Chapter 26: The Family's Ghostly Lantern

Chapter Twenty-Six

“Old Zhang, you’re exactly the kind of talent the Demon Suppression Bureau needs.”

Zhao Fusheng, having gleaned useful information, offered a satisfied compliment before asking further,

“What can Paper Zhang do to help me?”

Zhang Chuan-shi, his defenses shattered by her calling him a ‘colleague,’ had let slip the secret of Paper Zhang in a moment of panic. Now, as she pressed him, he regained his senses, but it was already too late for regret.

He was both angry and fearful, desperate enough to want to stomp his feet, when Zhao Fusheng’s voice sounded again:

“A secret technique to evade the gaze of malevolent ghosts? That’s quite a remarkable secret. If not for family ties, others would never know of such a method.”

Zhang Chuan-shi’s face alternated between pale and flushed, and at last, he bowed his head in resignation like a defeated rooster:

“It’s a family secret technique. He can craft a special lamp; wherever its light shines, it can deceive the perception of ghosts.”

After speaking, he anxiously glanced around, then waved his hand:

“Master Zhao, please don’t tell anyone about this.”

“A lamp?” Zhao Fusheng suddenly recalled something, turning to look toward the Demon Suppression Bureau and pointing at its main gate:

“Are they the two lamps that hung there earlier?”

She remembered, upon waking that morning and rushing out the Bureau’s doors, she had seen two broken lanterns hanging at the entrance. Their skins were a fleshy pink, very peculiar—not like ordinary paper. The lamp oil stank terribly, reeking of ghostly energy.

“Yes—” Zhang Chuan-shi replied, crestfallen.

“That’s the one. Wherever its light shines, even if you stand face-to-face with a malevolent ghost, it cannot ‘see’ you.”

Zhao Fusheng was astonished, hardly able to believe it:

“Is it truly so miraculous?”

Zhang Chuan-shi nodded:

“So far, it has never failed.” Then he added,

“It’s precisely because of Paper Zhang’s family secret technique that the Zhang family has always been highly valued by the Demon Suppression Bureau in Wan’an County. Several generations of Bureau chiefs have maintained close relations with them.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Fusheng immediately recalled the Liu family case from forty years ago.

No wonder Liu Huacheng had first invited Su Long from the Bureau to investigate, only to be refused. Then, after summoning Paper Zhang’s grandfather, Zhang Xiongwu, and inviting Su Long again, Su Long finally agreed to accompany him.

It must be because of this ‘ghost lamp’ mentioned by Zhang Chuan-shi.

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A timely thought flashed through her mind, and Zhao Fusheng could not help but feel ecstatic.

She had caught Zhang Chuan-shi originally to force him to lead the way, but had unexpectedly gained such valuable information.

If she could truly acquire this so-called ‘ghost lamp’ from Paper Zhang, then her journey to Beggars’ Alley would be far more assured; she would have greater confidence in returning safely.

“This is wonderful! Old Zhang, you’ve rendered a great service.” Zhao Fusheng made no effort to conceal her delight:

“If I get the ‘ghost lamp’ and complete the task in Beggars’ Alley, when the court later rewards meritorious deeds, I’ll be sure to report your name so you receive the recognition you deserve!” She painted a rosy picture, “A pillar like you—how could the court ever neglect you? Who knows, you might even get to choose between a golden mansion and a silver one.”

Zhang Chuan-shi, short and thin, hunched over in an ill-fitting long robe, his bald forehead glistening with sweat, rolled his eyes at her words, stupefied by her promises. His fish-like eyes twitched twice in fear of angering her, and he let out two resentful chuckles.

Others might not understand Wan’an County’s situation, but he, being related to Paper Zhang, certainly did.

Ever since the ghost mist appeared in Wan’an County, the court had been inclined to abandon the place. After Zhao Qiming’s death, no one came to clean up the mess.

Now, Zhao Fusheng had returned from death, seemingly bewitched and determined to wade into this chaos, dragging him into the Bureau as well, all while spinning tales and treating him like a fool.

He dared not protest, so he said,

“I don’t dare dream of riches—I only beg you not to take me to Beggars’ Alley.”

Then, hurriedly added,

“Also, don’t tell Paper Zhang that I was the one who shared the secret of the ‘ghost lamp.’” His mung-bean eyes darted about, his eye bags scrunched, revealing a sly expression,

“The Fan brothers know about this too—”

Zhao Fusheng narrowed her eyes and smiled meaningfully.

New to this world, she feared not a lack of cohesion within the Bureau, but rather that they might unite to plot against her.

Now, with Zhang Chuan-shi defecting first, it was perfect for her.

“Rest assured.” She nodded,

“You’re loyal to me, so naturally I’ll be considerate. To be frank, I originally wanted to ask you to lead me to Paper Zhang, to inquire about a certain matter.”

“What—what matter?” Zhang Chuan-shi, regretful and anxious, asked reflexively. Realizing too late it might have been better to feign ignorance, he tried to signal his intent when Zhao Fusheng said,

“It’s about past events related to Beggars’ Alley.”

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Upon hearing ‘Beggars’ Alley,’ Zhang Chuan-shi nearly leapt up, but before he could speak, Zhao Fusheng continued,

“Next to Beggars’ Alley is supposedly the Confucian Temple, which was formerly the ancestral hall of the Liu family. Forty years ago, the Demon Suppression Bureau and Zhang Xiongwu joined forces to handle a ghost case there. I intended to seek Paper Zhang to learn the details of that incident.”

“What?!” Zhang Chuan-shi’s eyes widened in shock, his voice rising,

“You really want to ask him for information, not to bring him trouble?”

He was unaware of the Bureau’s case from forty years ago, but knew it was highly likely they had collaborated with Paper Zhang’s grandfather.

Zhao Fusheng had provided such detailed context, making deceit unlikely.

“Of course,” Zhao Fusheng replied, noting the regret written all over his face and deliberately saying,

“He’s your kin, and you’re a Bureau man. Counting it up, aren’t we all on the same side? Why would I trouble him?”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?!” He stomped in frustration, recalling how he’d spilled everything after her scare, feeling his chest tighten and his vision darken.

“I did say so,” Zhao Fusheng folded her arms, watching him leisurely,

“I said from the start that I had a ghost case and wanted his help—just some questions.”

As for everything else, it was Zhang Chuan-shi’s own imagination.

Of course, Zhao Fusheng and Paper Zhang did have their grievances, but she knew how to prioritize. Her wings were not yet fully grown, and she was new to the place. Naturally, her first concern was handling the Bureau’s case and staying alive.

Zhang Chuan-shi glared at her, but thinking of her ability to command ghosts and her formidable strength, he could only accept his bad luck.

“Consider me unlucky—it’s my fault—” he muttered,

“Fan Must-Die and Fan Hopeless, those two idiots, brought in from who knows where…”

The more he spoke, the more dejected he became, grinding his teeth in anger, his face drooping,

“I’ll take you there, but you mustn’t betray me…”

“Don’t worry. We’re colleagues serving under the court’s salary—I wouldn’t.”

“Ha.” Zhang Chuan-shi sneered, saying no more. With a clang, he locked the door and motioned for her to follow him.

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