105: The Village Woman
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Xunyang, situated in northern Jiangxi on the southern bank of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is famed as the “confluence of three rivers, the focal point of the world.” Blessed with abundant water and countless fertile fields, it is also celebrated as the “land of fish and rice” in the south of the Yangtze.
Yi Fan sat cross-legged atop an old donkey, letting it amble slowly forward. After cresting a hill, he gazed down at the village nestled below, faintly veiled in the early morning mist. Patting the donkey’s head, he urged it to pick up the pace.
Beyond this village, Xunyang could not be far.
Half a month ago, he had left Luling without pause, traveling all the while to avoid the ravages of war and more importantly, to steer clear of trouble—especially involving cultivators. He was determined not to get entangled, particularly with the Feiya Mountain sect. If they discovered he had slain one of their disciples, his fate would be sealed. Unless he truly belonged to the Supreme Clarity Sect, escape would be impossible.
A clear whistle pierced the air as Yan Gui leapt down from the forest, holding a string of unfamiliar fruits. In these mountains, it was the least worried about food and drink.
By sunrise, they reached near the village. A river stretched from afar to their feet. Village women washed clothes by the water’s edge; they showed no fear upon seeing Yi Fan, instead boldly looking over and even playing and laughing.
Judging by their looks, they didn’t seem Han Chinese.
One woman called out, “Taoist, where are you headed?”
Yi Fan replied, “Ladies, I am but a humble wanderer, weary from my journey, hoping to rest here for a day.”
The woman said, “So you’re a wandering Taoist? Then you’d best move on quickly—our village does not permit outsiders to enter.”
Yi Fan was momentarily taken aback, then smiled wryly. He had encountered this many times before; some villages were insular, and these were turbulent times. It was only natural for villagers to be cautious.
Checking the time, he realized he could reach Xunyang County by nightfall, so he did not press the matter and led the donkey onward.
After a while, hurried footsteps sounded behind him, followed by a voice calling, “Taoist, slow down!”
He turned to see a woman clutching a wooden basin, panting as she caught up. “Taoist, if you don’t mind, please come to my home for a rest.”
Seeing his hesitation, she hurried on, “You’ll be well fed, I promise.”
Yi Fan touched his nose, somewhat speechless. Did he look like someone who couldn’t fill his stomach? Seeing the flicker in her eyes, he sensed she had some request. After a moment’s thought, he nodded, “Then I trouble you, lady.”
The woman beamed, “Not at all, Taoist, please follow me.”
The village was small, nestled beside the mountain. Most houses were wooden, quaint in their way. Her home was at the village’s edge, somewhat dilapidated. Outside, festive decorations were pasted up.
Noticing his puzzlement, the woman explained, “My younger sister is getting married tomorrow, so we had to decorate for the occasion. Poor families have little to spare, so this is all we could manage.”
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Once inside, an elderly woman greeted them. Upon seeing Yi Fan, she frowned and asked the younger woman, “Who is this?”
Quickly, the village woman introduced, “This is my mother. Taoist, this gentleman is a traveling wanderer resting in our village.”
The elderly woman was about to speak further but was hushed by the younger woman with a glance.
After arranging a place for Yi Fan to stay, the old woman pulled her daughter aside. “Du’er, how could you bring an outsider into the village? If others found out, what would happen?”
The woman smiled bitterly, “Mother, do you think I want this? It’s for my sister. Tomorrow is her wedding day. Who knows if those evil spirits will strike again? If this Taoist truly has power and can safeguard my sister’s journey, what do rumors matter?”
The old woman hesitated, then sighed, “Since he’s here, we must treat him well. I’ll borrow some salt from your aunt’s house next door. When your father returns at noon, we’ll discuss further.”
Unbeknownst to them, Yi Fan had overheard their secret conversation clearly. It explained why they had invited him—to counter some malevolent force.
At noon, an elderly man returned—a warm and hearty fellow. He produced a small jar of aged wine and some simple dishes, inviting Yi Fan to drink.
From the kitchen, the woman brought a bowl holding two boiled eggs, carefully placing it before Yi Fan. “Taoist, freshly cooked—please eat while warm.”
Yi Fan nodded, eyeing the plain dishes devoid of oil or meat and the two eggs in the bowl. It was clear this family had offered their best to him.
The small amount of wine didn’t lead them to drunkenness. The old man spoke little, and the woman did not ask questions.
That evening, a young girl emerged from the house. The woman introduced her, “This is my younger sister. She’s to be married tomorrow. It’s not proper for her to meet guests during the day; please forgive her.”
Yi Fan waved his hand with a smile, “No need for formality, lady.”
He was well aware that many places had their customs. He had seen stranger things.
Since the girl had come out, it was surely time for her request.
Indeed, after some introductions, the woman glanced at the old couple. Beneath the flicker of the dusk oil lamp, her expression wavered. “Taoist, my sister’s wedding tomorrow, but we have an unusual request.”
“Oh?” Yi Fan replied, “Please speak freely.”
Seeing no displeasure, she relaxed and continued, “To be honest, our village has faced a strange ordeal for generations. Sometimes, brides on their wedding day are snatched away by evil spirits. Though not frequent, it happens enough to cause fear. Since my sister is to marry tomorrow, we ask you to escort her safely, ensuring her wedding day goes without harm.”
A bride snatched by evil spirits?
Yi Fan’s mind stirred. “Do you know what kind of spirits these are?”
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The woman shook her head. “The last incident was two years ago. People said they saw rolling black smoke and heard strange sounds. Everyone fled in terror. When they gathered again, the bride was gone.”
Hearing this, Yi Fan formed a judgment. This so-called evil spirit was likely a small demon, using ghostly mist to confuse people and abduct the bride.
He said calmly, “This is a minor matter—a mere small demon.”
From his talisman pouch, he produced a small “Demon-Exorcising Talisman” and handed it over. “This talisman is drawn by me. Ordinary demons and spirits dare not approach it. Use it to protect your home and ensure safety. Keep it close tomorrow. If anything unusual happens, it will automatically exorcise the evil.”
The woman was overjoyed. “Thank you for your kindness, Taoist.”
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Early the next morning, the village was alive with activity. The groom, a young man from a neighboring village, arrived with several men carrying chairs and cabinets for the wedding.
The elderly couple inspected the furniture, muttering a few complaints, then approved. After the groom kowtowed, the woman brought the bride downstairs.
The bride wore festive clothing, shyly lowering her gaze and hiding behind the woman.
The old woman, seeing the time, worried about auspicious hours. She brought a bowl from the kitchen with several eggs and placed it in the bride’s hands. “If you get hungry on the road, eat one.”
Inevitably, the journey began. The young man pulled a wheelbarrow with the bride seated upon it. Amid the old woman’s tears, they slowly moved away.
Yi Fan stood aside, not following. Once they were far enough, he cupped his hands. “Ladies, this humble Taoist takes his leave.”
The woman hurried to see him off, but Yi Fan declined politely, leading the old donkey and Yan Gui away.
“Du’er, do you think that talisman will really work?” the old woman asked anxiously.
“Hopefully it will. We can only pray to the Bodhisattva to protect my sister from those evil spirits,” the woman sighed.
She had thought of gathering more people to escort her sister, but the village was over ten miles away. Without money, no one would help. Besides, such things were sudden; no one could rush to the rescue.
Their affairs were their own. Her sister was married off; this time, helping at home had already caused displeasure in the husband’s family. If they spent more money, it might cause a serious quarrel.