Chapter 9: The Netherworld Scripture
"The well had no water, so fetching water for drinking, washing clothes, and watering the garden required going up and down the steep, slippery steps—a task that was especially difficult."
Ming Yue pouted, clearly displeased, as he glanced at Qin Sang with a hint of complaint in his tone.
Noticing Ming Yue's little scheme, Qin Sang smiled faintly. "From now on, Junior Brother, you can take charge of cooking and laundry. Leave the heavy work to me."
"Really?"
Ming Yue jumped up in excitement, clapping his hands. "But that will have to wait until your leg injury heals."
Children were indeed easy to please. Ming Yue suddenly felt much closer to Qin Sang.
Qin Sang looked around and pointed to the last row of houses. "May I choose one of these to live in?"
He harbored secrets that could not be revealed and wanted to stay far from Daoist Jixin, lest his secrets be discovered.
"Of course," Ming Yue replied, "Master was just about to have me tidy up these rooms. People used to come up the mountain to borrow them, but they’ve gradually moved out. With more refugees arriving from the north, Master said the weather is getting colder, so we should open the rooms to shelter those without a place to stay and help them survive the winter. Some temples on the mountain have already started doing this. Master says we shouldn't seek merit but should do good deeds."