Lakeside Encounter
From that fateful meeting at the inn to today's union, fate had woven its threads; destiny seemed heaven-ordained. Now husband and wives, Wu Tong, Liu Yun, and Zhao Rou cherished their bond with joy and gratitude. With days yet remaining before the Anti-Rebel Assembly on the ninth of the ninth month, they seized the moment to wander at leisure around Xuzhou, savoring peace amidst turmoil.
That day, they came hand in hand to Yunlong Lake. The waters stretched vast as the sky, rippling in silver light. To the east rose verdant Yunlong Mountain, temple roofs glimpsed among the trees. To the south stood Pearl Mountain, a jade jewel in heaven's crown; to the west, the twin ridges of Xiaochang and Woniu, cloaked in emerald green.
It was midsummer, yet the lake breeze was cool and refreshing. Lotus flowers blossomed in profusion—some in tight buds, others in full bloom, crimson and white mingling, swaying like maidens dancing upon the waves. Their reflection shimmered on the mirrored waters, lending poetry to the scene.
The three strolled along the wooden causeway, pausing to admire the view, speaking softly, laughter rising like music. Wu Tong clasped each beloved's delicate hand, his heart full. After so many trials, to enjoy such beauty together was a blessing beyond measure.
Boats drifted across the lake, gliding among lotus blossoms. Truly, as the old verse said:"The lotus longs to speak, yet grieves the wandering boatman."
Here in this dreamlike scene, the three felt the rare peace of a world at war.
Wu Tong hired a skiff and rowed them onto the lake. A gentle breeze stirred the waters, waves lapping at the bow. As he guided the oar, Liu Yun lifted her voice in song:
"Blue are your garments, constant my yearning.Though I come not to you, will you not send word?Blue are your pendants, endless my longing.Though I come not to you, will you not draw near?A day apart is like three months gone."
Her melody was haunting, her eyes brimming with tenderness as she recalled their long separation. Wu Tong drew her gently into his embrace.
Then Zhao Rou began to sing:
"O Heaven above!I vow to be bound to you, forever unbroken.Till mountains crumble, rivers run dry,Winter thunder roars and summer snows fall,Till heaven and earth unite—only then shall I part from you."
And then she sang another:
"In the wilds grows trailing grass, heavy with morning dew.There I meet one of beauty, with clear eyes and gentle grace.Our chance meeting fulfills my heart's desire.…By Heaven's will we meet—not too soon, not too late,But precisely at the destined moment."
Her voice was soft yet resolute, carrying the weight of her devotion. Wu Tong's heart ached with tenderness. He pulled her into his arms as well, holding them both close as the skiff rocked gently upon the shimmering lake.
So passed their hours in love and poetry, drifting among blossoms, savoring the breeze of summer.
Disturbance on the Shore
Suddenly, the lakeshore stirred with commotion. A crowd gathered, voices shouting. Wu Tong guided the skiff to shore. Climbing onto the bank, they saw an aged, tall, and gaunt man cry out:
"Jiangnan Two Fiends! With reason, one may walk the world; without it, not a step! Do not dare seize the Ziyun Balm by force!"
The Jiangnan Two Fiends were Zhu Feng and Zhou Jie, both around forty, one tall and thin, the other short and rotund—a comical pair in appearance, though their faces were fierce.
Zhu Feng barked:"Cloud-Dragon Hermit, we offered good silver for your balm, yet you refuse us? Do you look down on us Two Fiends?"
The Ziyun Balm was famed across the martial world—made of purple grass, angelica, sesame oil, and beeswax—miraculous for healing blade wounds.
The hermit sneered:"Your names are steeped in infamy. That you would sell this balm to the Black Dragon Sect—how could I aid such villains?"
Zhou Jie snarled:"Old man, do not refuse the wine that's offered, only to be forced to drink punishment instead!"
"I will not sell. What can you do?" the hermit retorted coldly.
At this, the Two Fiends roared in unison:"Then we shall test your skill!"
Zhou Jie lunged first, palm sweeping like a hammer. The hermit countered, stepping back and striking aside. Zhou whirled, unleashing seven fierce palms in succession. The hermit flowed like water, parrying and sidestepping, then thrust at Zhou's centerline. With a booming clash, both staggered back.
"Your skill is no small thing," the hermit declared. "But one by one, you are no match for me!"
Enraged, Zhou shouted:"Then the Two Fiends fight together—rules be damned! Zhu Feng, strike!"
The pair prepared to attack in concert—
When suddenly, a clear youthful voice rang out:"Two Fiends of Jiangnan! To bully one with two—such conduct is beneath the honor of the jianghu!"
From the crowd stepped a striking figure, no more than sixteen or seventeen, handsome as jade, bearing a folded fan. At a glance, Zhao Rou and Liu Yun exchanged astonished looks—this was no youth, but a maiden in disguise, of beauty so rare it seemed unreal.
The Fiends glared."Who goes there? Name yourself!"
The youth flicked open the fan, smiling with effortless grace:"Listen well—my name is Wu Tong of Guangzhou in Lingnan. I sit without changing my surname, walk without changing my name. Remember it well!"
The crowd gasped in shock. Zhao Rou and Liu Yun themselves were stunned beyond words. To not only appear in male attire but also claim to be Wu Tong himself! And yet the real Wu Tong stood bewildered at their side, utterly baffled. He shrugged helplessly, clearly as confused as anyone.
A verse was murmured:
"A figure fair and handsome, yet truly a maiden.Disguised as her own husband, what need of rouge and powder?"
The Fiends sneered. Zhou Jie scoffed:"The world speaks of Wu Tong of the South, Jia Yong of the North. I've never met Wu Tong, but you, sir, are no such man!"
Zhu Feng added:"Indeed, the real Wu Tong would not reek so much of powder and perfume!"
The disguised maiden only smiled, undaunted:"You do not believe? Very well. Since I have stumbled upon injustice, I will allow you both to strike together. Come—let me show you my skill, and prove that bullying the weak with numbers is unworthy of true men!"