Chapter Twenty

Chapter 20

In a corner of the southeastern coastal province, more than twenty nautical miles from the shoreline, lies an island gently embraced by the deep blue sea—Bright Moon Island. It gleams like a brilliant pearl set amidst endless waves. Strolling along the shore, beneath one's feet are fine grains of sand, the gentle murmurs of the ocean fill the ears, and before the eyes lies the shimmering sea surface. At that moment, all worries seem swallowed by the boundless ocean, leaving only tranquility and freedom in the soul.

Bright Moon Island boasts a unique natural charm: its coastline twists and turns, beaches are soft and delicate, and the waves lap tenderly against the shore, producing a melodious sound like nature’s sweetest symphony. The island resembles a dumbbell, stretching fifteen miles long and four miles wide; summers are mild, winters neither cold nor harsh. The island is shaded by lush trees, with abundant vegetation; especially noteworthy are the ancient trees that have endured countless storms, standing tall and firm—ideal timber for shipbuilding.

In spring, all life awakens. Flowers bloom on Bright Moon Ridge, transforming the island into a splendid garden. Within the island lie two small plains, arable for crops such as cassava and gourds. At its center rises a modest mountain called Bright Moon Ridge, at its base flowing fresh spring water year-round—a source of drinkable freshwater. It is said that if this spring water is channeled to irrigate the two plains at the island’s ends, rice, corn, and other crops could also be cultivated. Twenty years ago, Xing Fannan, the chieftain of Peach Blossom Village, experimented here and reported good results.

On the island’s western coast lies Moon Bay, where the seawater is highly saline, serving as a natural salt field.

In summer, the sky over Bright Moon Island is clear and washed clean; a few leisurely white clouds drift across the horizon, complementing the emerald sea below, composing a breathtaking natural tableau. The island is shaded by verdant trees, with wild fruits filling the air with fragrance. At night, stars sparkle in the sky, and billions of fireflies light up the land like glowing pearls dancing in the darkness. The entire island shines bright, making it impossible to distinguish starlight from firefly glow.

In autumn, golden fallen leaves carpet the island like a vast golden tapestry. Walking upon it produces a soft rustling sound—warm and comforting to the touch.

Winters on Bright Moon Island bring no snow.

Bright Moon Island is not deserted; it is inhabited.

The island’s ownership is shrouded in mystery. The true lord of the island is Xing Fannan.

Kyoto.

After bidding farewell to Xiao Guimu and Gu Yuru, Gu Yuren and Qi Guang also took leave of Prime Minister Lü, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Yaoyao.

Concealing the official certificates issued by the Ministry of Personnel, the two mounted swift horses and departed through the southern gate of the capital, heading for their hometown, Yangzhou.

They traveled the official roads by day, lodged at post stations by night; passing renowned holy sites, the two would briefly tour and carve their names onto stones, marking their passage.

After nearly three months on the road, Gu Yuren and Qi Guang finally arrived at Yang City.

Near midday, they entered the northern gate of Yang City.

Seeing familiar streets and hearing familiar bustling sounds, Qi Guang was so joyful he danced with excitement. He asked Gu Yuren, “Brother-in-law, shall we go home first or report to the government office before going home?” He hoped to see Sima Jiannan in person.

Gu Yuren reined in his horse and looked back, saying, “Brother Guang, we are now officials; we must follow protocol—let’s report first!”

Qi Guang glanced toward the Qi family salt shop and replied, “Alright.”

Together, Gu Yuren and Qi Guang entered the Yangzhou government office and reported in. Gu Yuren officially took up the post of Military Judicial Commissioner of Yangzhou, while Qi Guang became the prefecture’s secretary. After completing all formalities, they both took short leaves to visit home.

That morning, a pair of magpies alighted on the phoenix trees in the courtyard of the Qi family salt shop in Yang City, chattering incessantly. The shop was festively decorated, a grand banquet underway—celebrating the triumphant return of two newly minted imperial graduates.

Shop owners Qi Wei and his wife Yin Yuanyuan beamed with joy. Their son and two sons-in-law had all passed the imperial examinations and become officials. Who wouldn’t be delighted? Nearby, Gu Datong, their elder brother-in-law and kin, handed out cigarettes and tea to guests, speaking with a strong Central Plains accent: “Thank you for coming!” He kept bowing politely: “Congratulations, congratulations!”

With her husband returning, Qi Qiongqiong donned her favorite crimson fine silk pleated skirt and held their son Gu Dabo, waiting in front of the government office. Beside her stood Aunt Zhao Rouya and Uncle Xiao Tianjian, all eagerly watching toward the street. The difference was that Qi Qiongqiong awaited people—Gu Yuren and Qi Guang—while Zhao Rouya and Xiao Tianjian awaited a letter from Xiao Guimu.

In Qi Guang’s room, Sima Jiannan was flustered. Holding onto Yin Yuanyuan’s hand, he pleaded, “Mother-in-law, he’s back! What should I do?” Yin Yuanyuan repeatedly shrugged off his hand, “What do you mean by ‘what should you do’?” Unable to articulate his worries, Sima Jiannan said, “This is his bedroom; can we still live here? Please arrange a place for us to stay.” Yin Yuanyuan replied, “Where else is there a ready room for you now? You are his wife, so his bedroom is also yours.” Sima Jiannan blushed, “Mother-in-law, we aren’t married yet!” Yin Yuanyuan laughed heartily, “My mischievous Jiannan, even you have silly moments! You won’t leave this place? Just occupy it and let him find somewhere else to sleep!” Sima Jiannan paused, then laughed, “Hey, that’s a great idea! Why didn’t I think of it?” She released Yin Yuanyuan’s hand and rubbed her head. Just as Yin Yuanyuan was about to leave, Sima Jiannan pulled her back, “I want to test him, please help me.” Yin Yuanyuan tapped his nose, “Am I your real mother or your mother-in-law?”

At the banquet, everyone ate and drank, awaiting the officials’ return home. Gu Datong was busy serving soup and cups. Suddenly, the steward Chen Renshu burst in loudly, “Master and young master are home!” The guests immediately set down their bowls and cups, looking toward the door.

Gu Datong returned to the main hall to wait.

Soon, Gu Yuren and Qi Guang entered. Gu Yuren carried their son Gu Dabo in his arms. Upon reaching the hall, he handed the child to Qi Qiongqiong, then knelt with Qi Guang, bowing thrice to Gu Datong, Qi Wei, and Yin Yuanyuan. Firecrackers exploded and drums beat loudly. Qi Qiongqiong carefully observed her husband and brother: neither wore official robes home! She noticed that her husband’s clothes were the same as when he left, only much older. She sighed silently, “You two are too modest!”

After the bows, Gu Yuren took Gu Dabo back into his arms. He had missed his son deeply. When he left, the child wasn’t even born; now he was beginning to speak. As a father, he felt some guilt. He gratefully glanced at Qi Qiongqiong—the woman was so virtuous! He thought, “Good wife, tonight I will thank you properly!”

Glancing around happily, Gu Yuren realized a grand welcome banquet was underway. He was both happy and a little saddened. A man of steady and modest nature, the lavish feast reminded him of the great famine of his childhood, feeling this reception was extravagant and wasteful. But as it was arranged by his in-laws with close friends present, he felt the family’s joyful reunion was fitting. He took Qi Qiongqiong’s hand and, holding his son, went to each table to toast the guests. He drank again and again! Overjoyed, he even forgot the eager eyes of Aunt Zhao Rouya and Uncle Xiao Tianjian and neglected the letter from Xiao Guimu to his parents. It is said that in moments of great happiness, people often forget important things, sometimes never recalling them again—unless reminded.

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Another key figure at the banquet was Qi Guang. In Kyoto, he had learned from his second sister Qi Yaoyao that his fiancée Sima Jiannan had traveled all the way to Yang City. He also heard from his sister that Sima Jiannan was a very mischievous girl. She had said, “Brother Guang, your hard days are coming! She never follows rules! I really worry about you! And her two personal maids are even more mischievous!”

Qi Guang was introverted and discreet. Sitting among several unknown “guests” arranged by his mother, he wondered silently, “Is what sister said true?” When he saw his eldest sister Qi Qiongqiong, he wanted to ask which one was Sima Jiannan but found too many people around and felt embarrassed.

He kept drinking and repeatedly scanned the women at the banquet, paying extra attention to the young girls, asking himself, “Which one is Sima Jiannan?”

In truth, Sima Jiannan and her two maids, all disguised as men, sat at the same table—among the unfamiliar male guests. Qi Guang, as the host, had to appear hospitable, frequently raising his cup to toast. Knowing Qi Guang did not recognize her, Sima Jiannan feigned boldness, eating pig’s trotters with both hands, drinking large bowls of wine. She outdrank Qi Guang in three big bowls. Even when drunk, Qi Guang still did not know which was Sima Jiannan.

The welcome banquet lasted all day, filled with joy and smiling faces. Yet there were exceptions: Zhao Rouya and Xiao Tianjian, sitting near Qi Wei and Yin Yuanyuan, wore smiles but harbored deep worries. They were disappointed—how unfilial of their daughter to send no word through Gu Yuren or Qi Guang!

At dusk, the tide receded to its lowest.

Zhao Rouya and Xiao Tianjian, an elderly couple, sat by the shore, talking as they gathered seafood.

Xiao Tianjian picked up a large conch near the rocks, pressing the cap with his thumb—still fresh—and put it into the shrimp basket. Looking up, he said, “Today’s conchs are all plump and round, really fat!” Zhao Rouya grabbed a crab from a crevice, holding it up and shaking it, “The crab’s quite good too! It’s small but the shell is bulging high, the roe is about to burst out!” Xiao Tianjian looked at the crab and said, “Guimu loves to eat this kind of crab.” Zhao Rouya stood, glaring at her husband, “From now on, don’t mention her in front of me! Talking about that ungrateful girl makes me furious!”

Xiao Tianjian immediately shut his mouth.

After a long silence, he could not help but say, “Guimu’s mother, the child has been in the capital so long, why hasn’t she sent a single letter?”

Zhao Rouya felt her outburst was somewhat irrational and comforted him, “Her father, she’s fine, don’t worry! If anything happened, old Gu would have told us when he came back yesterday!”

Xiao Tianjian nodded, “True… I heard Gu Yuer and Miss Qi Yaoyao have married; our daughter staying with him is nothing to worry about.”

Zhao Rouya bent down to pick a clam shell, “She’s just a tutor!”

Xiao Tianjian asked, “Will she be a tutor all her life?”

Zhao Rouya turned and retorted, “If not a tutor, then a general?”

Xiao Tianjian straightened up, saying, “No rush, no rush! Can we eat all this seafood if we hurry?”

Zhao Rouya felt the basket on her back was heavy, shoulders numb. Looking inside, the harvest was abundant. Happily, she said, “Let’s go home! If we can’t finish it, we’ll give some away…”

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The Southern General led five thousand elite troops of the court in a grand march to quell the rebellion in the southern province.

One day, a scout reported, “Respectfully, General, the army is only two incense sticks’ distance from the rebel stronghold, Peach Blossom Village!”

The General asked, “What is the terrain ahead?”

An aide stepped forward, “Respectfully, General, two more miles ahead is an open area suitable for encamping.”

The General cracked his whip, “Order the troops to set camp in the open ground ahead!”

The messenger responded, “At once!”

Though this was her first campaign, the Southern General had learned the art of leadership from her father Xiao Tianjian, a renowned Southern Han general. This expedition was her apprenticeship.

That night, Gu Yuren went out with two scouts.

In the central tent, the Southern General was discussing military affairs with several camp commanders when a voice outside announced, “The Southern Province Judicial Commissioner Ding has sent word; the commanders have dispersed to their quarters.” The General said, “Please invite the commissioner in.” Ding, the son of Wei Wangfu’s Ding Jishan, entered wearing a red official robe, bowing politely, “Apologies for disturbing you, General!”

The General returned the bow, “Commissioner Ding’s late-night visit must be to report urgent military intelligence?”

Ding hastily bowed, “Indeed, I have important information for the General…” He paused, eyes sweeping the tent. The General understood and ordered the attendants to leave.

Ding said, “This is a message from Prime Minister Lü, directing me to visit you…”

The two conversed long into the night. By the time Ding left, it was deep into the night.

What was this confidential intelligence? Why did Prime Minister Lü send Ding to visit the General at such an hour? These remain unknown. If we knew, would it still be secret?

But from this visit, the General learned some stories about Xing Fannan, the leader of Peach Blossom Village bandits.

Xing Fannan was not a native of the southern province, but from Dongpu in the southeastern province, over a thousand miles from Peach Blossom Village. His family lived beside the Fubo Temple. A small alley opened from Xing’s side gate, leading to the temple’s back courtyard. Because they shared the same street, the family and monks often met and were acquainted.

The morning Xing Fannan was born, monks at the temple chanted their morning sutras. As the sun peeked over the eastern rooftops, cries of the newborn mingled with the temple’s chanting, weaving a beautiful harmony. Moved by this, Xing’s father named his son “Fannan,” hoping he would grow up peaceful, modest, and content.

But the boy grew far from modest. At three, he danced around the yard with a wooden sword. By four or five, each morning he rushed to the temple courtyard to watch the warrior monks train, occasionally mimicking their moves. A monk named Guineng, once a master from the Northern Shaolin Temple, liked the boy’s enthusiasm and secretly taught him martial arts. Over time, Fannan mastered his teacher’s skills and became a prodigious young fighter.

At thirteen, Xing’s father insisted he apprentice at the harbor’s shipyard. Fannan resisted. “There are many trades; why must I be a shipbuilder?” he pleaded. His father replied, “You have great strength; wielding saws and axes will help you use it.” Though confused by his father’s logic, he obeyed, bidding farewell to his noble teacher and becoming an apprentice.

The shipyard owner, Master Li, was a close friend of Xing’s father, renowned for his craftsmanship in building fishing boats, passenger vessels, both small and ocean-going. Xing’s father admired his skills greatly.

Master Li’s only flaw was his family: at over sixty, he had only one daughter, Li Chu, also thirteen, three months younger than Fannan. She was the harbor’s most beautiful girl. Unlike Fannan, she loved quietude and seldom ventured out. She played the bamboo flute, taught by her mother. Late at night, clear, melodious flute tunes often drifted from the attic window.

Fannan loved listening to her lullabies. Lying in bed, the music would lull him to sleep. But over time, the music no longer soothed him. After a tiring day, he lay restless, heart racing, unable to sleep.

When Fannan was sixteen, he completed his apprenticeship. His father brought gifts to thank Master Li. But joy turned to anger when Master Li, drunk, proposed that Fannan marry his daughter. Xing’s father laughed, “Brother Li, the boy is all brute strength; why would you want him?” Master Li revealed, “Brother Xing, it’s not me who wants him; it’s my daughter—she’s already pregnant with his child.” Xing’s father snapped fully awake and furiously confronted Fannan, who was applying tung oil putty to a newly built boat, unaware of the drama. Xing’s father kicked him and cursed, “You shameless wretch! Go jump into the sea!”

Fannan was the family’s only son. But for the sake of both families’ honor, his father relented. Fannan became Master Li’s son-in-law. Soon after, Li Chu bore a daughter, Xing Chulian.

One day, Master Li left the harbor with his wife and granddaughter. Fannan was felling planks with an axe while Li Chu cooked dinner.

A local thug named Wang Yang had long coveted Li Chu’s beauty, repeatedly harassing her without success.

While Li Chu was tending the stove, Wang Yang sneaked into the kitchen, struck her unconscious from behind, stripped her clothes, and leered obscenely. He pressed down on her.

Li Chu awoke, tears streaming.

Wang Yang stopped and collapsed atop her.

Suddenly, Li Meng screamed sharply, “Catch the beast!”

Fannan swung his axe fiercely, smashing Wang Yang’s skull.

Li Chu crawled up and fled toward the sea.

That night, a large ship slipped away from the harbor under cover of darkness. Master Li steered, with Fannan as deckhand. Li Chu’s mother, holding little Chulian, and the Xing family, along with Master Guineng, all sailed together.

Ten days later, the ship anchored off Bright Moon Island. The passengers settled on the island.

A year later, Fannan left Bright Moon Island to join General Wu Wu’s forces against the Northern Realists. After General Wu’s death, Fannan led several hundred into Peach Blossom Village.

Most of the village’s inhabitants were women and children.