"What did these supposed feng shui masters have to say about all of this?" I asked, intrigued.
"The one who attempted the relocation said he'd never encountered anything like it in all his years as a feng shui master," Zhang Yunyao said, her voice laced with disbelief.
"The sight of blood seeping from the grave terrified him. He immediately halted the workers, telling my father he was ill-equipped to handle such a situation and advised him to find someone else.
We sought out your master then, but Master Li refused to see us.
We even tried to find you, hoping you might take on the case, but you declined.
It's been days since, and the situation remains unchanged.
My brother is losing himself to these nightmares… I fear for his sanity! At this rate, something terrible will happen."
The details painted a disturbing picture.
My master had never mentioned anything remotely similar.
To determine the cause and potential solutions, I needed to see the ancestral grave myself.
Sensing my silence, Zhang Yunyao continued, desperation clinging to her words.
"My father has exhausted every avenue, even calling upon favors to consult with renowned masters, but to no avail.
We paid them handsomely, yet nothing has changed. My brother can't endure this much longer.
If you're unwilling to take the case, perhaps you could recommend a colleague? We're desperate! Money is no object."
Taken aback, I chuckled.
"The only feng shui master I know is my own master. I wouldn't know where to begin looking for another."
But as I spoke, a thought flickered through my mind.
The masters who'd visited during my trials – Southern Monk, Northern Shen, Eastern Yang, and Western Ma – they were renowned in their own right.
If any of them were willing to help, there was a good chance they could solve the mystery plaguing Zhang Yunyao's family.
However, they had each offered to take me as their disciple, an honor I politely declined at the time.
I had no way of contacting them.
The thought was fleeting and useless.
Sensing my hesitation, Zhang Yunyao's eyes welled up with tears.
She fixed her gaze upon me, her expression a mixture of desperation and hope.
"Mr. Wu, please, I beg of you, you must help us. I'll do anything you ask – anything at all–if only you'll agree to help my brother."
Her words, "anything at all", sparked a sliver of mischief within me.
I couldn't help but grin. "Anything?"
A deep blush crept up Zhang Yunyao's cheeks, and she lowered her gaze, nodding silently.
The implication hung heavy in the air.
Amused, I realized she'd misinterpreted my intentions.
Taking advantage of someone in a vulnerable position was unthinkable - I would never stoop so low.
I cleared my throat, attempting to dispel the awkward tension.
"Zhang Yunyao, about your family's ancestral grave… it's located in Yanbei?"
She shook her head.
"Our hometown is Yongfeng County, over three hundred kilometers from here.
My grandfather originally moved here with my father to seek a better life.
It took two generations of hard work to build what we have today.
When my grandfather passed, he was laid to rest in our ancestral grave in Yongfeng County."
Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning.
The third stipulation my master had given me – no jobs in Yanbei.
The Zhang's ancestral grave was in Yongfeng County – a location outside of Yanbei.
Helping them wouldn't violate his rule after all!
A surge of excitement, both from the prospect of the challenge and the sudden influx of income, washed over me.
Uncle Huzi and I were practically eating air for dinner – we were in dire need of funds!
"Zhang Yunyao," I announced suddenly, "I'll take the case."
Her head shot up, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Are you sure, Mr. Wu?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Is there… is there something you want in return?"
Once again, she lowered her head, nervously fidgeting with her clothes.
Her apprehension was almost comical.
"Zhang Yunyao," I said with a sigh, "There's no need to worry. I agreed to help because your family's ancestral grave is in Yongfeng County. Taking on your case doesn't violate my master's instructions. Rest assured, I'm not trying to take advantage of the situation."
Relief washed over her features as she grabbed my arm, her eyes sparkling.
"Mr. Wu, you're serious? You'll truly help us?"
I nodded, unable to suppress a satisfied grin.
"But I must be upfront - while I studied under my master for eight years, this is my first independent undertaking. Success isn't guaranteed."
"You're Li Xuantong's disciple! Simply agreeing to help is more than we could ask. I have no doubt you'll succeed!"
Overcome with relief and gratitude, she pulled a bank card from her pocket, pressing it into my hand.
"Mr. Wu, there's ten thousand yuan on this card, my allowance. It's all I have right now, consider it a down payment. My father will reward you generously once the situation is resolved."
I couldn't help but stare at the bank card, her small, delicate hand dwarfed by its presence.
To think, ten thousand yuan - her allowance!
Back in my school days, my master rarely gave me more than a hundred yuan at a time.
The disparity was almost laughable.
"Very well," I conceded, pocketing the card. "Have your father pick me up tomorrow morning; we'll leave for your family's ancestral grave first thing."
"Thank you!" Zhang Yunyao's eyes lit up, her cheeks flushed with gratitude. "You've no idea how happy you've made my father!"
With a final smile, I exited the car, the bank card a reassuring weight in my pocket.
As Zhang Yunyao rolled down the window to say goodbye, I couldn't help but feel a weight lift from my shoulders.
My first client, and I hadn't even begun breaking a sweat.
"Mr. Wu," she called out, a mischievous glint in her eye, "I'll be sure to come with my father to pick you up tomorrow."
"I look forward to it," I replied casually, strolling back towards Uncle Huzi, who was eyeing me with unconcealed curiosity.
"Well, well, Young Master," he chuckled, "You were in that car for quite some time. And that blush on her cheeks… did you two get up to no good in there?"
"Uncle Hu!" I feigned offense. "What kind of person do you think I am?"
Uncle Hu, unable to contain his amusement, winked suggestively.
"Let's just say; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh? You were trained by the best! Don't think I've forgotten about your master and that little widow…"
"What little widow?" I interrupted, my curiosity piqued. "You never told me about this…"
Uncle Hu, realizing his slip up, quickly backpedaled."Ah, it's nothing…just an old man rambling. More importantly, what are we having for dinner?" he said, expertly changing the subject.
"I have money now," I announced, holding up the bank card triumphantly. "We eat like kings!"