The old general then approached the old man with large steps.The old man had a wooden expression but was robust in physique.
He was startled by Yao Zhen’s entourage and hastily stood up, swallowing saliva as he nervously called out 'Sir'.
However, he didn’t know how to respond further, his hands unsure of where to rest.Yao Zhen greeted him with "Brother!" telling him not to be nervous.
He casually asked about the old man's home and occupation.
The old man dared not lie, answering truthfully.
His final answer surprised everyone;besides being a farmer, he also worked as a body retriever, frequently patrolling the riverbank following old customs.Yao Zhen became curious and inquired deeply about the water ghost role and body retrieval.
The old man hesitated, seemingly uncomfortable with discussing such matters, fearing the displeasure of these noble visitors.
Yao Zhen reassured him, and the old man eventually spoke, revealing many unknown practices.
According to local customs, body retrievers earned money by finding bodies in the river or encountering them, and if someone arrived, they could not demand payment;instead, any offering was accepted as a form of merit.Chen Guangyuan y Yao Zhen se veían como figuras amigables, por lo que el anciano fue perdiendo poco a poco sus inhibiciones.
Su dialecto de Dazhong fluía más naturalmente mientras compartía activamente con Yao Zhen sobre las prácticas de recuperación del cuerpo, diciendo: "Señor puede no saberlo, pero los hombres que mueren ahogados siempre están boca abajo, mientras que las mujeres siempre están boca arriba.
Nunca hay una excepción.
Un vistazo desde la orilla nos dice si es un hombre o una mujer.
Si se traen a tierra y nadie reclama sus cuerpos, tenemos que enterrarlos cerca del Templo de la Diosa del Agua y encender tres velas adentro antes de atarnos un pañuelo rojo al brazo como prueba de obras buenas."The old man glanced at Baohé River and frowned, "But there are two types you shouldn’t retrieve.
One is those who float upright in the river, whether male or female, they’re not for us to touch.
Their hair floats on the surface;even if someone offers a large sum, we dare not risk it.
The other are young women who commit suicide by drowning.
If after three attempts with bamboo poles, no one can retrieve them, it’s best to leave them be."Pai Qian listened with rapt interest at first but later felt a chill down her spine, avoiding looking at Baohé River.The old man smiled broadly and said, "When I stop being a water ghost, I’ll come here on a sunny day to wash my hands, as a way of bidding farewell to the Water Deity."Yao Zhen nodded.
He asked, "Brother, how many people have you retrieved over these years?"The old man thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "I can’t remember anymore."Yao Zhen said seriously, "Good deeds bring good rewards.
Brother, don’t feel ashamed of your profession;doing good things is highly commendable."The old man smiled shyly, saying, "Sir must be a good official, like the Qing Tian Lord."This was his most heartfelt compliment.It was late.
Yao Zhen smiled as he bid farewell to the old man.Chen Guangyuan said he wanted to stay for a bit more.In the end, only the old body retriever and Chen Guangyuan and Pai Qian were left by the riverbank.
The rest returned to the inn.Neiling continued downstream.Chen Guangyuan sat beside the old man, offering him his wine flask.
"Auntie, can you drink alcohol?"The old man quickly waved away, saying, "Young master, don’t waste such good stuff.
Keep it for yourself."Chen Guangyuan stretched out his arm and said, "Then that means you can drink."Despite Chen Guangyuan’s offer, the old man still hesitated to take the flask.
Chen Guangyuan softly smiled, saying, "Auntie might not believe me, but I once worked as a kiln worker myself."Seeing the old man wouldn’t give up on his flask, he took it and carefully handed it over.
The old man lifted it high, drank a mouthful, then quickly returned it to Chen Guangyuan.With one swallow, he felt no taste, but his face turned rosy, clearly pleased.Chen Guangyuan also had a sip of Green Plum wine and asked, "Auntie, you came here today to check for bodies floating on the river?"The old man shook his head, saying, "There’s little water in the river now, making it unlikely to find any bodies."Speaking about this, he seemed to feel ashamed, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"That would be better."Chen Guangyuan nodded silently as he sipped his wine.The old man was usually taciturn but today had spoken more than usual with Yao Zhen, perhaps as much as in an entire year.Looking at the Baohé River's water, Chen Guangyuan thought of his hometown’s Longxi and Iron Pledge rivers.Neiling naturally dismissed such matters.After a long while, night fell.
Pai Qian exclaimed, "Why is there a bridge on the river?"Neiling was taken aback;he followed her gaze but saw no bridge, only the surging river.Pai Qian’s wide eyes shone brightly, exclaiming, "Wow, a golden bridge!"Neiling first checked Chen Guangyuan's back but found nothing unusual.The old man couldn’t help laughing and shaking his head.
He thought this mischievous girl was just babbling.
Even if she claimed there was a body in the river, it would be more believable than a golden bridge appearing on the water.Pai Qian looked puzzled and confused.
She seemed to hear Chen Guangyuan reading aloud.
The passage he read was something he had asked her to memorize: "The stars move according to their orbits, the sun and moon alternate in shining light.
With the seasons changing, the yin and yang transform, bringing forth wind and rain...""Righteous men do not act without purpose;when they do, it must be for a reason.
They do not speak casually;what they say has logic.
They seek without frivolity;their search is meaningful.
They move without vainly walking;their actions are always right!"