It may not be possible to find Tianchensha in the future
An hour later, the imperial guards went to each room and brought back a thick stack of papers.
Duan Yao flipped through the pages and sighed, “Is this writing a confession or a storybook.” Although everyone has secrets, these people’s secrets are…too much.
Chu Yuan asked: “Senior, do you want to see it?”
Xuan Tian shook his head: “When the emperor wants me to see it, I will see it then.” Hidden deep in his heart, he was afraid that most of them were shameful things, and it would be chilling to see them, so it was better not to read them.
Duan Yao lit the candle and looked at the stack of confessions with Chu Yuan. The more they looked at them, the more they couldn’t laugh or cry. If you don’t mention this kind of thing, even if it is really a secret, outsiders probably won’t want to know… and it won’t have any impact on the fate of the country of Chu.
Chu Yuan took out a piece of paper and handed it to Duan Yao: “This is what I want to know.”
“Huh?” Duan Yao took it and glanced at it roughly. The person who wrote the confession was named Zang Su. He obviously guessed something, so he didn’t write unnecessary details like other people. There was only a thin piece of paper, which explained everything about the Yue Ming Gu.
Zang Su’s father, named Zang Hai, was one of the best witch doctors on the island, so he was very respected usually. There was a time when he was treating an old man from the Northern sect, he took the opportunity to steal the Yue Ming Gu, but instead of turning it over to the leader of the Southern sect, he secretly kept it in his room.
After Xuan Tian was driven off the island, the life of the Chaoya people did not get better, and the supply ships of the Nanyang people did not come as frequently as before. It is said that the pirates were rampant, and the ships could not come. But time has to pass, so the Nanyang people proposed to select a group of Chaoya tribesmen to go to the sea to Dachu to ask for some gold, silver and jewellery from the Emperor of Chu.
Chaoya was already rumoured to be magical in Chu State, so this group of people easily entered the palace. Relying on some overseas rumours, as well as voodoo techniques, they also deceived the then emperor of Chu. Not only did they treat him courteously, they even rewarded with a lot of gold and silver when they left. Before Zang Hai went out to sea, he already felt that there might be fierce battles on Chaoya island in the future, so in order to keep the Yue Ming Gu, he risked bringing some out, waiting for the opportunity to plant them on the most beloved son of then Chu emperor at that time, who was also the crown prince of Da Chu. In Chu Yuan’s body – in his opinion, this should be the safest candidate. He is protected by the imperial guards and will not roam around like ordinary people. As long as the host does not die, Yue Ming Gu can always survive. No matter what happens on Chaoya Island in the future, the clues to the treasure map will not be broken.
Five years after returning to the island, Zang Hai contracted a serious illness. When he was dying, he called Zang Su to his bedside and told him the secret. He also said that there was still a bottle of Yue Ming Gu on the island. If someone notices the clue, just destroy it. As long as prince Chu Yuan is safe, he will not worry that Yue Ming Gu will completely disappear from this world.
After Zang Hai was buried, Zang Su became even more humble. He wanted to bow his head all the time in front of the Nanyang people. Even his companions looked down on him. But even so, they almost could not escape the disaster of death – more and more Nanyang people were transported to Chaoya. Those exquisite mechanisms to attack and defend against voodoo, you don’t need to think about it, you know that most of them are for deal with Dachu. Just when everyone was worried, the Nanyang people finally shed their last layer of hypocrisy and killed almost all the Chaoya people in one night, even their close associates. Zang Su and several others were able to escape smoothly because they were well prepared, and even took advantage of the chaos to snatch the baby away.
Originally, according to what everyone thought, they wanted to go to Wangcheng to ask for help. After all, apart from the royal family of Chu, Chaoya had no one else to rely on, but they did not expect that Nanyang people would notice their whereabouts, and even bribe the Cangnan magistrate Yu Shu, to join the forces with Feiluan Building, issuing an order to hunt them down the entire Jianghu.
Although Tu Bujie was reckless, his martial arts was not insignificant. When Zang Su was fighting with him, the porcelain bottle containing Yue Ming Gu accidentally fell out of his sleeve. In order to prevent his companions from noticing the clues. While he was hesitating for a moment, the bottle was already trampled by Tu Bujie. Seeing the Gu worms that had been hidden for several years destroyed in one go, Zang Su gritted his teeth with hatred, but couldn’t do anything. He only hoped that after coming to the palace, he could find a way to get close to Chu Yuan and take out the remaining Yue Ming Gu from his body. Unexpectedly, although his calculation was good, in the end it was all in vain.
After Duan Yao and Xuan Tian finished reading, they also just wanted to sigh. Not to mention that there is only half of the treasure map, even if you can really find the rumoured Golden Island, you must be really a crazy person for scheming for so many years.
“Your Majesty.” Jiang Huai said, “What should we do with those Chaoya people?”
“Pu them into separate custody.” Chu Yuan said, “If there is a real war one day, these people may still be useful.”
“Yes.” Jiang Huai took the order and left. Chu Yuan put down his confession and said, “It’s getting late, so let’s call it a day.”
Xuan Tian stood up and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you?” Chu Yuan shook his head, “Senior was staying peacefully in Yunde City, it was me who disturbed your peace.”
“Though I was staying in Yunde City, it’s hard to avoid thinking about Chaoya island, not knowing how the current situation there is.” Xuan Tian said, “Tonight can be regarded as finally having peace of mind.”
“If they hadn’t seen the Senior with their own eyes, these people wouldn’t have confessed so easily. They would still have tried every means to conceal this.” Chu Yuan said, “After all, they collaborated with foreign bandits to oppress the compatriots. According to the laws of Dachu, losing ten heads is not enough a punishment.”
“It doesn’t matter if you destroy the island.” Xuan Tian wiped away his tears and sighed, “If you destroy those outdated things, Chaoya Island will not continue to rot from generation to generation. If the ancestor is alive in heaven, they will be really ashamed of themselves to see such rebellious descendants and disciples in the future generations.”
Chu Yuan called Si Xi and ordered him to take Xuan Tian back to rest. Duan Yao said: “Is the emperor not resting yet?”
Chu Yuan pointed to the fold on the desk.
Duan Yao complained: “It’s easy for each of these officials to write a report.” But they never give a thought that there is only one emperor.
Chu Yuan couldn’t help laughing: “I am the emperor, so I should naturally do these things, so what right do I have to complain about?”
Duan Yao said: “But you can’t stay up like this late at night.” After thinking about it, he said, “Brother will feel distressed if he knows.”
Chu Yuan raised his eyebrows.
Duan Yao continued: “So it’s better to go back and rest.”
Chu Yuan did not comment, but asked: “Will you come with me to the court tomorrow?”
“Me?” Duan Yao was startled.
Chu Yuan nodded: “You.”
Duan Yao was puzzled: “What am I going to do?”
Chu Yuan said: “Just have fun.”
Duan Yao: “…”
“Let them see that my relationship with the Southwest Mansion is not mutually exclusive.” Chu Yuan adjusted his collar, “No need to say anything, no need to do anything, just stand beside me.”
Duan Yao thought for a while, and agreed: “Okay!” Although he was not interested in going to court together, since the sister-in-law asked to do it, let alone standing by the dragon chair, even if he wanted to hang it on the beam, there was no problem at all.
I just hope that my brother can get married as soon as possible. After all, red silk can’t be stored for a long time, and it will be distressing if it gets wet and infected with insects.
So early the next morning, the ministers in the Jinluan Palace were a little dizzy looking at the young man with the sword standing next to Chu Yuan.
What happened to the emperor recently? First, he had a secret conversation with the Southwest King, and stayed in Suhuai Mountain Villa, but now he let the little prince of the Southwest Mansion enter the palace with weapons, and stand beside him, looking quite trusting and close. This is…..
Even the cunning and shrewd Prime Minister Liu Yishui could not figure out the holy intention. He could only reluctantly infer that this was a sign that the ice between the Emperor and the Southwest King was melting – or that a certain deal had been reached in private, at least. In the short term, the relationship between Da Chu and Southwest Mansion will no longer be as tense as before.
The street vendors have always been the most well-informed and adaptable group of people in the royal city. So in the subsequent novels, the image of the Southwest King also improved a lot, at least his face became more handsome, his figure was taller, and he looked quite pleasing to the eye.
Si Xi went out of the palace in person, bought a dozen of the latest books, and sent them all to the imperial study. Chu Yuan casually flipped through two volumes. Although the plot was bizarre and absurd, the illustrations were very conscientious and sprinkled with a lot of gold powder. When illuminated by candlelight, they looked like gods.
Seeing that the emperor seemed to be in a good mood, Eunuch Sixi felt relieved. He gently closed the door for him and waited outside with his hands folded. He just hoped that no other elders would come to hand him over the report. After a busy day, it was rare for Chu Yuan to have quiet at this moment. He can relax and have a good rest.
Chu Yuan bit the rice dumpling candy in his mouth and took out the third book. After opening it, his face froze. In the painting, the King of the Southwest is still tall and handsome, but without any clothes, laughing wildly and lying in the garden. There are at least a dozen female fairies around him, with charming eyes and silky figures, and they look extremely happy and indulgent.
The young emperor calmly picked up the book, approached the candle, and burned it.
Duan Yao carefully closed the tiles, continued to lie on the roof looking at the stars, and grieved for his brother in silence, and did not forget to glance at the plum tree in the cold palace.
It is estimated that it will take a while before it can be moved back.
What happened on Chaoya Island has been roughly clarified. The Chaoya people were temporarily imprisoned in Tianlao, and the baby they brought was given to the care of wet nurses. Cui Gu was also placed under house arrest in the palace.
A group of Shadow Chasing Palace guards1 quietly left the palace and headed towards Chaoya Island to see what the current situation is. Under the care of the imperial doctor, Xuan Tian’s body and bones became much better than before. After Duan Yao personally sent him back to Beixing Palace, he rode his horse all the way south. Although Chu Yuan was reluctant to leave, he was even more worried about Duan Yao. Duan Baiyue, before leaving, repeatedly said that no matter what happened, he must head back to Wangcheng as soon as possible.
Only Eunuch Sixi sighed in his heart, the Southwest King was not here, little prince Duan was also not here, and the Ninth Prince2 spent most of his time at Riyue Villa. Although the palace was large, there was no one who could even talk to the Emperor. If he was tired and bored, he would have to rely on tranquilizers and Feixia to fall asleep as before.
The candlelight in the imperial study was beating, and Chu Yuan was staring at the map on the case in daze.
The journey from the royal city to the southwest is really not that short.
If he really went there, he would come back and forth, and by the time he came back, most of the veterans in the court would have died of panic.
So… that’s what someone wanted.
Chu Yuan laughed out loud, supported his chin with one hand, and calculated whether Tao Rende would fall into bed first or Li Geng would faint first if he learned that he was in the southwest and would not come back. Thinking about it, the smile gradually faded away, and he opened his palms, and inside was a tiger-head finger-wrench, which was a soldier talisman of the Southwest Army.
No, just go home and heal your wounds.
Chu Yuan gripped the soldier talisman again.
Why… Even this thing has to be given to himself.
It was windy and rainy outside the imperial study, as if winter had entered overnight.
Eunuch Sixi also sighed outside, he is afraid this year will be difficult.
“Achoo!” Duan Yao also sneezed. He was wrapped in a thick jacket, growing up in the southwest, this is the first time he has encountered such a cold early winter.
It has been more than a month since he came back home, and everything is the same, except his brother who has been unconscious all the time.
Zhao Wu3 had led five secret guards of Shadow Chasing Palace to search for Tianchensha. He had just returned to the southwest and had not rested for even tow days before he rushed to Beihai day and night and took a boat south to find the legendary Feimian Kingdom and Tianchensha. Hua Tang stayed in the mansion to take care of her two young sons and Duan Yao, and also took care of the mother and son who were rescued again.
Time flies to the end of the year, and there are lights and decorations everywhere. Couplets are posted at the gate of the Southwest Mansion, but the New Year’s Eve dinner without family doesn’t bring any good feeling. Duan Yao dropped his chopsticks halfway his dinner and went back to the bedroom to continue accompanying his brother. After a while, Nan Moxie and Hua Tang also came along, and soon, Aunt Jin and other grannies were also standing by the bed, looking at Duan Baiyue in the wax seal.
The room was very quiet, no one spoke, and no one knew what to say. The noise of firecrackers outside made the Southwest Mansion look colder and desolate.
After a long time, Hua Tang said: “Xiao Wu has not replied for a long time, what is Master Nan’s plan?”
“I expected this to be the case before.” Nan Moxie said. “After all, the Feimian kingdom has only existed in rumours. The South Sea is endless and surrounded by white mist. It would have been abnormal to find it easily.”
Hua Tang hesitated: “Then…”
“I can’t wait any longer.” Nan Moxie shook his head, “After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he will have to wake up even if he doesn’t want to. The white jade cocoon is a poisonous insect. If he stays in the wax seal for a long time and gets hit by the poison again, it will really be a huge loss.”
“After waking up, will he have to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra?” Hua Tang asked again.
Nan Moxie said: “Yes.”
“I never asked before, but this matter is very important.” Hua Tang said, “If he practices the Bodhi Heart Sutra, what will be the consequences?”
As soon as she asked this, the room became silent and quieter. Everyone stared at Nan Moxie, waiting for him to respond.
Nan Moxie replied: “No matter how bad the result is, at least he can save his life.”
The meaning of this sentence is obvious, Duan Yao clenches his fist unconsciously.
“I just hope that we can find Tianchensha smoothly in the future, and the matter is not irreversible.” Nan Moxie said, “Everything is now left upon fate.”
Hua Tang wanted to say something else, but hesitated again and again, but in the end her words just turned into a sigh. Duan Yao lay on the bedside and put his hand on the cold wax seal, wanting to cry again.
There are so many good people in this world, why is it that my brother have to be so miserable? Not only he can’t grow old together with his beloved, he also suffers from injuries. Not even the bald Liu Da who sells sesame seed cakes on the street can compare with him – at least he has a rosy complexion. He has a loud voice, can yell all the way while carrying a load, and can walk as fast as flying. It seems that he will never need to hire a doctor in his life.
Thousands of miles away, the imperial palace is currently holding a feast for the officials. Liu Dajiong said: “Old Tao, look at the emperor, he seems to have something on his mind again.”
Tao Rende put down his wine glass and said, “When has your Majesty never had something on his mind?”
Liu Dajiong was choked back, and he said after a long while: “But today is New Year’s Eve, and I haven’t heard of any troubles recently.” Why is he in a bad mood even at the New Year.
Tao Rende said: “If you are really curious, why doesn’t Mr. Liu ask him in person?”
“Of course not, you think I’m stupid.” Liu Dajiong waved his hands again and again. How could he let me deal with this bad luck just at the New Year.
“Then just calm down.” Tao Rende glared at him: “Despite knowing that the emperor is unhappy, you still continue to ramble like you have too much salary at your hands.”
Liu Dajiong: “…”
Why so fierce!
Chu Yuan didn’t pay attention to the two of them. In fact, he had been uneasy since the beginning of the banquet. In the past few months, the letters from the Southwest Mansion have indeed been delivered on time, and they have indeed described Duan Baiyue’s current situation in detail, but the contents of each letter are same. They all say that he is sealed in a wax shell, and there is no serious problem. Be rest assured. Until this morning, another letter was sent, saying that after the New Year, the wax seal will be removed and he would go to the ice room to start practicing the Bodhi Heart Sutra.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty.” Eunuch Sixi reminded in a low voice, “It’s time to disperse the banquet.”
Chu Yuan suddenly came back to his senses.
“It’s almost Shen time4.” Eunuch Sixi said again.
Chu Yuan rubbed his swollen temples and nodded slightly: “Let’s disperse. Let all the elders go back and rest early.”
Looking at the almost untouched dish in front of the emperor, Eunuch Sixi sighed inwardly, wondering when the Southwest King would return back.
The bedroom was cold and quiet. After Chu Yuan washed up, he leaned on the bed and flipped through the book. After reading a few pages, his heart became more and more confused. He always felt that something was wrong. The more he thought the more apprehensive he became, almost wanting to abandon the affairs of the dynasty tonight and will leave for the Southwest.
“Your Majesty.” Eunuch Sixi was waiting beside him. He felt really uncomfortable when he saw him. “Can I get some tranquillising medicine?”
Chu Yuan shook his head: “I want to stay awake for a while.”
“But…” Eunuch Sixi looked troubled.
Chu Yuan said: “On New Year’s Eve, we are originally supposed to keep vigil. Now that he is unconscious, I will keep the New Year’s Eve vigil for him the same way.” If diseases and disasters are eliminated, the coming year will be smoother.
Eunuch Sixi agreed: “Yes.”
Holding the soldier talisman in his hand, Chu Yuan sat there all night long.
Fifth day of the month is to welcome the God of Wealth, tenth day is to pray for good rain, fifteenth day is to celebrate Lantern Festival. On the early morning of the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Nan Moxie ordered his people to boil a basin of hot water, added medicinal powder to it, and peeled off the wax seal bit by bit. Duan Baiyue’s expression remained the same as before, but it took half an hour for him to slowly wake up.
Nan Moxie’s face appeared overhead.
Duan Baiyue looked at him for a moment and closed his eyes again.
Nan Moxie asked: “How do you feel?”
Duan Baiyue said: “I was only halfway through a big dream when Master’s face suddenly appeared. To be honest, it was a bit disappointing.”
Nan Moxie was pleased: “Fortunately, you didn’t sleep like a blockhead.”
Duan Baiyue asked: “How long have I slept?”
Nan Moxie said: “Today is the sixteenth day of the first lunar month.
Duan Baiyue sighed: “That’s really a long time.”
“Let’s go to the ice room with Master tomorrow.” Nan Moxie said wickedly.
“I still have to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra?” Duan Baiyue asked, looking at the top of the bed.
“If the golden silkworm thread coupled with corpse poison will be dangerous if it is dragged on any longer.” Nan Moxie said, “The Bodhi Heart Sutra is the most sinister martial art skill in the world. Only by turning yourself into a poison can you fight poison.”
Duan Baiyue said: “To this day, Master still doesn’t know how to speak.” He doesn’t have any tact at all.
“There is no reply from Xiaowu yet, but with the strength of Shadow Chasing Palace, we might be able to find Tianchensha.” Nan Moxie continued, “Besides, there is Ghost Hand Divine Doctor5 in South China Sea. Who can say what does the future holds! And even if you can’t find Tianchensha, when you have practiced the Bodhi Heart Sutra, you will still be tall and handsome, with a majestic and enviable jade-like appearance.” So there’s no need to worry.
Duan Baiyue said: “Thank you very much, Master.”
Nan Moxie asked: “Do you want to write a letter to the emperor?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Okay.”
Nan Moxie said: “In this vast world, there are as many people who want to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra as crucian carp crossing the river. Thinking about it this way, do you feel more at ease?”
Duan Baiyue said: “No.”
Nan Moxie: “…”
Duan Baiyue closed his eyes, not knowing what state of mind he should be in.
He originally thought that after the golden silkworm thread wakes up from hibernation, he would personally take people to the South China Sea. Although he might not be able to find it, at least he would have enough time and he wouldn’t have to make a choice so quickly. It’s just that he didn’t expect that there would be side effects. Lan Ji came back from the dead, and he was poisoned by the corpse again leaving only this last choice for him.
When the two of them parted, he had already guessed what would happen today, but he always instinctively didn’t want to admit it, and even deceived himself into thinking that maybe Xiao Wu could really find Tianchensha. It’s just that after a big dream gets over, even if you don’t want to wake up again, you still have to face the reality one day.
Bodhi Heart Sutra… Duan Baiyue reached out and pressed his left chest. His heartbeat was a little weak, but he could still feel it, one after another. When it is completely quiet here, he should completely disappear in this world, just like the old Senior Xuan Tian who guarded his old woman, and also find a quiet corner to guard the only love of his life.
Looking at his musings, Nan Moxie felt so sad that he couldn’t bear it anymore. He turned around and rushed out of the door. Squatting in the courtyard, he burst into tears. He only regretted that he was too used to him and didn’t take good care of him, which resulted in an incurable injury.
At the market in Southwest City, vendors are still happily selling the latest version of the “Bodhi Heart Sutra”. This time it not only improves virility, but also helps in pregnancy. Both men and women can practice it, and sales have doubled.
Unable to stand the person in front of him who kept selling, Duan Yao bought a book and flipped through it casually. Probably seeing that he seemed to be doing good business, other salesmen immediately gathered around, selling hairbands, rouge, and wordless scriptures. There was even a fat monk who came from nowhere with a kind face and kind eyes and insisted on doing fortune telling.
Duan Yao felt that his head was about to explode.
The fat monk said: “Young master, do you want me to do fortune-telling for you?”
Duan Yao said: “I don’t want.”
The fat monk insisted: “If you don’t want to do it for wealth and success, then do it for your family.”
Duan Yao said: “Then tell my brother’s marriage fortune.”
The fat monk pinched his finger and pressed it for a long time, and said: “Brother, if you want a good marriage, you have to buy a bottle of medicine from me.”
Duan Yao asked: “What medicine?”
The fat monk was extremely mysterious: “Aphrodisiac.”
Duan Yao punched the person in the chest and knocked him away neatly.
The fat monk burst into tears, coughing and said: “Why is the little benefactor so cruel? My medicine is really good medicine. It is made by the master of Qionghua Valley Ye Gu. He is a first-class genius doctor in the world. After taking it, the golden gun6 will be invincible. Actually, leader Shen7 has agreed to use it.”
Duan Yao clenched his fists loudly.
The fat monk fled.
Duan Yao picked up the snacks he bought for his second sister-in-law on the table, and turned back to the Southwest Mansion, but was told by Aunt Jin that Hua Tang had left the house early in the morning. She didn’t know what Hua Tang was going for, and she never came back.
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As usual, if there are any mistakes or errors, please contact me and I’ll rectify it. If anyone is willing to help in translation who knows Mandarin, you are more than welcome to assist. In that case as well, please email me.
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Notes:
You will have to read the first book (Everywhere in Jianghu is wonderful) in Jianghu/Strategy series to understand this. ↩︎ Ye Jin, the ninth prince, Chu Yuan’s younger brother from separate mother. Read first book to know more. ↩︎ Duan Baiyue’s younger brother from a different mother, who is older than Duan Yao. ↩︎ 3 to 5 pm probably. ↩︎ Another character from first book ↩︎ ahem.. Duan Baiyue’s little brother ↩︎ Shen Qian Feng, another character in the first book. Ye Gu meaning Ye Jin is his partner ↩︎
It may not be possible to find Tianchensha in the future
An hour later, the imperial guards went to each room and brought back a thick stack of papers.
Duan Yao flipped through the pages and sighed, “Is this writing a confession or a storybook.” Although everyone has secrets, these people’s secrets are…too much.
Chu Yuan asked: “Senior, do you want to see it?”
Xuan Tian shook his head: “When the emperor wants me to see it, I will see it then.” Hidden deep in his heart, he was afraid that most of them were shameful things, and it would be chilling to see them, so it was better not to read them.
Duan Yao lit the candle and looked at the stack of confessions with Chu Yuan. The more they looked at them, the more they couldn’t laugh or cry. If you don’t mention this kind of thing, even if it is really a secret, outsiders probably won’t want to know… and it won’t have any impact on the fate of the country of Chu.
Chu Yuan took out a piece of paper and handed it to Duan Yao: “This is what I want to know.”
“Huh?” Duan Yao took it and glanced at it roughly. The person who wrote the confession was named Zang Su. He obviously guessed something, so he didn’t write unnecessary details like other people. There was only a thin piece of paper, which explained everything about the Yue Ming Gu.
Zang Su’s father, named Zang Hai, was one of the best witch doctors on the island, so he was very respected usually. There was a time when he was treating an old man from the Northern sect, he took the opportunity to steal the Yue Ming Gu, but instead of turning it over to the leader of the Southern sect, he secretly kept it in his room.
After Xuan Tian was driven off the island, the life of the Chaoya people did not get better, and the supply ships of the Nanyang people did not come as frequently as before. It is said that the pirates were rampant, and the ships could not come. But time has to pass, so the Nanyang people proposed to select a group of Chaoya tribesmen to go to the sea to Dachu to ask for some gold, silver and jewellery from the Emperor of Chu.
Chaoya was already rumoured to be magical in Chu State, so this group of people easily entered the palace. Relying on some overseas rumours, as well as voodoo techniques, they also deceived the then emperor of Chu. Not only did they treat him courteously, they even rewarded with a lot of gold and silver when they left. Before Zang Hai went out to sea, he already felt that there might be fierce battles on Chaoya island in the future, so in order to keep the Yue Ming Gu, he risked bringing some out, waiting for the opportunity to plant them on the most beloved son of then Chu emperor at that time, who was also the crown prince of Da Chu. In Chu Yuan’s body – in his opinion, this should be the safest candidate. He is protected by the imperial guards and will not roam around like ordinary people. As long as the host does not die, Yue Ming Gu can always survive. No matter what happens on Chaoya Island in the future, the clues to the treasure map will not be broken.
Five years after returning to the island, Zang Hai contracted a serious illness. When he was dying, he called Zang Su to his bedside and told him the secret. He also said that there was still a bottle of Yue Ming Gu on the island. If someone notices the clue, just destroy it. As long as prince Chu Yuan is safe, he will not worry that Yue Ming Gu will completely disappear from this world.
After Zang Hai was buried, Zang Su became even more humble. He wanted to bow his head all the time in front of the Nanyang people. Even his companions looked down on him. But even so, they almost could not escape the disaster of death – more and more Nanyang people were transported to Chaoya. Those exquisite mechanisms to attack and defend against voodoo, you don’t need to think about it, you know that most of them are for deal with Dachu. Just when everyone was worried, the Nanyang people finally shed their last layer of hypocrisy and killed almost all the Chaoya people in one night, even their close associates. Zang Su and several others were able to escape smoothly because they were well prepared, and even took advantage of the chaos to snatch the baby away.
Originally, according to what everyone thought, they wanted to go to Wangcheng to ask for help. After all, apart from the royal family of Chu, Chaoya had no one else to rely on, but they did not expect that Nanyang people would notice their whereabouts, and even bribe the Cangnan magistrate Yu Shu, to join the forces with Feiluan Building, issuing an order to hunt them down the entire Jianghu.
Although Tu Bujie was reckless, his martial arts was not insignificant. When Zang Su was fighting with him, the porcelain bottle containing Yue Ming Gu accidentally fell out of his sleeve. In order to prevent his companions from noticing the clues. While he was hesitating for a moment, the bottle was already trampled by Tu Bujie. Seeing the Gu worms that had been hidden for several years destroyed in one go, Zang Su gritted his teeth with hatred, but couldn’t do anything. He only hoped that after coming to the palace, he could find a way to get close to Chu Yuan and take out the remaining Yue Ming Gu from his body. Unexpectedly, although his calculation was good, in the end it was all in vain.
After Duan Yao and Xuan Tian finished reading, they also just wanted to sigh. Not to mention that there is only half of the treasure map, even if you can really find the rumoured Golden Island, you must be really a crazy person for scheming for so many years.
“Your Majesty.” Jiang Huai said, “What should we do with those Chaoya people?”
“Pu them into separate custody.” Chu Yuan said, “If there is a real war one day, these people may still be useful.”
“Yes.” Jiang Huai took the order and left. Chu Yuan put down his confession and said, “It’s getting late, so let’s call it a day.”
Xuan Tian stood up and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you?” Chu Yuan shook his head, “Senior was staying peacefully in Yunde City, it was me who disturbed your peace.”
“Though I was staying in Yunde City, it’s hard to avoid thinking about Chaoya island, not knowing how the current situation there is.” Xuan Tian said, “Tonight can be regarded as finally having peace of mind.”
“If they hadn’t seen the Senior with their own eyes, these people wouldn’t have confessed so easily. They would still have tried every means to conceal this.” Chu Yuan said, “After all, they collaborated with foreign bandits to oppress the compatriots. According to the laws of Dachu, losing ten heads is not enough a punishment.”
“It doesn’t matter if you destroy the island.” Xuan Tian wiped away his tears and sighed, “If you destroy those outdated things, Chaoya Island will not continue to rot from generation to generation. If the ancestor is alive in heaven, they will be really ashamed of themselves to see such rebellious descendants and disciples in the future generations.”
Chu Yuan called Si Xi and ordered him to take Xuan Tian back to rest. Duan Yao said: “Is the emperor not resting yet?”
Chu Yuan pointed to the fold on the desk.
Duan Yao complained: “It’s easy for each of these officials to write a report.” But they never give a thought that there is only one emperor.
Chu Yuan couldn’t help laughing: “I am the emperor, so I should naturally do these things, so what right do I have to complain about?”
Duan Yao said: “But you can’t stay up like this late at night.” After thinking about it, he said, “Brother will feel distressed if he knows.”
Chu Yuan raised his eyebrows.
Duan Yao continued: “So it’s better to go back and rest.”
Chu Yuan did not comment, but asked: “Will you come with me to the court tomorrow?”
“Me?” Duan Yao was startled.
Chu Yuan nodded: “You.”
Duan Yao was puzzled: “What am I going to do?”
Chu Yuan said: “Just have fun.”
Duan Yao: “…”
“Let them see that my relationship with the Southwest Mansion is not mutually exclusive.” Chu Yuan adjusted his collar, “No need to say anything, no need to do anything, just stand beside me.”
Duan Yao thought for a while, and agreed: “Okay!” Although he was not interested in going to court together, since the sister-in-law asked to do it, let alone standing by the dragon chair, even if he wanted to hang it on the beam, there was no problem at all.
I just hope that my brother can get married as soon as possible. After all, red silk can’t be stored for a long time, and it will be distressing if it gets wet and infected with insects.
So early the next morning, the ministers in the Jinluan Palace were a little dizzy looking at the young man with the sword standing next to Chu Yuan.
What happened to the emperor recently? First, he had a secret conversation with the Southwest King, and stayed in Suhuai Mountain Villa, but now he let the little prince of the Southwest Mansion enter the palace with weapons, and stand beside him, looking quite trusting and close. This is…..
Even the cunning and shrewd Prime Minister Liu Yishui could not figure out the holy intention. He could only reluctantly infer that this was a sign that the ice between the Emperor and the Southwest King was melting – or that a certain deal had been reached in private, at least. In the short term, the relationship between Da Chu and Southwest Mansion will no longer be as tense as before.
The street vendors have always been the most well-informed and adaptable group of people in the royal city. So in the subsequent novels, the image of the Southwest King also improved a lot, at least his face became more handsome, his figure was taller, and he looked quite pleasing to the eye.
Si Xi went out of the palace in person, bought a dozen of the latest books, and sent them all to the imperial study. Chu Yuan casually flipped through two volumes. Although the plot was bizarre and absurd, the illustrations were very conscientious and sprinkled with a lot of gold powder. When illuminated by candlelight, they looked like gods.
Seeing that the emperor seemed to be in a good mood, Eunuch Sixi felt relieved. He gently closed the door for him and waited outside with his hands folded. He just hoped that no other elders would come to hand him over the report. After a busy day, it was rare for Chu Yuan to have quiet at this moment. He can relax and have a good rest.
Chu Yuan bit the rice dumpling candy in his mouth and took out the third book. After opening it, his face froze. In the painting, the King of the Southwest is still tall and handsome, but without any clothes, laughing wildly and lying in the garden. There are at least a dozen female fairies around him, with charming eyes and silky figures, and they look extremely happy and indulgent.
The young emperor calmly picked up the book, approached the candle, and burned it.
Duan Yao carefully closed the tiles, continued to lie on the roof looking at the stars, and grieved for his brother in silence, and did not forget to glance at the plum tree in the cold palace.
It is estimated that it will take a while before it can be moved back.
What happened on Chaoya Island has been roughly clarified. The Chaoya people were temporarily imprisoned in Tianlao, and the baby they brought was given to the care of wet nurses. Cui Gu was also placed under house arrest in the palace.
A group of Shadow Chasing Palace guards1 quietly left the palace and headed towards Chaoya Island to see what the current situation is. Under the care of the imperial doctor, Xuan Tian’s body and bones became much better than before. After Duan Yao personally sent him back to Beixing Palace, he rode his horse all the way south. Although Chu Yuan was reluctant to leave, he was even more worried about Duan Yao. Duan Baiyue, before leaving, repeatedly said that no matter what happened, he must head back to Wangcheng as soon as possible.
Only Eunuch Sixi sighed in his heart, the Southwest King was not here, little prince Duan was also not here, and the Ninth Prince2 spent most of his time at Riyue Villa. Although the palace was large, there was no one who could even talk to the Emperor. If he was tired and bored, he would have to rely on tranquilizers and Feixia to fall asleep as before.
The candlelight in the imperial study was beating, and Chu Yuan was staring at the map on the case in daze.
The journey from the royal city to the southwest is really not that short.
If he really went there, he would come back and forth, and by the time he came back, most of the veterans in the court would have died of panic.
So… that’s what someone wanted.
Chu Yuan laughed out loud, supported his chin with one hand, and calculated whether Tao Rende would fall into bed first or Li Geng would faint first if he learned that he was in the southwest and would not come back. Thinking about it, the smile gradually faded away, and he opened his palms, and inside was a tiger-head finger-wrench, which was a soldier talisman of the Southwest Army.
No, just go home and heal your wounds.
Chu Yuan gripped the soldier talisman again.
Why… Even this thing has to be given to himself.
It was windy and rainy outside the imperial study, as if winter had entered overnight.
Eunuch Sixi also sighed outside, he is afraid this year will be difficult.
“Achoo!” Duan Yao also sneezed. He was wrapped in a thick jacket, growing up in the southwest, this is the first time he has encountered such a cold early winter.
It has been more than a month since he came back home, and everything is the same, except his brother who has been unconscious all the time.
Zhao Wu3 had led five secret guards of Shadow Chasing Palace to search for Tianchensha. He had just returned to the southwest and had not rested for even tow days before he rushed to Beihai day and night and took a boat south to find the legendary Feimian Kingdom and Tianchensha. Hua Tang stayed in the mansion to take care of her two young sons and Duan Yao, and also took care of the mother and son who were rescued again.
Time flies to the end of the year, and there are lights and decorations everywhere. Couplets are posted at the gate of the Southwest Mansion, but the New Year’s Eve dinner without family doesn’t bring any good feeling. Duan Yao dropped his chopsticks halfway his dinner and went back to the bedroom to continue accompanying his brother. After a while, Nan Moxie and Hua Tang also came along, and soon, Aunt Jin and other grannies were also standing by the bed, looking at Duan Baiyue in the wax seal.
The room was very quiet, no one spoke, and no one knew what to say. The noise of firecrackers outside made the Southwest Mansion look colder and desolate.
After a long time, Hua Tang said: “Xiao Wu has not replied for a long time, what is Master Nan’s plan?”
“I expected this to be the case before.” Nan Moxie said. “After all, the Feimian kingdom has only existed in rumours. The South Sea is endless and surrounded by white mist. It would have been abnormal to find it easily.”
Hua Tang hesitated: “Then…”
“I can’t wait any longer.” Nan Moxie shook his head, “After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he will have to wake up even if he doesn’t want to. The white jade cocoon is a poisonous insect. If he stays in the wax seal for a long time and gets hit by the poison again, it will really be a huge loss.”
“After waking up, will he have to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra?” Hua Tang asked again.
Nan Moxie said: “Yes.”
“I never asked before, but this matter is very important.” Hua Tang said, “If he practices the Bodhi Heart Sutra, what will be the consequences?”
As soon as she asked this, the room became silent and quieter. Everyone stared at Nan Moxie, waiting for him to respond.
Nan Moxie replied: “No matter how bad the result is, at least he can save his life.”
The meaning of this sentence is obvious, Duan Yao clenches his fist unconsciously.
“I just hope that we can find Tianchensha smoothly in the future, and the matter is not irreversible.” Nan Moxie said, “Everything is now left upon fate.”
Hua Tang wanted to say something else, but hesitated again and again, but in the end her words just turned into a sigh. Duan Yao lay on the bedside and put his hand on the cold wax seal, wanting to cry again.
There are so many good people in this world, why is it that my brother have to be so miserable? Not only he can’t grow old together with his beloved, he also suffers from injuries. Not even the bald Liu Da who sells sesame seed cakes on the street can compare with him – at least he has a rosy complexion. He has a loud voice, can yell all the way while carrying a load, and can walk as fast as flying. It seems that he will never need to hire a doctor in his life.
Thousands of miles away, the imperial palace is currently holding a feast for the officials. Liu Dajiong said: “Old Tao, look at the emperor, he seems to have something on his mind again.”
Tao Rende put down his wine glass and said, “When has your Majesty never had something on his mind?”
Liu Dajiong was choked back, and he said after a long while: “But today is New Year’s Eve, and I haven’t heard of any troubles recently.” Why is he in a bad mood even at the New Year.
Tao Rende said: “If you are really curious, why doesn’t Mr. Liu ask him in person?”
“Of course not, you think I’m stupid.” Liu Dajiong waved his hands again and again. How could he let me deal with this bad luck just at the New Year.
“Then just calm down.” Tao Rende glared at him: “Despite knowing that the emperor is unhappy, you still continue to ramble like you have too much salary at your hands.”
Liu Dajiong: “…”
Why so fierce!
Chu Yuan didn’t pay attention to the two of them. In fact, he had been uneasy since the beginning of the banquet. In the past few months, the letters from the Southwest Mansion have indeed been delivered on time, and they have indeed described Duan Baiyue’s current situation in detail, but the contents of each letter are same. They all say that he is sealed in a wax shell, and there is no serious problem. Be rest assured. Until this morning, another letter was sent, saying that after the New Year, the wax seal will be removed and he would go to the ice room to start practicing the Bodhi Heart Sutra.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty.” Eunuch Sixi reminded in a low voice, “It’s time to disperse the banquet.”
Chu Yuan suddenly came back to his senses.
“It’s almost Shen time4.” Eunuch Sixi said again.
Chu Yuan rubbed his swollen temples and nodded slightly: “Let’s disperse. Let all the elders go back and rest early.”
Looking at the almost untouched dish in front of the emperor, Eunuch Sixi sighed inwardly, wondering when the Southwest King would return back.
The bedroom was cold and quiet. After Chu Yuan washed up, he leaned on the bed and flipped through the book. After reading a few pages, his heart became more and more confused. He always felt that something was wrong. The more he thought the more apprehensive he became, almost wanting to abandon the affairs of the dynasty tonight and will leave for the Southwest.
“Your Majesty.” Eunuch Sixi was waiting beside him. He felt really uncomfortable when he saw him. “Can I get some tranquillising medicine?”
Chu Yuan shook his head: “I want to stay awake for a while.”
“But…” Eunuch Sixi looked troubled.
Chu Yuan said: “On New Year’s Eve, we are originally supposed to keep vigil. Now that he is unconscious, I will keep the New Year’s Eve vigil for him the same way.” If diseases and disasters are eliminated, the coming year will be smoother.
Eunuch Sixi agreed: “Yes.”
Holding the soldier talisman in his hand, Chu Yuan sat there all night long.
Fifth day of the month is to welcome the God of Wealth, tenth day is to pray for good rain, fifteenth day is to celebrate Lantern Festival. On the early morning of the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Nan Moxie ordered his people to boil a basin of hot water, added medicinal powder to it, and peeled off the wax seal bit by bit. Duan Baiyue’s expression remained the same as before, but it took half an hour for him to slowly wake up.
Nan Moxie’s face appeared overhead.
Duan Baiyue looked at him for a moment and closed his eyes again.
Nan Moxie asked: “How do you feel?”
Duan Baiyue said: “I was only halfway through a big dream when Master’s face suddenly appeared. To be honest, it was a bit disappointing.”
Nan Moxie was pleased: “Fortunately, you didn’t sleep like a blockhead.”
Duan Baiyue asked: “How long have I slept?”
Nan Moxie said: “Today is the sixteenth day of the first lunar month.
Duan Baiyue sighed: “That’s really a long time.”
“Let’s go to the ice room with Master tomorrow.” Nan Moxie said wickedly.
“I still have to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra?” Duan Baiyue asked, looking at the top of the bed.
“If the golden silkworm thread coupled with corpse poison will be dangerous if it is dragged on any longer.” Nan Moxie said, “The Bodhi Heart Sutra is the most sinister martial art skill in the world. Only by turning yourself into a poison can you fight poison.”
Duan Baiyue said: “To this day, Master still doesn’t know how to speak.” He doesn’t have any tact at all.
“There is no reply from Xiaowu yet, but with the strength of Shadow Chasing Palace, we might be able to find Tianchensha.” Nan Moxie continued, “Besides, there is Ghost Hand Divine Doctor5 in South China Sea. Who can say what does the future holds! And even if you can’t find Tianchensha, when you have practiced the Bodhi Heart Sutra, you will still be tall and handsome, with a majestic and enviable jade-like appearance.” So there’s no need to worry.
Duan Baiyue said: “Thank you very much, Master.”
Nan Moxie asked: “Do you want to write a letter to the emperor?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Okay.”
Nan Moxie said: “In this vast world, there are as many people who want to practice the Bodhi Heart Sutra as crucian carp crossing the river. Thinking about it this way, do you feel more at ease?”
Duan Baiyue said: “No.”
Nan Moxie: “…”
Duan Baiyue closed his eyes, not knowing what state of mind he should be in.
He originally thought that after the golden silkworm thread wakes up from hibernation, he would personally take people to the South China Sea. Although he might not be able to find it, at least he would have enough time and he wouldn’t have to make a choice so quickly. It’s just that he didn’t expect that there would be side effects. Lan Ji came back from the dead, and he was poisoned by the corpse again leaving only this last choice for him.
When the two of them parted, he had already guessed what would happen today, but he always instinctively didn’t want to admit it, and even deceived himself into thinking that maybe Xiao Wu could really find Tianchensha. It’s just that after a big dream gets over, even if you don’t want to wake up again, you still have to face the reality one day.
Bodhi Heart Sutra… Duan Baiyue reached out and pressed his left chest. His heartbeat was a little weak, but he could still feel it, one after another. When it is completely quiet here, he should completely disappear in this world, just like the old Senior Xuan Tian who guarded his old woman, and also find a quiet corner to guard the only love of his life.
Looking at his musings, Nan Moxie felt so sad that he couldn’t bear it anymore. He turned around and rushed out of the door. Squatting in the courtyard, he burst into tears. He only regretted that he was too used to him and didn’t take good care of him, which resulted in an incurable injury.
At the market in Southwest City, vendors are still happily selling the latest version of the “Bodhi Heart Sutra”. This time it not only improves virility, but also helps in pregnancy. Both men and women can practice it, and sales have doubled.
Unable to stand the person in front of him who kept selling, Duan Yao bought a book and flipped through it casually. Probably seeing that he seemed to be doing good business, other salesmen immediately gathered around, selling hairbands, rouge, and wordless scriptures. There was even a fat monk who came from nowhere with a kind face and kind eyes and insisted on doing fortune telling.
Duan Yao felt that his head was about to explode.
The fat monk said: “Young master, do you want me to do fortune-telling for you?”
Duan Yao said: “I don’t want.”
The fat monk insisted: “If you don’t want to do it for wealth and success, then do it for your family.”
Duan Yao said: “Then tell my brother’s marriage fortune.”
The fat monk pinched his finger and pressed it for a long time, and said: “Brother, if you want a good marriage, you have to buy a bottle of medicine from me.”
Duan Yao asked: “What medicine?”
The fat monk was extremely mysterious: “Aphrodisiac.”
Duan Yao punched the person in the chest and knocked him away neatly.
The fat monk burst into tears, coughing and said: “Why is the little benefactor so cruel? My medicine is really good medicine. It is made by the master of Qionghua Valley Ye Gu. He is a first-class genius doctor in the world. After taking it, the golden gun6 will be invincible. Actually, leader Shen7 has agreed to use it.”
Duan Yao clenched his fists loudly.
The fat monk fled.
Duan Yao picked up the snacks he bought for his second sister-in-law on the table, and turned back to the Southwest Mansion, but was told by Aunt Jin that Hua Tang had left the house early in the morning. She didn’t know what Hua Tang was going for, and she never came back.
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As usual, if there are any mistakes or errors, please contact me and I’ll rectify it. If anyone is willing to help in translation who knows Mandarin, you are more than welcome to assist. In that case as well, please email me.
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Notes:
You will have to read the first book (Everywhere in Jianghu is wonderful) in Jianghu/Strategy series to understand this. ↩︎ Ye Jin, the ninth prince, Chu Yuan’s younger brother from separate mother. Read first book to know more. ↩︎ Duan Baiyue’s younger brother from a different mother, who is older than Duan Yao. ↩︎ 3 to 5 pm probably. ↩︎ Another character from first book ↩︎ ahem.. Duan Baiyue’s little brother ↩︎ Shen Qian Feng, another character in the first book. Ye Gu meaning Ye Jin is his partner ↩︎