16

"Alright, Elder Yang, I have to go visit the Governor today. Let's chat more when I return."

Yang Yanguang nodded. Holding his sword in one hand and focusing his energy into his dantian, he was just about to resume his training when he heard Duan Mingyu muttering to himself. Martial artists usually possess keen hearing, and Yang Yanguang caught every single word.

"You don't practice the blade or the spear, but insist on practicing the sword (bitch); you don't practice the superior or middle path, but insist on practicing the low-down path (bitch); you don't want to be a sword immortal or a sword sage, but insist on being a sword (bitch) person."

It took Yang Yanguang quite a while to digest the meaning, and his veins began to throb with rage. "You scoundrel! How dare you insult me so..."

Yang Zhaoniang popped up from nowhere and giggled. "Grandpa, there is white smoke rolling off your head. That's a sign of a qi deviation!"

Yang Yanguang was struck with terror. Oh no, he had misdirected his internal energy...

"Brother Duan, you'd better think this through. That Cheng Zhiyuan is notoriously incorruptible. You'll likely return in defeat," said Xu Zuye.

It was useless to say that now; Duan had already made up his mind. However, Duan didn't pay much mind to Xu Zuye's idiotic remark, having encountered far worse during his university days.

Back then, the TV drama *The Great Song Forensic Officer* was a hit. A roommate, A, once asked another, B:

"Brother, which dynasty is *The Great Song Forensic Officer* set in?"

B pondered for a long time before stuttering, "The Song Dynasty, I suppose?"

Duan had spat his water all over them both back then.

So, Duan simply said to Xu Zuye with earnest gravity, "Old Xu, some people have connections, while we only have our shadows. In this day and age, our primary mission is to find someone with connections to give us some background. It's a necessity."

Xu Zuye replied slowly, "Ahem, I suppose I should see you off, then!"

The two walked toward the prefectural government office. The road was teeming with people, bustling and vibrant.

"Make way, make way! Careful now, don't bump into anyone!"

"On sale! On sale! Top-quality silk, fifty coins a foot!"

"Care for a snack? Freshly roasted spiced sunflower seeds!"

"Sugarcane! Sugarcane! Sweet and tender!"

"Fine cabbage, come and buy!"

Duan Mingyu savored the rare tranquility; it was unlikely to see such a prosperous scene anywhere else besides Bianliang and Jianghuai. Along the way, Xu Zuye acted quite unrefined, grinning at every woman he saw. Being a perpetual bachelor, he had been single so long that even a sow would look beautiful to him. "Poor soul," Duan thought to himself.

At the entrance of the prefectural office, Duan stopped. Xu Zuye had already vanished, presumably lured away by some sow.

One had to admit, the government office was truly imposing. The walls were high, the Great Tang flag fluttered in the wind, and the eaves of the inner buildings were intricately carved and majestic. On the plaque above the main gate were the characters for "Government Office," exuding an air of integrity and benevolence. Two bailiffs with shifty, rodent-like eyes stood guard.

Duan bowed deeply to the guard. "Brother Bailiff, I have an urgent matter to discuss with the Governor. Could you please announce my arrival?"

The bailiff seemed to enjoy the scholar's bow; even the commoners usually bowed, but not with such fluid grace. He felt so comfortable he almost groaned.

Comfortable as he was, rules were rules.

The bailiff cleared his throat. "You scholars are truly unreasonable. Our Governor is a busy man; he isn't someone you can see just because you want to."

Duan inwardly scorned the guard. Did he really think he didn't know the game? He pulled out five taels of silver and slipped them into the guard's hand, smiling insincerely. "Brother, take this for a drink. Don't mind the small amount; you work out here in the sun and rain for the people and the court! It's just a token of my sincerity; I'd be offended if you didn't accept."

Seeing Duan was a man of the world and generous—five taels was no small sum—the bailiff nodded contentedly. "Since that is the case, I shall be respectful rather than obedient and accept it with reluctance."

He smiled and said, "Although the Governor is busy, I imagine there's nothing pressing this early in the morning. Wait here a moment, and I will report to him. By the way, young brother, please state your name so I may announce you!"

Damn, stating one's name—why did it feel like he was on a talent show? "Many thanks, brother. I am Duan Mingyu!"

The bailiff scratched his head. "What? What did you say your name was? Duan Mingyu? I recall the new top scholar who died two months ago was named Duan Mingyu."

"That is exactly who I am," said Duan.

These words struck like a thunderbolt, a sudden blow that terrified the listener, sending him fleeing. And flee he did; as he ran, the bailiff screamed, "Mother, help! A ghost! The great scholar Duan's soul has returned!"

Duan was speechless. He slapped himself twice—why did he have to be so glib?

Inside the main hall, Cheng Zhiyuan sat upright behind the lead desk, dressed in his official robes. To his lower left sat the legal advisor, and to his right, the Chief Constable, Xing Datou. Standing below Xing were two constables, Zhang San and Li Si—the very two who had framed Duan.

Because Duan had kept a low profile after taking over this body, he had only done two things: making slippers at Xu Zuye's house and counting money.

Xu Zuye had handled all the public appearances. Thus, while many knew Duan had died under mysterious circumstances, only Xu Zuye knew he had been reborn.

Zhang San and Li Si had long since cast the matter to the back of their minds. For the past two months, they had worked their shifts, collected their pay and bribes, and lived quite comfortably.

Cheng Zhiyuan was reviewing legal files when he heard a blood-curdling scream from outside. He narrowed his eyes. "Who is causing a ruckus at the government office? Do you have no sense of decorum in the hall of justice?"

No sooner had he spoken than the bailiff came crawling into the hall, tumbling as he went.

Cheng Zhiyuan barked, "Panic-stricken, what kind of behavior is this?"

The bailiff said, trembling, "My Lord, it's terrible! A ghost has come! You must flee, I will cover you!"

Cheng Zhiyuan replied coldly, "You are a government official. Not to mention that there is no such thing as ghosts, even if there were, why would a ghost visit my government office in broad daylight?"

The bailiff kowtowed repeatedly. "Every word I say is true, My Lord! The late scholar Duan has returned! If he isn't a ghost, what is he?"

Cheng Zhiyuan rose to his feet, his face a mix of shock and joy. "What did you say? Quickly, follow me to investigate!"