Kyoto.

…………

Thirty years ago, Li Yudashi designed and built his own courtyard ——— "Dog Meat Workshop".

Last summer, there was a murder in that house.

In order to unravel the mystery, Li Yuanfeng and Song Dabai decided to go to Sichuan Road to find the location of the "dog meat factory".

…………

This was two days before Li Yuanfeng and Song Dabai set off.

…………

Two days earlier, after they had finished visiting the Dashi in Kyoto, the two of them headed straight north.

Before they were ready to go to Sichuan Road, they first went to the Longmen Academy to find people who knew Master Li Yu and listen to relevant clues.

…………

Of course, they also told the recorder of their arrangements, ——— Putian, about their arrangements.

Originally, he was going to go with him, but today, he suddenly felt unwell, and the doctor said that he would recuperate for a few days.

So Li Yuanfeng and Song Dabai went to Longmen Academy first, if Pu Tian's body recovered.

The day after tomorrow, the three of them will meet on Chuan Road.

…………

"I have a few things I have to tell you, Dabai. Not long ago, I collected a lot of new clues. There are also some interesting things. ”

"I also found a clue."

"Then you speak first."

"I went to the Qingming Temple to investigate, but the strange thing is that the temple has been empty, and the whole temple is quiet, so I have to ask an old man who is cutting wood ......... passing."

“……… Who knew that he had no intention of talking a few words, but he actually asked the key ........."

…………

“……… The old man said that he liked Zen very much, and he used to meditate in the Qingming Temple. I asked him if he knew the 'beggar' team in the notebook, and he actually said that he had met them once in the Qingming Temple. ”

"It's a windfall."

He said that last spring, he saw them in a quiet room at the Qingming Temple. He still remembered that the woman's name was Xiaolan. ”

"What about other people's names?"

"I'm sorry, he didn't remember ........."

…………

Next.

…………

…………

On the carriage to Longmen Academy, Li Yuanfeng and Song Dabai chatted.

…………

"I checked the current owner of the dog meat shop named Fengjun and found that there is indeed someone."

"Did you find his son's school?"

"Found it. A little bit of effort. ”

"Tell me succinctly."

…………

"Last night, I made up a proper excuse and went to the Aolai Academy, but the man guarding the door ignored me."

"It's unusual." Li Yuanfeng smiled bitterly, his eyebrows wrinkled into a figure-eight shape.

"Later, I had no choice but to use a little connection."

"Is there someone you know in the Aolai Academy?"

"Do you remember, I used to be the young governor?"

"Yes, it's Anqiu Town, right?"

"Yes!! An old friend of my father's was a tuas there, and I had met him. ”

"You know enough people."

"It's because my father knows a lot of people."

…………

Li Yuanfeng wrinkled his nose.

"That old friend of your father didn't bother and checked it for you?"

"Yes. The other person was really good, and he didn't ask anything, so he happily agreed.

Things are finally figured out.

…………

Last year, Feng Ji was a student of Aolai Academy, his parents' home was in Shili City, and until last year, his father was indeed in business. ”

"Until last year......... Aren't you in business now? ”

"Yes."

"Did you find them?"

"Nope. Even if I tried to find it, I couldn't find it. ”

…………

Li Yuanfeng didn't understand what Song Dabai meant, and tilted his head.

Song Dabai squinted at him.

"At the end of last year, Feng Ji was killed and died. Not only Feng Ji, but also his parents and sister, the family of four suffered. It seems to be an accident. The carriage in which the family of four was riding flew off the cliff. ”

…………

The news came too suddenly, Li Yuanfeng didn't speak for a long time, and subconsciously turned his body to the side.

It took a while to turn around.

…………

Song Dabai scratched his head.

Li Yuanfeng took advantage of the situation and asked: "What happened to the courtyards of the Feng family?" ”

"That seems to be. According to common sense, it should be handed over to relatives to inherit. ”

"In this way, Wind Dagger's parents may be able to get that Courtyard House........."

"Quite possibly."

In that notebook, Feng Dagger called Feng Ji's father "uncle".

…………

"What about you, did you check the wind dagger last night?"

"Of course I did." Li Yuanfeng replied, "He is a new master of the White Jade Academy. I claimed to be his friend and went straight to the White Jade Academy. ”

"Is something wrong?"

"Among the monks in the White Jade Academy, there is indeed a man named Wind Dagger. Unfortunately, he left last year. ”

…………

"As soon as you say that, in that note, the wind dagger seems to indicate such an idea."

"I heard that the wind dagger left home after graduating, but the janitor didn't know exactly where he went. Later, he told me the location of the Wind Dagger's house, which happened in the middle of last night. ”

…………

"Then you've found his house?"

"Yes. But I knocked on the door several times last night, but no one opened it. This morning, I went to knock again, and it was opened by one of their people. This time, I claimed to be the head of Tuas Temple, and I asked many questions. ”

"You're still a fairy child. Didn't ——— talk to his mother? ”

"The subordinate said that it was inconvenient for his mother to meet, and at that time I thought something must have happened to his family, and he was very busy, but later I learned that it was not like that."

…………

"What's going on?"

"It's really inconvenient for his mother to meet. She couldn't speak, she seemed to be mute. ”

"I see."

…………

"According to that servant, the wind dagger hasn't been back once since he left home last fall."

"So, he doesn't know about the death of the Feng family?"

"Yes. I also felt depressed, so I asked, according to the next person, after the wind dagger left home, it was like evaporating from the world, and there was no news. Therefore, when Feng Ji's family was killed at the end of last year, Feng Dagger's family could not inform him at all. ”

…………

"I see."

Song Dabai imagined in his mind the appearance of the young man he had never met and was one or two years younger than him, and couldn't help but sigh.

…………

"Anyway, we're going to meet his mother too."

…………

Feng Ji was killed, and he couldn't find the wind dagger.

The remaining two people——— An Zheng and Silence, have no way to find them.........

It seems that only finding the "dog meat shop" directly is the shortcut to unravel the mystery.

…………

"In addition, I also got an interesting clue about Master Lee." Li Yuanfeng continued, "This was last night. ”

“……… The girl we met, the girl we had seen, asked someone to bring me a letter. ”

…………

"Robbery? She's the granddaughter of the Dashi, right? ”

"Yes. Yesterday, after we left, Master Zaida remembered what Master Li Yu had said, "The people who sent a letter to the world came to tell me." ”

…………

Li Yuanfeng paused for a moment and looked out the window, and Song Dabai also followed his gaze.

The carriage galloped on the dirt road, and the light fell, reflecting the figures of the two people.

…………

"I'm the one who lives in the world of books."

Li Yuanfeng looked straight at the window edge and muttered.

"The World ......... in the Book"

"Master Li Yu once said such things to Master Zaida."

…………

"What does that mean?"

Listening to the robbery, the priest seemed to understand the meaning of this sentence, but deliberately did not tell her. Maybe he thinks it's interesting to leave a mystery for me, the little governor, and wants me to uncover the mystery. ”

"That tuas seems like someone who would do that."

…………

…………

"The World in the Book......... It seems that someone has said the same thing to me before. ”

Li Yuanfeng muttered alone.

…………

"Huh? What........." Song Dabai said in surprise.

But Li Yuanfeng didn't react, frowned, put his hands behind his head, and sank deep into the wooden chair.

"That's the end of my clue."

…………

…………

The sky was dark.

The two of them got out of the carriage and went straight to the Longmen Academy.

…………

Although they had investigated a little before, the Dragon Gate Academy was too big, and it took them a lot of trouble to find the place they were looking for.

It was an old blue brick house.

Maybe it's been too long, whether it's in the school or on the street, the walls of all the houses have turned yellow.

…………

At the door of the blue brick house, Li Yuanfeng stopped a person and asked him about Master Li Yu. But just by saying a person's name, the other party can't figure it out.

…………

Li Yuanfeng decided to cast a wide net.

——— ask everyone I met here about Master Li.

…………

But no one seems to have heard of Master Li's name. It wasn't until the seventh person that I got a satisfactory answer.

…………

"I've heard the name."

The man who spoke unhurriedly was a man about 30 years old, dressed in ordinary cloth clothes.

Li Yu......... When did he become a tuas here? ”

"We don't know about it, but I think it was 30 years ago. Later, because of something, I left. After listening to Li Yuanfeng's words, the man tilted his head and pondered.

…………

"Do you know Master Lee?"

"This ......... In the past few years, the old men have left one by one......... Ah, by the way, Hung Dashi is still here, he may know. ”

"Master Hung? Is it Tuas here? ”

"Yes. Hung Dashi. The room at the top of the left is his boundary. Probably today. ”

"You won't be angry if you visit him suddenly, will you?"

"It's okay. In our Dragon Gate Academy, he is the most amiable teacher. ———By the way, in order to be cautious, I'd better go in first and help you ask." ”

"Thank you very much."

…………

The man showed up. I walked into the room on the left.

It seemed that Hung Dashi was inside, and happily agreed to the request.

…………

"He's waiting for you inside."

Walking out the door, the man smiled contentedly, "He seems to know a lot about Master Li." ”

…………

Li Yuanfeng and they knocked on the door, and a man's gentle voice came from inside.

………

"Oops!! Are you the governor of Ten Mile City? What a rarity. ”

After hearing Li Yuanfeng's self-report, Hong Dashi laughed innocently, not at all like an old sergeant, "Please take a seat, that gentleman will also be seated." I'll pour you a cup of tea. ”

He was a white-haired old man, not tall, with a thin build, wearing a slightly larger white cloth shirt.

…………

He sat on a brown wooden chair and looked at them with a smile.

That look made people feel inexplicably close.

…………

"I heard that you want to inquire about Master Li Yu, right?"

…………

He quickly poured tea and sat opposite the two of them, "Shi Ze came in just now and suddenly mentioned the name of the old man, and he was really surprised at that time. ——— Shi seemed to be the name of the man just now——— "I haven't heard the name of Master Li for many years." ”

"How long has Master Li stayed in this school?" Li Yuanfeng came up and asked.

…………

Hong Dashi narrowed his eyes, and his small eyes kept blinking: "It was many years ago——— oops, drink it while it's hot." Not long ago, my daughter who married into Suzhou brought me the best quality. ”

"Thank you."

"By the way, why did you, the head of the mansion, inquire about Master Li Yu? Could it be just curiosity? ”

"Hey, yes. Sort of that. ”

…………

"Seems like something, right?"

Hong Dashi held the teacup and watched the two of them. Although he still smiled kindly, his eyes were sharp.

…………

Li Yuanfeng felt that he couldn't hide too much when dealing with him, so he gave a general explanation of how he came here, but he didn't talk about what was recorded in the notebook.

…………

…………

"Can't remember at all? It was painful. Hong Dashi believed Li Yuanfeng's words, "Today, is that Mr. Pu Tian here?" ”

"Originally, we came together, but he suddenly fell ill."

"You still want to go back to Ten Mile City, right?"

"Yes. Tomorrow we will go to Chuan Road, where we will meet Mr. Putian. Then I started looking for the Courtyard House——— by the way, Tuas, do you know the Courtyard House of Master Li? It's the courtyard called 'Dog Meat Workshop'. ”

…………

"I don't know the name of that monoch, but I've heard that he built one in the far north."

"Was it 30 years ago?"

"Yes, that was the time."

Li Yuanfeng drank the tea in the teacup and sat upright.

"Therefore, we would like to inquire as much as possible about Master Lee. Even I, the governor of the government, am very curious about him. ”

…………

"You said you wanted to inquire in detail, but that was many years ago."

Master Hong shook his head, as if he couldn't remember the past clearly, "Let's ask." That way, it's easier for me to remember. ”

…………

"Then we asked......... First of all——— when did Master Li Yu come to this school? ”

"This ......... I was a kid at the time, I think it was 40 years ago. ”

Li Yuanfeng took out a notebook and pen from his arms, and asked while making notes, "I heard that the monks will have their own Qimen to study, is he the same as you?" ”

"Not really. We're not quite the same. ”

"After he graduates, he will become a monk directly?" "Yes. He was a few years younger than me—just fifteen, and he became a monk. ”

"Is he a smart man?"

"It's not just a genius, it's just a genius. But because of that, it will attract bad consequences. ”

"Considered a heretic of the Left Gate?"

"Let's just say that. He's also not good at dealing with people. In fact, he should not be a tuas, but more suitable to be a wanderer. He himself doesn't seem to have much interest in all kinds of honor, disgrace, and status......... By the way, by the way, he loved to draw and often painted in his room. ”

"Painting?"

"Yes. He's a weirdo. Maybe it's been a long time, but when it comes to this, Hong Dashi's voice is a little blurred.

…………

"Tuas, you have a good personal relationship with Master Li, right?"

"Because we're fellow countrymen, it's easier than other people."

"Fellow......... I heard that Tuas's hometown is in the Kawaji area in the far north. ”

"That's right. My hometown is also Chuanlu. The old man closed his eyes, as if remembering the old days.

…………

Li Yuanfeng pursed his lips and snorted softly a few times, seemingly figuring out the meaning of Master Hong's words. Then he asked the next question in a slow manner.

"Did you know that he once adopted his sister's daughter?"

"You're talking about plums, right?" Hung Dashi casually said the person's name.

"You've seen her?"

"Master Li often brought her to the school. It was a lovely kid who didn't like to talk. Master Li Yu loves her very much. ”

"Do you know anything about her mother?"

…………

"I've only seen it once."

"Where?"

"She opened a tavern of her own. Many years ago, Master Li took me there. ”

"What kind of person is it?"

"This ......... I don't remember clearly. ”

…………

"I heard that after she gave birth to plums, she died."

"Yes. At that time, Master Li sighed all day long. It was his only relative. ”

"Why did he leave? I heard that something went wrong. ”

…………

…………

"That thing ........."

Master Hong's expression became solemn, he stopped talking, sighed, and said again, "He got drunk and caused some trouble." Master Li Yu used the strength of alcohol to cause trouble, and it seems that he even beat someone. It was in broad daylight, in the school. Originally, in the academy, he was regarded as a strange person, and no one came out to protect him, and as a result, he ........."

"I see. When was that? ”

"More than thirty years ago."

"After leaving the academy, what did Master Li Yu do, do you know?"

"It's like I've been in Ten Mile City for a few years."

…………

"Do you know anything about what Master Li is doing right now?"

"Yes. I've heard rumors that he's dead or something, but they're all made up out of thin air. Lately, no one has talked about it again. ”

…………

"Where's the plum? Do you know what? ”

"She'........."

Hung was silent for a long time. For her, it was getting harder and harder to talk about Master Li.

…………

"A few years before Master Li left the school, she suddenly disappeared. She went out to play with Master Li and disappeared in the field......... Mr. Li searched everywhere, but he still couldn't find it. Since this incident, he has been very depressed and has started drinking in broad daylight. ”

"At that time——— was when Li Zi disappeared, how old was she?"

"About 12 years old."

…………

This is the key question. Who is the white bone mentioned in Pu Tian's notes?

If what Hong Dashi said is correct, it is likely to be the white bones of plums that have been missing for many years.........

…………

Li Yuanfeng closed the notebook, used the tip of the pen, pressed his chin against his chin and nodded there alone.

Hong Dashi looked at him, and soon, Li Yuanfeng raised his head.

"I'm sorry to have been delayed for so long. One last question I would like to ask. ”

…………

"You look like you have an inexhaustible curiosity." Hung Dashi laughed amusedly, "You're welcome. I'm going to be out of here soon. Occasionally, there can be such a mysterious dialogue, and you can also spend your whole life. ”

"If you can say that, I'll be easy. Even I think these questions are too abrupt. ”

"No, no, I don't think so."

…………

"That's good. Last question——— I mentioned to you at the beginning, an old friend of Master Li, who told us that he often said——— 'I am the one who lives in the book'. I don't know if you've heard this phrase? ”

…………

"The Man Who Lives in the Book........."

Master Hong lowered his voice, and repeated this sentence in his mouth, "I remember." I've heard him say that several times. ”

"Do you know what that means?"

"I don't know. I don't know what that means, but I asked Tuas several times, but he laughed and didn't answer, and deliberately diverted. However, at one point, he was slightly ........."

"Told you?"

He didn't answer my questions directly. It's about another thing, but when I think about it later, I think it has something to do with that sentence. ”

………

Li Yuanfeng looked at Hong Dashi in puzzlement.

He continued: "At that time, Master Li Yu said that he was just a man who was at the mercy of ——— and everything was doomed. ”

——— the one who is at the mercy of him.

Song Dabai clapped his hands in his heart and said that ——— was like this. I see. He uses the literary device of "I am the one who lives in the book" to describe (or confess) his state of mind.

…………

"You haven't had lunch yet, have you?"

Hung Dashi stood up, "There's a delicious little shop nearby, let's go together, how about it?" Governor!! You have to tell me about your past during dinner!! ”

…………

They ate for a long time at the small shop recommended by Hung Das.

…………

After the meal, at the suggestion of Master Hong, they went to visit several other old masters and inquired about the past of Master Li Yu, but they did not get more clues, so there are two points worth noting.

The first is the way Li Yu acted when he was a "master".

Everyone said that Master Li often brought painting tools into the school, so it can be imagined that in this school, he was not a keen person to study. Especially in the last few years, he almost never delved into it. Extremely idle, it is said that in the most excessive year, he actually left the school in mid-October, and did not come to the school until early February after the New Year. Some people say that if he looks like that, even if he doesn't drink and beat people, I'm afraid he will be punished accordingly.

…………

There is also a related situation about Tuas money.

When he was still in the school, he borrowed money from many people, and by the time he left, he was already in debt and unable to repay it.

Rumors that he left as if he had absconded are not entirely fabricated. If these rumors were true, his Duhe Courtyard on Sichuan Road would naturally be sold to creditors, and after changing hands several times, it fell into the hands of the owner of the Ten Mile City Inn last year.

…………

After being busy for a long time, it was not until late evening that the two returned to the inn.

Li Yuanfeng and the two of them last night seemed to be full of energy, and seemed to want to have a few drinks outside.

But Song Dabai is tired today and can't keep up his spirits. In half a day, I met dozens of people who had never known each other, and they were all unfamiliar old people. Although Li Yuanfeng is basically talking, he is also thinking about speculation. Song Dabai felt that his shoulders and neck were extremely sore, and his stomach was uncomfortable.

…………

"Things are already very eye-catching."

in the room. After Li Yuanfeng finished eating a bowl of "macaroni", he said with high interest, "It's really our luck to meet Hong Dashi." You tell me? Great. ”

"Yes." Song Dabai deliberately stretched his waist to cheer up, "When I heard what Master Li Yu said, I was really surprised. ”

"Yes. Literature is generally called fatalism. To put it in layman's terms, it is to accept fate, but in fact, such a saying has existed since ancient times. It's like ——— pulling a hair and moving the whole body. ”

…………

"If there is an effect, there is a cause, and where does a cause arise from the beginning of the cycle of cause and effect, that is, in the absolute emptiness?"

…………

…………

There was silence for a long time.

Li Yuanfeng brought the first and last cup of tea of the day from the table, "He actually expressed his state of mind in words like 'I am a person who lives in books', which shows that Li Yushi is more suitable to be a writer or painter than other masters." I'll be sure to look at what he wrote when I have time. ”

…………

"Hung Dashi also mentioned the disappearance of his adopted daughter."

"Yes. It's a pity that I don't know the exact date. Based on their words, I roughly estimated the time. ”

"yes."

Song Dabai agreed listlessly, and Li Yuanfeng continued.

"We can assume for the time being that the white bones that appear in Pu Tian's notes are the missing plums. More than 20 years ago, she died in a dog meat shop. Judging from the fact that her body was hidden in the cellar corridor, it can be assumed that she was killed. Moreover, as analyzed by the stroke dagger in the handbook, the murderer is likely to be Li Zi's adoptive father and the owner of the Duhe Courtyard——— Li Yu himself. ”

"Yes, you have a point."

But why did Tuas harm his beloved adopted daughter with his own hands? Have you considered this issue? Great. ”

"This ........."

"It's a bit of a guess, but I come to a conclusion. How? Haven't figured it out yet? ”

"yes, I still don't quite understand."

"Oh, huh?"

…………

Li Yuanfeng lifted the lid, picked up the tea, and drank it with taste. He picked up the notebook that had been placed on the table. Inside is what Hung Dashi and Zaidashi said.

…………

Li Yuanfeng didn't say anything more, and opened the notebook with a solemn expression.

"Can you tell me the conclusion?"

Song Dabai showed dissatisfaction, and Li Yuanfeng showed a wry smile.

"Think about it yourself. There are also many things that I don't understand. Especially the content of this notebook, the more I read it, the more I feel that there are many boring points. Li Yuanfeng took out a pen from his arms and wrote something on the notebook.

Song Dabai held his arms sullenly and looked at Li Yuanfeng.

…………

"That's right."

Soon, Li Yuanfeng raised his head again, "Just now, the old man Pu Tian brought a letter and heard that his body has recovered. He said that as long as there was no heavy fog, he could rush to the inn in Ten Mile City before tonight. ”

"Leaving tonight?"

"Yes. I want to be there by tomorrow. There are a few things to look into there——— and I'm going to rest in the carriage tonight. ”

…………

On a moonlit night.

Until the time he got into the carriage, Song Dabai was still sleepy-eyed. Li Yuanfeng seemed to be the same, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

In less than ten hours from Kyoto to Ten Mile Castle——— neither of them spoke, and they fell asleep on the rickety carriage.

…………

After noon, they arrived at Ten Mile City early.

Compared to Kyoto, the climate of Torijo Castle is very comfortable and pleasant.

Most of the pedestrians on the road wear long-sleeved cloth linings. I heard that it is not very hot here, even in the middle of summer.

The misty town gives you a different kind of terroir, as if the whole town is oozing a faint moisture.

…………

As soon as he arrived in Shili City, Li Yuanfeng started to act non-stop.

He first asked the master bookkeeper in the official residence to bring two population books of Ten Mile City.

…………

Sit on a wooden chair in the hall and look over. But he didn't seem to find the name of the person he was looking for.

After a while, he sighed softly, threw away the population book, and looked at Song Dabai who was sitting next to him in a daze.

…………

"At the beginning of that notebook, it seems that Fengjun was mentioned, right?"

"Yes. He was an old friend of the innkeeper here, and he was in charge of the 'Dog Meat Factory'. ”

…………

"Yes. I think when Li Yudashi resold the Courtyard House, he was probably in business in Shili City. If that's the case, there's a good chance that this person will live in Ten Mile City. I naively thought that if I looked up the population books here, there might be a surprise. ”

"Isn't that name on the census books?"

"Unfortunately, no."

…………

Li Yuanfeng returned the population book, and immediately came to East Street with Song Dabai for lunch.

…………

In the inn.

…………

Song Dabai sat on a wooden chair and looked at the landscape paintings hanging on the wall for guests to enjoy.

Li Yuanfeng was negotiating with a guest.

Every now and then, the sound of their conversation came to my ears.

…………

"Have you ever seen a fairy?"

"Hey......... No. ”

"I heard that in the past two years, many people have seen immortals."

"Hey......... I haven't heard much about it. ”

"Then do you know the relationship between the Hidden Barbarians and the Missing Continent?"

“………”

"Forget it, forget it, it's nothing if you don't know."

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

"Have you ever seen a bear?"

"I've seen it a few times in the woods."

"Won't it appear in the Ten Mile City? Didn't show up, did it? ”

"Yes. How is this possible. There seems to be a bear in the mountain village. ”

"Got it."

…………

Li Yuanfeng returned to Song Dabai's side and sat on the wooden chair, his face full of solemnity, and his hands were copied.

Song Dabai asked him why he inquired about those things just now, but Li Yuanfeng didn't say a word, pouted, shook his head, and seemed to say———Don't bother me."

…………

Pu Tian successfully arrived at Ten Mile City.

When he came to the inn on East Street, Song Dabai was drinking tea in the corner of the first floor and looking at the notebook again.

…………

When he saw an old man walk through the door, he immediately concluded that it was Pu Tian.

He was dressed in a brown cloth robe, with a brown beanie on his head, and walked slowly with a crutch in his right hand.

…………

Song Dabai stood up and walked towards the old man: "It's hard work", he said hello, the old man Pu Tian turned his head and saw that it was Song Dabai, and he immediately looked very happy.

"It's finally here." He said in a hoarse voice.

"Are you alright?"

"It's just a cold. Now, my body is not very good. It's basically good. With that, he laughed, his face wrinkled.

Compared to the previous days, his face was visibly tired.

…………

"How does it feel to be in this small town? Anything comes to mind? ”

Pu Tian Lala covered the eyecloth of his left eye and muttered, "Yes." I think it's familiar. I've definitely been here in the past........."

…………

"In Kyoto, we got a lot of clues related to Ristushi Yu. That courtyard house must be in the area of Chuan Road. ”

"Really?"

"In the afternoon, we'll go there. The approximate location of the courtyard, we also figured out——— after we left the inn that day, you still didn't remember anything? ”

"Yes." The old man nodded, his face full of melancholy, "From time to time, some scenes flash in my mind, but I can't grasp it, I can't remember it." ”

"There will definitely be progress later."

Although Song Dabai was smiling, his heart suddenly became depressed.

"There will be progress later"——— is that progress what this traumatized old man wants?

Perhaps, for him, it would be better to forget the past and live.

Song Dabai didn't have any conclusive reason, he just felt it subconsciously.

…………

When Li Yuanfeng came back from outside, the three of them had dinner together. Although the old man Pu Tian insisted that he was fine, his body did not seem to have fully recovered.

…………

After the meal, Li Yuanfeng asked someone to bring a two-person sedan chair. I plan to carry the old man Pu Tian with Song Dabai.

…………

In the afternoon.

…………

Li Yuanfeng, Song Dabai, and Pu Tian went to the area of Sichuan Road.

With a sedan chair——— Li Yuanfeng was in front, Pu Tian was sitting in a sedan chair, and Song Dabai was in the back.

…………

At night, on the trail of Sichuan Road, the fog was so thick that even pedestrians a few feet away in front could not see clearly.

The three of them walked slowly through the trail, along the dirt road, towards the river road.

…………

After walking for half an hour, the fog gradually cleared, and their speed also increased.

After entering Sichuan Road, Li Yuanfeng stopped several times to ask the locals for directions, but no one knew where the courtyard was.

…………

It wasn't until they passed by a small shop at the foot of the mountain that the owner gave them useful clues.

In the past, he had been to the house deep in the woods to deliver food.

…………

"There are strange people who would build their houses in such a remote forest. It seems that the person is still a master of the school in Kyoto. ”

"Is it called Li Yu?" Li Yuanfeng asked.

The other party tilted his neck: "Then I can't remember." ”

"That was a long time ago. By the way, there's a little girl there. ”

"After that, didn't you go again?"

"I don't think I've been there again."

"Until last year, there was a man named Pu Tian who was there as a caretaker, do you know? This is the caretaker......... Something happened to him, and he couldn't remember the past. Li Yuanfeng pointed to the old man Pu Tian sitting in the sedan chair.

The shopkeeper tilted his head.

…………

"Really? I thought there was no one living there now. ”

"Have you ever heard of the name Fengjun?"

"I haven't heard of it."

"Some time ago, someone in that house died. Do you know? ”

"I don't know."

The shopkeeper drew a map to the courtyard with the way he had memorized the road of the year.

…………

After Li Yuanfeng thanked him, he handed the map to the old man Pu Tian and continued on the road.

…………

Leaving Kawaji, they followed the main road, known locally as the "Tsuten Avenue", heading north towards Lake Akan.

According to the map indicated by the shopkeeper, they turned west into a small road, and then turned left and right, and entered the dense fir forest, and the road was also in bad condition, and it was all simple dirt roads.

When it was getting dark, the three of them finally arrived at the house.

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