News of Xu Shi’s ghostly encounter spread quickly through the Wei household.
Ming Shu had no chance to speak with Lu Chang before being summoned back to the main house by the Second Madam Wei’s servants. She could only exchange a few glances with Lu Chang, assuring him of her safety.
Last night’s incident was significant – the Marquis’s daughter-in-law had been frightened by a “ghost” in the Wei mansion. The Wei family needed to explain.
When Ming Shu returned to the main house, Du Wenxiu, Xu Shi, Wei Chao, and Liu Shi were all seated in the main hall, with a crowd of servants standing below. Xu Shi looked unwell, likely from her late night and poor sleep. She managed to stay alert, nodding slightly to Ming Shu as she entered. Ming Shu’s gaze swept across the faces in the hall, finally resting on Du Wenxiu – this was her first time seeing her since entering the Wei household.
Despite the warming April weather, when most ladies had switched to lighter spring clothes, Du Wenxiu remained heavily covered, with a high collar hiding even her neck. Her features were delicate, hinting at her former beauty, but now she looked even more haggard than the shocked Xu Shi. Her cheekbones protruded, and her eyes were lifeless. Though seated in the main position, she lacked the authority of a household mistress, frequently glancing at the old woman beside her for guidance.
Xu Shi visibly disapproved but refrained from commenting out of courtesy. Ming Shu realized this old woman must be Madam Lü, Wei Xian’s spy mentioned by Xu Shi. She had an unpleasant, gloomy demeanor.
With Wei Xian absent, Wei Chao, the second master, presided over the meeting. However, accustomed to relying on his elder brother, he struggled to take charge. Eventually, the limping, disfigured Ding Xuan stepped forward and reported, “The household’s unrest has disturbed our masters and ladies due to the servants’ incompetence. We beg for forgiveness. I’ve investigated last night’s incident. The window screen in Madam Xu’s room was indeed broken, and handprints were found on nearby doors. No other traces were left. I’ve questioned the night-watch women and maids; none saw anything unusual or know where the entity came from or went.”
“I’ve been saying there’s a ghost, why won’t you believe me?” Du Wenxiu suddenly lost control, clutching Madam Lü’s hand in fear.
“Calm down, Madam,” Madam Lü pressed Du Wenxiu’s hand. “The doctor said it’s just hysteria; you’ll improve with proper medication. Last night’s incident might be a misunderstanding, perhaps someone playing a prank on Madam Xu, or she might have been seeing things…”
“Madam Lü, why don’t you just say I’ve got hysteria like your mistress, and the ghost was my hallucination?” Xu Shi scoffed coldly.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Madam Lü quickly bowed her head. “Madam Xu was frightened in our house; we must explain. But our household has always been peaceful, with no history of violent incidents. How could this suddenly happen? There must be some misunderstanding. With the master away, we ask for your patience until he returns to make a decision.”
“Yes, yes, let’s wait for my elder brother,” Wei Chao hastily agreed.
“Also, since Madam Xu was frightened in our home, should we send word to the Marquis’s mansion? Or perhaps escort Madam Xu back to rest there until the master investigates and can explain in person?” Madam Lü suggested.
Xu Shi laughed coldly, “I saw the ghost with my own eyes. Before investigating, Madam Lü claims it’s human mischief and wants me to leave. Are you hiding something? Perhaps you, a cunning servant, are taking advantage of your mistress’s illness to do something unspeakable?” She then turned to Wei Chao, “Second Master Wei, forgive me, but is this how your household operates? The masters and ladies haven’t spoken, yet servants are making decisions? It doesn’t sound right.”
“Madam Xu, you wrong me! This old servant has done nothing!” Madam Lü’s gloomy expression changed as she quickly defended herself.
“You old woman, step back! You have no right to speak here!” Wei Chao, embarrassed, ordered Madam Lü to retreat.
Xu Shi continued, “Your household affairs aren’t my concern, but I can’t stand seeing my sister-friend mistreated. Second Master Wei, please understand. Whether this ‘ghost’ is real or human mischief, needs to be investigated. I’m in no hurry and will wait here for Commander Wei’s return to discuss this in person.”
“Yes, yes, as you say, Madam,” Wei Chao quickly agreed with a forced smile.
“Second Master Wei I wasn’t the only one who saw the ghost yesterday. That Daoist priestess you invited back also did. Why not hear her account?” Xu Shi looked towards Ming Shu.
Ming Shu had been standing in the corner, listening to Xu Shi confront Madam Lü. Despite being a guest, Xu Shi boldly challenged Madam Lü and refused to return to the Marquis’s mansion despite her fright, seemingly determined to stand up for her close friend.
More than Madam Lü, Ming Shu was intrigued by Ding Xuan. He and Madam Lü were likely Wei Xian’s trusted agents monitoring the household, with Madam Lü focusing on Du Wenxiu and Ding Xuan overseeing the entire back courtyard. Ding Xuan seemed even more cunning than Madam Lü.
“Last night, I was investigating strange noises disturbing the Second Madam’s sleep at her request,” Ming Shu said, stepping forward and bowing slightly.
“Yes, yes, I invited her as an expert,” Liu Shi quickly interjected. “Lately, I’ve been hearing odd noises from the rock garden at night. I’ve been so anxious I can’t sleep. Last night, she was staying in my side room when we heard the sound, so I asked her to investigate.” She then nervously asked Ming Shu, “Did you find anything last night?”
“I did. The source of the noise disturbing Madam’s sleep was likely a stray cat that entered through a wall hole and made a nest in the rock garden. It’s probably also responsible for frightening and injuring Madam earlier. If you search the rock garden carefully today, you should find this cat,” Ming Shu explained.
“A cat… not a ghost?” Liu Shi murmured.
“Are you disappointed?” Wei Chao snapped irritably.
Liu Shi glared at him.
Ming Shu continued, “While the cat was disturbing Madam Liu, I did encounter a ghost with Aunt… Madam Xu while searching for it.” Her tone became serious, “The ghost wore white, floating in mid-air, with a pale face and blood-dripping eyes. It was a vengeful spirit, difficult to deal with. I didn’t have my spiritual tools with me, so I dared not confront it directly, allowing it to escape.”
The crowd gasped softly, and Du Wenxiu began trembling in fear.
“This vengeful spirit has somehow taken root in your household, coming out at night to absorb the living essence of your household members. It’s already quite powerful. If left unchecked, it will surely bring great calamity in time,” Ming Shu added.
“Then… what should we do? Please guide us, Daoist Xuanqing,” Wei Chao and Liu Shi huddled together, their faces pale.
“Don’t worry too much, Second Master Wei. I can capture this ghost,” Ming Shu smiled slightly. “The spirit is hiding somewhere in your mansion. I need to find its lair to set up an array and subdue it. This will require the cooperation of everyone in the household. I heard from the Second Madam that many people have encountered strange events; they’ve likely been targeted by the spirit to absorb their essence. I need to collect the spirit’s aura from these people to track its hiding place. So, I’ll need you, Second Master, to have these people come forward. This will allow me to gather the spiritual energy and also cleanse them of the spirit’s influence.”
Wei Chao, already overwhelmed by the situation, couldn’t resist Ming Shu’s fabricated explanation. He immediately addressed the crowd, “Those of you who have encountered strange events, raise your hands.”
Hands shot up, covering more than half the room.
Ming Shu rubbed her nose, hiding a smirk.
If ordinary methods couldn’t make them talk, she’d try a different approach.
“Madam Xu, what do you think…” Wei Chao, though surprised, didn’t forget about Xu Shi sitting nearby.
“I’d like to see this Daoist’s skills,” Xu Shi didn’t expose Ming Shu’s ruse, nodding in agreement.
The Wei family provided Mingshū with a flower hall for capturing evil spirits. Everyone who had experienced strange occurrences lined up in the outer corridor, waiting. Almost all the Wei family servants came, whether they had encountered anything unusual or not, seeking peace of mind through exorcism.
Mingshū called in one person at a time. She had prepared only writing materials and lit some incense. Sitting cross-legged on a cushion, she gazed at each entrant with an air of inscrutability before asking questions.
After the questioning, she instructed them to turn around. She then drew symbols in the air behind them, chanting incantations. Finally, with a sharp “Chi!” she would strike their back, completing the spell.
The people left, expressing profound gratitude.
Though the ritual was simple and didn’t drain much of Mingshū’s energy, the sheer number of people and her detailed questioning of some took up most of the day. By afternoon, she had only managed a few sips of water and hadn’t even found time to use the restroom.
After questioning everyone, Mingshū ordered them to leave. She remained in the flower hall to “retreat” and study the notes of everyone’s responses.
As evening approached, Mingshū opened the door and requested to see Du Wenhui.
—
Du Wenhui, frail and easily startled, had retired to her room after taking medicine in the morning. Madam Lü, Lingxue, and a few other maids were attending to her. When Mingshū entered with the second madam of the Wei family, the room was filled with an unpleasant mixture of medicinal and incense scents.
“Speak softly,” Liu whispered, cautioning Mingshū. “My sister-in-law is easily disturbed.” She then greeted Madam Lü.
However, Madam Lü blocked their way at the beaded curtain. “The madam has taken her medicine and is resting. She can’t receive visitors now. I appreciate your concern, Second Madam, but we should wait for Master Wei’s return to discuss the madam’s situation.”
Her implication was clear: without Wei Xian’s permission, she wouldn’t allow Mingshū to see Du Wenhui.
Through the partially raised curtain, Mingshū glimpsed Du Wenhui sitting up in bed, wearing only a plain white nightgown. She stared blankly at the bed canopy as if her soul had departed.
Noticing Mingshū’s gaze, Madam Lü quickly lowered the curtain, blocking their view.
“Can’t we just see her for a moment? To help dispel the evil spirits?” Liu tried to argue.
Madam Lü shook her head. “Forgive me, Second Madam, but I cannot allow it.”
“You…” Liu began angrily, but Mingshū pulled her back.
“Second Madam, let’s not make things difficult for Madam Lü,” she said, smiling politely at the older woman.
As they left the room, Liu couldn’t help but curse: “That old hag, wielding her authority like a weapon, always making things unpleasant!”
“Please calm down, Second Madam,” Mingshū soothed her, then asked, “I noticed the First Madam doesn’t seem well. She appears quite ill. Is it because of the recent haunting?”
“My sister-in-law has always been in poor health, but it’s worsened since the New Year due to these events,” Liu explained.
“I see. Perhaps it would be beneficial to send the First Madam to a country estate for a change of scenery. It might improve her spirits,” Mingshū suggested.
“Oh, don’t even mention it,” Liu sighed. “Years ago, my sister-in-law suggested staying at an estate for a while. Even the doctor said it might help her condition, which is largely psychological. But my elder brother-in-law refused, saying it wasn’t as safe as home and no one could properly care for her there if something happened.”
“So the First Madam wanted to leave?” Mingshū inquired.
“Yes, she’s brought it up several times, but each time my elder brother-in-law rejected the idea. He’s overly protective of her,” Liu replied. She then asked, “How’s your investigation into the evil spirits going? Have you found the creature’s lair?”
“I have some leads, but I can’t be certain yet,” Mingshū responded thoughtfully.
As dusk fell and servants began lighting lamps, the two women continued their conversation while walking. Halfway through, they spotted Ding Xuan limping hurriedly towards the inner courtyard. Liu, remembering something, called out to him.
“Ding Xuan, has my elder brother-in-law returned?”
“Yes, Second Madam. Master Wei is back, and I was just going to inform the First Madam,” Ding Xuan replied, stopping to answer.
“Perfect. Take her to see my elder brother-in-law as well,” Liu suggested, intending for Mingshū to meet Wei Xian.
Ding Xuan shook his head. “Master Wei has brought an important guest. He likely won’t have time to discuss this matter. Second Madam, perhaps it’s best to wait until tomorrow.”
“An important guest?” Liu asked, puzzled.
“Yes. The Marshal has arrived and is in the front courtyard. The Second Master is also there,” Ding Xuan explained before excusing himself to find Du Wenhui.
Liu’s face showed surprise. “Why would the Marshal come to our home?”
Mingshū furrowed her brow.
The Marshal was the commander of the imperial guard, the Chief Commander of the Palace Command, a second-rank military official, and Wei Xian’s direct superior.
“Let’s go take a look,” Liu said, pulling Mingshū along.
They made their way around the corridor, stopping at a corner to peek out. In the front courtyard stood a group of people, including two men in military attire wearing the light armor of the Great An Dynasty’s imperial guard. Both were armed with long swords and appeared to be in their forties. One had a fair, beardless face and looked quite handsome – likely the renowned Wei Xian. The other man…
Mingshū’s eyes widened as she stared at him.
Wei Xian gestured respectfully to the man: “Marshal, please.”
She rubbed her eyes, but she wasn’t seeing things. That man was Wei Zhuo.
The Marshal, commander of the imperial guard, Chief Commander of the Palace Command… Her Uncle Wei’s background shocked her.
No wonder he dared to treat Lu Wenhan’s servants that way.
But Uncle Wei didn’t seem like a man of such high rank and power.
—
Late into the night, the Wei mansion remained brightly lit. Wei Xian’s return and Wei Zhuo’s visit had brought a flurry of activity to the household.
The ghost incidents paled in comparison to Wei Zhuo’s presence, and Wei Xian had no time to deal with such matters. Everything else was postponed.
Mingshū, still staying with the second branch of the family, was lost in thought. After dinner, she sat silently by the wall, holding a lantern and her notes.
Having questioned everyone about the hauntings, she had pieced together about 70% of the puzzle but lacked concrete evidence. She hesitated, unsure whether to continue her investigation. If she pursued it further and uncovered the truth, would she end up harming an innocent, pitiful person? Should she resign from the task, return the deposit, and let the matter rest?
Mingshū had no answers. She buried her head between her knees.
On the other side of the wall, the grass whistle sounded again, playing the same nursery rhyme.
If only her brother were here, she could ask for his advice. He always thought more clearly than she did.
Suddenly, Mingshū desperately missed Lu Chang. She wanted to climb over the wall recklessly, knowing Lu Chang would be there to catch her…
But in the end, she only entertained the thought. Instead, she plucked a blade of grass and blew an off-key whistle in response to Lu Chang.
Tomorrow would be the day of the palace examination, wouldn’t it?
After ten years of hard study, one’s name could be listed. She hoped her brother would achieve the rare feat of passing all three imperial examinations, claiming the top spot.
—
Outside the wall, Lu Chang leaned against it, holding a blade of grass to his lips and blowing a melodious whistle.
From inside, Mingshū’s painfully discordant whistle replied. He paused, a smile tugging at his lips.
Tomorrow marked the end of their three-day agreement. Upon his return from the palace examination, he would finally see her again.