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Paper Figurine Tales
墨書 Inktalez
In the warm spring of April, as the grass grew lush and the orioles flew, the Xu family in Shaoxing City enjoyed a harmonious life.
In their humble abode surrounded by ten acres of green crops, Xu Yan spent his days immersed in poetry and literature, living a carefree existence.
Without any children of his own, Xu Yan regarded Mu Zuo as his own flesh and blood. During the day, Mu Zuo worked in the fields, and in his spare time, he taught the village children martial arts. In the evenings, he accompanied Xu Yan for night readings. Having set aside the ambitions of an official career and distanced himself from the dangers of the martial world, he too lived a leisurely life.
Occasionally, Liu Fengling, the governor of Shaoxing, would visit to share drinks and play chess with Xu Yan, engaging in discussions on philosophy and literature—truly a life akin to that of immortals.
One day, while Mu Zuo was laboring in the fields, he noticed a cloud of dust rising on a distant path. A group of horsemen was hastily approaching, led by an official dressed in uniform. The official came closer and cupped his hands in greeting, asking, "Is this the residence of Mr. Xu?"
Mu Zuo inquired about their purpose, but the official sighed deeply and shook his head repeatedly.
Mu Zuo led the official to their home, where the official presented a letter. The handwriting was unmistakably that of Liu Fengling. Upon reading it, Xu Yan's expression changed dramatically: "What an extraordinary matter!"
"The carriage is waiting outside. My master master Liu has instructed that this matter is entirely at your discretion; there must be no coercion..."
Xu Yan nodded with a smile and said, "I shall go at once."
Before long, the official led Xu Yan and his companions onto the main road, heading straight west.
By dusk, they arrived at a village outskirts where Liu Fengling stood waiting at the entrance with a worried expression and grave demeanor.
Xu Yan dismounted to greet him and soon learned that this village was indeed Changping Village, as mentioned in the letter.
On April 13th, overnight, all one hundred and five residents of the village transformed into Paper Figurines!
The next day, Chen Maoliang, the magistrate of Changde County, learned of this incident and immediately assembled three groups of yamen runners and household registration clerks to investigate Changping Village.
In Changping Village, every household was intact, and livestock were all present. Upon entering the homes for inspection, they found that every single villager had turned into a Paper Figurine for mourning!
Some stood, some lay down, each with different expressions, including the elderly and children.
Chen Maoliang was astonished and ordered the yamen runners to search everywhere, yet not a single living soul could be found!
When inquiring with the villagers of Xiawa Village, just five miles away from Changping Village, they all reported that the night of April 13th was calm and ordinary; there was nothing unusual in the mountain village of Changping!
Chen Maoliang instructed the yamen runners to search the mountains thoroughly, determined to dig three feet into the ground if necessary to find either a living person or a corpse. At the same time, he sent word to the prefectural government. Liu Fengling received the report and immediately came to investigate but found himself at a loss. He had no choice but to send someone to invite Xu Yan.
Xu Yan stood at the village entrance, frowning in silence as memories flooded back.
Years ago in Shandong, there was a common girl named Tang Sai'er. It is said that one day she ventured into the mountains and discovered a celestial sword hidden among the rocks. After learning the immortal techniques from this celestial scripture, she became semi-divine and could command Paper Figurines and paper horses!
Tang Sai'er established a shrine that attracted countless followers. Eventually, she raised an army in rebellion, using Paper Figurines and paper horses to fight against the imperial court. She conquered several counties with great momentum until the court dispatched troops to suppress her rebellion, which finally quelled the uprising.
It is said that when Tang Sai'er realized her cause was lost, she transformed into a wisp of blue smoke and vanished without a trace... Even today, her followers remain scattered among the people, waiting for their chance to act.
Just as Xu Yan was about to speak of this matter, Liu Fengling interjected: "Brother Xu, are you thinking about Tang Sai'er?"
Xu Yan nodded and said, "As the saying goes, 'Everything depends on human effort.' I have never believed in ghosts or deities. Let's head into the village; perhaps we can uncover some clues."
master Liu quickly ordered, "Hurry and send someone back to gather troops, just in case."
Liu Fengling immediately issued the command, and all relevant personnel were to be dispatched by Xu Yan. Mr. Xu's words were as authoritative as an edict from this office!
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