Master Cen had repeatedly urged Xu Yi to enter officialdom and seek fame, even guaranteeing that with Xu Yi's talent, he would surely place high in the imperial examinations. One day, becoming a powerful minister would be as easy as turning over his hand.
Xu Yi always brushed him off with talk of his longing for mountains and rivers, much to Master Cen's regret.
Two knocks sounded from the deck. "Master, Mr. Xu, we've reached Huaiyang Ferry."
Thirty-six li west of Huaiyang Ferry lay Tokyo City.
Xu Yi rose to his full height and clasped his hands. "We've traveled together and troubled you for a long while. Talking with Brother Cen has been like basking in a spring breeze; I never noticed dawn was nearly upon us."
Master Cen returned the salute. "If not for the many tedious affairs of my clan, I'd truly like to talk with Brother Xu for another three days and nights. Still, Brother Xu already has my address. Once you've settled in Tokyo City, please be sure to write to me."
Xu Yi agreed, and Master Cen saw him up onto the deck. Cold raindrops pattered down, crisscrossing beneath the dim lamplight and falling across the vast Wu Land. They struck their faces, yet rather than making them feel damp and chilled, they lifted their spirits.
Though dawn was near, the sky remained dark. The mighty Jiang Shui ran toward the towering Chu Mountain; beneath the vast night sky, they seemed all the more lonely.
Before long, the covered boat reached shore. Xu Yi leaped ashore, saluted Master Cen with clasped hands, then turned and took his leave.
After he had walked a dozen or so paces, he heard Master Cen singing a farewell song. Its deep affection moved Xu Yi greatly. A thought struck