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? It’s been causing quite a stir. But they’re powerful, so who dares to provoke them?” The boatman shook his head, seemingly unwilling to talk further.

Mei Qing had encountered similar responses throughout his search for the Fragrant Sect—everyone seemed deeply wary of them, reluctant to discuss the matter further.

Seeing the boatman’s reaction, Mei Qing didn’t press further but instead chatted with him about other topics. Before long, the sun had already begun to set.

By now, more and more waterways appeared along the banks, each lined with tall, lush reeds reaching over a person’s height. As far as the eye could see, the reeds stretched endlessly. Though it was already autumn, the reeds remained vividly green, their plumes growing up to a foot long, swaying gently in the breeze. Occasionally, light reed fluff floated into the air, eventually settling on the water’s surface in scattered patches, resembling intricate patterns woven into a tapestry.

The boatman steered the boat toward the shore and pointed westward. “Sir, you should head up this channel. Walk another two or three miles, and when you see people, ask about Master Shi. I’m heading back now.”

Mei Qing thanked him and offered some loose silver coins, but the boatman refused to accept them, saying that since he was here seeking Master Shi, he was his guest. In the end, Mei Qing convinced him by saying the money was for future drinks, so that when Master Shi needed the boat again, they could enjoy a toast together. Only then did the boatman accept the coins.

After disembarking with Hou Shen, Mei Qing walked slowly, still unsteady on his feet after the long boat ride. On both sides of the path, willows swayed gently, their branches drooping, while in the distance, the sea of reeds continued. With the autumn breeze blowing, the reeds rustled softly, adding a touch of rustic charm under the setting sun.

“Hey, you two! What do you think you’re doing here?” Just as the two were walking, a crisp voice suddenly rang out from the reed beds.

Mei Qing and Hou Shen looked up and saw a small cove beside the reeds where a small boat was moored. Standing at the bow was a tall young girl with large, bright eyes, pointing at them. It was Sweetie, the girl they had seen at Wanghailou.

Now closer than before, they could see her clearly. She appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a blue-flowered cotton dress, holding a long pole in her hand as she stood on the boat. She looked like a lotus blooming in clear water—naturally beautiful. Yet, perhaps still resentful of Mei Qing’s sudden laughter at the tavern, her pretty face carried a hint of displeasure.

“Excuse me, young lady,” Mei Qing politely replied, unfazed by her slight anger. “My brother and I have come from the capital especially to visit Master Shi. We’re unfamiliar with the way and would greatly appreciate your guidance.”

Upon hearing that Mei Qing was there to see Master Shi, Sweetie’s expression immediately softened. She then looked slightly embarrassed. “Oh, you’re here to see Master Shi? For a moment there I thought you might be up to no good.” Immediately realizing how blunt she had sounded, she blushed slightly and quickly changed the subject. “I actually saw Master Shi earlier. Let me call someone to guide you over.”

With that, she called loudly into the cove, “Erxiao! Come out quickly!”

In response to Sweetie’s call, a young boy emerged from the reeds, answering as he came. The boy was covered in mud from head to toe, wearing a half-torn short coat, barefoot, and holding a reed stem strung with seven or eight small fish.

“You’re still daring to swim after your fifteenth birthday? Just wait until you get old and suffer from rheumatism!” Sweetie scolded as she grabbed him, fetched a dipper of water from the boat, and began washing his face and feet.

“Sweetie Sister, don’t worry,” the boy replied, shaking his head and splashing water everywhere. “My mom says kids have three fires on their butts, so I’m fine.”

“Foolish boy sleeping on a cold kang—your fire’s the only one that’s strong!” Sweetie laughed, pinching his ear. “You dare to talk back to me now, huh? Well, I’ve got a task for you. These are visitors from far away, looking for Master Shi. I saw him fishing at the leek ditch earlier. Take them over.”

“Sure thing,” Erxiao said, tossing the string of fish into the boat. “These are for my mom. She’s been feeling stuffy in her chest lately and hasn’t had much of an appetite, so I caught these little fish to make her some soup.”

“Those tiny things? You call those fish? I’ve got some bigger ones in my boat. I’ll give them to your mom. Now go on and lead the way.”

Barefoot, Erxiao led Mei Qing and the others along a small path between the reed fields. His bare feet trampled the yellow earth, showing no signs of discomfort despite the autumn chill.

As they walked, Mei Qing casually asked Erxiao about his family and what he usually did, but the boy merely laughed and didn’t say much. After a while, he grew more comfortable and began chatting about fishing and catching shrimp, gradually opening up.

It turned out that the “guazi” Erxiao had mentioned were actually large crucian carp, known for making a delicious soup that could stimulate the appetite. Erxiao had lost his father at a young age and lived with his elderly mother, who had recently been feeling unwell and had no appetite. That was why he had gone out to catch a few fish to make her some soup.

As they talked, they approached a large ditch. The water was deep and dark, and the reeds on both banks bent low, almost touching the surface. A few willow trees stood nearby, their long branches dipping into the water, attracting small fish to dart around and blow bubbles.

Not far ahead stood a small grass pavilion, where a figure sat with his back to them. Wearing a large straw hat, one hand resting on a fishing rod, the other holding a large wine gourd, he occasionally took a sip before resuming his song:

“I dwell by the Parrot Isle, a fisherman who knows no letters, drifting in a small boat among the waves.

Awakening to green hills stretching endlessly before me, I shake off the dew and return in my green straw cloak.

I reckon I’ve wrongly blamed Heaven before—perhaps it had its reasons for placing me here.”

“Haha, Grandpa Shi is singing again,” Erxiao chuckled. “He always sings like this whenever I see him. I’ve even learned some of the lyrics.”

Mei Qing couldn’t help but smile. He signaled Erxiao to stay quiet and stepped forward, calling out:

“Old fisherman, with a fishing rod,

By mountain cliffs and waterside,

Your boat moves freely, unbound.

Seagulls dot the gentle waves afar,

And reed ports whisper in the cold daylight.

You sing loudly beneath the evening sun.

Suddenly, the waves shimmer with golden light,

And as you lift your head, the moon rises over the eastern hills.”

As the song ended, the figure in the pavilion stood up, clapping and exclaiming, “What a wonderful line—’Your boat moves freely, unbound!’ Are the two esteemed guests here seeking this old bamboo pole?”

Mei Qing stepped forward respectfully and bowed. “I am Mei Qing. Hearing of your esteemed reputation, I have come especially to visit. With your rustic hut by the water, your bamboo hat and fishing line, you truly embody elegance.”

Old Shi laughed heartily. “I’m just a simple old man who enjoys fishing in the countryside. Where would I find such elegance? But I must say, young sir, your appearance and speech are both refined and impressive. What a rare pleasure! I’ve caught a few fish today, 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 night away?”

Mei Qing smiled. “That is exactly what I had hoped for, though I dared not ask.”

Master Shi nodded with a smile, packed up his fishing gear, and turned to Erxiao. “Erxiao, what are you doing here?”

Erxiao replied, “Hello, Grandpa. I met Sweetie earlier, and she asked me to guide these guests here.”

Master Shi nodded again and asked, “Is your mother feeling better? Did you take the medicine I sent over the day before yesterday?”

Erxiao nodded. “Yes, she’s much better now, but she still doesn’t have much of an appetite. Sweetie said she has some big fish to give my mom for soup.”

Master Shi chuckled. “That girl never stays home when she should. She’s always running around.”

He picked up his fishing gear and smiled at Mei Qing and Hou Shen. “I’m just a country fellow—my manners might seem rough to you.”

Mei Qing now had a closer look at Master Shi. He was tall and thin, even taller than Mei Qing by half a head. He wore a typical fisherman’s straw raincoat, his back slightly bent. His face was long, with narrow eyes and a calm expression, his short beard neatly trimmed. When he spoke, he stood straighter, making him appear even taller.

Together, they walked back along the path they had come. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across the sky. The golden reed fields stretched endlessly around them, exuding a serene and peaceful warmth.

As they walked, Master Shi and Mei Qing exchanged casual conversation—discussing poetry, sharing stories of fishermen and woodcutters. Mei Qing’s knowledge was vast, his insights fresh and free of clichés, his conversation lively and unrestrained, which delighted Master Shi greatly.

Master Shi, too, left a deep impression on Mei Qing. Though his poetic style was classical and refined, his manner was refreshingly sincere and unpretentious, like a simple old villager—humble yet elegant.

The two, one old and one young, exchanged a knowing smile, each feeling as though they had found a kindred spirit.

By now, the red sun had sunk behind distant village rooftops, where wisps of cooking smoke curled into the sky. Small fishing boats were returning to the harbor one by one. Mei Qing and the others had reached the village entrance. Under a towering old willow tree stood a peddler, calling out while shaking a small drum attached to his pack.

Master Shi waved the peddler over, bought a bag of candied fish seeds for Erxiao, and said, “Thank you for guiding my guests today, Erxiao. This is a little reward for you.”

Erxiao grinned. “Grandpa Shi is giving me sweets again. My mom scolded me last time for always taking things from you.” Still, he couldn’t help glancing at the bag, his mouth watering.

Master Shi bent down and pinched Erxiao’s nose. “Don’t tell your mom, then! If she finds out, just say I bought them for myself, but they were too hard for me to chew, so you helped me eat them. She won’t scold you then.”

Erxiao rubbed his nose, blushing slightly as he chuckled. “Alright, Grandpa Shi, just don’t tell my mom. Thank you!” Then, with the bag of candy in hand, he ran off joyfully.