Volume One: Youths Meet in Humble Days Chapter Fifty-Five: Coming to Snatch Shen Xun (Part 1)

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Li Yu carried a basket of groceries as he made his way back. In addition, he also stopped by Wang Er’s place to get two catties of “Hui Bu Gui.” When Wang Er saw Li Yu there for wine, he greeted him, “Little Fish, how come your master hasn’t been out for so long? Without him around, this place is far less lively.”

“Uncle Wang Er, are you hoping my master will help you drum up some business?” Li Yu retorted bluntly.

Wang Er laughed heartily, “You could say that. Half the folks who come here do so for my wine, and the other half for his stories.”

Li Yu packed up the wine and replied, “Master’s been a bit busy lately, but I’ll tell him you miss him. If you can brew something tastier than Hui Bu Gui, he’ll come running faster than anyone else.”

With a chuckle, Wang Er gave Li Yu a playful swat on the head and scolded, “You little rascal, are you saying I’ll never manage it?”

Having spent so much time among these people, Li Yu had grown increasingly close to them; his words came easier, though he always minded his manners when needed. He even felt more at ease with them than with the city lord.

Before long, Li Yu returned home with wine and food. The Daoist saw the provisions and smiled, “At least you have some conscience, bringing food and wine back for me.”

While the Daoist was eating, Li Yu took out an envelope the chef had asked him to deliver. “Master, this is from the chef at the restaurant.”

The Daoist glanced at it and made no comment, signaling for Li Yu to open it. Inside was a single sheet of paper. After reading it, Li Yu looked at the Daoist with a peculiar expression.

“What is it? Did he ask what I’m really up to?” the Daoist inquired.

Li Yu nodded, though in truth the note was even more direct: “Old Ox-nose, be honest—what the hell are you actually planning?”

The Daoist said nothing, simply continued eating and drinking. Li Yu sat with him in silence. After a long while, unable to hold back, Li Yu finally asked, “Master, what exactly are you planning? Can’t you even tell me?”

“Today I went to the city lord’s residence. The city lord kept probing about what you’re up to, even hinting that today’s incident might have had your hand in it.”

“And Master Liang at the academy asked if we wanted to go with him. From what he said, it sounds like something’s about to happen in Tianmen Town. Is this change related to you?”

Li Yu told the Daoist everything, but the Daoist only replied, “The time isn’t right. Even if I told you, it would do no good.”

It was the same answer as always. Ever since the Daoist had gone fishing at sea seven years ago, Li Yu had sensed a heavy burden weighing on him. Yet whenever he asked, the Daoist would say nothing. At first, Li Yu consoled himself, thinking the Daoist simply didn’t want to worry him. But as time went on, every time the topic arose, the Daoist would put on an air of secrecy, which only made Li Yu more anxious and resentful.

“Master, do you really see me as your disciple? I don’t want you to put yourself in danger. But even if I knew what you intended, I doubt I could stop you. Still, couldn’t you at least tell me? Let me help you. My Dragon Spirit Technique is almost complete. I’m not the weak child I once was. With me at your side, maybe I could ease some of your worries.”

He spoke with a hint of anger. The Daoist, as if seeing his young disciple anew, reached out and stroked Li Yu’s face. Over these seven years in Tianmen Town, Li Yu was no longer the scrawny, sallow boy he’d once been. His skin was healthy, his hair sleek and black, his eyes bright and spirited, already taking on the bearing of a youth. He seemed like a spring breeze capable of rescuing all things from the cold of winter—gentle, approachable, with handsome features and an expression radiant as the rising sun, warm and full of vitality.

With great affection, the Daoist said, “My little fish has finally grown up—daring to challenge his master.”

This sudden shift left Li Yu defenseless, his gathered momentum evaporating in an instant. Deflated, he muttered, “Master, I truly want to help you.”

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The Daoist looked at Li Yu, helpless and touched, and continued, “I know you mean well, little fish, but I don’t want you to be in danger. Still, I promise you, whatever I do, I won’t let myself be put at risk. Is that enough?”

Li Yu eyed his master with some suspicion, which the Daoist clearly disliked, his face darkening as he asked, “What, you don’t believe me?”

Seeing this, Li Yu’s worries eased a little. Though his master was unconventional, he had never once lied to Li Yu about anything. Reassured, he said, “Alright, I trust you, Master.”

As Li Yu tidied up and stepped outside, the Daoist watched his departing figure, grinning slyly. “That little rascal is clever, but old ginger is still spicier—he’s too young to match me yet!”

Yet Li Yu, denied the answers he sought, still felt uneasy. This sense of powerlessness was the same as when he’d watched his grandmother pass away years ago. He feared that everything he now cherished could one day be taken from him. If that day came, how would he face it?

Troubled, he took a scripture out to the pond beside the rockery to read aloud for the two yin-yang fish—a habit of his in recent years, along with feeding them. Perhaps because of their long companionship, the two fish no longer shied away from him but would swim over as soon as they sensed his presence, like old friends.

He seldom felt so unsettled. The two fish seemed to sense his mood and leapt from the water, splashing his face. Li Yu had no choice but to wipe the water away and smile at them. “So you two have tempers now? I treat you like little lords every day. Can’t you let me slack off for once?”

The fish, as if understanding, circled lazily and rolled their eyes at him, as if to say, “Of course not—you’re just our fish servant!”

Seeing their almost human expressions, Li Yu could only sigh. “These days, even a pair of fish bullies me.” He knew they were clever, almost uncanny. Yet whenever he tried to question them, they would always slip away in an instant.

He returned to his room to put away the scripture. Not long after, he heard Shen Tang’s breathless voice at the gate, calling, “Little Fish, are you home?”

Li Yu hurried out. “Sister, what’s wrong? Why are you in such a rush?”

Leaning against the door to catch her breath, Shen Tang finally managed, “Some people from the academy came to my house—said they want to take my brother away. My parents can’t decide, so they sent me to see if Uncle Lin is home to help.”

Li Yu hesitated, and Shen Tang noticed. “Uncle Lin isn’t here?”

“It’s not that. Master hasn’t left the temple for a long time. He says he won’t go out anymore and has left all matters here to me.”

“Oh… what should we do?” Shen Tang asked anxiously and helplessly.

At that moment, the Daoist’s voice sounded from within. “Tang, I can’t come out these days. Let Little Fish go with you. Whether I go or not isn’t the key—the important thing is what Shen Xun himself wants. Leave the rest to Little Fish.”

With that, the Daoist fell silent, leaving the two outside staring at each other. Li Yu sighed. “Master, you give me too much credit. I’m only twelve!”

But Shen Tang seemed quite confident in him. “True, you’re only twelve, but after so many years here, everyone knows you can stand in for Uncle Lin. You’re steady and reliable—my parents even say so. It’s settled, let’s go.”

Li Yu rubbed his forehead helplessly. “Sister, those were just small matters. This is about whether your brother stays or goes—I’m not sure I have what it takes.”

Shen Tang pulled him along. “Doesn’t matter. Having another person is better than letting the four of us worry ourselves sick.”

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Li Yu and Shen Tang hurried back, and before they even reached the gate, they saw a crowd gathered outside, eagerly discussing what had happened at Shen Tang’s home.

As soon as the onlookers saw Shen Tang return, they rushed over. “Tang, do you know why the two teachers came to your house?”

“Yeah! You rarely see both teachers visit the same home—is something big going on?”

“Are they recommending your brother for an official post?”

The crowd’s chattering nearly overwhelmed Shen Tang before she’d even made it inside. “Aunties, I really don’t know what’s happening—I just went out for a bit.”

Without waiting for more questions, she dragged Li Yu inside.

Li Yu entered to see the two teachers serenely awaiting a reply, while Mr. and Mrs. Shen sat as if on pins and needles, their faces a mixture of excitement and anxiety—afraid the prize would slip away, yet also fearful that the change would upend their lives.

“Father, Mother, I’m back.”

The Shen parents and Shen Xun looked up, expecting Daoist Lin to be with her, but when they saw the one following was Li Yu, a trace of disappointment showed.

“Ah, Little Yu, you’re here?” Uncle Shen greeted him.

“Yes, Uncle Shen. I came to see my brother. And hello to you, gentlemen.” Li Yu greeted the teachers.

Master Liang smiled, “Indeed, we only just saw each other.”

Li Yu replied easily, “Yes, thanks to you, I had some delicious fish at lunch. But I don’t think I deserve too much fortune, so I didn’t dare eat much. As for those who haven’t tasted the fish themselves, they can’t just rely on the fish seller’s word and gorge themselves. In the end, you have to listen to those who’ve actually tasted it, don’t you think?”

His words were vague and cryptic. Most present didn’t understand, but Master Liang did. He smiled, “That makes sense, but in the end, isn’t it up to the person who wants to eat whether they have the appetite for it?”

“You’re right. When I came, Master told me fish is tasty, but whether someone wants to eat is their own choice—no one can force it.” Li Yu replied, calm and not at all deferential, stunning everyone present. Even Shen Tang felt the tension in the air.

Just then, Shen Xun turned to the teachers. “Masters, may I speak privately with Li Yu?”

The two teachers agreed, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Shen to sit awkwardly with them while Li Yu, Shen Tang, and Shen Xun retreated to Shen Xun’s room for a private talk.