Is the Gentleman Feeling Alright? – Chapter 31

Having eaten her fill, Mulahe excitedly pulled them to roam the streets and alleys, as if posed to cover the entirety of Chang’an on foot.

　　Along this street there were several entertainers peddling a mix of entertainer skills, their cries calling the surrounding pedestrians to observe. The sounds of shouts and cheers incessantly rang out. Mulahe turned direction and immediately squeezed in there, only to see that there was a thick and heavy stone slab on the ground in the space on-site. There was a burly fellow who spread open his horse stance1 after rubbing his fists and palms once over. With a low shout he chopped downward, and the stone slab let out a dull creak, splitting apart in that instant.

　　The people surrounding loudly shouted in praise, Mulahe also followed them to shout. She’s pushed aside the person blocking her side and was intending to walk up there when she was pulled back by Su Shiyu, “What are you trying to do by going in there?”

　　Mulahe excitedly said: “He looks like he’s also very good at martial arts ah! I’m going to compare with him!”

　 “The man is a street performer in order to earn a living, if you go up there and compete with him you’ll make trouble for him.”

　　Mulahe’s enthusiasm immediately flagged, “Is that so ah, but I really wanted to try it out ah.”

　　Su Shiyu’s gaze landed on Chu Mingyun next to him, who had presently lowered his head to tear at a bag of sweets that Mulahe had just bought. While pinching a piece between his fingers and putting it in his mouth he looked up and returned the gaze, “En?”

　　Su Shiyu softly laughed, pointed at Chu Mingyun, and said to Mulahe: “You don’t need to be troubled, he also knows the gongfu skill from just now.”

　　”……” Chu Mingyun swept a look over that stone slab that had shattered into fragments all over the floor. He realised it was something he really could do, and even do a much prettier job of it than that fellow just now.

　　There were many peddling acts along the street, each time Mulahe wanted to rush over and figure it out for herself, she would be plainly informed by Su Shiyu, “He also knows (how to do) this.”

　　Thanks to the Grand Secretary, Grand Martial Chu only realised today that he actually had so many talents and skills.

　　Chu Mingyun, who had all this while wordlessly been finishing off the sweet, looked ahead of him. As if he finally could no longer take it, he pulled Mulahe in front of a stall selling headpieces and jewelry, “You take a look at whichever, I’ll gift (it to) you.” After saying this he turned his head to meet Su Shiyu’s gaze, and faintly sighed, “That one…..I truly don’t know how to do it.”

　　Su Shiyu turned back, and across the partition of bobbing heads could barely make out an entertainer performing sword-eating and fire-breathing performance. He again looked back at Chu Mingyun’s extremely helpless expression, and suddenly couldn’t help but laugh. Among the profane and noisy populace, he alone was gentle and progressive2.

　　It felt like there was something that jumped abruptly in his chest, Chu Mingyun attentively looked at him. He picked out a jade hairpin from the stall, then mimicking the speaking manner of people from rich families laughed: “Come, lil’ beauty (Meiren’er), this Young Master will also gift you one, how about you follow3 me?”

　　Su Shiyu blocked the hand he outstretched, and said faintly smiling: “Young Master’s looks surpass others’, this jade hairpin suits you a bit better.”

　　”Alright,” Chu Mingyun replied straightforwardly, “Then you put it on for me, it’s also okay if I follow3 you ah.”

　　The stall owner maiden blushed and after much deliberation, spoke up: “These two young masters…… this place of mine, sells only lady’s accessories.”

　　Chu Mingyun shrugged his shoulders and put down the thing. Su Shiyu smiled while shaking his head, and unconsciously caught a glint of humor flashing across Mulahe’s pupils, “What is it?”

　　Mulahe moved away her line of sight, slyly smiling and said: “I’ll tell Anyi’ruo later.”

　　

　　Once it reached noon, the three of them found an inn to rest and have a meal. Mulahe tore at the things they bought in high spirits. Chu Mingyun absent-mindedly helped her tear open the food wrappings, whereas Su Shiyu looked at them quietly.

　　It was unknown what the people a few tables behind them were talking about, but their voices suddenly got louder.

　　”Old brother4 (laoxiong), that is an appointed official of the court (you’re talking about), you need to be careful when talking. With no proof or reason, are you trying to fool us?”

　　”Heh, really, what good would I get out of tricking you guys? I’d just passed by Fufeng County on my return, it was my relative in the county yamen who told me himself!”

　　Another person from a different table interrupted, “What’s this about? Isn’t everyone well aware who’s behind that case with the Right Fufeng, how come Su Shiyu’s business gets dragged in again*?”

　　Chu Mingyun exchanged a look with Su Shiyu, not batting an eyelid.

　　”You think about it, what sort of figure is Su Shiyu, if we all can guess who it is don’t tell me he can’t tell? That must be another ulterior motive involved,” The man’s words paused, and lowered his voice as if to tempt the peoples’ appetites (curiosity), “This is him taking the opportunity to get rid of Su Xing for his own sake!”

　　”You really take us for fools ah? Su Xing is Su Shiyu’s blood-related uncle.”

　　”That’s why I say you guys don’t know ba, how could the kinship relations of large clans and noble families be the same as us common folks’, how do you think those internal struggles come about? Su Xing was someone who’d just returned to Chang’an by himself, where would he get the ability to commit such a large murder case, not to mention he had friendly relations with those victim officials.”

　　”Since you’re so clear on it, then you say how all that came about?”

　　The man coughed once to change his accent and pitch, saying: “You all think carefully, since Su Shiyu was in charge of that murder case, put plainly the culprit is Chu Mingyun. The Chu faction and Su faction have also been at odds for so many years, such a good opportunity, yet Su Shiyu didn’t capture Chu Mingyun but rather ran to investigate some case together with him, what does this mean?” Not waiting for a reply, he continued to speak on by himself, “Obviously they’ve reached an agreement of sorts! Su Shiyu helps Chu Mingyun cover up the case, Chu Mingyun helps Su Shiyu kill Su Xing, then simply pushes the case aside, isn’t this a win-win for both sides? The more wealthy and high-ranking a person, the more vicious they’ll be when dealing with blood relatives!”

　　The others all didn’t continue arguing, and felt that the man’s words held a bit of reason, and had become uncertain and wavering.

　　Chu Mingyun propped up his lower jaw, lowly laughing, “Really well said, even I almost believe it.”

　　Su Shiyu shook his head and laughed lightly, drinking his tea wordlessly.

　　Mulahe’s doubtful gaze went landed back and forth on the two of them, then turned her head to look at the people who were whispering to themselves, and unhappily asked Su Shiyu: “Are they talking about you?”

　　”You heard wrongly.” Su Shiyu said flatly.

　　”I didn’t! I heard your names!” Mulahe abruptly stood up.

　　”But you can’t remember Han names correctly, how come you’re so sure it’s us?”

　　”I……” Mulahe was at a loss for words, and looked towards Chu Mingyun, “Pretty Gege, you say, were they talking about you?!”

　　Chu Mingyun smiled, looking at Su Shiyu and leisurely saying: “He said it’s not so naturally it’s not.”

　　These words went in twists and turns, Mulahe couldn’t understand them.

　　On another side the waiter had keen eyes, seeing the situation was heading in an unfavorable direction he quickly came over to mediate: “Honored patrons, while eating let’s not talk about government affairs, not talk about government affairs!”

(T/N: That’s not a typo, he repeated it.)

　　Su Shiyu tilted his head to look at her, “Sit down ba.”

　　Mulahe glared at the people behind them who still didn’t know what had happened, and only then begrudgingly sat down.

　　Chu Mingyun’s fingertips traced over the pattern on the porcelain cup, his words intent with humor, “I’d already told you previously, these people have never cared what the truth is, they’re only thinking of using it as a conversation topic, what’s there to explain to them.”

　　”How the matter truly is, is how it is. Even if there are others who maliciously conjecture, there’s no need to steal away the chance for everyone to understand the truth.” Su Shiyu said, “If one persistently thinks explaining is beneath them, then all that’s left is rumors.”

　　Chu Mingyun laughed as if taking exception to that, and didn’t carry on the conversation.
　

　　Loulan didn’t actually have any official business for this visit, after sticking around in Chang’an for a few days they chartered their return, and they were sent off from Chang’an to Baling5 by the Grand Marshall and Grand Secretary.

　　This just happened to coincide with early spring, so the ancient roadways were luxuriant with green grass, vast and torrential currents flowed beneath the bridge, the poplar and willow trees on the riverbanks had their first green leaves, like drooping ribbons of jade.

　　They stopped at a pavilion to say their farewells, Mulahe waved her hand to chase her retainers off to the side, and only then taking out a letter from the breast of her robes, stuffing it into Su Shiyu’s hands, “For Anyi’ruo!”

　　Su Shiyu studied the tightly-sealed letter, asking, “Was this written by you?”

　　”Of course, I’ve learned Han words for a long time! But you can’t open it to read now!” Mulahe thought about it then urged again: “Even after you return you can’t open, en—— wait for me to return to Loulan before you’re allowed to look!”

　　Su Shiyu laughed: “Don’t tell me you wrote something in here that you’re afraid I’ll come after you for?”

　　”Definitely not, anyway (you) have to wait for me to return before you can look!”

　　Su Shiyu smiled and promised. Mulahe then also pulled out a oil-paper bag, tossing it to Chu Mingyun: “For Pretty Gege!”

　　Chu Mingyun was slightly surprised, and as he caught it he asked, “What’s this thing?”

　　”Doesn’t Pretty Gege seem to like eating sweets a lot, it’s pine nut brittle ah!”

　　Chu Mingyun darted a quick glance at Su Shiyu next to him whose smile had grown deeper, and frowned while looking at Mulahe who had the mannerism of having presented a treasure. He could not help but also laugh lowly, “Okay, many thanks.”

　　Having finished presenting the gifts, she was still not in a hurry to leave, and instead became a little hesitant, glancing at Chu Mingyun, summoning up the courage to pull Su Shiyu to one side, “(I) still have something to tell Anyi’ruo.“

　　”What’s the matter?

　　”I found the person I like, ” Mulahe lowered her head slightly, blushing crimson, showing some rare maidenly disposition, “He is a Han man doing business in Loulan, he saved me during an incident of unrest, his personality is very good and his martial art is also awesome. It was him who taught me how to write the Han words, among the people in the Central Plains apart from you I like him the most. King father has already agreed to let us marry, this time (visiting) it is also because he asked me to let you know.”

　　”En,” Su Shiyu’s eyes held a smile, “Then I really do congratulate you.”

　　”When I get married will Anyi’ruo come?” She lifted her head to look at Su Shiyu, eyes filled with anticipation.

　　”Of course (I) will come to congratulate you.”

　　”Even if you have other things to do you’ll still come?”

　　Su Shiyu thought about it, “Of course.”

　　Mulahe smiled, “Then you must come together with Pretty Gege!”

　　”You’re really hoping for him to come as well?”

　　”Because Pretty Gege is really good-looking ah, what’s more——” She winked, “When Pretty Gege is around the fog disappears!”

　　Su Shiyu said uncomprehendingly, “What fog will disappear?”

　　But Mulahe no longer replied, her dimpled smiling face resplendent like a flower as she said goodbye to the two, then ran towards the carriage that had been waiting for a long while. She suddenly turned around in front of the carriage, her skirt billowing as she waved goodbye, the silver bells on her wrist crisply chiming.

　　A few days flashed past since their parting, and spring gradually overtook the land.

　　In the study, Su Shiyu put down his brush, placing the documents to one side and sorting them out, his gaze by chance sweeping past a letter placed on the side. He counted in his heart (mind), these few days should be sufficient for the carriage to have reached Loulan already, then he reached out to retrieve the letter.

　　Mulahe had sealed the envelope very tightly, obviously still worrying he might sneak a peek, pinching it in his hand he could feel that the letter inside was considerably thick, but didn’t know what could possibly be written in it.

　　Su Shiyu had just torn open the corner of the envelope, when he suddenly heard sounds of running steps from outside. The door to the study was abruptly pushed open, Su Bai rushed into the room with a face full of anxiety, and opened his mouth to yell:

　　”Young Master, it’s gone wrong! The Loulan princess met with an ambush at our border city, the whole procession has been massacred. The ruler of Loulan is furious, and has already sent an emissary over to demand an explanation from Daxia (the dynasty/country name right now), His Majesty the Emperor has an urgent summon for you to enter the palace to negotiate!”

T/N: Happy Qixi (7th day of the 7th month on the lunar calendar, aka. Chinese Valentines’ Day) you guys! I know by the time I upload this it will have passed, but probably few who would read this translation would be actually celebrating Qixi,…so. You guys might have heard the myth of Cowherd and Weaving Maiden, which is the traditional folktale associated with Qixi. I’m not too sure where the bridge of magpies came about from, but the popularization of the tale is perhaps because it provided comfort during the chaotic period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The land was split with the Qinling mountain range and the Huai He river as the border, with Henan Nanyang and Xinyang etc. bordering areas being the most badly affected. Hope you’re spending time with your beloved, or that you find your Cowherd/Weaving Maiden soon. Here’s a Qixi poem for you guys:

Far away twinkles the Herd-Boy star (Altair), Brightly shines the Lady of the Silver River.
Fair and elegant is her extended hand, Chiming the loom as she weaves.
Unable to form coherent writing all day long, Anguished tears falling like rain.
How shallow flows the current of the Milky Way, How much to meet and return.
Over crystalline waters,  Eyes tell what words cannot.

- A non-expert translation of《古诗十九首·迢迢牵牛星》


1.马步 – horse stance, a very common posture for martial arts where you stand with your feet apart, almost like a squat position. Here’s to aid your mental image of the scene.


2.眉目温柔 – if translated completely literally, it means his brows and eyes were gentle. Bu ‘眉目’ means progress, and because of the words preceding it as well as context from the later chapters that is what I have chosen to translate it as.


3. 从了(我 / 你)- meaning that you’re willing to get married to the person (as a wife or concubine). Same phrase used by Chu Mingyun in Chapter 23.


4.老兄 – friendly/joking address for a friend of similar age (even though it literally means ‘old brother’). It means ‘ol’ fellow/chap/buddy/pal’. Sometimes it can be used very informally by older brothers to refer to themselves when speaking to siblings

5.Baling – this is where the tomb of Emperor Xiaowen is, located 57 kilometres away from Chang’an. Which means this has to be after his death in CE 499. By the end of the novel I’ll have figured out what time period the author is taking as reference lol.

Also, I just want to say, if you’re not already reading this after having read Qiang Jin Jiu, then you should really check it out, because it has very similar themes to this novel. Despite both shous being martially-skilled civil officials and both gongs being generals (well not quite for XCA but you know the type) I’m startled by how different the relationship dynamics of these two pairs are.

Image from the 猫儿FM (www.missevan.com) QJJ Audio Drama Season 3

Is the Gentleman Feeling Alright? – Chapter 30

T/N: “If you’re reading this on Asianovel, you are reading from a source that does not have my permission to repost.”

The New Years’ holiday was over, the festive atmosphere slowly dying down. It was almost early spring, the accumulated snow vanishing as it melted.

        The stores in Chang’an city re-opened for business and their customers were yet few in number, so the assistants leaned against the doorframe casually chatting away. Someone suddenly yelled in surprise, and following that crisp bell sounds leisurely resounded from the city gates, the passers-by sticking out their heads to look.

        The officials and soldiers cleared the way ahead, a long trail of carriages passing through the street, spurred toward the palace. The camel-bells lightly shook, the carriages rumbled. A lithe and elegant lady from the foreign land had a gauze veil over her face, the carriages accompanying her forming two trails behind a cushioned sedan. A corner of the embroidered curtain was sneakily lifted, revealing a pair of ink-green (greenish-black) eyes. A young child leaning from the floor above caught a glance, excitedly pointing and shouting, and was immediately pressed down by the adult next to him, who called out: “Loulan.”

       The land of Loulan was situated in the great deserts of the Western Regions, holding onto the major trade route. Though it was a small country, its cities prospered, and it had an important status.

        Loulan was always caught up between Daxia (this fantasy Central Plains China) and the Xiongnu, only becoming closer to Daxia in the recent years; And though their contact had increased, there has not been an instance where they came forward once Spring started.

　　This was exactly the day of returning to court, so Chu Mingyun who saw the insignia-bearing flag meant for reception from a far-off distance as soon as he stepped up out of the golden palace was bewildered. He turned his head to ask Su Shiyu, “Who is the ambassador sent by Loulan this time, that they actually used the rite for Zhuhou1?”

　　”Today the princess of Loulan has come in person to visit bearing gifts.” Su Shiyu explained.

        Chu Mingyun nodded, thought a bit, and with that he was beginning to understand why he felt a deep meaning to the gaze Su Shiyu had when looking at him today.

　　It was said that the Loulan princess’ arrogance and wilfulness had reached its own peak; she married three times within a month. If it wasn’t ordering someone to beat her husband to the point that he could only lie horizontally in the courtyard, then it was slapping her in-laws to humiliate her spouse, forcing the other party to use their life to plead the ruler dissolve the marriage. After all that trouble there was no longer anyone who dared to marry her from the vassal states. But the ruler of Loulan treated the Princess as the darling of his heart, spoiling her. That year he didn’t hesitate to use three cities as her dowry, only seeking to find the right son-in-law in Daxia.

　　At that time Chu Mingyun laughed lightly in court, and firmly pushed out his rival Su Shiyu (as recommendation). Saying something like there were no in-laws so that saved trouble, he was upright in conduct and gentle in nature, and just as well he didn’t have any wife or concubine. In the end, he even leisurely added one claim, saying that previously he saw the Loulan princess smile like the spring wind (T/N: flirtatiously) at Su Shiyu when she stepped off her palanquin.

　　Su Shiyu who had remained a calm and unrippled demeanour throughout finally turned his head to give Chu Mingyun an intense glance after hearing that last part.

　　After he hadn’t paid attention to how Su Shiyu managed to settle that affair,  he could only clearly remember that day after court Su Shiyu said something beyond the daily pleasantries to him for the first time after sharing the court for 5 years.

　　Su Shiyu smiled at him like the spring wind, and said two words that were unusually simple yet rich with implication:

　　”Ke ke.” (T/N: Laugh sound)

　　Thinking of this, Chu Mingyun coughed lightly, smiling as he said: “Master Su, at that time I was…”

　　Su Shiyu cast him a look.

　　Chu Mingyun: “……It’s nothing.”

　　Su Shiyu then laughed lightly, saying gently: Master Chu doesn’t need to brood over it, the princess is in fact not as wilful as the rumors claim.”

　　Chu Mingyun slightly lifted his brows, and didn’t continue that topic.

　 The first day back at court there wasn’t actually any duties to handle, Chu Mingyun walked out shoulder-to-shoulder. In the middle of idle chat there was suddenly the sound of running along the palace corridor from behind them, accompanied by crisp bell sounds approaching from a distance. They stopped talking and turned their heads to look, a sweet and graceful-looking young lady threw herself with arms wide open, grabbing hold of Su Shiyu’s arm, raising her head to reveal a charming smile, “Anyi’ruo!”

　　Chu Mingyun was stunned for a moment, he vaguely knew the meaning of this Loulan word, it was a respectful address for Elder Brother.

　　Su Shiyu smiled faintly looking at her, “Have you already paid respects to His Majesty?”

　　”Seen him already! He even said there’s nothing today, so you can go out with me to play!” Her Han language pronunciation showed a bit of strangeness, but it was sufficiently clear. Mulahe released Su Shiyu, turning a full circle where she stood, such that her smoke-purple skirts drifted up and bloomed outward, the silver bells around her wrists making crisp sounds, “Does it look good!”

　　Su Shiyu nodded in confirmation, Mulahe tilted her head and laughed, then after noticing Chu Mingyun those jade-like3 pupils lit up, “Pretty Gege, who are you?”

　　”Chu Mingyun.”

　　Mulahe nodded seriously, pausing for a bit, “Pretty Gege will also come play together ba?”

　　Chu Mingyun was unable to react for a moment, Su Shiyu explained: “She can’t remember Han people’s names.”

　　Chu Mingyun nodded disinterestedly, saying: “You just go together and that’s fine, I’m not……”

　　”It’s only fun when there are more people ah, you’re not allowed to not go!” Mulahe cut him off, grabbing one (person) in each hand.

　　A thinning sun hung high, the Chang’an capital market was bustling with activity. The voices of hawking vendors along the street raised in an attempt to smother each other.

　　There was an unending stream of pedestrians going to and fro; and they all could not help giving a few more glances towards one noodle stall. There, two handsome young masters were drinking tea in silence, opposite them sat a jade-eyed3 young lady from a foreign land, and was currently acting completely in contrast to her delicate and pretty appearance and eating large mouthfuls of noodles. There were already a few empty bowls stacked on the table.

　　Nearing the bottom of a bowl, Chu Mingyun saw that her momentum of (eating) like a gale scattering clouds2 was not slowing, and couldn’t help but say: “…… Just how long has it been since you last ate?”

　　”Ever since preparing to come to Chang’an I didn’t eat a proper meal, almost starving to death!” Mulahe took a break to reply.

　　”Why didn’t you eat?”

　　”Because I need to see Anyi’ruo ah, it’ll look nice if (I’m) slimmer.”

　　”Then why are you still eating so much right now?”

　　”Didn’t he already see me just now?” Mulahe said with a face as if this was completely matter-of-fact, turning her head and waving while saying: “I still want (more)!”

　　Chu Mingyun had no words to say to that, looking at the jubilantly smiling stall owner who immediately called out in response, he again moved his gaze back to Su Shiyu next to him.

　　Su Shiyu indifferently returned his gaze, “Does Master Chu also want to eat?”

　　”……Forget it.” Chu Mingyun faintly sighed, “I’m full just from watching.”

Su Shiyu laughed lowly, retrieving his gaze, and thought of the scene during the first time he met Mulahe.


　 That year once Chu Mingyun had spoken to that point in court, there was no way for Su Shiyu to get out of meeting the Loulan princess once. He pondered for a long time before picking up his qin to go for the date, originally intending to uncommunicatively play a few songs to perfunctorily get through the matter. But he didn’t think the other party knew a bit of Han language, and especially didn’t expect that when he pushed open the door he’d be greeted by a whip swung towards his face.

　　Su Shiyu turned his body to dodge, stopping the whip with his free hand. Not only did the other party not get mad but rather was elated; As she was making a fuss about ‘originally thought it’s a useless civil official didn’t expect they would know martial arts’, at the same time calling him to come sit down at the table.

　　After making contact Su Shiyu then realised, this Loulan princess was not actually wilful and brash in conduct like the rumors said, but rather had an overly straightforward personality developed from being overprotected since young.

　　By the time he’d taken a break from the song 《Spring on the Moonlit River》beneath his fingers, Mulahe had already cleanly poured out her personal troubles. She married out three times, the former two were powerful officials plotting to seize control of the country and hence forced the ruler to marry his beloved daughter below her station. She’d only crossed the threshold for less than two days before the other party started messing around with other women, and in a fit of anger she directly charged into the room, not sparing any strength in bringing down the whip, which then resulted in the ‘beat husband to the point of lying horizontally in the courtyard’ passed down in the rumors. However Mulahe unexpectedly realised she was helping her king father remove a great source of trouble, and hence was greatly encouraged. She decided that she’d marry the subjects who kept threatening her king father at every turn, and drive them to beg for mercy even at the cost of being demoted.

　　Su Shiyu was silent for a good while after hearing these words, and facing Mulahe whose had an expression seeking praise, muttered: “Your wish in marrying someone is only this?”

　　”That’s right, because they’re bad to my king father.” Mulahe said.

　　Su Shiyu laughed exasperatedly, “Since times of old, a lady marrying out is for the sake of staying together with the person they like.”

　　Mulahe tilted her head and thought a bit, “But I don’t have someone I like, but I have thought, in the future the person I really get married to must be a great hero unparalleled in martial arts.”

　　Su Shiyu understood, “No wonder you cracked the whip at me once you found out I was a civil official.”

　　Mulahe leaned on the table looking at the hand he’d laid on the qin, which had long and elegant fingers, “Your martial arts must be awesome, I really like you,” She paused, “But I don’t want to marry you at all.”

　　Su Shiyu couldn’t help but laugh lightly, “Why?”

“I think you definitely won’t like me,” She added, “You look like you don’t like anything no matter what it is.”

　　”How so?”

　　”You’re very good, but you feel like you’re very far away,” Mulahe stretched out her hand, her fingertips partitioned a bit of distance from Su Shiyu, as if obstructed by something, “You look, it’s just like a layer of fog, you’re sitting in front of me, talking gently, but I can’t feel your heart, your everything is faint, and separated off by fog, as if you might disappear after I blink.”

　　Su Shiyu smiled4, not replying.

　　Mulahe asked: “Do you know what the feeling of liking someone is like?”

　　Su Shiyu pondered it for a long while, and said calmly, “I’ve yet not had the chance to appreciate it.”

　　”I also don’t know what it’s like, but our Loulan has a metaphor, translated into Han language it says there are scorpions and spiders crawling over your heart, your heart tightens up, beating very fast and very painful, like you’re afraid, but also feel very happy.”

　　Perhaps Su Shiyu had been also been shaken by this description using scorpions and spiders, yet seeing Mulahe’s expression couldn’t bear to ruin her excitement, so after thinking doubtfully for a moment he said: “Our Han people also have a similar metaphor, but what it says is that there are ten thousand butterflies within your heart dancing in flight, the beating of their wings rousing the person’s heart into confusion.”

　　Mulahe nodded her head, half-comprehending and half-confused, pillowing her head on her arm to listen to him press the qin strings, the sounds of 《Guang Ling San》startling the candlewicks5.

　　When they parted that day Mulahe pulled at his sleeve and wouldn’t let go, making a fuss over and over: “I especially like you, but it’s not the type of like for my special person, so I can’t marry you, then can you become my Gege?”

　　At the end of it Su Shiyu helplessly6 looked at his sleeve that was about to tear, lightly sighed a breath of air and acquiesced.

　　”Anyi’ruo.” Mulahe had at some unknown point come up right next to him. Su Shiyu returned to himself, only then noticing she’d finished eating, while the Chu Mingyun who was previously sitting next to him was off nearby settling the bill.

　　”What is it?”

　　Mulahe lowered her voice and spoke in Loulan language: “I just remembered, isn’t he your enemy? Why are you still smiling and talking to him, is he forcing you? Do you want me to marry him and help you beat him to death?”

　　Su Shiyu choked on a mouthful of tea, coughing twice before he was able to let out a laugh, he glanced at Chu Mingyun, and also used Loulan language to reply: “He’s not any enemy, at most he’s considered a rival. Also, he’s a very important person to our country, he can’t die.”

　　”But, he’s important to the country, still why do you have be so nice to him?”

　　He could not reply.

　　By this time Chu Mingyun had turned and walked over, just meeting the gazes of the two people looking at himself, and finding it strange, “What are you both looking at me for?”

　　Su Shiyu calmed his state of mind, and smiled faintly, “Nothing much.”

The author has something to say:
Your (formal) good friend [Divine Gong Helper · Mulahe] has come online.
Also, I seriously could not search up Loulan language, that phrase [Anyi’ruo] is made up by me, please don’t take it for real _(:з」∠)_


1.Depending on what the timeframe of this novel is held in, this term would refer to very powerful rulers over vassal states with actual military might before 221 BCE. So this rite would refer to the 九锡 (Jiuxi – Nine bestowments) which as the name suggests is a very elaborate ceremony giving nine types of gift from carriage horses to fine robes, etc.


2. 风卷残云 – The use of it to describe voracious eating is a reference to the book 《发财秘诀·第九回》.


3. Okay. Okay, so the original term used here was 碧眸 . 碧眼 means ‘blue-eyed’, but the reason I have chosen to translate it as ‘jade-eyed’ is because Mulahe is implied to have dark green eyes in the first part. 碧 can refer to dark green jade. 眸 means pupil but it would be weird to say jade-pupiled so there you have it.


4. The phrase used here is a literary term for smiling – 莞尔


5. I don’t know this one, the original phrase is 广陵散音惊落灯花； 《广陵散》is a song, and the imagery of falling candlewicks has been used in a poem but what is the 惊 doing there…lol.


6. Usually when ‘resigned’ or ‘helpless’ is used to describe Su Shiyu the phrase 无奈 is used which implies a bit of impatience as well, but the one here is 无可奈何 – wherein you really have no other way, so he’s especially helpless here lol. Helpless Susu.

To Rule in A Turbulent World – Mid-Autumn extra 2

Note: For everyone coming from NovelUpdates, I didn’t intend to release these extras on the NU page until Suika had finished her translation, but I underestimated the bot. This contains spoilers for the last book, so if you don’t want that turn away now! The extras are all over the place, so I’ll re-arrange them in chronological order once I can make sense of it.

Appearing white in tonight’s sky, the moon’s brightens the same in one’s homeland.

    Every time Autumn begins, You Miao has this sort of illusion of a pack of wolves looking at the moon; only because since he came to Liaodong, (he) has always been sending wave after wave of Quanrong youths out of the city to seek romance. Liaodong city has been gradually built up, and has become the commerce capital of the borderlands. Unexpectedly, the people building peaceful and productive lives here are Hans, while majority of the Quanrong tribe are idle and unproductive, not having stable employment.

  Perhaps it has always been like this at any point in time, Li Zhifeng’s people have become accustomed to the nomadic lifestyle, so when You Miao lets them farm, they don’t sow, lets them do business, they won’t; they are incapable to learning the various languages of other people, and are unwilling to learn how to speak Han, and when asked what they want to do, their reply is plundering.

    You Miao is practically filled to bursting his lungs with ire, luckily under the guidance of he and Li Zhifeng, the area of Liaodong have established Quanrong language as the official spoken language. Those travelling merchants coming in and out of Gojuryeo and the Central Plains are mostly able to speak Quanrong. This arrangement is good, but encounters difficulty when it comes to written text. You Miao again spent a lot of effort, gathering a group of Confucian scholars from the Central Plains, and according to the ancient Quanrong words, Qiang (T/N: ancient ethnic people in China) words and the words of the Western Region (T/N: now modern-day Xinjiang), eventually he settled the system of an official Quanrong (written) language.

But this also brought a great deal of trouble, the circumstances had changed —everybody knew Quanrong words, but only the Quanrong people themselves were not literate in their own words. Not only could they not read it, they were also frequently deceived.

    
    You Miao governed and managed the land for Li Zhifeng, and also needed to mediate the conflicts among the various tribes, who practically stirred up trouble enough to make him vomit blood, quarreling in the interim quite a few times. But as Li Zhifeng always had this style of not trying to argue nor ever getting angry, only smiling whenever he got a scolding, You Miao didn’t know what to do with him.

“I’ll go hunting tomorrow.” Li Zhifeng said.

You Miao leaned against the railing, looking at Li Zhifeng with an unamused face.

Li Zhifeng: “Let’s go together?”

You Miao: “Still go out to play?! Play anymore and you’ll have a rebellion on your hands!”

Li Zhifeng: “???”

“If it wasn’t for me intercepting the secret correspondence.” You Miao pushed a stack of secret reports onto Li Zhifeng’s body, saying: “You see this? The night of Mid Autumn, (they) were colluding to overthrow you!”

Li Zhifeng: “Something like this happened?!”

You Miao: “……”
 

Li Zhifeng was already nearing his prime, and after returning to the north his eating habits had change. He drank wine and ate meat, a few years ago this habit seemed to be getting even more frequent, luckily it was forcefully controlled by You Miao. However once they returned to the borderlands, (he) was like a unruly wolf, every few days trying to find something else to do.

You Miao: “You look at it yourself.”

Li Zhifeng: “Don’t understand it, it’s all in Gojuryeo language.”

You Miao: “…”

“Your Majesty, Esteemed Prince.” A civil official hurried over, bowing in greeting to the two.

“The Qiang tribe have sent the Princess for the [arranged] marriage.”

Li Zhifeng: “Let her rest first, arrange a Mid-autumn banquet to receive her hospitably, then everyone can sit down to discuss the wedding properly.”

You Miao: “……”

The civil official was dismissed.

You Miao looked at Li Zhifeng, Li Zhifeng looked at You Miao baffled.

“Don’t get mad.” Li Zhifeng laughed.

    You Miao nearly wanted to explode like a volcano, don’t get mad?! And what is this about an arranged marriage? He looked at Li Zhifeng, with the intent of ‘You give me a proper explanation.’

    Li Zhifeng walked up to him, kissed You Miao on the lips, and said: “I’ll go hunt.”

    You Miao: “You……”

   Li Zhifeng shook off his outer robe, proceeding to tie it at his waist, and then left hurriedly.

You Miao thought in his heart alright, you’re done this time! Li Zhifeng, see how I dispose of you!

“What is the meaning of this matter with the princess from Gojuryeo seeking a marriage?!” You Miao returned to the residence, and yelled when he sat down: “All of you assemble! Assemble! Whoever is late, ten thousand frog jumps for you!”
 

“Prince, this humble subject doesn’t know ah! Perhaps it’s a marriage alliance……”

“Marriage alliance!” You Miao said angrily: “Then what am I!”

Li Zhifeng had exited the city, the civil officials and generals were all shrinking back and cowering, one hiding behind the other, shoving back and forth for half a day, and in the end the Finance Minister walked up, shivering as he said: “Replying to Prince, this subject doesn’t know.”

“The sky cannot accommodate a second sun——” You Miao dramatically pointed above him: “The people cannot accommodate a second owner!”

“Today you want to keep secrets on His Majesty’s behalf, then don’t think of muddling your days out under my banner anymore!” You Miao roared in anger: “Give you an incense stick’s time! If (you) dare to continue keeping mum! Three thousand sit-ups!”

That evening, a crowd of officials howled in agony, clutching their aching stomachs, supporting each other up as they returned to their estates.

“(We) didn’t know what was going on from the very start ah Prince!”

“A squabble between a little couple shouldn’t be cause to torment the appointed officials of the court right?!”

“What did you say!” You Miao pursued them out.

“The appointed officials of the court” instantly scattered like wild birds.

    Say you’re appointed officials of the court, it’s all salary given out by You Miao, Zhao Chao also can’t care about Liaodong out here; half of Liaodong goes to You Miao’s management, half goes to Li Zhifeng’s management, everyone is an official from either half, the military officials are Quanrong, the civil officials are Hans, mingling together everyday, for now they’re still living together in harmony.

It’s only when it comes to debates, everyone is an appointed official of the Central Plains.

    You Miao had a belly filled with anger, walking back and forth in the hall, someone said wouldn’t it be faster to ask the Gojuryeo princess? But You Miao didn’t want to ask at all, later if the pear flowers drip with rain (describes a beauty’s crying face), then when Li Zhifeng returns, it would be too stupid if all of (the blame) falls onto the “main wife”.

    You Miao remembers what is written on the books, what is acted out on stage, the various types of inner court conflict and squabbling, for a moment he could not help but lament that the love had been cut off even before their youthful beauty had faded with age, one could recline against the drying frame until daylight1…..spinning in the hall for two rounds, let it be, let it be, there is no grief greater than when the heart dies2, this esteemed Prince should leave.

“Prince!”

“Prince——!”

Everyone on either direction could not help but lose their composure in panic, chasing after You Miao who was leaving the city.

“Prince, do not act rashly ah!”

“The salary for this month has not yet been given——”

“Fourth Uncle——” Zhong Yang rushed out on horseback, yelling: “You quickly come back……”

“Tell your Great King to dispense it!” You Miao angrily yelled, mounting his horse into a brisk gallop, and ran away.

Zhong Yang seemed to still have something to say, but unfortunately You Miao’s horse was really too fast, he could not catch up even if he chased.

Sprinting nearly 10 li as if trying to shake off an old beau, this horse You Miao was on was a treasured horse given in tribute a few years back, once in a gallop it was like a stormwind. After You Miao had disappeared into the horizon of the setting sun, only then did someone exclaim in a panic this is not good, if the Prince has run away the entire city’s officials will have no food supply, they needed to inform His Majesty, and chase after the one who was in charge of the money to come back.

    Passing through forests filled with mist was so thick it seemed to be woven3, once (he) was able to leave Liaodong City, the outskirts no longer retained the likeness it had when he had first arrived here. All along the path were villages, You Miao steered his horse at an easy pace towards the riverfront, and for one moment felt lonely and desolate. Where to go then? You Miao had instead met with difficulty; he only had five taels of silver on him, it wasn’t right no matter where he went, and outside it was already the season of early Autumn, the Autumn wind crisp, and a bit cold. Or how about returning? No way, out of the question!

    The fire of You Miao’s anger had cooled, so in the frigid wind he was so cold he was shivering, and there was no choice but to find a shop (T/N: probably referring to an inn, but some shops would also allow you to stay if you gave them a tael or two) to stay for the night. In his heart he thought tonight Li Zhifeng will most likelt follow his trail and find him, and in the end he woke up after a night of sleep, for granny’s sake, he actually didn’t come!

    You Miao straightened his heart/put his heart to the side, if (he) wants to leave then he should go big on it, so he continued running South-ward. But travelling required money, so he could not but spend the silver first, and after that since he had no money, he pawned off his overcoat, and changed into a cotton robe, and at the end by the time he’d reached the bottom of the Great Wall, even his silk underpants and inner robe had been pawned off, changed for one of coarse weave, which had rubbed until his inner thighs were feeling uncomfortable.

    The more he went south, the warmer the air became, until the time he’d entered the Central Plains, You Miao’s anger had already been completely extinguished, thinking in his heart Aiy, it’s already been close to twenty years, (we’re) already an old husband and old wife, for the sake of the stability of the nation, the lives and prosperity of society, marrying a concubine can still be tolerated mah.

   In You Miao’s heart on one hand was a face-off between heavenly beings (T/N: imagine the angel and devil of your conscience bickering over your shoulders, the Chinese equivalent) on one hand missing Li Zhifeng, although Li Zhifeng was nearing his forties these few years, he did not seem to be old at all, but was only more mature. Years of physical activity at the border, the Li Zhifeng of today had tanned considerably, and that muscular body was fit and beautiful; his whole bearing had the flavor of the wild grasslands.

    No no, he definitely cannot give up the ghost! Where there is a first there will be a second! You Miao also thought in his heart, he needs to resolutely wait until he (Li Zhifeng) comes to kneel thrice and nine kowtows, turning down this marriage, before he (You Miao) would return to Liaodong. Thinking back and forth, he could not help but feel bitter and frustrated, after this whole day he had already reached Jingji (Gyeonggi), originally he thought of going down Yangzhou to return for a look at the mountain villa on Jiangpo mountain, but Qiao Jue was at Jingji, first visit his sister before he makes a decision.

    “What did you say?” The guard seemed to doubt his ears.

    “I said I’m the Prince of Liaodong!” You Miao repeated.

    The capital guards woke up bright and early and didn’t seem to have fully roused, looking You Miao up and down in consideration. You Miao was all clad in a dusty cotton robe, long blue sackcloth pants, a handkerchief wrapped around his face (to protect from the dust winds), a precious sword hanging from his waist.

    Immediately the guards at the city gates burst into uproarious laughter.

    You Miao: “……”

    “Bring this to Your house’s Majesty.” You Miao said seriously: “No, just give it to the City’s Keeper.”

    Today it was exactly the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the civil and martial officials were on leave and didn’t go to court, and were on break until the fifteenth of the eighth month; Zhao Chao was still sleeping, when the Crown Prince yelled as soon as he came in: “Dad!” Saying so he put a yupei (jade waist pendant) by Zhao Chao’s pillow.

    Zhao Chao suddenly had a cold item pressed to his neck, immediately getting a big shock, yelling: “Racking nonsense!”

    “General Li said.” Crown Prince said: “Little Uncle (mother’s younger brother) has come, you look and see if it is or not?”

 Zhao Chao：“……”

    Zhao Chao eyes were bleary with sleep,  scrutinizing the yupei for a while, Qiao Rong was at that very moment dealing with the rewards (bonuses) for the ministers and their families, coming over to say: “What’s wrong?”

    Zhao Chao said: “Fourth (younger) brother has come?”

    
    The Crown Prince said: “Just outside the city gates!”    

Nobody dared to wake the Emperor up, and unfortunately this matter was important, the martial officials guarding the city gate had to pass it to the Political Advisor Tang Bo. Master Tang and all the officials of the court in the early morning expressly rushed to study that yupei, but after studying it for half the day they could not grasp the whys and therefores, but also didn’t dare to act rashly, so Tang Bo first sent someone over to take a look, but that person also couldn’t tell who the visitor was. Tang Bo personally sneaked a long from the top of the city wall, but also couldn’t see just what sort of odd character the You Miao whose face was wrapped up tightly was, and was even more afraid of holding up matters, and so had no choice but to send the Crown Prince to deliver the message.

    Though You Miao had gone all the way to the border, his prestige was still around, everyone could not forget about this fellow, and feared that they would be given another ‘fixing’ if they slighted him. And they also didn’t dare associate too closely with You Miao, or else they’d get a memorial impeaching them for colluding with a vassal state which would be really no joke.

    Zhao Chao and Qiao Rong looked at each other for a long while.

    Following that, the Emperor and Empress simultaneously let out a loud shout.

   Qiao Rong screamed: “How come (he’s) returned like this?”

  “What about Li Zhifeng?!” Zhao Chao yelled.

    Qiao Rong and Zhao Chao separately moved posthaste; Qiao Rong ran towards the East, wanting to quickly return and touch up her makeup and change her clothing to see her younger brother. Zhao Chao on the other hand put on his dragon robe at top speed, going out to receive his younger brother-in-law.

    “Your Majesty, should we open up the city gates to let him in?”

    “No no no! Let him wait! Assemble all the civil and military officials! Come with Us to receive…..”

    Zhao Chao had even put on his pants inside-out, after taking his proffered dragon crown he immediately plonked it on his head, taking a group of officials with him to run out of the city as if flipping the ground, along the way also attracting an unknown number of civilian onlookers. You Miao waited and waited, and just as he’d run out of patience, he yelled toward the top of the city wall: “Forget it, forget it! Tang Bo you little rabbit kit! This prince already sees you!”

    Tang Bo was shocked no small amount, and hurriedly yelled out: “Master You!”

    “I’m just here to send a message! You Miao raised his tone yelled: “The five Hu tribes have already broken through the Great Wall! They’ll fight their way to the Yellow River’s banks very soon! Laozi is now going back to Yangzhou! I’m going! May we meet again someday!”

    Tang Bo: “…….”

    Tang Bo’s soul was nearly scared split into dropping half of it. You Miao was done with his prank, and just as he was about to make a run for it the city gates opened wide, the capital guards making a noise exit to greet him grandly.

    “Welcoming the Prince of Liaodong!”

    “Welcoming the Prince of Liaodong——His Majesty’s relative! Long live our Emperor!”

    At this point it was You Miao’s turn to get shocked, and immediately after, the court’s officials split into two rows in filing order, Zhao Chao dashing out on horseback, yelling out: “Ziqian——! Ziqian? Are you Ziqian……Weird! Not right! Who are you!”

    Zhao Chao: “???”

    “There’s no need to be so grand.” The corner of You Miao’s mouth twitched.

   The officials were all tongue-tied and goggle-eyed, You Miao took down the handkerchief masking his face, rushing over, yelling: “Third brother (San-ge)——!”

   Zhao Chao: “……”

    “Fourth (younger) brother (Si-di!)——!” Zhao Chao’s yelled, eyes were hot with unshed tears.

    In the next instant, You Miao and Zhao Chao flew into a hug together, in front of the whole court’s civil and martial officials outside the city gates, in front of the near ten-thousand Yulin (Imperial City) guards on the city wall, he accidentally slipped and fell completely, a pile of copper coins from his body rolling all over the floor.

    Mid-noon that day, while You Miao ate voraciously4, eating the Jiangzhou dishes personally supervised or cooked by the Empress, within the shop, the Head Minister of the Ministry of Works lead the officials supervising the road repairs to apologise to You Miao on shaking legs.

     “It’s alright.” You Miao did a broad wave of his hand, great people are magnanimous, so he shan’t pursue the matter.“

    “In one slip, our (informal) Imperial Brother-in-law (formal) can also slip out a hundred thousand taels of silver.” Zhao Chao’s left leg rested on his kneecap, at the side slapping his ankle as he laughed.

    “The two of you brothers just don’t talk decently.” Qiao Rong rebuked: “Already well into your thirties, yet you’re still like small children.”

    You Miao was occupied with eating, and didn’t have room to talk, before Zhao Chao spoke up again: “Why’d you come back by yourself, what about Li Zhifeng?”

    “Still mention him!” You Miao said angrily.

    “Alright alright alright.” The Emperor and Empress rushed to say in placation.

    “He wants to marry a concubine.” You Miao said with a belly of fury: “He’s chased me out.”

    Qiao Rong’s eyes reddened, saying: “You must’ve been starved at Liaodong ba*, last time didn’t we send over twenty people who could cook for you, how come it’s still like this; it’s been really hard on you.”

(*T/N: This ba is not the usual one you see as a sentence additive in dialogue, it’s part of Jiangnan dialect if I’m not wrong.)

    “Marrying a concubine mah.” Zhao Chao said: “There are times it also cannot be helped,……” Glancing at Qiao Rong’s expression, he immediately corrected himself: “No no, We are saying, this is utterly unacceptable.”

    Only then did Qiao Rong’s expression look a bit better.

    “Lend me an army.” You Miao said: “I’ll immediately flatten Quanrong!”

   Zhao Chao slapped his thigh saying: “How can it be flattened?! We cannot defeat him.” 

    “You cannot defeat him!” You Miao said. (T/N: With a tone of disbelief.)

    Zhao Chao laughed saying: “It’s possible to rip up the agreement, everyone can grow old and die without having any further dealings with each other mah, you just stay here in the capital from now on, isn’t that great?”

    You Miao: “……”

    You Miao glared at Zhao Chao, finally understanding his intentions.

    Qiao Rong said: “You don’t muck up the peace, wait ’til Li Zhifeng chases his way here, admits his fault, his (You Miao’s) heart will soften again.”

    That night it was already close to Mid-Autumn, the moon was bright in the sky.

    You Miao and Zhao Chao were soaking in the hot spring pool, facing each other bare-bodied, You Miao looked at the multitude of scars on Zhao Chao’s body, it remained the same likeness back in the years of warring to secure the north from the south, and could not help but feel sad.

    “How’s your body?” You Miao asked.

    “It’s gotten old.” Zhao Chao smiled helplessly saying: “As a father, I feel like I am no longer a small child. But you are still the same as back then, able to smile broadly, and whether happy or unhappy it’s written on your face.”

    You Miao looked at Zhao Chao, for a while having extremely complex feelings in his heart.

    “Third brother (San-ge).” You Miao said.

    The happenings those years, love it or hate it, arguing and stirring up, both sorrowful and joyous partings and unions; the countless past events, seemed to flash by like a glazed lantern, reflecting on cast of the two’s faces.

    “You stay by my side ba*.” Zhao Chao said: “San-ge has missed you.”

    You Miao thought and thought, but didn’t reply him.

    “I took a very long time before coming back to see you once.” You Miao said: “Then you treat me like a treasure, (but) if I hung around everyday in your presence, and talk back to you, you would likely find me annoying.”

    Zhao Chao said: “Annoyance is also caring about you, if I found someone else to argue with, I wouldn’t bother doing this sort of nagging thing. Watching you get bullied by Li Zhifeng and looking like you’ve suffered grievances, it really hurts my heart.”

    You Miao’s eyes reddened, but did not say any more, standing up to wear his clothing.

    “When are you going back to Jiangnan?” Zhao Chao also said: “The affairs with the Japanese pirates (Dongying wokou) isn’t very stable now, there needs to be someone to go look. But my body hasn’t been good in recent years; I can’t lead soldiers now.”

    “I’ll think about it bah.”You Miao said: “We’ll talk about it again after the festival.”

    Zhao Chao made a ‘en‘ sound in acknowledgement, You Miao tightened his bathrobe, saying: “Do you remember Zhong Yang?”

    “Remember.” Zhao Chao said. “How is he?”

    You Miao said: “When I’m free I’ll bring him to come see you, that child is very similar to Big Brother, not in terms of looks, but in his style of talking and doing things. Those years he followed Big Brother, he learned a lot while Big Brother was still alive, every move of his arms and legs seems to be printed from the same cast.”

    Zhao Chao made a ‘en‘ sound in acknowledgement, You Miao continued: “When he was by my side, I often had the feeling Big Brother was still around, you’ll like him.”

    The capital had changed its likeness of being filled with willow trees from the past years, since Zhao Chao reinstated the capital he hired many people and spent much money to plant quite a lot of bamboo, the mountains outside the city still had tea plantations, most likely in reminiscence  of the Yangzhou of old. Under the moonlight, once the wind blew, the sea of bamboo would make shasha noises, silvery light covering the wilderness.

    These days You Miao just stayed in the in peaceful idleness, and so he took out the qin Nie Dan left behind while he was alive, and played it, and played chess (weiqi) with Zhao Chao, absolutely slaughtering Zhao Chao’s pawns and horses, Zhao Chao’s pique couldn’t take it lying down, and pulled Tang Bo over. Only Tang Bo could compare to You Miao among all the civil officials, as the two of them had both obtained Sun Yu’s true teachings. You Miao favored the offensive, Tang Bo favored defense, the both of them went back and forth.

    “Since you left, His Majesty has often missed you over the years.” Tang Bo said.

    “A single court cannot accommodate two tigers.” You Miao added a chess piece, saying: “Tang-daren, let’s not talk about that anymore, if you want to argue with me, I also don’t have the energy to argue with you.”

Daren = general address for officials

    Tang Bo laughed, saying: “If you have the intention to return to court, I am willing to go to Yangzhou, in recent years the Southeastern coast has become rather unruly because of the pirates, in any case someone needs to go settle it.”

    You Miao hesitated a bit, and didn’t reply. Even Tang Bo has spoken up about it, it could be seen how much of a problem it actually was.

    You Miao yawned, Tang Bo knew he was also bored, so he instructed someone to put away the chessboard and pieces, saying: “Tonight His Majesty is throwing the Mid-Autumn banquet, You-daren and should speak with the other daren again then ba.”

    “En.” You Miao sat listlessly, napping for a while. He thought of Li Zhifeng and felt sad from within again. He had already returned to the Central Plains for three days, who knows where this jerk was living it up; he felt regretful just thinking of it, if he had known, it would also be good to stay in Liaodong and be fussed with him, have the city gates closed so that he couldn’t return. Otherwise smashing things in the palace was also good ah. Why’d he have to run back here for no reason, it just gained him a bunch of trouble.

    There was someone chattering at the side, You Miao said: “Quit being noisy! (I’m) troubled right now!”

    And so nobody dared make a noise in protest.

    “That, You (YM’s surname)……Esteemed Prince, Your Highness?” Someone said trying to sound him out: “We’ll really not care about it?”

      You Miao waved a hand as if swatting a fly, and the voice completely disappeared.

    When it reached the afternoon, Qiao Rong sent someone to change You Miao’s clothes, and serve him to change into the robes and comb his hair. You Miao felt invigorated clad in a black robe embroidered with gold pythons. Though he was already in his thirties, he was still elegant and handsome as ever. He walked along the corridors to join officials’ banquet bestowed by Zhao Chao.

    He vaguely went back to (recollected) the Mid-Autumn banquet ten years ago, that year he’d been chosen as the Tanhua. That year Li Zhifeng wasn’t around, and this year Li Zhifeng was also still not around, You Miao thought of Li Zhifeng no matter what he was looking at, saying in his heart let it be, let it be, after he has a drink, he’d send someone to write a letter to get Li Zhifeng to retrieve him back.

    But what should he do if Li Zhifeng doesn’t come to retrieve him? There’s no way he could thicken his face and run back ba, he would certainly be bullied to death by the Gojuryeo princess. The scene of himself crawling on the ground, his head being stepped on by a fiendish second-wife and crying out for his parents surfaced in You Miao’s mind.

    “That……” Zhao Chao was just in the midst of talking to Tu Risheng, when he waved him over. Tu Risheng saw You Miao, and immediately smiled widely, saying: “Prince.”

    “Wu.” You Miao was feeling unhappy right then, Zhao Chao added: “That thing with Li Zhifeng, really isn’t urgent?”

    “Don’t mention him in front of me!” You Miao said.

    Zhao Chao could only stop talking, when You Miao settled in his seat, he was right next to Tang Bo, and fragrance blew from the Imperial flower garden.

    “That……Prince.” Tang Bo said: “That matter with King of Quanrong, you’re really just going to……”

    You Miao said：”What matter is there, Your Honor the Political Advisor, can you just be virtuous in duty, and let off this small-timer?”

    Tang Bo wiped a bunch of cold sweat, saying: “I know this matt’r (he’s speaking more informally now) is better off not mentioned, but since there’s a festival being celebrated now, having us all here in the city drinking and admiring the moon while leaving the Quanrong king to camp outside the city, seems not too appropriate ba.”

    “What?” You Miao was flabbergasted.

    “The Quanrong King had already arrived today ’round noon.” Someone whispered: “Waited an entire afternoon already, His Majesty wouldn’t let him into the city……”

    You Miao: “……”

   You Miao quickly got up, running to the corridor and chasing up to Zhao Chao saying: “Li Zhifeng is here? Why didn’t you say so?”

    Zhao Chao said: “Didn’t I send someone to inform you?”

    “This, this……” You Miao said: “Where’s he?”

    Zhao Chao said: “I sent someone to pass on the word, to let him kneel outside the city for thrre days and three nights and then we’ll talk.”

    You Miao: “……”

    “You want me to die?!” You Miao said: “Quickly let him come in! What kind of bullying is this!”

    Zhao Chao said: “I even sent an aide to question him too! Said he actually dares to marry a concubine?! What’s that! Our family’s Prince isn’t easily bullied either! If he won’t kneel then we won’t let him enter the city!”

    “Then did he kneel?” You Miao also asked.

   Zhao Chao: “Didn’t.”

    You Miao: “……”

    “Forget it, forget it, he doesn’t need to kneel anymore.” You Miao said: “I’m also not angry at him anymore, let’s have a proper talk ba, let him in first.”

    “Oh.” Zhao Chao said: “But he said, the marriage is not arranged for him, it’s for Zhong Yang.”

   You Miao’s vision almost went a bit dark and was nearly going to faint to the ground.

    After less than half a shichen, Li Zhifeng came in.

    Li Zhifeng was all covered in wind-blown dust, and still wearing the garb for hunting, a  tiger skin over his back, with a tiezhan skirt, vambraces, wearing a feathercap, and the tattoos painted on his face made him look like a savage.

    Everyone in the crowd exchanged looks, but they all didn’t know how to address this fellow, it was still Tang Bo who had tact, and quickly said: “General!””

    “”General! Long met, long met……” (T/N: As in, we’ve been waiting to see you for a long time)

    “Long time no see General……”

    The officials all laughed politely, Li Zhifeng looked at You Miao, You Miao’s expression was unusually awkward.”

   Zhao Chao said: “You’ve come late, you’ve come late.” (T/N: Not a typo, informally speech often involves a lot of ‘ers and repetition)

    “San-di (Third Younger brother), Er-ge (Second Elder brother) has come late.” Li Zhifeng said: “I’ll punish myself to drink three cups, Your Honors, please.”

    Immediately everyone went silent, You Miao wanted to go over to speak with him, yet Li Zhifeng said to him: “I hunted a white-crested tiger (Panthera Tigris balica) for you, I caught it bare-handed, didn’t ruin its coat, how to handle it is up to you, come men, carry it here.”

(T/N: Yes that was a single continuous sentence)

    The crowd: “……”

    And so Li Zhifeng’s subordinates, carried a locked-up giant white-crested tiger that was starved for nearly ten days and on its last breath. In that instant the entire crowd in the Imperial flower garden were frightened to choking, and each quickly ducked away.

    Li Zhifeng nodded politely towards Zhao Chao, You Miao practically could not watch, saying: “Leaving without saying goodbye, it was me at fault……”

    Li Zhifeng said: “Give to you, it’s alright, old fellows drink ba.“

  On the night of Mid-autumn the martial and civil officials were nearly played to death by this pair, You Miao quickly shot Zhao Chao a look, yet Zhao Chao pretended not to see it, only leading Li Zhifeng to an empty seat, arranging for him to sit at the same table as the six and seventh-ranked officials. You Miao couldn’t pull Zhao Chao’s ear either, and could only let it be for now.

    Li Zhifeng’s meaning was, Emperor brat, you see laozi can just casually hunt down a tiger, and drag it to your capital a thousand li away, so you should quit fantasizing.

    Zhao Chao’s meaning was, you’ve come to my territory, so you’re going to have to recognise me, this Emperor.

    Li Zhifeng casually tossed his quiver, making all the officials next to him straighten their sitting posture, nobody dared move.

    “You’re from the Ministry of War?”

    “Replying General……” That official immediately said: “It’s exactly the Ministry of War.”

    Li Zhifeng was rather easy to talk to, that icy nature of the past had changed, after becoming the Quanrong King, his temper had improved by a lot, and only had a civil conversation with the gathered officials.

    Tang Bo was still asking You Miao, how should that tiger be dealt with, You Miao immediately laughed hahahah,  unusually smug, saying: “How about raising it in the Imperial flower garden?”

    Zhao Chao: “……”

    “Joking with you.”You Miao said: “After these few days find someone, feed it full and then release it into the deep mountains ba. Li Zhicheng is really too much, every few days or so there’s another patterned leopard or white-crested tiger, there’s a bunch of animals at home, we’re running out of space to raise them……”

    That night, they had to hold out until Zhao Chao left, then they could leave their seats.

    You Miao waited in the entrance to the corridor under the moonlight, pacing back and forth for a good while, afraid that Li Zhifeng was angry.

At rest, people sense osmanthus blossoms fall. Quiet night, the spring mountain empty5.

    “The King is waiting for you just ahead.” The palace maidservant said softly, her voice drifting like a light breeze.

    You Miao inclined his body to gaze into the Mid Autumn night, the moon was a silver wheel in the horizon. Hearing footsteps, he couldn’t help but turn towards the depths of the corridor.

    Li Zhifeng’s hunting shoes stepped across the floor as he walked this way.
 

   The autumn wind drafted up an entire garden’s fragrance of osmanthus, as if it were a veil wrapping around the sky, draping over their bodies gently. 

    The moon illuminated the mountains and gorges, the wide earth, and all things——

    Li Zhifeng pulled You Miao’s hand, pulling him into his embrace, You Miao was a bit apologetic, saying: “I……”

    Li Zhifeng used a violent kiss to cut off You Miao’s speech, pressing him down onto the pillar. You Miao couldn’t push him away, and could but let him kiss and suck with those wine-tinged lips. After a moment the two were both panting for breath, when their lips separated Li Zhifeng looked into You Miao’s eyes.

   Li Zhifeng smiled and said: “Your mood has been poor this year, not happy.” 

    You Miao said: “I haven’t, I……”

    “Listen to me say.” Li Zhifeng said: “Three sentences.”

    You Miao went quiet, Li Zhifeng said: “I know you miss the South, after Mid-Autumn, we’ll go down to Jiangnan to walk together.”

    You Miao laughed, Li Zhifeng added: “Wherever you want to go, just need to say it to me, Zhong Yang told me, I just didn’t know earlier, I was stupid, didn’t realise you missed your hometown.”

    “Okay.” You Miao said smiling.

    Li Zhifeng: “You’re missing home, I’ll accompany you to return to the South and stay a few years, (when) I’m missing home, then you accompany me to return and stay a few years, that’s settled.”

    “Okay.” You Miao hugged his neck and tried to kiss him.

    “One last sentence.” Li Zhifeng said: “Wait……”

    You Miao looked into Li Zhifeng’s eyes.

    “Where’s the bedroom?” Li Zhifeng said.

    You Miao let out a loud laugh, holding Li Zhifeng’s hand, and rushed straight for their room.

    ——End of extra

T/N: Somehow I remember this extra being longer than the one here… maybe that was an edit to merge it with other Mid-autumn extras. We’ll see.


1. From the Hougong Ci, a poem on the lamentations of concubine of the back palace by Bai Juyi.


2. From a Confucian idiom popularised by Zhuangzi.


3. Reference to Li Bai’s poem Buddha’s Hair


4.狼吞虎咽 – literally “to swallow whole like a wolf and gulp down like a tiger”. Basically describing a way of eating so quickly as if one was a half-starved beast.


5.From Tang Dynasty poem “Birds sing in the Ravine” by Wang Wei.

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