Chapter 4 — Riding on the Wind

Agreed! I can see that you are a straightforward person as well, so we shall settle on the market rate. Ten thousand characters for one string of cash. If the book sells well, I will double your payment!

Hearing this, I was overjoyed. This sum was vastly greater than what I could ever hope to earn from tilling the fields. No wonder people often said that within books lie houses of gold. Forcing myself to quickly regain my composure, I asked:

Master Ha, would it be possible for you to advance me one string of cash? I am nearly out of money to pay for my room at the inn.

Very well, I shall advance you one string of cash right now! You may rest easy and stay here without worry.

Upon hearing this, I bowed formally and deeply to express my profound gratitude to Master Ha.

Many thanks!

Master Ha was a man of his word. Before long, he had sent over brushes, ink, paper, an inkstone, a string of cash, and the book that needed to be copied. I went out to buy some savory snacks and wine to give to the young inn attendant. He had helped me immensely; since courtesy demands reciprocity, I naturally had to show my appreciation. Only after finishing these errands did I return to my room and open the book Master Ha had provided. The book was titled The Ledger of Impermanence. It spoke of demons and ghosts, yet the true focus of its tales was the unfathomable nature of human hearts. The author possessed an exquisite, delicate handwriting style, much resembling the brushwork of a refined young lady from a noble household. However, her pen name was remarkably bold and unrestrained, calling herself Crane Apart from the Mountain. The calligraphy contrasted sharply with the literary style, which explained why Master Ha had remarked that my handwriting was ideally suited for copying this particular work. Driven by curiosity, I became completely engrossed in reading it. The more I read, the greater my horror grew. There was a story in the book about three ghosts who came before the judge at the Pass of Impermanence to plead their cases. The first ghost wore coarse cloth garments, her hair disheveled, crying out in a frenzied, abusive rage. The second ghost wore official robes, exuding an imposing, formidable aura, glaring angrily at the first ghost. The third ghost was adorned in splendid brocade, yet she cradled her own severed skull in her hands, her face brimming with sorrow. All three ghosts claimed they had been deeply wronged. The first ghost declared that her husband had turned his back on gratitude and righteousness, casting her aside the moment he passed the imperial examinations so that he might marry another woman. The second ghost claimed that his wedded wife had engaged in an illicit affair with his younger brother. He had magnanimously granted them their freedom, only to be burned to death by that very woman. The third ghost stated that when her husband was still destitute and possessed nothing, she had married him, using all the resources of her entire family clan to elevate and support him. Yet once he achieved success and renown, he viciously framed her entire clan, leading to their collective execution by beheading. I read until cold sweat drenched my entire body. Were these stories not mirroring the exact experiences of Xie Yuan and myself? Furthermore, the portion concerning the first ghost was relatively brief, whereas the grievances between the second and third ghosts were detailed with excruciating meticulousness. At that moment, I desperately longed to know the true identity of the author. Could she possibly be the third ghost depicted within these pages? Because of this burning question, I poured my heart and soul into copying the manuscript. In less than a month, I had finished transcribing three hundred copies, and my hands were thoroughly covered in thick calluses. Master Ha was immensely satisfied.

Miss Li, including the copies made by other transcribers, we now have over a thousand editions of this book. I shall conduct a trial release for a period of time. If sales are strong, we will proceed to carve wooden printing blocks. You have worked laboriously during this time. Should there be further work in the future, I will certainly seek you out again.

Master Ha, I dare guarantee that this book will sell exceptionally well! When that day comes, might I be granted a single meeting with the author?

Having read the book from cover to cover, I naturally felt entirely confident in making such a bold assertion.

Then I shall gladly accept Miss Li's auspicious blessing. It is just that each time the author visits the bookstore, she wears a mask, evidently wishing to keep her true identity concealed.

Hearing this, I pondered for a moment before speaking:

Then I must trouble the manager to ask her a question on my behalf. If the first ghost and the third ghost were to join forces, would they be able to bring the second ghost to justice all the sooner?

Very well.

07

Initially, I had merely harbored the mindset of trying my luck. To my utter astonishment, I actually received good news from Master Ha. The author had truly agreed to meet with me. The meeting place was arranged right inside the very inn where I was staying. On the appointed day, the inn attendant led me to the finest private parlor in the establishment.

Miss Li, the person who wishes to see you is inside. Judging by her attire, she is either wealthy or noble.

I nodded lightly to him, then pushed the door open and stepped inside. What immediately greeted my sight was a young gentleman sitting upright and poised. That person resembled pine soot ink dissolved into an inkstone, exuding a transcendent aura utterly detached from the mundane world. At a single glance, one could instantly tell this was no ordinary individual. Even the manservant standing quietly behind him possessed an air vastly superior to that of common folk. Regrettably, the young gentleman wore a mask, preventing me from beholding his true countenance. Before I could even utter a word, the young gentleman spoke first.

Miss Li, please take a seat.

Obeying his words, I sat down. The moment I seated myself, the manservant standing behind him quietly departed from the room, closing the door softly behind him. Gazing at the person seated before me, unsure of where to begin, I decided to cut straight to the point.