Immortal Travel of Longevity

Lihua always felt that Chen Changsheng talked in riddles; some things were never explained clearly.

But Lihua didn’t mind because Good Human Chen was nice to it. He didn’t really sell it, still bought it fish to eat, and would carry it when the ground was dirty.

He was truly a very good person.

“Good Human Chen.”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing. Lihua just wanted to say your name.”

Chen Changsheng didn’t understand what it was thinking. A cat’s thoughts were hard to guess.

Noticing the hour was getting late.

No more fish bit, so the man and cat put away their fishing rods.

That day’s catch was two small grass carp and one big white fish, enough for one meal.

“Let’s go. Home to cook fish.”

“Cook fish, cook fish, eat fish!”

Lihua was very excited. That whole afternoon, it hadn’t closed its eyes for a nap. Normally, that would have been enough time for three whole naps.

The way back was harder. Mostly downhill and a bit muddy.

“Careful, Good Human Chen. Don’t slip.”

“I won’t.”

“Mmm.”

The man and cat walked out of the lake area, out of the mountain forest.

By the time they’d passed the thinning shrubs and trees and stepped onto the Imperial Road, the gloomy sky, dark all day, showed a moment of red sunset glow. Just a glimpse, gone in an instant—but that was enough.

…

Imperial Palace, Shangjing.

Exquisite teacups appeared before the eyes, dazzling and amazing.

His Majesty Yan Ruchu stepped forward, picked one up, and sighed, “Though not the first time seeing them, it still seems unbelievable. This craftsmanship is truly amazing.”

He looked them over and asked, “But there seem fewer than last year.”

A nearby eunuch replied, “Your Majesty, the pottery master Tao Sheng said abundant rain this year affected the kiln’s heat, so fewer pieces survived.”

“Indeed, it’s not easy.” Yan Ruchu nodded. Then he asked, “Didn’t he promise a truly unique piece this year? Why haven’t I seen it?”

The eunuch hesitated. “Your Majesty, I questioned Master Tao as well. But he said… it was lost on the way. Vanished.”

“Oh?” Yan Ruchu raised an eyebrow.

The eunuch added quickly, “Your Majesty, my underlings say Master Tao is honest. He doesn’t seem the kind to deceive you.”

Yan Ruchu listened and gave a slight nod. Then he turned to see the eunuch dared not lift his head.

His gaze rested on the eunuch, unmoving for a long time.

The eunuch felt great pressure.

Yan Ruchu watched him like this for half an hour, until sweat soaked the eunuch’s back and his legs trembled visibly.

Only then did Yan Ruchu speak. “Tell him. Don’t let it happen again.”

The eunuch’s heart settled with relief.

But His Majesty’s next words tightened it back up to his throat.

“And that applies to you too.”

After speaking, Yan Ruchu strode away.

“Yes… yes…”

The eunuch’s face turned pale. After His Majesty and his retinue had left, he nearly collapsed to the floor, unable to calm for quite some time.

If not for His Majesty’s mercy, he might have lost his life!

“Tao Sheng, ah, Tao Sheng! You almost killed me!”

The eunuch breathed out long and hard. Thankfully, His Majesty showed kindness this time, or he truly wouldn’t be alive.

After this, though, he couldn’t associate with Tao Sheng anymore. Even if Tao Sheng’s yearly gifts were generous, he couldn’t take them any longer. That bond ended right here.

…

At the gates of Shangjing City, Tao Sheng mounted his fast horse.

He took one look back at Shangjing’s gates, then snapped the reins, urging the horse on along his return path at full speed.

“Hiyah!”

But he hadn’t ridden far.

Hooves sounded as someone chased him down.

“Master Tao! Master Tao, wait!”

Tao Sheng pulled the reins. His horse halted.

Seeing who it was, he bowed his hands. “Minister Wang.”

Wang Ping’an (Minister Wang) returned the bow. “Master Tao seems in a hurry?”

Tao Sheng explained, “A benefactor awaits me. If I miss him, who knows when we’ll meet again? Did Minister Wang ride after me for something?”

“Nothing big. A letter for home. Could Master Tao kindly deliver it to my elder sister?”

“Of course,” Tao Sheng agreed, nodding.

“Many thanks!”

Tao Sheng put the letter carefully inside his clothes. “Minister Wang, time is against me. I cannot stay. Farewell!”

Minister Wang paused in surprise, then raised his hands again. “Master Tao, take care on the open road!”

“Right.”

Tao Sheng responded, then turned his horse and raced away.

“Hiyup!”

Minister Wang sighed softly as he watched Tao Sheng grow small in the distance.

He was curious what kind of debt could make Master Tao go so far.

But at least that letter back home was entrusted.

He wondered if Ruyi would scold him once she read the letter. Likely a long lecture.

Tao Sheng rode on along the Imperial Road, not stopping at relay stations for rest.

But before even two hours passed, the sky darkened heavily.

Raindrops fell and soaked his robe, tangled his hair.

“Tap-tap…”

Tao Sheng wiped rain from his face. Reaching under his damp clothes, he touched the letter, ensuring it stayed dry. Carefully guarding it, he pressed forward.

He knew deep down: if he missed this chance, who knew when he’d see Mr. Chen again?

The world has such people.

Just to see someone once, they ride through heavy rain without hesitation.

Pure yet utterly determined.

Few people in this world were like that.

…

When Ruyi was done at the Embroidery Workshop and got home, she smelled fried fish drifting from the neighbor’s yard.

Putting her things down, she rushed straight next door.

“Uncle Chen! Uncle Chen!”

Ruyi entered the kitchen to find Chen Changsheng busy cooking while Lihua sat nearby for dinner.

“Come help build up the fire.”

“Eating fish again today?” Ruyi asked curiously.

Nearby, Lihua boasted: “Fish I caught! Big fish!”

“You can fish, Lihua?” Ruyi was surprised. “Where?”

“In the water.” Lihua stated simply.

Ruyi laughed helplessly. “I know it’s from water! I mean where?”

Chen Changsheng answered, “Lakes west of the city. These are all Lihua’s catch. I caught none.”

Ruyi paused, stunned. “Not a single fish?!”

She found this hard to believe and turned for Lihua’s confirmation.

“Really!” Lihua proclaimed.

Ruyi blinked at Uncle Chen. “Can’t Uncle Chen fish?”

“I can, some,” Chen Changsheng replied. “Today luck wasn’t good. Fish weren’t biting.”

“Is that so?” Ruyi blinked.

She couldn’t quite accept that possibility.

Unless Uncle Chen let Lihua win on purpose — that made sense.

But in truth, she was wrong. It had nothing to do with Lihua.

He, Chen Changsheng, simply had difficult thoughts tonight.