I will Recognize You Even When You are Turned to Ashes
Hearing Duan Baiyue’s words, Huang Li’s eyes flashed with panic. Even though she knew she might really be caught this time, she didn’t give up and turned to Duan Yao for help.
Duan Yao held the sword in his hands and stood behind Sikong Rui with an indifferent expression.
“Sorry for bothering you three masters.” The person who seemed to be their leader, clasped his fists to thank them, and then stepped forward to pull the girl to his side. Unexpectedly, Huang Li suddenly swept his hand away, turned around and rushed to the window in a few steps, and jumped down the inn.
“Hey!” The group who came to catch her were all shocked when they saw this, and rushed to the window. Even Duan Yao’s mind went blank, but Duan Baiyue just smiled slightly and looked at Sikong Rui.
He had long been noticed that this little girl knows martial arts. Her steps were light and nimble, and she has sharp eyes. Those seven or eight men together may not be a that big of trouble to her.
Sure enough, after Huang Li landed on the street, she rolled on the spot, patted her clothes and stood up. Without stopping even for a moment, she squeezed through the crowd and ran away in the distance. None of the people on the street had expected that a person would suddenly fall from the sky, and they were all looking and pointing up at the moment. The man in the lead watched Huang Li running further and further away. He held the concealed weapon in his hand tightly and almost wanted to use it on her, but because there were people on the street, he couldn’t strike openly in front of so many witnesses. So he could only watch her disappear into the alley.
Duan Baiyue reminded: “Why don’t you hurry up to seize her?”
“Follow me!” The man waved his hand and led others to chase after her.
Duan Baiyue said: “Go, be careful of revealing your identity.”
Duan Yao nodded, turned and went out of the door.
Sikong Rui sighed: “You and I haven’t done anything since we came here, and the trouble has already come to find us by itself.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s not too much trouble. What I was looking for was exactly this gang of killers.”
Although the name of the gang is a little difficult to describe, if you want to find a killer or someone to protect you, in the hearts of the people of Baixiang Kingdom, the first reaction is to find the leader Bao. After all, his business is large and the channels are wide. And the killer who assassinated Chu Yuan in Chu was also from this imperial sword gang.
“Just now the person by the window took out a hidden weapon, could you see what it is?” Duan Baiyue asked again.
Sikong Rui thought for a while, and said, “You mean that wooden box?”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “It’s called a ghost wooden box, and it was produced in Dayan City, Chu State. Because it was extremely sinister, it was banned by the government from being reproduced. Unfortunately, some people took risks for profit and colluded with Nanyang merchants to sell them. At least tens of thousands of them were sold out. .”
Sikong Rui was dissatisfied: “Such a powerful hidden weapon, how come you didn’t get one for me?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Instead of giving it to you, it’s better to give it to my sister-in-law, it’s a much better option than a washboard.”
Sikong Rui surrendered: “You win. Just pretend that I didn’t say anything just now.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “Tomorrow, we’ll go to Bao Dadu’s house first, and see if we can use the excuse of doing business with him to find out Chu Xiang’s whereabouts.”
Sikong Rui nodded. He also wanted to know what kind of person he was, who could bear such a thunderous name as Bao Dadu.
Night is gradually falling, and people in the city are going home to rest one after another. In a quiet deserted house at the west end, the weeds grew more than ten feet long, and the branches cast mottled black shadows on the wall, as ferocious as ghosts. Those who are timid, if they even just took a glance at it, will feel frightened.
A figure huddled in the corner, almost embedded in the wall. It didn’t move for a long time. It was unclear whether they were alive or dead.
Duan Yao casually threw a small stone over.
The figure stood up instantly, and a cold light flashed in their hand under the moonlight. They held a handful of gun.
Duan Yao said: “It’s me.”
After Huang Li saw his face clearly, she was slightly stunned, then took a step back without saying a word.
“My brothers and I are here to do business, so we couldn’t cause any trouble. You came here without saying a word during the day, with a group of thugs following you, so it was not easy for us to interfere.” Duan Yao said, “But you have some ability to get rid of so many men and come here alone to hide.”
Huang Li still didn’t speak.
“Let’s go.” Duan Yao said, “No one is following you now. I will take you back to the inn.”
Huang Li said: “You don’t need to take me back to the inn. If the young hero is kind, just send me to the pier and find a kind ship owner.”
Duan Yao said: “To tell you the truth, I just came back from the dock, and now there are people searching and patrolling everywhere. Locals who go to the sea must register their identity, and foreign merchants who want to leave must first report when they arrived in Baixiang Country. You can only leave after the verification is done. At this moment, even the kindest ship owner may not be able to take you away.”
Huang Li’s face became paler and paler, but she also knew that according to Bao Dadu’s temper and financial resources, it was indeed possible to lay a net to catch her back.
“So, you should come back to the inn with me first.” Duan Yao said, “This deserted house won’t be safe for a long time, and besides, you have to eat and drink.”
Huang Li hesitated for a moment, but still followed Duan Yao and went back to the city with him.
There were a lot more patrols on the streets than at the port. However, Duan Yao’s lightness martial art is extraordinary and refined, and Huang Li was easily brought back to the inn. Duan Baiyue and Sikong Rui were chatting. When they saw Huang Li enter the door, he said with a smile: “Miss was very quick during the day.”
Huang Li was carrying her luggage. Still feeling a little uneasy in her heart, she didn’t know what to say.
Duan Baiyue said: “Go back to your room and rest first. It’s very safe here, no one will come to your door.”
Huang Li’s voice was very low: “Thank you, young master.”
Duan Yao took her to the next door. Sikong Rui said: “You and I are going to Jianmen tomorrow. Why don’t you ask her a few questions beforehand that where did she come from? It’s good to know about her.”
“We just met her by chance, how do you know that she will tell the truth?” Duan Baiyue shook his head, “If anything happens, it’s not too late to talk about it after tomorrow.”
The night passed uneventfully. Early the next morning, Duan Baiyue and Sikong Rui left the inn together. Only when they arrived at the Jianmen did they find that the door was tightly closed, and there was not even a guard. There was only a notice posted on the pillar, in the characters of Baixiang Kingdom and Chu Kingdom. The notice also mentioned that the affairs of the organization have become complicated recently, so they will not accept any business for the time being, and the opening date is uncertain. Please forgive. When they asked the people around them, they all said that it has been at least ten days since this notice was posted. Everyone is guessing the reason, but no one could say for sure.
“One day they are doing business as usual, and the next day they closed the door to thank customers for no reason, and stayed closed for more than ten days.” Sikong Rui said, “He doesn’t look like a smart businessman.”
Duan Baiyue was not surprised by this. If they failed to send someone to assassinate the Great Chu Emperor, anyone would be panic-stricken. It was expected that he would close the door to see the direction of the wind1.
“Guests, if you are in a hurry, why don’t you go to the Golden Elephant Escort Agency.” Someone next to them can speak Chinese, and seeing the two of them standing at the door, he kindly said, “Besides the head of Bao, the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is also one of the best. It’s a big bodyguard/escort2 company, and the owner is a local. So it’s more than enough to escort some ordinary goods across the sea and into the customs.”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “Thank you.”
“It’s just ahead, after turning two corners.” The other party was very enthusiastic, “Jianmen is temporarily closed for business, and the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is very busy. You should hurry up and have a look.”
“Are we going?” Sikong Rui asked.
Duan Baiyue said: “Of course.” The two agencies are enemies, not to mention that the boss of the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is a local. He has been oppressed by outsiders for so many years, and it is impossible for him to be completely unscrupulous.
The two searched in the direction he pointed, and along the way they heard some people talking about Huang Li, saying that Bao Dadu had bad luck recently, that his business was closed for some reason, and that he wanted to marry a concubine. Searching all over the city, they don’t know if he can find her. If she is forced to jump into the sea, it will be another trouble.
There was someone hawking loudly in front, holding a large picture in his hand to attract customers, and many people would turn their heads to take a look when they passed by.
Sikong Rui also scanned, and said, “The capital of the Kingdom of Chu? The painting is really good.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “It’s quite prosperous, but it’s still not half as good as the what it is in reality. Not to mention in holidays, even if it’s just the monthly market, the streets are packed with people and traffic.”
Sikong Rui said: “So, that little emperor really has some skills. No wonder you insisted on helping him back then.”
Duan Baiyue ducked into the calligraphy and painting shop.
Sikong Rui was puzzled, and followed suit: “What, you want to buy paintings?”
Duan Baiyue flipped through a few cards and said, “Yes.”
Looking at the Persian dancer with a voluptuous posture and a turbulent figure on the paper, Sikong Rui said from the bottom of his heart: “So you like this one.”
Duan Baiyue: “…”
At the door of the calligraphy and painting shop, the young man smiled and greeted in Goryeo language. After hearing this, Sikong Rui also turned his head curiously.
Duan Baiyue remained calm and kicked him.
Sikong Rui: “…”
Jin Shu smiled at the door, and looked at Duan Baiyue’s back for a while. Seeing that he had no intention of turning around, she took the maid and left without turning back.
Sikong Rui saw the clue and said, “The one just now was the Princess of Goryeo, right?”
Duan Baiyue threw down the portrait: “You really know everything.”
Sikong Rui said: “Back then there were a lot of rumours. Everyone knew that Goryeo Princess had fallen in love with the King of Southwest, and there were people betting on the street whether this marriage would come true or not.”
Duan Baiyue’s head ached.
Sikong Rui reminded: “Jin Shu has been looking at you for so long, I’m afraid she recognized you.”
Duan Baiyue frowned.
“You and I have no intention of exposing our identities when we come to Baixiang Kingdom this time.” Sikong Rui said, “If I were you, I would find a way to remind the Princess of Goryeo to avoid further complications.”
Duan Baiyue rubbed his temples and wanted to sigh.
If I had known this, I would have taken another path.
Sikong Rui continued to remind him: “It has nothing to do with whether you wear a mask or not. If you really like someone, you can know if it’s the one in your heart just by looking at the back, even just looking at the hands, or just listening to the voice.”
Duan Baiyue said: “She is already married.”
“I didn’t say that Princess Goryeo still misses you now.” Sikong Rui clicked his tongue, “If you liked someone before, that’s still called liking. If they reject you, you are unable to love them. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to forget them in this lifetime. It will be useless even when you turn into ashes.”
===========================================================
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.
==========================================================
Notes:
“to see where the wind is flowing” or “to see the direction of wind” is a phrase or figure of speech to say that they are waiting to see how the current situation pans out. ↩︎ i guess they do both. you can hire them for killing someone or you can hire them as bodyguards… what a nasty organization… ↩︎
I will Recognize You Even When You are Turned to Ashes
Hearing Duan Baiyue’s words, Huang Li’s eyes flashed with panic. Even though she knew she might really be caught this time, she didn’t give up and turned to Duan Yao for help.
Duan Yao held the sword in his hands and stood behind Sikong Rui with an indifferent expression.
“Sorry for bothering you three masters.” The person who seemed to be their leader, clasped his fists to thank them, and then stepped forward to pull the girl to his side. Unexpectedly, Huang Li suddenly swept his hand away, turned around and rushed to the window in a few steps, and jumped down the inn.
“Hey!” The group who came to catch her were all shocked when they saw this, and rushed to the window. Even Duan Yao’s mind went blank, but Duan Baiyue just smiled slightly and looked at Sikong Rui.
He had long been noticed that this little girl knows martial arts. Her steps were light and nimble, and she has sharp eyes. Those seven or eight men together may not be a that big of trouble to her.
Sure enough, after Huang Li landed on the street, she rolled on the spot, patted her clothes and stood up. Without stopping even for a moment, she squeezed through the crowd and ran away in the distance. None of the people on the street had expected that a person would suddenly fall from the sky, and they were all looking and pointing up at the moment. The man in the lead watched Huang Li running further and further away. He held the concealed weapon in his hand tightly and almost wanted to use it on her, but because there were people on the street, he couldn’t strike openly in front of so many witnesses. So he could only watch her disappear into the alley.
Duan Baiyue reminded: “Why don’t you hurry up to seize her?”
“Follow me!” The man waved his hand and led others to chase after her.
Duan Baiyue said: “Go, be careful of revealing your identity.”
Duan Yao nodded, turned and went out of the door.
Sikong Rui sighed: “You and I haven’t done anything since we came here, and the trouble has already come to find us by itself.”
Duan Baiyue said: “It’s not too much trouble. What I was looking for was exactly this gang of killers.”
Although the name of the gang is a little difficult to describe, if you want to find a killer or someone to protect you, in the hearts of the people of Baixiang Kingdom, the first reaction is to find the leader Bao. After all, his business is large and the channels are wide. And the killer who assassinated Chu Yuan in Chu was also from this imperial sword gang.
“Just now the person by the window took out a hidden weapon, could you see what it is?” Duan Baiyue asked again.
Sikong Rui thought for a while, and said, “You mean that wooden box?”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “It’s called a ghost wooden box, and it was produced in Dayan City, Chu State. Because it was extremely sinister, it was banned by the government from being reproduced. Unfortunately, some people took risks for profit and colluded with Nanyang merchants to sell them. At least tens of thousands of them were sold out. .”
Sikong Rui was dissatisfied: “Such a powerful hidden weapon, how come you didn’t get one for me?”
Duan Baiyue said: “Instead of giving it to you, it’s better to give it to my sister-in-law, it’s a much better option than a washboard.”
Sikong Rui surrendered: “You win. Just pretend that I didn’t say anything just now.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “Tomorrow, we’ll go to Bao Dadu’s house first, and see if we can use the excuse of doing business with him to find out Chu Xiang’s whereabouts.”
Sikong Rui nodded. He also wanted to know what kind of person he was, who could bear such a thunderous name as Bao Dadu.
Night is gradually falling, and people in the city are going home to rest one after another. In a quiet deserted house at the west end, the weeds grew more than ten feet long, and the branches cast mottled black shadows on the wall, as ferocious as ghosts. Those who are timid, if they even just took a glance at it, will feel frightened.
A figure huddled in the corner, almost embedded in the wall. It didn’t move for a long time. It was unclear whether they were alive or dead.
Duan Yao casually threw a small stone over.
The figure stood up instantly, and a cold light flashed in their hand under the moonlight. They held a handful of gun.
Duan Yao said: “It’s me.”
After Huang Li saw his face clearly, she was slightly stunned, then took a step back without saying a word.
“My brothers and I are here to do business, so we couldn’t cause any trouble. You came here without saying a word during the day, with a group of thugs following you, so it was not easy for us to interfere.” Duan Yao said, “But you have some ability to get rid of so many men and come here alone to hide.”
Huang Li still didn’t speak.
“Let’s go.” Duan Yao said, “No one is following you now. I will take you back to the inn.”
Huang Li said: “You don’t need to take me back to the inn. If the young hero is kind, just send me to the pier and find a kind ship owner.”
Duan Yao said: “To tell you the truth, I just came back from the dock, and now there are people searching and patrolling everywhere. Locals who go to the sea must register their identity, and foreign merchants who want to leave must first report when they arrived in Baixiang Country. You can only leave after the verification is done. At this moment, even the kindest ship owner may not be able to take you away.”
Huang Li’s face became paler and paler, but she also knew that according to Bao Dadu’s temper and financial resources, it was indeed possible to lay a net to catch her back.
“So, you should come back to the inn with me first.” Duan Yao said, “This deserted house won’t be safe for a long time, and besides, you have to eat and drink.”
Huang Li hesitated for a moment, but still followed Duan Yao and went back to the city with him.
There were a lot more patrols on the streets than at the port. However, Duan Yao’s lightness martial art is extraordinary and refined, and Huang Li was easily brought back to the inn. Duan Baiyue and Sikong Rui were chatting. When they saw Huang Li enter the door, he said with a smile: “Miss was very quick during the day.”
Huang Li was carrying her luggage. Still feeling a little uneasy in her heart, she didn’t know what to say.
Duan Baiyue said: “Go back to your room and rest first. It’s very safe here, no one will come to your door.”
Huang Li’s voice was very low: “Thank you, young master.”
Duan Yao took her to the next door. Sikong Rui said: “You and I are going to Jianmen tomorrow. Why don’t you ask her a few questions beforehand that where did she come from? It’s good to know about her.”
“We just met her by chance, how do you know that she will tell the truth?” Duan Baiyue shook his head, “If anything happens, it’s not too late to talk about it after tomorrow.”
The night passed uneventfully. Early the next morning, Duan Baiyue and Sikong Rui left the inn together. Only when they arrived at the Jianmen did they find that the door was tightly closed, and there was not even a guard. There was only a notice posted on the pillar, in the characters of Baixiang Kingdom and Chu Kingdom. The notice also mentioned that the affairs of the organization have become complicated recently, so they will not accept any business for the time being, and the opening date is uncertain. Please forgive. When they asked the people around them, they all said that it has been at least ten days since this notice was posted. Everyone is guessing the reason, but no one could say for sure.
“One day they are doing business as usual, and the next day they closed the door to thank customers for no reason, and stayed closed for more than ten days.” Sikong Rui said, “He doesn’t look like a smart businessman.”
Duan Baiyue was not surprised by this. If they failed to send someone to assassinate the Great Chu Emperor, anyone would be panic-stricken. It was expected that he would close the door to see the direction of the wind1.
“Guests, if you are in a hurry, why don’t you go to the Golden Elephant Escort Agency.” Someone next to them can speak Chinese, and seeing the two of them standing at the door, he kindly said, “Besides the head of Bao, the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is also one of the best. It’s a big bodyguard/escort2 company, and the owner is a local. So it’s more than enough to escort some ordinary goods across the sea and into the customs.”
Duan Baiyue nodded: “Thank you.”
“It’s just ahead, after turning two corners.” The other party was very enthusiastic, “Jianmen is temporarily closed for business, and the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is very busy. You should hurry up and have a look.”
“Are we going?” Sikong Rui asked.
Duan Baiyue said: “Of course.” The two agencies are enemies, not to mention that the boss of the Golden Elephant Escort Agency is a local. He has been oppressed by outsiders for so many years, and it is impossible for him to be completely unscrupulous.
The two searched in the direction he pointed, and along the way they heard some people talking about Huang Li, saying that Bao Dadu had bad luck recently, that his business was closed for some reason, and that he wanted to marry a concubine. Searching all over the city, they don’t know if he can find her. If she is forced to jump into the sea, it will be another trouble.
There was someone hawking loudly in front, holding a large picture in his hand to attract customers, and many people would turn their heads to take a look when they passed by.
Sikong Rui also scanned, and said, “The capital of the Kingdom of Chu? The painting is really good.”
Duan Baiyue smiled: “It’s quite prosperous, but it’s still not half as good as the what it is in reality. Not to mention in holidays, even if it’s just the monthly market, the streets are packed with people and traffic.”
Sikong Rui said: “So, that little emperor really has some skills. No wonder you insisted on helping him back then.”
Duan Baiyue ducked into the calligraphy and painting shop.
Sikong Rui was puzzled, and followed suit: “What, you want to buy paintings?”
Duan Baiyue flipped through a few cards and said, “Yes.”
Looking at the Persian dancer with a voluptuous posture and a turbulent figure on the paper, Sikong Rui said from the bottom of his heart: “So you like this one.”
Duan Baiyue: “…”
At the door of the calligraphy and painting shop, the young man smiled and greeted in Goryeo language. After hearing this, Sikong Rui also turned his head curiously.
Duan Baiyue remained calm and kicked him.
Sikong Rui: “…”
Jin Shu smiled at the door, and looked at Duan Baiyue’s back for a while. Seeing that he had no intention of turning around, she took the maid and left without turning back.
Sikong Rui saw the clue and said, “The one just now was the Princess of Goryeo, right?”
Duan Baiyue threw down the portrait: “You really know everything.”
Sikong Rui said: “Back then there were a lot of rumours. Everyone knew that Goryeo Princess had fallen in love with the King of Southwest, and there were people betting on the street whether this marriage would come true or not.”
Duan Baiyue’s head ached.
Sikong Rui reminded: “Jin Shu has been looking at you for so long, I’m afraid she recognized you.”
Duan Baiyue frowned.
“You and I have no intention of exposing our identities when we come to Baixiang Kingdom this time.” Sikong Rui said, “If I were you, I would find a way to remind the Princess of Goryeo to avoid further complications.”
Duan Baiyue rubbed his temples and wanted to sigh.
If I had known this, I would have taken another path.
Sikong Rui continued to remind him: “It has nothing to do with whether you wear a mask or not. If you really like someone, you can know if it’s the one in your heart just by looking at the back, even just looking at the hands, or just listening to the voice.”
Duan Baiyue said: “She is already married.”
“I didn’t say that Princess Goryeo still misses you now.” Sikong Rui clicked his tongue, “If you liked someone before, that’s still called liking. If they reject you, you are unable to love them. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to forget them in this lifetime. It will be useless even when you turn into ashes.”
===========================================================
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.
==========================================================
Notes:
“to see where the wind is flowing” or “to see the direction of wind” is a phrase or figure of speech to say that they are waiting to see how the current situation pans out. ↩︎ i guess they do both. you can hire them for killing someone or you can hire them as bodyguards… what a nasty organization… ↩︎