Chapter Sixty-Four: Careful Consideration for the Long Term
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[Update! Please continue to add to your collections, and if you could recommend, I would be most grateful.]
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The voice was clear and pleasant, undoubtedly belonging to a young maiden. Yet, in the Wang family residence, how could such a girl know his name? For a moment, he was taken aback. Turning to look, he saw the newcomer.
The young woman had delicate features, dressed in a light purple silk skirt, elegant in bearing. However, her expression was somewhat listless, as if weighed down by heavy thoughts.
Liu Ping found her vaguely familiar. When she stepped closer, he remembered—wasn’t she Wang Hong’s cousin?
They had met once before, during the autumn examinations, when he saw her assisting Wang Hong with his carriage and luggage.
Liu Ping asked, “Miss, why did you call out to me?”
The girl glanced around, seeming wary of something, and spoke softly, “Sir, let’s talk outside.”
Liu Ping nodded. Soon, the two entered a private room in a teahouse.
Her surname was Murong, given name Zizhu—a distant relation of Wang Hong. They had been promised to each other as children, though it was never formal, merely spoken in jest. But she had cherished Wang Hong since childhood, frequently visiting the Wang family in Qingshui County to be near him.
Ever since Wang Hong left for the academy, her visits became rare. Upon hearing he was injured, she hurried over, but what followed caused her great pain. Unable to accept it, she considered leaving, but before she did, she noticed something amiss and decided to stay…
After her introduction, Murong Zizhu quickly pleaded, “Mr. Liu, please save my cousin!”
Liu Ping nodded, “Do you know something?”
Murong Zizhu, observing Liu Ping’s reaction, was briefly stunned, then understood—he too must know the woman was strange. Her heart leapt, and she answered, “I do. That woman is not human; I fear she’s an evil spirit.”
Liu Ping thought, as expected, Murong Zizhu indeed realized something was wrong with the woman. He asked, “How did Wang Hong meet her?”
Murong Zizhu replied, “A few days ago, after my cousin’s wounds began to heal, he grew restless at home and snuck out to wander. I tried to dissuade him, but it was useless. If I’d known this would happen, I would have stopped him at any cost…”
“Go on.”
“After he went out, he saw several ruffians harassing a beautiful woman. He rode over and chased them off with his whip. Seeing my cousin in scholar’s robes, they didn’t dare resist and fled in panic.”
“My cousin rescued the woman, and after several conversations, he was utterly enchanted. She said her name was Luo Yi, fleeing from another region and now homeless. My cousin was moved and invited her to stay, bringing her home. The woman accepted without hesitation. I objected, but my cousin ignored me.”
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“Ever since, my cousin and that woman have grown increasingly close, while his relationship with me has cooled. He often ignores my words. I am certain it's Luo Yi’s persuasion. Later, my cousin and Luo Yi shamelessly shared a bed, their intimacy deepening. He rarely left the house, and no one knew what they did inside. Even Uncle’s admonishments fell on deaf ears, and their father-son relationship became tense.”
This account differed somewhat from what Xu Chen had said, but this was likely the truth.
After listening, Liu Ping glanced at Murong Zizhu, realizing she truly cared for Wang Hong. But to conclude Luo Yi was an evil spirit based solely on this seemed rash—though she truly was.
“Based on this alone, how can you be sure Luo Yi is an evil spirit?”
Murong Zizhu pleaded earnestly, “My cousin is not a licentious man. I grew up with him and know him best. If he weren’t bewitched by an evil spirit, he’d never act this way! Mr. Liu, my cousin once said you possess extraordinary abilities. Can you save him? I beg you!”
Liu Ping pondered, then solemnly replied, “Wang Hong is my friend. How could I let him fall into danger and not help? Rest assured, but the evil spirit is formidable. I cannot guarantee to subdue her without proper preparation. Still, I’ll act as soon as possible.”
Murong Zizhu was overjoyed, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Liu! I will never forget your kindness!”
Liu Ping said, “No thanks are needed. Go back and don’t leave the Wang estate. Although the evil spirit is within the estate, the Wang family’s fortune protects you. She dare not act recklessly. But if you leave alone, you may be in danger.”
Murong Zizhu replied, “I will do as you say.”
After escorting Murong Zizhu back, Liu Ping looked at the sky over the Wang estate, sensing the burgeoning gray-black aura. He shook his head, hired a carriage, and made his way home.
Within the Essence Treasure Manual lay many techniques—if he could use them, dealing with such an evil spirit would be effortless. But with his current cultivation, he lacked the power to invoke them.
“Still, with proper preparation, there may yet be hope of victory.” With this resolve, Liu Ping murmured to himself.
He soon arrived home. His father was at the private school, mother and sister at home. Upon seeing Liu Ping, they were delighted, exclaiming in unison, “Ping’er (Brother), you’ve returned!”
Liu Ping replied, “It’s the Flower Festival, so I have a holiday and came home.”
“Is that so?” His mother was elated, quickly asking, “Ping’er, how are things at the academy? Any troubles?”
“I’m doing quite well.” Liu Ping nodded without impatience, spoke a few more words, then returned to his room.
Knock knock—the door was rapped.
“Who is it?”
“Brother, it’s me. I’ve brought water and fresh clothes. You’ve traveled far; you should wash and change first.” His sister’s voice came from outside.
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“Oh.” Liu Ping responded, opened the door, took the basin from his sister, and said, “You needn’t do these little things for me. I’m not lacking hands or feet.”
Liu Yue bit her lip and replied softly, “I want to.”
Liu Ping smiled, understanding her true intent—his sister simply wished to see him, to talk, for they hadn't met in some time. His earlier words had been somewhat inconsiderate.
“What are you thinking about?” Liu Yue set the clothes aside, noticing Liu Ping’s mischievous smile and asked.
Liu Ping said, “Nothing. Since you’re willing, you might as well help me wash and change.”
Liu Yue glared at him, “You make me sound like a servant.”
Though she protested, her actions were earnest. Wetting a towel, she gently wiped his face, then combed his hair, finally removing his jacket and helping him into fresh clothes.
Liu Ping remained silent, quietly enjoying his sister’s care—a warm and comforting atmosphere.
“How do these clothes feel?” Liu Yue asked.
Liu Ping replied, “Very good. The fit is perfect. I don’t recall having this outfit—did you buy it?”
At this, Liu Yue smiled, pride evident. “Of course not; I made it myself.”
Liu Ping was startled, examined the garment, and said, “You truly are skillful—impressive.”
“Naturally, who else would I be?” Just a single compliment and Liu Yue’s pride soared, much like Liu Ping’s own.
Her smile eased Liu Ping’s previously gloomy mood. After chatting for a while, he decided to step out for a walk.
For it was difficult to prepare talismans or practice offensive arts within the house.
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