Chapter 6: Bestowed Name - Dream Life

Just as Chen Youfu was about to ask Master Zhang what this meant, there was no trace of Master Zhang in the courtyard, leaving Chen Youfu standing there in a daze, holding the demon-subduing ruler in his hand

Zhang Shanren, you must know that all those who die unjustly or wrongfully, if not transcended, can only become lonely souls and wild ghosts, unable to enter the cycle of reincarnation, wandering endlessly between the realms of yin and yang. After Zhang Lihua died, she transformed into a vengeful spirit and, by a twist of fate, borrowed a corpse to return to life in the body of a three-tailed fox that had been struck by lightning, daily consuming the wind and drinking the dew to absorb the essence of the sun and moon. Now, this seven-tailed fox has cultivated for over seven hundred years, and due to her greed for Ling Lang's celestial body and spiritual energy, she has taken on human form to harm him, unaware that the net of heaven is vast and intricate, catching all without fail. There is a destiny in the unseen. The devil rises a foot, while the Dao rises a mile, boundless is the Heavenly Lord...

Zhang Tianshi took out a dark object from the sleeve of his Daoist robe and handed it to Chen Youfu. Chen Youfu received the object and examined it carefully. The object was over one foot long and felt quite heavy in hand, neither gold nor iron.

Master Zhang Tian laughed and said: "Ling Lang's previous life is far more remarkable than mine, Zhang Ling. However, he has only attained enlightenment in the lower realm. In the future, I will have a connection with him. All of this is part of the heavenly secrets that he will come to know in due time. Since Mr. Chen has asked me to name his son, I, Zhang Ling, will take the liberty to do so. This child, having been entrusted by Guanyin in a dream, shall be named Meng Sheng. At the time of his birth, he was also protected by the splitting of green bamboo, so he shall be given the name Qing Zhu."

Master Zhang said: "This object is called the Demon-Subduing Ruler; you may hang it in your room to ward off evil spirits."

Chen Youfu nodded in gratitude and hesitantly said: "The ordinary man Chen Youfu earnestly requests the immortal Zhang to bestow a name upon my son."

Master Zhang continued, saying: "Chen Shubao was extremely fond of Zhang Lihua, building for her the exquisite Qie Pavilion. This pavilion stood several dozen zhang high and extended several dozen rooms, showcasing the utmost marvels of timber and the ingenuity of craftsmanship. The windows, walls, and railings were all made of deep sandalwood, adorned with gold, jade, and pearls. At the entrance hung a curtain of pearls, and inside was a treasure canopy bed, furnished with rare and precious items, all splendid and exquisite, unlike anything seen in recent history." Master Zhang looked at the black ash covering the ground and sighed softly. "The wealth and glory of the past are but fleeting clouds."

The remarkable event of Tian Cui'e giving birth filled the house with a radiant red light, and within half a day, it was known to everyone through Aunt Guihua's words. Visitors came in a continuous stream to offer their congratulations. Those with wealth presented silver bracelets and silver locks, while those with less money brought copper coins and books, or iron coins. Even those from truly poor families considered bringing two eggs as a congratulatory gift. There were also those who came empty-handed to bow and express their congratulations.

Master Zhang lightly shook the whisk in his hand, and a whirlwind rose from the ground. It swept away the scattered bamboo branches and leaves in the courtyard, as well as the black ash of the妖狐.

Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, mobilized over 500,000 troops to attack the Southern Chen. King Yang Jun of Qin descended the river from Xiangyang, while King Yang Guang of Jin set out from Liuhe, and General Yang Su led several armies directly towards the Southern Dynasty's capital, Kangjian. Meanwhile, Chen Shubao was deceived by treacherous ministers, indulging in revelry every night. It was not until the Sui army decisively defeated Kangjian that Han Qintian led 500 soldiers into the royal palace. However, the palace was completely deserted. After searching the entire palace, they found Chen Shubao, Zhang Lihua, and Concubine Kong in a dry well in the back garden. The soldiers lowered a rope and pulled up three people tightly embracing each other. Zhang Lihua's rouge had been smeared on the edge of the dry well, which is now referred to as the Rouge Well. King Yang Guang of Jin ordered the execution of Zhang Lihua!

Ah... Chen Youfu did not know why he felt a twinge of regret about Zhang Lihua being beheaded

Chen Youfu asked curiously, "Then how has this imperial concubine turned into a fairy again?"

Mr. Chen, there is no need for excessive courtesy. There is one more thing I must express; I cannot hold it back any longer. The Demon-Subduing Ruler can only eliminate demons and monsters, but it is of no use against ordinary people. I hope Mr. Chen will be cautious of the petty individuals. Zhang Ling bids you farewell; take care of yourself, Mr. Chen. Today's events should not be mentioned to a third party

Chen Mengsheng, Chen Mengsheng, courtesy name Qingzhu. What a wonderful name, thank you, Master Zhang, for bestowing it. Chen Youfu deeply bowed to Master Zhang.

Zhang Tianshi said: "Zhang Lihua was an unparalleled beauty in her lifetime, standing seven feet tall, with hair as dark and glossy as lacquer, reflecting light. Her face resembled the morning glow, her skin was as white as snow, her eyes were like autumn waters, and her brows, when raised, sparkled like distant mountains. This woman was also very intelligent, eloquent, and had an extraordinary memory. At that time, the matters presented by the officials during court sessions were organized by the eunuchs Cai Tuo'er and Li Shandu before being submitted to Chen Shubao for review. Sometimes, she could even recall details that Cai and Li had forgotten, responding to each point without missing a single one. Later, Chen Shubao neglected state affairs, indulging in debauchery, while the subjects were content with pleasure, leading to a chaotic situation in the prosperous Jiangnan region." Zhang Tianshi appeared to be filled with frustration over this situation

Chen Youfu treated all those who came to congratulate him with equal kindness, whether they arrived with gifts or empty-handed, greeting them with a smile. He invited them into the house to enjoy wedding cakes and share in the joy of the occasion. After the guests had left, Chen Youfu went out to organize the banquet for the third-day celebration, inviting relatives and friends to join in the festivities.