Chapter 1: The Haunted Qixi Festival

The powdery neck was placed on the silk knot, and the embroidered cushion was kicked. Just then, the gong outside struck three times.

In the dead of night, when no one whispers, only the croaking of frogs and the chirping of insects can be heard

Zhang Qingteng sighed softly, "Sister, to be honest, I truly envy you as a delicate flower of a humble family. As for me, although I was born into an official family, living in luxury with servants all around, I find that I have no freedom in my actions, it feels just like being imprisoned"

By the way! There is a bag of rat poison in the corner. Zhang Qingteng was just about to pick it up, but then he straightened his back. Taking poison would cause bleeding from all seven orifices, and the face would turn a dark greenish color, no, no!

Zhang Qingteng's arms were so sore from throwing that she still hadn't managed to throw it up. As a delicate lady, she was exhausted and panting, sitting down to rest. Was she really going to have to change her method of dying?

Hmm

If she is the biological daughter of "Mother", how could she possibly be allowed to marry someone like that

Thank you both for your profound understanding! The jailer turned to the two ghostly officials and said, "I would appreciate it if you could kindly take the trouble to send the two young ladies back."

Why does every dying person have to ask this question?

The jailer glared at him and sternly admonished, "What could possibly be the matter? Our underworld operates with utmost fairness and strictness, leaving no room for error; there will be no discrepancies whatsoever"

After finally completing the entire performance of singing, reciting, acting, and fighting, Zhang Qingteng was satisfied and moved a brocade stool under the beam. He checked himself to ensure there was nothing amiss, and then took a prepared bundle of long white silk to throw it onto the beam.

The woman was dressed entirely in white: a white robe, white skirt, white shoes, and white socks. Even her flowing dark hair was tied up with a white ribbon. Coupled with her unadorned, snow-white face, she appeared exceedingly charming; however, at this late hour of the night, she was indeed somewhat eerie. Were it not for the shadow behind her, exuding warmth, in such a guise, she could easily be mistaken for a soul to be sent to the underworld, ensuring that no ghost would take notice.

Isn't this asking for too much?

Qixi

Upon reflecting on this, Zhang Qingteng could not help but feel a heart full of resentment, tears welling in her eyes, as pitiful as a pear blossom in the rain

"Sir! What has happened? Is there something wrong?" The talkative ghostly messenger had an expression of excitement.

"Well, since I don't want to live anymore, why don't I go back for you? You should live well in my place; my life is certainly better than yours" The female ghost expressed her intentions quite directly.

Hanging

The time has come, collect the souls

"Gentlemen! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" The ghostly messenger tirelessly promoted, "Even ants strive to survive; you two are in the prime of your youth, with a bright future ahead. Why let a minor setback bring you down? It would be better to return!"

She herself made a disgusting expression, looking utterly disdainful

As she spoke, she carefully observed the ghost woman's eyes; in the pitch-black underworld, nothing could be seen, except for a pair of eyes that shone like stars, revealing an undeniable beauty. This ghost woman, so eager to marry into a wealthy family, indeed showed a clear glimmer of envy when she heard the words "noble family, luxurious clothing and food, and a multitude of servants".

Who... who are you

As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for; good goods are not cheap." This windfall of a prize often comes with hidden intricacies. These two young women are not foolish; they are quite adept at assessing the situation and seizing opportunities

"Alas! This matter is quite lengthy to explain." Seeing the fish take the bait, Zhang Qingting felt a secret joy in her heart. Having grown up in a grand mansion, with her father having many wives and concubines, and numerous siblings, she was accustomed to the daily intrigues and struggles. The skill of speaking nonsense with her eyes wide open was as natural to her as eating and sleeping, and she executed it with remarkable finesse. "My mother has arranged a marriage for me, and it is said that our family is quite fortunate to have this match. He is the son of a first-rank governor, talented in both literature and martial arts, and has quite a reputation for chivalry in the capital." She deliberately paused, waiting for someone to inquire further.

After much contemplation, I find that hanging oneself has a certain aesthetic appeal.

The beautiful woman continued, speaking with a tone of grievance: "I cannot bear the humiliation and have resolved to end my life to preserve my purity! I wish to inform the fairy that in this life, there is no hope, but I hope that in the next life, I may be matched with a good man. Even if it is in a humble abode, wearing a hairpin of thorns and a skirt of coarse cloth, it would be better than being wrapped in embroidered shoes amidst the splendor, trapped in a forest of pearls and jewels wearing a red gown"

Indeed, she is a simple-minded country girl, easily deceived. Zhang Qingteng certainly does not believe that she would truly seek death; she fears that once she enters her own home, she will be reluctant to come out. With a hint of disdainful mockery, she continues to put on airs, "I wonder, since my dear sister is so fortunate, why would she choose to end her own life?"

"You want to be, but you can't! Why else would you wish to be someone like me in your next life?"

"It would be better to be dead," said another female ghost.

Her gaze first fell upon the glinting scissors, but she quickly dismissed the thought. That would be too painful, and the sight of blood flowing like a river would also stain her garments, rendering them less aesthetically pleasing

"I can go back if you want me to," Zhang Qingtian stated his terms, "unless you guarantee me a life of wealth and honor, with everything going smoothly! And a suitable husband to marry again!"

The young woman remained completely unaware of her surroundings. With utmost sincerity, she pressed her delicate hands together and knelt before the incense altar, praying to the moon. "O Weaver Girl, I am a young woman from the capital of Nankang, of the Zhang family from Qingting, aged twenty-nine. My father holds the official title of Minister of the Imperial Household, and my mother..."

As if aware of her intentions, this time the white silk fluttered past the beam and descended right before her.

Tying a wishful bow, Zhang Qingtian glanced around once more, biting his silver teeth, steeling his heart, "The essence is originally pure; let it remain pure! Do not allow it to be sullied in the mud!"

If her biological mother were not merely a beautiful maid, but rather a concubine of some standing, with the title of one of the "Top Ten Beauties of the Capital" circulating in the streets, how could she possibly worry about not finding a suitable and desirable match?

How could such good fortune be waiting for her ahead? She could hardly wait to take her small, delicate steps, eager to rush forward and reclaim her soul

A few ghostly officials saw the two of them arguing, yet they did not intervene, standing by with their arms crossed to watch the spectacle unfold

Try again! If it still does not succeed, then it is not meant to be, and I have no choice but to accept it

Indeed, there is a price to pay for voyeurism, someone thought expressionlessly

The jailer cleared his throat twice, changed his expression, and walked in front of the two female ghosts. "Ladies, today is the Qixi Festival, and congratulations to you both for winning the rare lucky prize that occurs only once in a century in our underworld! And the prize is—"

Ah. Yet in my heart, I am thinking that I should not be in the same class with him next time, he talks too much

The hellish messengers lurking in the shadows were growing increasingly impatient. They immediately revealed themselves, brandished their soul-retrieving ropes, and captured her three souls and seven spirits, binding them around her neck as they made their way to the underworld

Why did the young lady you received take her own life

Young Master Pan, a hero in his youth, how could he lack a beautiful confidante by his side? Zhang Qingtian subtly pointed out the reason and praised himself, saying, "I truly do not wish to ruin his great marriage, alas, alas, alas, I can only die to honor the scholar!"

Unable to comprehend

Burning fine sandalwood incense, I opened the green gauze window, allowing the bright moonlight to pour into the fragrant chamber

This is merely a foolish thought of mine, and I hope it does not amuse you, dear sister. Humility is a virtue, and one must remember it when one has gained an advantage

Goodbye! The chatterbox also detained Zhang Qingtian's spirit as it went in the direction of its return.

At this point, the woman clearly paused, overwhelmed by sorrow.

"That is only natural, thank you for your guidance, my lord." Zhang Qingteng responded with graceful politeness, while feeling overjoyed internally

Sensing her obviously unfriendly gaze, the female ghost retorted without hesitation, "Who knows if she is ill?"

I originally thought that the two of them would surely leave in tears of gratitude, cheering with joy, but unexpectedly, both of them snorted at the same time, saying, "No!"

Given your excellent circumstances, why would you still feel this way and seek to end your life?

I initially did not wish to answer this foolish question, but fearing her incessant nagging, I deliberately prolonged my tone and recited that famous line, "When the King of Hell calls for someone at the third watch, how can one be allowed to linger until the fifth watch? Zhang Qingteng, your lifespan has come to an end, come with me!"

At the winding and deep entrance of the Naihe Bridge, a long queue has formed. Just as I was thinking of handing the people over to Meng Po so I could go and receive the next batch, while also avoiding this long-tongued ghost, I saw the duty officer running out in a panic. Upon catching sight of the two of us, he let out a huge sigh of relief, "Fortunately, they haven't crossed the Naihe Bridge yet; there's still time, still time!"

"On what basis?" The thought of her body being occupied by someone else made Zhang Qingting immediately disagree. She cast a sidelong glance at the female ghost beside her, dark and shadowy; who could tell if she was ugly or beautiful, and whether she was clean or not.

Oh? Upon hearing this, Zhang Qingtian felt a stir in his heart. This kind of scholar from a humble background must be someone who is determined to strive for success. It is quite possible that he will truly rise to prominence in the future. If I were to become his wife at this moment, I would enjoy the honor and wealth that comes with his success, and I would not be a foolish and unworthy woman.

Why is this beam column so high

He chuckled and said, "Ladies, you!" He first pointed at Zhang Qingtian, "Before you died, you wished that in your next life, you could be matched with a good man, even if he comes from a humble background, wearing coarse clothes and living in a simple home. And you," he then looked at the other female ghost, "wished to marry into a wealthy family with a scholarly background, where you could have your clothes handed to you and your meals served. Now, I shall fulfill your wishes and let you exchange souls, how about that?"

A few ghostly officials exchanged knowing glances, and at the right moment, the jailer interjected, "Ladies, have you both agreed to the exchange?"

Why is that? The jailer was taken aback; the resurrection from the dead is a dream for many, so why are the two of them unwilling?

No one would believe it! The ghostly messenger, who spoke little, secretly grumbled, surely unaware of where the mistake had occurred, having summoned a living soul that should not have died, and now attempting to make amends.

The more proactive the seller is, the more determined the buyer becomes. Regardless of wealth, the desire to bargain is inherent to women.

Seeing her take the initiative to yield, the female ghost let out a cold snort, indicating acceptance of the "enemy"'s white flag

You!" Zhang Qingteng was so choked that he could not speak. Suddenly, anger surged within him; it would be better to let this woman marry that Pan Yunbao, leaving her unable to live or die!

The female ghost stomped her foot and exclaimed, "I too have had an unfortunate marriage! In our neighboring village, there is a scholar who is said to be a once-in-a-century prodigy. Everyone claims he will surely achieve the highest degree in a few years! The fortune-teller in the village said that I have a prosperous fate for my husband; whoever marries me will rise to wealth and power. He came to my house to propose. But you know, I can't even recognize a single character. How would I live with him if I married him? How could we even communicate? What if he really does succeed in the future and becomes a high official? I would be the one wearing the dragon robe but not resembling a prince. You know, I can't even recognize a single character. How would I live with him if I married him? How could we even communicate? What if he really does succeed in the future and becomes a high official? I would be the one wearing the dragon robe but not resembling a prince. What if he turns out to be like Chen Shimei and divorces me? Wouldn't I be wronged to death? That is why I sought a way out, to avoid future troubles."

With long, onion-like nails, tears of bitterness were cast aside, coincidentally landing right on someone's face

So, jumping off a building? But this place is only two stories high. What if I don't die from the fall, but end up missing an arm or breaking a leg? Is there still a reason to live then? ... If I were to fall and my brain splattered everywhere ...

The female ghost pondered for a long time before finally realizing, "Ah! You truly have a good heart!"

Oh

The jailer had been in hell for many years, dealing with various troublesome big and small ghosts. How could he allow two newly arrived little female ghosts to manipulate him? He drew out his knife and brush, and with a point on each of their foreheads, he quickly discerned the cause of their deaths

Having just arrived in the underworld and passed through the Ghost Gate, I was approached by another ghostly messenger from my class, "Hey! Brother, you back?"

"There is no interest in books." Thus spoke Zhang Qingteng

Hmph! A rural woman, uneducated and lacking skills

Do not be so pretentious! I neither understand nor enjoy listening to it

The two women exchanged a glance and simultaneously nodded slightly with restraint

Such a wonderful fate, then why are you unwilling

Zhang Qingtian was just feeling grateful for her good fortune when she suddenly saw the jailer chasing after her again. Her expression changed; could it be that the other party had changed their mind?

Zhang Qingteng took half a step back, appearing somewhat timid. In an instant, her demeanor changed completely, "This sister, I was in a bad mood for a moment and spoke incorrectly, please do not take offense."

My mother, swayed by the sweet words of a matchmaker, has betrothed me to that scoundrel from the capital, Pan Yunbao, the son of the governor of the Nine Gates! This young man indulges in debauchery, bullies both men and women, is a notorious gambler, and is known for causing trouble; there is no one in the capital who does not know him! As a frail young woman, if I were to marry him, I fear I would not survive even three days before meeting my untimely end

You are the one who is ill! Zhang Qingteng's anger surged as he exclaimed, "You, woman, speak so outrageously!"

"Young lady, there is something I will only tell you in secret." The jailer waved the ledger in his hand and said mysteriously, "This young lady's fate is truly remarkable; it guarantees you great wealth and nobility in the future! When it comes to pass, you must remember to come to the City God Temple and burn a few more incense sticks!"

Zhang Qingtian felt quite pleased with his last two sentences, but someone else grew impatient, exclaiming, "Enough already!" Frowning, he glanced at the time, noting it was not yet time, and could only continue to wait

I just received this one as well, and she is also a girl! She also hanged herself!

What has happened to me? That female ghost is still being aggressive

The young lady I received is also in despair! Tsk tsk, only eighteen years old, why not do well? Instead, she chose to hang herself, and once she did, she was gone!

Hurry up? I've never seen someone die so slowly as you! The ghost messenger couldn't be bothered to waste words with her and dragged her away. The sooner he could take her to the underworld, the sooner he could report back. He still had six souls to collect today; he was quite busy, you know

Without uttering a word, the ghostly officer captured the female ghost's soul and departed

Why did you take in a girl today? How did she die?

Three to four down

I am just like her! The ghost beside me chimed in.

He deliberately kept them in suspense before saying: "Dead and then reborn"

One moment

Am I... am I dead? How could it be so quick?

Two times