Chapter 6: Too Long Without the Sound of Strings and Flutes—A Beauty Met Aboard the Red Canal Boat

Lord Huo stood by the inner canal, his fingers twisting his short beard, watching the lanterns on the distant red boat ripple across the shimmering water, spreading out in ever-widening circles that slowly faded away. On the ornate pleasure barge, a young woman in her prime played the pipa, her sleeves fluttering gracefully. Fireflies danced around her, creating a scene so poetic and picturesque that Lord Huo felt lost in reverie. The pipa maiden before him seemed as if she had descended from the heavens; what more could he ask of life than such an encounter?

"She's truly beautiful," remarked the tall, thin sedan bearer.

"Look, look, Lord Huo is boarding the boat," several sedan bearers exclaimed, turning their attention to the water's edge.

"Da Hai, you won't need to bathe tonight," they joked, unconcerned, knowing that the short bearer among them was the best swimmer.

"Be careful, my lord," the county magistrate, overjoyed, wobbled across the gangplank, quickly supported by a servant.

He observed that the red boat, splendid from afar, was rather shabby up close. Yet the pipa maiden at the bow was no ordinary beauty; she was not the daughter of the couple who owned the boat, but rather appeared to be a lady of noble birth.

"My lord, my surname is Zhao, and my given name is Min," replied the young woman.

"Miss Zhao, hearing your pipa playing reminds me of a remarkable person," Lord Huo said. "Last year, I had the fortune to listen to a peerless beauty play the pipa on the Qinhuai River. Her technique and artistry were identical to yours."

"No, she is not our daughter. We found her," the boatman explained. "That morning, the fog was thick. We were sailing north after dropping off a passenger, ready to turn back, when my wife spotted the young lady collapsed on the riverbank. I rushed over; she was alive, but no one else was around. So we brought her onto the boat..."

Upon hearing this, the young woman immediately knelt: "I am deeply grateful, my lord. It would be an honor to be accepted. Father, please allow your daughter to pay her respects."

"Steward, you may return to shore and take the official sedan chair home," the county magistrate said at once. "I will return by boat with my adopted daughter."

"Lift the sedan!" the steward commanded with pride as he climbed in, while the sedan bearers grumbled but carried him nonetheless. Sitting inside, the steward admired the beautiful night scene of Shanyang, his spirits soaring.

Zhao Min looked gratefully at her adoptive father, silently thanking the heavens for their favor: Father, rest in peace beneath the earth; I will surely seek justice for you...

"My lord, please dine. It's humble fare, but I hope you won't mind," the boatwoman brought a bowl of porridge and some steamed buns her husband had just bought from the riverside.

"No, you two eat together. We will eat at the back," she said, bowing as she withdrew.

"Thank you." Zhao Min looked at her father's kindly, amiable face, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. "Please, father, you first."

The county magistrate drank the porridge, feeling exceptionally comfortable. Having indulged in wine that afternoon, the porridge now soothed him.

"Daughter, one day I shall take you to tour Shao Lake Park," Lord Huo declared, assuming the role of a true father.

"From now on, do not speak of thanks. We are family; no need for formalities."

Amid the enchanting melodies, Lord Huo recalled his arrival at the ancient town of Hexia earlier that day. A cloud of purple aura descended upon the Wu residence, and the one named Cheng'en must surely be the literary star incarnate, as foretold by the sage. As for the martial star, its whereabouts remain a mystery; let us await its revelation.

The red boat glided joyfully down the gently flowing canal, far outpacing the sedan bearers on foot. Unconsciously, the boat reached the western city dock.

"Lord Huo, I entrust the young lady to you," the boatwoman said, bowing.

"Rest assured, you may continue your livelihood on the canal. I will look after you. If anything arises, come find me in Shanyang County," Lord Huo replied generously.

"My lord, we barely make ends meet with this red boat and would not dare trouble you," the boatman said, turning the boat toward the river's center.

"Saviors, take care, and may heaven bless you!" Zhao Min knelt on the ground.

"Miss, you too take care. If you miss us, come to the canal," the boatwoman waved.

"Certainly!"

Father and daughter stood waiting by the western dock. Suddenly, Lord Huo rose and said, "Daughter, they're here!"

The sedan bearers, drenched in sweat from racing after the red boat, were breathless. The steward, however, was thoroughly pleased, fanning himself and humming Huai opera, his joy unmistakable.

The sedan chair stopped abruptly, nearly tossing the steward out.

"Who dares treat me thus?!" he shouted, flinging open the sedan door...

To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.