The old drunk looked frail, but he was remarkably strong, and the little boat swiftly pulled away from shore.
By the time the boatman retrieved the silver and swam ashore, the little boat was no more than a faint silhouette on the lake.
The boatman clutched the silver, looking bewildered.
Someone nearby said, "Don't be angry. This fellow is the madman who's been around Yueyang City lately. Once he drinks, he goes wild, but when he sobers up, he'll return your boat. If he loses it, you can report him to the authorities."
The boatman wiped the water from his face and asked, "I've seen this old madman a few times. Normally, the officers wouldn't let someone like him make trouble along Dongting Lake or outside Yueyang Tower. Is there something more to this?"
"I've only heard that he's a pitiable man. He hasn't committed any great evil. Whenever he damages someone's belongings, he pays for them after sobering up, and pays handsomely, too. Some people practically wish the old madman would trouble them."
The boatman laughed. "So that's it. Then I hope he scuttles my old boat so I can get a new one."
Everyone laughed and let the matter pass.
Mist drifted over the vast waters of Dongting Lake. After nightfall, it reflected the starry sky, resembling an ocean. The old drunk rowed deep into the lake, staggered to his feet at the bow, and actually undid his trousers, facing heaven and earth as he let loose a stream.
The old drunk shuddered and gave a contented grunt. Drowsiness washed over him, and he lay down groggily in the boat and fell into a stupor.
After an unknown length of time, the little boat rocked as an ordinary pleasure boat gradually approached. Delightful music drifted from it, elegant