Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• A figure (later revealed to be Yao Shunyu) knocks on the door, instilling fear in the group.
• Jiang Cheng deduces that the figure is the real Yao Shunyu, not a ghost, based on its behavior.
• Yao Shunyu communicates through nods, confirming he can't speak due to his own reasons and there are ghostly things nearby.
• Jiang Cheng decides not to open the door, fearing the ghosts might enter with Yao Shunyu.
• Yao Shunyu nods in understanding and leaves, waiting for dawn.
• The group endures a tense night, but Yao Shunyu returns at dawn, confirming he's alive.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates his analytical skills and empathy, making a tough decision for the group's safety.
• Yao Shunyu shows resilience and understanding, accepting Jiang Cheng's decision and returning at dawn.
• Wang Fugui (Fatty) displays emotional depth, crying silently for Yao Shunyu's safety.

Significant Themes

• Survival and self-preservation vs. empathy and loyalty.
• The consequences of one's actions and the burden of responsibility.
• The struggle between fear and hope.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu: Jiang Cheng makes a difficult decision regarding Yao Shunyu's safety, while Yao Shunyu understands and accepts it.
• Wang Fugui and Li Bai: Fatty restrains his emotions, knowing he can't open the door, while Li Bai supports him.
• The group: They collectively face their fears and endure the night, hoping for dawn's arrival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Shunyu returns, having survived the night, with a mouthful of grave dirt to suppress his Yang energy and avoid detection by ghosts.
• Yao Shunyu recounts his experiences, revealing a vast lotus pond filled with floating heads and a graveyard hidden beneath overgrown weeds in the backyard of the Yin residence.
• He describes encountering numerous drowned ghosts, which he believes are buried in the Marquis's Yin residence.

Character Developments

• Yao Shunyu: Shows resilience and resourcefulness in surviving the night and escaping the graveyard.
• Jiang Cheng: Becomes more alert and suspicious, connecting the graveyard to the backyard of the Yin residence.
• Fatty: Initially scared, later becomes concerned and curious about the graveyard and the ghosts.

Significant Themes

• The power of memory and its manipulation by supernatural entities.
• The danger and mystery of the Yin residence and its backyard graveyard.
• The threat posed by the drowned ghosts and their characteristics.

Character Interactions

• Yao Shunyu and Fatty: Yao Shunyu's return brings relief to Fatty, who then listens attentively to Yao Shunyu's story.
• Yao Shunyu and Lu Qin: They question each other about whose memories might have been altered by the ghost.
• Yao Shunyu and Tang Qisheng: Yao Shunyu shares his suspicions about the Spring God Lake and the graveyard with Tang Qisheng.
• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu: Jiang Cheng pours tea for Yao Shunyu, showing concern and support.

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng, Yao Shunyu, Wang Fugui, and Li Bai set out to investigate the missing person, while others stay behind.
• Lu Qin and Shao Tong are suspected due to their unusual behavior and knowledge of the previous night's events.
• Jiang Cheng suspects their memories have been altered by someone with a unique Gate ability.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows leadership and strategic thinking, suspecting Lu Qin and Shao Tong's involvement.
• Yao Shunyu and Li Bai display loyalty and trust in Jiang Cheng, following his lead despite the danger.
• Lu Qin feels isolated and resentful after being left behind, hinting at potential disloyalty.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion among the group, with Jiang Cheng's suspicions driving the plot.
• The mysterious and powerful Gate abilities, with Lin Wan'er's memory-altering ability being revealed.
• The potential threat posed by Night Watch, with Lu Qin and Shao Tong's possible connection to them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu work together, with Yao Shunyu leading the way and Jiang Cheng strategizing.
• Li Bai and Jiang Cheng discuss the possibility of memory alteration, with Li Bai initially skeptical but eventually convinced.
• Lu Qin and Shao Tong are left behind, with Lu Qin feeling resentful and isolated from the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group led by Yao Shunyu finds the backyard of the Houfu, guarded by a heavy, ancient door.
• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu discover that the door is locked from the inside and is imbued with evil spirits.
• They climb over the courtyard wall to enter the backyard, finding it overgrown with weeds.
• Jiang Cheng inspects the courtyard gate and finds it sealed, making it impossible to open.
• The group encounters upright wooden tablets (gravestones) made of Thunderstrike Wood, which are feared by evil spirits. The tablets are blank.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates leadership, caution, and determination in exploring the courtyard.
• Fatty shows strength and agility by helping Li Bai climb the wall.
• Li Bai reveals knowledge about Thunderstrike Wood and expresses concern for Fatty's safety.
• Yao Shunyu provides valuable information about the courtyard but also expresses disbelief at the changed situation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of exploration and discovery, as the group ventures into the unknown courtyard.
• The theme of fear and caution, as they encounter the heavy door and the sealed gate, and the strange gravestones.
• The theme of the unknown and the supernatural, as they deal with the blank gravestones made of Thunderstrike Wood.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu work together to lead the group, with Jiang Cheng taking the initiative in decision-making.
• Fatty assists Li Bai in climbing the wall, showing a caring and protective side.
• Li Bai expresses concern for Fatty's safety, indicating a growing bond among the group.
• The group members communicate and coordinate their actions to explore the courtyard safely.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers unusual tombstones in a graveyard, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, unlike traditional ones.
• Fatty accidentally knocks over a tombstone, revealing a hidden message: "Youji General Dai Mochong" with a red cross drawn over it.
• They realize these are 'soul-reaping tablets' used in ancient executions, modified by Houfu to prevent the buried from finding peace.
• The tombstones are arranged by rank, with the most prominent one in the center. Jiang Cheng suspects the person buried there is who he thinks it is.
• Fatty, with his good luck, agrees to push over the central tombstone to confirm their suspicions.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows leadership and knowledge about ancient execution practices, but also fears retribution for disturbing graves.
• Fatty: Initially carefree and clumsy, but later shows respect and consideration for the deceased, displaying a kind heart despite his luck.

Significant Themes

• Respect for the deceased and their final resting place.
• The consequences of malicious actions (Houfu's modification of the tombstones).
• The power of luck and fortune (Fatty's good luck).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Jiang Cheng initially asks Fatty to push over the tombstone but later shows concern for Fatty's safety, indicating a growing bond.
• Fatty and the group: Fatty's actions, from accidentally knocking over a tombstone to pushing over the central one, drive the plot forward, showing his importance to the group despite his clumsiness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers General Guo's tomb within the Marquis's estate, containing not his body, but a wooden dummy in armor.
• They find that the coffin is buried upside down and contains a wooden dummy with a grotesque, distorted face, resembling a disciple's corrupted appearance.
• They unearth another coffin with a similar wooden dummy, confirming that General Guo's army was composed of disciples.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates his determination and strategic thinking in insisting on opening the coffin to uncover the truth.
• Li Bai shows her quick understanding and intuition when she realizes the significance of the wooden dummies' faces.
• Fatty displays his naivety and shock at the revelation about General Guo's army.

Significant Themes

• The 'Gate' as a double-edged power, granting immense strength but also causing corruption.
• The consequences of hiding the truth and the importance of uncovering it.
• The fear and awe inspired by the disciples' power.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Li Bai work together, showing understanding and trust in each other's insights.
• Fatty's reactions highlight the group's shared shock and disbelief at their discoveries.
• Yao Shunyu's presence is noted, but his actions and thoughts are not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discusses the power of Zhennan Hou and the possibility of him having a powerful disciple army.
• They conclude that Zhennan Hou is likely haunted by vengeful spirits (General Guo and his men) and that the truth lies in Spring God Lake.
• Fatty finds a bag of Chihun Ling (curses) in a coffin, containing 17 out of 18 command tokens representing various tortures.
• They discover that the missing command token is 'Chenshui Ling' (drowning), and Li Bai finds it hidden inside the coffin's wooden figure.
• It's confirmed that General Guo and his men all died in a water disaster.

Character Developments

• Fatty shows curiosity and caution when handling the Chihun Ling, demonstrating his quick thinking and careful nature.
• Li Bai displays her extensive knowledge about Chihun Ling and her ability to identify the missing command token.
• Jiang Cheng shows leadership by searching for the missing token and confirming the cause of death.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding (Li Bai's expertise in Chihun Ling).
• The consequences of past actions (Zhennan Hou's fear and haunting by vengeful spirits).
• The importance of thorough investigation (discovering the missing command token and its significance).

Character Interactions

• Fatty and Li Bai: Fatty seeks Li Bai's knowledge about Chihun Ling, showing respect for her expertise.
• Jiang Cheng and Li Bai: Jiang Cheng trusts Li Bai's judgment and supports her investigation.
• The group: They work together to piece together the mystery, sharing information and insights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and his companions discover that General Guo and his men died by drowning, not in combat, on Zhennan Hou's orders.
• They find Zhennan Hou's deceased wife's tomb, with no corpse but a wedding dress and shoes stained with fresh mud, and a bag of Soul-Consuming Tokens minus the Water-Sinking Token.
• They deduce that Zhennan Hou was once a general under General Guo, who betrayed and lured him to his death to capture Luo'an City, leading to the resentment of the drowned ghosts.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng demonstrates his analytical skills and ability to think under pressure.
• Yao Shunyu shows his knowledge of historical records.
• Fatty displays a superstitious side, collecting grave soil for emergency use.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences.
• The burden of the past and unresolved resentment.
• The duality of honor and treachery in war.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Yao Shunyu work together to piece together the past events.
• Fatty's fear and superstition contrast with Jiang Cheng's rational approach.
• The group's shared experience strengthens their bond and determination to uncover the truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and the group discover that the place where Wang Fugui (Fatty) was found is a geomantic formation called Hidden Ghost Road, which traps yin and evil entities.
• The body of Gao Yanqing, found there the previous night, has vanished.
• The group learns that the threshold they crossed was actually the edge of a coffin, and stepping over it allowed them to enter the Hidden Ghost Road.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows concern for Fatty's safety and takes initiative in contacting Zhu Jie.
• Fatty demonstrates bravery in facing the potential danger of the Hidden Ghost Road.
• Tang Qisheng, the folklorist, exhibits expertise in identifying and explaining the Hidden Ghost Road.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the supernatural and the existence of ghosts is further explored.
• The concept of yin and yang, and the separation of the living and the dead, is emphasized.
• The idea of being careful and respectful in dealing with the unknown and potentially dangerous is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Li Bai work together to recall and understand the events of the previous night.
• Fatty seeks clarification about the potential consequences of entering the Hidden Ghost Road.
• Mr. Zhang and Tang Qisheng provide guidance and warnings about the Hidden Ghost Road.
• The group dynamics show concern and support for each other's safety and well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discusses their fortune, with Tang Qisheng mentioning his friend Luo Tianhe, a physiognomist.
• A servant arrives, reporting that the steward sent by Zhennan Hou is missing, and the Lord wants to see them.
• They navigate the intricate Houfu, noticing peculiar architectural features like dead-end alleys and faceless statues.
• In the front hall, Zhennan Hou reveals that the tombstones in the backyard belong to his first wife and her followers, who were drowned by her at Spring God Lake.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows perceptiveness and calmness in his responses to Zhennan Hou.
• Fatty shows nervousness and concern for Jiang Cheng's safety.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fortune and luck is introduced, with Tang Qisheng mentioning Luo Tianhe's skills in physiognomy.
• The strangeness and eeriness of the Houfu and its inhabitants are emphasized, hinting at the supernatural and mysterious elements in the story.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and the others maintain a respectful yet guarded demeanor with Zhennan Hou.
• Fatty shows loyalty and concern for Jiang Cheng, breaking into a sweat when Jiang Cheng speaks to Zhennan Hou.
• The group interacts with a servant, who reports the missing steward and guides them to Zhennan Hou.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhennan Hou reveals that General Guo and his men were possessed by ghosts, granting them superhuman abilities but at the cost of their humanity.
• The power is obtained through a ritual called the Great Bliss Ceremony held on Spring God Lake, where a towering pavilion (Ascension Platform) grants ghost-god powers.
• The ceremony requires human sacrifices, and survivors gain the power. General Guo's men were created this way.
• Zhennan Hou's wife defeated General Guo by detonating gunpowder on their ships during a ceremony, sacrificing herself in the process.

Character Developments

• Zhennan Hou: Reveals his past trauma and his wife's heroic actions. His mental state is unstable due to these memories.
• Jiang Cheng: Connects the dots between the Ascension Platform, Night Watch, and the mass production of disciples in his familiar world.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Characters gain immense power but lose their humanity or lives in the process.
• Sacrifice: Zhennan Hou's wife sacrifices herself to save others, mirroring other characters' sacrifices throughout the story.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Zhennan Hou: Jiang Cheng probes Zhennan Hou for information, while Zhennan Hou relives his traumatic past.
• Tang Qisheng and Zhennan Hou: Tang Qisheng's question about the mist's depths elicits an unreadable reaction from Zhennan Hou.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhennan Hou reveals that his wife's tomb is cursed to prevent her spirit from being controlled by vengeful ghosts.
• He admits that his wife orchestrated the sinking of General Guo's ship, knowing they would be weak due to their periodic vulnerability.
• Zhennan Hou asks Jiang Cheng and the others to help rid Luo'an City of the vengeful spirits caused by General Guo and his men.
• Quanfu, a servant of Zhennan Hou, is found dead, likely killed by the vengeful spirits.

Character Developments

• Zhennan Hou: Reveals his deep love for his wife and his dedication to protecting the people of Luo'an City.
• Jiang Cheng and the others: Show concern for the people and willingness to help, displaying their moral integrity.

Significant Themes

• Love and sacrifice (Zhennan Hou's wife's actions, Zhennan Hou's dedication to his wife's wish)
• Responsibility and duty (Zhennan Hou's duty to protect the city, Jiang Cheng and the others' duty as cultivators)

Character Interactions

• Zhennan Hou and Jiang Cheng: Zhennan Hou entrusts Jiang Cheng and the others with the task of ridding the city of vengeful spirits, showing trust in their abilities.
• Jiang Cheng and the others: They work together, sharing a common goal and supporting each other in their mission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group is led by a maid to the Mourning Hall within the Houfu, where they find multiple bodies, including Quanfu's.
• The maid reveals that bodies are frequently found in the Mourning Hall, and the victims were not known to have visited the haunted house.
• Jiang Cheng learns that the bodies appear strange and that the maid is afraid to enter the Mourning Hall.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows leadership and strategic thinking by questioning the maid and gathering information.
• The Maid: Reveals her fear of the Mourning Hall and the strange bodies, providing valuable insights.
• Shao Tong: Exhibits his eccentric behavior but is largely ignored due to his mental state.

Significant Themes

• Death and Superstition: The presence of multiple bodies and the maid's fear emphasize the theme of death and superstition within the Houfu.
• Secrecy and Mystery: The layout of the Houfu and the Mourning Hall's purpose add to the mystery and secrecy surrounding the mansion.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and the Maid: Jiang Cheng uses his charm and understanding to coax information from the maid.
• The Group: They work together to gather information and navigate the Mourning Hall, showing unity in the face of danger.
• Shao Tong and the Group: Shao Tong's behavior is tolerated due to his mental state, showing the group's acceptance of his eccentricities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers Quanfu's body in a strange position, submerged in a bronze basin, in front of numerous memorial tablets.
• They realize Quanfu was killed by a ghost he had previously escorted out of the Hidden Ghost Road.
• The memorial tablets are found to be for the wronged souls from the back courtyard of the Houfu and the recent deaths of servants and maids in the Houfu.
• One tablet, belonging to Zhennan Hou's wife, has no name inscribed on it, sparking curiosity.

Character Developments

• Fatty: Shows concern and unease about Quanfu's death.
• Jiang Cheng: Demonstrates analytical skills and courage in investigating the scene.
• Tang Qisheng: Reveals knowledge about the tablets and deduces the identity of Wu Yuhuan.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy in ancient society, reflected in the size and placement of the memorial tablets.
• The taboo surrounding Zhennan Hou's wife's name, hinting at her significant influence or controversial past.

Character Interactions

• Yao Shunyu tries to prevent Tang Qisheng from touching the tablets, showing caution and concern for potential consequences.
• Tang Qisheng and Jiang Cheng work together to examine and interpret the tablets, demonstrating their complementary skills and knowledge.

Key Plot Points

• The group discovers a Yin Bridge, a place where ancient women's memorial tablets are incomplete, symbolizing their low status even in death.
• They find a corpse, Quan Fu, sitting up and staring at Fatty, who believes it's because of the man resembling the doctor or Gao Yanqing's half-corpse he carried.
• Tang Qisheng suggests using a basin of heavy Yin water to reveal the cause of Fatty's unease. Fatty sees nothing, but the group sees Gao Yanqing's broken hands covering Fatty's eyes in the reflection.
• They realize Gao Yanqing is haunting Fatty and will likely attack him that night.

Character Developments

• Fatty is increasingly frightened by the supernatural occurrences.
• Jiang Cheng and Li Bai feel guilty for breaking Gao Yanqing's fingers, which now haunt Fatty.
• Tang Qisheng demonstrates his extensive knowledge of supernatural practices.

Significant Themes

• The inequality and injustice faced by women, even in death, as seen in the incomplete memorial tablets.
• The consequences of one's actions, as Jiang Cheng and Li Bai's attempt to remove Gao Yanqing's corpse backfires.

Character Interactions

• Yao Shunyu supports Fatty, inviting him out to get some sun.
• The group discusses how to deal with Gao Yanqing's haunting of Fatty.
• Zhang Qizheng reveals knowledge of a risky method to deal with the haunting, which Tang Qisheng recognizes as "Crossing the Yin Bridge."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng learns about crossing the Yin Bridge, which involves using external forces to connect with the underworld.
• The Soul Guiding Ferry is planned for the third watch of the night to help Gao Yanqing cross over.
• Jiang Cheng and his group gather necessary items for the crossing while keeping Fatty unaware of the plan.
• They find no useful clues at Yi Zhuang and leave without attending to Quan Fu's body.
• General Yuwen offers assistance and gives them silver for purchasing items, which is later found to be stamped with the Marquis's mansion's mark.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng shows caution and thoroughness by secretly noting down the plan and testing for followers.
• Fatty displays analytical thinking by questioning the Marquis of Zhennan's story.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The Marquis of Zhennan's true intentions remain unclear, and he may be using Jiang Cheng's group for his own purposes.
• The underworld and its dangers: Crossing the Yin Bridge is presented as a risky endeavor with unimaginable dangers.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty discuss their suspicions about the Marquis of Zhennan's story and his possible motives.
• General Yuwen interacts with Jiang Cheng's group, offering assistance and monitoring their activities through the stamped silver ingots.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fatty starts to suspect Zhennan Hou's story about his wife's illness.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty visit Wu Family Alley to find Wu Yuhuan.
• They meet Wu Yujiao's father, who reveals that Wu Yuhuan is his elder daughter and she died after being sold to Zhennan Houfu.
• The father also reveals that Wu Yuhuan's grave was empty, with only a straw mat.

Character Developments

• Fatty becomes more suspicious and starts questioning Zhennan Hou's story.
• Jiang Cheng remains calm and assertive, effectively handling the situation with Wu Yujiao's father.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of gambling addiction (Wu Yujiao's father's actions leading to the sale of his daughters).
• The truth behind appearances (Wu Yuhuan's grave being empty, suggesting a hidden story).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty work together to gather information.
• Jiang Cheng interacts with Wu Yujiao's father, using silver to coerce him into revealing information.
• Fatty and Jiang Cheng share their thoughts and observations about Zhennan Hou's story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty visit Wu Yujiao, Wu Yuhuan's sister, to inquire about Wu Yuhuan's time in Zhennan Houfu.
• Wu Yujiao attacks Jiang Cheng, mistaking him for a debt collector, before they can talk.
• Wu Yujiao reveals that Wu Yuhuan sent messages about strange rules and a mysterious Houye in Zhennan Houfu, and that she was murdered there.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows determination and patience in pursuing information about Wu Yuhuan, despite being attacked and scratched by Wu Yujiao.
• Wu Yujiao: Initially defensive and scared, she opens up about her sister's experiences in Zhennan Houfu and her own abusive father.

Significant Themes

• The harsh treatment of women in society, as seen in Wu Yujiao's and Wu Yuhuan's lives.
• The mysterious and oppressive nature of Zhennan Houfu, hinted at through the strange rules and Wu Yuhuan's murder.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty: Work together to gather information, with Fatty protecting Jiang Cheng from Wu Yujiao's attacks.
• Wu Yujiao and Jiang Cheng: Initially hostile due to Wu Yujiao's misunderstanding, they eventually have a candid conversation about Wu Yuhuan's experiences in Zhennan Houfu.
• Wu Yujiao and her father: Their strained relationship is revealed through Wu Yujiao's account of her father's abuse and his willingness to sell her to pay debts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Yujiao reveals her sister's tragic death and desecrated grave.
• Jiang Cheng, Fatty, and Wu Yujiao discuss her sister's murder and its religious symbolism.
• Jiang Cheng and Fatty learn that Wu Yujiao burned her sister's remains and scattered the ashes.
• Jiang Cheng offers to help Wu Yujiao and her mother by redeeming her from her father and sending them to her mother's relatives.

Character Developments

• Wu Yujiao: Shows resilience and resourcefulness in the face of her family's tragedy. She's wary of Jiang Cheng's intentions but ultimately trusts him.
• Jiang Cheng: Demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a desire to help Wu Yujiao and her mother. He's patient and strategic in his dealings with Wu Yujiao's father.
• Fatty: Shows anger and disgust towards Wu Yujiao's father and his actions.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty and injustice of the society towards women, as seen in Wu Yujiao's sister's fate.
• The religious and symbolic aspects of the murder, suggesting a deeper meaning behind the actions.
• The struggle for survival and the desire for a better life, as seen in Wu Yujiao's and her mother's situation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yujiao: Jiang Cheng listens to Wu Yujiao's story with empathy and understanding. He offers to help her and her mother, while Wu Yujiao is initially wary but eventually trusts him.
• Fatty and Wu Yujiao's father: Fatty shows anger and disgust towards Wu Yujiao's father, kicking him and threatening him.
• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yujiao's father: Jiang Cheng dismisses the man with a large sum of money and a stern warning, showing his disdain for the man's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Cheng and Fatty rescue Wu Yujiao from a brothel and encounter her blind mother.
• The brothel owner demands more money for Wu Yujiao's mother, leading to a tense negotiation.
• Jiang Cheng buys both Wu Yujiao and her mother's freedom for 40 taels of silver.
• They buy clothes and have a meal together. Wu Yujiao offers to take care of Jiang Cheng's household.
• Wu Yujiao's mother suggests an arranged marriage between Wu Yujiao and Fatty.

Character Developments

• Jiang Cheng: Shows kindness and generosity, helping Wu Yujiao and her mother without expecting anything in return. He is honest about his single status and living arrangements.
• Wu Yujiao: Initially cold and distrustful, she warms up to Jiang Cheng and Fatty after their help. She is resourceful and practical, offering to take care of Jiang Cheng's household. She is embarrassed but not opposed to the idea of marrying Fatty.
• Fatty: Initially amused by Wu Yujiao's interest in Jiang Cheng, he is later surprised by her mother's marriage proposal. His thoughts and feelings are not explicitly stated.
• Wu Yujiao's Mother: Pragmatic and clear-sighted, she accepts the marriage proposal on Wu Yujiao's behalf, seeing it as a way to secure their future.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Gratitude: Jiang Cheng's actions are driven by kindness, and Wu Yujiao is grateful for his help.
• Pragmatism vs. Idealism: Wu Yujiao's mother is pragmatic, accepting the marriage proposal for their survival, while Wu Yujiao is initially idealistic, not considering the practical aspects of their situation.
• Fortune and Misfortune: The chapter title "Good Fortune" is ironic, as Wu Yujiao's family has faced much misfortune, but their fortunes may change due to Jiang Cheng's and Fatty's help.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Cheng and Wu Yujiao: Their interaction is initially one of savior and rescued, but it evolves into a mutual respect and understanding.
• Wu Yujiao and Fatty: Their interaction is minimal, but Wu Yujiao's mother's marriage proposal hints at a potential future relationship.
• Wu Yujiao and her Mother: Their relationship is one of mutual care and concern, with the mother making decisions based on what she believes is best for Wu Yujiao.