Ten Thousand Soul Banner: Deceased, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?-Chapter 1048 - 1044: Wu Yugu

The expert Shen Siyuan was planning to visit was named Wu Yugu.

This elderly scholar, having spent a lifetime immersed in the vast sea of ancient script research, was a disciple of the famous Chinese oracle bone scholar, historian, and archaeologist Hu Houxuan, deeply grasping the essence of scholarly pursuit.

Mr. Wu’s research field was primarily focused on oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions, with a secondary focus on bamboo and wooden slips from the Warring States, Qin, and Han periods. In particular, he poured his lifetime’s energy into the interpretation and examination of oracle bone script, achieving remarkable results and filling many gaps in the academic world.

In addition, he made indelible contributions to the organization and interpretation of precious unearthed documents such as the Ma Wangdui Silk Books and the Guodian Chu Bamboo Slips, and is recognized within the industry as a person of great authority.

Unfortunately, time shows no mercy. Wu Yugu, at the age of eighty-six this year, was no longer as spry as he once was; long trips were beyond his capability.

This is why, despite Ruan Xiangqian sparing no effort in utilizing his contacts and offering a handsome reward, he was unable to persuade the esteemed scholar to personally travel to Bin Hai.

The late July weather in Xiajing was typically the hottest and most sultry time of year, but fortunately, a sudden rain last night extinguished some of the heat.

With the morning breeze caressing his face, carrying a hint of coolness, it was quite refreshing.

After breakfast, Wu Yugu, as usual, set out leisurely to stroll in the nearby park with his three essentials: backpack, water cup, and small folding stool.

The park was full of elderly people exercising in the morning, most of whom were familiar old acquaintances. Whenever they met, they would stop to chat about family matters and current affairs.

For him, this was the best form of entertainment at present.

As one grows old, like a lamp running out of oil, the once tireless energy for researching has long faded, and all that can be done now is a leisurely walk and chat to pass the remaining time.

As he watched the sun gradually rise, the sunlight penetrated through the branches, casting mottled shadows on the ground. The temperature slowly climbed, and people in the park gradually became sparse.

Wu Yugu packed up his three essentials and prepared to return home.

"Off we go, back home."

He muttered as he carried his things, walking at a steady pace.

His spouse had passed early, and his children had their families and careers, all not around.

However, the children were quite filial, frequently bringing things to visit him and even hiring a nanny to care for his daily needs.

Nanny Aunt Cai wasn’t top-notch in cooking, but she was down-to-earth and diligent, with quick hands and feet. Both Wu Yugu and his children were very satisfied, and she’s been there for many years.

"At this time, Aunt Cai is likely busy in the kitchen preparing lunch."

Thinking to himself, Wu Yugu slowly walked home along the tree-lined path.

His home wasn’t far from the park, just about a ten-minute walk.

A gentle breeze rustled the tree branches, and the noon sun gradually emitted some scorching heat.

As he walked, a withered leaf lightly fell at his feet, and bending down, he picked it up.

The leaf’s edges were jagged, with many worm-eaten holes and intricately winding patterns that surprisingly resembled peculiar scripts.

Squinting his eyes, he examined it closely for a moment, murmuring, "These patterns... look somewhat like bird seal script."

Holding the leaf, Wu Yugu continued to meander forward leisurely.

After a few steps, he looked up and saw a tall, young man standing under the tree shade ahead, smiling at him.

"Who are you...?"

Wu Yugu furrowed his brows slightly, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes as he didn’t recognize the young man.

"Hello, sir."

The young man stepped forward with a respectful and courteous demeanor.

"My surname is Shen, and my name is Shen Siyuan. Someone should have contacted you yesterday, saying I would come to visit today."

Shen Siyuan always held deep respect for scholars who dedicated their lives to studying a single focus, speaking with great respect.

"Oh, right, right!" Wu Yugu clapped his forehead and suddenly smiled.

"Look at my memory, I completely forgot about this."

"I apologize for any intrusion today," Shen Siyuan chuckled lightly.

"Oh, there’s no need to talk about intrusions or not,"

Wu Yugu waved his hand, speaking cheerfully, "Since I promised, I should do my best."

In fact, at his age, he was no longer concerned about mundane affairs, and money was no longer the primary reason he agreed to take on this "private engagement."

Firstly, it was hard to refuse the introducer’s plea.

Secondly, it was also his intrinsic obsession with ancient scripts. Having dealt with these ancient characters all his life, he couldn’t help but feel curious and delighted whenever he heard about rare or difficult ancient scripts.

"Shall we find a quiet place to sit down and talk?"

Shen Siyuan looked around, the morning’s comfort had long vanished, while the traffic and noise on the roads made it unsuitable for conversation.

"You’re right, you’re right."

Wu Yugu nodded repeatedly, "Let’s go directly to my home for it is quiet there."

"Wouldn’t it be too much of an inconvenience?" Shen Siyuan hesitated slightly.

"It’s no bother, really." Wu Yugu waved his hand, "At home, it’s just me and Aunt Cai, not many people, and besides, if we need to check information, home would be more convenient. By the way, have you brought the item you wanted me to see?"

"Yes, I’ve brought it," Shen Siyuan nodded.

"What is it? Could you show me a glimpse of it first, so I have some idea?"

Wu Yugu’s curiosity was piqued, and his fingers lightly moved around the leaf he was holding.

However, Shen Siyuan smiled slightly, shaking his head, said, "This place isn’t very convenient; it’s better to look at it in your home."

Seeing his prudence, Wu Yugu’s interest grew even stronger.

If it made the young man take it so seriously, it must be extremely precious and rare.

He asked no further, nodding: "Very well, then follow me."

Saying so, the two of them, one in front of the other, meandered along the path towards the nearby residential building.

Logically speaking, with Wu Yugu’s reputation and status, he wouldn’t be in financial straits, but the place he lived was just an ordinary old residential building.

The walls showed wear, the handrails in the hallway had years of use marks, the facilities within the building exuded an aged aura from years of sedimentation, and even the room’s furnishings mostly stayed in the styles of the 1980s and 90s, with wooden cabinets, rattan chairs, and white porcelain tea cups, embodying a nostalgic feeling that was out of place with the fast-paced current life.

"This was the house allocated by the school in earlier years, lived here for most of my life, and many facilities are outdated now."

Seeing the surprise in Shen Siyuan’s eyes, Wu Yugu smiled and waved it off, his tone full of calmness.

"I actually think it’s nice here," Shen Siyuan smiled genuinely, "it’s a quiet haven amidst the clamor, and it’s rare to have such green views."

This was not mere flattery. The complex’s landscaping was done exceptionally well, with lush, old trees, and lawns in public spaces, and each ground-floor household had gardens with flowers and plants.

Creeping vines covered the weathered garden walls, pink roses climbed along the fences freely, and golden cosmos flowers danced gracefully in the wind. Walking through was like traversing a secret garden hidden in the city.

At these words, the smile on Wu Yugu’s face grew deeper, the wrinkles around his eyes relaxing: "Most of those living here are old folks like me, either former school colleagues or retirees from governmental offices. When you’re old and can’t handle much else, you just enjoy tending to some flowers and plants to pass the time."

Understanding dawned on Shen Siyuan.

Thinking along those lines, this seemingly rundown complex must be full of hidden talents, and those residing in these old college welfare apartments were none other than academically seasoned predecessors?

Such a rich and profound place, despite its aged exterior, held a value incomparable to ordinary high-end complexes.

However, these thoughts flashed briefly and had nothing to do with his purpose for visiting.

As they chatted casually, they arrived at Wu Yugu’s door without realizing it.

Wu Yugu lived on the second floor, not a small area, at least eighty to ninety square meters, but it appeared quite crowded due to several bookshelves large and small filling the space, packed with all kinds of books.

Seeing Wu Yugu return, a slightly plump auntie came forward to greet him.