Chapter Twenty-Five: The Young Man of the Divine Bamboo (Part Two)

With a single sweeping strike, Lü Zhufeng sent the black-faced monk tumbling down. He had not expected the monk, even with his leg severed, to leap up so fiercely in a last desperate attack. Taken completely by surprise, Lü Zhufeng stood frozen, staring as the monk lunged at him—a truly perilous moment. Bu Yuan, watching from behind, saw everything clearly. As the black-faced monk sprang up for a counterattack, Bu Yuan darted forward just in time, knocking the monk aside just as he reached Lü Zhufeng. The monk’s body shattered and he could never return to life. Lü Zhufeng broke out in a cold sweat.

Meanwhile, Yu Mantang had never imagined the valiant Lü Zhufeng would descend from the heavens and turn the situation so drastically. Terrified out of his wits, he was so scared he nearly lost control of himself. Two strong men, seeing things had turned dire, quickly hoisted him onto horseback and, with a band of bandits, fled in a blur, leaving behind the dazed young man—his own son, the famed “Diviner”—without a second thought.

The battle ended with the bandits in retreat. Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan dismounted joyfully to greet Lü Zhufeng. Still recovering from the ordeal atop his ox, Lü Zhufeng shook his head and muttered to himself, “That black monk was truly fierce—able to jump even after his leg was broken. That was close! Truly close!” He hurriedly leaped down when he saw Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan approaching.

Bu Yuan grasped Lü Zhufeng’s hand in delight. “Brother! I never thought your skills with a bamboo pole were as impressive as your strength! If you hadn’t descended from the sky when you did, we’d be dead men.” Lü Zhufeng replied with a smile, “Brother Bu, your slingshot is remarkable. If you hadn’t knocked that monk aside, he would have landed on me and I’d have no way to wrestle him off. You saved my life.”

Fang Guohuan, having calmed down, said gratefully, “We owe our lives to you, brother. Words cannot express our thanks. But—how did you know we were in danger and arrive in time?” Lü Zhufeng answered sincerely, “After we parted, I couldn’t bear to leave you, so I followed behind the oxen, hoping to catch a few more glimpses of you both. I never expected to run into those roadside bandits. When I saw you were in trouble, I drove the herd forward to help.” Both Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan were so moved upon hearing this that they nearly wept. Bu Yuan said with emotion, “Brother! Truly a brother!”

At this time, Qu Ning’er was inside the carriage clutching Qu Liangyi tightly, while the coachman was still paralyzed with fear, unable to recover his wits.

Bu Yuan exclaimed, “Brother, you can even fight battles while riding an ox—I'm truly impressed!” Lü Zhufeng replied, “With no horse to ride, I often play by sparring atop my ox. This one is quite obedient.” Bu Yuan asked, “Brother, you gained your strength wrestling oxen and pigs, but how did you master that bamboo pole technique, cutting down men as if slicing melons? Tell me, so I can try it myself—I could sweep the world with it!” Lü Zhufeng explained, “When I was young, I often cut grass for the livestock. Using a knife was slow and tiring, so I’d use my herding stick to sweep down tender shoots. After a while, I could clear a whole area with one sweep, neater than cutting with a knife. I broke countless bamboo poles over the years. Eventually, I found I could snap branches just as easily, and even chop firewood without a hatchet.”

Bu Yuan was amazed. “Incredible! You gained this power herding pigs and oxen! Your master is a true benefactor.” Lü Zhufeng continued, “I had no name at first, but the villagers saw how fiercely I swung my bamboo pole—so fast the wind couldn’t penetrate—so they called me Lü Zhufeng. In the wild, I’ve faced tigers and leopards coming for the livestock, but they were never much trouble. They looked fierce but were soft as dough—one strike and they were dead. It was dull, really. Today’s fight with the black monk was the first time I truly enjoyed a battle.” Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan listened in stunned silence. Bu Yuan shook his head and sighed, “Brother, with your skills against beasts and men alike, no one in the world could rival you. Not even demons and evil spirits could withstand such attacks!”

Just then, two mounted officers from the yamen galloped up. In the distance, an official sedan chair was approaching, escorted by dozens of constables. The two officers arrived and, seeing the blood-soaked scene, one cried out, “What happened here? So many dead—did you suffer a robbery?” Bu Yuan smiled, “You’re correct, officer. We were set upon by a band of brigands, but we have dealt with them ourselves.” The officers were shocked. One quickly turned his horse to report back, while the other said, “Our county magistrate is passing this way on official business. Since you were attacked, you must report the truth so we can apprehend any remaining bandits.” He noticed that Bu Yuan and his companions, only three young men, bore no wounds, yet had slain over a dozen bandits, and could not help but marvel inwardly.

Soon the magistrate arrived, alarmed by the sight of so many mutilated corpses and scattered livestock. “Our county has always been peaceful—how did such bandits appear? How did you defend yourselves?” He saw by Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan’s dress and the presence of a carriage that they were travelers, but the scene gave him pause.

Fang Guohuan stepped forward and bowed. “I am Fang Guohuan, my lord. We were passing when a gang of kidnappers attacked us.” “Kidnappers?” the magistrate exclaimed. “They came to abduct someone? Who, and why? Tell me everything!” Fang Guohuan replied, “Do you know of the physician Yu Mantang?” “The Divine Healer?” the magistrate said, surprised. “He’s a famous doctor in this county—skilled, but notorious for treating only the wealthy and bankrupting his patients. What does he have to do with this?” Fang Guohuan said, “Recently, didn’t a renowned diviner named He Yuyan have his brain stolen and body dumped in the lake?” The magistrate was startled. “Indeed! We’ve been ordered to investigate, but have no leads. Do you know something?”

Fang Guohuan continued, “The murderer is Yu Mantang. He secretly kidnapped He Yuyan and performed a forbidden surgery to transplant his brain into his own son’s skull, granting him the diviner’s abilities. That son is here.” He pointed to the dazed young man. The magistrate and the officers were stunned. “My name is Wang Peng,” said the magistrate. “Are you speaking the truth?” Fang Guohuan replied, “I dare not lie. Just now, Yu Mantang led a band of thieves to kidnap another friend and steal his brain, but our two valiant brothers drove them off and saved the day.”

Wang Peng exclaimed, “So you are the heroes who defeated the bandits—my admiration! This is a grave matter. Will you testify in court?” Fang Guohuan replied, “To rid the land of this evil doctor and spare the people further harm, we will gladly go to the county seat and testify.” Wang Peng nodded and, glancing at the dazed youth, said, “I’ve heard Yu Mantang had many sons, but most were dull-witted. People thought it was karmic retribution for a doctor’s lack of virtue—now it seems he replaced their brains with those of others. Such cruelty is unspeakable.”

Fang Guohuan said, “My lord, Yu Mantang has only just fled—there’s no time to lose. Please order his immediate capture.” Wang Peng replied, “Yu Mantang has many loyal followers at his estate. Now that his crimes are exposed, we must sweep them all up.” He quickly wrote an urgent dispatch and handed it to a constable. “Ride to General Zhang Hao, who is drilling five hundred troops at South Mountain—tell him to march on Yu Mantang’s estate and arrest him.” The constable sped off.

Wang Peng sighed, “Who could have imagined Yu Mantang capable of such monstrous deeds? Over the past years, many scholars have vanished from neighboring counties, their brains stolen and bodies dumped. The people are terrified, and the authorities in Jinan have taken notice. The murderer was hiding in our own county—the Divine Healer himself! Incredible!” He ordered his men to secure the scene.

Lü Zhufeng went searching for his herd in the woods—two oxen were dead and one missing. He worried about explaining to his master. Wang Peng, after hearing the events from Fang Guohuan, praised Lü Zhufeng warmly. “Who would have thought our county harbored such a hero! You shall be rewarded for your valor against the bandits.” Lü Zhufeng replied, “To save my brothers, I would have risked my life. Though I lost three oxen, I’ll just tend cattle for my master for decades to repay the debt.” Bu Yuan laughed, “That master is fortunate, keeping such a valiant man and not knowing it! Why herd cattle for him any longer? Come with us and see the world!” Lü Zhufeng replied joyfully, “Nothing would make me happier than to be with you both! But...” Fang Guohuan smiled, “Don’t worry, brother. We’ll make all the arrangements.” He turned to Bu Yuan, “Brother Bu, take Lü and return the herd. Pay for the three lost oxen, and give the master some extra silver to buy Lü’s freedom. Then come find me at the county seat. I’ll settle in with Mr. Qu and help Magistrate Wang with the case.” Bu Yuan agreed, “Leave it to me!” He and Lü Zhufeng happily led the herd away.

Wang Peng had his men continue cleaning up, then led Yu Mantang’s diviner son and the others back to the county. Along the way, he praised Fang Guohuan’s role in exposing Yu Mantang’s crime.

Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng returned the herd to the village landlord, handing over three hundred taels of silver. “A hundred taels covers the oxen and Lü’s debts, the rest is our thanks. Those oxen saved lives today, so hire someone else to tend them—I’m taking Lü with me.” The landlord, delighted at the windfall, was startled to hear Lü was leaving. “Who’ll tend my herd now?” Bu Yuan replied, “My brother is wasted on cattle. I’ll have him tend tigers—only he could manage such beasts.” The landlord was amazed. “Tend tigers? And what do you pay him?” Bu Yuan laughed, “Five hundred taels a month—far more than you offer!” The landlord gasped, “Five hundred taels! If you’ll hire me, I’ll risk my life too!” Bu Yuan laughed, “But you’ve only one life to risk.” Lü Zhufeng, in gratitude for years of meals, gave the landlord the silver Fang Guohuan had given him. Then, grabbing a sturdy bamboo pole, he left with Bu Yuan, leaving even his bedding behind.

The two of them made their way to the county seat, where they met Fang Guohuan at the yamen. By then, General Zhang Hao had already raided Yu Mantang’s estate. But Yu Mantang, sensing danger, never returned home, abandoning his wealth, wives, and children to flee. His possessions, worth hundreds of thousands, were confiscated—no one knew how much he had wrung from his patients. All the household, male and female, were brought to the county for questioning.

Yu Mantang had over a dozen wives and concubines, and among his twenty-one sons, all but three young ones had their brains replaced, leaving them as dull and vacant as the earlier youth. During the interrogation, one held a charcoal stick and sketched exquisite plum blossoms on the ground. A clerk, witnessing this, was stunned: a celebrated painter of plums from Tai’an had disappeared a year ago, his fate unknown. It seemed Yu Mantang had transplanted his brain into this man. The magistrate, constables, and Fang Guohuan were all astonished. The other “brain-swapped” victims revealed nothing—apparently only Yu Mantang could trigger their stolen talents.

Magistrate Wang Peng, realizing the case’s significance, reported it to Jinan Prefecture that very night, causing a sensation across Shandong. The case was quickly adjudicated: Yu Mantang’s property was confiscated, his servants and wives sold off, and the “brain-swapped” victims, being themselves wronged, were cared for with government funds. A warrant was issued, offering a reward for Yu Mantang’s capture. The affair caused widespread panic; even the cleverest folk were afraid to display their talents in public. Some timid scholars, when ill, dared not visit doctors, leading to a wave of “doctor-fear”—a testament to how a doctor’s lack of virtue can harm all.

Fang Guohuan regretted Yu Mantang’s escape, fearing he might cause further mischief. Yet, he admired the doctor’s knowledge and skill—his feelings were a mix of hatred and respect. Still, the crisis had passed without disaster, and the addition of the heroic Lü Zhufeng to their company brought great joy to both Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan. Once the case was settled, Fang Guohuan bade farewell to Magistrate Wang, and together with Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng, escorted Qu Liangyi south to Jiangsu. Lü Zhufeng, now as free as a bird, rode happily with his bamboo pole, his delight plain to see. His simple, joyful nature infected Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan, who were all the more content. The three traveled cheerfully, drinking and talking, making the most of every day. Qu Liangyi, as ever, slept much, but as they drew nearer to Jiangsu, his spirits steadied, for with Bu Yuan and Lü Zhufeng at his side, he had nothing to fear. One day, they crossed into Jiangsu.

But let’s leave their story aside for now.

Meanwhile, the Medicine King and his disciple, Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun, after helping destroy the lake pirates on Dongting Lake with Ge Yunxiang and Mi Qian, wandered onward to Guangdong. One day in Meixian, Gu Sicheng took Luo Kun sightseeing at the Thousand Buddha Pagoda and Lingguang Temple. As they left the temple, they suddenly heard someone behind them call, “Are you Mr. Gu and Brother Luo ahead?” Turning, they saw their old friend Wang Yunping.

The reunion was a joyful one. Wang Yunping hurried forward to greet the two, exchanging warm words about their time apart. At that moment, Zhang Lu returned with purchases and, spotting Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun, cried out gladly and ran over to clasp Luo Kun’s hand in delight. Luo Kun was equally overjoyed. Wang Yunping said to Zhang Lu, “Run home and tell my uncle that Mr. Gu and Brother Luo have arrived.” Zhang Lu agreed and ran off cheerfully. Wang Yunping then led the two toward his uncle Wang Huai’s residence. “What good fortune brings you here?” he asked. Gu Sicheng replied, “We are wanderers of the world, going wherever the wind takes us. Today, we simply found ourselves here.”

Wang Yunping was delighted. “So Brother Luo has become Mr. Gu’s disciple! Wonderful. I always knew you were different, Brother Luo.” He went on, “After returning from the northeast, my uncle often spoke of our benefactors. Had we not met you, our trading caravan might have lost everything in the northeast, even our lives. My uncle will be overjoyed to know you’ve come. By the way, did you ever collect the goods we left in the inn?” Luo Kun replied, “You are an honorable merchant, Mr. Wang. Nothing was missing from the wagon.” Wang Yunping laughed, “When we waited long but you didn’t arrive, we left first. But my uncle always said it was a blessing to have met the famed Medicine King.” Gu Sicheng smiled.

At that moment, a group approached from the opposite direction, led by Wang Huai and followed by old employees. From afar, Wang Huai spotted Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun and hurried over in great delight. “Last night I dreamed the whole house was aglow with red light. I knew noble guests would arrive today—and so it is!” He exchanged greetings with the two. Luo Kun joked, “Mr. Wang, you once said the Great Wall was a dragon vein of feng shui; now you can foretell events in your dreams. You’d make more as a fortune-teller than as a merchant!” Everyone laughed, and Wang Huai happily ushered them into his home.

Having spent his life as a merchant, Wang Huai had amassed great wealth. His mansion was spacious, with many buildings and servants; while not the richest man in Meixian, he was certainly among them. He served his guests fragrant tea and, learning that Luo Kun was now Gu Sicheng’s disciple, congratulated him warmly. Gu Sicheng asked, “Do you still travel outside the pass for business, Mr. Wang?” Wang Huai replied, “After our trip north with you, I went once more the next year. But tensions with the Jurchens and the border have made commerce difficult, so I haven’t gone again.” Luo Kun asked, “You’ve built such a fortune—what’s the secret? Teach me, so I’ll know how to earn a living when times are hard.” Wang Huai laughed, “With the Medicine King as your master, what skill can’t you learn? Why envy a merchant’s tricks?” Gu Sicheng smiled, “There are many ways to excel in life. It’s good for Kun’er to know something of business.”

Wang Huai explained, “I simply transport local goods to other provinces, exchange them for different wares there, and earn a small profit. In the northeast, I trade for furs, ginseng, and rare mountain products, gaining a bit more. On the way back, I try to do some more business, then bring back goods scarce at home. That’s how I conduct my trade—moving southern goods north, northern goods south. A single round trip, if lucky, can yield tenfold profit.” Gu Sicheng nodded in admiration. “Your business acumen is impressive. It benefits not only yourself but also the flow of goods across the realm.”

Wang Huai then sighed, “It’s not easy. Traveling a thousand miles from home, gone half a year at a time—if all goes well, the hardship is bearable. But if you run into bandits and lose your goods or even your life, it’s not worth it. Every penny is earned with sweat and blood.” Gu Sicheng agreed, “Quite so. Money hard-earned is easy to keep; those who gain wealth easily and suddenly often squander it, ending up with nothing—such cases are common.”

Wang Huai said, “True. But what we fear most isn’t hardship or danger on the road, but raising a prodigal son. All your life’s work can be squandered in a few years. In Meixian, there was a Mr. Zhu. He started with nothing, built a huge fortune, and in old age handed it to his son, hoping to enjoy peace. But the son was worthless—always showing off, gambling, drinking, and causing trouble. In less than two years, all the wealth was gone. Mr. Zhu, in despair, threw himself into a well. The son became a beggar with no family to turn to. It’s heartbreaking and frightening.”

Gu Sicheng remarked, “A house of ten thousand taels fears an unfilial son. The father earns, the son spends; it’s natural, but also poor upbringing. If parents spoil their sons, they’ll regret it too late.” Wang Huai replied, “Indeed. That’s why I stopped venturing far and kept a few shops. I sent my two sons to start as clerks, living and eating as servants, so they’d know hardship and the value of money. Only then would I slowly let them manage the shops. It may be a clumsy method, but it works—Mr. Zhu’s tragedy is a warning to us all.” Gu Sicheng praised him, “You truly know how to raise sons and run a household—far wiser than those foolish merchants who spoil their children.” Wang Huai laughed. “You flatter me, sir.”