Chapter Fifty-Nine: Journey to Doghead Village

Chapter Fifty-Nine

At this point in Wu Da Jing's account, Zhao Fusheng was almost eighty percent certain that something had happened to the Wu Liren family.

The village was small, with barely over a hundred residents, and the Wu Liren household made up more than a fifth of the population. For such a large family to travel, even with the utmost discretion, it would be impossible to avoid all prying eyes. They neither left at night nor were seen during the day.

"They should have been at home, yet the Wu family vanished into thin air—"

The room was silent except for Zhao Fusheng, who tapped the rolled dossier against the table with rhythmic precision. Her voice, steady and calm, blended with the tempo, orderly and composed—quite different from the forceful, reckless, and sometimes daring image she occasionally projected.

Fan Bisi was momentarily lost in thought, recalling Zhao Fusheng's cool suppression of the Zhao couple, her compelling manipulation to redirect trouble, the burning of the paper effigy of Zhang, and her handling of the street beggar ghost case—all revealing extraordinary qualities. Now, seeing Zhao Fusheng in this light, he wondered: what kind of person was she, truly?

While he was in a daze, Zhao Fusheng spoke again:

"I assume the doors and windows were locked from inside. Before Wu Da Jing and the others broke in, the Wu Liren household was intact. Now, dozens from the Wu family are missing without explanation—this is certainly abnormal."

Indeed, the situation was strange. Zhao Fusheng, combining this with the earlier disruptions to her own and others' memories, was now seventy to eighty percent convinced:

"No vengeful ghost has appeared, yet the case reeks of uncanny presence. It may well be related to ghosts." She gripped the dossier. "If that's so, and since I have no pressing duties lately, I'll go to Doghead Village in Wu An township myself."

With that, she turned to Fan Bisi: "Call Zhang Chuan Shi, tell him to pack some belongings, and accompany me."

She was decisive—once she resolved to leave, there was not a hint of hesitation.

Magistrate Pang and the others had not expected to persuade her to take on another ghost case immediately, nor had they hoped for anything but a fruitless visit. Yet, just as they broached the subject, Zhao Fusheng agreed without delay.

The gentry were both astonished and delighted, tinged with disbelief and a shadow of doubt: "Madam, are you truly going?"

"Yes," Zhao Fusheng nodded, observing Pang and the others exchange uncertain looks. She smiled, saying nothing, having guessed their thoughts in an instant.

After promising to handle ghost cases, these people had not trusted her. Today's visit, bringing Wu Da Jing, was perhaps not about the ghost case at all, but rather to test her attitude.

If she agreed to take the case, Pang and his party would be much reassured and likely reluctant to let her leave.

As expected, after her words, the group paused before a gentry member leaning on a cane spoke first: "Madam, we feel this matter is not urgent."

With someone breaking the silence, Magistrate Pang relaxed and quickly concurred: "Indeed," he said, "the situation is strange, but whether it's a matter of men or ghosts remains unclear." He clapped his hands regretfully. "It's my fault for not investigating in advance. Why not let me handle it? I'll send out officers to Doghead Village, thoroughly investigate the disappearance of the Wu Liren family, and if it proves to be ghost-related, then you can take charge?"

He spoke grandly, and the others nodded in agreement.

Fan Bisi's expression was indifferent, as if he hadn't heard their discussion at all.

Though these men held status in Wan'an County, Zhao Fusheng was now the soul and leader. If she didn't want to go to Doghead Village, no persuasion would move her; if she did, no amount of argument would stop her.

Wu Da Jing was anxious, listening to the 'big shots' argue back and forth. His backside itched terribly—perhaps the new clothes he wore had long lain at the bottom of a chest and bred lice, making him uncomfortable. Though scratching in public was improper, he couldn't resist, sneaking his hand behind to rub hard against his back.

The rough fabric, vigorously scrubbed, left his skin burning, but he felt much relieved.

While Wu Da Jing scratched, Fan Wujiu had gone to fetch Zhang Chuan Shi as instructed.

The old man, upon learning he would accompany Zhao Fusheng on a ghost case, was terrified, his soul seeming to flee his body. When he heard that Magistrate Pang and the gentry had come to the Demon Suppression Bureau, he was both scared and furious, cursing them inwardly as he made his way.

When he reached the entrance, hearing their attempts at persuasion, he was secretly delighted, straightening his bent back, about to speak—when Zhao Fusheng declared:

"No need."

She spoke firmly: "I've already found some clues in this case."

"Clues?" The gentry elder who had first spoken was baffled. "What clues?"

Wu Da Jing had spoken incoherently, first mentioning Wu Da Tong going off to seek his fortune, then Wu Liren's many sons, and finally a quarrel between two villagers—his narrative was entirely muddled.

"Madam Zhao—" the gentry drew out his words, "Madam Zhao is willing to handle ghost cases for Wan'an County, which is our fortune. But this troublemaker's words are all jumbled, no order. If you ask me, Madam Zhao should stay in Wan'an and observe the situation—"

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"Yes, yes," Magistrate Pang and the others echoed together.

Zhang Chuan Shi, nestled among them, chimed in stealthily: "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Zhao Fusheng frowned slightly: "I've already decided to go to Doghead Village in Wu An town."

Magistrate Pang replied, "Madam Zhao, you resolved the Street Beggar ghost disaster, having already used the powers of vengeful ghosts."

"Twice now..." Zhang Chuan Shi murmured.

Everyone's faces grew serious, and Magistrate Pang continued earnestly, "Madam Zhao, you must take care not to let the ghosts drain your soul..."

Zhao Fusheng was amused by their concerns and asked deliberately, "So, you suggest I never handle ghost cases again?"

How could that be?!

The group was speechless, except Zhang Chuan Shi, who looked secretly pleased.

"...Even if you do handle them, don't rush. Take some time to recuperate," the gentry advised again.

"Enough!" Zhao Fusheng's face darkened as she slammed the table and rose: "I said I've decided to go to Doghead Village. I'm not discussing with you—I'm informing you."

Her attitude was forceful, prompting a gentry member to sigh disappointedly: "If you leave, what will happen in Wan'an County?"

"Whatever ought to happen," Zhao Fusheng replied coolly. "I protect Wan'an County—its safety is my duty, not your personal security."

She realized she had been too accommodating. Her previous politeness was mutual respect, but these men had grown presumptuous, trying to exploit her goodwill.

When she spoke sternly, the others remembered she was a ghost-wielder and dared not protest further.

"Wu Da Jing stays here; the rest of you leave. Brother Fan, pack some things for me. Zhang Chuan Shi, prepare the carriage—"

Upon hearing his name, Zhang Chuan Shi's face turned pale as he tried to protest, only for Fan Bisi to drag him out: "Old Zhang, get moving."

"I don't want to go—not at all—Madam Zhao, spare me—spare me—woo—" His voice was muffled, followed by two shrieks, then silence.

Seeing Zhao Fusheng's stern face, the others dared not anger her further and departed anxiously.

Soon, the side room was empty except for Wu Da Jing, who crouched on the floor.

Zhao Fusheng sat down again, her gaze resting on the dossier in her hands.

This ghost case might involve some strange powers.

Wu Da Tong's youngest son was problematic—everyone's memory of 'him' was fuzzy; even if heard a moment ago, it would soon be forgotten.

Even she, though wielding ghostly power, was affected by this force.

Her scalp tingled slightly as she scratched it for relief.

She refocused on Wu Da Tong's 'son.' If even she could forget things, she needed a medium to remind herself.

In such cases, those influenced by uncanny power were unreliable; only objects were trustworthy.

Her eyes fell on the dossier, inside which was a small patch of scab—torn off after thinking of Wu Da Tong's son. Through this association, she would not forget him.

With this in mind, she stowed the dossier in her other sleeve.

...

Whatever Fan Bisi and Zhang Chuan Shi discussed, by the time Zhao Fusheng emerged, the old man had prepared the carriage as instructed.

Their luggage was packed.

No one knew how long the ghost case would take, but judging by the Street Beggar case, Fan Bisi had prepared three days' worth of provisions and a set of her toiletries.

"The Demon Suppression Bureau's affairs are yours now. If there’s another ghost case, gather clues and identify those involved—wait for my return."

She instructed Fan Bisi calmly.

Fan Wujiu, nearby, seemed about to speak but was silenced by his elder brother's warning glance.

After her instructions, Zhao Fusheng said no more. She signaled Wu Da Jing to board and show the way, climbed into the carriage herself, and Zhang Chuan Shi, with a flick of the reins and a shout, set the horse in motion.

As the carriage left the Bureau gates, Fan Wujiu, having held his tongue, finally asked, "Brother, what do you think of Fusheng—"

"Don't overthink it. Do your work," Fan Bisi interrupted him. "Whether she lives or dies is irrelevant; only the outcome matters," he said calmly.

Fan Wujiu considered this and found the reasoning sound.

Meanwhile, as the carriage sped along, Zhao Fusheng asked Wu Da Jing, "How far is Doghead Village from here?"

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"To answer madam," Wu Da Jing's small frame shrank into a corner. Hearing Zhao Fusheng's question, he quickly perked up and replied, "It's not close if you walk. Three days ago, I went to town to report the case, and the magistrate brought me to the city by ox cart—"

He showed some pride. "I estimate it took five or six hours to reach the city; walking would take at least a day and a night."

"As for the exact distance..."

He looked troubled. "I... don't know."

He glanced cautiously at Zhao Fusheng's face, seeing she wasn't angry, and continued, "From town to the village, walking is faster—two hours is enough."

Zhao Fusheng nodded.

She reviewed the clues again, and Wu Da Jing stayed silent.

After a while, she suddenly asked, "You mentioned the Wu Liren family recently held a funeral."

Wu Da Jing, startled by her question, quickly lifted his head. Zhao Fusheng asked, "Who died?"

He reached his left arm under his right armpit and scratched, "Not long ago, my old companion passed away."

Still unsatisfied, he pressed his back against the carriage wall to rub harder.

Zhang Chuan Shi, glancing sideways, caught this and looked on with disgust.

"Be more specific," Zhao Fusheng ordered.

"Yes," Wu Da Jing nodded repeatedly. "Not long ago—" Seeing Zhao Fusheng's subtle frown, he quickly corrected himself, "About half a month ago..."

"Exactly how long?" Zhao Fusheng interrupted.

Sweat appeared on Wu Da Jing's forehead as he strained to recall, then suddenly his eyes brightened: "It was July twenty-first."

Now, it was August seventeenth—twenty-seven days had passed.

"On July twenty-first, Wu Da Tong died." After confirming the date, he relaxed.

Zhang Chuan Shi, driving the carriage, listened intently and interjected: "You two grew up together in the same village; shouldn't you have a close bond? Why do you seem unsure of his memorial date?"

He disliked the old man and spoke with a hint of malicious sarcasm.

He was reluctant to go on this ghost case; though Zhao Fusheng had chosen him, he still hoped to delay and avoid it, holding out for a slim chance.

But Wu Da Jing’s sudden appearance to report the case had ruined his plans, so he took out his annoyance on the old man, not daring to direct it at Zhao Fusheng.

Wu Da Jing dared not get angry with the 'big shot' from the Demon Suppression Bureau and replied with a forced smile, "Yes, yes, my memory isn't what it used to be."

Zhao Fusheng ignored their exchange, focusing on Wu Da Jing's poor memory.

Though Zhang Chuan Shi spoke out of irritation, his question was valid: Wu Da Jing’s memory was indeed faulty.

The old man was a village elder, his age considered venerable, and his prestige high enough to be chosen to report to the town.

It was clear he wasn’t senile; he could converse well at the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Though his account was unfocused, he still provided necessary information—at least Zhao Fusheng had gleaned many useful clues.

That is, Wu Da Jing wasn't senile, yet his recollection faltered over two matters, hinting at interference with his consciousness.

First, Wu Da Tong’s son.

Second, Wu Da Tong’s death.

In fact, Zhao Fusheng was surprised Wu Da Tong had died only recently.

On the surface, the Doghead Village case was the disappearance of the Wu Liren family, but Wu Da Tong’s shadow loomed over everything.

Wu Da Tong married late—had two sons—went to the city to seek fortune—returned home in glory—took concubines for Wu Liren—helped his son become village chief.

This was the life story of Wu Da Tong, as told by Wu Da Jing.

(End of Chapter)