Chapter 268: Frightening Away a Ghost General
“After all these years, General, have you ever thought about going back?”
“Of course I’ve thought about it. I think about it all the time,” the captain ghost replied. The ghost's expression was complex, a mix of bitterness, sorrow, and helplessness intertwined. Yet, despite it all, no tears fell. “But Yidu is thousands of li away from here. It’s hard enough for the living to make the journey. I’ve only recently become a ghost—how could I possibly find my way back?”
“I see...” Song You stood in place, gazing up at the crescent moon on the horizon. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Thinking about it, back when Lady Calico and I were in Yidu, we were once helped by both you and your wife. Thanks to the two of you, we were able to establish ourselves in the city. If you truly wish to return and see her again, I’d be willing to lend you a hand.”
“You’re willing to take me back to Yidu?”
“I do plan to return to Yidu someday, but that might not be for another ten years or so. While you’re a ghost and can be easily carried along, ten years is still a long, lonely wait for you.”
“I’ve already waited over ten years—I’m not afraid to wait ten more,” the captain ghost replied without hesitation. He seemed to recall some old tales and added, “As long as you can take me back to my hometown, even if you have to trap me in a gourd for ten years without letting me out, I’d still agree.”
“Wouldn’t that be worse than spending ten years in prison?”
“I’d do it willingly!”
To endure more than a decade of solitary darkness, just for the chance to return home and reunite with his wife, was a sentiment that could only evoke deep sympathy.