Both times Li Xiaoshi returned from his mountain expeditions, I rushed to Taoyuan Airport to greet him — but this time, I could hardly hold back my tears.
My classmate and close friend Li Xiaoshi, originally named Li Dewang, changed his name in memory of a fellow climber who perished on a mountain. Born in the romantic fishing village of Jinsha in Matsu, his mother — from Niujiao in Nangan, the same village as mine — passed on to him a unique blend of artistic talent and resilience. Beyond painting, calligraphy, and photography, he developed a passion for mountaineering. His love for climbing and his drive to conquer the world’s highest peaks surpassed even his reverence for life.
Two years ago, he returned after carrying a statue of Mazu (the Goddess of the Sea) to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. He then set himself the ambitious goal of climbing eight mountains over 8,000 meters in height. Among them, Manaslu was one of the most challenging. Prior to Li Xiaoshi, no Taiwanese climber had successfully reached its summit, making him the “Taiwanese First” to conquer Manaslu. Additionally, the statue of Mazu he carried on this journey was awarded a Manaslu summit certificate, making it the “World’s First Divine Being” to receive such recognition.
To help Li Xiaoshi fulfill his dream of climbing Manaslu and to elevate Matsu’s visibility by breaking through the isolation of the outlying islands, the Matsu Distillery and the Tourism Bureau under our county government sponsored his expedition, allowing Li Xiaoshi to promote Matsu sorghum liquor and tourism. Matsu aged sorghum liquor even became the organic fuel that powered his ascent to the summits. Following the record-breaking sale of a 16-liter commemorative bottle of Taipei 101-branded sorghum liquor for an astronomical price, Matsu aged sorghum liquor once again sold out.
After returning from Mount Everest, I asked Li Xiaoshi, “Were you carrying Mazu, or was Mazu carrying you?” Li Xiaoshi replied, “Mazu was carrying me.”
As Li Xiaoshi’s classmate, close friend, and Magistrate of Lienchiang County (Matsu), I not only share in the glory of his extraordinary mountaineering achievements but also wish to join him in presenting the fruits of his life-risking endeavors as a tribute to our nation’s centennial. At the same time, I share his sentiment: “Glory belongs to the Holy Mother, pride belongs to Matsu.”