Chapter 8, Do Not Open the Door

After several consecutive knocks on the door, Liu Yuanwai became somewhat restless. Considering that there were skilled individuals in the opera troupe, he gritted his teeth and called upon the guests present, along with Master Zhao, to go over and see what was happening.

Chen Yuan does not dare to gamble

It is strange; just a moment ago, I could clearly see, and now I cannot even see the other side.

Your generous favor has allowed me to take a seat, and I have made connections with several wealthy families. I just discussed with quite a few of them, and this time I owe it all to your support.

The fog seems to have thickened a bit more

Meanwhile

... once this door is opened, you may be lost, and your son will not be safe either. Those present who dare to speak will also be drawn in.

Brother, what are you doing? This is something I am familiar with, let me handle it!

He was about to inquire "Who is it at the door?" when a sudden and intense knocking sound came from the front.

Who is outside, and why have they come to find my son

Open the door

As Liu Yuanwai and others turned to look, between the raised lintel of the courtyard gate and the ridge of the roof, a large grayish-white long face loomed ominously in the mist, gazing down at the people in the courtyard.

In front of the stage, about ten tables were filled with guests, bustling and noisy. Amidst the clinking of glasses and the lively chatter, several graceful maidens, dressed in long skirts, carried dishes in a long line from both sides of the stage, setting them down one by one on the dining tables

More than thirty people gathered together, which somewhat boosted their courage. They surrounded Liu Yuanwai and grandly circled around the feng shui wall, arriving at the entrance of the courtyard. There was a guard at the entrance, but he was slumped against the door, sitting on the ground, eyes wide open, with tears streaming down his face, clearly having been frightened to tears.

Liu Yuanwai's heart raced violently, feeling somewhat flustered. However, having lived for so many years, he had experienced a great deal. After calming himself, he gestured to the old servant beside him. The servant was also frightened, but since the master had spoken, he could not disobey. Cautiously, he stepped into the eaves and leaned against the door, peering through the crack to look outside

Open the door

In the dense, white mist, a figure nearly two zhang tall could be seen slowly approaching step by step, accompanied by the clinking sound of iron chains

... ...

At first, he thought it was a false alarm, but the chilling cold made him tremble uncontrollably, and in the end, he stammered as he spoke

Do not open

Should we consult with Chen Yuan and the others... After the performance tonight, we will move out

The lantern hanging at the gate swayed at this moment, its flame flickering. One of the guards glanced at his companion, cautiously approached the stone steps, and strained to discern the source of the sound. In the next moment, his expression froze, and he trembled as he struggled to move his feet. His companion hurried over to support him, asking what was wrong.

After the previous line of dialogue, the puppet in San'er’s hand was taken off the stage, and he also glanced over.

Chen Yuan elegantly picked up the dishes with chopsticks, placing the wooden carving of Guan Gong closely on his lap. As both sides had their own agendas, Liu Yuanwai's hospitality towards the theater troupe was aimed at binding that extraordinary person to assist in waking his son. Old Zhao and the senior brother, on the other hand, sought to extract more money from the situation.

At this moment, Liu Yuanwai stepped forward, took a deep breath, and asked:

Do not come over!

The former trembled as he pointed at the thick fog behind him, his mouth agape yet unable to utter a word. The guard tilted his head and followed the direction of his finger, his pupils instantly constricting.

Just now, he also thought of a possibility: could this soul-binding talisman draw away all those who see the ghostly figures in the courtyard

The two individuals spoke in low voices, yet their eyes remained fixed on the swirling mist, a white expanse that evoked a sense of fear. In a moment, as they were conversing, the sound of metal clashing echoed through the fog.

Mr. Liu squinted at the lively banquet and suddenly chuckled as he patted the old man's shoulder

Chen Yuan clenched his fists tightly, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the tall entrance, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead. The words he spoke were not solely due to Liu Yuanwai's concern for his son

"Sir, someone is outside... they are looking for the young master"

"It doesn't matter, sleeping anywhere is still sleeping. You can rest assured, we in the troupe have plenty of yang energy," the senior brother said, stuffing a piece of fatty meat into his mouth and confidently patting his chest to assure.

In the empty theater, several brothers are dancing with puppets and reciting lines, occasionally peeking through the gaps to see the lively banquet, whispering: "There are truly many wealthy people in the city"

Then the voice sounded again outside the door

As I was thinking, I put down my chopsticks and had just opened my mouth to call out "Old Man Zhao" when a stammering voice suddenly came from the flower-draped door: "My Lord... My Lord..."

Everyone under the eaves almost collapsed and sat down on the ground

"Open the door, I am leaving with the Yinchai!" The old man suppressed his emotions, biting his cheeks in an effort to calm himself down

In the courtyard of the Liu residence, the lively atmosphere continued to prevail. The guests, having indulged in drink, showed little interest in the wooden puppet show on the stage. Instead, they formed small circles with acquaintances, chatting about everyday matters or discussing the skills of a certain courtesan in the city, planning to seek her guidance the next day, which elicited laughter from the crowd

The sound of the knocking can be heard from here, indicating the force behind it. The group of guests who were originally intoxicated suddenly became sober, looking at each other in silence, and for a moment, no one dared to speak.

Lord Yincha... could you spare my son... he is of a timid nature, having never even killed a chicken, how could he have offended the City God... even the county magistrate has said it is not related to my son...

Bang bang bang

He saw a group of people approaching, and after some hesitation, they finally managed to make some sounds.

They do not know us, it does not matter how many there are, junior brother, don't you think so?

I need to find an opportunity to inform the master that I will be leaving shortly

Public resources used for private purposes, will those who witness it be silenced

The woodcarving performance no longer attracted an audience. After Chen Yuan finished the act in his hands, he also took a break and was arranged by Liu Yuanwai to dine at a table where no one had touched their chopsticks.

Bang

... ...

The sound of clinking, reminiscent of iron chains, echoed through the fog

Upon hearing these words, those around were taken aback, a chill creeping up the frail figure over there, as Liu Yuanwai looked anxiously towards the direction of the courtyard gate

However, the sounds outside remain gloomy

Be cautious of open flames

Why can't the Yin officials enter the door? Unless there is no decree from the City God, privately capturing living souls is something that cannot be done openly

As soon as the words fell, the door behind him slammed with a loud "bang," pushing the courtyard door inward with force. Chen Yuan stood among the crowd, a chill rising in her heart; there was certainly an element of fear, but more so, a coldness was seeping in from the outside. Instinctively raising her head, Chen Yuan's expression suddenly changed dramatically.

A gloomy sound echoed from behind the gate on the opposite side

Outside the courtyard gate, two guards listened to the lively sounds within, letting out a long yawn. The mist on the long street spread and gradually thickened, rising and swirling within the guards' line of sight

I implore the spirits to spare my son; I, an old man, will offer my life in exchange for the Li family!

In the gaze of the crowd, the old servant's body stiffened, and then he began to tremble, turning around with great trepidation. Cold sweat poured down his face as he repeatedly shook his head at Liu Yuanwai, yet he was unable to utter a word

In the noisy banquet hall, Old Zhao was invited to the table for the first time, sitting among so many wealthy gentlemen from the city. He couldn't help but straighten his back, overwhelmed with joy, swaying as he toasted everywhere. Excitedly, he pulled over Liu Yuanwai, who had come from another table to toast, to express his gratitude.

After dining, tonight, I must trouble all of you from the theater troupe to make do for one night in front of my son's room. As for the price, a little extra has been added; I have already discussed this with Master Zhao.

The elderly man, trembling in fear, was supported by someone, but suddenly broke free from the hand that was helping him, lowered his body, and knelt down.

The sound of the night watch echoed ethereally from the distant streets, and a thin mist had risen along the long street at an unknown time. Beneath the plaque inscribed with "Liu Residence," the wealthy families from the city were warmly invited inside by the steward of the residence, some familiar with one another, greeting each other as they entered together

Bang bang

... ...

Master ... ... There is someone outside ... ... looking for the young master

To celebrate the occasion, it is only natural to have many people. If I tell them, wouldn't that mean no one would dare to come over

Mr. Liu, who was speaking with the theater troupe, approached with a frown, followed by Chen Yuan and three senior brothers to see what was happening. In their line of sight, the guard's face was ashen, his lips trembling, and upon seeing Mr. Liu, he barely managed to squeeze out a few words.

Old Zhao quickly covered his mouth and let out a burp, watching Liu Yuanwai, who turned around to continue attending to the guests. He suddenly felt that staying to perform the wood carving play was a mistake.

Tears streamed down the old man's murky eyes, and his white head repeatedly struck the ground, his words choked with emotion

Burp

Bang

Turning past the "Spring | Water Birds Singing" feng shui wall, the corridor is paved with bricks and stones fitted together seamlessly. At the end of the extension stands a two-story small building in the front yard, with lanterns hanging high, casting a warm red glow that envelops the one-zhang high stage below. Musicians invited from the city pluck the strings of their instruments and play the suona, accompanied by several wooden puppets, each about one foot tall, performing vocal music on the hollow stage.

For a moment, he faintly heard footsteps. His gaze slightly shifted to the corner of his eye, where he caught sight of a figure in tattered robes, emanating a foul odor, passing by him. The figure stood beside the altar with hands clasped behind his back, leaned forward to glance at the table, brushed back his hair, and looked at the man who remained motionless in his hand seals.

"Looking for Boyuan?" Liu Yuanwai was taken aback for a moment, but then felt something was amiss. Who would come to visit at this hour? Moreover, the guard was frightened to such an extent.

It turns out that while I was speaking here, this terrifying face was looking down from above

In the vicinity of the Liu residence, shrouded in dense mist, a ritual altar was set up in the streets, accompanied by the murmuring of incantations. Li Yuanshan twisted two fingers, forming a spell, and focused intently on the black talisman.

Somewhat intoxicated, Old Zhao's words were incoherent, yet he remained relatively clear-headed. He pulled Liu Yuanwai aside and quietly asked, "Did you not tell them about last night?"

Looking at this father praying for his son's life, Chen Yuan felt a mix of emotions. Suddenly, he thought of something that made him furrow his brows.

By the order of the City God, apprehend Liu Boyuan of the Liu family!

The sound was not prominent amidst the noise here, yet someone still heard it. A guard, pale as a sheet, stumbled over, losing his footing as he descended the steps and fell to the ground. A guest passing by helped him up, only to discover that the guard was icy cold, trembling like a leaf.

The nerves of the crowd were already on edge, and they were suddenly startled. Tension filled the air as they turned to look in the direction of the sound, only to see that the young man from the theater troupe had a very pale face, fixated on the entrance of the courtyard.

The senior brother curled his lips and looked outside again, his eyes filled with envy

Speaking of which, looking at Chen Yuan on the other side of the stage, the latter smiled and said: "Indeed, it has nothing to do with us. Others have money, either earned through the hard work of their parents or through their own abilities"

Just as I stepped down the stairs, a sudden voice rang out

Sir, what has happened to your household guard

Li Yuanshan's eyes signaled frantically, and that mad old man squeezed over to his side, as if he had been struck by a galloping horse-drawn carriage. His entire body was pushed sideways and flew out, crashing heavily against the wall. When he hit the ground, he let out a "wow" and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood