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墨書 Inktalez
Ever since Hanlin encountered that fairy, he neither sought friends nor entertained guests, spending his days sulking in the garden, his mind filled with thoughts of the beauty. As soon as the sun rose, he longed for nightfall, and when darkness descended, he awaited the appearance of the beauty. However, she seldom came, which only deepened Hanlin's yearning, making his feelings grow stronger day by day.
After some time, two people arrived at the garden gate. The one in front was Hanlin's good friend Zheng Shisan, while the one following him was a stranger. Zheng Shisan brought the man to Hanlin and introduced him, saying, "This master is none other than the renowned Master Du from Tai Chi Palace. He is skilled in physiognomy and divination and can stand shoulder to shoulder with masters like Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng! Today, Master Du has come specifically to read your fortune." Upon hearing this, Hanlin quickly bowed to Master Du, saying, "I have long heard of your esteemed name; it is truly a stroke of luck to meet you today! May I ask what you think of my younger brother Zheng Shisan's fortune?"
Before Master Du could respond, Zheng Shisan interjected, "The master said I would surely pass my exams within three years and would eventually become a governor of eight provinces! I wholeheartedly believe him. His words have never been wrong; why not let him take a look at you too?" But Hanlin replied, "A gentleman does not inquire about blessings but rather about calamities; please speak frankly!"
Master Du focused intently on Hanlin's features and after a moment slowly said, "Mr. Yang, your brows are handsome and your phoenix eyes slant gracefully into your temples; you will certainly hold an official position above the third rank in the future. Your earlobes are pure and round like pearls; you will be someone whose fame spreads across the world. Moreover, your cheekbones are full; you will wield great power and command respect far and wide, achieving success beyond borders—truly a perfect fortune! However..." He paused deliberately, his brow slightly furrowing. "However, I must boldly say that you are currently facing a significant disaster. If we had not met today, your life would be in grave danger!"
Upon hearing this, Hanlin felt a chill run down his spine but feigned calmness as he replied, "In life, blessings and misfortunes are all sought by oneself. Only illness is most unpredictable. Are you suggesting that I am gravely ill with little time left?"
Master Du shook his head and said solemnly, "This disaster is unlike any other! I observe that your aura is strong but there is malevolent energy lurking in your hall; perhaps there is an unknown servant hidden in your household?" At this point, Hanlin's heart sank as he realized that Master Du was referring to Lady Zhang. Yet he was unwilling to believe it or admit it and could only cover up by saying, "There is no such thing in my household."
Beside him, Zheng Shisan quickly chimed in, "Master Du's readings have never been wrong! Brother Yang, think carefully; do not hide anything!" Hanlin remained noncommittal and silent. Seeing this, Master Du continued, "I dare to guess that you must have passed by some ancient tomb or desolate grave recently and felt something? Or perhaps you have come into contact with some wandering spirit?"
Hanlin vehemently denied it: "Absolutely not!" With a heavy sigh, Master Du lamented, "The yang energy of a person is fundamental to their existence; the yin energy of ghosts is their source of survival. Yin and yang are opposites like water and fire. I can clearly see that you are shrouded by a powerful female ghost's malevolence. Within three days, this evil energy will invade your very marrow; at that point, even deities cannot save you! I have spoken all I can today; I hope you take care!"
After hearing this, Hanlin forced himself to remain calm and said, "Perhaps there is some truth in your words; however, that woman has already pledged her love to me; our feelings are mutual and stronger than gold—how could she harm my life? Think of how King Huai of Chu had his tryst with the goddess Wushan or how Liu Yi sent letters to help the Dragon Maiden escape—these tales have existed since ancient times; why should I worry unnecessarily?"
With that said, Hanlin turned to Master Du and remarked, "Sir, a person's lifespan is predetermined by fate; if I truly have the destiny of a minister or general, then no spirits or demons can change that." Upon hearing this, Master Du understood that Hanlin had been blinded by infatuation and chose not to say more. He simply replied lightly: "Life and death are fated; wealth and nobility depend on heaven. Everything is destined by heaven's will; I have no authority to interfere." With that said, he waved his sleeve and departed. Hanlin did not insist on keeping him but let him go.
Seeing this unfold, Zheng Shisan quickly stepped forward to comfort him: "Brother Yang need not worry; good people have heavenly protection; surely you will turn misfortune into good fortune! These mere ghosts are nothing to fear! In my opinion, this Master Du is merely trying to create illusions for show!" Saying this, he pulled Hanlin along for drinks until late into the night.
That night at midnight, unable to sleep, Hanlin lit incense and sat quietly in hopes of seeing Lady Zhang again. As time passed deeper into the night with heavy dew falling yet still no sign of her arrival appeared. Unable to contain himself any longer, he exclaimed: "The dawn is approaching—why hasn’t my lady come yet?" With that thought in mind he prepared to blow out the lamp and sleep.
Suddenly from outside came intermittent cries. Listening closely revealed it was indeed Lady Zhang's voice! He heard her weeping: "My lord has a talisman from the Demon Sorcerer hidden atop his head; I dare not approach. I know my lord does not wish to drive me away; it must be that our fates have ended due to the Demon Sorcerer's schemes! I only hope my lord takes care of himself; this shall be our eternal farewell!"
Hearing this made Hanlin panic as he hurriedly opened the window but saw no trace of Lady Zhang—only a letter left on the steps. Opening it revealed her Farewell Poem:
Once seeking beauty amidst colorful clouds,
Now pouring clear wine over desolate graves.
Deep sincerity failed before love was severed,
Do not blame my lord but blame Zheng Jun.
Reciting it repeatedly filled him with anguish—a mix of resentment and confusion surged within him. He reached up to touch his hairpin only to find something lodged within it. Upon taking it out he discovered it was indeed the exorcism talisman left by Master Du! Realization struck him hard as he could not help but curse: "The Demon Sorcerer has deceived me!" With that he tore apart the talisman in anger while feeling even more grief-stricken.
He recited Lady Zhang's poem once more when suddenly enlightenment struck: "So it turns out she harbors such resentment towards Zheng Shisan! It must be he who caused trouble! Although he meant no harm—he ruined my happiness! Ultimately it isn’t the Taoist causing mischief but rather it’s Zheng Shisan! I will never let this go!"
With this thought in mind,Hanlin, inspired by Lady Zhang's poetic rhythm composed another poem which he tucked away in his sleeve but couldn’t help sighing: “I’ve written a poem now—but who should I send it to?”
The poem composed by Hanlin:
Riding on gentle winds up high,
Do not say fragrant souls are trapped in wild mountains.
In gardens where flowers bloom with intent,
Where in this world do thoughts not wander?
The next day at dawn,Hanlin rushed over to visit Zheng Shisan, only to be told that he had already gone out. For three consecutive days,Hanlin could find no trace of him. With no news from his beloved lady,Hanlin felt increasingly desolate. He thought about going back to Zige Pavilion for another search but then remembered she was gone—leaving only emptiness behind.
He considered visiting her grave at South Suburb Cemetery for offerings but found himself unable to face the cold gravestone or express his overflowing longing. The image of his beloved was nowhere to be found anymore,Hanlin, heartbroken beyond measure lost appetite for food or drink—his spirit waning considerably.
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