Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Hidden within a hazy glow was the "Heavenly Number Two." Wu Kong leaned in closer and saw an ancient mirror intricately carved with blue flowers. Within the mirror, purple cypress trees stood like strokes of dark ink, solemnly arranged between heaven and earth. Beneath the trees lay a stone tablet inscribed with twelve characters: "The Ancient People's World is actually next to the Headwind World."
This "Ancient People's World" might hold some significance. "If it is indeed the Ancient People's World, then Qin Shi Huang must be among them. Recently, I heard from a Palace Maid of the New Tang that he possesses a treasure called the 'Mountain-Driving Bell.' If I could get my hands on it and sweep through the thousands of mountains and valleys along this Western Road, there would be no place for demons to hide and no refuge for bandits. That would indeed be a delightful affair!"
With a thought, he transformed into an inconspicuous copper borer and nestled on the surface of the mirror. With a few bites, that seemingly indestructible ancient mirror was gnawed into a hole. Wu Kong tumbled headfirst and leaped into the mirror.
The high platform towered majestically, piercing the clouds. Wu Kong felt dizzy for a moment, and when he regained his senses, he found himself lying beneath a grand platform. The sounds of lively chatter filled the air, accompanied by the sounds of silk bamboo and the laughter of women, as if it were a banquet of some noble family. Wu Kong dared not reveal himself recklessly; instead, he maintained his form as a copper borer, hiding among the floral seams of a green window while peeking inside.
On the high platform above, adorned with exquisite carvings and golden splendor, sat a woman with cloud-like hair and flower-like beauty. Dressed in elegant garments, she could not hide her enchanting appearance; she was none other than the legendary beauty—Lu Zhu. Flanking her were Lady Xi Shi and Miss Si Si, as the three engaged in lively conversation, creating an atmosphere of merriment. Below them, a group of maids with fan-shaped hairdos bustled about—some pouring wine and serving dishes, others picking flowers or holding colorful bowls.
Wu Kong observed this scene filled with lively young women, each adorned with vibrant beauty and fragrant makeup wafting toward the heavens. He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly: "This Lu Zhu is quite something; she spends her days feasting and dancing, living more joyfully than those celestial beings above. Well then, I shall join in on the fun and see what this gentle realm is like."
With that thought, he transformed into a strikingly beautiful woman with delicate features and blended into the crowd without anyone noticing. He appeared:
With hair piled like clouds and brows veiled in mist. As her eyes sparkled, they seemed to convey myriad emotions. Dressed in light gauzy robes that accentuated her graceful curves, her waist swayed elegantly with each step.
The maids who saw him couldn't help but cover their mouths in laughter: "Our fragrant gathering truly lives up to its name; even such a beautiful woman is not just staying indoors but has come out here to share her charm with us!"
One maid stepped forward and asked Wu Kong's disguised beauty: "Sister, are you here to find Lu Niao?"
Wu Kong feigned innocence, his eyes sparkling with a hint of shyness: "Sister, I'm new here; please take me to meet her."
The maid giggled and led Wu Kong to meet Lu Zhu. Upon seeing him, Lu Zhu's face turned pale as tears streamed down her cheeks. She choked out: "Sister Yu Ji! It has been so long since we last met; why do you look so sorrowful? Is it because of the Overlord...?"
Wu Kong thought to himself: How strange! Since I emerged from that stone, I have been surrounded by mountain spirits and wild creatures; when have I ever known this Lu Niao? When have I ever played this delicate beauty? Since she has said so, there’s no need for me to explain; I might as well play along for fun. However, since I am Yu Ji, there must be an Overlord to match; if she asks about him suddenly and I cannot answer correctly, wouldn't that give me away? I should first probe her for information to find an excuse before joining them at the table.
Lu Zhu took Wu Kong's hand gently and said softly: "Sister, please take your seat quickly; although this wine is light, it can ease your sorrows." Upon hearing this, Wu Kong put on a look of "wind and rain desolation" and replied melancholily: "Sister may not know; people say: 'Wine brings joy to the heart but sorrow breaks it.' I am separated from my beloved across two lands; unable to meet him has already torn my heart apart—how can I still swallow this wine?"
Lu Zhu was even more astonished upon hearing this: "Sister speaks nonsense! Your husband is none other than that unparalleled hero Xiong Yu of Chu! You are both together now; why can't you meet?"
Hearing "Xiong Yu," Wu Kong felt delighted inside and continued: "Sister may not know; today's King of Chu is no longer the same as before! He has a seductress named Chu Sao by his side who charms him in countless ways and sows discord between us.
"Once upon a time, I was in harmony with the Overlord; we were inseparable. But now he listens to that seductress while treating me coldly as ice. Sometimes when we admire the moon together, I purposely avoid looking at the water weeds in the pond; he leans against the railing alone while saying that seductress captivates him—he claims I've spoiled his mood. Other times when we enjoy flowers together, I deliberately do not arrange for wine; that seductress brings him a pot of purple flower dew calling him 'My King,' leaving behind flirtatious glances while he reciprocates with longing looks. My deep affection hopes for us to grow old together; who would have thought he treats me like dirt while cavorting with that vixen? How can I not feel heartbroken?"
"A few days ago, feeling neglected by me due to my coldness towards him—he claimed I wronged Chu Sao—he angrily took his sword from beside our bed without bringing any attendants and left without saying where he was going. It has been over twenty days now without news; I don't know if he is alive or dead..."
As she spoke, Wu Kong covered her face with her hands and began to cry—the sight was pitifully heart-wrenching. Seeing her cry so sorrowfully made Lu Zhu unable to hold back her own tears as they soaked her clothes. Xi Shi and Si Si sighed deeply along with her; even those maids serving wine and dishes had tears welling in their eyes as they listened.
Indeed: one sorrowful person should not speak to another about sorrow—it only deepens their grief.
The sound of Silk Bamboo gradually faded away as the four beauties took their seats as host and guests. Xi Shi raised her wine cup; her peach blossom eyes sparkled yet held concern as she said: "Tonight seems like our beautiful sister has something on her mind; we sisters should comfort each other well and avoid bringing up those painful pasts." With that said, she set down her cup and waved her delicate hand for a maid to bring forth a white jade plate filled with six crystal-clear dice.
"Today let’s not discuss poetry or songs but play a game instead!" Xi Shi said while lightly shaking her wrist—the dice made crisp sounds as they clinked together in her palm. "The rules are simple: if there’s no 'one' on the first roll, each person must recite a poem; if there’s no 'two' on the second roll, tell a love story; if there’s no 'three' on the third roll, I'll drink one cup myself and choose another sister to drink along—how does that sound?"
"Good! Let’s do as sister says." Lu Zhu responded first while the other two ladies nodded in agreement. Xi Shi smiled charmingly as she flicked her wrist—the dice flew like stars onto the jade plate where they spun around before finally settling on “three,” “four,” “five,” “six.”
"The first roll shows no 'one!'" Xi Shi announced sweetly while casting teasing glances at Lu Zhu.
Lu Zhu covered her mouth in light laughter; after pondering briefly, she recited softly in her charming voice:
"My husband does not come; long nights linger."
The lingering tone was filled with a hint of sorrow and a touch of longing, causing everyone present to feel a pang in their hearts.
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Si Si clapped her hands in admiration. "This line is double-edged; it not only adheres to the game rules but also subtly reflects the beauty's inner feelings. Truly remarkable!" After saying this, she was not to be outdone. With a quick turn of her eyes, she recited:
"The jade maiden's ornaments chime with the autumn breeze."
The verses from the two beauties—one filled with melancholy and the other with a chill—both carried a faint sadness, as if responding to the lingering sorrow in Yu Ji's heart. Wu Kong listened, secretly lamenting, "What am I to do? I can manage some other texts, but poetry truly gives me a headache. I wonder if Yu Ji is well-versed in poetry; if she isn't, that would be fine. But if she is brimming with talent, then I might just expose myself today..."
While he was anxiously pondering this, Lu Zhu urged, "Why doesn’t the beauty recite a poem? Is it that you find us sisters dull?"
Wu Kong's face immediately showed distress as he stammered, "I... I cannot compose poetry..."
"Haha, the beauty is too modest!" Xi Shi covered her mouth and laughed. "Your poetry collection has long spread across the Central Plains. That line from 'Song in Response to King Xiang'—'The Han army has taken the land; songs of sorrow echo from all sides. The king’s spirit is spent; what hope is there for this lowly maid?'—is known by all, even three-year-old children know that Lady Yu is an exceptionally talented woman. How can you refuse today?"
Wu Kong found himself in a tight spot after her words and had no choice but to tilt his head back and gaze at the ornate beams and painted rafters, pretending to ponder deeply. After a long pause, he finally stammered, "Could it be... could it be that I don’t have to recite ancient poems?"
He felt his head was about to explode; Xi Shi and Lu Zhu were taking turns digging a pit for him. Poetry? He, Lao Sun, had no idea how to compose it! Yet here he was under Yu Ji's name—he had to pretend he could. He stole a glance at Xi Shi and saw her covering her mouth while her eyes sparkled with mischief. Wu Kong cursed inwardly: This woman is indeed not easy to deal with; she's here to enjoy my embarrassment!
Clearing his throat twice, he feigned an air of inspiration as he paced back and forth, shaking his head thoughtfully. The surrounding ladies held their breath in anticipation of what this renowned Lady Yu would come up with. He looked up at the sky as if searching for inspiration and after a long while managed to squeeze out a line:
"Repentance flies with the clouds and rain."
As soon as these words left his mouth, everyone was stunned. This was hardly poetry; it was clearly nonsense! Yet somehow, this nonsense left them unable to find fault with it.
Lu Zhu covered her mouth as she laughed and said, "This line from the beauty is truly original and profound!"
Si Si echoed, "Yes, this line of poetry seems to hide a story within it, making one unable to resist the urge to explore. However, I feel it carries a hint of emptiness, reminiscent of Buddhism."
Xi Shi smiled without speaking, but her eyes seemed to pierce through everything as they fixed intently on Wu Kong.
Wu Kong felt uneasy under her gaze and could only force himself to say, "The meaning of this line is..." He stammered for a long time without managing to articulate his thoughts.
Xi Shi did not expose him but simply smiled and said, "A beauty's poetry naturally holds profound meaning. Could it be that the beauty spent half a month as a nun in some Celestial Abode? If that were the case, we mere mortals would truly be unable to comprehend these verses."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhu turned his gaze toward Xi Shi and gently asked, "Sister, can we consider the beauty's line as prophetic?"
Without hesitation, Xi Shi replied, "Why not? A poem crafted by a beauty naturally becomes a verse of the ancients."
Comment 0 Comment Count