Shen Hui gazed at the plaque above Ford-Seeking Hall and suddenly remembered something.
"The buildings are finished, but they're still missing something."
"What?"
"Couplets."
As he spoke, he took two steps back, studied it for a moment, and said,
"A doorway without couplets is like a face without brows or eyes. Since we're in good spirits today, let's add them while we're at it."
After a little thought, he used his finger as a brush and carved characters through the air.
On the right stone pillar, he carved:
"A clear breeze brushes your sleeves; enter this gate, and ask not how far your future stretches."
On the left stone pillar, he carved:
"A bright moon lights your heart; step beyond the mundane world, and behold its ten thousand fathoms of mortal dust."
When he finished, he stepped back twice more, looked it over, and nodded in satisfaction.
Lu Huan tilted her head up to read it, then turned to him.
"What does that mean?"
"You'll understand someday," Shen Hui answered with a smile.
Everyone offered their opinions, then followed Shen Hui up the mountain path.
At the Mountain Gate, rugged bluestone stood amid luxuriant vegetation.
Shen Hui swept his sleeve, and the ground rumbled.
The bluestone stacked itself into an ornamental gateway thirty feet high, with four pillars, three openings, and flying eaves with upturned corners.
Vines twined around the pillars, forming natural patterns.
A bluestone plaque hung above the central opening, bearing the boldly carved words "Clear Wind."
Then he turned to the others.
"Who would like to compose a couplet for the Mountain Gate?"
First Senior Uncle was the first to speak, eagerly volunteering.
"I will!"
He cleared his throat, planted both hands on his hips, and recited loudly,
"The first line: enter, burn incense, and bow your