Chapter 469: with translation of chapter title

Why did Yuan Zheng's list of names written on the ground have only six entries, leaving out his own name?

Translation: Why did Yuan Zheng's name written on the ground only have six characters, missing his own name alone?

But need to keep meaning: "Why did the names written on the ground by Yuan Zheng only have six, with only his own name missing?" Let's produce: "Why did Yuan Zheng's name written on the ground only have six characters, with his own name the only one missing?" We'll keep concise.

Maybe he just couldn't get past that inner hurdle. Years ago, he led the entire class's brothers in fleeing. Later, he again led them to face death calmly. Though they ultimately died for the nation without resentment, if it weren't for Yuan Zheng's mistaken command back then, his men ought to have died alongside the regiment's troops, not be left with an unclear desertion charge.

After a long while, the wind died down and the valley fell silent, yet that sense of grief remained in my heart for a long time. It did not disappear with Yuan Zheng's death. Then I finally understood a saying: some people may die, but their spirit lives on forever. A soldier's body is an unbending pillar that supports heaven and earth. A soldier's glory lies in dying for the nation without the slightest hesitation—an unyielding spirit.

I think I should do something for those seven soldiers who faced death calmly. At the very least, I shouldn't let Yuan Zheng's descendants carry a centuries‑old stigma; the father of the old madman is not a deserter but a martyr.

: "………………………………" no names.

A week later, I opened my eyes from the bed, tears streaming down my face, and told everyone what I had seen in my dream. Together we discussed how we could, with our modest abilities, do something for those fallen martyrs.

After I finished recounting the entire story I had witnessed, Liu Guizhong stroked his beard, pondered for a long time, and had already devised a plan.

Three days later, the play finally commenced with great fanfare amid everyone's preparations.

This time, the Liu family troupe didn't pick any old plays to perform; they wrote and directed their own drama titled Deserter Hero. The main characters are seven people: Zhang Liushu, Niu San, You Xiaosheng… and Yuan Zheng.

However, when the play was performed, it provoked a chorus of shouts and curses from many villagers, including the village chief, whose faces flushed with anger and who fainted on the spot.

Translation: However, when the play came out, it drew a chorus of curses from many villagers, including the village head, whose faces turned red with anger and they fainted on the spot.

The villagers of Hu Jia Village perhaps haven't read much; they may not know the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors or the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, but when it comes to the history of the War of Resistance, they know it by heart. The seven people in the play are clearly the deserters who became notorious in the Huang'an Campaign.

Translation: The villagers of Hu Family Village perhaps hadn't read much, not knowing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, Tang Song Yuan Ming, but when it came to the history of the War of Resistance, they could recite it backward and forward without looking. The seven people in the play were clearly the famous deserters from the Huang'an Campaign of that year.

Therefore, although the troupe faced no obstruction and performed the play smoothly, they still encountered unprecedented difficulties—some villagers even hurled rotten eggs and fruit at the actors on stage.

Translation: So, although the troupe encountered no obstruction and performed the whole play smoothly, they still faced unprecedented difficulties, with some villagers even hurling rotten eggs and fruit fiercely at the actors on stage.

Liu Guizhong ultimately returned the performance fees to the village committee. First, because he and the village chief had an irreconcilable disagreement with the Liu family troupe; second, because he simply did not want to profit from that money.

Translation: Liu Guozhong ultimately honestly returned the performance fees to the village committee. First, because the village head and the Liu Family Troupe had an irreconcilable difference of opinion; second, because Liu Guozhong simply did not want to earn that money.

It's better not to know certain things, but once we do, everyone feels compelled to do something for these fallen heroes and feels at ease about it. The only thing that leaves us regretful is that, despite our efforts, we still cannot vindicate Yuan Zheng and these seven heroes.

Translation: Some things are better left unknown; once known, everyone feels it's only right to do something for these fallen heroes, feeling at ease. The only thing that makes us regretful is that, even with our efforts, we still cannot prove the innocence of these seven heroes of Yuan Zheng.

Many conformist eyes pointed at the entire Liu family troupe, accusing us of glorifying traitors and deserters, claiming we are unworthy to be called Chinese. Even the troupe members who were unaware of the inner details could not understand why the troupe would go against the villagers' wishes and clash over money.

Translation: Numerous conforming eyes pointed at every member of the Liu Family Troupe, accusing us of glorifying traitors, glorifying deserters, and saying we are unworthy to be Chinese. Even the brothers of the Liu Family Troupe who were unaware of the inside story could not understand why the troupe would go against the villagers' wishes and fall out over money.

Sometimes I truly hate knowing too much. This feeling of being the only sober one while everyone else is drunk is unpleasant; it keeps me from going with the flow and fitting into worldly surroundings. Still, I have no regrets, because I know I am right!

Translation: Sometimes I truly hate knowing too much. This feeling of being the only sober one while everyone else is drunk is unpleasant, leaving me unable to go with the flow and blend into worldly atmosphere. But I have no regrets, for I know I am right!

The villagers aren't necessarily wrong either; they are merely deceived by what they see and hear. But how can we uncover anything from that buried history to prove who is right or wrong?

Translation: The villagers, too, cannot be said to be at fault; they were merely deceived by what they saw and heard. But what evidence can be dug up from that buried history to prove who is right and who is wrong?

After the play ended, I and Fatty did not immediately set off for Yichang; instead, we stayed in Hu Jia Village for over a week.

Translation: After the play ended, Pangzi and I did not promptly set off for Yichang; instead we stayed in Hu Family Village for over a week.

It's not that I didn't want to leave, but my body simply lacked the stamina for a long journey. As I expected, the fate‑consuming ability drained too much of my spirit, leaving my body and soul utterly exhausted; I lay in bed for a full week before I could barely get up.

Translation: It wasn't that I didn't want to leave, but my body simply lacked the stamina for a long journey. As I expected, the Fate Penetration drained too much of my spirit, leaving my body and soul utterly exhausted; I lay in bed for a full week before I could barely get up.

Logically, it should have been Little Fatty who granted me the supernatural ability of fate‑communication, but now Little Fatty is unconscious, yet I can still invoke that ability. In the underworld jade, Little Fatty hasn't awakened, and Jia Jia can't be summoned. No one is here to clear up this doubt for me.

Translation: Logically, Little Fat should have bestowed this Fate Penetration upon me, but now Little Fat is unconscious, yet I can still invoke Fate Penetration. In the Dark Jade, Little Fat has not awakened, and Jiajia cannot be summoned. No one comes to resolve this doubt for me.

Perhaps it's because we signed a contract?

Translation: Perhaps it's because we signed a contract?

I can only think this way, blaming the mystery on that reason. However, the one thing I can be certain of is that the fate‑communication ability consumes my vital energy while also accelerating the consumption of my lifespan.

Translation: I can only think this way, blaming the mystery on that reason. However, the one thing I am certain of is that Fate Penetration, while consuming my essence, energy, and spirit, is also accelerating the consumption of my lifespan.

In the evening, after getting up and looking in the mirror, I, Haoran, saw wrinkles forming at the corners of my eyes and my skin looking much older than before. Although I haven't grown any hair yet, the fatigue of body and mind still makes me feel my aged state.

Translation: In the evening, after getting up and looking in the mirror, I, Haoran, saw wrinkles at the corners of my eyes in the reflection, my skin looking much older than before. Although I haven't grown any hair yet, the mental and physical fatigue still makes me feel my aged state.

Note: The line ends abruptly; we translate as is.

The day after I was able to get out of bed and move around, I received news that shocked everyone like a bolt from the blue: Yuan Zheng's son, the old madman who had endured years of contempt and scorn from the villagers, had died.

Translation: The day after I was able to get out of bed and move, I received news that struck everyone like a bolt from the blue. Yuan Zheng's son, the old madman who had endured years of contempt and scorn from the villagers, had died.

He died from a cold infection, neglected by everyone, and ultimately perished in that dilapidated old house that resembled a garbage heap.

Translation: He died from a wind-cold infection, unattended. In the end, he succumbed to illness in that dilapidated old house resembling a garbage heap.

A village that venerates anti‑Japanese heroes instead spat decades of contempt and scorn at the descendant of a hero. They pride themselves on the glory inherited from their ancestors, yet they overlooked—and even directly caused—the death of that martyr's descendant.

Translation: A village that venerates anti-Japanese heroes instead spat decades of contempt and scorn upon the descendant of a hero. They pride themselves on the glory flowing from their ancestors, yet in their obliviousness they overlooked—and even personally buried—the life of a martyr's descendant.

………………

Translation: ……………… (ellipsis remains as is). We need to output the line with the ellipsis. Keep same characters? We should translate? It's just dots; we can keep as is. Probably output same: "………………". We'll output that.

After resting for a few days, I and Fatty boarded the train to Yichang, seeing off many brothers from the troupe.

Translation: After resting for a few days, Pangzi and I boarded the train to Yichang amidst the waving farewells of many brothers from the troupe.

Fatty's mood was not good; he kept frowning since boarding the train and never showed even a hint of a smile, which is unlike his usual character.

Translation: Pangzi's mood was not good; from the moment he boarded the train he kept frowning, never cracking a smile. This did not match his usual character.

Out of confusion, I gave him a push and said, "Old Wang, what's wrong with you? You've been gloomy all day—are you still upset about Yuan Zheng's affair?"

Translation: In my puzzlement, I gave him a shove: "Old Wang, what's up with you? You've been glum all day—are you still upset about Yuan Zheng's affair?"

"Ah?" Fatty exclaimed, took a moment to regain his composure, stared at me blankly, and said, "What are you saying? What sadness?"

Translation: "Huh?" Pangzi exclaimed, taking a moment to regain his senses, staring at me blankly and saying, "What did you say? What sorrow?"

"I'm asking you, are you still feeling sad about Yuan Zheng's matter?" I raised my voice without thinking.

Translation: "I'm asking you, are you still feeling sorrow over Yuan Zheng's matter?" I raised my voice involuntarily.

"No… I'm just thinking about things, just thinking," Fatty started to speak, but then hesitated and closed his mouth after a moment.

Translation: "No... I'm just thinking about things, just thinking," Pangzi started to speak, but hesitated and closed his mouth moments later.

After knowing him for so many years, I immediately sensed that his reaction was because he was hiding something from me. I suspect this matter is related to Liu Guizhong.

Translation: Having known him for so many years, I immediately sensed his reaction was because he was hiding something from me. I think this matter likely involves Liu Guozhong.

The day before our parting, Liu Guizhong summoned Fatty to his room. When Fatty wanted to invite me along, Liu Guizhong used my poor health as an excuse to make me rest in bed. I thought they, uncle and nephew, just wanted a quiet gathering, but now it seems there must be something suspicious. Perhaps Fatty is keeping something from me at Liu Guizhong's behest.

Translation: The day before our departure, Liu Guozhong summoned Pangzi to his room. When Pangzi wanted to invite me along, Liu Guozhong used my poor health as an excuse, telling me to rest properly in bed. I thought they, uncle and nephew, just wanted a quiet get‑together, but now it seems there must be something fishy. Perhaps Pangzi is keeping something from me at Liu Guozhong's behest.

"By the way, when will Uncle QingSong return? Do you know who we're going to Yichang to assess the feng shui of a yin‑grave for?" I turned my gaze toward the train car's exterior to change the subject.

Translation: "By the way, when will QingSongShu be back? Do you know who we are going to Yichang to assess the feng shui of a yinzai grave for?" I turned my gaze to the outside of the carriage and changed the subject.

If I don't want to say something, I keep it to myself; I'd rather know less than see my brother struggle. This isn't greatness on my part—it's what I've learned over many years of getting along with Fatty. Compared to him, I may always seem a bit selfish, but that selfishness has subtly been shaped by his influence, from which I've learned many lessons about how to be a person.

Translation: If I don't want to say something, I'll keep it hidden. I'd rather know a little less than make things difficult for my brothers. This isn't greatness on my part; it's what I've come to understand from years of getting along with Pangzi. Compared to him, I always seem a bit selfish, but that selfishness has subtly been influenced by Pangzi, from whom I've learned many lessons on how to be a person.

"As for the Yichang matter, it's mainly about checking the feng shui for a wealthy family surnamed Yang," Fatty said, then after a pause furrowed his brows and added, "However, the Yang family's ancestral grave feng shui isn't something just anyone can handle; otherwise, there'd be no need for my father to get involved."

Translation: "As for this Yichang matter, it's mainly about checking the feng shui for a wealthy Yang family," Pangzi said, then after a moment he frowned again: "Only, the Yang family's ancestral grave feng shui isn't something just anyone can handle; otherwise, there'd be no need for my father to get involved."

"Oh, if that's what you say, is it really that difficult?" I asked curiously.

Translation: "Oh, if that's what you mean—is it really that hard?" I asked curiously.

Fatty replied, "There's a problem with the three‑killing stele in the tomb—do you think it's difficult?"

Translation: Pangzi said: "There's a problem with the Three Killing Steles in the tomb—how difficult is that?"

I gasped, unable to contain my agitation: "What are you saying? The Yang family's ancestral grounds have a three‑killing stele—who, exactly, a master from where installed it, and what kind of layout does their yin‑grave have?"

Translation: I gasped, unable to suppress the turmoil in my heart: "What did you say? The Yang family's ancestral grounds have a Three Killing Stele—who exactly, what kind of master set it up, and what is the layout of their yinzai burial ground?"

Fatty shook his head and said, "I'm not sure about that, but anyone who dares to place a three‑killing stele must be on an auspicious, spirit‑shaped feng shui treasure spot. In short, our trip to Yichang to fetch soy sauce will also be a chance to broaden our horizons.

Translation: Pangzi shook his head: "I don't know this, but whoever dared to place the Three Killing Steles must have a feng shui treasure land with auspicious spiritual formations. In short, our trip to Yichang is just to get soy sauce, and we'll broaden our horizons along the way."

"In today's society, the places where the dead reside are more expensive than those for the living. Land has been driven up in price for sale, and villages and hills of all sizes have been developed—let alone finding a feng shui treasure spot suitable for a three‑killing stele; even the generally good feng shui locations are gone." Fatty lamented.

Translation: "In today's society, the places where the dead reside are more expensive than those of the living. Land has been hyped up for sale, and villages and hills big and small have been developed—let alone a feng shui treasure spot daring to host the Three Killing Steles; even the relatively good feng shui lands are gone." Pangzi sighed.

"Hearing you say that, I actually find myself looking forward to this Yichang trip more and more," I said, resting my chin, intrigued. At that moment, only three words swirled in my mind: "Three‑killing stele."

Translation: "Hearing you say that, I actually find myself looking forward to this Yichang trip more and more," I said, resting my chin, intrigued. At this moment, only three big words swirled in my mind: "Three Killing Stele."

——————

Translation: —————— (we keep the line as is). Probably just a separator.

The Hong'an trip has ended, but I am very dissatisfied, extremely dissatisfied. The troubles of many matters prevent me from calming my heart, and I cannot write what I want to express. I want to tell everyone, to have everyone remember the deceased anti-Japanese predecessors, remember their spirit. I have no intention to stir up hatred; hatred is meaningless for the nation and for us personally, and it will even corrode our souls. But none of us has the right to forget history… because forgetting history means betrayal

I recommend a book Heterodox and Unorthodox Ways

Did you know that carpenters, blacksmiths, and masons in the past also knew magic? If you offended them, or owed them money and didn't pay, strange things could happen in your household: rice wouldn't cook properly, pigs couldn't be killed, tofu wouldn't set, ghosts would knock on doors in the middle of the night, chickens would fly and dogs would jump, even leading to the destruction of the family.

Did you know that actors, performers, and those who practiced transformative opera also knew magic? The shadows on the screen of a shadow play could enter your home, steal your belongings, even burrow into tombs to loot treasures; evil traffickers would abduct children with special eight-character birth charts, using them to practice dark arts, increase longevity, change fate, and refine little demons—for example, the once-sensational Chongqing Red-Clad Boy incident… Daoism labels all cultivation sects outside the Zhengyi and Quanzhen schools as "heterodox ways"; heterodox and unorthodox ways are looked down upon, but in fact heterodox also possesses orthodox methods, heterodox encompasses many wondrous techniques, whose unique effects sometimes even orthodox sects cannot achieve, hence the saying that there are masters among the folk.

In the folk there once existed eight especially mysterious and powerful heterodox ways, which the Daoist community called

The 'Eight Great Heterodox Ways'—after the liberation they all vanished without a trace, but they never truly disappeared; they are right around us, they have happened to me……The book Heterodox and Unorthodox Ways reveals the unknown magical secrets of the folk and a heart‑rending emotion, the clash of righteousness and evil, entangled grudges; click below to embark on the wondrous journey: http: ///book/47876 The author is an old writer from Mo Tie, who has already completed a work Fox Spirit, Hurry Up as Ordered by Law; the new book Heterodox and Unorthodox Ways has set sail, those who like it may want to take a look!

The page link cannot be clicked; everyone can click the little yellow box below

Volume Seven: The Yichang Feng Shui Expedition