Chapter 1, The Qingwa Leisure Workshop

The mule suddenly came to a halt, and the cart stopped with a sharp "crack". The air was piercingly cold, and the desolate countryside exuded a profound silence, causing the sound of the mule's hoofs to echo hollowly. The driver remained hunched over, motionless in his leather coat, his features obscured in the dim light of the torch.

Su Lili took a deep breath, walked over, and, fearing that Uncle Cheng might hear, said softly: "I was startled"

After he finished listening, he no longer asked questions and slowly leaned back to lie down

You? His voice is even higher

Su Lili laughed heartily, "I might believe you if you said you were digging up graves and robbing tombs, but catching ghosts? You must be joking."

A faint sound, almost imperceptible, seemed to be a soft sigh. Su Lili's spirit was lifted; she came to her senses and, upon listening closely, realized that the sound appeared to be coming from the southeast. She lay still, straining to hear, and after a while, there were a few more moans. Su Lili was greatly puzzled; in the desolate graveyard, apart from tomb raiders, there were only fox spirits. How could there be such a sound?

After a moment of silence, he coldly remarked: "What could be worse than going tomb raiding!"

On that day, after Su Lili finished dinner, she strolled around the courtyard and then complained of a headache, returning to her room to rest early. As she was leaving, Uncle Cheng was completely oblivious, while Mu Tou shot her a glance with a coffin-like expression, which Su Lili glared back at.

Early the next morning, as dawn was just breaking, Su Lili got up to wash and groom herself

Why does it sound strange

They stopped at the corner door of the coffin shop. Su Lili jumped off her horse and said, "You take care of the things; I will head back first." She pushed open the corner door and walked past the well platform in the darkness. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a shadow that seemed to be there on the stone steps under the gourd rack. Startled, Su Lili jumped like a rabbit at the fleeting sight and then noticed the cane lying beside her.

Regardless of joy or enmity, one cannot bridge the differences and be part of the same group. This may be what is referred to as class.

The temple gate stood open, devoid of any figures. On the ground of the main hall, the person who had just transformed into water was nowhere to be seen, their garments also vanished. It felt like an illusion; Su Lili raised her head and sniffed, the faint odor of decay in the air confirming that this was not a mere illusion. She made an effort to calm her mind, got up from the ground, tugged at the hem of her clothes, and steadily clasped her hands in front of the elegantly dressed young man, saying: "On a moonless night with a strong wind, it is truly a delightful occasion for you to be here, young master."

The wooden figure gazed at Su Lili for a long time, then slowly uttered two words: "Fourteen"

She remained silent for a long time, the wood also silent, like a wolf hidden in the night, not waiting for prey, but for her own dark comfort

The driver raised his hands, and a dry, ghastly face suddenly appeared before the two men, with bulging eyes and blood streaming from beneath. It was both tragic and terrifying. The three men instantly jumped up, shouting, "Ah! A ghost!" As they yelled, they fled in panic. Although they were young and strong, their agility was compromised by fear, causing them to stumble and fall as they scrambled away.

On the ground of the main hall lay a person, with a cap having rolled aside; beside him stood another individual, dressed in wide sleeves and flowing robes, his dark attire brushing the ground. The faces of both men were indistinct. The standing man had a tall and upright figure, and it was unclear what punishment he had inflicted upon the one on the ground. At this moment, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back and slowly said: "Even if Ye Zhiqiu is dead, that thing must have a resting place. Even if he is buried, there will certainly be a place of burial."

As the night deepens, there is not a sound among the wild tombs, yet it seems to resonate with myriad voices. On the distant, gently undulating horizon, seven bright stars are arranged in the shape of a ladle. The night sky is deep blue, while the earth appears vast and desolate, embodying the concept of the formless great elephant, stirring ancient thoughts within a person. Su Lili gazes at the shape of the Big Dipper, feeling a slight daze.

After a while, Su Lili softly said: "Sit with me for a while."

Su Lili complied, and Mo Da bent his body, reaching towards the front tomb. Su Lili also hunched down, retreating to the small tree. Lying on the ground, the damp smell of the soil penetrated her nose. Su Lili took out the cooling oil she had bought from the Herbal Medicine Hall and applied it to her wrists and neck, straining her ears to listen for any sounds

The wooden piece leaned slantingly against the back of the chair, showing no signs of anger, remaining silent. Su Lili sighed and said: "His family is scattered, which is quite pitiful. I have recognized him as my brother, so please refrain from calling him a beggar."

Hmm

Where is the place where she resides, so distant and elusive? In the bustling market streets and winding alleys, can one find refuge for a lifetime? She herself does not know

Uncle Cheng took some time to make two crutches. After a month, the condition of the wood had slightly improved. Although he remained silent all day, he occasionally used the two crutches to walk around the courtyard on one foot. The Su Family Coffin Shop has its front entrance facing Ruyi Lane, while the back corner gate opens onto Baifu Street. Su Lili usually sat in the main hall, occasionally checking on the work in the backyard. The backyard, measuring nine zhang square, is where coffins are made. From left to right, the space is filled with whole logs and planks, scattered about.

A deep voice asked, "Are you really not going to say anything?" The one who had just called out weakly gasped, "I... I truly have not found... Ye Zhiqiu has been in seclusion in the mountains for ten years, no longer involved in political affairs. Even the court does not know his whereabouts..."

Can it be good

As soon as the vegetables were cooked, Su Lili lifted the lid of the steamer. The upper layer contained tender and smooth minced meat with tofu, while the lower layer held fluffy and fragrant rice. She served half of each into a white porcelain bowl and added two chopsticks of delicious and juicy vegetables, then carried the bowl into the wooden pavilion. In the afternoon, when the doctor was realigning his bones, he fainted. This person was truly stubborn, clenching his teeth tightly and refusing to make a sound, his eyes rolled back and he fainted. Su Lili was frightened, thinking he had really died. This person was truly stubborn, clenching his teeth tightly and refusing to make a sound, his eyes rolled back and he fainted. Su Lili was frightened, thinking he had really died

If the bones heal well and you take good care of yourself, it is not certain that you will be disabled She repeated the doctor's words, feeling astonished at how he seemed to be the master while she appeared to be the servant, answering every question without fail

A broad cart trudged along the rural path, its four wheels grinding against the ground, emitting a continuous creaking sound, as if it might fall apart at any moment if it were to run too fast. In the thin mist of the night, a red paper lantern could be faintly seen hanging from the front of the cart, with a bold calligraphic character "苏" inscribed on it. The ink was dark, and the red paper was vividly bright, illuminating the path three feet ahead, creating an especially eerie atmosphere on this early spring night

She crawled backward toward the direction of the grand temple, using both her hands and feet, and after steadying herself, she finally saw that the person behind her was a young gentleman dressed in moonlight-blue brocade. In the dim night, there was a slightly ambiguous sheen to his attire, and his narrow eyes reflected the starlight, appearing clear and gentle. His demeanor was remarkably mild and elegant as he leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees to look at her. Su Lili exhaled deeply, patting her chest to calm her racing heart. Suddenly recalling the man in black, she turned around sharply and was taken aback.

The person on the ground pleaded, "I am but a lowly servant, only responsible for purchasing in the palace. This matter is truly beyond my means to inquire about"

Mo laughed broadly, revealing his white teeth, "The entrance to the coffin shop is for those who come to buy coffins; who would go there for no reason and seek misfortune with books."

Su Lili put down the basin to open the door. A short-haired, disheveled boy with a square face stood outside, carrying a shoulder pole. It was Mo Da, a drifter from Baifu Street. At the age of seventeen or eighteen, he was raised by his mother but had no father. He spent his days wandering the streets, engaging in a livelihood that was not particularly respectable. Su Lili felt a sense of camaraderie with him, and regardless of what he did, she was willing to befriend him.

He did not show any surprise, only his gaze slightly darkened. Su Lili paused for a moment and then said, "Move to the empty room on the east side, hehe, are you coming by yourself too?"

The figure pushed the coffin lid, pulled the rope to the front of the cart, and sat down next to the headless driver. Uncertain where it had found a fire stick, it shook it, carefully removed the lantern cover, and ignited the extinguished wick. In the faint light, a girl of about fourteen or fifteen, with delicate features, blew out the flame on the stick.

A foul and murky odor permeated the air, and Su Lili suddenly covered her mouth and nose with her hand, feeling both nauseated and frightened. She watched in horror as the person transformed into a pool of blood and water, with only their clothes lying on the ground. Su Lili found herself frozen, unable to move, torn between the urge to flee and the fear that paralyzed her. However, the slightest movement of her hand seemed to catch the attention of the man in the black robe, who slightly turned his head and stepped forward slowly.

Cypress, camphor, pine, and nanmu are all available; the dimensions vary, each creating its own atmosphere. The carved patterns are steep and imposing, while the painted designs are vivid and lifelike. The joints between the boards are meticulously fitted, leaving no gaps, with a base of vermilion and a surface coated in lacquer. After several layers of lacquer, the coffin shines like a mirror; a gentle tap produces a sound akin to jade clinking.

Is everything alright

Mo Da turned red in the face, and said displeasedly: "Li Li, you..."

Su Lili washed her face, watered the vegetable garden a little, and felt that there was still more than half a year before that resentful woman would return. In a good mood, she fetched water and went to the kitchen to cook. Before long, she brought a bowl of sweet rice porridge and pushed open the door to the small room in the corner. The piece of wood was wide-eyed, gazing at a board that jutted out from the slanted roof, and when it saw Su Lili enter, its gaze reluctantly fell upon her.

Su Lili cut the tofu angrily, sprinkling a few grains of salt. She had closed her business for a day because of this fellow. The carpenter who came to work was also sent away. At this time, when dinner should be served, Uncle Cheng had to go deliver goods. She arranged the minced meat on the tender tofu and placed it in the steaming basket, steaming it over low heat amidst the swirling steam. Then she went to the vegetable patch in the yard and picked four heads of fresh cabbage. Back in the kitchen, she removed the leaves and washed them clean, thought for a moment, finely chopped them, and cooked them down with shrimp and mushrooms to reduce the juice. She arranged the minced meat on the tender tofu and placed it in the steaming basket, steaming it over low heat amidst the swirling steam. Then she went to the vegetable patch in the yard and picked four heads of fresh cabbage. Back in the kitchen, she removed the leaves and washed them clean, thought for a moment, finely chopped them, and cooked them down with shrimp and mushrooms to reduce the juice.

Is there still no news from the second brother? Mo Wen Liu has been away from home for a year, with no word at all

His lightness of body is quite good, and naturally his internal strength is profound; he can discern clues just by taking a breath. It is rare for Mu to have the leisure to explain this to her in detail

Su Lili nodded painfully, "Alas, young master, your insight is remarkable; this place truly cannot accommodate us in this manner. Today, we have not seen a single person here, yet by chance, you have encountered us. I hope you will keep this matter to yourself and let us off the hook."

Mu Tou couldn't help but hum, yet he smiled. Su Li Li seized the moment, looking pitiful, "Today, I almost couldn't come back; you would never see me again."

The wood slightly opened its eyes, the sunlight reflecting on its eyelashes, resembling a layer of gold. The corners of its lips gently curved into a slight arc; the smile, though faint, was as warm as a gentle breeze and the sun. Su Lili looked up, and outside the window, a third of spring's colors added an extra touch.

The melodious singing flowed into the city, gradually awakening the streets and markets within. A cart passed by the vegetable market behind Ruyi Square, stopping in front of a small door at the street corner. Su Lili nimbly jumped off the cart, searched for the key to the small door, and said to Uncle Cheng, "You buy some vegetables, I will go ahead and open the door"

The wind howled through the wilderness as the young nobleman stood against it, watching the two of them depart into the distance. Behind him, someone murmured softly, "Why did the master let them go?"

*

Su Lili pointed her finger and said emphatically, "He must die in the shop; I only have a thin-skinned box for him!" As soon as her words fell, following her slender finger, she noticed that the man had opened his eyes at some point, gazing at her with a deep and haunting look. Although his face was smeared with dirt, his eyes were dark and bright. His gaze was cold and calm, like a lost young beast, both timid and fearful yet fiercely defensive.

Su Lili felt a pang of sadness in her heart, yet she forced a smile and called out: "Wood."

The business of the coffin shop is never bustling with customers, nor is it ever completely barren. Su Lili's shop is located at the very end of Ruyi Lane, and because the coffins made by her family are of excellent craftsmanship, it has gained a modest reputation in the capital.

Su Lili sighed: "Indeed, I have admonished him numerous times, yet he remains so vulgar, even attempting to profane the noble sentiments of the young master with gold and silver trinkets."

The man cutting the diameter felt a chill in his heart; just as he was gripped by fear, he heard a strange, cat-like cackle from within the coffin, the sound sharp and sinister, "Gaga, gaga, gaga," three times. The two thieves standing in front of the carter were startled and jumped up. They then saw the carter slowly raise his withered hands, twist his neck a couple of times, and surprisingly, his head came off. With a couple of gurgling sounds from his chest, he hoarsely muttered, "Take it..."

Upon arriving at Dingling, Mo had already marked the spot, leading Su Lili through hills and graves towards the most remote corner. Dingling is the mausoleum of emperors, empresses, and civil and military officials throughout the dynasties, as well as a treasure trove of gold and jade. While Su Lili waited for him to determine the direction, she was unknowingly bitten by some insect on her hand. Grabbing at it, she frowned and softly remarked, "The Imperial Guards are truly derelict in their duties; the royal mausoleum is in such a state of neglect."

The young master, upon hearing this, smiled radiantly like a night-blooming cereus, reaching out to lift Su Lili's chin and said, "Since you know of my noble character, why must you stay with him? It would be better for you to come with me."

Are you perhaps too timid to go?

She hesitated for a moment, turned around, and made her way towards the southeast. After walking for more than ten zhang, she saw the outline of a building vaguely standing at the edge of a grove, resembling a temple for worship. Su Lili crouched down and slowly crawled a bit closer, but before she could steady her footing, she heard a tragic scream of "Ah".

He sighed deeply, "It seems that it cannot be improved."

What? Su Lili was puzzled

The sound of the wood is calm and undisturbed, "The person following you has left, just outside a moment ago"

* * .

The tone of the wooden figure indeed softened considerably, saying: "That person possesses profound internal strength, yet their internal skills are unorthodox in the martial world. Their true energy is impure, undoubtedly a result of practicing eclectic mental methods."

No

Uncle Cheng replied: "It has been passed down from our ancestors; just live by it."

She naturally did not wait for his response; as she turned to leave, she slammed the rickety wooden door with a loud "bang".

"It's nothing." She sat down beside him on the stone steps.

Su Lili helped him sit up and took a seat on the edge of the bed, using a spoon to scoop the porridge, which was fragrant, glutinous, and sweet. His complexion was not as waxy yellow as yesterday, but still pale and devoid of color, with only a pair of eyes remaining clear and sharp. Su Lili brought the spoon to his lips, and he raised his hand, saying, "I can do it myself with the book." His voice was deep, yet carried a clear resonance like gravel colliding.

Su Lili was taken aback by his gaze, suddenly withdrew her hand, and hurriedly walked outside. Uncle Cheng called out: "What are you doing again? The government no longer concerns itself with such matters."

Uncle Cheng rushed forward to turn the man over, brushing aside the disheveled hair on his face, and called out, "Little brother, wake up." The man's lips were parched, his face gaunt, and he struggled to swallow a couple of times, yet he could not open his eyes. Su Lili set down the door panel and started to walk outside. Uncle Cheng asked, "What are you doing?"

Mo Da had never been educated and did not understand what was meant by "cut sleeve" or "unbroken sleeve." Thinking that the matter of tomb robbing had been exposed, he took out a gold cup from his bundle and handed it to the young gentleman in brocade, saying: "Brother, since you have caught us in the act, please accept this."

After speaking, as she lifted her foot to leave, Su Lili called out: "Wait a moment." Her distinctly black-and-white eyes, glistening with moisture, glanced sideways and she said: "I can at most give you a hint, so tell me, what time tonight?"

Su Lili raised an eyebrow and said, "Am I raising you for nothing? If you feel that calling the boss has undermined your status, you can call me 'big brother' instead"

The three robbers exchanged glances, feeling somewhat strange. The leader, a man with a square face and broad forehead, was the most daring among them. He stepped forward to lift the felt covering on the cart. The cart was piled high with goods, and as he held up a torch to examine it closely, he found it was all timber. Scattered outside were several coffin boards, all tied with ropes. At the highest point of the wood, however, there lay an old coffin, mottled and still covered in dirt

Modana's coarse voice rang out, "Where are you running to... Huh? Who is this?"

Su Lili was stunned for a moment, feeling that something was amiss. This person was unreasonable and needed to be made clear, so she walked straight up to him, holding a bowl in one hand and pointing to herself with the other, saying: "Hey, remember this. My name is Su Lili, the same Lili from the grass on the edge of the Li River. I saved your life; I am your savior"

The young master cast his gaze over the two of them twice, nodding and saying: "The young master is quite remarkable, but he is somewhat ordinary." As he spoke, he pointed at Mo Da.

Good

Mr. Wang, who writes letters on behalf of others, shook his head and sighed: "It is indeed somewhat crude."

He stepped out of the threshold and then stood still. In the dim blue light of the night, his face seemed to be shrouded in a faint chill, with more than ten scars crisscrossing it, as if his face had been plowed over meticulously, both horizontally and vertically, leaving a terrifying and hideous impression

As the evening breeze grew cooler, Su Lili turned her head to look. Her wooden eyes resembled dark glass, harboring a steadfast calmness. Reflecting on the sights and sounds of the day, she felt a heavy accumulation of many old matters, yet lived with a bright lightness.

Although the young girl was dressed in male attire, her charm could not be concealed. She looked at the coachman and laughed like a silver bell, saying: "We are almost at the main road by the city; let's take a breath of fresh air." As she spoke, she snatched the head the coachman was holding with one hand and loosened his collar with the other. The coachman stretched his neck, revealing his head from the collar, and his weathered face was filled with joy. The girl then pinched her throat and laughed in that peculiar way, making a "quack quack" sound. The coachman stretched his neck again, showing his head from the collar, his face still full of joy. The old man and the young girl exchanged hearty laughter.

She rolled up her sleeves halfway, her fair skin reflected in the water, dazzlingly clear. As she rubbed the clothes on the washboard, she looked up to see Mu Tou sitting under the gourd rack, staring at her without blinking. Su Li Li smiled slightly and asked, "Mu Tou, do you know what a coffin face is?"

Su Lili no longer responded to him, picked up the bowl, and was about to leave. Mu Tou glanced at her and muttered, "How old are you?"

Since ancient times, many literati and poets have loved to celebrate spring and lament autumn, yet Su Lili alone does not favor autumn. The weather is indeed akin to human emotions; the severe cold of winter and the scorching heat of summer are both expressions of true feelings and nature, entirely unpretentious. In spring, all things rejoice, much like a person smiling; however, autumn resembles a sorrowful woman in a secluded chamber, though her colors fade and her feelings are hurt, she refuses to let go easily, only lamenting endlessly.

Uncle Cheng said: "Li Li, open the door."

The man straightened up, exuding a certain elegance, and slowly recited: "On a dark night of murder, on a windy day of arson." His voice carried a slight nasal tone, which to Su Lili sounded like fine sandpaper smoothing a well-cut coffin board, smooth yet deep. Despite the short distance between them, his cheerful demeanor sent a chill down her spine.

Your injury will take some time to heal, so from now on, just call me Young Master. Let's see what you can do in a couple of days

Having left the small path in his youth, he walked onto the official road leading into the city. The daylight had already begun to reveal a bluish-white hue. The middle-aged man driving the carriage coughed once and said, "Young Master, it is cold outside"

No name at all ? ! ''

Mo Da caught sight of Mu sitting under the gourd rack. Although he was dressed in plain clothes and had one leg crossed, he could not conceal his noble demeanor; though he did not utter a word, he was enough to make others feel ashamed of themselves. In the world, there are distinctions of high and low, and differences of wealth and status, which sometimes transcend character and ambition. When one encounters someone superior, feelings of resentment often arise; yet when witnessing that person in misfortune, one feels a sense of satisfaction.

The bone is broken, but the doctor has already set it for you. Su Lili replied mechanically

Su Lili suddenly stopped. Uncle Cheng usually referred to her as the young master, but when he called her Lili, it was hard for her to refuse what he said. Thus, she turned around and took down another piece of the door panel. Uncle Cheng then picked up the person and entered the shop. Su Lili turned back and saw that quite a few people had gathered in front of the door, with few showing pity and many there to watch the spectacle. Someone laughed and said, "That child must have chosen the right place, running to the coffin shop to die, hehe."

The person remained motionless, the blood and mud on the face of the slumbering figure had been washed clean. There was a hint of youthful innocence; although the complexion was waxy yellow, the features included sharp eyebrows, thin lips, and a straight nose. ... Su Lili thought to herself in a sordid manner: In this state, he cannot lift a finger or carry a load, truly of no use at all. His face, however, is not bad; I fear that if sold to that kind of place, he could still become a top attraction

The discourse of literati

Su Lili was infuriated, letting out a cold laugh, "But it's true, he knows how to pick his spots; if you die, don't come here to choose your place." After saying this, she did not look at those people and walked straight into the main door, slamming it shut with a resounding "bang," leaving only the words "Su's Coffin Shop" shining brightly in the morning sun above the entrance.

As he lowered his gaze, he no longer looked at her, but instead stared at the edge of the bed. At that moment, his willingness to bow his head seemed even more helpless than his earlier indifference. Su Lili felt a pang of compassion in her heart, set down the bowl, and helped him up, saying, "Only now do you know to lower your head, seeking scolding for nothing." She adjusted the pillow for him, leaned against it, and fed him the meal spoonful by spoonful.

Cedar Thirteen Round: A coffin style that is relatively popular in the north, constructed from thirteen pieces of wood. Most are made of cedar. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, a large quantity of cedar was required for the masts of cargo ships, and the use of cedar for coffins by civilians was prohibited, leading to the use of other types of wood. For commoners, the Cedar Thirteen Round is considered a relatively high-end coffin.

Mo Dayun listened in confusion to the previous few sentences and finally grasped the meaning of the last sentence. "Follow him?" hetushucom.com turned out to be a path. He looked up and down at the brocade-clad young man, exclaiming: "Brother, it turns out you are also..."

Su Lili was taken aback, instantly recalling that clawed face, and unconsciously squeezed closer to Mu Tou. Mu Tou let out a cold snort, and Su Lili tugged at his sleeve, flattering him: "Mu Tou, you are truly wonderful, it was worth my effort to save you—waiting for me here so late when I didn't come back." Mu Tou opened his mouth, and it seemed he was about to retort, but he abruptly stopped, probably lacking a good reason.

Before the words "to steal a tomb" could leave his lips, he was interrupted by Su Lili, who said solemnly: "Although you, my lord, may be of the same gender, I cannot bear to betray the common people. To find a kindred spirit, to grow old together without parting, is the true essence of the mundane world." As she spoke, she calmly brushed aside his fingers.

I cherish words as if they were gold.

A slight itchiness and coolness on the neck stirred the standing hairs in alarm, and Su Lili suddenly let out a sharp scream, more piercing than that of a night owl. When she turned around, a face was very close, looming right in front of her.

"What is wrong with my leg?" he asked softly, still gazing at the edge of the bed

The wooden figure seemed to sense something amiss, and its expression dimmed in response to her voice. Su Lili continued, "If you are just a piece of wood, I might as well chop and carve you into a coffin, which would suit the gloomy face you wear all day. If you are a person, then your face should smile when it's time to smile, cry when it's time to cry, and be calm and content when it's time to relax. My shop only sells coffins; if others see you, they might think I am offering complimentary mourning sons and grandsons."

Su Lili withdrew her hand and coldly said: "Come by yourself? You will have to leave here soon!"

Su Lili never expected that the first thing this person would say to her was, "It's a coffin made of scrap material, costing one hundred coins each." She swallowed hard, and replied, "Well... I really don't have any money; I would even accept it for free..." Since she had mentioned in the morning that she would give him a thin-skinned box to sleep in, she felt a bit guilty at this moment, and her voice lost some of its confidence.

Just after taking two steps, my wrist was suddenly seized by him, his grip as measured as his voice, neither too light nor too heavy. "This young master, why did you cry out just now?"

The two remained silent for a while, and then Mu Tou suddenly said: "Let's go"

Uncle Cheng then bought two bamboo shoots nearby. The farmer selling vegetables had long recognized them and, watching Su Li leave through the small side gate, said with a smile: "Old Cheng, off to get some lumber again. Your Li Li has it tough, managing a shop all by herself at such a young age"

Su Lili, though not particularly clever, is not foolish either. She would not openly admit that she is here to rob a tomb, nor would she say that she just witnessed such events. Instead, she fabricated a story, saying: "This brother, to be honest, my parents have arranged a marriage for me. However, I have someone I truly care for and do not wish to comply. Tonight, I am gathering my valuables, intending to elope. Just now, I was waiting for someone."

The person had not yet awakened, yet he swallowed the water. His clothes were both dirty and torn, and the left pant leg was particularly stained with blood. Uncle Cheng slowly rolled up his pant leg, and Su Lili gasped in shock. The wound on his calf was grotesque and swollen, with the bone nearly protruding. Su Lili stared in disbelief and said: "He... he... probably won't survive. Bring him in, but do not let him die in my house"

She was lost in thought when the man stirred. Su Lili quickly pushed his shoulder, saying, "Wake up quickly, or you'll starve to death." As soon as he woke up, he slightly furrowed his brow. When he opened his eyes and saw Su Lili, his expression turned calm and indifferent again. Su Lili was quite displeased and scolded, "If it hurts, let it hurt; why put on an act?! A hero who dies from overeating, a brave man who dies from hunger. There is food and vegetables here; if you have the ability, don't eat, so as not to lower your status!" She heavily knocked the bowl, picked it up, and used a spoon to stir the food, which was fragrant and enticing.

Su Lili shook her head with a smile, "I am not provoked by you. It's the middle of the night, and instead of sleeping, you are wandering around the cemetery. If you want to go, I have nothing else to offer, but out of friendship, I can generously give you a cypress tree worth thirteen yuan for free."

Su Lili spoke clearly, and he listened attentively, nodding his head. Su Lili smiled brightly and praised, "This is good; I like straightforward people." She scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it to his lips, saying, "I just brought back some timber yesterday. After eating, I still have to be busy. This room is damp, and you have injuries; staying here for too long will lead to health issues. There is another room to the east, filled with things. I will tidy it up shortly, and you can stay there."

Su Lili, without a second thought, grabbed his hand and exclaimed angrily: "How can you be so generous? What about the expenses for food and drink in the future!"

From a distance, Su Lili shouted loudly: "Ah! Who the hell died at my doorstep? What a choice of place!"

Su Lili scoffed, "Still not convinced? You are fourteen, I am fifteen. Shouldn't you call me 'big brother'?"

After finishing the meal, Su Lili boiled some hot water and asked Uncle Cheng to take it to the bathing room to wash and change the dressings for Mu Tou. Mu Tou had injuries on his legs, which were secured with wooden splints, and he had multiple external wounds on his body. The washing took nearly half an hour. While he was cleaning up, Su Lili tidied up the east room, sweeping away the accumulated dust and laying out a clean cotton mattress. Although it was the most ordinary blue cotton fabric, it exuded a faint scent of cleanliness. After a while, Uncle Cheng carried Mu Tou over. Su Lili had plenty of men's clothing, so she picked out two sets for him, though they seemed a bit small.

This was meant to be a light-hearted joke, yet he did not take it well, pursing his thin lips and asking, "Why save me?"

The tofu melted in the mouth, and the vegetables were also chopped very finely, making them easy to swallow without much effort. The man chewed silently, his gaze no longer sharp, yet he remained unusually silent. Su Lili fed him until he finished, set down the bowl, wiped his mouth clean with a handkerchief, and then brought him water to drink. The man drank as well, and Su Lili then asked: "What is your name?"

The wooden figure moved with difficulty, unable to offer much assistance. Often, it would pick up this book, sitting in the small courtyard, basking in the sun while reading. On this particular afternoon, the courtyard was quiet. Su Lili reviewed the progress of the coffins from various families on the order, noting each one. With half a day to spare, she went to the back courtyard to wash a couple of pieces of clothing

Su Lili wiped her hands and said, "I told you, he is my younger brother. Do you have something to discuss with me?"

She returned to her room to change into a dark short outfit, tucked in her pants, and tied up her hair, disguising herself as a young servant. As dusk began to settle, she peeked out and saw that Uncle Cheng and Mu Tou had each returned to their rooms, with a faint light casting shadows on the paper-covered window frames. Su Lili tiptoed like a cat, crossing the main courtyard and darting out through the corner gate of the back courtyard

The young nobleman squinted his eyes and stared at her for a moment, then suddenly tilted his head and praised, "Good, good"

Su Lili leaned against the wooden bed and sat up properly, reaching out to push open the window beside her. The sun had already risen, and sunlight generously poured into the room, illuminating the wooden face. The wooden figure closed his eyes, slightly tilted his head back, and took a deep breath, as if he had been reborn after a long separation. Seeing him relax, Su Lili felt a gentle stream flowing in her heart and softly said, "When you recover, I will take you out to the countryside for a stroll"

Su Lili, however, smiled exceptionally brightly, "No matter how many losses we face, we will not be defeated. The more unstable things are, the more money we can earn." She gazed at the gradually clearer official road and began to hum a melodious mountain song.

Su Lili passed through the neatly arranged finished coffins in the main hall, slanted past a shadow wall, and arrived at the backyard. The backyard was originally a courtyard, cluttered with scattered wood, with all kinds of planks and decorative boards. Su Lili headed straight for the small temporary wooden cabin at the corner door under the stairs where the worker lived. Uncle Cheng was half-supporting that person, feeding him clear water.

The wood, originally silent, now spoke with remarkable tacit understanding, saying in a nonchalant manner: "The name is elegant and also quite amusing"

As soon as the words fell, Mo Da stealthily approached, carrying a heavy and bulging bundle. Su Lili silently sighed and closed her eyes

The veins on his forehead twitched, and just as Su Lili was about to leave with the bowl, he suddenly spoke up, hoarsely asking: "What is a thin-skinned box?"

From the window, one can see a lush vegetable garden, which is an extension of the courtyard, accessible through a small door in the east wall. In the courtyard, there is a well, calm and undisturbed. Beside the well, there is a shaded area created by a gourd trellis, with gourd vines climbing up, seemingly on the verge of bearing fruit. Outside the white walls and green tiles, there stands a sturdy yellow camphor tree, adorned with a full bloom of yellow camphor orchids, their subtle fragrance wafting into the courtyard in the early morning. Separated by a wall, the scene is full of charm. Outside the white walls and green tiles, there stands a sturdy yellow camphor tree, adorned with a full bloom of yellow camphor orchids, their subtle fragrance wafting into the courtyard in the early morning. Separated by a wall, the scene is full of charm.

Su Lili smiled with a "ha," feeling that the wood was innocently adorable when she was being sharp-tongued, and it was not lacking in its ability to tease others.

Su Lili thought for a moment and said, "It is tomb raiding."

A few mules were pulling the cart, moving as sluggishly as the cart itself. The driver, wrapped in a large leather coat, hunched his neck, buried his head, and dozed off, occasionally giving the mules a nudge. Suddenly, a loud shout rang out ahead: "Hey! Leave your money, and get lost if you value your life!" Three tall men stepped forward to block the cart, one of whom lit a torch.

Uncle Cheng urged the cart and sighed, "Robbers have started to stir near the capital; indeed, the world has fallen into chaos. Young master, you should not accompany the cart anymore; the roads are not safe."

Su Lili, seeing him happy, cupped her hands and said, "I take my leave." She quickly pulled Mo Dashu and dashed away, resolutely not daring to look back.

Su Lili opened her eyes, forced a smile, cleared her throat, and said with a hint of reproach: "Why did you only just arrive"

Mo Da shook his head, "There is no news, let's wait a little longer."

She took a deep breath and said, "Killing and arson are big businesses, while grave digging is a small trade. We are all out for a stroll, my lord is just joking." Su Lili forced a couple of laughs, then stood up and left

It can be said that Laozi was quite unfortunate to have been killed while visiting a brothel, yet his son still chose to give him such a commemorative name. The one thing Mo Da despised most in life was being called Mo Xunhua. Today, Su Lili insisted on exposing his weakness, instantly diminishing his presence before the wooden figure, and with a bitter expression, said: "Are you protecting him just like that because he gave you money?"

However, Mo Da, upon seeing the wood, found it displeasing and said to Su Lili: "I heard that you saved a beggar last time; is this the kid?"

The courtyard is divided into two wings, each occupying two rooms. Su Lili resides in the first room on the west side, while next door is a large study, with bookshelves lining all four walls, the dust varying in thickness. Mu Tou casually flipped through a few books, which covered a wide range of topics including astronomy, geography, biographies, and collections of classics. In the second room of the east wing lives Uncle Cheng, while the first room is currently occupied by Mu Tou.

The backyard was tranquil and fresh in the morning light, as water drawn from the well flowed like crystal through her fingers. The cool sensation sparked a playful spirit in Su Lili, and with a flick of her hand, a spray of water droplets scattered. Looking up, she saw a yellow jujube tree outside the courtyard, sprouting tender yellow-green new leaves.

In a chaotic world, the capital city. The stench of wine and meat from the wealthy households, while the bones of the frozen dead lie on the streets

In the desolate wilderness, what are you doing lying here

As evening approached, the doctor, swaying slightly, left the coffin shop with his young apprentice, taking with him 5 taels and 4 coins of silver belonging to Su Lili, enough for her to live on for half a year. While Su Lili felt a pang of heartache, she stomped her feet in regret, wondering how she could be so foolish as to hire the best doctor. Not only had he bandaged her entire body, but he had also prescribed countless remedies that would take three to five months to brew for her to drink, resulting in a significant loss.

The wooden figure revealed not a word, and Su Lili did not inquire further. Instead, she fabricated a story, claiming that the wooden figure's surname was Mu, that he was from Yongzhou, and that his family perished in the chaos of war. He was left wandering alone, eventually settling here to assist Uncle Cheng in the shop

No

The young gentleman in splendid attire scrutinized Mo for a moment, furrowing his brow, with three parts bewilderment and three parts astonishment, and said with a half-smile, "So it turns out to be... a deep affection for a severed sleeve."

Su Lili hurriedly urged the person to leave, saying, "Yes, yes, I am unlucky here; you should quickly find a place blessed by good fortune."

He closed his eyes and said, "There is no home, no one, and even less money"

Su Lili, regardless of his indifference, shook his right knee, which was uninjured, with a smirk on her face, stood up, and carried the basin inside

He seemed to have made a significant decision before he subtly nodded his head.

The man in the robe gently lowered his hand and coldly said, "Since you do not know, you should not deceive your master." He took out a small porcelain bottle from his bosom and removed the cap. The person on the ground suddenly shouted loudly, "No, no, ... I ..." Before he could finish his words, a few drops of clear liquid splashed onto him. The man immediately fell silent, only making a gurgling sound from his throat, as if a water-filled bag had been released, and his body deflated on the ground.

Mo Da spat on the ground with a loud "pah," saying, "You are really too ungrateful; isn't this cursing me?" Seeing Mu Tou frown at the spit he had just released, he laughed loudly and said, "I thought you must be bored taking care of your lame brother, so I took advantage of the good weather to invite you out for a stroll. If you don't want to go, then forget it"

Su Lili could not help but take notice. His insights must indicate that he is no ordinary person. Having missed opportunities and fallen to this state, it is the tiger that roars in the mountains that is the king of beasts, and the dragon that swims in the deep sea that is the spirit of all things. Removed from his rightful place, he is merely a plaything in a cage, a shallow creature like a loach or shrimp.

Su Lili raised her head and looked at him twice, furrowing her brow. She said to the wooden figure, "This is Mo Da from the Mo family's tailor shop across the street. Mo Da is a pseudonym." She turned her head to glance at Mo Da and said with a measured tone, "His real name is Mo Xunhua."

Su Lili was taken aback upon hearing this, her brows slightly furrowing. After pondering back and forth in her mind, she lowered herself to the ground, like a cat searching for food, and stealthily crawled a little closer to peek into the main hall of the grand temple

Uncle Cheng hurriedly set down the cabbage, turned the corner, and arrived at the entrance of the shop. Su Lili was holding a piece of door panel, frowning, biting her lip, and anxiously staring at the ground. Indeed, there was a person lying on the steps in front of the door, dressed in tattered clothes, stained with dark red blood, motionless, uncertain whether alive or dead

Mo Da walked in with a shoulder pole, and Su Li curiously said: "Why didn't you call me in the main hall, but instead came to this back corner door? It just so happens that I am here; otherwise, even if you shouted your throat raw, I might not have heard you."

Aunt Tian, who sells tofu, also interjected: "Once this summer is over, Li Li will be fifteen. With such delicate features, she resembles a young lady, just like in the books."

She crisply uttered the last word, and without raising her wooden eyes, she continued flatly: "Every word is drenched in blood and tears"

Su Lili responded and turned around to see Mu Tou silently watching Mo Da as he walked away. Su Lili rushed to his side, squatted down, and smiled, "Good Mu Tou, please don't tell Uncle Cheng. I will go quietly and come back quietly." Her call of "Good Mu Tou" was somewhat affectionate, causing Mu Tou to frown. What was originally a smooth and luxurious linden wood had now wrinkled into a haphazard mass of yellow birch shavings.

This time, Uncle Cheng only smiled without speaking

In the darkness, the wood whispered softly, "What is wrong with you?"

Uncle Cheng sighed, saying: "He is merely a child; dying here is better than being left to rot in the wilderness."

Su Lili applied the cooling oil correctly on the road, her hands were a bit slippery. With a tug, she broke free and looked up at him, saying, "Because you appeared silently behind me, you startled me in this desolate wilderness."

At this moment, Su Lili could not wish for anything more than for him to speak to her, hoping to forget that clawed face. She hurriedly crafted an explanation: "Well... my purpose in digging graves is different from others. I mainly want to see which types of wood are the most durable... and to uncover a bit of classical style..."

*

Mo frowned and said, "After all, he is just a beggar; how can he dare to act and not allow others to speak?"

Su Lili looked at him lying there, weak and powerless, and gritted her teeth, saying: "Don't think that just because I kindly saved you, you can eat and drink for free and act like a rogue. If you have no money, you will work for me as a laborer. If you have no name, I will give you one. My yard is full of wood, so from now on, you will be called Wood!"

Outside the door, a man led a horse, carrying a burden that was tightly bound, with only the head of a convenient shovel exposed. Upon seeing her, he mounted the horse, and Su Lili also stepped up, grasping his belt. As they continued on, the surroundings grew increasingly desolate. Su Lili asked, "Is your mother's illness still not cured?"

At a quarter past 5 PM, I will wait for you outside the corner gate. Mo Da pointed to the corner gate and strode away.

Su Lili put down the bowl, sat by the bed, and poked his forehead with her finger, "Hey, wake up."

She scooped another spoonful and brought it to his lips, "What is your name? If you really won't tell me, I'll just call you 'Wooden.'" He surprisingly nodded again, and Su Lili laughed, "Wooden, how old are you? That can't be a secret, can it?"

Mo Dadao: "I have heard people say that the Dingling Imperial Ancestral Temple is haunted quite severely. I plan to go and catch a glimpse tonight. Even if I can't catch anything, it would still be an opportunity to see the world. Would you like to join me to take a look?"

There was not the slightest feeling of gratitude for the favor received. Su Lili was somewhat angered and pointed at him, saying: "What is your name? Where do you live? What is your origin? Are you wealthy or not? Have your family come to ransom you?"

Su Lili was silent for a moment, "Are your parents no longer around?"

As the horse walked slowly past Baifu Street, Mo Da asked, "What is a broken sleeve?"

Su Lili said: "He is not dead yet; I will call the authorities to take him away."

Su Lili felt that this person was overly guarded and had a cold demeanor, so she dropped her joking attitude and spoke sincerely: "It is not that I want to save you, but rather that you would die at my doorstep. If you were to die at the door next to mine, I wouldn't even send you the thin wooden box of the flower board. Having saved you, as long as you are here, I will not let you go hungry or freeze; if you have enemies who find you here, I cannot protect you, that is your fate. Do you understand?" Having saved you, as long as you are here, I will not let you go hungry or freeze; if you have enemies who find you here, I cannot protect you, that is your fate. Do you understand?"

Su Lili arranged the work according to the order in the account book. Every morning, the carpenter would come to cut the boards to the required dimensions, Master Zhang would assist with the carving, Su Lili would mix the paint and do the detailing, and Uncle Cheng would deliver the boards. The business was neither rushed nor slow, neither abundant nor scarce

The red paper lantern on the front of the cart extinguished in an instant, plunging the surroundings into darkness. After a while, there was a faint sound of a whip cracking, and the mules began to move again, the cart once more screeching forward. Inside the coffin on the cart, there was a rustling sound; after a moment, the coffin lid was pulled open, and a slender figure nimbly climbed out of the darkness

*

Su Lili chuckled and said, "If you continue to look at me with such fierce eyes, I will not give you anything to eat. Even if you hate me to the point of gritting your teeth, you will only starve to death."

The shadow in the black robe behind him surged forward, closely pursuing.

Mo Da let out a derisive laugh and said, "How can there be work to do in a desolate place? There are still people stationed over at the main tomb, but these burial sites of the accompanying ministers have long been neglected. Every day, there are people coming to wander around." "Wander" is a term of art, self-explanatory. He pointed to Su Lili and said, "You stay under that short tree and keep watch. If anyone comes, just mimic the call of a night owl."

Su Lili shook her head, saying it shouldn't be so. Suddenly, she caught sight of the wooden carved ghost head in her hand, made a grimace at it, and tossed it into the pile of wood behind the cart, laughing: "These bandits dare to kill and set fire, yet they are afraid of ghosts." Hearing the cart creak, she added: "Uncle Cheng, the cart needs some repairs."

His gaze slowly swept over the patch of grass where Su Lili was lying. Su Lili covered her mouth; she did not want to tremble, yet her hand shook involuntarily, and she could not stop it. At this moment, even the light landing of a mosquito on the back of her hand would likely startle her into jumping up, let alone something quietly blowing on the back of her head.

In a quiet corner of the world, chaos reigns in the universe. Looking across the land, troops are mobilizing in various provinces, fearing the stigma of rebellion and becoming the target of public ire, yet no disorderly soldiers have yet entered the capital. Outside, the provinces are in turmoil, with people fleeing in all directions. A few refugees are ignored by the authorities, and the common folk have grown accustomed to it. Thus, the matter concerning the wooden objects was conveniently overshadowed by Su Lili.

The young gentleman in splendid attire stood still for a moment, reaching out as if to grasp the breeze that was blowing towards him, a faint scent of mint wafting onto his hand. He chuckled lightly and said, "This little girl is quite intriguing; find out who she is."

Hmm?

Do you know this? She thinks he is being rather reckless with his words

Su Lili smiled kindly and said, "What do you mean by 'you you you'? I didn't know you stuttered." She turned to Mu Tou and continued, "Brother Mo's father lost his life in a brawl while visiting a brothel in his youth. His mother runs a tailor shop, raising two sons. She named him Mo Xunhua, and he has a brother named Mo Wenliu."

His pitch-black eyes did not look at Su Lili, but gazed into the void, remaining silent. Su Lili frowned and said: "No wonder you don't even call out during bone-setting; turns out you are a mute. I wonder what evil deeds you committed in your past life, as the retribution is manifesting before you in this life."

The man gritted his teeth and looked at her. Su Lili said, "Do you want to eat?"

"Me too," she said, gently tracing the splint on his injured leg. "Does it still hurt?"

He silently glanced at her twice and said indifferently, "I understand."

Su Lili walked while looking up at the sky and sighed, "Going out for no reason leads to financial loss; this time, the loss has come home. I need to find a doctor"

Her interjection did not make the wooden expression any more lively; instead, it seemed to become even more lifeless. Su Lili's eyes sparkled with a serene smile as she lifted her garment, shook it, and hung it on the bamboo pole. Just as she was about to enter with a basin of water, there were three knocks at the back corner door, and someone shouted for Su Lili.