R:DSAT Chapter 220: We have Ten Sons, This Son is Outstanding

Translated by Cyrrene and edited by Uhei.

[1]

On the road back to the capital, Luo Wei and Long Xuan each worked independently, not interfering with each other. Luo Wei travelled among the central force’s1 battle formation, while Long Xuan stayed in the lower army division. Since the journey began, the two of them rarely saw each other except during evening meals, where they mutually exchanged banal pleasantries while in the company of others. 

In Great Zhou’s court rules, the military and government must not intermingle on the same path; for the various government offices of towns and cities along the way, all they could do to celebrate the triumphant return of the main forces to court was merely placing fine wine along the official road the army took when Long Xuan, Luo Wei, and the armed forces made their return journey from Yunguan back to the capital.

[2]

Perhaps because of Wei Lan’s meticulous care, Luo Wei followed the army all along the journey, eating from the army’s large pot of rice, and sleeping in the military tent; sometimes when the army marched urgently, he would just sleep in the wilderness with the sky for his curtain and the earth as his mat, windblown and dust-covered2, toiling as before, yet Luo Wei’s body did not succumb to sickness.

Imperial Physician Wei felt relieved. If Luo Wei continued like this, after returning to the capital, he could report his success to Emperor Xingwu.

Seeing how the capital was right in front of their eyes, Emperor Xingwu dispatched officials from the Ministry of Rites to the army to welcome them. Finally at dinner this day, Long Xuan stopped and called Luo Wei, “We will arrive in the capital city tomorrow. How about you wash up today.”

Everyone in the tent stared at Luo Wei. Along this journey, nobody within the marching army could keep clean and neat. Luo Wei was already considered better off than most. At least he had changed into fresh clothes, his face appeared to be spotless, not at all like someone accustomed to being in the army, who upon rubbing slightly would be able to rub off a ball of grime.

“However, tomorrow you are the subject who accomplished first-class merit,” Long Xuan indicated to Luo Wei to use the grey silk hair ribbon to bind up his hair, and said, “It’s not good to have dust in your hair.”

For many days, Luo Wei had no time and effort to wash his hair. He took a look at Long Xuan; this person was just like him—a layer of dust could be brushed from his hair. “Your Lordship Feng,” Luo Wei spoke to an assistant minister from the Ministry of Rites off to the side, “We’re all filthy like this, surely we should not enter the capital city yet?”

Lordship Feng did not wish to offend either Luo Wei or Long Xuan, and smiled, “Tomorrow his Majesty will personally leave the city to welcome the main army. All the common people of the city will also flush the streets with clean water, pave a path with loess, and quietly serve the army for their triumphant return. If at that time, each of you fellow generals appeared in bright helmets and gleaming armour, dashing and spirited, naturally, this would not be better.”

“Did everyone hear what his Lordship Feng just said?” Luo Wei said to the various generals inside the tent, “Today, everybody go wash yourselves.” After he spoke, Luo Wei cast aside the flap of the tent and stepped outside.

Lordship Feng had tried not to offend either of the two, but seeing Luo Wei’s attitude, he knew he had still offended the third young master Luo.

Long Xuan was unexpectedly merciful today. When he walked past Lordship Feng, he consoled this lordship who was sincerely apprehensive because of offending Luo Wei, “The third young master Luo is not someone who cannot differentiate right from wrong. He knows that your lordship’s words mean well, he wouldn’t blame you.”

[3]

Lordship Feng agreed noncommittally, and mockingly spoke a few more words to Long Xuan. He was born into poor and humble beginnings, without much privilege to let him move about freely within the court. Lordship Feng had always been an impartial public figure, and had resigned that contending for status was something he was unable to participate3 in himself. After seeing the situation today between Luo Wei and Long Xuan, it further strengthened Lordship Feng’s resolve; it was still better for him to not take anyone’s side.

The night quickly passed. The next day after dawn, this division of the army that had gone to battle set off towards the northern city wall of the capital.

Bringing his civil and military officials, Emperor Xingwu stood outside the capital’s northern gate. Luo Wei would be passing through this gate, so he naturally wanted to welcome Luo Wei back at this northern gate. From a distance, he heard the sound of the army’s bugle, and Emperor Xingwu immediately began to gaze into the distance at the army appearing within his line of sight. Following along with the triumphantly returning army approaching closer and closer to the northern gate, Emperor Xingwu only wanted to discern Luo Wei’s figure among this large army.

Luo Ze, who had already recovered from his injury, was currently guarding behind Emperor Xingwu. Looking at the army returning amidst the sound of triumphant bugle horns, Luo Ze’s heart was filled with admiration.

[4]

“Yuxuan,” Emperor Xingwu shouted at Luo Ze, “You take a look for Us4, where is Xiao Wei?”

Luo Ze said, “Your Majesty, Yunqi should not be in the upper army. You will not be able to see him here.”

Crown Prince Long Yu, who stood at Emperor Xingwu’s left-hand side said, “If Imperial Father wishes to see Yunqi, you can just send somebody to take him to the upper army.”

“He is the subject who earned first-class merit at Black Frost City, why would he not be in the upper army?” Emperor Xingwu was suddenly in an unpleasant mood.

The Third Prince Long Xing said, “Imperial Father, afterall, Yunqi is not enlisted as a general in the army. It would be inappropriate for him to proceed before the upper army division.”

“Zhao Fu, go and declare Our edict,” Emperor Xingwu ordered Zhao Fu, the personal attendant at his side, “Have Xiao Wei advance into the army’s upper army. We will generously reward him in everyone’s presence.”]

[5]

“Your Majesty,” Luo Zhiqiu heard these words of Emperor Xingwu, hurriedly stepped out of rank, and said, “Luo Wei is young in years. This (victorious) return from Black Frost City is also due to the meritorious deeds of all the various generals. For what reason should Luo Wei monopolise this significant5 merit?”

Even though Luo Zhiqiu assumed the role of Luo Wei’s father, saying these modest words of refusal was beyond reproach, yet Emperor Xingwu was displeased when he heard. “All right,” Emperor Xingwu said to Luo Zhiqiu, “Xiao Wei is also Our disciple. We clearly understand the measure of his contributions. Senior Chancellor need not say more. This time, We will generously reward all subjects that have rendered great service.” Emperor Xingwu stated to all the civil and military officials standing below.

“His Majesty is august and wise,” all the civil and military officials bowed together. With battlefield reports arriving one after another, the officials all knew that this time the return from Black Frost City looked as if there were no significant losses among the troops, but in reality the danger far surpassed two armies tearing and killing while directly facing each other with their swords. Everyone knew Emperor Xingwu doted on Luo Wei, and several days ago they all started to secretly speculate on what kind of reward Emperor Xingwu would bestow on Luo Wei.

While the emperor and his subjects were discussing, the main army’s upper army had already arrived below the northern city wall. Long Xuan vaulted off his horse, and joined the generals behind him. He took a few tight steps forward, and knelt in front of Emperor Xingwu.

“Rise,” Emperor Xingwu saw Long Xuan now, and was able to assume a smile. Luo Wei’s meritorious contributions were significant, and Long Xuan’s was similarly significant—regarding the pinnacle merit, Long Xuan and Luo Wei were both equally first-class contributors.

[6]

Long Xuan stood up and said to Emperor Xingwu, “Imperial Father, this son6 did not humiliate your sacred will, arriving with the army on a victorious return.”

“Excellent,” Emperor Xingwu beckoned for Long Xuan to approach, and examined this son of his from head to toe. From this bout of military expedition onwards, Long Xuan had tanned some, but his appearance was as handsome as ever; wearing a full suit of battle armour, his entire figure was extraordinarily striking. “Xuan’er,” Emperor Xingwu patted Long Xuan’s shoulder, “Thanks for your trouble. Upon Dark Frost City’s return, you have finally settled one of my Long Imperial family’s aspirations. Father’s heart is reassured.”

Ever since Long Xuan was young until now, had he ever received this kind of treatment from Emperor Xingwu? His heart held considerable rue, but nevertheless he said to Emperor Xingwu, “This time, the meritorious credit in (the expedition to the) remote Northern Yan belongs to the generals of the three armies. Long Xuan dares not covet this great accomplishment.”

“Humble while victorious—that’s befitting of Our son!” Emperor Xingwu was even more satisfied after this. While patting Long Xuan’s shoulder, he said to his numerous civil and military officials, “We have ten sons; this son is outstanding, how extremely to Our liking!”

When Emperor Xingwu spoke these words, quite a few glances furtively turned towards Crown Prince Long Yu.

“Second brother,” yet Long Yu’s face was filled with happiness. Looking at Long Xuan, he said, “You fought a brilliant battle.”

“Eldest brother has overly praised,” Long Xuan said modestly to Long Yu. Even after receiving such high praise from Emperor Xingwu, Long Xuan still maintained a polite and modest demeanour in front of Long Yu and Emperor Xingwu.

The arrival of hoofbeats sounded again. When the various people gathered had just turned their heads, they saw Emperor Xingwu raising his hand to wave, shouting loudly for the messenger, “Wei’er!”

Sorry for the wait!


1.In ancient times, the army is sometimes divided into three armies 三军, of which there is an upper division 前军, a central division 中军, and a lower division 后军. [Return]


2. 风尘仆仆: idiom meaning to be travel-worn and weary. [Return]


3.插一脚: literally stick his foot in. [Return]


4.朕: the imperial first-person pronoun used by emperors. The “royal we” will be used in this translation. [Return]


5.天大: literally “as big as the sky.” [Return]


6.儿臣: lit. son and subject; emperor’s sons address themselves this way, but shortened it to “this son” for readability. [Return]

R:DSAT Chapter 219: A Page Finished Reading

Translated by Uhei and edited by Cyrrene.

“What are you doing here?” Luo Wei asked in Long Xuan’s direction, unconsciously trying to protect Wei Lan by placing him behind himself, but when he reached out his hand, Wei Lan had already moved in front of him.

“Your flute playing’s not bad.” Long Xuan said.

Using the scant moonlight, Luo Wei saw what seemed to be a smile, “I daren’t accept your praise,” But Luo Wei wasn’t in the mood to joke with Long Xuan: “I was just casually blowing a tune for Wei Lan to hear. Now it’s already late in the night, why is HisYour Highness still in the streets?”

“Aren’t you in the streets too?” Long Xuan said: “And you even have the mood to play the shepherd’s flute.”

“It’s late,” Luo Wei, “Your Highness should return early to rest, I am also going back now.”

“This Yunguan Pass isn’t as safe as your brother said that lost items are not picked up and where people can leave their doors unlocked at night,” Long Xuan saw Luo Wei was leaving, and said: “One of my guards has gone missing, do you know about this?”

“This city has a lot of soldiers on night patrol,” Luo Wei said: “All along the way here I didn’t see any suspicious people. Whether this guard of Your Highness’s has been harmed by others or has run away by himself, Your Highness should check thoroughly. The crime of improper governance, Your Highness had best not casually press onto my eldest brother’s name.”

Long Xuan moved to the side to give them leeway.

“This lowly subject bids their leave,” Luo Wei joined his hands in a greeting and then immediately hopped onto horseback and crossed from Long Xuan’s side, intentionally separating Wei Lan from Long Xuan, not giving the two of them a chance to speak.

Long Xuan watched Luo Wei and Wei Lan walk into the distance, and then looked at the ground. The shepherd’s flute that Luo Wei had just been holding was already thrown to the roadside by him. Long Xuan dismounted his horse, and bent at the hip to pick up that shepherd flute made of blue-green bamboo.

“Your Highness,” The personal guard ran up to Long Xuan’s rear, and yelled a greeting to Long Xuan as he dismounted to kneel on the ground. “Has the person been found?” Long Xuan asked.

“Replying to Your Highness, we subordinates have turned over that entire courtyard, but we haven’t found the person.”

“So it’s like that ah.”

The guard said: “We subordinates discovered a prison cell built underground, with blood stains that haven’t been dry for long, but we didn’t find the prisoner.”

“How did that family’s head explain it?”

“They said it was a servant within the residence that did something wrong, and they’d just finished discipling him.”

“Did you see the servant that had been tortured?”

“Saw him, there is such a servant. When this subordinate went in to see him, there was a physician attending to his wounds.”

“I’ve got it,” Long Xuan said: “Go back, you no longer need to keep watching this family anymore.”

“Yes,” The guard stood up, and asked Long Xuan: “Should this subordinate first escort Your Highness back?”

“Is your martial skill above mine?”

“This subordinate bids leave,” The guard hastily left. Staying there any longer, he feared that he would be another person being given capital punishment tonight.

Long Xuan fiddled with the shepherd flute in his hand, “…played the flute really pleasing to the ear,” Long Xuan mumbled to himself facing the flute: “Just that if it wasn’t played for that shadow guard to hear, then it would be even better.” Tonight he was already thinking of turning in, but after Fu Yun stirred up that racket, he lost all trace of sleepiness, and came out for a casual stroll. Unexpectedly, he‘d heard the sound of the flute drifting from the distance, and when Long Xuan followed the sound of the flute seeking its source he then saw Luo Wei playing the flute for Wei Lan to hear. At this time of the night the cold moonlight only has its reflection in water for company, but these two were all smiles, carefree and worry-less. This was too piercing a sight for his eyes, even that jaunty, uplifting sound of the flute took on a different note in Long Xuan’s ears.

Long Xuan mounted the horse to return to his temporary residence, a shepherd flute lay ditched on the road behind him, broken in two.

On the second day at daybreak, Luo Qi immediately asked Luo Wei as soon as he rose.

“Lan came to leave word already,” Ye Xiu said as she assisted Luo Qi in putting on his robes: “Little Uncle, he wants to sleep a little longer today.”

“Then he’s not even eating breakfast?” Luo Qi said.

Ye Xiu said: “Lan will serve him to eat, there’s no need for you as an older brother to worry about something like this.”

Luo Qi thought of something then, and said to Ye Xiu: “Xiao Wei truly treats Lan with more sincere kinship than others.”

“Lan is the person who serves him closely, wouldn’t he treat him as sincerely as kin compared to most others?” Ye Xiu clasped buttons for Luo Qi, “I’ve long said Lan is a steady person, only with him at Little Uncle’s side, that puts people at ease.”

“I can’t make heads or tails with you,” Luo Qi said.

The wet nurse carried the pair’s little son and walked in.

“Baobao1 has woken up ah,” Ye Xiu no longer bothered with Luo Qi, and walked over to pick up her son from the wet nurse’s arms and hold him.

“Why’s he crying?” Luo Qi heard his son crying something fierce, and asked the wet nurse, putting the doubts he had about Wei Lan’s relationship with Wei Lan aside for the time being.

Luo Wei slept all the way until the sky was dark, rose to comb and wash, then came to see Luo Qi. Entering the room he first prodded his little nephew sleeping on the bed, and asked Luo Qi: “Big brother, what is this little nephew of mine called ah?”

“Dad picked it for him already,” Luo Qi said. “Didn’t I tell you about this?”

Luo Wei really couldn’t remember Luo Qi saying this to him, “I don’t know ah, what kind of name did Dad pick for him?”

“I I didn’t say?” Luo Qi asked Ye Xiu.

“Something between you brothers, how would I know?” Ye Xiu gave these two brothers an eyeroll each.

“Then take it that I didn’t commit it to memory,” Luo Wei said: “What sort of name did Dad pick for Baobao ah?”

“Dad said he arrived on this world when we were at Black Frost City,” Luo Qi said: “So Dad picked the word ‘Shuang2’ for him.”

“Luo Shuang?” Luo Wei tried reading this name aloud once.

“What do you think of this name?” Luo Qi asked Luo Wei.

But anything to do with snow, Luo Wei didn’t like, so he returned a question to Luo Qi: “Does Big brother like this name?”

“It’s not bad ah,” Luo Qi said: “As long as Dad’s happy with it, a name is just a mark someone calls, I’m not too picky about it.”

“Luo Shuang is just a little girly,” Ye Xiu spoke up at this time: “It seems like this name can also be used for a little girl.”

“Is that so?” Luo Qi asked Luo Wei.

 Luo Wei said: “Black Frost City （乌霜城）, rather than calling him Luo Wu (罗乌), why not call him Luo Shuang (罗霜),” He pinched the fat little child’s cheek, and asked him: “Shuang’er, wouldn’t you say so?”

“Then let him be called Luo Shuang,” Luo Qi said: “Dad has already picked this name out, there’s no use in us talking more about it,; Luo Shuang then Luo Shuang it’ll be.”

“Big brother, I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning,” Luo Wei pulled a face at little Luo Shuang, and only when he saw Luo Shuang laugh, did he look up and talk to Luo Qi.

“Returning to the capital?” Luo Qi asked, even Ye Xiu paused in the needlework she was currently busying her hands with, looking towards Luo Wei.

“En, I can’t get used to living here at Big brother’s, it’s too cold,” Luo Wei found an excuse.

The Luo Qi husband and wife pair looked at Luo Wei, they’d already put on their spring clothing, while Luo Wei was still dressed from head to toe in winter wear. “Just because of that?” Luo Qi said: “It’s not because there’s still something in the capital you need to attend to, is there?”

“There’s a lot of matters going on in the capital ah, his Third Highness is going to take an official wife, and it’s better to settle Zizhou’s marriage with Fu Wei earlier.”

“Big Uncle can really recognise Zizhou as a son-in-law?” Luo Qi asked. Ning Fei hadn’t talked about this, but the personal troop that followed Ning Fei already told all of this to Luo Qi.

Luo Wei smiled and didn’t answer, what ability did that old master of the Fu family have to stop something he wanted done? And it was even Fu Wei who liked Ning Fei, Luo Wei didn’t think this was something difficult at all.

“Then that’s fine,” Luo Qi wanted to keep Luo Wei with him, but also knew that the weather at Yunguan was cold, Luo Wei wouldn’t be able to take it here. So he didn’t dare to make Luo Wei stay here longer, and said: “Today brother will send you off with a wine banquet, let’s have a good meal together.”

“Alright,” Luo Wei smiled saying: “Big brother should also quickly settle things here, and bring back Sister-in-law and Shuang’er to the capital so you can all see Dad and Mom.”

When Long Xuan received news that Luo Wei was going to return to the capital first thing in the morning tomorrow, he simply told Fu Yun to go pack up the luggage.

“What do you even call this?” Fu Yun complained: “Him that third young master just says he’ll leave, and Your Highness has to follow him to leave, doesn’t he know to discuss with Your Highness first?”

Long Xuan waved his hand to make Fu Yun leave. Luo Wei was in a hurry to return to the capital, and he also was in a hurry to return to the capital; they both had many things to do still. The return of Black Frost City to their territory, to the country, was a very big matter, but to he and Luo Wei, it was just like a page they’d finished reading, and after flipping it, there was no need to look at it again.

At this time, Luo Wei sat together with his eldest brother Luo Qi, eating the home-cooked dishes Ye Xiu made personally. Long Xuan leaned against the window with his eyes closed listening to the music played by a few entertainers in the courtyard, thinking back to the sound of Luo Wei’s flute playing under the moon last night. Both of these two people still didn’t know, what was about to happen when they returned to the capital.

T/N: Sorry for the delayed update. Happy Chinese New Year!


1.宝宝 – cutesy nickname meaning ‘treasure’.


2. 霜 – ‘Frost’

R:DSAT Chapter 218 – Playing the Flute Under the Moon

Translated by the Cyrrene and edited by Uhei.

Luo Wei continued without halting the horse, watching helplessly as he was about to leave Yunguan. Wei Lan spurred his horse in front of Luo Wei’s, and barring Luo Wei’s path he said, “What is the matter with you? Leaving the pass?”

Luo Wei saw there was a tea pavilion1 at the roadside, leaped off his horse, and entered the tea pavilion.

Wei Lan tied the two horses to the tea pavilion’s pillars, walked to the pavilion and saw Luo Wei sitting on the pavilion’s railings, gazing at the sky with his head raised. “It’s so late, There’s also no tea to drink here.” Wei Lan sat beside Luo Wei and said, “What is the matter with you? We had better go back sooner, if the eldest young master was to find out, wouldn’t he give you an earful?”  

“Long Xuan’s people went to search Uncle Hong’s residence.” Luo Wei said.

“Will Uncle Hong be alright?” Wei Lan quickly asked.

“It will be fine if the corpse is disposed of,” Luo Wei said, “Lan, it looks like Long Xuan does not want Mingjian Villa anymore.”

“No longer wants?” Wei Lan said, “What does this mean? He wants to kill Ning Shuying?”

“I’m the one who wants to kill this person,” Luo Wei said, “Long Xuan simply doesn’t wish to save them.”

Wei Lan saw again on Luo Wei’s face that relentless ferocity he saw that day while in Northern Yan’s central commandant’s tent. Wei Lan could not help but turn his head and said, “After all is said and done, that man is still Zizhou’s father. Young master should reconsider again.”

“Zizhou is also hoping for his death,” Luo Wei said.

“That is his blood-related father,” Wei Lan said, “If young master really invokes disposing Ning Shuying, I fear that in days to come when Zizhou meets young master again, his heart won’t be completely without a grudge, like it is now.”

“This is how you see it?”

“Wei Lan doesn’t know who his father is. This person has also never fostered me for a single day, but if there is a chance, I would still like to know who it was.” Wei Lan said, “Wouldn’t this be called the ‘innate bond between father and son2’?”

At Wei Lan’s words Luo Wei’s heart suddenly moved. Come to mention it, he also wanted to know who his blood-related father was. Not seeking anything else, he also wanted to know who this person was, and would even be fine with just a glance. “If that’s the case, then I cannot do anything to Ning Shuying yet?” Luo Wei said to Wei Lan, “Then what should I do?”

“How about young master hand over Ning Shuying to Zizhou?” Wei Lan said, “Let Zizhou make the decision himself.”

“Capture Ning Shuying alive?” Luo Wei said, “Luo Tingchao does not even have this capability, all for a Ning Shuying I even have to mobilise the troops?”

Ning Shuying’s martial arts skill was considered deeply divine3 among the Jianghu; Wei Lan thought about it and also agreed that capturing Ning Shuying alive was an impossible task.

“Speaking of Luo Tingchao,” When Luo Wei thought of Luo Tingchao, he could not reign in the killing intent in his heart. “If Long Xuan’s secret recipe was obtained from Luo Tingchao, this person also has no reason to stay alive.”

“Young master will be fine as long as you beware of this person.” Wei Lan could only say this.

“But Luo Tingchao should not betray me,” Luo Wei added, “I had him take a drug. If this person will (work) for Long Xuan, does he not even want his life?”

“When did young master make Luo Tingchao take the drug?” Wei Lan asked.

“When I went to Qilin Villa, otherwise how could I use him with my mind at ease?”

Wei Lan said, “Could it be that he discovered the antidote?”

“Impossible,” Luo Wei said, “It was a drug from the imperial palace, Long Xuan also could not possibly know which kind I had him take.”

The two of them momentarily had nothing more to say, and sat together watching the sky full of stars. It was as if before them was a perplexing riddle–over and over they pondered, continually conjectured, yet no matter what, these problems were inextricable.

“Let’s go back,” At last, Luo Wei decided not to think about it anymore. He pulled Wei Lan to stand up. “We will know when we ask after returning to Shangdu. There’s no need to rack our brains here. If Luo Tingchao cannot be of use to me, then we can just dispose of him.”

“I’ll bring over the horses,” Wei Lan said.

“Lan, you only need to keep in mind that I just care about your safety.” Luo Wei uttered this single remark behind Wei Lan.

“I didn’t have that sort of thought,” Wei Lan went to the pavilion’s pillar and untied the horses while talking to Luo Wei, “Has young master forgotten? Wei Lan is also someone who has killed countless people. I would not think about this issue of the young master killing people.”

“That’s right, it looks like you and I are really quite the couple,” Luo Wei began to laugh, kicking small pebbles under his feet. “However Lan, your life, as far as I’m concerned, is a truly priceless treasure.”

“The young master’s as well,” Wei Lan led the horses over, and watched Luo Wei mount a horse. Then he leaped upon a horse himself and asked Luo Wei, “Would you like me to go over to Uncle Hong’s to take a look?”

“There’s no need,” Luo Wei said, “Uncle Hong should be able to deal with this issue. Lan,” Luo Wei pointed towards the sky. “There is not much of any scenic view here at Yunguan, but the starlit sky here is quite nice. Are (the stars) here much brighter than in Shangdu?”

Wei Lan raised his head and glanced at the sky. He did not have much poetic charm4; after earnestly staring, he finally said to Luo Wei, “More or less, or could it be that there are more stars here than in Shangdu?”

“Let’s go,” Luo Wei was so amused by Wei Lan’s honesty that he laughed out loud. Wind, flowers, snow, and the moon5–were completely tasteless in this person’s view. This kind of person who did not comprehend this inclination and interest just happened to be the one he was especially fond of.

“What are you holding?” At this moment, Wei Lan noticed Luo Wei was holding a piece of green bamboo.

“This should be a shepherd’s flute,” Luo Wei turned the green bamboo flute around in his hands.

“Where did it come from?” Wei Lan recalled that Luo Wei said he did not like music6.

“Picked it up just now from the tea pavilion,” Luo Wei was about to place the shepherd’s flute next to his lips and play it.

Wei Lan blocked him and said, “We don’t know if it’s dirty or not, you should look carefully.”

“I am pretty good at playing the flute,” When Luo Wei heard Wei Lan’s words, he briefly wiped the flute on his clothes before placing it again next to his lips and said to Wei Lan, “You listen for a bit.”

“Will it bother others?” Wei Lan took a look at the desolate main street devoid of people and worriedly voiced, “Everyone has fallen asleep.”

“This place is Yunguan,” Luo Wei said, “Who would mind me?”

Wei Lan stopped trying to advise, and he also felt some anticipation. He heard that Luo Wei was skilled at playing the qin7, and had studied under the once-in-a-generation famously talented Gao Chengfeng. Yet after Luo Wei had lost the tip of one of his fingers, there was not even a single qin in the room, so Wei Lan had not ever heard Luo Wei playing the qin nor ever seen Luo Wei touch any musical compositions. Right now, Luo Wei was suddenly in the mood, wanting to play the flute for him. Wei Lan was not worried that Luo Wei’s flute playing would be unpleasant, but was only concerned that he would not be able to appreciate it.

Luo Wei lightly inhaled and blew into the shepherd’s flute he was holding.

Wei Lan followed closely beside Luo Wei, quietly listening.

The melodious sound of the shepherd’s flute next to Luo Wei’s lips flowed forth. With a simple tone, it was only a minor folk tune of when a shepherd boy set his herd grazing in the pasture. The cheerful, clear sound of the flute while strolling through Yunguan’s treeless main street melded with the crisp clopping of the horse’s hoofbeats–it seemed as if this flute sound had summoned forth a sort of enchantment, carrying Wei Lan into green hills and clear waters8. At this time, a heart tightly wound with worldly affairs, unable to unburden, could obtain a brief moment of bliss within the sound of the flute.

“Did that sound good?” Luo Wei asked Wei Lan after he finished playing the tune.

“It sounded pleasant, but I couldn’t tell what song it was.” Wei Lan said in embarrassment.

“I was just whimsically playing, it wasn’t any particular song,” Luo Wei spurred the white horse he was straddling in front of Wei Lan and said, “I’m not a musician, as long as Lan enjoyed listening,” while Luo Wei was speaking he began playing a different tune on the shepherd’s flute.

This tune Wei Lan could identify as soon as he heard it. This was a tune played in the Great Zhou when a man married his bride. Wei Lan began laughing, yet when he was just about to tease Luo Wei with a few words about why he thought of playing this tune, the sound of the flute playing abruptly stopped. Wei Lan gazed out towards the road ahead and saw Long Xuan riding alone, standing before them.

Hi, sorry for getting this out late! I got too frustrated with crappy internet.


1.茶亭: could also mean a tea shop or a tea stall.


2. 父子天性: the affections between father and son are born out of natural instinct.


3.神乎其神: chengyu used to describe how something is mysteriously marvelous to an extreme degree; originated from Zhuangzi’s “Heaven and Earth” in the line 深之又深，而能物焉；神之又神，而能精焉。(“where one deep is succeeded by a greater, he can people all with things; where one mysterious range is followed by another that is more so, he can lay hold of the subtlest character of each.”).


4.诗情画意: chengyu, literally, quality suggestive of poetry or painting.


5.风花雪月: chengyu referring to certain types of sentimental poetry and literary works, a love affair, or a romantic atmosphere.


6.音律: can also refer to musical temperament or tuning.


7. 琴: a stringed musical instrument, in historical novels usually refers to the guqin. See more about it here.

8. 青山绿水: chengyu which means “beautiful country scenery”, and comes from a set of koan lines in Song dynasty monk Shi Puji’s《五灯会元》.

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