Chapter 8, Seeking

"Old fellow! One should not judge a person by their appearance, just as one cannot measure the sea with a ladle. Are you afraid now?" The plump man rolled his eyes, feeling amused, as he was just worried about how to extricate himself from the situation

Stop the nonsense! Let's play chess. Young man, take a seat! The chubby old man stood up to offer his seat, secretly pleased: If I lose, I won't admit it! It's not like I made the move.

This is not surprising, as you are not a history major. Let me give you a brief introduction! Yu Daoquan is a renowned modern scholar of Tibetan studies and one of the founders of modern Tibetan studies in our country, hailing from Linzi, Shandong Province. Have you heard of "The Love Songs of Gyangkya Khatso"?" Silence enveloped the room as Shen Mo gazed at Xia Xiaowei

Liu Dun'er rummaged around for quite some time, seemingly unable to find what he was looking for. Finally, he moved a wooden square stool and placed it next to an antique cabinet. Standing on the stool, he opened the cabinet door and rummaged inside for a while, pulling out two cloth bundles and tossing them onto the ground. The sound of the bundles hitting the floor was quite heavy. Liu Dun'er got down and pulled out some clothes from the bundles, stuffing them into the almost extinct earthen stove. This type of stove was something Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei had only seen in old movies.

This is quite easy. It seems that I also need to introduce Mr. Yu Daoquan. The reason Mr. Yu embarked on the path of Tibetan studies was entirely due to Tagore. In 1924, Mr. Yu was originally granted a government-funded opportunity to study in the United States. In April of that year, coincidentally, Mr. Tagore visited China, and Mr. Yu served as a temporary translator. Tagore held Mr. Yu in high regard and suggested that he study in India. Out of admiration for Tagore, Mr. Yu gladly accepted and decided to forgo the opportunity to study in the United States with government funding. However, Mr. Yu ultimately could not go, as Tagore's academic exchange plan failed to reach a consensus with the then Beiyang government... This diary might just contain records from that period.

"Yes, that is her home," replied Shen Mo.

Look! Silence points to the ground.

The residence of Liu Zhi Feng is located approximately 300 meters south of Guangyue Tower, and it is very easy to recognize because it is distinctly different from the buildings on either side. Although the adjacent buildings are designed in an ancient style, it is evident at a glance that they are newly constructed. In contrast, Liu Zhi Feng's residence is a genuine old building, featuring a row of six storefronts. Although it is somewhat dilapidated now, one can still imagine the luxury and grandeur it once possessed. Due to the two-story buildings on both sides, Liu Zhi Feng's single-story house appears quite low. What is particularly noteworthy is that the windows facing the street are still adorned with old-fashioned wooden boards. All the windows are tightly sealed, and a lock hangs on the door.

"Old fellow, even in old age, you are still so sour. What fortune or misfortune is this, turning poor into literature?" the plump elder said with dissatisfaction

Fortunately, after a short while, Liu Dun'er extinguished the fire. However, the time was too brief, and the pot did not even heat up. Liu Dun'er took a large sea bowl, scooped the fish still attached to the willow branches into the bowl, and walked to the bedside. He placed the bowl on a small wooden table at the head of the bed. Then, he squatted down on the ground to observe his river net.

As soon as Tagore was mentioned, Xia Xiaowei understood why Shen Mo determined that what Professor Zeng Ping said was indeed this diary. Tagore, the Indian literary giant who wrote in Bengali throughout his life, has been referenced multiple times during this period

Liu Dun'er seemed not to notice them, merely engrossed in his own affairs as if no one else were present

The stout man scrutinized Shen Mo from head to toe, then glanced at Xia Xiaowei and asked: "Who are you?"

"Let's go! Why aren't you moving? Admit defeat! This game, even the gods cannot save you." The thin old man was relentless in his taunts.

Guangyue Tower, a cross-ridge pavilion with a four-tiered eaves and a hip roof, consists of two parts: the pedestal and the main building. The pedestal is a square platform made of brick and stone, standing 9 meters high, while the four-story main building is constructed atop the pedestal, reaching a height of 24 meters. The total height of Guangyue Tower and the length of each side are both 33 meters, equivalent to 9 zhang 9 chi. In ancient China, the number nine represented the utmost in yang, symbolizing its unexceedable nature. It is renowned alongside Yueyang Tower and Huanghe Tower as one of the three great towers of China. The total height of Guangyue Tower and the length of each side are both 33 meters, equivalent to 9 zhang 9 chi, reflecting its significance as an unexceedable structure in ancient Chinese culture. It is celebrated alongside Yueyang Tower and Huanghe Tower as one of the three great towers of China

Silently, he expressed his gratitude.

Other people? Hmph, the fat old man took a puff of his cigarette, "Well, young man, this cigarette of yours is quite good. Other people? What other people are there? Your uncle disappeared three months after marrying your aunt. Some say he went to Taiwan to find the old master, others say he went to the East, and some even claim to have seen his corpse by the Yellow River... No one knows for sure, it's been many years now, and anyway, no one has seen him since then! Your uncle disappeared three months after marrying your aunt. Some say he went to Taiwan to find the old master, others say he went to the East, and some even claim to have seen his corpse by the Yellow River... No one knows for sure, it's been many years now, and anyway, no one has seen him since then! The old lady gave birth to a foolish son named Liu Dun'er seven months after your uncle went missing. This son is just as good as not having one at all.

Xia Xiaowei nodded: "I have heard of it, but I have not read it. It is a collection of poems by the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso."

Uncle Pang looked up and said, "It's him! How strange, this kid usually doesn't come back until after dark. What could be the reason today? It seems that you really are fated to meet."

I am afraid? A joke! With this chess, I don't believe there is still a living one! Young man, come here! Old man, we agreed, if you lose, it's still yours. The thin old man indeed fell for the provocation.

"Indeed! It would be better if there were none. If there were no such son, the old lady would leave with greater peace of mind," the plump elder agreed.

He, without a doubt, has gone back to Dongchang Lake again. He is like a creature of the water, not meant to be born on dry land

Shen Mo signaled Xia Xiaowei to remain silent

Passing by the north gate of Guangyue Tower, I silently gaze upward

The "Love Songs of Cangyang Jiatuo" was translated into Chinese by Mr. Daoquan. Silence casually flipped through that diary

"That is his blessing!" the thin old man interjected, "If he does not squander his wealth, how can he determine the status of the urban poor? Based on the circumstances of his ancestors, wouldn't the 'Cultural Revolution' have implicated this orphan and widow in their misfortunes? Blessing is where misfortune leans. Misfortune is where blessing lies.

The plaque inscribed by Mr. Guo Moruo is vigorous and powerful

Thank you, sir, then we will go over. Having said that, Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei hurriedly crossed the road

"Sir, what is that family across the street up to?" Shen Mo stood up to offer the seat to the plump elder and asked again.

"Who is Yu Daoquan?" asked Xia Xiaowei

The elderly men playing chess are one fat and one thin

Excuse me, gentlemen, what is the family across the street doing?

"Celebrity? How come I have never heard of them?" Xia Xiaowei said dismissively

"Sit down and let me tell you. The fat old man took out two small stools from behind and handed them to Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei, saying, 'It's a long story! This Liu Dun'er was born a calamity. They say he is the reincarnation of a thousand-year-old turtle spirit. On the day before the old lady gave birth to him, it is said that she dreamed of a turtle entering her embrace, and the next day, Liu Dun'er was born. This Liu Dun'er is quite peculiar; from childhood to adulthood, he neither cried nor laughed. He understands what people say, but has never spoken a word. He started walking at just over one year old, but he couldn't turn; he could only walk in a straight line and make right angles. Liu Dun'er is indeed strange; from childhood to adulthood, he neither cried nor laughed. He understands what people say, but has never spoken a word. He started walking at just over one year old, but he couldn't turn; he could only walk in a straight line and make right angles. He has a natural affinity for water; as soon as he sees water, he forgets everything else. When he was two or three years old, he dug trenches in the ground at home and filled them with water, causing a huge mess in the house. Strangely, no one knows when Liu Dun'er learned to swim, but he is remarkably good at it. He dives into the water and won't come up until he catches a live fish. No one can say how long he can stay underwater. Strangely, no one knows when Liu Dun'er learned to swim, but he is remarkably good at it. He dives into the water and won't come up until he catches a live fish. No one can say how long he can stay underwater. Whether it's live fish or shrimp, he catches them and eats them raw. This kid has a conscience; in the end, he always remembers to bring a fish back for his mother."

What is the relationship between Yu Daoquan and the Liu family? How did Yu Daoquan's diary end up in their home?

Where is Liu Dun'er now

The fat old man was already sweating on his forehead, and he stubbornly said, "What are you rushing for? This is chess, not a death sentence! Let me think, I just don't believe..."

The chessboard is already in a stalemate. The plump gentleman is playing the red pieces, while the black pieces are already at the gates, poised to deliver a fatal blow. Shen Mo thought to himself, no wonder he is anxious! Shen Mo observed the game with a cold gaze; the red side must check the king at every move, otherwise, defeat is inevitable.

Uncle Fat was a bit impatient: "Let's talk about it later, can't you see I'm playing chess?"

Rich! This is not just any kind of wealth! His ancestor was a successful candidate in the imperial examination during the Qing Dynasty, and he was in the same examination class as the renowned Deng Zhongyue from Dongchangfu. Your uncle's father graduated from Qilu University and was also a prominent figure in Dongchangfu, but unfortunately, he had a short life. By the time it came to your uncle's generation, things had worsened; they lived off their past wealth until it was all gone, leaving them with nothing in the end. Ultimately, people disappeared without a trace! No one was seen alive, and no corpse was found. Leaving behind this orphaned mother and child, it is truly pitiful to think about!

Silence took out one thousand yuan: "Gentlemen, I kindly ask you to take care of my foolish younger brother. We are here to handle some matters, and I was unaware of my aunt's passing. Once the matters are settled, I will come to pick up Liu Dun'er."

Silently pretending to watch the chess game, after a while, he took out a cigarette and offered it to the two elderly men. The plump old man reached out to take it, while the thin old man waved his hand in refusal

Liu Dun'er was gazing at the numerous grooves and hollows throughout the room, deeply focused

This fish is probably cooked for his elderly mother

Shen Mo walked over and extended his hand. Xia Xiaowei handed the diary to Shen Mo. Shen Mo flipped through a few pages and exclaimed excitedly: "This is it! This is the thing!"

Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei left Liu Dun'er’s home with Yu Daoquan's diary

It would be better if there were none! The thin old man, who had remained silent all along, finally spoke up

Across the street, two elderly gentlemen are still playing chess

Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei were about to get up and leave. Suddenly, they saw a disheveled man with a full beard across from them. The man was bare-chested, covered in thick body hair, and wore nothing but a pair of dirty shorts that were so stained their color was unrecognizable. He was walking hurriedly barefoot, holding a grass carp over a foot long in his hand, with willow branches threaded through its gills

He is burning clothes and cooking fish!" Xia Xiaowei's eyes widened, "The fish hasn't been scaled or gutted yet!

Shen Mo has already seen clearly that the endgame on the chessboard is very similar to "Capturing Ji on a Snowy Night" from the "Lankao Divine Machine". He had every confidence in winning, but he could not bear to hurt the dignity of the thin old man. Therefore, Shen Mo showed mercy. After a few moves, the game ended in a draw

Oh, I see," Shen Mo said with a smile, "the old lady is a distant aunt of mine; her mother and my grandmother are two sisters. The relatives are quite distant, and we haven't been in touch for many years. It just so happens that my sister and I came to Liaocheng to take care of some matters. My mother specifically instructed us to pay a visit to her.

"Old fellow, didn't you win? How capable are you? Just look at that smug expression you had a moment ago, like a little man who has achieved success." The plump old man felt quite pleased.

Shen Mo and Xia Xiaowei both evaded.

They followed in silence, and Xia Xiaowei casually closed the door behind them

Under the shade of the locust tree across the small street, two elderly men are playing chess

The ground is surprisingly crisscrossed with grooves, each approximately 5 centimeters wide, filled with water. At first glance, it resembles a miniature river network. It seems that what the two elderly men said was not unfounded

"When will Liu Dun'er come home?" asked Xia Xiaowei

Died of illness. What other way is there to die? Alas! This family is finished, utterly finished. It is often said that wealth and poverty do not last beyond three generations; being a little poor or a little rich is acceptable, but the old Liu family is just too... it's hard to put into words, better left unsaid!

"Dead? How did he die?" Upon hearing that Six-Fingered Feng had died, Shen Mo immediately became tense

After that, they took a taxi back to Jiangbei University. However, Xia Xiaowei felt a heavy weight in her heart

I am not sure about this issue. However, the old gentleman just mentioned that Liu Dun'er’s grandfather graduated from Qilu University. Based on the timeline, he should be of a similar age to Mr. Yu Daoquan, who also graduated from Qilu University. Could it be that Liu Dun'er’s grandfather and Mr. Yu were classmates? This question is not our main focus; even if Liu Dun'er’s grandfather stole it, it has nothing to do with us. We only need this item. " Shen Mo shook the diary in his hand. This question is not our main focus; even if Liu Dun'er’s grandfather stole it, it has nothing to do with us. We only need this item. " Shen Mo shook the diary in his hand.

Xia Xiaowei began to cough, covering her mouth with her hand

I haven't lost either! This is my little brother helping you. If it were you, you would have been defeated long ago! If you are not convinced, come again! Uncle Thin is also not one to back down.

Unexpectedly, the six-fingered old lady Feng has become quite famous in the ancient city. Near Guangyue Tower, any local person you ask can tell you her residence. The old lady Feng's fame can be attributed to two main reasons. The first is herself; she has six fingers on both her hands and feet, which is how she earned the nickname "Six-Fingered Feng." The second reason is her son, who is somewhat simple-minded and is named Liu Dun'er.

Xia Xiaowei whispered in Shen Mo's ear: "Did that old man just say that Liu Dun'er eats raw fish?"

Liu Dun'er indeed walked in a very peculiar manner, moving from west to east without glancing sideways, taking small, quick steps. He continued until he reached his doorstep, still facing east. He first came to a stop, then very mechanically turned right, making a perfect right angle, and suddenly faced south. Liu Dun'er then spat out a key from his mouth, unlocked the door, and with a strong push of his right hand, the two wooden doors swung open with a loud bang, even swaying back and forth a few times. Liu Dun'er entered the house without closing the door. He spat out a key from his mouth, unlocked the door, and with a strong push of his right hand, the two wooden doors swung open with a loud bang, even swaying back and forth a few times. Liu Dun'er entered the house without closing the door

On the morning of September 17, the Guangyue Tower stands majestically in the center of the ancient city of Liaocheng

The instinct of the willow stump to nurture its offspring like an animal is moving, even though it does so so poorly

The streets of the ancient city are relatively narrow, and the staggered ancient-style buildings, shrouded in the shade of the locust trees, appear quaint and mysterious

"Not only that! There are willow branches on the fish's gills. In the pot, there is nothing but water and that fish," Shen Mo said softly, raising his index finger to his lips.

"How should this be said?" Shen Mo asked

The thin old man looked at Shen Mo and said, "Young man, do you also love chess? However, today even the chess gods cannot save us!"

Silence proved to be uninteresting, and I wanted to ask others. However, looking around, I could no longer find anyone idling on the small street. I had no choice but to patiently watch two elderly men playing chess.

Liu Dun'er struck a match and placed it into the stove.

Then you are late; the old lady passed away a week ago

Professor Zeng Ping did not explicitly state what it was, only mentioning that there was something. How can you conclude that it is this diary

Liu Dun'er threw the fish into the pot and added water. He walked around in small, hurried steps, as if searching for something. He moved in straight lines and made right angles. The direction he faced was always due north, due south, due east, or due west

Shen Mo held Xia Xiaowei's hand as they crossed the street

Silence prompted Fat Uncle to light a cigarette: "What about the others in my aunt's family?"

"I heard my mother say that back in the day, my uncle's family was quite wealthy!" Shen He - Tu - Shu Mo spoke casually. In fact, it wasn't entirely casual; he looked at that row of old houses and speculated that the owners must have been prosperous in the past

Xia Xiaowei felt a sudden heaviness in her heart, as if she had been struck by something, a vague pain lingering within her

The plump old man sighed deeply and said: "Young man, alright! I will say something that may not be pleasant to hear. Generally speaking, for relatives like you who are as useless as a donkey's tail, you can choose to care or not care about Liu Dun'er. If you care, it is out of kindness; if you do not care, it is simply your duty. Moreover, Liu Dun'er is a fool; if you do not care, he will not blame you; if you do care, he will not understand your kindness. Today, your ability to take out this 1,000 yuan for Liu Dun'er shows that you are a good person! Such kindness! I thank you on behalf of this fool. Rest assured, regardless of whether you will come back in the future, we will take good care of your foolish brother."

"Are you asking about the Six-Fingered Feng Family?" This time, the plump elder was very enthusiastic

Xia Xiaowei slowly folded the clothes scattered on the ground and placed them back into the bundle. These clothes were extremely ordinary and quite old. From the state of the clothing, it was evident that the Liu family was not living a very good life. She began to doubt Professor Zeng Ping's words; what could possibly be useful for solving the mystery in such a household? Suddenly, Xia Xiaowei's hand stopped. She touched something hard inside the bundle. She reached into the cloth bag and felt around, gradually pulling it out. It was a hard-covered diary. On the cover, a line of characters was written with a brush: Yu Daoquan Diary

Grandfather Shenmo, a chess enthusiast, once won the championship in the Guiyang chess competition. Since childhood, Shenmo has learned chess from his grandfather, delving into various ancient chess manuals such as "Secrets of the Orange", "Plum Blossom Manual", "Lankao Divine Strategy", and "Refined Interests and Pleasures", thereby honing his chess skills from a young age

"Sir, do you see that? Is that a willow stump?" Shen Mo hurriedly asked

"Sir, may I give it a try?" Shen Mo said

Yu Daoquan is quite a famous person!" Shen Mo said

What does he mean by this? asked Xia Xiaowei

"Gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption. You are busy, so we will attend to some matters first and return to see Liu Dun'er in the evening"

He will definitely come back in the evening. This foolish boy is like a bird, flying out early in the morning and returning to his nest when it gets dark

A thick smoke billowed from the stove of Liu Dun'er, accompanied by a pungent odor.