Chapter 453: 453
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"Well said, Miss," Shou Nanshan answered bitterly.
Everyday Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min enjoyed the delicacies Shou Nanshan meticulously prepared for them, making their stay at the Zhong Yue Shen Miao a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
After about ten more days, the two of them were fully recovered. Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min began to discuss their plan on rescuing Xie Xun.
"Actually, the best way would be to seal Wan Shou Wu Jiang's fatal acupoints, and then we can send him to Shaolin Temple as our spy," Zhao Min said, "But this man is so useless [orig. nong2 bao1], that he would most likely give himself away and spoil the important matters. Let's do this: right now, let us go to the foot of Shaoshi [the western peak of Mount Song, where Shaolin Temple is located]; we will act as the opportunity arises. Only we must change our appearances first."
"What should we disguise ourselves into?" Zhang Wuji asked, "Shall we shave our heads clean and become a monk and a nun?"
Zhao Min's face slightly blushed. "Pei!" she spat, "Only you can think of such thing! A young monk hanging around with a young nun all day; what would people think?"
Zhang Wuji laughed and said, "Well then, let's become husband and wife, a couple of villagers who go to the foot of Shaoshi Peak to open up rice field and gather firewood."
"Can't we be brother and sister?" Zhao Min laughed, "If we become husband and wife, I am afraid if Miss Zhou sees it, I would have five more finger holes on my left shoulder."
Zhang Wuji also laughed, but he felt uncomfortable in continuing their conversation. After asking about the situation and the layout of the Shaolin Temple in details from Shou Nanshan, he said, "The sealed fatal acupoints in your body have been loosened. You can go."
"However," Zhao Min added sternly, "For the rest of your life, you must live in the southern area. As soon as you see snow and ice, you will lose your life. I suggest you move to the south as soon as possible; you must live in a warm climate; the hotter the better. See to it that you do not subject yourself to cold wind; if you ever catch a cold or cough, your life will be in grave danger."
Shou Nanshan took her advice seriously; he took his leave from the two people, and left the temple heading south that very same day. He spent the rest of his life on the hilly area of the south, being careful not to catch any cold or cough. He died during the years of Yong Le [the third Ming Emperor, 1403 – 1424], of the Ming Dynasty. Although he did not actually live an unlimited life for ten thousands of years [wan shou wu jiang], he did live a long and enjoyable life.
Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min waited for him to walk far before they carefully cleared up any evidence of their presence from the temple. They went for more than 20 'li's before stopping by at a farmer house to buy two sets of male and female farmer clothes. They changed their clothes in the wilderness, and buried the clothing they were formerly wearing in the ground, before continuing their journey to the foot of Shaoshi Peak in a leisurely pace.
Before they were within seven, eight 'li's of the Shaolin Temple, they had already met monks from the Temple three times. "We cannot get any further," Zhao Min said.
They saw there was a thatched hut by the mountain path, with a patch of vegetable garden in front of it. An old farmer was busy watering the plants.
"Let's ask for lodging here," Zhao Min said.
Zhang Wuji went forward, cupped his fists in respect, and said, "Excuse me, Uncle. We, brother and sister, are traveling. We are tired and wondering if you could give us a bowl of water to quench our thirst."
It was as if the old farmer did not hear him at all, or he ignored him; he kept scooping manure mixed with water with a ladle and splashed it on the root of his vegetables. Zhang Wuji repeated his words, but the old farmer was still ignoring him. Suddenly the wooden door of the hut opened with a creaking noise, a white-haired granny came out. She laughed and said, "My husband is deaf and mute. What do you [orig. ke4 guan1 – honorable guest] need?"
"My sister is too tired to walk," Zhang Wuji said, "May I ask for a bowl of water for her?"
"Please come in," the old granny said.
They followed her in, and saw that the hut was very clean and tidy. The wooden table and stools were spotless. Although her clothes were made of coarse homespun fabric, they were very clean. Zhao Min was very happy; after drinking a bowl of water, she took out an ingot of silver and said with a smile, "Popo [granny], my Gege is taking me to see our maternal grandmother. My legs gave up along the way. I was wondering if we can spend the night here and continue our journey tomorrow early in the morning."
"I don't have any problem with you staying overnight in here, and I don't need your money," the old granny said, "But we only have one bedroom with a single bed in it. Granted that my husband and I can spend the night outside, but you, brother and sister, cannot possibly sleep in one bed, can you? Hey, hey, little Miss, you'd better tell Popo the truth, didn't you run away from home to be with your beloved Gege here?"
As the secret of her heart was revealed, Zhao Min blushed, thinking that this granny had very keen eyesight. She also thought that she did not speak like an old woman of an ordinary peasant family. Thereupon she took a second look at her and noticed that although her back was hunched, her eyes were mysteriously bright; perhaps she was a martial art expert in hiding. Zhao Min also realized that Zhang Wuji did not look like an ordinary farmer either, while her own appearance and mannerisms were certainly not those of farmer women's.
"Popo," she said quietly, "Since you have already guessed correctly, I can't lie to you. This Zeng Gege [big brother Zeng] is my childhood friend. My Father does not like him because his family is poor; he won't let me marry him. My Mama was aware I would rather die than not to be with him, so she told me to go … to go with him. Mama said that after two, three years, when we … we get a baby, we may come home. By that time, Father will have no choice but to let us marry each other."
While she was speaking, her face turned deep red, while she often stole a glance toward Zhang Wuji, with eyes full of love. She continued, "My family is quite respectable [orig. you3 mian4 zi5 – have a face] in Dadu. Father is a government official. If we were ever caught, Father would certainly beat Ah Niu Gege to his death. Popo, I have told you everything, you must not tell anybody."
The granny laughed out loud and said, "When I was young, I also belonged to a respectable family. Don't worry, I will let you, two young married, to use our room. This is a remote place, your family certainly won't look for you this far. Even if there is someone who will give you trouble, Popo will not stand on the side doing nothing."
She saw that Zhao Min was tender and beautiful, and she had entrusted her secret with her; so in her heart she regarded Zhao Min favorably. Thereupon she decided to do her best to help this young couple and to see a successful conclusion to their good deed.
Listening to her last words, Zhao Min was convinced that she was a Wulin character. Only this place was so close to the Shaolin Temple, she wondered whether this granny was related to Cheng Kun or not. She decided they must be very careful and must not reveal the least bit of flaw. Thereupon she gracefully knelt down and bowed while saying, "Popo is willing to take care of us, we are very grateful. Ah Niu Gege, come quickly and say thank you to Popo."
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"Well said, Miss," Shou Nanshan answered bitterly.
Everyday Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min enjoyed the delicacies Shou Nanshan meticulously prepared for them, making their stay at the Zhong Yue Shen Miao a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
After about ten more days, the two of them were fully recovered. Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min began to discuss their plan on rescuing Xie Xun.
"Actually, the best way would be to seal Wan Shou Wu Jiang's fatal acupoints, and then we can send him to Shaolin Temple as our spy," Zhao Min said, "But this man is so useless [orig. nong2 bao1], that he would most likely give himself away and spoil the important matters. Let's do this: right now, let us go to the foot of Shaoshi [the western peak of Mount Song, where Shaolin Temple is located]; we will act as the opportunity arises. Only we must change our appearances first."
"What should we disguise ourselves into?" Zhang Wuji asked, "Shall we shave our heads clean and become a monk and a nun?"
Zhao Min's face slightly blushed. "Pei!" she spat, "Only you can think of such thing! A young monk hanging around with a young nun all day; what would people think?"
Zhang Wuji laughed and said, "Well then, let's become husband and wife, a couple of villagers who go to the foot of Shaoshi Peak to open up rice field and gather firewood."
"Can't we be brother and sister?" Zhao Min laughed, "If we become husband and wife, I am afraid if Miss Zhou sees it, I would have five more finger holes on my left shoulder."
Zhang Wuji also laughed, but he felt uncomfortable in continuing their conversation. After asking about the situation and the layout of the Shaolin Temple in details from Shou Nanshan, he said, "The sealed fatal acupoints in your body have been loosened. You can go."
"However," Zhao Min added sternly, "For the rest of your life, you must live in the southern area. As soon as you see snow and ice, you will lose your life. I suggest you move to the south as soon as possible; you must live in a warm climate; the hotter the better. See to it that you do not subject yourself to cold wind; if you ever catch a cold or cough, your life will be in grave danger."
Shou Nanshan took her advice seriously; he took his leave from the two people, and left the temple heading south that very same day. He spent the rest of his life on the hilly area of the south, being careful not to catch any cold or cough. He died during the years of Yong Le [the third Ming Emperor, 1403 – 1424], of the Ming Dynasty. Although he did not actually live an unlimited life for ten thousands of years [wan shou wu jiang], he did live a long and enjoyable life.
Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min waited for him to walk far before they carefully cleared up any evidence of their presence from the temple. They went for more than 20 'li's before stopping by at a farmer house to buy two sets of male and female farmer clothes. They changed their clothes in the wilderness, and buried the clothing they were formerly wearing in the ground, before continuing their journey to the foot of Shaoshi Peak in a leisurely pace.
Before they were within seven, eight 'li's of the Shaolin Temple, they had already met monks from the Temple three times. "We cannot get any further," Zhao Min said.
They saw there was a thatched hut by the mountain path, with a patch of vegetable garden in front of it. An old farmer was busy watering the plants.
"Let's ask for lodging here," Zhao Min said.
Zhang Wuji went forward, cupped his fists in respect, and said, "Excuse me, Uncle. We, brother and sister, are traveling. We are tired and wondering if you could give us a bowl of water to quench our thirst."
It was as if the old farmer did not hear him at all, or he ignored him; he kept scooping manure mixed with water with a ladle and splashed it on the root of his vegetables. Zhang Wuji repeated his words, but the old farmer was still ignoring him. Suddenly the wooden door of the hut opened with a creaking noise, a white-haired granny came out. She laughed and said, "My husband is deaf and mute. What do you [orig. ke4 guan1 – honorable guest] need?"
"My sister is too tired to walk," Zhang Wuji said, "May I ask for a bowl of water for her?"
"Please come in," the old granny said.
They followed her in, and saw that the hut was very clean and tidy. The wooden table and stools were spotless. Although her clothes were made of coarse homespun fabric, they were very clean. Zhao Min was very happy; after drinking a bowl of water, she took out an ingot of silver and said with a smile, "Popo [granny], my Gege is taking me to see our maternal grandmother. My legs gave up along the way. I was wondering if we can spend the night here and continue our journey tomorrow early in the morning."
"I don't have any problem with you staying overnight in here, and I don't need your money," the old granny said, "But we only have one bedroom with a single bed in it. Granted that my husband and I can spend the night outside, but you, brother and sister, cannot possibly sleep in one bed, can you? Hey, hey, little Miss, you'd better tell Popo the truth, didn't you run away from home to be with your beloved Gege here?"
As the secret of her heart was revealed, Zhao Min blushed, thinking that this granny had very keen eyesight. She also thought that she did not speak like an old woman of an ordinary peasant family. Thereupon she took a second look at her and noticed that although her back was hunched, her eyes were mysteriously bright; perhaps she was a martial art expert in hiding. Zhao Min also realized that Zhang Wuji did not look like an ordinary farmer either, while her own appearance and mannerisms were certainly not those of farmer women's.
"Popo," she said quietly, "Since you have already guessed correctly, I can't lie to you. This Zeng Gege [big brother Zeng] is my childhood friend. My Father does not like him because his family is poor; he won't let me marry him. My Mama was aware I would rather die than not to be with him, so she told me to go … to go with him. Mama said that after two, three years, when we … we get a baby, we may come home. By that time, Father will have no choice but to let us marry each other."
While she was speaking, her face turned deep red, while she often stole a glance toward Zhang Wuji, with eyes full of love. She continued, "My family is quite respectable [orig. you3 mian4 zi5 – have a face] in Dadu. Father is a government official. If we were ever caught, Father would certainly beat Ah Niu Gege to his death. Popo, I have told you everything, you must not tell anybody."
The granny laughed out loud and said, "When I was young, I also belonged to a respectable family. Don't worry, I will let you, two young married, to use our room. This is a remote place, your family certainly won't look for you this far. Even if there is someone who will give you trouble, Popo will not stand on the side doing nothing."
She saw that Zhao Min was tender and beautiful, and she had entrusted her secret with her; so in her heart she regarded Zhao Min favorably. Thereupon she decided to do her best to help this young couple and to see a successful conclusion to their good deed.
Listening to her last words, Zhao Min was convinced that she was a Wulin character. Only this place was so close to the Shaolin Temple, she wondered whether this granny was related to Cheng Kun or not. She decided they must be very careful and must not reveal the least bit of flaw. Thereupon she gracefully knelt down and bowed while saying, "Popo is willing to take care of us, we are very grateful. Ah Niu Gege, come quickly and say thank you to Popo."
"Well said, Miss," Shou Nanshan answered bitterly.Everyday Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min enjoyed the delicacies Shou Nanshan meticulously prepared for them, making their stay at the Zhong Yue Shen Miao a comfortable and enjoyable experience.After about ten more days, the two of them were fully recovered. Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min began to discuss their plan on rescuing Xie Xun."Actually, the best way would be to seal Wan Shou Wu Jiang's fatal acupoints, and then we can send him to Shaolin Temple as our spy," Zhao Min said, "But this man is so useless orig. nong2 bao1, that he would most likely give himself away and spoil the important matters. Let's do this: right now, let us go to the foot of Shaoshi the western peak of Mount Song, where Shaolin Temple is located; we will act as the opportunity arises. Only we must change our appearances first.""What should we disguise ourselves into?" Zhang Wuji asked, "Shall we shave our heads clean and become a monk and a nun?"Zhao Min's face slightly blushed. "Pei!" she spat, "Only you can think of such thing! A young monk hanging around with a young nun all day; what would people think?"Zhang Wuji laughed and said, "Well then, let's become husband and wife, a couple of villagers who go to the foot of Shaoshi Peak to open up rice field and gather firewood.""Can't we be brother and sister?" Zhao Min laughed, "If we become husband and wife, I am afraid if Miss Zhou sees it, I would have five more finger holes on my left shoulder."Zhang Wuji also laughed, but he felt uncomfortable in continuing their conversation. After asking about the situation and the layout of the Shaolin Temple in details from Shou Nanshan, he said, "The sealed fatal acupoints in your body have been loosened. You can go.""However," Zhao Min added sternly, "For the rest of your life, you must live in the southern area. As soon as you see snow and ice, you will lose your life. I suggest you move to the south as soon as possible; you must live in a warm climate; the hotter the better. See to it that you do not subject yourself to cold wind; if you ever catch a cold or cough, your life will be in grave danger."Shou Nanshan took her advice seriously; he took his leave from the two people, and left the temple heading south that very same day. He spent the rest of his life on the hilly area of the south, being careful not to catch any cold or cough. He died during the years of Yong Le the third Ming Emperor, 1403 1424, of the Ming Dynasty. Although he did not actually live an unlimited life for ten thousands of years wan shou wu jiang, he did live a long and enjoyable life.Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min waited for him to walk far before they carefully cleared up any evidence of their presence from the temple. They went for more than 20 'li's before stopping by at a farmer house to buy two sets of male and female farmer clothes. They changed their clothes in the wilderness, and buried the clothing they were formerly wearing in the ground, before continuing their journey to the foot of Shaoshi Peak in a leisurely pace.Before they were within seven, eight 'li's of the Shaolin Temple, they had already met monks from the Temple three times. "We cannot get any further," Zhao Min said.They saw there was a thatched hut by the mountain path, with a patch of vegetable garden in front of it. An old farmer was busy watering the plants."Let's ask for lodging here," Zhao Min said.Zhang Wuji went forward, cupped his fists in respect, and said, "Excuse me, Uncle. We, brother and sister, are traveling. We are tired and wondering if you could give us a bowl of water to quench our thirst."It was as if the old farmer did not hear him at all, or he ignored him; he kept scooping manure mixed with water with a ladle and splashed it on the root of his vegetables. Zhang Wuji repeated his words, but the old farmer was still ignoring him. Suddenly the wooden door of the hut opened with a creaking noise, a white-haired granny came out. She laughed and said, "My husband is deaf and mute. What do you orig. ke4 guan1 honorable guest need?""My sister is too tired to walk," Zhang Wuji said, "May I ask for a bowl of water for her?""Please come in," the old granny said.They followed her in, and saw that the hut was very clean and tidy. The wooden table and stools were spotless. Although her clothes were made of coarse homespun fabric, they were very clean. Zhao Min was very happy; after drinking a bowl of water, she took out an ingot of silver and said with a smile, "Popo granny, my Gege is taking me to see our maternal grandmother. My legs gave up along the way. I was wondering if we can spend the night here and continue our journey tomorrow early in the morning.""I don't have any problem with you staying overnight in here, and I don't need your money," the old granny said, "But we only have one bedroom with a single bed in it. Granted that my husband and I can spend the night outside, but you, brother and sister, cannot possibly sleep in one bed, can you? Hey, hey, little Miss, you'd better tell Popo the truth, didn't you run away from home to be with your beloved Gege here?"As the secret of her heart was revealed, Zhao Min blushed, thinking that this granny had very keen eyesight. She also thought that she did not speak like an old woman of an ordinary peasant family. Thereupon she took a second look at her and noticed that although her back was hunched, her eyes were mysteriously bright; perhaps she was a martial art expert in hiding. Zhao Min also realized that Zhang Wuji did not look like an ordinary farmer either, while her own appearance and mannerisms were certainly not those of farmer women's."Popo," she said quietly, "Since you have already guessed correctly, I can't lie to you. This Zeng Gege big brother Zeng is my childhood friend. My Father does not like him because his family is poor; he won't let me marry him. My Mama was aware I would rather die than not to be with him, so she told me to go to go with him. Mama said that after two, three years, when we we get a baby, we may come home. By that time, Father will have no choice but to let us marry each other."While she was speaking, her face turned deep red, while she often stole a glance toward Zhang Wuji, with eyes full of love. She continued, "My family is quite respectable orig. you3 mian4 zi5 have a face in Dadu. Father is a government official. If we were ever caught, Father would certainly beat Ah Niu Gege to his death. Popo, I have told you everything, you must not tell anybody."The granny laughed out loud and said, "When I was young, I also belonged to a respectable family. Don't worry, I will let you, two young married, to use our room. This is a remote place, your family certainly won't look for you this far. Even if there is someone who will give you trouble, Popo will not stand on the side doing nothing."She saw that Zhao Min was tender and beautiful, and she had entrusted her secret with her; so in her heart she regarded Zhao Min favorably. Thereupon she decided to do her best to help this young couple and to see a successful conclusion to their good deed.Listening to her last words, Zhao Min was convinced that she was a Wulin character. Only this place was so close to the Shaolin Temple, she wondered whether this granny was related to Cheng Kun or not. She decided they must be very careful and must not reveal the least bit of flaw. Thereupon she gracefully knelt down and bowed while saying, "Popo is willing to take care of us, we are very grateful. Ah Niu Gege, come quickly and say thank you to Popo."
