Chapter Sixty-Four: What is Worth Wasting, Flowers and Beans Sprout by the River

For quite a while, the man remained dazed, finally showing a look of helpless amusement. After those around him took the letter from his hands and glanced at it, they erupted in surprise. Instantly, rumors began to spread, people whispered among themselves, anger written all over their faces.

It turned out that this was a simple note written by Song Peng to instruct his servant, filled with numerous errors. For instance, the character for “pepper” was written as “beans,” “ginger” was mistaken for “river,” and the word for “hate” was twisted into “waves.” Truly, it could be summarized as: “What matter is waves, flowers and beans grow in rivers.”

In that moment, everyone remembered how they had just been duped by this man, and indignation appeared on their faces. Someone who could butcher written words so thoroughly—his poem must surely have been plagiarized. No wonder he had spoken so righteously about Chu Talent’s alleged plagiarism!

Compared to Zhu Yuzheng, this man was even more contemptible.

At this moment, Wen Ji breathed a sigh of relief. She had once thought he was a scholar from a noble family, but now realized he was merely a facade.

A number of people immediately raised their fists, ready to punish him.

Seeing the mounting fury and the murderous looks of the crowd, Song Peng cried out in panic, “My father is Lord Censor—who dares lay a hand on me?”

The crowd hesitated, fists pausing midair.

Then Yan Yunfei, recalling something, strode up to Song Peng and coldly demanded, “What is your father’s name?”

Startled, Song Peng answered timidly, “My father’s name is Song Ming…”

“What!” Yan Yunfei exploded with rage. “Is your father the one who was demoted for corruption and continued his villainy elsewhere? Wasn’t Feng Sheng, Feng Xiangru, ruined by him?”

Song Peng was so shocked he pleaded, “Spare me, Master Yan!”

Yan Yunfei replied icily, “Your father seized Feng Xiangru’s wife, had his men kill Feng’s father, wounded Feng Xiangru gravely, and finally sent him to prison!”

Hearing this, everyone recalled those past events, never imagining that Song Peng, who claimed his father was Lord Censor, was that man’s son.

Yan Yunfei continued, “Your father not only committed those crimes, he also stole funds intended for disaster relief. The money’s whereabouts are unknown, but I suspect it ended up in your hands.”

All at once, the crowd remembered Song Peng’s reckless extravagance and his seemingly endless wealth. Their indignation reached a fever pitch.

“Kill him, kill him!” many shouted.

Song Peng’s face turned ashen. He dropped to his knees, begging, “Master Yan, spare me! Please, spare me!”

Yan Yunfei, with a single move, hoisted Song Peng high and hurled him from the city wall.

Song Peng crashed to the ground, feeling his limbs shatter, writhing in agony.

Soldiers quickly approached and bound him.

The magistrate atop the wall spoke gravely: “Song Peng embezzled disaster relief funds. His crimes are unforgivable. After investigation, he will be sentenced.”

At that moment, Song Peng was filled with regret and despair. He had sought fame, only to end in ruin! Glancing at Chu Talent in the distance, his heart was tormented beyond words.

The crowd felt a surge of satisfaction.

Just then, Chu Talent felt so exhausted he nearly collapsed, only to be caught by Yang Ridan.

Amid cheers, Chu Talent was escorted to rest at the official residence near the city gate. Entering the room, he found someone already waiting.

It was the Willow God.

Chu Talent summoned his energy, respectfully greeting, “I greet you, Willow God.”

The Willow God sighed, “No need for formalities.”

Noticing the Willow God’s pale face, so different from earlier, Chu Talent was startled. “My lord, what happened?”

“I used a cursed artifact to shatter the locust demon’s form, but it wounded my spirit. Though I hurt the locust demon, it managed to escape.”

Chu Talent was alarmed, but quickly understood—the Willow God had claimed to have slain the locust demon to comfort the people, but the truth was far more dire.

He replied earnestly, “If there is any way I can help, please instruct me.”

“I tracked the locust demon for dozens of miles and struck it down, only to find it was merely a projection. I searched the area, but found no trace. I fear it has slipped into the city. Once it recovers its power, Yan Prefecture will face annihilation,” the Willow God said solemnly.

Chu Talent’s expression changed. If the locust demon recovered, the people of Yan Prefecture would face disaster.

The Willow God handed him a willow branch. “This branch carries a strand of my divine consciousness. I have smeared it with the locust demon’s blood. If you approach within a hundred paces, it will heat up. The divine consciousness will last ten days. In that time, you must search every corner of Yan Prefecture. If you fail, the locust demon may have fled the city, and we will reconsider.”

“Yes.” Chu Talent accepted the branch respectfully. Its emerald glow and fragrance revealed it was no ordinary item, so he carefully tucked it away.

“In that case, I will go to Guiyuan Temple to recover. If you find the locust demon, come to me at Guiyuan Temple at once,” said the Willow God.

Chu Talent hesitated. “But I heard there are members of the Blood Lotus Sect at Guiyuan Temple?”

The Willow God smiled faintly. “I sensed with my divine consciousness—there are only two newly transformed demon girls there, unrelated to the Blood Lotus Sect. Likely, they used some Blood Lotus symbols to keep others away. There’s nothing to fear.”

Chu Talent felt enlightened.

After seeing off the Willow God, his body could no longer bear it, and he lay down to rest.

A hurried night passed.

Upon waking, he found several doctors waiting outside. As soon as he awoke, they examined his pulse and prescribed tonics, explaining that his fatigue was due only to exhaustion and would soon pass.

Chu Talent asked, “May I ask who summoned you?”

The doctors smiled, “The magistrate asked Dr. Fang to examine you today, and the rest of us came as well, lest there be any mistake. Now your pulse is steady, there is nothing to worry about.”

Grateful, Chu Talent thanked them.

The doctors waved off his thanks and hurried away—many had been injured in yesterday’s battle, and the medical halls were overflowing.

Seeing this, Chu Talent’s heart warmed.

Just then, a hearty laugh sounded outside. “Are you well, Master Chu?”

It was Yan Yunfei and Yang Ridan.

“Master Yan!” Chu Talent quickly saluted. “Thank you for your help yesterday.”

“No need for thanks! If not for you, I’d have been a fat morsel in the locust’s jaws,” Yan Yunfei laughed. “When have I ever received such a favor? How should I thank you? I never imagined you’d have a City God’s divine status—I thought it was the work of some unknown genius.”

Chu Talent replied earnestly, “I owe you much, Master Yan, no need for gratitude. Your righteous anger in severing the hands of the three stewards of the Prince’s residence is something I will never forget.”

“The Prince’s residence is not finished yet,” Yan Yunfei frowned. “Be careful—they won’t let this go easily. The Lady’s strength is equal to mine. She didn’t appear during the locust disaster—perhaps she has some connection to that demon. Be vigilant.”

Chu Talent’s gaze sharpened. He had not expected the Lady’s power to surpass even the renowned Yan Yunfei. He nodded, remembering the warning.

Yan Yunfei continued, “Second Madam wanted to thank you herself, but her status prevented it. She left last night. However…”

Chu Talent’s heart warmed at the thought of Second Madam, but the mention of “status” deepened his curiosity. What was her true identity, and why was it shrouded in secrecy?

“What is it?” he asked.

PS: This chapter was a joy to write. If you have flowers, please bestow them upon it.