by Mark Swaine
“Drink slowly,” says Yu-Huang, patting him on the shoulder.
The kid, tasting and sensing the cold water, tips the entire goat’s bladder over his head, neck and shoulders. Shaking his head of excess water he regains his senses and nods gratefully to the visitor. Yu-Huang asks the boy his name and the nature of his problem, and the apprentice woodworker informs the visitor that his name is Lu Ban, and it is his burden to take over the family business so he may care for his grandparents and baby brother. Lu Ban informs the visitor that his Grandfather had fallen to the dementia sickness two seasons ago and can no longer recollect his practice in the art of woodwork. He also informs the stranger that nobody will purchase his craftwork, to which Yu-Huang nods understandably. To make matters even worse, Lu Ban informs that the other traders and townsfolk had chosen to brand him ‘Bènzhuō de Mùjiang’ (the Clumsy Carpenter).
Yu-Huang smiles at the comical nickname, yet feels nothing short of empathy for the young man's noble struggle.
“from where do you hail Lu Ban? You do not sound native to the Huanghua territories,” says Yu-Huang.
“I was born in the Lu state, my family moved here when I was five,” replies Lu Ban.
Yu-Huang extends his offer of aid but goes on to explain that he had very little practice or experience in the practice of woodwork, but he will help him nevertheless. Presenting a brief smile of gratitude, Lu Ban stumbles a little as he struggles to his feet. Still demoralised from his previous futile efforts, he drags his feet and begins searching for something lost in the cabin. Digging threw a pile of loose dirty laundry, the Emperor sighs as the untidy boy burrows and flings his dirty undergarments across the room in an idle search for his book of crafts and designs. Yu-Huang taps his leg with his finger and scans the messy workshed, patiently awaiting Lu Ban's attention. Yu-Huang's brow creases in annoyance, for Lu Ban's poor hygiene, organisation and lack of discipline becomes a source of irritation. Lu Ban finally discovers the giant blocky book under a pile of wood shavings and lumbers over to Yu-Huang. Yu-Huang takes the book as if it were nothing but a feather and does his best to placate the undisciplined youngster whilst taking into account his noble cause. Blowing the excess wood shavings and dusting it off with a brush of his hand, he shoots Lu Ban a quick smile of ignominy as he takes a seat and opens the first page. Relaxing his ankle on his knee and adjusting his posture to one of more comfort, he rests the twenty inch book on his thigh before suggesting to Lu Ban that he clean the place up, do his laundry and prepare food. As Lu Ban goes about his tasks, Yu-Huang begins reading the enormous codex of chalked doodles and diagrams. He studies the book through the night until Lu Ban finishes his chores and the two sit together eating quietly. As Yu-Huang sifts through the loose parchments of scruffy transcripts, Lu Ban watches the stranger intensely, awaiting input or any kind of reaction to his ideas, even though he still has no idea who the man is. As the night arrives, Lu Ban nods off as Yu-Huang takes his time with the incredibly insightful read, which he considers nothing short of genius. The exhausted kid slumps on his stool in a heavy deep sleep with the side of his face resting flat against the table. Lu Ban mumbles between snores whilst presumably ordering a takeaway in his deep sleep, a luxury clearly absent for some time now.
“Chicken fried rice, extra chicken, spicy... no peas,” mumbles Lu Ban.
Upon morning break, the sun casts the first of its warming rays through the hut window and Yu-Huang has just about finished reading Lu Ban's book of brilliant ideas. Yu-Huang slams the giant book closed and Lu Ban stands in shock and bewilderment as he awakes from a bizarre dream.
“The trees, the trees, they're chasing me!” slurs Lu Ban in a frightened panic.
Lu Ban's head darts around the hut, taking in his surroundings, he is suddenly aware of the late hour from which he has woken from his overdue nap. Eventually his confused gaze finally rests on Yu-Huang's absent expression.
“You can run from the trees later, we have much work to complete this day,” says Yu-Huang, humourlessly.
First, the two men eat heartily over their most important first meal of the day. While they eat, Yu-Huang joyfully enlightens Lu Ban about the finer points of his book of architecture, and just how much potential it holds.
“They are just ideas,” says Lu Ban.
“Ideas of great worth Lu Ban,” replies Yu-Huang shaking his arm encouragingly. “The “Yunti Che” (Cloud Ladder), pure brilliance of design. The implements you designed for marine warfare, amazing. But this one is truly my favourite...” says Yu-Huang, pointing to a bird crafted from bent bamboo.
“’Tis a mere bird,” says Lu Ban modestly.
“’Tis no mere bird, your design is capable of flight whilst carrying a passenger,” says Yu-Huang. “Your designs are amazing, you are a Master craftsman in the making and possess a bright and promising destiny Lu Ban. This day we shall focus on bringing some wealth to your homestead,” adds Yu-Huang keenly.
After sharpening and repairing the tools, the two men venture outside and Yu-Huang looks curiously at a peculiar table with a circular saw in the middle.
“Did you build this contraption too?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Yes, I cut my finger on a blade of grass last year, 'twas then I had the idea for a blade that would slice through wood, just as a blade sliced though my finger, though I have not yet been able to get it to function,” says Lu Ban, scratching his head.
“And that?” asks Yu-Huang, pointing to an iron statue holding up an axe.
“No, stay away from it. I dare not even go near that insane contraption, it chased after me until it ran out of fuel. I purchased it from a passing trader: the crazy bastard conned me out of seventy cowrie shells,” says Lu Ban, crossly.
Yu-Huang continues scanning the area and then looks pitifully at the amount of offcuts of discarded timber.
“What a waste, look at this mess, look at this mess!” mutters Yu-Huang.
Lu Ban begins hacking into a tree with a blunt axe and Yu-Huang commands him to stop.
“You are hurting them,” says Yu-Huang, taking the axe from him.
“It is just a tree!” laughs Lu Ban.
“’Tis a life form my friend, this mere tree grew branches long before you arrived into this realm,” says Yu-Huang.
“Then what will I use for materials, leaves? What do you suggest I do, sing it a lullaby?” says Lu Ban, flippantly.
“All living things deserve respect Lu Ban. Simply because a tree lacks the ability to speak in our mortal tongue, that is not to say it has not the ability to voice its pain when being ravaged by a rusty axe. The land communicates in many forms Lu Ban, this forest communicates in many forms, from the creaking of their stretching trunks revealing their old age, to the green decor of their swaying branches,” says Yu-Huang, eloquently.
“You sound like my Aunty,” moans Lu Ban.
“Your Aunty is a wise woman. Now place your hand on the tree,” says Yu-Huang.
Lu Ban exasperates and places an outstretched palm on the tree whilst hoping Yu-Huang will end his lecture before sundown.
“I hear nothing but swaying branches, there is only one language in the entire realm, and it is the one I am speaking right now,” says Lu Ban, feeling daft with his hand on the ridged bark.
Yu-Huang frowns at the young lad's insolence and places one of his latest favourite spells on the boy.
“There are many languages in the entire realm, this is but one of them,” says Yu-Huang in English.
After recoiling from the sound of his own mad voice and taking some time to adjust to the many dialects, Lu Ban calms and returns to the issue of "wounding trees".
“If the tree can feel pain, then it is going to hurt no matter how I bring it down,” says Lu Ban losing his patience whilst laughing hysterically.
“A skilled hunter strikes for the heart and uses every part of his kill, from the pelt to its bones. A skilled hunter wastes nothing. Any life form born of this realm is alive and possesses the right to complete its
life cycle. Those who see fit to end the life cycle of any life form, must pay homage to its spirit,” says Yu-Huang,
“If all things return from whence they came upon the end of a life cycle,” asks Lu Ban, “what difference does it make how the tree is cut?”
“Allow me to answer that question by posing another. Would you prefer to die sooner, or later?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Later of course,” replies Lu Ban.
“In screaming pain or peaceful sleep?” asks Yu-Huang.
“Peaceful sleep,” replies Lu Ban in obvious tone.
“Trees make the perfect material for crafting many useful items, these items, like mortals, do not last forever. Like mortals, these items are too committed to ashes to once again return to the ground. All life hails from the very ground we tread upon my friend, 'tis our living ally, treat it well, and she shall return the favour,” says Yu-Huang.
“Is that true?” asks Lu Ban.
“‘Tis my belief,” replies Yu-Huang. “My point is Lu Ban, take only what you need, and not take advantage of the wealth of resources bestowed upon you,” says Yu-Huang, finally.
“Then how do I collect the wood without hurting the tree?” asks Lu Ban, whilst patting to the tree as if to make amends.
“I will show you two techniques, both are quicker and painless,” says Yu-Huang.
Yu-Huang approaches an old Huánghòu (Empress) tree and presses his hand against the loose bark whilst whispering a prayer of gratitude. Using only his fingertips, he rapidly punches the exterior. Yu-Huang faces Lu Ban and the young carpenter stares back in an expectant manner, minus his supply of wood.
“Quite a feat mysterious stranger, I am most impressed,” says Lu Ban sarcastically to the non eventful result.
“My gratitude,” replies Yu-Huang as the wide trunk begins to crack and splinter in a straight line.
Lu Ban suddenly jumps aside as the massive log leans over in a creaking groan between him and the Emperor. Lu Ban marvels at the flush round stump while YuHuang inspects the quality of the piece of timber. So impressed is Lu Ban as he runs his fingers across the smooth circular surface of the tree stump, that he fast approaches another tree to attempt the Emperor's technique. Flocks of pigeons break from the tree tops as Lu Ban shouts wildly from the pain of his fingers snapping. Yu-Huang shakes his head at the foolish boy.
“That technique takes years of practice to master you fool. I did not suggest you attempt the method yourself,” says Yu-Huang exhaling at Lu Ban's idiotic mistake.
“What were you suggesting!” shouts Lu Ban holding up two broken fingers.
“Use a sharper axe, the second technique,” says Yu-Huang obviously.
“What is the name of the first technique?” says Lu Ban still wincing.
“It has many names, but I simply call it the ‘Liù gè diǎn tuīdǎo’ (Six Point Pushover),” says Yu-Huang.
“If what you say is true, regarding our realm, I will learn the ‘Liù gè diǎn tuīdǎo’technique, or die trying,” says Lu Ban determinedly.
“The technique will take some time to master, do not feel bad,” says Yu-Huang bracing two short splints to Lu Ban’s broken digits.
“That is easy for you to say, your fingers do not resemble two broken chopsticks,” complains Lu Ban.
“Your fingers will mend in time and you will try again until it is the tree that breaks, not your fingers,” says Yu-Huang enthusiastically. “Until then, we have plenty of material for our day’s work, let us go to work now,” smiles Yu-Huang, enthusiastically.
Lu Ban and Yu-Huang graft hard for the duration of the day and Yu-Huang pushes the boy for results. To Yu-Huang's pleasured surprise, he finds the more he motivates his new friend, the more the teen is able to use his intellect and intuition. Yu-Huang continues instructing the surprisingly attentive youngster about methods of constructing his own tremendous projects, and to his relief, he finds Lu Ban taking charge of the tasks at hand. Yu-Huang continues assisting the boy for the end of the autumn season. With the winter season approaching, Yu-Huang and Lu Ban stand at the entrance of the newly constructed storage shed whilst looking proudly upon the assortment of furniture. Carts, carriages, canoes, furniture and rafts and many unique items fashioned by their own steady hands fill the woollen lined walls of the large extension of Lu Ban's new house. The Emperor pats Lu Ban on the back, knowing he is ready and confident to continue on by himself. But more importantly, he is disciplined.
“At least in the manner of his profession,” muses the Emperor.
The slightly ill-mannered kid adjusts his slacks from his crotch with ignorant abandon, completely oblivious to Yu-Huang's stare of condemnation. Yu-Huang congratulates Lu Ban for not only mastering the art of reshaping wood, but also for his progress in learning the Liù gè diǎn tuīdǎo technique. Yu-Huang smiles and points to an old tree, inviting Lu Ban to bring it down using the finger punch technique.
“This time, bring it down,” commands Yu-Huang, wandering to a tree with an axe leaning against it.
“I have tried many times, I am as yet unable to bring it down,” replies Lu Ban.
Without warning Yu-Huang kicks up the axe and catches it before flinging it at Lu Ban's chest. Lu Ban catches the axe by the head with the palms of his hands and Yu-Huang grins as he picks up another axe and charges toward him. Yu-Huang strikes upon Lu Ban from every available angle, and in great spins and counter strikes Lu Ban is able to defend himself with the greatest of ease. Spinning the axes in a reverse display and behind their backs, their two axes clang together.
“You possess Chi, great power. You are ready, disciplined in both body and mind. Do not doubt yourself,” says Yu-Huang, putting the axe aside.
Lu Ban puts his axe aside and humbly accepts Yu-Huang's challenge. He walks to its massive base and goes to strike but backs out at the last crucial moment.
Reforming his position with a stubborn expression, Lu Ban suddenly thrusts his index finger forward. The tree shakes from the sudden impact as he continues the technique of rapid striking digits the trunk judders even harder. Seconds later, Lu Ban stands pleased with himself as the tree topples over beside Yu-Huang.
“Lu Ban, you have exceeded my expectations and beyond. This where I leave you; my time here has been well spent,” says Yu-Huang.
“Wait: I have something for you,” says Lu Ban, retrieving a long item wrapped in fabric.
Lu Ban smirks as Yu-Huang curiously unwraps his gift and looks upon a dragon headed cane with its tail forming the stick.
“’Tis a masterpiece my friend,” says Yu-Huang admiring the polished finish, “but a cane?” asks Yu-Huang, oddly.
“Because you are older than this forest of trees combined,” jests Lu Ban.
“Very funny,” replies Yu-Huang.
“Gratitude, for saving my homestead Master Yu-Huang. I will be forever grateful our paths have crossed,” says Lu Ban.
Clearly proud of his new friend, he bows his head. Lu Ban returns the gesture, finally displaying his first true mark of mutual respect.
“Lu Ban, ‘Dàshī Jiàng’ (the Master Carpenter),” says Yu-Huang, encouragingly, “farewell my friend, until next time,” says Yu-Huang.
Lu Ban watches the Emperor disappear into the mature tranquillity of the forest, and then goes back to work, and Yu-Huang smiles as he listens to the carving of wood fading into the distance. Yu-Huang's slow steps satisfy a quiet winter morning as each foot tread crunches the leaves. As the beating beaks of the woodpeckers create a rapping of rapid knocks, a cold breeze from the North causes Yu-Huang to put on his cloak. Despite his present state of placid mind, the troublesome mystery of the Weaver girl still continues to evade his rationale. Yu-Huang ponders gently on the issue, but as he strains to unravel the mystery, that dull pain returns behind his eyes. The Emperor begins wondering if it is time to visit the Black Dragon, but such counsel would alert the Brotherhood to his lapse in wisdom were they to discover the nature of his query. Yu-Huang decides it best to head back to the cit
adel, since his lack of intuition of late is unable to aid him in his thoughts. Even though he has already scoured the wealth of resources in the archives of the Tower of Guang, maybe he had missed something that he might pick up. Yu-Huang takes a more peaceful route through the territories to a place where the sounds alone can lift the most desperate of spirits.
It takes Yu-Huang almost two weeks to reach the ‘Míngjiào’ (Chirping) village, and as soon as arrives he can feel the peaceful atmosphere. The village folk perform in street plays whilst the quiet and the mindful tell stories in trays of sand through wonderful calligraphy. Walking the steep lanes of the tall creaking huts, his ears are treated to various chirps of birds and the picking of string instruments. Musicians and performers fill the streets with music inspired by cheerful birds, as if mortal men had somehow discovered how to communicate in the tongue of the feathered wing. To hear these sounds evolving around him is like light bouncing to his soul and he continues to be amazed their ability to discover new methods of crafting instruments. Woodworkers everywhere find use for their discards of wood to create wind instruments. Cymbals and gongs create extra work for the blacksmiths, and the tailors found another use for animal skin to craft drums for their children to play on. With all of these various musical instruments, the melodies of the musicians influence the imaginations of youngsters everywhere, inspiring them to make instruments and melodies of their own. Yu-Huang walks by an old bearded man sat by a shaded wall gently playing a set of bamboo pipes. The old man must have been having a bad day, for the bowl beside him barely contained any cowrie shells.