Fragrant Hills, White Clouds (Part 1)

"Ah, Manager Li, how could you say that? His Lordship made it clear: I handle the inside, you handle the outside. Everything outside is your responsibility, isn't it? So must a manager in charge of internal affairs like me, Little Li, personally run errands too? Besides, it's only delivering a small New Year's gift to White Cloud Temple. His Lordship doesn't want to see that stinking Daoist, so naturally I have to stay by his side. But that old Daoist does have some magical ability, so there's no need to offend him. That means someone respectable has to deliver the gift—and wouldn't that have to be Manager Li?"

Little Li clutched a whisk and kept dusting himself with it, as though a swarm of flies were marching across his body. Li Feng stood before him with his head hanging low, loudly complaining without pause. "This young master Li Feng isn't trying to slack off, but the snow outside the city is three feet deep. It's dozens of li there and back. It's simply too exhausting."

Grinning, Little Li gave Li Feng's shoulder a flick with the whisk. "We're both serving His Lordship, so what's there to complain about? With snow this deep, delivering gifts now will show just how sincere His Lordship is. Oh, right. His Lordship said that while you're delivering the gifts, you should draw a fortune stick and ask about our household's luck next year—see whether His Lordship has any more good fortune coming."

After giggling softly a few times, Little Li edged closer to Li Feng with slight embarrassment and lowered his voice. "While you're at it, do Little Li another favor. After you get His Lordship's fortune stick, draw me a marriage stick too, all right? And ask about descendants while you're there. Heehee."

Li Feng, already full of resentment over being pressed into service, made two choking sounds in his throat and nearly burst out laughing. He stared at Little Li in disbelief and asked in a low voice, "Manager Li, don't scare me. What did you say? A marriage stick? Descendants? I, I, I... You didn't drink too much last night, did you?" Li Feng cast a very peculiar glance at Little Li's lower body and found himself at a loss for words.

Little Li's face immediately flushed scarlet. He glared at the few young eunuchs snickering nearby and barked, "You pack of lazybones! Why aren't you hurrying off to make the rounds? Tonight is New Year's Eve! Have the incense, candles, and lamps everywhere been prepared? Have all the servants on duty been arranged? Don't let anything go wrong, or this eunuch will slap you till your faces bloom. Get lost! All of you, get lost!" Little Li sent one slow-running young eunuch staggering with a flying kick.

Turning back, he said in a somewhat bashful whisper, "Hehe, Brother Li, if you do me this favor, Little Li certainly won't forget your reward. Don't look at me like that. Hehe, I should have gone to White Cloud Temple to ask for this stick myself, but if I showed my face there, they'd all recognize me. Wouldn't that be awkward? Hehe, you understand. We eunuchs truly can't marry, but adopting a godson isn't a problem, is it? Eunuch Ma—the Ma He you met last time—adopted his own brother's son, didn't he?"

"By that reckoning, I, Little Li, can also carry on the ancestral line. Anyway, just ask and see how Little Li's descendants will fare, all right? Be sure to remember."

Li Feng suddenly understood. So this eggless fellow wants to play at false phoenixes and sham dragons. I get it, I get it. This really broadened my horizons—eunuchs have such concerns too? Well, it's no trouble anyway. I'll ask for him and earn myself a favor. Li Feng immediately obtained Zhu Xi's and Little Li's birth dates and birth hours, tucked the red slips into his robe, then lazily called together a dozen or so guards. With over twenty porters in tow, he left Zhu Xi's residence.

Heavy snow still drifted down from the sky, greatly astonishing Li Feng, who had never seen snow in his life. Sitting atop a tall horse, he could not help reciting sourly, "A lone boat, an old man in straw cape and bamboo hat, fishing alone in the cold river snow." Though there was not even a river in sight, the accompanying guards loudly applauded from horseback, their flattery landing perfectly. Li Feng felt quite pleased with himself.

Looking at the porters struggling through the deep snow behind him, Li Feng could not help sighing inwardly. Sure enough, injustice lies everywhere under heaven. Those high officials and wealthy nobles embrace delicate wives and beautiful concubines, wear sable furs and silk brocade, and hold aged wine in their hands. Then there are people like Little Li, bullying others by borrowed power, hugging hand warmers, trailed by lackeys, strutting around the entire residence and playing the tiger. A hard-fated fellow like me rides through wind and snow out of the city, though at least I have a few servants' bootlicking to sweeten my heart. But these men wear threadbare clothes that leak wind from every side. Their noses and faces are frozen blue and swollen, yet bamboo baskets weighing a hundred jin or more still press upon their shoulders.

Li Feng began chanting softly. "Heaven births all things to nourish man, yet man has nothing with which to repay Heaven. Alas, look upon this world—are those in high positions necessarily men of great virtue and wisdom? Are those among the common streets necessarily great villains and evildoers? It is nothing more than murderers and arsonists wearing golden belts, while those who build roads and mend bridges leave bones to fill the ditches... What virtue or talent does Li Feng possess, that today I hold the post of minor assistant general and also serve as manager of a prince's residence? Is it not because my belly is full of foul schemes and my head packed with ghostly designs?"

"Do these porters truly not know filial piety, not know Heaven's principles and human bonds? Yet born lowly, they can only roll about in the mud for their entire lives."

After several soft sighs, Li Feng raised his voice slightly. At once, loud praise came from behind him. "Wonderful, wonderful! Infinite Longevity Buddha, this patron's words are deeply in harmony with Heaven's principles. Are you not one who understands? This old Daoist was just now made muddleheaded by wealth and rank, but upon suddenly hearing your words, it was like morning bells and evening drums, awakening me to reflection." Accompanied by that aged yet vigorous voice, a streak of yellow flashed before Li Feng's horse with a whoosh, moving so swiftly it was frightening.

The guard responsible for leading the way recognized the man and immediately tumbled from his horse, kneeling on the ground in worship. "Immortal Elder Baiyun, this disciple pays his respects." He shouted to Li Feng, "Boss, this is Daoist Baiyun of White Cloud Temple, Yanjing City's famed immortal elder. You should hurry and pay your respects."

Li Feng looked uncertainly at the ancient-faced Daoist before him, then rolled off his horse and prepared to throw himself into a full prostration. Old Daoist Baiyun, whose thick beard framed a rosy face as tender as an infant's, laughed. With a sweep of his whisk, an immense force lifted Li Feng upright. "Ah, Patron, you are too courteous. From what you said, you are also someone who understands Heaven's principles and human feelings. Let this crowd of ordinary folk kneel if they wish—it does not diminish this old Daoist's blessings—but I cannot accept such a grand salute from you."

Li Feng said no more. With a wave, he signaled for a guard to give up a horse. Old Daoist Baiyun repeatedly declined. "Forget it, forget it. A man of the mountains cannot enjoy such things. This old Daoist and his disciples would rather walk. The wind and snow are not so heavy anyway; we'll be there shortly... Eh? Aren't you the little fellow from Prince Zhu Xi's residence? This old Daoist saw you deliver things during the New Year two years ago. Could it be that you are taking New Year's goods to this old Daoist's temple? That would be excellent."

"Exactly so. This junior is Li Feng, humbly serving as the manager of external affairs at Prince Zhu Xi's residence. Today, this junior has brought men to deliver New Year's goods and household items to Daoist Baiyun. Our prince said that he traveled in the south for a long time and only returned a few days ago. The people at home were not good at handling such matters, so these items were delayed. We are hurrying to deliver them to you today."

The old Daoist nodded, swaying his whisk as he smiled. "Hehe, the Heir Apparent traveled south? Mm, I did hear of it. Very well. Since you are headed for White Cloud Temple anyway, this old Daoist will go ahead and prepare tea for our guests. Disciples, quicken your steps. Do not keep our guests waiting." After making a Daoist salute, he led several blue-robed Daoists who had just caught up. With another sweep of his whisk, the seven or eight elderly Daoists floated away just above the snow like wild geese. In the blink of an eye, they vanished from sight.

One guard exclaimed, "The immortal elder's Earth Shrinking Technique is truly miraculous! It is more than a hundred times superior to our Lightness Skill: Ground Soaring Method."

Li Feng was also marveling inwardly. Wonderful. This old Daoist truly has some attainment in the Dao. High internal energy alone is nothing remarkable, but he actually blended lightness skill with Daoist Magic. One step covered more than twenty zhang—one could call that his own invention. After coming down from the mountain for so long, this is the first person with true Daoist attainment I've encountered. Unfortunately, this young master is only a half-filled bottle sloshing around; I can't tell how deep his power truly runs. Mm, if he has already formed a Golden Core, I could certainly seek his guidance.

Li Feng suddenly grew anxious. Leaping onto his horse, he turned and shouted, "Hey, work a little harder, everyone! Reach White Cloud Temple early, and this young master will reward you tenfold. Hyah! Move, faster!" His riding whip cracked sharply through the air as he led the little gift-bearing procession onward against the wind and snow.

By the time they reached White Cloud Temple, the porters were too exhausted to speak. Li Feng had matters weighing on his mind and had urged them on too anxiously, while the porters coveted his reward and had run through the snow as though their lives depended on it. When they arrived, their clothes were soaked through inside and out. Seeing their condition, the young Daoists hurriedly heated water so they could wash themselves, then brought out old Daoist robes and thick padded garments for them to change into.

Li Feng nodded to himself. Not bad. Judging by these young Daoists, they do seem to be disciples of men who have attained the Dao. He said aloud, "Keep these clothes on for now. Young masters, tell me how much these clothes are worth, and I will buy them all. How does that sound?"

A young Daoist laughed warmly. "Patron, you jest. Every year, White Cloud Temple gives out countless clothes and bowls of porridge. These garments are old anyway; just wear them. In this freezing weather, catching a chill would be no laughing matter. During the New Year, everyone seeks happiness. Falling ill is no happy thing."

Li Feng smiled and nodded. He gave the porters a generous reward, then told them to return to Yanjing City first. After sending the accompanying guards to drink tea in the side rooms, Li Feng himself hurried after a young Daoist toward the rear courtyards. White Cloud Temple was a famous place outside Yanjing City, its courtyards stretching deep one after another. Li Feng could not be bothered to count how many they passed through. At last, the young Daoist pushed open a black-lacquered wooden door and led him into a fresh little courtyard.

Several pine and cypress trees had been planted casually in the courtyard. Snow weighed down their branches, while layer upon layer of lush green showed through the white, giving the place a vibrant vitality. Old Daoist Baiyun stood in the courtyard with both hands tucked into his sleeves, staring blankly at the trees. Only when he saw Li Feng enter did he chuckle, pull his hands free, and gesture inside. "Manager Li arrived quickly. It is cold outside. Please, come in."

Li Feng said nothing more and followed Old Daoist Baiyun into his room. Once they had taken their seats as host and guest, a young Daoist deftly served tea along with four plates of dried fruits and sweets. Old Daoist Baiyun popped a piece of osmanthus malt candy into his mouth and said with a grin, "When one grows old, one likes to keep something sweet in one's mouth. Please, please. This is Lu'an Guapian Tea sent to this old Daoist by the prince. It is fine tea indeed. The water was drawn from a spring behind the mountain, so it should taste quite good when boiled."

Li Feng lifted his teacup, scraped away the foam with the lid, gently inhaled the fragrance, and took a sip. Then he sighed. "Fine tea, but compared with tea, this junior still prefers strong liquor." He looked around the simply furnished, spotless guest room. It suited the temperament of a Daoist cultivator, though the tea set was rather extravagant. Still, it was presumably bestowed by Prince of Yan, and the old Daoist used it to entertain guests.

Old Daoist Baiyun laughed heartily. "Of course. Young people have vigorous blood and qi; naturally, tea cannot compare to wine. Wine's force rises quickly and makes the blood and qi surge, making it suited to youth. This old Daoist is getting on in years and has come to prefer tea. Take a sip, and after bitterness comes sweetness—just like a man's life. One bustles and labors all one's life, then looks back at the end and finds that everything was like floating clouds. At that time, if the heart has no attachments and remains free and clean, then it is sweet."

Li Feng flattered him, "Daoist Baiyun's words are profound and unfathomable. This junior admires you deeply."

Old Daoist Baiyun shook his head, blowing out a breath that sent his beard fluttering wildly. He laughed. "Nonsense. This old Daoist speaks nonsense, and you speak nonsense too. This old Daoist's words are quite simple, while Manager Li's words sound too distant... Manager Li came to Yanjing City with some purpose in mind, did you not?" Old Daoist Baiyun abruptly changed the subject and tossed another sweet into his mouth. His rosy cheeks were like a child's, and amusement gleamed in his eyes, as though Li Feng were an interesting toy or a fine cup of tea.

Li Feng hurriedly nodded, though his heart tightened slightly. "Naturally. Why else would this junior have come to Yanjing City, if not to seek promotion and wealth? Of course I came with a purpose."

Old Daoist Baiyun sighed. "Bustling and clamoring, all come and go for fame and profit. Yet they cannot see through it: when one grows old and dies, this stinking sack of skin may well feed wild dogs. What is there to fight over? But it is only right. If young people were all like this old Daoist, they might as well not be born, wouldn't you say? Hehe." Old Daoist Baiyun seemed to be in high spirits. After speaking several rambling words, he suddenly began singing a Daoist ballad, crossing his right leg over his left and gently swinging it, looking utterly relaxed and content.

Li Feng gave an awkward laugh. "Daoist Baiyun is a figure like an immortal. Naturally, you cannot bear the sight of someone like this junior. How could the muddy current of the mortal world stain Daoist Baiyun's person?"

Old Daoist Baiyun shook his head again and again, his face full of gloom and distress. "Don't say it, don't say it. This old Daoist does not go rolling in the dust of the mortal world, yet the mortal world insists on pouncing upon me. Ah, it is just like that place in your city called the Eight Great Alleys. Once, this old Daoist accidentally wandered in. I did not ask those girls to come over, yet they desperately clung to me. Prince of Yan, the Second Prince, the Third Prince, Commander-in-Chief Zhang Yu, Zhu Neng—weren't they all desperately trying to cling to this old Daoist too?"

Li Feng was utterly floored. What sort of tone was this old Daoist using? By his account, Prince of Yan Zhu Di, Zhu Geng, Zhu Ren, and even that Zhang Yu had all become whores in a brothel.

The old Daoist kept shaking his head and sighing. Tugging at his own beard in distress, he said, "This old Daoist should not have been so softhearted. In a moment of weakness, I gave a few unlucky fellows some guidance about their futures, and now people from all over the world run here seeking fortune sticks, divinations, and relief from disasters and misfortunes. This old Daoist is no immortal—where would I get such great abilities?... Manager Li, may I discuss something with you? Tell Prince of Yan that this old Daoist is truly too old and too lazy, and too lazy to become his adviser. All right? He wants this old Daoist to become the Heir Apparent's teacher. That is a great nuisance."

Old Daoist Baiyun suddenly cried out and yanked several hairs from his beard. He looked at Li Feng hesitantly and said weakly, "Ah, how did I forget? You belong to the Heir Apparent. You will not tell the Heir Apparent and Prince of Yan what I said, will you?"

Li Feng swallowed and repeatedly shook his head, guaranteeing, "Rest assured. Li Feng's tongue is not that long."

Old Daoist Baiyun immediately smiled. "Then that is good, that is good. Whenever Prince of Yan wants this old Daoist to help him do something, I am always too lazy to go. But the prince commands several hundred thousand valiant troops. If this old Daoist refuses, and the prince becomes angry, White Cloud Temple could be reduced to rubble at once. These several hundred old and young Daoists would all become dead Daoists, and this old Daoist would become a solitary soul without kin. Wouldn't that pain my heart? This time, when he asked this old Daoist to become the Heir Apparent's teacher, I was merely grumbling. I never said I would not do it."

Old Daoist Baiyun wore a broad smile. "Good, very good. You said your tongue is not that long, so this old Daoist can rest easy. This old Daoist is also a subject under Prince of Yan's rule and naturally can only obey the prince's commands. Talk of leaping beyond the Three Realms and existing outside the Five Elements is all bullshit. This old Daoist still eats vegetables, tofu, and steamed buns every day. If I left the Five Elements, I would be a ghost."

PS: The usual Pighead weekly recommendation:

Football Journey After Soul Transfer

A very good alternate-history football novel, with a Chinese man battling through Serie A!!

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