Autumn Reckoning

Early in the morning, Grandpa Jin once again gathered some morning dew from the flowers and plants outside the villa. He dissolved a piece of cinnabar and wrote quite a few talismans, pasting them all over the jar sealing the evil ghost inside. Only after making every possible precaution did he hand the jar to Da Zhe.

"Remember, you absolutely must not remove any of the talismans on this. Otherwise, both you and I will be in danger." Grandpa Jin's face was deathly pale, and he looked utterly drained.

Da Zhe carefully took it with both hands.

"When you keep it at Sister Lin's house, make sure it's well hidden. Put it somewhere that can receive the first rays of sunlight every day—due east would be best." Grandpa Jin reminded him again.

"Don't worry. I'll handle it properly." Da Zhe nodded.

"And take this scripture with you. Read it to Sister Lin, then have her memorize it. She must recite it once every morning and evening." Grandpa Jin gave Da Zhe a small booklet. "Sister Lin is the mother of this evil ghost. As long as she recites it sincerely every day, the effect will be even better than keeping it here with me."

"Grandpa Jin, Da Zhe owes you one!"

Grandpa Jin shook his head. "Da Zhe, even if you hadn't said anything, I was already planning to send the jar to Sister Lin's place. But since you've brought it up first, we'll do as you suggested... You have to understand, all parents share the same heart. The power of that love must not be underestimated. The way of Heaven, Earth, and Human may have its limits compared with the genuine feelings of people in this world. Once I've rested for a few days, I'll make some more talisman