Chapter 6, The Dream of the Red Dust and the Butterfly of Nie Zheng

In a daze, it is merely a splendid scene, a fleeting dream

I gave him a big roll of the eyes and cursed, "You shameless old man!"

But the evening butterfly's left hand let the sharp dagger fall to the ground, already its garments fluttering, like a large gray butterfly, soaring into the air. The wine that was originally intended for Yu Wen Zhao's lips has splashed onto his face, and another sharp dagger swiftly shot out from the sleeve, aiming for his eyes

Yu Wenxie’s gaze was as contemptuous as ever, as he fixed his eyes on the low neckline of Wan Die, and said with a smile: "Who composed this piece? What is its name? It is quite interesting. Although Princess Qi Qing claims that those who seek the world are cowards, the one who composed this piece might be considered a master among cowards. If I have the chance, I would like to get to know such a distinguished person!"

Whenever I gaze into his eyes, my heart is always filled with an indescribable surge of emotions. The longer I look, the more I find myself plunging through the mist and into the depths of that autumn pool.

How is the world? How is the court?

His sword gleamed brightly, still held in his hand, reflecting a blinding light under the sun, casting its glow on his tense face, making even his eyes appear brighter than ever before. Yet, I felt much more at ease in my heart, bowing my head to breathe in the scent from his chest

Seeing that my pink garment was already smeared with considerable blood, the strong smell of blood assaulted my senses, causing my scalp to tingle and prompting me to scream. Observing the beaded curtain swaying continuously from the force of the struggle in the hall, I could only wonder what severed limbs might come flying in next. I thought to grab Yan Yuanfeng's sleeve and hurriedly rush outside, but I found my limbs to be weak and unresponsive, making it nearly impossible to move.

She was captivatingly beautiful, shy to the point of being overwhelmed, and at that moment, her eyes were filled with pleading emotions, sparkling with a delicate charm, like the mist lingering in the mountains. Yu Wen Zhao found himself momentarily lost in thought, merely smiling without speaking

Flowers bloom and flourish, merely showcasing their beauty; one day, swept away by the wind, the beauty fades, and youth withers, falling into dust, leaving behind memories that cannot be grasped

Well, let's go and have a look. I said as I stepped forward.

Although she died with her eyes open, she can finally depart with a bit more peace of mind

I shook her off and ran away, saying: "I want to find Du Guipin!"

The swallows chirp and the orioles sing at dusk

But in the next moment, Yu Wen Zhao struck out with both fists, one fist knocking away the left hand of Wan Die that held the dagger, while the other fist aimed at Wan Die's chest, the punch like a giant hammer, both swift and fierce

In the next moment, the hall was completely in disarray, and the musician suddenly drew a soft sword from his waist, its brilliance like a flash of lightning, and thrust it towards the vital points of Yu Wenzhao.

The dreams of youth fade into the past, filled with resentment towards the fleeting nature of youth. Is today different from yesterday, or is yesterday merely a reflection of today?

"Princess, we must hurry," Yan Yuanfeng said, already holding his sword, urging Aunt Xi and the palace maids to take me out through the back gate.

However, it is also fine if he does not return for a while; if he dies, I might just become the second Huangfu Xueqing.

Yuwen Zhao did not refuse, but rather smiled ambiguously and said, "This person indeed possesses remarkable skills; he injured many of my subordinates last time."

Thus, the matter of Yan Yuanfeng returning to the palace was settled in this manner

I halted in my tracks, having seen Du Guipin slowly being brought out, a steel knife glaringly placed across her snow-white neck

Yuwen Zhao shook his head and said, "What is there to be afraid of? Our Princess Feng has been like a little beast since she was young, with sharp claws."

"Clap, clap, clap!" Someone was applauding, and it turned out to be the usually cold-faced Yu Wenhong. He peered at me from behind the beaded curtain and exclaimed, "Princess Qiqing resides in the inner palace, indifferent to worldly affairs, yet possesses such elegance and talent. It is evident that the princess is both talented and beautiful, truly extraordinary."

As the music concludes, the splendor dissipates, and the fleeting clouds drift along. The atmosphere is filled with an unspoken silence, leaving the entire assembly at a loss for words, as quiet as crows and sparrows.

A hundred years of time, a dream of a butterfly, looking back at the past with regret. Today spring arrives, tomorrow the flowers will wither. In haste, the cup is punished as the night lamp goes out.

The faint scent of sweat, along with the masculine aroma that has been familiar to me since childhood, serves as the best remedy to calm me down

In the coffin within the palace, there were naturally only a few garments, a few new clothes that Xueqing had never seen before. Almost all of her old belongings in the palace had been burned to ashes by her mother.

Suddenly I thought, if he continues to hold me like this, even if ahead lies a forest of swords and spears, it would not matter at all

I am not a child; I have already grown up. As I spoke, I thought about my current ease in front of Yu Wenzhao, feeling a bit proud. Unfortunately, that Yu Wenqing has not returned; otherwise, I could see how ill he really is. If there were a chance to administer a strong dose to eliminate him, I would have no more worries.

At that moment, Yan Yuanfeng suddenly reached out his hand, lightly and swiftly resting it on my shoulder, the latent power contained within his fingers was something even I could easily perceive

I was lost in thought, swaying along with the vehicle, my eyelids growing heavier and heavier, and finally, after a yawn, I fell asleep

Is that the natural vigilance of a warrior towards danger

The evening butterfly gently lowered its head and replied: "This piece is titled 'Dreaming of Butterflies'. It is said to have originated from a brothel near Mount Huayang, composed by a recluse from the mountain, and not by someone from the world of dust and wind. Therefore, we are destined to have no acquaintance with this person."

I let out a sigh of relief and gradually calmed down. Suddenly, I noticed shadows of people coming and going all around, and I could no longer pay attention to them. A thought crossed my mind, and I turned to say: "Uncle Yan, do you know where Yu Wenhong lives?"

Yuwen Zhao laughed heartily, showing no concern, and simply reached out to pinch my face.

My eyes feel sour, and I unconsciously slow my pace

The red sun before me tilts westward, swift as a downhill cart. Not vying to add white snow in the mirror, I part ways with my shoes upon the bed. Do not mock the dove's clumsy nesting plan, as it carries a gourd, pretending to be foolish. The clumsy nesting plan of the dove refers to the legend that the turtle dove is not skilled at building nests and lays its eggs in the magpie's nest.

Yan Yuanfeng turned his face, the corners of his mouth forming a gentle curve, yet his words remained characteristically low and somber: "The princess is joking. My duty is to ensure your safety."

The beaded curtain swayed, and from time to time, individuals engaged in combat would be sent flying, crashing down before the steps; blood splattered from an unknown source, shooting onto the beaded curtain. The pure white curtain was instantly adorned with large patches of red light, burning like flames in front. Amidst the red glow, shadows of people could be seen, leaping and soaring, their sharp edges scattering like meteors, rendering the chaotic scene in the hall utterly unrecognizable.

In broad daylight, there were as many as four or five places simultaneously emitting green smoke, rising straight up, with faint glimpses of flames flickering, and shadows of people bustling about, accompanied by a cacophony of shouts. Moreover, the guards were continuously rushing towards the front hall and then retreating, indicating that the fighting had become quite fierce, making it impossible to intervene.

Yan Yuanfeng did not respond, and Aunt Xi said breathlessly: "Where is this coming from? Huangyang is too ordinary, and it is rarely seen in the palace. Moreover, this is not Huangyang; it is Populus euphratica, a tree species brought from the Western Regions."

Break the cage and fly like a goldfinch

Butterfly, butterfly

"Uncle Yan, why won't you smile? Don't you know that you look much better when you smile than when you have a sullen face?" On that day, I was riding in a carriage to the Yu Wen residence, with Aunt Xi sitting beside me, while Yan Yuanfeng sat far away at the carriage door. The more I looked, the more my heart ached with discomfort, and I couldn't help but ask.

I had heard the attendants in the palace speak of the matters of the pleasure quarters, where the courtesans are usually adorned in vibrant attire. However, this woman was dressed in a remarkably simple manner, with only a long silver hairpin shaped like a pair of butterflies to gather her flowing black hair, lacking any other embellishments. Her long gown, made of silver-gray brocade with dark purple peony patterns, was also quite unremarkable. Yet, her skin was as white as jade, and her demeanor was tranquil, resembling a branch of cold-resistant plum blossoms blooming in a corner, seeking neither fame nor recognition, yet exuding a subtle fragrance.

At this moment, the evening butterfly maiden stood up gracefully, bowed, and said: "Lord Yuwen, Princess, since this tune is not pleasing, may I sing another song, please."

"In broad daylight, who asked you to protect my safety?" I felt somewhat disheartened, murmuring as I lay across Aunt Xi's lap.

mangrove, mangrove

Wasn't it Du Guipin speaking just now

Even in dreams, I cannot help but shiver

I sat behind the beaded curtain, nibbling on sunflower seeds, watching her graceful figure swaying gently to the music, her voice soft and melodious, indeed pleasant to hear. A musician nearby accompanied her with the sound of the flute, which diluted the opulence of the music considerably, making it even more delightful.

Indeed, it is the captivating geisha who can play even the most vulgar tunes with such refreshing clarity. Among those present are several esteemed officials and the Yu Wen brothers, invited by Yu Wen Zhao to enjoy the evening. They are momentarily entranced, merely nodding in approval, which indicates that Miss Die possesses quite a remarkable talent this evening

The glint of swords and the shadows of blades have vanished, along with the blood rain and the stench of violence. Facing the clear blue sky and the smoke drifting towards it, my mood has greatly improved, even to the point of feeling a sense of glee at the misfortune of others, nearly overwhelming the terror of escaping from hell. I can hardly suppress the smile at the corners of my mouth, casually taking a handkerchief to wipe the blood from my clothes, and I said: "Changing out of these clothes no longer makes it seem like I was helping to chase the bad guys"

The implication of the mother's words is self-evident

The Chang family naturally resides at the upper end, but the residence of the Yuwen family is quite grand, and it is uncertain exactly where it is located. Yan Yuanfeng found it somewhat strange that I would ask about this at this time, but he still answered as such

Exerting every effort and employing countless schemes, it is akin to a person who, having fallen into the water, finally climbs onto a small boat, believing themselves to be safe. Yet, when they look around, they find themselves in a vast and boundless expanse, unaware of when the winds will rage and the waves will surge, only to be capsized and plunged to the depths of the sea, never to return.

Yuwen Zhao fell silent, thought for a moment, and then turned to the attendant beside him and asked, "Wasn't it said that a tamer was to be invited to bring a tiger for a performance?"

The owner of the sword is a man in his twenties, dressed in dark-colored tight-fitting attire, with a prominent nose and sunken eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing

Yuwen Zhao held the wine cup in his hand, gazing at the clear color of the wine rippling in the pure-colored glass cup, and said calmly: "Fortunately, not many officials in the court have heard the young lady's tune; otherwise, I, as the regent, would have to go from mountain to temple seeking those wise men to come down and assist me."

I unconsciously set down the bamboo skewer, savoring the plum, and listened intently as she sang:

After the cicadas cease their song, I find peace in a brief slumber; at the crowing of the rooster, all matters remain unceasing. In what year will it be complete? I observe the densely packed ants arranging their ranks, the bees busily making honey, and the flies hastily vying for blood. In Pei Gong's Green Field Hall, and Tao Yuanming's White Lotus Society. When autumn arrives, what do we have: dew to pick the yellow flowers, frost to cook the purple crabs, and wine to boil the red leaves. Reflecting on the limited cups of life, how many Double Ninth Festivals can one truly celebrate? A child asks me, the reporter: I have come to explore the North Sea, and I am already intoxicated by the eastern fence.

Yuwen Zhao stretched his neck to drink, his posture resembling that of offering his own neck to the edge of a blade

Soaring to the golden branches and jade leaves

Aunt Xi gently stroked my head and smiled at Yan Yuanfeng, saying: "Guardian Yan, look, although the princess has grown quite a bit taller, she is still just a child after all"

Cast into the fox's den and the rabbit's burrow, how many heroes are there? Though the tripod is sturdy, it breaks in the middle, is it Wei? Or is it Jin?

In the blink of an eye, I noticed several thick and stout boxwoods. I turned my head and said, "Uncle Yan, isn't it said that boxwoods grow the most in grave mounds? Why are there so many here as well?"

The red blossoms of the pleached peach tree

Yet I am unwilling to accept this, longing to lift the beaded curtain and see whether Yu Wen and his son have been killed by that evening's butterfly and the musician. Even if they have not been killed, it would greatly please me to see them pierced by a few swords. However, I am quite fearful of the blood on the curtain, and ultimately do not dare to lift it. I can only stand rigidly in front of the table, my eyes wide open, gazing at the indistinct shadows beyond the curtain.

Could it be that you find it difficult to meet old friends? But aren't we all the same?

Heaven teaches you to be wealthy, do not be too extravagant. In good times and beautiful nights, the rich man's son is even more like iron in heart, striving not to disappoint the splendid hall of wind and moon

Although the Yuwen residence is large, the layout is quite easy to recognize. Each house features grand entrances and is imposing and magnificent, yet lacks intricate craftsmanship. I passed through the round moon arch and headed straight towards the backyard, walking towards the upper end. At this moment, most of the women and servants were hiding away, while the attendants were concentrated in the front hall and a few areas affected by the fire. Along the way, I encountered very few people, which suited my intentions.

This time there is only one courtesan, named Wan Die, who is said to be the first renowned courtesan in the capital.

As the twelfth month approached, I found myself much freer. Everyone knew that I was not only the most beloved daughter of the Empress Dowager but also the future daughter-in-law of the regent, Yu Wenzhao, cherished more than treasures. When my father was alive, I was rarely allowed to go out unless it was for matters concerning very close royal relatives. However, Yu Wenzhao, being of military background, clearly took a more lenient view of these rules. Especially whenever I expressed my desire to visit the Yu residence, he would readily agree, preparing renowned dishes and delicacies for me, and inviting various performers of operas, acrobats with no tails, and martial artists to entertain me.

The name of the benefactor is exhausted, and disputes are not absolute. The mundane world does not trouble the doorstep, while the green trees are particularly suited to shade the corners of the house. The green mountains are just right to mend the gaps in the wall; how can one endure the bamboo fence and thatched cottage

Suddenly feeling a slight chill on my cheeks, I hurriedly brushed it away, only to find my face stained with tears. I quickly wiped them away in secret, spat out the plum pit I had been holding in my mouth, took a sip of tea to clear my throat, and then smiled, saying: "This song has some meaning, but the gathering of chrysanthemums and the cooking of crabs, the drunkenness at the eastern fence, feels far removed from us. I wonder which esteemed gentlemen present would be willing to withdraw from the world, return to the gardens, and become like Pei Gong or Tao Ling, spending a few leisurely days during the Double Ninth Festival? In the realm of right and wrong, in the marketplace of fame and fortune, where can one truly hide from it? We, the people of the red dust, cannot escape the affairs of the red dust. I wonder which esteemed gentlemen present would be willing to withdraw from the world, return to the gardens, and become like Pei Gong or Tao Ling, spending a few leisurely days during the Double Ninth Festival? In the realm of right and wrong, in the marketplace of fame and fortune, where can one truly hide from it? We, the people of the red dust, cannot escape the affairs of the red dust. Since we cannot be carefree, we might as well enjoy ourselves when we can; to drink today and be merry today is certainly better than raising a cup only to feel sorrow. Shall we sing and then choke back our emotions?"

I cannot discern any difference between the boxwood and the poplar, but as my gaze shifted, I caught sight of Du Guipin

What is honor? What is disgrace?

The evening butterfly smiled gracefully, turning to signal the musician beside her. The musician immediately set down his flute and whispered something to a nearby maid, preparing to fetch the wine utensils, and followed the evening butterfly towards Yu Wen Zhao

Xueqing has finally been sent out of the palace

Yuwen Zhao uttered a sound, saying: "Does the princess not like to listen?"

Yuwen Hong and Yuwen Xie drew their swords and stood up to protect each other, while the other civil officials retreated repeatedly. The military officials each held their weapons, some assisting, some rushing through the ranks, creating a scene of utter chaos.

Yuwen Zhao chuckled and said, "Who told you that both of you mother and daughter look like a pair of beautiful sisters?"

At this moment, she sat gracefully on the embroidered stool, holding the pipa, and was gently playing and singing

I do not take it to heart: "Who told you to act like a fierce and menacing figure, only wanting to bully us, mother and daughter!"

In a daze, I seemed to hear a man softly sigh: "Both of them, mother and daughter, are walking on the edge of a knife."

As she approached, Wan Die personally poured a cup, lifting it from the red lacquer tray, and gracefully bowed to Yu Wen Zhao, saying: "Wan Die is ignorant and has dared to sing forbidden songs; I beg the prince for forgiveness."

Everyone praised in unison, and Yu Wen Zhao smiled as he sipped his wine, feeling quite pleased with himself

Hero and tyrant, a single character apart, the distinction between praise and blame becomes evident

Yan Yuanfeng frowned and said, "Princess, do not look, for swords have no eyes"

A cold, glimmering light suddenly flew out from the evening butterfly sleeves, resembling a swimming dragon, accompanied by a sharp, vibrating sound, swiftly darting towards Yu Wen Zhao's neck

The attendant whispered: "Originally, it was intended to invite them, but after a discussion among several stewards, it was decided that the beast's temperament is unpredictable, and one cannot ascertain when it might become aggressive. Even the beast tamer cannot control it, and if the princess, of noble birth, were to be frightened, it would not be good."

A few days later, the news of her death arrived

Yuwen Xie nodded, his lewd intentions unabated, and said: "Although the melody is beautiful, without the exquisite singing voice of Miss Wan Die to interpret it, it would certainly lack such a captivating power"

The Yuwen residence is in unprecedented disarray

She was standing in a corner lush with flowers and trees, half of her body concealed behind the thick trunk of a poplar tree, with a corner of her pale yellow skirt fluttering outside. If it weren't for her familiar and crisp voice, one might not have noticed her at first.

Someone is calling out: "There are insiders among the assassins, be careful! Be careful!"

In dreams, there are still people clearing their throats and singing aloud

I hope that one day when we can achieve freedom and the snow's affection is revealed once again, we will only need to directly replace Princess Fengyi's tombstone with that of Consort Shu.

Yan Yuanfeng was first taken aback, then felt helpless, following behind me without attempting to stop me

Xueqing will certainly not perish, as Mother has instructed Yan Yuanfeng to make proper arrangements outside, ensuring that someone will take care of Xueqing's needs without worry for food and clothing

Aunt Xi said: "Princess, why are you in such a hurry to go there? First, change your clothes."

Before it could be swallowed, an unexpected change occurred

He is already on the edge of the knife

Having become one of the court officials, witnessing the regent's disgraceful demeanor, I am at a loss whether to feel fortunate or indignant. I merely picked up a cashew and put it in my mouth, crunching it with a snap.

Seeing that Yu Wen Zhao had a pleased expression on his face, and while he was peering through the beaded curtain to observe my demeanor, I lazily spat out a few sunflower seed shells and said: "Uncle Yu Wen, such a delicate and charming song is not meant for me, is it?"

As the guards outside heard the commotion and were rushing into the hall, suddenly someone shouted: "The water is overflowing! The water is overflowing!"

Yuwen Zhao laughed heartily and indeed opened his lips to drink from the cup held by the late butterfly.

His injuries have long since healed, yet his appearance has become much more gaunt, and he is even quieter and more reserved than before. The once faint traces of sorrow are now deeply etched, and his eyes resemble a misty autumn pond.

I nodded in acknowledgment and smiled, saying: "My mother once told me that in times of peace and prosperity, those who withdraw from the world are hermits, while those who engage with it are heroes. However, in times of chaos, those who withdraw become cowards, while those who engage are the true heroes."

My mouth, filled with cashews, suddenly went dry. I widened my eyes, gasped, and couldn't help but stand up, fixating on the scene before me

I chuckled and said, "Alright, if you can make this princess's heart flutter, I will immediately remove your disguise, prepare a generous dowry for you, and find a good husband for you to marry!"

What about Junyu

I tapped the table with a bamboo stick, searching for my favorite snacks and fruits, and said: "If I were a man, I would definitely like her. Who knows, I might even take a liking to her and bring her into the palace as a concubine. What a pity..."

The evening butterfly performed a deep bow, and her voice suddenly became clear and melodious, imbued with a kind of sorrowful detachment. It appeared to be magnanimous, yet it concealed an unending melancholy that could not be hidden, entirely different from the delicate beauty displayed earlier.

The sun sets in the west, the tower is about to collapse, intoxicated by paper and gold, the painted hall is filled with music, where misfortune and fortune lean against each other. Having read through the splendor of the hall and the beauty of the moon, there is nowhere to rest my feelings

Because I frequently left the palace, my mother was worried. I took the opportunity to speak with Yu Wen Zhao and had Yan Yuan Feng assigned as my personal guard during my outings from the palace

Unfortunately, it was only for a moment. When we arrived in the garden, Yan Yuanfeng set me down and cautiously looked around.

In front of you, I dance in the spring breeze

Therefore, everything is dead without witnesses

But after I called out, I clearly saw her body tremble slightly, yet I did not see her come out.

In the Qin palace and Han gates, all that remains are withered grass and wild sheep. There is nothing to say about fishermen and woodcutters. Even the desolate graves and broken steles are indistinguishable between dragons and snakes

After being kept in the palace for more than three months, Consort Yang finally had the opportunity to be laid to rest, buried without any name or title in her daughter's tomb

Aunt Xi was startled and hurried to grab my hand, exclaiming, "Princess, what do you want to do this time?"

Yes, I want to find Du Guipin, who is not much older than me, and has always been cherished by the Emperor. I just want to see if she is doing well.

"Step back!" the man said coldly, pushing the steel knife forward by another inch.

As the words were not yet finished, suddenly an object flew in. Yan Yuanfeng pulled me back just in time, as it brushed past my clothing. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a hand, drenched in blood, still twitching as it slowly extended its five fingers.

The bodies of those who died from the plague must naturally be cremated and buried on the spot, and must never be sent to the palace

In fact, although these words were spoken by my mother, I altered one character. My mother said, "In a chaotic world, a capable person is a coward when they remain outside of it, but a hero when they enter it"

Sister Du! I called out. She has been getting along well with me in private, and now that we are out of the palace, it is no longer appropriate to address her as the noble consort, so I simply called her sister.

As the evening butterfly bent down, she offered the wine cup to Yu Wen Zhao's lips, her voice as melodious as a yellow oriole: "If Your Highness could show understanding, please drink this cup to the fullest, then the evening butterfly would dare to rest without worry tonight"

Yan Yuanfeng could no longer hesitate; he swiftly picked me up and pulled Aunt Xi along, rushing out of the hall through the side door

Ah? Du Guipin seemed to feel the pain, her floral complexion pale, she gasped in shock, a stark contrast to the fluent and rapid speech of the woman just moments ago

Suddenly, my heart became desolate

I inserted a bamboo skewer into a sweet fermented plum and brought it to my mouth. It was sour and sweet, with a hint of intoxicating wine flavor

The new emperor has issued an edict, posthumously conferring the title of Princess Fengyi upon the late Imperial Sister Xueqing, and her remains shall be interred beside the tomb of the late emperor

Yuwen Zhao naturally had preparations in place, knowing that I was going to go