Although he could travel at any time and had made all the necessary preparations, thinking about potentially facing a legendary supernatural creature made Lu Zheng feel uneasy.
"Actually, I already know where the Corpse Ghost is staying. I could just go to the White Cloud Temple and inform Daoist Mingzhang."
The target was clear, and it was evident that Scholar Wang's family was well off. If Daoist Mingzhang saved him, the reward would surely be generous. Moreover, he could gain prestige in the county, and the incense at the temple would surely flourish.
"So, am I actually reluctant to give up the Light of Fortune on that Corpse Ghost?"
Six strands of Light of Fortune had greatly enhanced Lu Zheng's physical condition, and he had even become a sword technique expert.
How could anyone give up such a feeling?
"Forget it, I'll try it myself first. If I can't handle it, I'll go to the White Cloud Temple for help."
"Besides, that Corpse Ghost targeted Scholar Wang the other day, and it might not necessarily come after me. I can't possibly seek it out actively, can I?"
For a moment, Lu Zheng was torn between caution and greed.
He didn't dare to take the initiative, yet was unwilling to part with the alluring Light of Fortune.
...
After bringing things back to the Great Jing Dynasty, Lu Zheng stepped out to have dinner.
He had just finished half of his meal when the Peace Talisman he carried began to heat up slightly.
It was here!
Lu Zheng's pupils contracted sharply.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
There was a knock on the door.
"Coming!" A voice shouted from the kitchen in the front yard as Uncle Li quickly walked out, "Who is it?"
Before Lu Zheng could stop him, Uncle Li hurriedly opened the front yard gate with a creak.
"Young lady, who are you?"
At that moment, the heat from the Peace Talisman vanished from Lu Zheng's chest.
Was this... malicious intent disappearing?
Hearing Uncle Li's muffled conversation outside the front gate, Lu Zheng relaxed, it seemed the other party wasn't planning to act rashly just yet.
Lu Zheng put down his chopsticks, calmed his emotions, though he had no appetite left.
A moment later, Uncle Li came around the screen wall and stopped outside the main hall door.
"Who's there, what's going on?"
"Reporting, young master, outside is a young lady beset by misfortune," Uncle Li explained. "Her family moved to Tonglin County, but was ambushed by mountain bandits on the way. She was the only one who escaped with the help of a bodyguard, who succumbed to his injuries yesterday.
Now, she has no one to rely on and happened to walk by our door, lured by the smell of food as she is starving, hoping to get a bowl of rice."
"She just wants a bowl of rice?"
"If possible, she'd be grateful to stay for a month and will offer Uncle Xin a hundred gold in gratitude. If it is inconvenient, even just a bowl of rice would be deeply appreciated."
Uncle Li stepped forward and whispered, "Young master, I took a look—the young lady is quite something, with the grace of a celestial immortal, filled with nobility. She must be from an affluent family. If things go well this month..."
Oh, so now you're interested in your young master's lifelong affairs, huh?
Do you even realize you're bringing a Corpse Ghost to your young master?
Though it's unclear why the Corpse Ghost changed its appearance, or if this woman is indeed that Corpse Ghost, the earlier heat from the Peace Talisman couldn't lie. She's merely concealing her malicious intent for now.
"I almost hope that they're the same Corpse Ghost, or else the double pleasure might be too much for me!"
"Let her in," Lu Zheng controlled his expression, trying to steady his heartbeat.
"One moment, please!"
Beaming, Uncle Li jogged back to the front door and soon returned with a slender, full-figured woman.
She was clad in a warm goose-yellow gauze shirt with scattered flowers, a fragmented willow flower skirt underneath, and a light gold silk ribbon adorning her waist, accentuating her graceful curves.
As she walked, gentle sways of her hips revealed an enchanting poise.
As she drew near, her face was finally visible—arched moon-like eyebrows, starry eyes like water, fair skin whiter than snow, and cherry lips resembling plum blossoms.
Accompanied by an expression that held a hint of pride amidst her modesty, just looking at her could ignite a flame in any man.
"Paying respects to the young master!"
As she lightly bent forward, a glimpse of white skin caught Lu Zheng's eyes.
"Gulp." Lu Zheng swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
"Come, Uncle Li, fetch another chair. Miss, please have a seat." Lu Zheng suddenly became enthusiastic.
Of course, to both Uncle Li and the young lady, Lu Zheng's behavior seemed perfectly normal.
"Thank you, young master."
"You're welcome. I am Lu Zheng. May I know how to address Miss?"
"My surname is Su, and my given name is Yi."
"Su Yi, fragrant and elegant, what a beautiful name."
"Young master exaggerates. It is you, young master, with a noble heart and exceptional talent, who is truly remarkable." Su Yi praised softly.
Lu Zheng seemed quite flattered.
He then had Uncle Li set up another bowl and chopsticks for Su Yi. Her eating manner was graceful and poised despite her hunger, befitting a lady from a distinguished family.
In the span of one meal, Lu Zheng intentionally flattered her, and Su Yi's words seemed to show interest, making her appear quite fond of Lu Zheng.
As Uncle Li attended them, he was secretly delighted, thinking the match was made.
...
After the meal, Lu Zheng had Aunt Liu clean up the West Wing and set up bedding, then sent both to sleep at the front.
"No matter what sounds come from the back yard tonight, do not come in."
"Rest assured, young master, we old folks will wrap ourselves in blankets, and no matter how loud you are, we won't hear a thing."
Faced with Lu Zheng's instructions, Uncle Li bore a knowing smile.
Lu Zheng nodded with a smirk, then turned and closed the side door connecting the front and back yards.
Turning his head, he saw Su Yi leaning against the doorframe of the West Wing. When she saw Lu Zheng looking, she blushed slightly and turned into the room.
Lu Zheng chuckled and then slowly stepped into his own bedroom.
He closed the door gently, lit an oil lamp, and picked up a book on Confucian doctrines he had bought previously but couldn't understand, pretending to read.
"Should I go over, or wait for her to come?"
"Knock, knock."
A moment later, there was a gentle knock and the door slowly opened, revealing Su Yi's poised figure at the entrance.
It seemed someone was more eager than Lu Zheng.
"It's late, young master is still working?"
"My mind is somewhat unsettled, making it hard to sleep." Lu Zheng smiled awkwardly, gently lowering his head.
Su Yi covered her mouth with a fluttery laugh, her eyes twinkling seductively, as she lifted her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and let it fall from her fragrant shoulder downwards.
"With the young master's benevolence in taking me in, I have nothing to repay with but my own self."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng's eyes lit up, "Do you truly mean that, Miss?"
"I hope the young master shows mercy."
Lu Zheng's delight was evident, he stood up, opened the door, and turned towards the bed.
"Miss, please come in."
Seeing Lu Zheng's eagerness as he headed to the bed, Su Yi smiled softly, stepping lightly into the room.
Lu Zheng walked quickly and reached the edge of the bed, reaching into the bedding.
Outside, the moonlight was like water, and inside, beauty abounded.