Chapter 54: Only Brother Yin

A faint rumble of thunder echoed from the horizon. Ji Yuan looked up, clearly seeing distant lightning and vaguely discerning dark clouds filling the sky, indicating that rain was imminent.

“Clear skies are good, but rain is even better – a good omen!”

Since arriving in this world, perhaps due to his vision and hearing, Ji Yuan's favorite weather had become rainy days. To be precise, he preferred moderate rainfall—neither too light nor too heavy.

Even though outsiders perceived Ji Yuan's actions as perfectly normal, it couldn't hide the fact that his eyesight was poor. Only on rainy days did the world become exceptionally clear in Ji Yuan's mind.

After taking the willow branch Yin Qing had picked just yesterday and performing a simple wash, Ji Yuan took his oiled paper umbrella and headed out onto the street.

Walking along the streets of Tianniu Fang, the familiar scent of jujube blossoms was gone. Perhaps the residents of Tianniu Fang would feel something amiss upon waking today, but couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Maybe the more observant ones would suddenly realize the fragrance had disappeared.

But at least Ji Yuan hadn't yet encountered any residents who questioned him about the floral scent.

Leaving Tianniu Fang, he had just reached the main street.

And then, with a "whoosh," the heavy rain began to fall.

Ji Yuan managed to open his umbrella just two seconds before the rain began to fall. Listening to the raindrops hitting the surrounding streets, and the surprised pedestrians and stray dogs, he couldn't help but smile knowingly.

At that moment, Ning'an County, within the range of his hearing, truly "came alive" in Ji Yuan's mind!

He had lived in Ju'an Small Pavilion for several months, and rainy days hadn't been frequent. However, now that he was preparing to leave, it was approaching Mangzhong (Grain in Ear), the start of the rainy plum season.

If there were anyone meticulous enough to observe Ji Yuan walking in the rain at that moment, they would notice that even his lower half, which the umbrella couldn't fully cover, remained perfectly dry, his shoes and clothes untouched by dampness.

“Mr. Ji~~~~ Are you having braised noodles today? We have beef offal, it’s a rare treat!”

Passing Sun's Noodle Stall, Old Man Sun, under the shelter, called out to Ji Yuan, who was holding his umbrella. Ji Yuan turned his head and could vaguely see many diners and passersby sheltering from the rain there.

“No, thank you. I have something to attend to at the City God Temple!”

“Alright then, take care. Shall I save you a portion of beef offal?”

“No need!”

Ji Yuan politely declined while continuing his walk towards the City God Temple.

Due to the rain, the number of people on the streets drastically decreased, and it was the same at the City God Temple in Miaosi Fang. Entering the temple, Ji Yuan, like any ordinary supplicant, bought sandalwood incense from a vendor who had moved into the front hall, and then offered three sticks of incense to the County City God in the main hall.

As soon as the incense was placed, Ji Yuan bowed slightly towards the City God statue and then left the temple, heading straight for the Miaowai Tower across the street.

Stepping through the doors of Miaowai Tower, he found a bustling scene inside. Many people had come in to escape the rain, and quite a few, with some spare cash, bought a pot of tea and went upstairs to listen to stories and join the lively atmosphere.

“Oh, it’s Mr. Ji! Please come in, please come in. Are you here for more takeaway pastries today?”

A shop assistant who recognized Ji Yuan warmly came over to greet him.

“No, thank you. There are still seats on the third floor, aren't there? I'd like to order some food to eat there; a friend will be joining me!”

“Excellent, excellent! Please follow me, there are plenty of empty seats on the third floor!”

By the window on the third floor, Ji Yuan took his seat. A spread of Miaowai Tower's signature pastries and a pot of spring tea, freshly picked from Niu Kui Mountain, were quickly served. The service was fast since no stir-fries were involved.

Just a few minutes later, an elderly man in a dark robe ascended to the third floor. From a distance, he cupped his hands and bowed towards Ji Yuan, who quickly rose to return the greeting.

“Mr. Ji, how have you been recently?”

After Ji Yuan arrived in Ning'an County, apart from the initial encounter, he had only met the Old City God once. This was their third meeting, yet there was no awkwardness between them.

“Lord Song! Thanks to your kind regards, I have been living quite comfortably!”

The two men took their seats, and Ji Yuan wasted no words.

“I have come specifically to bid farewell to Lord Song. I have matters to attend to and also plan to travel and visit other prefectures and states. However, I still wish to ask Lord Song for a favor.”

The Old City God picked up a piece of rice cake, sniffed it close to his mouth, and bit off only a small corner to taste. From the larger remaining portion, a wisp of white mist drifted into his mouth, and he then placed the rest back on the plate.

“Mr. Ji, please speak directly. If it is within my power to help, I will not refuse.”

“Indeed, Lord Song has sent bailiffs to deliver me bamboo slips several times, which has been very helpful. As you know, my eyes are not well, so I hope to request a map from you, one that roughly includes Dazhen and its surrounding areas inscribed upon it.”

Ji Yuan's request essentially amounted to asking for an engraved map.

“Certainly. Tonight, the Martial Judge will personally oversee this matter. May I ask, Mr. Ji, how fine of an engraving you can discern?”

“As long as it's clearly organized, I can discern even the finest details!”

After finishing his second pastry, the City God fixed his gaze on Ji Yuan.

“Good. I assure you, Mr. Ji will be satisfied!”

Conversations between intelligent people are always easy. After discussing their business, the two continued to chat and eat, parting ways once they had finished the food on the table.

After the two paid and left, a shop assistant went upstairs to clean their table.

Taking quick, light steps, he approached the table and saw that more than half of the pastries were still on it, seemingly untouched.

“This…”

The shop assistant glanced around. Seeing no one was paying attention, he grinned, grabbed a piece, and popped it into his mouth to chew.

“Ptooey... ptooey... It's so dry and powdery, and astringent... Which master chef in this building made this?”

He picked a few more pieces to try.

“Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey! This is utterly ridiculous!”

***

The sight of the jujube tree in Ju'an Small Pavilion suddenly laden with fruit overnight truly astonished Yin Zhaoxian's family.

What's more, the Yin family father and son had just heard Ji Yuan lament yesterday that he wouldn't get to eat this year's jujubes, only for the tree to be bountifully fruitful the very next day. The mystery behind it was enough to amaze ordinary people for a lifetime.

The jujubes in the courtyard were plump and invitingly colored. Tasting them made one's mouth water, and after swallowing, a fragrant aftertaste lingered.

However, Ji Yuan had only given some of the jujubes to the Yin family for the time being, not distributing them widely within the neighborhood, to avoid causing too much alarm or surprise among the residents.

He had initially expected to receive the engraved map from the City God overnight, but unexpectedly, he had to wait a full three days.

When it finally reached Ji Yuan's hands, he discovered it consisted of three ink-black wooden strips, three fingers wide and two palms long, threaded together with a fine string. Small clasps at the top and bottom allowed them to be stacked, forming a well-weighted paperweight. When unfolded and pieced together, they revealed an engraved map.

The map depicted mountains, rivers, and swamps with intricate detail; the textures were precise to the millimeter, yet everything was perfectly ordered. Many places were also marked with place names. Overall, it was even better than Ji Yuan had expected!

On the night of the third day, Ji Yuan pondered and decided he should leave something for the Yin family, as he wasn't sure how long he would be away.

And so, after several months in this world, he picked up a writing brush for the second time.

“Alright then, this time, I, Ji, shall indulge in some literary flair!”

As he wielded the brush, he channeled his spiritual energy and infused it with his intent. Surrounding spiritual energy also slowly converged, manifesting onto a sheet of Xuan paper. It was both a letter and a calligraphy practice sheet. Though the word count wasn't high, the writing took Ji Yuan the better part of the night!

In the Yin family courtyard the next morning, as Yin Qing was the first to open the door and was about to run out, he found a letter fluttering down from the door crack.

The front read: “To Master Yin, from Ji Yuan.”

“Father! Mr. Ji left a letter on the door!”

“Coming!”

Yin Zhaoxian's voice came from inside. He was still straightening his clothes when he reached the door, then took the letter from Yin Qing with a frown.

‘If he left a letter, does that mean Mr. Ji might have left without saying goodbye?’

Looking at the writing on the envelope, an exclamation of "Beautiful handwriting!" echoed in his mind.

He carefully opened the letter, took out the folded Xuan paper, and unfolded it. The contents of the letter came into view, and he also saw that Ji Yuan had addressed him with a special title for the first time.

Presented to Yin Zhaoxian:I met you after Grain Rain, and now temporarily depart before Grain in Ear. While dwelling in this humble pavilion, you were my only friend in the county.

Recalling the past, our first meeting at the market stall felt superficial; I jokingly called Brother Yin “aloof.”

Yet, though merely a county scholar, you are worthy of the sages' texts, understanding principles and eager to learn, skilled at adapting what you learn, diligent in practice, self-motivated and striving.

A gentleman whose desires are clear and justly pursued, a commoner who finds joy without disturbing others even slightly—who is this? It is Yin Zhaoxian of Ning'an.

Alas, no sky is ever clear with a bright moon, no feast lasts forever. The stars hang in the sky as I depart; do not fault me.

Departing by night without farewell, I leave this missive as a parting gift. Let us meet again to play chess, for we shall meet again.

I hope you, in teaching and nurturing, will be meticulous, contributing to society without hesitation, maintaining your original intent from beginning to end.

In time, you will write books and establish your legacy, benefiting countless disciples, enlightening all people under heaven. A great Confucian scholar, you are destined to become.

When that time comes, you can roam mountains and rivers, traverse heaven and earth, facing raging waves with unwavering composure, treading gracefully with ease. With vast knowledge in your belly and righteousness in your heart!

As Yin Zhaoxian read the last word, he felt a slight tingling on his scalp, and his arm and leg muscles tensed, yet still trembled uncontrollably.

Taking a deep breath, he faced the sky outside the door, puffed out his chest, and clasped his hands behind his back. An boundless ambition swelled within his heart!

***

Dozens of miles outside Ning'an County, on the official road, Ji Yuan raised his right hand with a bewildered expression and looked at it. The faint illusion of a chess piece flickered and vanished.

“Uh... this... what's happening?”