Chapter Forty-Nine: The County Academy Builds a Pavilion

The crisis that shook Shiyang County lasted several days, but at last, under the relentless counterattacks and purges of the authorities, calm gradually returned.

On the third day after the demonic chaos, neighboring counties within Jizhou Prefecture dispatched their militia units to Shiyang County, sweeping through the surrounding rivers and forests, slaying any resisting monsters and hanging their carcasses outside the eastern city wall.

When Fang Mingyuan, the Inspector of Jiangnan West Circuit, learned of Shiyang County’s attack, he immediately sought out the demon sovereign of Gan River.

The two clashed fiercely upon the Zhang River; Inspector Fang Mingyuan slew over a thousand monsters, and the Clear River Demon King was driven out of Jiangnan West Circuit, thus quelling the unrest.

The retribution from humankind taught these demons a painful lesson, and it seemed to declare to all: any creature that dared slaughter the people would face the wrath of the scholarly elite.

Amid this event that shook Jiangnan West Circuit, a remarkable episode stood out in bold relief—the desperate rescue of the Song family’s literary lineage.

Were it not for the sudden emergence of an immortal poem, even if the county magistrate held sway over the cultists, the rampaging madmen and beasts that stormed the city might have caused even greater carnage.

But with that poem and the apparition of the great scholar, the tide of battle was overturned in an instant, saving the city’s populace.

Thus, in a matter of days, tales spread swiftly: the Song family’s descendant composed a poem brimming with literary talent, which resonated with the ancestral writings of the Song patriarch. Countless celestial soldiers descended, rescuing all the city’s people.

That battle hymn became the subject of lively discussion among scholars, even before it appeared in the latest issue of "World Literary Gazette." Scholars throughout Jiangnan West Circuit were already abuzz with it, some extracting its title—“Night Reminiscence”—and competing to imitate its style, proudly hailing it as the greatest lyric under heaven. A new trend seemed to be born from its influence.

Caught in this whirlwind, Song Mu naturally became the focus of all attention.

The Song family’s residence was once again bustling with visitors: neighbors and townsfolk rescued by Song Liangda and Song Mu came to offer thanks, while others arrived to pay homage for the protection of Song Wenrong’s scholarly spirit.

Though Song Mu was merely a child scholar, the upheaval in Shiyang County had revived the name of the Song family’s literary lineage. Not only were the locals’ gazes kinder and more respectful toward Song Mu, but even property values nearby quietly began to rise.

After all, having survived such mortal chaos, people realized that even a declining literary family could be their greatest reliance in times of disaster.

As long as the great scholar’s essay remained atop the city gate, they felt secure. They admired Song Wenrong’s scholarly prowess and, by extension, showed great respect to the Song family.

“Uncle Lin, you really needn’t be so formal—we’re just neighbors,” said Song Mu.

It was a rest day; Song Mu had risen early to study in the courtyard. Uncle Lin from next door and his family arrived at dawn, bringing many gifts.

After days of recuperation, Uncle Lin had finally returned to normal following his possession, though he was still physically weak. Upon seeing Song Mu, his expression became deeply emotional.

“Nephew, I truly owe you and your second uncle. If I had harmed my wife that day, perhaps today would be… sigh.”

The burly Uncle Lin’s voice faltered. He remembered nothing of that day, but from what his family said, if not for Song Mu’s family climbing over the wall to save him, a terrible tragedy would have occurred.

“Ah, it’s my own fault for greed—on the way home I ate a fried cake, not knowing there was something sinister inside.”

Uncle Lin spoke with regret, and Song Mu smiled.

The city-wide possession had been thoroughly investigated by Jizhou’s supervisor Jin Changwu: the cultists had scattered demonic seeds throughout the city, brazenly distributing them via food stalls and shops along several streets.

This caused many citizens to suddenly turn mad that night, but fortunately, the culprits had only used datura petals, whose effects were not catastrophic.

Moreover, Li Mo’er had managed to sabotage much of the cultists’ food offerings beforehand, and the feast at Jade Tower, which was laced with countless demonic seeds, was also cleaned up by Li Mo’er in advance. Otherwise, if the city’s wealthy families had been affected, Shiyang County’s population and economy would have suffered devastating losses, and the next assessment might have demoted the county outright.

Still, funerals continued in the city; the sudden attack and the monsters that broke through the walls caused inevitable casualties.

Especially in the district by the eastern city wall—nearly every household was affected, and being close to the Gan River, the docks and warehouses were nearly destroyed.

A single night’s assault almost crippled Shiyang County.

Song Mu sighed quietly, then invited Uncle Lin to sit. Song Liangda, having just seen off several guests, came to greet Uncle Lin and quickly turned to Song Mu.

“Mu, think about anything else you need to buy. In two days we’ll head to the prefectural city—your aunt will help you prepare.”

Song Mu smiled and shook his head, pulling the restless Song Liangda down to sit, handing him a cup of tea, and replied softly,

“This isn’t my first visit to the prefectural city. Just some silver and clothes will do. I’ll be staying with Brother Kong and facing the exam together—there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

“Still, it’s best to be well prepared. You’re traveling alone, and I…”

Song Liangda hesitated; after all, his elder brother had met with misfortune during an exam trip.

He considered taking leave to accompany Song Mu, as he had for the previous prefectural exam, but this time, with Master Xun leading the group, a renowned scholar escorting them, there should be no problem.

Uncle Lin, seeing Song Liangda’s concern, spoke up,

“Second brother, don’t worry. My general store has everything you might need. If Song Nephew requires anything in the next few days, we store owners can pool together to provide it.”

Song Liangda was a bit embarrassed but nodded gratefully, “Thank you, Brother Lin—I'll pay for whatever is needed.”

“No need for that. Song Nephew has helped us so much—it’s nothing. Besides, with his talent, he’s like the Literary Star descended; he’ll breeze through the exam. You’ll soon enjoy good fortune.”

Song Liangda smiled, accepting the praise for his nephew, sometimes even adding his own wistful remarks.

“That would be best. If Mu earns the scholar’s rank, my elder brother’s spirit will rejoice.”

Thus, they continued their conversation, with Uncle Lin discussing family matters.

Song Mu finally found a moment to leave the courtyard. Having not gone out in days, he wished to check on the condition of the county school.

The climactic battle had unfolded around the county academy; the two advanced scholars had used their literary lineage to summon apparitions, nearly tearing off the rooftops of many surrounding houses. Repairs were now urgently underway.

Walking along the street, Song Mu was greeted frequently by acquaintances, though seeing his hurried steps, none stopped him for conversation, which allowed him some relief.

Passing beneath the northern city wall, he saw bustling activity. The eastern wall had suffered most in the battle, but the northern wall, reinforced early and guarded heavily with the Tower of Literature and the scholar’s essay present, had remained unscathed.

Nonetheless, after this incident, reconstruction proceeded at a relentless pace. The Jizhou officials who came to investigate had died tragically, and a new one was appointed, shifting the investigation from Jin Changwu to Registrar Zhou.

Registrar Zhou had been highly esteemed days before, but now his position was in jeopardy. Rumor had it he planned to request a transfer to the western frontier, to hone his skills and seek a future elsewhere.

Jin Changwu, as magistrate, could not escape blame for the disaster, but his merits might balance his faults. Moreover, the restoration of the city walls required someone familiar, so nothing was decided about his position for now.

Song Mu walked onward, approaching the county academy, where workers carried bamboo, bricks, and tiles; one side of the academy was under reconstruction.

He glanced at the site and headed for the academy entrance, where several child scholars spotted him and called out,

“Brother Song, you’re here?”

“You’ve come at the right time—we just heard that the spot where you stood that night is going to be built into a pavilion, and the teacher is there now.”

…