Chapter 4, The Department of Inquiry and Investigation

This character '基' seems somewhat familiar...

Holding the lamp, he stuck out his tongue and asked, "Who is Lord Chengyi? The name sounds somewhat familiar."

As the lantern bearer became increasingly perplexed, he had no choice but to follow behind and walk on. Just as the two passed by the Jile Temple, Liu Jian, who had been continuously calculating with his right hand, suddenly tensed his five fingers, and his body came to a halt. The lantern bearer, who was following closely, was caught off guard and bumped into him, quickly jumping back with a swift motion. Liu Jian, however, did not mind; he adjusted the headscarf on his head and a mysterious smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. The lantern bearer understood that this was a sign that the master had suddenly learned something significant, hence the smile. Indeed, Liu Jian pointed with his folding fan at the teapot the lantern bearer was holding and leisurely asked, "Lantern bearer, do you still remember how many lashes Shen Wansan received?"

As soon as the sweat towel was unfurled, Liu Jian suddenly shouted, "Don't move the lamp!" Startled, he jolted, and the sweat towel slipped from his hand. Liu Jian sprang up abruptly, pulling him onto the main road, and whispered, "Stand here, don't move around." The lamp holder was still puzzled, but Liu Jian had already dashed back to the earth mound, hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly used the fan as a shovel to begin digging up the soil.

Gao Chang looked around nervously, and though he was clever enough to bring over a chair, he reached out to embrace the old man. The old man, however, dared not comply, and after some pushing and shoving, he was finally helped up. Liu Jian took six coins from his sleeve and tossed them to the lantern holder, saying, "Stack these up and press down on them." Gao Chang, trembling, placed the talisman properly, stacked the coins, and then cautiously climbed down from the chair, bowing to Liu Jian, "My lord, will this ensure that there will be no disasters or misfortunes?"

Holding the lantern, Liu Jian walked briskly with a tense expression, not daring to interject, following straight towards the east until he finally slowed his pace upon reaching Andingmen Street. Cautiously, the lantern bearer asked, "Why does the esteemed one frown like this?" Liu Jian spat in response, "A frown is just a frown, what nonsense is this about a moth?"

Liu Jian snorted, "If you don't start speaking like a human, don't expect to hear a word of the inside story"

Just as I was about to ask again, I noticed Liu Jian's expression darken, and he quickened his pace towards a mound of earth by the roadside. At that moment, I realized that it must surely be the grave of the beggar Shen Wansan.

Having exited the library, it was already past noon. The sun shone down, causing the dust on the ground to rise, creating a hazy atmosphere that made the heat even more unbearable. Liu Jian took a sip from the teapot handed to him by the attendant and then spat it out behind him with a "pfft," as if trying to expel all the bad luck. He pointed to the north and said, "Haven't you always wanted to see where Shen Wansan is buried? Let's go take a look now." The attendant was overjoyed: "Your Excellency is wise and insightful!" He dashed ahead, but after a couple of steps, realizing something was amiss, he turned back and followed Liu Jian, smiling apologetically, "Sir... please go ahead." Liu Jian shot him a glance and slowly walked toward the northern part of the military training ground.

"Why do you say that those clerks do not strike eight hundred seventy-three times, nor eight hundred seventy-five times, but insist on striking exactly eight hundred seventy-four times?"

Liu Jian raised his fan and tapped the head of the lantern bearer, saying, "Although I have not traveled thousands of miles, I have read thousands of books. Therefore, I often advise you to learn and think more; merely reciting some pretentious phrases is of no use at all"

Holding the lamp, he hurriedly said, "When the time comes, the esteemed master can go directly to pay his respects..." Before he could finish his sentence, he received a sharp knock on the head from Liu Jian, resulting in a large bump on top of a smaller one. Liu Jian sighed and remarked, "I originally thought the trouble would be at Shuntian Prefecture, but unexpectedly, it has fallen upon this fellow."

"The Department of Water Management oversees all rivers, canals, and ponds under heaven; as long as it involves water, it has its share," Liu Jian said, suddenly stopping in his tracks and looking up at the sky. "Deng Deng, do you know what the Shuntian Prefecture was called in the past?"

The more one holds the lamp and listens, the more confused one becomes: "What kind of platform is this https://www.hetushu.com.com platform? You have not mentioned what the 874 is about all along."

Wang Yuanhua is meticulous in his work, and now seeking a scapegoat is futile; it is better to first help that old scribe avert the immediate disaster.

Before long, Liu Jian seemed to have unearthed something from the mound. He turned around, picked up the sweat towel that had fallen from the lantern he was holding, wrapped the object in it, then kicked at the loose soil he had disturbed. He lifted the lantern and quickly walked towards a deserted area. The lantern holder noticed his slightly furrowed brows and tightly pressed lips, as if he were somewhat anxious, which frightened him into silence, leaving him no choice but to follow quietly.

Only at this moment, while holding the lamp, did I realize that the "Lord Wang" was actually named "Wang Yuanhua." My curiosity surged once again, and I stepped forward to ask, "Sir, who is that Wang Yuanhua?"

Holding the lamp, he shouted loudly: "Our esteemed master has returned to rescue you, so open the door!"

After walking under the sun for half a day, holding the lamp and feeling so hungry that his stomach was pressed against his back, Liu Jian still had to wait for the young monk to bring water. He was not in a hurry to go out for a meal, merely leaning against the bed with his eyes closed, pretending to doze off. Holding the lamp sat beside him, using a fan to cool Liu Jian, and couldn't help but murmur to himself: "Today, the master has lost all elegance, lacking the calm demeanor he usually possesses. I wonder what treasures are buried in that grave, that he even disregards the fan gifted by Miss Luo and is so tightly guarded. Could it be that Shen Wansan has shown his spirit after death, and the master is digging for gold? No, I must go take a look."

The Astronomical Bureau and the Department of Inquiry

Holding the lamp, I thought for a moment and cautiously replied, "Is it mostly?"

Holding the lamp, seemingly understanding yet not fully grasping, could not help but exclaim: "How impressive, how exquisite! How did you come to know this, sir"

"The Honorable Liu Ji, courtesy name Bosheng."

After scolding the servant, Liu Jian lowered his head, his right hand hidden in his sleeve as he calculated for a while. Finally, he muttered, "Since they have already taken on this matter, they must have made some preparations. However, it is difficult for us to intervene now." The lamp holder could no longer contain himself and asked loudly, "Your Excellency... why are you being so secretive? We haven't broken any laws!"

Holding the lamp and covering his mouth to stifle a laugh, he quietly stood up and tiptoed to the bookshelf. He felt the lock and turned to see the key lying on the desk. Wrapping his hand in his sleeve, he gently picked up the key and silently tried it, biting his tongue to keep from making a sound.

Upon thinking of this, he also forgot his hunger and secretly chuckled. After waiting for a while, as the novice monk still had not brought water, Liu Jian's breathing became heavy, as if he had fallen asleep. He set down the lamp and the fan, and softly called out: "Master?" There was no response. He called again: "Your Excellency, wake up; is it permissible to sleep during the day?" While speaking, he protected his head, yet did not see Liu Jian jump up to hit him.

Holding the lamp, I heard the conversation take a wrong turn; I feared that there might be trouble following closely behind, so I quickly diverted the topic: "Indeed, sir, you originally intended to find the servant, but later encountered Wang Yuanhua and changed your mind to seek out Old Gao. Now you wish to visit the beggar's grave. What exactly is the purpose of all this?"

According to the records in the "History of the Ming Dynasty: Official Positions", Zhu Yuanzhang established the "Grand Historian's Office" while still known as the King of Wu, with Liu Ji serving as the Chief Grand Historian. Later, the Grand Historian's Office was renamed the Grand Historian Institute, and in the first year of the Hongwu era (1368), it was again renamed the "Office of Celestial Observations". In the third year of Hongwu (1371), it was officially designated as the "Office of Imperial Celestial Observations", and it was stipulated that the permanent duties of the officials of the Office of Imperial Celestial Observations were to observe the heavens, calculate the calendar, and predict fortune and misfortune. Without a special decree from the emperor, they were not allowed to be transferred to other departments

Liu Jian pondered for a moment and said, "It is best not to go out, especially not near water, to ensure your safety. Once July passes and the stars align in the east, you will have survived this calamity. This matter is quite perilous, so you must not speak of it openly, nor mention that I have assisted you. If you attract more trouble, the consequences will be even greater. Even your son should not be mentioned too much." Gao Chang replied, "My little Liang is very well-behaved and will not cause any trouble; you can rest assured, sir."

Then he held the lamp to observe Liu Jian's expression and changed his words, asking: "What is this Water Officer, and what is it all about?"

Liu Jian casually replied: "I am looking for the Zao Li, not just to find out who presided over the 874 baton. Since I have seen Wang Yuanhua, there is no need to guess; it must certainly be the idea of Master Yao. Master Yao has deep connections with Xingtai, and the methods he employs all have traceable origins. Therefore, what they plan to do is already set in stone. Currently, I am going to visit the tomb of Shen Wansan, merely to verify whether that beggar is indeed the person I have in mind."

Liu Jian slowed his pace and thoughtfully replied, "This person was originally the Right Minister of the Bureau of Astronomical Observation. When Emperor Taizu abolished the Bureau, he transferred to become the Chief of the Autumn Officials. However, by that time, he must have already submitted himself under Master Yao..." Deng Deng, puzzled, asked, "Isn't the Bureau of Astronomical Observation responsible for calendar-making? How could he possess such abilities?"

As he spoke, he waved to the lamp bearer. The lamp bearer had long been eager to try, and upon seeing his master beckon, he hurriedly took out a vermilion bowl from his cloth pouch, poured a little into a small porcelain dish to dissolve it, and boasted: "I have long known of your esteemed master's supernatural powers, capable of aiding the distressed and alleviating the troubled, hence I have specially prepared vermilion and yellow paper here." The old scribe beside him echoed his words repeatedly, completely disregarding the fact that a normal book boy should carry the Four Treasures of the Study, which do not include vermilion and yellow paper.

Only after re-entering the An Ding Gate did Liu Jian finally slow his pace and let out a long breath. He tossed the bundle in his hand into the arms of Peng Deng, instructing him to pack it properly, then raised his sleeve to wipe the dust off the fan and dabbed at the sweat on his face. Peng Deng couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Your Excellency is indeed the reincarnation of Bao Longtu." Liu Jian, aware that he was covered in dirt and that wiping his face had likely left it adorned with smudges, paid little mind to it and simply said, "Let us first return to the Berlin Temple to put away our things, then we can come out to find something to eat."

Just at that moment, a large cart rumbled past them, raising a cloud of dust in the street. Liu Jian hurriedly closed his fan and covered his face with his sleeve, only lowering it after the cart had gone far away. He replied, "Do you think the Shuntian Prefecture really cares about this little bit of silver? What they are looking for is the sea eye."

Holding the lamp, he exclaimed, and for the past half month, he had often gone out to buy food on behalf of Liu Jian, chatting with the village folk and the elderly, during which he had heard quite a few rumors. He was naturally talkative, and the host was well-informed; he also had an exceptional memory, often sharing stories with others, leading to lively conversations. During these discussions, he heard many folk songs, one of which went: "Surrounding the capital are eleven gates, built of grass and earth is Nezha City. If prophecies were wrapped in bricks and stones, they would resemble the armor of the Heavenly King." He thought it was merely amusing, not realizing there were indeed so many intricacies.

Holding the lamp, he hurriedly took out the compass from his bosom and handed it to his master. Liu Jian held the compass and examined it for a long time. Suddenly, he squatted down and used his right hand to pinch the dust with his thumb and index finger, noticing that it was freshly turned over, emitting a pungent earthy smell. Seeing his master laboring over the inspection, he quickly took out a square handkerchief, unfolded it, and held it over Liu Jian to shield him from the sun—though it was of little use, it at least demonstrated his loyalty.

Liu Jian turned his head to look at the lamp he was holding and slowly said: "The Bureau of Inquiry is specifically responsible for handling supernatural phenomena and inexplicable matters, while the predecessor of the Astronomical Bureau, the Grand Historian's Office, was established by Lord Chengyi. Do you understand how important this bureau is?"

Holding the lantern, he felt anxious, but the master had already given orders. He stood on the main road, not daring to approach, and could only shout at the top of his lungs: "Your Excellency... Sir, that is the fan Miss Luo sent you—do not let it get dirty, do not let it get dirty—please hold your hand, allow me to relieve your worries..." Liu Jian did not look back. The more he dug in, the more spirited he became, and the lantern holder lost his wits. Passersby turned to look, and feeling embarrassed, he dared not shout any longer.

Liu Jian shook his folding fan and smiled wryly: "You must have heard of Liu Ji from Qingtian, right?"

Holding the lamp, he made a sound of "Hmm" as if he understood, and followed Liu Jian out of Anding Gate. After walking for a while, he suddenly realized something was amiss and hurriedly asked, "Your Excellency, then... what does this Water Department have to do with killing beggars?"

Liu Jian would certainly not mention these rumors to Peng Deng, and in fact, upon hearing the name Liu Bowen, Peng Deng was already thunderstruck: "So he is a subordinate of the Immortal Liu; does he also possess magical abilities?"

In the 17th year of the Hongwu era (1384), Zhu Yuanzhang specifically established an institution called "Qiyunsi" under the Astronomical Bureau, which was responsible for divination using yarrow stalks. The head of Qiyunsi was titled "Commander," holding the sixth rank, with two deputy officials of the same rank, known as "Siceng." The remaining staff were all of the ninth rank, without a fixed quota, referred to as "Sishi," resembling the highest group of fortune-tellers in the empire. However, shortly after its establishment, Zhu Yuanzhang voluntarily abolished this institution.

Carrying the lamp, I followed for half a mile, but ultimately could not contain my impatience and lowered my voice to ask: "Your Excellency was originally unwilling to go; why has the tune changed now?"

As he was about to step forward to present the invitation while holding the lantern, he was suddenly pulled back by Liu Jian. When he turned to ask, he saw Liu Jian squinting his already narrow phoenix eyes, staring intently at the doorway. Filled with confusion, he turned back again, and just then, with a "ka la" sound, the red-painted large door swung open to both sides, revealing a lean middle-aged man stepping out. This man was backing out, wearing a black Confucian cap and a gray-blue brocade long robe, dressed as a scholar, bowing deeply in farewell towards the interior as he retreated. Following him, another official dressed in a crimson court uniform and wearing a black gauze cap emerged from within, cupping his hands in response—judging by the white pheasant embroidered on his rank insignia, it was undoubtedly Chen E, the governor of Shuntian.

Although it was the afternoon, the temple was filled with many cypress trees, providing ample shade. With the doors and windows wide open, a gentle cool breeze flowed in, making it feel less stifling. However, at this moment, the person holding the lamp was drenched in sweat, with beads of perspiration frequently trickling into his eyes, creating a very uncomfortable sensation. Just as he was wiping his sweat with one hand and unlocking the door with the other, he suddenly heard a "click" sound, and the lock opened in response, revealing a flash of red light before him.

The desire or speculation regarding the relocation of the capital to Beijing, if it were to become a reality, would elevate the Governor of Shuntian to the position of the Grand Minister of Shuntian, ranking among the minor Nine Ministers, thereby displacing the current Governor of Yingtian from his position. Although this official currently holds the rank of Fourth Grade, his future prospects are indeed limitless. Consequently, the yamen runners stationed in front of the government office are all in high spirits; despite the sweltering summer heat, they appear energetic and, with their shiny faces, exude a certain authority. This official currently holds the rank of Fourth Grade, yet his future prospects are indeed limitless. Therefore, the yamen runners stationed in front of the government office are all in high spirits; despite the sweltering summer heat, they appear energetic and, with their shiny faces, exude a certain authority.

Liu Jian, both amused and exasperated, quickly gestured for the lamp holder to help the old scribe take the Pixiu, then slowly strolled into the room: "The matter concerning Shen Wansan is of great importance. The court has already sent officials to resolve it, so you must not meddle, lest you bring trouble upon yourself." The old scribe nodded repeatedly, then asked: "What about this red string..." Liu Jian casually twirled the red string and reassured him: "I will write a talisman for you to affix to the beam of your house. The red string need not be tied, but the paper figure must be placed under the Pixiu. As long as you do not go out this month, after July, you will be assured of peace and safety." Then he asked again: "What about this red string..." Liu Jian casually twirled the red string and reassured him: "I will write a talisman for you to affix to the beam of your house. The red string need not be tied, but the paper figure must be placed under the Pixiu. As long as you do not go out this month, after July, you will be assured of peace and safety."

The Shuntian Prefecture Yamen is not far from Andingmen. Upon entering the city gate, one continues south along Andingmen Street, and after about one li, turns west into Fentingsi Street (which is actually too narrow to be called a street), arriving at the back gate of Shuntian Prefecture. Holding the lantern, I incessantly questioned about the mystery behind the 874 matters, but Liu Jian merely smiled and did not respond.

Liu Jian sneered slightly: "Do not underestimate these eight hundred seventy-four strokes. Eight seven four, oh eight seven four, this is the crux and the key to the diagram and the book"

Holding the lamp, I heard that Liu Jian was going to Shuntian Prefecture, and I couldn't help but shiver: "Then, Your Excellency, I have heard... I have heard that the governor of Shuntian is notoriously overbearing and brutal, even daring to shout at the emperor. It is not easy... He is not easy to deal with. As a Left Director, he may not even be willing to meet you." Liu Jian calculated as he walked and casually replied: "Who said I was going to find the governor of Shuntian? I am looking for the constable who killed Shen Wansan that day."

He mentioned "this fellow," and at that moment, "this fellow" happened to turn around and coincidentally saw Liu Jian and his servant across the street. The left side of his cheek suddenly twitched slightly, and then he strode across the street, clasped his hands in salute, and said: "Lord Liu, it has been three years since we parted in Jinling, hasn't it?" His speech was in pure Nanjing dialect, without a trace of the northern rolled tongue accent.

When Liu Jian took his leave and stepped out, he seemed to casually ask, "Old sir, how many people were there in total when you were kicking and beating Shen Wansan?" Gao Chang pondered for a moment and hesitantly replied, "It must have been a dozen or twenty people, right? It was quite chaotic, and I couldn't count clearly." Liu Jian let out a soft sigh, pushed the door open, and left, while the old scribe bowed repeatedly to bid farewell but did not dare to see him off at the door.

874

Feeling utterly perplexed, he suddenly received a sharp knock on the head from Liu Jian. Cradling his head with both hands, he wore a face full of grievance: "Sir, I haven't said anything at all..." Liu Jian shot him a glare: "What are you dazed about? Bring me the compass!"

Liu Jian smiled and said, "You are somewhat correct. However, in earlier years, this place was referred to as 'Kuhai Youzhou.' Therefore, the key to constructing Beijing City lies entirely in the character 'water'"

Liu Jian stopped in his tracks, unfolded his fan, and said with a serious expression: "Holding the lantern, Liu Bingzhong, Wang Xun, and Guo Shoujing from Zijing Mountain in Xingtai are all extraordinary talents, and their school can be traced back to the ancient benevolent rulers. They must not be taken lightly." Holding the lantern looked at him with bright eyes, seemingly filled with a hint of expectation, and could not help but respond earnestly: "Your Excellency's wise words, I am enlightened." This time, Liu Jian did not kick him; he merely said: "Liu Bingzhong planted eight hundred seventy-four trees on Wansui Mountain back in the day, which is the number of locked water. The capital of the Yuan Dynasty was centered around Wansui Mountain, which could have established a solid foundation, but this Nezha City ultimately lacks the battle robe and cannot suppress the sea of suffering and the calamity dragon."

Liu Jian took a deep breath, bowed deeply, and turned to leave

Liu Jian seemed to be lost in thought, muttering to himself: "This person had a brief encounter with me years ago; at that time, he held the position of the Chief of the Ministry of Justice... Wang Yuanhua always appears at such critical moments, and each time he holds a different position. To say there is no foul play, who would believe that? I remember he had already been appointed as a Minister of Instruction, yet he is still being shuffled around between the sixth rank. It’s likely that the Department of Investigation has quietly been reestablished."

Inside, there were continuous responses, followed by a rustling sound, and after a while, the door was opened. Holding the lamp, it was amusing to see that the old scribe was carrying a jade Pi Xiu, with a crooked paper figure underneath, tied to his wrist with a red thread. Although the jade Pi Xiu was not large, it weighed about seven or eight pounds. The old scribe held it with both hands, fearing to damage the paper figure while trying to open the door, which made him appear quite awkward. Upon seeing Liu Jian and his servant, he asked with a beaming face: "Sir, have you resolved my troubles?" At the same time, he attempted to bow, nearly stumbling to the ground.

Liu Jian glanced at the lamp he was holding, the corner of his mouth slightly curling up: "That is true. Forget it, come back to the copying pavilion with me."

Shall we not look for a servant anymore

Liu Jian looked around and casually asked, "Do you have any relatives, old sir? These days, I need your help to buy some food and firewood." The old clerk replied, "I happen to have a son who is a tiler; he can go out to make the purchases." Liu Jian nodded, noticing that the lamp was already prepared to be set down. He picked up his brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and wrote the phrase m.hetushu.com on the yellow paper as a talisman for the main beam. He then asked, "How should I address you, old sir?" The old clerk hurriedly replied, "I dare not impose; my surname is Gao, and my given name is Chang." Liu Jian filled in his name on the talisman, and seeing that the lamp was ready, he picked up his brush again, dipped it in cinnabar, and wrote the phrase m.hetushu.com on the yellow paper as a talisman for the main beam. He then asked again, "How should I address you, old sir?" The old clerk hurriedly replied, "I dare not impose; my surname is Gao, and my given name is Chang." Liu Jian filled in his name on the talisman, raised it with his left hand, and handed it to Gao Chang, saying, "This talisman must be placed on the beam by you, old sir, and it must be done with your left hand."

The master and servant arrived near the earth mound. Liu Jian slowed his pace, walking with his hands behind his back, and his expression appeared unusually serious compared to usual. The lamp holder, recognizing his master's mood, no longer dared to speak recklessly at this moment, but obediently followed Liu Jian, secretly lowering his head to observe the earth mound.

Liu Jian kicked out, and Deng Deng awkwardly dodged, smilingly asking: "Then who exactly is this person?"

In today's era, the Yongle Emperor once summoned Liu Bowen's son, Liu Jing, to assist him, only to be scolded by Liu Jing, who pointed at him and said: "Your Highness, in a hundred generations, you cannot escape the label of 'usurper.'" How could the emperor tolerate such insults? Consequently, he had Liu Jing beheaded, yet he did not pursue legal action against Liu's relatives. It is widely believed that this was due to the gratitude for Liu Bowen's assistance to Emperor Hongwu in establishing the Ming dynasty, a merit of great significance. However, there is another legend that states Yao Guangxiao once advised the Yongle Emperor: "The Duke of Integrity, Daoji, has already established himself; do not lightly harm his family." It was only then that the Yongle Emperor spared Liu's family; otherwise, like the Fang family of Ninghai, it is feared that even the ten clans would have been exterminated.

Liu Jian smiled faintly and returned the greeting: "Indeed... Lord Wang, you have been busy traveling everywhere; you have worked hard, you have worked hard." Lord Wang's lips curled slightly, perhaps in a smile, and then he twirled two strands of mouse whiskers, responding earnestly: "It is my duty; I must do it. Officials of the Ming Dynasty must be loyal and dutiful, each performing their own role, and naturally, the world will be peaceful." Liu Jian was taken aback for a moment and again clasped his hands: "Thank you, Brother Wang, for your guidance." The man smiled slightly, returned the gesture, and turned to leave. After walking a few paces, Liu Jian suddenly raised his voice to ask: "Brother Wang, what position have you recently been promoted to?" The man paused, did not turn back, and slowly replied: "Deputy Director of the Water Division of the Beijing Xingbu."

There are many overlapping footprints in front of the mound, varying in size, but all are relatively new marks. This place is not far from the main road, and there are no small paths or trees around; a mound has suddenly appeared, making it seem somewhat out of place. However, apart from this, after examining the surroundings from left to right and from top to bottom, nothing else appears to be amiss.

She hurriedly smiled and changed her words, saying: "Grandfather, you love the youngest the most, please go ahead and speak!"

This, I am not a tapeworm in his stomach. If it were a minor issue, I would rather not exert myself too much to save some energy

Liu Jian remained silent until he mentioned "finding food tracks," at which point the lantern holder felt his stomach rumble. The two quickly returned to their lodging, and the guest monk was taken aback upon seeing them: "Amitabha. Have you two been to Coal Mountain? You look as if the Kitchen God has descended to earth. I will have the novice fetch some water for you to wash up." Liu Jian nodded in thanks, pulled the lantern holder back into the room, tossed the package into the bookcase, locked it, and even affixed a talisman to the side of the cabinet. The guest monk was astonished again: "Amitabha. Have you two been to Coal Mountain? You look as if the Kitchen God has descended to earth. I will have the novice fetch some water for you to wash up." Liu Jian nodded in thanks, pulled the lantern holder back into the room, tossed the package into the bookcase, locked it, and even affixed a talisman to the side of the cabinet.

"Killing beggars is false, but transferring dragon energy is true; seeking gold is false, but searching for the sea eye is true. Liu Bingzhong is a rare talent in the world, having established the capital and attracted the White Floating Spring. However, this water is connected to the dragon vein of Mongolia, which not only needs to sever the Tartar's fortune but also cannot disrupt the hydrology of Beijing, making it quite difficult."

Holding the lamp, he felt compelled to inquire further. However, the two of them had already returned to the temporary report copying office. Seeing that Liu Jian had no intention of continuing the explanation, he had no choice but to step forward and knock on the door. From inside, a trembling voice asked, "Who... who is it?"

Mr. Liu Bowen of Qingtian passed away as early as the Hongwu period. Some legends suggest that he was poisoned by the treacherous minister Hu Weiyong, while others claim that with his supernatural abilities, he must have foreseen this calamity and thus took the opportunity to achieve a form of spiritual transcendence. Later, there were even more tales of having seen him in the deep mountains of Qingtian, where his appearance was said to be exactly as it was in life