Tag: how is the gentleman feeling

In the cold and quiet of midnight, the dripping of the water clock seemed so distant; each sound coming from over the red-lacquered window lattice, stirring over the lantern’s candle-flame, yet didn’t disrupt the writing of the person seated at the desk.

The warm-lit oil lamps tilted out a sliver of thin shadow, and those gorgeous features seemed a little cold and stern somehow when their owner was reticent. He silently examined the yellowed map spread all over the desk, the candlewick soundlessly dropping.

Within this still there was a sudden ‘kacha (kada)‘ click sound, as the secret door in the study was pulled open. Qin Zhao hastily walked out from within, handing over the letter that was in his sleeve, “Shige, here’s the brief report from the Southern border.”

“En.” Chu Mingyun made a sound in reply, not even lifting his eyes, still sketching and annotating the map, “Put it down for now.”

Qin Zhao glanced at the sky outside, and asked: “It is already past midnight, you’re still not intending to rest?”

“You go rest first.” Chu Mingyun took an accounts book leaflet in hand, and as he wrote he said, “The garrison defenses of the hunting lodge need to be handed over to the Imperial Army tomorrow, (I’ll) need to be busy for a while.”

“Hunting lodge defenses?” Qin Zhao said, baffled, “Isn’t the garrison duty for the third month’s hunt usually handled by the Commander of the Imperial Army?”

“Aren’t the Xiongnu emissaries still staying in the capital while they wait for the answer?” Chu Mingyun put down his brush, filled up the inkwell, “In order not to lose propriety, we are also inviting them along on this Spring Hunt, Mount Qi is not like Chang’an, it’s hard to tell whether the Xiongnu might take the chance to do something, I’m just worried that that Commander would still follow the usual arrangements of the past.”

Qin Zhao nodded.

Since times of antiquity emperors have needed to follow the norms of etiquette, and every year all of them would need to carry out hunts according to the seasons. It is recorded in the ‘Interpretation of Astronomy’ (Shitian) of the Erya; the Spring Hunt is for searching (Sou), the Summer Hunt is for the growth of seedlings (Miao), the Autumn Hunt is for harvesting (Xian), the Winter Hunt is for the imperial inspection (Shou). These four seasons were fixed as such; and they were important events to the country.

The founding ancestors of Daxia placed especial importance on the winter hunts in order to avoid their descendants from falling to a tendency of being extravagant and decadent; and set down rules that cannot be defied. It’s just too bad that a few of the later generations  of emperors didn’t favour martial arts, and Li Yanzhen of current reign had even turned the Spring Hunt into some sort of Spring picnic outing for him and his officials to bring their family members along on, how harmonious and joyous.

“Over on the Xiongnu’s side even child of a few years of age can draw a bow and hunt, yet look at the state of Daxia now, it really doesn’t bear comment. I was originally a little worried that we’d be mocked and looked down on by that prince, but you guess what our ol’ His Majesty the Emperor said?” Chu Mingyun paused, pressed his voice to make it softer as he said, “That’s just as well, so we can let them experience for themselves the prosperity of Daxia that takes elegance in the arts.”

He looked at that new well of ink, and then suddenly lifted his eyes toward Qin Zhao, “Say, do you think Li Yanzhen heard the water swooshing around in his skull when he said this?”

“…..” Qin Zhao had nothing to say in reply to that, and only after a good while could he say insipidly, “Shige……don’t learn to speak like him.”

Chu Mingyun didn’t take it to heart and laughed, then said: “Right,…..”

“What?”

Chu Mingyun seemed to want to speak but stopped himself, actually seeming a little irresolute, he tightly furrowed his brow, then after a moment his gaze fell back to the map, before he spoke up: “Forget it, it’s nothing.”

The way he was acting now was truly rare, so Qin Zhao stared at him for a long while, before suddenly speaking: “There’s also one piece of news from Su Shiyu’s side.”

“Woh–?” This didn’t make Chu Mingyun lift his head, “What news?”

“Su Shiyu also brought a man back from Huainan.”

The pen stopped in its tracks, instantly blooming a small ink stain on the plain paper, Chu Mingyun slowly lifted his eyes, expressionlessly looking at him, “Go on.”

“That’s all.” Qin Zhao said.

Chu Mingyun looked steadily at Qin Zhao, Qin Zhao looked back at him expressionlessly, and this stretch of silence congealed the atmosphere into stiffness. In the end, Chu Mingyun let out a laugh, tonelessly saying: “Do you believe me when I say, if you go on learning these terrible habits from Du Yue, I won’t spare even you a thrashing?”

Qin Zhao silently moved away his line of sight, saying: “It’s a little general that had been recently hired under the Huainan King’s command, 18 or 19 years old, name’s called Luo Xin. In accordance with Su Shiyu’s instructions, he followed the inspection carriage troupe and returned to the capital along with them.”

“Luo Xin?” Having never of this person before, Chu Mingyun considered the name for a moment, before muttering: “18 or 19 is just the right age for grooming a person, and as of now the court lacks talent that can lead the military, if Su Shiyu intends to recommend him to Li Yanzhen, I’m afraid he is planning on whittling the amount of military authority in my hands.”

Qin Zhao was instantly nervous: “Then what do we do?”

“What do you mean ‘what do we do?’” Chu Mingyun breezily gave him a sidelong look, a hint of cold smile at the edge of his lips, “What are you worrying for, just grooming him is guaranteed to succeed? You think my level of accomplishment, is something any random Tom, Dick or Harry can also reach?”

“Wo.” Qin Zhao’s heart was then at ease.

Even though he said that, there was a bit of agitation gathered between Chu Mingyun ‘s own brows. He lifted a hand to press between his brows, waving his hand to signal Qin Zhao to leave quickly, and didn’t say any more.

The candle-flame of a lamp on the desk seemed to drag and leap (dance) in its brilliance.

Early the next morning, when the light of dawn was ash-white, the Commander of the Imperial Army saw the Grand Marshall waiting inside the palace hall as soon he entered the Palace. Amidst his great alarm, he quickly hastened to go up and offer his apologies.

He received the map with both hands with fear and awe, after listening to some simple instructions by Chu Mingyun he couldn’t help but carefully measure his expression, and asked in the manner of sounding out his intent: “Today is a rest day, yet Master Chu is up so early, is it for something important?”

“There’s nothing else,” Chu Mingyun lowered his eyes to look at the accounts book in his hand, “Didn’t sleep.”

The commander was awkward, “……Then I’ll escort you out of the Palace.”

He glanced at the Commander, passed the accounts book over, and turned to head out, so the commander respectfully followed behind.

The palace was quiet in the light of dawn, a layer of the spring sun falling on the flying crests and green-glazed tiles of the roofs. Occasionally there would be a palace servant in the middle of sweeping that would bow in greeting to them, and then proceeding to step back and make way for them.

Chu Mingyun suddenly spoke: “Take a general look over it, quickly ask if there’s anything you don’t understand.”

The commander quickly opened up the account book upon hearing that, and after taking a look he couldn’t help his slight surprise, “Master Chu……isn’t there usually no garrison deployed to guard these southern foothills of Mount. Qi?”

“The Southern foothills of Mount. Qi are steeply-sloped, and underneath them flows the Wei river, its water level rises as soon as it hits Spring, the rapids of the river are so fast it’s impossible for someone to cross. It’s a natural obstacle, of course there’s no need for guards there.” Chu Mingyun took the accounts book and glanced at it, walking leisurely in front, “But this year there’s been a shortage of rain, and the weather is also warming up slower than before, so the flow of the river has slowed down a lot. Once there’s no obstruction from the Wei river, any person with some martial skill can pass through the Southern foothills to climb the mountain. And the Southern foothills are also close to the hunting lodge, should there be any……”

His voice grew softer, suddenly halting without completing the sentence. The commander had been listening attentively with his head lowered, and it was only when he gathered his wits did he realise Chu Mingyun had stopped walking.

The commander turned his head to look in bewilderment, but only saw his excellency the Grand Marshall raising his eyes to gaze into the distance; his pair of eyes dark with unknown intent, yet a smile slowly but clearly emerged from the corners of his lips.

“Finally something goes according to my wishes.” He seemed to let out a low sigh, but it was blurred out in the morning wind and couldn’t be heard clearly.

The commander followed his gaze and turned his head to look, seeing a lone person passing below the rose trellis, their figure like that of an upright orchid and jade tree.

“Read it for yourself.” Just as he’d spoken those words, the account book was stuffed into his hands; and the commander watched blankly as Chu Mingyun didn’t even give him a second glance as he made a beeline straight over there.

Each footfall stepping over slate tiles, stepping over the fallen flowers that littered the floor; yet to be swept away.

“Master Su—”

A faint fragrance drifted from the thick layer of scarlet petals were moistened with bright and limpid morning dew.

Su Shiyu stood still amidst this spring scene, and seemed to jolt slightly as he turned around, and smiled once he lifted his eyes, “Master Su, long time no see.”

“Long time no see,” Chu Mingyun stopped a few steps in front of him, stretching his tone as he teased with a smile, “I wonder if Master Su thought of me while he was in Huainan?”

“What does Master Chu think?” Su Shiyu smiled faintly, looking at him.

“I think you did ah.” Chu Mingyun lifted both arms, tilting his head and smiling till his eyes curved into crescents, “Since that’s the case, then how about a hug?”

As he said so he really made to embrace him, Su Shiyu froze slightly, seeing the bewildered commander of the Imperial Army from the corner of his eye he quickly ducked a step back and raised a hand to block him, and was a bit nonplussed, “Master Chu, this is (we’re) within the Palace.”

Chu Mingyun put down his arms, unbothered, and glanced behind him. That commander jolted as if roused from sleep, and after making his greeting from a distance, he ducked his head and hurriedly left.

Chu Mingyun then leisurely turned back his gaze, and asked: “Just returned?”

“Yes, earlier (I) went to the Xuanshi Hall to present my report to His Majesty.” Su Shiyu walked out shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

“How is it over at Huainan?”

“As of yet it’s still considered stable, but Master Chu has most likely also realised, that things might not be quite so simple. Right now we can only quietly watch how the situation develops, and I will also urge His Majesty to implement the Grace Edict as soon as possible.”

“You really won’t say you missed me once for me to hear?”

Su Shiyu sub-consciously opened his mouth to reply, and then paused as he just realised what the other said, turning his head he was met with glint of humour flowing through Chu Mingyun’s pupils. The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned upward as he retrieved his gaze, yet didn’t reply, “Why has Master Chu come into the palace so early even on a rest day?” Chu Mingyun faintly raised the tip of his brow, “Nothing much really…..”

“Wait up, Your Honour!” A loud yell sounded out suddenly from behind them, accompanied by the especially clear sounds of running.

They turned around to look; a youth had caught up to them in the blink of an eye. He wiped the sweat off his forehead as he took unsteady breaths, and said as soon as he opened his mouth: “You (respectful) really walk fast, I haven’t even had the chance to thank you properly!”

Su Shiyu smiled blandly, “You’ve already said your thanks many times along the way here, and besides, recommending and promoting talent is only what I ought to do. It is also because you have sufficiently capable that you were able to attain His Majesty’s recognition, there was no need to run over to thank me.”

“Don’t say that,” The youth persisted, “If it weren’t for Your Honour, I’m afraid I would never be able to come to Chang’an in this lifetime, of course I ought to thank you properly! Then…… how about I treat you to a meal?”

“No need,” Su Shiyu smiled, “Sometime soon we will be colleagues, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet in person during banquets, there really isn’t a need for you to be so courteous.”

“But……”

“This is the person you brought back?” Chu Mingyun spoke up to interrupt, asking Su Shiyu

The youth found this odd and let Chu Mingyun’s scrutiny wash over him. “That would be me, what about it?”

Su Shiyu raised his hand a little, signalling him not to speak any further, as he turned to smile at Chu Mingyun, “This is Luo Xin, soon he will be assuming duties in the Ministry of War. He is still of young age, and doesn’t know the rules well, hoping Master Chu will be gracious with him from now on.

“Woh——?” Chu Mingyun let out a laugh, “Master Su has always deferred to the rites of etiquette; this person who doesn’t know the rules, how did such a person catch your eye?”

“The rules can be taught later, but a temperament that is sincerely loyal and brave cannot be produced simply by teachings after all.” Su Shiyu smiled indifferently as he replied. Out of the corner of his eye he unwittingly glimpse Luo Xin staring fixedly at the two of them, and looked over: “ You still have something you want to say?”

“En!” Luo Xin hastily nodded, “Your Honour I still want to ask, since there was no morning court today, does that mean we won’t see other officials?”

“It is indeed the case.”

“Then where can I see General Chu?” Luo Xin chased with another question.

Su Shiyu didn’t get to reply in time before Chu Mingyun spoke up first, expressionlessly looking at him as he said: “What are you looking for him for?”

His attitude was inexplicably confrontational. Luo Xin couldn’t help but feel discomfited, “Not for anything, can’t I just take a look at him?”

“What’s there to look at?” Chu Mingyun said.

“But that’s the grand general who beat the Xiongnu into retreat!” Luo Xin raised his voice, “A few counties and prefectures that had been occupied by the Xiongnu for a whole five years, were all recovered within one year of his appearance, if he isn’t much to look at don’t tell me you’re worth looking at?”

Chu Mingyun suddenly let out a sneering laugh, his gaze falling to the floor covered in fallen flowers, “Remaining unmoved even as they allowed the Xiongnu to bully and humiliate them for five years, each and every one of the commanders and soldiers were incompetent yet full of themselves. Recovering lost territory was even encumbered by them and wasted a whole year of time, I really don’t understand where it is that is worthy for you all to take pride in, and even repeatedly bring this up.”

Luo Xin immediately felt aggravated, “You talk like it’s so easy, since you’re so competent why didn’t you go fight——”

“Luo Xin.” Su Shiyu interrupted him, “This person is Grand Marshall Chu.”

The words were instantly caught in his throat, and his face immediately reddened, Luo Xin stared at Chu Mingyun as if unable to react, “W-,what?! You……How could he……Really?”

Chu Mingyun shot him a glance.

Su Shiyu met his disbelieving gaze, and snuffed out his hopes as he nodded.

Luo Xin then abruptly turned his face away, not looking at Chu Mingyun, looking at Su Shiyu mouth agape and  tongue-tied for a good while before he finally spat out a sentence with some difficulty, “General Chu?! He……How could he look like this……”

“Why do you say that?” Su Shiyu said, not understanding.

Luo Xin’s brow furrowed into a knot, mumbling to himself with some disappointment, “How could the dignified grand general look like……like, like a little maiden……”

“……”

Chu Mingyun instead laughed very lightly upon hearing those words, turning his head to look at him, “Then in your opinion what should I look like; nine-feet high, tall and sturdy, full of masculine power?”

“En!” Luo Xin responded, nodding at once.

“An eloquent speaker, and also with the strength to lift a cauldron?”

“En en!” Luo Xin nodded.

Chu Mingyun looked at this straight-browed and blank-eyed (meaning that he doesn’t have much scheming and is even a bit silly) round-faced youth, and then shifted his gaze away with a complicated expression, too lazy to bother speaking further.

Su Shiyu, who had fallen silent, took in this expression of his, and couldn’t help but lower his eyes as he smiled faintly.

Naturally he was different from ordinary people, what need was there for him to look strong enough to lift a cauldron, and have an oppressive martial bearing.

Not even a thousand jars of wine, or ten thousand books could wash away that air of haughty dominance.

He was just right like this.

In a full suit of red clothes, like a flame on horseback; a figure entered Chang’an directly, passing through the bustling market streets and turned into the alley, abruptly halting outside the gate of the High Minister of the Ministry of Justice Lu Shi’s mansion.

A girl in the prime of her youth alighted from the horse, throwing the reins to a servant that came to usher her in, and as she walked into the residence, she opened her mouth to call out, “Daad, I’m back!”

Lu Shi came out of his courtyard briskly, and as soon as he spotted her he assessed her for head to toe, and only after seeing her healthy and hale he finally settled down enough to ask, “Qinghe, I allowed you to travel around to your heart’s content out there, and you really didn’t intend to return anymore?”

“Who says? Aren’t I back now?” Lu Qinghe said.

“If I hadn’t sent a letter over ordering you to come back, would you have come back of your own accord?” Lu Shi said.

Lu Qinghe quickly avoided this topic, affectionately hugging Lu Shi’s arm, “Dad, I’ve even just come back from the snow-covered mountains, have you seen a snow-covered mountain before? That place really is ––“

“Let’s not speak of this,” Lu Shi interrupted her, “You know what purpose I had in calling you back.”

Lu Qinghe didn’t bat an eyelid as she shook her head, “Don’t know.”

“If you don’t know then I’ll tell you once again,” Lu Shi said cut straight to the chase, “Getting you to return, is for the sake of finding you a good husband and marrying, so that you can settle down as soon as possible.”

“Dad––“

“Don’t you try this ruse with me,” Lu Shi remained unmoved as he pulled his arm free, his face turning stern as he said severely, “You want to be a wandering chevalier, you want to travel the various scenic spots all over, sure, I’ll let you do as you wish in this regard, but the matter of marriage can’t be taken lightly. You’re not young anymore, so stop thinking of trying to push a bargain with me!”

Lu Qinghe pursed her lips silently.

Seeing this, Lu Shi’s tone stiffened several measures more, “During the Spring Hunt in a few days’ time, the nobility and imperial relatives as well as the major officials will all be attending. You just follow me there, and take a close look at those young talents, pick out one you like, and after we return Dad will go set up an engagement for you.”

Lu Qinghe covered her face as she said faintly, “This daughter understands.”

T/N: Luo Xin, never meet your heroes. Aiy, I’m sorry it’s late again. This just happened to be a hard chapter to translate.

1.折子 – I can’t really think of a good word to replace this, but it’s basically an accordion-style folded booklet, often with a hard cover on either side. This word is used during some time periods to refer to memorials, but when they’re not addressed to the Emperor they’re not called as such, so. [Return]

2.布防 – basically, the layout of stationed guards on duty to defend an area. [Return]

3. 《尔雅·释天》I had a bit of a time translating this because this is from the eighth chapter of a Zhou dynasty text and I’m not that cultured. All four of the words ‘xian’, ‘shou’ etc. are different words for ‘hunt’, but in different contexts. Miao, in Spring, is when the hunters take stock of the numbers of wildstock in the forest, and they may hunt what animal is not having their breeding season in Spring. In Summer and Autumn, the focus is on raising crops, so any wild animals that enter the vicinity of farms can be killed in case they trample the seedlings or disturb the harvest. Shou, the winter hunt is during the imperial touring inspection (that SSY just went on, on behalf of the emperor). [Return]

4. Basically, Li Yanzhen is saying that Daxia is so wealthy it can afford to be cultured and not focus on martial prowess or hunting. [Return]

5. Saying a person has water in their skull is another way of calling them stupid. [Return]

6. 乱七八糟 – in great disorder; used to describe “teachings” that have no logic to them. [Return]

7. 顺心 – literally, ‘follows my heart’. Describes something that makes a person happy or satisfied. [Return]

8. Used to describe outstanding gentlemen with bright prospects. [Return]

9. 残红- Literary term for fallen flowers, literally ‘Remnant red’ [Return]

10. 铁齿铜牙 – literally ‘iron molars and copper teeth’. [Return]

　　The grass grew longer and the warblers flew¹, spring had come to full-term in the blink of an eye.
　　After Su Shiyu left the capital for the inspection expedition, the Chu faction unexpectedly didn’t make any movements. The various boards went about their business as usual, and all was well and stable at court. At the same time that the officials heaved a sigh of relief they were also holding in a breath secretly because they deeply felt this was also strange; it could be seen how difficult this was. They arduously kept up this state for a nearly a month, waiting until things happened at Huainan, then waiting until they received news of the Grand Secretary preparing to return, before it suddenly dawned on them, that Chu Mingyun had really kept within his bounds for so long; he was decisive when discussing business, upholding justice and keeping order, leaving nothing people could reproach him for– it’s just that these days the Grand Marshall always seemed to be a little irritable.

Chu Mingyun propped up his forehead with a single hand, and casually put aside the letter on the table. Hearing the approaching footsteps, he didn’t even look up as he asked: “Is there any news from Su Shiyu’s side?”

“……Shige.” The footsteps suddenly halted, and there was a strange note in Qin Zhao’s voice.

Chu Mingyun lifted his eyelids and looked over, “En?“

Qin Zhao looked at him with a complicated expression, and after a moment of hesitation he said: “…..You’ve already asked that seven times in the last two days.”

“Have I?” Chu Mingyun lifted his brows lightly, and continued to speak without any change in expression: “How come there isn’t any news even after I’ve asked seven times?”

“Su Shiyu is already on the way back, there wasn’t any incident, so of course there isn’t any news.”

Chu Mingyun nodded expressionlessly, Qin Zhao went up to the desk to put down the report, “Zhou Yi wrote this after he went to take up his duties, said circumstances at the Western border are already within control² now.”

“En.”

Qin Zhao’s movements suddenly paused, and inhaled a deep breath, then looked at the fortune beast incense-burner lightly wafting smoke, curling upwards in thin threads. He said with some surprise, “Shige, you changed fragrance?”

“En, calming incense³,” Chu Mingyun cast him a glance, “How is it?”

“It’s not bad.”

“Wo–?” Those white fingertips tapped incessantly on the head of the beast outlined in gold, each tap making a light clink. Chu Mingyun said, “How come I feel like this is lacking something, it’s a little bland and odorless.”

“Calming incense has always had this sort of smell.” Qin Zhao said.

“But it wasn’t like this whenever I smelled it back then.” Chu Mingyun sub-consciously responded as he stared at the incense burner.

“Where did you smell it before this?”

A name passed between his teeth, and he almost said it before he stopped himself. Chu Mingyun froze, and immediately regained his wits, retrieving his hand, and ended the topic with a non-committal reply.

After he finished reporting matters in a simple manner, Qin Zhao left.

The patter of spring rain on the roof’s exterior, a blue veil over the Wutong tree⁴. The fragrant mist and warm smoke entangled within the room, silently binding the unbidden thoughts.

Chu Mingyun lazily leaned against the backrest of the chair, and after a moment picked up the letter at the side, absent-mindedly reading over it word-by-word again.

‘This is the last report,’ The shadow guard who followed wrote, ‘Su Shiyu has already disembarked from Huainan, everything went smoothly without a hitch.

Everything went smoothly without a hitch.

Everything in this past month, including the case of the Huainan King, all went so smoothly, unexpectedly smooth.

When Su Shiyu first arrived, the Huainan King refused in utmost to greet him at the border. The city gate was tightly closed, it was clear how rigid an attitude they had. And there were even troops heavily deployed in the city, creating an opposing formation to the Southern border army Su Shiyu had gathered. The tension was as pulled as taut as a thread by both sides, and mounted with each passing day, seeming like it would explode with the slightest provocation.

But everything overturned within one night.

Over ten thousand elite soldiers took off their armour [T/N: not sure if this is more figurative as in they put down their arms] in unison, the vermillion city gate opened wide; and under the clammy moonlight a man walked out on bare feet, seal raised above his head and coming forward to surrender.

That man proclaimed himself to be the Huainan King’s strategist, and that he was only aiding and abetting such evil-doing⁵ and rebelling because he was coerced by said king; that he could hardly withstand how it was hurting his conscience. Seeing how the Huainan King was not only commiting heresy and treason but also bringing disaster to the civilians by sealing the city, he resolutely plotted with someone to assassinate the Huainan King, then came to open the city gates and welcome the Grand Secretary without a moment’s delay.
　　

He knelt beneath the towering city walls, and recited his crimes in full: using the opium to implicate Tan Jing, setting up the Eternal Joy Casino in Chang’an, sending Su Xing to assassinate government officials, blackmailing Ji Heng to ambush Mulahe, aiding the Huainan King to stir up troubles.

He said that since most of these malicious plots were his handiwork, he knew he could not avoid a death sentence, and it was only right that he compensate with his life for all the people killed, only pleading that Su Shiyu could have mercy, and let off those loyal and brave soldiers that were kept in the dark and the entire city’s innocent civilians.

This one speech resounded with power, and at the end of these words he kowtowed for a long moment.

There were soldiers with reddened eyes behind him, making the patrolling escort mutter a few lamentations.
　　
Yet Su Shiyu looked calmly at the decapitated head of the Huainan King, the frozen expression on that face that was streaked all over with blood had eyes bulging with violent rage and grievance, in the shadowed light of the gloom it was ferocious and ghastly.

After a long while, Su Shiyu spoke up blandly: “When did I ever say I wanted the Huainan King’s head?”

The strategist lifted his head, and as soon as he opened his mouth he listed in order the ten crimes of the Huainan King, each unpardonable, and marking him neither loyal nor benevolent, with no conscience to speak of, by any human’s standard he was deserving of death.

Su Shiyu looked at him silently for a moment, then smiled faintly, and no longer elaborated.

Huainan was left temporarily to the management of the protectorate general of the Southern border’s army, and after Su Shiyu sorted and collected the evidence he was in no hurry to leave, rather ordering people to investigate the entire territory. He discovered more than a hundred mu⁶ of opium poppy fields, and after that personally supervised their burning⁷, till they were destroyed in absolute.

That strategist suddenly hurried over and sought an audience on the last day, greeting Su Shiyu extremely solemnly, (T/N: this could mean that he was kneeling or bowing deeply) and repeated his plea to spare the innocent once more in a resounding voice. Then, turning around he swung himself, leaping into the blazing sea of flames that was the ignited poppy fields. The inferno grew for a moment, and the figure of a person turned to ash within moments.

Within the city of Huainan, everyone tsked and sighed, saying that that strategist wasn’t a evil person after all, he was one with sentiment and righteousness.

Chu Mingyun snorted upon hearing this.
Amidst the scene of chaos at that time, the shadow guard paid special attention to Su Shiyu’s reaction. The Grand Secretary who was being fought over by the inspection retinue in a protective circle only froze slightly, then lowered his eyes and laughed lightly with unknown meaning.

Others did not know what Su Shiyu meant, but Chu Mingyun particularly understood:
Before contact could be made the Huainan King was dead, ending all opportunities to interrogate him in detail. There was no way to tell whether that strategist’s words were true or false, because he admitted guilt and killed himself before even being escorted to the capital for the hearing.

This was again another round of theatrics where the suspects died and no testimony was left.

This case appeared to have gone smoothly, and even had some inspiring and moving embellishments since justice was served, but in truth other than a head and a handful of bone-ash they had no other gains. Su Shiyu didn’t encounter a dangerous scenario, and it wasn’t the trap to ensnare the suspect with his own actions like they expected. The contradictions between the irrefutable evidence and the suspicious motive grew deeper, yet there was no longer any avenue to set about [investigation].

If they were not overthinking it, then unfortunately this case wasn’t as simple as what was shown to the common people.

The cause for suspicion was revived, but even thinking about it yielded no solution.

Chu Mingyun stared at the snow-white letter and spaced out, his gaze subconsciously landing on that person’s name, the traces of ink carving out thin strokes, each sweep, curve and downward slant⁸ revealing that gentleness.

One could just envision the humid gentle Southern winds passing between his fingers, the faint hint of a smile hidden between flaps of his flying sleeve; the flame-coloured poppy flowers in front of him incinerated into flitting butterflies fleeting in the wind, the mountain fires stretching unbroken for ten li (~5km), brilliant and inextinguishable.
　　It was boundless elegance.

— Then Master Su should remember to return sooner, lest my longing becomes lovesickness.

　　It was obviously a coincidental turn of phrase, a he joke made unwittingly.
　　The spring rain outside the window grew larger, making a sound with each time it knocked on the Wutong leaves, falling below the eaves.
　　Chu Mingyun suddenly put out the incense burner with a cup of cold tea, threw the letter onto the table, and raised his hand to press between his brows.
　　Longing becoming lovesickness, what kind of joke is that.
　　……who would actually think of him.

　　After a few days passed, Chang’an didn’t get to wait for the Grand Secretary, but rather the arrival of an unprecedented guest.
　　An embassy visit from the Xiongnu, and the ambassador was even the
Ninth Prince Yuwen Sun⁹.

Since the start of the dynasty, Daxia was at constant war with the Xiongnu; who knew how many loyal souls were lost in the dusty wilderness of Mongolia¹⁰, the heaping bones along Wuding River’s banks that all belonged to Daxia. Even the ladyfolk, young and elderly gnashed their teeth and pounded their chests¹¹ when mentioning the Xiongnu.
　　Even if because of Chu Mingyun in these recent years the Xiongnu had a reason to avoid acting out rashly, both sides of that border remained a strictly-defended stronghold, and no intercommunication and dealings had ever been allowed.

　　Yet now the Xiongnu had suddenly sent a prince over here; the court was astounded, and hurriedly received them according to customary etiquette, at least not disgracing their demeanour.
　　The ninth prince Yuwen Sun’s spoken Han was unexpectedly accurate and fluent, andafter a simple rite was passed in the golden palace, he expressed their purpose frankly and straight-to-the-point¹²:

　　They wanted Daxia to carve out five cities from Xibei to be given to the Xiongnu.
　　The Xiongnu‘s attitude was quite a clear display of arrogance. Simply put they were taking advantage of the opportunity while relations between Daxia and Loulan were troubled; half-threatening and half-negotiating as they attempted to haul some profits.
　　And this Xiongnu prince was all the more a expert in rhetoric, speaking a whole round of sentiment, logic and reason in sequence; one could say that he was as eloquent as to make lotuses bloom from his brilliant tongue¹³.
　　A strange silence fell within the palace, the officials of the court looking at each other blankly.
　　After a moment, Li Yanzhen spoke up: “Then according to what Ninth Prince says, after five cities are carved out and acceded to you, the Xiongnu will promise to never invade again?”
　　”Of course.” Yuwen Sun smiled, “Actually we don’t really hold much of a grudge against Daxia, the many times we advanced southward was but to find a way to survive. You all also know, we have been nomads living off the grassland and water for many generations, sandstorms cuts off both these means of subsistence; but we can’t let so many people in the tribes just starve to death. So many people died fighting battles southward, but only snatched a bit to eat, it’s truly not worth the cost, but there isn’t any other way either. He paused, and said: “I’ve heard that the emperor of Daxia is magnanimous, Father is also unwilling to continue the war, and so quickly sent me to negotiate peace with you.”
　　Li Yanzhen didn’t manage to reply before Chu Mingyun said coldly: “Since you’re here to negotiate peace, then naturally [we] are on equal terms; what right does the Xiongnu have to make us accede territory?”
　　”Didn’t I already say earlier, we had no choice but to go to war in order to live. Daxia’s lands are expansive and fertile; divvying out a bit is no great loss to you, but to us it would mean not letting people starve. Both parties can also avoid going to war, there’s no harm either way.” Yuwen Sun then added, “Besides we also heard that previously that just because a woman from Loulan died, his Majesty the Emperor was willing to compensate them with three cities. Yet we would be able to avoid the deaths of over ten thousand people for want of only five cities, surely this can’t be considered too much to ask?”
　　These words were simultaneously hinting that Loulan had actually already made contact with the Xiongnu.
　　Chu Mingyun’s expression darkened, Li Yanzhen quickly raised a hand to stop him from speaking, and said to Yuwen Sun: “What the Prince has said does have reason, but this matter is not a trivial one, We are unable to give you a reply immediately. You have made the arduous journey here, why not rest for a few days, and wait for the result of the discussions.”
　　Yuwen Sun smiled and readily agreed, dismissing himself from the court, and was led to his residence by a palace maiden.
　　On this end Li Yanzhen summoned a few high-ranking officials, moving to the Xuanshi Hall to have a secret discussion. Once all had taken their seats Li Yanzhen looked around him with a complicated expression, then spoke up: “……What do all of my beloved subjects think?”
　　”Does this matter even need to be considered?” Chu Mingyun laughed coldly.
　　Li Yanzhen moved away his gaze to avoid that sharp edge, “What about my other beloved subjects?”
　　After a bit of hesitation, the Minister of the Board of Revenue, whose hair had grown white at his temples stepped out of the rank, bowed deeply in greeting and said: “This Old subject thinks…we can consider it.”
　　Chu Mingyun’s eyes darted over.
　　”May beloved subject go ahead and elaborate.” Li Yanzhen said.
　　Wei Song seemed to ponder before slowly speaking: “The terms the Xiongnu has drawn, are actually not bad. Also since Xibei often experiences natural disasters throughout the years, requiring countless taels and grains needing to be drawn out for disaster relief each year, the country’s coffers are not quite flush any longer. If we were to accede it to the Xiongnu, this would save the trouble of disaster management. And those lands are barren, incapable of feeding that many Xiongnu people; it would just be a hot potato to deal with if we keep them, but if we don’t keep them…it wouldn’t really be a great loss to us.”
　　”Because Master Wei finds it troublesome, you can throw away those few cities’ civilians?” Chu Mingyun said coldly.
　　”How can you call it throwing them away,” Wei Song sighed, “With the Daxia’s power laid there, and the protectorate generals at the border, the Xiongnu also wouldn’t dare do anything to civilians.And not to mention, in recent years, a few lands like Liangzhou have merchants that have secretly been in frequent contact with the Xiongnu, their relationship is more harmonious than you might think.”
　Some harshness suddenly erupted from those deep-coloured pupils as Chu Mingyun said: “The lands I fought to death on the battlefield and sacrificed countless soldiers to reclaim, was just for you all to give out so freely?”
　　The other officials had been sporadically whispering among themselves, and seeing the current state of affairs someone couldn’t help but sigh lowly: “It really isn’t easy for Master Chu, but after all present circumstances are not the same as the past, if both countries can negotiate peace and establish bilateral relations that could only be a good thing. Looking at it from the big picture, it is also so that there will be no more people sacrificed ah……”
　　”How do you know they will keep to their promises?” Chu Mingyun swept him a glance, then lowered his head and no longer spoke.
　　Wei Song shook his head and said, “But if we don’t give it a try, how would we prove it to be genuine or not? A chance to break the ice with the Xiongnu doesn’t come easy, it won’t do [if we] can’t even dole out a bit of trust.
　　”Master Wei is so far-sighted, I truly don’t understand it.” Chu Mingyun laughed without any feeling.
　　Wei Song glanced at Chu Mingyun, and sighed helplessly.
　　Li Yanzhen also said undecidedly: “Since the Xiongnu have already come forward, and the one they sent is even a prince, it can be seen that they are indeed sincere about this, if we just reject them like this, the path to amiability will unfortunately be thoroughly broken ah.”
　　Chu Mingyun slowly lifted his eyes upon hearing these words, and looked directly at the one seated upon the imperial throne within the palace, laughing coldly, “His Majesty is sentimental, yet unexpectedly can treat those under the heavens (the civilians) so heartlessly.”
　　”What does Beloved Subject Chu mean by this?”
　　Chu Mingyun turned away his gaze, “His Majesty naturally understands.”

　　Li Yanzhen’s expression was not very pleasant, but he didn’t get angry¹⁴, simply looking at the people beside him, and hesitantly speaking up: “Judging by this, perhaps [we] should still……”
　　”Your Majesty,” Lu Shi stepped out of the rank and bowed in greeting, “This subject thinks Grand Marshall Chu’s words are reasonable, the Xiongnu cannot be trusted!”
　　”This……” Li Yanzhen looked at him.
　　”This subject will definitely not agree to this,” Chu Mingyun’s smile slightly dimmed, and said slowly, “May His Majesty be prudent.”
　　Li Yanzhen’s desire to speak was then shut down.
　　Wei Song bowed deeply in greeting, and said earnestly: “Your Majesty, the larger interests should be prioritised!” As these words were spoken, they were immediately followed by several chorusing in agreement behind him.
　　Li Yanzhen was placed into a difficult position, seeing Chu Mingyun standing with his back straight, and staring right over at him without a hint of giving in, his heart quaked once, and couldn’t help but look towards the right anterior where the placement stood vacant.
　　Chu Mingyun followed his gaze and looked over as well, his expression calming a little subconsciously, and for a moment nobody spoke.
　　Li Yanzhen waved his hand, saying: “Forget it, forget it, this isn’t something that can be decided within a moment’s notice. Beloved Subject Su is already on the road back to the capital, it’s not too late to wait for him to come back before we discuss this further.”
　　Among these few civil officials there were more from the Su faction, and naturally they had no disagreement with this, after responding in concurrence they looked towards Chu Mingyun in unison.
　　It was only then that Chu Mingyun retracted his gaze, saying casually, “That’s fine too.”

　　Along the walkways of the palace, Wei Song slowed his steps, and then came to a complete stop. He held the railing and gazed distantly at the blue sky and green tiles, his troubled brows not easing.
　　A voice suddenly sounded out from beside him, “Is Master Wei still troubled over the matter with the Xiongnu?”
　　Wei Song turned his head towards [the sound] and realised it was the Minister of the Board of Works Yue Yuxuan. After Tan Jing was executed, he who had originally been the Assistant Minister of the Board of Works had been promoted to this rank. Wei Song steadily nodded his head, paused, and said: “Although Master Chu is a person of martial background after all, not being able to see the wood for the trees and not understanding the interests at large, but what he said…..is indeed somewhat reasonable.”
　　”How so?”
“The civilians of those five cities, are at the end of the day Daxia‘s people, if we abandon them to the Xiongnu like this, perhaps it really is……”
　　”So Master Wei is troubled about this thing,” Yue Yuxuan laughed, “Master Chu is only finding excuses for his own self-interests, you don’t need to take his words too seriously.”
　　Wei Song looked at him in astonishment. This person had always done things in a very low-key manner ever since filling in his current post, wandering in the boundary between the Chu and Su faction with no clear allegiance; not offending anyone, so who knows why today he would express an opinion so matter-of-factly, and he could not help but pursue it, asking: “Why do you say that?”
　　Yue Yuxuan opened his mouth yet paused again, looking all around him, then getting up close and lowering his voice, “Master Wei doesn’t know this, but that Master Chu is a person from Liangzhou, now that you want him to accede his old homeland to the Xiongnu, he will definitely be unwilling, why would he bother with the interests at large.”
　　”So that’s how it is,” Wei Song nodded, “I was wondering why he would suddenly care so much about the sufferings of the civilians, it seems…..I overestimated him after all.”
　　Yue Yuxuan laughed, “It is as Your Honour says, those military officials are all riding on a moment of gallantry, with no foresight to speak of. And what’s more, if we get on good terms with the Xiongnu, would Grand Marshall Chu still have his current standing? You can just listen to his words for the sake of it.”
　　Wei Song muttered non-commitally, so Yue Yuxuan took a step back and parted in greeting: “The trouble Master Wei has taken, most of us understand, no matter what Master Su’s opinions are later, I will still definitely be in support of yours.”
　　Wei Song was visibly moved, patted his shoulder and spoke no more, walking outside with him.

T/N: Joke’s on you, Chu Mingyun. Sorry this is 3 days late. I’m beginning to think that most of this novel is based in the Sixteen Kingdoms period (since you have Daxia) but borrowing elements from later dynasties. I discovered that my translations are still being uploaded to aggregator sites, so I might look into moving off WordPress and getting my own website. Please help support by donating on ko-fi so that I can raise a budget for the site :’)

1.草长莺飞- Idiom describing the scenery of spring in Jiangnan at dusk. Comes from《与陈伯之书》, a long essay-letter written by Qiu Chi advising the duke to return to Liang from Wei during the first years of the Liang dynasty. [Return]

2. 掌握之中- within grasp [Return]

3.安神香; mentioned in that chapter they were sharing a bed. [Return]

4. I suspect this is a reference to the line: 碧纱秋月，梧桐夜雨，几回无寐 from《撼庭秋·别来音信千里》which is a poem about the poet’s longing and missing their lover but not knowing when they will reunite. [Return]

5.助纣为虐 – literally, ‘to aid King Zhou in his tyranny’, a metaphor from the story about 商纣王 in《红楼梦》(“Dream of the Red Chamber”). [Return]

6.亩 – unit of measurement for area of farmland. 1 mu is equivalent to 0.165 hectares. [Return]

7.付诸一炬 – idiom meaning to ‘put a torch to something’. [Return]

8.横折转撇 – ‘heng zhe zhuan pie’ – referring to four of the basic strokes in writing chinese characters. [Return]

9.隼 – Falcon. [Return]

10.荒漠胡尘 – so strictly speaking it’s not exactly Mongolia, because this phrase is referring to all the lands on the Northern and Western borders where foreign tribes lived, including Mongolia. [Return]

11.切齿拊心 – idiom meaning to hate someone/something so much you have a visceral reaction to it. [Return]

12.开门见山 – literally, ‘to see the mountain upon opening the door’. [Return]

13.舌灿莲花 – idiom that literally translates as ‘tongue brilliant lotus flower’. [Return]

14.动怒 – more precisely speaking, this means that he may or not have gotten angry, but at least he didn’t express it is a manner that everyone has to stop the discussion to placate him. [Return]