Chapter Forty-Eight: Ruby Village

Following the direction indicated by the bull-headed monster, Chen Jiu walked for about half an hour before he saw a wide river. On the opposite bank stretched fertile fields, lush with a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the distance, clusters of houses rose, with wisps of cooking smoke curling into the sky, lending the rural scene a poetic charm.

This, he thought, must be the so-called Hongyu Village.

Initially, Chen Jiu had planned to head straight to the county seat for information, since if he wished to settle in Qingcheng County, he would have to prove his worth and gain the approval of the local Office of Public Order, who would then amend his household registration. Of course, he hadn’t forgotten what Zihuan had told him—his “Heaven’s Eye” seemed to be entangled in some hidden secret with the Office of Public Order...

Thus, when dealing with them, Chen Jiu would be exceedingly cautious, never exposing his “Heaven’s Eye.”

After the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Chen Jiu crossed the wooden bridge spanning the river and arrived on the far bank. There, he found an elderly man in a bamboo raincoat, sitting on a grass stool with a bamboo rod in hand, fishing.

Chen Jiu straightened his azure robe and politely greeted, “Elder, forgive my intrusion, but is this Hongyu Village?”

He wore no Taoist robe nor revealed his identity as a Taoist priest. Given his current embroilment in a feud with Xinyang County’s Office of Public Order, it was best not to expose himself.

Though being a Taoist often made travel and business easier, these were extraordinary times, and extraordinary measures were required.

The old man, lost in concentration, watched the unmoving float in the distance, ignoring Chen Jiu entirely. After a few breaths, the float remained still, yet the old man leaned in, as if anticipating a great catch.

Chen Jiu glanced at the float. He, too, had once been fond of fishing, but the float didn’t budge, and the water’s surface was utterly undisturbed. There was no sign of fish at all.

Seeing the old man immersed in his own world, Chen Jiu didn’t linger and turned to leave.

Just then, the old man suddenly exclaimed with excitement, “Got one!”

Chen Jiu halted mid-step, casting a sidelong glance at the old man.

Suddenly, a bubble the size of a bowl rose and burst on the water’s surface with a sharp “pop.” The old man lifted his rod with practiced ease.

With a swish, the rod arched, the line went taut, and a low whirring sounded. In moments, the old man hauled up a massive fish, crimson from head to tail.

Chen Jiu’s expression shifted subtly.

The fish was so vividly red it seemed to have been soaked in dye.

The old man threaded a cord through its gills and hung it up, beaming at Chen Jiu. “Young man, isn’t this a fine fish?”

Chen Jiu offered his admiration. “Indeed, I’ve never seen such a beautiful fish.”

With a satisfied grin, the old man explained, “This river flows down from Hongyu Mountain, and only here will you find such great red fish. But they’re strange creatures—only attracted to the scent of blood.”

Chen Jiu offered a polite bow and prepared to leave.

But seeing him heading toward the village, the old man quickly asked, “You’re here to buy Hongyu stone, aren’t you?”

“Hongyu stone?”

Chen Jiu paused, then shook his head. “I’m just passing through.”

But the old man chuckled knowingly. “Come now, young man, no need to be coy. Nine out of ten outsiders come here for jade.”

Chen Jiu’s mind turned. “This place is called Hongyu Village—is there a jade mine here?”

“So you truly didn’t know,” the old man said, struggling to tuck the red fish into his basket. “Since I caught a big fish today, I’ll tell you a bit.”

“Our village is named for Hongyu Mountain, famed for its jade. Most villagers make their living mining for the authorities. While the best jade goes to the government, the offcuts are left to us, and because Hongyu stone is fine-grained and blood-red, it’s much sought after. That’s why outsiders flock here to buy blood jade.”

The old man glanced around and lowered his voice, “I, too, have a piece of blood jade. Care to see it?”

Chen Jiu thought for a moment, then shook his head. Jade held no interest for him.

He left.

The old man watched his retreating figure, scoffed, and headed home with his basket.

…

Winding through the crisscrossing fields, Chen Jiu finally reached the village entrance.

But the scene was nothing like a typical countryside village.

Chen Jiu felt as if he had entered a bustling town.

Wide streets were lined with tall, closely packed buildings, and in front of each jade shop thronged people from all walks of life—young nobles in brocade furs, portly merchants dripping with gold, and ragged beggars with tearful eyes.

They crowded before the shops, voices rising as they haggled.

Chen Jiu was startled.

Perhaps Hongyu Village should be called Hongyu Town…

Clearly, the jade trade here was booming.

The clamor was novel to Chen Jiu for but a moment; soon he composed himself and pressed on, intending to reach the county seat before long.

But after only a few steps, he saw a vendor by the roadside pull a crimson fish from his basket. Immediately, outsiders gathered round, curious. “Why is this fish so red?”

The vendor, with a mysterious smile, replied, “This fish comes from the big river outside the village—only in Hongyu Village will you find it.”

Someone shouted, “What river breeds such beautiful fish?”

The vendor feigned alarm. “That river springs from Hongyu Mountain. Not only does it have red fish, but on nights when the moon is full, the water itself turns as red as blood—truly uncanny!”

The tale drew gasps and laughter from the onlookers.

Chen Jiu merely took it as an amusing story, nothing more.

Passing through the lively streets, he soon found himself in a quieter part of the village, where inns and eateries clustered.

It was midday and, after days of hasty travel, Chen Jiu’s stomach reminded him of its neglect.

He entered a small restaurant.

“Sir, what would you like to eat?” The waiter greeted him with a broad smile.

Chen Jiu ordered a few simple dishes and glanced around. The place was full, save for one table in a corner occupied by a lone patron.

An idea struck him. He made his way over.

“Excuse me, would you mind if I joined you for a meal?”

Before the man sat a nearly empty cup of tea. He looked up, met Chen Jiu’s gaze, and nodded slightly.

Chen Jiu thanked him with a look and took a seat opposite.

What a striking young gentleman, Chen Jiu thought.

The man’s features were as fine as jade, delicate and handsome, lips rosy and teeth white, with eyes like glistening peach blossoms.

Chen Jiu offered only a brief glance before looking away.

His companion wore a brocade robe trimmed with sable, a silver coronet, and a jade hairpin—clearly a person of status.

Yet why would such a figure dine in a humble restaurant like this?