Xu Qing remained silent for quite a while after hearing this, and only when the other party couldn't help but ask again did he speak: "My master unfortunately passed away yesterday, so I'm afraid we can't handle your family's matter today."
The errand boy sent by the Liu Mansion was visibly stunned and instinctively said, "A few days ago, Master Liu was still lively and energetic. How come he's gone today?"
"..."
Xu Qing glanced at the errand boy of the Liu Mansion who speaks without thinking, and said, "People face fortunes and misfortunes unexpectedly. Yesterday, Master Liu and I went to the charity house in Liu Village for work. Unfortunately, we encountered soldiers chasing after some heretic cultists. If I hadn't run fast, you probably wouldn't even see me today."
What he said was seven parts true and three parts false, even if someone really investigated, they wouldn't find out much.
Upon hearing this, the errand boy of the Liu Mansion did not ask more questions. Instead, he said anxiously, "With Master Liu gone, what should we do about my master's funeral today? Your master took an advance payment back then!"
Without thinking, Xu Qing replied, "With my master gone, I'm in charge here now. Whatever advance payment was given, I'll return it to you."
"This is not about the money! When my young master came, he said that the funeral must go ahead today no matter what. If we miss the auspicious day, no amount of money will help!"
Xu Qing was puzzled, "What nonsense are you talking about? I checked the almanac this morning, today is good for marriages and moving houses; not for breaking ground or demolishing houses. How could today be an auspicious day for a funeral?"
"Whether it's an auspicious day or not, it's all been decided by your master together with my mistress and young master, there can be no mistake!" The errand boy stamped his foot anxiously, then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh right! You are the apprentice of the master, you should be able to handle these things too, right?"
"Of course, whatever my master could do, I as his apprentice am not far behind."
Xu Qing's mind stirred, this matter before him was indeed a good opportunity to solidify his identity as Master Liu's 'excellent disciple'!
"Then, instead of returning the advance payment, come with me and let's get this big matter done first. As for the remaining payment, if you do a good job, there will surely be plenty for you!"
Taking on the task left unfinished by Liu Youdao, Xu Qing returned to the shop, found all the items needed for the funeral based on the index in the Funeral and Mourning Scripture, and went with the errand boy to the Liu Mansion.
...
Speaking of which, a major incident recently occurred at the Liu family residence.
A few days ago, Landlord Liu went to a newly opened hot bath house in Linhe District with his wife, young master, and the steward, only for Landlord Liu to mysteriously die in the hot bath pool.
The young master and the steward of the Liu family, who witnessed the entire incident, both swore that a ghostly figure appeared in the pool and dragged Landlord Liu under, drowning him alive!
Afterward, the government office in the district sent people to investigate and found that not only did the two sons of the Liu family see the ghostly figure, but other guests who visited the hot bath pool that day also reported seeing some filthy thing.
However, these people's descriptions varied greatly, some saying it was a yaksha with a blue face and fangs, others saying it was a Water Monkey that had swum into the pool through the underground waterway from outside the district.
In any case, ever since that day, no one has ever visited the hot bath manor again!
...
Xu Qing did not know the cause of Landlord Liu's death, nor had he heard about the strange tales of the hot pool.
He only knew that today was the first business he was handling since taking over the funeral shop, so he had to do it flawlessly!
On the way to the Liu Mansion, Xu Qing hadn't yet stepped into the mourning hall when he spotted a familiar face among the crowd!
In front of the heavy nanmu coffin stood a woman in mourning clothes, her delicate face and slender waist were captivating, as she argued with someone.
Isn't she the courtesan that the passionate scholar risked his life for, Su Hongxiu?
Originally feeling somewhat reserved, Xu Qing instantly lightened up.