Chapter - 7 Thinking of the Unforgettable Man Far Away (7) (1/2)

She rode her mule and wandered a bit on Mount Shaoshi and was feeling melancholic.

She heard music sounds, she was surprised to hear someone playing the zither. She learnt the arts of zither, chess, literature and painting from her mother. Although she learnt only the basics, she is intelligent enough to give her own unique perspective on matters. Frequently, she discussed these arts with her mother. She tied her mule to a tree and walked towards the music.

She heard the music was mixed by the singing of birds and it seemed that the birds were singing along. Guo Xiang thought, ”According to mother there is a song called ”Empty Mountain and Songs of Birds.” But this song was lost for may ages, is it possible this is that song?”

The music became more and more interesting. Guo Xiang was surprised and thought, ”This man can lure birds with his music, this song must be ”A Hundred Birds Admiring the Phoenix.” And thought if her grandfather was here, both of them could play this song together. Because Huang YaoShi's flute was unequalled at this time.

The music became softer and the birds flew away and suddenly the music stopped. The man sighed and said he couldn't find a soul mate and drew his sword and started carving on the ground.

Guo Xiang thought, ”This man is both well versed in artistic fields and martial arts, let's see how his swordsmanship is.”

She saw that this man was drawing a chessboard with his sword and started playing chess (Go) with himself.

Guo Xiang thought, ”This man is lonely too and can't find a soul mate either, so he's playing chess with himself.”

After awhile she saw that the man trapped himself in the western side of the chessboard and leaving the central open.

Guo Xiang couldn't help herself and spoke, ”Why do you take the western borders? While the central plains are open.”

The man saw what he did and took the central plains causing a draw. The man laughed and said, ”Good, good!” and continued to play and realised that someone was present. He tossed his sword away and said, ”Thank you for your help. May I ask who helped me?”

Guo Xiang saw that he had a long face and dark eyes and was quite skinny. He was about thirty years old. She walked towards him and smiled, ”I was very much enchanted by your music, Sir. And when I saw that you're losing to yourself I couldn't help pointing out. Please forgive me for my bluntness.”

The man was surprised to see a young girl and when he heard her talking about his music, he was very happy and said, ”Miss, is a musician too? Would you please play a piece for me?”

Guo Xiang smiled and said, ”My mother taught me some basics, compared to your divine music I'm very bad. But since I heard your song it's only natural that I return a song back. But you musn't laugh.”

The man said, ”I wouldn't dare.”

And handed the zither to Guo Xiang.

Guo Xiang saw that this zither was an antique. She started to play the zither and her playing was not very spectacular but the man was very happy and surprised.

The song was about a hermit and he lived alone on a mountain and felt lonely. Because he didn't have a soulmate he looked sickly but his aspirations will always be very high.

The man heard his feelings in the music of Guo Xiang and was very grateful and when the music stopped, he just stared into the blank.

Guo Xiang gently put the zither on the ground and turned around and left again. Reciting the poem that matched this song:

A gentleman is exploring the mountainside

Close to a stream, all alone

Although he is forlorn, although he is unaware