Chapter 2

Silent words ... . ... The name is quite pleasant to hear, as Yu secretly thought.

Feng'er glanced at him like jade: "Why did you suddenly think of this? Are you wanting to touch someone?"

To this end, she went to ask her close friend, the ghost sister Feng'er. Feng'er was two years younger than her, yet had passed away many years earlier, which is why she regarded Feng'er as an elder sister, or even a senior. Whenever she encountered difficulties, she would not hesitate to consult her.

A man jokingly said: "Jiyan, your residence appears somewhat antiquated from the outside, but upon entering the house, it reveals a different world, truly elegant and refined."

"Pah! Pah! Pah!" Ru Yu glared at Brother Feng and angrily said: "You are the one who is a wronged ghost, you are the one who loves to take lives! You wicked scholar! Spitting blood at others! Pah!"

As Ru Yu did not give up, she murmured to herself: "Concentrate your mental energy... concentrate your mental energy..." while focusing intently and reaching out her finger to poke Shao Jiyan's arm, yet still to no avail

Brother Shao, you do not look well, what is the matter?

Shao Jiyan waved his hand and sighed, "Not at all, I merely scraped by; how could I possess such talent? It is mostly a case of misinformation being passed around."

The attire of this quiet individual is much more modest than that of the two young gentlemen, yet somehow, despite wearing an ordinary blue cloth shirt, it appears to exude more elegance than even silk garments when worn by him

Only Yu listened intently, having already floated out from behind the screen. At this moment, she feigned sitting in the empty chair by the table, resting her chin on her hands, glancing at him on the left and at him on the right, listening with rapt attention, as if she had joined the conversation of the three.

Oh... as Ruyu resolved her doubts, she thought to herself: concentrate your mental energy... concentrate your mental energy... Could it be that I concentrated my mental energy that day? Upon this reflection, she felt a sense of shame, wondering if perhaps there was a little lecher hidden in her heart... Why was it that at that moment, she was able to concentrate her mental energy...

Shao Jiyan said: "Brother Feng is right, I do not possess any great talent, nor do I dare to consider myself aloof. In fact, living here has not prevented me from making friends; have I not already made two confidants?"

Upon hearing this, Ru Yu was taken aback and looked at Shao Jiyan with a hint of unease. However, Shao Jiyan replied with a relaxed expression, "What could possibly be amiss? I haven't seen anything unusual. If we had encountered any ghosts or monsters, would we still be able to chat and laugh like this?"

Upon learning the truth, Ruyu was not in the mood to rejoice for having gained knowledge; instead, she remained perplexed, wondering how she could have encountered that scholar. This particular matter, however, could not be resolved by the collection of books in Yichun Academy.

"I have nothing to offer you two, just a cup of plain tea. Brother Chen, please do not decline." Shao Jiyan smiled as he served tea to Feng and Chen, and then he poured himself a cup to join them at the table.

Feng'er casually remarked: "Generally, it is not possible, but there are indeed special circumstances."

The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was attentive. Like a precious jade, Da Jiong, feeling embarrassed and angry, retorted: "Who wants to touch someone! Why would I want to touch someone for no reason!" After saying this, she left, leaving Feng'er, who was left in astonishment, and she floated away in a flustered manner

"Do not truly let us say that we have encountered a ghost; if that is the case, do not keep it from us."

No, nothing.

Naturally, she did not dare to tell the truth about the matter, and only casually inquired, "Sister Feng'er, is it possible for us to encounter living people?"

Before long, a young man entered the room, laughing and joking.

She was lost in thought when she suddenly heard the sound of laughter approaching from outside the house, and she assumed it must be the scholar bringing friends home. Although she knew she would not be seen, the events of that night made her feel quite bashful and shy, prompting her to slip behind the screen.

She harbored doubts in her heart, yet she truly did not dare to ask the senior man whether that part of him would emit a scorching exorcising substance. After pondering for a long time, she found that the only place where she could see that thing of a man was in the books and albums of the Yichun Courtyard, or perhaps she could find some leads. Thus, she decided to go to the Yichun Courtyard alone to study, and in the end, she managed to understand a few things.

"No, no, that is not permissible," Shao Jiyan declined.

Only Ru Yu knew that she had not encountered a disaster, and ultimately she felt relieved, yet she could never let go of that scholar. It was simply because that night, regardless of whether she had "concentrated her thoughts," she had indeed encountered him. That scholar must have felt it too; he was likely not less frightened than she was.

As Ru Yu crawled out from under the table, Shao Jiyan had already sent Feng and Chen out of the room, but he did not see them off far; he merely stood at the door watching them leave the courtyard before casually closing the door. When he turned back, the light smile on his face instantly vanished. Squinting at Ru Yu, who had just gotten up from the ground, he said with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor fully a frown: "Did you not have enough that night, and have come again today to make up for it?"

This time, I am merely seeking confirmation, as Yu knelt between Shao Jiyan's legs and said this to herself. Immediately, she swallowed hard, nervously reached out her hand to touch, but found nothing.

Shao Jiyan said: "I naturally know this. I appreciate your kind intentions. The reasons I rented this courtyard are twofold: first, the rent is affordable, and second, I seek tranquility. Although inns and guesthouses are good, they are ultimately crowded, making it difficult to find peace of mind to read and review my studies on ordinary days"

No, it was because I stayed up late reading last night, so I am not feeling very well at the moment

Still not working? As if jade is in doubt: Do I really have to touch there in order to concentrate my mind?

Feng and Chen exchanged glances, and no further words were spoken between them

Only then did Brother Chen say: "Brother Shao, in fact, there is another reason for our invitation for you to move to the inn today. It is because the other day we heard some strange tales from the inn's waiter, saying that the courtyard where you live is haunted"

Brother Feng took a sip of tea, looked around the room, and said: "Jiyan, although your room is elegant and unique, in my opinion, it is still not as good as staying in an inn or a guesthouse. Not to mention other things, just the fact that there are many people coming and going there allows one to make numerous close friends. It is also common to meet officials and dignitaries in disguise, as well as scholars and students. After all, we have endured ten years of hard study, isn't it all for the purpose of entering the court and becoming an official one day? I know you are talented and ambitious, but if you only meet some officials' sons before the imperial examination, while it may not be considered as seeking connections, interpersonal relationships are still important."

"Brother Shao, there is no need to be polite; we will not be able to sit for long anyway," another man spoke up

Brother Feng said: "Indeed, it is not to frighten you. We heard from the waiter that there is a vengeful female ghost residing in this courtyard, who commits evil throughout the year, particularly enjoying to harm scholarly young men. In the past, there have been scholars on their way to take the imperial examination who were driven to despair by this female ghost. Although they managed to preserve their lives, they became mentally unstable and fell into a state of madness.

As if feeling guilty and unable to bear it, she observed that the scholar must be a candidate rushing to take the examination. Now that the imperial examination has not yet commenced, he has first encountered a ghost, and it is likely that he is filled with fear and unease, unable to perform to his potential during the exam. After more than ten years of hard study, all his previous efforts could be wasted in an instant due to his own actions. It is even possible that he might develop some ailment from the fright, which would further add to her culpability.

What is the situation?" Ru Yu asked anxiously

Brother Feng laughed and said: "Does Ji Yan also need to study and review? With your talent and knowledge, it is almost certain that you will achieve success in the imperial examination. You may not know since you are not staying at an inn, but currently, the examination for the grace degree has not yet opened, yet the situation of candidates from various places has already spread throughout the capital. Brother Ji Yan's great name is often mentioned, and it is said that you have truly excelled in your journey to becoming a successful candidate!"

As Yu laughed softly, she circled around the table while saying, "Nonsense, where are the ghosts, where are the ghosts?" She playfully spun a few circles, but suddenly became puzzled, standing still in a daze... tilting her head, she foolishly pointed at her own nose and murmured, "Could it be... ? ... Are they talking about me?"

Shao Jiyan laughed dismissively and said: "Since this is a tale of strange occurrences, it is likely that someone has fabricated it for amusement. We are scholars on our way to take the imperial examination, and those people would say something about female ghosts haunting scholars. If it were merchants engaged in trade, they would probably speak of ghosts and bandits plotting to rob and kill. Confucius did not discuss the supernatural, so we might as well listen to it as a mere jest and not take it seriously"

Only saying that Ru Yu was studying hard under the table, yet unable to see above the table, Shao Jiyan's face revealed a strange expression

Brother Chen replied, "Even so, this place is indeed simple. If there are any other difficulties, you need not worry too much. I suggest you just move in with us; I will cover the rent."

Ru Yu was embarrassed by her own thoughts, bit her lip, and stole a glance at the three people in front of her who were completely unaware of her existence, then shrank her neck and slid under the table

As if curious, Ru Yu raised her hand to tentatively tug at Shao Jiyan's clothing corner, passing through him.

Shao ... ? ... brother ... ? Shao. ... ... ... silence ... ... words. ... ... Like Yu slightly nodded, noting down this name

Brother Feng has no words, while Brother Chen interjects: "Such matters are indeed better believed to exist than to be doubted. Even if fabricated, there should be some semblance of truth, shouldn't there? Having lived in this courtyard for these days, haven't you noticed anything unusual?"

Brother Feng said: "Do not refuse my sincere words; we are all acting out of friendship and have no intention of insulting you in any way"

Brother Feng is jesting; I, being a humble person with little to my name, am merely seeking the affordable rent of this small courtyard. I cannot claim it to be elegant, but it certainly offers tranquility

As the three of them spoke, they got up to leave. Ru Yu was just touching Shao Jiyan's crotch and unconsciously crawled out after them, saying, "Oh, don't go..."

After trying twice more, it was still the same. With a frown, she murmured to herself, "How strange..."

Except for those with certain skills, if you and I are similar, if we can concentrate our thoughts, we may occasionally encounter living beings by chance, not only living beings but also cats, dogs, tables, chairs, and benches—these tangible objects that we do not usually come across may also be encountered.

If Ru Yu knew that she would not die, and also knew that she had not been struck by any hidden weapon or spell, it had already been several days since then

A few nights later, as the moonlight softly illuminated the surroundings, Yu quietly arrived at the scholar's small courtyard. After hesitating outside for a long while, she finally entered the house. However, after looking around, she found no one there. Considering that it was getting late and the scholar would soon return, she decided to wait for him inside the house

This house has some years behind it, and it must have been covered in dust in the past. However, although it is old now, it is remarkably clean. The scholar's belongings are few, with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as clothing and utensils all arranged neatly, far better than the homes of the ordinary bachelors she has seen. This made her involuntarily sigh that scholars are indeed different.

It is indeed strange, as I clearly encountered him that night and even startled him to the point of splattering me with a hand full of it. How is it that nothing happened? Or is it that he is too embarrassed to admit that he was touched there, thus resorting to lies to cover it up? It is evident that his demeanor is natural, yet it does not appear to be one of fear or guilt. Could it be that I am mistaken? Did I perhaps misinterpret the situation due to momentary nervousness?

Since that night, she has been in a state of distraction, hiding in her refuge both day and night, too afraid to come out. After several days of pitifully hiding, seeing that she was perfectly fine and not as if she had vanished into thin air, she finally mustered the courage to come out one evening.

Ah, in that case, we shall not disturb you any longer. Please rest early

Hmm... The voice is also pleasant to hear. As Yu could not help but peek out from behind the screen, she saw two scholarly-looking young men sitting at the table, dressed elegantly, their demeanor exuding a certain gentlemanly air. Beside them, serving tea, was the one known as "Jiyan." Remembering that night, Xiangyu felt a rush of embarrassment and shrank back behind the screen, revealing only her pair of large, watery eyes, peeking over like a mischievous child.