《Yue Chen Yin》


 Chapter 1

    That''s a lot a abbreviations, but yeah I have yet to decide which to go for so another vote?~


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 1 The Cherry that Turned Red, The Plantain that Became Green


    Holding onto the plantain in the garden, the hand occa.s.sionally brus.h.i.+ng the trunk of the tree, the feeling on the trunk is so rough that it feels p.r.i.c.kly to the hand. Raising the head and staring at the plantain leaves that swayed gently, the surrounding felt peaceful and solemn. The summer wind lazily blew the baby hair; a hand is raised to brush the ticklish feeling. Stepping back and picking up plantain flower that had fallen onto the ground covered in dust, a thought crept up: Dust, oh dust. Since I''ve arrived at this world, since I''m a human for both my lives. Then the past shall be the past. What I should treasure is now.


    ¡°Young lady, young lady.¡± The clear voice washed away the remaining heat. A pale yellow silhouette lifted up the plantain leaves that hovered down. A slight sulk can be seen on her face, ¡°Young lady came here to play hide-and-seek under the plantain tree again?¡± While saying that, she lifted me up:¡±Mistress has been looking for young lady for almost half a day. I was only able to find this mischievous you after asking old lady servant Xu at the front yard.¡± The fair and small finger lightly poked my cheek.


    ¡°Hua Mei, I only came out to take a bweather and walk around for a little.¡± Mimicking the childish tone that a five year old supposed to have, the mouth moved squis.h.i.+ly,¡±When I walked here and seeing the pwantain twee gwew tawwer, so I came over to compare our heights.¡± While blinking my eyes, I hugged Hua Mei''s neck and snuggled her cheek:¡±Hua Mei, didn''t you say that I will gwow faster if I eat more? Why am I still not tawwer than this pwantain twee?¡± I puffed my cheeks up while pointing at the plantain, pretending to be angry.


    ¡°Hehe, young lady. The tree and human can''t be compared to one another.¡± The rouge on Hua Mei''s lips had a rich fragrance, making me can''t help but to drew my nose nearer to sniff it. ¡°Eh, what''s with this weird face!¡± She lightly pushed my face away and say sullenly:¡±If mistress is to see this, who knows how will she lecture the servants in young lady''s yard. This must be because of how much they spoiled you.¡±


    With my forehead propped on Hua Mei''s chin, I tilted my head to the side to look at the scenary that moved slowly in the opposite direction. This is my home for this life, it is the place where I had fell upon. ¡°Young lady, are you feeling sleepy?¡± A soft and gentle whisper can be heard beside my ear. Lightly shaking my head, I leaned on her arm mus.h.i.+ly:¡±I just want to gwow up soon.¡± Acting to be like a naive and pure child even though I still have my memories from my past life sure is a lot of work.


    ¡°How can such an adorable young lady grow up so fast?¡± The fragrance of orchid can be found on Hua Mei, ¡°Young lady is the treasure that mistress had found after much effort. And the General even wanted to squeeze you who is like a small fairy into his sleeve.¡± A soft laughter surrounded the air.


    ¡°Greeting, young lady and miss.¡± The kid servant that had pa.s.sed by stepped back to the side of the corridor and bowed to show respect.¡±Mm, go and inform Nong Mo that the young lady has been found.¡± Hua Mei lightly waved her hand and the kid servant nodded his head and left.


    I crossed and hold my arm, pursing my lips:¡±Isn''t she supposed to return to her own house today?¡± Nong Mo is a strong individual and is my biggest natural enemy.¡±Now you understood what fear is? Only this Nong Mo knew how to keep you under control!¡± Hua Mei straighten me up and looked at me wickedly,¡±This morning when Nong Mo had just stepped out of the residence, her eldest brother had left a message to the servant in charge of the gate that something happened to her sister-in-law''s family, so he won''t be able to fetch her home today.¡± What a bad coincidence, I intertwined my stubby fingers. I thought that since Nong Mo is away, I can have fun in my own room. Who would''ve thought that such a thing would happen. This time before the me who''s a small monkey even get to show the tail, the monkey king had came back from surveying the mountain. What should I do? What should I do?


    ¡°Young lady always jumped when Nong Mo''s name is mentioned, just like when the mouse meets the cat! Hehehe~¡± A gentle laughter echoed. I slighty twisted my body and pouted my lips outwards while looking at the Hua Mei that was laughing happily.


    ¡°I heard the voice of this child from distance away.¡± A beauty in red clothing with a small shoulder, tiny waist, beautiful eyebrows and eyes that slant upwards came walking up to us. A foreboding feeling crept up and I hid myself in Hua Mei''s embrace.


    ¡°I just went away for a while and young lady had shook off two old lady servants, a maid and had even wandered to Ming Xin Yard.¡± Looking at the red silhouette that''s approaching me , I tightly hugged Hua Mei''s neck and was not willing to let go no matter what. Suddenly, I felt ticklish at my armpit, it felt like having countless ants climbing on my body:¡±Hahahaha, hahahaha, good Nong Mo, please let me go this time.¡± I released my hand subconsciously and curled my body up, and was then carried over by her.


    ¡°How could we servants dare to let young lady plead to us?¡± She said that in a sour tone, and this is a dangerous signal. I bit my finger tip and looked at her with the most, most pitiable eyes:¡±Nong Mo, don''t be angry. I''m wrong, I apologize.¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± she glared and the pretty face was covered by a layer of cold mist, ¡°How many times have young lady apologized to me? Do you know, with you disappearing on others, how much money will be deducted from the salary of Zhu Yun, old lady Liu, and old lady Shen for next month?¡± I found myself froze up a little and when I stiffly looked up, Nong Mo looked really serious. And when I looked at Hua Mei beside, she lightly nodded her head:¡±Although mistress is gentle and kind, but when it comes to things involving young lady, mistress will at times lose her temper.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry.¡± I lowered my head feeling ashamed. I forgot that this is different from that world, forgot that there exists a hierarchy between the status of the people here. Curling myself in Nong Mo''s embrace for the whole time, she slightly creased her brow, and lightly sighed.


    ¡°Young lady, you don''t need to feel upset. All of these happened because they did not complete the duty and responsibility of taking care of you.¡± Nong Mo''s voice that was comparable to that of a bird can be heard, ¡°Stop rubbing your forehead, the Cinnabar applied this morning is going to be smeared.¡± As she was talking, she rubbed the spot in between my brows with a handkerchief. ¡°As long as the young lady becomes more obedient after this, we will be happy from the bottom of our heart.¡±


    Sincerely nodding my head, I leaned myself on her while she''s carrying me. The height was enough to looked at the yard that became further and further away. A couplet can be seen on both sides of the yard door. The first verse are: ¡°What is dreamt is both false and void, just like the heart of the plantain.¡± And the next verse continuing:¡±What is felt is both real and fake, at the same time just like the moon reflected on the water¡± Heart of plantain, the relection of the moon on the water, no matter how one searched for them, it was all to find a clear answer within the heart. The yard of clear heart, practising the good will. This must be the insight that the Han family has obtained every generations.[1]


    ¡°Qing Qing!¡± Right after entering Liu Feng Pavilion, a voice that touched the heart can be heard, ¡°This child, where did you run off to? Mother was really worried about you.¡± Nong Mo carefully placed me down and I moved my short legs and jumped into my mother''s embrace. I''m so blessed. So soft and such a nice fragrance. I boldly toook advantage of the beauty:¡±Mother, Qing Qing was only walking in my own residence, so nothing will happen.¡± As expected of my, Qing Qing''s mother. Looking frail, quiet and with slight concern showing on her brows, the hair that softly brushed on her cheeks that was comparable to the autumn moon, and a nice body frame. Given ten years, I myself will also become a beautiful lady. Although not to the point of attracting the attention of the whole country, it can at least cause a ruckus in the city. Thinking up till this point, I began to laugh lowly, feeling proud.


    ¡°Mother, sister is laughing to herself again.¡± the voice that was still in their changing period sounding like speaking through a drake throat can be heard. I showed my tongue out after I turned towards the dignified and confident young man:¡±I''m not laughing to myself, I''m actually smiling happily. Because I have such a beautiful mother.¡± As I said that, I happily jumped into my beautiful mother''s embrace again.


    ¡°You and your honey coated tongue, always knows how to coax others.¡± Elder brother slightly lifted the robe of his clothing and sat on the stone stool. Picking up a cherry and feeding it into my mouth, he looked at me smilingly. Tsk tsk, being so charming even though he''s only a teen, so charming that he''s comparable to the stars observable at dusk.


    The sweet taste and the fragrance of the fruit pulled my attention back. Looking at my brother feeling satisfied, I spoke spoiledly:¡±I want more!¡±


    ¡°Hehe~¡± Hua Mei cover her mouth as she laughed lowly. ¡°What is it?¡± My beautiful mother creased her brow as she asked her curiously.


    ¡°Replying mistress, Hua Mei just thought about the nursery rhyme in the hometown.¡± She curved her lips and her eyes curved upwards as she smiled, ¡°The fragrance of mugwort, covering the hall. The peach branch that''s arranged at the gate, and over the gate the yellow of the wheat can be seen. Fifth of May, it''s Rui Yang. Mugwort on the gate, the fragrance covering the hall.¡± Following her reciting, all of us clapped. Hua Mei smilingly walked towards me and squatted down:¡±Enjoying the Zongzi, scattering the white sugar. The sugar in the You Country hs the most fragrance and sweetness. Consuming one, asking for a pair. The mother rejects, teary eyes are shown. With a sad brow, the child sang while crying: Mother, look at me. I''m thinner than a cuc.u.mber, with no meat on my body. The mother laughed, saying: You''re not thin, but your face are thicker than the city wall!¡±


    The excellent verses had made everyone laugh. While holding onto her stomach, mother helped me clean my mouth:"Qing Qing is really mother''s treasure, hehe."


    "Hua Mei had recited it excellently. Isn''t that referring to our little Qing Qing?"


    Brother smiled as he showed his teeth, and had his fill of laughter, ¡°The gluttonous little kitten. Careful not to overeat with no one wanting to marry you who had become a fat lady.¡±


    Squinting unhappily at my brother who was gloating:¡±Hmph, if no one dared to marry this fat me, then I shall just live off the family. Eat off of brother, drink off of brother, to the point brother will be so worried that he become thinner than a cuc.u.mber.¡± I turned my eyes away and stared at Hua Mei unhappily:¡±Sleeping lightly, waking up feeling cold, raising the beaded curtain and look into the mirror. Nothing can be seen clearly. asking Hua Mei, is it day now? But the birds reply nothing.¡±


    All the laughter suddenly stop and all the eyes looked at me in surprise. With my palm facing the ground, the voice of a kid resounded:¡±Dressing up, opening the window, smiling brightly, but seeing the young man walk away. Turning back to ask Hua Mei, Why do you look so shocked. The maid''s hert jumped and hurriedly kneeled: Young lady, it was the carelessness of Hua Mei.¡± Coldly looking at her, I then continue:¡±The young lady knitted her brow: What happened? Hua Mei lowered her eyes and softly reply: Charcoal pen.¡±


    Looking at the curious stare of the people around me, I showed a pure smiling face:¡±The young lady carressed the tail of the brow, asking hurriedly: Is it drawn?¡± Moving my short legs, I pounced into mother''s embrace, and emphasized on my next words:¡±Hua Mei shockingly stated:It''s not!¡± I unhappily glared at the beauty in yellow clothing.


    All the masters and servants in the pavillion was shocked at first, and then their brows were smoothed out. And in the end, laughter ranging from high and low voices can be heard. My beautiful mother carried me onto her lap and smiled, asking me:¡±Dear Qing Qing, who taught you all these verses?¡±


    This great me proudly raised my head:¡±No one, I created them myself.¡± After I said that, I pursed my lips outwards and continue pretending to be angry.


    The laughter stoppped suddenly, eyesights filled with astonishment and inquisition were directed towards me. After I calmed down, I find myself panicking: How can I forget that I''m still a kid that has yet to learn any words. How can I cover this up?


    [1] Ming Xin Yard Ã÷ÐÄÔº - Ã÷ÐÄ=understanding the heart. :'') I also tried my best in


    making the couplet/recitations rhyme, hopefully it does not sound weird.


    And yup, I myself also don''t know what I''m translating at those recitations¡­..

 Chapter 2

    Translated+Edited: Akiha


    "The General is back! The General is back!" Just when I was still panicking, a middle-aged man wearing the clothing of a high level servant lowered his head and bent his back, standing at around ten meters away from the pavilion, "The general asks the mistress to bring young master and young lady to the Fu Song Hall."


    "Mmn, alright." My beautiful mother slightly nodded her head and I obediently get off her lap. Nong Mo stepped forward to help mother smooth her clothing out. With my stubby hand, I grabbed onto mother''s thin finger and everyone walked out of the pavilion and headed east.


    The residence at the current time emits an old feeling. The dark brown long corridor is quiet, simple, with a few turnings. More than half the plantations in the residence are lush green throughout the four seasons. Looking at the garden from faraway, the greeneries seem to extend to the horizon. Some of the fan-shaped window by the pa.s.sageway had roses peeking out. The roses are not elegant as peony, not beautiful as the moon; neither eye-catching nor bland, neither prideful nor plain; as if rouge that had the colours balanced, as if my mother for this life.


    As I was thinking intently, we have arrived in front of Fu Song Hall. A quiet garden, conservative decoration, dark coloured wood paint - this is father''s study room, and also Han family''s most confidential place.


    "Other than Hua Mei and Nong Mo, the others shall step back." Mother said so with a calm voice. The servants all had an arm on their chest and retreated while bowing.


    After the servants had retreated, mother brought me and brother and slowly entered the room. Before entering, Hua Mei made eye contact with Nong Mo, and after nodding their heads, the both of them stood on both side of the door.


    "Jin Se, you''ve came." A handsome man with a large build and rigid face looked at us lovingly. He is my father for this life. The country, You Country''s General, Han Bai Qing. Father and mother''s feelings towards one another are deep. According to Nong Mo, the both of them met and fell in love at first sight during Qian Qiao Festival[1]. Soon after, father who held power and position did not care about the opposition of King of You and stood to his decision to marry mother that was born as the rich merchant''s commoner daughter into the Han family and made her his wife. In these fifteen years, they still love and support one another, and father had never take in any concubine. Han Bai Qing and Su Jin Se''s love story have become the beautiful legend in the You Country and this had even made father, who was known as the Six Countries'' First War General added another layer of gentle charm.


    "Bai Qing, what is it?" Mother slightly knitted her brow and let go of my hand to walk up.


    "Xiao Er, Qing Qing, come." Concern can be seen on father''s face as he waved his hand towards me and my brother. What happened? I walked up to father and tilted my head and was lifted up by him.


    Leaning onto father''s broad arm, I blinked my eyes confusedly at him. He walked towards the desk and pointed to the scrolls on the desk while talking patiently: "Qing Qing, this is the map for the Six Countries." Map? This is the first time in the five years of my life that I''m learning about this continent. "Do you know which Six Countries is it?" Father stared at me with caring eyes and asked me seriously.


    "Qing, You, Yong, Jing, Liang, Yi." Looking back at him, I answered accordingly.


    "Mmn, your mother had brilliantly taught you about it." As he said that, he smiled warmly and gently looked at mother. The two of them began to send messages through their eyes. I awkwardly looked at brother and he had the face indicating he can''t take it anymore. Looking, looking at it again will make a person die of diabetes!


    Twisting my body in father''s arm, I successfully attracted his attention. "Our You Country is located at the most southern part." Father pointed towards the lowest part where the shoe-shaped country can be seen on the map, "As what Qing Qing can see, You Country has three neighbouring countries. One of them is the Jing Country that''s located at the centre with five countries surrounding it." Father''s long finger pointed towards the middle of the map where the smallest circle can be seen. "Another one is the Yong Country to the west and the other one being Qing Country to the east." Other than these four countries, the most northern part of the map has two more large countries: Liang Country that''s located to the north of Yong Country and northern west of Jing Country; and the Yi Country that have the southern borders connected to both Qing Country and Jing Country.


    Quietly memorizing the land division in the map, I raised my head towards father curiously, why is he teaching me geography now? "Qing Qing, father will soon leave and rush to the borders." When he said that, both mother and brother was shocked.


    "Father, is a war going to happen?" Brother walked up and stared intently into father''s eyes. Mother slightly frowned, concern showing on her face, "Is it another war with Qing Country?" When I was three, father had gone on an expedition before and it lasted half a year. During those six months, the concern on my mother''s face never ceases and any sort of news will cause her to feel unsettled. The war at that time ended with You Country winning and it was settled by Qing Country giving out some of their lands along with a hostage as compensation. After the Qing You war, father was known by all the Six Countries and You Country had even become the southern countries'' lord.


    "This time we''re having a war with Yong Country." Father carried me and sat in front of the desk, pointing towards the intersection of Yong Country, Jing Country and You Country. "The King of Yong was dissatisfied at the fact that the money offering made by Jing Country was too little and so armies were deployed to march in on Jing Country. Empress Dowager Qian had sent an amba.s.sador and asks for our country''s help. The King disregarded our opposition and is determined to dispatch our Han military to help in the march."


    "Then, how long will it take?" Mother stared at father and with a concerned voice, "Is the victory certain?"


    "I don''t know." Father sighed, "All the information is told by the amba.s.sador of Jing Country. Our country did not obtain any detailed military report."


    "Father, please allow Xiao Er to follow." Brother suddenly kneeled down and looked at father determinedly. "Xiao Er is now fourteen years old. Having been trained and practised martial arts and military tactics for around ten years, Xiao Er would like to join in annihilating the enemy and decrease father''s burden."


    "Xiao Er! Don''t fool around!" Mother hurriedly walked forward and wanted to pull brother up.


    "Jin Se." Father raised his hand to stop mother and lowered his head to look intently at brother. "The front line is not as easy as what you''ve read in the books. The enemy will not be soft on you like your teachers did when it comes to killing. Do you understand?"


    "Xiao Er understands, and Xiao Er is willing to join." Brother nodded his head strongly and held his palm onto his fist.


    "Alright. This time, Xiao Er shall follow me to war." Father nodded his head, feeling satisfied and patted brother''s shoulder.


    "Bai Qing!" Mother shouted out of shock and her eyes were filled with reluctance.


    "Jin Se, as a boy born of Han family, it is our job to serve the country." The gentleness in father''s eyes were swept away and he looked at mother pa.s.sionately: "I begin to take the lives of others when I was fourteen years old and the times that I enter and surviving the war are not lesser than ten times. Xiao Er has grown up. He''s no longer a hatchling under your wing, but an eagle that should accept the challenges set by the heaven." Saying so, he lowered his glance and looked at me sadly, "As for Qing Qing, unfortunately father can''t celebrate your birthday this year." As he said so, he took the red silk handkerchief on the desk and place it on my palm: "This is a present that father prepared for you, it can only be given to Qing Qing earlier."


    Carefully unfolding the handkerchief, a mutton fat jade[2] can be seen. It was a small, round jade as large as a dragon''s eye with Lycoris Albiflora carving. The enchanting petals with a few layers make one''s feel how much love can be found from it. "This is a precious jade circulated from the sea. The flower carved on the jade is said to be a divine flower that blooms in the heaven. A white divine flower signifies happiness. Father hopes that Qing Qing''s whole life will sail smoothly, and that''s the reason why this white jade is a present for you." Saying so, he placed it around my neck and carefully helped me to adjust the red string.


    Father, this is actually the legendary Cl.u.s.ter Amaryllis. When I pa.s.sed away in my past life, as I walked towards the Sanzu River, I saw that the path along the Huang Quan were grown with Lycoris Radiata. As bewitching as blood, as enchanting as flame. It appeared to be brilliant as it grew on the grey and white nether road. So brilliant it make one feels yearning, yearning so much that it feels sad, so sad that despair can be felt.[3]


    "Bai Qing, when¡­¡­" Mother bit her lower lips and softly spoke, with a face of trying to hold back her concern.


    "Tomorrow." Father placed me on the ground and slowly stood up, looking at mother pa.s.sionately, "We will leave tomorrow. And after I leave, you and Qing Qing will both move to the palace and temporarily live there."


    "Why this soon? And why¡­¡­" Mother began to feel agitated. Father walked up and held onto her fingers: "This is the King''s order."


    "It''s one thing if we are departing that early, but why do mother and sister need to live in the palace? It''s obvious that the King does not believe father and have both mother and sister as hostages." Brother spoke angrily, the feeling of dissatisfaction began to sprout.


    "Xiao Er!" Father stared at him strictly and brother shut his mouth at that moment. "No matter how much we''re suspected, as long as we remain loyal and felt no guilt, the King will treat both your mother and sister well." After saying that, father gently place my hand on top of mother''s palm: "Qing Qing, follow your mother to pack your things up and prepare to enter the palace tomorrow. I still have things to discuss with your brother."


    "Mmn." Feeling unsettled, I nodded obediently. Following mother out of the door, Hua Mei and Nong Mo automatically followed behind. Mother said nothing on our way and had a frown and a worried look on her face. Until we entered Shang Xin Chamber and my room, mother then opened the cupboard and began packing. I obediently stood by Nong Mo''s side and began to think to myself: This is the case where the honour of the subject is higher than that of the ruler. Hopefully father will not be Yue Fei and the King of You is not the Zhao Gou[4].


    A low sobbing pulled me away from my thoughts. "Mistress, what happened?" Hua Mei hurried over to support mother''s trembling body: "Mistress¡­.."


    Mother held onto Hua Mei''s arm and slowly walked towards the desk and sat down. In the hazy, teary eyes of mother, the worry had all turned into tears, dripping onto the pink handkerchief, dyeing it red; it made her appeared to be slightly older. My heart felt sour and I slowly walked over. Holding onto mother''s finger, and said lowly: "Mother, Qing Qing will always be with you. Father and brother will return after winning." Mother always cried to herself at places where father can''t see her. Her fragility made others felt their heart breaking, while her strength made others felt protective over her.


    Mother cleared away the tears at the corner of her eyes and hugged me. Her hold becoming more and more strong: "Qing Qing, Qing Qing."


    "Mm, Qing Qing''s here." I replied lowly. Mother, I''m here, so let''s support one another and wait for the news of their victory.


    In the night, summer rain fell and the crystal beaded curtain was lifted by the wind. Circling over the Nong Mo that was sleeping by the outer side of the bed, I wore my shoe and walked to the window. I stared at the mottled bamboo outside the yard and hold onto the white jade by my neck for a long time: Father, mother, brother. You''re my family for this life. Even if you''re in the midst of the chaotic generation, even if you''re in dangerous situation, I hope that all of you will never give up. As long as you never give up, the victory will be there.


    Thunder and storm roared, a heavy rain poured down. The windows were dyed with the colour of water droplets and the room had turned darker and darker. From my back, I heard sounds of Nong Mo flipping her body over. Tip-toeing my way over, I quickly moved to the side of the bed, flipped the mosquito net, I used all my limbs to climb over to the inside of the bed. Feeling the pat from Nong Mo, I closed my eyes and slowly fall asleep.


    As the sky began to turn bright, I woke up suddenly and hurriedly wear my clothes. Looking at the garden that was thrown over by the storm that raged for the whole night, coldness spread through my heart. After Nong Mo had done braiding my hair and applying the Cinnabar on me, I hurriedly dashed to the outside.


    "Father! Brother!" Leaning by the red gate, I looked out of the residence. The both of them were bidding mother farewell on their horses.


    Father smiled as he looked at me and nodded his head: "Qing Qing, you must listen to your mother. On the day of your birthday is the day that I will return victoriously."


    "Mm!" Nodding my head strongly, I confidently looked at my extraordinary father.


    "When I''m not in the house, don''t turn into a glutton. Or not I can''t carry you when I return." Brother who was wearing red war robe was more handsome than ever. Tugging the rein, he turned his head over and smiled, looking casual and relaxed.


    "Brother must eat more, don''t become thinner when you''re out there. In case you can''t carry me and blame it on Qing Qing!" I moved my legs and ran over to his horse. Raising my chin, I replied childishly.


    Under the concerned gaze of mother and my sad wave, the both of them with equipments on their body entered the thin mist on their horses. The future ahead is uncertain, who knows where all of it will lead to?


    Even after years later, this sorrowful scenario still appeared in my dreams at times.


    Farewell, parting.


    I had wished that I did not allow the both of you to depart, wished to forget about the memories of what happened after.


    Notes:


    [1] ǧÇÉ½Ú Qian Qiao Festival or known as ÆßϦ½ÚQixi Festival/Tanabata or China''s Valentine''s Day (Lunar calendar 7th July)


    [2] According to , Mutton Fat Jade carries the meaning to prevent negative energy, strengthen the owner''s will, and enrich life and it looks like this:


    [3] Lycoris Radiata, Cl.u.s.ter Amaryllis are both Red Spider Lily, and yes, the author did keep on changing the terms for the flower so I just follow suit:


    While Lycoris Albiflora or White Spider Lily is the white variation of it:


    I used j.a.panese term Sanzu River here, in the raw it''s San Tu River, it''s actually the same thing but I think majority are more familiar with the former.


    [4] Yue Fei is a general and tactician with great achievements but was later on framed by the emperor, Zhao Gou for something he did not do and died as a result. The case by which the subject''s honour/achievement had made the ruler felt threatened.


    Akiha: Prepare yourself folks, the train''s arriving soon.

 Chapter 3

    Translated+Edited: Akiha


    Chapter 3 The Malignant b.u.t.terfly that Envies the True Beauty


    Under the night sky where the stars had it all covered, the crying of the insects can be heard at the corridor. At times, there''s something cold brus.h.i.+ng the face, but it''s not the feeling of wind brus.h.i.+ng. Moving my short legs, I stuck close to my mother as we followed the two palace maids and two attendants that were guiding us. It was silent as we walked, with them bending their body downwards. Looking far away, there were palace lanterns hanged at every pillar. The pale yellow light lighted up the rooms and halls, making the trees and the branches looked dreamy.


    Unlike the simplicity and serenity in my residence, You Country''s palace was luxurious. Indeed, as quoted from a poem: The Phoenix Chamber and Dragon Hall lies shrouded aloft; the mansions and terraces in the palace gaudy and decked out.


    Our group slowly advanced. The sound of flowing water can somehow be heard, and the fragrance of water lily wafted in the air. The four palace servants that were guiding us stood on both side separately and with their hands in front of their chest. Mother stopped in her tracks and held tightly onto my hand. She smiled as she lowered her gaze towards me: "In the night banquet in the palace today, Qing Qing needs to be obedient and do not cause any troubles."


    Blinking my eyes, I showed a na?ve smile: "I understand, mother."


    With hands holding onto the beaded curtains, the two attendants in green silk bent their knees to greet, and a long chanting sounded: "The Wife of the Country''s General, Second Ranked Lady of the Commandments has arrived!"


    There were low whispers and fragrance overflowing from the other side of the beaded curtain. "This me, Han Su s.h.i.+[1] greets the Queen, long live the Queen." I followed my mother and kneeled at the waterside pavilion and greeted the one that holds power with greet of greatest honour.


    "Mmn, you are excused." A woman''s voice that felt lazy can be heard, "Lu Yi, lead them to their seat."


    Carefully standing up, I sneakily peeked upwards and made eye contact with a pair of sharp, beautiful eyes. My heart shook and I tugged onto mother''s sleeve and timidly lowered my head. With only an eye, I understood that the Queen is someone powerful. With only an eye, I knew that this banquet is not simple.


    Mother arched her body and leaded me to walk two steps backward. We then followed the lady in green clothing to our seat located at the lower platform. Obediently sitting beside mother, I then sighed out of relief and looked out of the waterside pavilion. Not far from here, there is a Cool Hall in the heart of the lake. It was also filled with lights and voices of people can be heard from there.


    Tugging onto mother''s sleeve, I inquired wordlessly with curiosity in my eyes. Mother lowered her head and answered softly: "That''s where the King and his ministers gathered in. The men and women should not carelessly come in contact with one another, and so the banquets are held separately. This is a custom that must be followed." Sigh, it is difficult getting used to this traditional custom. Even if this lake can separate the people, can it separate the heart? Traditional custom place importance in the surface, but is there anyone that can care about what is within the clothing, anyone that can care about what lies within the heart of those that appear to be a proper being?


    "Lady of the General." A mellow voice can be heard. I turned my head towards one of the seats on top and saw a young woman in pink elegant palace attire holding up a wine cup while stood up smilingly. Her eyes moved slightly and she looked towards mother. "Xiang Er heard that the General and the Lady met and fell in love at first sight at Qian Qiao Festival. And some rumours state that with only by Lady had made the General someone to be revered. I wonder if such a mundane me can be graced by such a divine song?"


    Mother stood up gracefully and bent her knees to greet. The simple yet elegant face had an inconspicuous smile on her face: "Consort Shu is exaggerating. That bland song of mine is not something to be talked about and I''m afraid it might taint your grace''s ear."


    "Oh~" Consort Shu''s lips slightly curved upwards and her eyes turned cold, "Seems like Lady''s divine song is only for the General to listen to and us consorts within the palace has no such luck!" What a person, what words. I lowered down my glance and bit my lips, peeking beside me.


    I saw mother''s body froze up and she kneeled down immediately: "This me does not dare to, this me does not dare to."


    "Enough, Xiang Er." The Queen''s lazy voice sounded, "You''ve scared the Lady."


    "Elder Sister~" Consort Shu stomped on her st.i.tched shoe and said in a spoiled tone, "I really want to listen to it." Raising my glance over, the beauty in pink attire now has a frail demeanour, the coldness from before can''t be seen.


    "This me will be willing to play a song, do please forgive this me." Mother kneeled on the floor and replied, looking scared,


    "Xiang Er, look what you did. The Lady was scared because of you." With the red chiffon skirt sewn with silver threads behind her, she stood up and walked slowly towards us, "Please stand up, Lady. This sister of mine has been in the palace for a long time. It is inevitable if she''s acting spoiled."


    As she said that she bent down to help mother up. The long eyes looked as if it''s smiling but at the same time it''s not: "The General headed to the war for the country and left his beloved wife and daughter under my care. How would I dare to let the Lady feel upset." After saying so, she rolled her eyes at Consort Shu, "Xiang Er, come and apologize."


    Consort Shu pursed her lips. She twists her body as she walked up to mother and hold onto mother''s finger: "I''m just straight forwards with my words, saying whatever''s on my mind. Hopefully the Lady won''t blame me." As she said that, she waved her hands towards the servants behind her, "The King gifted me with a high quality Qin. Leaving it at my place would just be a waste, and so, I might as well just use this chance to give it to Lady as a gift."


    "This me don''t dare to." Mother wanted to kneel again but her sleeve was pulled by the Queen and Consort Shu. "Does the Lady dislike Xiang Er''s gift? Or is it because the General''s residence has no need for these things?" The mellow voice felt cold.


    Giving a blow, consoling after, joking a second ago, and scolding in the next. The Consort Shu who had a red face and the Queen who had a pale face; hidden meanings within the words that carried spears and sticks. Pointing to mother, but is in fact indicating father. What a banquet, what a Qian Qiao Festival, what a pair of Queen and Consort sisters. I held my breath and clenched my fist, sitting there quietly.


    "Dong!" I clearly heard the sound of knees. .h.i.tting the ground hard. When I looked towards mother with my aching heart, mother was grovelling by Consort Shu''s feet with unsteady breaths: "This me is grateful for Consort Shu''s great gift!"


    "Do get up, Lady." Consort Shu smilingly helped mother up and eyed to the people by the side. A female servant then placed a Gu Qin with disconnected patterns onto the stand.


    Mother bent her knees shakily and turned her head slightly and smiled at me gently, she then walked towards the stand. At this moment, the sounds of stringed bamboo instruments can be heard. When listen carefully, it was the introduction part of . My heart went cold and I heaved a deep sigh: It seems that having mother to perform is something they had in mind since the beginning.


    The pale yellow long sleeve raised and slid down along with the thin arm. The beautiful arm that was raised looked as weak as the breeze, and as gentle as the willow. A lingering melody can be heard, making the water ripple. Following that was the soft sound of the flute. The twirling end note, carried by the wind, travels out and the Cool Hall nearby quiet down. Behind the veil, shadows of people began to appear.


    Mother''s finger that was applied with balsam moved along the disconnected patterns. With sadness on her face, she closed her eyes, as if to reminiscent.


    The soft and lingering tone of Gu Qin, the falling petals of the peach blossom. Flowing like the moon that s.h.i.+nes upon the border. The faraway sky moved, but will the heart of the vibrant cloud ever be known?


    As the melody gradually stop, the surrounding turned quiet. A moment later, woos can be heard from the Cool Hall and everyone came back to their senses. "It is indeed the voice from heaven." The Queen exclaimed softly and hold her palms together in commend, "No wonder the General fell in love at first sight with Lady and no matter how much the King oppose to it, he still firmly rejected the marriage with Xiang Er and marry Lady as his wife. If I was a man, I will also choose the same, rejecting the benefits just for the beloved lady~"


    My round eyes widened and I looked towards mother who was kneeling on the floor: So there''s also this past! That Consort Shu who had daggers hidden in her smile was originally to be married to father. No wonder she kept on troubling and hindering mother.


    The Queen appeared to be nonchalant, but was in fact purposefully talking about the past, causing gasps to appear in the waterside pavilion. The weird atmosphere made my heart beat faster.


    An attendant with grey robe lifted the beaded curtain and bent his back as he entered. Holding onto his hand and kneeled down: "This servant has come to greet the Queen, greet all the consorts."


    "It''s Quan Fu. Stand up." The Queen squint her eyes slightly and smiled, "Do you have any business here?"


    "Yes, your highness." The attendant did not dare to look upwards. With his head lowered and arms in front of his chest, he spoke loudly: "The King sent this servant over to inquire about the consort that played the Gu Qin earlier."


    "Oh? Did the King find that melody to be a pleasure for the ear?" The Queen lifted the jade cup and sipped.


    "Replying the Queen, The King and all the ministers find it to be a melody from the heaven."


    "Head back and inform the King. The song was played by the Wife of the Country''s General." The Queen looked to the side and the maid called Lu Yi nodded her head and walked towards the stage and helped mother who was kneeling on the floor to get up.


    "The Lady is excused." The Queen smiled and looked amiably towards everyone in the lower platform, "Pa.s.s on my order, reward Han Su s.h.i.+ with ten Hu[2] of pearls, two blocks of corals, five sets of agate stones, a pair of jade RuYi. And tomorrow I will request the King to grant the t.i.tle of First Ranked Lady of the Commandments."


    Mother''s body froze up slightly and she kneeled down once again: "Grat.i.tude towards the Queen for her generosity. Long live the Queen."


    "Do get up." A soft laughter can be heard from the upper platform, "The Lady does not need to be this wary. Two days ago, the King had told me that he favoured the general''s young daughter. Seems like the possibility is high for both me and the Lady to become in-laws~"


    What! I clenched onto the hem of my skirt. My teeth heavily bit onto the tip of my tongue and blood began to flow in my mouth. The pain reminded me that all of this is not a dream. I blankly looked at mother who was standing in the middle of the banquet. She also had the face of disbelief.


    "Quan Fu." The Queen opened her lips and tilted her head. The eyes curved upwards as she looked at me, "Lead the General''s young daughter to Ju Yue Palace. Let the King have a look, and also the crown prince as well."


    The glance with smiles hidden in it made me feel as if I was being targeted by a poisonous snake and my body trembled lightly. Turning my head again, I saw mother with her brows tightly knitted together, she looked like she wanted to say something but is unable to. Secretly heaved a sigh, the corner of my lips went upwards. I jumped down the seat and skipped towards the servant. Suddenly remembering something, I quickly turned by body back and clumsily bowed towards the upper platform: "Your Highness the Queen, Qing Qing will be going now." I lowered my head, copying the poise and my body slightly lost balance.


    "Hehehe~" A lazy laugh can be heard, "Go on, go on. What an endearing child. Quan Fu, do take good care of her. If she loses even a strand of hair when she comes back, I will have you answer to me."


    "Understood!" The attendant beside me promised respectfully, "Consorts, Wife of the General, this servant shall retreat now." As he said that he bowed towards me: "Miss Han, forgive my intrusion." After he said so, he held onto my hand and following the maids-in-waiting, we slowly headed out. Turning my head back, I sweetly smiled at mother. The fortune and misfortune of a person is caused by others, as a daughter, I myself understood that.


    On board the beautiful boat, warm summer air brushed the cheeks and slowly moved towards Ju Yue Palace located in the heart of the lake. A clear moon hanging on the sky, reflections can be seen in the water. The light sound of water swaying can be heard. With an oar, the reflection of the moon on the water shattered. With the wind, the boat moves.


    Holding onto Quan Fu''s hand, I adjusted my breathing and walked into the palace built on a small isle in the heart of the lake. Carefully observing my surrounding - a clean wall, sculptures and decorations on the wall, curtains on all sides, coloured lantern lights, it looked luxurious. While my father and brother breathe in all the dust in the borders, the so-called King just relaxingly enjoys his entertainments at the palace. What ruler and ministers, it is all but a bunch of nonsense!


    "King, this servant had greeted the Queen." Quan Fu let go of my hand and hold onto his sleeve as he bowed his head deeply.


    "Oh? What did she say?" A murky voice can be heard from the upper platform.


    "Replying the King. The Wife of the General was the one performing earlier."


    "Wife of the General?" A voice showing interests that will have one find that person to be frivolous can be heard. Carefully raising my head, what I saw was a man in yellow robe with goatee, thin cheeks, and long eyes that were calculative. With his hand up, he touched his beard and suddenly noticed me: "This is?"


    I lightly breathed in and greeted: "Han Yue Xia greeting the King. Long live the King!"


    "Han Yue Xia?"


    "Replying to the King. She is the daughter of lord Han Bai Qing, the country''s General."


    "Oh!" He grabbed onto his own palm and laughed loudly, "The Queen sure is mindful, wanting me to meet my future daughter-in-law. Good child, raise your head and let me have a look~"


    Suppressing my dissatisfaction, I timidly raised my head and forced myself to look at the cunning eyes.


    "You are excused." The thin man smilingly looked at me, "Yue Xia, your brother is called Yue Xiao right?"


    "Yes." Slowly standing up, I tried my best to control my childlike voice.


    "The duet of the vertical bamboo flute and Gu Qin under the moon. What a good scenario!"[3] The King lifted his golden cup and stood up, "There''s news today from Han family that the enemies at Rong City retreated. Showing the might of our country''s military, obliterating the enemies!"


    "This is all thanks to the wise decision of the King. If not because of our King that did not care for the opposition and determined to send our military over, how will General Han even earn this honour?" Lowering my head and staring from the corner of my eyes, a middle-aged man in dark blue palace official attire left his seat and walked up. He then kneeled down, "Hail our wise King, hail our wise King!"


    The face of wanting to lick up to other''s boots made me feel like puking. Sadly, those in power do prefer this sort of things. The man on the throne smiled triumphantly.


    "All hail the wise King!" The ministers on the lower platform all left their seat and kneeled on the ground.


    Being the only one standing had made me feel insecure and I immediately kneeled down. When I turned my head, a young official with crimson robe[4] had a disdainful look and kept his mouth shut. Seems like he''s someone with ambitions and is sober.


    "Alright, all of you, do get up." There''s pride within the murky voice, "Today is Qian Qiao Festival. According to the customs, the ministers and imperial officials don''t need to kneel or bow their head. I am willing to enjoy the fun with you all!" As he said that, he eyed to someone at the lower platform. Understanding his intention, Quan Fu clapped his hand. A group of dancers with light chiffon dress showing their shoulders appeared. At that moment, stringed bamboo instruments sounded and the hall felt hazy.


    I stood there not knowing what I should do. Seeing the King of You looking at me from the corner of his eyes, he talked to Quan Fu''s ear in a very low voice. Quan Fu nodded his head and hurriedly walked down: "The King appointed you to lead Miss Han to Zhui Yue Terrace. If anything happened to her, I will have you pay with your worthless life!"


    I frowned and looked at the Quan Fu that showed different faces. No one here is innocent. In this place, even if I can eat heartily, even if there are all sorts of rare and precious treasures, it is not a place where I will feel safe from the bottom of my heart.


    With a grim expression, I followed the attendant. The palace that appeared to be divine were rotten to the core in my eyes. Even the most beautiful sculptures appeared to be filthy to me.


    "Do wait here for a moment. Allow this servant to report your arrival." The attendant bowed towards me and walked shakily and unwillingly into the chamber terrace located at the side of the isle.


    "Ah!" The weak voice of a girl can be heard.


    "Son of ! Did you not see me in the middle of something important right now?" A loud roar can be heard from the terrace. The voice of this crown prince appeared to be of same age as brother who is in his voice changing period.


    "De Fu? Where''s De Fu? Where the h.e.l.l did he go!"


    Chaotic noises can be heard - the sound of ceramic breaking, cabinet falling onto the ground, and soon the cry of the attendant can be heard: "Forgive me, crown prince. The King appointed me to guide the young daughter of General Han to meet your highness! Or else, even if you give this servant the courage of a lion, this servant will still not dare to interrupt crown prince!" "You lowly servant, you dared to use my father''s name to hold me down!"


    "AAhhh!" A yell of pain can be heard. And like a kite with broken thread, his voice gradually disappears.


    Hiding myself by the shadows of the decorative hill, I saw a thin young boy with messy hair and covered with only the outer robe kicked the door open. With a face filled with rage: "Where are you? Where!"


    "Ser¡­.. Servant is here!" An attendant answered with trembling voice.


    "Go! Drag that dead man out. Not understanding the situation, he ruined my business!"


    "Ye¡­¡­ Yes!" The attendant hurried into the chamber and soon dragged a corpse out of the chamber.


    "De Fu! De Fu! Go and search for that Miss Han and bring her to Ju Yue Terrace!"


    "Yes!"


    With a bang, the red door was shut close.


    The crickets crying somewhere in the gra.s.s, the fireflies flying by the shadow of the wall. The moon still s.h.i.+nes brightly, the night wind still breezes lightly. It was as if nothing had happened.


    Holding onto my chest, I stuck close to the decorative hill and panted, still shock from earlier.


    "Miss Han?" A soft laughter can be heard behind me.


    I widened my eyes and my heart stopped beating for a moment. I stood there motionlessly: Who''s that?


    [1] ÊÏ s.h.i.+ refers to the family name and Han Su refers to her husband''s family (Han) and her own maiden family name (Su), feels weird to put in "Han Su Family is here to greet¡­"


    [2] 1 hu=60kg; 10 hu=600kg


    [3]ÔÂÏÂÇÙóïºÍ Yue Xia Qin Xiao He, the one above is after tl, and this is a reference to make sense of the sentence and their name=º«ÔÂÏ Han Yue Xia º«ÔÂóï Han Yue Xiao


    [4] According to Baidu, the ones wearing the crimson robe, ç­ÒÂ is an officer working in the military

 Chapter 4

    Akiha: ohohoho, I was binging some other novels during the alst few weeks which si why I did not update for this long¡­. I''m not dropping it, so don''t worry~


    Translated+Edited£º Akiha


    Chapter 4 Send Me up the Heaven Someday


    "Miss Han?" A soft laugh can be heard from behind me.


    My eyes widened and my heart stopped beating for a moment, standing while feeling dumbfounded: Who''s that?


    "You''re Han Bai Qing''s daughter?" Listening to it closely, it was a clear, child-like voice. I breathed out of relief and turned my body to the black slowly. A boy who was two heads taller than me was standing in the dark.


    Holding onto the decorative hill, I asked in a low voice: "Who are you?"


    "Miss Han! Miss Han!" A suppressed voice calling out to me can be heard and a palace lantern was lighted at the dark garden.


    Feeling someone pulling my arm, I frowned as I turned my head back: "What are you doing?"


    "Do you want to be found out?" The boy''s said so softly, "Or does Miss Han want the Crown Prince to find out that you heard everything?"


    My heart jumped as I widened my eyes, what should I do now?


    "Miss Han!" "Miss Han! Don''t be scared, this servant is coming for you!" The voice trailed away.


    Clenching my hand, I thought to myself: If I were to be found by the attendants, it''s basically telling the crown prince that I witnessed him killed someone in a fit of rage. This will for sure leave a thorn in his heart, and will for sure let his sharp mother have the intention to kill her. Rather than having all of that happening, it will be better to leave this yard and escape Zhui Yue Terrace.


    After making up my mind, I slightly bend my body down and sneaked into the bushes nearby. "What an ungrateful Miss Han that escaped all by herself first." The child-like voice continues, "Are you really Han Bai Qing''s daughter? Not alike, really not alike at all~"


    Without turning my head back, I jogged until I''m out of the yard and stood at the side of the isle. Listening to the sound of the lake waves splas.h.i.+ng and looking at the palace satin that moved along with the wind by the waterside pavilion, my hanging heart then felt relieved. After I calm my breathing, I turned to my back and softly said: "Thank you."


    Borrowing the lights from the palace, I was finally able to see the face of the boy in front of me. A pair of smiling peach blossom eyes, wide hill brows,[1] and vermillion coloured lips.


    The two words can describe how good looking he is: Disaster inducing[2].


    His eyes looked hazy, and within that haziness, it seemed clear. Tilting his head, his dark green hair slid down onto his clothes. "Hehe. What a sharp little girl." You sure do have the leisure of calling me a little girl while you yourself are just a brat! Rolling my eyes towards him, I squatted down on the floor.


    "You do run away quite quickly." He stood in front of me and lowered his body to look at me with the peach blossom eyes that can tug the heartstrings.


    Disaster, he''s a male version of disaster. When he grew up, fruits be thrown into the carriage, and the amount wins even Tan Lang[3]. Who knows how many will fall for his face!


    Raising my eyes to glance at him, I flatly asked: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    "What do you think? Who am I?" He squatted down suddenly. Hugging his head, he smilingly looked at me.


    The eyes that looked like the crescent moon were alluring. Taking back my dumbfounded glance, I cleared my throat and snorted: "Don''t tell me you''re the brat of any of those ministers that left the banquet just to catch crickets."


    "Brat?" His eyes widened and glared at me angrily, "How old are you, you little brat? Daring to speak so insolently towards me[4]!"


    Me? Perhaps he''s King of You''s son? Great, entering the wolf''s den after escaping the tiger''s den. Biting my lower lips, I quickly kneeled down: "This here is Han Yue Xia, greeting his highness the prince." With the help of the weak light, I peeked and was able to see a serpent figure embroidered on his white robe. From the looks of it, he is indeed someone from the n.o.ble family, so what he said was not faked.


    "Haha~ Hahaha~" A loud laughter can be heard from above. Carefully raising my head, I saw him laughing so much his body were bending front of back.


    Laugh, laugh all you want. Borrowing your parents'' name, enjoy the right given to you. None of You Country''s prince are good people!


    "Aiyo, little girl, look at how timid you are!" He rubbed his own stomach and patted my head: "If General Han learns that his precious daughter was grovelling like a little puppy in front of the hostage that was sent here, I wonder what the General''s thought will be?"


    Hostage? Is he perhaps Qing Country''s prince? Standing up, I stared with my eyes wide opened and sized up this boy that looked like he was around ten years old. Lightly breathing in, I opened my mouth after thinking over my words: "You, do you hate my father?"


    "Hate?" He lightly snorted, "Why should I hate him? Compared to Qing Country, it''s a lot better here."


    With his hands behind him, the boy looked at the lake quietly. His eyes were cold, and the corner of his lips curved downwards. Being sent to the country that won the war, he possibly might be the prince that was not favoured. He can only blame his birth, blame the fact that he was born into the imperial family. And possibly, the power struggle in Qing Country might make the situation more dangerous.


    Thinking up till this point, I can''t help but pity this young prince. "Thank you for your help earlier. I''m Han Yue Xia and I will be six years old next month." Generously extending my right hand towards him, I showed him a sincere smile.


    He was slightly surprised. Raising his eyebrow, he looked at my hand: "Is this You Country''s etiquette?"


    "No." I shook my head and replied with a light mood, "This is a gesture special to only me. Holding it, and we will be friends."


    "Friends?" The corner of his lips curved upwards and an alluring smile can be seen, "You want to be friends with me?"


    "Mmn!" I nodded my head heavily. At this dark palace, for us that had almost the same circ.u.mstances, it will be better for us to know one another.


    With a half opened eyes, curiosity and interest can be seen from his eyes. After scrutinizing for a little, he then smiled: "Hmm~ You are quite the air-headed little girl."


    Looking at his face acting like an adult, I felt my blood boiling. Putting my hands down quickly, I glared at him: "Just say so if you don''t want to!" After saying so, I turned my body to leave.


    My right hand was suddenly grabbed back and I turned my head back to glare at him. This good looking boy laughed with a clear voice: "Hehehe, I see that you are quite the impatient little girl!"


    Impatient! You''re the one who''s impatient! I swung my arm to shake him off. The strength gripping my hand becomes stronger, he then sighed: "Don''t be so angry, it was just a joke!" Standing back, I glanced at him.


    "My family name is Ling, given name is Yi Ran. My courtesy name is Yun Zhi. I''m 11 this year."


    "Courtesy name? Isn''t that bestowed only when you''re twenty[5]?" I looked at him, feeling confused.


    The smile was wiped off Ling Yi Ran''s face and he looked up into the sky, with slightly deeper voice: "Yun Zhi, it is a name my mother bestowed upon me before she pa.s.sed away. I will for sure use this name after becoming an adult."


    "I''m sorry for having you talking about your sad past." That pained glance made me unable to look straight into his eyes. After breathing out, I opened my mouth once again, "Yun Zhi, my pet name is Qing Qing (ÇäÇä)."


    "Qing Qing (ÇàÇà)[6]?" He looked at me in disdain and pointed to the gra.s.s on the ground, "The green gra.s.s by the lakeside (ÇàÇàºþÅϲÝQing Qing Hu Pan Cao)?"


    "Of course not!" I stomped and pulled his left arm. Using my stubby finger, I wrote on his hand, "Qing, the one with the ''î'', and p.r.o.nounced with the same intonation as ''ÔíZ¨¤o''."


    "I see, it''s the ''Qing'' of Three Lord and Nine Ministers (Èý¹«¾ÅÇä San Gong Jiu Qing)" Ling Yi Ran exclaimed, "Han Bai Qing is really patriotic."


    "No!" Staring at him intently, "It''s the ''Qing'' from ''Giving you warmth no matter how freezing it is (²»´Ç±ùѩΪÇäÈÈ Bu Ci Bing Xue Wei Qing Re)'', the ''Qing'' from ''Never going to disappoint you or the Buddha (²»¸ºÈçÀ´²»¸ºÇä Bu Fu Ru Lai Bu Fu Qing)''; it''s not those ministers or officials or Three Lords and Nine Ministers!"


    "Giving you warmth no matter how freezing it is? Never going to disappoint you or the Buddha?" Ling Yi Ran slightly squinted and bent his body down. The hazy peach blossom eyes became clear and glimmer can be seen from his eyes, "Are these two poems by General Han?"


    Oh no. I was so agitated that I forgot about my surroundings and those two sentences slipped out of my mouth. Walking back two steps, I widened my eyes and looked at him innocently: "It''s by my mother, what about it?"


    "Your mother? The lady that was playing the Guqin earlier?" he turned his body to face the waterside pavilion.


    "Yes."


    Looking at Ling Yi Ran''s back, it felt lonely.


    "My mother, she was also a woman who was talented in poetries and literatures." He glanced back with a smile, but the smile was heartbreaking, "My mother, she was also someone that is talented in Guqin as well."


    The cloud turned into water droplets and rained down, and at the same time, they themselves also lost their life. The rain droplets left the sky without any hesitation, but even so, they always longed for their mother.


    Quietly looking at somewhere faraway, silently feeling his pain.


    A short while later, his soft laugh blew all the sadness away: "If Miss Han don''t return soon, the palace will soon be in ruckus."


    "Ah!" I completely forgot about it. Clenching my fist, I stomped on the ground, "Where should I go, how do I go back?"


    He smiled lightly and pointed to the right side: "There, just walk straight from her and you will reach Ju Yue Palace."


    "Thank you!" I smiled and blinked my eyes. As I walked back quickly, I waved towards him, "Ling Yi Ran, it''s nice to meet you! Goodbye!"


    Ling Yi Ran looked at the small figure walking further and further away, the corner of his lips curved upwards. His eyes also curved and it looked hazy: "Friends? Qing Qing?" After a while, he sighed and glared. With a cold voice: "Cheng Bi."


    "I''m here." A deep and low voice belonging to a man can be heard.


    "Did you enter?" The eyes of the young prince rolled slightly and glanced towards the shadow of a tree.


    "I entered."


    "Where''s the stuff?" Ling Yi Ran walked towards the dark alley and extended his right palm.


    "It''s here." At the moment, a sheep skin parchment was placed on his palm.


    "Mmn, not bad." The clear child like voice felt extraordinarily heartless. He looked back and glanced coldly at the palace where the banquet was held: "Looks like the chaos befalling onto You Country will be soon."


    Moving my short legs, I ran as fast as I can. Outside of Ju Yue Palace, attendants and palace maids were running about, while Quan Fu was frowning and looking left and right agitatedly.


    Moving to the bushes, I breathed in deeply and plucked a China Rose[7]. Humming a nursery rhyme, I skipped towards the palace filled with bright lights.


    "Sir! Sir! Miss Han has returned!" A palace maid ran towards me while holding her dress up.


    "Oh my lord!" Quan Fu slightly moved his sleeve and his brows wrinkled, "Where, where did you go to? Zhui Yue Terrace has become chaotic because you went missing!"


    Hmph, is it possible for it to not be chaotic when His Highness the Crown Prince just showed his tyranny and a life withered away because of his action.


    Innocently pursing my lips, I lowered my head and poking my own fingers: "The attendant had left Qing Qing behind after reaching a door and Qing Qing felt scared." Holding onto the flower tightly, the thorns on the China Rose p.r.i.c.ked into my palm and tears formed from the pain. I sniffed and frowned as I looked towards Quan Fu. Since that person had unfortunately lost his life, pus.h.i.+ng the responsibility onto him won''t cause any innocent casualties.


    "That d.a.m.ned servant Xiao Lu is really not dependable!" Quan Fu stomped as a cold glimmer flashed through his eyes, "I will punish him severely!"


    You don''t even need to conceal anything. What sort punishment are you going to give when that person is not even alive. And now you''re pretending in front of me! Alright, I shall play along with your farce.


    "Don''t punish him, don''t punish him! It''s alright to only lecture him for it." I tugged on his robe and said meekly, "Quan Fu, here. I will give this to you." And I handed a China Rose to him.


    "This servant thank Miss Han''s gift." He received the flower with a fawning face and nodded his head while bowing his body.


    Holding onto Quan Fu''s cold hand, we walked towards Ju Yue Palace which was filled the scent of rouge and disgust began to swell inside my heart.


    "King, Miss Han has returned!" Quan Fu led me to the middle of the palace and reported as he stepped back.


    Slowly kneeling down and raising my body, I said: "This General''s daughter is here to greet the King."


    "Oh~ Do get up." The man from the throne seemed to be drunk from his voice.


    "Thank the King." Sincerity cannot be felt from the weak, childlike voice.


    "Have you met him?" The King of You looked at me smilingly while his hands were caressing the waist of a beauty.


    I was about to open my mouth but Quan Fu had hurriedly said: "They have met, but His Highness the Crown Prince was busy studying, so it was kept short."


    I tried my best to control my lips that were trembling slightly and snorted coldly in my heart: What a good excuse. Quan Fu, you are quite the intelligent one - covering for one side and giving a satisfying answer for the other, no wonder this man can hold such power and position within the palace. This is really impressive, Qing Qing really is impressed.


    "The You Country is really fortunate to have such a diligent Crown Prince!" A stirred voice can be heard and I glanced coldly at the flatterer.


    "Hahaha~" The one on the throne laughed happily and creases were formed on that skinny face, "With such a diligent son, I feel really glad." Slamming the table once, he stood up shakily: "My You Country that has strong military prowess and united heart, no matter the position, shall conquer the southern region in no time! Come! All the ministers, come and drink it up with me!"


    "Long live the King!" A united and loud chant resounded inside the Ju Yue Palace, with laughter appearing at times.


    The King of You held a beauty in his arm and with unfocused eyes, waved his hands out: "Quan Fu, send this child back."


    "Yes!"


    Heaving a long breath, I raised my head and slowly walked towards the palace door. Suddenly, someone appeared in front of me and kneeled on front of me. It was an elderly man with grey hair and green colour official robe.


    What is it this time around? Hiding behind Quan Fu, I looked at the old man on the floor and said nothing.


    The noisy palace became quiet and an unhappy voice of King of You can be heard: "What is this?"


    "This me, Chu Feng congratulate the King!" That old man raised his head and with eyes that opened so much it''s bulging, looked excitedly to the throne.


    "Congratulate? What is there to be congratulated? Do talk about it?" King of You''s voice became light.


    "When this me looked at the physiognomy of General Han''s daughter and did some fortune-telling from that, it seems that she is one blessed with great fortune, it is so great that words alone can''t describe it!" He bowed down as he said so.


    "Chu Feng, you are quite the flatterer. The King had said that this girl will be wedded to His Highness the Crown Prince, of course it is a great fortune for her." A voice mocked and all the ministers laughed along.


    "Not that, not that!" The old man grovelled by the side of my leg and stuck his forehead on my foot, "The fortune of this young lady is not due to You Country, but lies at the world."


    The¡­¡­ World! Subconsciously stepping two steps back, I looked at him warily. Has this old man gone mad?


    Snickers stopped at that moment, the palace was so quiet that the sounds of water flowing can be heard.


    "Is the young lady born on the thirteenth year of Tian Lu, eighth day of the eighth month, at the third quarter of the hour of the dog[8]?"


    Feeling the eyes on me, with eyes that looked scared, I mumbled: "Yes."


    "That''s right! That''s true! It is you!" The old man exerted some force and gripped onto my ankle and with his whole body trembling, he hurriedly spoke, "King, during the night this me read the stars and did some fortune-telling - the Polaris moved and the Sirius turned slightly[9], that is the sign when the Mother of the World has befall. When I once again read young lady''s face once again, Miss Han''s face which has a large forehead, where the purple aura mingles[10], and only the extraordinary human is able to accept such bless." As he said so, he grovelled and crawled towards the throne: "Congratulations, King, Congratulations!"


    Deeply breathing in, I glared at the person on the floor with eyes filled with hate: No one will try to stop you from flattering or asking for a reward. But why did you have to push me to the centre of this charade? Me and my mother had our heads hanged in this deep palace and we tried to tread through it carefully. And you old geezer just had to add more troubles onto my plate, this is frustrating!


    "Good, good!" The King of You slammed his hand onto the handle of the throne and stood up right after. With eyes akin to that of a beast''s, "Good! Good!"


    An ominous feeling surfaced and I stopped breathing as I broke into cold sweat.


    The King of You swung his hand with strength and his cheeks trembled in excitement, "I summon Chu Feng the Astrologer to step front."


    "This me is here." The old man bent deeper as he grovelled on the floor.


    "I hereby ent.i.tle you the Deputy Minister of General Affairs; you will be in charge of the General Affairs Official Residence. This will take effect starting from tomorrow!"


    "This me thank the generosity of the King! Long live the King!"


    "Hahaha! You are excused, my good minister!" The laughter of the King of You''s was so loud my eardrums were about to burst, "Quan Fu, serve her with the utmost hospitality. If Miss Han lose as much as a strand of hair, you shall answer me with your head!"


    Glancing at the scared Quan Fu from the corner of my eyes, I snorted inside my heart: Metabolism is a natural occurrence; I would like to see if I have more hair or you, the King of You, have more heads on your hand.


    The palace was once again filled with voices of flattering, congratulating, toasting, music and so on. Can such an Imperial power even conquer the world? Hah, what a joke! With a cold face, I followed Fu Quan and quickly exited the palace gate.


    "Miss Han!" The old man Chu who was promoted ran out with a cup of wine on his hand. I glanced at him in disdain and turned my head to walk away.


    "Miss Han, what this old man said earlier was true, but¡­.."


    What ''but'', I have no interest in this! I moved my leg to walk, and the old man then moved to my front and bowed with one of his palm on top of the other fist: "The star reading from five years ago, other than the Polaris and Sirius, the Alpha Ursae Majoris[11] also had a slight movement."


    I don''t understand, and I don''t want to listen. I turned my head to look at the garden silently.


    "Ah, I had forgotten that the young lady is still a child, how impolite of me." He apologetically bowed his head down and soon raised his eyes to look straight into me, "Your life has yet to be set in stone. All the fortune and blessing depends on the young lady''s thought."


    Raising my head, I saw the stars that shone brightly and dimly at the same time.


    The night, it''s so dark that it makes one feel depressed.


    A thin smile formed on my lips. Swaying my sleeve, I stepped onto the decorative boat. Submerging my hand into the water, the luxury of the Ju Yue Palace moved further and further away.


    Life filled with fortune and luxuries? What does it have to do with me?


    The fate is like the lake water that''s slightly cold, it is within my hand.


    [1] :'') All this characteristics that does not make sense or have similar words in English¡­


    Peach Blossom Eye:


    Wide hill brows (2nd from last):


    [2] To avoid confusion, it says »öË®, basically they are so good-looking that it will cause disaster to befall onto, at least, the country (refer to Daji/Da Ji)


    [3] Tan Lang/Pan An/An Ren/Pan Yue is one of the four most handsome men in China history (yup, male version of the four beauties). It is said that he was so good looking that women, young and old alike, threw fruits into his carriage until it is full. Fruits throwing are a show of the women''s admiration towards men.


    Just a side info: all the four men had tragic ending, and they have not only looks, but talented in their own ways as well.


    [4] He''s using ±¾µî Ben Dian, only used by those that are royalties.


    [5] Why twenty? They are only considered an adult at 20. Thus, the courtesy name is only bestowed when one reaches 20.


    [6] The first Qing Qing is ÇäÇä (this can mean ''you'' in an endeared way), while Yun Zhi perceived it as ÇàÇà (Green, gra.s.s is green thus what he said). :'') I tried my best to make sense of it by including the original text and pinyin¡­¡­


    [7] China Rose:


    [8] After thinking it through, I will leave it as which month rather than August; and dog hour is around 1900-2100 (7pm-9pm). Ancient China uses the 12 zodiacs as the time system (thus the s.h.i.+ Chen ʱ³½, with 1s.h.i.+ Chen=2 hours). Third quarter is around the 45th minute of the hour (Divide 1 hour into 4 quarters, first quarter=15 etc)


    [9] Polaris, or Zi Wei Star ×ÏÞ±ÐÇ is also called as the Imperial Star during Ancient China, and the ones born under this star was said to be one that is born to be above the others.


    Sirius, or Ì츮ÐÇ, ÌìÀÇÐÇ Tian Fu Star, Tian Lang Star, is known as the star that overlooks the person''s fortune.


    [10] Having purple aura is said that that person has the greatest fortune


    [11] Alpha Ursae Majoris, ÌìÊàÐÇ Tian Shu Star or formerly known as Dubhe, another star.


    Akiha: This chapter had the most explanations till date¡­. And the bracket one''s I did not include them into the notes so that it will make mroe sense when you directly read from there rather than going down-up-down-up.

 Chapter 5

    After this chapter, I will be separating the chapters of all the novels I''m translating into parts. In all honesty, all three novels are way too long to be done in one seating after cla.s.ses.


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 5 After the Incense Burnt Out, More Fragrance Floats in the Air


    It was the twenty-first day of the seventh month. The rain drizzled, making the surrounding looked misty as if was carried by the wind and the temperature turned low. I walked up the stairs, where some greeneries can be seen peeking out from the crevices. The crimson colour gate of the Tan Ji Temple appeared stern. Outside the temple, flags can be seen swaying in the air. The imperial army with their silver helmet and steel armour stood by waiting for orders. Upon entrance, an incense burner can be seen in there. Rows of bamboo and Usnea Longgisma[1] can be found in there.


    "This old monk is here to greet Her Grace Consort Shu." An old monk wearing gold and red coloured kasaya[2] stood in front of the staircase and paid respect modestly with his one of his palm standing vertically.


    "We will be troubling the master today."  Consort Shu who wearing plain coloured palace attire with gauze fabric slightly nodded her head.


    The attendant behind her was holding a red coloured shade to cover Consort Shu from the drizzle. I stuck close by my mother''s side and felt the cold rain falling on my cheeks. Following the voluptuous palace maid, our group walked up. Circling around the incense burner, I raised my head and saw the strong calligraphy with the words "Da Cheng Hall" on the inscribed board[3]. By the frame of the gate, the lines of paralleling couplet can be read: Sounds of Usnea sounds of bamboo sounds of bell, all the sounds exists freely; Colour of mountain colour of water colour of dusk, all the colours becomes void.


    Regarding free, feel the flowers that withered and falls; Becoming void, observe the clouds that gather and scatter. Such mood in poet is something no ordinary people can come to understand. Kneeling on the cus.h.i.+on, I paid my respect to the Buddha thrice, I asked for nothing, but I was touched by it. Arriving at the back hall, I prayed to Guanyin. The G.o.ds that overlook the mortals, do see through my reincarnation this time.


    Raising my head, I saw mother''s eyebrows were deeply furrowed. Hearing her mumble, I listened closely and heard the words "my husband", "my son". Is she praying for father and brother? Mother''s lips moved faster and faster and her palms that were placed together were trembling slightly. Her pale complexion had my heart gripped tightly.


    The main in green clothing looked at my mother worriedly and then walked over to the side of Consort Shu. With a low voice: "Your Grace, the Lady of the General is¡­"


    Consort Shu''s lips slightly curved up, as if she was smiling or that she was mocking. With a cold gaze, she slightly raised her arm and smiled plainly: "No need to say more, we shall see how sincere the Lady is."


    Are you seeing this as a joke? Within Da Cheng Hall, the eyes of the G.o.ds and spirits are around; so, it was inappropriate of her to do so in such an occasion. Supporting myself up with my arms, I slowly approached my mother and hold onto the tips of my mother''s fingers. She suddenly opened her eyes and tears can be seen within her eyes.


    "Qing Qing." The voice that came out of her lips was that of a sob.


    Entering the embrace of my mother, I said to her in a low voice: "Mother, you can''t pray for those." What the Buddha gave us were teachings, understandings, overcoming, and realization. Such a thing like praying does not exist. If one were to pray to the G.o.ds, it will then become greed, anger and foolishness, to which all of it eventually becomes obsession. And overly obsessed will make one be tangled in their own strings which will turn into speculations and suspicions.


    The more you pray, the further away it goes; the more you pray, the higher the chance of it not being granted.


    Mother looked at me blankly. After a while, she shook her head and hugged me and she lightly sighs into my ear: "That''s right, the more I pray, the harder it is for my prayers to come true."


    "Amitabha." Raising my eyesight, I saw an old monk with white eyebrows looking at me unperturbedly, talking slowly, "That was impolite of this old monk, may I know the young lady''s age?"


    Mother patted her handkerchief with embroidery on the corner of eyes and slightly nodded: "This daughter of mine will be six years old by the eighth day of next month."


    "Do you mind this old monk read the fortune of this young lady?" when the words were said, exclamations can be heard within the hall.


    "Didn''t Great Master Liao Wu[4] stop fortune telling ten years ago?" The smile on Consort Shu''s face looked gentle, but her eyes were cold.


    "Amitabha." The Great Master nodded towards Consort Shu and slowly answered, "Liao Wu will only read the fortune of the ones who are fated to." He was quite the great monk that has good spirit that I had begun to respect him who was not tied down by the restrains of the mortals.


    Consort Shu slightly closed her eyes and the corner of her lips had also gone down. Swaying her sleeve, she turned her body to leave: "Hong Luo, what are you doing lagging behind!" The maid behind her nervously lowered her head and hurriedly followed behind. The group of palace maids had remained silent. "Go and clean up Qi Yuan Hall, I''m going to pray to bear a child!" After the angry shout, the voice echoed within Da Cheng Hall, making the atmosphere eerie.


    Mother hugged me tightly and I felt her body trembling slightly. I circled my hands around mother''s neck and heard her mumbling: "Qing Qing, don''t be scared, don''t feel scared."


    "Lady, young lady, please move towards Zhan Hua Hall." Great Master Liao Wu stretched his right hand and guided us from the front.


    The path leads to darkness, smilingly looking at spring while caressing the flower. The fragrance of incense rushed to my face, the sense of Buddhism tugged to the heart. The rain outside the window began to reside and the bell was knocked rhythmically. All of that made the atmosphere so heavy that no one spoke.


    "The more you pray, the harder will it come true." Great Master Liao Wu said so lowly, his voice echoed within the hall, "The young lady is someone whose fate is intertwined with the Buddha."


    Mother placed me on the ground and chatted: "The Great Master is exaggerating. Please do not take the words of a child seriously."


    "Even with her age, she was able to view the world clearly." The monk Liao Wu extended his hand and led mother to sit down. He scooped up water and placed it into a bamboo cup, "Madam, do enjoy it. This simple room has no tea, do enjoy the spring water."


    "Thank you, Great Master." Mother sipped it and smiled, "The water''s of good quality. It tasted better than tea."


    "Amitabha." The old monk lightly spun the beads on his hand and smiled at me, "This water might not be water, the current life might not be life. In accordance to the teachings of Buddha, everything is void."


    Facing such a person, is there a need to pretend to be like a child that knows nothing? I relaxed my brows and smiled, answering him: "The teaching of the Buddha was not for the people to pray for more or asking for donation, but was to have us mortals have different experience in life, to understand and realize the meaning to be living, am I right?"


    The monk with white eyebrows smiled happily and placed the red sandalwood beads in front of me: "Do accept this, young lady."


    "How can we?" Mother hurriedly shook her hand.


    I smiled towards him and placed both my hands in front of my forehead, bowing to show my respect: "Thank you, Qing Qing will be accepting it."


    "Qing Qing!" Mother glared at me.


    "Madam, being someone whose fates are intertwined with one another, there are no reason to reject." Liao Wu the monk placed the red sandalwood beads on my palm and took out an oracle tube, "Young lady, please."


    Looking at him smilingly, I randomly picked a lot from it and handed it to him. Mother nervously grabbed onto my small hand and looked at the monk, Liao Wu hopefully.


    His face changed slightly and he nodded his head as he smiled, understanding something: "What the young lady picked was the first lot of the eighty-one lots." The lightly placed the bamboo lot onto the table. With an unreadable expression, he simply said: "The name of this lot is ''The Pondering Mumble of the Moon[5]. There are two poems that can explain it."


    "Pondering mumble¡­.. of the moon?" Mother''s brows furrowed and looked at me worryingly. "Pondering mumble?"


    The old monk slightly raised his white eyebrows and lowly recited: "Stepping onto the snowy ground laughing at the past life, the huge and wide world are there for you to venture on." As he said so, he pa.s.sed the lot to my mother and continued: "This is the first time I''m unravelling this lot. Do not feel worried, Madam. ''The Pondering Mutter of the Moon'', it is only the muttering of the heaven''s song."


    Mother''s eyebrows smoothed out and she mumbled: "the heaven''s song?"


    "The real meaning of this will be revealed in the future. This old monk can only explain it in one sentence: The wealth and glory are all within your hands, you shall lead your life peacefully if it does not reach you."


    The wealth and glory and all within your hands, thus you can throw it away if you so wish to; you shall lead your life peacefully if it does not reach you, and so happiness and suffering will both befall unto you. The Great Master really only say half of it and left half of it unsaid. But the life are full of different experiences - experiencing it, is not something that can be done that easily.


    After that, Liao Wu did not say much. Mother led me and bided the Great Master farewell, she had remained silent as we walked. I lightly touched mother''s wet hand and felt her mind that was in chaos. I looked back and on the floor grown with algae, a deep and shallow, a big and small footprint can be seen on the soft ground.


    Suddenly, my heart also felt chaotic, why so?


    As we got nearer to Qi Yuan Hall, mother''s hand became more and more wet. Right after stepping in, the attendant named as Hong Luo had stood by the door and bent her body to greet, with a soft voice: "Her Grace has moved to the back chamber, the Lady please do head there as well."


    "Thank you for your hard work." Mother nodded her head and the hand holding onto my hand relaxed. Her body was not as stiff as before and her steps were lighter than before.


    Outside the corridor by the back chamber, a river can be seen flowing down from the mountain. As the wind breezed by, the sound of the rocks being splashed, the sound of the river flowing by, and the silence within the yard had made everything appeared to be peaceful.


    "Lady, please do enter." Hong Luo pushed open the door. A fragrance can be smelled even before we entered the chamber.


    Entering the chamber, it appeared to be plain. A lying couch[6], a table made of lumber, and two embroidered kneeler. I leaned against the window and looked out. Behind the chamber, it was filled with greeneries, water droplets hanged on the green leaves and mist were formed. Hong Luo walked over and closed the window, looking at mother smilingly: "Lady, the temperature had turned quite low after this rain on the mountain. The young lady is still young; it will be bad if she was to grow cold from how chilly it was."


    "You are quite attentive." Mother''s nose twitched and she looked at the incense burner on the lumber wood table, "What is this fragrance?"


    Hong Luo lightly walked over to the table and waved her hand over the thin smoke, with a smile: "This is a high quality fragrance distributed in the west. It is called the Qunfang Marrow. It''s a fragrance that''s difficult to be found even within the palace."


    Mother leaned over and breathed it in deeply: "Mmn, it is quite the nice fragrance."


    "Good that it''s up to the Lady''s liking. When afternoon arrives, the servant will come and notify Lady and Young Lady about the vegetarian meal." Hong Luo walked to the door and greeted again, lightly closing the door, "This servant shall head out."


    When the sound of the footstep distanced away, mother then heaved a long breath of relief. She turned her body to carry me and sat onto the lying couch: "How did Qing Qing understand Great Master Liao Wu''s recitations?"


    Averting away from my mother''s questioning gaze, I lowered my head, bit my lips and poked my own fingers: "I guessed it."


    "Guessed?" Mother looked at me as she smiled, "Qing Qing, you are really clever. This head of yours do turn faster than mine." As she hugged me, she cradled me and said lovingly: "When your father comes back, I will ask him to look for a teacher. So, Qing Qing do take this chance to learn more. Mother don''t want to drag you down."


    My cheek was on my mother''s soft chest and I softly answered: "Mmn, Qing Qing will work hard."


    The fragrance had the whole room covered and Qunfang Marrow had entered my body as I breathed. Feeling sleepy, I yawned lazily. Mother had also covered her nose and mouth with her embroidered handkerchief. She slightly opened her mouth and her eyes grew hazy.


    My eye lids became more and more heavy. I wanted to exert some strength but found myself unable to do so. The surrounding had turned blurry and my head was feeling heavy. My eyes, ears, lips and tongue had turned numb, and I can only smell the fragrance within the room.


    This¡­ What is happen¡­ ning¡­


    A moment later, the door of the chamber was opened and four people with green clothing had entered the room. The thin and tall man leading them extended his hand and pressed onto the side of the neck of the mother and daughter. He then signalled the other three with his eyes. One of the men who were tall and buffed lifted Su Jin Se and another woman with small stature had carried Han Yue Xia. The four green silhouettes then flashed out the window. They stepped on the rocks by the river, ran over the river, and suddenly went up and lightly stepped onto the branches, quickly disappearing into the woods.


    In the chamber, only the fragrance remains; outside the window, only the rustle of the leaves remains.


    On the other end of the back chamber, the sweet fragrance of Osmanthus floated within the large chamber. "Hong Luo, what time is it now?" A soft voice can be heard from the lying couch.


    "Answering Your Grace''s words, it is the second quarter of the hour of the snake[7]." Hong Luo kneeled on the support on the lying couch and was lightly tapping the white jade mallet[8] on her master''s back.


    The plain coloured silhouette turned her body; Consort Shu pressed her temple with her thin fingers. The polished red nails had appeared to be more pretty and coquettish than usual: "That incense should have burnt out by now."


    "Yes, this servant had only placed one piece."


    "Qunfang Marrow is an extraordinary fragrance that can''t be bought with money. We had put in quite the effort this time." The pair of beautiful eyes was half closed, a triumphant light can be seen within the eyes, "Hong Luo, slightly to the left."


    "Mmn, mmn." Consort Shu sighed comfortably and suddenly opened her eyes. With a cold smile, she uttered to herself: "Hmph, the mother of the world? The fated person? I would like to see how all of you will end up."


    Lazily brus.h.i.+ng her hair, she looked at the incense burner by the lying couch and softly said: "Hong Luo, the incense had burnt out, burn another one."


    [1] Usnea Longgisma:


    [2] Kasaya:


    [3] Inscribed board:


    [4] Just placing this here, the name bestowed upon a person when they become a monk or nun bears certain meaning, and ÁËÎÞ Liao Wu''s name meant ''Everything becomes void"


    [5] This is actually what the meaning of this novel''s t.i.tle is. I tl it as Chant of the Sinking Moon because rather than reading ³ÁÒ÷ as a phrase, I saw them as two different words. So the real t.i.tle of this novel is supposed to be "The Pondering Mumble of the Moon" rather than "The Chant of the Sinking Moon"


    [6] I don''t know the proper word so picture it is~ It''s not really a bed, but for like a sofa to lie on.


    [7] Hour of the Snake ËÈʱ,it''s 0900-1100 (9am - 11am)


    [8] Not those big and heavy ones, it''s these:


    Once again, it''s another cliff hang~ And the plot''s entering~


    *looks at the low rating of this nove* Geez, I wonder how did people rated just after 1-3 chapters.

 Chapter 6 Part1

    This one part alone took me a few hours¡­¡­


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 6 The Thoughts in Two Hearts that Can''t Reach One Another Part 1


    Sinking into the unlimited darkness, the fragrance still lingered by my nose. What is going on? The feeling of extreme fear surged from my heart uncontrollably and I tried to take back the control over my body. It was as if I was on the cloud in the dark night, no matter how I try to calm myself down, the feeling kept on surrounding me as it had no physical form. I helplessly searched in the void s.p.a.ce, wanting to find an exit. But it felt like I was walking further and further away, I looked around and turned my head back every three steps.


    Not knowing how much time had pa.s.sed, I heard some sound entering my ear, scattering that mist. My heart had become clear. Towards the light that had appeared in the corner, I ran as fast as I can. It''s there, it''s near, I finally opened my eyes.


    The parts below my neck still can''t be moved, so I greedily observed my surroundings. There was a yellow-coloured tarp can be seen on the top of my head and I can feel the ground below my body is shaking, it had felt surreal.


    "The long, long Lei River, connecting all four directions." A clear singing voice can be heard outside the tarp. From the sound of the water and the creaking sound from a boat, it seems like this is on the water.


    "A man that sang loudly on the river, a woman that cried sadly by the river. The fragrance by the plantation, the young boy with the green clothing. After he had head out, she faces the empty bed. Who will be willing to send this message over, to wish him all the best."


    The folk rhyme had shown a woman''s deep, grudge. Feeling the crack on my lips, I subconsciously licked them. Clearing my throat, I then realized that I was unable to let out any voice. Opening my mouth, I tried to croon, but I can only feel a light breath from my lips, unable to make any sound. I was terrified and I forced my throat to make a sound. After a while, I closed my mouth and stared blankly at the boat''s tarp.


    I''m mute. Really, I have become mute.


    Closing my eyes, I pursed my lips and felt miserable. A moment later, I opened my hazy and teary eyes and turned my head to search for mother. A blurry light pa.s.sed through the grease coloured tarp. Raising my head, I saw a four legged table in front of my body and a dim, dark coloured lamp can be seen on the table. Tilting my head, I saw two flat sacks beside me, there seems to be nothing inside the sacks.


    The boat''s drape was pulled up and the sun was so bright that I was unable to open my eyes. "Dear husband, Qing Er[1] is awake now." A clear voice entered my ear and I felt my body being carried lightly. Forcing my eyes open, white light flashes into my eyes. When my eyesight had returned, I was then able to see clearly the people in front of me. A blue flower pattern cloth covering the head with clothing made with rough cloth on her body. Her eyebrows were as thin as a gra.s.s and she had a face as round as the moon on the fifteenth day of each month. She was a normal middle-aged woman.


    Qing Er? Is she talking about me? What are they playing at this time? Squinting my eyes, I looked at her questioningly and I saw a cold smile appearing on the woman''s face. She opened her mouth and said softly: "Be good~" Her finger nail heavily scratched over my cheek, it was painful.


    I hurriedly asked her with my gaze: Be good? What will happen if I don''t act obediently? Who are you, where is my mother? Where is this? Where are we going?


    She turned her eyes away and looked at the drape, ignoring me.


    "Dong." A deep sound can be heard and the boat shook, as if it collided into something.


    "Dear wife, we have reached the sh.o.r.e, carry Qing Er over to get some sunlight." A rough, large hand pulled up the drape. An angular and tanned face appeared on the deck. It was yet another face that is easily overlooked.


    Unable to control my body, I was limply carried by the woman and exited the boat. The man in green clothing can be seen standing on the green wooden plank and placed more than ten copper coins into the oarsman''s palm. Covering his fist with his palm, he smiled dopily: "Thank you, uncle. This is the fee, do accept it."


    Slightly closing my eyes, I looked towards the sun that was going down. I tilted my head and glanced over to see that I''m at a pier bustling with people. I lowered my head and found myself in grey coloured clothing made of normal cloth. I looked at my surrounding that is filled with people. Recalling the boat rhyme earlier, it seems like the quiet and wide river behind me is the Lei River.


    According to mother, there is a total of three large rivers on this large continent: The longest river is the Le Waters that flowed over the countries Jing, Yi, Yong, and You; the one that follows after is Che Large River that flows through the countries Jing, Qing, and Liang; the shortest one is the Lei River in front of me. And Country Jing, the country located in the highland in the middle of the continent is where the headwater of these three rivers lie. This is also why even though Country Jing is small but was still able to survive while being surrounded by the five largest countries.


    Following the flow, we trudged in. A green-grey coloured city gate appeared in front of our eyes soon. Two black-coloured calligraphy words can be seen on the city gate: Bian City.


    The flow suddenly stopped and I widened my eyes as I looked to the front. A long queue was formed in front of the city gate. I wonder what was up. At this time, I felt the woman''s body slightly stiffened and I furrowed my brow as I raised my head, looking puzzled. I saw both the man and the woman exchanged glances. Turning her glances, she looked coldly at me. The strength of her arms increased.


    The queue trudged forward, going as slow as how Lei River flows. As we got nearer and nearer to the city gate, a rough scolding can somehow be heard: "Go and pa.s.s over, next!" It was as if the city guard was checking over something, are they perhaps looking for me and mother? Excitedly widening my eyes, it seems like there''s hope!


    "Next!" The man in green clothing circled over the woman who was carrying me stood there properly. The city guard wearing crimson coloured army uniform was holding onto a piece of paper and looked at both me and the woman thoroughly. Twitching his lips, he impatiently waved his hand: "Next!"


    I strongly bit on my lower lips and tears began to fall from my eyes. Widening my eyes, I stared intently at the city guard: Don''t let them pa.s.s through, please help me.


    That woman increased her grip over me and cruelty can be seen in her eyes, as if she was threatening me. Ignoring the pain in my body, I strongly moved my neck. With the messy hair stick onto my face, I raised my head to look at the city guard in crimson uniform desperately.


    "Wait!" The city guard with bushy beard hardened his face and walked over, blocking the both of them and took out the paper again. He then looked over me attentively. Widening his eyes, he asked loudly: "Who is this little girl to you?"


    The man in green coloured clothing gently touched my forehead and slowly explained: "The name of this me is Tang Zhong, I brought my wife and daughter out to visit our relatives. This daughter of mine was naughty earlier and fell into the river. She was then shocked and had caught a cold."


    With tears in my eyes, I shook my head frustratingly. I stared hardly at that uncle with bushy beard. I was unable to say anything: It was not like that, don''t believe in him!


    "Qing Er? Qing Er! My child, don''t scare mother!" That woman turned my body over and pressed onto my head, pus.h.i.+ng me into her embrace, "Dear! Dear! What should we do? My poor daughter!" As she said so, she had even sobbed. I tried to turn my body, but my body was stiff and the only part that I can move - my neck was held down by her.


    [1] ¶ù Er is an intimate way of calling someone, mostly by family or people who have very close relations.h.i.+ps. And the ÇçQing is not the same as her pet name ÇäQing

 Chapter 6 Part2

    Although I did say I will try to update the whole chapter in the same week¡­.. ends up things in RL has come cras.h.i.+ng on me all at once¡­¡­. _(:3 ¡¹¡Ï)_


    Hopfeully I can update another part for this novel by today (then again there''s the 3M that has long ago pa.s.sed the time that I''m supposed to update orz¡­..)


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 6 The Thoughts in Two Hearts that Can''t Reach One Another Part 2


    "Is this child mute?" The guard''s voice had become lower.


    "That''s right." The man sighed as he said so.


    "Alright, fine. Just pa.s.s the gate and find a clinic in the city. The shock the child went through can still be treated."


    "Thank you very much." I was pressed tightly onto the woman''s chest. The thick taste of blood is found in my mouth as I bit onto my lower lips strongly. My heart turned cold as tears flowed down my cheeks.


    After some time, the force behind my head was gone. I glared at the both of them as I sniffled.


    "San Ge[1], this child seems to be quite the stubborn one." The woman with blue flower pattern clothes wiped my mouth as she smiled.


    The man in green clothing looked at me expressionlessly and humph coldly: "After we arrive Qian State, this child will have nothing to do with us anymore. s.h.i.+ Jiu, don''t be too close to her."


    Close? This is called close?! I rolled my eyes at him and turned my head away, observing the surroundings in detail. Unlike the gorgeousness and exquisiteness of You Country''s capital, the bricks and roof tiles here appeared to be simple and plain. Focusing on my surroundings, I heard some loud and clear cries by the stall owners. It is totally different from the soft and sweet accent from the capital. Seems like the city appeared as how it was named; Bian Cheng, the border city of You Country.


    Feeling the woman called s.h.i.+ Jiu stopping in her tracks, I raised my head to look to the front. A bunch of yellow lanterns were hanged stone pillar. On the lantern, two flat handwritings can be seen: Little Inn.


    I turned my head and accidentally saw the corner of the lips of the man in green curved upwards. As my body is tuck closely to s.h.i.+ Jiu''s chest, I felt her heaving a deep breath. This Small Inn perhaps might be their territory. Who are they?


    A server with earth coloured clothing stood by the door and eagerly greeted: "Dear customers, are you here to rest or to stay for the night?"


    "Stay for the night." Tang Zhong said so plainly.


    "How many rooms? What type of room?" The server rubbed his hands as he led them into the main hall.


    "One room, middle cla.s.s room.[2] The windows should be facing a tree with and the room should be of large s.p.a.cing."


    "Alright!" The server changed his tone and cried out, "Shopkeeper, three people are staying for the night. One middle cla.s.s room."


    s.h.i.+ Jiu threw me onto the bed after carrying me to the room most west side in the first floor. Raising her hand, the bed''s draping fell and covered my line of sight. A squeaking sound made by the door can be heard and the door was lightly closed.


    "Xiao Hao Zi is here to greet the Branch Leader." This voice belongs to the server earlier. Seems like this is indeed their territory.


    "Has Lao Liu and the others arrived?" Tang Zhong''s voice was low and deep, making him appeared to look dignified.


    "Master Liu and Miss s.h.i.+ Yi have successfully pa.s.sed through the border two days ago."


    The sound of a stool being dragged can be heard and s.h.i.+ Jiu lightly sighed: "San Ge, we should pick up our pace now."


    "We don''t need to rush. There''s still three days left till the day we''re supposed to hand the things over." The sound of water pouring out can be heard. I can''t help but licked my dried lips. I''m thirsty.


    "Xiao Hao Zi, is the carriage ready?"


    "Replying to the Branch Leader; it was prepared yesterday, so it''s ready to move tonight. Those at Qian State were notified, so there will be someone there to take over."


    To have placed a large number of hidden guards in You Country, the size of the organization must be huge as well. Thinking though it carefully, there must have been some problem with that fragrance. The fact that Hong Luo closed the window without showing any suspicious movement must have been to ensure the effect of the Qunfang Fragrance. It can be concluded that all of these were schemed by Consort Shu.


    But who are these people? Are they officials? Burglars? Or are they soldiers? Where is Qian State? Why were they risking so much to abduct me to there? Also, is mother in their hands?


    The more I think, the more questions popped up. All of this must have been a plot. After scheming against me, who are they trying to conspire? All the information within my brain is tangled together. I calm my heart down to think it through, slowly untangling them. Right before I can come up with the answer, the drape was suddenly pulled up and my train of thoughts were cut off.


    [1] ¸çGe - is used to call someone who''s older (in position or age) than you, not necessarily blood related. And an extra fact, the names are all numbers (19 s.h.i.+ Jiu, 3 San, 6 Liu, 11 s.h.i.+ Yi)


    [2] The rooms are cla.s.sified into 3 types. Putting it in modern terms: Ìì×Ö·¿ President suite (top cla.s.s), µØ×Ö·¿Business room (middle cla.s.s), or ÈË×Ö·¿Standard room (lower cla.s.s)

 Chapter 6 Part3

    Hurrah! Got the 3rd part done! 1 more part left~


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 6 The Thoughts in Two Hearts that Can''t Reach One Another Part 3


    "Little girl, you''re hungry aren''t you." s.h.i.+ Jiu smiled as she looked at me and stretched her hands out to carry me.


    With my forehead under her chin, I found the facial skin to be dry and astringent, which felt weird. Squinting my eyes, I raised my head and found a line at her jaw. Did she have disguise on? The skin on my eyes jumped and I swallowed my saliva: it seems like they are people from Jianghu.[1]


    When I returned from my thoughts, I found that we have arrived at the main hall in the ground floor of the inn. With me in her arms, s.h.i.+ Jiu sat down slowly. She poked at my lips as if showing her endearment and waved her hand towards the server in the inn: "Xiao Er[2], give me a kettle of tea."


    "Coming~"


    "San Ge, look, Qing Er''s lips had become dried." s.h.i.+ Jiu lightly patted my head and said so softly, "Let''s have noodles in the night. It''s cheap and filling."


    "Okay, all according to what the wife asks for." The coldness was wiped off Tang Zhong''s face and a warm smile can be seen on his face, "Hey, three bowls of dried noodles as well."


    "Got it, do wait a moment."


    After being fed a cup of tea and a bowl of noodles, I find my stomach to be slightly heavier. Licking my lips, I began to observe my surroundings. As the day turned dark, the lantern outside the inn was lighted without anyone knowing when it happened. People were walking in and out of the inn, making the inn appeared to be in a hustle. How will I be able to save myself under their watch? Just to know, after tonight, it will be even more difficult to run away. I closed my eyes and furrowed my brows, and I began to shake my head.


    s.h.i.+ Jiu grabbed onto my chin, and the hold became stronger, but her voice had appeared to be softer and gentler: "What happened?"


    I pouted and opened my lips, soundlessly saying two words: Stomach ache.


    s.h.i.+ Jiu squinted and set her gaze on me to observe me. After a while, she raised her glance towards Tang Zhong: "San Ge?"


    With a smile not reaching his eyes, he reached his hand out to pat my head. Sending glances towards s.h.i.+ Jiu: "Just go. Be sure to take good care of Qing Er."


    "Don''t worry~" s.h.i.+ Jiu smiled softly and carried me to the back of the hall.


    Standing outside the toilet, a lantern was hanged on the eaves, giving out a weak light. I leaned over s.h.i.+ Jiu''s shoulder and after making sure that she can''t see my face, I widened my eyes and kept on staring at the old man queuing behind as if my life depends on it. The old man that was looking at the sky at first blankly lowered his head as if he had felt my staring.


    This is the last chance; I widened my eyes and stared straight at him, with my mouth moving in great motion: Help me!


    The old man tilted his head and looked at me feeling puzzled. After a while, he smiled. Gosh, he did not understand at all! Feeling impatient and scared, tears began to fall from my eyes. Looking at him fearfully, I opened my mouth widely once again: Help me! Help me! Help me!


    The old man seemed to have understood and his beard shook. Widening his eyes, he stared at my mouth. Chances came by rarely, and if they are gone, it''s gone forever. I once again opened my mouth soundlessly: Help me!


    He pointed to the back of s.h.i.+ Jiu''s head and frowned. I lightly shook my head and tears flowed into my mouth, which had a bitter taste. I shook my head in despair: Help me!


    The grandpa slightly pursed his lips and walked to the front of s.h.i.+ Jiu shakily: "You, quickly let go of this child!"


    s.h.i.+ Jiu changed her posture and carried me horizontally in front of her chest: "Old man, what are you talking about?"


    "This child is not yours!" The old man was so angry his body began to tremble. He then raised his voice and cried out, "Is there anyone, someone please come over!"


    s.h.i.+ Jiu lowered her head and stared at me coldly. She then humph lightly: "Old man, if you can''t hold it in anymore you can go first and tell me directly. Is there a need to say such a thing to trap me?"


    Not caring about anything at all, I used my head to push against her chest using the strength from my neck. I arched my body to get away from her binding.


    "Trap you? Look at this child, she don''t even want you!" I have finally met a kind person. The grandpa relentlessly stood there and stomped, raising his voice to cry out again, "Someone, come over, there''s an abductor here!"


    Hearing the disarrayed footsteps, hope began to grow within my heart. I looked at the grandpa gratefully and soundlessly moved my lips: Thank you.


    [1]½­ºþJianghu is the community of martial artists in wuxia stories and, more recently, outlaw societies like the Triads (from Google). In the context of this novel, it''s martial arts.


    [2] Although I placed server in the part before and here, the term is "С¶þXiao Er". They are indeed server but I find placing Xiao Er when calling out to them would be better. Or should I change it?

 Chapter 6 Part4

    Originally, in the alst part, I had wanted to comment on how the FL is not a damsel in distress. But on second thought, it''s better to write it out in this part due to what will happen after.


    Translated: Akiha


    Chapter 6 The Thoughts in Two Hearts that Can''t Reach One Another Part 4


    "What happened? What happened?" The voice that came from behind ends up being the server''s voice. My heart jumped and my eyes widened: Don''t tell me there are no other people around? No, there''s still one more in the toilet. So there''s still hope left.


    With a squeak, the wood door opened. I looked over with hope in my eyes. The inn''s shopkeeper walked out slowly with smile on his face. I looked at him, feeling petrified, and my heart had also went cold.


    "The both of you came at the right time." The old man pointed at s.h.i.+ Jiu will unstable breath and said, "This woman is an abductor!"


    Feeling myself limped in s.h.i.+ Jiu''s embrace, I looked at him terrifyingly. I opened my mouth: Run away! Run away!


    The old man nodded at me and gave me a consoling gaze. I shook my head vigorously. With tears in my eyes and my throat trembling, I kept on moving my lips: Run away! Run away!


    Hurry up and get away from here, or not it will be too late! They are of the same side! I¡­ I don''t want to cause harm to you¡­¡­


    Mist appeared in front of my eyes. Within the hazy mist, I saw the short and thin silhouette collapsed slowly and I bit my lower lips in despair.


    "Xiao Hao Zi, leave no trace behind." s.h.i.+ Jiu said so coldly and walked over the corpse. I turned my head over and felt my tears flowing down from the corner of my eyes. Under the dark and heavy night, the lights shone dim; with body like Elm wood, the heart turned cold.


    Unknowingly and heartlessly, with no premonition nor knowledge of when it''s going to happen. I did not wish to kill him, but he had died because of me. It was all due to my recklessness; it was all because of my selfishness, that had caused the warm hearted old man to throw his life away.


    Suddenly, there was a strong impact on my face and I regained my senses. Blankly looking at s.h.i.+ Jiu who''s clenching her jaws, she stared at me as she gritted: "You are quite the sly little girl!" With my senses back, I looked around. Seems like we have returned to the room.


    I saw Tang Zhong walking into the room through the corner of my eyes and a heavy force slapped across my face. My body felt light from that impact and my face hit the edge of the table heavily. Something rusty can be tasted in my mouth and my gum felt excruciating. I opened my mouth to spat out and a tooth was amidst the red blood. It was so white that it made my heart jumped.


    "That''s enough, s.h.i.+ Jiu." Tang Zhong lowly snapped at the aggravated woman.


    A heavy pinching can be felt on my cheek and my oral cavity felt sour from that. I furrowed and raised my eyesight just to see Tang Zhong looking at me expressionlessly. He then opened his mouth coldly: "If this item of trading is to be damaged, all our efforts will be wasted."


    After saying so, he raised his right hand and swung it down strongly.


    The back of my neck felt numb. The world in front of me spun and turned. I, once again, had lost my consciousness.


    It''s not that the FL did not try to save herself¡­ But she was unable to. Do not forget, FL is only a mere 6 y/o at this point, both her father and brother headed for war, and the ones she''s dealing with are trained in the maretial arts.


    And now, the plot has began to pick up. Prepare yourself before the climax of FL''s childhood arc~

 Chapter 7 Part1

    Akiha: Originally I plan to only release this when I''m done with Chapter 8 cuz at the end of this chapter the cliff hanger is very bad. But on second thought, I thought to update this part first to avoid having anyone thinking I''m abandoning this project


    While I''m in a state of confusion, that fragrance wafts. Is it the QunFang Marrow? How do I regain my senses, and how do I reclaim the control over my body? The me now feels like a lone bird that got its wings broken and falling onto the ground helplessly. There is no moon or stars on top of my head, and neither are there any lights. Only a heavy and dense darkness surrounded me, it was so dense that I find it hard to breathe.


    Surrounding me, only darkness can be felt; inside my heart, only depression can be felt.


    Rolling my body on the ground, I can''t help but to hug myself tightly as the surroundings had made me feel colder and colder. At this unknown place, I only have myself left. Mother, are you in the same situation as Qing Qing, are you in such a grave situation as well? If we are in the same situation, then why don''t I see you? A light wind can be felt from the crevices. From the crevices that cannot be seen, low and deep voices can be heard.


    "¡­¡­" I can''t hear them clearly, so I moved myself towards where the cold wind entered from.


    "¡­¡­ Brought it." That sounds like the voice of Tang Zhong.


    "Why is it dead?" An angry roar slightly washed away the darkness surrounding me. I took that chance to brush away the mist and run towards the bright place faraway.


    "f.u.c.k, it was in the conditions that we want someone alive! Someone that''s alive!"


    "Why are you being impatient? We of the Ri Yao Sect have never failed before."


    The QunFang Marrow wafting on my nose was replaced with a refres.h.i.+ng smell of mint. That fragrance was like the cold wind that blew in the cold winter night. It wafts into my nasal cavity and enter my brain, blowing away the mist within, making everything become clear at once. I slowly open my eyes. Within the huge and bright room, there stood a few people. When I listen carefully, footsteps that is near and far at times can be heard. Suddenly, an enlarged face appears right in front of me. It shocked me so much that I gasped. I raise my neck see that the black-faced man has iron armour on him and a long sword on his waist. He has big eyes and a small head, which makes him look evil; his hair are messy and rough, like an iron brush, and the ferociousness is comparable to that of a Suan Ni [1].


    ''s.h.i.+ Jiu, relief her of her acupoint." Tilting my head over, I see Tang Zhong sitting on a chair made of pear blossom wood drinking his tea leisurely.


    Feeling the side of my neck and back being tapped on quickly, a clear soreness can be felt going through my joints. I try to move my fingers and my hand is balled into a fist while trembling. I can move. I then clear my throat and a hoa.r.s.e voice can be heard, my voice is back. Joy surged from my heart. I push myself off the ground with my palm and stand up with trembling legs. Before I can stand straight, my leg gave up on me and I fall to the front. I close my eyes, waiting for the antic.i.p.ated pain but in the end I fall into a soft embrace.


    "Qing Qing¡­¡­" It''s~ mother''s voice! I open my eyes quickly and see mother with sadness over her face. Her face was pale and within her eyes, compa.s.sion can be seen.


    The sight in front of me begins to blur out and my lips can''t help but tremble. I swallow my saliva to moisten my throat before I call out to the endeared and precious word: "Mother~"


    "Qing Qing!" Mother hugs me tightly. Tears flow out of her eyes slowly as if two rivers flowing down, and all of it in the end falls onto my cheek. As if a boat that found a pier in the midst of tsunami, as if a bird that found their nest in the midst of storm, as if a floating apple on the river that found a support; my unsettled and lonely heart had finally found its warm home, and I feel at peace.


    [1]â¡â¥ Suan Ni is a mythological creature which is said to be a hybrid of lion and dragon and likes to sit down. It is one of the nine sons of the dragon.)

 Chapter 7 Part2

    Mother hugs me tighter and tighter. Out of a sudden, a sharp pain can be felt from the right side of my cheek. I gasp in reflex: "Sst~"


    "What happen, Qing Qing?" Mother nervously blinks her eyes. Tears can be seen hanging on her long eyelashes. With trembling lips, she props my face carefully and cries sadly: "My child, your face, why is it so swollen?" As she says so, she furiously looks around and circles me in her arms. Her face is full of wariness as her chest moves up and down faster and faster.


    I limply lean in her embrace and feel the swell on my right cheek. I use my tongue to touch that part of my cheek and only numbness can be felt with a rustic taste. Seems like the slap by s.h.i.+ Jiu was strong and now my face must be so swollen that I look like a pig head with my lips as thick as sausages.


    "There are some details where Xue Wu was not sure of. Please do explain it out, Master San." The rough voice of the man with small head explodes reverberates through my ears.


    Tang Zhong glances at him and slowly places his cup down: "Do speak."


    "This child is easy to be abducted." Xue Wu brushes through his beard and lowers his eyes to look at my mother, "Whereas for this woman, how did the Master San bring her over without anyone knowing?"


    Yeah, how was mother brought to here? Did she suffer as she was sent here? Was she bullied? When I think up till this point, I can''t help but be worried.


    "This is easy." Tang Zhong flaps his sleeve and he seems to be relaxed, "Do Unit Leader Xue knows what clothing is don on Lady Han?"


    Mother''s clothing? I raise my body and carefully look over it: What mother had on her is dark purple clothing embroidered with the pattern of clouds and Luan using golden threads. Her hair is done in Pan Yun style with precious jades stringed together. It has made her seem to be very elegant, unlike mother''s preference of simple and elegant style.


    (T/N: ð½ Luan is a type of mythical bird like the phoenix. It is said to be a bird that accompanies Empress of the G.o.ddess, support of the Jade Emperor, and the ruler of the Yin. If their colours are green, then they are Green Luan; but if their colours are red/crimson, they are called the phoenix. Pan Yun style refer to)


    "This is the clothing for the ones that pa.s.sed away?!" The man with small head understood immediately and laughs loudly, "Hahaha~ Amazing. The Master San sure is amazing, I''m impressed!"


    Clothing for the ones that pa.s.sed away. Did mother reach here as she was being carried in a coffin? Making me a mute child and mother a dead person, this Ri Yao Sect is indeed very calculating and cruel.


    "Since the stock is sent over, we will be taking off now." Tang Zhong flicks his sleeve and slightly nods his head.


    That man with small head arches his hand generously and answers with a rough voice: "Xue Wu thank the Master San in place of the master, thank all the brothers in the Ri Yao Sect that took part in this. The remaining payments shall be sent over within five days."


    Tang Zhong nods his head in satisfaction and steps out of the door as he sways his sleeves. In the blink of an eye, both he and s.h.i.+ Jiu have walked a distance away. The shadows in the colour of blue and green lightly landed on the wall of the yard. At the moment they pa.s.s over the wall, Tang Zhong turns his head back and glances towards the back of the Sophora. He then humph coldly: "Farewell, no need to send us out." Although his voice is soft, but it was as if it was just right beside the ear. Seems like he might have used his inner energy to transmit his voice. After saying so, the both of them leave the place.


    The man with small head waves his hands towards the outside and three black shadows can be seen jumping down the tree. At that exact moment, all of them disappeared. "Ri Yao Sect indeed has great martial ability. As expected of the mysterious sect that can''t be found easily. Amazing!" The man with small head excitedly looks towards the distance and b.a.l.l.s his hands into fist, showing his admiration.

 Chapter 7 Part3

    Another man who is skinny and looks like a monkey comes nearer as he bends his body, reminding in a low voice: "Leader Xue, the master might have been waiting for quite some time."


    The corner of Xue Wu''s lips go downwards as he says spitefully: "d.a.m.n it, thanks to the bad idea from that coward Bai Zi Qi we took so much effort just to secure this woman and brat. If it was according to what I had in mind, we should have just went in there and do them in with force like a man! What''s with all these trickeries and calculations!" As he says so, he looks at me and my mother impatiently: "Stand up, and walk quickly!"


    My right hand is held tightly by mother''s delicate fingers as we jog behind Xue Wu, advancing to the front quickly. As I turn my head to the side, I see some vines crawling by the foot of the walls. On those vines, fiery red Rubus Coronarius can be seen blooming. The petals stack on one another, looking as sharp as the blood, so bewitching that it causes a person''s heart to jump.


    When the Rubus Coronarius blooms, how many incidents have been went through, who will know about it? All the beauties and fragrance gone, with only sorrow; when this flower is done blooming, it will be autumn, where the colour red can be seen everywhere, where the feeling of sadness can be felt anywhere.


    That bewitching flower blooms ever so brightly right in front of my eyes, as if my heart is pierced by the green of the vines, the feeling of insecurities and unsettledness surged from the bottom of my heart.


    After we exit this yard, a curvy, rocky path can be seen along the greyish green wall. The soldiers watching over us advance quickly. I tightly grabbed onto mother''s fingers and raise my head to look into the distance. Under the bright sun that hangs in the middle of the sky, a tower can be seen. Iron armours and flying flags can be seen on the tower. On one of the flags with the pattern of dragon, phoenix, sun and moon, a large "Ming" can be seen. Suddenly, the hand holding me went stiff. When I look back, I see mother looking at the huge flag with a dumbfounded expression and not daring to walk in front.


    "Mother?" I shake her hand and call out to her softly.


    Mother''s eyes widened and she looks at me severely: "Qing Qing, do you know where this is?"


    Recalling the conversation between Tang Zhong and s.h.i.+ Jiu, I raise my chin and answer clearly: "Possibly the state of Qian."


    "The state of Qian, the state of Qian, the state of Qian!" Mother repeatedly mumbles the words and her face become pale. With her gaze shaking and cracked voice, "Is it possible, that they are perhaps¡­"


    Xue Wu angrily turns his head back and grits his teeth as he says: "Tsk, what are the two of you women doing dilly dallying there! Hurry and catch up!" Mother is suddenly pushed from the back and tripped, causing me who was still holding her hand to almost fall as well.


    "Wuu~ Wuuu~" A low and heavy sound of horns blowing can be heard. The man with small head hurriedly grabbed onto the hilt of his sword and run as quickly as he can with his eyes widened. After he runs for quite some distance, he then slaps the back of his head and turn around to order: "w.a.n.g Liu, carry that woman, Dao Zi carry that brat and follow me the go up the tower!" A thin hand carry me from my back and that monkey face runs right after he has me under his arm.


    "Dong~ Dong~ Dong~" "Wuu~ Wuuu~" Sounds of drums beating and horns blowing can be heard. From the side of my ear, sounds of metals clas.h.i.+ng into one another can be heard. As I lower my heard to look, I can only see the calf with a grey cloth wrapped on moving forward and backward, the brownish yellow gra.s.s shoe moves quickly. The monkey face climbs the stairs with huge steps as pants as he runs up. All that has made me feel nauseous.


    I was then suddenly place down. I feel dizzy and only regain my posture after trudging around. As I raise my eyesight, I see soldiers fill the s.p.a.ces within the greyish green tower. In the middle of it, a man with an orange robe and hair don with a golden crown can be seen sitting on a grand Chinese chair. He tilts his head to look at us. He then raises his brows and touches his chin. He then slightly raises his arm and curls his fingers towards Xue Wu.

 Chapter 7 Part4

    The man with small head nods and pulled mother''s sleeve as he walks to the front with huge steps. I run two steps ahead and grabs onto mother''s finger, following them while moving my short legs.


    As we go closer, I begin to look carefully at the man. He has a square face and he can be said to be quite the average looking man. The only part that leaves the deepest impression on his face would be his deep eyes with single eyelids. It seems to be half opened and closed while a cold light can be seen from it. He looks at me and mother then lifting the corner of his lips upwards: "Lady Han?"


    Mother swings her sleeve to struggle off the pulling of the man with small head. She then protects me within her embrace and stand firmly, with a tone that are not too arrogant or like a pushover: "Is this Ming King?"


    "The Lady does have quite the eyes there." The Ming King stands up slowly and waves his hand to the side, "Strategist Bai, I will leave the others to you."


    A man with white robe stands at the side while moving the fan on his hand. His cunning and slanted eyes size me and mother up. After a while, he happily says: "Zi Qi shall not disappoint His Royal Highness!"


    Only the sounds of drums screaming through the sky can be heard. Mother holds onto my hand tightly and walks backwards. Raising my eyes, I see mother raising her head with her eyes widened. Anger can be seen as her lips opens: "How despicable!"


    I feel confused at how odd mother is behaving, and then the whole thing unravels in my mind: Firstly, Consort Shu invited mother to pray at Tan Ji Temple. After that, we pa.s.sed out due to the fragrance and were abducted unknowingly. Later, I was transported through the water route and had only reunited with mother today. At the end of it all, both of us were forcefully brought to this tower with war drums sounding. Is it possible that?!


    "General Han has no need to feel impatient. This me have a present to give both you and the young General." Bai Zi Qi stands in front of the battlement. He smiles leisurely as he shakes the fan in his hand.


    General Han?! So all of these are a scheme against father!


    "No need for extra words! All the three squadrons listen to my order! Raid it!" A familiar voice can be heard below the tower.


    And after that, voices that shake the ground follow: "Kill!" Footsteps of both humans and horses can be heard as it resounds along with the sounds of cannons.


    Bai Zi Qi''s cheek trembled as he glares while gritting his teeth. He then aggregately pulled the collar made of precious jade stones on mother''s neck, as if pulling a dog towards the wall of the tower. His fingers are white as he strongly grabbed onto mother''s chin. He then shouts to the bottom of the tower: "General, do you know this woman?!"


    Mother''s body trembled as she leans on the battlement. She says nothing no matter what. The war cry on the ground becomes weaker and weaker and only a startled voice can be heard: "Mother!"


    It''s brother! I want to run over but the monkey face is holding onto my hair. The pain from my scalp caused tears to form on my eyes. I bite my lower lips as I loudly shout: "Let me go! Let me go!"


    Bai Zi Qi waves his hand and throw mother aside. He then smiles coldly as he walks towards me. He then carries me and raises me to midair. The wind feels so strong that it''s going to cut through my skin, making my cheek feels painful. When I lower my head, the military occupies the front of the tower. Three quadrilateral formations can be seen on the left, middle and right side. In the formations, all sorts of cold weapons can be seen. In front of the formations where the flags are carried, a large "Han" is written on it.


    Under the war flag, father has golden armour with white robe and a horse of good breed under him. His right hand that is holding onto his glaive is slightly trembling. His sharp brows are creased deeply and his jaws are clenched tightly. He looks at me with pain in his eyes, as if he is trying his best to bear it.


    Suddenly, sands are blown up and a red shadow runs out of the formation. I turn my eyes over and see brother while on a horse and with a spear on his hand roars angrily as his eyes widened to the limit: "Despicable dogs! Hurry and let both my mother and sister go!"


    Both father and brother are heroes regarded highly, their words carry great influence; coming by themselves with a horse, to the war in the east side of the city, the sword howls under the west wind. As the colour of the autumn dyes, they look towards the high tower; just to see, the wife and daughter to their family being captured.


    The wind blows my hair and sticks onto my face. Tears flow out of my eyes soundlessly.


    Why are we reuniting here?


    Why is it under the warm sun in the autumn, at the mercy of the arrows and weapons, under the cries of the drums and war horns; are we looking at one another pitifully, so near, yet so far away?

 Chapter 8 Part1

    "Qing Qing!" A hoa.r.s.e scream of fright can be heard from the back.


    Being hung out of the battlement, I turn my head back with tears in my eyes. What enters my eyes is Mother whose garments become dirtied due to her grovelling on the ground with her hairdo messed up and tears in her eyes. The small-headed man behind her shows no mercy and pulls tightly onto mother''s hair. He stepped on mother''s body to pin her on the ground.


    "Please, do not harm my daughter, I beg you~" A heartbreaking voice can be heard behind me, it is so sad that one can''t bear to listen to it.


    "O~" Bai Zi Qi''s grim voice echoes in the air, "Is Madam Han begging me? Hmph hmph~" Suddenly, I feel my body plunging downward and my heartbeat stop at that moment. I shout subconsciously: "AAaa!"


    "Qing Qing!" "Sister!" "Qing Qing!" Mother, Brother and Father shout at the same time.


    Just when I thought that I''m going to plunge downward, my body is raised up again. Both my legs slightly shake midair and tears are threatening to fall from my eyes. I swallow my saliva out of fear and my limbs can''t help but tremble.


    An arrogant and loud laughter can be heard from behind me: "Hahahaha, to be able to listen to the shout of fear from General Han that''s famous across the six countries, this me can really die without any regret."


    I grit my teeth and hold my tears back. I then angrily turn my head back and spit with all I can: "You beast!"


    The laughter stop and Bai Zi Qi''s vicious glance fall onto me. He wipes his face with another hand. His cheeks look stiff and the corners of his lips are twitching. With the sound of wind blowing, I suddenly find the sceneries in front of me turns upside down. All the blood rushes to my head and both my hands are shaking in front of me. My cheeks feel suffocating and bloating and my lips feel numb. I blankly stare at the yellow sand dust that is at some distance away from me. My right ankle feels like it is going to be shattered from the gripping strength. It is so painful I moan: "Ugh."


    "Bai- Zi- Qi!" Hearing a furious howl, I try my best to look below the wall. Father slaps the back of the horse and rush out. The red crown above his helmet shakes along with his movement. With his glaive up straight besides him, murderous intent can be felt from his voice: "Hurry and let my daughter go!"


    "Oh? Let go?" The brute with Bai in his name says so in a lightly and leisure manner. Out of a sudden, his tone changed drastically and his voice comes out coldly, "Then I shall do as what the General says!"


    "No!" The grip on my leg disappears and what follows is the heartbroken scream of mother. I, just like a fallen leaf, plunges down into this cold autumn wind. All I can hear is the gus.h.i.+ng wind, and in front of my eyes is the yellow sand ground that''s becoming nearer and nearer. Without knowing why, my heart that was jumping chaotically becomes calm, so calm that I can hear the time flowing.


    In this lifetime, I have only gone through around five years. It really is as short as ephemera. With me gone for this life, I have nothing that I hope for other than hoping that my father, mother, and brother will be able to get away from this dangerous situation safely.


    Just when I lightly heave a sigh, preparing to face my demise, a golden shadow appears from the corner of my eyes. My waist is suddenly hugged and my body stop falling. The ground filled with pits is very close to me. My brain blank out and I remain there, dumbfounded. Suddenly, my body is turned upside down and my cheek leans onto a firm chest. I raise my head; feeling confused and sees the throat of my father moves slightly. His eyes look straight into me heatedly. His mouth is closed shut and he says nothing.


    "Dad!" I open my mouth in an astringing manner and tears begin to fall. My head b.u.mps into his embrace. At this moment, a great fear begins to submerge my heart. All sorts of emotions well up in my heart, making me feel complex. Different sorts of sour feelings slowly fills up my heart, and runs warmly within my blood.


    "Oh! Oh!" Turning my head back, all I see are armours that reflect the light of the sun and the cloud that flows behind them. The howl of all six armies sounded; the greatness of it shots through the heavens above.


    "Sister!" Brother kicks the stomach of the horse and rushes to us as fast as he could, as if dusk that reaches u along with the wind.


    "Xiao Er, protect your sister!" Father opens his mouth in a low and stiff voice.


    "Yes!" Brother reaches his hands out and carries me from the back of Wu Ya to his pure white mount. With my head against his cold, silver armour, I crease my brows and look towards the tower. Mother is still there.


    "General Han really does have great skills!" Bai Zi Qi''s brows slightly crease together and the corner of his mouth twitches. Appearing to be leisure and carefree,


    "Our King of Yong Country and Ming King Country has admired General Han for a long time. If the General is to turn towards our Yong Country and help us out, this me will be willing to hand my head over to the General to quell his anger."

 Chapter 8 Part2

    Akiha: ? Prepare for some ride here


    "Hmph!" A red horse comes out of the right formation. A Field Grade Officer with a long face and buff arms raises his huge sword and points it towards above the tower, "Brute Bai, don''t you think to use all those decorative words! The act of you Yong Country raiding Jing Country under the reason of unsatisfied tributes, ignoring the lives of the people of both countries - this is an act of being inhuman; after losing to our General for countless times, and now having powerless people like the Mistress and Young Lady over as hostages in front of the military - this is an act having no conscience. Our General is someone that stands straight and does things rightly, how will he even be on the same group as people as inhuman and has no conscience as you lots!"


    "General!" "General!" A number of Field Grade Officers come out with their horses and looks at father nervously.


    That silver glaive made of pure steel is raised high up, the red crown on it floats along with the wind. Father tightens the rein, his body appears to be strong as he stands straight and he proudly sits on top of Wu Ya;


    "I, Han Bai Qing, when alive, am the State General of You Country; and when I die, I will be the loyal ghost of You Country!"


    The powerful voice echoes through the autumn wind, the power and strength within it resounds through the air. Feeling the raising of brother''s chest, I extend my hand and hug his right hand that is holding the spear: We are proud of our father and we hold him in glory!


    The people on the battlement moves slightly. Bai Zi Qi blanks out for a little and nods his head as he backs off. The Ming King with his golden crown tying his hair up appears on the battlement with red robe on him. He lowers his head and squints as he looks at father coldly: "Did the General not think about how the Madam and Young Lady that''s supposed to be deep within the palace ends up at this Qian State, which is the border of three countries? Did the General not think about why did the news of Madam and Young Lady ever reach the front line?"


    After saying this, father''s brows slightly crease and he stares at the battlement. The army of the Three Militaries that was shouting strongly suddenly becomes quiet. I feel brother''s chest moves rapidly and the panting above me becomes more and more heavy. "Father!" Brother shouts angrily and the hand holding the spear whitens with his grip, standing halfway. Father raises his left hand and brother humph lightly, slowly sitting back on his horse. When I raise my head, I see he has a face of dissatisfaction and his lips are pursed, clearly showing his jaw line, as if he is gnas.h.i.+ng.


    "After this battle, Bai Qing will go and investigate later, the concern of the Ming King is unnecessary!" Father decisively replies. His voice feels as still as steel and iron, containing no hesitation.


    "If that''s so, then This King don''t need to concern about Madam!" The gaze of the Ming King turns cruel and he swings his sleeve as he leaves, "Zi Qi, I will leave Madam Han to you. Do not disappoint This King!"


    "Yes!" The brute with Bai in his name replies excitedly. He opens his fan and appears to be carefree, "Qian Qiao, Madam Han is to be rewarded to the brothers!"


    Father bends his body to pick up the white feathered bow. He places the arrow onto it and the bow that is pulled looks like the autumn moon, the arrow that is released flies over like a shooting star. A yell of pain then can be heard on the tower. Bai Zi Qi covers his ear and limply falls down.


    "No! No!" The scream of mother can be heard vividly.


    "Jin Se!" Father shouts furiously and swings his glaive, "Pa.s.sing my order over, wash the Qian City down with blood!"


    "Yes!" The Three Militaries reply at the same time, their anger sounds through the clouds.


    Brother''s chest is moving so rapidly as if it''s going to explode soon, he shouts madly with a hoa.r.s.e voice: "Mother!"


    My tears drops like rain, with sobbing voice that makes my words unclear: "Mother¡­ Mother¡­ Mother!"


    The soldiers do not care about the arrow that rains down from the tower. They push the ladders over, supporting the war chariot, and with huge swords in their hands, they step over the corpse of those in front of them and keep on rus.h.i.+ng to the tower gate. The catapults at the back strongly settle down and a number of rocks fly over the corner of the tower, wails can be heard from the tower.


    When the voices of those that kills and being killed sounded through the air, when the smell of blood shoots up the air, a slender figure suddenly appears on the parapet. "Bai Qing!" Mother has messy hair and looks unkempt, her fingers tightly grip onto the wall bricks and blood can be seen on the corner of her lips


    "Jin Se!" Father pulls his bow and four arrows flies over, shooting precisely onto the soldiers behind her with muddled eyes. Countless soldiers rush onto her and they catch hold of mother''s slender arm. They are about to drag mother away from the parapet.


    "Bai Qing, hurry and shoot me! Shoot me!" Mother screams with all her strength.


    Father lowers his bow and his cheeks are trembling. "Ha!" Brother kicks on the spur and rushes up. I grab onto the horse mane and tears fall from my eyes nonstop. My heart is so painful it feels like being cut up by countless blades. "Father! Careful!" Brother swings his spear and helps father to block off the arrows.


    "Bai Qing! Bai Qing!" Mother grabs firmly onto the wall, her nails are breaking off slowly, just like flower petals that fall down along with the wind, so devastatingly bewitching.


    "Bai Qing! Kill me!"


    Father suddenly raises his bow and a gold arrow is placed on it.


    "Father!" Me and brother shout at the same time.


    "For the dignity of your mother!" Father clenches his jaw, his cheeks appear to be stiff his gaze is trembling and tears flow down on his strong and firm face. A sound can be heard as the bow breaks. That golden arrow pierces through strongly and flies across the sky as it lets out a cold light, it then lands precisely on mother''s chest. The soldiers behind her are shocked and they let go of their hand blankly. Mother''s hand touches the golden arrow that pierces through her chest and with a gentle and sweet smile, she looks at father affectionately. Her red lips open slightly, as if she is saying her final words of love


    "Jin Se!" Father appears as if a wounded beast and he shouts, "Jin Se!"


    Mother''s eyes slowly become unfocused and she crookedly leans on the wall. A smile that looks like a b.l.o.o.d.y flower appears on her lips. She extends her arms and with her final strength, she flips over the wall. Her clothes fly along with the wind as she drops down the tower. Like the final blossom of Rubius Coronarius on the end of summer, quietly falling onto the b.l.o.o.d.y war ground.


    "Jin Se!" Father uses the stick part of the glaive to hit the Wu Ya and flies off to the front.


    My eyes which are blurred out by my tears suddenly see a number of crossbows are set up on the parapet. Can''t care about the tears that are flowing down, I scream: "Father! Be careful!"


    Akiha: Gosh, I cried so badly as I go through and translate this part¡­. :'') to the point I almost can''t translate cuz I''m crying too much¡­.. And imagine, as I translate and go through the part, sada nd depressing songs just have to begin playing in my playlist¡­.. *crei af*

 Chapter 8 Part3

    "Hu! Hu! Hu!" Under the shadow of the arrows flying over, I see father controls the horse and catches mother''s body. He then turns the horse back and rushes back. Under the rain of arrows, father controls the glaive with one of his hands and another hand tightens the rein. He tightly protects mother''s body in his embrace. Suddenly, his brows crease and his lips are pursed. His body has also gone stiff.


    "Father!" Brother kicks the stomach of the horse and bring me along to aid father.


    Father''s face is pale as he carefully embraces mother. He then takes out an embroidered cloth from under his golden armour and hands it to brother shakily: "This is the towel your mother gifted me before leaving. Hurry and tie your sister to your chest and leave this place immediately as you protect her!" Blood stains can be seen on the white silk.


    "Father! You''re injured!" Brother grips onto father''s hand, "Hurry and bring mother away, I will stay here and fight the enemies!"


    "Xiao Er!" Father widens his eyes and pain can be seen within it, "Do you want the whole family to die here? Do you want Qing Qing to go through what your mother went through?"


    "Father, Qing Qing is not scared!" I hold in my tears and straighten my body.


    "You''re not scared, but I''m scared!" Father vomits blood out of his mouth, "Do you want your mother to not be able to rest in peace?"


    Brother heavily sighs and takes the towel, tying me tightly to the front of his chest. Seeing the war chariot being completely built and layers and layers of corpses piling up, there is no fear on the face of the soldiers of Han family. They kill numbly as they climb up the ladder. Under the lead of their Field Grade Officer, the middle formation attacks the tower gate. Suddenly, hot oil with steams coming out of it falls down the tower and yells of pain can be heard no one cares about their comrade that is struggling on the ground and continues to flood in as they subst.i.tute the missing places as they pushes the log rush to the gate.


    This, is war; this, is the Shura h.e.l.l.


    My body is suddenly pulled to the back and my pet.i.te body is tied tightly onto brother''s chest with the towel. When he is about to control the horse to leave, a loud shout can be heard: "General!"


    A Field Grade Officer with blood on his face flies over. And when gets nearer, his body slants one side as he shakily falls down the horse: "General, the military of the Jing Country launched a sneak attack on our men from the back!"


    "What?!" Brother''s eyes widen, "Aren''t they our ally? Aren''t they supposed to be guarding our back?"


    The Field Grade Officer supports his body with his sword and with cold sweats on his head, he loudly says: "But it was the soldiers of Jing Country! There''s no mistake!"


    Father closes his eyes and heavily sighs: "Jing and Yong Country might have joined their hands together long ago. They try to convince us through drastic measures with Jing Country''s sudden call for a.s.sistance and Yong Country pretending to send their troops out. They want to annihilate our Han Family Military and weaken the strength of You Country!"


    "No wonder Jing Country was not able to send war reports over, no wonder the raid was dragged back for ten days." Brother holds onto his spear and opens his mouth, filled with grief, "They were waiting for mother and sister, these brutes!"


    Father hurriedly hold his glaive horizontally and shouts: "Pa.s.sing my order, the Three Militaries shall disperse in groups, do not fight in any way!"


    I look at father''s tall body and my lips tremble: I see, so, father was struck with arrows! So, he used his body to protect mother!


    "Father!" Brother calls out to father nervously, "Father, hurry and leave this place with mother, I shall guard your back!"


    "Xiao Er!" Father looks at the soldiers that leave with order and looks at brother with heated gaze, "I''m the commander of the three militaries. How can I escape alone?" After that, he lowers his head and looks at mother with gentle eyes: "I will bring you mother back, back to You Country."


    "Kill!" The gate of Qian City suddenly opens and the soldiers wearing mud-yellow coloured uniform floods out. "Kill!" At the same time, a shout so loud that makes the heaven and ground shake can be heard from the back of our military.


    Father raises his glance and looks far away; he then heaves a deep sigh: "Seems like escaping is not possible!" After he says that, his face becomes firm and he raises the glaive on his hand, giving out orders loudly: "Han Shuo listen to my order."


    The Field Grade Officer that was scolding Bai Zi Qi comes running over on his horse: "This officer is here!"


    "I order you to lead the left military, and breakthrough the south-east corner!"


    "This officer receives the order!" Han Shuo raises his long sword and roars, "The left military shall follow me to attack the enemies!"


    "Yes!" The soldiers in green uniform run to somewhere quickly and orderly.


    Father coughs out another mouthful of blood: "Han Qi!"


    "This officer is here!" A Field Grade Officer with beard replies strongly.


    "You will lead the right military and retreat from the north-east of Jing soldiers!"


    "This officer receives the order!"  The bearded man holds his fist and turns his horse to leave.


    Father then suddenly calls out to him: "Han Qi!"


    "General?"

 Chapter 8 Part4

    Father pats brother''s mount and the white horse runs up a few steps. "Han Qi, help me take good care of these two children." Father''s voice is deep and low, "Both me and Jin Se will be thankful to you!"


    "Yes¡­" The bearded man turns his horse back and deeply bows, "Do not be worried, General. Even if Han Qi is to die, the life of Young Master and Young Lady will be protected at any cost!"


    I turn my head back and call out loudly: "Father! You should leave together as well!"


    Brother turns his horse back and kicks the stomach of his horse, leaning towards father: "Me and sister shall company you!"


    Father raises his hand covered with iron armour and heavily slaps brother''s face: "Your mother''s body has yet to turn cold. Are you willing to let her not pa.s.s in peace, and reluctant to drink the Meng Po Soup [1]!" As he says so, he heavily hits the neck of the horse. The horse neighs and runs off to the other side.


    With my arms stretching to the back, I shout in a lamenting voice: "Father!"


    Brother lets out a helpless and grieved shout: "AAAaaa!" The white horse dashes off with both me and brother on top of it.


    The autumn wind and the sun above feel cold. Shouts of pain and the clas.h.i.+ng of irons can be heard. Brother swing his silver spear with all he can. Picking, hooking, slas.h.i.+ng, and piercing. Blood flies around and howls can be heard from the back. Within the reach of my eyes are piles of corpses, the rust of blood, and the river of blood. The yellow sands fill the surrounding, covering the sky and the sun. Amongst the dusk and dust, the ground is filled with cold weapons. It is as if the time and s.p.a.ce have stopped, the surrounding is so real that it''s cruel. My face is covered with some sort of liquid and the rustic smell of blood fills my nasal cavity.


    Suddenly, a drop of fresh blood falls onto my eyelid and I look up. On brother''s handsome face, a deep wound is carved on it and the red blood flows down following the arrow wound.


    "Brot¡­¡­"


    "Qing Qing, don''t be scared!" Brother has a spear on one hand and sword on the other. Moving his arms around, heads and arms fly around. He licks the blood on the corner of his lips and smiles at me gently: "Brother will for sure, bring you back safely!" As he says so, he controls the horse and has it runs faster. Along the way, as the spear brus.h.i.+ng past, blood begin to be splattered on my eyes that I can''t see anything around me clearly other than the blossoming red of blood.


    When asking the humans, where lays the heroes? Their blood forming a river, vibrant as a rainbow, and all of it are on the war ground.


    Many years later, I lie on a bamboo lying couch and flip a book in a carefree manner t.i.tled¡¶History of You Country¡·, and my gaze falls on one certain sentence


    "Tian Lu nineteenth year, the sixth month, Yong Country raids Jing Country; Jing loses and lost countless cities. Twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, Queen Dowager of Jing Country sends an amba.s.sador out to seek help from the Royal Family of You Country. Twenty-seventh day of the sixth month, the King of You Country ordered Han to lead his soldiers to fight with Jing Country against Yong Country. Seventeenth day of the seventh month, Han led his soldiers and broke through Yong soldiers. Ming King of the Yong Country led his soldiers down west and retreated for thousands of miles. Twenty-ninth day of the seventh month, Han led his soldiers and chased them to the bottom of the tower of Qian City, Ming King Chen Shao shuts the gate and did not give out any response.


    Eighth day of the eighth month, Han leads his soldiers to the bottom of the city tower, but found his wife and daughter being held hostage on the tower. The strategist of Yong Country, Bai Zi Qi, threw the daughter down the tower; Han rushed his horse to save the daughter. After that, Han shot his wife down and Han Su s.h.i.+ fell down the tower and pa.s.sed away. After that, Jing soldiers betray them and surrounded the soldiers of You Country along with Yong soldiers, attacking on both sides. Han led twenty thousand soldiers to cover the back, protecting the You soldiers to break out. When the war reached dusk hour, Han Bai Qing led his close aids numbered around ten and escaped to Gu Pu Cliff; the chasing soldiers in front of them and no way to run from the back. Han raised his head and howled: The heaven may grow old, the sea may flip over, but homeland can never be returned! After saying so, with his wife in his embrace, he jumped down the cliff. Their body were never found.


    In the raid of Qian State, Han Family lost more than half of their soldiers and You Country directly lost their position as the lord of the northern continent."


    The eighth day of the eighth month, the eighth day of the eighth month.


    It''s a birthday.


    And at the same time, a death anniversary.


    Note:


    [1] ÃÏÆÅ Meng Po is the guardian that stands by the ÄκÎÇÅ Nai He Bridge, the bridge that one needs to walk through before being reincarnated. Before pa.s.sing the bridge, one is required to drink the ÃÏÆÅÌÀMeng Po Soup so that they will forget about their past life before heading for their next life.


    Akiha: That''s it, I''m crying so hard for this chapter I kennot. Although the first climax part ends with a tragic note, I hope that I can get back fast enough for the parts tor each till time skip¡­¡­

 Chapter 9 Part1

    This half of a chapter alone took me 3 hours¡­ And so, rather than dragging the upload till I''m done with the whole chapter, I figure I should just uplaod the first half first since I will be busy for now (no, I''m not slcaking off from tl, really). I have 1 a.s.signment deadline for next Monday and 1 more in 2 weeks time, and also rpeparing for my interns.h.i.+p for enxt semester¡­¡­ ahahahahhahahaha


    Do tell me if there''s any mistake (cuz I did not check for spelling error before updating)


    That ends my complain and what I would comment in regards to this half is that¡­ ? Be prepared once again


    The autumn leaves that drop down, the flowers that withers away, the blood that dries up under the bright sun, the sand dust that floats up to the air. The white horse under me has been dyed into the colour of red. The rustic smell covers my whole body and my face feels sticky. The sounds of the horse''s hoof clopping and the clattering of the iron armour can be heard. My heart feels just like the autumn wind that brushes past us.


    About more than ten cavalries are left. The man with nice beard has the remaining close aides surround me and brother. Few hundreds of elite soldiers run at the back. Our group of men and horses hurry off on a rough and small path. With the help of the sunlight in between the branches, I raise my head to observe. Only two cliff walls can be seen, and the s.p.a.ce in between the two walls are tight and narrow. And since it is the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the leaves and branches on the trees all intersects one another. Deeply creasing my brows, my heart feels unsettled: The location here is narrow and dangerous, so it is for sure the best place to ambush.


    "Uncle Qi, where are we?" Brother also has seemed to sense the danger and inquires.


    "This is called the She Yue Valley[1], it is the only way out to the pier." The man with nice beard tightens the rein and called out loudly to the back, "Has the scout returned?"


    "Replying to the Field Officer, s.h.i.+ Tou has not returned!"


    Han Qi brushes his beard and controls the horse to go front: "Everyone, we need to run now! we can''t stay here any longer!"


    At that moment, dusts fly up in the air. The sounds of hoofs clopping and footsteps echo within the valley. Since it is a dangerous place, only two mounts can cross at a time. Both sides of the road are grown with woods and thorns, which eventually block the road in the mountains. At this time, some of them fall gradually due to hunger and the horses are fatigued as well. Some of them had supported one another so that they can continue their way. And the men who was shot with arrows walk with the pears as their support. When I raise my head, I see the blood on brother''s face has turned dark colour. His lips are dry and has cracks on it, his hair is covered with dust. But the eyes hidden in the dark are bright and energetic.


    "What is it, Qing Qing?" Brother lowers his head and looks at me nervously, "Are you injured?" As he says so, he places the spear in between his arms and nervously touch my face: "Where? Where does it hurts?"


    "Brother." I hold onto his hand tightly and lean against his iron armour. With a trembling voice, "Qing Qing is alright, but Brother''s face is ruined."


    "Hehe~" Brother laughs brightly, "You dummy, men will not be afraid of their face being ruined. Especially after going into war, it will show how manly I can be with the scar on my face!"


    "The Young General sure is courageous!" Han Qi tilts his head and his face becomes slightly relaxed, "Young lady, if not for the huge scar under my chin, I will not be forced by the woman in my house to have this beard."


    "So, this is how Uncle Qi''s nice beard come to be." I look intently at his black and smooth beard, "Can I touch it when return later?"


    "Hahaha~" Han Qi laughs brightly, "Nice beard huh. This is the first time I receive such a praise. The beard can be grown again, but we can''t recklessly send our life to others. Later when we return, Uncle Qi will shave this beard down as a present for Young Lady."


    "Field Officer sure is generous towards the Young Lady." A cavalry in front raises the flag in his hand and teases as he turns to look at us, "Last time when Xiao Qing Zi touches it sneakily, the Field Officer chases him to beat him up. And now when the Young Lady ask to touch it, you just give it to her on both hands. Aren''t you being too much!"


    "That''s right, that''s right." The soldiers at the back chirp in as well.


    "d.a.m.ned brat! Who ask you to talk this much!" Han Qi swings his whip and lightly whips the cavalry.


    "He''s angry again! Since he''s already this ferocious on a daily basis, who knows how he will be when he''s in the bed. I wonder how did your wife takes it all!" That man begins to make faces and dirty talks.


    "Hahaha~" "The Field Officer sure is magnificent!" "Wrong, it''s his wife who''s magnificent!"


    The scolding and laughing voices have washed away the depressing atmosphere earlier and everyone regain their energy. I loosen my grip on the horse''s mane and lightly heave a sigh: "Brother, I wonder how is Father and Mother now?"


    A gentle and large hand brushes my fringe from my forehead. A stern voice sounded from above my head: "Didn''t Father said earlier, that he will for sure bring Mother back to You Country. So, for sure they will be alright!"


    "Mmn." Brother''s words have settled my insecure heart and made me feel slightly relaxed.


    "Hu San Zi, let''s see if I will whip you till you die!" Han Qi is so embarra.s.sed that he begins to feel mad. He then suddenly whips the horse in front of him strongly and the cavalry ducks downwards and dodges his whip.


    Seeing that they are almost out of the narrow path, Hu San Zi raises the flag and turns his head over to make faces: "Field Officer, this San Zi shall go and scout the area out¡­" Before he gets to finish his sentence, an arrow pierced through his temple. The head of the arrow are covered with blood. San Zi''s eyes and mouth widens and he falls out of his horse. I blankly looks at the soldier that did not die in peace [2] and become so startled that my pulses stop.


    [1]ÉäÔÂ¹È She Yue Valley. She Yue=Shooting the Moon


    [2] ËÀ²»î¨Ä¿ can bring upon two meanings, one is to not die peacefully, and another would be to die without closing their eyes, which will eventually also lead to the first meaning.

 Chapter 9 Part2

    "There''s an ambus.h.!.+" Han Qi shouts and make an eye contact with one of the close aides. That person raises the s.h.i.+eld on him and leans onto the wall of the cliff. He then pokes his body out to take a look. Suddenly, his body limps and he fall down as he yells in pain. His chest is pierced with arrows. He then says with his last breath on the ground: "There''s more than ten marksmen on top the cliff¡­" Before he gets to finish, his breathing stops.


    "What should we do now?" Han Qi grips his hands and shakes his head, "There''s soldiers chasing after us from the back, and ambush right in front of us."


    "Uncle Qi." Brother breathes in deeply, and with a deep voice, "Marksmen numbering more than ten is not considered a lot at all. So, this might be the piece they''ve hidden. They wanted to block us in this place and drag our time to get out of this valley so that their reinforcement can catch up to us from the back and annihilate all of us in She Yue Valley." Brother turns his horse and looks at the soldiers at the back: "Brothers, if we don''t head to the front and be scared of the rain of arrows, then we''ll just be headed for the enemies'' trap. Rather than that, we might as well just risk our life to escape this valley. At the very least, we may still come out of this alive!"


    "What the Young General say is right!" Han Qi lowers his head and bends his body with his hand on his fist, "I was too impatient earlier, which caused us to almost fell into the enemies'' trap."


    "Young General!" An injured soldier come limping over with a spear on hand, "Thanks to the Young General for not throwing us who are injured aside. Since there''s still quite some road to go to exit the valley, this me is afraid that he will not be able to go till the end. If so, this me is willing to open the path up for the Young General, this me is willing to be the s.h.i.+eld for the arrows!"


    Brother waves his hand and reject sternly: "No! We shall all leave together! I, Han Yue Xiao, is not willing to lose another one of us!"


    "Young General! This me is also willing to be the s.h.i.+eld!" "This me is also willing to!" "Please allow us, Young General!" "Young General, please make decisions according to the situation!" All the weak and injured soldiers at the back all rush to the front and kneel down.


    "I don''t allow!" Brother turns the head of the horse and wats to rush out while protecting me. Suddenly, his rein is pulled by Han Qi and the white horse is forcibly stopped.


    "Young General, what they say are true."


    "Uncle Qi!"


    With a trembling voice, Uncle Qi says: "It is not possible to break through the ambush with everyone unscathed. Rather than having them die under the hands of the soldiers chasing after us, we might as well let them be the hero for once. The arrows brought by these marksmen might not be that many, so do make their death to be more worthwhile."


    I look at the soldiers with a pale face, unkempt armours, and body filled with injuries. My tears then flow down silently. Although this is a rational sacrifice, but it is still an option difficult to make.


    From my back, I feel Brother''s chest heaving up and down. A while later, a sob can be heard: "Fine¡­"


    All the injured soldiers begin to knock their head on ground [1] and shout at once: "Thank the Young General for allowing us!" They, who have wounds on their face, have strong and steady eyes. They brush their fatigue aside and take out their swords and lift their spears. After wiping their face, they rush out while clenching their teeth.


    "Father!" "Elder Brother!" It seems that the ones in the group are fathers and sons or brothers heading to the war together. With them looking at their father and brother sacrificing themselves and becoming the s.h.i.+elds willingly, the sadness felt by them can never be described by words alone.


    "Ah!" Those injured soldiers lift their weapons and howl. It is such a great howl that the birds within the valley is shocked and fly out, it is so startling that the sun has lose its colour.


    "Hu!" "Hu!" "Hu!" A bunch of flying arrows, just like a storm raining down, falls onto the ground and sends all the great men of You Country into the netherworld. With their body falling like withered leaves, the fall onto the ground. Their eyes looking back to their blood relatives are filled with longing. Smiles appear on their faces, showing their great pride. The red wheel drops on the west side and what remains of the redness covers the sky. All the injured soldiers rush out of the mountain road batches by batches. With tears covering my eyes, I don''t even know how to blink my eyes and I can only watch, watch as they walk towards their death and vividly remembering their honest face.


    The sounds of arrow shooting gradually stops, indicating the arrows that are going to stop raining down. Brother lifts his silver spear and howls: "Brothers, head forth!"


    "Ah!" Cries of anger and sadness sounded from the back. The sounds of horse hoof clopping and footsteps tremble even the heaven above. In the whole road filled with blood and dusts, they glance at the sun going down, reminiscence about their blood relatives; tears flowing down from their eyes, so sad that it breaks even the heart that made is made of steel.


    Brother lower his body and covers me tightly. I feel nervous and listen to my surroundings. As expected, no sounds of arrow shooting out can be heard. With tears flowing down, I thank the soldiers. Although they are merely p.a.w.ns, they are very brave and loyal, they are the real heroes!


    "Set the fire!" A shout echoes from within the valley.


    Brother straighten his chest and look. Borrowing the light from the sun going down, I raise my head and look at above the cliff walls. More than ten orbs can be seen lighted on the cliff. The military officer wave his hand to one side and a number of cloth ball heighted more than few tens of feet appeared on both side of the cliff. "Release!" The cloth b.a.l.l.s are pushed down the moment it is lighted. At that moment, the fire flies around and ignite the bushes that are dried. A huge fire suddenly set the narrow pathway on fire and black smokes rise.


    One fire ball roll towards some of the soldiers and innumerable screams can be heard. Soon after, the smell of burnt meat enters my nose. Brother urges the horse to run faster but soon see that the path ahead is blocked by dried trees and bushes. The scattered flames fly over with the help of autumn wind and caused the road ahead to be lighted up. With the road head being blocked and soldiers chasing after us from the back, are we destined to lose our lives here? She Yue Valley. She Yue Valley [2], what an ominous name.


    "Young General, all the trees and gra.s.s here are spilled with oil. The fires are spreading very quickly as well! Coughs hack" Uncle Qi breathes in a thick smoke and is choked.


    Brother covers my face with his hand and call out to the back: "Brothers, cover your nose and mouth. Do not breathe in any of the smokes!"


    "Ah!" Countless screams can be heard and the crackling sound made by the burning woods made our heart feel agitated and scared. Brother tighten his grip on his spear and thrusts his spear into the dried tree branches blocking our way. "Ugh!" With an angry growl, he picks the burning branches off. Uncle Qi has also walked up and help Brother out with his lance. The both of them pick off two think branches and take out their weapon. They want to continue doing it, but find the head of their spear and lance are stuck within the burning woods.


    "This!" Uncle Qi frustratingly sigh, "Haa!"


    At current moment, the wind blows strongly and the flames lick towards the sky. With the heat wave brus.h.i.+ng past us, the smokes and flare shoot up the sky. The valley has turned into a sea of flame. All the soldiers have begun to scatter. Their saddles and clothing are burned and the burnt smell makes my nose feel painful. With their endless scream, the scene in front of me seem as if I''m in the land of Shura. The colour of gold and red covers the whole of She Yue Valley, the colours are so vibrant that the dusk sky is incomparable to it. The heat wave swallows us whole and our face feel hot. The clothes on us are also drenched in sweat.


    Brother shouts to the sky: "Is it that the G.o.d wants us of the Han Family to be annihilated!" The heart wrenching shout echoes around the valley. The emotions of grief, unwillingness, despair and other emotions are mixed together, resounding from the one behind me.


    "Rumble~" A low sound can be heard from faraway, and I raise my head to take a look at it. The dusk has paled away without anyone knowing when. Cloud appears on the sky that is turning dark gradually. "Rumble~ Rumble~" sounds become more and more clearer.


    Uncle Qi extinguished the flame on his nice beard and exclaim excitedly: "Young General! It''s thunder!"


    The deep rumble of the thunder become more and more clearer. As if wanting to break out of the dark sky, as if tearing the restraints of the dark clouds, as if struggling to find. "Crack!" The lightning lights up the sky like the sun, like a precious sword that tears the dark sky apart. The thunder comes by so fast that we are not able to cover our ears, the lightning comes by so fast that we are not able to cover our eyes. The purple coloured lightning sow the seeds of hope into our heart. The mountain breeze blows the flame up, making it appear as if a raging sea. Carrying the heat with it, it rushes over. Brother stand there with his spear on hand and stare at the sky, unmoving.


    [1] Knocking one''s head on the ground as they kneel/grovel on the ground means to show their deep emotion (grat.i.tude or forgiveness/pleading). In this case, they are showing extreme grat.i.tude


    [2] Refer to [2] of ch 9.1, and of course, the name of our MC and her brother are Han "Yue" Xia and Han "Yue" Xiao. Get the reference?


    Once again, I cried (not really since I''m tl-ing this in cla.s.s) at the sacrifice of those soldiers¡­ I can say say I won''t be able to forget them even though they are nameless here¡­¡­


    The Han Family and these Han Soldiers deserve better treatment and lord to serve than having such a s.h.i.+tty King¡­¡­ *weeps in the corner*