In Guizhou's Guiyang County, there was a scholarly family with the surname Zhou, which had been passing down the family line for generations, practicing farming and studying. However, in this generation, there were nine brothers. Despite the large family, they lived together without splitting up, as they were all naturally filial and friendly. The youngest of them was at least a licentiate, while the others were juren or jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). The brothers were exceptionally affectionate toward one another, and their household was filled with harmony and the joy of familial bonds. Yet there was one flaw: of the nine brothers, eight were worried about being childless like the famous figure Bo Dao. Only the seventh brother, named Zijing, had a son at the age of thirty-six. This son was named Yuncong, who from a young age was remarkably intelligent, honest, and exceptionally filial.
As the sole heir to the Zhou family's nine branches, and being born into a wealthy family, Yuncong was cherished like a precious jewel. He also had a natural love for reading, entering school at fifteen and passing the provincial exams at eighteen with high rankings. Despite this success, Yuncong was not content. He immediately decided to go to the capital in advance to study and prepare for the imperial exams. Though his father and uncles were concerned about the long journey, seeing Yuncong's strong ambition for academic success, they didn't want to hinder his progress. They arranged for a trustworthy old servant named Wang Fu and a young book boy named Xiaosan to accompany Yuncong on his journey to the capital.
After choosing an auspicious day, Yuncong bid farewell to his uncles, parents, and friends, and set off with Wang Fu and Xiaosan. A few days into their journey, they encountered several peers, all headed to the capital early to prepare for the imperial exams, just like Yuncong. With travel companions, the journey became more lively. Soon, more people joined them, until there were a total of seventeen examinees heading to the capital. These young scholars, most of them from well-off families, enjoyed having fun along the way. Yuncong proposed, "If we proceed directly to the capital, we'll have several months of free time. As the saying goes, 'Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles are equally important.' Why not take advantage of this free time to explore famous mountains and scenic spots? After all, it's worth the journey."
One of the scholars, named Song Shi, agreed enthusiastically. "I've long heard of the many famous sights in Sichuan. Why don't we head to Chengdu and spend a few days sightseeing?" The group, being young and eager to play, readily agreed. They arranged for their servants to carry their luggage and travel directly to Chongqing, while the sixteen of them, each carrying only a small bundle, set off for Chengdu to explore. Wang Fu, worried that they might fall victim to scams due to their inexperience, repeatedly urged caution. Song Shi reassured him, "I've been traveling for ten years and know the roads well. Don't worry, old steward." Seeing he couldn't stop them, and knowing that the road to Chengdu was a well-traveled one, Wang Fu reluctantly agreed. He called Xiaosan aside and reminded him several times to take good care of his young master and avoid any trouble. Though young, Xiaosan was quick-witted and nodded in agreement. The group then parted ways.
The sixteen scholars traveled happily and eventually arrived in Chengdu, where they found a large guesthouse to stay in. Each day, they visited famous sights and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
One day, Yuncong and the group went out for a while and then suggested they head to Wangjiang Tower for drinks. They had already been there twice in the past few days. Since most of the group, except for three or four who were from humble backgrounds, were from wealthy families, they didn't mind spending money. The waiter, recognizing them as generous patrons, naturally treated them with extra courtesy. Yuncong suggested they not sit in the private room but instead sit in groups of three or four at different tables by the railing, where they could drink and enjoy the view of the Yangtze River. Everyone agreed, so they asked the waiter to reserve the tables by the window. However, when they arrived, they found that out of the four tables by the window, one was already occupied by a Taoist priest who was lying across the table, fast asleep. Song Shi instructed the waiter to wake him.
The waiter, already annoyed by the Taoist's shabby appearance and his drinking since morning without leaving, was eager to please the wealthy scholars. He asked them to sit at the other three tables while he went to wake the Taoist. After calling out to the Taoist twice without any response, the waiter shook him, but instead of waking, the Taoist began to snore loudly. Song Shi, known for his hot temper within the group, grew furious at the scene and was about to speak up when the Taoist suddenly yawned and said, "Bring me another gourd of wine." He then sat up, revealing that he had been sleeping while holding a red wine gourd. The waiter, seeing that the Taoist wanted more wine, said, "Master Taoist, you've been drinking since this morning. You've already had quite a bit. For your health, maybe it's time to return to the temple." The Taoist replied angrily, "Nonsense! You run a wine house—aren't you supposed to serve wine? Stop nagging and fetch me my gourd of wine." The waiter, smiling apologetically, said, "Of course, but I have a small favor to ask. These four tables were reserved by the gentlemen over there yesterday, and they've arrived now. You've been drinking since the morning, and I thought you'd be leaving soon, so I didn't mind letting you sit here. But now the reserved guests have come, so could you move to another seat?"
Hearing this, the Taoist flew into a rage. "I paid for my wine just like they did. Why should I move? If you had reserved this table, you should've told me when I came in! You're just bullying a poor monk. Well, let me tell you, I'm drinking here today, and I'm not going anywhere!"
Song Shi, already impatient from waiting, grew angrier upon hearing the Taoist's arrogant tone. He stepped forward and said, "This table was reserved by us. If you don't move, don't blame us for being rude!" The Taoist responded, "I don't understand. Why should I move? What can you do about it?" Enraged, Song Shi walked up and slapped the Taoist across the face. Yuncong, seeing the conflict escalate, tried to intervene but was too late. All that could be heard was a cry of pain as Song Shi clutched his hand in agony. It turned out that when he slapped the Taoist, it felt as though he had struck iron, sending pain through his entire body. The other scholars, seeing this, shouted, "How dare you! Drag him out, give him a good beating, and report him to the authorities!"
Just as they were about to move forward together, Yun Cong quickly stepped in to stop them, saying, "Please, brothers, hold on for a moment and allow me to speak." Since Yun Cong had the most money and was willing to spend it freely, he had unintentionally become their leader. Upon hearing his words, the group paused, waiting to see how he would handle the situation. As Yun Cong approached, the Taoist had already stood up and was carefully observing him. Yun Cong noticed that the Taoist's eyes were shining with an intense, penetrating gaze, indicating he was no ordinary person. He recalled Wang Fu's frequent remarks that there were many unusual figures in the world, and they should not be offended carelessly. Yun Cong then spoke to the Taoist, saying, "Please, don't be upset, master. The sixteen of us are all good friends, and we came here today to drink and chat together. That's why we asked the innkeeper to disturb you. Whether you choose to move or not is unimportant; we just hope you won't take offense."
The Taoist replied, "Who's angry at you? You saw what happened; he hit me, and I didn't retaliate!" By this time, Song Shi's right hand was in unbearable pain and had already swollen red. He cried out, "That wretched Taoist must have used sorcery! He must be severely punished by the authorities!" Yun Cong quickly signaled him to stop talking. He then turned to the Taoist and said, "My friend here acted rashly, and we don't know what kind of magic you possess. He is now in great pain. We beg for your mercy and ask that you help him." The Taoist replied, "It's his own fault. He tried to hit someone but didn't know how, so now he suffers. I didn't even lift a finger—who knows any magic?"
At this moment, the innkeeper, having realized what was happening, also came over, fearing the situation might escalate. He tried to mediate, but the Taoist remained firm and refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing. After Yun Cong repeatedly pleaded, the Taoist finally said, "I don't like getting angry at people who are about to die. He didn't know how to throw a punch properly and injured his tendons. If it weren't for your sincerity, I'd let him suffer. Go and bring him over, and I'll treat him." At this point, Song Shi was still cursing and yelling. Yun Cong went over, helped him up, and brought him to the Taoist, but Song Shi kept cursing. Yun Cong, worried that the Taoist might refuse to help due to anger, tried to persuade Song Shi to stop, but Song Shi wouldn't listen, putting Yun Cong in a difficult position.
To everyone's surprise, the Taoist, unfazed by Song Shi's insults, casually remarked to Yun Cong, "Don't worry. I don't bother with the dying." He then took hold of Song Shi's hand, lightly kneaded it with his own, and said, "All right. Next time, don't go hitting people randomly." With that, the Taoist glanced at Song Shi and sighed softly. Song Shi's hand, though still slightly red, was no longer painful or swollen. Yun Cong, fearing that Song Shi might start cursing again, quickly pulled him aside. He then returned to thank the Taoist and asked the innkeeper whether the Taoist wanted more wine, assuring him that the bill would be settled later. The Taoist replied, "I've had enough. Just give me five more jin of strong liquor, and that will be sufficient for my dinner tonight." Yun Cong promptly ordered the innkeeper to fetch the wine, which the Taoist poured into his gourd. Without even a word of thanks, the Taoist slung the gourd over his shoulder and left without looking back.
The others burst into chatter, with some claiming the Taoist was a sorcerer and others suggesting he was merely trying to swindle free wine. They remarked that now that someone had paid, he no longer needed the table. However, Yun Cong alone followed the Taoist downstairs, suddenly realizing he had forgotten to ask the Taoist's name. Ignoring the others' discussions, he leaned against the window, watching to see where the Taoist was headed. He saw the Taoist exit the inn, and though the streets were crowded, people seemed to subconsciously give him a wide berth, maintaining a distance of one or two feet from him as if something were preventing them from getting close. This sight amazed Yun Cong, and because he had forgotten to ask for the Taoist's name earlier, he instinctively called out, "Master, please wait!"
The Taoist, who had been walking leisurely down the street, merely glanced back at the building before continuing on his way. Yun Cong had expected the Taoist to return, but to his surprise, the man moved with great speed. Meanwhile, the group inside continued to chatter, and when they saw Yun Cong staring out the window in a daze, they called him over to join the drinking. Yun Cong turned back, exchanged a few words with them, and when he looked out the window again, the Taoist had vanished. He had no choice but to return to the group and continue eating, drinking, and chatting. Due to the unpleasant incident Song Shi had encountered earlier, he was in no mood to linger, so after finishing the meal, he suggested returning to the inn. Everyone, knowing his feelings, agreed. Yun Cong settled the bill, and they all returned to their lodgings.
The next morning, after breakfast, Song Shi proposed another outing to the famous Ci Yun Temple outside the city. This temple was renowned in Chengdu for its serene courtyards and beautiful trees and flowers. The monks there, bound by strict discipline, rarely left the temple. They were well-versed in meditation and widely known throughout Sichuan. The group had heard of the temple for some time, but since it was two to three miles outside the city and there was a small village nearby, Yun Cong suggested, "We've visited most of Chengdu's famous sites. This is the last one worth seeing. Why don't we head there today, stay overnight, and after visiting the temple, set off for Chongqing tomorrow?" Song Shi, eager to leave Chengdu after the previous day's incident, was the first to agree. With no objections from the rest, they traveled light and brought along Xiao San'er as they set off for their next destination.