Chapter 89: The Hermit of the Reed Marsh

“The Fragrant Sect?” Mei Qing’s eyes suddenly lit up at the sound of those three words, and he eagerly asked, “Is the Fragrant Sect here?”

“How could there not be? They’ve made quite a mess around here. But they’re powerful, and no one dares to provoke them,” the boatman shook his head, seemingly unwilling to say more.

Mei Qing had encountered similar responses all along his search for the Fragrant Sect. Everyone seemed deeply wary of them, unwilling to speak further.

Seeing the boatman’s reaction, Mei Qing no longer pressed for details, instead chatting casually with him. Before they knew it, the sun had already begun to set.

“The Fragrance Sect?” Suddenly hearing these three words, Mei Qing’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, “Is the Fragrance Sect here?”

“How could it not be? They’ve caused quite a stir. But they’re powerful, and no one dares to provoke them,” the boatman shook his head, seemingly unwilling to elaborate.

Mei Qing had been tracking the Fragrance Sect along his journey, and most of what he encountered was similar—people seemed to avoid discussing the sect deeply, as if it were taboo.

Seeing the boatman’s reluctance, Mei Qing didn’t press further and instead engaged in casual conversation. Unnoticed, the sun began to set.

By this time, more and more waterways appeared along the banks, each entrance densely lined with tall reeds, swaying in the breeze. Though it was already autumn, the reeds remained lush and green, their tips adorned with long tassels that danced in the wind. Light, fluffy reed seeds occasionally floated up, eventually settling on the water’s surface, creating patterns like woven designs.

The boatman docked the boat and pointed westward, “Sir, you can go up from here. Walk another two or three miles, and when you see people, ask around. Everyone knows Mr. Shi. I’ll be heading back now.”

Mei Qing thanked him, offering some loose silver, but the boatman refused, saying that since Mei Qing was here to see Mr. Shi, he was his guest. Eventually, Mei Qing insisted, saying it was for the boatman to buy wine for future visits, and the boatman finally accepted.

Mei Qing and Hou Shen disembarked, their legs still unsteady from the long boat ride, so they walked slowly. Willow trees lined the path, their branches swaying gently, while in the distance, the sea of reeds stretched endlessly. The autumn wind rustled through the reeds, adding a wild charm to the scene under the slanting sunlight.

“Hey! You two! What are you doing here?” A crisp voice suddenly called out from the reeds.

Mei Qing and Hou Shen looked up to see a small inlet where a boat was moored. A tall girl with bright, dark eyes stood at the bow, pointing at them. It was the sweet girl they had seen at the Sea View Pavilion.

Now closer, they could see she was about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a blue floral cloth dress, holding a long pole. She was as fresh as a lotus, naturally beautiful, though her face still carried a hint of annoyance from Mei Qing’s earlier bold smile at the pavilion.

“Oh, miss, my brother and I have come from the capital to visit Mr. Shi. We’re unfamiliar with the area and would appreciate your guidance,” Mei Qing said politely, ignoring her slight irritation.

Hearing that they were here to see Mr. Shi, the girl’s expression softened, and she blushed slightly, “Oh, you’re here for Mr. Shi. I thought you might be up to no good.” She quickly changed the subject, “I just saw Mr. Shi. Let me call someone to take you to him.”

She then called out into the inlet, “Er Xiao! Come out!”

A young boy emerged from the reeds, covered in mud, wearing a short jacket and barefoot, holding a reed string with several small fish.

“You’re still playing in the water after the fifteenth? You’ll catch a cold in your old age!” the girl scolded, pouring water from a gourd to wash his face and hands.

“Don’t worry, Sweet Sister. My mom says kids have three fires in their butts, so I’m fine,” the boy said, shaking his head and splashing water everywhere.

“You little rascal!” Sweet Sister laughed, tugging his ear. “You’re getting bold, aren’t you? Anyway, these guests are here to see Mr. Shi. I saw him fishing at Leek Gully. Take them there.”

“Alright,” Er Xiao said, tossing the fish into the boat. “Keep these for me. My mom’s been feeling unwell, so I caught these for her soup.”

“Those little leaves you call fish? I’ve got some real fish in my boat. I’ll take them to your mom later. Now, get going!”

Barefoot, Er Xiao led Mei Qing and the others along a path through the reeds, his feet treading the yellow soil without discomfort despite the autumn chill.

As they walked, Mei Qing casually asked about his family and daily life, but Er Xiao only chuckled, saying little. After a while, they warmed up, and Er Xiao began to talk more freely, especially about fishing.

The “fish” he mentioned earlier were actually large crucian carp, perfect for making soup. Er Xiao’s father had passed away, and he lived with his mother, who had been feeling unwell lately, so he had gone out to catch some fish for her.

As they walked, a large ditch appeared ahead, its dark waters flanked by reeds that bent low to the surface. A few willow trees hung their long branches into the water, where small fish swam and blew bubbles.

Nearby, a small thatched pavilion stood, where a figure sat with his back to them, wearing a large bamboo hat, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a large gourd of wine in the other. Occasionally, he would take a sip and sing:

“By the Parrot Isle I dwell, a fisherman who knows no letters. A small boat in the waves, sleeping through the misty rain of the south. Awakening to see the green hills at dusk, shaking off my green raincoat as I return. Once I blamed heaven, but now I see it has its plans.”

“Grandpa Shi’s singing again,” Er Xiao chuckled. “He always does this. I’ve even learned some of his songs.”

Mei Qing smiled, stopping Er Xiao from calling out. Instead, he stepped forward and sang:

“An old fisherman with a fishing rod, by the mountain cliff, beside the water’s edge. A small boat comes and goes without restraint. Seagulls dot the gentle waves, the reed port is desolate in the cold daylight. Singing a song as the sun sets, the waves shimmer with golden light, and suddenly the moon rises over the eastern hills.”

As the song ended, Mr. Shi stood up, applauding, “What a fine song! Are you two here to see this old fisherman?”

Mei Qing stepped forward respectfully, “I am Mei Qing, here to visit you, drawn by your reputation. This wild water, thatched pavilion, bamboo hat, and fishing line—truly, you have a refined taste.”

Mr. Shi laughed heartily, “This old fisherman is just a country bumpkin. But you, young man, have a remarkable air about you. It’s getting late, and I’ve had some luck today. Why not come to my humble home, cook some fish, share some wine, and talk through the night?”

Mei Qing smiled, “That’s exactly what I hoped for, but I didn’t dare to ask.”

Mr. Shi nodded, packing up his fishing gear, then turned to Er Xiao, “Er Xiao, what brings you here?”

“Grandpa Shi, Sweet Sister asked me to bring these guests to you.”

Mr. Shi smiled, “How’s your mother? Did she take the medicine I sent the other day?”

“Yes, she’s much better, just still has no appetite. Sweet Sister said she’d bring some big fish for her soup.”

Mr. Shi chuckled, “That girl’s about to have her big day, yet she’s still running around. Such a wild spirit.”

He then picked up his gear and said to Mei Qing and Hou Shen, “Country folk have no manners. I hope you’ll forgive us.”

Mei Qing took a closer look at Mr. Shi. He was tall and thin, slightly hunched, with a long face, narrow eyes, and a calm expression. His short beard and straightforward speech made him seem even taller.

They walked back along the path as the sun set, the sky ablaze with evening clouds. The endless reeds glowed golden in the sunset, creating a serene and warm atmosphere.

As they walked, Mr. Shi and Mei Qing chatted casually, discussing poetry and the simple life of fishermen. Mei Qing’s vast knowledge and fresh perspectives impressed Mr. Shi greatly.

Mr. Shi, in turn, struck Mei Qing as different from the typical scholar. Though his poetry had an ancient style, he had a childlike heart, speaking without pretension, more like a humble village elder, yet with a refined and elegant simplicity.

The two shared a smile, feeling a deep sense of mutual understanding.

By now, the red sun had dipped below the village’s rising smoke, and small fishing boats were returning to the harbor. As they reached the village entrance, they saw a peddler under a large willow tree, shaking a rattle and calling out his wares.

Mr. Shi called the peddler over, bought a bag of candied melon seeds, and handed it to Er Xiao, “Thank you for guiding my guests today. This is for you.”

Er Xiao grinned, “Grandpa Shi, you’re always giving me treats. My mom said I shouldn’t keep taking your things.” But his eyes couldn’t help but glance at the bag of candy, and he swallowed hard.

Mr. Shi bent down, tweaking Er Xiao’s nose, “Just don’t tell your mother! If she finds out, say I bought it for myself but found it too hard to chew, so you’re helping me out. She won’t scold you then.”

Er Xiao rubbed his nose, chuckling sheepishly, “Thanks, Grandpa Shi. Don’t tell my mom, okay?” He took the candy and ran off happily.

The boatman brought the boat to the shore and pointed westward, saying, “Sir, you just go up this waterway, walk another two or three miles, and ask around when you see people. Everyone knows Master Shi. Old man here will now head back.”

Mei Qing thanked him, took out some loose silver coins, and offered them to the boatman. The boatman said that since he had come to visit Master Shi, he was his guest, and refused to accept the money. Finally, Mei Qing said that he was asking the boatman to buy wine in advance, so that when Master Shi needed the boat in the future, he could drink heartily, and considered it payment for the wine. Only then did the boatman accept it.

Mei Qing and Hou Shen disembarked. Because they had sat on the boat for so long, their legs felt unsteady as they walked, so they didn’t move quickly. On both sides of the path, willows swayed gently, their branches fluttering, while in the distance, the reed fields still stretched endlessly. With the autumn wind blowing, the reeds rustled, adding more rustic charm under the slanting rays of the setting sun.

“Hey! You two. What exactly are you doing here?” Just as the two were walking, a crisp voice suddenly rang out from the reed marsh.

Mei Qing and Hou Shen looked up and saw that beside them in the reeds was a small creek bend, where a small boat was moored. At the bow stood a tall girl, her big black eyes staring at the two of them as she asked, none other than the sweet girl they had seen at the Wanghailou.

Now closer than they had been at the restaurant, the two could clearly see that the girl was about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in a blue-flowered cotton dress. Holding a long pole, she stood at the boat’s bow, truly like a lotus blooming in clear water, naturally beautiful. Yet perhaps because she had seen Mei Qing laugh rudely at her in the Wanghailou, she seemed somewhat displeased, and now her pretty face still carried a hint of anger.

“Oh, young lady,” Mei Qing was unfazed by the girl’s slight anger and politely said, “My brother and I have come all the way from the capital, especially to visit Master Shi. We’re just unfamiliar with the way and hope you can point us in the right direction.”

Hearing that Mei Qing had come to visit Master Shi, the girl’s expression immediately relaxed, and then she looked slightly embarrassed. “So you’re here to see Master Shi. I thought you might not be good people.” As soon as she said it, she felt her words were too blunt, her face slightly flushed, and she quickly changed the subject. “I just saw Master Shi earlier. Let me call someone to guide you there.”

With that, she stretched her voice and shouted toward the deeper part of the creek bend: “Xiao’er! Come out quickly!”

In response to the girl’s shout, a half-grown boy came out from the reeds while answering. This little fellow was covered in mud from head to toe, half-wearing a short coat, barefoot, and holding a reed stalk with seven or eight small fish strung on it.

“You’re still daring to go into the water after the fifteenth! Just wait until you get old and suffer from rheumatism in your legs!” Seeing him, the sweet girl grabbed him and took a dipper of water from the cabin, washing his face and feet while scolding him.

“Don’t worry, Sweetie Sister,” the boy shook his head, splashing water everywhere, and said nonchalantly, “My mom says kids have three fires on their butts, so I’m warm enough.”

“Stupid kid sleeping on a cold kang, you’re just full of fire!” Sweetie laughed, scolding him while pulling his ear. “You dare to argue with me now, huh? You’ve gotten more capable, haven’t you! Well then, here’s a task for you. These are some distant guests who’ve come to see Master Shi. I saw Master Shi fishing at the leek ditch earlier. Take these guests to find him.”

“Sure thing,” Xiao’er casually threw the string of fish into the boat cabin and said, “Keep these fish for me. My mom said she’s had no appetite lately and doesn’t feel like eating, so I caught these few crucian carp to make soup for her to clear her palate.”

“Give it a rest, those few little fish the size of poplar leaves, you call them crucian carp? I’ve got some big ones in my cabin. I’ll give them to your Auntie Fourth when I go over there. Now go on, lead the way!”

Barefoot, Xiao’er led Mei Qing and the others along a small path through the reed fields. His bare feet stepped on the yellow earth, showing no signs of discomfort despite the autumn season.

As they walked, Mei Qing casually asked him about his family and what he usually did, but Xiao’er only laughed and didn’t say much. After a while, they gradually became more familiar, and he started talking about fishing and catching shrimp, becoming more relaxed and talkative.

It turned out that the “crucian carp” Xiao’er had mentioned earlier referred to larger fish. Crucian carp soup was the most appetizing. Xiao’er had lost his father from a young age and was raised by his mother alone. These past few days, his mother had been feeling unwell with her appetite, so he had come out to catch a few crucian carp to prepare soup for her.

As they were talking, a large ditch appeared ahead. The water was deep and dark, and the reeds on both banks bent low, almost touching the water’s surface. There were also a few willow trees, their long branches drooping into the water, attracting small fish to swim and bubble around them.

Not far from there, there was a small grass pavilion, where a figure was sitting with his back to them. He wore a large conical hat, one hand resting on a fishing rod and the other holding a large wine gourd. Occasionally, he would raise the gourd for a light sip, then put it down and sing leisurely:

“I live by the parrot isle, a fisherman who doesn’t know how to read, drifting on the waves like a single leaf in a boat, sleeping through the misty rain of Jiangnan.

When I wake, the mountains are dark green before my eyes, and I shake off the green reed cloak and return.

I reckon I’ve wrongly blamed heaven before, but it has its plans for me too.”

“Grandpa Shi is singing again,” Xiao’er chuckled. “Every time I see him, he’s like this. I’ve even learned some of the lyrics.”

Mei Qing couldn’t help but smile, then stopped Xiao’er, who was about to call out, with a gesture. He stepped forward a few paces and called out loudly:

“Old fisherman, with one fishing rod,

Leaning against a mountain cliff, beside a bay;

A small boat comes and goes without restraint.

Flocks of gulls skim the gentle waves afar,

And in the reed port, the autumn daylight chills with rustling sounds,

Singing a song in the evening sun.

In an instant, golden shadows ripple on the water,

Suddenly looking up, the moon rises over the eastern mountains.”

As the song ended, the figure of Master Shi was already standing, clapping and exclaiming, “What a wonderful line—’A small boat comes and goes without restraint!’ Esteemed guests, are you perhaps seeking out this old bamboo pole?”

Mei Qing respectfully stepped forward and bowed. “I am Mei Qing. Hearing of your esteemed reputation, I specially came to visit. Wild waters, thatched huts, bamboo hats, and fishing lines—indeed, you have a refined taste.”

Shi Mengzhu laughed heartily. “This old bamboo pole is just a country old man who likes to fish. Where would I get such refined tastes? But I see that the young sir has a clear and unusual appearance, and speaks eloquently. That’s quite rare. Besides, today I’ve had some luck, and it’s getting late. Why don’t you come to my humble home, and we can cook the fish, drink some wine, and chat the whole night through?”

Mei Qing smiled and said, “That’s exactly what I would like, though I wouldn’t dare to ask.”

Master Shi nodded with a smile, packed up his fishing gear, and then asked Xiao’er, “Xiao’er, how did you end up here?”

Xiao’er replied, “Grandpa, I met Sweetie just now, and she asked me to guide these guests over.”

Master Shi nodded with a smile and asked again, “Is your mother feeling better? Did you take the medicine I sent two days ago on time?”

Xiao’er nodded, saying, “Yes, Mom is much better now, but she still doesn’t have much taste. Sweetie said she has some big crucian carp, and she’ll give them to Mom for soup.”

Master Shi laughed and said, “That girl won’t stay quietly at home even though her big day is coming soon. She’s just too wild.”

With that, he picked up his fishing gear and stood up, then smiled at Mei Qing and the others, saying, “We country folks are rough in our speech and behavior. Please forgive us for our lack of manners.”

Only now did Mei Qing get a close look at Master Shi. He was thin, very tall, even taller than Mei Qing by half a head. He wore a fisherman’s coat, his waist slightly bent, his face long, with narrow eyes and a calm expression, a short beard. When he spoke, he stood straight, appearing even taller.

The group then walked back along the path they had come. The sun was about to set, the sky filled with evening glow. The setting sun illuminated the endless reed fields around them, like a golden bay, exuding an indescribable sense of peace and warmth.

On the way, Master Shi and Mei Qing exchanged a few casual words, discussing poetry and chatting about fishing and woodcutting. Mei Qing was naturally well-read and had an excellent memory, his knowledge vast enough to rival ten thousand scrolls. More importantly, his insights were refreshingly free of clichés, his conversation lively and unrestrained, which delighted Master Shi immensely.

Master Shi also left a different impression on Mei Qing compared to ordinary scholars. Although his poetic style was ancient, his demeanor was filled with childlike innocence. His conversation was free of any pretentiousness, instead being as simple and honest as a village elder, yet refined and elegant.

The old and young men exchanged glances and smiles, both feeling a deep sense of mutual understanding.

At this moment, the red sunset had already sunk beyond the distant village, where curling smoke rose from chimneys. At the small bay outside the village, boat after boat was returning to the shore. Mei Qing and the others had already reached the village entrance, where beneath a towering ancient willow tree stood a peddler, carrying a pole with goods on both ends, shaking a small drum as he called out to sell his wares.

Seeing him, Master Shi beckoned the peddler over, took out a few coins, bought a bag of sugared melon seeds for Xiao’er, and said, “Today, Xiao’er has helped guide my guests, so this bag of sweets is a reward for you.”

Xiao’er grinned and said, “Grandpa Shi is buying me more treats again. Last time, my mom scolded me for it, saying I shouldn’t always be taking things from you.” As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance at the bag of candy, swallowing hard.

Master Shi bent down and pinched Xiao’er’s nose, saying, “Just don’t tell your mom, okay! Even if she finds out, you can say Grandpa bought it because he wanted to eat, but they were too hard for him to chew, so you helped Grandpa eat them. Then your mom won’t scold you.”

Xiao’er rubbed his nose, slightly embarrassed, chuckled, and said, “Alright, Grandpa Shi, you mustn’t tell my mom, thank you!” Then he took the candy from Master Shi’s hand and ran off joyfully.