Chapter 105: The Waterfall

The night before leaving home, a small family gathering was held.

Zhang Shi also invited the two guards assigned by the government to Zhang Yue; from now on, they would be responsible for accompanying him on this journey.

Tang Jiu needed no encouragement—once he sat down, he began drinking.

Zhang Yue had seen enough to understand what it meant to drink from start to finish without pause.

In the Song Dynasty, the gravest punishment for a civil official’s offense was exile, often to faraway places. For example, Su Shi was exiled by Zhang Dun to Hainan Island, which was almost the severest penalty for a scholar-official.

Interestingly, Hainan was called Danzhou at the time. Su Shi’s courtesy name was Zizhan, and Zhang Dun’s cruel jests played on this, weaving a web of spiteful wordplay.

Similar cases included Su Zhe, courtesy name Ziyou, who was demoted to Leizhou, and Huang Tingjian, styled Luzhi, sent to Yizhou. The places of exile were tagged with particular radicals, imparting a sense of disgrace—these were all the handiwork of Zhang Dun’s malicious wit.

As for military officers, aside from execution, the next harshest punishment was exile to remote posts.

For instance, the young General Di Qing had his face branded with a tattooed character before he even held office.

Another guard named Ma Chang, a fifth-rank officer, respectfully addressed Tang Jiu as “Dian Zhi.”

Though “Dian Zhi” was a formal military title, Tang Jiu was a junior envoy, possibly a third-class attendant or temporarily assigned to that position. Regardless, he was a legitimate officer, yet after exile, he was like a phoenix fallen to a mere chicken.

It was common for exiled offenders to be re-enlisted by the authorities as guards. Similar to the story of Yang Zhi in Water Margin, who, after killing a ruffian, was demoted to Daming Prefecture and appointed by Liang Zhongshu as a military officer, even entrusted with escorting tribute tea to the capital.

After several cups of wine, Ma Wu had loosened up and was speaking freely and eloquently.

Tang Jiu, having drunk a little, also spoke a few words.

Zhang Shi personally raised his cup to toast the two men, urging them to take good care of Zhang Yue, and they drank late into the night. Seeing Tang Jiu drink twenty or thirty bowls without his complexion changing, Zhang Shi was somewhat reassured.

Zhang Yue understood his brother’s meaning: if Tang Jiu were truly the sort to ruin matters through drinking, Zhang Shi would not have entrusted his younger brother to him. At the same time, drinking together was a way to observe the character of both Tang and Ma.

Tang Jiu was shrewd and experienced; Ma Wu was honest and trustworthy. They seemed fit to be entrusted.

After the feast, the two men returned home to pack their belongings.

The next day, everyone set out.

Zhang Yue first bid farewell to Madam Yu. She said, “Uncle, take good care during your exams; do not let thoughts of home distract you.”

Zhang Yue bowed and replied, “From now on, we rely entirely on sister-in-law to manage the household.”

Madam Yu hurriedly responded, “Uncle, you are too kind.”

Zhang Yue, Zhang Shi, and Huang Haoyi traveled half a day and arrived at Yuliang Post Station.

Yuliang Post was situated on Yuliang Mountain, the source of the Nanpu Creek.

It was the first post station upon entering Fujian and the starting point of the Jiangpu Post Road.

Since ancient times, officials and scholars traveling northward out of northern Fujian had to rest overnight at this post station to gather strength for crossing the mountain pass early the next day. Otherwise, it was impossible to cross the Xianxia Ridge within a single day. Being caught halfway was a dreadful predicament.

The post station’s accommodations were reserved for officials and scholars departing Fujian, and Zhang Yue, lacking a post pass, could not stay there. However, inns and guesthouses surrounded the post, and nearby merchants gathered in abundance.

From a distance at the foot of the ridge, smoke rose amid the clouds beneath Xianxia Ridge. Beyond the ridge lay a vast expanse of white, blending indistinguishably with the horizon. It was said the southern side of the ridge was still passable, but several snowfalls had occurred on the northern side. No one had been seen crossing from the north yesterday.

Given the weather, crossing the ridge remained difficult, so merchants around Yuliang Post preferred to stay a day or two longer, waiting for better weather.

Zhang Yue and Zhang Shi witnessed this lively scene upon arrival. Outside the post station and inns, laden donkeys and mules were everywhere. Merchants carried tribute tea from Beiyuan, edition woodblocks from Jianyang, and seafood delicacies from Fujian, all waiting for clear skies to cross the mountains.

Zhang Yue and Huang Haoyi found all accommodations fully booked. A shop clerk suggested that, since they carried no goods, they might seek lodging for a night at Wanye Temple.

After some discussion, they set off toward Wanye Temple.

Below the temple flowed a clear stream. Approaching, the creek’s water gurgled softly, and the treetops were dusted with white frost. The temple was named Wanye because of the abundant maple trees planted nearby. In autumn, the crimson maple leaves created a breathtaking spectacle.

The creek was thus called Maple Creek. A stone stairway pierced the woods, ascending deep into the mountains.

A Song Dynasty poem described the scene: “Before ten thousand stone steps, ten thousand red leaves; the wine cup follows the winding creek through the maples.”

Passing the long stone steps, they reached the temple gate, where seven ancient pines stood tall and majestic. At the moment, the pines seemed to whisper a welcome, as if the monks themselves had come out to greet guests.

Zhang Shi explained their predicament to the temple attendant, who allocated them two dormitory rooms for the night. Zhang Yue and Huang Haoyi expressed heartfelt thanks and offered extra incense money.

Zhang Yue settled into the dormitory, which had over twenty rooms, separated by gender. The group observed the rules, speaking quietly and avoiding wandering about.

Shortly after, a monk served them mountain tea.

Huang Haoyi asked, “I heard Wanye Temple has a waterfall, reputed to be the third greatest in the world. Is it possible to see it?”

The monk replied, “Of course. It’s just a few dozen steps behind the temple. It’s early spring now, so the water flow is still modest. In summer, the roar of the waterfall can be heard from within the temple.”

Zhang Yue and Huang Haoyi eagerly anticipated this spectacle and immediately asked, “May we go see it?”

The monk smiled, “Guests are welcome to do as they please.”

“Brother, will you come along?” Zhang Yue invited.

Zhang Shi waved his hand, “Sanlang must cross Xianxia Ridge early tomorrow. Don’t wander about.”

“I’ll just take a quick look and return,” Zhang Yue assured him.

Together, Zhang Yue and Huang Haoyi walked behind the temple and soon saw a silver chain of water hanging from the cliff, the thunderous roar of the waterfall echoing.

Both exclaimed in admiration, then hastened forward.

At a distance of several dozen feet, the waterfall’s spray drifted sideways, misting their faces with cool droplets.

The air was fresh, as if after a heavy rain.

Reaching the base of the mountain, they beheld the waterfall—a hundred zhang tall, like a curtain of pearls, water cascading from the cliff top like snow, pounding the rocks and pools below.

Amid the roar of wind and water, the sound shook the mountains and valleys.

Zhang Yue had expected to be alone in such harsh weather, but turning around, he saw a woman wearing a white veil-like hood and a pale yellow robe standing by the pool, holding an umbrella. Two maids stood farther away.

One maid noticed Zhang Yue and said hurriedly, “Miss, someone’s here.”

Upon hearing this, the woman lowered the veil covering her face and looked over at him.

Though startled, Zhang Yue bowed politely.

The veil was called a mili, originally part of the Hu-style attire from the Western Regions, worn by women to shield from wind and sand. By the Tang and Song dynasties, it had become fashionable among women going out. Many women depicted in the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival wore such veils.

However, only daughters of wealthy families could afford them; poorer households could not.

“I came to see the waterfall but did not expect to find you here, miss. I apologize for the intrusion and shall take my leave,” Zhang Yue said, turning to leave.

“Brother Zhang, why do you never like to use an umbrella?” the woman called out.

“Ah?” Zhang Yue was surprised, turned back, and recognizing the voice, exclaimed, “Of course, you are from the Wu family’s study... What a pleasure to meet you.”

Zhang Yue continued, “I have yet to thank you for lending me the book the other day.”

She smiled, “A trivial matter, nothing to mention. Brother Zhang, are you staying at Wanye Temple and crossing the ridge tomorrow?”

A maid handed Zhang Yue an extra umbrella. He replied, “Yes, I’m heading to the capital to take the Imperial Academy exams.”

Because the waterfall’s roar was loud, they had to speak with effort, and Zhang Yue stepped closer.

Amid the thunderous water, she said, “Brother Zhang, since you have this chance, you should cherish it well. Traveling a thousand miles to the capital in early spring’s chill, getting wet and catching a cold would be disastrous. If you miss the exam, it would be a great misfortune.”

Zhang Yue answered, “You speak wisely, but I could not resist enjoying this view.”

She glanced aside, and a scholar nearby smiled, “Is that your companion?”

Zhang Yue looked back and smiled, “Yes, indeed.”

The woman said, “You braved the snow for the book, which is commendable. But for the waterfall, it’s hardly necessary.”

Zhang Yue laughed heartily, “You’re right; I was impulsive.”

She apologized gently, “Brother Zhang, it’s my fault. My brother often says I’m naturally inclined to nag.”

Hearing her soft apology, Zhang Yue felt a stir in his heart, thinking to himself, I am not your husband; with your fondness for nagging, the one who suffers will not be me.

He composed himself and said, “Miss, your sincere advice shows your care. There’s no question of nagging.”

She smiled in response.

Hearing her laugh, Zhang Yue thought regretfully that he could not turn to see her expression clearly, though the veil hid much anyway.

He steadied himself, “Miss, I must take my leave now, lest my companion grow impatient. I’ll return the umbrella to you.”

“Brother Zhang, may you succeed quickly. You can keep the umbrella and leave it by the roadside.”

Zhang Yue thanked her and carried the umbrella back to Huang Haoyi, placing it on a stone by the path. Looking back, he saw the woman still standing by the pool, holding her umbrella and gazing at the waterfall.

Huang Haoyi, curious, whispered, “Brother Zhang, who is that young lady? Are you acquainted? And she lent you an umbrella.”

Zhang Yue replied, “We just happened upon each other by the roadside, not truly acquainted. We should not keep Fourth Brother waiting.”

Huang Haoyi pressed on, “No matter. But that woman spoke to you at length. Judging by her attire, she must be a wealthy young lady. Did you see her face clearly? Is she traveling over the ridge with us tomorrow?”

Zhang Yue thought to himself, Indeed, the Wu family is returning to the capital?

The two returned to their dormitory just as a group approached.

Zhang Yue exclaimed, “Is that not Master Wu Dalang?”

“Sanlang, it truly is you! Are you crossing Xianxia Ridge tomorrow for the capital? We travel the same way,” Wu Anshi laughed.

“Yes,” Zhang Yue replied. “When I left the county school, I hadn’t heard Master Wu say he intended to go to the capital. Why the sudden haste?”

Wu Anshi’s expression darkened somewhat. His sudden journey was prompted by his eldest uncle Wu Yu’s ill health, requiring him to go earlier than planned.

Yet on the surface, Wu Anshi smiled, “I had this in mind, but hadn’t told Sanlang yet. Ha ha, fate brings us together here; we’ll cross the ridge tomorrow and take the boat to the capital. I’ve brought dozens of retainers for protection—bandits won’t dare trouble us.”

Zhang Yue was delighted, “I’m grateful for your protection, Master Wu.”

He then introduced Huang Haoyi to Wu Anshi, “This is Huang Haoyi, recommended by the prefecture to take the Imperial Academy exams. He travels with me.”

Wu Anshi’s eyes brightened; he had been hoping to connect with promising talent and was pleased to make a new acquaintance.

“Excellent, excellent,” he said.

Huang Haoyi had heard of Wu Anshi’s reputation and was glad to journey with him, hoping to forge a friendship.

Zhang Yue informed Zhang Shi of Wu Anshi’s plan to travel together, and Zhang Shi felt greatly reassured.

The next day, everyone rose early.

Zhang Shi packed Zhang Yue’s luggage, repeatedly reminding him to safeguard his money and to keep small change separately. Zhang Yue had heard these admonitions so often his ears felt calloused.

“Brother, enough. I’ve heard the same words a dozen times already,” Zhang Yue said with a slightly sharp tone.

Zhang Shi stared at him in surprise, then went silent, lowering his head to continue packing.

Zhang Yue instantly regretted his sharpness.

Without a word, Zhang Shi carried Zhang Yue’s luggage as they left Wanye Temple together.

The sky was still dark before dawn.

The two brothers walked in silence until they reached Xianxia Ridge.

Zhang Yue took the luggage from Zhang Shi.

“Third Brother, when you asked if I had crossed Xianxia Ridge before, I knew you were determined to leave, but I didn’t expect you’d go so quickly.”

Zhang Yue replied, “Brother, rest assured. If I enter the Imperial Academy, I will study diligently and bring you, sister-in-law, and Xier to the capital soon. Our family will be reunited.”

Zhang Shi said, “I thought you were just saying that casually. What about the shop?”

Zhang Yue responded, “We’ll open it in the capital, or not—it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that the family stays together.”

Zhang Shi nodded, “Yes, Xier will need to study and go to the capital someday. Besides, Second Brother is already there. You are right… I’ll think it over again.”

“Brother!”

Zhang Shi shook his head, “No more words. Don’t worry about home too much, but send letters often. No need for long letters—just a few words to say you’re safe. Second Brother is too busy with his studies to write, but you mustn’t be like him. Write home regularly.”

Zhang Yue’s eyes reddened. “I understand. If anything happens, I’ll be the first to write. Take care, brother!”

“Good. You take care too, Third Brother!”

Zhang Yue waved farewell to Zhang Shi.