东宫 Eastern Palace: Hibiscus by Taiye Pond and Willows by the Weiyang Palace (Part 2)

He sat silently in the Chaoyang palace alone, ignoring everyone.

A'Mu had been kneeling outside the palace for a long time, but still was not summoned by his Majesty.

His Majesty had passed down an imperial edict to have Chaoyang be buried in the Yuling tomb [1].

That was to be his own tomb, all built according to the imperial ritual, but because it was a huge construction, it had not been completed, and now he had to use the tomb to bury his beloved daughter. This caused a huge uproar among the people. In the end, his Majesty only removed a part of the stone statue that was in front of the tomb, and shortened the passage to the tomb to calm down everyone.

His Majesty did not work for ten days. The country mourned for Chaoyang for one hundred days. His Majesty used all kinds of methods to mourn for Chaoyang. From then on, his Majesty did not attend court.

The reports submitted by government officials to the central department piled up, and teacher couldn’t help but sigh to A’Mu. A’Mu entered the palace several times, but was still not summoned by his Majesty. I know that A'Mu was very worried, I could only console him: “Wait until his Majesty stops grieving, then everything will be fine."

It was just that everyone in the palace knows his Majesty's grief will never pass. He was like a completely different person, not showing interest to anyone and any matter. If he was a cold and ambitious emperor before, then now he is just a grieving father who’s cold heart had turned into ashes.

His Majesty's health also declined day by day, and for a while he was very ill. One time, he sent someone to summon the special envoy of Western Liang.

Western Liang is the most peculiar country that is governed under the Celestial Empire, a small and weak country that has repeatedly suffered from desertification. Other foreign countries would send their princes to the Capital to learn the etiquettes of the Central Plains, but actually they were sent there to be held as hostages. However Western Liang was the only country that did not send a hostage because the King of Western Liang was arrogant and rude, he would often not come to offer tribute to the emperor.

Strangely, his Majesty treats Western Liang with great respect. His conquest to the Western Regions, pacifying all countries with the exception of Western Liang.

I had once heard an old servant whisper saying that perhaps the reason must be because of Empress Mingde.

A’Mu and I know that Empress Mingde is a big taboo that must not be mentioned.

Empress Mingde was already the wife of his Majesty before he had ascended the throne, unfortunately she died of illness in the twelfth year of Yuan Qing [2]. His Majesty treated this Crown Princess who died early with little affection, until the ninth year of Qin He with repeated reminders from the Minister of Rites, he unwillingly passed down an imperial decree to appoint her as Empress Mingde. When the imperial decree was issued, it has already been twenty years since Empress Mingde had died. His Majesty did not issue an imperial decree to rebuild the tomb for the Empress, he also did not issue an imperial decree to be buried with her.

Before and after the the imperial decree was issued to appoint her as Empress, his Majesty did not visit the tomb of the Empress.

According to what the people in the palace have said, his Majesty did not like this wife. Because of the arranged marriage that year, he was forced to appoint a foreign woman as Crown Princess which was always regarded as a disgrace to the royal family. As a result, the history book only used ten words to describe the life of Empress Mingde.

A’Mu remember this matter as taboo, because once Princess Chaoyang had worn a non-Han clothing out of nowhere and she was very pleased to wear it to see his Majesty. As a result, his Majesty was furious, sentencing all people serving Chaoyang to be caned to death. Chaoyang was so frightened that she cried and was sick for the next ten days. His Majesty did of course regret his actions, and remained by her side until she had recovered from her illness.

Noble Consort Chen was deposed as a result, it was said that she had persuaded the princess to wear non-Han clothing.

As I accompanied A’Mu to visit Chaoyang, the elderly nanny secretly told us that his Majesty dislikes it when someone looks like Empress Mingde. Noble Consort Chen had encouraged the princess to wear non-Han clothing, such an action would certainly result in punishment.

A'Mu was very daring, he even asked the nanny: "Well, does A'Huang look like Empress Mingde?"

Because Chaoyang's birth name was Feng Huang [3], A'Mu called her A'Huang.

The nanny shook her head, said: "They do not look alike, Empress Mingde was not as beautiful as the princess."

I also don't think it was possible for them to look alike, how could a foreign woman have this kind of beauty?

The nanny also said: "Empress Mingde have fair skin, petite figure, although she was quick-witted, but she does not have the beauty that Central Plains' women have." Suddenly she said: "Almost thirty years have passed, I didn't think......"

She didn't say anything, I looked at A'Mu, he seemed to be thinking of something quietly.

That was the first time his Majesty was angry at Chaoyang, it was also the last time.

A'Mu had once said that Chaoyang was the only person that his Majesty really loves in this world.

Deep down in my heart, I thought that this was correct.

However Chaoyang died.

Ever since Chaoyang had passed away, his Majesty's tired attitude towards handling government affairs was growing worse day after day. His health was also getting worse day after day, besides being tired of dealing with government affairs, he was also tired of living. He no longer went hunting, no longer held banquets. Although he often sit alone in the palace, no longer drink wine nor indulged in women, his health was still declining day by day.

It was as if the death of Chaoyang had taken away his will to live. Not only did his hair turn white, even his heart was already dead. I have never seen a person who could be this sad. A'Mu and I were deeply hurt by the death of Chaoyang, but it seems that his Majesty was even more hurt.

My father had personally entered the palace to persuade his Majesty. Father's health has been poor, many years of fighting have left him with numerous internal injuries. He was so sick that he was unable to get out of bed, but he was still determined to enter the palace.

Our family was unable to change his mind, they could only prepare a light carriage to lift him into the palace. Many of the servants in the palace have been dismissed, so I was the only one helping him kneel down to pay respect to his Majesty. I could feel his whole body trembling. I couldn't let go of my father's hands because I know that once I let go, he would fall at any moment. I know that I should have left, but my father was weak, so I was unable to leave. His Majesty treats my father differently, he personally reached out his hand to help him get up.

Father was faintly panting, he was holding onto his Majesty's hand, just like how I usually hold A'Mu's hand. He said: "Wu Lang [4], she's already dead."

My father's voice was shaking, the way he spoke was unclear, I could hardly hear it. However his Majesty seemed to be in a daze, I could see his grey hair on his temples and his opaque eyes, he was slightly trembling as he held onto my father’s hand. When did his Majesty turn into a depressed old man?

Father was panting, said: "Thirty years ago, she’s already dead."

Father seemed to have tears in his eyes, he said, "Wu Lang, wake up, she's already dead."

I have never seen his Majesty with this kind of expression, he always treated my father warmly. It was only this time that he became fierce, even the muscles in his face twisted. He grabbed the lapel on my father’s clothes, I could see the blue veins on the back of his hands, his voice was so fierce that it almost became hoarse: "You are talking nonsense!"

My father was trembling so much that he was unable to breathe, I also didn’t dare to breathe. In the palace only the sound of my father's coughing could be heard, one sound after another, like the sound of a crushed bellow. However his Majesty's voice had eased down, he even smiled: "Ah Zhao, you know, she went back to Western Liang. She tricked all of us, even someone as smart as you was also tricked by her.”

Father coughed, calling out in a low voice: "Your Majesty......" The expression in his eyes was sorrowful and hopeless, he said: "Princess Chaoyang is not her daughter, nor does the princess have half of her looks. You know the princess’s birth mother is Consort Xian, Li Shi. Crown Princess had already died thirty years ago......I visited her grave more than ten years ago, her grave was already covered with grass......."

This was the first time I saw his Majesty cry, large teardrops silently rolled down to the lapel of his robe. The lapel was embroidered with fine patterns. Those bright teardrops landed on the dragon head embroidery, as if the teardrops were going to roll down from the embroidery but not at the same time. Father held his Majesty's knees, as if he was trying to coax him, as if he was trying to comfort him, as if he pities him. His Majesty was like a child, finally cried out loud.

Notes:

[1] 裕陵 Yuling tomb- The tomb in which Emperor Qianlong (the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty) was buried.

[2] 元庆 Yuan Qing- The name of the previous emperor's reign.

[3] 凤凰 Feng Huang - This means Phoenix.

[4] 五郎 Wu Lang - 五 means five (he was the fifth prince before ascending the throne), 郎 noun prefix denoting status.

<Side Story 1 Part 1                                                                                      Side Story 2 Part 1>

东宫 Eastern Palace: Hibiscus by Taiye Pond and Willows by the Weiyang Palace (Part 1)

The title of this side story is from a famous poem known as Song of Everlasting Regret, which is about the tragic love story between Emperor Xuanzong and Imperial Consort Yang (Yang Gui Fei), who is known as one of the four beauties in ancient Chinese history. There was tension between her adopted son An Lushan (Military General) and her cousin Yang Guozhong (Prime Minister). As a result, this caused An Lushan to rebel. Emperor Xuanzong fled with Imperial Consort Yang, Yang Guozhong, and his army that was small in numbers. Along the way, the soldiers killed Yang Guozhong as they felt he was the one that had weakened the Tang Dynasty and provoked this rebellion. They also demanded Imperial Consort Yang to be executed as she was the one who had help Yang Guozhong rise to power. Without any other choice, Emperor Xuanzong could only order for Imperial Consort Yang to be executed. Imperial Consort Yang was strangled to death in the courtyard of a temple. After her death, Emperor Xuanzong died in sorrow a few years later. The title of this side story is one of the settings of the poem.

.............

"A'Mu!" I pulled his sleeve, but then I changed the way I called him, and whispered, "Your Highness......"

A'Mu lifted his head, stared at me blankly. He was wearing a plain coloured robe, which made his eyes look even darker, his expression was a bit childish.

According to the palace rules, I was not allowed to call the Crown Prince by his name. However when I went into the palace that year, I was seven years old, A'Mu was younger than I was, he was five years old. We were like brothers, and I was older, always protecting him. When he couldn't memorize the books, I cheated for him under the eyes of the teacher. When he was punished, I could perfectly imitate his handwriting, helping him copy the thick stack of books without revealing any flaws. We were together in the garden playing slingshots, cricket fighting [1], climbing trees, and playing with the palace maids.....

We slowly grew up, but I know our relationship did not changed. If A'Mu had anything that bothers him, he would tell me, and I would be willing to think of ways to help him resolve it.

A'Mu had many things to worry about, because his Majesty only has this one son, so naturally he has high hopes for him. However in front of an emperor that is as wise as his Majesty, anyone else would be insignificant.

A'Mu had once asked me: "How can I be like my father?"

I could not answer.

His Majesty fought well in wars. He once fought in the Western Regions, pacified the south, attacked numerous cities, and established a foundation for the world. Standing in front of the geomancy [2] diagram would cause anyone to have a burning passion. In the past hundred years or so since the founding of the country, the territory of our dynasty has never been so big before. Every year small countries would offer tribute to our country. A'Mu and I had once stood at the top of the Cheng Tian gate with his Majesty, listening to the many citizens shout "Long live his Majesty!" The loudness of the voices could shake the nine cities, even clueless children like us would be astonished during these moments. However his Majesty would just smile faintly and stand at the gate tower briefly, because he refused to stand there for a long period of time, ordering people to pull down the curtains, before directly heading back in the west direction. It seem as though all flourishing moments would just be a passing cloud in the eyes of an emperor that is cold and arrogant.

With such a father, I still felt that A'Mu was pitiful.

His Majesty is skilled in horsemanship and archery. Our dynasty was gained through horses' backs, so I understand the education and training that children of noble families have to go through, starting with archery and horsemanship, followed by literacy and martial arts. I was taught by my father, and among the scholars, my martial arts skills are considered good. However when compared to his Majesty, I was still one hundred and eight thousand miles behind.

I had once seen his Majesty's martial arts skills. That day, A'Mu and I were accompanying his Majesty on a walk in the garden. There was a pair of birds on a tree branch chirping cheerfully. His Majesty took the slingshot from A'Mu's hand and knocked down the pair of birds. The so-called killing two birds with one stone was nothing more than that, the golden ball from the slingshot had badly mutilated the heads of the two birds, which were almost crushed into fine powder. This shows how his Majesty's strength was astonishing.

His Majesty doesn't seem to like anything in pairs. In the past dynasties, when twin lotuses appears in Taiye Pond, it signifies good fortune, and many poets would write poems about it. However in the second year of Qin He[3], even if twin lotuses were found in the Taiye pond, no one dared to report it to his Majesty. Only servant Wang dared to order someone to secretly remove those twin flowers from the pond.

Because of his Majesty's strange temper, when the west garden was being built, the number of rooms in the building were in odd numbers. The Minister of Construction, Nian Zhang, who normally does not have a brave personality was very daring this time. Although the Minister of Rites thinks that this situation would go against the tradition, this was only a garden for the royal family and it's not considered part of the palace, so the Minister of Rites turned a blind eye to the construction of the garden.

The Minister of Rites was very tactful because his Majesty's temper was becoming more violent year after year, but no one dares to persuade him.

His Majesty was not muddleheaded, he still knows how to make good use of people, because the government was in order.

It was just that there wasn't any favored consort in the harem, because his Majesty was not particularly close with any woman. Occasionally he would go out to hunt, but not to the point of indulgence. His subjects were helpless against such an unappetizing emperor.

It was said that there was once a minister who was very worried, because his Majesty has only one son. For a royal family to have such a weak royal line of succession, it would inevitably cause concern.

Countless suggestion reports from the ministers were sent to his Majesty like snowflakes, almost as if his Majesty does not have more sons, then he would be letting down the heavens.

His Majesty only smiled.

After the fourth year of Qin He, Consort Xian, Li Shi, was finally pregnant. Everyone was hoping that she would be able to give birth to another son of his Majesty. Who knew that Li Shi would have a difficult birth and die after giving birth to a princess.

This was Princess Chaoyang.

His Majesty gave the princess the name of the main palace, showing how much he dotes on this daughter. 

Princess Chaoyang was indeed very cute. Perhaps it was pitiful that she had lost her mother at birth, so his Majesty would often bring her to court, placing her on his lap. It seems as if playing with his daughter was more important than the country's matters.

The ministers were angry at first, but gradually they discovered the benefits of having Princess Chaoyang around.

When his Majesty was angry, no one dares to defy the heavens again, but as long as the nanny brings Princess Chaoyang there, she would be able to put an end to situations that were like a catastrophe.

Princess Chaoyang would always be giggling, jumping into his Majesty's embrace as soon as he reaches out his hands.

When his Majesty picks her up, his face would be filled with a smile.

When Princess Chaoyang was four years old, she had property and countless servants. For her, his Majesty did not hesitate to build a palace at Mount Li, just because Princess Chaoyang have asthma, and the imperial doctor advised her to bathe in hot springs more.

Everyone in this world knew that Chaoyang was the only person that was treated as a treasure by his Majesty.

A’Mu would often say to me: “Zhong An, I don’t know who would be lucky enough to marry Chaoyang."

I knew what he meant, whoever marries Chaoyang would have everything in this world.

Chaoyang grew up day by day, cuter and naughtier than when she was a child.

She was the only carefree person in the Imperial Palace.

I would often hear her laughter that was as clear as the sound of bells, which also sounded like a bird that was the best at singing, but isn't she just a smart bird?

When Chaoyang had grown up, she liked to spend time with A’Mu because his Majesty had only one son and one daughter, they were the only siblings. She would often wear men’s clothing, escaping the palace with us to play. Besides no one in the palace was going to stop her. The three of us often go out to tea shops to drink tea, watch sideshows, and listen to storytellers tell stories.

That period of happiness, pureness, and brightness.

Now that I think of the past, that was the happiest time of my life, having A'Mu and Chaoyang by my side.

When Chaoyang died, A'Mu and I were heartbroken.

The person that was deeply hurt was his Majesty, suddenly his hair turned white overnight.

Notes:

[1] 斗蟋蟀 Cricket fighting- Putting crickets in a container to fight, the cricket that loses is the one that either stops chirping or is thrown/escapes out of the container.

[2] 堪舆 Geomancy- Another term for it would be feng shui (风水), which is a traditional practice of placing objects/buildings in certain locations in an auspicious manner. This practice is often done so that it can bring luck to individuals.

[3] 钦和 Qin He- Every emperor's reign would have a different name. Qin He would be the name of Li Cheng Yin's reign, so in this context 钦和二年 would mean in the second year of Li Cheng Yin's reign.

<Chapter 42                                                                                                   Side Story 1 Part 2>

东宫 Eastern Palace: Chapter 42

The moment you all have been waiting for is here. I hope you enjoy reading it with a box of tissue. Originally this novel only has 42 chapters and an epilogue, but the author decided to extend the novel with five side stories in the new version. The side stories are in no particular order, some talks about the past, while others talk about the events after chapter 42. 

......................

My heart suddenly sank.

A'Du and I were already heading towards the gate.

I heard a loud shout from a distance: "Close the gate! His Highness has ordered for the gate to be closed!"

The guards hurriedly pushed the gate, wanting to close it.

We watched the gate get closer and closer, the bright lights in between the doors of the gate became less and less. Those people used all their strength to push the gate close, which became narrower and closer, until there was only a gap left for a horse to pass through. I could see there wasn't much time left. A'Du's horse was in front of me, she turned around wanting to pull me to her horse, but I raised my hand and whipped her horse. The horse was in pain, hissed and finally jumped out of the gate.

As the gate closed, I saw A'Du looking back at me in a panic. She turned around wanted to rush back, but the heavy gate closed. Her knife had already been inserted into the gate door, but nothing could be changed. The gate was locked, and the bolt came down. I could hear her desperately trying to cut open the bolt, the futile chopping created sparks that splashed up like stars. She couldn't speak, and she couldn't make any sound, I watched the tip of her knife chopping the door, and every chop was in vain.

The Yu Lin army had already rushed forward. I turned around heading towards the gate tower to climb up it. When I reached the top of the gate tower, I could see A'Du standing alone pounding at the gate. This well built gate versus her alone, how could she break it open? When I saw her crying silently, I suddenly remembered He Shi. He entrusted me to Adu, so isn't that entrusting A'Du to me? If I wasn't here, A'Du wouldn't have survived for this long, it's the same as if A'Du wasn't here, I would've died already.

Because of the death of the Turkic people, A'Du have had to suffer a thousand, ten thousand times more pain and loneliness than me. Twenty-thousand Turks have died as a result of the Yue Zhi and the Central Plain's trap, but because of this deep hatred, she stayed with me in the Central Plains for three years.

Now, I just feel sorry for her.

The Yu Lin army have already reached to the bottom of the gate tower, and countless people surrounding Li Cheng Yin have already dismounted and stepped down. I could hear their footsteps, they were climbing up the gate tower.

I didn't have any fear, just stood there quietly.

Li Cheng Yin's neck was wrapped with a white cloth, if my knife had went a little deeper, he might not be able to stand here again.

He looked at me as he came towards me, every time he came closer, I stepped back. I kept on moving back until I was no longer able to move back, I stepped back until I was on top of the battlement. The wind blew my sleeves, making some noise, just like that day when we were on top of the river of forgetfulness. I stood on the edge of the cliff, beneath me were fogs covering the deep abyss.

Li Cheng Yin looked at me with a deep gaze, he finally said: "Are you this reluctant to be my wife?"

I laughed, but didn't answer.

He asked me: "What's so good about Gu Xiao Wu?"

My heels were already in midair, only the tips of my feet were still standing on the battlement, on the verge of falling. The Yu Lin army were standing far away, silently looking at me. Li Cheng Yin's gaze was very complicated, as if there was pain along with sadness.

It was like the dream, everything was like three years ago, the last three years have been spent in vain, but nothing has been changed.

I said: "What's so good about Gu Xiao Wu, I will never tell you."

Li Cheng Yin suddenly laughed: "It's a pity he's already dead."

Yeah, unfortunately he was already dead.

He said: "If you go back with me, I will not blame you, I will still be good to you. Whether you're still thinking about that Gu Xiao Wu, if you're willing to come back with me, I won't talk about this matter again."

I laughed and said: "If you promise me one thing, then I will go back with you."

He didn't show any expression on his face, but asked: "What is it?"

I said: "I want you to catch a hundred fireflies for me."

He was slightly shocked, as if he was looking at me with great difficulty. My vision was blurred, but I still smiled: "The river of forgetfulness, to forget a love ......The water of the river of forgetfulness have allowed me to forget you for three years, but didn't allow me to forget you forever."

Tears flowed down my cheeks, as I smiled and said: "Such as you who have always forgotten, how nice would that be."

He stared at me as if he didn't understand what I was talking about, I also didn't know my own expression, I was trying to smile at him, but I was crying instead. I said: "This time, I really will forget you forever."

I turned around, like a bird flying in the sky, like a butterfly landing on a flower, I jumped down without hesitation. I know that down there was no river of forgetfulness, but only sharp gravel. Jumping down from here would mean certain death.

I could hear countless people screaming, Li Cheng Yin hurriedly pulled out his belt and wrapped it around my hand. Everything was being repeated what happened three years ago. My whole body was forcibly being pulled by him in midair, and he was thrust down by me, falling to the edge of the battlement. He was grabbing onto the edges of the battlement with one hand, while using the other hand to pull me up. The blue veins in his hand had burst when he exerted too much force, and the wound on his neck began to bleed, which must have burst open, but he didn't let go of his hand, he shouted: "Someone come!"

I knew that once the Yu Lin army came to help, there would be no chance anymore, so I raised my hand, a light flashed, he shouted: "No!"

I cut his belt, the thin silk was tearing apart in midair, I tried my best to give him a smile one last time: "I will forget you, Gu Xiao Wu."

I saw the look of dismay in his eyes, and the blood that was slowly flowing from his neck. He seemed to have suffered a sudden shock, but he suddenly looked backwards. I saw blood pouring out of his wound and dripping onto my face. I looked at him with a smile. He tried very hard to get a hold of me, he missed only by a short bit, his fingertips only touched the wind, and his grim voice rang in my ear: "It's me.....Xiao Feng......I am Gu Xiao Wu....."

I knew that he has finally remembered, this was my biggest revenge on him. The massacre he lead three years ago had buried our feelings for each other; three years later was the same, I have cut everything between us.

I saw him lean forward, maybe he wanted to jump down with me like three years ago, but here it was not the river of forgetfulness, jumping down from here would cause one to be crushed to death. I saw Pei Zhao pulling him back, however I could see that he used his hand to hit Pei Zhao on the chest. He must have used all his strength, I could see Pei Zhao spitting out blood, but Pei Zhao did not let go, more people rushed forward, dragging him.

The sky was blue......The sound of the wind was ringing in my ears, everything slowly disappearing before my eyes.

I could see myself sitting on the sandy hill, watching the sun gradually disappear, my own heart slowly sinking. The sun finally disappeared, and could not be seen, the sandy hill from afar covering the sun. The sky and the ground was covered by darkness, the last bit of light can not be seen.

I could see the onlookers laughing, a lot of Turks don't believe that the White-Eyed Wolf King was really killed by Gu Xiao Wu, so they still have a bit of disdain. He grasped onto the bow as if he was playing a stringed instrument, using his fingers to pull the bowstring. As the bowstring shook making some sound, the onlookers laughed even louder. In the midst of the sound of laughter, he however shot down one hundred bats.

I could see countless fireflies flying in the air, like ten million shooting stars passing through our fingers, when the God released the shooting stars, it must be like this. Thousands of fireflies surrounding us, gently flying in all directions, like the golden rays of light from shooting stars breaking through the darkness. I remember the song about the God and the person that the God longed for, standing in the galaxy, that was gorgeous and bright like this.

I could see myself standing at the top of the river of forgetfulness, my heel was already in the air, the wind beneath the cliff made me unable to stand still, shaking and falling any moment, the wind blowing at my sleeves, which was like a thin blade, hitting my arm. He didn't dare to move closer, I said to him: "I have misjudged you, now the country is in ruins, the God wanted to torture me as punishment." I said one word after another: "For all lifetimes, I will forget you forever!"

I could see myself at the night of our wedding. When he lifted my veil, I felt the surrounding had brightened, the bright candle lights shining on his face. He was wearing a black robe with decorative designs embroidered on it. A few months ago, I was urged by Yong Niang to memorize a Book of Rites, memorizing it until I know it by heart, knowing that the black robe and crimson garment was mentioned in Chapter 9. Chapter 5 mentioned about clothing, dragon, mountain, caterpillar, fire, sacrificial vessel. Chapter 4 mentioned about clothing, aquatic grasses, rice flour, and embroidery. A list of different white cotton yarns, embroidery on collars.

He wore a ceremonial robe and crown with nine white pearls on each tassel, fine silk strips hanging around the ears, a sharp hairpin holding the crown in place, making one's appearance look very magnificent.

At that time, I thought it was my first time seeing him. However I didn't know that I have seen him before, under the cold moon.

The last thing I thought of was the moment when I cut the belt apart, the tears in his eyes.

However it was too late, we have struggled for three years and still we have ended up falling in love with each other. This was the punishment given by God, anyone who have drank the water of the river of forgetfulness was supposed to forever forget, forever forget the other person. 

I peacefully closed my eyes, falling down very fast, just waiting to be crushed to death.

The fall has finally come to a stop, I haven't felt the pain that I had imagined. I opened my eyes, A'Du's cold arms were wrapped around me, although she had jumped up, no one in this world could withstand such a huge force falling down, I could almost clearly hear her bones crack, she used her body as a meat pad to prevent me from landing on the ground. I saw blood flowing from her ears, nose and eyes, and I shouted: "A'Du!" My legs were in pain, I couldn't stand up at all, I struggled to get up. I was so overwhelmed that I wanted to hold her, but the slight touch seemed so painful, the expression in her eyes were painful. She looked at me, her dark eyes looked so calm and without a trace of blame. The expression in her eyes was as if I have done something naughty, or like before, when I wanted to bring her out on the streets. I hugged her and whispered her name.

I already knew that I wouldn't be able to return to Western Liang. I wanted her to leave first, but I felt sorry for her, I knew she wouldn't leave me alone in this world. I also knew that I wouldn't leave her alone in this world. A'Du had already closed her eyes, no matter how many times I called out her name, she would not know.

I heard the sound of the gate opening, thousands of soldiers were rushing towards us, I knew everyone was still thinking of bringing me back to that painful world, bringing me back to that lonely Eastern Palace. However, I don't want to suffer like that anymore.

I said to A'Du: "Let's go back to Western Liang together."

I picked up A'Du's golden inlaid knife, A'Du had used it to chop the huge iron bolt, so there were a lot of little cracks on the knife. I stabbed myself deep into the chest, but I didn't feel any pain. Maybe it was because I have already suffered from the most painful thing in this world. Compared to that, what is death?

The blood was flowing out, I held onto A'Du's hand with my hands that were covered with blood, slowly lying down beside her. I know that we can finally go home.

All of my body temperature and consciousness slowly faded away, and the darkness gradually enveloped me. I seem to be able to see Gu Xiao Wu, he was riding his horse towards me. I know he was not dead, but he was just helping me catch one hundred fireflies.

Right now I wanted him to tie his belt on me, this way he will never leave me.

I swallowed my last breath with a smile.

The earth was so cold, as if someone was singing the song:

"A fox sitting on the sandy hill, sitting on the sandy hill, looking at the moon. Oh, it was not looking at the moon, it was waiting for the shepherd girl to return......A fox sitting on the sandy hill, sitting on the sandy hill, basking in the sun......Oh.....It turns out that it wasn't basking in the sun, it was waiting for the girl who was riding a horse to return......"

It turns out that the fox was unable to wait for the girl all along.

<Chapter 41                                                                                                 Side Story 1 Part 1>

Other Translation Projects

The poll has now closed. Thank you!

A Heartwarming Decade 十年一品温如言 by 书海沧生 Shu Hai Cang Sheng

Genre: Modern | Romance | Childhood Friends

Years later, the grandchildren gathered around their grandmother in front of the fireplace, listening to her telling a story during winter time.

Wen Heng smilingly, told a story that spanned a decade. Well kids, to start it of, this is just a story.

In the first year, from a crow in the southern small town, she became a glittering phoenix. She came across a pair of man and woman kissing. The male looked rather delicious, my heart delighted.

In the second year, sick with a strange disease. She took the opportunity to occupy the magpie’s nest, hanging around his home.

In the third year, the adulterous husband flew back from Vienna. All was lost so quickly fled.

In the fourth year,  under her father’s arrangement, she became the child bride of another family, she almost forgot about him.

In the fifth year, the prospective fiance did not like her so ran away with another woman. She was gratified by others’ trouble.

In the sixth year, have no impression.

In the seventh year, a pair of  adulterous couple, damn it.  Continue to have no impression!

In the eighth year, she went abroad to study, she completely broke off relations with the family for another man.

In the ninth year, she was forced to marry and have children with him.

In the tenth year, a child was born. Because of an embarrassing incident, the family of three was deported.

Yan Xi protested and pointed his trembling fingers. Wifey, you have been telling lies as the story is actually like this.

In the first year, the pork ribs she made taste very good, very delicious to eat.

In the second year, because of illness, have no impression.

In the third year, he went abroad on vacation, she was expelled from Wen family.

In the fourth year, she was missing for a whole year. He was angry with her, so do not want to go and look meant do not want to search.

In the fifth year, he was hiding in the corner, following her for a whole year.

In the sixth year, the man she cared most in her whole life made an appearance.

In the seventh year, have no impression.

In the eighth year, he had a car accident, she was out of the country.

In the ninth year, he chased all the way to France.  He carried her and walked on the snowy ground for the whole winter.

In the tenth year, the number one rival was born, so returned home.

Wifey, this is the complete and true story, did you know?

This is their story, a kind of love in their light fleeting years. Who is right, who is wrong is just one chuckle. Ten years passed like the smoke, woke up from your dream and rubbed your eyes. Those youthful years, such a heartwarming decade. (Credits to shushengbar.net - Peanuts)

During the Snowstorm 左暴雪时分 by 墨宝非宝 Mo Bao Fei Bao

Genre: Modern | Romance

Look at this life, sometimes you lose and sometimes you win.

I hope that our love will only have clear days, no snowstorm.

Endless Survival Game 无限生存游戏 by 轻云淡 Qing Yun Dan

Genre: Modern | Gaming | Romance

The world's first holographic survival online game is finally released. The first endless survival game competition was officially held to promote the game. 

As a survival maniac, Su Han couldn't wait to sign up.

How to survive during hyperinflation?

How to survive during natural disasters?

How to survive in the sea?

In the face of all kinds of difficulties, Su Han can deal with them easily. Working with a like-minded partner, surviving until the end together.