Nan Zhi felt she had spoken too soon about her luck.
For a child from the south who had never been on a boat before, spending the night on one was a novel experience.
During the first half of the night, fishing lights dotted the river like stars hanging over the water. With the sound of frogs croaking and fish leaping, and with Wanniang keeping watch, she slept quite well.
However, in the latter half of the night, it felt as if a herd of animals had been brought onto the boat. The bleating of sheep and braying of donkeys continued until dawn, only quieting down slightly when the sun rose.
When Nan Zhi left her room, she happened to run into the boat owner, who was going from guest to guest, offering apologies.
“Oh, I am truly sorry. A big customer arrived late last night, seemingly in the livestock business. He paid a bit extra, so I let him board.
Who would have thought those animals would make such a racket all night? I’ve already spoken to that Taoist and provided extra fodder and water for the livestock. I don’t think they’ll cause such a disturbance again.”
Upon seeing Nan Zhi, the boat owner hurriedly added:
“It’s my fault for letting greed get the better of me. I am truly sorry.
Everyone’s fare for today will be halved. At noon, I’ll have the boys bring over some fresh fish caught from the river to make it up to you!
The fresh fish from our Shouzhou river is a delicacy you won’t find anywhere else!”
A Taoist.
A Taoist driving sheep.
Nan Zhi immediately felt a sense of foreboding. But before she could retreat, she saw a large-eyed Taoist swaying as he walked across the deck.
Who else could it be but the green-robed Taoist who had used a glamour to trick the pear seller?
Nan Zhi thought to herself that this was truly a case of enemies on a narrow road. However, the boat was already out on the river; there was no chance to leave now.
Unsure of the Taoist's intentions, Nan Zhi decided to stay her hand and watch coldly.
To her surprise, the green-robed Taoist merely spat in her direction from a distance, scratched his back, and returned to his room in his cloth shoes.
Now it was Nan Zhi's turn to be puzzled.
Did he not recognize her at all?
Or did he not plan to make a move on the boat?
The more Nan Zhi thought about it, the more she felt the latter was more likely.
After all, on this vast river, if the two of them fought without restraint and damaged the vessel, everyone on board would end up feeding the fish.
It seemed she would have to be more vigilant on this journey.
Nan Zhi mused to herself.
...
...
Shouzhou was over four hundred miles from the Dongjingfu docks. Even by water, it would take several days. If luck was on their side and they caught a tailwind, traveling sixty miles a day, they could reach Kaifeng in five or six days at the earliest.
The boat owner was kind; once the fare was paid, he didn't charge for meals.
Every day, the workers would cast nets into the river, catching fresh fish to cook.
Freshly caught river fish were at their fattest and most delicious. They didn't need many seasonings; just some scallions and coarse salt for steaming made for an excellent dish.
Nan Zhi had been wary of the green-robed Taoist's movements for the past two days, staying in her room even while eating and sleeping. She was feeling incredibly stifled.
Seeing the workers bring more fresh fish onto the boat that day, she asked the owner for a stove and some firewood, then sat on the deck to grill the fish.
The deck offered a wide view, and the scenery on the river was laid bare before her.
Egrets soared, and river fish competed in the current. Beneath the emerald water, the green aquatic plants swayed like smooth silk, tracing the shape of the flow.
“Sizzle, sizzle...”
The fish on the stove hissed as its fat rendered. Under the high heat, the skin curled into beautiful layers. Nan Zhi enjoyed the view while sipping wine, feeling quite carefree.
If that green-robed Taoist was indeed watching her, he should be coming out by now.
Nan Zhi glanced around and indeed saw the Taoist, seemingly unable to contain himself. He walked onto the deck, bought some wine and fruit from a worker, and struck up a conversation with her quite boldly.
“Fellow cultivator, might I ask if you are also heading to the Zhongyuan Ghost Market to join the festivities?”
Ghost Market?
“‘Also’? Could it be that you are traveling for that very reason, fellow cultivator?”
Though Nan Zhi had never heard of it, she didn't show any weakness and nodded ambiguously.
“I am Nan Zhi, a native of Dingyuan. May I ask how to address you?”
Dingyuan?
Where was that remote corner of the world?
Although the person before him had a cultivation level similar to his own, she was likely just a poor rogue cultivator from some backwater.
No sect, no faction.
Even if he killed her, no one would come looking.
It couldn't be better.
“Hahaha! For one so young to see through my spell, you truly have talent. We can consider our first meeting a bit of a rough start, so there's no need for such formality.”
The green-robed Taoist narrowed his eyes, a sincere smile on his face.
“Sister Nan, seeing as I’m a few years older than you, you can just call me Brother Ma San.
Cultivation isn't easy for us rogue cultivators. When we meet, we ought to look out for one another.
That pear seller was disrespectful to me first. I only taught him a lesson to let him suffer a bit; it wasn't excessive.
You’re lucky you ran into me this time. If it were someone else, they would have at least demanded an explanation or fought you to see who was superior!”
“Is that so?”
Nan Zhi feigned a grateful expression and invited Ma San to have some wine.
“It was my mistake for overstepping and breaking the rules. Please, Brother, have a cup of wine as my apology. What do you say?”
Ma San didn't take the wine, only laughing it off. “There's no need for wine. I can see you’re likely traveling for the first time and don't know many of the rules.
Since we seem to have a bit of fate between us and are both heading to the Zhongyuan Ghost Market, I’ll tell you a thing or two.”
“Then I shall trouble you, Brother.”
Nan Zhi took on an attentive posture.
“It is indeed my first time attending such a grand event, and I’ve been feeling a bit unsure. Please, teach me.”
Ma San loved being flattered. Hearing this, he forgot any other schemes he might have had, held his head high, and began telling Nan Zhi things that weren't too sensitive.
“The Zhongyuan Ghost Market is incredibly lively and is held once a year.
Everyone knows that on the Ghost Festival, the Gates of Hell open. Whether they are old ghosts from the Underworld or the newly deceased, they can all take the opportunity to have some fun in the mortal realm.
Later, someone started the trend of trading items with ghosts for spiritual herbs and treasures from the Underworld, and other cultivators followed suit.
Eventually, this became a tradition. Every year on July 14th, the Gates of Hell open, and wherever they open, a Ghost Market flourishes.
This year, the Gates of Hell opened in Dongjingfu. Haven't you noticed how many more people are on the boats this year?
I originally heard this news from a ghost messenger I’m acquainted with, but it seems I’m not the only one with connections!”
A glint appeared in Ma San's eyes as he stared at Nan Zhi.
“Did you see those animals I brought onto the boat? In the Ghost Market, they’re worth a hundred gold!
I wonder what treasures you’ve brought, Sister Nan, and what kind of price you’re hoping to get?”
“I don't have much of an inheritance; only my two servants are worth anything.”
Nan Zhi brushed him off casually. “One old and one young. Selling them to the Ghost Market as slaves should bring back some silver.”
“Hehehe, the Demon Suppression Division keeps an eye on the Ghost Market. Buying or selling living humans and souls are capital offenses.”
Ma San glanced sideways at Nan Zhi, feigning a word of advice.
“I think that beautiful female ghost you have with you is quite good. If you’re willing to part with her, I’m willing to trade two of my meat sheep for her. What do you say?”
A layer of coldness appeared on Nan Zhi's face. She was about to give a chilling refusal when she heard Ma San whisper:
“Don't be so quick to refuse, Sister Nan. You have no idea how wonderful my meat sheep are. Come quietly to the deck tonight, and I’ll show you something fun.”
Rate on N.U.
