The Codeless Code: Case 93 You Take the High Road
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A certain nun was prone to pester master Bawan for his
wisdom. One day she said: Say something of high-level
languages and low-level languages.
Bawan replied: First fetch me the best bottle of huangjiu to
be found in the Province of Two Turbulent Rivers.
The nun journeyed to this province and returned a week later
with a bottle of dark liquid.
Bawan took a sip and remarked: this huangjiu is too sweet. A
superior bottle may be found hidden in our own cellars,
though the way to it is laden with traps. Now heed carefully
what I say...
The master then gave the nun a most detailed set of
instructions, beginning with which direction to face, which
foot to put first and which second; how many steps to go
before turning right and how many then before turning left;
which hands to use to climb down the well-rope, and how hard
to pull the earring on the second stone statue in the third
alcove before crossing the Room of Cleverly-Hidden Poison
Spears.
The nun followed the directions and returned within the
hour, drenched in cold sweat but bearing the desired bottle.
Bawan took a sip and nodded his approval. The nun bowed and
went out, enlightened.
That evening, a monk of the same clan approached master
Bawan and asked: what can you say of high-level languages
and low-level languages?
In a low slurred voice, the master replied: I have no wisdom
to give on this matter. But fetch me the best rice in the
Province of Two Turbulent Rivers, and I will tell you how to
get a week’s peace and two free bottles of huangjiu.
