Bevan Mountain

It was mid-June when we arrived in Xinyue Town.

The carriage stopped in front of a house that had just been entered. The front of the door was very ordinary, and the lintel and knocker were not decorated. Jiang Wuyue was a little surprised: "I thought there would be a flying and phoenix door plaque at the door."

You'er smiled and said, "Just the three big characters "Jinbaoju", which means something, I'm afraid that thieves will miss it. "

Saying that, he opened the door and waved to Jiang Wuyue: "Come in..."

Jiang Wuyue stepped in, and a pair of stone tables and stools were placed in the courtyard, and two sweet-scented osmanthus trees were planted on the left and right, it was the time when the branches and leaves were flourishing.

Strange grass grows under the tree. It is said that the grass is not like grass, but because some narrow and long leaves grow from the soft stems, and the ends of the leaves form pods.

Jiang Wuyue squatted down and stared at the grass.You'er leaned against the tree with arms folded, looking at her with a smile.

"Is this a pod grass?" Jiang Wuyue raised her head and asked.

You'er was obviously taken aback: "You even know this?"

"Well, I read in the book that every month from the first day of the lunar month, one leaf is born every day, and each leaf bears a pod until the fifteenth day;

From the sixteenth to the end of the month, one pod falls every day.So you can know what day it is by counting how many pods there are.It's just that it's not easy to find this grass. "

"There are a few plants in Luofu Mountain. I didn't count them when I was young, so my master moved them here for me to see. Later, I moved down the mountain and brought them here..."

As You'er said, he had already boarded the platform, pushed open the door of the main room, pointed to the front wall of the room, "Look..."

Jiang Wuyue got up and went over, a plaque was hung on the wall, with three big characters "Jinbaoju".

Jiang Wuyue smiled and said, "You asked the question?"

You'er gave a brisk "hmm": "How about my girl's calligraphy?"

Jiang Wuyue looked back and forth, her brows and eyes slightly bent: "Floating like floating clouds, like words and paintings. Interesting..."

You'er was quite satisfied with this answer, smiled, turned around and entered the left ear room.

There are some sundries piled up in the room, and there is a box sealed with talismans.After reciting a few spells silently, he took off the paper and opened the box. Inside was the six thousand gold that Jiang Wuyue gave out when he was in Jinxing County.

You'er said to Jiang Wuyue: "Your money is here. My master doesn't see any visitors, if you want to go to Luofu Mountain, I'll take you there tomorrow."

Jiang Wuyue stepped into the main room, thought for a while: "That's okay..."

"I don't have any extra beds here, but I'm staying in the mountains for the past two days, and you can use my room. When I'm done with my work and I have nothing to do, I'll go down the mountain to pick you up."

Jiang Wuyue hurriedly said, "I'll just stay in a hotel."

You'er frowned, and said directly: "No, no, what if the fox comes again? How can you deal with him alone? I'm safer here."

Jiang Wuyue had no choice but to agree.

After You'er explained a few words, he hurried to Luofu Mountain.

Jiang Wuyue remembered that there was a talisman array here, so she walked around the corridors of the side rooms on both sides, and she saw a few talisman papers of the town house pasted in a hidden place under the eaves.

He also smelled the aroma of various wines in the wing room, and remembered that when he first met You'er in the tavern, she ordered a drink, but he never saw her drink again after that.

It can't be said that she was completely defenseless, but Jiang Wuyue felt that it was reasonable. She didn't mention it intentionally, and she didn't ask, and she had let herself walk a little bit of luxury and leisure along the way.

It's just her little-learned spells, no matter how clever you are, how can you get back safe and retreat when you encounter insidious ghosts?

She also prefers to drink... Thinking of this, Jiang Wuyue couldn't help but shook her head with a faint smile.After going out for dinner on my own, I went back to Jinbaoju.

The sun is about to completely sink behind the mountains, and the residual heat of midsummer is hard to retreat.

Jiang Wuyue sat on a stone bench in the yard, looking up at the treetops.The light of the setting sun makes the green leaves flicker bright yellow, and the warm wind blows in, but there is almost no smell of sweet-scented osmanthus fragrance, and the breathing seems to be a burst of not knowing where to go.

This is the moment when Jiang Wuyue often feels emptiness for no reason to the point of terror.

She used to think that it was probably because this was the so-called time of encountering demons in the ancient Yin-Yang family, since it was the time when ghosts and gods were most likely to haunt.

It was later discovered that this had nothing to do with it.Perhaps the irretrievable old past has faded away, or the invisible new arrival has no trace to be found;

It is the insignificance and helplessness under the changing sky, and the sacrifice and selflessness in the rotation of heaven and earth.

These days, staying together with You'er all the time, unexpectedly forgetting that he has such a mentality at dusk.

Jiang Wuyue took a deep breath, got up and went into the ear room.

The right ear room is You'er's bedroom, and the furnishings are as simple as before. There are a few books on Fang Xiandao's spells on the desk. Jiang Wuyue picked it up and flipped through it. The pages are brand new, and the owner of the books probably didn't like it.

Jiang Wuyue couldn't help laughing, and put the book back in its original place.I took off my coat, lay down on the playboy's bed, and smelled the fragrance of flowers again. I thought I made a sachet and put it under the pillow.Jiang Wuyue rested at ease in this faint fragrance.

The steep and steep Luofu Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mists all the year round.The white waterfalls in the mountains are flying, the clear springs are like blue, and there are caves and canyons with various appearances.

There are several wooden houses hidden in the hidden place of ancient trees behind the mountain.A field of fruits and vegetables was planted in front of the wooden house, and a low fence was erected crookedly around it.

In the wooden house, the master and the apprentice were holding candles and drinking together.

Han Mengao put down his wine glass, looked at the dishes on the table, and pretended to complain: "Master, it is clearly your birthday, but you have served a table of dishes that my junior sister loves. If you continue to pamper her like this, she will be even more restless." gone."

You'er stopped his chopsticks, pointed to a few boxes in the corner, and raised his chin: "Look at my next trip to the mountains, it can compare to your harvest in a year. Who is the one who is not working?"

"You are opportunistic!"

"I am adapting."

Mu Yangzi sat in the middle, stroked his beard and smiled kindly as he watched the two apprentices quarreling for a long time. He felt emotional for a moment: "Since the two of you bought a residence at the foot of the mountain, it's rare for me to see you two arguing as much as you did when you were young."

Han Mengao took advantage of the situation and said: "Master, you have to take good care of her and make friends with unknown origins at the foot of the mountain!"

"Oh? You'er made friends?" Mu Yangzi turned to You'er and asked.

You'er glared at Han Mengao, knowing that it was Han Mengao who wanted to ask, but he didn't want to talk about it in detail.

First of all, what Han Mengao said is correct, and the relationship is not too short, but he really doesn't know Jiang Wuyue's origin, and the reason for the relationship is because he is suspicious, stalking others, fearing being laughed at if he speaks out ;

Second, if she knows that Jiang Wuyue was injured because of herself, the master will definitely scold her; third, this place is far away from Longxi, let her Jiang Wuyue be mediocre or possess unique skills, maybe in the future It is difficult to have anything to do with it, so it seems that there is no need to elaborate.

Thinking of this level, You'er alone felt a sense of loss for no reason.They have been together for many days, they don't know anything about their family background, and sometimes they even forget to check and be on guard, but they still treat her as if they know old friends, as if they have inadvertently faded away from her past.

You'er didn't care about deep thinking, and just wrote lightly: "On the way, I met a girl whose family was in trouble. She wanted to go to Longxi to study medicine alone. I just gave her a ride."

Mu Yangzi said: "How do you go to such a far place to study medicine?"

"It seems that someone I know is there." You'er mumbled while picking up vegetables.

"You still..." Han Mengao wanted to say something, but You'er kicked him under the table to stop him.

Mu Yangzi nodded: "Be careful yourself. Don't let anyone fool around with you."

You'er knew he was wrong, but still pouted, "Why did I mess around?"

"Well—you are calm and prudent, just don't shake Master out if you get into trouble..." Mu Yangzi laughed, "The wine is gone, You'er will go get some wine."

You'er got up to go out to get some wine, and when she reached the door, she didn't forget to turn her head and cast a sideways glance at Han Mengao, who pouted at her without paying attention.

After Youer went out, Mu Yangzi put away his smile and asked Han Mengao, "Who is this friend of your junior sister?"

Han Mengao also said seriously: "Looking at the soft and weak one, he doesn't feel like an alchemist, he is probably an ordinary person. I really haven't checked the origin yet."

"Well, you can check it when you have time, but it doesn't matter. Your junior sister is eccentric, and she has been down the mountain for many years. She has a defensive heart, so don't worry too much. I'd better take care of what I told you... "Mu Yangzi lowered his voice slightly, "Are there any gains this year?"

Han Mengao shook his head: "No..." He seemed to be about to speak again, but stopped again.

Mu Yangzi saw his expression in his eyes, and just said: "There is no hurry, just follow the fate."

Han Mengao answered absently, and raised his head after a while and said: "Master, I learned Taoism from you when I was seven years old. For many years, you have been living in seclusion in the mountains and forests. You only asked about pills and medicines, but there was no progress. I only asked me to read books and study by myself." , I may give pointers or two.

After the disciple went down the mountain, he often met alchemists with ordinary skills, and even the disciple was superior to them.

But they are all high-ranking officials with high salaries, or wealthy people, why does the master have to stay in these wooden houses, grow flowers and grass, be poor and have few desires, and don't care about the future? "

Although Mu Yangzi was not surprised, he was a little silent and said: "Although I met your parents by chance, it was just before your father died that he entrusted me to raise you up.

And now you don't have to worry about food, clothing, shelter, and what you have learned is enough to protect yourself. Even without me, you can live in peace.

Sleep when you are tired, and drink when you are thirsty. This is the most burden-free method for adults in my opinion.The suffering your parents suffered is now the source of your longing..."

When Mu Yangzi said this, he couldn't help sighing, but he still tried to dissuade him, "Gaoer has been studying for many years, and he is used to seeing monsters and ghosts. How could he not know that no matter where we live in Jianghu temples, you and I are all passing through generations."

Han Mengao was not annoyed: "If it is a passerby of a hundred generations, why do people in the world chase after prolonging their lives and ascending to immortality? If they can prolong their lives and ascend to immortality, how can they be a passerby in a hundred generations?"

Mu Yangzi sighed: "How do you live the same life as the heaven and the earth? The heaven and the earth are immeasurable, but people's hearts have limits. Even if you really get immortality, you still plan to make a living all day long, greedy, angry, and obsessive, year after year, but you are just one of the myriad things. Not a guest."

Han Men said coldly: "Since Master is so world-weary, why does he keep entrusting me to search for people? What kind of obsession is this?"

Mu Yangzi paused.After a long while, he said in a deep voice: "If you don't want to, you can leave and pursue what you want in your heart. As a teacher, I will not stop you."

Han Mengao drank the rest of the wine in the cup, got up and walked towards the door, and stopped before he could get out: "Master, why did you say such unfeeling words, I was just thinking about you. How can I, Han Mengao An ungrateful man."

After speaking, he strode out, and bumped into You'er who was standing outside the door with the wine jar in his arms.Han Mengao took a look at her and went straight back to his room.

You'er stood there in a daze, not knowing why the two quarreled.Seeing Han Mengao slamming the door of his room, he had no choice but to walk back to the dining table gently.

The food on the table was completely cold, You'er put down the wine jar, saw Mu Yangzi's sad face, and asked cautiously: "Master, what's wrong with Senior Brother?"

Mu Yangzi withdrew his nerves, forced a smile and said, "Childish, argue with me about some technical matters. Let him be quiet for a while."

You'er was dubious, and didn't want to spoil the day.Then he still had a happy expression on his face: "The dish is cold, shall I go and heat it up?"

"No need..." Mu Yangzi raised his hand to stop her, "Pour the wine."

You'er poured the wine, picked up the wine glass, and said with a smile: "Just now I was too busy eating, I haven't congratulated Master yet. May Master have a long life with pines and cypresses on his shoulders!"

Mu Yangzi looked at You'er's romantic expression, and couldn't help but think of her naughty and charming appearance when she was a child, and felt emotional for a moment.Picking up the wine, he said, "Okay, okay." He drank it down.

"You'er..." Mu Yangzi put down the wine cup and asked gently, "Recently, have you seriously read books and practiced spells?"

You'er felt guilty, he hesitated: "Recently... a lot of miscellaneous things, I don't have much time..."

"You have a lot of miscellaneous things since you were young..." Mu Yangzi was helpless and worried, "If in the future, I can no longer take care of you, your senior brother is... busy with his affairs, and you play all day long. , if you encounter difficulties and your skills are not as good as others, how can you let the teacher feel at ease."

"Master, what do you mean?" After hearing this, You'er thought about what Han Mengao said just now, and suddenly became a little nervous.

Mu Yangzi looked up at the moonlight outside the door, and said leisurely: "People say that at fifty you know your destiny. Today is my teacher's 50th birthday, it's true... I also felt something... I'm afraid, it's been a while since I was a teacher. Not much more..."

"Master!" You'er said anxiously, "Master, did you say this on purpose to let me study spells well? I should just try my best. Why do I need to say these... unlucky words on my birthday..."

Mu Yangzi waved his hand: "I didn't mean to provoke you on purpose. I have always felt this way in the past few days. Life and death have fate, and all things are bound together, so don't be too sad. I just hope you two brothers and sisters have learned something." If you succeed, you will feel at ease as a teacher."

"That day I heard crying in the back mountain bamboo forest. When I got closer, I saw a baby on the ground wrapped in brocade cloth, clenched his fists and blushed from crying..."

Mu Yangzi was immersed in the warm memories, looking at You'er, "As soon as I hugged you, you stopped crying and looked at me with wide eyes and smiled. I saw your light brown eyes again, and I only guessed that you were from a foreign race. The way of exile left you here.

I was worried that I couldn't take good care of a baby, but it was a troubled time at that time, and the people at the foot of the mountain could only protect themselves, and I couldn't bear to ignore it, so I could only bring you back and raise you carefully.In a blink of an eye, you have grown up..."

"Master..." You'er wanted to say something comforting, but couldn't say a word.

"Everything in the world is just a gathering of fate. I cherish the relationship between you and me as a teacher and apprentice. In the past, I only wanted you to grow up carefree and safe. Now..." Mu Yangzi said, getting up Into the back room.

You'er feels sad for a while, when he is outside alone, he thinks of Master, and he still looks like a man in his consciousness, when he raises his eyes, he looks at the mountains with a smile, pointing to Gu Congrong with a smile on his face.

Only now did he suddenly notice that his temples were gray, his walking was slow and his back was lonely.

When he came out again, Mu Yangzi had an extra book in his hand.He handed the book to You'er: "This is the Taoist method of Fangxian that I have refined and written for many years. Among them, the inner alchemy, Xingqi, Fulu, etc. are all superior exercises. The medical books and five elements in the study are only for beginners. Books, read more, be erudite and truthful, read it when you have time, it will definitely be beneficial. From now on, you can no longer be cynical, and you must be more cautious in everything."

You'er took the book, but there was no word on the cover, flipping through the pages, it should have just been written.I deeply feel that Master has already made up his mind, so I can't say more.

Pursing his lips, he nodded heavily.He asked again: "Brother just mentioned that you want to find someone, why don't you let me look for them too?"

Mu Yangzi's expression softened a little, and he smiled kindly: "It's just old acquaintance, but the technique is treacherous and profound, I'm afraid that if you run into someone, you won't be able to match them, and you will put yourself in danger instead.

Even if you are like an artifact from the immortal family, it is difficult to retreat from a truly strong person.It's important to improve yourself first. "

After thinking about it again, he took a pen and paper, wrote down a few words, and handed it to You'er: "This is the horoscope for my teacher's birthday. Just now you mentioned that you would go to Longxi, and you happened to pass by Mount Taihe. Just go to the star observatory in the mountain to take a divination for the teacher, and count the remaining time - remember, this matter, only you know."

That night, You'er tossed and turned in the mountain cabin where he grew up, and finally sat up, staring at the bed board out of focus.

Suddenly remembered something, got out of bed and opened the closet. Inside were her clothes from childhood to adulthood. Some of them were new Chinese New Year clothes that her master sewed for her when she was young. Later, when she grew up, Master felt that the clothes she made It wasn't enough to stretch, and he couldn't match up with Pingpingtingting's little apprentice, so he asked Han Mengao to take her down the mountain to buy it.

You'er rubbed the rough fabric lightly, remembering that when she was a child wearing it and drenched in mud, the corners of her mouth curled up, but her eyes lowered.

Then I dragged out a bamboo frame from the bottom of the cabinet. Inside were small things like bamboo dragonflies and bamboo bows that the master made for her when she was a child.

You'er looked at them one by one carefully, and finally took out a short bamboo flute from inside.

Brush off a thin layer of dust on the face, and put the bamboo flute blow hole on the lips.After hesitating, he let it go again.

For the first time in his life, You'er felt lonely.Then I thought of Jiang Wuyue, remembering how inconvenient she once said living in someone else's house... I don't know if she can't get used to it...

Ginger pods: from "Bamboo Book Chronicles of Emperor Yao Tao Tang"