33: A Guilty Conscience Betrays Itself

"Oh?" Yifan’s expression grew grave. "That divine effigy—could it be Judge Lu?"

"Indeed, it is the golden effigy erected by the mountain folk for Judge Lu Shu. Its fierce, sinister visage, dreadful as a demon, chills the night with an ominous air, causing fear and unease," Song Liuming explained.

He paused, then continued, "From that day on, Zhu Erdan’s fortune seemed to turn. Not only did his household prosper, but his literary talents flourished; his essays gained widespread admiration."

Zhuge Liuyun snorted coldly, "There’s something suspicious here, surely Judge Lu is meddling behind the scenes."

By now, Zhu Erdan had ascended the stairs, laughter trailing behind him as he greeted the many scholars. Spotting Boyi, he called out, "Brother Boyi, Erdan is late and must punish himself with three cups!"

With that, he took a cup from the table, had a lovely lady fill it, and drank it down in one gulp.

His boldness drew cheers from the scholars above and below. Boyi clapped his hands and laughed, "Brother Zhu, you have quite the tolerance! Come, take your seat."

Zhu Erdan sat down, exchanged greetings, then noticed Yifan and his companion in Taoist garb and paused, "Who are these two Daoist priests?"

Song Liuming quickly introduced them and steered the conversation away, unwilling to expose the true purpose of Yifan and his companion.

After a short wait of about half an hour, several more guests arrived. The boat drifted toward the lake’s center, and the poetry gathering officially began.

Boyi raised his cup and sighed, "It’s a pity Brother Fang is absent—he would have made the poetry gathering even livelier."

"Indeed. Who knows what villain killed Brother Fang, even gouging out his heart and leaving him in pieces," someone murmured.

"I say, let us petition the Prefect together, urging him to send more men to investigate and bring the murderer to justice," another suggested.

Private whispers rippled through the crowd, some even proposing to pressure the Hangzhou yamen collectively, displaying the resolve of the learned men and gaining widespread support.

Yifan, curious, asked, "Brother Song, has there been a rash of marauders in Hangzhou lately? Judging from everyone's words, Brother Fang must have met a violent end."

"This is a long story," Song Liuming sighed. "Brother Fang was a renowned scholar in Hangzhou, a man of great talent and an old examinee. Though he never achieved the rank of Jinshi, his reputation was considerable. Yet, last August, he died mysteriously at home, his heart and lungs hollowed out—a most tragic end."

He took a breath, "The case was reported to the authorities. The Prefect took it seriously, sending many officers, but to this day the crime remains unsolved—a lingering mystery."

Yifan mused privately: the case occurred last August, while the murder of the Miss of the Deng household happened only two months ago. The timing is close; it could well be the work of Judge Lu in both instances.

He pressed further, "Have there been other major cases of this sort recently?"

Song Liuming shook his head. "No—aside from the headless case of the Deng family’s daughter, Hangzhou has been peaceful."

"In my opinion, Judge Lu is surely involved; he must be behind these murders. Such an evil god must be destroyed," Zhuge Liuyun declared, lightly striking the table and raising his cup.

Though seated separately from the others, Zhuge Liuyun’s words were overheard. Boyi set his cup down, his expression darkening, "Reverend, what do you mean? How does Brother Fang’s death relate to Judge Lu in the City God Temple? Please explain yourself."

Boyi’s question drew all eyes; silence fell upstairs and down, leaving Song Liuming awkward. "Brother Boyi, Zhuge speaks nonsense after drinking—please don’t take it to heart."

"Nonsense? I, Zhuge Liuyun, never lie, nor do I fabricate rumors. The very reason we two are here today is to hunt for signs of monsters and demons," Zhuge Liuyun stood, gripping the table and patting his sword case.

His words sparked a chorus of rebukes. Boyi’s face darkened further, "Reverend, you must be in the wrong place—monsters at a poetry gathering, indeed! And you claim Brother Fang’s death is linked to Judge Lu; are you saying Judge Lu himself is the monster?"

"Precisely. This wicked god preys upon life, kills wantonly. I believe the death of Scholar Fang was his doing," Zhuge Liuyun sneered.

"Absurd! Judge Lu is a righteous deity of the underworld, a magistrate in the City God Temple, venerated by the people and guardian of their peace. How dare you slander him as an evil god and accuse him of murder? I believe you, sir, are here with ill intent, causing trouble," a voice interjected before Boyi could respond.

Zhu Erdan, his face dark, slammed his cup on the table and addressed Boyi, "Brother Boyi, these two priests spread malicious rumors and deliberately sow discord. Please expel them from the gathering."

Though displeased, Boyi would not go so far as to drive anyone away. The two priests were Song Liuming’s friends, brought aboard by him; expelling them now would be an affront to Song Liuming.

"Zhu Erdan, you are out of line," Song Liuming snapped, his face livid. Even if Zhuge Liuyun’s words were excessive, it hardly warranted expulsion, especially since they were his friends. Such a move would be an insult to him.

Boyi spoke up, "Enough. Let’s not argue further." He turned to Zhuge Liuyun, "Reverend, please mind your words and refrain from upsetting the guests."

Zhuge Liuyun laughed coldly and said nothing, pouring himself another drink.

But Zhu Erdan shoved his cup aside, stood up, and declared coldly, "Brother Boyi, with such a wicked priest present, my appetite is ruined. Please dock the boat and let me disembark. I’ll return for the poetry gathering another time."

Everyone urged him to stay, Boyi’s face grew troubled, "Brother Zhu, for my sake, please sit down. The poetry gathering has only just begun—it would be ill-timed to dock now."

Zhu Erdan shook his head, "Brother Boyi, say no more. Everyone knows that last year I carried the divine effigy at night, so I have a close connection with Judge Lu. Yet this priest claims Judge Lu is an evil god who kills people. Such vile rumors should be reported to the authorities, but for your and Brother Song’s sake, I have restrained myself."

The crowd understood; they remembered how he had wagered to carry the mountain effigy down at night, the very effigy of Judge Lu.

Boyi hesitated, sighed, and said, "Very well." He then ordered the boat to dock.

Moments later, the boat reached the shore. Zhu Erdan swept his sleeve, casting a cold glance at Zhuge Liuyun and Yifan, then disembarked.

Song Liuming’s expression soured as well; unable to remain on the boat, he bowed and took his leave, leading Yifan and Zhuge Liuyun away.

After they had walked some distance, Yifan said, "Brother Song, don’t be upset. Zhuge did this intentionally—to drive Zhu Erdan away."

Song Liuming asked, "Why?"

Yifan and Zhuge Liuyun exchanged glances and smiled. They explained that upon hearing Zhu Erdan had carried Judge Lu’s effigy down the mountain, they suspected he had a deep connection to Judge Lu. If they boarded the boat and Zhu Erdan informed Judge Lu, they might be met with precautions.

Thus, they had secretly agreed that Zhuge Liuyun would provoke Zhu Erdan on purpose. If his conscience were troubled, he would react strongly—as indeed he did.

Zhu Erdan’s response was exceedingly strange, even excessive.

Song Liuming pondered this and asked, "So what will you do next?"

"We need your help, Brother Song. Please deliver this message to Master Yuanhui. They will understand once they see it," Yifan said, taking out a paper crane from Zhuge Liuyun, which was said to find its recipient within a five-mile radius.

Song Liuming accepted it and nodded, agreeing to help. Yifan and Zhuge Liuyun then departed with the demon-repelling talisman.