The Finishing Touch

Not long after Liu Xianyang arrived in Mud Bottle Alley, a rare visitor appeared in the alley: Zhao Yao, a scholarly young man in a green robe with an elegant demeanor, who bore a striking resemblance to the teacher Qi Jingchun.

Zhao Yao was the eldest grandson of one of the four prominent families in the small town. Unlike the idle, wealthy scions like Lu Zhengchun, Zhao Yao, despite his privileged background, had an excellent reputation. Many elderly and widowed residents in the town had benefited from his kindness. While one might dismiss this as a tactic for building influence, as described in books, it would be overestimating Zhao Yao's ambitions and judging a gentleman with a petty mind. After all, from the age of ten, he had possessed this benevolent nature, which he maintained year after year without any slackening. Even the elders on Fulu Street, who had watched him grow up, would praise him, often citing Zhao Yao as an example when reprimanding their own children. This, however, meant he had few close friends among his peers.

Lu Zhengchun and his circle were free-spirited and disliked interacting with a bookish pedant who was always spouting classical phrases. Imagine everyone excitedly climbing a wall to peek at a pretty widow, only to have someone nearby mutter about not looking at what is improper – it would certainly spoil the mood. In short, over the years, young Zhao Yao preferred to associate with people outside of Fulu Street. He had visited almost every alley and lane in town, except for Mud Bottle Alley, because it was home to Song Jixin, a peer who often made Zhao Yao feel inadequate.

However, if Zhao Yao were to name any true friends, he would probably only consider Song Jixin, his chess partner. Although he had lost to Song Jixin every time they played over the years, and despite his competitive spirit and his desire to win, Zhao Yao deeply admired Song Jixin's exceptional talent. What disappointed Zhao Yao was his intuition that even though Song Jixin was jovial and they interacted intimately, he never seemed to regard Zhao Yao as a true friend or confidant.

Although Zhao Yao had never visited Song Jixin's home before, the moment he saw a particular residence, he knew it must be Song Jixin's. This was due to the couplet posted at the entrance. It contained many characters, and they were unmistakably Song Jixin's handwriting. The reason was simple: his calligraphy was incredibly versatile, almost as if every character was different. For instance, the characters "御风" (Yù Fēng - imperial wind) were written in a single, free-flowing stroke, exuding a sense of effortless grace. The character "渊" (Yuān - abyss), with its water radical, held a particularly profound depth. The character "奇" (Qí - strange/wonderful) was written with a grand, sweeping stroke, possessing immense power, like a thunderclap! The character "国" (Guó - country) was written in a balanced and serene manner, like a sage seated in contemplation, with not a single flaw to be found.

Zhao Yao stood at the courtyard gate, almost forgetting to knock, leaning forward and gazing at the calligraphy with a dazed expression, feeling his courage to knock draining away. Having diligently practiced calligraphy himself and studied numerous exemplars, he understood the immense strength, weight, and spirit contained within those characters.

With a sigh of dejection, Zhao Yao took out a money pouch, bent down, and placed it at the entrance, intending to leave without announcing himself.

Just then, the courtyard gate suddenly opened. Zhao Yao looked up to see Song Jixin seemingly about to leave with his maid, Zhi Gui, their faces alight with laughter.

Song Jixin feigned surprise and teased, "Zhao Yao, what is the meaning of this grand gesture?"

Zhao Yao awkwardly picked up the money pouch, about to explain the reason, when Song Jixin snatched the embroidered pouch from him, grinning, "Well, well, Zhao Yao has come to pay a visit with a gift! I'll accept it. But let me say beforehand, I'm from a poor family, so I don't have any gifts worthy of your discerning taste, Brother Zhao. It would be impolite not to reciprocate, wouldn't it?"

Zhao Yao gave a wry smile. "This pouch of Suppression Charm Coins is my farewell gift; no need to return the favor."

Song Jixin turned and gave his maid a knowing smile, handing her the money pouch. "See? I told you Zhao Yao is the most well-mannered scholar in town. What do you think?"

After receiving the money pouch, the young woman held it to her chest, her eyes crinkling with a happy smile. She curtsied slightly, saying, "Thank you, Young Master Zhao. My young master once said that a benevolent family has abundant blessings, and a kind person has a fertile field for good deeds. I, your humble servant, wish you great success and a boundless future."

Zhao Yao quickly returned the gesture, bowing. "Thank you for your kind words, Miss Zhi Gui."

Song Jixin scratched the back of his head, yawning. "Aren't you two tired?"

Zhi Gui smiled sweetly. "If I could receive a pouch of money every time, I wouldn't be tired even if I curtsied ten thousand times."

Zhao Yao felt a bit ashamed. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Miss Zhi Gui."

Song Jixin waved his hand grandly. "Let's go, let's go, we're going for drinks!"

Zhao Yao looked hesitant. Song Jixin employed a provocative tactic, "What a dullard! Reading books only teaches you rigid rules, but not the elegance of a scholar. How can that be?"

Zhao Yao tentatively asked, "A small drink to enjoy the occasion?"

Song Jixin rolled his eyes. "A drunken stupor!"

Before Zhao Yao could respond, Song Jixin slung an arm around his neck and dragged him away.

As the maid Zhi Gui was locking the door, a four-legged snake tried to sneak out, but she kicked it back into the courtyard.

As she passed the neighboring house, she quietly tiptoed and glanced sideways, spotting Liu Xianyang's tall figure. He also noticed her and immediately broke into a wide smile. Just as Liu Xianyang was about to greet her, she averted her gaze and walked away quickly.

The town had an eatery, but it was quite small, though the prices were not cheap. However, Zhao Yao was a member of the Zhao family and had a good reputation. The innkeeper, known for being a stingy old miser, seemed to have a change of heart today. He patted his chest and declared he wouldn't accept a single coin, stating that it was an honor for his humble establishment to have two scholars grace their presence for a drink. He insisted the young gentlemen should be the ones to pay him. Song Jixin immediately grinned and extended his hand, demanding payment on the spot. The innkeeper, flustered, quickly found an excuse, saying he would owe them and have some good wine delivered to Young Master Song the next day. Zhao Yao wished he could disappear into the ground at that moment. The innkeeper, well aware of the eccentric nature of Master Song from Mud Bottle Alley, didn't take offense and personally found them a quiet, elegant window seat on the second floor.

Song Jixin and Zhao Yao didn't talk much, and Song Jixin didn't pressure him to drink, which made Zhao Yao, who had been bracing himself for the worst, quite surprised.

Looking out the window on the second floor of the eatery, they could see a plaque on the Twelve-legged Archway that read "Do not yield in benevolence."

Song Jixin asked, "Is Mr. Qi really not leaving the town with you?"

Zhao Yao nodded. "Mr. Qi changed his plans at the last minute. He said he wants to stay at the academy and finish teaching the second-to-last chapter, 'Knowing Propriety'."

Song Jixin sighed, "Then Mr. Qi is going to impart a great principle, teaching the world what the foremost sages of the Confucian school believed: that in the beginning, there were no laws. The sages then educated all beings through rites and rituals. Rulers at that time all revered etiquette, believing that violating reason and rites would lead to punishment, thus laws were established. Rites and laws, rites and laws... rites before laws..."

Zhao Yao was already slightly tipsy, his speech slurring a bit. He asked, "Do you think that's right? And why didn't Mr. Qi just teach the last chapter, 'Strict Propriety'?"

Song Jixin answered evasively, "Before leaving this town, whether it be mountain demons and water ghosts, or immortals and spirits, they exist if you believe in them, and do not if you don't. As for how Mr. Qi teaches and how students listen, each to their own destiny."

The maid Zhi Gui had also had a drink and was acting playfully, slightly tipsy. She hadn't looked at the majestic archway at all from beginning to end.

The Twelve-legged Archway had stone pillars with bases depicting the nine different beasts born from the dragon, along with a White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird.

The townspeople had lived there for generations and were quite accustomed to it.

Zhao Yao couldn't help but let out a drunken hiccup and stood up unsteadily, saying, "Farewell, my friend. I hope we meet again."

Song Jixin thought for a moment and also stood up, smiling. "We will definitely meet again, Zhao Yao. Don't worry about not having a friend on the road ahead."

Zhao Yao, his vision blurred, bit his tongue and said sincerely, "Song Jixin, you should also leave this town soon. Who in the world doesn't know you? You can definitely do it!"

Song Jixin clearly didn't take it too seriously, waving his hand. "Go on, go on. You're talking nonsense and disgracing yourself."

After leaving the eatery, Zhao Yao and Song Jixin parted ways. Before leaving, Zhao Yao, perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, asked, "Song Jixin, do you want to go take a look at the Kiln Affairs Supervisor's official residence? I can persuade the doorman..."

Song Jixin's face turned cold, and he spat out a single word through gritted teeth: "Scram!"

Zhao Yao left dejectedly.

The maid Zhi Gui watched his retreating figure and whispered, "Young master, he meant well."

Song Jixin sneered, "Are there not plenty of instances where the good intentions of good people lead to bad outcomes?"

She thought about it and realized it was indeed a rather dull and uninteresting truth, so she didn't insist further.

Zhao Yao's residence on Fulu Street was in the north of the town, while Mud Bottle Alley was in the west, where the poor households were concentrated. As Song Jixin and his maid walked past the archway side by side, she looked up at the "Qi Chong Dou Niu" plaque, like an aging elder.

The young woman, whose real name was Wang Zhu, smiled without revealing her teeth.

After Zhao Yao returned to the Zhao family's ancestral home on Fulu Street, a servant informed him that his great-grandmother was waiting for him in the study and he had to go immediately, without a moment's delay. The young scholar, still reeking of alcohol, felt a headache coming on and reluctantly headed to the study.

The Zhao family was discreet in the town, their wealth understated and refined, unlike the Lu family, who were ostentatious and prided themselves on being a scholarly lineage. Their study was also ancient and elegant.

An old woman holding a cane stood by a writing desk, stroking its surface. Her weathered face was filled with a sorrowful, reminiscent expression.

After smelling the strong scent of alcohol on her eldest grandson from outside the door, the old woman wasn't angry. She smiled and beckoned, "Yao'er, come in. What are you standing at the door for? It's not shameful for a man to have a drink, it's not like drinking horse urine!"

Zhao Yao stepped over the threshold with a wry smile and respectfully bowed to his ancestor. The old woman impatiently said, "This is the downside of reading too much. All these rules and regulations make scholars feel like they're banging their heads against a wall their whole lives. It's so tiresome. Take your grandfather, for example. He was outstanding in everything, but when he talked about grand principles, he'd drone on and on. It was truly annoying, especially his demeanor and expression. Tsk, it made me want to hit him with my cane... I just couldn't win an argument with him, which made me so angry I wanted to smash him with my cane..."

The old woman suddenly found herself amused and burst into laughter. "I almost forgot, I didn't need a cane back then."

She asked with a smile, "What, were you drinking with that ungrateful brat surnamed Song?"

Zhao Yao said helplessly, "Grandma, how many times have I told you, Song Jixin is very talented, his comprehension is very high, and he learns everything one step faster than others."

The old woman scoffed, "Oh, he's smart, no doubt about it. But your grandfather, even before he died, could tell what someone would be like at three years old. He saw right through that little fellow. Do you want to know what your grandfather said about him?"

Zhao Yao quickly replied, "Grandson doesn't want to know!"

The old woman didn't care whether her precious grandson wanted to listen or not and continued on her own, "Your grandfather said, 'He's so young, yet so deep. It's a pity that he will be the one to ruin his ancestors' reputation.'"

Then she pointed at Zhao Yao and said, "Your grandfather also said, 'Gentle, kind, thrifty, and frugal. There's nothing particularly remarkable about him at first glance, but he is the one who will nurture the vitality of future generations. It must be my grandson!'"

After she finished speaking, the old woman smiled, "That old man, he was pretentious his whole life, but at least he finally said something nice to hear."

Zhao Yao, feeling a bit confused, was about to speak when he heard his grandmother sigh, "Old, so old!"

The young man could only retract his words, smile, and step forward to hold the old woman's arm. "Grandma, may your life be as long as the Southern Mountains. You're still very young."

The old woman extended her withered hand and patted her precious grandson's hand. "Better than your grandfather. He didn't know how to talk nonsense about 'dog shit' principles when he studied, but he knew how to say nice things to people."

The young man smiled, "Grandpa was truly learned. Mr. Qi also said that Grandpa's scholarship was profound, and he had great insight in explaining the character 'righteousness'."

The old woman's foxy tail immediately appeared, her smugness impossible to hide, though she pretended to scoff, "Of course. Don't forget who chose him!"

Zhao Yao pursed his lips, suppressing a smile.

The old woman led Zhao Yao to the chair behind the desk. The young man noticed a lifelike Sleeping Dragon Woodcarving on the desk. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that this green wooden dragon had no eyes.

The old woman picked up a brush that had already been dipped in ink. It was a brand-new small awl brush with a handle made from an old locust branch. She held it with both hands and tremblingly handed it to her eldest grandson.

As Zhao Yao took the brush, bewildered, his shoulder sank. It turned out his grandmother had placed her hand on his shoulder. He then naturally sat in the seat reserved only for the head of the Zhao family.

The old woman stepped back, her voice solemn and respectful, "Zhao Yao, take your seat! Today, you will represent the ancestors of the Zhao family and give the dragon its eyes!"

Dozens of dilapidated clay statues of gods lay scattered on the overgrown ground, leaning askew, ignored by everyone.

It had been like this for hundreds of years. Sometimes, more clay statues would end up here. The townsfolk were not only accustomed to many things but had long since lost much of their reverence for these statues.

Occasionally, the elderly would nag their children not to play here. Yet, the young children still loved to play hide-and-seek and catch crickets here. Perhaps when these children grew up and became old themselves, they would also tell their children not to play in this area. Generation after generation, life went on, without storms or ripples, ordinary and unremarkable.

Here, severed heads, broken torsos, and detached hands lay scattered, as if someone had haphazardly pieced them together, barely maintaining their general appearance, but only this much dignity remained.

A straw-sandaled youth hurried over from Mud Bottle Alley. He clutched three offering coins tightly in his palm. When he arrived, he weaved his way through, muttering to himself. Then, with practiced ease, he found a statue, crouched down, looked around to ensure no one was watching, and then quietly placed the copper coins into a crack in the broken statue.

He stood up and went to the second and third statues, doing the same for each.

Before the youth left, he stood alone in the lush green grass, clasped his hands together, and bowed his head, murmuring, "May everything be safe and sound, may everything be safe and sound. I hope you will bless my parents so they don't suffer in their next life... If possible, please tell my parents that I am doing well now and they don't need to worry..."