Everyone paused their chopsticks halfway to the catfish upon hearing the Taoist priest’s words. Hou Shen had long disliked the old Taoist, and now that the priest had clearly pointed his remarks at him, there was no need for further politeness. He immediately stood up and said, “Hey, old Taoist! What’s it to you whether we eat catfish or not? Why shouldn’t we?”
The old Taoist seemed not to hear him at all, still looking up at the ceiling and talking as if to himself, “Ah, catfish, indeed a top delicacy. Its meat is tender and soft, especially the tail part, with soft flesh and delicate bones, truly a rare treat. But alas—sigh—”
As he spoke, the old Taoist raised his teacup and took a sip, then shook his head and continued, “Catfish have a particularly insatiable appetite. People say big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp, and shrimp eat mud. But catfish don’t just eat small fish—they especially love decaying, rotten flesh! Alas—”
Huang the Fat, upon hearing this, noticed others in the restaurant nodding in agreement, and his face began to change. His chopsticks had long stopped moving. But Hou Shen merely snorted and said, “So what? These are just fish from the river, not ornamental koi from the palace pond. Who can be so picky about what they eat? If you’re trying to disgust people, that’s just tasteless.”
The Taoist still ignored Hou Shen, shaking his head and continuing, “Even if they only ate rotting fish, that might still be acceptable. But catfish have another terrible habit—they particularly love to eat dead human bodies!”
He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Mei Qing and the others, stroking his beard as he continued, “The Taoist priest heard that when the water rises, it often floods unmarked graves. Catfish then swim in groups to graveyards, squeezing into coffins through holes to feed on the corpses. They grow so fat that when the water recedes, they get stuck inside the coffins. Locals then scoop them out and sell them to restaurants—”
Before he could finish, Huang’s small eyes had already bulged. His chubby hands clutched his chest, and he looked as if he was about to vomit any second.
“Master Taoist!” The waiter rushed over, interrupting. “Please be kind with your words. Our ingredients are all from reputable sources. These catfish are freshly caught by honest fishermen, not from graveyards!”
“Of course, of course,” the old Taoist nodded repeatedly. “I’m not talking about your restaurant, my good man. In fact, I used to love catfish myself—”
Turning to Mei Qing and the others, he pointed at Huang and said, “Take this young man here, for example. He and I must share the same taste. But then again—”
The Taoist shook his head and sighed, “Once, our neighbor Old Liu went fishing and accidentally fell into the river and drowned. When the villagers finally pulled him out, they found three or four large catfish inside his pants, gnawing on his legs until the bones were exposed. It was a terrible sight. Since then, I’ve never eaten catfish again.”
With a loud “Ugh!” Huang could no longer hold back and turned his head away, vomiting immediately.
“You old cow-nosed Taoist!” Hou Shen immediately jumped up, pointing at the priest. “Are you asking for a beating?”
“How can you say that?” the Taoist replied innocently. “Where did I say anything wrong? Why would the hero want to teach me a lesson?”
Hou Shen was momentarily speechless. From the waiter’s angry yet helpless expression and the reactions of the other diners, it was clear the Taoist’s story was mostly true. But telling such a tale in a restaurant was clearly meant to disgust everyone.
“Hou Shen,” Mei Qing gently stopped him, saying calmly, “We’ve eaten enough. Waiter, the bill please!”
Hou Shen glared at the Taoist one last time, then followed Mei Qing’s lead. After settling the bill, he left the restaurant with Mei Qing.
The Taoist watched their retreating figures and chuckled, “There are gods watching from above. Young man, I see dark clouds over your brow, and your aura seems ominous. You may face some trouble soon. Be careful, or you might bring disaster upon yourself.”
Mei Qing stopped and slowly turned to look at the Taoist, smiling slightly. “Meeting a noble Taoist like you, it’s natural my aura would darken. I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. However, if you keep acting this way, you might invite trouble faster than I will.”
With a polite bow, Mei Qing turned and left without looking back, followed by the others.
The Taoist shook his head, chuckled coldly, and turned to the waiter, who was picking up the leftover dishes. “Forget it, waiter. Those people must be wasteful by nature. They left without even touching such fine catfish. It’s a shame. Since I’m a man of the Way, I can’t stand to see such waste. I’ll just eat it for them!”
So saying, he sat down and, without using chopsticks, grabbed a catfish and started eating heartily.
The waiter stared, stammering, “Master Taoist… weren’t you the one who said earlier that after seeing your neighbor Old Liu eaten by catfish, you never ate them again?”
The Taoist didn’t even look up. “That’s true, of course. I definitely stopped eating them. But later, I became a monk. To a monk, all beings are equal. Whether catfish eat dead fish or dead humans, in my heart, it’s all the same. So after becoming a monk, I started eating them again!”
The waiter was confused. “But isn’t it the monks who talk about equality among all beings? Shouldn’t a Taoist priest say ‘all things are like straw dogs’?”
“You’re not bad, waiter,” the Taoist said while chewing. “Actually, I was once a monk. When I did bad things, I did them under the name of a monk.”
“So remember, if someone does bad things, it must be a monk, not a Taoist!” The Taoist shouted loudly at the waiter as he saw a bald old monk coming up the stairs, all the while continuing to eat fish heartily.
After leaving the restaurant, Mei Qing and the others felt somewhat depressed. Their journey had already been full of obstacles, and the scene upstairs had only added to their frustration.
After some thought, Mei Qing said, “Brother Huang, perhaps it’s better if we no longer travel together. We should split up and investigate separately. You can take Yao and Zhou directly to the local government office in Yifeng, reveal your identities, and look into the matters of the Fragrant Sect. At the same time, you can summon members of the Zhang clan to inquire about Yang Jin. Earlier, I heard the fisherwoman singing a folk tune that was simple yet elegant. The poet, that Mr. Shi, must be no ordinary person. I’ll take Hou Shen to visit him. Perhaps we can find something useful.”
Huang Zhongman had long been tired of Mei Qing’s undercover methods. He was delighted with this arrangement and nodded in agreement. The group then split into two. Huang the Fat, accompanied by Yao Dingguo and Zhou Chang, set off for Yifeng. Mei Qing and Hou Shen hired a small boat and sailed downstream along the Ru River.
Upon hearing the old Taoist’s words, everyone’s chopsticks paused mid-air, hovering over the catfish. Hou Shen, who had long found the old Taoist irritating, now saw an opportunity to confront him. “Old man,” he snapped, leaping to his feet, “what business is it of yours if we eat catfish? Why shouldn’t we?”
The old Taoist, however, seemed unperturbed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if lost in thought. “Ah, catfish,” he mused, “its flesh is tender, its flavor delicate—truly a delicacy. Especially the tail, with its soft meat and light bones, a true delicacy. But alas—” He sighed deeply, taking a sip of tea before continuing, “The catfish is a gluttonous creature. While it’s said that big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp, and shrimp eat mud, the catfish doesn’t stop there. It has a particular fondness for—rotten, decaying flesh! Ah—”
Huang Fatty, upon hearing this, noticed the uneasy expressions of the other patrons and felt his own appetite wane. His chopsticks stilled, while Hou Shen scoffed, “What nonsense! Fish in the water aren’t like the koi in the imperial pond—they aren’t picky eaters. If you’re trying to disgust us, it’s not working.”
The old Taoist, still ignoring Hou Shen, shook his head and continued, “Eating dead fish is one thing, but the catfish has an even worse habit—it loves to feast on human corpses!” He glanced at Mei Qing and the others, his eyes narrowing. “I’ve heard that during floods, when the water rises and submerges unmarked graves, the catfish swim in groups to the burial sites, squeezing through the coffin cracks to devour the dead. They grow fat and bloated. When the water recedes, they’re trapped inside the coffins. Locals then fish them out and sell them to restaurants—”
Before he could finish, Huang Fatty’s eyes bulged, and he clutched his chest, on the verge of vomiting.
“Master Taoist!” the waiter interjected, rushing over. “Please, show some restraint. Our catfish comes from reputable fishermen, not from those filthy graves!”
“Of course, of course,” the old Taoist nodded. “I wasn’t referring to your establishment. In fact, I used to love eating catfish myself—” He turned to Mei Qing and the others, pointing at Huang Fatty. “This gentleman here seems to share my taste. But—” He sighed again. “Once, my neighbor Old Liu went fishing and accidentally drowned. When they pulled him out, they found three or four large catfish had gnawed his legs down to the bone. It was horrifying. After that, I never ate catfish again.”
With a retching sound, Huang Fatty could no longer hold back and vomited.
“Bull-nosed monk!” Hou Shen shouted, jumping to his feet. “Are you looking for a fight?”
“What are you talking about?” the old Taoist replied innocently. “Did I say anything untrue? Are you going to teach me a lesson?”
Hou Shen was momentarily speechless. The waiter’s angry yet resigned expression and the reactions of the other patrons suggested the old Taoist’s words were not entirely false. Still, bringing up such topics in a restaurant was clearly meant to disgust.
“Enough, Hou Shen,” Mei Qing said calmly, raising a hand to stop him. “We’ve eaten enough. Waiter, bring the bill.”
Hou Shen glared at the old Taoist but said nothing more. After settling the bill, they left the restaurant.
As they descended the stairs, the old Taoist chuckled softly. “The heavens are watching, young man. I see darkness in your aura, a sign of trouble ahead. Be careful, lest you bring misfortune upon yourself.”
Mei Qing paused, turning to look at the old Taoist with a faint smile. “Meeting a master like you, it’s no wonder my aura is dark. But I’ll manage my own affairs. If you continue like this, misfortune may find you sooner.”
With a slight bow, Mei Qing led the group downstairs without looking back.
The old Taoist watched them leave, shaking his head with a cold laugh. As the waiter began clearing the table, the Taoist stopped him. “Wait, young man. These people clearly have no appreciation for good food. Such fine catfish left untouched—what a waste. As a man of the cloth, I can’t bear to see it. I’ll eat it for them!”
With that, he sat down, grabbed a catfish with his hands, and began devouring it.
The waiter stared in disbelief. “Master Taoist, didn’t you just say you stopped eating catfish after seeing Old Liu’s body?”
The old Taoist, still eating, replied without looking up, “That’s true, I did stop. But after I became a Taoist, I realized all beings are equal. What the catfish eats doesn’t matter—it’s all the same to me. So, I started eating it again.”
The waiter scratched his head. “Isn’t that a Buddhist teaching? Shouldn’t Taoists say ‘all things are straw dogs’?”
“You’re quite knowledgeable,” the old Taoist said between bites. “Actually, I used to be a monk. When I did bad things, I did them under the guise of a monk.”
“Remember this,” the old Taoist added loudly as a bald monk ascended the stairs, “We Taoists don’t do bad things. It’s the monks who do!”
As Mei Qing and his group left the restaurant, they felt a lingering sense of frustration. Their journey had already been fraught with difficulties, and the incident with the old Taoist only added to their irritation.
After a moment of thought, Mei Qing suggested, “Brother Huang, perhaps it’s best if we split up. You take Yao and Zhou to the Yifeng government office. Show your credentials, investigate the Incense Sect, and question the Zhang clan about Yang Jin. I’ll take Hou Shen to meet this Mr. Shi. The fisherman’s song we heard earlier had a certain elegance—perhaps this Mr. Shi is no ordinary man.”
Huang Fatty, tired of Mei Qing’s undercover approach, readily agreed. The group split into two, with Huang Fatty, Yao Dingguo, and Zhou Chang heading to Yifeng, while Mei Qing and Hou Shen hired a boat to travel downstream along the Ru River.
It was mid-autumn, and the sky was a flawless blue, like the finest celadon porcelain. The mountains on either side were covered in lush pines and cypresses, their green hues stretching into the distance. The sound of wind through the trees echoed like waves. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their silver streams glinting in the sunlight. The village below was dotted with persimmon trees, their leaves a fiery red, creating a scene as vibrant as a sunset.
The Ru River rushed between the mountains, its clear waters carrying the boat swiftly downstream. Mei Qing stood at the bow, feeling the wind on his face and the spray of water like scattered jade. The sight of the towering mountains and the endless expanse of water lifted his spirits, and he let out a long, hearty laugh.
As the river widened and the current slowed, the old boatman, pleased by Mei Qing’s laughter, began to sing in a hoarse voice:
“The Ru River winds its way, its waters shimmering in the sun.
Beneath, the dragons lie hidden; above, the clouds drift.
A traveler rides the waves, his iron flute echoing.
From here, he enters the Ten Isles, seeking the immortal’s gate.
Drunk, he forgets to return, reclining on the boat’s bow.
The breeze fills his heart, the moon reflects in the waves.
Returning to his pavilion, his spirit still soars.”
Mei Qing applauded. “A fine song! I didn’t expect to find such a hidden talent in you, old man.”
The boatman laughed heartily. “You flatter me, young man. I’m just a simple boatman. This song was written by Mr. Shi. He often sings it when he rides my boat, and I’ve picked it up.”
“Ah,” Mei Qing said with a smile. “I’m actually on my way to meet Mr. Shi. It seems you know him well.”
The boatman nodded. “Most distinguished visitors who come to the port are here to see Mr. Shi.”
Mei Qing seized the opportunity to learn more. The boatman explained that Mr. Shi, named Mengzhu, was a local scholar from Yongping Port. The Shi family was once prominent, but by Mengzhu’s generation, it had dwindled to just him. A prodigy from a young age, Mengzhu had passed the imperial exams and served briefly as an official. However, disillusioned by the corruption of the bureaucracy and needing to care for his aging mother, he had retired from public life.
“Mr. Shi is a kind man,” the boatman said with evident respect. “Despite his great learning, he treats us common folk with kindness. When the local officials abuse their power, he often stands up for the villagers.”
“Doesn’t the government give him trouble?” Mei Qing asked.
“Mr. Shi has powerful friends and connections. No official dares to cross him. Even the Incense Sect, which has been causing so much trouble lately, doesn’t dare to provoke him,” the boatman replied.
The Ru River rushed through the narrow mountain pass, its emerald waters flowing swiftly, carrying the small boat forward like an arrow. Standing at the bow, Mei Qing felt the mountains on either side forming a gateway, with the sky and water stretching endlessly before him. A cool breeze blew against his face, and droplets of water sprayed up like scattered jade, misting his hair and cheeks. The refreshing sensation lifted his spirits, and he couldn’t help but let out a long, joyful whistle.
As the boat passed through the narrow gorge, the river curved ahead, opening up into a vast plain with no mountains in sight. The river widened, its rushing waters now gentle and calm. Looking around, the water seemed to merge with the sky, shimmering with golden reflections.
The elderly boatman, seeing Mei Qing’s joyous whistle, was also in high spirits. With the current easing, he steered the boat with one hand and sang in his hoarse voice:
The Ru River winds its way,
Its long waters glistening in the sun.
Beneath, dragons lurk in deep pools,
Above, clouds and mist drift high.
A traveler rides the current,
His iron flute echoing midstream.
From here he enters the ten continents,
To visit the Immortals of the Isles.
Drunk, he forgets the night,
Leaning back on the boat’s prow.
Cool winds fill his heart,
The moon shines in the waves.
Returning to pavilions and halls,
His spirit still feels refreshed.
Hearing the boatman sing with such passion, Mei Qing couldn’t help but applaud, “Wonderful song! I didn’t expect you to be such a hidden master of art.”
The boatman laughed heartily, “You flatter me, young man. I’m just a humble boatman and fisherman. Nothing special. This song was written by Mr. Shi from the harbor. He often sings it when he rides my boat, and I’ve just picked up a few lines.”
“Oh?” Mei Qing smiled. “As it happens, I’m on my way to visit Mr. Shi. I didn’t know you were so familiar with him.”
The boatman chuckled, “I guessed as much. Everyone who comes to the harbor is here to see Mr. Shi.”
Taking this opportunity, Mei Qing began chatting with the boatman.
It turned out that Mr. Shi’s name was Mengzhu, and he was a native of Yongping Harbor. The Shi family had once been prominent in the area, but by Mr. Shi’s generation, their numbers had dwindled to just two brothers. Shi Mengzhu lost his father at a young age and was exceptionally intelligent, reading widely. He passed the imperial examinations and held one official post, but eventually retired due to his dislike of officialdom and to care for his aging mother.
“Mr. Shi is such a kind man. Despite his great learning, he treats us common folk with great respect. Whenever the local officials act unjustly, he often stands up for the villagers,” the boatman said with admiration.
“Oh? Don’t the officials give him trouble then?” Mei Qing asked.
“Mr. Shi has many influential friends and connections, all high-ranking people. Who would dare to provoke him? Even the Fragrant Sect, which caused so much trouble recently, dared not act against him,” the boatman replied with a smile.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage