Chapter 10, Transformation

The two people at the table turned to look at her, and she smiled as she said: "I once watched 'The Transformation of the Magnolia' in the pear garden with my mother, and I remember it vaguely. I cannot perform Liu Qingti, but playing a ghost messenger is not difficult for me."

With a noncommittal attitude, he brought his robe into the elegant hall. Lan Sheng lowered his head and asked Bu Nuan: "What were you just talking about? I kept you waiting for a long time, finally managed to send those two drunkards away. I saw you standing in the corridor for quite a while, worried that you might lose patience and leave!"

Bu Nuan smiled softly and said, "Let's wait a while, we will discuss it when the general arrives."

He leaned against the small table adorned with gold leaf, and with a generous demeanor, nodded and said: "Good filial piety, I would also like to listen to the family members sing the transformed verses."

With a slight smile at the corners of her lips, this girl is quite eloquent; clearly, she is fearful, yet insists it is reverence. He does not dwell on this matter, believing that as time goes by and familiarity grows, things will naturally improve

Rong Yu and Lan Sheng turned towards here, one embodying an unattainable restraint, while the other exuded a sense of casual ease. As they walked and chatted, their conversation remained unknown, yet their gazes fell upon Bu Nuan, smiling gently and serenely.

Miss Wan covered her mouth and chuckled: "Haven't you seen that the Tai Ping Temple has been built in the Daming Palace? The princess has become a nun, yet her practice still takes place within the palace. Truly, she treats those princes and envoys as fools!"

Everything is fine, but it is just a bit too harsh. She rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought. Although he spoke softly, she could not explain why, but she was afraid of him. This feeling was unprecedented. In fact, before her engagement to the Ninth Young Master of the Xia family, she used to be quite headstrong. Now, with the hero having taken a narrow path, his arrogance had diminished, and he had suddenly lowered himself to the ground.

With a graceful bow, she softly spoke, casting a fleeting glance at the two men sharing a drink, her lips blossoming into a captivating smile. Elegantly kneeling before the qin, her jade-like fingers plucked the strings, producing a melodious and enchanting low song

Will the two saints marry the princess off to the wild lands? Whether it is Tubo or Huigu, it is a thousand miles away, far from Chang'an, with a long and arduous journey. Empress Wu has only one daughter; can she bear to marry her far away beyond the frontier?

Bu Nuan stood at the door, feeling utterly bored, when the songstress approached and said: "I am called Wan, madam please take a seat, may I perform a song for you?"

First, eat some fruit and listen to some music, I will find a way to come over as soon as possible He instructed appropriately and then turned to the other side of the railing

The singing style is not much different; the two leading performers in the Xue family troupe have notable backgrounds, supported by the dignitaries of Luoyang City, with their reputations as robust as their thighs. Miss Wan laughed again, saying, "The lady is a relative of the General, truly an honor! The General's reputation is as loud as thunder; I previously assumed he must be quite old, but unexpectedly, he is a young man."

What evening is it tonight? I am sailing in the middle of the river. What day is it today? I am fortunate to be in the same boat as my lord!

A few people eagerly took out their springboards, while those who were indifferent to nature merely rested their chins on their hands and observed from the side

Listening to the elegant prelude in the building at the back, as one moves from one end to the other, there are neatly arranged railing panels on both sides, with wind lanterns hanging high at the four corners of the elegant room, and three low tables arranged in a semicircular formation

The bamboo branch robe and half-moon shoes, combined with the carefree and unrestrained demeanor of a wandering scholar, make Lan Sheng strikingly radiant, shining brilliantly wherever placed

Bu Nuan nodded slightly and said, "I have heard that you are from Youzhou, and the performance of the bianwen in Youzhou is excellent. The Xue family troupe is the most famous."

Please wait here for a moment; I will send those two away and come over. It has been ten years since we last met as uncle and nephew, so we should have a good chat and catch up.

Bu Nuan shyly put on a mask, her graceful figure complemented by the devilish Nuo mask, and said to Rong and Fu Shen: "Uncle, please do not laugh, Nuan'er is just trying to bring you some amusement"

The wooden lotus monk negotiated without success, muttering incantations in a low voice. The little ghost spun around timidly and humbly said: Please wait a moment, this group of ghosts is currently seeking the wooden lotus monk, looking for his mother, Liu Shiqingti.

Bu Nuan Nuo said with a smile: "I often hear my mother mention my uncle, who commands five hundred thousand troops and has a formidable reputation. I am not afraid, but rather in awe."

Bu Nuan smiled in agreement: "That's exactly what I mean!"

Bianwen is a theatrical form characterized by extremely exaggerated movements. The performer shakes his shoulders and spreads his hands, saying: This convenience cannot be done.

Bu Nuan sat at the lower seat of Rong Yu and smiled, saying: "I will just listen, I won't play. Miss Wan, feel free to do as you wish"

She allowed her to enter, and in front of the seat was a piano. There were already people in the pavilion, two young maids with coiled hair and a beautifully dressed lady standing beside them, bowing her head.

Miss Wan said in astonishment: "How strange it is! I have traveled far and wide, and have encountered many generals and officers, yet I have never seen a martial general as handsome as this. Chang'an is truly remarkable; indeed, it is a place of exceptional talent and beauty, and the good looks of the soldiers of the Great Tang have all been bestowed upon those two."

As he approached the warm front, Lan Sheng hurried a couple of steps and noticed Miss Wan standing aside. Perhaps fearing that her presence might be inappropriate, he quickly said: "Today is the day to wash away the dust for Nuan'er. As soon as I entered the Taoran Tavern, I heard that a troupe of performers from Youzhou has arrived, skilled in all forms of music and song, and I specially invited them to liven up the occasion."

She recalled hearing her father mention in Luoyang that since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, the princesses had been favored, most of whom were extravagant and indulgent to the extreme. The princes consort dared not breathe in front of the princesses, lamenting that this profession was a misfortunate affair that took a toll on both body and mind. Therefore, officials of the fifth rank and above, as long as they or their sons had a well-proportioned appearance, would hastily arrange marriages to guard against unforeseen circumstances, which could be considered a remarkable phenomenon of the prosperous Tang era.

Miss Wan observed that Bu Nuan was gentle and somewhat indifferent, following her gaze to look around, she murmured: "After all, it is a princess seeking a husband, the grandeur of this occasion is truly impressive. I have heard that envoys from various countries have blocked Danfengmen Street to the point where not even a drop of water can pass through."

The warm breeze is like woven fabric, and sitting under the sunlight for a long time makes one feel a bit drowsy. This Tingjian Yaxu is indeed a rare good place amidst the wine pools and meat forests; no matter how many diners there are, they cannot disturb the tranquility here. My uncle holds a considerable reputation in Chang'an, holding the rank of a second-grade official and wielding military power; it is likely that even a first-grade official of the current dynasty would have to show some deference.

The warm face felt hot, and the little ghost's eyes were two tiny holes, tightly blocking the view on both sides. She hid behind the mask, finally daring to look freely, and the entire world was reduced to the figure seated at the top of the mat. The spring board in her hand unconsciously came to a stop, and the back-and-forth dialogue that followed became indistinct and hazy.

Miss Wan said: "I only arrived in Chang'an yesterday, and most of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the city do not know me." Pointing at Lan Sheng, she asked, "Who is that young man wearing the folded cap?"

Lan Sheng clapped his hands and smiled: "Alright, let us indulge in our theatrical passion. Miss Wan will sing the Liu piece, and Nuan Er and I will accompany you in the performance, is that acceptable?"

She leaned against the railing, gazing outward. The market was bustling with people coming and going, yet it seemed as if the entire city was under martial law. After standing for a while, she noticed several squads of armored soldiers patrolling back and forth.

The warm fabric draped over the eyes sighed, this woman is quite bold, could it be that she is expressing her affection? Upon further observation of Lan Sheng and Rong Yu, the two remained oblivious, arranging their chopsticks and dipping them in wine on the table as if strategizing for battle. Wan's enthusiasm was akin to a cup of water splashed onto sandy ground, instantly dissipating into nothingness

Lan Sheng, wearing a benevolent-looking headpiece, took a step forward, spread his wide sleeves, and sang: Please do me a favor

The elegantly dressed beauty wore a nearly transparent golden gauze top, exposing large areas of her fair and voluptuous skin on her bare arms and chest. Adorned with a luxurious peony silk flower in her hair and with her brow painted red, her enchanting and charming appearance clearly indicated that she was a songstress

Miss Wan's eyes sparkled as she approached and said, "Aren't you from Chang'an?"

"My lady, look, the general is seeing the guests off." Wan had been standing by for a while, and now that the other side was finally done with their business, it was her turn to show her skills, her tone betraying her excitement.

Bu Nuanqi said: "Why are all the suitors from outside? Is there no selection for the prince consort in the Central Plains?"

Humiliated yet unashamed, I do not scorn the shame. My heart, though stubborn, remains unbroken, for I have come to know my lord.

After the song ended, the two slowly began to clap their hands. Bu Nuan observed their lazy demeanor and the *illustration* book, truly feeling sorry for Miss Wan.

Wan's face was filled with sarcasm: "Outsiders do not understand the local market, people from the Central Plains are all cunning. Even if a princess is as beautiful as a celestial being, who would dare to marry her? Do they dislike that Green Cloud does not have a canopy?"

Bu Nuan merely smiled and did not engage in conversation. Any man who is handsome and holds a high position will always attract attention, and for young ladies, an uncle like him is indeed a coveted catch

He sighed, his voice becoming increasingly gentle: "You seem to be quite afraid of me, what is the matter? I am your uncle, if you have something on your mind, just tell me. We are flesh and blood, so it is better not to create distance between us."

"No need, this little wine is nothing." With one hand hovering behind her back to guide her into the elegant room, he turned to Wan and said, "What are you best at? Share it with us, so our lady can choose a tune."

The weather is splendid, and the large water tank in the yard downstairs glistens dazzlingly under the sunlight. Bu Nuan squints and smiles, while Lan Sheng, who is usually easygoing, seems to be in a bad mood towards Zhi Xian. The two free-spirited individuals meet, yet they behave like sworn enemies; it truly reflects the notion of fate. Those who are destined to meet will encounter each other no matter how far apart they are, while those without fate, even if they see each other every day, cannot escape the outcome of mutual disdain.

Seeing his cheeks flushed, I suspected he had probably drunk quite a bit. I simply said, "No, I just came out to get some fresh air. You should go in and rest for a while. Do you want me to have someone brew some strong tea for you?"

The mountain has trees, and the trees have branches; my heart speaks of you, yet you do not know

Wan could not help but feel a bit displeased, and Bu Nuan hurriedly said: "I can also sing the transformed verses that were mentioned earlier."

Wan donned the attire of the old woman, the mask's corners drooping, even the corners of the mouth sagging, as she began to sing in a sorrowful tone: "Listening to a word, I cannot help but be filled with joy, for it is the little darling searching for her mother..."

Bu Nuan turned to Lan Sheng and gestured, saying: "The Lord Yan sent me a group of heads, nine out of ten ghosts are troubled upon seeing them. The golden bridge for doing good is traversed, while the path of wrongdoing brings sorrow. What was done in a past life is reaped in this life"

That delicate and soft voice is truly unsuitable for playing a ghostly messenger. Lan Sheng laughed upon hearing it, yet still respectfully clasped his hands together and sang: I am the wooden lotus monk, coming from the fairy mountain, on the orders of my master, to visit my mother, Liu Shi Qing Ti. Ahead lies Fengdu City, I trouble the officer to inquire on my behalf about the great ghost.

I also arrived in Chang'an just yesterday, but I happen to know that person; his name is Lan Sheng, and he is a general of the Yunhui.

Bu Nuan rose to see Rong Yu bidding farewell with two military governors on the high platform, the wine flags fluttering in the breeze, and under the sunlight, her purple satin attire radiated a rich hue, further accentuating her exquisite beauty.

Lan Sheng heard her heart thumping rapidly, every part of her was endearing, her delicate and fair fingers danced with liveliness, he gazed at her intently, feeling as if he had already lost his soul, beyond remedy.

He was exceedingly gentle, yet he could not understand why she would flinch. He speculated that she must have been frightened by those events, poor child, whose life had barely begun yet was already marred. He vividly remembered the first time he saw her; she was only five years old then, timidly sitting on the swing, her small hands tightly gripping the ropes, her face brimming with tears, so endearing.

Bu Nuan let out a deep sigh; when matters cannot be turned around, this is the only thing that parents can do for their daughter! She lowered her head, feeling quite desolate; even in the heavenly family, there are times when one is compelled to act against their will. How much effort must a mother exert to ensure that this matter is resolved satisfactorily?

The warm cloth is laid out: Lord Yan blames, and the little ghost cannot bear the blame

Lan Sheng was immensely pleased, secretly rejoicing that she had not misjudged the person! Her cultivation was evident at first glance. She instinctively maintained a distance from others, yet even so, she was far more delicate and gentle than those noble ladies of affluent families.

Leaning languidly against the corridor pillar, she lost herself in thought for a moment. Raising her eyes, she gazed across the sky bridge, where on the other end was her uncle's elegant dining room hosting guests. The bamboo curtain hung low over the door, and the sounds of men drinking and playing games drifted over from afar. Among them, the one laughing the most heartily was Lan Sheng, whose unique voice was easily recognizable. She thought to herself that he was truly a person who found joy easily; aside from sparring wits with Zhi Xian, he seemed to spend the rest of his time carefree and untroubled.