Chapter 109: The Gathering of the Western Depot Superintendents

Xu Boqing had originally come seeking a book, and the host’s overly courteous demeanor made him feel somewhat embarrassed.

Noticing the atmosphere had grown heavy and seeing Lu Zhengye trembling with trepidation, Xu pointed to the large locust tree in the courtyard and remarked, "This old locust tree at your residence has seen quite a few years, hasn't it?"

"It must be several hundred years old..."

Seeing the Superintendent’s kind demeanor, Lu Zhengye felt his heart settle. He explained, "This Lu family courtyard is an ancestral home passed down through the generations. It is said that when the house was first built, this old locust tree was already quite large. Every year, when the locust flowers bloom in April or May, the fragrance can be smelled across half the west side of the city—it’s sweet and truly delightful."

"Several hundred years... that is quite something."

Xu Boqing nodded thoughtfully. Then, as if recalling something, he asked, "If I may be so bold as to ask, has anyone in your household been plagued by evil spirits lately?"

"Plagued... by evil spirits?"

Lu Zhengye looked a bit dazed, not quite grasping the deeper meaning behind the Superintendent’s question.

Seeing this, Xu Boqing lifted his teacup, took a sip, and added, "Or perhaps, fallen ill with some strange, malignant disease?"

"Yes!" Lu Zhengye replied hastily. "My son has fallen ill with a malignant disease!"

Xu Boqing nodded slightly. "Tell me about his condition."

"My son is twenty-one this year. He has been robust since childhood, but ever since he suffered a depletion of his essence some years ago, his health has been deteriorating. He has taken countless tonics, but none have had any effect." Lu Zhengye paused, his voice filled with heartache as he continued. "Once I realized something was wrong, I questioned him, but the stubborn brat refused to tell me the truth. A little over half a month ago, he fell gravely ill and has been bedridden ever since. I have consulted various physicians, but apart from noting he is weak, they all say there are no underlying symptoms. He still lies in bed today, and our whole family attends to him day and night. We have never stopped the tonics, and the family is nearly bankrupt from the cost, yet his condition shows no sign of improvement."

Just then, the young page boy ran in clutching a book.

Seeing this, Lu Zhengye hurriedly took the copy of *The Treatise on Dialectics* and said cautiously, "Superintendent, this is the original manuscript by Zhang Taixu that you requested. I purchased it from a close friend and have cherished it ever since; I have never allowed anyone to damage it."

"Excellent, truly excellent."

Xu Boqing felt a surge of joy upon receiving the book, for under the gaze of his Heavenly Eye, the volume was suffused with clear, auspicious energy. He took out his copy of *The Treatise on Qi* to compare them, and found that this *Treatise on Dialectics* was not a whit inferior in texture or the profound truth contained within; it was undoubtedly an authentic work of Zhang Taixu!

Seeing the Superintendent in such high spirits, Lu Zhengye breathed a sigh of relief. Recalling what his friend had mentioned in a letter—that the Superintendent had a penchant for collecting Zhang Taixu’s original manuscripts—and sharing a similar interest himself, he naturally understood the implications.

Hesitating for a moment, he asked softly, "I have heard that you, Superintendent, are fond of collecting Zhang Taixu’s original manuscripts?"

"Hmm?" Xu Boqing snapped back to reality, surprised. "Could it be that you know of other manuscripts by him?"

"I do know a little something," Lu Zhengye replied, not daring to keep the Superintendent in suspense. "Since you have already collected *The Treatise on Qi* and *The Treatise on Dialectics*, the only remaining original manuscripts of Zhang Taixu are *The Treatise on Cognition* and *The Treatise on Human Nature*. I am also a collector of old books and, in my youth, enjoyed befriending others in this circle. I once heard someone mention that all of Zhang Taixu’s original manuscripts were passed down through his descendants."

"Zhang Taixu’s descendants?" Xu Boqing felt a slight stirring in his heart and asked, "Do you know where these descendants are living now?"

"It has been too long, so I cannot say for sure. But if you wish to find them, you could send someone to inquire at the Zhang family’s ancestral home in Zhending Prefecture." Lu Zhengye paused before explaining, "Zhang Taixu was a great Confucian scholar of the previous Great Yan Dynasty and rose to the rank of Chancellor. Although he eventually resigned from office, he continued to live in the capital of Great Yan. Later, even though the Great Yan fell, the Founding Emperor did not establish his capital in Zhending Prefecture, nor did he make things difficult for the local residents. As descendants of a great scholar, the Zhang family prospered for several generations under the shade of Zhang Taixu’s legacy. They had many branches; although they eventually declined and split up, their genealogy records should still exist."

"I have learned much, thank you." Xu Boqing nodded in realization. He then pulled two thousand-tael banknotes from his robe, placed them on the table, and smiled, "I have gained a great treasure today, but I fear it may be seen as snatching away what you love. Please, accept this payment for the book."

"I cannot, I absolutely cannot..." Lu Zhengye exclaimed, prostrating himself in shock and fear. "Superintendent, that you would value this book is already a blessing for me; how could I possibly accept money?"

Xu Boqing ignored him, intentionally changing the subject. "I have a method that might be able to cure your son’s illness. Would you like to hear it?"

Lu Zhengye, who was still trying to decline, froze for a moment. His eyes reddened as he bowed his head. "Please, Superintendent, save my son. I beg you, save my son."

"Follow me." Xu Boqing tucked the book into his robe, rose, and walked out of the room. Lu Zhengye scrambled to his feet and followed closely.

Once they reached the front courtyard, Xu Boqing asked casually, "If I am not mistaken, your son dreams of copulating with different women every night and is now as thin as a rail. Is that correct?"

"Yes, yes, yes..." Lu Zhengye nodded repeatedly, tears welling up in his eyes at the thought of his son’s wretched state.

"This is easily resolved." Xu Boqing pointed at the old locust tree. "The locust is a ghost among trees. Having resided here for hundreds of years, this tree has been feeding on human vitality. It has nearly become a demon, though its cultivation is still shallow."

As he spoke, the old locust tree seemed to sense something. Even though there was no wind, the branches and leaves rustled, and the shadow cast by the tree seemed to writhe like claws. Lu Zhengye turned pale with fright at the sight.

"Hmph!" Xu Boqing snorted coldly. "You have been nurtured in this courtyard for hundreds of years. It is one thing that you do not know how to return the favor, but to think of draining human essence to harm people before you have even fully matured—how can I tolerate you!?"

With a flick of his finger, a burst of energy shot out and struck the roots of the tree. Accompanied by a faint, mournful wail, the old locust tree snapped at its base. The branches and trunk crashed into the courtyard, withering at a speed visible to the naked eye. With a wave of his hand, the trunk disintegrated into dust, leaving only a piece of fresh, tender heartwood, which flew into his palm.

"This tree had not yet fully matured, and all its essence is concentrated in this heartwood. Slice it thinly and boil it. Let your son drink the broth three times a day, three inches of heartwood per dose. He will recover in no time, and perhaps even be more robust than he was before."

After giving these instructions, he left the Lu residence.

Lu Zhengye clutched the piece of heartwood, knelt, and bowed his head toward the door, tears streaming down his face. "This humble man thanks you for your great kindness, Superintendent. I thank you for your great kindness..."

With the original manuscript of *The Treatise on Dialectics* in his possession, Xu Boqing had no intention of lingering. Thinking that his leisurely travels had already delayed him long enough, it was time to deal with the Fierce Tiger Sect.

He had intended to stroll through the crowded streets so that the secret agents of the Western Depot might find him, but before he reached the street, he saw Jiang Jin and Kong Qing walking toward him.

"Your subordinates greet you, Superintendent."

"Hmm? You’ve arrived quite early?" Xu Boqing was surprised. Counting the time, it was only the beginning of the tenth month. It was unexpected that they had managed to escort the prisoners back to the capital, handle affairs there, and rush to Xingyuan Prefecture so quickly.

"Hehe," Kong Qing grinned, explaining, "Acting on your orders, we did not dare to rest for even a moment."

"Good, very good." Xu Boqing nodded slightly, then asked as if remembering something, "How did the task I assigned you go?"

Jiang Jin’s eyes flickered. As the self-proclaimed "number one lackey" under the Superintendent, he naturally knew what the Superintendent was referring to. He stepped forward and whispered into his ear, "Superintendent, the Crown Prince’s ban has been lifted by His Majesty, and the Empress even secretly asked me to bring you a letter of gratitude..."