Setting his thoughts aside, Tang Yan continued admiring the scenery beyond the pavilion. In the distance, the lake shimmered, countless little boats gliding leisurely across it as the faint music of strings and flutes drifted from all around.
At this beautiful scene, Tang Yan casually recited, "Walk to where the waters end; sit and watch the clouds arise..."
The old man, who had merely been gazing at the scenery, shuddered at Tang Yan's words, and some of the worry on his face eased.
Shen Shan was astonished. Walk to where the waters end; sit and watch the clouds arise. The open-mindedness in those two brief lines instantly broadened one's heart.
This young man had been staring at his grandson earlier. Could he have spotted the problem and composed a poem specifically to console them?
"So you noticed my grandson's symptoms too, young master. Such talent is truly admirable!" Shen Shan rose and cupped his hands toward Tang Yan.
Tang Yan was somewhat taken aback by the old man's words. He had merely recited a line of poetry at random. Of course, from what the old man said, Tang Yan also gathered that his grandson had yet to find a suitable way to cultivate.
"Don't lose heart, sir. Until things reach their end, there may still be a turn for the better. As the saying goes, when the cart reaches the mountain, a road will appear; when the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten its course. Mountains fold and waters wind, and you fear there is no path; beyond shaded willows and bright blossoms lies another village." Tang Yan trotted out another couple of lines of verse, and Shen Shan's eyes shone all the brighter.
"Your breadth of spirit commands the deepest respect, young brother. I am Shen Shan.