The night was deep and the clouds heavy. To the south, river water could be heard murmuring and gurgling without cease, swollen by the spring rains. After a long silence, Bi Xin clenched his back teeth and said, "Dig!"
He had made up his mind. Su Ziji nodded and looked toward the Wild Daoist.
The Wild Daoist was well versed in geomancy. He walked around, examining the feng shui, then said, "I've looked over this land. The entire burial ground of the Kangle Earl's Residence lies on a branch extending from Jade Mountain in Capital City. It was a good site to begin with, benefiting both the household and official fortunes. And Lady Bi Zhang-shi's grave, though not the very best among them, ranks near the top."
"It seems your father still had some conscience."
At this, Bi Xin could no longer hold back his sobs, and tears streamed down his face.
"Lady Bi Zhang-shi, forgive our intrusion." The Wild Daoist placed some ritual paper before the gravestone and said softly, "Young Master Bi, please kowtow and beg forgiveness. But not too hard. Gently."
Without another word, Bi Xin bowed down, murmuring a prayer. Despite being told to do it gently, he still got mud on himself. Then he asked bewilderedly, "Should we burn some incense, candles, and ritual paper?"
"Young Master Bi, we aren't here to pay our respects openly. The fewer traces we leave, the better."
"If we burn incense, candles, and ritual paper, even an outsider could spot the traces, let alone someone who knows what to look for. Kowtow and beg forgiveness, and your mother's spirit beneath the earth will see and hear you. She won't blame you..."
After a pause, the Wild Daoist added, "We can dig it up. Once we put everything back, there