Leaving in August, arriving in September,
Riding from Luzhou to Bozhou on horseback.
The slender lake of Bozhou in the East Yue region is renowned across the land—its tribute-worthy lake stones are unparalleled, its autumn crab feasts are legendary, and winter boat rides to admire the snow are yet another marvel. The lakeside banquets have thus become the preferred gathering for scholars to engage in refined discourse or for officials to host distinguished guests.
Located southwest of Fulong County, the slender lake boasts a long history of such banquets, now even serving as the official venue for county feasts. During provincial exams and festivals, the lake comes alive with music and lanterns every night. Gazing southwest from the city walls of Fulong County at midnight, the sight resembles a fiery dragon descending upon the world—a truly spectacular vision. Though far smaller than the famed Chun Shen Lake, also celebrated for its stones, the slender lake is delicate and enchanting, like a meticulously adorned maiden of modest origins, lacking grandeur but exuding a unique charm.
Dotted along its shores are over a dozen thriving temples and shrines, their incense smoke harmonizing with the lake’s beauty. Plum trees, though not dense, grace the lakeside, among which three ancient trees—Long Pan (Dragon Coil), Hu Ju (Tiger Perch), and Yuan Gong (Ape Bow)—are especially revered. The late literary giant of the Song family once praised them as the “Three Friends of the Slender Lake,” vowing to retire here and build a lakeside retreat. At the time, Bozhou’s officials and scholars pledged to rename the lake “Three Friends Lake,” sparking a fervent movement. Yet, as the Song family’s influence waned, so too did the enthusiasm for the name change.
Xu Baozao clamored to experience the famed lakeside banquets, even reciting flowery poetry to entice her companion. But Xu Fengnian remained unmoved, eventually snapping, “No money!”
The girl fell silent.
Hiring a carriage to Dongyue Sword Pool, they were accompanied by a spry, talkative old coachman. Xu Fengnian often left Xu Baozao alone in the carriage, preferring to chat with the well-traveled driver over shared wine. Their earthy, ribald conversations left the bookish Xu Baozuo flustered and excluded.
At one point, their route brought them close to the slender lake. Peering out the carriage window, Xu Baozao alternated between longing and frustration.
As dusk approached, Xu Fengnian suggested stopping at an inn rather than pressing on to Fulong County. The coachman, surprised, agreed after learning of Xu Fengnian’s interest in a lakeside art shop owned by the Ma family of Songyu County—reputed to house priceless paintings from northwestern noble houses.
Spotting the grand sign of “Plum Garden,” the coachman hesitated, fearing it might be a costly indulgence. But Xu Fengnian, undaunted, secured three modest rooms for a reasonable sum, though the coachman stubbornly refused his own, settling for the stable instead.
Leaving the coachman to rest, Xu Fengnian tipped a waiter for directions to the Ma family shop. The journey along the winding lakeside path took them past several temples, where Xu Baozao insisted on praying at every shrine, even begging Xu Fengnian for coins to offer.
Watching her kneel devoutly before a golden-armed Guanyin, Xu Fengnian stood in the shadowed hall as sunlight streamed through the door, illuminating her bowed figure. The soft chime of wind bells outside seemed to draw a faint, compassionate smile from the solemn goddess above.
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