Chapter Forty-Three: Li Luo

Why was it called strange? Because Madam Chen had observed her son for several days, and found that every word and action of Li Luo was like that of a puppet; the whole person seemed absent-minded, his eyes devoid of any spark. Whenever he ate something, Li Luo would return to his room by himself, never going out or speaking. He merely kept the door tightly shut, not allowing anyone to disturb him.

Later, he began hiding inside his room altogether, never coming out, fiddling with unknown things, and even had Madam Chen deliver his meals to the doorstep. Her son had grown up and had passed the scholar's examination, so Madam Chen no longer knew how to manage him. Yet her heart was filled with worry. Once, unable to restrain herself, she eavesdropped outside his room, only to hear strange noises within, as if something was scraping against the floor, or as if someone was eating something inside.

The Li family consisted only of mother and son. Aside from Madam Chen, no one knew of Li Luo’s transformation. Concerned that Li Luo was in low spirits or perhaps ill, she tried to ask him. After a few questions, Li Luo replied that nothing was amiss; he was simply studying hard in preparation for the provincial exam after the New Year, and she need not worry.

But Madam Chen could not put her worries to rest. She secretly invited an elderly physician from the neighboring village, skilled in the healing arts, hoping he could help. Unexpectedly, after the doctor was summoned, Li Luo refused to leave his room, and upon learning what Madam Chen had done, he became furious, uttered some harsh words from within, and even refused to accept the food she brought.

Facing such circumstances, Madam Chen felt helpless and anxious, unsure how to proceed. Until one day, when she went to call Li Luo for a meal, she caught sight of a shocking scene that made her realize her son’s change was far more than a matter of temperament.

Peering through the crack in the door, Madam Chen saw her son Li Luo voraciously chewing on raw meat, which appeared to be the innards of some animal, his mouth stained with fresh blood, his face utterly indifferent...

Madam Chen nearly cried out at the sight. Fortunately, she was not an ordinary woman—having raised her son to become a scholar on her own, she managed to suppress her panic and sorrow and returned to her own room.

She had endured much to support Li Luo’s studies, and so she possessed some experience. If what she saw was real, then her son’s condition was most certainly abnormal. Yet she did not know what to do.

In her distress, Madam Chen sought out a respected elder of the village. After listening to her, the elder’s expression darkened, as though recalling something. He did not elaborate, merely told Madam Chen that Li Luo had likely encountered something dreadful.

He said the matter could not be resolved by the villagers, nor by ordinary people. If she wished to save Li Luo, she had to seek help from the authorities in Anyuan County.

It would be best, he added, to clearly explain the entire situation to the officials. The government had people capable of handling such affairs. In the end, the elder advised Madam Chen not to return home for the time being.

Madam Chen felt uneasy upon hearing this, especially when she recalled her son’s state in the room. But she could think of no other way but to trust the elder.

Thus, following his guidance, she hurried to Anyuan County. She knew she was but a village woman, and though her son was a scholar, persuading the authorities to listen and help was no easy feat.

She then thought of Cui Xiu.

Cui Xiu was Li Luo’s friend, a scholar himself. Madam Chen believed matters would go more smoothly if he helped. When Cui Xiu had last visited Qingxi Village, he had told her he worked at the Wu family pharmacy, and that she could send a message if needed, which led to this current situation...

Upon hearing Madam Chen’s tale, Cui Xiu was moved, sighing with both sympathy and suspicion.

He was no longer the Cui Xiu who had just arrived in this world. Having witnessed its mysteries, especially knowing he himself had a chance to become part of the secret world, he instinctively suspected supernatural causes upon learning of Li Luo’s predicament.

It was only natural. His own experiences had made the strange and uncanny seem almost commonplace. Moreover, Madam Chen’s account was already quite unusual. The Qingxi village elder’s advice, especially, made it clear that something extraordinary was at play.

Though he did not explain in detail, everything he said hinted at the unusual nature of the case...

“This matter must not be neglected. Aunt, do not worry. Wenbin is both my classmate and friend, and has helped me greatly—naturally, I should assist.”

Wenbin was Li Luo’s courtesy name, taken from the Luo River.

In Cui Xiu’s memory, Li Luo’s family was not well-off, but he was a true gentleman. At the academy, he was sociable, gifted, diligent, and often earned his own living outside.

His character and abilities were outstanding—a rare individual. He never imagined Li Luo would encounter such trouble.

“This matter sounds strange. If we wish to resolve it, I fear the county office alone may not suffice. Fortunately, I’ve recently befriended someone—a captain with some influence—who should be able to help.”

Cui Xiu’s intuition told him there was something supernatural at work, so he thought of Guan Yuan. Madam Chen’s account also suggested that the elder in Qingxi village knew much, and his advice to seek the authorities in Anyuan County hinted at knowledge of the Yang Bureau’s existence.

With this in mind, Cui Xiu considered seeking Guan Yuan’s help as the best option.

Madam Chen, though experienced, was ultimately a village woman. She knew little of such matters, and it was already remarkable that she managed to come to the county and seek help from the authorities. At this point, she had no further ideas.

Naturally, she agreed to everything Cui Xiu said, her only concern being her son, asking several times whether it would work.

Cui Xiu offered comfort, and Madam Chen managed to calm herself somewhat.

Without further delay, Cui Xiu instructed his clerk to watch the shop, then brought Madam Chen to Guan Yuan’s house.

Guan Yuan lived in a quiet courtyard in the county town. Cui Xiu had visited several times and knew only Guan Yuan resided there, with no relatives or friends.

The place was tranquil and simple, an ordinary courtyard, not even as grand as a middle-class household in the county, and hardly befitting Guan Yuan’s status.

But Cui Xiu cared little for such things, and Madam Chen, at this anxious moment, paid no attention either.

She only wanted someone to save her son.

Cui Xiu worried Guan Yuan might not be home, but after knocking, Guan Yuan opened the gate.

Seeing Cui Xiu, Guan Yuan was surprised, thinking he had finally made his decision.

But soon he noticed Madam Chen and was puzzled.

“Brother Cui, who is this?”