Inside the charitable cemetery, the wild grass reached up to one’s shins. Earthen graves were huddled together on the hillside, layer upon layer, without headstones or inscriptions. Among them, Yu Xiaohong’s grave was relatively conspicuous.
A stone tablet had been erected before her grave, and the weeds around it had been cleared away. The neighboring graves were a good two or three meters away, making her plot look almost luxurious in comparison.
Gu Qingyun found her way to the grave and knelt down. She pulled out the yellow paper, paper money, and gold ingots, then lit them with a fire striker.
“Yu Xiaohong, this money should be enough for you down there. Life was exhausting when you were alive; now that you’re dead, enjoy your life as a ghost.
“I was afraid you’d be lonely, so I’ve burned two little dogs for you. They can keep you company and guard your home. I’ll come and burn offerings for you once a year from now on, until the money I was given is used up.”
Gu Qingyun stood there quietly until the paper money and effigies had finished burning and the cold wind blew the ashes away. Only then did she turn and leave.
Having finished this task and seeing that it was almost time for lunch, Gu Qingyun didn't delay. She ran quickly toward home. At this moment, Old Lady Zhang was in the courtyard smoking meat. Seeing her return from outside, she spoke directly.
“You’re back. Dinner will be ready soon.”
Gu Qingyun smelled the fragrant meat, her eyes lighting up. “Grandma, are you making cured meat? This is especially delicious when stir-fried.”
Old Lady Zhang nodded happily. “In addition to the cured meat, I’ve also smoked some chicken and duck. We’ll have a prosperous New Year this year.”
Gu Qingyun glanced around and noticed the fish was missing. “Grandma, are the fish the only thing left to buy?”
“That’s right,” Old Lady Zhang replied. “I’ll buy the fish in a few days. The weather is cold right now and the river water is fast, so fish are hard to catch. There aren't many fishmongers selling right now.”
Gu Qingyun turned and brought a large wooden tub from the house, placing it in the courtyard. “Grandma, there’s no need to buy fish. I have a good friend whose family catches fish. I can just go and get some; it won’t cost any money.”
“Ah, your friend worked hard to catch those fish. It wouldn't be right to take them for free. I’ll give you some silver so you can buy some back when you have time.”
Gu Qingyun waved her hand. “Grandma, there’s no need. We’re very close; it won’t take the money.”
Seeing that her grandmother still felt uneasy, Gu Qingyun quickly added, “However, I brought it some of your steamed buns last time, and it really liked them. If you feel bad about it, Grandma, just make some steamed buns for me to take over.”
In the kitchen, the eldest aunt, Lady Zhao, heard the commotion and walked out. “Qingyun, wait a bit longer. We’re about to eat.” The gold hairpin on her head shimmered in the sunlight.
Gu Qingyun glanced at the top of her head and gave a mischievous grin. “Auntie, that hairpin looks really good on you. Are you still afraid of it being stolen?”
Lady Zhao’s face turned red, and she ducked back into the kitchen.
Old Lady Zhang shot her a helpless look. “You really are a naughty girl. Look at how embarrassed you made your aunt. Her skin isn't as thick as yours. Go set the table with Xiao Guai; we’re eating soon.”
“Alright. Grandma, please make some steamed buns later. I’ll head over to my friend’s house this afternoon.”
...
By the Huai River, the weather was too cold for anyone to be seen. Gu Qingyun took out the steamed buns her grandmother had made and fed them to Xiaojin piece by piece, showing no signs of impatience.
Xiaojin stared with its unblinking fish eyes for a few moments before focusing on eating the buns. Once it had nearly finished, it sucked the remaining buns into its spiritual artifact space.
“Human, why are you so good to me today, bringing so many buns?”
Gu Qingyun gently patted its head. “I went to the provincial capital and missed you a bit, so I brought some extra. How are they? Tasty?”
Xiaojin swam in a circle in the river. “They’re delicious! Human, you’re the best.”
Gu Qingyun looked at it with a beaming smile. “Xiaojin, you said your water-control spells are quite good. Could you let me see for myself?”
Xiaojin raised its head. “Why not? Did you think I was lying to you? Tell me, how should I show you?”
Gu Qingyun pointed at the large tub. “If you can control the water and keep only the fish in this tub, that would be great.”
Xiaojin looked at Gu Qingyun with sympathy. Opening its fish lips, fish and shrimp from the river began to drop into the tub like dumplings into a pot. Within a few minutes, the tub was filled to the brim.
“Human, if you want to eat fish, just tell me. There’s no need to feel embarrassed. I know your monthly salary is less than one tael of silver; it must be very hard. I’m happy to help you.”
Gu Qingyun looked into Xiaojin’s innocent eyes. For some reason, she suddenly felt a twinge of guilt.
She stood up and gave a serious bow. “Thank you, Xiaojin. I’ve always felt you were a good fish. Taking gold from you and then fish... I really haven't been a good friend. I won’t ask you for anything else in the future.”
Upon hearing this, several drops of water condensed from the cold river fell from the corners of Xiaojin’s eyes. “Human, what’s wrong? Aren't we friends? Are you unwilling to take my things anymore? You even brought me delicious steamed buns; I’m happy to do this. Do you... not want to be my friend anymore?”
The little carp’s voice cracked with anxiety.
Seeing that Gu Qingyun didn't speak, it spat out two more pieces of gold the size of pearls. “Human, take them! We’re friends, and I want to give them to you. The Huai River only has me and Zhu’er; I’m always so happy when you come to see me.”
For a moment, Gu Qingyun didn't know what to do. She sighed. “In that case, I’ll take them so you won’t be sad, Xiaojin. But you don’t need to give me any more after this; I have enough money to spend.”
Seeing how much Gu Qingyun valued her pride, Xiaojin sighed inwardly. Humans really cared about appearances. It had plenty of gold in its palace at the bottom of the river, and the metal was useless to it anyway.
Unlike humans, who needed to spend money on everything—spending money the moment they opened their eyes, for food, clothing, housing, and travel. It cost so much money. Since its friend was such a good person, it was willing to spend gold on her. Thinking of this, Xiaojin wagged its tail fin at Gu Qingyun several times.
“Human, come back and play with me when you have time. I’m going to find Zhu’er now.”
Watching Xiaojin leave, Gu Qingyun picked up the gold, hoisted the wooden tub onto her shoulder, slapped a Stealth Talisman on herself, and ran toward the city.
When she arrived with that massive tub of fish, Old Lady Zhang was completely stunned.
“Qingyun, you only gave some steamed buns, but your friend gave back so many fish and shrimp? This is far too much!”
Old Lady Zhang looked closer and saw they were the unique fish of the Huai River, which were extremely difficult to catch. The meat of these fish was delicate and tender. By the time they reached the house, more than half of them were still alive.
Lady Zhao, Lady Wu, and Gu Qingyun’s mother came out of the weaving room. Hearing Grandma’s voice from the front yard, they hurried over.
“So many fish! Qingyun, you got all of these? We won’t be lacking fish for the New Year this year,” Lady Su said with a proud smile.
Gu Qingyun nodded smugly before looking at Old Lady Zhang expectantly. “Grandma, I want to eat red-braised fish.”
“I’ll make it, I’ll make it. I’ll make whatever you want to eat,” Old Lady Zhang replied with a beaming smile. Her granddaughter loved this fish; how could she not satisfy her?
...
After dinner, Gu Qingyun walked leisurely to the yamen. As soon as she entered the duty office, she saw Head Constable Liu with a straight-backed young man, speaking to him in detail and patting him on the shoulder as if to offer encouragement.
He was also dressed in black with an identical saber at his waist. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, and his gaze happened to meet Gu Qingyun’s.
Both of them were startled. Gu Qingyun hadn't expected a new face at the yamen; as for why the man was startled, Gu Qingyun had no way of knowing.
“Uncle Liu, you’re on duty early today? And this is...?”
Head Constable Liu paused for a moment before introducing the two parties. “Qingyun, this is Constable Lu’s son, Lu Hu.”
“Xiao Lu, this is the Direct Night Patroller, Gu Qingyun. Why don't you two get to know each other?”
The young man gave Gu Qingyun a slight nod. “Greetings. I am Lu Hu.”
Gu Qingyun was almost frozen by the coldness. Oho, a cold and aloof one has arrived.
“Hello. I am Gu Qingyun.”
After their brief introductions, they each went their separate ways.
Rate on N.U.
