C1 Jia Jiucheng Transmigrated and Reincarnated

"Father is like the evergreen pines and cypresses of Nanshan, providing constant shade for generations to come. It is important for sons to achieve greatness..."

The deep and resonant wails of mourning echoed, accompanied by the sorrowful music playing outside the main room.

In the adjacent side room, a burly Captor with a commanding voice and an air of integrity was sternly lecturing a frail young boy sprawled on the ground.

The world was murky, akin to an abyss. One could either succumb and gradually merge with the filth of the abyss or be rejected and die, becoming nourishment for the abyss's malevolent spirits.

Tears still wet on his cheeks, Jia Jiucheng opened his eyes. The person who awoke was no longer the original Jia Jiucheng but an indoorsman who had crossed over from Earth, named Jia Wu. The former Jia Jiucheng had learned that his father died at the County Yamen, slain by a mountain bandit in broad daylight. Bystanders watched indifferently, none daring to utter a word. The imposing uncle before him sternly instructed Jia Jiucheng in a hushed tone. As Jia Yong's son, he was to remain silent, not to appeal or seek justice.

The incident was a grave insult to the County Yamen. Bandits had stormed the Yamen and publicly executed a Captor, while the other Captors, overwhelmed by the bandits' presence, dared not intervene! Afterward, the bandits left unchallenged, with no one daring to pursue them.

At the time, the gravity of the situation may not have been fully realized. But upon reflection, if word got out, it would be seen as a gross dereliction of duty, a disgrace to the entire officialdom.

As the leader of Dingyuan's Captors and the county official, the consequences could range from dismissal to execution. Lacking the courage to confront the bandits then, they were even less prepared to face the repercussions now.

Thus, they targeted this timid teenager, forbidding him from speaking out or crying out for justice.

It must be acknowledged that his father died a hero, battling against the mountain bandits. Such a narrative provided honor to the folks at the County Yamen and shone a favorable light on the County Magistrate. This version of events was the one everyone at the Yamen happily embraced and eagerly propagated.

Jia Jiucheng's silver lining was the opportunity to follow in his father's footsteps and become the youngest Captor in Dingyuan County. Tragically, Jia Jiucheng had just lost both parents and was drowning in sorrow when this news struck him, plunging him into what felt like an endless night. Despite his youth, Jia Jiucheng was aware (as Jia Yong had hinted) that the position of Captor wasn't officially hereditary. Yet, in Dingyuan County, the hundred Captors were essentially recommended by one another, a tacit tradition. Only those without sons were the exception. His father's death, then, seemed senseless and unjust.

The bitterness of this truth was too much to bear, and he succumbed to his rage, dying from sheer exasperation. It was at this moment that Jia Wu, who had just passed away on Earth, entered his body through possession.

On this day in Dingyuan County, despite the clear blue skies and radiant sunshine, the County Magistrate and the officials at the Yamen cast a shadow over Jia Jiucheng's heart. Could a heart so shattered ever be mended? Just days ago, his mother had tragically died after falling at the Bodhisattva temple in North City. Now, with his father slain by bandits, the once joyful family was decimated, leaving young Jia Jiucheng alone against the cold walls and chill of night.

Jia Wu pondered deeply: Would the bandits storm the Yamen just for Jia Yong? Why would they target a simple and honest Captor like him? Jia Jiucheng must have questioned this too.

Forbidden from seeking answers or questioning the reasons, he was left to accept the harsh reality. The loss of his parents felt like hope being stripped away piece by piece, driving him to the brink of despair, until it claimed his life.

Jia Wu reflected on the original owner's world, finding it unbearably tragic. Observing the robust and commanding Captor of Dingyuan County, he appeared formidable, with a voice as resonant as a great bell, seemingly the epitome of justice and reliability. Yet, considering Jia Yong's demise, this Captor likely cowered when it truly mattered. Now, posturing so dominantly before a mere child, the sight was almost laughable.

Outside, his father had just started up the Dingdang Club, while inside, his son was fuming with anger.

"You're quite the formidable Captor, you've done an impressive job, truly steady in your duties, big brother!"

"Can the role of a Captor be inherited? The County Yamen has already made the greatest concession and shown the utmost benevolence to your family. Without this job, you, a teenager, wouldn't even have a place to eat!" Seeing Jia Jiucheng open his eyes, he continued his persuasion.

"Think about it, isn't this already quite generous? Please, no more questioning your father's actions. Heed my advice: rest in peace, and focus on living well." The large man kept talking, trying to get Jia Jiucheng to see reason.

"As the County Magistrate, I certainly have the authority to appoint Captors and the capability to recommend virtuous scholars. So why not Captors?"

Jia Wu, now Jia Jiucheng, thought he must not follow in the former Jia Jiucheng's footsteps. He bowed to a robust man dressed in a Captor's uniform and said weakly, "Alright then, Mr. Lee." That was how he had always addressed him, according to Jia Jiucheng's memories.

"From this moment on, I am Jia Jiucheng. A name is just a label. I've been away from Earth for so long, without the parents of my past life, free from those bonds. There's no need for Jia Wu or Jia Jiucheng to struggle or be conflicted. Life is short; how far can one go? Where does life end? These are finite and unknown quantities. What matters is that I am me. If I can return to Earth and reclaim those ties, then I am Jia Wu; if not, then being Jia Jiucheng is just fine! In the end, who will remember whom?"

Captor Lee nodded, then looked at the young man before him and sighed. He patted Jia Jiucheng's shoulder and said, "Mourn with dignity, adapt to the changes. Even though old Jia is no longer with us, life must go on. Considering your hardships, I've spoken with the County Magistrate, and you're to take a few days off. Once you've settled old Jia's affairs, you can return to the Prefecture Yamen. No need for thanks!"

Jia Jiucheng nodded, feigning a hint of gratitude on his face. Before he could utter another word, someone else arrived to pay their respects. He stepped out of the side room and into the main hall to bow and express his thanks to the visitor, a man dressed in lustrous silk garments.

The memorial hall was modest in size, spanning just over twenty square meters. In places, the paint had peeled away, exposing the underlying yellow bricks in a patchwork of white and yellow, giving the space a stark and humble appearance.

Against the north wall stood a grey coffin. In front of it, a white candle flickered amidst an array of offerings. A white cloth banner hung from the beam above, and the only thing missing to complete the somber tableau was a black and white photograph—a luxury not available in this society reminiscent of ancient feudal China.

At fifteen, Jia Jiucheng was the picture of youthful beauty, with bright eyes and a delicate complexion that made his mourning attire seem all the more poignant. There's an old saying that to appear beautiful, one must dress in filial piety. On this striking young man, the adage held true.

Today marked the first day of the wake, and already, no fewer than fifty individuals from Dingyuan County had come to offer incense and pay homage to Jia Yong. For a Captor who had toiled for decades and earned a mere two fine silver a month, the turnout was extraordinary.

Among the distinguished mourners, some were well-informed, like those from the county government. They arrived with faces etched in sorrow, their condolences seemingly heartfelt. Yet humans are peculiar creatures, capable of feigning sincerity with ulterior motives in mind.

"Alas, this world is full of so much injustice and suffering!" Jia Yong lamented.

Hailing from Qing River Prefecture's Dingyuan County, Jia Yong was the sole heir of a long line of farmers. His forebears had toiled the land for generations, but Jia Yong had managed to break the mold. By providing valuable intelligence to the county officials conducting covert investigations, he earned a position in the Prefecture Yamen as a temporary worker.

Years of service, coupled with his honest and straightforward nature, endeared him to the County Magistrate, who promoted him to a full-fledged Captor. Through the matchmaking efforts of a local go-between, Jia Yong married the daughter of an impoverished scholar from the county. The union of the fair and radiant young woman to a rough man who couldn't read a word was the envy of many in the county—a true success story of a farmer's rise.

After Jia Jiucheng's promotion, the new County Magistrate, Lord Lee, doubted Jia Yong's loyalty, as he wasn't one of his own appointees. The old adage "New ruler, new officials" held true, and Jia Yong remained a lowly captor for over a decade.

Life might have been unremarkable but content for Jia Yong, had fate been kinder. Tragically, Jia Jiucheng's mother, Lee Xiangru, passed away, and soon after, Jia Yong met his own untimely end.

Recently, bandits from Gale Stronghold descended from Nine-form Mountain, targeting the County Yamen. For reasons unknown, they harbored a grudge against Jia Yong, pursuing him into the Yamen and attacking him. In self-defense, Jia Yong killed two of the attackers but was ultimately slain by their comrades.

The other captors, paralyzed by fear, remained silent during the attack. In the aftermath, the County Magistrate praised Jia Yong's bravery and posthumously promoted him to an honorary captor. Jia Jiucheng, in an extraordinary move, was allowed to follow in his father's footsteps and become a captor at the County Yamen.

Of the fifty or so individuals who came to honor Jia Yong, many were there out of respect for the County Magistrate or to remember a "hero." Otherwise, the death of a mere captor might have gone unnoticed.

For Jia Jiucheng, the loss of his father left him utterly alone in the world, with no family to turn to. Without any skills in farming, his future seemed bleak. Thankfully, his new role as a captor at the Prefecture Yamen provided him with a means to survive, sparing him from a destitute fate.

At the memorial service, it was the neighbors who offered their support to Jia Jiucheng. Mrs. Wu, who ran a bun stall, Mr. Lee the blacksmith, Mr. Liu, a former student of Jia Jiucheng's grandfather, and Mr. Yang Hongye, an accountant for festive and somber occasions, all stood by him. Seeing Jia Jiucheng in tears, they too were deeply moved by the young man's sorrowful plight.

Outside the mourning hall, as the sky grew darker and it became apparent that no more visitors were coming to pay their respects, everyone began to pack up and leave. Before departing, Mrs. Wu handed Jia Jiucheng a small basket, gently patting his head with a look of concern.

"Here are some steamed buns I made for you. You must be feeling very sad, right? You can't go hungry while keeping vigil tonight. Don't hesitate to ask for anything, and if you need help, my door is always open to you."

Mrs. Wu, a humble village woman, had set up a stall earlier that day to sell her steamed buns. Jia Jiucheng was deeply moved by her genuine kindness and nodded in gratitude, his grip on the basket visibly tight.

Mr. Zhang, who sold fried rice and covered rice dishes at his stall, chimed in, "Can you cook for yourself? If not, feel free to come over to my place. The food might not be gourmet, but it'll definitely keep you full!"

"To be full" meant the world to someone who was truly starving.

"Thank you," Jia Jiucheng expressed sincerely.

Standing next to Jia Jiucheng, Mr. Liu stroked his black beard and pulled out a folded piece of white paper from his pocket, offering it to Jia Jiucheng.