In late autumn, the broad, level Azure Dragon River reflected the mountains on either bank, and the scenery was at its finest.
Especially now, as the setting sun cast its golden glow over the lush, densely wooded Hutang Mountain to the left and the red-purple slopes of Redwood Ridge to the right. The mountains, bathed in the sunset's brilliant hues, looked like a pair of lovers bound by deep but bitter affection, sinking together into the river.
The river grew ever more vibrant, as though painted in every color, its hues spread by nature's own brush.
Wang Laoshi and his wife, Madam Zhang, spent their days on the Azure Dragon River. Even the most beautiful scenery, seen day after day, became commonplace.
The two of them were crouched at the bow of their broad lotus-leaf boat, which they had spent decades saving up for, cleaning several black carp. Wang Laoshi's hands flashed as he scraped off the scales, sending them flying like snow.
Madam Zhang was nimble, too. With quick, clean strokes, she chopped the two-foot-long carp into several pieces.
A faint white Qi already seeped through the fine holes in the cabin's roof, carrying the rich aroma of rice and the scent of red-braised pork simmering until tender.
Suddenly, Madam Zhang cried out and dropped the cleaver spinning through the air like a flower. She sprang into the cabin beneath the green canopy and called frantically, "Husband!"
Wang Laoshi was about to scold her when he noticed a corpse floating on the river, drifting slowly toward his little boat with the current.
Wang Laoshi cursed his bad luck under his breath, but had no idea what to do.
He and his wife were known around Zuo Jin for their skill at preparing fresh fish. This time, a wealthy patron