by Jin Yong
Wang Chuyi began to turn his thoughts to why the men were gathered in Yanjing. Master Ouyang, Lama Supreme Wisdom and the Ginseng Codger had travelled great distances. There must be something suspicious afoot.
Old Liang laughed and nodded to the men, before walking into the centre of the banqueting hall. There, he leapt up and landed so lightly on top of the chopsticks that they did not sink any further into the snow. There, he performed a series of Yanqing Sparrow boxing moves, such as Embracing the Moon, Gentleman’s Cape, Shoot the Arrow and Remove the Boot, his feet dancing across the still-vertical chopsticks. He finished with a Jump the Tiger and a Retreat to Advance, before skipping back to his seat. The hall echoed with cheers. Guo Jing’s were the loudest.
The banquet was over by now and the servants brought up golden bowls of warm water for the guests to wash their hands.
Now for Lama Supreme Wisdom, Wang Chuyi thought. He glanced at the Lama. He was sipping the water in his bowl, seemingly oblivious to all else. The others had finished, but he seemed lost in thought. Everyone watched as steam started rising from the golden bowl, followed shortly after by the sound of bubbles popping on the surface.
With such powerful internal energy, I must make the first move! Wang Chuyi realised in alarm.
He flew up and grabbed at the Prince, pressing at his pressure points. The others looked on in shock.
Wang Chuyi reached for a bottle of wine and said, “A toast, to my new friends. It is an honour!”
He sucked in a mouthful of the wine and then spat it out into everyone’s cups, some half empty, some nearly full, each one filled without spillage.
With the Prince in one hand and the wine in another, the Taoist’s internal kung fu was plain to see. Were the Taoist to press a little harder, he could turn the young man’s internal organs into pulp. Noone dared approach them.
Wang Chuyi served Guo Jing and himself last and, raising his cup, spoke in a calm and steady manner. “I bear no-one present any ill will, and neither do I call the young Guo Jing my particular friend. But he is a good boy, compassionate and well-intentioned, not to mention brave, when required. All I ask you men present is that you let him go, for my sake.”
No-one spoke. Wang Chuyi continued: “If everyone agrees, I will release the Prince in exchange for the boy. A good deal, I think: a commoner for a royal?”
“As it pleases Elder Wang, let’s call it a deal!” Old Liang laughed.
Wang Chuyi released Wanyan Kang, confident that none among them would wish to show themselves so dishonourable in front of the others, despite what people said about their predilections for cruelty.
“We bid you men farewell, and may we meet again soon!” Wang Chuyi grabbed Guo Jing’s hand, bowed, and made hastily for the exit.
Just as Wang had thought, the men made no move to stop them, despite being frustrated that the fish was escaping their net.
“Elder Wang is most welcome,” Wanyan Kang called after them, having recovered from the force of the Taoist’s grip. “Come again whenever you please so that I might learn from you!”
“Our problem is as yet unresolved,” Wang snorted. “We shall be sure to see to it another day!”
“Elder Wang is skilled indeed,” Lama Supreme Wisdom said just as they reached the door, and he bowed, his hands held in prayer.
Then he charged.
Wang Chuyi defended himself with both palms and all his inner strength. But the lama grabbed instead at Wang’s wrist, exchanging internal qi for external kung fu. Wang blocked with a twist, meeting force with force. The colour drained from the lama’s cheeks as they pulled apart. “Most impressive,” he breathed.
“The Lama is known for his righteousness throughout the wulin, and yet he does not keep a promise?”
This made the lama spit with anger. “I was trying to stop you from leaving, not the boy . . .”
It was his pride that was wounded, but just as he finished speaking he started coughing blood.
Wang Chuyi knew they had to leave that very moment, so taking hold of Guo Jing’s hand, he quickly ran out.
The others stood and watched, not daring to stop them.
3
IT WAS SOME TIME BEFORE WANG CHUYI DARED TURN AND look behind them.
“Carry me back to the inn,” he breathed, once he was sure no-one was following them.
Guo Jing was shocked to hear how weak he sounded. But indeed, Elder Wang’s cheeks were pale and he looked to be very sick. Nothing like the vigorous man of a few hours before.
“Elder Wang, are you hurt?”
Wang Chuyi nodded and lost balance. Guo Jing stooped to prop him up, then took the Taoist onto his back and began to hurry back in the direction of the inn. Just as they reached the door, Wang Chuyi whispered to him, “Not here, find somewhere more remote . . .”
Guo Jing paused and then realised Wang was afraid the men would come looking for them. His skills were not enough to make up for his shifu’s injuries. Guo Jing began to run down the quieter alleys in search of another place to spend the night. The further he went, the fewer people he encountered. Wang’s breathing was getting fainter all the time.
At last he found somewhere suitable. It was small and dirty, but he entered, procured a room and placed Wang down on the bed.
“Water . . . A tub of clean water,” the Taoist sighed. “Quick.”
“Anything else?”
Wang waved the boy away.
Guo Jing hurried out of the room and gave some silver to the inn boy to fetch some water. Guo Jing had come to realise the importance of these little tokens for getting what one wanted. Before long, a few boys arrived with a large tub and placed it in the courtyard. Then they came with buckets of water and filled it to the brim.
“You are a good child,” Wang said. “Now put me in the tub. And don’t let anyone near.”
Guo Jing did as he was told, even though he wasn’t sure why. When Wang was submerged up to the neck Guo Jing instructed the inn boy that no-one was to disturb them.
Wang Chuyi sat in the water, his eyes closed, his breath a rapid panting. Guo Jing watched in amazement as the water turned black and colour returned to the Taoist’s cheeks. Then Wang emerged.
“Help me out,” Wang said to the young man. “Change the water.”
Guo Jing called the inn boy back for fresh water and helped Wang Chuyi back into the tub. Wang was forcing poison from his body with just the power of his internal energy. They repeated the process three times before the water stayed clear.
“All is well,” Wang Chuyi said with a smile. “That Lama’s kung fu is vicious.”
“He had poison on his hands?” Guo Jing asked, just relieved Elder Wang was out of danger.
“Yes. We call it Poisoned Sand Palms. I’ve seen it many times before, but I’ve never known any as powerful as the Lama’s. I nearly didn’t survive it.”
“I’m just happy you’re well! Are you hungry? I can ask the inn boy to make something.”
But all Wang wanted was a brush, ink and paper. He then proceeded to write down a prescription. “I am out of danger for the moment, but my internal organs are still infected. If I don’t take this herbal remedy within the next twelve hours, the poison may yet be fatal.”
Early the next morning, Guo Jing took the paper and ran out. He found an apothecary nearby and asked the owner to make up the recipe as Wang had written it.
The owner checked the shelves, but returned empty-handed. “I’m sorry, my boy, I’ve sold out of these herbs.”
Guo Jing grabbed back the piece of paper and ran out the door before the owner could say any more. Yet the second shop was also out. Eight tries later, and he was still having no luck. Guo Jing was getting anxious. And angry. He ran to every herbal medicine shop in the city, but the answer was always the same. They had all sold out.
Those scoundrels! Guo Jing realised Wanyan Kang and his men must have sent someone out to buy up the entire supply of the herbs in Yanjing.
Guo Jing returned to t
he inn and told Wang Chuyi what had happened. The two men were in despair. Guo Jing flopped onto the table and began sobbing.
“Dear boy, everyone must go at some point,” Wang said with a smile. “The heavens decide it, it’s not up to us. Don’t cry.” He patted the edge of the bed and then began to sing:
“In peacock there is peahen,
Just as in colour there is grey.
For a Taoist fame is ruin,
In permanent replay.”
Guo Jing wiped his cheeks and looked up at the Taoist, who was grinning and sitting up in bed.
A thought suddenly struck Guo Jing: what if he tried another city nearby? He was sliding quietly out of the room when the inn boy came running up to him with a letter addressed to “Master Guo”.
Who can this be from? Guo asked himself. He tore open the letter and began reading: I have something urgent to tell you. I will be waiting for you by the lake ten li west of the city. Beneath the characters was the picture of a smiling face: Lotus! It was an exact likeness.
How does he know I’m staying here? Guo Jing turned to the inn boy. “Who came with this letter?”
“A beggar,” the inn boy replied simply.
Guo Jing hurried back into the room. Wang Chuyi was stretching. “Elder Wang, I’m going to try to find the herbs in a nearby city.”
“I’m sure they’ve already thought of that. Don’t trouble yourself, boy.”
But Guo Jing was not going to give up yet. Brother Huang would know what to do!
“A good friend of mine wants to meet me. I will be back as soon as I’ve spoken to him.” Guo Jing passed the piece of paper to Wang.
“How do you know him?” Wang asked after a brief pause.
Guo Jing related the story to Wang Chuyi: the young boy who had run circles around Browbeater Hou. “Some most unusual skills. I remember him.” He thought for a little longer and then continued, “But you must be careful. Your skills are no match for his, and there’s something untrustworthy about him. I can’t put my finger on it.”
“We are sworn friends, he won’t do me any harm,” Guo Jing replied.
“You haven’t known him long,” Wang sighed. “How can you be sure of his character? You would be unable to defend yourself.”
But no matter what the Taoist said, Guo Jing was not in the least bit suspicious of Lotus. It’s only because he doesn’t know him, Guo Jing said to himself. He reassured Elder Wang again of the young man’s good character.
“Fine,” Wang said, smiling. “You young people must make your own mistakes in order to learn. But there’s something a little odd about his appearance and voice. Haven’t you noticed?”
Guo Jing said nothing, and Wang Chuyi realised there was no point going on and just shook his head. Guo Jing tucked the prescription into his shirt front and left.
ONCE OUT of the western city gates, Guo Jing began running. The snowflakes were falling in even larger formations as they swirled around his head and landed on his cheeks. The landscape was a vast, empty expanse of white. He kept going ten li due west until, up ahead, he could make out the glimmer of water. The lake had not yet frozen over and the banks were dressed in plum blossoms, the petals creating the illusion of snow settling on the water’s surface.
Guo Jing could not see anyone. What if he had left already?
“Brother Huang! Brother Huang!”
Just then a sound startled him. He turned quickly, but it was just birds. He called out again. Maybe Lotus was yet to arrive? Guo Jing decided to wait a little.
He sat down by the side of the lake and his mind began to wander. First to Lotus, then to Wang Chuyi. He was in no mood to take in the beautiful scenery. Snow was nothing special, he had seen it many times in Mongolia, and he was not so sentimental as to marvel at the poetry of nature and plum blossoms in winter.
After a long wait, he heard noises coming from a knot of trees further along. He approached carefully, pausing when a rough voice broke through the quiet.
“What makes you any better? We’re all stuck here together, aren’t we?”
“If you hadn’t been such a coward and run away, we would have been four against one. How could we have lost?”
“Unless I’m mistaken, you fell over while running away yourself. Doesn’t make you much of a hero,” said a third.
It sounded like the Four Daemons of the Yellow River.
Gathering his courage, Guo Jing entered the thicket, but he could not see anyone.
“We should have taken him together. Who knew the little beggar had so many tricks?”
Guo Jing looked up and saw four men hanging in the canopy above. It was them. His heart fluttered. Lotus had to be nearby!
“Are you practising your lightness kung fu again?” he called up, grinning widely.
“Lightness kung fu?” Qian the Hardy snarled. “Can’t you see we’re stuck?”
Guo Jing laughed and Qian kicked out, but he was not even close to hitting Guo Jing.
“Go away, or I’ll pee all over you!” Ma the Valiant cried out.
Guo Jing was doubled over by now. “Go on, I bet it won’t reach me.”
Laughter sounded suddenly behind him. Guo Jing turned to see ripples on the water and a boat suddenly appear from behind the tree line.
A young maiden was rowing towards them, her black hair tumbling down over her shoulders and white robes. Her golden hairpins twinkled in the winter sunlight. She looked like a celestial goddess and Guo Jing was struck dumb. As she came closer, he realised she could not be more than fifteen or sixteen. Her skin was as white as the surrounding fields and her beauty was like none he had ever seen before. She approached with a broad smile.
Guo Jing turned, unable to look straight at her, and blushed.
The young girl steered the boat to the bank. “Brother Guo, step on board!”
Guo Jing was surprised that she should know his name. He turned and glanced up at her smile and fluttering robes. At first he said nothing, as if caught in a dream.
“Don’t you recognise me?” The young girl laughed.
She did sound like Brother Huang, but how could a dirty beggar boy have turned into such a radiant fairy? He could not believe his eyes.
“Miss! Cut us down, if you please.”
“We will give you a hundred taels of gold for your trouble!”
“Each! One hundred each, that’s four hundred taels!”
“Eight hundred taels!”
But the young girl ignored them. “It’s me, Lotus. Brother Guo, have you lost all affection for me now?”
She did bear a resemblance to his friend, it was true. “But . . . you . . .”
“Yes, I’m a girl. I never actually told you to call me Brother Huang. Come now, we’ve got to hurry.”
Guo Jing stumbled forward and tripped into the canoe. The Daemons were still shouting behind them, offering more and more money.
Lotus rowed into the middle of the lake, where she brought out some dishes from a basket and a small jug of wine. “Let’s eat and enjoy the scenery.” They were far enough from the shore that they could no longer hear the Daemons shouting.
“I’m just so confused,” Guo Jing stuttered. “I thought you were a boy. Now I can’t call you Brother Huang anymore.”
“And no calling me Sister Huang either! Just call me by the name my father gave me: Lotus.”
“I brought you cakes,” Guo Jing remembered suddenly, and pulled out the sweets Wanyan Kang had given Elder Wang from inside his shirt. By now they were nothing but a bag of crumbs.
Lotus giggled. Guo Jing blushed. “Ruined,” he said. But just as he was about to throw them overboard, Lotus reached out and took the bag.
She fished out a piece of broken cake and placed it in her mouth. “Delicious.” He looked at her; her eyes were red and had begun to moisten. Why was she crying?
“My mother died when I was very young. No-one has ever cared enough to notice what I like and dislike before. Until I met you.” A few tears started runnin
g down her cheeks. She took out a handkerchief, but instead of using it to dry her eyes, she wrapped the remaining cakes in it and placed them inside her robe. She looked up at him, this time with a smile. “I’m saving them for later.”
Guo Jing was not experienced when it came to romance, but he could sense there was a special meaning behind her actions. “You said you had something urgent to tell me, in your letter.”
“This is what I wanted to tell you. That I am not Brother Huang, but Lotus. Doesn’t this count as urgent?” She smiled.
“Why did you disguise yourself as a dirty beggar boy when you are so pretty?”
“You think I’m pretty?” Lotus turned away, her cheeks flushed.
“Yes, very. Just like a fairy that lives at the top of a snowy mountain.”
“Have you seen a fairy before?”
“Of course not, I wouldn’t be here if I had!”
“What do you mean?”
“In Mongolia, our elders told us that if you see a fairy you will never return to the grasslands again. You will be dazed and freeze to death.”
Lotus giggled. “And is that how you feel now? Dazed?”
“We’re friends, it’s different,” Guo Jing said. Now it was his turn to blush.
“I know that you are true of heart. It wouldn’t matter to you if I were a boy or a girl, beautiful or ugly.” She paused before continuing. “Everyone is nice to me when I’m dressed like this, but you took care of me even when I was dressed as a beggar boy.” Lotus smiled, and then said, “Shall I sing for you?”
“Could you sing for me tomorrow? We need to find medicine for Elder Wang first.” He went on to tell Lotus all that had happened the previous day, and how Wanyan Kang’s men had bought up all the herbs essential to curing the Taoist in the city.
“No wonder I saw you running between apothecaries today,” Lotus said.
So she was following me; that’s how she knew where I was staying, Guo Jing thought.
“Brother Huang, may I ride your horse Ulaan to find the herbs?”
“For one thing, I am not your brother. And the horse is yours. Did you think I was going to keep it? I was just testing you. But I worry you won’t find the herbs in the neighbouring towns.”
