027 CHAPTER TEN: A. FISHERMEN VERSUS WOODCUTER POETRY SLAM

As we delve into the tale, it's worth noting Guangrui's dedicated commitment and Xuanzang's unwavering practice. But let's shift our focus to the outskirts of Chang'an city, nestled along the banks of the Jing River. Here, two virtuous souls emerged: a fisherman named Zhang Shao and a woodcutter named Li Ding. Unsuccessful in the imperial examinations, they found their calling as literate hermits.

One day, having sold firewood and carried baskets of carp within Chang'an city, they entered a tavern. After consuming half their drinks, each took a bottle, strolled along the banks of the Jing River, and leisurely made their way back.

"Li, you know, those who pursue fame often lose themselves in the process; those who chase after wealth often sacrifice their well-being for it; those who seek titles might sleep beside a tiger; and those who accept favors might hide a snake in their sleeves," Zhang Shao mused, "When you think about it, isn't it better for us to enjoy the beauty of our tranquil rivers and lush mountains, leading simple and content lives, going with the flow?"

"You make a valid point, Zhang.” Li Ding responded, “ However, your picturesque rivers can't compare to my scenic mountains."

"Your scenic mountains can't surpass my picturesque rivers. Let me give you an example from the lyrics of the song 'Butterflies Love Flowers' as proof. The lyrics go:

On misty waters, my boat sails so small,

By the lonely canopy, I hear her call.

Cleansing my heart, ambition set aside,

Amidst reeds and rushes, I find my stride.

Seagulls dance lightly, a joyful display,

Willow shores and reeds, where love finds its way.

In peaceful slumber, waves cease their roar,

No honor, no shame, no worries anymore. "

Li Ding responded, "Your picturesque rivers can't surpass the beauty of my scenic mountains. There's also a verse from the song 'Butterflies Love Flowers' to illustrate this. The lyrics go:

In Yunlin's embrace, where pine blossoms thrive,

Listening to nightingales, their songs alive.

Redness in the lean, greenness in the lush,

Spring's gentle warmth, summer's rapid hush.

Autumn arrives, swift to rearrange,

Yellow blooms scenting, a colorful range.

Winter approaches, firm and quick,

Seasons spin free, an unattended trick. "

The fisherman said, "Your serene mountains can't compare to my picturesque rivers. Indulge in some exquisite delicacies. There's also a verse from the song 'Partridge Sky' to prove it:

In fairy realm with waters wide,

Paddling boats, our haven's pride.

Slicing scales of fresh fish bright,

Cooking crabs in both day and night.

Green reed shoots and watercress embrace,

Water chestnuts and chicken's grace.

Tender lotus leaves, the old roots stay,

Tender vegetables in the water's way."

The woodcutter replied, "Your charming rivers can't compare to my serene mountains. Enjoy some fine delicacies. There's also a verse from the song 'Partridge Sky' to prove it:

Craggy peaks reach the edge of skies,

Thatched hut and cottage where I reside.

Marinated fowls, crabs, turtles so fine,

Hares, deer, rabbits, seafood in line.

Aromatic shoots, and neem leaves so green,

Bamboo shoots, mountain tea unseen.

Plums and peaches, ripe in their hue,

Sweet pears, sour dates, fragrant blooms too."

The fisherman replied, "Your green mountains truly can't compare to my scenic waters. Here's a poem called 'Heavenly Maiden':

On a leafy skiff, I sail with ease,

Through myriad ripples, worries appease.

Casting my hook, my nets unfold,

Savoring flavors, age-old, untold.

Gathered 'round, my family, close and dear,

Laughter and love, so crystal clear.

Fish aplenty, trade in the city fair,

For fragrant brew, let's drown our care.

Worn as a cloak, I rest on the fall's stream,

Snug in my slumber, life's but a dream.

No fret for glory, no yearning for fame,

In tranquil waters, I've found my aim. "

The woodcutter said, "Your scenic waters are still no match for my green mountains. Here is also a poem called 'Heavenly Maiden':

Beneath the mountains, thatched eaves embrace,

Pines, bamboos, flowers, nature's grace.

Through woods and hills, I gather wood, no fear,

Selling my wares, content and clear,

In this world, I hold no pretense,

Be it less or more, I leave to chance.

Coins for wine, as heart takes flight,

Pottery and clay, my bowls unite.

Drunk beneath the pine's cool shade,

No cares remain, no gains invade,

Unperturbed by worldly fate,

In the realm's rise and fall, I wait."

The fisherman said, "Li, my friend, your mountain life can't compare to the joy of my waterside trade. Here's a poem 'West River Moon':

Red smartweed blooms in the moon's embrace,

Yellow reed leaves sway in the wind's trace.

Azure sky, distant and clear, Chu River wide,

Stirring the pond's stars, like a playful guide.

Big fish gather, swimming in a team,

Swallowing hooks, small fish gleam.

Cooked and seasoned, flavors richly stream,

Laughing at the world, in the river's dream."

The woodcutter said, "Zhang, my friend, your waterside trade can't match the joy of my mountain livelihood. Here's a poem 'West River Moon':

Fallen leaves and withered vines pave the way,

Aged bamboo and shattered trees, nature's array.

Tangled wild vines and dry kudzu I wrest,

Bending and breaking, for my burden's best.

Insects gnaw hollow on elm and willow's pride,

Winds snap off pine and cedar, side by side.

Gathered for winter, a stack to abide,

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Trading for wine and coin, from my woodside."

The fisherman said, " Though your mountain domain may rival my waterside charm’s, it pales in comparison its serene allure. Here's a poem 'Immortal by the Riverside':

Tide recedes, the lone boat softly veers,

In the deep night, oars rest, songs break through spheres.

Tattered cloak, moon's last gleam, shadows adhere,

Unstartled gulls, skies paint colors with no fears.

Lying on reed isle, cares drift away,

Three poles past sunrise, I await new day.

Heart-led and free, life's course I convey,

Courtiers await the clock's chime to obey,

Unlike me, carefree in my own way. "

The woodcutter said, "The serene elegance of your waterside can't surpass the profound elegance of my mountain greenery. Here's a poem 'Immortal by the Riverside' as proof:

Amidst azure paths, autumn's height, axe in hand,

Evening's coolness, laden with firewood, I withstand.

Wildflowers in hair, a quaint sight to show,

Parting clouds to find the way, moon's gentle glow.

Innocent child and mountain wife with a smile,

Grass bed, wooden pillow, they rest a while.

Steamed pears and cooked millet carefully laid,

In the jar, new brew matured, truly a secluded spirit."

The fisherman said, "These are all our means of livelihood, ways to sustain ourselves. Yet, you don't have the leisurely benefits I enjoy in my spare time. Here's a poem as proof:

Gazing leisurely at the sky, a white crane soars,

Mooring the boat by the creek, hiding behind bamboo doors.

Plying the shuttle, teaching the child to spin thread,

Resting together with my wife after fishing, nets spread.

Naturally at ease, like calm waves in a sea,

Contented in body, I feel the gentle breeze free.

Wearing a green cloak and a straw hat as I go,

Better than the purple robe and hat those in court bestow."

The woodcutter said, "Your leisure time is not even as good as my leisure time. Here's a poem as proof:

Leisurely watching ethereal white clouds glide,

Alone in a thatched hut, bamboo doors I hide.

Teaching children without worries, opening books to read,

At times playing chess with guests, skillful indeed.

Delightfully striding with staff, singing along the fragrant trail,

Inspired, carrying a qin to the emerald retreat, I prevail.

Wearing grass shoes, hemp belt, and coarse cloth for bed,

A tranquil heart, richer than garments of silk spread."

Zhang Shao said, "Li Ding, you and I are truly in harmony, no need for wooden boards or golden goblets. Yet, scattering verses casually isn't that extraordinary. Let's each string a few lines and see how our conversation flows."

Li Ding replied, "Zhang, your idea is excellent. Please begin with your lines."

"Boat rests amid green waters and misty waves,

Home nestled deep within the wild, secluded caves.

Favoring the bridge in spring's swelling tide,

Preferring crags and peaks with clouds as they bide.

Fresh dragon fish are cooked with great delight,

Dry wood consumed by worms warmed in the light.

Fishing nets varied, providing sustenance old,

Two tasks, carrying rope, worth more than gold.

Lying on the boat, watching geese in flight,

On the slanting path, hearing the crane's cry take flight.

In the realm of words, no place for my say,

Amid the sea of disputes, my presence sways.

Hanging fabric to dry by the stream, bright like silk,

Sharpening axes on stones, forging edges that are sleek.

Autumn moon's brilliance, often found fishing alone,

Spring mountains silent, no encounters, just my own.

Many fish exchanged for wine, with wife I sip,

Leftover firewood traded for a pot, our joy takes a dip.

Singing my own song, pouring my own brew,

Long songs, deep sighs, letting the winds pursue.

Calling brothers and beckoning friends, inviting them aboard,

Gathered companions, wilderness hermits, in one accord.

Issuing commands, guessing fists, cups exchanged in play,

Unfolding cards, forming words, as the bell chimes away.

Boiling shrimp, cooking crabs, daily pleasure's call,

Sautéing duck, roasting chicken, feasts for all.

Simple wife brewing tea, with a tranquil cheer,

Mountain wife cooking meals, leisurely, no fear.

At dawn, raising a staff to skim the gentle waves,

Sunrise, carrying firewood through the path it paves.

After the rain, donning a raincoat, capturing live carp,

Facing the wind, wielding the axe, felling old trees sharp.

Hiding from the world, pretending to be a fool,

Hidden identity, concealed name, acting deaf and cool."

Zhang Shao said, "Li Ding, I took the liberty to start a verse, now it's your turn, and I shall follow suit."

"Wind and moon feigned madness, men of the wild,

Rivers and lakes carried my pride, old and styled.

Leisurely and carefree, embracing each day,

Gossip unheard, joyful in tranquility's sway.

Moonlit nights, restful in thatched abode's stead,

Day's end, light bamboo cape on me is spread.

Forging bonds with pine and plum, friendships held dear,

Sharing joy with gulls and egrets, unity clear.

Fame and fortune, my heart pays them no heed,

Clash of weapons, my ears, they do not impede.

At any time, a sip of fragrant wine to share,

Three meals a day, wild vegetable stew, to fare.

Two bundles of firewood sustain my livelihood,

A fishing rod and line provide what's good.

Calling the young lad to sharpen steel axes with glee,

Summoning the simple one to mend worn cloth for me.

In spring, I cherish the willows' green delight,

In mild days, the reeds' verdant hue takes flight.

Summer, I seek solace beneath the new bamboo shade,

In June's coolness, tender lotus stems are displayed.

When frost descends, plump chickens I prepare,

Double Ninth, robust crabs, the pot shall bear.

In winter's embrace, I slumber, undisturbed,

Nine days of high heavens, no cold, perturbed.

Eightfold seasons, I let my nature roam free,

Fourfold seasons, I yield to the lake's decree.

Gathering firewood, I feel the immortal's delight,

Dangling a fishing line, oblivious to worldly fight.

Wildflowers adorn the threshold with bright grace,

Green water, calm waves, at the boat's embrace.

Content with my place, no need for high station,

Resolute in character, stronger than a city's foundation.

A city's walls rise high, following commands in hand,

Seats of power and authority, their voices grand.

Joy in mountains, joy in waters, indeed quite rare,

Thankful to the heavens, earth, gods in the air."

After exchanging their own verses and connecting their lines of poetry, they reached the point where their paths diverged. They respectfully bid each other farewell.

"Li Xiong, take care on your journey, be cautious as you climb the mountain. If you encounter a tiger, it's like the saying, ' Tomorrow, on the street, there will be fewer familiar faces'" Zhang Shao said.

Upon hearing this, Li Ding became furious and exclaimed, "You lazy scoundrel! True friends would help each other through life and death situations, yet you curse me? If I face danger from a tiger, you'll surely face turbulent waves in the river."

"I'll never have to face those turbulent waves in my lifetime."

Li Ding retorted, "As the saying goes, 'Heaven's weather is unpredictable, and humans experience temporary fortune and misfortune.' How can you be so sure of your safety?"

Zhang Shao explained, "Li Xiong, even though you say that, you haven't grasped the concept. Unlike your situation, my trade is predictable. I won't encounter such mishaps."

"You live by the water, it's extremely dangerous, and it's hidden and dark. What predictability is there?" Li Ding questioned.

Zhang Shao clarified, "You don't understand. In the city of Chang'an, on West Gate Street, there's a fortune teller. I offer him a golden carp every day, and in return, he imparts a lesson to me. He guides me in casting lots according to the directions, and it's accurate every time. Today, I visited him again, and he instructed me to cast my net at the east bank of Jing River Bay, and to cast my hook from the west bank. He assured me of a bountiful catch of fish and shrimp. Tomorrow, I'll come to the city, sell my catch for money, and enjoy a drink with you again."

Then, the two of them parted ways.