UGB Chapter 56: The Wise Man of the Mountains
Chapter 56: The Wise Man of the Mountains
The next morning, as dawn broke.
Zou Yun pushed open the door.
A thin mist, like a milky white veil, flowed slowly down from the distant mountains, enveloping the entire thatched cottage.
The courtyard walls, fences, and eaves were all shrouded in a hazy mist, like a fairyland from another world.
"Shhh—"
A few stalks of green bamboo swayed gently in the wind in the corner of the courtyard, making the surroundings even more tranquil.
Under the eaves of the main house, a low wooden table sits on the steps. The table surface is smooth, clearly worn from long-term use.
On the table were neatly arranged several bamboo scrolls, an inkstone, a knife, and several plain earthenware urns, their mouths slightly open, through which the bluish-brown powder of medicine could be faintly seen.
Zhang Shan then sat quietly at the table, reading.
Beside it was a small charcoal stove, with a medicine pot on it bubbling softly, the bitter aroma of herbs mingling with the morning mist, seeping into the air with every breath.
This gave Zou Yun a jolt of excitement and allowed him the leisure to carefully examine the thatched hut.
Although the entire courtyard lacks any luxury, it is simple yet not shabby, serene yet not cold, and secluded yet not obscure. One glance reveals that the inhabitants are no ordinary villagers.
"Mr. Zian, are you alright?"
Zou Yun laughed loudly as he strode nimbly through the mist.
Zhang Shan looked up at the sound, calmly put down the bamboo slip in his hand, and had a leisurely smile on his lips, like a cloud drifting in the mountains.
"I'm well. The morning air is crisp and pleasant. Are you alright?"
The sound, like a clear spring striking a stone, echoed in the courtyard.
"I didn't notice yesterday, but this person's voice is so pleasant," Zou Yun thought to himself.
"Mr. Ziyasu, you don't seem like an ordinary person."
He stood on the steps and examined it carefully.
The air about Zhang Shan reminded him of the old man selling pancakes far away in Xianyang.
Both men possessed a refined and scholarly demeanor, but the old man's brows bore the marks of time and hardship.
But the man before me, Mr. Zi'an, is like a bamboo shoot after the rain, with a touch of otherworldly elegance and carefree spirit in every gesture.
"This person seems more like a deity than I am."
Zou Yun shook his head and chuckled, a thought flashing through his mind.
"Ha ha......"
Zhang Shan laughed loudly.
"I am a wanderer from Northeast China, homeless and jobless, who has drifted here. I have no other hobbies but to enjoy looking at the mountains and rivers, recognize a few plants, and have a little knowledge of literature."
"Now, I only seek temporary refuge in a corner of the village, not seeking fame or fortune, but simply contentment."
After speaking, he suddenly turned his head, his gaze as deep as a pool, and looked at Zou Yun, saying meaningfully...
"In my opinion, Mr. Zou's talent is truly extraordinary."
"Mr. Koyasu, you flatter me."
She shook her head and chuckled softly, her eyes flashing slightly, but she didn't reply, instead casting her gaze towards the mist outside the fence.
Seeing that he had no intention of discussing this further, Zhang Shan did not press the matter. He simply rolled up his sleeves and smiled again, saying, "In a few days, it will be the Shangsi Festival. Mr. Zou can rest here for a few days."
Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly burst out laughing, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
"If you are unmarried, you will surely be admired by all the women in the village."
Zou Yun raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I suppose Mr. Zi'an has been puzzled by this for quite some time now."
"Ha ha ha ha......"
The two looked at each other and smiled. Their loud laughter pierced through the thin mist and startled a few early orioles on the bamboo tips.
"This Mr. Koyasu is quite an interesting person!"
Zou Yun sighed again.
-----------------
It was late spring, on the auspicious day of Shangsi.
The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.
Outside the village, along the banks of the Wei River, people were already bustling about.
The Qin system did not prohibit spring outings, and the common people from all around would bring wine and food, wear coarse hemp and short clothes, and gather by the water.
It lacks the extravagance of later generations, yet retains the rustic charm of using the sky and earth as a mat and flowing water as a mirror.
Although Meng Xuande, who had basically recovered, was still pale, he mustered his strength and walked with Zou Yun and his party to the water's edge.
He walked with a slight lag, his gaze sweeping over the noisy crowd with a hint of curiosity.
On the shallows, the village shaman, wearing a crown woven from reeds and holding a bunch of freshly picked eupatoriums, stood solemnly.
He first dipped an orchid in the clear river water and then splashed it on the crowd.
Water droplets refracted seven colors under the sunlight, like shattered jade falling.
Then, he recited a purification prayer, his tone deep and slow, each word clear, mixed with the sound of flowing water, spreading in the spring breeze.
This is the most orthodox purification ritual in Qin, which does not seek extravagance.
Just to wash away the dust and grime of winter, and to pray for freedom from illness and disaster, and for a bountiful harvest.
After the ritual ended, the men mostly waded barefoot into the ankle-deep water, either bending down to scoop water to wash their faces or splashing each other with laughter and boisterous shouts.
Women gathered in twos and threes to admire their reflections in the water, combing their hair with wooden combs, picking tender orchids from the bank, and tucking them into their hair, their fragrance wafting through the air.
Then, gently place the prepared red dates and wooden eggs into the running water and push them away with the current.
They secretly prayed for peace and prosperity in their home.
The children, unaware of manners, chased and played on the beach, picking up smooth pebbles and throwing them, which drew laughter and curses from the villagers.
On the open bank, several large reed mats were spread out on the lush spring grass.
"It seems Mr. Koyasu is quite charming."
Zou Yun sat cross-legged on the table, elbows resting on his knees, smiling as he looked at several rural women who kept glancing at him from a distance. He then teased Zhang Shan beside him.
"Mr. Zou is joking."
Zhang Shan sat upright, dressed in a plain, deep-colored robe, spotless.
His gaze swept across the water's surface, his expression calm. "Zi'an's ambitions lie elsewhere."
At this moment, the group was resting under a weeping willow.
The willow branches are a vibrant green, their soft tips brushing against my face.
On the reed mat were earthenware pots containing cloudy wine, wheat porridge, dried meat, and preserved fruit, all prepared by ordinary families.
Neighbors sat around, passing food and wine to each other, striking earthenware jars to keep time, and singing in unison. The folk songs were simple and unadorned, with lyrics that were nothing more than prayers for rain and a bountiful harvest, praising the god of spring.
There was no elaborate music, only the sounds of people, yet it created a lively and peaceful atmosphere.
Wei Shuqing sat alone in a corner, staring blankly at the noisy scene before him, his hands unconsciously tugging at the grass stems beside his knees.
"What's wrong? Uncle Qing, are you also thinking of getting married?"
Zou Yun turned her head to look at his back, raised her voice to tease him, her eyebrows and eyes full of mischievous smiles.
Wei Shuqing's body trembled slightly, and he slowly turned around, his voice calm and even.
"My dear son's mother once told me that this is how she and my father met."
His gaze lingered on the woman picking orchids in the distance, as if piercing through time.
"Is...is that so?"
Zou Yun's smile faltered, and he was momentarily speechless, only awkwardly stroking the ceramic cup on his lap.
"ha!"
Wei Shuqing suddenly smiled and looked at Zou Yun earnestly, saying, "However, all of that is in the past."
"Now, my son is already very happy to be with everyone."
"yes!"
Zou Yun looked around and sighed deeply.
A spring breeze caresses the water's surface, bringing with it the fresh scent of orchids and the warmth of everyday life.
Although the villagers were dressed in simple clothes and behaved in a rustic manner, they enjoyed the freedom of spring on the banks of the Shangsi River, creating a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
Beside them, Meng Xuande, who had been holding back for a long time, finally couldn't help but speak up.
"Your talent far surpasses mine, but why don't you serve in the imperial court?"
His gaze was intense. After spending the last few days together, Meng Xuande had already concluded that Zhang Shan was definitely a wise man from the mountains.
This statement was both an expression of pity for his talent and an attempt to recommend a worthy person to his father.
"Ha...that's not the case here."
Zhang Shan took a small sip from his cup, smiled calmly, his eyes as still as an ancient well.
Sensing the perfunctory tone, Meng Xuande frowned and pressed on, "Do you find the Qin laws too strict? But Prince Fusu is benevolent and approachable... things will naturally change in due course."
It's clear that Meng Xuande truly admires Zhang Shan.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have uttered such... such treasonous words.
Zhang Shan slowly shook his head and sighed softly, "The young master is indeed benevolent, but not a wise ruler. Qin may be vast, but it is not a stable place either."
His voice was calm, yet it was like a stone thrown into water, instantly attracting everyone's attention.