Yi Shuyuan continued telling his story with vivid expression.
"At that moment, the wronged soul was barred from the courthouse, while the villagers who had spoken up for her were being punished inside. Grief welled up in the woman who had died unjustly, and vicious resentment seethed within her. She was about to become a vengeful ghost!"
Yi Shuyuan's low voice carried a note of sorrow. As he reached this part, the listeners' hearts felt oppressed to the utmost.
Just then, Yi Shuyuan raised his folding fan again, concealing half his face, and a haunting, mournful voice emerged from his mouth.
"I am already a wandering ghost, unable to return to my home, unable to be reborn. I died unjustly in this desolate place. I cannot accept it! Ah-"
The voice that came out was actually a woman's. Goosebumps rose all over the villagers, and some even cried out softly in fright.
Several children were frightened, yet simply could not contain their curiosity.
One bold child crouched beside the storyteller and tilted his head to peer behind the fan, discovering that the voice really did come from him.
The sight left two children with runny noses staring wide-eyed, their mouths hanging open.
Yi Shuyuan glanced sideways at the children, smiled faintly, then immediately grew solemn again. He lowered his fan, and his voice instantly deepened.
"When the clerk saw this, though fear gripped his heart, he could endure it no longer. Otherwise, his conscience would never rest!"
"A scholar harbors lofty aspirations and studies the wisdom of the ancient sages. What he upholds is that mighty spirit of righteousness! How could he stand by before death, or refuse to help those wronged?"
Yi Shuyuan gently waved his fan. The instant it covered his face, his voice changed, bursting forth with