Chapter 487: Fighting Ghosts in the Household

“These foxes don’t talk at all!”

“They’re just ordinary wild foxes from the mountains,” Song You replied casually. “If they could talk, that would make them fox demons.”

“Then can they play the

qin

?”

“If they can’t even talk, they definitely can’t play the

qin

.”

“They’re not very smart!”

“How could they compare to you, Lady Calico?”

“Do they at least play with their own tails?”

“You should ask them yourself.”

At that moment, the two of them—one tall and one small—were sitting at a roadside stall. On the table before them were two bowls of vibrant green tofu, each with a wooden spoon. A swallow perched on the edge of the table, standing nearby.

The vendor at the stall continued calling out loudly, “Greeeeen leaaaaf tofu[1]...”

The first two words were drawn out in a high-pitched tone, while the last two were spoken sharply and crisply. The call was rhythmic, distinct, and full of character—an example of a street vendor’s wisdom in attracting customers.

Perhaps, for many people, this sound would one day become a nostalgic memory.

“Hmm...”

The little girl stopped her questioning, lowered her head, and began stabbing at the tofu in her bowl with her spoon—poking and mashing it into a messy pulp. Only after mixing it thoroughly with the seasoning did she scoop some into her mouth.

She frowned. It didn’t taste good. So, she turned her head and asked the swallow if it wanted any.

Naturally, the swallow did not eat such things.

Only Song You ate with great enjoyment.

This so-called green leaf tofu was made from

Premna microphylla

tree leaves.

Now, in the height of summer, the

Premna microphylla

’s leaves were at their most lush. People would pick them, wash them, and crush them into a thick green paste. Some would mix it with plant ash, while others would knead it together with pumpkin leaves. Over time, the mixture naturally solidified, forming the deep green green leaf tofu.

Though called tofu, it was more akin to

liangfen

—a jelly-like dish. Its texture was smooth and refreshing, and when mixed with seasonings, it became a cool, appetizing summer treat.

Who first discovered this method, no one knew.

It was yet another testament to the wisdom of ancient people in their struggle for survival.

Song You had heard the vendor calling out green leaf tofu and, realizing it was already noon and his stomach was empty, decided to inquire about the price before sitting down to order two bowls.

The preparation at this small stall was simple—just a bit of soy sauce and vinegar to set the base flavor, with finely chopped pickled mustard greens and a hint of sesame oil adding the finishing touch. The stinginess of the ingredients was almost amusing, yet it managed to elevate the dish to another level.

Although it lacked richness, it was tangy, appetizing, and, in the sweltering heat, incredibly refreshing.

Song You ate slowly, savoring both the dish and the vibrant street life of this unfamiliar city.

A small bowl—it was gone in no time.

“

Scrape

...”

The sound of porcelain sliding across the wooden table.

A pale, delicate little hand—attached to an equally fair and slender arm—pushed a mostly untouched bowl of green leaf tofu toward him.

The girl’s expression mimicked his usual tone and demeanor as she stated, “For you, Daoist priest.”

“Lady Calico, you don't want it?”

“It’s made of grass,” she declared. “Swallows don’t eat grass. Cats don’t eat grass.”

“Swallows indeed don’t eat grass,” Song You said, glancing at the bird perched nearby before turning back to his little cat. “But are you sure cats don’t eat grass?”

“Calico cats don’t eat grass.”

“Then why have I seen you eat it before?”

“Calico cats eat grass occasionally.” She corrected herself almost immediately.

“Occasionally, huh...”

“Just eat it, hurry up, hurry up.” The little girl sat properly, watching him seriously. “You give meat and fish to me, so I give grass to you.”

“Oh, thank you so much...”

“You’re welcome!”

𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The little girl responded without hesitation.

The Daoist shook his head and resumed eating.

Meanwhile, the girl lowered her head, unfastened the clasp of her pouch, and pulled out a small dried loach. Holding it in her hand, she gnawed on it, occasionally breaking off tiny pieces to offer to the swallow.

“Green leaf tofu is actually very tasty. Back when I lived at the Daoist temple, there weren’t many snacks on the mountain. When I craved something, I had to turn to the wilderness. Every summer, I would go pick

Premna microphylla

leaves to make this.” Song You continued eating as he glanced at her. “When we return, I can try making a sweet version for you.”

“Sweet!”

“Not sure if it’ll taste good, though...”

“Sweet things are always good!”

“We’ll have to test it out.”

“I’ll add some powdered dried loach—if we mix it in, it’s bound to taste delicious! Just like those tiny dried shrimp!”

“No need, thank you.”

“Fine, fine... no loach then.”

At last, the two of them fell silent.

Foxes continued to dart through the streets of the small city.

The Daoist quietly ate his green leaf tofu, his expression lost in memory. The little girl, chewing on her loach, turned her head to watch the foxes rush from one side of the street to the other, lost in her own thoughts.

***

By the time they returned to the Xu estate, it was already late afternoon.

The household had prepared the yellow paper for him in advance. The moment they saw him, they eagerly inquired whether he had eaten lunch outside—clearly, they had been waiting anxiously.

“Fuyou County isn’t large, but it’s lively and full of interesting sights. We lost track of time while wandering about—apologies for keeping you all waiting.” Song You responded with a smile, then turned to the little girl beside him. “Lady Calico, could I trouble you to fetch my cinnabar and brush from our room?”

It didn’t take long for her to return with the materials.

As the members of the Xu family gathered around to watch, Song You took up the brush and began drawing talismans. His strokes flowed like dragons and serpents—effortless and natural.

As soon as the brush touched the paper, a faint glow shimmered; as each character appeared, a gentle breeze arose.

The wind rustled the grass and trees in the courtyard, lifting the hems of robes and the strands of long hair among the onlookers. None of them had ever witnessed such mystical talismans before, and they all murmured in awe.

Once the talismans were complete, their glow faded, leaving behind dry, crisp ink.

Song You had drawn fourteen in total.

All on a single large sheet of yellow paper.

Then, setting down his brush, he used his fingers as a blade, swiftly slicing horizontal and vertical lines across the paper. The talismans separated into long strips, each about three fingers wide and the length of a forearm, all nearly identical in size.

With care, he folded them neatly.

“There are two types of talismans—those folded into triangles are Ghost-Repelling Talismans, which are most effective against ghosts. Those folded into squares are Evil-Slaying Talismans, which ward off demons and malevolent entities. This distinction is important.”

Song You handed the talismans to the patriarch, giving his instructions carefully.

“Hanging these talismans in a room will prevent ghosts and demons from approaching. Carrying them on yourself has a similar effect and ensures that the bearer remains unharmed by spirits and supernatural beings.

“In particular, if one carries a Ghost-Repelling Talisman, they will be able to see and touch yin souls and minor ghosts that are otherwise invisible and intangible to the naked eye.”

“Only seven sets?” The elderly man hesitated before cautiously inquiring, “I wonder if you could...?”

“There are only seven sets of each type of talisman.” Song You naturally understood what the old man was implying. “However, those who carry the talismans will not only be able to see ghosts, but will also be immune to harm from them. If used wisely, it wouldn’t matter whether there were only seven or just one of each type of talisman—these alone are enough to protect the Xu family.”

“I see. I will remember your kind reminder...”

“I've spent the entire day wandering about, and I’m a bit tired. I will return to rest now.” Song You cupped his hands in farewell before adding, “I must remind you—talismans are not all-powerful. They can ensure the safety of their bearers, but whether the ghosts and demons can be eradicated entirely depends on your own strategies, intelligence, and courage.”

“We will be cautious and prepared!”

With that, Song You returned to his room with Lady Calico.

Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and began meditating, paying no further attention to the outside world.

Night gradually fell, and even dinner was brought to his room by a servant.

Outside, the estate was bustling with activity. The atmosphere in the courtyard was tense—everyone was on high alert.

Only when the moon rose high in the sky did the awaited old woman finally arrive.

And in an instant, the courtyard erupted into chaos.

At first, there were discussions, then arguments. Soon, furious shouting came from both sides, escalating into a heated confrontation. The ghost’s piercing shrieks echoed through the air, likely waking half of Fuyou County.

After more than fifteen minutes of commotion, the shouting gradually returned to arguments and debates, then softened into hushed conversations. It wasn’t until the Xu family finally dispersed and everyone returned to their rooms that the grand spectacle of a ghost hunt came to an end.

Throughout it all, the calico cat lay by the window, watching intently. Meanwhile, the Daoist remained seated in meditation, eyes closed.

The next morning, the Xu estate was as quiet as if nothing had happened the night before.

When Song You opened his eyes, Lady Calico was no longer beside him. However, he could hear murmured conversations outside the door.

The voices were hushed, like whispers, reminiscent of the mornings he had spent at the Daoist temple on the mountain—where the birds in the courtyard would chirp at dawn.

If one listened carefully, they could hear it clearly; if they chose not to, they could easily tune it out without feeling the slightest disturbance.

“I watched you all fight the ghost last night. You fought for half the night.”

“Yes, we battled it until the fourth watch. Fortunately, the matter is finally settled, and the estate can enjoy some peace for a while.”

“My Daoist priest told me not to help. Otherwise, if I had helped, I would have taken care of that ghost in an instant!”

“The immortal master has already done so much for us—not just last night. Even if ghosts and strange happenings continue to plague the city, the immortal master has already prepared a way for us to handle them. That is a true, immeasurable favor. Whether for the patriarch or for myself, we owe him endless gratitude.”

The little girl was silent for a moment before speaking again.

“That sounds very impressive...”

“The immortal master is wise and far-sighted. He’s naturally impressive.”

“Not him!”

“Hmm? Then who...?”

“You! You sound like you’ll be really impressive in the future! My Daoist priest said so—he said you’ll definitely become someone amazing!”

“Ah?”

“Did you eat the rat meat I gave you?”

“I ate one last night. Not to flatter you, but I must say—after finishing it, I found its aroma lingering, its texture exquisite, and its flavor unparalleled. Truly, it was the finest delicacy I have ever tasted.”

“I added special spices—the best ones! I learned it from my Daoist priest. No one else can make it like this, and it's really expensive!”

“I see! No wonder, no wonder!”

“At noon today...”

Before the little girl could finish her sentence, a soft

creak

interrupted her. The door behind her had been pushed open.

The Daoist had already dressed and washed.

Lady Calico remained by the doorway, still engaged in conversation with the guest, separated by a wooden pillar—one lively and talkative, the other respectful yet reserved. The swallow perched in the tree above, watching the scene like an amused spectator.

“Sir, you’re awake?”

The scholar surnamed Xu let out another breath of relief and immediately bowed. “I have come to invite you to breakfast. The patriarch wishes to personally express his gratitude for your assistance and to report on last night’s events.”

“Let’s go.” Song You stepped forward. “Since we’ve stayed here for three days, enjoying the estate’s hospitality, it is time for us to leave. We should bid farewell to the patriarch properly.”

“Sir, you’re leaving already?” The scholar was visibly taken aback.

“We leave today.”

“You’ve shown great kindness to the Xu family. Why not stay a few more days? Allow us to properly fulfill our duties as hosts, and the patriarch to properly thank you.”

Song You’s expression remained calm, his steps unwavering. “The world is changing. It is best to keep moving forward rather than linger too long.”

“This...”

The scholar surnamed Xu hesitated upon hearing Song You’s words. Since he was not a direct member of the Xu family, he had no place to insist further. Instead, he simply said, “The patriarch has prepared a farewell banquet. Please at least stay for lunch before departing.”

At that moment, a crisp and expectant child’s voice immediately chimed in, “Stay for lunch before leaving!”

“...”

The Daoist was helpless against this, sighing inwardly before nodding in agreement.

1. The leaves of

Premna microphylla

can be used to make a pectin-rich gel that is something like tofu. The jelly is similar to grass jelly but it is not usually called that, unlike other grass jelly plants. In English it is sometimes called green leaf tofu. Green leaf tofu has a deep forest-green color, a slight fragrant aroma, and a refreshing, smooth texture. It is known for its properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting blood circulation. There are many ways to prepare it, with the most common being stir-frying. It can also be served as a cold dish. ☜