Chapter 22: Falling into the Trap, Exterminating the Evil and Banishing the Malice!

"Father, Mother, Xiuyun didn't mean to be disrespectful. It's just been a long time since she last visited, and her health is a bit delicate, causing her to react strongly. Please forgive her!" Li Qingyun said with a look of sincere apology.

Old Man Li looked at his youngest son and sighed, then barked at Cheng Xiuyun, "If you can't handle it, get out! Don't stand there making a fool of yourself!"

Cheng Xiuyun was furious. That wretched old man actually dared to shout at her! She was the daughter of a *tongsheng* (a scholar candidate); for her to marry into the Li family was already a stroke of immense luck for their ancestors. How dare he yell at her!

Li Qingyun, quick to read the room, stood up immediately to comfort his wife. He couldn't afford to offend this ancestor. The upcoming exams required a guarantor, and his connections were nowhere near as good as his father-in-law's. Although his father-in-law was also just a *tongsheng* who had been taking the exams for decades without ever reaching the level of *xiucai*, the man was wealthy. More importantly, he knew several *bingsheng* (government-stipended students). Lately, through his father-in-law, Li Qingyun had been humbly seeking advice from these scholars and felt he had gained much. He was confident that in this prefectural exam, he would secure his *tongsheng* status, qualify for the院试 (college exam), and earn the title of *xiucai* in one fell swoop.

"My lady, my parents didn't mean anything by it. If you're feeling unwell, why don't you step outside, and I'll have a proper chat with them?" he whispered. "As for dinner, just have Daya take care of it. If my second brother disagrees, give her a few coins and say it was your uncle who asked her to do it." With that, he nudged Cheng Xiuyun and ushered her out.

Old Man Li nodded in satisfaction and began to lecture his son, "That’s more like it. She’s been in the Li family for years without giving you a child; we’ve already been lenient enough not to force you to take a concubine. Why can't she understand that? Look at your second brother—he may be useless, but he has five sons! What do you think about what I told you regarding adoption? I suggest you adopt Erniu. He and Dagou are twins; if you take Erniu, wouldn't Dagou be devoted to you? But your wife refuses! She insists on having her own, and after all these years, she’s only produced two useless girls! Si-niu and Wuniu are still young; think about it. If you adopt one, you don't have to worry about your second brother stopping his support. Once you eventually have a son of your own, the adopted one will be yours to command."

Madame Li, watching the man she had shared a bed with for decades, suddenly felt a chill of estrangement. The old man was truly ruthless. While the third son was their pride and joy, the second son was also their flesh and blood. Though she often scolded him harshly, she had never been this malicious.

Li Qingyun’s eyes flickered, and he nodded earnestly, "I understand, Father. I will give it serious thought."

***

"However, Father, my return this time is for the prefectural exam. You know I’ve been studying in town, and the expenses have been immense. My father-in-law is already losing patience. If I don't pass the *xiucai* exam, I fear he will stop funding me. To ensure I can focus on the exams, he has specifically hired several scholars to guide me. I have gained a great deal and am confident I will succeed this time, becoming a *tongsheng* and later a *xiucai*, bringing great honor to you both! Once that happens, you will be the parents of a scholar. Even Landlord Zhang will have to address you as 'Sir' when he meets you."

Old Man Li looked as if he were already basking in the glory. He turned to Madame Li and said, "I want to go see the shaman. I want to find out what’s wrong with our family and if there’s a way to break this curse. Your second son has been acting strange lately; it might be related. Give me some money, and I’ll have the third one take me there."

Li Qingyun started to say that a gentleman shouldn't speak of spirits and strange powers, but he swallowed the words. *Fine.* It wouldn't hurt to check. His second brother had indeed become remarkably difficult.

"Money, money, money! Every time you open your mouths, it's for money. Do you think I run a bank?" Madame Li grumbled, fishing a dozen copper coins from the seams of her pillow. "That shaman at the end of the village is a swindler. Don't give her too much at first. Only pay more once you know the situation. Do you understand?"

"I know," Old Man Li replied impatiently. She was an ignorant woman who loved to boss him around; if he didn't need a villain in the house, he would have cast her aside long ago. He took the money and left with Li Qingyun.

Cheng Xiuyun sat under the eaves, cracking melon seeds. Seeing them leave, she didn't offer a pleasant look. Instead, she took out the gifts she had brought for the old couple and began munching on them with delight.

"Father, Third Uncle and Grandfather have left!" Erniu, who had been on watch, stared at his father in shock. His father was truly divine; he had predicted it perfectly! Grandfather really did go to the shaman!

Li Feng smiled faintly. "Go call your brother and your sister."

"Right!" Erniu dashed off, ignoring his third aunt at the door, and ran out.

"Ill-bred little mutt!" Cheng Xiuyun hissed at Erniu’s retreating back, cracking another seed in frustration.

***

"Father!" Dagou and the others stood before Li Feng, their expressions respectful.

"Prepare yourselves. We are going to separate from your grandparents," Li Feng announced.

The room fell silent. Dagou couldn't believe his ears—separating the family? There had been no warning! Erniu looked at his father with adoration. These past few days, he, Saniu, and his father had been wandering the village, observing and learning. His father said that the common people were the best reflection of human nature. He also said that poverty-stricken places often bred desperation and selfishness, where people would sacrifice anything for a single coin.

Daya was filled with anticipation. *Finally!* Once they separated, they wouldn't have to serve the families of the eldest and third uncles anymore.

Saniu remained silent but expectant. Si-niu, Wuniu, and Er-ya were overjoyed; their father had promised that once they moved out, they would eat white flour buns, meat, and rice every day. The whole family began to dream of the future.

Meanwhile, at the dilapidated house at the end of the village, the shaman sat in the place of honor. She glanced at Old Man Li and then at Li Qingyun with disdain. "Are you here for divination or to ask about fortune?"

Old Man Li licked his lips and placed five copper coins on the dim wooden table. The shaman glanced at them—*stingy!* She took a stick, pushed the coins aside, and began to tremble. After a long while, she suddenly spoke: "A malevolent spirit dominates your household! If you wish for peace in your home, you must banish the evil and destroy the curse!"