Meng Jiangnu had been traveling for nine weeks, searching for her husband, trying to find answers from the men in the north-wondering where her husband was, what he was doing, if he was alive-and safe! During that time, she'd slept on the earth, eaten whatever she could beg from local villagers and drunk from the rivers and streams, but she was never alone; she knew the gods were protecting her, she knew her husband's soul lived in her body and that they would be reunited soon. But by the end of those nine weeks when Meng Jiangnu was weak with hunger and exhausted, the gods provided a hut for her. Meng knocked furtively on the door, wondering if anyone was at home, hoping the place was vacant, wondering if she had the right to spend time in someone else's home perhaps, they've gone hunting; perhaps they've been called away to help build the wall, but I know the gods have always protected me and they are leading me to shelter. Just as Jiangnu was about to enter, an old hag greeted her at the door. The hag had white hair that went down to the small of her back, her almond-shaped eyes were black, her height was great but she stooped over so far that her breasts dangled in front of her. Her feet were tiny, her hands small, her nose large, her mouth wide and she appeared to be sixty years old. The old hag stumped for a moment and then slowly raised her head up and looked up into Jiangnu's eyes, "Welcome home, my daughter, come in don't stand there-you're home now."

Meng Jiangnu fumbled with her words, "I'm not your daughter, I'm a stranger, looking for-"

"All honorable people are my children, please come in."

Jiangnu stepped into the house and immediately wondered if she was in the same hut. It was larger than any building she had ever seen, and yet, when she stepped back and looked at the house from the outside, gawking her neck, stretching, trying to see how far it went, she noticed that its width extended less than two body lengths; its length appeared to be even shorter, yet, inside, she felt as if she was in the emperor's palace.

The room was richly furnished with marble floors, hanging tapestries, massive pieces of furniture, and a golden throne. Truly this is the palace of a goddess, Meng Jiangnu thought. This old woman is a goddess . . . or I am bewitched.

Meng Jiangnu blinked and the room was normal again-it was just a tiny hut with a small heated kang brick bed next to the fire-a usual sight for houses in the north. I must have been dreaming. This is merely a way station for workmen to linger on their journey as they head to the Great Wall. I wonder if Xiliang stayed here; I wonder if he slept on that bed. I remember those freezing nights as a girl when I slept on a bed like that heated by a fire underneath so the bricks gave warmth to every part of my body; I remember waking up feeling so warm; it was as if the morning was filled with joy. I wonder if this bed will bring that same joy again, I wonder if the old woman will let me spend the night with her.

"First, you must eat, then you'll sleep with me on my brick bed and you'll be warmer than you've been in months. Eat, drink."

That evening, while Meng Jiangnu slept, the old woman touched her, you will live forever, my daughter, both you and Fan Xiliang will live forever. No matter what they do to you, you will never die! This blessing I bestow on you-on both of you.

Meng Jiangnu stayed with the old woman three days, regaining her strength and confidence as each hour passed, but on the morning of the fourth day, after eating a hearty breakfast of eggs, vegetables, and rice, she told the old woman she must be on her way, "I must get to my husband while there's still time; he is calling me."

The old woman presented Meng with two porcelain bowls. "These are magic bowls, my child; they'll provide all the food and water you'll ever need; each time you're hungry or thirsty, lift a bowl to your lips and it will be filled and when you're done, place the bowl on the ground or in your pocket and it will be empty. If anyone stops you, all they'll find are two worthless bowls because only the pure in heart can make the bowls produce food or water, and you, my child, are pure in heart. Meanwhile, I'll walk with you, but if I slow you down, continue without me and I will understand!"

Meng knew the old woman could never slow her down; she had helped her in ways no one else would ever understand, but each time Jiang slowed her pace, Jiangnu noticed the old woman would walk ahead of her. She's faster than the youngest children in my village. Who is she? Where does she get her strength?

After proceeding for several hours, walking side-by-side with her new friend, Meng heard a noise behind her and turned to see what it was, but when she looked to her right, the old woman was gone.

Surely, I have met with a goddess, it must be the goddess Kuan Yin, only she fits the description-she's the protector of women and the guardian of my soul! Jiangnu smiled as she continued searching for her husband. I'll find him now, I'll find Xiliang; the goddess is standing by me.

Far behind her, a lion crept slowly, stalking Jiangnu, smelling its supper.


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The Premonition
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The Spirits of the Dead
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