondly to perform an exorcism for them to prevent further attachment by the evil spirit.”
Wei Chao was already dizzied by this chain of events and could hardly withstand Ming Shu’s improvised tale. He immediately called out to everyone in the hall: “Among you, whoever has encountered anything strange, raise your hand.”
Swish swish swish – raised hands filled nearly half the room.
Ming Shu rubbed her nose, hiding a smile.
If normal methods couldn’t pry open their mouths, then she’d try a different approach.
“Madam Xu, what do you think…” Though surprised, Wei Chao hadn’t forgotten about Madam Xu sitting nearby.
“I’d also like to see this Immortal’s abilities,” Madam Xu didn’t expose Ming Shu’s ruse, merely nodding in agreement.
The Wei family provided Ming Shu with a flower hall to collect the evil spirit’s energy. All those who had encountered strange incidents lined up in the outer corridor waiting. Nearly all the Wei household servants came, whether they had experienced anything unusual or not – everyone wanted peace of mind through an exorcism.
Ming Shu called in one person at a time.
She had only prepared writing materials and incense. Sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion, she gave each person who entered a profound look before asking questions.
After questioning, she would have them turn around while she drew talismans in the air behind them and chanted incantations, finally shouting “Chi!” as she struck their backs to complete the spell.
Those who entered left with profuse thanks.
Though the ritual was simple and didn’t drain much of Ming Shu’s energy, the sheer number of people, combined with her detailed questioning of some individuals, consumed most of the day. By afternoon, Ming Shu had only managed a few sips of water, without even time to visit the privy.
After questioning everyone, Ming Shu had them leave while she remained in the flower hall to “meditate” and study her notes of everyone’s answers.
By evening, Ming Shu opened the flower hall door and requested to see Du Wenhui.
—
Du Wenhui’s weak constitution couldn’t handle frights. After returning to her room in the morning and taking medicine, she had already taken to her bed. Mama Lu and several maids including Ling Xue were attending her. When Ming Shu entered with Second Madam Wei, the room was filled with an unpleasant mixture of medicinal soup and incense.
“Keep your voice down – my sister-in-law is easily startled by noise,” Madam Liu quietly instructed before greeting Mama Lu.
However, Mama Lu blocked them at the beaded curtain, saying, “The Madam has taken her medicine and is resting. She can’t receive visitors. This servant appreciates Second Madam’s concern on the Madam’s behalf, but these matters should wait until Master Wei returns.”
The implication was clear – without Wei Xian’s word, she wouldn’t let Ming Shu see Du Wenhui.
Through the half-raised beaded curtain, Ming Shu saw Du Wenhui sitting propped up in bed, wearing only a plain white nightgown. She stared vacantly at the bed canopy as if her soul had departed.
When Mama Lu noticed Ming Shu’s gaze, she quickly lowered the beaded curtain to block their view.
“Just one look, to collect the evil energy from my sister-in-law – is even that not allowed?” Madam Liu tried to argue.
Mama Lu shook her head: “Please forgive me, Second Madam.”
“You…” Madam Liu grew angry and was about to lose her temper when Ming Shu pulled her back.
“Second Madam, let it be. Don’t make things difficult for Mama Lu.” She smiled politely at Mama Lu.
After Ming Shu persuaded her to leave, they exited the room. Madam Liu couldn’t help cursing: “That old wretch, wielding her authority like a chicken feather, always making things unpleasant for everyone!”
“Please calm down, Second Madam,” Ming Shu soothed her, then asked, “I noticed the First Madam’s spirits seem very low, and she appears quite ill. Is this because of the recent ghost incidents?”
“Sister-in-law has always been in poor health, but it’s gotten worse since this started at the beginning of the year.”
“I see. Perhaps First Madam could go to an outside villa to rest – her spirits might improve with a change of scenery,” Ming Shu suggested.
“Don’t even mention it. Years ago, my sister-in-law brought this up, wanting to stay at a villa for a while. Even the doctor said her illness was psychological and a change of residence might help, but my elder brother-in-law refused. He said the outside wasn’t like home – if anything happened, there’d be no one to take care of her.”
“First Madam wanted to leave?” Ming Shu asked.
“Yes, she brought it up several times but was always refused by her elder brother-in-law. He’s extremely protective of her, sighs.” Madam Liu replied, then asked, “How is your collection of evil energy going? Have you found the creature’s lair?”
“I have some leads, but can’t confirm yet,” Ming Shu said thoughtfully.
The sky was growing dark, and servants were lighting lanterns throughout the residence. As the two walked and talked, they suddenly saw Ding Xuan limping hurriedly toward the inner compound. Madam Liu remembered something and called out to him.
“Ding Xuan, has elder brother-in-law returned?”
“Yes, Second Madam. Master Wei has returned. This servant was just going to inform the Madam,” Ding Xuan stopped to reply.
“Perfect, take her to see their elder brother-in-law too,” Second Madam Wei wanted Ming Shu to meet Wei Xian.
Ding Xuan shook his head: “Master Wei brought back an honored guest, so he likely won’t have time for this matter. Second Madam, perhaps we should wait until tomorrow.”
“Honored guest?” Madam Liu questioned.
“Yes. The Palace General has arrived and is in the front courtyard now, with the Second Master attending them.” Ding Xuan took his leave to find Du Wenhui.
Madam Liu’s face showed surprise: “Why would the Palace General come to our home?”
Ming Shu furrowed her brow.
The Palace General was the commander of the Imperial Guard, Chief Commander of the Palace Command, and a second-rank military official – Wei Xian’s direct superior.
“Let’s go take a look,” Madam Liu, concerned about her husband, pulled Ming Shu along.
They circled the corridor and stopped at a corner to peek outside. Indeed, a group of people stood in the front courtyard, including two men in a military dress wearing the Great An Dynasty Imperial Guard’s light armor and carrying swords at their waists. Both appeared to be in their forties. One had a fair, beardless face and cut quite a distinguished figure – presumably the aforementioned Wei Xian. As for the other person…
Ming Shu’s eyes widened as she stared at him.
Wei Xian was making a welcoming gesture to that person: “Palace General, please.”
She rubbed her eyes, but wasn’t seeing things – that person was Wei Zhuo.
Palace General, Commander of the Imperial Guard, Chief Commander of the Palace… her Uncle Wei’s background frightened her.
No wonder he dared treat Lu Wenhan’s servants that way.
But Uncle Wei didn’t seem like someone of such high rank and power.
—
Deep into the night, the Wei residence remained brightly lit. Wei Xian’s return and Wei Zhuo’s visit had made for a lively evening.
The ghost incident took a backseat to Wei Zhuo’s presence, and Wei Xian had no time to deal with such matters – everything was postponed.
Ming Shu was still temporarily staying in the Second household. Lost in thought, after dinner, she silently took a lantern and her notes and sat against a wall.
After questioning everyone about the ghost incidents, she had worked out sixty to seventy percent of the situation, though the evidence was still lacking. However, she hesitated, unsure whether she should continue investigating. If she pursued it to its conclusion and the truth came out, perhaps it would harm innocent, pitiful people – what should she do then?
Should she resign to Madam Liu, return the deposit, and let the matter end here?
Ming Shu had no answers, burying her head between her knees.
On the other side of the wall, the grass whistle sounded again, playing the same children’s tune.
If her brother were here, she could ask his opinion – he was more clear-headed than her.
Ming Shu suddenly missed Lu Chang terribly, wanting to recklessly leap over the wall. Lu Chang would surely be waiting below to catch her…
But in the end, she only thought about it, picking a blade of grass to blow an off-key whistle in response to Lu Chang.
Tomorrow would be the Palace Examination, wouldn’t it?
After ten years of study, one’s name would be known in a single morning. She hoped her brother could achieve the rare feat of placing first in all three imperial examinations.
—
Outside the wall, Lu Chang leaned against it, holding a blade of grass to his lips to blow a melodious whistle.
From inside came Ming Shu’s terribly off-key whistle in response. He paused, a smile tugging at his lips.
Tomorrow was the third day. After he returned from the Palace Examination, he would be able to see her.