“Sir, you mentioned there was one more matter?”0

“There is one more,” Song You said, elaborating carefully. “After the chaos in the North, demons and ghosts have been appearing frequently. During my time here at the Grassland Festival with Lady Calico, I’ve already heard many accounts of minor demons and ghosts disturbing the people. 0

“Turtle City’s leading ghost general, the one causing trouble, has fled, leaving behind mostly heroic souls who sacrificed themselves for the nation. Though they’ve not been ghosts for long, they are quite capable. The life of a ghost is a lonely one, so I asked them to help patrol the grasslands. If they come across minor demons or spirits troubling the common folk, they are to step in and assist. 0

“I also told them that perhaps one day, the local people, moved by their virtue and deeds, might come to offer incense and worship them. If enough people do so, they might be able to use the power of such offerings to transcend their existence as wandering ghosts and become netherworld deities, like the city’s City Gods or their subordinate martial officers."3

“This...” The young official almost asked, ‘Is this really true?’ but stopped himself before the words left his mouth.0

After a long pause,...0