Fish Meat – Chapter 123
by Little PandaThe First Year of Zhao Wu
The Path of Ten Thousand Directions (2)
Wei Tingxu shrank her shoulders and repeated, “You’re hurting me.”
Zhen Wenjun, as if waking from a dream, quickly let go of her and fumbled to light the lamp.
Moving the oil lamp closer to Wei Tingxu, the warm orange light indeed revealed Wei Tingxu’s face with a faint smile.
“It really is you…” Zhen Wenjun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Not some wild fox spirit come to seduce me and suck away my essence.”
“You flatter yourself,” Wei Tingxu stretched her body, relieving the ache in her waist and legs.
Last night, after Zhen Wenjun had fallen asleep, she had sneaked into the tent just to see Zhen Wenjun’s priceless expression this morning. Her little scheme was satisfied, but it left her whole body uncomfortable. She knew Zhen Wenjun was making do outside, with just a layer of cloth spread on the hard, cold ground, casually pulling a blanket down to lie on and sleep, with only a thin layer as a quilt. If it weren’t for the warmth of Zhen Wenjun’s embrace, Wei Tingxu would have frozen solid in just one night.
Wei Tingxu felt discomfort all over but didn’t say a word.
“Did you not sleep well?” After confirming it was indeed her wife, Zhen Wenjun put the oil lamp by the blanket and frowned seriously, “How could you possibly sleep well? The bed at home is padded with thick rubber tree sap mattresses, so soft that my bones feel like they’re falling apart. Even then, you often wake up with an aching waist and back. And this…” Zhen Wenjun patted the hard, cold blanket, “How could you bear it?”
“You underestimate me,” Wei Tingxu said solemnly, “Despite my leg disability since childhood, I’ve traveled throughout the entire Da Yu. It wasn’t just relying on others’ service, but also my own perseverance.”
“Of course my Zizhuo is very capable. You’ve been to many places and know many things I don’t, but I still worry about you. That doesn’t conflict. Just like how you worry about me and don’t want me to face dangers alone on this journey of a thousand mountains and rivers, so you pretended to give up coming along but secretly followed, even sneaking into my arms while I was sleeping.”
Zhen Wenjun’s words were as gentle as possible.
She knew what Wei Tingxu had been through. Wei Tingxu had always been turning her past scars into armor, and no matter how difficult the process, she might have already succeeded. Zhen Wenjun didn’t want to try to peel off the armor that might hurt the person closest to her, because such peeling might take flesh and blood with it. Wei Tingxu’s dignity and pride were what Zhen Wenjun wanted to protect the most.
Wei Tingxu was very satisfied with Zhen Wenjun’s words.
“Your tongue has become increasingly clever. But I’m not following you,” Wei Tingxu put on her clothes properly, “We just happen to be going the same way, and you’re walking so slowly that we happened to meet up.”
Zhen Wenjun said “Oh”: “What a coincidence. May I ask where Zizhuo intends to go?”
“Traveling with friends, heading south to escape the winter winds,” Wei Tingxu lifted the tent flap, and familiar laughter immediately drifted in.
“Last time we went to Sudu, it was too rushed to properly appreciate the beauty of Sudu women. This time, I must make up for it. This connoisseur of beauty has been bustling about for so long, it’s finally time to relax properly.”
Without even needing to analyze the voice, Zhen Wenjun could tell at a glance who these words came from, even if they were written on parchment.
Following Wei Tingxu out of the tent, they saw Ah Liao sitting by the fire, surrounded by a group of young ladies, listening to her sweet talk without anyone finding it inappropriate. Instead, giggles arose all around.
Ah Zheng held a rouge box in her hand, her ring finger dipped in the rouge, gently applying it to Ah Liao’s lips, doing her makeup.
“However, we can only possibly find two more ladies at most, otherwise our Qing Yuan won’t be able to seat everyone.”
Ah Liao was still in her elegant male attire, with a fruit-green shawl and two red silk ribbons hanging from the jade crown on her head, complementing each other beautifully. The fan she always carried wasn’t open, just held in her hand. With her almond eyes full of emotion and red lips slightly raised, she took Ah Zheng’s hand in hers:
“We can always change the carriage, but once we miss a beauty, she’s gone forever. Poor my Ai Yi, dying so young, and by my own hand at that. Every time I think of her beautiful skin being cut to pieces and sunk into the lake waters, what a state it must be in now, alas… It’s you.” Ah Liao pointed her fan at Wei Tingxu, who had just walked out of the tent, “It’s you, you heartless person who only knows how to waste beauties.”
Wei Tingxu said, “You’re going on about that again. When I initially let you get close to Ai Yi, you didn’t have much objection. The person has been dead for so long, and you still hang it on your lips every day. Aren’t you tired of it?”
“How could a heartless person like you understand my pain? These past few days, I keep seeing Miss Ai Yi floating before my eyes, making me lose my appetite… Ah Zheng, look at me, I’ve gotten thinner…” Ah Liao whined to Ah Zheng. Zhen Wenjun, who had followed Wei Tingxu out, couldn’t understand Ah Liao’s behavior, and even less could she understand Ah Zheng. If Wei Tingxu were as fickle as Ah Liao, she would never associate with her. Ah Zheng and the sisters around Ah Liao seemed used to Ah Liao’s habit of liking and flirting with everyone she met. Well, in chaotic times, having a large clan to rely on, no longer drifting like duckweed, was probably everyone’s wish, especially for women who couldn’t enter official service. Ah Liao was a passionate person, and being a woman herself, relying on her was much safer and more comfortable than relying on some ambitious hero.
“Is Ah Liao also going with us to the Road of Ten Thousand Directions?” Zhen Wenjun ladled a bowl of rice porridge for Wei Tingxu. After she finished washing up, it wasn’t too hot anymore. Zhen Wenjun took a small sip before handing it to Wei Tingxu.
Wei Tingxu took it and drank two small sips: “You go your way, and Ah Liao and I will go ours to play.”
Zhen Wenjun almost cried: “Zizhuo, don’t tease me. You came by trickery when I didn’t let you come, and I really don’t have the ability to send you back. I won’t say you’re bullying me because you know I care for you, I just feel… this journey is full of dangers, and Ah Liao’s group of sisters look pampered and delicate. I’m afraid they won’t be able to endure the bumps along the way.”
Seeing her admit defeat so adorably, Wei Tingxu stopped teasing her and said seriously: “I know what dangers might be on the Road of Ten Thousand Directions, and I absolutely won’t become your burden, let alone bring any burdens. Ah Liao’s ‘Qing Yuan’ has great mysteries within. These young ladies each have extraordinary skills and are not ordinary maids. In a few days, you’ll see how formidable they are.”
“Oh?” When Zhen Wenjun turned back to look at Ah Liao, she found Ah Zheng staring at her, making her feel puzzled.
Remembering that Ah Zheng had looked at her the same way back at the Bamboo Garden, she didn’t know what it was all about.
Could it be that she and Ah Zheng had crossed paths before? That seemed unlikely. Ah Zheng had delicate features and a pure temperament; if Zhen Wenjun had met her before, she couldn’t possibly not remember.
Pretending not to notice Ah Zheng’s gaze, Zhen Wenjun slowly turned back and saw that Wei Tingxu had already finished the porridge. In the past, Wei Tingxu would absolutely not eat anything when outside. Even if Xiaohua peeled and cut a full plate for her, she wouldn’t touch it.
“Zizhuo, are you that hungry? Let me get you another bowl.”
Wei Tingxu held her back, shaking her head: “I’m full.”
So she completely trusted Zhen Wenjun. As long as Zhen Wenjun had tasted it and confirmed it wasn’t poisoned, she could eat with peace of mind. Moreover, she didn’t want to disappoint Zhen Wenjun’s thoughtfulness, even though normally she wouldn’t drink this plain porridge without fresh seafood or red bamboo shoots.
After eating and drinking their fill, Xiaohua and several young ladies brought by Ah Liao quickly cleaned up the kitchen utensils. The attendants were packing up the luggage and taking down the tents. Zhong Ji had also come along, silently carrying her precious medicine box on her back and reading a scroll in her hand.
The “Ten Thousand Directions Marshal” Zuo Kunda, appointed by Li Yanyi, had already returned with an advance team of more than ten people to scout the road. After dismounting, he looked at Zhen Wenjun and Wei Tingxu, not knowing to whom he should report. Wei Tingxu said:
“Wenjun is the commander-in-chief on this journey. Everyone follows her deployment. Report any situations directly to Wenjun.”
“Yes!” Zuo Kunda saluted Zhen Wenjun and reported, “Reporting to the lady, there are many mountain paths and heavy fog for the next hundred li ahead. Once we pass this mountain road, we can enter the official road again. After crossing the autumn waters and traveling for three more days, we can reach Nanya. The road at Nanya is not easy to traverse. To be safe, it will take half a month to cross Nanya. I estimate that by the time the carriages reach the frontier of Da Yu, we will be just in time for the rainy season. We’d better prepare rain gear, especially oilcloth to cover the carriages, otherwise the silk and tea leaves might be damaged.”
Zuo Kunda, who had been traveling around delivering messages for years, was quite experienced with the climate characteristics of various places. Even without Ah Xi, Zuo Kunda could be useful.
Five hundred oilcloths were purchased, and the carriages rolled forward. Sure enough, when they reached the border, heavy rain poured from the sky. The rain was torrential, as if the sky had sprung a leak. The carriages advanced with great difficulty on the mountain road. The coachmen’s eyes were blinded by the rain, and they also encountered heavy fog. They didn’t dare to use the whip, could only dismount and carefully lead the horses forward.
Zhen Wenjun, who was originally in the carriage, feared that the coachman might carelessly drive the carriage off a cliff in this situation, which would ruin everything. She put on a straw rain cape and dismounted, personally leading the carriage carrying Wei Tingxu, moving forward carefully. Fortunately, Zhen Wenjun had been here before and knew how sharp the mountain road turns were, allowing her to better control the carriages. She shouted loudly, warning the coachmen ahead to be careful of the turns. By the time they finally crossed the mountain and entered the flat main road, Zhen Wenjun was dripping wet, and her voice had gone hoarse.
When they reached Sudu, mountain torrents erupted. Zhen Wenjun directed everyone to avoid the flood, not sleeping for an entire night.
Wei Tingxu sat in the swaying carriage looking out, barely able to see her shadow.
“Tingxu, aren’t you going to quickly let Sister Wenjun come in? The mountain torrents are too dangerous. What if she gets buried? It would be even worse if she slipped and fell off a cliff in this chaos, we wouldn’t even know where to look for her,” Ah Liao said, seeing Zhen Wenjun darting between the carriages, pulling reins and shouting herself hoarse, her face splattered with rain and mud without her even noticing, feeling extremely distressed.
Wei Tingxu, however, showed no intention of calling her back: “She’s not like those delicate flowers you raise.”
“Hey, what I raise are not delicate flowers. You know their abilities, it’s just that I can’t bear to let my ladies suffer. Look at Sister Wenjun, originally a delicate young lady, these years of your tempering have made her increasingly rough. Tingxu, calling you heartless really isn’t wrong.”
Wei Tingxu laughed: “You’ve known me for so many years, and only now you realize I’m heartless?”
Ah Liao thought of something and chuckled: “Hehe, I’ve known you for so many years, only to find out you like this type. Has Sister Wenjun, with her resourcefulness and unparalleled bravery, captured Tingxu’s heart?”
Wei Tingxu neither confirmed nor denied it. Xiaohua, who had been sitting aside serving them, heard this and her eyes flickered, but she didn’t raise her head, her heart pounding.
“Back when you sent Sister Wenjun to Her Majesty’s side, I was thinking, when Sister Wenjun could mature a bit more and be able to stand on her own for you, I could leave without worries and wander the world with my beauties. Now it seems Sister Wenjun isn’t just able to stand on her own, she might have completely captured Tingxu’s heart, right? Oh my, congratulations, congratulations.”
Ah Liao was delighted on her own, “Thinking back to how much effort you put into finding Sister Wenjun, killing so many painters, I thought you had gone mad at the time. Actually, Tingxu, you had already given your heart away long ago, hadn’t you?”
Ah Liao was trying every way to hit a certain point with Wei Tingxu, eagerly wanting to see what Wei Tingxu would look like showing a young girl’s shyness. The two were childhood friends, and there was absolutely no possibility of romantic feelings. It was just that Ah Liao had no resistance to beautiful people and could purely appreciate Wei Tingxu’s beauty, even more willing to collect all her moving moments.
Would it be embarrassment or coyness? Ah Liao waited for the result with great interest.
Wei Tingxu didn’t give any obvious reaction. If there was any, it was that her face completely cooled down.
Ah Liao immediately shut up. She might not have seen what a shy childhood friend looks like, but she was very familiar with what someone looks like before killing.
Wei Tingxu’s eyelids were twitching up and down. Ah Liao might not understand, but Xiaohua did.
Xiaohua knew exactly what Ah Liao’s words had hit upon and reminded of.
The carriage was shaking almost to the point of falling apart. Ah Liao’s spacious and luxurious “Qing Yuan” was like a brightly colored candy bead placed on a rope, in danger of sliding down the cliff at any moment. The ladies in the carriage held their breath, not daring to even breathe loudly, fearing that one breath might blow the Qing Yuan into the deep abyss.
Zhen Wenjun led people to pull and drag, like an old ox plowing in the mud, finally managing to bring all the carriages safely out of the dangerous area of the mountain torrent. Apart from losing two horse-drawn carriages carrying tea leaves, they didn’t lose any attendants, and only thirty bolts of silk were soaked. Zhen Wenjun was already very satisfied with this result. After they entered Sudu territory and traveled for another full day, the rain gradually lessened. Zuo Kunda returned to report that the road ahead was flat, and there was a small inn three li away where they could set up camp outside, a good place to rest.
Zhen Wenjun finally escorted the caravan to the inn, supervised the attendants in tying up the goods, arranged for people to take turns guarding, and then stumbled towards the inn in a daze to meet up with Wei Tingxu and the others.
Sudu’s terrain is long and narrow, stretching from east to west, and easy to cross from north to south. This inn was located at the foot of a desolate mountain at the southernmost edge of Sudu. Although the inn wasn’t large, the innkeeper was very enthusiastic.
Seeing Wei Tingxu and the others enter, the innkeeper immediately came forward to greet them. This innkeeper was around thirty years old, wearing typical Gujiang ethnic clothing, with a semi-transparent veil, and spoke Central Plains language with an accent, asking if they were staying at the inn.
After traveling for many days, it was difficult to set up camp in the rain, and sleeping in the carriages was extremely uncomfortable. Even with the sea bed and soft couch inside Ah Liao’s Qing Yuan, it was still not restful, let alone the carriage Zhen Wenjun and Wei Tingxu were riding in. Zhen Wenjun had done her best to make the carriage soft and cozy, but the bumps alone were enough to cause suffering. Wei Tingxu hadn’t uttered a single complaint, but Zhen Wenjun knew how uncomfortable she must be.
Finally having an inn, they naturally wanted to stop and settle in.
This inn looked greasy and not very clean. The dim wooden house was divided into two floors, with tables, chairs, and a kitchen downstairs, and five guest rooms upstairs. The atmosphere in the inn was indescribably strange. Zhen Wenjun scanned around and found that the candles lit in the store were actually white. Could this be a custom of the Gujiang people? Zhen Wenjun suddenly remembered that Xiaohua was a Gujiang person, and she could ask her about this.
“I left Sudu when I was very young, so I don’t remember many details,” Xiaohua answered honestly.
Zhen Wenjun had been drenched in rain for days and was overexerted. At this point, her legs were completely weak, and her eyelids felt like they had two fireballs on them. Waves of dizziness confirmed that she had caught an evil wind and was likely to fall seriously ill. After carefully exploring the inn inside and out, seeing that apart from being a bit dirty, there wasn’t anything too strange about the place, she finally felt at ease to take Wei Tingxu upstairs to stay.
The rain had almost stopped. Zuo Kunda and other attendants set up camp outside the inn. Ah Liao and her ladies occupied four rooms, leaving one room for Wei Tingxu and Zhen Wenjun. After Xiaohua wiped down everything in the room for them, she removed all the bedding and replaced it with the bedding and blankets that Wei Tingxu had brought. Then she lit some incense, and everything had the most reassuring and familiar scent.
The dirty guest room quickly became cozy and clean under Xiaohua’s skillful hands, and Zhen Wenjun could finally collapse.
“She’s burning up,” Wei Tingxu felt Zhen Wenjun’s forehead, which was very hot to the touch.
Zhen Wenjun fell asleep almost instantly. Wei Tingxu told Xiaohua to go get medicine. Xiaohua responded with a “Yes,” took two steps, then came back.
Wei Tingxu looked at her.
“My lady, don’t forget your initial intentions.”
Xiaohua’s words made Wei Tingxu’s eyes light up with fire.
Xiaohua knew that Wei Tingxu didn’t like anyone telling her what to do. She had her own plans, but this matter had already gotten out of control.
“Even if my lady wants to punish this slave, I still have to say it. Since Lingbi’s death, this slave has observed the relationship between my lady and Zhen Wenjun. Initially, it was Lingbi who made her let down her guard, which was my lady’s plan, and Lingbi was unaware of it. But now, how much of my lady’s initial plan remains? I don’t know if my lady still remembers the various evil practices we saw while traveling through Da Yu. I only hope that my lady has never forgotten her inner aspirations and won’t be delayed by personal feelings. Does my lady still remember why you initially decided to help Li Yanyi ascend to the throne? If my lady still remembers, you should understand not to become someone like her.”
Xiaohua prostrated herself on the ground, not raising her head while speaking, but every word was firm and unwavering.
“You’ve been wanting to say these words for a long time, haven’t you?” Wei Tingxu’s words sounded like an angry retort, yet also like a kind inquiry. Even Xiaohua couldn’t distinguish which it was.
“Since this slave has been serving my lady, all my thoughts have been about matters concerning my lady.”
Wei Tingxu made an “Mm” sound and said: “I understand. Make me something to eat, I’m a bit hungry.”
Xiaohua continued to prostrate herself for a moment, responded with a “Yes,” and stood up to go to the kitchen.
“Xiaohua.” As Xiaohua was about to close the door, Wei Tingxu spoke:
“The great ambition will never be forgotten,” Wei Tingxu was staring at her, “Thank you for your reminder. You must always stay by my side.”
Xiaohua felt a surge of tears welling up inside, but said nothing more.
“Pan-fried fish belly with tofu soup, is that alright?”
Wei Tingxu nodded: “Thank you for your hard work.”
Xiaohua left the room, and Wei Tingxu sat by the bed where Zhen Wenjun was lying for a long time, her expression as if frozen.
In her sleep, Zhen Wenjun whimpered anxiously, suddenly raising her hand to grasp Wei Tingxu’s, rubbing her fingertips on the back of Wei Tingxu’s hand before contentedly continuing to sleep.
Wei Tingxu gently stroked Zhen Wenjun’s forehead. She was right in front of her, so why did her heart feel so much reluctance?
The initial plan had not deviated; Wei Tingxu had only told Xiaohua half of it.
The great ambition would not be forgotten, and Wenjun could also be obtained. She was just that greedy of a person.
Wei Tingxu doesn’t eat food from outside. No matter where she goes, she only might eat a couple of bites of food personally made by Xiaohua. When Xiaohua went to borrow the kitchen, she asked the innkeeper to help make 1,500 portions of food to be sent to the camp outside the inn for the attendants. Once everyone’s stomachs were filled, there would naturally be a reward.
This was a big business, and the innkeeper should have been happy. However, in this remote mountain area, the passersby were usually scattered travelers, and she rarely had so many people at once. Her food supplies were really limited.
“We have some rice and flour. If we divide it up, everyone can at least fill their stomachs a little. How about this, my lady?” The innkeeper negotiated with her, “Sudu is richest in wild game from the mountains. How about I take some people to the mountain to pick some wild vegetables and catch a few wild chickens? It will just take some time. Give me an hour, and I’ll definitely fill everyone’s bellies!”
Xiaohua thought it was reasonable. They didn’t know how long they would be on this journey, and while they had enough silver, food might be scarce. If they could avoid using their reserve rations for now, it would be best not to touch them.
Xiaohua promised to give the innkeeper five taels of silver as extra compensation. The innkeeper happily took people to the mountain. It wasn’t that Xiaohua was stingy, but when traveling, one shouldn’t flaunt wealth. Even with many people in their group, it was better to avoid trouble if possible.
The innkeeper and her people dug in the mountains for a while and brought back many wild vegetables and mushrooms. After being cooked in soup, it was extremely fragrant. Xiaohua took a bowl and carefully tested for poison with Zhong Ji. When the silver needle didn’t turn black, they distributed the wild vegetable and mushroom soup to the attendants.
After days of hard work, having a bowl of hot soup was truly a blessing. After drinking it, everyone fell asleep contentedly.
Wei Tingxu ate some of the food Xiaohua made and then gave Zhen Wenjun medicine. They had a dreamless night. The next morning when she woke up, Zhen Wenjun was not by her side.
Wei Tingxu’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately sat up, about to go out. The door opened.
“You’re awake? I went outside to take a look. It won’t rain today. If we travel well for a day, we should be out of Sudu.” Zhen Wenjun spoke loudly, her complexion still not very good. Wei Tingxu raised her hand and said:
“Come here.”
Zhen Wenjun said in a loud voice: “I’m really fine!”
Wei Tingxu frowned.
Zhen Wenjun had no choice but to go over and press her forehead against Wei Tingxu’s palm.
“You’re still feverish.”
“I’m really fine now. After taking the medicine last night, I’m almost completely better. I’m truly very energetic, it’s just that my body temperature hasn’t gone down yet.”
“No need to say more. We can’t set out today. You need more rest.”
“We can’t. The rainy season here is too long. If we don’t take advantage of the clear weather to set out for the next stop, we might get stuck on the road. We can’t delay everyone because of me. I’ve already prepared the carriages. We can leave as soon as you finish washing up.”
Wei Tingxu shook her head, as if she hadn’t heard anything Zhen Wenjun said. Zhen Wenjun tried to persuade her but to no avail. Steeling herself, she directly picked Wei Tingxu up in her arms.
Wei Tingxu’s body swayed, and she quickly wrapped her arms around Zhen Wenjun’s neck. Without another word, Zhen Wenjun carried her downstairs.
Wei Tingxu didn’t struggle and let Zhen Wenjun carry her to the carriage.
Zhen Wenjun was a bit surprised at how obedient she was. Actually, the two hadn’t spent much time together, and gradually uncovering each other’s personality traits was quite an interesting thing.
Zhen Wenjun asked her: “Why aren’t you struggling or scolding me?”
Wei Tingxu: “When have I ever scolded you? In terms of strength, I definitely can’t win against you. If I struggle, it would look too unsightly. It’s better to keep this account and find a chance to pinch your thigh or twist your arm someday when I remember it.”
Zhen Wenjun: “…Zizhuo is definitely not such a grudge-holding person.”
“You’re wrong about that. I hold grudges more than anyone.”
The carriages were ready to set out when the innkeeper came running out in a panic, blocking the way: “May I ask if the ladies are heading to Wild Fox Ridge?”
Zhen Wenjun was about to mount her horse: “That’s right.”
“Could it be that you…” the innkeeper said in a low voice, “are seeking the Country of Flowing Fire?”
At these words, Zhen Wenjun, Wei Tingxu, and the others didn’t respond, neither confirming nor denying. Xiaohua vigilantly walked to the side of Wei Tingxu’s carriage.
“Ladies, I don’t mean anything by it. This Wild Fox Ridge is the only road to the Country of Flowing Fire. Too many people pass through here to enter Wild Fox Ridge, but few come out alive. Let me tell you something true, don’t be afraid.” The innkeeper hadn’t even started speaking but seemed to have already frightened herself, her complexion very poor. She pointed at the mist-shrouded forest behind her and said, “In there, there are ghosts!”
“Ghosts?” Zhen Wenjun smiled and said, “Is that so?”
“Please don’t take it lightly! It’s said that all the ghosts in there are the transformed spirits of people who wanted to go to Country of Flowing Fire to mine gold but died. They love to make travelers lose their way. When travelers are lost and panicking, the ghosts will possess them. Once possessed, it’s all over!”
The innkeeper spoke with great detail, but Zhen Wenjun still found it laughable: “It’s said? Who said it? Did the ghosts say it? Well, then I’d like to see what these ghosts look like.”
No matter how much the innkeeper tried to persuade them, it was useless. Zhen Wenjun gave the order, and the entire group set out.
The innkeeper stopped talking and shook her head as she returned to the inn.
“That innkeeper might have wanted us to stay a few more days to earn more silver,” Ah Liao said as they were on the road to Wild Fox Ridge. She and two young ladies had brought some wine to Wei Tingxu’s carriage, planning to drink and chat to make the journey less boring.
Wei Tingxu smiled faintly. Zhong Ji was also in the carriage, dividing the cold pills and medicines to be taken in the next few days into several portions, occasionally looking outside with slight unease.
“What are you looking at?” Xiaohua rarely saw Zhong Ji show such an expression.
“I’m thinking that the innkeeper might not have been wrong,” Zhong Ji said worriedly, “We’ve been going in circles.”
The carriage suddenly stopped, and Zhen Wenjun lifted the curtain and stepped in, saying: “We seem to be lost.”
Her words immediately reminded everyone of what the innkeeper had said earlier. The ghosts first make people lose their way, and then they possess them…
“Don’t… don’t scare people, okay?” Ah Liao’s speech was a bit stuttered, “Could… could it be that the fog is too thick to find the way? The trees in this forest all look the same!”
“It’s not that,” Zhen Wenjun said decisively, “I was afraid of getting lost, so I marked the trees. We’ve indeed come back to the same place.”
Everyone was speechless.
“Hehe.”
Just as everyone didn’t know what to say, suddenly they heard a bone-chilling laugh.
“Hehe, haha, hee hee hee.”
Zhong Ji, sitting in the corner of the carriage, unexpectedly started laughing uncontrollably, her body twitching. The laughter was quite eerie, like the grating sound of two pieces of glass rubbing against each other.
Wei Tingxu and Zhen Wenjun looked at each other in bewilderment. Although Zhong Ji was young, she had always been steady. They had never seen her laugh like this before.
It was as if she was possessed.
“Hee hee hee hee hee…” Unexpectedly, Xiaohua also started laughing. The usually expressionless Xiaohua’s face was twitching, her features almost displaced, laughing in great pain, the sound extremely ghostly.
Zhong Ji, Xiaohua, Ah Liao, and the two young ladies with her were all laughing uncontrollably. They laughed until blue veins popped up on their foreheads and their muscles twisted. The carriage had become a bizarre theater, with everyone laughing without knowing why or what they were laughing at, their bodies covered in sweat.
Even Wei Tingxu was greatly puzzled by such a terrifying scene. She grabbed Zhen Wenjun’s hand, about to escape the carriage with her.
“Hee hee hee…”
Wei Tingxu was suddenly startled.
Zhen Wenjun, standing in front of her, had her eyebrows raised and her mouth twitching, her features twisted into a smiling face, laughing exactly like everyone else around her.
0 Comments