Planting Trees to Express Gratitude

On one side lay terraced fields and villages; on the other, a sea of clouds and sky.

They had not gone far when a middle-aged man, accompanied by attendants, came stumbling down a path between the fields.

The middle-aged man was fat and richly dressed, with a decorative longsword still hanging at his waist. He panted heavily as he ran, sweat streaming down his back, the sword constantly swinging against his hip. Compared to a few years ago, more gray had appeared at his temples, and his face had grown more weathered.

"Up ahead! Up ahead!"

One of the attendants pointed forward and shouted.

The middle-aged man naturally saw Song You and his group as well, but instead of slowing down, he ran even faster.

Only upon reaching Song You did he stop. He could not help bending over, bracing his hands on his thighs and gulping down breaths, before forcing himself upright to cup his hands in greeting.

"Greetings, sir."

Having said that, he immediately bent over again, hands on his thighs.

"Greetings, Duke Liu."

The Daoist also stopped and returned the salute.

Yet compared with the merchant, who was so out of breath he could barely straighten his waist, the Daoist remained utterly composed, standing straight as a tree.

"It has been several years since we last met. Has sir been well?"

"Well enough for now." Song You smiled at him. "Why is Duke Liu in such a hurry?"

"Ah..."

The middle-aged man surnamed Liu still could not stop panting. He spoke between breaths, "I came up the mountain today to inspect the construction progress at Azure Dragon Temple. A craftsman mentioned that an old acquaintance of Liu's had come into the mountains. The moment I heard his description, I knew it was you, sir. I feared you