Chapter 192: The House of the Dead Opens for Business, Exposing Fakes Late at Night

The young master Shang, born into a noble family, seemed to have seen nothing beyond fine horses and fragrant carriages.

Hearing that grain was to be distributed to the poor, he eagerly dug into his purse to join the fray; hearing that a ritual might encounter ghosts, he immediately rushed forward, his face alight with excitement, insisting on going to fight ghosts.

Because Xu Qing spoke with such fiery passion, he too felt he was capable!

But how could he know that Xu Qing, who spoke such fiery words, was actually colder than anyone else—physically cold-blooded.

Xu Qing looked at this fellow before him, clad in a dirty white robe, like a white cat that had run into the stove in winter to escape the cold, half-white, half-gray, and the key was he didn't care; seeing people, he'd crawl out of the stove and rush right up to them.

How can you be so blind?

Xu Qing walked ahead, pondering how to trick this idle second-generation heir into leaving.

But he couldn't simply tell the man to leave; after all, the man had just spent two hundred taels of silver to handle the mortuary's services and donated five hundred taels as charity. If Xu Qing turned on him immediately, it would be somewhat morally indefensible.

Otherwise, he could take out a dog-beating stick, knock the lad unconscious, and toss him into the widow's house across the street!

Perhaps in a few days, he could even attend Master Cheng's wedding banquet.

Helping a solitary widow escape widowhood and poverty—this sounded like an act of merit.

"Young Master Xu's shop is indeed cooler than the outside."

As soon as he entered the shop, paper coffins and rings came into view; combined with the chilly breeze blowing from who-knows-where and the gloomy gaze of paper men and paper horses surrounding them, all the summer heat vanished.

Hearing this, Xu Qing patted the coffin resting in the middle and said, "Lying inside is even cooler. Young Master Shang, would you like to try?"

"..."

Xu Qing had spoken so plainly that any sensible person would know the Shopkeeper was dismissing the guest and had no intention of keeping him company.

But this Young Master Shang pretended not to hear, lingering in the mortuary, looking here and there.

Seeing the other party examining the shop's 'funeral menu,' Xu Qing decided not to drive him away after all.

"Brother Shang, take your time looking. Our shop's services are suitable for all ages, with guaranteed after-sales support. Look at this sand table."

Xu Qing pointed to the newly constructed sand table beside the funeral sign and said cheerfully, "Brother Shang, doesn't this look familiar?"

Shang Shaoyang blinked, looking at the clay sculpture shaped like a city on the sand table, and the Shahe River decorated with white sand; it was clearly a miniature layout of Linjiang County.

However, the clay model of Linjiang County was obviously rough and simple; the most exquisite part was actually the cemetery not far from the city.

"Is this Wujiu Slope?"

"This is no ordinary hillside; this is a blessed land for the dead, a suitable dwelling for the departed!"

Xu Qing picked up a thin wooden stick and explained in meticulous detail, covering everything from feng shui layout to housing guarantees, making his points exceptionally clear.

"Brother Shang, look at this dwelling for the dead: the front courtyard features evergreen pines and cypresses, while the rear slope has a new pool reflecting the moon. According to the essential principle of the Four Celestial Beasts corresponding to funeral rites, such pines and cypresses are like the Azure Dragon raising its head to guard the bright hall.

The backyard opens a half-acre of clear, green water, like the Black Tortoise lowering its tail to gather and store vital energy.

I observe that Brother Shang is chivalrous, with a heart that cherishes flowers and loves people; you are truly a refined gentleman. If choosing a dwelling for the dead, this elegant residence should be your first choice."

Xu Qing grew more and more enthusiastic as he spoke; he reached out, grabbed Shang Shaoyang's arm, pulled him to the other side of the sand table, pointed behind a grave mound, and said, "This dwelling has pines and cypresses as its bones and living water as its veins, subtly reflecting the image of the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper. Backed by Wujiu Slope, it perfectly fits the formation of 'Left Screen, Right Guard' and 'Front Altar, Rear Support,' truly an elegant residence sought by the departed throughout their lives."

"On the side of this dwelling, willows provide shade. After Brother Shang passes away in a hundred years, if you wish to take a stroll, you can proceed along this path. The road here is cool, fearing no scorching sun. A hundred steps beyond the green willow corridor lies a clear pool of green water, planted with lotuses that rise from the mud unstained and wash in the clear ripples without being seductive. It is truly a place where every step changes the scenery, perfect for enjoying all four seasons."

"..."

Shang Shaoyang's eyelids twitched as he listened. He wanted to interrupt, yet he felt this dwelling was indeed, as Xu Qing described, perfectly suited to his tastes, as if it had been custom-made for him.

"This is a hereditary dwelling, worth a fortune, but since I consider Brother Shang a friend, I can give you a fifty percent discount. The friendly price is only one hundred taels, plus an additional twenty zhang of expandable cemetery grounds. Even after a hundred or a thousand years, you can enjoy the blessing of generations living together."

"..."

Shang Shaoyang's eyebrows furrowed, then relaxed, only to furrow again.

Merchants boasting about their own wares and trying to attract customers was nothing unusual, but he had never seen someone in the funeral business come out to solicit clients.

He was curious: wouldn't someone like Xu Qing, introducing business this way, fear being cursed and beaten?

After all, funeral rites, anything related to the word 'death,' are not auspicious matters; everyone has some degree of taboo. Whoever dares to shout about selling grave sites and coffins is no different from cursing people, let alone selling a 'family bucket' package, which is an act of cursing the entire family.

Facing Shang Shaoyang's question, Xu Qing smiled carefree and said, "Brother Shang is righteous in the Jianghu, unrestrained and free-spirited; how could you be like ordinary people with such narrow views?"

"In a single lifetime, who does not die? Some people are terrified at the mere mention of death, fearing it like a tiger, but in the end, don't they still rely on friends and family to manage their funeral affairs?"

"As the saying goes, haste leads to mistakes; preparation prevents disaster. Brother Shang, consider this: if people do not consider their affairs after death while they are alive, and only when they die do they hurriedly arrange coffins and burial materials, seeking a dwelling for the dead and a grave site, how can they find a residence that suits them?"

"During the sweltering heat, some people are eager to be buried and, unable to find a suitable place, choose a low-lying area or a location where old forest trees are lush. The former will inevitably suffer from flooding, while in the latter, tree roots will penetrate the grave and coffin. In such cases, one will inevitably have to spend money and effort later to move the spirit and relocate the grave."

"At that time, not only will the living suffer, but the departed will also endure the hardship of being moved, unable to rest in peace."

Xu Qing spoke solemnly: "Although I have taken up this trade, I do not wish for people to suffer unnecessary labor due to certain prejudices. After all, the parting of life and death already leaves people's minds and spirits exhausted. If I can help them avoid worrying about the complexities of funeral arrangements, I believe I would be happy for them."

"Brother Xu is truly righteous!" Shang Shaoyang did not hesitate to praise.

Hearing this, Xu Qing waved his hand and said, "It is nothing to call righteous; I am simply doing my duty to the best of my ability."

"Speaking of which, does Brother Shang not wish to prepare a good dwelling site in advance? Remember, ten thousand spacious mansions are not worth a single corner of peace of mind. This dwelling site is not only a place to shelter from wind and rain but also the root of a family legacy for generations. If you hesitate even slightly, a fine dwelling may fall into someone else's hands!"

"..."

Logically, anyone with a normal mind, no matter how flowery Xu Qing's words were, would not really purchase a grave site decades in advance.

But this young master from a powerful family, Shang Shaoyang, actually spent one hundred taels of silver to buy a property on Wujiu Slope, and moreover, a 'family joy' style that could accommodate ten generations.

He signed and sealed the contract, with all red deeds complete. Even when selling a dwelling for the dead, Xu Qing strictly followed the procedures for dwellings for the living, allowing absolutely no future disputes over land or property.

Shang Shaoyang didn't care much; he just found it novel and fun. The experience of buying things from Xu Qing was something he had never experienced in Qianxi.

"Brother Shang has come at just the right time. Our shop is currently running a promotion: buy a dwelling site and receive gifts, including permanent after-sales service, as well as free feng shui rare stones and cemetery maintenance services..."

"I have noted all of this. Whether ten years, fifty years, or a hundred years, it remains valid. My shop will operate for generations, ready to serve Brother Shang at any time. Brother Shang, rest assured!"

"..."

Shang Shaoyang's strange excitement had now passed. At this moment, he looked at the transfer deed in his hand, then glanced at Xu Qing, who had been acting very responsible from start to finish.

He suddenly felt a thought of regret arise.

Looking at the serious manner in which Boss Xu treated things, he feared that one day the other party would truly, according to the contract, bury his corpse on Wujiu Slope.

Seeing that a deal had been successfully closed, Xu Qing's gaze toward Shang Shaoyang changed flavor.

"Brother Shang, you must cultivate diligently and not waste time. If you can achieve the title of Martial Top Graduate in the future, that would be excellent."

Xu Qing had never encountered a corpse of Master quality, but Shang Shaoyang here showed considerable potential.

He genuinely hoped the other would live longer, and did not wish for someone like this to die prematurely.

At night, when all was still, yin energy arose.

Having just completed a transaction, Xu Qing and Shang Shaoyang arrived together at Second Master Feng's home on Flower and Bird Street.

Second Master Feng's close friend, Ji Ruinian, the outdoor disciple of Liu Xian, was also at the residence.

"To be honest, I just troubled Xu Qing with matters from my past, and now I'm troubling you again."

"Bah, why say such things?" Xu Qing dismissed it. "I'm real friends with Second Master Feng—helping out is nothing. Besides, I've asked him for favors plenty of times myself."

Not long ago, Xu Qing had sought Second Master Feng's help to find a suitable talisman to nourish the undecayed bone; Second Master Feng had said nothing, immediately informing his north-south trading caravans to keep watch.

These are all interpersonal exchanges among out-riding immortals; disciples rely on personal ties to summon immortals, and among masters, temple heads, and immortals themselves, isn't it all still about connections?

"Tell me what the matter is—I'm sure Second Master Feng called me for a reason."

"Xu Qing is a perceptive man."

Second Master Feng sighed deeply. "This matter sounds bizarre—Xu Qing, do you remember the birds on Flower and Bird Street that recently started speaking lies?"

"."

Xu Qing blinked—how was this connected to him?

Second Master Feng continued: "Soon after that day, people on Flower and Bird Street began claiming they encountered a headless ghost. The ghost appeared unpredictably, and whenever it showed up, it declared something to be fake."

Those afraid of it would throw away the item labeled fake and suffer no harm—but those unwilling to part with their possessions had both their eyes devoured by the ghost, and became blind."

Ji Ruinian, who played with snakes, spoke up: "I heard about this from Second Master. Honestly, if Xu Qing hadn't taken away Second Master's fake painting, then..."

Second Master Feng, still shaken, added: "I won't mind if Xu Qing laughs at me—I haven't dared touch antiques lately. If I bought even one fake, I fear I'd lose these two eyes of mine!"

"Your skill in antiques and paintings far surpasses my half-baked knowledge. That's why I thought to bring you here—see if you can find a way to drive off this meddling ghost."

A ghost that exposes fakes? Xu Qing was puzzled.

Besides himself, how could another malevolent spirit be exposing fakes?

Are ghosts this bored now?

"Are the things this ghost calls fake actually all counterfeit?"

Shang Shaoyang didn't fully understand, but he caught the key issue.

Second Master Feng nodded: "It only appears when something is fake. But during daylight, it's harmless—it only manifests between dusk and cockcrow. If there's no fake, it won't show."

"Has this been reported to the Demon Catching Bureau?"

"The Demon Catching Bureau is too busy lately—word is a high-ranking official came from the capital to establish a new bureau."

Ji Rui Nian reminded: "It's the Mirror-Reflecting Bureau. This new office answers directly to the Son of Heaven. Rumor says it even has registered masters from the Heavenly Master's Mansion. With the Mirror-Reflecting Bureau now, the Demon Catching Bureau may soon vanish."

Xu Qing shook his head. The authorities couldn't be trusted—when it mattered, the people of Linjiang County still relied on him, this undead.

"May I borrow paper and brush from Second Master?"

Second Master Feng didn't understand Xu Qing's intent, but he ordered servants to bring ink, brush, paper, and inkstone.

Xu Qing dipped his brush in ink and grinned: "Since this ghost loves exposing fakes, I'll oblige its wishes—I'll copy a fake painting."

Besides copying the painting, Xu Qing found a quiet guest room and used Jiang Daqian's forgery techniques to age the paper itself.

When the finished piece was done, even Second Master Feng waiting outside and Ji Ruinian, an expert in calligraphy and painting, couldn't tell real from fake.

"Xu Qing, aren't you hiding a genuine piece and just teasing us?" Ji Rui Nian joked half-seriously.

"No way," Xu Qing said. "Look here, Ji Brother—"

Xu Qing flipped his brush, tapped the handle lightly, and circled several spots.

Those spots, like the forger Jiang Daqian, bore tiny hidden characters as marks.

Ji Rui Nian traced the thick-thin lines and ink shades, reading word by word: "Funeral Shop Prize Coupon—All Funeral Services 10% Off."

"."

Fortunately, it was a dense ink painting of a pine tree symbolizing longevity—if it had been another piece, such a mass of text might not have fit.

After finishing the fake painting, Xu Qing took it and prepared to leave. Shang Shaoyang, ever eager for excitement, clutched his sword and insisted on tagging along.

Second Master Feng, timid, dared only to see them to the door.

To avoid implicating Xu Qing, Second Master Feng had specially fetched a night-lit lantern and a fire-starter.

"If things turn dangerous, please burn the painting immediately—don't let the ghost harm your body."

Xu Qing cheerfully accepted the lantern and set off with this impulsive second-generation heir.

Dark clouds obscured the moon; all around was pitch black. Xu Qing chose narrow alleys and backstreets.

At first, Shang Shaoyang was tense, never loosening his grip on his sword.

But after wandering an hour without seeing any ghost, he grew lax.

Maybe the ghost was just a human in disguise—after all, there couldn't be a ghost that exposed fakes on this street.

Compared to Shang Shaoyang, who swung between anxiety and complacency, Xu Qing remained calm.

Xu Qing feared humans more than ghosts—he wasn't particularly afraid of ghosts.

Especially ghosts like this, which harmed people only under specific conditions.

Such ghosts lacked full consciousness, acting only on obsession and instinct; their cultivation was unlikely to be high.

One carried the painting, admiring it as they walked; the other held the lantern and sword, bored.

Then, at one moment, the two walking down the alley suddenly heard a voice above them:

"Fake! Fake! That jade pendant is phony!"

(End of Chapter)