Siheyuan: The romantic and suave Xu Damao

While Lou Xiao'e was buying pear water, Xu Damao quickly spread out a worn straw mat with nimble hands and feet. Then he gently and carefully took out several items from the space he carried with him and placed them neatly on the mat.

Of course, in order to avoid arousing suspicion from others, he deliberately went around to the basket behind the bicycle and pretended to take something. He went back and forth several times before giving up.

As usual, Xu Damao carefully placed the precious green pottery figurine of a yellow dog from the Han Dynasty in the most eye-catching place. Then, he hung a red lantern in front of the stall, took out two small and exquisite stools, sat down leisurely, and quietly waited for customers to come.

"Here you go. I waited in line for a long time to get this! The Sydney water jars in this store are bigger than those in other stores."

At this moment, Lou Xiao'e came slowly with two porcelain cups filled with snow pear water in her hands. She walked lightly to Xu Damao's side, handed him one of the cups, and then sat down next to Xu Damao without hesitation.

"While there are no customers yet, tell me about those strange copper coins and that brass box. Didn't you say before that it was some kind of magical tool?" Lou Xiao'e asked, blinking her bright and curious eyes and staring at Xu Damao.

"Well, since you want to hear it, I'll tell you briefly. In my opinion, this brass box itself doesn't have much economic value, but for certain people, it may be a priceless treasure."

"Why is this happening?" Lou Xiao'e continued to ask, blinking her eyes that were as clear as water and full of doubt.

"Because this is a magical tool that is only used during rituals! Look carefully at the inscription on the back of it. Isn't it quite similar to the talismans drawn on the talisman paper?"

"Uh...I...I've never seen any talisman paper before."

"Well, you must have heard of some things that can ward off evil spirits, right? Like black dog blood, rooster blood, black donkey hooves, etc."

"Well, I know this. I often hear such things from the elderly. Could it be that this brass box is related to them?"

"Hey, isn't that right? This box is a container specifically used to hold the black dog blood and other things that everyone often mentions. Do you think there is any connection?"

"Oh! So that's how it is. Now I understand. So what are those so-called mountain ghost coins?"

"Let me first tell you about the origin of this mountain ghost. In fact, the mountain ghost was originally a mountain god, but because he failed to obtain the orthodox title from the Emperor of Heaven, he could only be called the 'mountain ghost'."

According to legend, this god is not only good at enforcing justice and eliminating evil for the people, but also shoulders the important task of protecting all kinds of creatures in the mountains and forests and the peace of this land, and jointly protects this land with good weather and good harvests. Out of respect and trust for him, local people hope to get his protection all the time, so they cast Shan Gong Fu Lu into coins and carry them with them.

"Take a quick look at these coins. Which dynasty do most of them come from?" Xu Damao said as he took out a few mountain ghost coins from his arms and handed them to Lou Xiaoe for review.

"How would I know? Didn't you say before that most of them originated from the Ming and Qing dynasties?" Lou Xiao'e responded after taking the mountain ghost coins.

"That's right! The Ming and Qing dynasties were indeed the period when Shan Gui coins were widely circulated. At that time, many people would hang them on the brim of their hats or make them into waist pendants and tie them around their waists. On the one hand, this was because the coin had a unique and exquisite appearance and could be used as a beautiful decoration; on the other hand, it was believed that it had the effect of suppressing evil spirits and exorcising ghosts. So what was the purpose of these Shan Gui coins?"

"One is to resolve unpleasant things. If you observe carefully, you will find that when you spend money, it contains many auspicious signs and good meanings."

"It can dispel negative and bad energy, the so-called evil force, thereby eliminating all kinds of unsatisfactory things in life and improving personal temperament and charm. The key is that copper coins have the characteristics of hardness and perseverance, which can effectively enhance the positive energy in our hearts!"

"The second reason is to boost wealth. This is undoubtedly the primary reason why most people choose to wear this kind of coin. Shan Gui coins are essentially a currency. Wearing them can effectively promote good fortune and attract a lot of money."

"The third is to bless peace and safety. The power emitted by the mountain ghost flower is like a solid shield that can withstand all bad luck and disasters."

"However, it should be noted that the mountain ghost coins that are usually purchased are just works of art. If you want to play its protective effect, you must also go through a blessing ceremony to inject energy before it can protect the wearer. However, for those antique coins that are very old, there is no need to baptize them again, because they have already gone through the baptism of time and have been endowed with mysterious powers."

"However, the Shan Gui coin is very inclusive and can be worn by anyone, young or old, regardless of gender. Generally speaking, it is more suitable for people who frequently go to hospitals, funeral homes, slaughterhouses, etc., or who often walk at night, travel or go on business trips, or who are particularly sensitive and prone to trouble."

"Of course, once you have decided to wear it, you need to always keep it by your side to protect yourself. Do not easily let others touch what you wear, because everyone's aura is different. Once it is interfered by others' aura, the energy of the mountain ghost flower may no longer be pure."

"In addition, the blessed items must not be stained with water, and... um... they should not be worn during sex..."

"When Xu Damao said this, he couldn't help but look embarrassed and stole a glance at Lou Xiao'e. She opened her eyes wide and pretended to be at a loss, but the two blushes on her cheeks ruthlessly exposed her true thoughts."

"So Damao, we have to wear such a coin. After all, we often go out to the ghost market in the middle of the night to do business!"

"And you always ride your bike around the world to show movies, so you need to wear one."

Lou Xiao'e interrupted and calmly changed the subject.

"Xiao E is right. The night is too dark. Look at the words engraved on this coin: 'Thunder and lightning, kill ghosts and subdue spirits; slay demons and ward off evil spirits, and keep your mind clear forever'. Next time I go to the gold shop to get the two tiger teeth back, I'll ask the owner to make these two mountain ghost coins into ornaments. How about we each get one?"