Inn Culture

As everyone had injuries, the three master and disciples found a clean and tidy inn to stay temporarily.

Inns in ancient times were often called guesthouses, but most were dirty and chaotic, with walls generally made of bamboo woven and plastered with lime, far inferior to modern hotels with neatly painted walls.

Precisely because of this, travelers did not cherish them much, accustomed to casually drawing graffiti on the walls, thereby venting their inner feelings. These graffiti varied in content, mostly vulgar words, but sometimes one could also see a few popular and vivid sayings.

For example, Tai Yuan had previously passed by a rather large inn, and on its wall were written a few folk verses: "Flea father, flea mother, across the bed, I beg you to go for lunch; people are slaughtering a fat pig, my family is killing a plump hen."

One could tell at a glance that this was likely a "user review" left by a traveling merchant. Presumably, he was bitten by fleas all night, unable to sleep, filled with helplessness, yet not losing his humor, humorously inviting the fleas to "feast" on the bed opposite. Reading it truly made one unable to help but laugh.

However, if there was a cleaner inn, why make things difficult for oneself?

Although this inn cost quite a bit, Lin Ping Zhi had ample funds. Before Lin Zhen Nan sent the long spear, he also sent some travel expenses. Otherwise, the group would have to rely on "performing tricks" to pay for lodging.

The owner of this inn had probably read books for a few years, as a couplet was pasted on the door: "At dusk, where do you go, my lord? At dawn, I will not keep you."

The three requested a seat by the window.

Lin Ping Zhi recalled the couplet at the door, repeated it a few times, and laughed, "Honored Master, this inn owner really wants to stand out."

Tai Yuan looked up at him and asked, "What's good about it?"

Lin Ping Zhi said, "These two lines are not only well-matched, but the language is also intimate and gentle, and the imagery is profound: In the vast twilight, the wandering traveler hurries on his journey, adrift on the horizon, forlornly seeking a place to rest. Suddenly, he sees the hospitable and kind owner waving continuously, calling out for you to stay and enjoy a night, so that on the second day, you can continue your journey with a bright spirit. With such warm hospitality, how can you not rest?"

After explaining, he looked at Tai Yuan, awaiting his master's comments.

Tai Yuan smiled faintly, nodded, and said, "It seems that in Ziyang Academy for a few months, you have indeed learned quite a bit."

At this moment, Himura Kenshin also expressed his view: "Such inn culture not only adorns the inn itself but also cultivates the inn's waiters. I believe that when they greet travelers, they often speak remarkably, with a touch of cultural significance."

Lin Ping Zhi heard this and looked curiously at Himura Kenshin: "Kenshin, do you also understand these things?"

Himura Kenshin chuckled, with a hint of humility: "Not very well, but I can generally discern it. This has some common points with Japanese Haiku poetry."

Lin Ping Zhi's eyes widened, and he asked, "Haiku? What is Haiku? Is it similar to the poems, lyrics, and odes of Great Ming?"

Himura Kenshin replied, "Haiku is a type of poetry with a special form. Haiku consists of three lines of five, seven, and five syllables, totaling 17 syllables, and must contain a 'seasonal word.' A seasonal word is a word used to indicate spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the New Year."

Lin Ping Zhi listened with great interest, and laughed, egging him on, "Sounds very interesting, Kenshin, can you compose one? Give us a verse."

Himura Kenshin was a bit shy for a moment, scratching his head: "Alright, but I'm not very good at it, Senior Brother Lin, please don't laugh at me."

Lin Ping Zhi waved his hand, smiling, "No, no."

Himura Kenshin closed his eyes, brewing his emotions, and softly recited: "Autumn wind, desolate sorrow rises; in the wine shop, poets and fishermen recite. Beside the ancient pond, a frog leaps into the water, a silent sound rings out."

Lin Ping Zhi: "..."

He watched Himura Kenshin immersed in his own world, momentarily unsure of what to say.

According to his aesthetic, this was neither a five-character nor a seven-character regulated verse, nor any folk song. It was somewhat blunt, and a bit peculiar.

Himura Kenshin slowly opened his eyes, seeing a pair of bewildered eyes. The two looked at each other, speechless, and the atmosphere instantly became awkward.

It was Himura Kenshin who first broke the silence.

He looked at Lin Ping Zhi, his eyes holding a hint of anticipation: "Senior Brother Lin, what do you think of this junior brother's Haiku just now?"

Lin Ping Zhi thought to himself that he had just said he wanted to take care of his junior brother, so he couldn't let him lose face.

So, he pretended to nod profoundly, repeatedly saying, "Good! Good! This line is excellent!"

Himura Kenshin's eyes lit up, and he eagerly pressed, "What's good about it?"

"Uh... that... that..." Lin Ping Zhi stammered.

His forehead slightly beaded with sweat; how could he understand the subtle wonders of Haiku? In his view, it had neither balanced couplets nor rhythmic beauty.

Tai Yuan, on the side, couldn't help but laugh, reminding him, "Kenshin, recite that Haiku again in Japanese."

Although he didn't know what his master meant, Himura Kenshin still complied.

"秋の風は孤独で憂鬱、ワインと詩は詩人と漁師です。古代の池の隣で、カエルが静かな音で水の中に飛び込みました。"

This time, Lin Ping Zhi heard something different.

"Although I don't understand what Kenshin is saying, just hearing the rhythm evokes a subtle emotional resonance and a tranquil, profound artistic conception."

This time, Himura Kenshin was greatly encouraged.

"Senior Brother is truly my confidant; he understands me."

Tai Yuan said, "Actually, Haiku, while different in form from songs and Han poetry, shares similar interests. Haiku and Han poetry have many similarities, with Haiku originating from the quatrains of Han poetry."

Lin Ping Zhi's face was full of surprise: "Honored Master, you even understand Haiku?"

In his heart, his master had always deeply studied martial arts and Daoist philosophy, and he hadn't expected him to be so knowledgeable about foreign poetic forms.

Tai Yuan smiled faintly, his tone indifferent: "I merely know one or two things. Alright, let's not talk about this."

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

"Last time, I gave you two questions. How far have you thought about them?"

Lin Ping Zhi and Himura Kenshin, hearing this, immediately straightened their expressions and sat upright.