Chapter 24: The Prefect Pays a Visit
If a demon or spirit wishes to transform, a certain level of cultivation is required.
However, not just cultivation is required. Having enough cultivation doesn't naturally guarantee transformation. It also required a bit of opportunity, a bit of good fortune, and a bit of ingenuity.
It’s mysterious but sometimes just a bit was lacking. Some demons naturally overcome this barrier without even realizing how. Others struggle mightily, searching everywhere to no avail. Sometimes, they succeed during an ordinary day or night when they've given up. Song You had read many such stories in the books at the Daoist temple.
Transforming is not something that can be achieved overnight.
Song You had seen several demons that had transformed into human shape with varying levels of cultivation. However, he had never witnessed the transformation process itself. He had read that the time it takes to transform varies greatly, so he often watched her at home.
Cold Dew[1] had passed and it was Frost Descends[2].
The weather turned from cool to cold.
The calico cat still looked like a cat. When the weather turned cold, it always curled up in warm places or burrowed into the stovetop burner. Every time he wanted to light the stove to cook was like making a visit in the mountains. He had to first approach the hole, politely ask if she was inside, or bend down and lower his head to look for her inside the stovetop burner. It often resulted in them staring at each other.
Whenever she emerged, she was always black with soot.
If he remarked on her dirtiness, she would reply softly, sounding as if she was both earnest and indifferent. “It's just a bit of ash.”
Song You usually didn't pursue the matter further.
Before he knew it, it was the season when breath turned into white vapor.
One afternoon in the Northern Market[3], Cloud Talk Canopy.
The Northern Market was the goulan washe Song You frequented. Yidu had seven or eight goulan washe, and the Northern Market was quite large, with a dozen or so theaters of varying sizes. The Cloud Talk Canopy was the name of one of the theaters, hosted by Old Mr. Zhang, Cheng Wulang and his troupe, specializing in oral performances.
Old Mr. Zhang usually told stories in the afternoon, sometimes even joined by a gentleman who came to talk about history. Meanwhile Cheng Wulang's troupe performed comedy acts in the evening, somewhat similar to cross-talk, providing entertainment.
The structure of these theaters borrowed features from temple stages, with an enclosed area and a roof, resembling a canopy, hence many theaters were named as such. Inside, the seating was usually tiered, with increasing elevation from the inner to the outer layers. This was called “waist canopy”. Admission was paid, with varying prices for different seats, making it a very professional performance venue.
However, once the weather turned cold, many people preferred to stay home, so Song You got a good seat despite paying the usual fee.
He ordered a pot of hot tea, warming his hands with it.
Old Mr. Zhang came on stage right on time.
He continued his tale about that great northern war from a few years ago, focusing on General Chen Ziyi as the hero.
This was a serialized story.
Though no one had yet written a book about the war, storytellers had already gathered bits of information and added their own embellishments, creating narratives to tell. Compared to the plots of serious novels and historical romances, these stories might lack wholeness, flow, and logic, but people were very interested in these kinds of stories which were relatable in various ways. Thus, storytellers like Old Mr. Zhang who got a head start, could earn significant profits.
Song You had missed a few previous installments and lacked some context. Now he listened to the storyteller continuing, trying hard to piece together the story from what he had heard.
Next door was the Hibiscus Canopy, where songs were performed.
Story-telling on one side and songs on the other, both delivered by professionals with clear, resonant voices. The two types of sounds rose and fell in succession, sometimes clashing in his ears, sometimes blending harmoniously.
“General Chen Ziyi fought alone, killing non-stop until he was covered in blood and only saw red! Guess what happened in the end? He actually rescued the marshal from the midst of ten thousand enemy soldiers, terrifying the northern soldiers! His battle robe and armor were dyed red with fresh blood[4] Who dared to challenge him? Besides his martial prowess, he was all courage!”
Song You heard a soft laugh at his side.
He turned to see a very elegant scholar-official[5].
The man appeared to be around fifty, with excellent skin, frosted temples, and an impeccably groomed beard. He was still wearing a flower hairpin at his age, which was really unconventional. He was likely a famous person or an elegant scholar.
His attire was made of first rate Yi brocade, and his shoes were spotless, indicating wealth, respectability and meticulousness.
He had both a scholarly air and the aura of an official, both extraordinary. Even though Song You wasn't versed in reading fate or destiny, he could tell at a glance that this person was exceptional and destined for greater things.
Such a person should be seated at the Qinglongtou[6], the best seating area.
In the capital's goulan washe, the best seat was called the Jinjiao Chair[7] and it was reserved for the emperor, followed by the Qinglongtou which was the best viewing area. Yidu had no emperor, so there was no Jinjiao Chair, but the wealthy could pay extra for the Qinglongtou. If high officials arrived, it would naturally be arranged for them to be seated there.
Yet this man sat beside Song You, only separated by one seat.
Looking around, the theater was only about thirty or forty percent full, with many empty seats.
Song You understood immediately.
Old Mr. Zhang finished telling a section and sipped tea as he rested. Some young sons of officials sat in the Qinglongtou area nearby. Young people were curious so they asked questions about the story and the old gentleman responded aptly.
Song You felt the man's gaze on him several times.
Finally, after half a cup of tea, the official spoke. “This old storyteller is good, but the story is quite inaccurate.”
“Is that why you laughed?”
“You heard that?”
“My hearing is decent.”
“Excuse me, I meant no disrespect to the storyteller on stage. I just happen to know what happened during the Battle of Lanshui. Though the storyteller's version differs greatly, it's more exciting and interesting. I couldn’t help thinking that I just know the real story of the Battle of Lanshui but the storyteller knows what people in the audience want to hear. For a moment, I found that amusing and thus laughed softly.”
Song You nodded as he listened. He couldn’t help smiling.
This man's words had a certain wit.
“No need to explain.”
“Do you come here often to listen to stories?”
“I come whenever I am free.”
“Most of the stories in this theater are largely fictional.”
“Stories may be true or fictional, but anything that exists in the world must have some truth in it. Truth may not contain falsehoods, but falsehoods always contain some truth.”
“Oh? Please elaborate.”
“Didn't you just say it earlier? You know the real story of the Battle of Lanshui, while the storyteller on stage knows what the audience wants to hear. Each has its purpose. If you find the storyteller's knowledge shallower than yours, that's fine.”
“I see...” Prefect Yu frowned thoughtfully.
When he figured it out, his eyes lit up, feeling it was wonderfully insightful, almost wanting to applaud.
Originally, he thought Mr. Song came to the Cloud Talk Canopy to hear about that northern war a few years ago but it wasn't so. Mr. Song was actually interested in understanding people's preferences and desires, or aspirations.
That was also what the storyteller knew what the audience wanted to hear.
The stories might be fictional, but this was undoubtedly true.
Governor Yu found it wonderful. As someone who had specially come to seek Mr. Song's friendship, he found it even more wonderful that he actually had thought of this point himself earlier. They happened to share the same view.
“My surname is Yu, my name is He, and my style name is Jianbai. I was originally from the capital city. May I know your name, sir?”
“If you don't know me, why seek me out?”
Prefect Yu was momentarily stunned.
Yet, he wasn’t embarrassed. He thought a little and came up with a plan. He countered, “How did you know I came to seek you?”
Song You only pointed to the seats in front. “If you were here just for the story, you should be sitting there.”
“I see.” It was more or less what he had thought.
“To be honest, I heard about your deeds at Taian Temple previously and afterwards also about your eradication of the fog spirit on Jinyang Road. I couldn’t help admiring you and wish to befriend you.” Prefect Yu said frankly as friendship between gentlemen is clear like water.[8] It should be simple for literati to become friends.
“I've inquired around and learned that you often visit Pine Cottage to listen to the qin, so I waited there outside for a few days. It’s a pity but I didn't see you. I thought you might prefer peace and didn't want to be disturbed, so I stopped going for a while.”
As he spoke, he even stood up and bowed to Song You. “If I've disturbed you, please forgive me. If you prefer peaceful cultivation and don't wish to socialize, I'll leave now.”
“I don't go to Pine Cottage every day.”
Prefect Yu was delighted to hear this but didn't show it. “Then we were not fated to meet at the time.”
“To meet is fate.”
“This place is noisy and not ideal for conversation. You go frequently to Pine Cottage to listen to the qin so you must also be very fond of it. I happen to know Yang Jinsheng of Pine Cottage. If you're willing, after listening to this session, I can invite you to Pine Cottage and introduce you to Yang Jinsheng. Wouldn't that be wonderful?”
“Thank you for your kindness.” Song You declined. “But I only enjoy Mr. Yang's qin. I don’t know what he is like, and have no interest in befriending him.”
“I see.” Prefect Yu was taken aback, and lapsed into contemplation again.
“I do have a question.”
“Please go ahead and ask.”
“If you thought I preferred peace and didn't want to disturb me, why come specially to seek me out today?” Song You asked.
“Speaking shamefully, I aspire toward the Immortal Dao and longevity very much. Lately, I frequently thought of you, and lost sleep over it. I was really unable to hold back, so I went to Pine Cottage the past few days but didn't see you. Today, I came to the Northern Market to find you.” Prefect Yu looked ashamed. “I'm sorry for disturbing you.”
“You wanted to see me to ask for the Immortal Dao and longevity?”
“I've aspired toward them for years.”
“You’ve really overestimated me.” Song You couldn’t help laughing lightly. “I haven't glimpsed the Immortal Dao and longevity myself. How could I help you?”
“I only seek an answer.” Prefect Yu stared at Song You with a burning gaze. “As a secluded master, can you tell me if there is a way to longevity in this world?”
“I'm just a mortal too.”
“Mister, have you ever seen anyone achieve longevity?”
“How long is considered long?”
“Living as long as heaven and earth.”
“When heaven and earth were first separated, there were no people in this world.”
“What about living as long as the sun and moon?”
“When the sun and moon were first born, there were also no people in this world.”
“Were there immortals or gods then?”
“I guess not.”
“Guess?”
“Yes.”
“Oh?” Prefect Yu widened his eyes, shocked. He was both surprised by the answer, which differed from his expectations, and also by what he had said. Yet, he still hadn’t given up and continued to ask. “What about living for thousands of years?”
“I am just a mortal.”
Prefect Yu couldn't help looking disappointed.
Song You shook his head and smiled.
This man had an extraordinary scholarly air as well as an extraordinary aura of an official. Even though Yizhou was vast, it probably couldn't retain him. The capital city's imperial court was where he truly belonged. Listening to the first sentence he spoke, he had very much garnered Song You’s regard. Song You felt that he was indeed an uncommon individual, but he was obsessed with the illusory pursuit of the Immortal Dao and longevity.
“Bang!” The wooden block [9]sounded.
“It was said that Chen Ziyi urged his horse on with a whip in the Lanshui River, single-handedly and bravely rescuing the marshal, terrifying the northern soldiers...”
Song You turned his head forward, no longer interested in speaking with Yu Jianbai.
Ahead, several young sons of officials were listening with flushed faces. Their hearts were filled with aspiration and they wished they could join the army on the spot. They either wanted to emulate General Chen Ziyi by going onto the battlefield to kill enemies or to follow him. Among the entire audience in the canopy, they were the most excited, tossing copper coins jingling onto the stage.
Great Yan valued both literary and martial arts, no wonder it could establish such a vast empire.
Up till the end of the performance, he didn't speak to Yu Jianbai again.
1. 17th of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. ☜
2. 18th of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. ☜
3. The raws is really 瓦子, which is pronounced Wazi. It's another way to refer to goulan washe. We have decided to translate it as market. ☜
4. Quote from Romance of the Three Kingdoms. ☜
5. These are scholars in ancient Chinese society who studied Confucian classics and aspired to become government officials. Usually, imperial officials with backgrounds as scholars. The raw for this is 士人. ☜
6. This in raw is 青龙头, which means Green Dragon Head ☜
7. Raw is 金交椅, which means gold crossing chair ☜
8. Chinese proverb from Zhuangzi, meaning friendship between gentlemen should be free of pretensions and ulterior motives. ☜
9. Tool used to call for attention or order by dropping it onto a table. ☜
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