Chapter 1, The Dream Begins
Within the city, in a tranquil courtyard of blue bricks, with light rain falling and flowers scattered, a young man in a blue robe stands beneath the wisteria trellis, gazing sorrowfully at the empty swing, his head bowed in self-reproach. "Young Master Sun, the Young Mistress is asking for you to come inside"
"Like a sick tiger, its nature must be bloodthirsty." Sun Jing's heart tightened; it turned out to be his father's friend, the monk Yao Guangxiao. In his youth, Sun Jing had accompanied his father on a short stay at the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, discussing scriptures and philosophy with several of his father's close friends. He remembered that they happened to encounter the most renowned physiognomist, Yuan Gong.
Yao Guangxiao, a prominent politician and Buddhist scholar of the Ming Dynasty, was a key planner of the Jingnan Campaign and a strategist for the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di. He was famously known as the Black Robed Chancellor and participated in the compilation of the "Yongle Encyclopedia" as well as overseeing the revision of the "Veritable Records of the Ming Taizu"
Once the words were spoken, Yao Guangxiao fell silent.
Sun Jingzhi was still lost in thought, while Yao Guangxiao silently waved to him. Sun Jingzhi found himself unconsciously following Yao Guangxiao, walking deeper into the woods.
Yao Guangxiao sat upright, eyes closed and silent, resembling an old monk in meditation. However, beneath his robe sleeves, he was calculating with his fingers. Suddenly, his brow relaxed, and he slightly raised his eyes to say: "Very well, this time I shall not take her away."
If it were an ordinary outsider, a monk, or a Daoist, they would surely feel some displeasure upon hearing these words. However, Yao Guangxiao, instead of being angry, was delighted and deeply bowed to Yuan Gong, saying: "Thank you for your auspicious words"
In a tranquil Zen room, two individuals sit cross-legged facing each other, with a plate of unfinished chess pieces placed between them
The little girl named Ziyan quietly raised her head; before she could speak, the tears welling up in her eyes had already revealed everything. The young man in the green robe sighed and finally walked into the room
Sun Jingzhi, who served as the chief clerk in Yongcheng, took a leave of absence. Early in the morning, he set out with offerings of fruit and incense to fulfill his vow at the Jade Emperor Temple. Sun Jingzhi felt a mix of sincere gratitude towards the deities, accounting for seventy percent of his emotions, and thirty percent fear regarding his own precarious fate. Upon entering the mountain gate, he observed devoted believers, each taking a step to bow in utmost respect and reverence.
In a crowd, Yuan Gong immediately spotted Yao Guangxiao, and was greatly astonished: "Now that the world is at peace, how can there still be a monk with such an unusual appearance? Just look at those triangular eyes, extraordinarily strange, and a face resembling that of a sick old tiger, yet emanating a chilling aura of killing intent. He must be a master of political strategy, destined to achieve great accomplishments for generations to come"
The sixth year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty
Dong Susu is a woman of many talents, excelling in chess, poetry, calligraphy, painting, archery, singing, dancing, playing the guqin, playing the xiao, and embroidery, all of which she masters with exceptional skill. Moreover, she learned medicine from her father, earning her the title of a "ten-skilled" talented woman. Her intelligence and charm were unparalleled at the time, and she became connected with Prince Yan, Zhu Di, during the Jingnan Campaign. Originally, she was a favored noblewoman destined to be the emperor's consort, but she did not enjoy the life of luxury in the jeweled palaces. Thus, she chose to retreat to the countryside, using poetry as a medium to select her own husband.
Yuan Gong, a renowned master of physiognomy in the Tang Dynasty
That scene was deeply etched in Sun Jing's heart. Was it not said that monks should not be attached to the mundane world and should not yearn for fame and fortune? Then why was this Yao Guangxiao so overjoyed upon hearing Yuan Gong's words? From that moment on, the usually indifferent father clearly distanced himself from this friend. Later, it was heard that he had sought refuge with the Prince of Yan, eventually becoming a strategist for the Prince of Yan during the Jingnan campaign, helping him ascend to the throne. Everything unfolded just as Yuan Gong had anticipated. As a mere cloth-clad monk, he truly managed to turn the world upside down during a time of peace and established remarkable achievements. From that moment on, the usually indifferent father clearly distanced himself from this friend. Later, it was heard that he had sought refuge with the Prince of Yan, eventually becoming a strategist for the Prince of Yan during the Jingnan campaign, helping him ascend to the throne. Everything unfolded just as Yuan Gong had anticipated. As a mere cloth-clad monk, he truly managed to turn the world upside down during a time of peace and established remarkable achievements.
Zouping, located in the Binzhou Prefecture of Shandong, is a small county town. Here, there is a mountain named Huangshan, which is distinct from the famous Huangshan in Anhui known for its sea of clouds. This Huangshan is named after the loess soil. Situated in the southern suburbs of Zouping, the mountain city presents a unique charm, with the mountain's shape resembling a crouching tiger, also referred to as Tiger Head Cliff.
A young maid with double coiled hair, dressed in a coarse purple floral dress, stood not far away, softly calling out. The young man in blue raised his eyes to look and asked, "Ziyan, has my sister woken up yet?"
"Mother, has my younger sister not woken up yet?" The young boy's face showed concern, filled with anxiety
Every year on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, the Huangshan Yulan Festival not only attracts scholars and poets who gather to compose poetry and prose, but also merchants from the north and south who come to trade goods, particularly numerous medicine merchants from various regions, forming the renowned Huangshan Medicine Fair, which has become a grand annual event in Zouping
Sun Jizong, the elder brother of Empress Xiaogong Zhang of the Ming Xuan Zong, participated in the Incident of the Door in the first year of the Tian Shun era to assist Emperor Yingzong in regaining the throne, and was granted the title of Marquis.
And standing silently in a corner of the bed, shedding tears, was her mother, the young mistress of the Sun family, the wife of Sun Jingzhi, Dong Susu
Note
After their marriage, Dong Susu and Sun Jingzhi lived in harmony, raising a son and a daughter. Their eldest son was named Jizong, and their second daughter was named Ruowei. Ruowei was intelligent and beautiful, and she was the most favored. The name Ruowei, which means as light as floating dust, was derived from the lines "When a thought of dust arises, it is like the morning dew on the body; when one reaches the end of the water, one sits and watches the clouds rise." This choice was influenced by the couple's long-standing admiration for Wang Wei's poetry and their appreciation for its tranquil lifestyle. Thus, they named their daughter Ruowei, hoping she would lead a peaceful and serene life. However, life often diverges from one's wishes, and that year, Ruowei's life, along with the tranquility of the Sun family, faced a turning point.
Sun Jingzhi hesitated slightly in his heart, glancing around. There were all kinds of people coming and going here; what would he say if he encountered someone familiar? However, thinking of his daughter, his heart tightened. Like others, he sincerely knelt in worship, taking one step and bowing with each step, until he reached the Great Hero Hall
Little brother! This soft call, though not loud, possesses great penetrating power, causing Sun Jingzhi to stop in his tracks, turn around, and gaze intently, leaving him utterly stunned.
Sun Jingzhi, originally named Sun Yu, styled Zhujing, later received the name Sun Zhong bestowed by Emperor Xuan. He was the father of Empress Xiaogong of the Ming Dynasty and a member of the imperial clan.
Su Su shook her head, her expression filled with concern
Sun Jingzhi felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety and unease. That year, in his youthful arrogance, he had actually played chess against Yao Guangxiao, but their game was interrupted by the sudden visit of Yuan Gong, and thus the match remained unfinished. Now, after more than twenty years, he found himself compelled to complete the game from that day, with the wager being his own daughter.
With sincere reverence, he knelt in worship, offering incense with utmost devotion, contributing money for lamp oil, and then silently making a wish. The respect and determination on his face were moving. As he exited the main hall, he saw a crowd gathered around a young master drawing lots, and he paused, lingering at the back of the crowd, his expression revealing a mix of anxiety and trepidation
After Sun Jingzhi stood up, he respectfully bowed to Yao Guangxiao before taking his leave
Sun Jingzhi was in a state of unease and could only say: "Uncle has always had a good relationship with my father and should understand my father's character. The Sun family has lived in the land of Confucius and Mencius for generations, and we have always been indifferent to worldly affairs. I truly do not enjoy the ups and downs of the officialdom. Even my position as the registrar of Yongcheng was only reluctantly accepted due to the earnest invitation of a classmate. Now, during the mourning period for my father, I have been able to take leave and return home. As for my daughter..." At this point, Sun Jingzhi's face darkened, and he shed a few urgent tears: "I have only this one daughter, and it is inevitable that she has been spoiled. Her manners and virtues are not outstanding; how could she be worthy of the dragon's descendants? Moreover, my daughter is extremely unruly. A few days ago, she fell into the water while boating and has been in a coma since being rescued. Now, her life is in danger, and what else can I consider?"
However, since you have achieved great merit, why are you not in the capital at this time, but instead appear in this place
The Sun family, a scholarly lineage, though holding a lowly official position and having a modest population, is regarded as a respected household in the small town of Zou Ping due to their benevolence and unblemished family background
Within the light gauze curtains, one can faintly see the small figure of her quietly lying on the bed. Although her tightly closed eyes can no longer behold the usual beauty and charm, her delicate skin, relaxed demeanor, and ethereal presence convey an indescribable grace and an enchanting allure.
Huangshan has long been home to many temples. On the western ridge lies the Temple of the Green Reed Goddess, while the eastern ridge features the Jade Emperor Temple. Additionally, there are temples dedicated to General Liu, the God of Locust Capture, and Doctor Shi, all adorned in splendid gold and colors. Within these temples, monks and priests preside, with fragrant smoke swirling throughout the day, and the sound of bells ringing melodiously. Devotees come and go in a continuous stream to offer incense and fulfill their vows
In a state of panic, I lost utterly.
"Sun Yu." Yao Guangxiao fixed his gaze on Sun Jingzhi and suddenly called out his name with gravity: "Do you admit defeat?"
Sun Jingzhi just showed a hint of joy when Yao Guangxiao continued, "However, although this woman has surrendered to the Sun family, she is ultimately destined for the Phoenix Nest Palace. You may return now; within half a day, she will awaken on her own. As for this woman, there is no need for you to be harsh or to impose strict discipline; simply let her be. When the time comes for her to leave, do not obstruct her. All of this is fate!"
The man, clad in a black robe, stood silently in the shadows cast by the temple, observing the chaotic surroundings as if he were transcending all beings and the mundane world. At that moment, a pair of gloomy triangular eyes, set in a weathered and yellowed face, were fixed directly upon him, unmoving, with a semblance of a smile that was neither here nor there