Chapter 6

Ten days later we arrived in Yang Zhou.

Between chariots and horses, I didn’t forget to ask about Cui Xiu’s matter.

From Tong Jin’s imports, Cui Xiu is a prince from Moon state in the western part of Yu Han. His name is Xiu, with courtesy name Cui Ming, titled as "Prince Cui Ming".

About a year ago, the Moon state was in civil disorder and the Nine Princes seized, with Cui Xiu involved. Although he was talented, he was born from a concubine and had only few supporters in court. Later, he was defeated by his brother Yue JinShen in the battle war of ChengPing River and fled to Yu Han.

Yu Han is a vast country. Even if the Moon state deliberately cut the grass and eradicate the root[1], he dared not work rashly in Yu Han’s frontier.

He hid in the brothel of Yu Han and collected information under the pseudonym of Cui Xiu. No one could have imagined that Prince Cui Ming would stoop to serve in the place where dragons and snakes mingled[2].

At this point, Tong Jin sighed, “Speaking of that, he’s really very clever. The brothel has the most mixed traffic and is the easiest to gather information. This is a wise move to strategize, recuperate and make great cause. It’s just that he didn’t expect you to appear...”

He blinked at me.

I stared back. This boy! Dared to take me as femme fatale.

“Did the Emperor knew he was in Yang Zhou?”

“No.” Tong Yin shook his head. “It may have happened during the patrol. But even if he knows it, the Emperor should not embarrass him, after all, they...”

Tong Yin stopped suddenly and looked at me uneasily.

I smiled and turned a blind eye

Tolerance is everything. Not to mention that I, this romantic Murong’s fourth childe, who’s very popular in the world, how could I not have this kind of bearing?

I am worried about something else now

I’ve been away from home for many days without a word. My father is definitely be crazy now!

But I can’t tell the reason. I can’t say that I was taken to the palace by the Emperor and became the Emperor’s consort.

If that’s the case, I don’t have to face Dharma on the wall, maybe I will expose a skin to worship the ancestors!

Woo... Now I’m only looking forward to leaving home for a month or two. I have plenty of time for my father to reflect on what was bad for me, and to recall my previous benefits. He...should..should...not be so cruel...

With a thousand worries, I finally stepped into the Murong’s vermilion gateway with bluish green fence

The first person who saw me was the housekeeper, Liu Bai.

“Heavens ah! Fourth young master. Is it really the fourth young master?” When Liu Bai saw me, he was filled with tears and grief that he flew over with a dog-like-hug.

“Fourth young master, this low servant wants to strike the villain!”

Now I finally realize the importance of myself. I gently touched his head, “Ohhh, Liu Bai is good. Am I not back now?”

“Presumptuous!” Seeing how close we were, Tong Yin pulled us apart with a dark face.

“Fourth young master...they are...” With some doubts and questions, Liu Bai’s eyes glanced at Tong Yin and Tong Jin.

“They...uh...they are my friends... Oh, by the way Liu Bai, where’s my father?” I looked a bit erratic, hurriedly changed the subject.

“Stinky boy, do you still remember your father?”

A loud voice came, my mind buzzed. I saw my father striding forward with my mother.

“Dad! Mother!” I shouted timidly.

“Hmph!” Father snorted coldly and said, “You’re finally willing to come back? I thought you forgot where Murong’s door was!”

“Qing-er, if you go, you must also say something ah. Dad and Mother are both very worried about you... For more than a month, your Dad doesn’t know how much white hair he lost. Aiya, in order to find you...almost the Wulin post were sent out...”

Mother stepped forward, grabbed my hands and said softly with tears flashing in her eyes.

My heart feels hot. Of course, I know that these short words contain the worries, thoughts, anxieties, bitterness of many days and nights. Though I was usually very prickly, but when I encountered such thing, I couldn’t help but burst into tears, as soon as my legs soften, I feel on my knees.

Tong Yin and Tong Jin was frightened by my advancement and was about to pull me up but was afraid of my command and didn’t do it.

“Okay, okay.” I heard Dad sighed. I raised my head in tears, only to see him waved his hands, “Go back to your room to rest first, I’ll ask you something later.”

“Ah—” Before I could react, I had already been pulled up by Tong Yin and Tong Jin.

“Childe, we help you back.”

“Wait, you stay.” Said by the dignified and coldness voice of my father, eyes remained on both.

“Dad—” I called anxiously.

“Xiao Qing, go back to your room!”

“I...” Hearing father’s ruthless voice, my heart pounded.

“Dad...they’re my friends, don’t hurt them...”

“Dad knows... Go quickly. Old Liu, send fourth son back to his room.”

“Yes, my lord.” Dragging my loose gold sleeves, Liu Bai whispered, “Fourth young master, let’s go, master will be angry.”

“Oh...” I stumbled and looked at the few people standing in the lower courtyard, worried, “Liu Bai, are they really okay?”

“Don’t worry,” Liu Bai led me through the pavilions, painted and carved eaves. He chanted and smiled, “No problem, no problem.”

Of course no problem, I secretly murmured. Fortunately I’m smart, I had a good word with Tong Yin and Tong Jin while on the road. What’s more, they are clever and sharp, even if they are with father, they can’t say anything!

But I still rushed around, pacing back and forth in the room like an ant on a hot pan. The bluestone floor tiles barely grind my footprints.

I don’t know how many moments passed, the carved mahogany door pushed open

My Dad and mother stepped in

I rushed up and asked, “Dad, you...”

“Ah-Qing, what is your relationship with them?” Father’s face became more gloomy, he went straight in and asked immediately.

“This ah...” Should I be honest? I hesitated. I’d better not say it, lest to not over-stimulate my father.

“Hmm?” Father’s face came closer

“In fact, they are my life saving benefactors. I met bandits on the way while they are not on the right path, we helped each other... As for who they are, I don’t know.”

“...Then when and where did you meet them?” Father twirled his beard, asked after thinking about it.

“This...I forgot. You know, Dad, I never know the way...” He wouldn’t see anything, right? I secretly watched Dad’s look. If he knew I had been given to the Emperor then accepted into the harem, I wondered if he would get angry and splattered blood five steps?

Father frowned, “Their martial arts are strange, spicy and tricky, which are rare in Wulin. Qing-er, do you know which school they belong to?”

“I don’t know...” I bowed my head in grievance... Hey! If you can’t think of any reason for this, just pretend to be confused.

“You...” My father suddenly stopped.

“As soon as Xiao Qing comes back, you asked him multiple questions. You see, Xiao Qing’s tears are swirling in his eyes. How do you become someone’s father?” Mother, you’re really my confidant. My tears circled around my eyes. My father was absolutely scared. I’m afraid he will see something!

“I... Aiya! I’m not scolding him. I’m just asking him for clearing things up. Okay, okay, Ah-Qing, take a rest first. I’ll ask you this later.”

“En!” With the buffer time, I can make up a seamless story.

“What about them?” I asked cautiously

“I’ve arranged them on the West Wing of Rong Yue courtyard.”

“Oh...” I’m relieved.

Since then, father asked many more questions and I evaded them evasively.

Until father left, I was too tired to stay on the soft mattress, the smell of aloes came, I slowly relaxed my body.

I can’t help but think back of the Emperor’s words, think about how do I feel about him?

He is overbearing and domineering. I have seen the momentum of him strategizing and commanding. I have seen him set the world to rights, hiding his graceful demeanor. I have to admit he’s an outstanding man but at the same time a bad man.

I was so dizzy that I gradually fell asleep.

In my dream, I walked barefoot in a dark forest. Listening to the sound of night wind bugs and stomping footsteps stepping on dead leaves and broken bones, I felt the dead trees blowing downwind like ghostly figures dancing in the dark woods.

I ran, but I only turned back to my original place and could not find the exit. I was almost scared out of my wits when wild geese howling in my ears. But just then, a pair of big hands reached out and pulled my arms.

A moment of relief passed in my heart. Looking up, I found that the rising sun had risen to the East, the interstices between flowers were glistening. And that person...that person is...

I woke up with a start.

I wiped a few sweat beads seeping from my forehead. This time I’m really dead... I dreamed of the Emperor.

After sitting stupefied for a while, I jumped out of the bed and opened the curtain, I found it was already foggy and the sun was setting on the western hills. Through the window screen, I saw some dim wedges on the bluestone.

“Your father told you to go dinner.” As soon as I opened the door, Tong Yin and Tong Jin entered.

“You and Dad already talked?” I rolled up my sleeves, washed my hands on the copper plate beside the tea table, and asked them mysteriously.

Tong Jin picked up the towel beside him and helped me dry my hands.

“Yes. The head of Murong’s family is indeed worthy of his name.”

“Ha ha, seemed like Dad didn’t win easily.”

“It’s time to go out, your father may be impatient to wait.” Tong Jin smiled without explaining. He took me out with Tong Yin.

The three of us walked into the dining room.

Everyone was already seated, but they were silent, not even the sound of bowls or chopsticks.

I felt strange. After washing, I didn’t dare touch the chopsticks, my eyes are dripping on the food.

I looked at the salted duck, Baibao rice, braised duck with cabbage, pumpkin mung bean porridge, I almost swallowed saliva.

“Qing-er,” Father squinted his eyes and coughed a few times.

“Dad has something to tell you.”

“Dad, just say it! This child will listen.” It must be a good thing, I swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

“(Cough)... it’s like this. Dad has a close friend, it’s Uncle Ling who used to come see you. Do you remember?”

“...” I really don’t want to say I don’t remember much.

“His son, Ling Kai, used to play with you often when you were young. Don’t you remember?”

“...” I looked at him innocently, I really don’t remember.

“I haven’t seen him for more than ten years. Now, nephew Ling is not only magnificent in figure but also highly intelligent with prominent identity, I don’t know how many young ladies dream of spring boudoir.”

“Well, what does this have to do with me?” The ladies spring dream? Isn’t that like me? That’s obviously stealing my limelight!

“A few days ago, nephew Ling came to propose marriage but it happened that you weren’t here. Dad didn’t agree. Now you’re back. Just the right time. Dad will now accept the dowry. Choose a day and marry him.”

Pu Dong, I have enough psychological preparation and in fright I fell off the chair. I almost bit my tongue, “Marry? Who?”

“Of course it’s you. Is it me?” Father’s serious attitude made me even more frightened. When did his receptiveness become so high?

“He...Did he dare ask me?” Regardless oh my romantic fame, what I would like to ask more is... Does that Ling dare to wear a green hat on the Emperor?

“Hmph! You have a little self knowledge. Ling nephew is the son of your Uncle Ling. He’s broad-minded and doesn’t care about your ridiculous things. Just give me some peace and marry him obediently.”

I gaped and couldn’t make any noise for a long time. “Dad, are you sure I am your son, not your daughter? No father calls his son to marry.”

Father narrowed his eyes. “If there is a lady who can tie you up, Dad will be happy to marry you. However, it seems impossible in your nature, if you don’t find a husband to take charge of you, you really will give me lawlessness.”

“Dad... I don’t want to marry.”

That way, isn’t that called remarriage? Should not count. The Emperor didn’t say he was going to take a break from me, it should be called an affair or the red apricot leans over the wall[3]. Red apricot leans over the wall? Once that’ll be accidentally told to the Emperor, wouldn’t he...chop us all with a click?

The thought of this makes my scalp tingle.

I rubbed my neck, I have to find a way to refuse this marriage.

“Either you want it or not, that’s how it’s decided anyway.” Father didn’t care whether I was against it or not. He already thought of this and wanted to marry me and throw my golden hot potato to another family.

“I won’t allow you to step out of the house before the wedding.”

Woo! Even the feet has banned. What should I do now?

I wandered around the house for a long time but couldn’t think of any way. Perhaps my wisdom belongs to the type of quick learning. If you give me a long time to meditate, I can’t think of anything.

The weather at this time is like my mood, sticky, humid, and erratic.

I was sitting under the tall sycamore tree, the weak sunlight passes through the lush green leaves, dropping a little light and shadow.

“How can I make him not want me?” It was really a headache.

I secretly asked Tong Yin and Tong Jin, hoping the Emperor would come forward to solve this problem. But so far no news.

It’s better to tell Dad the truth.

But...if so, isn’t it still lying to him before?

A trace of fluke passed in my heart. I hope I can solve this crisis without any bloodshed.

So I brought in Tong Yin and Tong Jin.

“Play with me.” I said smilingly.

Both were sweating bullets, “What play?”

“A show that allows Ling Kai automatically withdraw from marriage.” My smile this time must be treacherous like a fox.

But it turns out that my imagination is beautiful but the display is cruel! It was only through the following fragments that I realized this truth.

“You— Please, Tong Jin you don’t have to shake all the time, others will think you are sifting beans!”

“Madame, I don’t want to ah, but... I’m afraid if the Emperor knows...”

“What are you afraid of? I’m in the way of everything. It’s useless! Tong Yin, come—”

Cue chicken and birds walked...

“Tong Yin, do you know what groan is?”

“Madame, did I just groan?"

Tick A drop of sweat fell on my arm

“Tong Yin, let me tell you, groan is... Well, it is expressed from the inside, it is a very enjoyable feeling. As for your name, I think it’s more suitable to use growl. I’m surprised, why do you want to be a guard in the palace? Personally, I think you have a bright future in acting as a horn in the theater...”

His face slightly changed.

“Madame, don’t drive me out, let’s try again.”

“Let’s do it again.” Sigh

Now we’re playing Zhang Sheng’s love affair with Cui YingYing. Why does it seem like I’m playing Qin ShiHuang’s[4] burning books?[5]

Take a deep breath, take a deep breath, inhale, exhale... Yes, control emotions...

But, why do I still feel crazy?

“Tong Yin, do you know what cooperation is? Do you think we’re playing eagle catching chick now? You...You...” I rubbed my forehead. Father, I’m beginning to understand how you feel!

“Go down first. You don’t have to do it.”

“Yes, Madame.” He didn’t escape the plague that easily

I finally know what rotten wood can’t be carved and what mud can’t help the wall![6] Tong Yin and Tong Jin’s martial arts can be regarded as a must, but when it comes up acting skills, it’s another.

Absolutely rotten.

Sighing, I sat down on the red threshold and held my cheeks to worry.

Is this life destined for me only to marry?

A cool breeze refreshingly blows.

It’s going to rain! I looked at the somewhat gloomy sky and saw the fallen leaves on the ground tumble up along the wind, floating in the air like birds spreading their wings to fly

I can’t help but think about the palace.

The corners of my mouth evoked a smile.

I wonder what he is doing now?

Must be reading memorials, right? Is it possible that that he is holding someone tenderly right now?

My heart feels sour astringent taste

Another gust of wind blew, I shivered.

After sitting for a while, I got up and walked to the side hall.

Father said Uncle Ling and that Ling Kai would come, so I’ll go and secretly look.

There’s a saying in the book of War: know yourself, know your enemy, and be victorious in every battle.

This time...it is also my resistance for the future happiness.

The remote mountains are covered green and the distant waters clarified

The flowers and trees in Murong Villa dance in spring with faint fragrance. Painted pillars and carved beams, with red waves and blue tiles. Green fence beneath, curtains hang high, and bluish-green vermilion splendidly one after another.

Although my home is a Wulin family, the architectural style and furnishings also showed refined taste. Walking through the corridor, I could even dodge left and right and walk into the corner of the hall without any noise!

I hide behind the thick marble screen. I slowly adjusted my breathing, fearing that I might make a noise if I am not careful.

Looking, there were a lot of people sitting in the hall, everyone was in a state of elation.

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes. What’s going on? They are even happier than me marrying...

Sitting in the first place is of course the host, my father, Murong who’s in charge. His eyelids were almost glued with laughter, as if eager to throw me out as an old clothes at once, making people angry when they saw it.

The row of people across from me are all my family, my mother, my brother, and my sister. They are displayed in order from big to small, on display one by one.

But the one sitting with their backs on me is an old man and a young man. Although I can’t see the appearance, I can already see from behind his bee-waist ape’s back and crane-mantle shape, faintly showing a majestic imposing manner.

If I’m not mistaken, that’s my so-called fiancé

“My child, aiya it’s rare that you don’t mind ah, old Ling!” That’s my Dad’s voice.

“Ha ha, brother ZhengHeng-xiong you’re too formal. Xiao Qing can be so popular and has his own benefits.”

Yes, father, don’t be so humble. It’s not that your son has no charm, it’s just you haven’t noticed yet.

“This boy... Old Ling, I know this boy best. He’s still the same. If there’s anything wrong with Ah Qing, you don’t need to give me face, just teach him a lesson.”

Dad, are you in the wrong direction? Are you going to send me to be a wife or a parent? Do you think I’ll see the light of day again? I might as well hide in the corner and embroidered in tears

“Old Ling, you don’t need to say...” My father waved his hand. “This son is a bit troublesome. I know he’s weak, it’s just his temperament... Aiya, it caused me a headache. Honestly, I’m not sure whether such a son will marry a wife...”

Lying! In fact, you want to kick me out. It’s better to throw a meat buns to the dogs without turning back.[7]

“Speaking of, Ling nephew is really remarkable. Ah Qing is indisputable. If Ling nephew has any opinions, I’ll trouble you to see it done.”

...Dad, you...are too modest. Have you ever heard that lonely modesty is tantamount to hypocrisy ah? How could you devalue your son to be worthless?

I mourned for myself for three minutes, I turned to look at the heroine figure.

I wonder what he looks like?

I couldnt help craning my neck and look.

Still didn’t see, still stood upright.

I can’t help being a little annoyed and stomped my feet a few times. Muttering in my heart: You don’t need to conceal your excellence. Those who hide their heads and show their tail are not good people.

“Uncle Murong said a lot. I think Ah Qing is very cute. We played together when we were little.”

You still have an insight... Father! (tearful) Aiya! Old eyes felt dizzy...

However, the voice seems familiar. Have I heard it before? (pondering) I still can’t remember... Forget it, anyway, I’m already familiar with all kinds of praises.

“Ha ha, the nephew mentioned, I suddenly remembered when you came to my house to play, Ah Qing was still behind you with chubby body. It’s a mess, he cried when you left. He called brother Kai not to leave, it’s cute! But he was only five years old at that time. Do you remember? Ha ha...”

Slander! Slander! This is absolutely slander!

Chubby body? The statute of the beautiful, intelligent, eyebrow-raising and romantic fourth young master has never been out of shape.

I cried loudly? Only when I act do tears tend to crash.

Cute? I think it’s terror! Dad, you’re trying to sell me and didn’t even hesitate to destroy my image...

“Ah! I still remember that when I gave him a date, he said happily that he was going to be a bride! Unexpectedly... Ten years later, the joke actually came true!”

Speechless...

Impossible, impossible! It’s not me who can do such an idiot thing! How could I see myself for a date? At least a cart of dates...

“Yes, Ah Qing suddenly grew in a flash. If it wasn’t for the nephew, I really don’t know what to do with him. Then... I will trouble the nephew in the future and discipline him well for me.”

Trouble? Discipline? Does that mean the dust has settled?

Now I started to doubt whether my father is the one sitting in the hall or someone has changed to fake it! Mother, why don’t you all make a sound? Your son is about to give away.

“Ah Qing, come out!” Before I could finished mourning my life, I gave my Dad a terrible drink, which scared me almost to spring up.

Footnotes

zhǎncǎochúgēn (idiom) - to destroy root and branch;to eliminate completely

lóngshéhùnzá (idiom) - a mix of good people and scumbags

hóngxìngchūqiáng (idiom) - a wife having an illicit lover

the first Emperor (259-210 BC)

fénshūkēngrú - to burn the books and bury alive the Confucian scholars (one of the crimes of the first Emperor) later, it refers to destruction of culture and intellectuals

lànnífúbùshàngqiáng (idiom) - useless;worthless;inept

ròubāozǐdǎgǒu - one can never get back what he gives away