Chapter 111 Chi Danli (2)
Chi Jingxi lifted his robe and knelt down, "Thank you Your Majesty. Danli will live up to all your wishes."
Everyone else also followed up, "Congratulations, Little Marquis."
Only then did Wen Yantong understand. No wonder they said that this year's banquet was different, it turned out to be Chi Jingxi's ‘coming of age’!
Wen Yantong swallowed a mouthful of saliva, she suddenly became tense and nervous. She kept her forehead extremely low, and didn't dare to raise her head anymore.
"Get up." The Emperor said. He then continued in a slightly dissatisfied tone, "What are you thanking me for? Your father insisted on it, he didn’t like the one I decided on."
Marquis Anhuai smiled, "It was decided early in the morning. His Majesty decided on your birth name, so as your father, this official should at least pick out the courtesy name."
After Chi Jingxi stood up, his eyes were as deep as a bottomless well. He casted his eyes faintly in the direction of Wen Yantong, but he didn't see her.
Afterwards, Marquis Anhuai led his servants to Chi Jingxi's side. He took off the jade hairpin from Chi Jingxi's head and replaced it with a jade crown. The jade crown was deep red, like a cinnabar. The center was inlaid with clear-cut glazed jewels, and the surrounding was engraved with golden auspicious cloud patterns.
The Emperor smiled and asked, "Why did you choose ‘Danli’?"
"Dan can substitute for the words ‘improve’ and ‘master’[1]. This official hopes my humble son can learn more etiquette. And no matter how far the road is, he will remain upright and honest, following the path of good."
Chi Jingxi smiled slightly, "I will follow my father's will."
After the ceremony was completed, the Emperor announced that the banquet shall commence. And so, the people in the hall returned to the small side rooms.
Chi Jingxi took two steps towards the room, then looked back, and saw those to the other side, where the women were seated. Many of the noble ladies casted their eyes on him blatantly before they entered their small room. However, he paid them no mind as he searched among the faces of the women present, but failed to find her.
Because the lights had dimmed and the person had hidden their face, he couldn't see very clearly.
But it seemed that he had seen someone who looked like Wen Yantong. They even applied a touch of rouge on their lips.
After Wen Yantong slipped into the room undiscovered, hot delicacies were served on the table one after another. The room instantly became lively, but these bustles didn't belong to the servants. When the noble ladies ate, the maid servants could only stand obediently behind them. They were in charge of serving their masters tea and water from time to time.
Fu Tanghuan didn't order Wen Yantong to serve her. She quietly took a couple of pieces of pastry, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and then discretely handed it to Wen Yantong. After, Fu Tanghuan then secretly pointed to the side door.
Wen Yantong understood her meaning. So she hid the pastry in her sleeve, and then sneaked out from the small door. The guard guarding the door asked her what she was doing and Wen Yantong replied that she needed to use the latrine. The guard pointed out the directions for her, Wen Yangtong thanked him and walked off. After she walked along the road until she reached a place where no one was there, Wen Yantong took out the things in her sleeves and ate them.
Although she didn't eat any delicious food, this trip was not in vain. The magic show just now was truly incredible. If she hadn't sneaked into the palace, she would have missed this once-in-a-life time opportunity.
Wen Yantong’s keep turning as she was eating. While deep in her own thoughts, she suddenly bumped from behind. The pastry in her hand was almost knocked over, but luckily she held it securely.
When she turned around, Wen Yantong saw the culprit scurrying off. It was another maid, but she didn't seem to care that she bumped into someone at all. Wen Yantong silently cursed twice, but when she lowered her eyes, she saw something wrapped in silk cloth on the ground.
She picked it up and unfolded it. Inside was a red jade tablet the size of a palm. The top end had a knot woven with small jade beads, while the bottom had a tassel. On the back, the words ‘Shao Jing’ were outlined in gold thread.
Wen Yantong turned over the jade tablet to see the words ‘Chi Jingxi’ engraved on it.
As if she was holding something hot, Wen Yantong immediately threw the jade tablet on the ground. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Wen Yantong turned her head and was about to leave, but after walking a few steps, she turned her head and ran back. Wen Yantong put the jade tablet and the silk cloth into her sleeve. After making sure her clothes were neat, she went back as if nothing happened.
If this jade tablet belonged to anyone other than Chi Jingxi, she would have completely ignored it and pretended she had never seen the tablet drop in the first place.
She was nervous at first, but soon, the New Year's Banquet ended. She had safely taken Chi Jingxi's jade tablet and followed Fu Tanghuan out of the palace without any problems.
After going back, Wen Yantong had a quick meal. Afterwards, she took a hot bath, and then lay down on the bed with her soft and warm blanket on top. Mo Li and He Ying stayed up with her to spend the last hour of New Year's Eve together.
She was still holding Chi Jingxi's jade tablet in her hands. Everyone was anxiously waiting for Chaoge's bell to ring, striking the beginning of the new year.
—
From the first to the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, was Chaoge’s most festive time of the year. The children were eager for these days, as they could have lots of fun. Activities such as temple fairs, lantern shows, fireworks shows, and various lively festivities are held on the streets of Chaoge.
Early the next day, Mu Yang arrived at Wen Yantong's house. He knocked on the door and called her to go out to play. However, because she was feeling guilty for holding onto Chi Jingxi’s tablet, Wen Yantong dared not go out again, so she pretended to be sick and didn’t not go.
She used the same excuse consecutively over seven days. On the eighth day, Mu Yang stood at the door and worriedly asked the servant who reported Wen Yantong’s same excuse, "Tell me honestly, has Wen Yantong caught a fatal illness?"
When Wen Yantong heard his question from the servant, she was so angry that she almost vomited blood. That buffoon! Ever since their first encounter, Mu Yang has always cursed her to death!
Wen Yantong continued to avoid him, so Mu Yang had no choice but to send batches of herbs to her house, hoping that she would recover soon.
However, such a lousy reason could only deceive Mu Yang.
Wen Yantong had just woken up from her nap one day when she was notified of a visitor. She hadn't fully recognized the faces of her servant, so she naturally didn't realize that the person who came to report was not from Wen Residence.
She walked to the main hall in a daze, but the servants opened the door for her, and as soon as she entered, she saw Chi Jingxi. Wearing a crescent white robe, he was seated in one of the seats. He held a cup of hot tea in his hand, his eyes lowered, steam was rising from the cup, half covering his handsome face.
Wen Yantong was so frightened that her legs went limp, she almost collapsed onto the ground.
She then heard him say in a casual tone, "What’s the point of hiding?"
—
The author has something to say: Chi Dan(shan)Li
.
.
.
Footnote:
[1]Dan (单) can substitute for ‘improve’ (善) and ‘master’ (擅) - The original raws is as written: [单通善，也通擅]. Holy moly this phrase killed me to learn and translate
单 is part of Chi Jingxi’s courtesy name Danli (单礼). Papa Chi explained the reason why he named his son that was because he was using Dan (单) as a phonetic loan character (通假字). Meaning he was using Dan (单) interchangeably for other phonetically related characters.
Think they’re/their/there– they are pronounced the same, but have different meanings and uses. Not because of careless error, ancient Chinese people interchange these words on purpose. Moreover, a single Chinese character can mean a lot, just one character is enough to represent many ideas.
In certain cases, Dan (单) is phonetically the same as ‘to improve’ (善) and ‘to master’ (擅). Which is why Papa Chi wanted to style Chi Jingxi as Dan(li), to represent all these good things.
As for the author’s note above, they are trying to tell you to read Dan (单) as shan. Because the characters ‘to improve’ (善) and ‘to master’ (擅) are pronounced ‘shan’ and not ‘dan’. But I’ll keep it as ‘Dan’ cause it’s easier to translate and for y'all MTL-er ;)
Chapter 111 Chi Danli (2)
Chi Jingxi lifted his robe and knelt down, "Thank you Your Majesty. Danli will live up to all your wishes."
Everyone else also followed up, "Congratulations, Little Marquis."
Only then did Wen Yantong understand. No wonder they said that this year's banquet was different, it turned out to be Chi Jingxi's ‘coming of age’!
Wen Yantong swallowed a mouthful of saliva, she suddenly became tense and nervous. She kept her forehead extremely low, and didn't dare to raise her head anymore.
"Get up." The Emperor said. He then continued in a slightly dissatisfied tone, "What are you thanking me for? Your father insisted on it, he didn’t like the one I decided on."
Marquis Anhuai smiled, "It was decided early in the morning. His Majesty decided on your birth name, so as your father, this official should at least pick out the courtesy name."
After Chi Jingxi stood up, his eyes were as deep as a bottomless well. He casted his eyes faintly in the direction of Wen Yantong, but he didn't see her.
Afterwards, Marquis Anhuai led his servants to Chi Jingxi's side. He took off the jade hairpin from Chi Jingxi's head and replaced it with a jade crown. The jade crown was deep red, like a cinnabar. The center was inlaid with clear-cut glazed jewels, and the surrounding was engraved with golden auspicious cloud patterns.
The Emperor smiled and asked, "Why did you choose ‘Danli’?"
"Dan can substitute for the words ‘improve’ and ‘master’[1]. This official hopes my humble son can learn more etiquette. And no matter how far the road is, he will remain upright and honest, following the path of good."
Chi Jingxi smiled slightly, "I will follow my father's will."
After the ceremony was completed, the Emperor announced that the banquet shall commence. And so, the people in the hall returned to the small side rooms.
Chi Jingxi took two steps towards the room, then looked back, and saw those to the other side, where the women were seated. Many of the noble ladies casted their eyes on him blatantly before they entered their small room. However, he paid them no mind as he searched among the faces of the women present, but failed to find her.
Because the lights had dimmed and the person had hidden their face, he couldn't see very clearly.
But it seemed that he had seen someone who looked like Wen Yantong. They even applied a touch of rouge on their lips.
After Wen Yantong slipped into the room undiscovered, hot delicacies were served on the table one after another. The room instantly became lively, but these bustles didn't belong to the servants. When the noble ladies ate, the maid servants could only stand obediently behind them. They were in charge of serving their masters tea and water from time to time.
Fu Tanghuan didn't order Wen Yantong to serve her. She quietly took a couple of pieces of pastry, wrapped it in a handkerchief, and then discretely handed it to Wen Yantong. After, Fu Tanghuan then secretly pointed to the side door.
Wen Yantong understood her meaning. So she hid the pastry in her sleeve, and then sneaked out from the small door. The guard guarding the door asked her what she was doing and Wen Yantong replied that she needed to use the latrine. The guard pointed out the directions for her, Wen Yangtong thanked him and walked off. After she walked along the road until she reached a place where no one was there, Wen Yantong took out the things in her sleeves and ate them.
Although she didn't eat any delicious food, this trip was not in vain. The magic show just now was truly incredible. If she hadn't sneaked into the palace, she would have missed this once-in-a-life time opportunity.
Wen Yantong’s keep turning as she was eating. While deep in her own thoughts, she suddenly bumped from behind. The pastry in her hand was almost knocked over, but luckily she held it securely.
When she turned around, Wen Yantong saw the culprit scurrying off. It was another maid, but she didn't seem to care that she bumped into someone at all. Wen Yantong silently cursed twice, but when she lowered her eyes, she saw something wrapped in silk cloth on the ground.
She picked it up and unfolded it. Inside was a red jade tablet the size of a palm. The top end had a knot woven with small jade beads, while the bottom had a tassel. On the back, the words ‘Shao Jing’ were outlined in gold thread.
Wen Yantong turned over the jade tablet to see the words ‘Chi Jingxi’ engraved on it.
As if she was holding something hot, Wen Yantong immediately threw the jade tablet on the ground. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Wen Yantong turned her head and was about to leave, but after walking a few steps, she turned her head and ran back. Wen Yantong put the jade tablet and the silk cloth into her sleeve. After making sure her clothes were neat, she went back as if nothing happened.
If this jade tablet belonged to anyone other than Chi Jingxi, she would have completely ignored it and pretended she had never seen the tablet drop in the first place.
She was nervous at first, but soon, the New Year's Banquet ended. She had safely taken Chi Jingxi's jade tablet and followed Fu Tanghuan out of the palace without any problems.
After going back, Wen Yantong had a quick meal. Afterwards, she took a hot bath, and then lay down on the bed with her soft and warm blanket on top. Mo Li and He Ying stayed up with her to spend the last hour of New Year's Eve together.
She was still holding Chi Jingxi's jade tablet in her hands. Everyone was anxiously waiting for Chaoge's bell to ring, striking the beginning of the new year.
—
From the first to the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, was Chaoge’s most festive time of the year. The children were eager for these days, as they could have lots of fun. Activities such as temple fairs, lantern shows, fireworks shows, and various lively festivities are held on the streets of Chaoge.
Early the next day, Mu Yang arrived at Wen Yantong's house. He knocked on the door and called her to go out to play. However, because she was feeling guilty for holding onto Chi Jingxi’s tablet, Wen Yantong dared not go out again, so she pretended to be sick and didn’t not go.
She used the same excuse consecutively over seven days. On the eighth day, Mu Yang stood at the door and worriedly asked the servant who reported Wen Yantong’s same excuse, "Tell me honestly, has Wen Yantong caught a fatal illness?"
When Wen Yantong heard his question from the servant, she was so angry that she almost vomited blood. That buffoon! Ever since their first encounter, Mu Yang has always cursed her to death!
Wen Yantong continued to avoid him, so Mu Yang had no choice but to send batches of herbs to her house, hoping that she would recover soon.
However, such a lousy reason could only deceive Mu Yang.
Wen Yantong had just woken up from her nap one day when she was notified of a visitor. She hadn't fully recognized the faces of her servant, so she naturally didn't realize that the person who came to report was not from Wen Residence.
She walked to the main hall in a daze, but the servants opened the door for her, and as soon as she entered, she saw Chi Jingxi. Wearing a crescent white robe, he was seated in one of the seats. He held a cup of hot tea in his hand, his eyes lowered, steam was rising from the cup, half covering his handsome face.
Wen Yantong was so frightened that her legs went limp, she almost collapsed onto the ground.
She then heard him say in a casual tone, "What’s the point of hiding?"
—
The author has something to say: Chi Dan(shan)Li
.
.
.
Footnote:
[1]Dan (单) can substitute for ‘improve’ (善) and ‘master’ (擅) - The original raws is as written: [单通善，也通擅]. Holy moly this phrase killed me to learn and translate
单 is part of Chi Jingxi’s courtesy name Danli (单礼). Papa Chi explained the reason why he named his son that was because he was using Dan (单) as a phonetic loan character (通假字). Meaning he was using Dan (单) interchangeably for other phonetically related characters.
Think they’re/their/there– they are pronounced the same, but have different meanings and uses. Not because of careless error, ancient Chinese people interchange these words on purpose. Moreover, a single Chinese character can mean a lot, just one character is enough to represent many ideas.
In certain cases, Dan (单) is phonetically the same as ‘to improve’ (善) and ‘to master’ (擅). Which is why Papa Chi wanted to style Chi Jingxi as Dan(li), to represent all these good things.
As for the author’s note above, they are trying to tell you to read Dan (单) as shan. Because the characters ‘to improve’ (善) and ‘to master’ (擅) are pronounced ‘shan’ and not ‘dan’. But I’ll keep it as ‘Dan’ cause it’s easier to translate and for y'all MTL-er ;)
