The Sword of Morality

Foreword:

A woman born with a talent for cooking is good at making vegetables, and can bring her husband home to live out his days in peace.

--Qu Dajun

[Part ①: The Three Poisons]

"It's already three-quarters past dawn, why hasn't the doctor arrived yet?"

Jianxiong was getting bored waiting at the east end of the market. He threw his carrying pole and luggage onto the stone platform by the well to avoid the sun, seemingly impatient.

Wu Xiuwen, the county magistrate's adopted son who was resting to the side, replied, "You country bumpkin, don't be rude!"

The three of them hadn't slept at all. The early spring sun rose, not as warm as in the dead of winter, nor as scorching as in the height of summer. Only a chilly, damp air seeped into their coats, making them itch all over, weak, and numb. When they were drowsy, they looked up at the pine, cypress, and kudzu vines at the village entrance. Some of the light entered their eyes, and they immediately felt a sharp pain that brought tears to their eyes—a case of photophobia and phonophobia caused by neurasthenia.

This grueling, all-night job had exhausted Jianxiong's strength. He was young and impetuous, and after suffering in the prison of the Zhu Prefecture County Office, he had to work as a porter for this Foreign Doctor and protect him for 120 miles. If it weren't for his elder brother's discipline and reprimands, he would have been impatient long ago and just wanted to go back to the county government to ask the old eunuch for an official position, or even just be the son-in-law of the village chief. That would be a life of luxury.

"You shameless scoundrel! You've lost your godfather and still dare to talk back to Master Zhao! Believe me or not, I'll smash your mouth open! I'll beat you until your head is oozing pus and your eyes are bleeding! Blood will flow from your seven orifices!"

Despite being threatened by Zhao Jianxiong, Wu Xiuwen didn't take it to heart.

He thought about it all night and finally realized that his godfather definitely didn't want him anymore.

But without Wu Cheng Zhang's help, how could he, a helpless orphan, survive? He had already been reborn, changed his name and entered the eunuch's household, so he naturally couldn't go back to his biological parents and had given up on that idea. Now he only had two choices.

They either cling to Zhang Congfeng's coattails for a living, or they trick these few barbaric villagers and wicked foreigners into going to Hundred Eyes Great King. In that case, the powerful dragon will fight the local snake, and whoever wins will be their ally.

These Zhao Brothers were like two vicious wolves. Without the Yu Zhen the Taoist, Wu Xiuwen was genuinely afraid they would suddenly turn on him and kill him. He remained trembling with fear even when escorting the prisoner.

But now that Zhang Congfeng is even more powerful, Wu Xiuwen is no longer afraid. He also knows the power of "morality." Since Zhang Congfeng has a debt of gratitude to these two brothers, why should he be afraid of a vicious wolf harming him if he goes to the side of the Foreign Doctor?

"Second Master Zhao, please calm down. It doesn't matter if you break me, but it's a pity that Zhang Congfeng's good deed requires me to patrol the mountain and inquire about the way."

Zhao Jianxiong was overjoyed at first hearing the title "Second Master Zhao," his thoughts written all over his face. But when he heard about "Lord Zhang Congfeng's good deed," his face immediately darkened. He thought that because of this favor, the eunuch's grandson's face was becoming even more despicable!

Zhao Jianying observed and listened to both the attack and defense, realizing that his second brother's temperament was simply not at Wu Xiuwen's level.

In layman's terms, the popular internet slang for it is simply "na nie" (拿捏).

If we really want to cause trouble for Wu Xiuwen and hold a grudge against that kid for stealing the bear's reward and framing his brother, we'll have to think of another way and find another path.

So Jianying asked, "Brother Xiuwen, do you know where Lord Zhang Congfeng is? We clearly agreed on a time, but he hasn't shown up. Could it be that demons have gotten wind of this and are coming to harm him?"

"How dare you address Zhang Congfeng his name?" Wu Xiuwen lay on the cold well edge guarding the luggage, scoffing at Zhao Jianying: "Uncle Zhao, you should also call him 'Master.' Only my godfather and I can call Zhang Congfeng 'Lord.'"

Jianxiong: "You idiot! What are you putting on airs for?! You're asking for a beating!"

Jianying quickly stopped him, swallowing his anger. "What do you mean by that?"

"Those in the Imperial Medical Academy who treat the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, concubines, Jiali are all first-rank officials," Wu Xiuwen replied lazily. "Lord Zhang is such a divine figure. In the Nine Realms, there's no such thing as kneeling in obeisance—otherwise, even my godfather would have to kowtow three times to the officials of the Imperial Medical Academy. How could a commoner like me call him by his name? I'm just a minor local official, but I have a good rapport with Lord Zhang. I suppose that's why he wanted me to be a porter to earn merit."

"After the matter is accomplished, when I arrive before the Prefect of Taiye and the monk, there will be an opportunity to receive rewards for my contributions, and I will also have the chance to enter the palace to receive a stipend."

The Zhao Brothers hadn't read many books, so they were naturally intimidated by this set of official etiquette.

Before Jianying could answer, Jianxiong immediately shouted.

"Just tell me! When is the Foreign Doctor coming? I'm getting impatient! If he falls asleep on the way, he might fall victim to wild animals or bandits! Then I won't be able to help him!"

Wu Xiuwen thought for a moment, then speculated, "Lord Zhang should be at Yingchun House, with some miscellaneous matters to attend to."

"Yingchun House?" Jianxiong perked up immediately upon hearing the name of the brothel. This brothel was the two brothers' paradise of Tender Paradise and debauchery, and also the culprit that led to his imprisonment.

Jianying said nervously, "My benefactor said he's a follower of Western Buddhism and a monk. Why would he go to Yingchun House? Could it be that the old dog magistrate is going to use the same trick to kill him again?!"

Wu Xiuwen sighed. This kid was smart enough, but he had gotten used to being domineering in the city by relying on his godfather's power. As his life became simpler, he became too lazy to use his brain.

This journey is fraught with uncertainty, forcing him to rethink his mental processes and get his brain working again.

"When he left the county government office, he and his godfather gave him twenty silver dollars as travel expenses."

Jianxiong: "Hmm."

Jianying: "It is true."

Wu Xiuwen continued, "We got an explanation again, and they want things to be done according to the rules."

Jianxiong: "What does this have to do with Yingchun House?"

Wu Xiuwen rolled his eyes, thinking the Zhao Brothers were utterly dull and stupid.

"He may have the heart of a bodhisattva but the methods of a ruthless devil, but can my godfather trust him? If he could, he wouldn't have become the prefect. My two Grandfather..."

The boy got up, realizing that his fine clothes would soon be covered in mud, and his features contorted in pain. Trying to reason with these villagers was like talking to wild beasts.

"If Hongfa Temple knew that the Zhuzhou County magistrate was plotting to harm the foreign dignitaries and the imperial physician of the Nine Realms —that old bastard Wu Cheng Zhang— the first person he would kill would be Xiangxiang from Yingchun House. That courtesan would definitely be doomed. My godfather wants her dead by midnight, he won't let her live past dawn."

Jianxiong immediately tensed up. He both loved and hated this Xiangxiang.

He loved the soft, fragrant flesh of beautiful women, and hated the false accusations made by harlots in court. These two emotions, mixed together, became greed, anger, and delusion. Finally, he realized that the blood-draining dagger and the skin-peeling blade of lust were in the hands of Wu Cheng Zhang and his son. Now that this gleaming knife was about to be thrown into the furnace, he felt only regret and hatred.

"But..." Wu Xiuwen shook his head and continued, "My godfather is just a fake Yama, Lord Zhang is the real Yama. He spoke to my godfather with good intentions, wanting to follow the rules—but he definitely went to Yingchun House in the middle of the night to see if this castrated dog would obey, and that's when things got heated, causing a slight delay."

"Grandfather, please don't be angry. If you have to blame someone, blame my irresponsible godfather."

Zhao Jianying laughed loudly, "You crooked-mouthed, hawk-nosed, rat-eyed, snake-hearted rotten bastard! How come you call me godfather one minute and a castrated dog the next! Wu Cheng Zhang dotes on you and loves you, yet you're two-faced!"

Before Zhao Jianying could finish speaking, Wu Xiuwen interrupted him.

"Life is full of choices, my two Grandfather. If I were eight feet tall, capable of fighting off bears and tigers, and possessed martial arts skills, how could it be your turn to be my Grandfather? It is my blessing to work as a servant in your mansion, my godfather, and it is my duty to call you godfather."

"Now that Lord Zhang wants to take me in, my godfather has sent me down this treacherous road to certain death without a word. Is it too much for me to call him an old eunuch?"

Jianxiong laughed along, "This bastard child picked up by the eunuch is really fun! Absolutely hilarious!"

Wu Xiuwen didn't respond to that remark. He wasn't angry at all, and there wasn't even a trace of resentment in his eyes.

Zhao Jianying felt only terror--

--Because along the way, in order to survive, Jianying, as the eldest brother, has always endured, while the second brother, with his youthful spirit, dares to scold the county magistrate, never considers the consequences when wronged, and when he meets a courtesan, he acts impulsively and goes for her without thinking. As the eldest brother, he has to silently bear these hardships.

This Wu Xiuwen is much more "tolerant" than Zhao Jianying. This kind of person is like a hibernating venomous snake. Once he gains power and his body warms up and he has strength, he will repay all the grievances he suffered in the past tenfold.

Just a day ago, Wu Xiuwen and the two brothers had a blood feud, but in less than half a night, the three brothers started talking nonsense and teasing each other.

Jianying abandoned his thoughts of revenge. He didn't want to oppose Wu Xiuwen. If such a person couldn't be killed or a suitable excuse found, he wouldn't be able to give an explanation in front of his benefactor—he would be abandoned, become a murder fugitive, and wouldn't escape the executioner's blade at Hongtai.

If things are not handled well and Wu Xiuwen escapes, it will be like releasing a tiger back into the mountains. In that case Zhang Congfeng will become Wu Xiuwen's moral sword, used to kill the two Zhao family members who attempted murder.

[Part ②·The Lament of a Vegetable]

Just as Wu Xiuwen had deduced, Xue Ming handling the miscellaneous matters for Yingchun House. He didn't believe Wu Cheng Zhang would keep his promise, and he had set a trap for the magistrate to extort some money for travel expenses.

In the courtyard on the first floor, several wealthy merchants, the county magistrate, and Jiang Xueming were sitting together.

Xue Ming took the initiative and insisted on explaining things clearly.

"You promised me earlier that you would act according to the rules, Magistrate. Why was this Xiangxiang sent to Cai Family Village so urgently overnight?"

Cai Family Village is a checkpoint on the border of Zhuzhou and Taizhou. The word "Cai" here means "vegetable" and refers to a place where human flesh is traded. It is a place with a license from the imperial court for slave trade. People who sell people are also taxed and it is part of the local treasury.

"This..." Wu Cheng Zhang, caught red-handed and caught red-handed, looked around at his business partners, unsure of what to do. "I truly did redeem Xiangxiang from her servitude and intended to sell her to a merchant family so she could enjoy a life of luxury!"

"Why sell her now? I just left with the Zhao Brothers, and you want to sell her right away?" Jiang Xueming said with a displeased expression. "It seems Magistrate Wu doesn't want her to live. How about this, you bring her here, and I'll take care of this problem for you."

"Absolutely not! Absolutely not!" Magistrate Wu tried to refuse, "Last night my son bid me farewell and spoke of the etiquette of the Nine Realms. I only then learned that Your Excellency is actually a foreign monk. If this vixen were to corrupt Your Excellency's spiritual practice..."

"Don't beat around the bush," Jiang Xueming said bluntly. "Your son doesn't have much time to wait for me. To be honest, what happened to this Xiangxiang if she were sent to Cai Family Village?"

Magistrate Wu dared not respond, and then furtively glanced at the two or three merchants beside him.

Those merchants did the math; they didn't even need an abacus, they just did the mental calculations and got the result.

"Marry him into a family, and he can sell him for three thousand one hundred taels of silver."

"If you're particular, with good food and a clean, healthy appearance, you could be sent to the estate owner's house to be paired with Tusi (a local warlord's militia leader), and you could sell it for five thousand five hundred taels of silver."

The last merchant had the fiercest face and spoke the harshest words.

"It's too much trouble! Hot food (living people) can't be neglected! The journey is long and they need to be well cared for! They're harder to raise than animals! It's better to make cold food (dead people). Get a knife from the east market and an axe from the west market! In the morning, take the tender flesh, cut off the bones, remove the heart, and cut off the head. Sell it for a good price. In a famine year, with such good meat, in no more than two hours, she'll be left with only a few fingers and toes hanging on the iron hook of the butcher shop. Even her intestines and excrement will be fought over by wealthy families to feed to their dogs! Worth five hundred taels of silver!"

Magistrate Wu was terrified. He could sense that the Imperial Physician of the Nine Realms was getting increasingly angry and kept calling out to him.

"Stop joking, stop joking."

The temperature in this courtyard is getting lower and lower; it's the spiritual pressure at work.

Outside the courtyard, the pavilions echoed with the chirping of birds. In the main hall, on the second floor by the window, the geisha, who did not sell her body, would hold her musical instrument and play while looking at the handsome doctor in the courtyard, occasionally calling out "Good husband"—as if she felt she could find a good family.

"Bring Xiangxiang here and give me five hundred silver coins, and I'll help you out of your predicament," Jiang Xueming said.

Magistrate Wu was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected this Foreign Doctor to be so reasonable and willing to help him solve this problem. He knew that killing someone to cover up a crime was never a simple matter.

If he asks the yamen runners to do this, he'll leave them with something to talk about. If he asks the merchants to do this, who knows what Xiangxiang will say to these slave traders halfway through the journey?

Originally, he planned to have Wu Xiuwen do the dirty and hard work, but his most trusted godson also wanted to go with Zhang Congfeng. As a result, apart from this business of selling cold food (dead people), he couldn't find a suitable partner. Moreover, with Wu Xiuwen watching over him, he felt at ease.

"That's excellent."

Five hundred silver dollars could buy a life, his integrity, and the small mistake he made in a moment of folly. Wu Cheng Zhang even felt that Zhang Congfeng had asked for too little, so little that he felt uneasy.

In front of his fellow merchants, Magistrate Wu, feeling emboldened, directly summoned the pimp, destroyed the indenture, and obtained five hundred silver dollars from the accountant, which he then handed over to Zhang Congfeng.

"What should I do, sir?"

Jiang Xueming: "Once we leave the city, we'll kill him, dismember him, and bury him. If your son finds the journey arduous and lacks fine food, leave him some meat to eat and drink slowly."

"Excellent, excellent." Wu Cheng Zhang nodded in approval, beaming with joy. "Then I'll trouble you, sir. My Zhuzhou is a land devoid of morality and virtue, no different from Wuling Mountain —respecting neither ghosts nor gods, but revering the common people. At first, I thought you were going to seek gods and Buddhas, to use the sword of morality to kill me, to force me to believe in foreign bodhisattvas. It turns out we are all like-minded people!"

That's an interesting point. Xue Ming was about to take the person away when he immediately turned back to ask.

"A fellow traveler? You? You and Wuling Mountain are fellow travelers? The Wuling Mountain you're talking about is Luo Ping'an's Wuling Mountain?"

As everyone knows, the Wugen Tree of the Taiyi Xuan Sect on Wuling Mountain, where Luo Ping'an resides, does not worship gods or immortals, nor does it adhere to morality or faith. Although this Daoist priest is always joking around and doesn't take things seriously, he can't be considered a monster.

But at this moment, Wu Cheng Zhang said that the people under his rule in Zhuzhou, including his government offices and yamen, shared the same set of values as Wuling Mountain, which is quite interesting.

"That's right," Wu Cheng Zhang, not finding anything amiss. "This sword of morality has killed countless people. Let me explain."

"Elsewhere, if there were gods to govern, first come three years of drought, then three years of floods. The birds and beasts under the bodhisattvas and immortals are all demons and monsters, obeying the gods' commands to commit evil and bring disaster. Then the divine sword of morality strikes down the enemy, resolving the calamity and averting the disaster. Only then will the people obediently kneel and submit, inviting the statues of gods into their homes, temples, and government offices, sending their children to the immortals' grottoes to add fuel to the alchemical furnace and to offer sacrifices!"

"Anyone who dares to do the right thing is immoral, unholy, and unkind. They will be punished by the sword of morality. Everyone has a high-sounding reason. Whether it's fair or unfair, moral or immoral, isn't it all up to the immortals to decide? If I displease the immortals today, I'll become a demon tomorrow and be killed by this sword of morality. Even after I die, my corpse will be devoured by the morally upright people!"

"I, a mere minor official from the Zhuzhou Peninsula, would never dare to touch this vicious artifact—it's just that my son, through his reckless and unruly behavior, stumbled upon a predestined connection with the immortals, nearly falling into an abyss. Fortunately, he met you, Lord Zhang!"

"I understand," Jiang Xueming finally understood the meaning of "treasonous" in Wu Cheng Zhang's words.

The morality here is a butcher's knife that can be used and changed at will, constantly shifting its form. In Wu Cheng Zhang's worldview, if someone comes to discuss business, they may only be after wealth and status; if they want to talk about kinship, they may be talking about personal connections; but if they talk about morality, the guest is very likely to be a disciple of a deity or a demon in disguise—wanting to eat human flesh.

It only changes according to the whims of gods and monsters. Wu Cheng Zhang, a minor official who puts in his work and hopes for good weather, is already considered a benevolent and righteous official.

In other places, the territory of powerful warlords who wield the sword of morality and collude with demons is a living hell.

With poison in one hand and antidote in the other, one can make people obedient and completely infatuated.

Disasters are a means of intimidation; fear and desire are the mind-controlling drugs that manipulate people's hearts. When calamity comes, it is also a blessing, as one can ask the emperor for money, levy grain from the people, kneel before the gods to make wishes, and summon demons to cause chaos.

Finally, having eaten their fill, they refined an elixir of immortality, thus gaining eternal happiness and longevity.

Just as Victor and Xue Ming had instructed before they set off—

--Without a savior who offers miraculous medicine, without Ming De, the underworld is naturally like this.

As for Luo Ping'an's Wuling Mountain, it was a thorn in the side of the emperor who had seized the Emperor's Divine Sword of Morality, and was naturally a "treasonous and rebellious" traitor.

Even a small place like Zhuzhou City, under Wu Cheng Zhang's control, was seen by the surrounding demons as nothing more than a "rebellious" place—uncooperative, ignorant, disobedient, and unwilling to worship gods.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the pimp brought in a fair-skinned woman with a beautiful face and a charming figure. She seemed to have dressed up carefully to make a better appearance. This woman was Xiangxiang had framed the two Zhao Brothers that day.

Before the courtesan could announce her stage name or introduce herself, Jiang Xueming got up and left.

"Keep up."