The town was bleak, with only a rare few businesses daring to stay open, and even those few were empty, devoid of customers. AsEthan Shu took in his surroundings, he couldn't help but notice that most of the townspeople were elderly, women, or children, with hardly any young or able-bodied men in sight. It was hard to believe that this desolate place was once the proud home of loyal ministers and valiant generals, resting right under the emperor's rule.
Ethan Shu walked through the town, shading the enchanting figures of Clara Ning and Serena Nie with his paper umbrella. Although their ghostly forms had cultivated to a high degree, allowing them to exist under sunlight without dissolving, the intense sunlight still carried an essence of pure yang energy. Its direct exposure caused them discomfort, almost like a burning sensation. Extended time under such strong sunlight would weaken even the most powerful spirits, soEthan Shu's umbrella provided them with much-needed relief.
"Little monk," Serena Nie suggested softly, "let's ask around and see if anyone can tell us what happened here."
"Yes," Clara Ning agreed. "A place so close to the emperor, once full of loyalists and righteous officials—how could it become like this?" Both women felt a pang of sorrow as they looked around. Compared to the nearby Qingyu Town, which had been plagued by five malicious spirits, their hometown seemed even more desolate, as if drained of all life.
"There's an inn over there that's open," Clara Ning pointed out. "Little monk, why don't we go in and take a look?"
"Good idea,"Ethan Shu replied, "and we can inquire about the state of the town."
They entered the inn, where the elderly attendant was just removing the boards from the door. Moving listlessly, he was putting down the benches and wiping down the tables without any real energy.
Ethan Shu spoke up, "Excuse me, elder, might there be any drinks available?"
The elderly attendant looked over at him, finally noticing the guest. Dressed in immaculate white monk's robes,Ethan Shu stood in the doorway, framed by a soft, almost divine light. After blinking to adjust to the sunlight, the attendant's eyes widened atEthan Shu's noble and striking appearance.
"A holy monk?" The elderly man quickly rubbed down a bench more thoroughly and gestured. "Please, holy monk, have a seat."
Ethan Shu sat on the offered bench, his white robes pristine. The old man went to fetch a teapot and cups from behind the counter. When he poured, however, only clear water came out—there was no hint of tea leaves within.
"My apologies, monk," the attendant said with a slight flush of embarrassment. "We've no tea or wine left in the inn. I only opened today to air out the place, not expecting an actual guest."
"No matter,"Ethan Shu replied kindly. "Please, sit with us."
The attendant hesitated, taken aback by the monk's graceful and out-of-this-world appearance, as if a saint had stepped into his inn. He dared not sit but stood respectfully.
"Thank you, monk, but what can I bring you? I can see what I can find if you're hungry."
Ethan Shu smiled gently. "I'll take whatever you have, elder. Please don't trouble yourself. My main reason for coming is actually to inquire about something."
"Please ask, holy monk. I'll do my best to answer."
"Very well,"Ethan Shu began, rotating the plain earthen cup in his hand. "I've heard your town was once renowned for its loyal officials and brave generals. Why, then, does it look so desolate and its people so few?"
The old man sighed deeply, seeming to age a few more years in that breath. "Ah, monk, you don't know the half of it," he began, then stopped and looked around as if checking for unseen eyes.
"One moment." The attendant quickly reattached the boards to the door, closing the inn off from prying eyes and ears. Even with few people left in the town, the habit of caution was deeply ingrained.
Ethan Shu observed the old man's cautious movements, knowing it could only come from a life of constant fear. Once he had secured the inn, the attendant returned, his voice low.
"Indeed, our town was once known for producing loyal officials and warriors who served the people and the kingdom. But ever since that so-called 'National Advisor' gained influence over the court, the emperor has grown increasingly cruel and shortsighted, favoring traitors and punishing the just. Most of our town's loyal officials have either been imprisoned on false charges or put to death. The worst was the terrible event over a hundred years ago, when the entire Ning and Nie families were executed without mercy, their entire clans purged."
The attendant's voice trembled with barely concealed anger as he spoke, his shoulders drooping under the weight of despair.
"They say that only the daughters of the two lords from the Ning and Nie families escaped. But no one knows what became of them. The townspeople secretly erected a small shrine for those loyal families."
Ethan Shu glanced at the women beside him. Both Serena Nie and Clara Ning listened in silence, their heads lowered as they struggled to control their emotions. Even Clara Ning, usually so resilient, couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
"Elder,"Ethan Shu asked gently, "could you tell us where this shrine is?"
The attendant gave him directions, and Ethan Shu noted them. He would bring the two women there to pay their respects later.
"More recently," the attendant continued, "wars have been unending, and all the young men of the town were conscripted, leaving behind only the elderly and the children. How can we keep going like this?"
Ethan Shu finished his cup of water, chuckling softly as he replied, "Fear not, elder. I am bound for the capital. I intend to seek an audience with the emperor and reveal the truth about this 'National Advisor' and his actions."
The old man shook his head sadly. "You mustn't throw away your life, monk. News has just come that Lord Fu Tianqiu tried to denounce the National Advisor and other corrupt officials in court, and he's been sentenced to death. They plan to execute him in the marketplace at noon."
Ethan Shu's gaze sharpened. Noon wasn't far off.
At that moment, sounds of a commotion came from outside. Hoofbeats clattered against the cobblestones, and dust filled the air as voices yelled, "Hyah! Hyah!"
Ethan Shu tilted his head slightly, listening intently and discerning the number of people outside. The old attendant removed the door boards, peeking outside before turning back with urgency.
"Don't worry, monk," he said quickly. "It's likely Lady Fu Qingfeng and Lady Fu Yuechi gathering loyal townsfolk for a desperate attempt to save their father from the execution grounds."
Ethan Shu stood, leaving a small piece of silver on the table. "Elder, this is for the tea."
"No, monk, I couldn't," the man protested. "It was just a cup of water, not even tea."
Ethan Shu gave a gentle smile. "It was worth it to me, so please, take it."
The old man picked up the silver piece, only to findEthan Shu
gone, as if he'd vanished into thin air. Astonished, he knelt to the ground and bowed deeply three times, his voice trembling with awe.
"A holy monk… a true holy monk has blessed us."
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]