Chapter Sixteen: The Legend of the Peach Blossom Spring
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Within the city of Wuling County, inside the renowned Drunken Wind Pavilion, Zhao Chenyu ordered wine and dishes to entertain Tao Yuanming and Liu Hongyu.
On the way to the tavern, Tao Yuanming had already given Zhao Chenyu a brief hint. During his recent travels, he had inadvertently discovered a place resembling a paradise on earth. Just a few words about it made Zhao Chenyu eager to hear more.
Upon arriving at the tavern, the dishes had yet to be served, but the wine was brought first. Zhao Chenyu hurried to pour wine for Tao Yuanming.
“Brother Yuanliang, the wine’s here. Hurry up and tell us—no need to keep us in suspense!”
Tao Yuanming took a sip from his cup, then slightly furrowed his brow. The taste was far inferior to that of the Hidden Immortal Valley...
Yet Tao Yuanming was not one to fuss over such things. He persevered and continued drinking.
“Ah ha... Brother Qiming, let me clarify first: what I am about to say today, please do not share with outsiders!”
Those in the Hidden Immortal Valley had never insisted on secrecy; this warning was Tao Yuanming’s own wish to preserve the mystery and keep the valley undisturbed.
At this point, Tao Yuanming was still a novice but confident in his talents. Naturally, in front of his friends, a young man’s pride would lead him to show off a bit.
Like young people of any era, boasting in front of friends was an essential pleasure.
“Oh, Yuanliang, relax and just tell us!”
Zhao Chenyu readily agreed. Meanwhile, Liu Hongyu sat quietly, not interrupting their conversation, occasionally glancing around or looking out the window at the bustling street.
The lively atmosphere of Wuling County starkly contrasted with the serene Hidden Immortal Valley, making quite an impression on Liu Hongyu.
Tao Yuanming set down his cup and pointed at its rim with his finger. His friend promptly understood and refilled his wine, prompting Tao Yuanming to laugh.
Zhao Chenyu noticed Liu Hongyu’s absent-minded expression and poured him a cup as well.
Only then did Liu Hongyu regain his composure, repeatedly waving off the offer.
“Well then, I won’t keep you waiting any longer...”
Tao Yuanming’s words drew their attention. He leaned forward, glanced at Liu Hongyu, then looked at Zhao Chenyu and lowered his voice.
“A few days ago, I was boating, drifting along Wuling’s waterways, seeking a secluded and tranquil place to admire the mountains and waters, to nurture the spirit. Unconsciously, the boats around me became fewer until I found myself alone on the water...”
As he spoke, Tao Yuanming described drifting downstream amid beautiful mountains and rivers. The scenery was enchanting, yet a thin mist began to rise, and the waterways grew denser, causing him to lose his way.
Zhao Chenyu listened intently, and even Liu Hongyu perked up.
“I went with the flow, not panicking, thinking I could wait for the mist to clear. Yet suddenly...”
Tao Yuanming paused before continuing.
“In the distance, a radiant glow appeared on the mountain horizon, dazzling like colorful smoke and clouds. With my nature, I couldn’t resist investigating!”
Zhao Chenyu nodded.
“I would have done the same!”
Tao Yuanming’s expression grew serious.
“But by then, the current had turned strange. It had been flowing downstream, but suddenly reversed. I had to row with all my strength through the mist just to move forward...”
“Is that even possible?”
“Not at all!”
Tao Yuanming pressed on without hesitation.
“After rowing for an unknown time, my arms were numb. Then I noticed red flowers drifting in the water. Looking toward the shore, a grove of peach blossoms appeared, blooming in splendid beauty!”
Zhao Chenyu was stunned—had he truly discovered a peach blossom forest deep in the mountains?
“Perhaps someone planted it?”
“I thought so too and wanted to see it up close. Soon, the grove led to shallower water and a mountain gorge. Seeing light filtering through the gorge, I pressed forward...”
Lost while boating, navigating through mist, swimming against the current, with peach blossoms appearing mysteriously...
Eventually, at the end of the forest and the water source, he found a mountain entrance. After a difficult passage, he entered a strange valley inhabited by people.
The valley was exceptionally beautiful, and even now, recalling it felt like stepping into a dreamlike fairyland. His arrival had also startled the valley’s inhabitants.
They questioned each other...
“The people there have lived in seclusion for unknown years, descendants of the pre-Qin era! When asked about the current age, they did not know of the Han, let alone the Wei and Jin dynasties...”
Zhao Chenyu’s expression turned dazed. Such a tale was too fantastical—how could anyone have hidden from history since the pre-Qin times?
“Among them are many extraordinary individuals—some with remarkable skills and craftsmanship, some with profound medical knowledge and botanical expertise, others learned in countless schools of thought. Yet all are indifferent to fame and fortune, living beyond worldly concerns... even their wine possesses extraordinary flavor!”
“By the way, their ancient Qin dialect differs from today’s Mandarin but is still understandable—clear and melodious, more elegant and pleasant. This is the ancient refined ‘Luo language.’ Today’s so-called Luo language shares the name but not the sound, a regrettable distortion.”
Though Tao Yuanming’s words carried a hint of boasting, much of his impression was genuine.
As he spoke, he glanced at Liu Hongyu, who had arrived earlier at the valley. That young man spoke the ancient refined language quite well, only occasionally stumbling.
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This was probably due to his spirit-loss syndrome, which forced Liu Hongyu to adapt to many new things, inadvertently mastering the ancient refined language quite impressively.
Seeing Tao Yuanming’s glance, Liu Hongyu thought he sought affirmation and nodded instinctively, unaware that his speech was even closer to the ancient language than that of the Jin dynasty.
Zhao Chenyu listened in astonishment and repeatedly asked Tao Yuanming if he was joking, but Tao Yuanming insisted he was telling the truth.
“Does that valley have a name?”
Zhao Chenyu asked. Tao Yuanming hesitated but then looked at Liu Hongyu, then remembered the peach blossoms falling before entering the valley, and smiled.
“That place is the Peach Blossom Spring.”
Zhao Chenyu felt goosebumps and yearned deeply for such a place. Tao Yuanming was very pleased by his friend’s reaction.
Nearby, the waiter carrying dishes stood frozen for a moment before snapping back and hurriedly serving the food.
“Dear guests, the dishes are here~~”
Watching the waiter, Tao Yuanming looked at his still-dazed friend and recalled why he had hurried to find him.
“By the way, while I was away, was there anything special happening?”
Zhao Chenyu regained focus and shook his head, about to reply, but the waiter spoke first.
“Ah, I know! Recently, bandits have been roaming Wuling County, several murders have occurred. I hear the victims died terribly...”
Zhao Chenyu nodded.
“That’s why I was anxious to find you, Brother Yuanliang. I feared you might fall victim to those thieves...”
As he spoke, Zhao Chenyu dismissed the waiter and personally recounted recent events and the local authorities’ responses.
Unfortunately, the ruthless bandits had not been caught, no witnesses were found, and the government could only post notices seeking clues.
Such notices mainly served to calm the populace rather than achieve real results, likely ending in vain.
After all, such thieves rarely linger in one place.
Zhao Chenyu expressed concern for his friend while describing the dangers, but Tao Yuanming grew distracted.
He thought of the Hidden Immortal Valley, the people there, and the words of Zhuang Lin.
Master Zi’an, a scholar who refused to leave the valley, was right—outside was chaotic, incomparable to the Peach Blossom Spring...
“Yuanliang, Yuanliang?”
“Ah?”
Tao Yuanming snapped back to attention. Zhao Chenyu smiled and shook his head, then eagerly said,
“Brother Yuanliang, tell us more about the Peach Blossom Spring!”
“Hahaha... very well, I shall say more... even the cuisine there is incomparable in flavor...”
---
Before sunset, the three left the tavern.
Though Tao Yuanming had initially dismissed the tavern’s wine, recalling the fine wine of the Peach Blossom Spring stirred his appetite, and he drank quite a bit.
Yes, Tao Yuanming got drunk again, with Zhao Chenyu and Liu Hongyu supporting him on either side as they went home.
Zhao Chenyu held some influence in Wuling and had a courtyard larger than most. Tao Yuanming had been staying there since his first visit.
After they laid Tao Yuanming down in a guest room, Zhao Chenyu stretched his arms to ease the stiffness, noticing Liu Hongyu still bustling about—removing Tao Yuanming’s shoes and covering him with a quilt.
Realizing Zhao Chenyu was present, Liu Hongyu turned and bowed politely.
“Master Zhao, rest assured. I will take good care of Master Yuanliang here. There’s no need to prepare a separate room for me. I shall lay my bedding beside his bed.”
“Ah, very well then. I shall take my leave. If you need anything, just call one of the servants, and they will assist. I will have bedding brought shortly.”
“Thank you, Master Zhao!”
Liu Hongyu bowed again. He addressed Zhao Chenyu as “Master Zhao” because some in the tavern called him that; his ability to learn was impressive.
Zhao Chenyu nodded, glanced at Liu Hongyu once more, then returned the salute and left.
At first, Zhao Chenyu assumed Liu Hongyu was a retainer his friend had picked up on the road.
But from Tao Yuanming’s behavior toward Liu Hongyu at the tavern, it didn’t seem so. Observing Liu Hongyu’s refined appearance, Zhao Chenyu guessed he was from a wealthy family, not a commoner.
Considering his accent, Liu Hongyu was likely a distant scholar eager for knowledge.
Scholarship had long been the province of noble families and elites; ordinary people rarely had access to such learning. Zhao Chenyu’s guess about Liu Hongyu was largely correct.
He also marveled that although he knew his talented friend would achieve great things, he hadn’t expected someone to follow him in pursuit of knowledge so soon.
After leaving, Zhao Chenyu glanced back at the guest room.
Is news in Wuling really so isolated? Has his reputation grown so much?
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Not long after, a servant from the Zhao household brought warm water. Liu Hongyu dismissed the servant, then took the basin himself to gently wipe Tao Yuanming’s mouth and cheeks.
Despite having been served all his life, Liu Hongyu handled these tasks with surprising care and skill.
In his heart, caring for his master required wholehearted dedication; otherwise, he would fail the test!
Tao Yuanming barely slept, and when the warm cloth was applied to his face, he stirred groggily, seeing Liu Hongyu tending to him.
“Master Liu...”
“Ah, Master Yuanliang, you’re awake!”
Liu Hongyu looked surprised. Tao Yuanming waved his hand, attempting to sit up. Liu Hongyu quickly put down the cloth to support him and then fetched a cup from the nearby table.
“Master Yuanliang, please drink some water.”
Tao Yuanming took a sip; it was still warm, showing Liu Hongyu’s attentiveness.
“Sigh... Master Liu, you needn’t go to such lengths. Since I promised to help you find your family, I will not break my word.”
Liu Hongyu smiled and responded with a simple “Yes,” saying no more. He understood that such trials were not overcome in a day.
Seeing Liu Hongyu’s expression, Tao Yuanming furrowed his brow, seeming to realize something.
“By the way, Master Zi’an said you studied together at the academy. Though I can’t claim mastery of all knowledge, I’ve read widely since youth. Since you’ve been with me recently, how about I teach you?”
Liu Hongyu’s face lit up—was it really happening?
As they say, sincere effort brings success; his earnest master noticed him!
Overjoyed, Liu Hongyu expressed gratitude and kowtowed repeatedly.
“Thank you, Master!”
“Knock knock knock!”
“Thank you, Master!”
“Knock knock knock!”
“Thank you, Master!”
Tao Yuanming was startled, nearly half-woken by the commotion. He quickly leaned out of bed to steady Liu Hongyu.
“No, no, Master Liu, I, Tao Yuanming, dare not accept being called ‘Master’! This won’t do—”
After some effort, Tao Yuanming steadied Liu Hongyu, whose forehead was already marked red from the genuine kowtowing.
Tao Yuanming wiped cold sweat from his forehead, recalling that some in the valley had subtly hinted Liu Hongyu’s condition was more than mere spirit loss...
“Uh, heh heh, Master Liu, I’m not sure of your foundation. Tell me, what would you like to start learning?”
Liu Hongyu’s joy was uncontainable. He knelt solemnly and said,
“I have been sent by Heaven’s decree, crossing the boundaries of time to seek a master and inherit the path of immortality. I have no foundation so far. Please, Master, accept me fully so I may continue on the immortal path! Teach me the immortal arts!”
Tao Yuanming was stunned again, cold sweat breaking out anew.
This isn’t just spirit-loss; it’s hysteria!
“Master? Master?”
“Ah... uh...”
Tao Yuanming’s thoughts were in turmoil. Having never encountered such a situation, he didn’t know how to respond.
Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him. He got out of bed, went to the corner by the bedside, and opened a study box he hadn’t touched since arriving in Wuling. After searching, he finally found an old bamboo scroll.
“Phew~”
He blew on it twice and patted it, then hesitated before handing the scroll to the still-kneeling Liu Hongyu.
For now, soothing him was most important.
“I do not understand the so-called immortal arts, but here is an ancient book that helps calm the mind and spirit, something I obtained by chance during my travels. Perhaps you will find it useful!”
Liu Hongyu accepted the scroll with both hands, deeply moved.
Having studied some characters in the Hidden Immortal Valley, he recognized one word on the scroll’s cover: “Secret.” This was undoubtedly a manual!
“Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!”
Liu Hongyu bowed repeatedly. Tao Yuanming supported him with one hand while rubbing his temple with the other.