When the villagers of Xiushan Village learned that Zhang Enpu not only had the ability to subdue zombies but could also read land formations and tell fortunes, they were astonished and gazed at him with admiration.
This invisible attention might have been the greatest reward he received. Yes, this old Taoist priest, who had wandered and struggled through life, finally gained fame.
Although he refused the dowry offered by the Zhao family, the resulting advertising effect brought him more opportunities to earn a living. It was indeed a clever and strategic move by a wise old man, which greatly impressed Liu Dashao.
“Master, I think you’re being too noble for your own good. Why did you refuse the dowry money from Zhao Shan? Look at us now—we only have one yuan left! We can’t even afford daily expenses. Ugh, and by the way, was what you said last time about someone dying in the southeast direction true? Why hasn’t anything happened yet?” Seeing the old man seemingly accomplish nothing, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but tease him.
After hearing this, Zhang Enpu didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled and said, “Dashao, it’s understandable that you doubt my abilities, but doubting my skills in feng shui and geomancy deserves a spanking! When have I ever lied to you? Xiang Yu’s defeat at Jiangdong was due to timing and fate. Without destiny on your side, why rush things?”
Liu Dashao still looked unconvinced, “But you should at least give me a clearer idea. Can you tell me exactly which day it will be? If you can predict it accurately, I’ll truly respect you forever, okay?”
Zhang Enpu smiled slightly, “Hmph, I’ve spent half my life traveling and mastering these arts—what use is your respect to me? If you try to trap me, I’ll deliberately refuse to cooperate.”
Liu Dashao walked over and began tickling Zhang Enpu under the armpits, “Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I’ll tickle you until you can’t stop laughing!”
Although Zhang Enpu usually maintained a refined and ethereal demeanor, he had always been extremely ticklish. Still, he tried to act as if nothing were happening, “No, I won’t tell you.”
Liu Dashao increased the pressure, “Are you going to tell me or not? I don’t believe that a cat accustomed to sneaking around won’t eat meat eventually. You’re bluffing!”
Unable to endure any longer, Zhang Enpu finally jumped away, laughing, and begged for mercy, “Alright, alright, you’re the winner. I’ll explain it to you. See that pine tree over there? Yes, the greenest one. When the largest branch beneath it withers, that’s when our business will arrive!”
Liu Dashao was taken aback and looked in the direction Zhang Enpu pointed. Indeed, not far away stood a pine tree matching his description, “Really? Any story behind it?”
Zhang Enpu flipped his sleeve and pointed at a distance, “The story is that it’s a ‘soul-summoning tree’!”
“A soul-summoning tree?” Liu Dashao had never heard of such a thing before.
Zhang Enpu nodded and explained, “That tree is located in the northeast direction. According to the Eight Trigrams, the northeast is known as the ‘Ghost Gate.'”
“The Ghost Gate is a place where yin energy gathers. Therefore, whenever anyone in Xiushan Village dies, this tree will react. North at the top, south at the bottom, west on the left, and east on the right. Whichever direction shows a reaction means someone has died there. I mentioned someone dying in the southeast, so all you need to do is watch for changes in the biggest branch pointing in that direction.”
After saying this, Zhang Enpu smiled proudly, “In real life, dogs and crows are considered spiritually sensitive animals. When dogs bark at night, it means someone has died and zombies might jump. When crows cry out of order, it means souls are scattering. However, most people don’t know that trees also possess spiritual sensitivity. In fact, such spiritually responsive trees exist all around us, but people simply don’t understand them.”
Liu Dashao’s eyes lit up, “Old man, you said the northeast direction is the ‘Ghost Gate’—is that the same concept as the Ghost Gate in residential feng shui?”
Zhang Enpu nodded, “Exactly the same. When building a house, one must pay special attention to the negative energy of the northeast Ghost Gate. Toilets and kitchens should not be placed in this position, or the house owner will suffer great misfortune.”
“What kind of misfortune? Is it the same as what’s described in ‘Secret Manual of Residential Feng Shui’?” Liu Dashao had recently studied many feng shui classics brought by Zhang Enpu and had become quite knowledgeable. He couldn’t resist showing off his newfound expertise.
Zhang Enpu replied, “Exactly. Do you remember?”
Liu Dashao recited fluently, “A toilet in the Ghost Gate brings illness and premature death to the master. A kitchen in the Ghost Gate causes the woman to suffer misfortunes.”
Zhang Enpu nodded, “That’s right. In today’s terms, if a toilet is built in the northeast Ghost Gate of a house, and metal and fire energies clash, the male head of the household will surely suffer from cirrhosis or liver cancer. If the kitchen is placed in the northeast direction, since the kitchen represents yin energy and femininity, the female head of the household will suffer from chronic illness. If metal and fire energies clash, the woman will definitely die from incurable uterine cancer.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but laugh, “You speak so convincingly, but I still wonder whether all this is true or not.”
Zhang Enpu smirked, “What has been passed down for thousands of years by our ancestors must have its reasons. Alright, since the weather is so pleasant today, let’s go outdoors and verify what’s written in the ‘Secret Manual of Residential Feng Shui.’ Let’s go!”
Liu Dashao replied happily, “You should have said so earlier! We should combine theory with practice. Otherwise, when will I ever understand?”
Zhang Enpu gently patted his head affectionately, “Ha, you clever little devil. Pick up the bag.”
“Okay!”
The two walked out of the house and followed the rural path downstream. Zhang Enpu said, “Recite something for me first. I want to check whether you’ve forgotten anything. Last time, I spared you from punishment because you hadn’t memorized it yet. But if you still can’t recite it this time, I won’t forgive you!”
Liu Dashao’s heart sank. Oh no, how could he remember so many verses? He usually got a headache just looking at books and often ended such refined mental activities by falling asleep. Stammering, he began:
“Residential and tomb sites share the same dragon,
But differ in methods of finding the right spot.
Tomb sites can be small and still work,
While houses require wide, flat terrain.
The courtyard must be grand enough to hold ten thousand horses,
With halls and pillars positioned first.
Eastern halls, western study rooms, and kitchens,
Courtyards, terraces, gardens, and fields.
Thirty-six roof ridges are divided,
Three hundred and sixty foundation stones positioned.
Wood, water, metal, and earth dragons bring good fortune,
But fire dragons are unsuitable for homes.
They can only be used for tomb sites,
And sharp peaks are not required,
Unlike tombs that seek elegant formations.
When discussing houses, start with the gate,
And avoid intersecting water in the courtyard.
Family disharmony begins from there…”
“Take these general principles as examples,
Further illustrations are detailed in diagrams.
Once you understand water flow,
Don’t place towers on top of houses.
Back halls and front halls can coexist,
But the hall shouldn’t overpower the main hall.
Side corridors can be arranged next,
With dragon and phoenix heads as guiding principles.
Avoid dark decorations in the central hall,
As darkness causes internal ailments.
If the longevity star doesn’t appear,
People die young. Beam pressure is also bad.
If people don’t raise their heads,
Many die young, and women become widows.
A well shouldn’t be straight,
As straightness brings killing energy.
If both sides open widely,
When the villagers of Xiushan Village learned that Zhang Enpu could not only subdue zombies but also read geomancy and fortunes, they were all amazed and looked at him with respect. This intangible attention was perhaps his greatest gain. Indeed, this wandering old Taoist had become famous.
Although he did not accept the dowry offered by the Zhao family, the advertising effect brought him more opportunities to make a living, which was a clever move by a wise man. This made Liu Dashao quite admire him.
“Master, I think you’re too foolish. Why did you refuse the dowry money from Zhao Shan? Look, now we only have one yuan left, and even daily expenses are difficult. Hey, is it true what you said last time about someone dying in the southeast direction? Why hasn’t it happened yet?” Seeing the old man’s efforts in vain, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but tease him.
Hearing this, Zhang Enpu smiled instead of getting angry: “Dashao, it’s understandable that you doubt my abilities, but doubting my feng shui skills deserves a spanking. When have I ever lied to you? Xiang Yu’s defeat in Jiangdong was a matter of fate. If the time hasn’t come, why are you in such a hurry?”
Liu Dashao’s face was full of disbelief: “But you should at least give me a specific date. If you can predict it accurately, I’ll be completely convinced, okay?”
Zhang Enpu smiled slightly: “Hehe, I’ve been around for half my life. What use is it for you to be convinced by me? If you set a trap, I won’t let you have your way.”
Liu Dashao walked over and pinched Zhang Enpu’s armpit: “Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I’ll tickle you to death!”
Although Zhang Enpu was used to being aloof, he was most afraid of being tickled. But he still held back and pretended to be indifferent: “No, I won’t tell.”
Liu Dashao increased the pressure: “Are you going to tell me or not? I don’t believe it. A cat used to stealing won’t stop eating meat. You’re full of it!”
Zhang Enpu finally couldn’t hold on any longer and jumped away, laughing and begging for mercy: “Alright, alright, you’re something. I’ll analyze it for you. Look, do you see that pine tree over there? Yes, the greenest one. When the largest branch under that tree withers, our business will come!”
Liu Dashao was stunned and looked in the direction Zhang Enpu pointed. Sure enough, there was a pine tree of the size he described not far away: “Really? Is there any story behind it?”
Zhang Enpu flipped his sleeve and pointed from afar: “The story is that the tree is a ‘Soul-Summoning Tree’!”
“A Soul-Summoning Tree?” Liu Dashao had never heard of this before.
Zhang Enpu nodded and explained: “The location of that tree is in the northeast direction of this area. According to the Eight Trigrams, the northeast is the ‘Ghost Gate’.”
“The Ghost Gate is where yin energy gathers. So, whenever someone in Xiushan Village dies, that tree will react. North, south, west, east—whichever side reacts, someone will die there. I said someone would die in the southeast direction, so you just need to watch the changes in the largest branch on the southeast side.”
After saying this, Zhang Enpu laughed triumphantly: “In real life, dogs and crows are quite spiritual animals. When dogs bark at midnight, people die and zombies jump. When crows caw randomly, souls scatter. But people don’t know that trees also have spiritual energy. In fact, such trees are everywhere around us, but people just don’t understand.”
Liu Dashao’s eyes lit up: “Old man, you said the northeast is the ‘Ghost Gate’. Is this ‘Ghost Gate’ the same as the one in yang house feng shui?”
Zhang Enpu nodded: “It’s the same. When building a yang house, you must pay special attention to the evil energy of the northeast ‘Ghost Gate’. Avoid placing the toilet or kitchen in this position, or the owner will face great misfortune.”
“What kind of misfortune? Is it like what’s described in the ‘Secret Principles of Yang Houses’?” Liu Dashao had been studying the feng shui ancient texts brought by Zhang Enpu and had gained some insights. The more he read, the more flexible his mind became. Now, he couldn’t help but show off what he had learned.
Zhang Enpu said: “Yes, do you remember?”
“I remember. If the toilet is in the Ghost Gate, the owner will die young. If the kitchen is in the Ghost Gate, the woman will suffer great misfortune.” Liu Dashao recited it fluently.
Zhang Enpu nodded: “Yes, from today’s perspective, if the toilet is built in the northeast Ghost Gate of the house and encounters the clash of metal and fire, the male owner will definitely suffer from fatal diseases like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. If the kitchen is built in the northeast, and the kitchen represents yin and femininity, the woman of the house will be sickly. If there’s a clash of metal and fire, the woman will die from uterine cancer.”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but laugh: “You talk so convincingly, but who knows if these things are true or not.”
Zhang Enpu’s lips curled: “The things passed down by our ancestors for thousands of years have their own reasons for existing. Alright, today is a fine day with a refreshing breeze. I’ll take you outside to verify the things mentioned in the ‘Secret Principles of Yang Houses’. Let’s go!”
Liu Dashao said happily: “You should have said so earlier. Theory should be combined with practice. Otherwise, how will I ever understand?”
Zhang Enpu patted his little head and said lovingly: “Heh, you little devil. Pack up.”
“Alright!”
The two walked out of the house and followed the small country road in front of their house downstream. Zhang Enpu said: “Recite it first, and I’ll check if you’ve forgotten. Last time you didn’t recite it, I spared you the pain. This time, if you can’t recite it, I won’t forgive you!”
Liu Dashao’s heart sank. Damn, how could I remember so many verses? I usually get dizzy just looking at books and often end up sleeping during such high-minded activities. He stammered:
“Yang houses and yin graves are no different, but the methods of finding the right spot vary in difficulty. Yin graves can be small and still usable, but yang houses need to be broad and flat. The main hall must be spacious enough to accommodate ten thousand horses, and the hall’s door and pillars must be positioned first. The east wing, west study, and kitchen, along with the courtyard, pavilion, and garden, must be arranged properly. Thirty-six lines divide the roof ridges, and three hundred and sixty determine the foundation positions. The four stars of water, wood, metal, and earth make for a lucky dwelling. Only the fire star is unsuitable and can only be used for yin graves. Sharp and bright stars are useless, unlike graves that seek elegance. When discussing the gate, first discuss the door. Water flowing in the courtyard must not cross. Family discord arises from this.”
“All these examples can be categorized, and there are diagrams to explain in detail. Once you understand the water flow, look at the house method. Do not place the building directly above. The back hall and front hall can still be arranged, but if the hall oppresses the main hall, it’s too much. The corridor can be arranged next, and the dragon and phoenix raising their heads is the method. The central hall should not be decorated with hidden views, as hidden views cause internal illness. If the longevity star does not appear, people will die young. If the beam presses the head of the beam, it’s also bad. If people do not raise their heads, many will die young, and women will be widowed young. The courtyard should not be shaped like the character ‘one’, as it brings little divine energy. The two sides should open up into one, like the character ‘person’ on both sides. This is called ‘sword-carrying water’, and it brings misfortune. Water flowing out from both sides and meeting in front, one going out and one shrinking, is called ‘crossing swords’ and also brings disaster. First lucky, then unlucky, it leads to disputes, financial loss, and injury. Ten or eight families living together, coming out and going in through the same gate. Waterways coming from both sides bring all misfortunes to the center. Two alleys are called ‘sword-drawing water’, and sword-drawing leads to reckless killing. Water flowing diagonally in the main hall is called ‘throwing a spear’. Behind the hall, there should be no running water, which is called ‘back spear’. Family discord and few descendants, wealth will inevitably decline. Do not open a door on the head of the Green Dragon, as it brings empty consumption and constant disputes. Men and women will be slandered for a long time. Do not open a door on the head of the White Tiger, as it brings death and injury. The evil name ‘devouring’ makes it hard to raise children, and women will often be sick in bed. If there is also a broken path, official disaster will come to the door. Uh… come to the door… come to the door…”
“Old man, I really can’t recite it anymore. It’s too long.” Liu Dashao racked his brains but couldn’t remember the next line. Afraid that Zhang Enpu would make him copy talismans again, he quickly put on a pitiful look and begged: “Master, you’re not really going to hit me this time, are you? I’m already so grown up. Can you give me some face?”
“I’m just teasing you. In fact, I can’t recite it either. We’re not stupid. We have books, so we can just look it up. Why bother? It’s not a written exam. Making you copy the ‘Old Deity Talisman’ is just a way to motivate you!” Zhang Enpu turned around and pointed to a house on the opposite hilltop: “Look, how do you think the people in that house are doing?”
Liu Dashao followed his finger and looked at the hilltop opposite. He saw a west-facing earthen house standing in front of him. Liu Dashao analyzed it with his shallow knowledge and was about to show off to Zhang Enpu when Zhang Enpu suddenly played a trick on him. While Liu Dashao wasn’t paying attention, he gave him a hard knock on the head and then ran towards the opposite hill: “If you don’t listen to the teacher, you deserve to be hit!”
Liu Dashao’s eyes widened, and he didn’t react for a while. By the time he came to his senses, Zhang Enpu was already halfway down the hill.
“Damn it, you old monkey, you big liar, fooling people. I didn’t expect someone so old to play tricks on a young man. You’re like the Jade Emperor doing a striptease—old and shameless. Be careful, next time I’ll fall for your tricks again. I’m forty-seven.”
At this moment, a voice echoed from the foot of the hill: “Dashao, come down quickly. Let’s go to the hilltop and see that household.”
Liu Dashao ran down the hill at full speed: “Take it easy, old man. If you die, who will teach me geomancy? I haven’t learned it yet. Wait for me!”
“Slow down, kid.” Seeing Liu Dashao flying down the hill like an arrow, Zhang Enpu was afraid something might happen and quickly stopped to wait for him.
It seems he still cares about me. For some reason, Liu Dashao’s heart suddenly felt a strange touch. When a person has been lonely for a long time, they are easily moved by simple acts of care.
He wiped his slightly moist eyes and stopped running, walking slowly to Zhang Enpu and saying: “I just looked. The household on the hilltop must be doing poorly because that place doesn’t even have the basic feng shui elements of being backed by a mountain and facing water. There’s a Green Dragon Mountain on the left, but a deep ditch on the right. Standing on the hilltop is like a temple, with no water to gather energy. It’s bad, definitely bad.”
This is called ‘Sword Water,’
Bringing misfortune and ill omen.
If water flows out from both sides and converges ahead,
When the villagers of Xiushan Village learned that Zhang Enpu could not only subdue zombies but also read geomancy and fortunes, they were all amazed and looked at him with respect.
This intangible attention was perhaps his greatest gain. Yes, this wandering old Taoist had become famous.
Although he didn’t accept the dowry from the Zhao family, the advertising effect brought him more opportunities to make a living, which was indeed a wise move of a seasoned expert. This made Liu Dashao quite admire him.
“Master, I think you’re too foolish, pretending to be so aloof. Why didn’t you take the dowry money Zhao Shan offered you? Look, now we only have one yuan left, and even daily expenses are a struggle. Hey, last time you said someone would die in the southeast direction—was that true? Why hasn’t anything happened yet?” Seeing the old man’s efforts seemingly in vain, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but tease him.
Zhang Enpu, instead of getting angry, smiled and said, “Dashao, it’s understandable that you doubt my abilities, but doubting my feng shui skills deserves a spanking. When have I ever lied to you? Xiang Yu’s defeat at Jiangdong was a matter of fate. If the time isn’t right, why are you in such a hurry?”
Liu Dashao’s face was full of disbelief: “But you should at least give people some concrete idea. If you can predict the exact day, I’ll be completely convinced, okay?”
Zhang Enpu chuckled, “Hehe, I’ve lived half my life, what use is it for you to be convinced by me? If you’re trying to trap me, I won’t let you have your way.”
Liu Dashao walked over and pinched Zhang Enpu’s armpit: “Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I’ll tickle you to death!”
Although Zhang Enpu was used to his immortal demeanor, he was most afraid of being tickled. Yet he held back, pretending to be unfazed: “No, I won’t tell you.”
Liu Dashao increased the pressure: “Are you going to tell me or not? I don’t believe it—a cat used to stealing fish won’t eat meat anymore? Nonsense!”
Zhang Enpu finally couldn’t hold back, laughing and jumping away, pleading with Liu Dashao: “Alright, alright, you’re something else. I’ll analyze it for you. Look, do you see that pine tree over there? Yes, the greenest one. When the largest branch of that tree withers, our business will come!”
Liu Dashao was stunned and looked in the direction Zhang Enpu pointed. Sure enough, there was a pine tree of the size he described not far away: “Really? Is there any story behind it?”
Zhang Enpu flipped his sleeve and pointed from afar: “The story is that the tree is a ‘Soul-Summoning Tree’!”
“A Soul-Summoning Tree?” Liu Dashao had never heard of such a thing.
Zhang Enpu nodded and explained: “That tree is located in the northeast direction of this area. According to the Eight Trigrams, the northeast is the ‘Ghost Gate.'”
“The Ghost Gate is where yin energy gathers. So, whenever anyone in Xiushan Village dies, that tree will react. North is up, south is down, west is left, and east is right. The side that reacts is where the death occurs. I said someone would die in the southeast direction, so you just need to watch the changes in the largest branch on the southeast side.”
After saying this, Zhang Enpu laughed triumphantly: “In real life, dogs and crows are quite spiritual animals. When dogs bark at midnight, zombies rise. When crows caw, souls scatter. But people don’t know that trees also have spiritual energy. In fact, such trees are all around us, but most people just don’t understand.”
Liu Dashao’s eyes lit up: “Old man, you said the northeast is the ‘Ghost Gate.’ Is this ‘Ghost Gate’ the same as the one in feng shui for yang dwellings?”
Zhang Enpu nodded: “It’s the same. When building a yang dwelling, you must be especially careful of the evil energy from the northeast ‘Ghost Gate.’ Avoid placing the toilet or kitchen in this position, or the owner will face great misfortune.”
“What kind of misfortune? Like those described in the ‘Secrets of Yang Dwellings’?” Liu Dashao had been studying the feng shui ancient texts Zhang Enpu brought, and with more reading, his mind had become sharper. Now, he couldn’t help but show off what he’d learned.
Zhang Enpu said, “Exactly, do you remember?”
“I remember. ‘If the toilet is in the Ghost Gate, the owner will die young. If the kitchen is in the Ghost Gate, the woman will suffer calamity.'” Liu Dashao recited it fluently.
Zhang Enpu nodded: “Yes, in modern terms, if the toilet is built in the northeast Ghost Gate of a house, and it clashes with metal and fire, the male owner will inevitably suffer from liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other fatal diseases. If the kitchen is built in the northeast, and the kitchen represents yin and femininity, the woman of the house will fall ill. If metal and fire clash, the woman will die of uterine cancer.”
Hearing this, Liu Dashao couldn’t help but laugh: “You sound so convincing, but who knows if this stuff is real or not.”
Zhang Enpu raised the corner of his mouth: “These things have been passed down by our ancestors for thousands of years. There’s a reason they exist. Alright, today the weather is nice and the wind is refreshing. I’ll take you outside and show you firsthand what the ‘Secrets of Yang Dwellings’ talks about. Let’s go!”
Liu Dashao happily said, “You should’ve said so earlier! This is how theory and practice should be combined. Otherwise, when will I ever understand?”
Zhang Enpu patted his little head affectionately: “Heh, you little devil, you’ve got it. Pack up.”
“Alright!”
The two walked out of the house and followed the rural path downstream. Zhang Enpu said, “First, recite it. I’ll check if you’ve forgotten. Last time you didn’t recite it, I spared you the punishment. This time, if you can’t recite it, I won’t forgive you!”
Liu Dashao’s heart sank. Oh no, how could I remember so many verses? I usually get dizzy just looking at books and often end up sleeping through such highbrow mental activities. He stammered:
“Yang dwellings and yin graves share the same principles, but the methods differ in difficulty. Yin graves can be small and delicate, but yang dwellings require broad and flat terrain. The courtyard must be spacious enough to hold ten thousand horses, and the hall’s pillars must be positioned first. The east and west wings, the kitchen, the garden, and the pavilion—all must be placed correctly. Thirty-six lines divide the roof ridges, and three hundred and sixty positions determine the foundation. The four stars of water, wood, metal, and earth make the dwelling auspicious. Only the fire star is unfavorable, suitable only for yin graves. Sharp angles are useless, unlike graves that seek elegance. When discussing the gate, first consider the gate. Water flowing in the courtyard must not cross. Family discord arises from this.”
“All these examples can be categorized, and there are diagrams to explain them in detail. Once you understand water flow, look at the house’s structure. Don’t place buildings directly above. The front and back halls can still be arranged, but if the hall oppresses the courtyard, it’s too much. Corridors can be arranged in order, but the dragon and phoenix must raise their heads. The central hall must not be dark, as darkness brings illness. If the longevity star doesn’t appear, people die young. If the beam presses the lintel, it’s also bad. People won’t rise, and many will die young. Women will be widowed in their prime. The courtyard must not be shaped like a straight line, as it lacks vitality. Openings on both sides should converge into one, like the character ‘人’ (person). This is called ‘sword water,’ and it brings misfortune. Water flowing out from both sides and converging in front, one flowing out and one shrinking, forms a long line. If it flows out like the character ‘人,’ it’s called ‘crossing swords,’ which also brings calamity. First auspicious, then inauspicious, leading to disputes, financial loss, and even injury. Ten or eight families living together, sharing the same gate and the same place. Waterways coming from both sides bring all misfortunes to the center. Two alleys are called ‘drawn sword water,’ and drawn swords lead to reckless killings. Water flowing diagonally in the courtyard is called ‘throwing spears.’ Behind the hall, there must be no stray water, as it’s called ‘backstabbing spears.’ Family discord and few descendants, wealth declining uncontrollably. Don’t open a gate on the green dragon’s head, as it’s called ‘reverse eating,’ leading to emptiness and waste. It also causes constant disputes, with men and women slandered for a long time. Don’t open a gate on the white tiger’s head, as it’s called ‘devouring,’ leading to death and injury. It’s hard to raise children, and women often fall ill. If there’s also a broken path, official troubles will come to the door. Uh… will come… will come…”
“Old man, I really can’t recite it anymore. It’s too long.” Liu Dashao racked his brain but couldn’t remember the next line. Afraid that Zhang Enpu would make him copy talismans again, he quickly put on a pitiful expression and pleaded, “Master, you’re not really going to hit me this time, are you? I’m already grown up. Can’t you give me some face?”
“I’m just messing with you. In fact, I can’t recite it either. We’re not stupid—we have the book. Just flip through it and it’ll be clear. Why bother? It’s not like we’re taking a written exam. Making you copy the ‘Laojun Talisman’ was just a way to motivate you!” Zhang Enpu turned around and pointed to a house on the opposite hilltop: “Look, how do you think the people in that house are faring?”
Liu Dashao followed his finger and looked toward the hilltop. He saw a west-facing earthen house standing before him. Using his rudimentary knowledge, he analyzed it briefly, ready to show off to Zhang Enpu. But Zhang Enpu suddenly played a trick on him. While Liu Dashao wasn’t looking, he gave him a sharp knock on the head and then ran toward the hill as fast as he could: “Not listening to the teacher deserves a beating!”
Liu Dashao’s eyes widened, and he didn’t react for a while. By the time he came to his senses, Zhang Enpu was already halfway down the hill.
“Damn it, you old monkey, you big liar, tricking people. I didn’t expect someone your age to play tricks on a young man. You’re like the Jade Emperor doing a striptease—old and shameless. Be careful, next time I’ll fall for your tricks again, I’m four books and fifty-seven.”
At this moment, an echo came from the hill: “Dashao, come down quickly. Let’s go to the hilltop and check out that house.”
Liu Dashao ran down the hill at full speed: “Take it easy, old man. If you die, who’s going to teach me feng shui? I haven’t learned it yet. Wait for me!”
“Slow down, kid.” Zhang Enpu, seeing Liu Dashao rushing down the hill like an arrow, worried something might happen, so he stopped and waited for him.
It seems he still cares about me. For some reason, Liu Dashao’s heart was suddenly touched. When someone has been lonely for a long time, they’re easily moved by simple acts of care.
He wiped his slightly moist eyes, stopped running, and walked slowly to Zhang Enpu, saying, “I just took a look. The people on the hilltop must be doing poorly because that place doesn’t even have the basic feng shui elements—no mountain behind and no water in front. There’s a green dragon mountain on the left, but a deep ditch on the right. Standing on the hilltop is like a temple, with no water to gather energy. It’s bad, definitely bad.”
Known as ‘Crossed Sword Water,’ also bringing misfortune.
Initially auspicious but later disastrous,
Bringing financial loss and violent injuries.
Ten families living together,
With the same entrance and courtyard.
Water flowing from both sides converges in the center,
All misfortunes gather there.
Two alleys are called ‘Sword-Extracting Water,’
Bringing murder and recklessness.
Water flowing diagonally from a kiln into the courtyard,
Is called ‘Gun Throwing’ by spirits.
Water flowing behind the hall is called ‘Back Gun.’
Family disharmony and few offspring,
Wealth declines uncontrollably.
Avoid opening on the Green Dragon’s head,
Known as ‘Reverse Eating,’ causing emptiness and loss,
Also bringing endless disputes,
With men and women suffering defamation over time.
Avoid opening on the White Tiger’s head,
As White Tiger’s mouth brings death and injury.
Known as ‘Devouring,’ making it hard to raise people,
With women often bedridden from childbirth.
If there’s also pedestrian interference,
Legal troubles will be unavoidable…”
“Old man, I really can’t remember the rest—it’s just too long.” Liu Dashao wracked his brain, trying hard to recall, but couldn’t remember the next line. Fearing Zhang Enpu would punish him by copying talismans again, he quickly put on a pitiful expression and begged, “Master, you’re not really going to hit me, are you? I’m grown up now—give me a break, okay?”
“I was just kidding with you. To be honest, I can’t remember it all either. We’re not stupid, right? Don’t we have books? Why not just look it up? There’s no written exam, after all. Making you copy ‘Laojun’s Talismans’ was just a motivational slogan!” Zhang Enpu turned around and pointed at a house on the mountaintop across from them, “Tell me, what do you think about the fortune of the people living in that house?”
Liu Dashao followed his finger and looked toward the mountaintop. There stood a house facing east, made of earthen walls. Using his basic knowledge, Liu Dashao was about to show off his analysis when Zhang Enpu suddenly played a trick on him. Taking advantage of Liu Dashao’s distraction, he gave him a sharp rap on the head and then sprinted toward the mountain, shouting, “Disobedience deserves punishment!”
Liu Dashao’s eyes widened in shock, unable to react for a moment. By the time he regained his senses, Zhang Enpu was already halfway down the mountain.
“Damn it, old monkey, you big fraud! Who would expect someone your age to pull a trick like this? You’re like the Jade Emperor performing a strip tease—old age doesn’t mean modesty! Just wait—you’ll regret this. If I fall for your tricks again, I’m a complete fool!”
From below the mountain came a reply, “Dashao, hurry down! Let’s go to the mountaintop and see that family.”
Liu Dashao quickly ran down the hill, “Take it easy, old man! You’re not young anymore. If you fall and break something, who will teach me feng shui? Wait for me!”
“Slow down, kid!” Seeing Liu Dashao rushing down the hill like an arrow, Zhang Enpu feared an accident and stopped to wait for him.
At that moment, for some inexplicable reason, Liu Dashao felt a strange emotional stir. When one has been lonely for too long, even the simplest care can easily move the heart.
He touched his slightly moist eyes, slowed his pace, and walked calmly to Zhang Enpu, saying, “I just took a look and I’m sure that family on the mountaintop must be suffering. That location lacks the most basic elements of ‘mountain behind, water in front.’ There’s a Green Dragon mountain on the left, but only a deep ditch on the right. Standing on a mountaintop is suitable for temples, not homes. Without water and exposed to wind, the energy can’t gather. It must be terrible—very terrible indeed.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage