Bring you back from the ends of the world
Sikong Rui said: “What does this mean?”
“In the hand of one of the bronze figures, there is a red agate.” Chu Xiang said, “If you can capture it within half an hour, you will be considered a winner.”
Sikong Rui suddenly realized: “It turns out to be a formation.”
Chu Xiang said: “This formation is quite dangerous, brother. It’s better to be careful.”
Duan Baiyue said: “If I can break the formation, can I go to Xingzhou?”
“Not just Xingzhou.” Chu Xiang said, “If you can break this formation, there will be countless glory and wealth in the future. My brother can have more than a mere Xingzhou Island.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Okay.”
The rest of the people retreated, and Duan Baiyue walked into the Eight Desolations Formation alone with his bare hands.
Chu Xiang pressed the button, and the bronze figure seemed to come alive, moving slowly along the track. The arm of the first bronze figure suddenly waved, and Duan Baiyue dodged. The left hand of the bronze statue hit the wall heavily, and dust fell down under his feet. The land also trembled faintly.
Sikong Rui covered his mouth and coughed, and asked with great worry: “Is this cave really not going to collapse?”
Chu Xiang ignored him, and kept staring at Duan Baiyue.
The reason why the Eight Desolations Formation is difficult to break is not because of how fast the bronze man moves, but because the entire formation suddenly looks extremely chaotic, with almost no rules at all, but there are secret formulas hidden in it to break it. The person being besieged may be able to cope with it initially, but as time goes by, it feels like he is being overpowered slowly. His legs and feet become weak, and his mind goes haywire, and it is easy to reveal flaws.
Sikong Rui looked at it for a while, then closed his eyes suddenly, feeling irritable for no reason.
Chu Xiang raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and said, “If you feel uncomfortable, why don’t you go out and wait.”
Sikong Rui took a few deep breaths, opened his eyes again, and said, “funny!”
“Your Excellency has seen this formation for the first time, and you are already considered a master if you can stare at it for as long as a time of cup of tea1.” Chu Xiang said, “It’s just that compared to your friend, you are still lagging a little behind.”
While they were talking, the gun in Duan Baiyue’s hand flashed with cold light, and he cut off the bronze man’s wrist. A red agate was thrown into the air, and Duan Baiyue flew up to caught it firmly in his palm.
Chu Xiang was overjoyed: “Good work!”
Duan Baiyue jumped out of the Eight Desolations Formation and said: “You have let me win2.”
“You are the first person in the history to be able to easily break through this bronze man formation.” Chu Xiang said, “The Central Plains’ martial arts world has no eyes for Mount Tai3, so it has allowed such a great master to remain unknown, causing me to almost miss a chance to meet such a great general.”
“I am flattered.” Duan Baiyue said, “I don’t want to mention the past anymore. I just want to have something to make living in the future.”
“This statement is too modest.” Chu Xiang shook his head, “Your Excellency, please rest in Lijing Country for two days. There is no need to go to Xingzhou Island after two days. You can go with me to another place to discuss important matters. “
Duan Baiyue’s voice was still calm, and he only said: “Okay.”
Sikong Rui tsk tsk in his heart. All these years from childhood up till now, his bad luck keeps coming back.
After returning to the inn, Sikong Rui took the previously negotiated price and went to Xiao Feiluan to pay the money, but Jing Liuhui said with a smile: “The employer has already paid me three times the price during the day. So you don’t have to spend any more.”
“How can this be?” Sikong Rui was polite and quickly put the banknote back into his sleeve. He didn’t really want to give it to him in the first place.
Jing Liuhui said: “I just hope that if that Brother Wang becomes prosperous in the future, don’t forget my little Feiluan.”
“Naturally.” Sikong Rui was all smiles thinking that your life really was useful. So we didn’t imprison you for now. Wait until the rebels are wiped out, and then it won’t be too late to bring this little dude back to the Central Plains.
Two days later, Chu Xiang really brought someone to pick Duan Baiyue up in person. Sikong Rui was so emotional that he almost held Brother Wang’s hand with tears streaming down his face, reluctant to part with him. Duan Yao hid in the dark and watched this scene from afar. His teeth ached from the drama.
The big black ship set sail and left the port carrying Duan Baiyue, Chu Xiang and others, heading north together.
That night, Sikong Rui also left on a merchant ship, planning to go to the island where the Southwest Army was located before taking the next step. Duan Yao continued to stay in Lijing Kingdom, which is not far away Xingzhou Island to avoid any further complications.
The days of sailing on the sea are naturally lively when there are more people, but inevitably boring when there are fewer people. Chu Yuan sat on the deck railing holding a coconut in his hand, looking at the seagulls and flowing clouds in the distance.
Nan Moxie whispered from behind: “How can Your Majesty sit so casually?” Shouldn’t he pay attention to royal etiquette? This is what is written in the novels.
Sixi said fairly: “Master Tao is not here. His Majesty can sit however he wants.” Even lying down is also fine.
Hearing the conversation between the two of them, Chu Yuan turned his head: “Tell me, how should the emperor sit?”
Nan Moxie hurriedly said: “No matter how Your Majesty sits, he looks extremely majestic and tall.”
Chu Yuan looked at him for a moment, and then burst out laughing.
He is really like someone’s master, speaking fluently with the same tone.
Nan Moxie thought to himself, the emperor seemed to be in a good mood.
In fact, Chu Yuan was indeed extremely relaxed. He was in Baixiang Country, and with the clue of Tianchensha, everything seemed to be developing in the best direction. Rather than staying in the palace and complaining about others, it is better to solve the troubles one by one first, and then settle the accounts all at once later. It won’t be too late by then.
The identity of everyone on this trip is the Dachu Merchant Gang. The leader of the team is named Tang Suan. His name sounds poetic, but he has a bearded face. First he was Duan Baiyue’s confidant, and then he became Chu Yuan’s confidant inexplicably. Mingli’s identity is the owner of the Royal City Silk and Satin Shop. He often travels to Baixiang Kingdom to do business, so he has a very clear understanding of all the ways.
Chu Yuan called: “Tang Suan.”
Tang Suan hurriedly said, “Master.”
Chu Yuan said: “There are so many people at the pier of Baixiang Kingdom every day?”
“It is divided into off-season and peak season. This is the last delivery period before winter, so there will naturally be more people.” Tang Suan said, “But no matter how many people there are, all commuters must be strictly registered. There is no sloppiness, even if it is crowded. I’m afraid the young master will have to wait for a while.”
Chu Yuan said, “No problem.” Its better to look around, which can be more vivid than the reports.
Nan Moxie stood on tiptoe and looked around, then tried to sneak out.
Eight guards suddenly came to stand in front of him.
Chu Yuan raised his lips: “Senior, do you want to find someone for me first?”
“No, no.” Nan Moxie coughed twice and said, “It’s windy. So I wanted to go buy a hat to wear.”
Chu Yuan said: “Guards!”
After a while, more than a dozen hats were presented to Nan Moxie. There were all kinds of hats, which made a group of ladies standing nearby envious. We also want those.
Nan Moxie laughed dryly, lighting the candle for his apprentice in his heart.
It’s not because the teacher didn’t help you, it’s because your wife is really too fierce.
Just pray for more blessings.
By the time everyone finally entered the city, it was already dusk. After ordering food in the restaurant, Chu Yuan took his chopsticks and took two bites when he saw someone coming up the stairs.
When their eyes met, Jin Shu was a little surprised.
“This Miss.” Nan Moxie said first, “Do you know my young master?”
Jin Shu came back to her senses, smiled and said, “I didn’t expect to meet you all here.”
Tang Suan pulled out the chair and said, “Miss, please have a seat.”
Jin Shu handed the daughter in her arms to the maid and motioned for her to wait on the other side.
Chu Yuan asked: “Is it your child?”
Jin Shu nodded: “Just turned five months old.”
Chu Yuan smiled and said, “If I had known this, I should have brought some gifts.”
“It is already Xian’er’s blessing to be able to see the young master right after she was born.” Jin Shu lowered her head slightly. Compared to the time when she first entered the palace, her temperament has become much calmer and more reserved. She has become somewhat virtuous and dignified like a mother.
Chu Yuan said: “Are you used to living here?”
“Yeah.” Jin Shu said, “My husband’s family treats me very well. Even my brother came here once and said that my life is good.”
Chu Yuan joked: “Your brother didn’t tell me that. He is still crying about poverty and asking for money.”
Jin Shu also laughed when she heard the words, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed, then she said: “Why did the young master come to the Baixiang kingdom?” Logically speaking, the emperor of Chu went south, and he have come here to meet the lord of the Baixiang Kingdom, so why is he hiding his identity.
Chu Yuan said: “I didn’t want to make a huge affair out of this trip. I just came to find someone.”
Jin Shu glanced at Nan Moxie and said, “Are you looking for Duan…?”
Chu Yuan nodded: “Have you seen him?”
Jin Shu said: “Well, it was just a few months ago. I happened to see a man wearing a silver mask in a calligraphy and painting shop in the city. I shouldn’t be mistaken.”
Chu Yuan asked: “Is he still there?”
Jin Shu shook her head: “He should have left long ago.”
Chu Yuan frowned when he heard this.
Jin Shu said: “If the young master wants to look for him, my husband’s family happens to be responsible for the registration of merchants at the dock. As long as you know the name of the person registered, you can find where he went.”
Having said that, even a fool would know that Duan Baiyue would not use his real name. Just when Nan Moxie was having complicated thoughts and didn’t know whether he should breathe a sigh of relief or take an extra breath for his disciple, Chu Yuan had already stood up and followed Jin Shu to the inn where Duan Baiyue had stayed.
“Dachu’s merchant?” Seeing Jin Shu, the waiter naturally wouldn’t remain negligent. He hurriedly took out all the books from the previous few months, looked through them one by one, and finally found a familiar name – Sikong Rui.
“Yes, those are the three guests.” The waiter said, “I have the impression that one of them was wearing a mask. It’s hard to forget.”
Thanks to his behaviour, Sikong Rui has always used his real name. He has not been seen for many years, and the outside world has never known that Wangxi Reef has any relationship with Southwest Mansion. So he just takes his friends out to explore business routes. He is not afraid of being cross-checked. With this name and Jin Shu’s help, it only took two days to find the merchant ship on which they had left.
“Thank you.” Chu Yuan said.
“Young Master, you’re welcome.” Jin Shu said, “Just think of it as repaying some favours for my brother and my marriage.” After all, if she hadn’t gone to the royal city back then, it would have been impossible to find a husband.
Chu Yuan smiled, turned around and boarded the merchant ship.
“His Majesty didn’t have a good rest after running around for days. The chilly atmosphere had just got better yesterday.” Eunuch Sixi felt sorry for Chu Yuan and said in a low voice, “Master Nan didn’t persuade the Southwest King in the beginning, so now you can’t say anything. As a result, one is running to the end of the world and the other is chasing after him.”
Nan Moxie squatting on the deck, was also filled with emotions. I’m afraid one plaque for the ‘Godly Lover’ is not enough, so two will be made – one will be hung in the Southwest Mansion, and one will be given to the Royal City.
I don’t know if a washboard will be enough when the two of them meet in the future4.
==========================================================
Notes:
Ancient Chinese timing conventions. means the time in which you finish or brew a cup of tea. ↩︎ polite way to say that it was easy to win. ↩︎ the phrase means they have no good eye to see the value of a talented person ↩︎ I didn’t clarify it earlier and I think i should do it now. The joke of using washboards in China is about how a wife in a home punishes her husband by making them kneel on washboards. This joke may have come from the folk customs, where women used to wash clothes by beating them on such boards. ↩︎
Bring you back from the ends of the world
Sikong Rui said: “What does this mean?”
“In the hand of one of the bronze figures, there is a red agate.” Chu Xiang said, “If you can capture it within half an hour, you will be considered a winner.”
Sikong Rui suddenly realized: “It turns out to be a formation.”
Chu Xiang said: “This formation is quite dangerous, brother. It’s better to be careful.”
Duan Baiyue said: “If I can break the formation, can I go to Xingzhou?”
“Not just Xingzhou.” Chu Xiang said, “If you can break this formation, there will be countless glory and wealth in the future. My brother can have more than a mere Xingzhou Island.”
Duan Baiyue said: “Okay.”
The rest of the people retreated, and Duan Baiyue walked into the Eight Desolations Formation alone with his bare hands.
Chu Xiang pressed the button, and the bronze figure seemed to come alive, moving slowly along the track. The arm of the first bronze figure suddenly waved, and Duan Baiyue dodged. The left hand of the bronze statue hit the wall heavily, and dust fell down under his feet. The land also trembled faintly.
Sikong Rui covered his mouth and coughed, and asked with great worry: “Is this cave really not going to collapse?”
Chu Xiang ignored him, and kept staring at Duan Baiyue.
The reason why the Eight Desolations Formation is difficult to break is not because of how fast the bronze man moves, but because the entire formation suddenly looks extremely chaotic, with almost no rules at all, but there are secret formulas hidden in it to break it. The person being besieged may be able to cope with it initially, but as time goes by, it feels like he is being overpowered slowly. His legs and feet become weak, and his mind goes haywire, and it is easy to reveal flaws.
Sikong Rui looked at it for a while, then closed his eyes suddenly, feeling irritable for no reason.
Chu Xiang raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and said, “If you feel uncomfortable, why don’t you go out and wait.”
Sikong Rui took a few deep breaths, opened his eyes again, and said, “funny!”
“Your Excellency has seen this formation for the first time, and you are already considered a master if you can stare at it for as long as a time of cup of tea1.” Chu Xiang said, “It’s just that compared to your friend, you are still lagging a little behind.”
While they were talking, the gun in Duan Baiyue’s hand flashed with cold light, and he cut off the bronze man’s wrist. A red agate was thrown into the air, and Duan Baiyue flew up to caught it firmly in his palm.
Chu Xiang was overjoyed: “Good work!”
Duan Baiyue jumped out of the Eight Desolations Formation and said: “You have let me win2.”
“You are the first person in the history to be able to easily break through this bronze man formation.” Chu Xiang said, “The Central Plains’ martial arts world has no eyes for Mount Tai3, so it has allowed such a great master to remain unknown, causing me to almost miss a chance to meet such a great general.”
“I am flattered.” Duan Baiyue said, “I don’t want to mention the past anymore. I just want to have something to make living in the future.”
“This statement is too modest.” Chu Xiang shook his head, “Your Excellency, please rest in Lijing Country for two days. There is no need to go to Xingzhou Island after two days. You can go with me to another place to discuss important matters. “
Duan Baiyue’s voice was still calm, and he only said: “Okay.”
Sikong Rui tsk tsk in his heart. All these years from childhood up till now, his bad luck keeps coming back.
After returning to the inn, Sikong Rui took the previously negotiated price and went to Xiao Feiluan to pay the money, but Jing Liuhui said with a smile: “The employer has already paid me three times the price during the day. So you don’t have to spend any more.”
“How can this be?” Sikong Rui was polite and quickly put the banknote back into his sleeve. He didn’t really want to give it to him in the first place.
Jing Liuhui said: “I just hope that if that Brother Wang becomes prosperous in the future, don’t forget my little Feiluan.”
“Naturally.” Sikong Rui was all smiles thinking that your life really was useful. So we didn’t imprison you for now. Wait until the rebels are wiped out, and then it won’t be too late to bring this little dude back to the Central Plains.
Two days later, Chu Xiang really brought someone to pick Duan Baiyue up in person. Sikong Rui was so emotional that he almost held Brother Wang’s hand with tears streaming down his face, reluctant to part with him. Duan Yao hid in the dark and watched this scene from afar. His teeth ached from the drama.
The big black ship set sail and left the port carrying Duan Baiyue, Chu Xiang and others, heading north together.
That night, Sikong Rui also left on a merchant ship, planning to go to the island where the Southwest Army was located before taking the next step. Duan Yao continued to stay in Lijing Kingdom, which is not far away Xingzhou Island to avoid any further complications.
The days of sailing on the sea are naturally lively when there are more people, but inevitably boring when there are fewer people. Chu Yuan sat on the deck railing holding a coconut in his hand, looking at the seagulls and flowing clouds in the distance.
Nan Moxie whispered from behind: “How can Your Majesty sit so casually?” Shouldn’t he pay attention to royal etiquette? This is what is written in the novels.
Sixi said fairly: “Master Tao is not here. His Majesty can sit however he wants.” Even lying down is also fine.
Hearing the conversation between the two of them, Chu Yuan turned his head: “Tell me, how should the emperor sit?”
Nan Moxie hurriedly said: “No matter how Your Majesty sits, he looks extremely majestic and tall.”
Chu Yuan looked at him for a moment, and then burst out laughing.
He is really like someone’s master, speaking fluently with the same tone.
Nan Moxie thought to himself, the emperor seemed to be in a good mood.
In fact, Chu Yuan was indeed extremely relaxed. He was in Baixiang Country, and with the clue of Tianchensha, everything seemed to be developing in the best direction. Rather than staying in the palace and complaining about others, it is better to solve the troubles one by one first, and then settle the accounts all at once later. It won’t be too late by then.
The identity of everyone on this trip is the Dachu Merchant Gang. The leader of the team is named Tang Suan. His name sounds poetic, but he has a bearded face. First he was Duan Baiyue’s confidant, and then he became Chu Yuan’s confidant inexplicably. Mingli’s identity is the owner of the Royal City Silk and Satin Shop. He often travels to Baixiang Kingdom to do business, so he has a very clear understanding of all the ways.
Chu Yuan called: “Tang Suan.”
Tang Suan hurriedly said, “Master.”
Chu Yuan said: “There are so many people at the pier of Baixiang Kingdom every day?”
“It is divided into off-season and peak season. This is the last delivery period before winter, so there will naturally be more people.” Tang Suan said, “But no matter how many people there are, all commuters must be strictly registered. There is no sloppiness, even if it is crowded. I’m afraid the young master will have to wait for a while.”
Chu Yuan said, “No problem.” Its better to look around, which can be more vivid than the reports.
Nan Moxie stood on tiptoe and looked around, then tried to sneak out.
Eight guards suddenly came to stand in front of him.
Chu Yuan raised his lips: “Senior, do you want to find someone for me first?”
“No, no.” Nan Moxie coughed twice and said, “It’s windy. So I wanted to go buy a hat to wear.”
Chu Yuan said: “Guards!”
After a while, more than a dozen hats were presented to Nan Moxie. There were all kinds of hats, which made a group of ladies standing nearby envious. We also want those.
Nan Moxie laughed dryly, lighting the candle for his apprentice in his heart.
It’s not because the teacher didn’t help you, it’s because your wife is really too fierce.
Just pray for more blessings.
By the time everyone finally entered the city, it was already dusk. After ordering food in the restaurant, Chu Yuan took his chopsticks and took two bites when he saw someone coming up the stairs.
When their eyes met, Jin Shu was a little surprised.
“This Miss.” Nan Moxie said first, “Do you know my young master?”
Jin Shu came back to her senses, smiled and said, “I didn’t expect to meet you all here.”
Tang Suan pulled out the chair and said, “Miss, please have a seat.”
Jin Shu handed the daughter in her arms to the maid and motioned for her to wait on the other side.
Chu Yuan asked: “Is it your child?”
Jin Shu nodded: “Just turned five months old.”
Chu Yuan smiled and said, “If I had known this, I should have brought some gifts.”
“It is already Xian’er’s blessing to be able to see the young master right after she was born.” Jin Shu lowered her head slightly. Compared to the time when she first entered the palace, her temperament has become much calmer and more reserved. She has become somewhat virtuous and dignified like a mother.
Chu Yuan said: “Are you used to living here?”
“Yeah.” Jin Shu said, “My husband’s family treats me very well. Even my brother came here once and said that my life is good.”
Chu Yuan joked: “Your brother didn’t tell me that. He is still crying about poverty and asking for money.”
Jin Shu also laughed when she heard the words, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed, then she said: “Why did the young master come to the Baixiang kingdom?” Logically speaking, the emperor of Chu went south, and he have come here to meet the lord of the Baixiang Kingdom, so why is he hiding his identity.
Chu Yuan said: “I didn’t want to make a huge affair out of this trip. I just came to find someone.”
Jin Shu glanced at Nan Moxie and said, “Are you looking for Duan…?”
Chu Yuan nodded: “Have you seen him?”
Jin Shu said: “Well, it was just a few months ago. I happened to see a man wearing a silver mask in a calligraphy and painting shop in the city. I shouldn’t be mistaken.”
Chu Yuan asked: “Is he still there?”
Jin Shu shook her head: “He should have left long ago.”
Chu Yuan frowned when he heard this.
Jin Shu said: “If the young master wants to look for him, my husband’s family happens to be responsible for the registration of merchants at the dock. As long as you know the name of the person registered, you can find where he went.”
Having said that, even a fool would know that Duan Baiyue would not use his real name. Just when Nan Moxie was having complicated thoughts and didn’t know whether he should breathe a sigh of relief or take an extra breath for his disciple, Chu Yuan had already stood up and followed Jin Shu to the inn where Duan Baiyue had stayed.
“Dachu’s merchant?” Seeing Jin Shu, the waiter naturally wouldn’t remain negligent. He hurriedly took out all the books from the previous few months, looked through them one by one, and finally found a familiar name – Sikong Rui.
“Yes, those are the three guests.” The waiter said, “I have the impression that one of them was wearing a mask. It’s hard to forget.”
Thanks to his behaviour, Sikong Rui has always used his real name. He has not been seen for many years, and the outside world has never known that Wangxi Reef has any relationship with Southwest Mansion. So he just takes his friends out to explore business routes. He is not afraid of being cross-checked. With this name and Jin Shu’s help, it only took two days to find the merchant ship on which they had left.
“Thank you.” Chu Yuan said.
“Young Master, you’re welcome.” Jin Shu said, “Just think of it as repaying some favours for my brother and my marriage.” After all, if she hadn’t gone to the royal city back then, it would have been impossible to find a husband.
Chu Yuan smiled, turned around and boarded the merchant ship.
“His Majesty didn’t have a good rest after running around for days. The chilly atmosphere had just got better yesterday.” Eunuch Sixi felt sorry for Chu Yuan and said in a low voice, “Master Nan didn’t persuade the Southwest King in the beginning, so now you can’t say anything. As a result, one is running to the end of the world and the other is chasing after him.”
Nan Moxie squatting on the deck, was also filled with emotions. I’m afraid one plaque for the ‘Godly Lover’ is not enough, so two will be made – one will be hung in the Southwest Mansion, and one will be given to the Royal City.
I don’t know if a washboard will be enough when the two of them meet in the future4.
==========================================================
Notes:
Ancient Chinese timing conventions. means the time in which you finish or brew a cup of tea. ↩︎ polite way to say that it was easy to win. ↩︎ the phrase means they have no good eye to see the value of a talented person ↩︎ I didn’t clarify it earlier and I think i should do it now. The joke of using washboards in China is about how a wife in a home punishes her husband by making them kneel on washboards. This joke may have come from the folk customs, where women used to wash clothes by beating them on such boards. ↩︎