Volume Two: Eventful Autumn, Twists and Turns, Chapter 148: Issuing a Bounty and the Bizarre Flute

Yang Chengzi arrived at the government office while the magistrate was still asleep. After a restless night, the few constables were weary and listless. Upon seeing Yang Chengzi, they brewed some tea and offered it to him before waking the magistrate.

The stout magistrate, roused by Yang Chengzi’s early visit, grumbled as he got out of bed, but once he stepped out into the back hall, he put on a smiling face to greet him.

Seeing the magistrate’s warm welcome, Yang Chengzi cupped his hands respectfully and said, “Your Honor, I apologize for the early disturbance. I have a matter that requires your assistance.”

“Oh, Daoist Yang, you’re too polite! What disturbance could it be? You’ve already helped our town deal with so many sinister affairs. Whatever you need, speak freely. If it’s within my power, I won’t hesitate.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. It’s nothing too serious. I just need the office to issue a reward notice.”

“A reward notice? For what? Offering a bounty on a person is illegal—I can’t help with that.”

“Not a person. It’s for the Puxian Temple.”

“The Puxian Temple? A reward for the temple?”

“Yes. We need to find a Zen master named Du’e at Puxian Temple, but we only know that he’s there; we don’t know where the temple itself is located. Towns as prosperous as Yutai are rare along this route. We want to gather information here to pinpoint the temple’s location before setting out, so we don’t take any detours or waste time.”

“Oh, a reward for the temple’s location! That’s no problem, just a small matter. You startled me at first—usually reward notices are for criminals, so I thought you meant a bounty on someone. This is easy. But how should the notice be worded? And how much should the reward be?”

“Keep it simple. Write: ‘Within twenty days, a reward is offered for the exact location of Puxian Temple. The condition is that the informant must personally lead the way there. Reward: one hundred fifty taels of silver.’”

“One hundred fifty taels? Aren’t you afraid someone might claim it fraudulently?”

“No worries. We’re asking them to guide us personally—no easy deception there.”

“Aren’t you concerned the person might cause trouble along the way?”

“That’s unlikely. I can take a life in the blink of an eye if needed. If they’re a formidable person, they probably won’t be interested in one hundred fifty taels anyway.”

“Daoist Yang, you have great courage—admirable indeed. I’ll have my secretary draft the notice immediately. Don’t worry, Yutai is bustling with travelers; someone will surely know.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Your Honor. I appreciate your help.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. If there’s anything else, just say so. I was planning to invite you all for a banquet anyway. Since you came first to see me and helped me out of that big trouble, which saved my position, I’ll set a table at the Drunken Immortal Inn tonight. You must come and join the festivities.”

“No, no, Your Honor, that’s too kind. My brothers are shy around strangers; they’d feel uncomfortable eating with guests. It would be disrespectful to you.”

“Bah! What nonsense. If you don’t come, that’s what’s disrespectful!”

“Your Honor is too gracious. The banquet truly isn’t necessary, but there is something important I must ask about.”

“Just say it. If I know, I’ll tell you.”

“It concerns the Yuan residence.”

“The Yuan residence? What could there be to ask about it?”

“I want to know what Master Yuan’s business is—how he made his fortune.”

“Master Yuan? Why do you want to know about him? Let me think... Master Yuan is a businessman. I don’t know how he started, but he was already here doing business when I took office. He owns a teahouse that sells tea and a gambling den, which I believe he also runs. Beyond that, I don’t know much.”

“A businessman?”

“Yes. What he does secretly, I don’t know. Publicly, those are his two ventures. The gambling den seems quite profitable—I’ve even cashed in a bit myself. The teahouse probably only brings in some small change, so I haven’t paid it much attention. Why do you ask?”

“Huang Liang told me.”

“Huang Liang? Who’s that?”

“The one who killed three prison guards in your jail.”

At this, the magistrate nearly knocked over his tea cup, his face filled with panic as he stared at Yang Chengzi.

“You...you...you said you handled it. Don’t scare me.”

“He’s dead, don’t worry. Before he went to the afterlife, he told me everything.”

The stout magistrate rolled his eyes and sighed.

“You scared me to death. What did he say? You want to inquire about Master Yuan?”

“I won’t bore you with details—you might not sleep tonight. Let me just tell you what he was stealing.”

The magistrate nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes. He went to steal from the Yuan residence. What was it?”

“A flute.”

“A flute?”

“Yes, a flute.”

“Made of gold? The Yuan residence is large, not the biggest in town but substantial. Why only a flute?”

“Yes, only a flute.”

“You’re sure it’s no ordinary flute? The Yuan estate has plenty of antiques and jade artifacts. Stealing just a flute sounds suspicious.”

“You’re perceptive, Your Honor. I agree. Last night I killed a sorcerer capable of controlling souls—it was he who ordered Huang Liang to steal the flute.”

“What! Huang Liang was under someone’s control?”

“Yes. The sorcerer used dark magic to send him into the Yuan residence. You know a sorcerer’s interest is never in anything good. Unless the item is priceless, it’s probably cursed.”

“Oh dear, what shall we do?”

The magistrate trembled with fear, eyes wide. Perhaps worried about his gambling profits, he asked, “Should we go to the Yuan residence now? I can introduce you to Master Yuan. He’s not a bad man—sometimes he helps refugees from outside town. You should try to save him!”

“That’s my intention. Regardless of who he is, if the flute is problematic, I must deal with it to prevent further harm.”

“Let’s go, let’s go now—I’ll change my clothes first. Wait here…”

The magistrate hurried back to his room to change, then he and Yang Chengzi rushed off toward the Yuan residence.

Upon arrival, the servants quickly notified the household of the magistrate’s visit and ushered the two men into the main hall.

Shortly after, a man about the same age as Chang Yu’s father came out. He wore fine silk garments, a finger ring adorned his hand, and he toyed with a jade carving of a black tortoise. He appeared composed and worldly.

He greeted them with a respectful bow. “Ah, Magistrate, what brings you here? Looking for tea with Yuan? And who is your young companion?”

“Master Yuan, no tea today. We have serious business. This young man is Yang Chengzi, an inner disciple of Mount Maoshan, skilled in exorcising ghosts and demons.”

“Ah, Daoist Yang, pleased to meet you. Forgive my rudeness—I didn’t expect such a young man to be so adept at protecting the people from evil spirits. I am honored.”

“I’ve heard Master Yuan is a kind-hearted man, often aiding refugees and doing good deeds. Sorry to trouble you.”

“Nonsense, please sit, please sit. Let me offer you tea.”

Master Yuan invited them to sit, and after a maid served tea, the three were alone in the hall.

“What matter brings you to see me?”

“Well...” the magistrate started, then reconsidered.

“I can’t explain it well. Let Daoist Yang speak—he solved the main problem, and part of it involves your household, so we came here.”

Master Yuan looked puzzled. “Daoist Yang, what is this about? It seems urgent.”

“Master Yuan, you are generous with guests, so I’ll be straightforward. Didn’t you recently catch a thief in your home?”

“Yes, indeed. I had my servants notify the authorities, and Magistrate here interrogated the culprit.”

“We won’t discuss the man now. Do you know what he tried to steal from your residence?”

“I don’t. He was caught at my study door, hesitating to enter, and was quickly discovered by my servants. Then he was arrested.”

“His name is Huang Liang. He told me someone sent him to steal a flute from your study. Is that true?”

Master Yuan was surprised, glancing at Yang Chengzi.

“How did they know I had a flute, and that it was in my study? That flute cost a great sum—it’s been targeted?”

“I don’t know how they found out, but Master Yuan, do you confirm you have such a flute?”

“Yes, I do. I bought it six months ago from an antique shop specializing in calligraphy and paintings. I liked it and kept it in my study.”

“An antique calligraphy and painting shop?”

“Yes, the one on the west side of town, Spring Scenery Again. I remember paying three hundred taels—quite expensive—but the flute’s texture and feel were excellent, so I bought it.”

“Oh, that shop is run by Manager Lai. They have many famous calligraphy works and antiques. I’ve bought a few pieces myself.”

The magistrate chimed in aimlessly but then grew somber, casting a troubled look at Yang Chengzi. Yang paid him no mind.