Chapter 24: The True Recluse of This Age

He had assumed that Lu Hong, like the others he'd seen before, lived in one of those thatched huts. However, when he followed Lu Wangzhi and Pei Sanlang all the way to the base of a cliff, he once again realized how completely unexpected this day's journey had been. The vines beside the cliff seemed to form a natural barrier; when they were drawn aside, a cave revealed itself. Entering, he found the sudden dimness unsettling, and what annoyed him further was that Cui Jianxuan, who had been silently trailing him, suddenly darted forward and grabbed his shoulder, giving him such a fright that he shuddered involuntarily.

“What are you doing?” he demanded.

“Du Nineteen, I stood by you to face that last challenge together. Now, in this pitch darkness, you have to be loyal and help me out as well…” Cui Jianxuan, speaking as he edged closer to Du Shiyi, swallowed hard before stammering, “Ever since I was a child… I’ve been afraid of the dark, and of walking at night…”

Du Shiyi was almost amused to anger by such an odd excuse. This wasn’t some cave exploration—it was just a visit to their future mentor, and besides, there were guides ahead! Nevertheless, seeing this usually sharp-tongued Cui Jianxuan for once so timid, he resignedly let the other cling to his shoulder, following step by step.

Fortunately, after only a few more paces, the way ahead grew lighter. Lu Wangzhi and Pei Sanlang, whose figures had been vague shadows before, were now clearly visible. They had reached the heart of the cave. After Lu Wangzhi and Pei Sanlang had bowed and stepped to the left, he finally saw the elderly man seated on the low couch at the center.

The old man seemed to be around sixty but, unlike Sima Chengzhen’s youthful air or Song Fuzhen’s vigorous bearing, he looked genuinely aged. Deep wrinkles lined his lofty forehead, and his eyes, narrowed against the gloom, were creased and shadowed; even his graying hair added to his frail appearance. The voluminous robe draped over his lean body seemed ill-fitting, and his hands, protruding from the sleeves, were as dry as kindling. Yet when he opened his eyes wide and smiled, Du Shiyi felt a pure warmth and kindness in that expression, unmarred by any trace of artifice.

“Master Lu, these are Cui Jianxuan from Yongfeng Ward of the Eastern Capital, and Du Shiyi from Duling, Jingzhao, who have come today to pay their respects and seek instruction.”

“It has been several years since anyone passed the questioning of Wangzhi, Song Erlang, or Pei Sanlang.” Lu Hong regarded the two bowing young men with a gentle smile, then sighed. “Though more and more wish to study, you needn’t trouble them with such tricky and peculiar questions every time. Even if my strength declines, I am still able to teach.”

“We only question so thoroughly to keep those of impure character from our gates, not to bar anyone from listening to lectures. Otherwise, the number of students coming with letters of recommendation and seeking to learn from you would be overwhelming. Already, you personally review a dozen or more essays each month; if we admitted more, it would be harmful to your health. Still, I didn’t expect Senior Brother’s question this time to be so trivial!” Even in front of their revered teacher, Pei Sanlang’s face remained frosty, though his tone betrayed a hint of emotion.

“Ah, Third Brother, how is it trivial? It’s always others who falter before you; few make it to me. Since you approve of them and I see they are sincere, naturally I let them pass.”

“You—” Pei Sanlang was momentarily at a loss, then managed to say stiffly, “I only ask that Senior Brother not forget to set an example for the rest of us.”

“You two… Rather than calling you my disciples, you’re more like stewards running everything inside and out for me,” Lu Hong said with a helpless chuckle, seeing Pei Sanlang glare at Lu Wangzhi. After shaking his head, he beckoned Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan to step forward. After asking their names and origins, he regarded Du Shiyi thoughtfully. “Ten days ago, Brother Sima visited the cottage and spoke of having sent a letter of recommendation for a certain Du Shiyi of Jingzhao, inviting him here to study. That must be you?”

So Sima Chengzhen had already come!

Noting Pei Sanlang’s sharp gaze, Du Shiyi realized it was because he had previously inquired about letters of recommendation and Cui Jianxuan had denied it, causing irritation. There was no time to reproach his troublesome companion now; he bowed deeply and said, “I am indeed Du Shiyi. I beg Master Lu’s forgiveness. After receiving the recommendation, I was delayed by a locust plague in Dengfeng. In youthful zeal, I sought out Magistrate Cui to discuss strategies for catching locusts and was preoccupied for several days. Additionally, though honored by Master Sima’s letter, I hesitated out of self-doubt. Fortunately, yesterday Cui Jianxuan visited and mentioned he had a letter from Master Puji; thus we agreed to come together. Moreover, it was Cui Jianxuan who said that a recommendation is a matter of favor, and rather than relying on it for every advantage, it would be better to test our true abilities in your three examinations. I followed his advice, and by chance, we succeeded.”

Cui Jianxuan, unprepared for this sudden praise, noticed that Pei Sanlang’s glare had softened, Lu Wangzhi was nodding approvingly, and Lu Hong regarded him kindly, as if seeing a promising junior. Used to nothing but the disappointed sighs and stern looks of his elders, he felt a chill run down his spine. Swallowing nervously, he muttered, “It was just a passing thought…”

“Master Puji spent many years teaching Zen at Songyue Temple on Mount Song and at Huishan Temple on Jicui Peak. He and I were friends outside the world of officialdom. He is always a dignified and reticent man; though many have sought to study here, none have received his recommendation. That he supports you, Eleven, shows his regard for you.”

Seeing Cui Jianxuan bow his head deeply, Lu Hong assumed his new disciple was modest and thought nothing of it. Turning back to Du Shiyi, he continued, “When Brother Sima learned you had not arrived, and later when I heard you had taken on the task of catching locusts, I was greatly surprised. But after he and I read your proposal for stitched-bound books, I could not help but praise it. First, they require no mounting; second, they are durable; third, they are convenient to consult—altogether, they are of immense benefit to poor scholars. As for the locusts, we’ll set aside their pros and cons; I commend your compassion. As for running out of talent—one only regrets having too few books when they are needed. There’s no need to dwell on such things!”

Though this was only their first meeting and he had yet to hear Lu Hong lecture, the hermit’s demeanor exuded a refreshing sincerity that won Du Shiyi’s respect entirely. He bowed gratefully. Just then, Lu Wangzhi asked, “Master, shall I summon all the other disciples to be introduced to our two new brothers and perform the formal rites?”

“Go ahead.”

As Lu Wangzhi and Pei Sanlang withdrew, Cui Jianxuan reflected on the day’s strange fortune—passing three trials and entering Lu Hong’s tutelage without ever using the recommendation his grandmother had so arduously obtained. It all felt like a dream. Yet, after the joy faded, the thought of being tested every ten days, and the shame if he failed, filled him with anxiety once more.

Du Shiyi, by contrast, harbored no such worries. Though it was only their first meeting, he felt that Lu Hong was broad-minded and forthright, not one to cling to the trappings of seclusion. After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “Master, there are many thatched huts in the valley. May I ask why you dwell here in this dark cave?”

“I have suffered from an eye ailment for many years; living here is out of necessity. Even with you two before me, I see little more than blurred shadows,” Lu Hong sighed. “Daoist Taichong of Songyang Temple treated me several times, but the decoctions were ineffective. Surgery was considered, but the ophthalmology texts he possessed were incomplete, and both needling and medicine require caution. Thus, the matter was delayed. After so many years, I have grown used to it.”

“Why not ask others to seek out renowned physicians?” Cui Jianxuan wondered aloud, then recalled that Lu Hong, with so many disciples, surely had the best care, and his question was foolish. He sighed, “It’s a pity the famous King of Medicine is no longer living, or he would surely have cured you.”

“Even the King of Medicine could not cure every illness. Years ago, my cousin Lu Shengzhi, who became acquainted with the King of Medicine through illness and even became his disciple, eventually drowned himself in despair. Fate cannot be forced.” Seeing Du Shiyi lost in thought and Cui Jianxuan further discouraged, Lu Hong smiled and nodded, “I do not seek fame or high office, nor long life. My only wish is to teach and guide others. As long as my path is not lonely, I am content.”

Du Shiyi pressed on, “Master, may I ask, when your eye trouble began, what were the symptoms? Any pain or itchiness?”

“Hmm?” Lu Hong was momentarily taken aback, then replied thoughtfully, “I often saw spots floating before my eyes, like fine smoke or mist, but there was no pain or itching.”

“Master, though I am young and inexperienced, I have read several ophthalmology texts. May I examine your eyes?”

Seeing Du Shiyi’s earnestness, Lu Hong hesitated only a moment before agreeing. As Du Shiyi carefully lifted the old man’s eyelids and inspected them, Cui Jianxuan looked on in astonishment. At that moment, footsteps sounded behind them, followed by a loud shout: “Du Shiyi, what are you doing?”

Though the voice was abrupt, Du Shiyi’s hands remained perfectly steady. Only after finishing did he step back, standing with hands at his sides. Without glancing at the fourth senior brother, who had just quarreled with him and now demanded an explanation, he said in a firm voice, “Master’s eye disease shows an opaque, jade-like film, but the pupils are regular, contracting in sunlight and dilating in darkness. In nine cases out of ten, it is what the books call ‘round nebula cataract.’ I may not have the skill to cure it, but I remember perfectly the ‘golden needle cataract procedure’ and the prescription from a medical classic I once read. I can write them down at once and ask Daoist Sun of Songyang Temple to try again.”

At these words, the fourth senior brother, whose face had been flushed with anger, was first stunned, then overjoyed. Even the usually impassive Pei Sanlang was visibly moved. He rushed forward, seized Du Shiyi by both arms, and asked excitedly, “Is this true?”

“It is absolutely true!”