Lu Jun was the son of an important government official in Huainan province. He was a talented young man, skilled in the martial arts and well read. In particular, he was interested in the Daoist practises. He had read many books, studied from local scholars but he never found the secrets to inner peace and immortality that he wished so hard to obtain.
One day, he was looking for some books when a elderly man approached him and informed him of a magnificent Master Miao, a Daoist scholar who lived in a small house on Mount Tai who knew the secret to long life. He also said something unusual, “When you meet Master Miao, make sure to bring plenty of fish.” Lu Jun wasn’t bothered, he was too thrilled at the thought of finally gaining the knowledge he sought so long. He made plans to leave for his pilgrimage at an auspicious time.
Later, in the fall, Lu Jun made the long trek to Mount Tai. He left his entourage at the base of the mountain and took the gifts of silk and silver that he planned to give to Master Miao at his meeting. He also brought several crates of fish, salted so they would not spoil.
As he made his way up, he saw a small grey kitten ahead of him on the path.
It looked at him for a while, then meowed. Lu Jun was a learned man, he knew Daoist priests were capable of magic, including turning themselves into animals. He took a salted fish from the crate and tossed it to the kitten. The kitten, in turn, sniffed it, ate it and curled up at Lu Jun’s feet. Lu Jun petted the kitten who insisted on sitting in his lap, purring softly, letting Lu Jun scratch his belly. Lu Jun finally fell asleep without even having the opportunity to make camp or have a meal.
When he woke the next morning, the kitten was gone. Lu Jun ate and continued on his way up. It was about mid-day when he saw the kitten again. Just like the day before, it meowed until Lu Jun gave it fish and then insisted on sleeping in his lap. This time, Lu Jun prepared and made camp as well as his evening meal, to avoid going to bed hungry, on the rocky mountain path. This ritual continued for six more evenings and every morning, the kitten was gone. Lu Jun strongly suspected that it was Master Miao, guiding his way up to his sanctuary, where he would teach Lu Jun the secrets to long life and magic.
Finally he reached a small thatched cottage, at the side of the mountain, it was old but maintained, partly obscured by bushy trees. Lu Jun knocked on the door, no one answered but it was open so he made his way in.
Inside there was no one inside except for the grey kitten who was sitting on a sofa. It saw him and ran up to him and meowed. Lu Jun was now convinced that this was the Daoist master in disguise.
“Master Miao, I am Lu Jun from Huainan province, I’ve come a long way to seek your wisdom. Tell me, what is the secret to long life.”
“Miao,” the kitten looked at him and mewed.
“Master, I don’t understand,” Lu Jun looked at the kitten, who looked back, blinked and mewed. Lu Jun picked up the kitten, petting its fur. It purred, he sighed, “Oh Master Miao, perhaps I am not ready to receive your instruction, but I have come such a very long way.”
Just then, an elderly man and his attendant walked through the door.
“Ah, I see you’ve met Hui Hui,” Master Miao exclaimed, “She wandered here a few days ago, don’t know where they come from. Many cats come here and thankfully, visitors come with fish so I have enough to feed them all. Some go, some stay. Lovely animals, keep you relaxed when you are troubled, entertain you when you are bored. But I see you’ve come a long way, come, let us drink tea and discuss your matters.”
Lu Jun sat down as an attendant brought tea and food, and then Master Miao spoke again, “You want to know the secret to a long life? Get a cat.” The two talked for a long time until both were tired and went to bed. Hui Hui curled up with Lu Jun and slept by his side the whole night.
Lu Jun made his way down Mount Tai a few days later, with a small grey kitten. They both lived a very long life.
Writer than a write angle 