Chapter 19: The Wrath of Grandpa Mountain

By the time they returned to Gan Hua Village, the fourth watch of the night had already passed.

Under the ancient, withered tree that had stood for a thousand years, torches flickered, casting light on the faces of the villagers—some numb, others terrified. Occasional sobs rose and fell; the dreadful news that the fishing boats had met disaster had already reached the village.

Gui Niang was bound to the tree trunk with iron chains, her thin clothes clinging to her trembling body, bruises and marks from beatings visible all over.

Old Chun smiled gently but then poured a scoop of icy river water over her head.

“Grandfather Mountain is angry, and it is your misfortune that has brought this evil upon us!” she jabbed a finger at Gui Niang’s pale face. “It’s because you disrespected Grandfather Mountain that the fishing boats capsized and calamities befell the village one after another.”

“We are people who live by the water; if we don’t calm Grandfather Mountain’s wrath, how do you expect everyone to make a living from now on?”

Another scoop of cold water. The iron chains, soaked, felt as biting as ice. With her mouth gagged, Gui Niang’s teeth chattered, a sob escaping her throat. Only her eyes, no longer vacant, shone sharp as blades, stabbing at Old Chun.

Old Chun threw down the scoop and picked up a coarse bowl. A milky medicinal liquid exuded a fragrant sweetness.

Only now did Gui Niang’s stubborn gaze waver with a flicker of fear.

“Drink this divine water. If you’re not frozen to death by dawn, it means Grandfather Mountain has forgiven you and blesses you with protection.” Old Chun’s voice softened yet carried terrifying weight as she untied the cloth gag and removed the stopper.

Taking advantage of the moment, Gui Niang dodged and shouted, “You wicked woman who deceives the people! It’s you! You who killed the girls! You sold the children under the pretense of arranged marriages! I went to find the family of Yu’er—no such household exists! None at all… Ugh!” But she was bound, and Old Chun easily clamped her chin shut.

Just as the bowl’s rim touched her lips—

*Bang!*

A hooked spear plummeted from above, embedding itself into the tree trunk, its cold gleam like divine punishment, shattering Old Chun’s bowl with a sharp crack.

Immediately, a squad of soldiers in red hats and padded armor, swords and spears in hand, burst forth from the darkness like a chilling wind.

Torchlight flickered wildly as the crowd scattered in panic. The soldiers split into two groups, swiftly encircling the villagers with such speed none escaped.

Two figures stepped to the front, pacing deliberately. Old Chun’s eyes widened in horror as if seeing a ghost, and she collapsed to the ground.

Tan Jiuding raised a jade plaque high and said coldly, “By imperial order, this witch who harms the people is to be arrested immediately!”

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The soldiers pounced like wolves, kicking Old Chun to the ground. With two or three men working together, they twisted the ropes and effortlessly swapped the prisoner from the tree.

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