A fleeting brilliance of glory

The lively sound of the pipa resonates, as if a bird is soaring over the silent mountains, gliding and weaving through the air, though cool, it exudes a sense of calm and ease

Why should mother bother with the little girl! Since this girl keeps calling my name, let's spare her this time for my sake

"Do you really know this general?" Li Yong asked me in the private room of the Qingcheng Garden

I still play my pipa every day, the sound is incessant and chaotic, resonating with boundless solitude, for I have no confidant. Li Yong, coming from a military background, prefers music that is powerful and resonant. His legitimate wife, Lady Dugong, is highly cultured and never finds the pipa's haunting melodies bothersome, merely commenting on the young lady's good spirit; the second concubine, however, looks down upon the pipa as pretentious, yet being in a secondary position, she can only respond with her gaze, fluctuating between disdain and admiration. As for the guards, servants, and maidservants, they understand the joy of collective enjoyment over solitary pleasure, and whenever Li Yong leaves the residence, they respond to me with reprimands, belittlement, and humiliation, their clamor more chaotic than the pipa's sound, no, it is not even a circle of its own.

"General, I cannot bear it any longer!" The woman beside Li Yong, the enchanting Hongpai Xianglan, pouted playfully, "You promised to come see me today; I have been looking forward to it for half a month!"

I played my pipa, leisurely boarding the carriage of Xirichang. Four white horses, a carriage of gilded redwood, with the yellow tassels at the front window resembling strings of gold ingots. Numerous guards surrounded us, much like the tassels adorning the carriage. Xirichang sat opposite me, his mood greatly improved upon seeing me leave Kyoto, and he was quite astonished

So you don't like Kyoto! If you had said so earlier, I would have taken you away sooner

After Li Yong took me into his residence, I was not spared from the places of pleasure. Although they referred to me as a young lady, the way they looked at me did not seem to reflect that. Men in power are all like this; one can never see through the things hidden behind their gazes. I am too lazy to guess; I am still waiting, waiting for an opportunity to leave or to achieve my goal. I know that Li Yong has treated me well; the redemption of my body is not insignificant, and the weight of that silver dollar is worth my gratitude, but only once. I have not left the Li residence; I merely wish to spend that silver dollar, yet I am still subtly worried about leaving this new dwelling and finding another place to observe whether my goal is progressing smoothly. I know that Li Yong has treated me well; the redemption of my body is not insignificant, and the weight of that silver dollar is worth my gratitude, but only once. I have not left the Li residence; I merely wish to spend that silver dollar, yet I am still subtly worried about leaving this new dwelling and finding another place to observe whether my goal is progressing smoothly. My neck is indeed very long, and the place I am looking at is truly hidden deep within.

Li Yong brought a group of distinguished guests to his residence, among whom was Prince Xirichang of Dagao. After I finished playing a piece titled "Clear Water Reflects the Evening Person" in front of the guests, Xirichang looked at me with fiery eyes

Mother said: "For a primitive little hoof like her, being noticed by the general is a stroke of good fortune."

His name is Li Yong, the youngest and most accomplished general of the Western Qin Kingdom. He comes from a distinguished family and has achieved notable accomplishments, having returned victorious from a campaign against the Southern Yue at the age of twenty-six. Upon his return, he was honored with the title of Second-Class Wei Qin and has since remained in the capital, serving as the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs. For a woman of the Ji clan, even a fleeting encounter with him is something to boast about, for Li Yong is not only destined for a bright future but is also a tall and handsome man in his prime. Like the vast majority of women of the Ji clan, what I desire is to journey to Mount Wu with him. For a woman of the Ji clan, even a fleeting encounter with him is something to boast about, for Li Yong is not only destined for a bright future but is also a tall and handsome man in his prime. Like the vast majority of women of the Ji clan, what I desire is to journey to Mount Wu with him. To this end, I have waited for five years

The music rose gently, and Li Yong smiled as he asked, "How did you drop the pipa?"

Thank you

I stepped out of the Qingcheng Garden amidst the envious gazes of many who were almost jealous. Later on, there was a period when the Qingcheng Garden frequently experienced incidents of women smashing musical instruments. Of course, none of them had taken the leap to rise above the mire like I did, for they did not possess a single silver dollar.

What happened next was only natural; Li Yong proposed marriage, and the heavy stone that had been weighing on the heart of the Dugu clan was finally lifted. In the face of Li Yong's approving gaze, I returned to my seat and softly recited: "Let my daughter play another piece of 'The Birds Singing in the Empty Mountains' for her father."

The music abruptly ceased, and I was pushed out from behind the curtain. My mother forced a smile, saying, "I have not been strict enough in my discipline, which has caused you all to laugh at me." Turning her head, my mother changed her expression, "Take him away!"

I know that no one holds me in high regard, a young lady born in a brothel. I do not care about the opinions of others. Five years ago, I came to Kyoto, even going so far as to reside in a pleasure house, and this was with a purpose. Until this purpose is fulfilled, I will not leave Kyoto. The Qingcheng Courtyard is merely a residence, as I truly cannot think of a place more suitable than it. For a weak and lonely girl, a brothel is the most undesirable yet the most fitting place to live. At that time, I decided to stay for five years, until I turned fourteen. If I stayed too long, the courtesans would be taken out to entertain clients. However, I never had the opportunity, never had the chance to approach the upper echelons of the Western Qin. Fortunately, Li Yong has finally arrived, albeit a bit late.

This is the most luxurious den of iniquity in Kyoto, as well as the most depraved brothel in Kyoto—Qingcheng Garden, where the commodity is beautiful women. However, for me, this is merely a place to take refuge. Five years ago, I chose it, and five years later, I can choose to abandon it once more. Yet before I abandon it, there is one thing I wish to do

The thugs came to grab me again, so I simply hugged Li Yong's calf. Li Yong frowned but did not kick me away

Shuli, have you truly lost your mind? The general is highly regarded; how many people wish for such a favor but cannot obtain it

Just as I realized that my neck was no different in essence from that of the women in the harem of the Nanyue Kingdom, my silver dollar fell.

Fourteen years old

Tell Mother that I have requested someone to come to my residence tomorrow to deliver the contract and collect the payment

The military officer beside Li Yong jested: "This little girl is not seeking anyone else, yet she is clinging to General Li's thigh, quite amusing! Could it be that General Li has met her before?"

This young lady, at such a tender age, plays the pipa exceptionally well

Li Yong fell silent once again. I knelt before him, feeling an emptiness in my heart. Five years had passed, and I was constantly waiting to grow up, to put an end to his kindness, so that I could spread my wings and fly away from the place I no longer wished to stay, to do anything I wanted. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude, and the bond between Li Yong and me was neither heavy nor light. It was not heavy because, in my most difficult times, there was not even a ghostly shadow of Li Yong; it was not light because he had allowed a crack to open in my heart, which was filled with hatred and disdain for the world. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude, and the bond between Li Yong and me was neither heavy nor light. It was not heavy because, in my most difficult times, there was not even a ghostly shadow of Li Yong; it was not light because he had allowed a crack to open in my heart, which was filled with hatred and disdain for the world. Li Yong and I shared something special. Thus, over the five years, in the silent gaze I cast upon him, he differed from all the men who sought pleasure in the brothels, albeit only slightly.

I lowered my head; he had already forgotten, no, he didn't remember at all. My mother lifted me up and slapped me. Li Yong intervened.

I am not a top expert, but escaping is not too difficult. However, considering that if I leave directly, Li Yong will be implicated, and more importantly, it will hinder my actions in the future when searched in Kyoto. Yes, I not only possess martial skills, but I should be quite good at them. Previously, the mother of the beautiful courtyard said that a woman's weapons are youth and beauty, but she was wrong. Youth and beauty will fade away with time; a woman's weapon is also strength. Women who rely solely on youth and beauty face only two outcomes in this world: either they live a glorious life for a while or tragically encounter a fate of beauty and misfortune. The endings are the same. The mother of the beautiful courtyard said that a woman's weapons are youth and beauty, but she was wrong. Youth and beauty will fade away with time; a woman's weapon is also strength. Women who rely solely on youth and beauty face only two outcomes in this world: either they live a glorious life for a while or tragically encounter a fate of beauty and misfortune. The endings are the same, living off their looks under men. The mother of the beautiful courtyard said many wrong things, but one thing she got right in the first half is that men are unreliable. The second half cannot be entirely wrong either; only the true gold and silver in one's pocket can be considered a reliable ancestor.

Hmph! Why aren't you expressing your gratitude quickly?

I suddenly raised my head, but to my disappointment, Li Yong shook his head and said, "Nonsense, I have never seen her!"

Everyone silently watched the spectacle; there is nothing else in the Qincheng Garden, but the play is performed endlessly.

I held the pipa gracefully and bowed, and the young and handsome prince helped me up

After Li Yong agreed to the marriage, he took no action at all, allowing Xi Richang to take me away without even sending a dowry. It is what it is; I am merely a lowly adopted daughter, and the loss of that silver dollar can be considered as erasing the only affection I had harbored for over five years for the man I liked. Although I am young, I understand that to achieve one's goals, one should not harbor tender feelings. Fortunately, I never held any feelings for Li Yong that were inappropriate to have.

I immediately expressed my gratitude, allowing me to thank for both the old and new favors at once

I truly cannot endure the increasingly scorching gaze of Xirichang, which feels as if it could consume a person. I decided to retreat in order to advance, agreeing to submit to him once we reached Dagao. Xirichang accepted this; he was not afraid of me changing my mind. His words were laden with meaning, as being sold to the lowest-tier Dagao Jiyao was far inferior to the Qincheng Garden. My plan was quite simple: on the way back to Dagao with Xirichang, I would leave without a trace.

I raised my swollen eyes at the appropriate moment and said softly: "There is nothing else, it is merely the obsession of love, completely losing all sense of proportion." This is a farewell to Xianglan, but also a farewell to myself. I indeed stumbled upon the opportunity to get close to Li Yong, while Xianglan truly lost all sense of proportion.

I was taken aback; Li Yong's decision disrupted my plans. The plan was supposed to conclude today, but the unexpected began after its conclusion. I merely wanted to leverage Li Yong's influence to more conveniently approach certain individuals, yet I was directly acquired by Li Yong, leaving me uncertain if there is still an opportunity to achieve my objectives

"Everything is as the general commands." I am extremely obedient

"Come here!" Li Yong suddenly stood up and shouted

This is merely a small favor, and you need not take it to heart

The only one who discerned some subtlety was the butler Zhang Derun. Having served in the manor for many years, he had become quite adept at navigating the intricacies of his position. One day, he unexpectedly presented me with a box of tortoiseshell. Only he could see that I could still play music without that item, while those restless hands of thieves were always trying to find ways to steal or damage my tortoiseshell. The strings of the pipa are resilient; how could ordinary fingernails withstand them? Yet, I was born with a strong shell, as hard as my heart.

"I apologize for making the general laugh; my little one has lost her mind today!" Mother stepped forward to offer her apologies

Unlike Li Yong, Xi Richang's methods with women are far more sophisticated. He gracefully took my hand and led me into the grand residence of the Da Gao royal family in Kyoto, while simultaneously instructing someone to prepare a simple wedding. Noticing that I had not brought a pipa, he personally handed me one, saying with infinite warmth: "Although I can only make you a concubine, I will not skimp on any of the formalities."

Thank you, General

The sisters beside me looked at me in astonishment as I stood up and smashed the pipa with a wave of my hand, each of them wearing an expression that seemed to say, "Are you crazy?"

The nearby military officer interjected, "How wonderful this is! Why not appoint her tonight, General?"

Here he comes! The turtle official responded and entered.

We all know that this is hypocrisy

Li Yong indeed cast a disdainful glance at Xiang Lan, then grabbed my arm and pulled me out.

Come with me, you should not waste your youth here

"Your Highness, please do not flatter my daughter too much. Shuli, come and greet our esteemed guest!"

The days slipped by between solitary joy and shared joy, as I listened intently to all the intriguing tales from Kyoto. One family's elder was promoted, another family's young master was betrothed, and certain individuals were both brothers-in-law and cousins. The affairs of the people of the Western Qin were filled with hidden complexities amidst the chaos. About six months later, the envoy from the Western Qin Alliance, Da Gao, arrived in the capital, becoming the hottest topic of conversation after meals. For several consecutive days, nearly everyone was discussing how Da Gao's queen, the eldest daughter of the Western Qin emperor, outshone all others and was favored in the harem, truly bringing glory to the Western Qin and making the Southern Yue ladies feel a bit envious. A group of gossipers, while chatting, eventually turned the conversation to my own neck.

Li Yong has one wife and two concubines. Contrary to everyone's expectations, I did not become the third concubine. Li Yong addressed everyone in the Li residence, saying: "This is the young lady." He pointed at me, and thus, I became the young lady of the Li residence

General! Xianglan cried out, yet could not summon back Li Yong's affections. Since that night, Li Yong has not called for her again, and the wheel of fate began to turn quietly from that moment. At first, I thought it was only me, but later I realized that many others' destinies had also changed.

The luxurious feast, the splendid dance drama, the crisp clinking of cups, the highs and lows of laughter—none of this concerns me. They squander their money, they waste their years, they indulge in their beauty and ugliness; they are merely a group of wealthy and powerful walking corpses

General, I am but a humble servant, unworthy of such deep affection from you

Li Yong gazed at me and slowly asked, "How old are you?"

The wedding took place as scheduled, and I must admit that Xi Richang is a man of both strong opinions and intelligence. Before the wedding, he did not pressure me; during the wedding, he invited the Li Yong couple and the instigator of this trip to Beijing, Da Gao. After the wedding, he still did not pressure me. He gave me ample time to consider whether to accept his tender affections or to revert to my original self and be sent back to Qingcheng Garden. However, what Xi Richang does not understand is that from the day I was forced to leave my homeland, I no longer wished for my fate to be controlled by anyone.

I organized my thoughts and began to recount the events from five years ago that he had long forgotten. At that time, I was penniless, arriving alone in Kyoto in tattered clothes, while Li Yong had just returned victorious from battle, clad in armor and exuding an imposing presence. At the city gate of Kyoto, I was knocked down by the throngs of soldiers, and it was Li Yong who extended his hand to me, giving the little beggar that I was a silver dollar. It was the first time in my life that I received kindness and charity, and Li Yong's large hand was exceptionally warm. The memory, like the winds that carried the blood and dust of the battlefield back then, heavily obscured my past, crystallizing my rebirth in that moment with the silver dollar Li Yong had given me.

When I left the Li residence, I was only dressed in the same attire I had arrived in, leaving behind a silver dollar. It fell on the table and dropped to the floor; someone else will possess it again, but that person will no longer be me

I smiled faintly and said softly, "I was born into a wealthy family, but after my family faced misfortune, my relatives not only refused to lend a hand but also added insult to injury. A silver dollar was not even enough for me to buy a suitable toy in my childhood, but after my family fell apart, this silver dollar you gave me became the warmest comfort of my life." I took out the sachet hanging around my neck and retrieved the silver dollar from within it. A silver dollar was not even enough for me to buy a suitable toy in my childhood, but after my family fell apart, this silver dollar you gave me became the warmest comfort of my life." I took out the sachet hanging around my neck and retrieved the silver dollar from within it.

General ... ... At this moment, I felt a bit moved. It was not until many years later that I understood Li Yong's feelings. Any man of stature, upon learning that a woman has silently cared for him for several years, would be touched. However, this touch is merely a fleeting sentiment, akin to the silver dollar given to a small beggar back in the day. Once given, it is given; the emotion is only in that moment.

I finally understand that Li Yong is redeeming me merely to secure a grand marriage. He has repeatedly evaded the subtle hints from the Dugu family, all to place me where he desires. A silver dollar has thus been wasted in vain by him. If it were another man, no matter how high his position or how handsome and charming he may be, I would never willingly disrobe.

With delicate fingers lightly plucking, the guqin resonates melodiously. Behind the fine curtain made of jadeite beads, countless young and beautiful maidens sing and play melodies that are purer than the morning birds' chirping and more beautiful than the twilight of the apocalypse. All of this is related to me. I am one of them, and since five years ago, perhaps it will end today, tomorrow, or sometime after tomorrow.

I closed my eyes and replied in a soft and timid voice: "General, I have long admired your esteemed reputation."

The setting sun softly said: "From now on, you must clearly tell this king where you like, and I will take you there."

I know the general has long forgotten, but Shu Li will never forget

I pondered for a moment and replied: "The string is broken, the hand is startled!"

I took his pipa, withdrew his hand, and smiled, saying: "Your Highness, there is no need, Shu Li is afraid of losing your face"

That man, like everyone else, is elegantly dressed and charming in demeanor. That man, like most of those present, has established a family and holds power. That man is not much different from others; he visits the City of Enchantment from time to time, spending lavishly for a smile. He truly is no different from the men present; if there is any distinction, it lies solely in the differing gaze of the observer, and that observer is me

As the music reached its climax, and the men revealed their primal desires, I paused my playing of the pipa. The pipa is an instrument that is extremely difficult to master; I practiced for a full five years before I was qualified to enter the music class and participate in the night banquet from behind the curtain. With my fingers poised, I plucked and strummed, time seemed to freeze on that final string, brilliance flashed, and the string broke

Li Yong did not respond, and I felt as if my heart was suspended in mid-air. Everything was within my expectations, so why do I feel not a trace of joy?

After five years of stored tears, I finally had the opportunity to pour them out. Breaking free from the burly and fierce henchman, I rushed in front of General Li, crying out, "General Li, save me!"

Li Yong laughed heartily and raised my chin, "Why do you only call me by my title?"

It is precisely this that makes me feel that I must live, to survive... rather than merely for revenge

Li Yong had not yet spoken, and Xiang Lan could no longer contain herself. She pointed at me and scolded, "You blind, seductive vixen, deliberately dropping the pipa to entice General Li. What are your intentions?"

The gaze of Xi Ri Chang flickered, and he grasped my hand once more, "Do not worry, everything is under my control"

What I dislike is not limited to Kyoto