After the ghost-hunting master descended the mountain, his fame spread throughout the capital.

She was now fully awake.

Jiang Dusheng silently looked at Xie Jinchen for two seconds, then looked at the portrait that he found quite charming, but which the other party described as a scribble.

Instead of the expected anger or rebuttal, she simply said "Oh" calmly, and then... reached out and pulled out the bone flute from beside her pillow.

Seeing her overly calm reaction and the way she took out the bone flute, Xie Jinchen felt a sudden jolt in his heart and a sense of foreboding rose within him.

He immediately reached out and grabbed Jiang Dusheng's wrist, which was holding the bone flute: "What are you doing?"

He glanced at her loose-fitting nightgown and reminded her, "You're just going to... let them out like this?"

Jiang Dusheng followed his gaze and looked down at himself. The belt of his nightgown had loosened a little, and the neckline was indeed slightly open.

She snorted coldly, shook off his hand, and lifted the covers to get out of bed to get her coat draped over the screen.

Xie Jinchen reacted quickly, retrieving her outer robe first. As he handed it over, his ominous premonition grew stronger, and he couldn't help but ask, "Tell me first, why did you let them out?"

Jiang Dusheng took the outer garment, slowly putting it on as he glanced at him coolly, his tone indifferent:

"I don't like what Xie Jinchen said." She tied her sash, her fingertips tracing the bone flute. "I can always cut out another Xie Jinchen who is obedient and won't annoy you."

Xie Jinchen's face darkened upon hearing this.

Seeing that Jiang Dusheng had already put on his outer robe, Xie Jinchen immediately stepped forward.

He reached out and untied the belt that she had hastily tied, making it slightly crooked, and then neatly retied it.

After fastening it, he lowered his head slightly and said in a low voice, "What I meant just now was..."

Xie Jinchen paused, seemingly searching for a more precise expression, "Daoist's painting skills are unique, unconventional, and full of charm. It is my poor eyesight that has prevented me from grasping its essence. The painting is... very good."

Finally, after Xie Jinchen's "repeated pleas," Jiang Dusheng reluctantly agreed to let him take up his pen and redraw the appearance of the female ghost he had seen the previous night.

Xie Jinchen was trained in both literature and martial arts from a young age. Calligraphy and painting were also essential subjects for children of noble families. Although he was not famous for them, he had a solid foundation.

He spread out a new sheet of Xuan paper and picked up his brush.

Soon, a portrait of a pretty young woman appeared on the paper, lifelike and vivid.

Then, Xie Jinchen summoned the guard, handed him the newly drawn portrait, and asked in a deep voice, "Take a close look. Do you recognize this woman?"

The guard took the portrait with both hands, and upon glancing at it, his expression changed drastically. His hands trembled slightly, and his voice stammered, filled with disbelief:

"This, this is Mo Qiuniang, the girl next door! She's gentle and kind, and skillful with her hands. She often helps the neighbors with sewing and mending, but, but she..."

His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice lowered, filled with reluctance and anger, "A few months ago, she was assaulted by a thug and then killed by him with a roadside stone..."

The guard's voice lowered as he continued, "However, the villain was arrested by the authorities a few days later. The evidence was conclusive, and he confessed and was executed. The neighbors all say that it was Qiu Niang's vengeful spirit that guided the authorities..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Dusheng's eyes darkened slightly.

Violent death, especially such a gruesome one, often leaves the deceased with deep resentment, making them highly susceptible to becoming vengeful ghosts who linger on the surface.

Although this female ghost harbored resentment, it wasn't particularly deep, and her memories were fragmented. Moreover, she inexplicably became entangled with a seemingly unrelated bodyguard, solely because of the scent of his purse…

There's probably more to this story than meets the eye.

Jiang Dusheng pondered for a moment, then said to the pale-faced guard, "I'd like to trouble you to find a way to send a letter home as soon as possible and ask your mother about it carefully."

"Before this Miss Mo's accident, had she ever had any arguments or other unpleasant experiences with your mother?"

The guard's face paled even further, his voice trembling, "Madam, you mean... the one who was with me yesterday, that's her?"

Jiang Dusheng nodded. "Most likely. Her soul is damaged, and her memories are incomplete. She only reacts strongly to the scent of the purse on you, as if she harbors deep resentment. Since this purse was a gift from your mother, perhaps the clue lies in the intersection between your mother and her."

"This matter may not be directed at you, but since you've been dragged into it, you need to find out the reason, both for her sake and for your own, to resolve this predicament."

Xie Jinchen then interjected, "I remember your home is in Lin County, not too far from here. Set off immediately, return home, and ask about this matter in person. After you've found out, hurry to Qingwu City to meet us."

Upon hearing this, the guard immediately suppressed his fear and solemnly accepted the order: "Yes! Your subordinate obeys! I will investigate thoroughly and reunite with the young master and his wife as soon as possible."

He was also eager to find out the truth: why the girl next door who had died tragically was following him in this way.

He dared not delay, quickly bowed, and turned to prepare to set off on horseback.

Only Jiang Dusheng and Xie Jinchen remained in the room.

Jiang Dusheng stood up and carefully put away the painting on the table.

She turned to Xie Jinchen and said, "Let's go to Qingwu City and find your mother's remains."

Xie Jinchen also stood up and naturally took her hand.

"it is good."

Xie Jinchen paused for a moment, then continued, "Once we find my mother's remains and properly settle them so she can rest in peace, we will get married."

Jiang Dusheng's eyelashes trembled slightly as she looked up at him. Before she could speak, he added, his tone somewhat matter-of-fact:

"I married into the family."