Chapter 134: A Brief Respite

While everyone was enthusiastically flattering and praising her, Zhao Fusheng remained silent.

She raised her head to look above the Demon Subduing Office. The plaque, which had previously appeared to be covered in a layer of dusty grime, had somehow been polished a bit cleaner, and the three characters "Demon Subduing Office" were now faintly visible.

This sign verified her conjecture.

A smile appeared on Zhao Fusheng's face.

Surrounded by the crowd, Zhao Fusheng entered the Demon Subduing Office as good news poured in one piece after another.

Aside from Yu Wide miraculously surviving, Magistrate Pang had also received a reply sent by his secretary, stating that his wife's consciousness had recovered, though after experiencing this demonic disaster, she still felt a dull ache in her chest and lacked energy.

She had completely no memory of the events of the previous night, and her recollection remained paused right after hearing the hammering sounds on the first night.

Upon learning that his wife had regained consciousness, Magistrate Pang felt a heavy stone lift from his heart.

He had personally participated in this demonic case and gained a direct understanding of Zhao Fusheng's strength.

To Magistrate Pang, he had originally thought that Wan'an County might become his final resting place. At this moment, however, the old magistrate changed his mind, feeling that Wan'an County might instead be the starting point of his soaring career.

With Zhao Fusheng around, his tenure in Wan'an County would likely be much more stable, as long as he focused on internal administration without having to worry about the frequent outbreaks of demonic disasters.

Thinking of this, a surge of passion welled up within him. Unable to sit still any longer, and taking advantage of the crowd's presence, he bid farewell to Zhao Fusheng:

"My Lord, since this demonic case has been concluded, I would like to take the men back to the yamen first."

With the demonic case settled, there were still numerous trivial matters that needed to be handled.

Since Zhao Fusheng intended to make grand accomplishments in Wan'an County, he needed to do a good job of providing support.

Quite a few people had died in this demonic disaster. He needed to re-compile the roster of the county's residents, compile a list of the deceased, and find a way to have these victims properly buried in the earth.

"Alright."

Zhao Fusheng nodded:

"For the silver needed, just report the figure to me later and hand it over to Brother Fan."

Magistrate Pang nodded in acknowledgment.

Hearing this, Yu Wide's spirits perked up:

"Silver?"

Magistrate Pang nodded, saying somewhat shamefacedly:

"The prefectural treasury is short on funds. My Lord is benevolent and willing to allocate a portion of the silver from the Demon Subduing Office's treasury to bury the citizens who lost their lives in this demonic disaster."

Yu Wide quickly stated his position:

"How could we let My Lord spend her own money? My Lord exerted herself to the utmost for this demonic case and saved my life. I am willing to donate two thousand taels of silver to be used for the burial of the deceased."

With him taking the lead, the rest of the local gentry and wealthy households all spoke up one after another.

...

When Fan Bisi saw everyone off out of the Demon Subduing Office, dusk had already fallen.

Tonight's darkness was different from the previous two nights.

Perhaps because Wan'an County now had Zhao Fusheng holding down the fort, everyone felt a profound sense of peace and security.

After a bustling day, Zhao Fusheng washed up, tidied herself, and lay back down on her bed before she finally had the time to take stock of her gains and losses.

After returning from Bao County, she had a total of 2,343 merit points remaining. Summoning the door gods and stamping the divine seal had cost a total of 1,500 merit points.

Subsequently, because of the Ghost Mausoleum demonic case, a portion of the populace had died, which impacted public sentiment and resulted in the deduction of 500 merit points.

Fortunately, the demonic case was successfully resolved, and she ultimately received a reward of 3,000 points.

In other words, Zhao Fusheng currently held a total of 3,343 merit points in her hands.

Two layers of hell had now been opened, while the third layer and the second divine seat grid each required 10,000 merit points.

"Sigh."

Zhao Fusheng let out a long sigh:

"It seems I'll have to work even harder at handling demonic cases."

She had handled two demonic cases back-to-back. Although they ultimately ended up without a hitch and were completed smoothly, the mental exhaustion was entirely real.

Coupled with spending the entire previous night sharing a room with the Ghost Carriage, Zhao Fusheng hadn't rested well at all. The moment she returned to her own territory, exhaustion washed over her, and she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up again, it was already broad daylight.

The sound of 'clanging and hammering' drifted in from outside. Upon hearing this sound, Zhao Fusheng felt her scalp tingle and sat up abruptly.

Then, the sound of work chants rang out, washing away the lingering sense of apprehension brought by the clanging noise.

Only then did Zhao Fusheng recall that the Ghost Mausoleum case had already been concluded, and these hammering sounds were not made by the malicious spirits of the Ghost Mausoleum.

She opened her bedroom door. Today was a rare, fine day in Wan'an County.

The sunlight shone straight down, causing her to squint slightly.

Hearing the movement, the handyman in the courtyard reported it to Fan Bisi.

Learning that she had woken up, Fan Bisi hurriedly hurried over and said to her:

"My Lord, Magistrate Pang has already arrived."

As he spoke, Fan Bisi waved his hand, signaling the handymen to bring hot water and breakfast.

After rinsing her mouth and wiping her face, Fan Bisi continued:

Fan Bisi and Wujiu went around Baoding Road today. Except for old Zhang and Boss Zhu's coffin and incense shops, almost all the shops along this street are closed."

In other words, these shops were ownerless in a sense.

Having arrived in the Great Han Dynasty for a month, this was the first time Zhao Fusheng had heard the name of the street in front of the Demon Subduing Office.

She nodded and took a sip of tea, whereupon Fan Bisi added: "After counting them, there are a total of forty-six storefronts on Baoding Road. Does My Lord plan to select a few to renovate, or demolish all of them and rebuild?"

Seeing Zhao Fusheng pause her tea-drinking action, he explained:

"Although the exterior storefronts are old and dilapidated in appearance, they can still be used if simply renovated."

Besides, with Zhao Fusheng holding down the fort at the Demon Subduing Office and displaying such formidable strength, let alone renovated storefronts, even a dilapidated kiln would have plenty of people scrambling to rent it for 2,000 taels of silver a year—all to buy Zhao Fusheng's protection.

Yu Wide encountering a demonic disaster this time was the best example.

Of the previous monetary donations, this old gentleman had been the most proactive, was extremely respectful to Zhao Fusheng, and had even followed her instructions to write letters in advance inviting old friends to settle in Wan'an County.

Yet the moment he was marked by the malicious ghost last night, Zhao Fusheng immediately got up and went out without wasting a single moment of time, ultimately subduing the demonic disaster and saving the old gentleman's life right before disaster struck.

This incident solidified the hearts of the wealthy families and gentry who remained in Wan'an County.

Having lived for so many years, they had probably never enjoyed such protection from a commandery official.

As long as Zhao Fusheng had not completely lost control, these people likely would not abandon her.

"So even if My Lord doesn't spend a large sum of money, these shops can still be rented out."

Hearing Fan Bisi say this, Zhao Fusheng understood the meaning behind his words:

"No, we'll still tear them down and rebuild."

Fan Bisi's expression paused.

In fact, Zhao Fusheng's answer was within his expectations.

She was somewhat eccentric; she was neither entirely of lofty and pure character nor, at critical moments, above coercing and luring people with threats and benefits. She possessed a strong temperament and did not hesitate when striking.

Yet, at the same time, she seemed to have her own set of principles in doing things, and where money needed to be spent, she wasn't stingy in the least.

"It's just that rebuilding will consume a lot of time and affect when My Lord can rent out the storefronts," Fan Bisi replied.

"No need to worry."

Zhao Fusheng shook her head:

"Renovate half first, and rent out the other half first. At the same time, repair the roads leading in and out—"

Thinking of her miserably bumpy journey rushing back yesterday, which had turned her face green, she said: "In the future, once the population of Wan'an County increases, there will inevitably be exchanges with other counties. Only when the roads are repaired will it be more convenient for people traveling back and forth."

"Understood."

Fan Bisi nodded:

"It's just that doing it this way, the silver might not be enough."

"Don't worry, Magistrate Bao will be sending more money later."

Zhao Fusheng thought of the door god seal she had cast last night.

Having made her maiden attempt with the first test, she now had a clear idea about casting ghost seals.

"Zheng He is on the verge of suffering a malicious ghost relapse. If he is a smart man and wants to save his life, he will still have to come to find me—" Thinking of Zheng He, Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but reveal a smile of seeing a 'God of Wealth':

"He has served for years, and Bao County is wealthy, so Zheng He's family fortune shouldn't be thin, right?"

"..."

Fan Bisi twitched the corner of his mouth, recalling the ghost seal she had cast last night as a ripple stirred in his heart:

"Does My Lord mean that you want to cast a ghost seal on Vice Commander Zheng to seal the malicious ghost within his body?"

"Provided Zheng He can pay the price," Zhao Fusheng answered with a beaming smile.

Fan Bisi had originally only been probing, but hearing this, he was startled: "Can My Lord really seal the ghost inside his body?"

In the Great Han Dynasty, there were quite a few people who harnessed malicious ghosts and could cast ghost seals—for instance, the mausoleums of Demon Subduing Offices everywhere were uniformly managed by officials sent by the imperial court to cast ghost seals for suppression.

However, the higher the grade of the malicious ghost harnessed by a ghost controller, the easier it was for them to lose control.

Casting ghost seals was also one of the acts of harnessing malicious ghosts; using it too frequently would still plunge the ghost controller into perilous situations.

Therefore, the imperial court was actually aware that the crisis of a ghost controller's malicious ghost relapse could be alleviated through ghost seals. However, compared to the many ghost controllers in the Demon Subduing Offices of the Great Han Dynasty, those capable of reaching the level of casting ghost seals were without exception elite talents of general tier.

In terms of strength, utility, and rarity, the existence of such individuals was far more precious than ordinary command officials.

Furthermore, malicious ghosts were not domesticated animals; even those who harnessed them could not necessarily completely control them.

Sometimes, casting seals in ghost mausoleums could lead to failure or even the crisis of losing control, let alone casting ghost seals on living people.

Yet the meaning behind Zhao Fusheng's words was that as long as Zheng He could pay the price, she was willing to harness the power of a malicious ghost to seal the ghost for Zheng He.

"Of course."

Zhao Fusheng nodded.

Fan Bisi still found it hard to believe:

"But wouldn't My Lord be afraid of the malicious ghost losing control if you do that?"

"I have the confidence that it won't lose control for the time being, and naturally, I won't take his life either."

Zhao Fusheng said confidently.

As long as the List of Deification was still there and her merit points were sufficient, casting a ghost seal on Zheng He's chest to seal the malicious ghost was the simplest thing in the world.

"If that's really the case—"

Fan Bisi muttered:

"Then even if Zheng He has to hollow out his coffin savings, he'll gladly do it."

With that, he shook his head again:

"No, not just Zheng He. Once word spreads, I don't know how many ghost controllers will be willing to head to Wan'an County—"

Countless people on the verge of a malicious ghost relapse would rack their brains to beg Zhao Fusheng for help with casting seals. By then, Wan'an County would probably be far more prosperous and powerful than Bao County currently was.

"Let's wait until the ghost fog disperses a bit, and see when Zheng He can afford the chips."

Zhao Fusheng smiled faintly.

Fan Bisi was stunned for a moment. After a long while, his expression grew stern and even more respectful:

"By the way, My Lord, aside from Magistrate Pang's arrival, Liu Yizhen from the Confucian Temple over at Beggar's Alley also sent a yamen runner with a message, saying he would like to invite you to visit whenever you have time."

Upon hearing the three words 'Confucian Temple,' Zhao Fusheng was startled inwardly:

"Did the person who delivered the message say if it was urgent?"

"That didn't sound like it. The messenger only said My Lord could take some time to drop by when free," Fan Bisi replied.

Hearing him say this, Zhao Fusheng had a clearer idea in her mind.

The Ghost Carriage had originally stayed in the Liu Clan Ancestral Hall from forty years ago. The existence of the Ghost Carriage had broken the balance of Beggar's Alley, plunging the Confucian Temple into crisis.

Following the trip to Bao County, the Ghost Carriage had been summoned away from Wan'an County, causing the two ghosts in the Confucian Temple to presumably fall back into a state of mutual restriction. Liu Yizhen must have sensed this and wanted to discuss it with her.

"I happen to have business with him anyway, so I'll find a time to go take a look later."

Fan Bisi nodded.

Having finished discussing official business, the two arrived at the main hall, where Magistrate Pang had been waiting for quite a while.

Knowing that Zhao Fusheng had been traveling continuously day after day and must be exhausted, he had simply sat waiting in the hall upon arrival. At the sight of Zhao Fusheng now, Magistrate Pang broke into a smile:

"My Lord, the list of those who died last night has been compiled, totaling 76 deaths—"

Mentioning the death toll, a solemn look appeared on his face.

Currently, the majority of houses in the urban area of Wan'an County were vacant, as many people had long since fled the county seat. The remaining population was already sparse, and losing another 76 people now caused even Magistrate Pang's heart to ache.

"For each of these people to have a coffin prepared and a burial plot chosen, the cost is at least 1,800 cash per person—"

Converted to silver, it meant each person's funeral arrangements required about 1.8 taels of silver, and burying everyone collectively would cost over a hundred taels of silver.

These expenses might seem minor, but this was just the fallout from a single demonic case.

With the ghost fog in Wan'an County unending, there would only be more demonic cases in the future. Moreover, once Zhao Fusheng opened this precedent, any future similar cases would still require the yamen to clean up the mess.

Aside from these burial expenses, the yamen also had to pay the runners for their labor, and none of these added up to a small sum.

"Those who carry the coffins and watch over the corpses are dealing with inauspicious matters, so they must be paid at least twenty cash per person per day—" Magistrate Pang's accompanying secretary also chimed in:

"When we came over this morning, we asked Master Zhang. Recently, Wan'an County is sealed off, so the lumber stock in his hands is limited, and he has to place orders elsewhere. I'm afraid it will take over a month for all these coffins to be shipped to Wan'an County—"

With August right now, storing corpses for that long simply wouldn't do. They could only bury a batch first, while borrowing coffins from the homes of some commoners in the county for the rest.

Families with a slight surplus who had elderly members all maintained the custom of preparing coffins in advance.

"Borrow them first and return them later, burying the corpses successively. That way, we can also reduce labor expenses."

The secretary said:

"That way, we can manage to finish these matters within half a month. But when I calculated with the accountant last night, the labor expenses alone will reach five hundred taels—"

Hearing this, a look of bewilderment appeared on Zhao Fusheng's face:

"So much?"

The secretary nodded.

"Have you ever considered changing the way laborers are hired?" Zhao Fusheng asked.

Magistrate Pang and the secretary exchanged a glance, hesitatingly asking:

"Ch-change the way laborers are hired?"

"That's right."

Zhao Fusheng nodded:

"Assuming hiring a person costs twenty cash a day for a minimum of half a month, the expense for a single person comes to around three hundred cash."

"Correct—"

The secretary nodded.

Zhao Fusheng smiled. "Such a cost is too high, and people hired this way simply wander about idly with no real occupation, doing odd jobs. Their household livelihoods are unstable, and money earned this way comes too easily—they eat the previous meal without knowing where the next is coming from, living from hand to mouth."

She recalled several ruffians she had encountered when drinking porridge at Meng Po's stall. Seeing her traveling alone at the time, they had been ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth and tried to make a move on her, only to be scared off by Meng Po later.

Zhao Fusheng said:

"Instead, let's sign a contract with these people, recruit them into the yamen as temporary workers, establish positions for them, and hire them with a monthly salary of eighty cash—"

As long as there was a stable job, "they will strive hard for this opportunity."

"Ah, this—"

Magistrate Pang and the secretary were completely dumbfounded.