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墨書 Inktalez
Wu Kong let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this. He realized that Xi Shi was not someone easy to fool. Fortunately, he had quick wits and managed to come up with a line that allowed him to pass through the moment unscathed.
Seeing that Xi Shi approved, Lu Niao raised the colorful bowl and tossed the dice into it, calling out loudly, “For the second roll, it’s another double!”
Xi Shi feigned difficulty and said, “You all have it easy while I’m the one who struggles.”
Lu Niao asked in surprise, “What troubles you, sister?”
Xi Shi reproached playfully, “You’re doing this on purpose to embarrass me! Don’t you know I’ve served two husbands?”
Lu Niao laughed and replied, “What’s the harm in that? Among us sisters here, who isn’t of different surnames but still family? Sister, I have a suggestion: why not call out for King Wu in one line and Mr. Fan in another?”
Xi Shi readily agreed and began to recite:
“Mr. Fan, the beautiful youth of Liu Xi;
King Wu, the great man of the palace.
Mr. Fan, with vows sworn at Kunlun;
King Wu, where the phoenix tree offers warm rest.
Mr. Fan, under the crescent moon of five lakes;
King Wu, intoxicated by parting sorrows filling the sky.”
Lu Zhu covered her face and wept, tears rolling down like scattered pearls that shattered in the cups filled with wine. With a deep sigh, her voice was laced with bitterness:
“Pearls weep like stones in sorrow’s embrace,
Heart aching on the fragrant stand alone.
One day beneath snow-covered green tombs,
A lonely soul drifts without being known.”
Her voice was mournful and pleading, breaking hearts with its sorrow.
Seeing Lu Zhu so heartbroken moved Xi Shi as well. Yet she quickly reminded herself that she too was trapped in her own struggles against fate's whirlpool. She forced herself to regain composure and feigned anger, saying, “This is unacceptable! I wanted to hear some joyful lines but ended up with such sadness! Lu Niao, you should quickly drink a cup to wash away this misfortune!”
Lu Niao smiled brightly and raised her cup, drinking it all in one go as if to cast aside all her worries.
As the wine flowed and the atmosphere grew lively, Si Si suggested that Wu Kong take the lead in a poetic challenge. However, Wu Kong waved her off, pushing the bowl of fruit towards Si Si, indicating that she should go first. The two exchanged polite refusals for a while, neither willing to start. Observing this, Lu Niao's eyes sparkled with mischief as she proposed, "I have an idea! Why don't we have Sister Si Si say one line, and then each of our lovely ladies can follow with a line? One is spirited and bold, while the other is gentle and soft; together they will complement each other beautifully!"
Xi Shi frowned slightly and hesitated, saying, "How can this work? The Overlord of Chu is strong and imposing, while Mr. Shen is charming and refined. They are worlds apart; how can they possibly match?"
But Si Si laughed gracefully and replied, "It’s no problem. He is he, and I am I. I have my own thoughts in my heart. Let me go first." After a brief moment of contemplation, she began to recite:
"Weeping at the Southern Tower." Her voice was cool and carried a hint of sorrow and determination that made one’s heart tremble.
Wu Kong, already distracted, instinctively responded to her line:
"Praying to the Western Paradise."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Lu Niao pointed at Wu Kong with feigned surprise and exclaimed, "My dear, are you feeling troubled? Why would you pray to the Western Paradise? Are you perhaps wishing to abandon the mundane world and retreat into solitude?"
Wu Kong snapped back to reality, realizing he had misspoken. He quickly explained, "Oh dear Lu Niao, you misunderstand! The meaning of this verse is quite profound; it requires careful thought to grasp. 'Heaven' refers to my husband; 'West' points to Xi Chu; 'Pray' means to return; and 'Buddha' signifies the heart. So this line conveys that I wish to place my heart entirely on my husband from Xi Chu. Though he may disdain me, my heart belongs solely to him!" As he spoke, he discreetly observed everyone’s expressions, anxious not to reveal any flaws.
Lu Niao listened intently, her face lighting up with understanding as she praised him, "I see now! Your thoughts are truly delicate; even a single line of poetry holds such intricate and deep emotion. It’s truly admirable!"
As the wine continued to flow and dishes were served in abundance, the banquet felt like an endless torment for Wu Kong. He was not there for merriment; instead, his mind was burdened by the whereabouts of Qin Shi Huang. Pretending to cough lightly, he made a noise in his throat that sounded like retching, his brow furrowed in discomfort.
Noticing this, Xi Shi asked with concern, "My dear, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Wu Kong forced himself to suppress his churning stomach and waved his hand weakly. "It’s nothing serious; perhaps I indulged in too much fruit wine today and feel a bit tipsy."
Xi Shi understood immediately and suggested gently, "If that's the case, then let’s not force it. Why don’t we take a stroll in the garden? We can enjoy the moonlight and help you sober up."
The other lovely ladies chimed in agreement. Eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the banquet, Wu Kong stood up promptly and followed them into the garden.
As night fell and stars twinkled overhead, silver moonlight bathed the garden in a serene glow. The rockeries and ponds were lush with greenery—a sight that would usually be delightful. Yet Wu Kong was too preoccupied with thoughts of how to slip away in search of Qin Shi Huang.
"Oh dear..." Wu Kong clutched his chest tightly, his brow furrowed as beads of sweat formed on his forehead—a picture of unbearable pain.
Seeing this, Lu Niao rushed forward to support him and asked anxiously, "My dear, what’s wrong? Is your chest hurting?"
Wu Kong weakly nodded, gritting his teeth as he said, "This old ailment has flared up again, and it hurts terribly. I fear I can no longer accompany you, my sisters. I will return to rest."
"What are we to do?" Lu Niao's face showed concern. "I will send someone to summon Elder Qi to treat the beauty."
"No need!" Wu Kong quickly interrupted. "Those quacks only prescribe useless medicines and cannot cure my illness. I will return to my residence to rest; perhaps I will feel better by tomorrow."
Seeing his firm attitude, Lu Niao did not press further and instructed four maidservants to escort Wu Kong back to his residence.
With the maidservants supporting him, Wu Kong staggered out. He turned back and offered a faint smile to the beautiful women, as if he had exhausted all his strength.
Under the cover of night, no one noticed the fleeting glimmer of cunning in the corner of Wu Kong's mouth. He felt like a bird that had escaped its cage, eager to return to the sky that belonged to him.
The incense platform towered a hundred feet high, surrounded by fragrant winds that spiraled upwards into the clouds. Yet at this moment, Wu Kong's heart felt as cold and hard as the steps he descended. Supported by the four maidservants, he walked down from this extravagant place, each step feeling like he was treading on blades. The opulent incense platform was resplendent with golden hues and intricate carvings, yet it imprisoned a soul yearning for freedom. He glanced back at the brightly lit palace, a smirk curling at the corners of his mouth; this wealth and glory were nothing but fleeting illusions to him. What he desired was a life free from constraints, filled with unrestrained joys and vendettas.
At the bottom of the steps lay a wide road paved with white marble, glistening coldly under the moonlight. After walking a few steps, Wu Kong found it dull and uninteresting. He stopped and turned to the maidservants behind him, saying, "You may return now; there is no need to escort me further. Please convey my regards to the lady and young miss, and tell them I will visit again tomorrow."
The four maidservants exchanged glances; they had never encountered such an arrogant and rude "beauty." One bolder maidservant mustered her courage and said, "Lu Niao instructed us to ensure your safe arrival at Chu King’s Manor; we dare not disobey."
"And what if you do?" Wu Kong thought coldly but maintained an impassive expression.
"This..." The maidservants showed signs of distress; they were mere servants and dared not defy Lu Niao's orders.
Seeing their submissive demeanor only heightened Wu Kong's impatience. He barked sharply, "Are you truly unwilling to leave? Then do not blame me for being rude!"
Before his words fell silent, a flash of golden light appeared in his eyes as a Ruyi Jingu Bang materialized in his hand, radiating dazzling brilliance. With a gentle wave of his hand, the Ruyi Jingu Bang stirred up a fierce wind; the four maidservants did not even have time to scream before they turned to ashes, dissipating into the night.
Wu Kong snorted coldly as he returned the Ruyi Jingu Bang to his ear and transformed into his true form. Clad in golden chainmail armor with a phoenix-winged crown atop his head, stepping into cloud shoes woven from lotus silk while holding the Ruyi Jingu Bang in hand, he exuded an imposing presence akin to a deity descending from heaven.
He looked up at the sky where countless stars twinkled against the bright moonlight but felt lost within himself. He had been searching for Qin Shi Huang's whereabouts without any leads; this chaotic world left him feeling like a headless fly wandering aimlessly—when would he find answers?
He let out a long howl towards the heavens, releasing his pent-up anger and frustration. After his cry faded away, he suddenly remembered someone who might be able to help him.
Thus, he summoned Cloud Somersault and flew toward the direction etched in his memory. Before long, he arrived at a towering mountain shrouded in mist that resembled an otherworldly paradise. Wu Kong knew this was the dwelling of Nuwa.
As he caught sight of Nuwa's cave from afar, Wu Kong suddenly felt disoriented—how could Nuwa appear in his memories?
Shaking his head clear of confusion, he descended from the clouds and approached the cave entrance only to find two large black lacquer doors tightly shut. A yellow paper was affixed to them stating: "In twenty days, I shall attend a banquet at Xuanyuan Family and will return in ten days. If esteemed guests come visiting during my absence, please forgive me; I will welcome you upon my return."
Upon reading this message, Wu Kong thought silently: "It seems Nuwa is not home; I shall visit another day."
He turned to leave when suddenly three crowing roosters echoed nearby; looking up revealed that dawn was breaking in the east.
Wu Kong felt a jolt of urgency within him as time seemed pressing. He flew aimlessly for several hundred miles without any sign of Qin Shi Huang's presence.
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