Chapter 3

South of Mount Taiping, thirty miles away, there is a market town called Taiping Town. The town is not small, with several hundred households. Two streets cross each other in the center of Taiping Town, forming a cross. The northeast direction of the cross leads to Qianqiu Fu Wine Shop, a century-old store famous for its aged Qianqiu Fu wine.

Today, the granddaughter of Mr. Wu, the shopkeeper of Qianqiu Fu Wine Shop, has reached her first month, and many people from the town have come to celebrate. The front of the wine shop is festooned with red silk, and people are coming and going continuously, filling the cross street with a festive atmosphere.

Qianqiu Fu Wine Shop has its front as a shop and its back as a residence. The front consists of a row of eight storefronts, and the back is a three-courtyard complex. The first courtyard is filled with square tables and benches, all decorated with red and gold. The shop's assistants and the chefs from the neighboring Taiping Restaurant are busy preparing the banquet.

In front of the wine shop stands a short, plump middle-aged man with a ruddy complexion and a short mustache. He is about forty or fifty years old, wearing a brown brocade robe. As he moves, his body jiggles with every step. This is the owner of the wine shop, Mr. Wu.

Mr. Wu stands in front of the wine shop, constantly clasping his hands and smiling, welcoming the guests. However, his smile is somewhat stiff.

As noon approaches, a master and a disciple, an old and a young Taoist, wobble down the north street of Taiping Town. The old Taoist walks with his head held high and his hands behind his back, his long beard fluttering in the wind. The young Taoist follows closely, carrying a long sword on his back and letting his sleeves sway as he walks.

These two are Master Qingyun and his disciple, Xiao Yi. The thirty-mile journey is neither too far nor too close, and the master and disciple have been walking leisurely for nearly two hours.

It is late spring, and the midday sun is somewhat scorching. The master and disciple have been traveling since early morning without eating or drinking. The master still walks with a light and steady gait, unperturbed by the dust. However, Xiao Yi is already sweating profusely and his stomach has been growling for a while.

"Finally, we're here!"

Xiao Yi takes a few quick steps, wipes the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and mutters to himself.

He has been to Taiping Town many times, and the street scenes no longer interest him. His mind is filled with thoughts of sweet fruits and rich meats.

The master ignores him. Xiao Yi has been on many long walks with his master, through streets and alleys. He has grown accustomed to it, but being young, he still feels free to express his hunger and thirst. The master does not mind and often uses these moments to strengthen Xiao Yi's body.

The north street is not long, and in no time, the two arrive at Qianqiu Fu Wine Shop. Mr. Wu sees them and hurriedly walks forward, his stiff smile relaxing into a genuine one. He clasps his hands and says, "Ah! Master, you have come! I am sorry for not welcoming you earlier."

Master Qingyun's old face shows a restrained smile as he clasps his hands in return. "Mr. Wu, there's no need for such formalities. I promised to come, and I will drink this cup of wine."

"Thank you, Master! Please, come inside! Hehe! Master Xiao Yi has grown taller. Please, come in as well!" Mr. Wu steps aside, smiling at Xiao Yi and inviting him into the courtyard.

Xiao Yi grins and clasps his hands at Mr. Wu, saying, "Congratulations, Mr. Wu!" and follows his master into the courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, twenty to thirty square tables are filled with guests, all chatting and mingling, making the courtyard lively. The master and disciple are led by Mr. Wu to a guest seat on the left side of the main table, where they are seated, and Mr. Wu hurries off to greet other guests.

Xiao Yi and his master sit alone at their table, where tea cups and fruit platters have been prepared. Xiao Yi drinks a cup of tea with his master and then eagerly grabs the fruit and pastries, stuffing them into his mouth.

After a while, with a plate of fruit and two cups of tea in his stomach, Xiao Yi feels less hungry and more comfortable. He then looks at his master, who is sitting upright, and with a mischievous grin, he curiously examines the courtyard.

The courtyard is filled with Mr. Wu's relatives, friends, and neighbors, all drinking and chatting, waiting for the auspicious moment to arrive.

Xiao Yi looks around and sees Mr. Wu leading two people. One is a young woman in a red dress, about seventeen or eighteen years old, tall and slender, with willow-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, very beautiful, but with a hint of worry in her expression. The other is a young man in his early twenties, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, a strong and imposing figure, dressed in a narrow-sleeved, waist-tied outfit. These two appear to be skilled in martial arts.

"Please, this way!"

Mr. Wu leads the two to the table where Xiao Yi and his master are sitting and introduces them. "Master, these two are Miss Yuan from Taiping Escort Agency and Mr. Che, the head of the agency." He then introduces the two young people to the master and disciple. "This is Master Qingyun and Master Xiao Yi from Xuan Yuan Temple."

Upon hearing Mr. Wu's introduction, the two young people quickly bow and say, "Miss Yuan Fengming and Mr. Che Hai from Taiping Escort Agency, we greet the two masters."

Master Qingyun remains seated, strokes his beard, and looks at Miss Yuan, nodding. "From Taiping Escort Agency... Ah! You are Mr. Yuan Wanzhang's daughter, aren't you? You've grown so much. Good, please sit down."

Miss Yuan frowns slightly, glances at Mr. Che, and they exchange a look. The name of Master Qingyun from Xuan Yuan Temple is well-known in Taiping Town, and it is not surprising that he recognized her from when she was young and knew the head of Taiping Escort Agency.

Xiao Yi, seeing his master acting superior, quickly stands up and bows. "Xiao Yi from Xuan Yuan Temple greets the brother and sister. Please, sit down."

Miss Yuan notices the young Taoist next to Master Qingyun, sees that he is just a child but acts like a serious adult, and can't help but smile. She nods and says, "Thank you, Master Xiao Yi," and sits down next to Master Qingyun. Mr. Che sits next to Xiao Yi, patting him on the shoulder.

"Thank you, little brother!"

"Ouch, big brother, your hand is so heavy!" Xiao Yi feels a heavy weight on his shoulder and winces.

"Xiao Yi! Be gentle with your hands," Miss Yuan reminds him.

"Hehe, hehe! Sorry, little brother, I didn't mean to."

Mr. Che grins and raises his hand to pat Xiao Yi's shoulder again but suddenly stops.

Seeing Mr. Che's honest and straightforward manner, Xiao Yi feels a sense of closeness and teases, "Big Brother Che, your martial arts must be very high! Your hand is like an iron plate, no one dares to fight you. Hehe!"

Mr. Che, about to pat his chest in pride, looks at his sister, Miss Yuan, and his expression darkens. His voice becomes much softer as he says, "From the look of you, little brother, you must also know martial arts. My skills are far from those of the top martial artists in the world."

Miss Yuan, noticing her brother's change in demeanor, sighs softly, thinking he might be troubled by something.

Seeing his master silent, Miss Yuan and Mr. Che sighing, Xiao Yi feels suspicious but doesn't want to ask. He becomes quiet, his eyes darting around.

A man in his twenties, wearing a brown robe, not very tall, but looking sharp and capable, is Mr. Wu's son, Wu Heng, who is busy greeting guests.

The person arranging the dishes with a few assistants is likely the accountant of Taiping Restaurant, Old Mr. Mei.

A man in a white robe, holding a folding fan and swaying, is the young master of Taiping Restaurant, Mei Zhongwen.

At the same table as Master Mei are the managers of the money and tea shops in Taiping Town.

A group of people are talking to Master Mei, and the courtyard is noisy. Xiao Yi notices that they are not looking at him and his master but at Miss Yuan and Mr. Che. However, the two are lost in thought and unaware of their surroundings.

The auspicious moment has arrived, and the fireworks outside the gate explode, signaling the start of the banquet. The courtyard becomes lively with the clinking of cups and the sound of laughter.

Xiao Yi starts eating with gusto, while Master Qingyun drinks and eats steadily. Although Master Qingyun is not a vegetarian, he usually eats whatever is available. Now, with a variety of delicious food, both master and disciple take the opportunity to indulge.

Mr. Che just drinks in silence, while Miss Yuan sips her wine slowly. The two seem lost in thought, and only Master Qingyun and Xiao Yi are eating and drinking without a care.

Xiao Yi, who is devouring a pig's trotter, hears a chorus of congratulations and looks up.

He sees a middle-aged woman carrying a baby in a swaddling cloth entering the courtyard. The crowd rises and gathers around, vying to see the baby. Xiao Yi turns to his master, who has returned to his serious, upright posture. Although the master enjoys drinking, he has a small appetite and is likely full. Miss Yuan and Mr. Che also put down their cups and face the crowd.

A group of people, led by Mr. Wu, approaches Xiao Yi's table.

"Master Qingyun, this is my granddaughter, who is one month old. Please, take a look."

Mr. Wu bows and quickly leads his wife, who is holding the baby, to Master Qingyun. Miss Yuan and Mr. Che stand up to make room, and Xiao Yi jumps up to stand behind his master.

"Mr. Wu, don't worry! Let me take a look."

Master Qingyun slowly stands up, leans over, and examines the baby carefully. After a moment, he relaxes his brows and smiles at Mr. Wu. "Hehe! No problem! When I passed through Taiping Town earlier, you asked about your granddaughter, who was born prematurely and is weak. I said I would come on her first month to give you a method to ensure her health and longevity. I am here now, so please, Mr. Wu and all the guests, be patient."

"Mr. Wu, please prepare ink and paper, and have some good cinnabar and yellow paper ready." Master Qingyun strokes his beard and says confidently.

Xiao Yi stretches his neck to peek at the baby, seeing a tiny face with fine red wrinkles, eyes closed. He thinks to himself, "This baby is really ugly."

Mr. Wu quickly has his servants prepare the items. In no time, a small table with ink, cinnabar, and yellow paper is brought to the front. Master Qingyun rolls up his sleeve, picks up a brush with three fingers, focuses, dips the brush in cinnabar, and murmurs incantations as he draws three talismans on the yellow paper. He then picks up another brush, thinks for a moment, and writes a prescription. He hands the talismans and the prescription to Mr. Wu and says, "These three talismans are: the Wind-Dispelling Talisman to ward off evil winds; the Three Yang Talisman to balance yin and yang for the baby; and the Peace Talisman for good fortune. The talismans should be worn, and a bath with a decoction of twenty herbs should be given daily to the baby to strengthen the body and nourish the blood and qi."

Mr. Wu, overjoyed, bows repeatedly in gratitude. His wife and son, Wu Heng, also look delighted. The onlookers praise the old master's skills, and Xiao Yi looks proud, while Master Qingyun remains calm.

"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master! With your help, my granddaughter will be fine. Quick! Wu Heng, give the master a gift."

"Hehe! No need! Mr. Wu, this is just a small favor."

"But how can I let you go without a gift?" Mr. Wu insists.

"Enough! Mr. Wu, no need for formalities. Two jars of wine and the remaining cinnabar and yellow paper will suffice. My disciple and I are full, and we will return to the mountain now." Master Qingyun says firmly.

"Very well! I will do as you say. Quickly, bring two jars of aged wine for the master and prepare the carriage."

Mr. Wu hurries his servants to get the items ready.

Xiao Yi and his master leave the wine shop, and a carriage is waiting at the door.

The master and disciple bid farewell to Mr. Wu and his son. Xiao Yi helps his master into the carriage and jumps onto the front seat, sitting next to the driver. He is happy to avoid walking back and can enjoy the scenery from the carriage.

The driver is a kind and honest middle-aged man, driving an old horse. Seeing the lively and playful young Tao