The old Taoist, as if lost in another era, stood there muttering to himself, his words a jumble of incoherent whispers.
Suddenly, he kicked over the long bench and burst into laughter, declaring, “To hell with being a Taoist! From today onward, I’m the top-ranked guest elder of Huishan Mountain!”
It was clear that even if the old man intended to continue his fortune-telling stall, no one would be interested in seeking his divinations anymore.
Just then, a teasing voice rang in the old Taoist’s ears, “Old Immortal, you’re on Wudang Mountain, where Taoists abound. Such words are hardly appropriate.”
Frowning, the old Taoist turned to see a young man he could barely describe as “dashing.” Snorting, he retorted, “So what if I said it? This humble Taoist is Huishan’s top guest elder! Even if I ran into the revered Chen the Immortal or Yu the True Sage now, I’d still get a cup of tea from them!”
The young man raised a thumb in admiration. “Impressive!”
A woman beside the young man scolded with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “Old Wu, this young master just spoke up for you! Have you lost your mind?”
The old Taoist froze, then quickly changed his expression, beaming. “Ah, my apologies, young master. Please don’t take offense.”
With grand strides, he approached the woman’s stall, his Taoist robes billowing with an almost majestic air. “Sister Han, come, come! Make two Wudang spring pancakes for me and this young master—make them big! I’ve got silver to spare, and I’ve never been stingy!”
The woman shook her head helplessly but worked swiftly, soon handing them each a steaming, fragrant pancake.
As the old Taoist took his, he tried to sneak a touch at her hand, but she pulled back faster, thwarting him.
Taking a big bite, he grinned. “Sister Han, why bother with this hard work, rising early and toiling late for so little? Why not come with me to Huishan?”
She rolled her eyes. “What would I do in the Central Plains?”
He chuckled suggestively. “You know what I mean.”
She flushed with anger. “Get lost!”
Undeterred, he pressed, “Your husband’s been gone for years in Liangzhou’s frontier. Remarrying isn’t a crime. You and your children need a dependable man. Besides, you’ve had me read your fortune before!”
Furious, she snatched the pancake from his hand and threw it to the ground. “I’d rather sell to anyone but you! Your silver disgusts me!”
Unfazed, the old Taoist sighed. “Ah, Sister Han, you’re a good woman. Pity you’re not destined for happiness. Well, no matter. Our paths simply don’t align.”
Ignoring him, she turned away.
With a theatrical sigh, the old Taoist addressed the young man. “Well, I’ll enjoy my fortune alone in the Central Plains. If you ever visit Huishan, just mention my name.”
The young man smiled. “Will do.”
As the old Taoist swaggered off, the young man called after him, “Aren’t you taking your stall?”
Without turning, the old man waved dismissively. “Trash isn’t worth carrying. Keep it if you like!”
Once he was gone, the woman muttered to the young man, “He didn’t even tell you his name, yet expects you to use it? Shameless! Good thing he’s from Hezhou, or he’d shame all of Northern Liang.”
Xu Fengnian chuckled. “From your accent, sister, you’re from Lingzhou?”
She eyed him warily. “Why do you ask?”
Chewing his pancake, Xu Fengnian nearly choked.
She laughed behind her hand. “Don’t look so scared! I’m teasing.”
Amused and exasperated, Xu Fengnian picked up the overturned bench and smiled. “Since the pancake-giver fled, how about I read your fortune as payment?”
Business had been slow since the earlier commotion. Rubbing her back, she eyed him skeptically. “You know how?”
Xu Fengnian nodded. “Old trade!”
She shook her head, smiling. “You’re no match for that old swindler. Don’t worry, the pancake’s on me.”
Curious, Xu Fengnian asked, “Why come from Lingzhou to sell here?”
Calmly, she replied, “My family’s from here. Came to pray, saw the crowds, and thought I’d earn some extra.”
He grinned. “Your kids in school? Books aren’t cheap in Northern Liang.”
She stared at him, silent.
Xu Fengnian sighed. “I’m not like that old man!”
Amused, she teased, “So sensitive! Not like our Northern Liang men.”
Feigning offense, he grumbled, “No need for insults.”
She handed him calming tea. “The pancake’s free. This is for the fortune. Don’t cheat me—I can’t read.”
After examining the bamboo slip, Xu Fengnian smiled. *”Forgetting feet, shoes fit. Forgetting waist, belt fits.”* Seventy-second slip—auspicious.”
Relieved, she smiled.
As they chatted, she spoke of her children—one studious, the other dreaming of battle. She mentioned how books had become affordable in Lingzhou, thanks to a certain “Xu official.”
Xu Fengnian gazed into the distance, murmuring, “That Xu fellow… decent, but a terrible drinker.”
Puzzled, she didn’t press.
When customers arrived, she asked for her slip back. Xu Fengnian promised to return it.
As she left with her niece, she teased, “No more ‘sister’—I’ve heard what your young prince says about ‘sisters’!”
Xu Fengnian groaned in despair.
Watching her go, he sat quietly, fists on knees, like an old man basking in autumn sun.
The woman never mentioned that the slip she kept wasn’t the one she’d drawn. Illiterate, she’d memorized the characters.
But it didn’t matter.
Common folk endure hardship as long as there’s hope.
Her hope lay in her children. The fortune’s outcome was irrelevant.
As she left, she glanced back at the young man—so clean, so still, like an old soul under the fading sun.
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