Chapter 58: Games on the River, A Plan Gone Awry
The dock was deserted under the dim moonlight.
Jiang Zhi stood facing the wind, turning around with a cold smile. “Ji Hang, do you truly believe in this so-called righteous aura?”
Ji Hang, who had just caught up to him, faltered and chuckled nervously. “It’s just idle gossip among the common folk. I don’t believe in such things.”
“You’re right.”
Jiang Zhi scoffed, a mocking tone in his voice. “Such foolish mortals are truly laughable. If reading a few books could grant one righteous aura to fight against demons and ghosts, the world would be a different place. Sages would walk among us, humanity would prosper, and we wouldn’t be here scheming against this scholar. But—”
His tone changed abruptly. “Since he has gained the respect of the entire Changling County, and even some demons and ghosts have perished in his presence, he must possess some extraordinary abilities. That’s why, before I sent you to arrange their boat trip, I made some preparations.”
He glanced meaningfully at Ji Hang. “I’ve added a special powder to the candles, curtains, and even the aphrodisiac pills on that boat. It will disperse when the candles are lit. And I’ve also sent several demons and ghosts to lurk beneath the river, ready to attack under the cover of darkness.
Not only that, in case that scholar truly has some power against ghosts, I’ve also arranged for three ruthless river bandits, skilled in water combat and notorious for their brutality, to ambush the boat and eliminate everyone on board.”
Although Ji Hang still wore a flattering smile, his hands clenched inside his sleeves with every word.
“I’m telling you this so you’ll be smart. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.”
Jiang Zhi sneered. “Even if you don’t desire immortality, you should at least consider your children. Someone has to inherit your restaurant. If it’s ‘gone,’ you’ll spend the rest of your life filled with regret.”
“I understand, I understand! Thank you, Master Jiang, for your guidance!”
Ji Hang bowed deeply, his head almost touching the ground, his demeanor utterly subservient.
But his expression, hidden in the shadows, was one of grim determination.
—His children, who had been threatened, had been safely rescued this morning, smuggled out of Changling under his arrangements.
He was alone now.
Even if he had miscalculated, he would rather die here!
…
On the Ningguan River…
The pleasure boat carrying Lin Tianlu and the others had almost reached the center of the river and was slowing down.
But Lin Tianlu was staring at the water with a puzzled expression.
Those shadowy figures darting through the water…
They didn’t look like ordinary fish.
Could someone have dumped garbage upstream, polluting the river?
That was quite unhygienic.
But something didn’t feel right.
Lin Tianlu narrowed his eyes, his vision shifting.
Faint azure lines appeared on the shimmering surface of the river, revealing the shadowy figures beneath – various fish and shrimp, water plants, and shellfish – a beautiful and intricate underwater scene.
But most importantly…
“There really are water ghosts.”
Lin Tianlu stared at the passing shadows, his eyes filled with curiosity.
Although they were shrouded in a faint gray mist, almost blending in with the water, making them difficult to see with the naked eye, they couldn’t escape his enhanced vision.
“Miss Hua, has anyone drowned in this river recently, or been lost in a boating accident?”
“Hmm?”
Hua Shuya was taken aback. After a moment of thought, she said, “Not recently… But I’ve heard the authorities mention that people accidentally drown in the river every month. It’s a common occurrence, unavoidable.”
“I see.”
Lin Tianlu’s gaze sharpened.
He could see a faint red glow surrounding the water ghost.
It had clearly taken lives. Such a creature lurking in the river was a danger to the townspeople.
“It’s time for you to be reborn.”
He flicked his finger, and a beam of spiritual energy shot through the water, instantly vaporizing the water ghost.
Looking around, he saw more ghostly figures swimming towards them.
“They’re even traveling in groups?”
Lin Tianlu chuckled and flicked his fingers again, eradicating the water ghosts one by one. Even those who tried to escape were swiftly eliminated.
In the blink of an eye, the river was clear.
“Senior, what did you just…”
“The river was a bit unclean. I took care of it.”
Hua Shuya’s face paled.
She looked at the seemingly clear water, her heart heavy.
Even this calm and peaceful river harbored demons and ghosts. Was there nowhere safe?
“Are you feeling uneasy?”
“Yes…”
Hua Shuya frowned. “Thinking back, many of those accidental deaths might have been caused by ghosts. It makes me realize… how naive I was before.”
“Life is unpredictable, Miss Hua. Just live in the present, live a fulfilling life. There’s no need to worry about things you can’t control.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly, trying to reassure her. He looked up at the full moon hanging in the night sky.
“It would be nice to recite some poetry or sing a song under this beautiful moon.”
Hua Shuya pushed aside her worries and asked curiously, “You’re a scholar, Senior. You must know many beautiful poems.”
“Even if I could recite countless poems, they would just be words written by others.”
Lin Tianlu shook his head.
Although this world was quite different from the Tang Dynasty he knew from history, and poets like Li Bai didn’t exist, reciting their famous verses would still be impressive.
But… plagiarizing felt meaningless.
Even if people praised his “original” poems, he wouldn’t be able to reveal their true origins… He couldn’t claim them as his own.
It would be too embarrassing.
As for his own literary talent, he could barely write a decent limerick. It wouldn’t do justice to the beautiful moonlit scenery.
“Why don’t you two have some hangover soup to warm yourselves up?”
A gentle voice came from behind them. Turning around, they saw Mao Ruoyu approaching with a smile, carrying two bowls of soup.
They quickly took the bowls. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Mao Ruoyu brushed her hair back and looked up at the moon, her gaze distant. “The moon is especially beautiful tonight.”
Zheng—
A soft chime rang out.
They turned around and saw Cheng Yishi sitting in the cabin, a guzheng in her lap. She plucked the strings gently.
A clear and melodious sound echoed across the river.
Lin Tianlu smiled. “You play the guzheng, Miss Cheng?”
“I’ve learned a bit.” Cheng Yishi smiled gracefully, her hands resting on the strings. “The moonlight is so beautiful tonight. Allow me to play a song for you.”
She began to play, her fingers dancing across the strings, a soothing melody filling the air.
Mao Ruoyu’s eyes lit up, and she looked at Lin Tianlu. “Sir, why don’t you play along with Miss Cheng? The sound of the flute and the guzheng would be a lovely combination.”
Lin Tianlu took off his jade flute and handed it to her with a smile. “You love music, Madam Mao. Why don’t you play?”
“Really?” Mao Ruoyu’s face lit up with excitement.
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll… make a fool of myself.”
Mao Ruoyu took the flute with a smile, then, after a moment of concentration, she began to play, her melody harmonizing with Cheng Yishi’s guzheng.
The two distinct instruments blended together beautifully, creating a harmonious and enchanting sound.
But their eyes met, and they both seemed surprised by the other’s skill. A competitive spirit ignited within them, and their melodies shifted, subtly challenging each other.
They tried to outdo each other, their melodies intertwining and clashing.
The once harmonious music now had an edge to it, their gazes locked in a silent battle, their instruments transformed into weapons.
Neither of them wanted to be outdone in their area of expertise.
“…”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his ears, his expression strange.
The music had been quite pleasant at first.
But now… it felt like he was in a karaoke bar.
His ears were starting to hurt.
“Miss Hua, since those two are enjoying their musical duel, why don’t we find something else to do?”
Lin Tianlu turned to Hua Shuya.
“Something else?”
Hua Shuya put down her soup and tilted her head. “There are some books and calligraphy tools on the boat, but for entertainment…”
“I found a chess set earlier.” Lin Tianlu smiled, holding up a slightly worn-out box. “It’s a bit old, but it’ll do.”
Hua Shuya was intrigued. She quickly brought over a small table and set up the board.
“Please guide me, Senior!”
…
The pleasure boat drifted along the river, its lanterns casting a faint glow. From the shore, only their figures were visible.
Jiang Zhi stood there, his hands clasped behind his back, watching the boat with an indifferent expression, as if everything was under his control.
But his face was dark, a vein throbbing on his forehead.
Because he had been waiting…
For almost half an hour.
The demons, ghosts, and bandits he had sent should have attacked by now, but the boat hadn’t even swayed!
Although he couldn’t see what they were doing inside the cabin, it was clear that they hadn’t been scared or attacked. They were actually enjoying themselves, playing music and games!
And he had been standing here like a fool, watching them flirt and laugh… for half an hour!!
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