Chapter Seven, how deep is the courtyard
"I am a presumptuous minister, and I ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness." Zhao Zhihang is indeed a clever person, as he immediately discerned the underlying meaning of my words
"I have heard that Your Highness is exceptionally talented and possesses unique and exquisite insights that ordinary people have never encountered. Today, I am fortunate to meet Your Highness, and I, being humble, kindly request Your Highness to enlighten me." Although this was said in a grandiloquent manner, the emphasis on the words 'enlighten me' revealed an undertone of discontent. How could I not perceive the dissatisfaction in his tone, this old man.
Water in Poetry
"I wonder what other philosophical sayings and insights the beloved concubine refers to regarding 'Confucius'?" The raccoon cat entered from outside the hall, looking at me with a semblance of a smile, followed by Zhao Zhihang. After he entered, he bowed his head to greet me and Xiao Shiliu, but a faintly visible vein on his forehead revealed his displeasure at being contradicted.
Today was not in vain! Not only did I meet a beautiful woman, but I also witnessed the 'Longyuan Sword' of the Xiangze Kingdom! Next time, I will come to take the beauty with me! Hahaha! The young girl laughed and disappeared into the air. Upon hearing this, the raccoon cat's eyes gathered a storm, and it tightened its grip on my hand. As for me, after exhausting all my strength, I finally fainted.
Our knees are like wood
Hmm! This palace thought that Confucius indeed had extraordinary remarks. I wonder what other wise sayings he has expressed to awaken the world
A chill swept over my forehead. The raccoon cat, noticing my pained expression, nervously touched my forehead, seemingly to confirm whether I had a fever. After confirming that I was fine, it propped itself up, moved me into the bed, and tucked me in. I was dumbfounded; why had it suddenly changed its behavior today? Had it really consumed me completely last night? I anxiously lifted the covers and was relieved to see that I was fully clothed, still wearing the dress from last night. I was dumbfounded; why had it suddenly changed its behavior today? Had it really consumed me completely last night? I anxiously lifted the covers and was relieved to see that I was fully clothed, still wearing the dress from last night.
Now there is only me left
Startled, I released my grip on the raccoon cat, turned to the side, and nearly rolled off the bed. The raccoon cat reached out with its long arm, and I fell back into its embrace. Can someone tell me what happened? I pondered over my memories and recalled that there seemed to be an assassin yesterday, who mentioned something about a disciple, and then the raccoon cat seemed to have saved me, after which I fainted... Therefore, it is preliminarily estimated that I am now unfortunately lying in the raccoon cat's Qilin residence. Such an embarrassing situation would have been better if that female assassin had just kidnapped me.
Lessons from the Journey: Do not attempt to outwit the royal family. The road ahead is long and arduous, and the revolutionary path of competing wits and courage with the raccoon is fraught with challenges and responsibilities that are both heavy and far-reaching
However, what is pressing against my waist is cold and icy. This ear has actually ended up on my back! Looking at it with my feet in a 'Ten Thousand Buddhas Facing the Temple' position, I lazily open my eyelids and gaze in a daze. Wait! Why does the face in front of me look so much like a raccoon! A nightmare, I can't believe I'm even dreaming about him! I close my eyes, then open them again, but it's still him? ... I close my eyes again, open them again, close them once more, open them again, close them yet again, and open them again... A nightmare, I can't believe I'm even dreaming about him! I close my eyes, then open them again, but it's still him? ... I close my eyes again, open them again, close them once more, open them again, close them yet again, and open them again... My eyelids are twitching...
Oh? Why does the beloved consort refer to herself as 'child'?
Hehe, I do not think that 'madam' can be abbreviated to 'zi'.
After my father got up, he anxiously looked me up and down, his eyes filled with concern. As for me, seeing the faint "川" character lines already appearing between his brows, my heart ached once again. All these years, my father has remained as graceful and handsome as he was in the beginning, but the worries etched deeper into his brow day by day, clearly indicating how much he has toiled for the family and the nation. I couldn't help but curse the old family of Zhaojia, who sought to control my father with their schemes.
I am Your Highness's 'wife', and the 'sister-in-law' of the Sixteenth Prince. Why can I not be referred to as 'child'? I said in a fit of pique, spending all day in this palace, if it weren't for the occasional chance to tease little Sixteen, I would have been bored to death long ago. The Yun residence is much better, where I can bully little Bai.
With a single sentence, the eunuchs and palace maids around me looked at me in terror. Although Xiao Shiliu wanted to laugh, she still looked at me with concern. What happened? Ah! Suddenly realizing that I had inadvertently referred to myself as the mother of the raccoon cat, which meant I was implying that I was the empress, I now found myself in serious trouble for committing a grave act of disrespect
"Father and Master Fang, please rise and do not be formal!" I hurriedly stepped forward to help my father up, feeling a bittersweet pang in my heart as I saw my own father kneeling before me
After that, the raccoon rose and donned the court attire before heading to the morning court. Before leaving, he instructed Wang Laoji to summon Dr. Chen from the Imperial Medical Institute to check my pulse. Dr. Chen, trembling with fear, took my pulse for a long time and said that the effects of the sedative had dissipated, and the lady's health was no longer in serious danger. Wang Laoji was so delighted that he hurriedly sent the doctor out and did not return for half a day; I suspect he went to inform the raccoon. According to that girl Qixi, the raccoon was extremely furious last night and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter overnight. All the servants in my garden were punished without exception; if she and Xuebi had not been instructed to attend to me, they would have likely faced the rod as well. The raccoon also ordered the servants and the doctor to keep their mouths shut, threatening severe consequences for any leaks. I thought to myself: having made this blunder, the raccoon would naturally be enraged. If I were to be taken away by someone while in his hands, how would he explain it to the Yun family? It would indeed turn into a situation where he lost both the lady and his troops.
The phrase '唯女子与小人难养也' means 'Only women and petty people are difficult to nurture.' The blue cat has once again obediently transformed into a curious little one
My whole body is sore, and my head feels like it's about to split open. However, the mattress today is quite comfortable, and lying on it brings a gentle warmth that envelops me
What is my life goal? For a moment, my mind seems to be in a fog. Could it be that casual remark I made in the theater, "ample bosom and ample hips"? This raccoon dares to criticize my figure! It even compares me to that skinny little Sixteen. So I say, the raccoon is the most malicious cat in the world! It always takes pleasure in mocking me! My fate is unfortunate, but the raccoon's words are quite in line with its usual style; I would rather endure its ridicule than have it utter a vague term like "Yun'er". It turns out that being disgustingly annoying really comes at no cost.
The Master said: The benevolent are not troubled, the wise are not confused, and the courageous are not afraid
Confucius, also known as Kong Laozi, was a sage from ancient times, a thinker, politician, and educator, with countless disciples... I briefly spoke to Lan Mao about Confucius's life and some of his philosophical ideas, and Lan Mao listened with shining eyes, filled with admiration
Confucius said: A gentleman is calm and not arrogant, while a petty person is arrogant and not calm. The raccoon cat smiled nonchalantly, unaware of whether it understood that I was admonishing it
In the past nights, we sat quietly
What a mess, it leaves me utterly confused. I anxiously glanced towards the door, hoping someone would come to my rescue
Xiao Shiliu spends most of his time in the Eastern Palace, where the Emperor has instructed the Grand Historian Zhao Zhihang to give him lessons daily. Zhao Zhihang is also one of the important advisors to the Crown Prince, often seen entering and exiting the Crown Prince's study, and is highly valued by the raccoon cat. I had previously caught a distant glimpse of him at Yunfu; he has a flowing white beard and wears a wide robe that billows in the wind, resembling a small old man with an ethereal demeanor. However, his sharp gaze reveals him to be a seasoned political veteran, well-versed in the intricacies of court life and brimming with cunning strategies and tactics.
Therefore, regardless of whether they are trying to win me over or are being insincere towards me, I maintain an appropriate distance and remain indifferent
I am about to leave and want to take a look around
Only I have perked up my ears
The Master said: A truly accomplished person is one who is straightforward and values righteousness. They observe words and watch expressions, considering those beneath them.
However, the events of last night were indeed peculiar. Upon waking from my slumber, I could only recall the girl mentioning the term "disciple," with no other memories remaining. It seems that this sedative also possesses the effect of inducing amnesia.
"Come here!" The raccoon cat put away the folding fan and called out, "It's over, it's over. Are they going to drag me out and beat me with twenty sticks?" I nervously closed my eyes and just listened as Sprite heard the raccoon cat's summons and stepped forward, trembling as she replied, "This servant is here. Your Highness, what are your orders?"
One day, I asked Xiao Shiliu: "Confucius said: 'Only women and petty people are difficult to nurture.' Does Xiao Lanlan know what this means?"
It seems that the beloved consort is still far from her life goals! Holding on to them is comparable to the Sixteenth Brother. The cat, seeing my actions, coldly mocked me with a remark.
Not indifferent. As time passed, those princesses who were once very jealous of me gradually lessened their hostility towards me. Some believed I was young and ignorant, while others thought I was indifferent and lacking in desires; of course, there were still a small number of people who became more wary of me, claiming that the Crown Princess was quite deep-minded and secretive, speaking little and wishing to avoid gossip. Ji'e came to greet me every day on time, her demeanor still impeccable and conventional.
In a moment of daze, a figure in black gracefully descended beside the bed, their face obscured, making it impossible to discern their features. I saw them raise a luminous pearl in their hand, illuminating my face with a ghostly green glow: "I have heard that you are my closed-door disciple. I had no idea I possessed such a beautiful and talented student, how embarrassing! However..." The voice was crisp, reminiscent of a young maiden, yet I wondered if she had mistaken me for someone else, as I could not comprehend her words at all. As she continued to examine my face under the eerie green light, she remarked: "I have heard that you are my closed-door disciple. I had no idea I possessed such a beautiful and talented student, how embarrassing! However..." The voice was crisp, reminiscent of a young maiden, yet I wondered if she had mistaken me for someone else, as I could not comprehend her words at all. While speaking, she placed her middle finger on my wrist, and her fingers, unlike those of an ordinary girl, were somewhat rough and firm: "However, your pulse is quite chaotic! My esteemed closed-door disciple cannot even withstand this little bit of intoxicating fragrance, and you are also afflicted with severe poison. Wouldn't that make the world laugh uproariously if it were to be known! I shall take you back to the sect to properly teach you." Having said that, she lifted me up and intended to leave.
In a fit of anger, I sat down abruptly. "The Master said: I want to leave the palace!"
The Master said: A gentleman harmonizes but does not conform, while a petty person conforms but does not harmonize
I have always been puzzled as to why this pure and untainted whiteness gradually takes on a faint melancholic blue, no longer bright and cheerful. It was only later that I realized that this subtle blue was indeed stained by me. It was only later that I understood that the deep-seated worries that permeated my very bones were actually mine, unable to be excised or smoothed over. However, my epiphany came a long, long time afterward
Yun'er! The person wielding the sword nervously leaped over and caught me. In a daze, I heard a call, was it Xiao Bai? Struggling to open my weary eyes, I looked over in surprise, only to see the raccoon cat looking at me in a state of panic. Why is it him? I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed
... ...
When Xiao Shiliu hears me call him Xiao Lanlan, he habitually furrows his beautiful brows and says angrily, "How am I small? You are only four years older than me!" This kid! When there are no people around, he no longer addresses me as "Sister-in-law" and switches to calling me "you" back and forth. Sometimes, when I provoke him, he even retorts, "You woman! I am not Xiao Lanlan, you are the one who is Xiao Rongrong!" How childish! I can't help but chuckle and shake my head
This is our shared night and poetry
We perked up our ears
I have seen Your Highness. I made a respectful bow to the raccoon. He seems to be quite eager to disturb me lately, though I am unsure of his intentions
I often go to play with Xiao Shiliu, partly to relieve boredom and partly because I fear he might be led astray by that old man Zhao Zhihang, ultimately becoming a political tool in the court struggles. However, this little Blue Cat always maintains a mature demeanor in front of me. Once, when I provoked him, he disdainfully remarked, "No wonder the teacher says that women are all disasters in beauty." Hmph! I said that old Zhao would corrupt him, completely stripping away the innocence that a six-year-old child should possess, to actually say such things. I asked him what the teacher had taught him, and he proudly recounted a few things. I heard that most of it was about the ways of emperors, the skills of ministers, and some experiences from political and military struggles throughout various dynasties. In order to correct Xiao Shiliu's politically superior attitude at such a young age, I often tell him fairy tales from both ancient and modern times, as well as from around the world. At first, Xiao Shiliu seemed quite disdainful, but gradually he became captivated, after all, he is still a six-year-old child; how could he not yearn for the beauty and simplicity found in fairy tales.
You cunning raccoon, you are truly sly, even I have been ensnared by you, and now it seems I am the one saying I do not want to "leave the palace"! I have lifted a stone only to drop it on my own foot. I am utterly frustrated; indeed, ginger is still spicier when it is old.
No! This is what I, a humble servant, have said
Father asked Master Fang to take my pulse. After a moment of contemplation, Master Fang said, "The Crown Princess is not seriously ill, so please rest assured, my lord." After speaking, he exchanged a glance with Father, and the tightly pressed corners of Father's mouth gradually relaxed. Master Fang told Father that based on my pulse, the incense I was exposed to last night was likely the "Jin Huan Xiang" commonly used by people from the southwest. Upon hearing this, Father's expression became grave, as if he were lost in thought, reminiscing about the past. In the end, he couldn't help but give me another round of admonitions, urging me to be more cautious and vigilant. He then took out a fine golden ribbon from his sleeve. The ribbon was made of about a hundred golden threads, shining brilliantly under the light, looking quite exquisite. Father said this was a unique secret weapon of the Yun family, called "Sha Xue," soft as silk, resilient as a spring, strong as steel, and sharp as a swift sword; it could cut through iron like mud and take a person's life in an instant. I never expected that such a splendid and delicate ornament could have such a bloody name and such great lethality. Father personally tied it into my hair, reminding me to be careful and not to be careless and hurt myself. Master Fang then left me with medication to control my pollen allergy, repeatedly instructing me to take the medicine on time, and mentioned that every half month, a few different medicines would need to be replaced, and someone would bring them to me in the palace.
I did not expect that Yun'er would be so infatuated with me, waking up early in the morning and unable to resist throwing flirtatious glances at me. The teasing warmth ambiguously breathed in my ear, revealing that it was not a dream
Good disciple, everyone in this garden has fallen under my enchanting fragrance, and no one will disturb the two of us. This fragrance is indeed not much different from that of the royal palace of the Kingdom of Fragrance! It is a waste that I brought so many poisons before leaving. The young girl, holding me, was about to use her lightness skill to fly away when suddenly, a slender sword thrust towards us. The girl swiftly dodged the sword's edge, but the sword techniques—blocking, washing, lifting, pulling, drawing, carrying, bursting, and pointing—were all aimed at the girl's vital points. However, it was evident that the attacker was concerned about me in the girl's embrace, which inevitably affected the force and angle of the strikes. At first, the girl could manage to evade the attacks, but as time went on, she began to struggle. Unable to avoid a strike, she was hit on the shoulder, her grip loosened, and I was about to fall to the ground.
A poem is written for you
Now there is only me left
Did you not hear Her Majesty say that it is time to relieve oneself? Why are you not quickly attending to the side hall's screen toilet? This raccoon cat dares to misinterpret my meaning! I am not going to urinate!
Is "Yun'er" calling me? What does "for husband" mean? What does "throwing a flirtatious glance" mean? Hearing this gives me goosebumps all over, the raccoon must have bumped its head today! No, how could it be on my bed? Where am I lying? As my senses return, I realize my situation: I am clinging to the raccoon like an octopus, lying on his chest. I have a bad feeling; what is on my lower back is not an ear but the raccoon's hand! As my senses return, I realize my situation: I am clinging to the raccoon like an octopus, lying on his chest. I have a bad feeling; what is on my lower back is not an ear but the raccoon's hand!
"I am honored to receive your guidance, but I must humbly decline. As Confucius said, 'When three people walk together, there must be a teacher among them.' Among the many sayings of Confucius, this is the one I admire the most. Today, I would like to engage in a discussion with you, what do you think, sir?" It seems you are trying to bully me, hmph! No way! The raccoon looks at me, its eyes filled with amusement, as if it is enjoying the scene of two armies facing off while it leisurely observes from the sidelines.
Pushing open the carved window of the water pavilion, the white garments flutter beneath the flowered corridor, standing alone in solitude. As if sensing my gaze, he looked up towards this side, the shadows of sunlight playing across his face, a subtle and elegant worry spreading across his poetic features, entwining my sight, clear as the spring sunshine on green grass, yet flowing with a sorrow as deep as autumn waters. Just one glance, and it was etched into the depths of my heart. Years later, like a yellowed old photograph, faded yet still vivid, it faintly scorches my chest. Yet flowing with a sorrow as deep as autumn waters. Just one glance, and it was etched into the depths of my heart. Years later, like a yellowed old photograph, faded yet still vivid, it faintly scorches my chest
The raccoon cat was momentarily taken aback, not understanding the situation, and raised an eyebrow to ask: "Is this also what Confucius said?"
As I observed Li Mao, Xiao Shi Liu, and Zhao Zhi Hang becoming increasingly engrossed in the conversation, nodding in agreement from time to time, I found myself in a predicament. I had spoken so much that my throat felt nearly parched, and I was continuously gulping down tea. Fortunately, at that moment, I heard Wang Lao Ji outside the hall announce that the Emperor had summoned the Imperial Censor Zhao Zhi Hang for an audience. Only then did Zhao Zhi Hang reluctantly rise to take his leave, still lingering with unfulfilled thoughts. I had assumed that Li Mao would also leave, but to my surprise, he remained seated, instructing someone to bring me a fresh pot of chrysanthemum and pu-erh tea, clearly indicating that he expected me to continue.
At noon, I was sitting in the pavilion drinking tea when I heard a eunuch below announce: "Lord Zuo Xiang Yun Shui Xin requests an audience with Her Highness the Crown Princess outside the palace gates." Father has come to see me! There is no wall that does not let the wind through, and with Father's power and intelligence network, there are certainly many Yun family spies within the deep palace. I had anticipated that Father would find out about this sooner or later, but I did not expect him to come so soon
"Wife" cannot be abbreviated to "child"; are we to abbreviate it to "mother" instead? I was furious; this fellow was playing tongue twisters with me
"Wait, I do not wish to relieve myself at this moment," I said awkwardly as I sat down
We have sat here before
Upon opening my eyes, I saw the glimmer of amusement in the raccoon cat's eyes, its mouth curled in a teasing smile as it looked at me. Xue Bi stepped forward, ready to assist me: "This servant obeys the command and will attend to the empress's needs right away." It seemed as if I breathed a sigh of relief because the raccoon cat had not reproached me.
The night sky is as cool as water, the red candle flickers within the window, outside the window, the fine rain falls obliquely, water accumulates and quietly drips from the eaves, spreading ripples on the ground, resembling a sigh or a plea to stay. I extinguished the candle, pushed open the creaking window, sat on the edge of the bed with my knees hugged, gazing at the drifting strands of rain outside, and unexpectedly recalled that poem by Hai Zi
"Did you hear that? The Empress said she no longer wishes to leave the palace. You are all to serve the Empress well. If there is any mistake, you will be held accountable!" The cat suddenly changed its expression and sternly reprimanded the servants. The authoritative warning made the servants tremble in fear, and they all knelt down in unison, repeatedly affirming their compliance.
Who said this, Haizi
This is our shared plain and water
Court life is empty; although I occasionally have to interact with those noblewomen and princesses, it is easy to imagine how dull the topics of conversation among ancient women are, forever revolving around adornments, clothing, needlework, children, food, and some harmless gossip. Most of the time, I do not express my opinions, allowing them to sit there and chatter endlessly. Occasionally, I would utter an "oh" to indicate curiosity, prompting them to continue excitedly. Alternatively, a simple "mm" would signal agreement, giving them a sense of accomplishment as their collected gossip received validation. I have always firmly believed that there is no eternal friendship among women, only eternal suspicion, especially within the palace.
Only I can hear the water on the plain
Who is the child? The blue cat, seeing that I did not argue with him, felt bored and reluctantly asked a question.
We can hear the water and poetry on the plains
The raccoon cat looked at me, and a fleeting sense of melancholy swept over in its panic. Amidst the fatigue, I heard a commotion outside as the imperial guards engaged in a struggle with the assassin. Suddenly, someone shouted, "It's poisonous! Everyone, cover your faces!" Then came the sound of weapons clattering to the ground, as it seemed they all discarded their weapons to shield their mouths and noses.
On this rainy night
The blue cat nodded repeatedly in agreement. Unexpectedly, due to this one statement, many years later, Xiao Shiliu indeed did not pursue a political career, but instead expanded his talents in the business field, becoming a legendary merchant who traversed the north and south in the Xiangze Dynasty. People said: "King Shiliu values commerce over officialdom, hence he is called the 'Merchant King'." However, Xiao Shiliu's financial power greatly strengthened the strength of the Zhao family dynasty in the future, allowing the Zhao family of the Xiangze Kingdom to thrive for a hundred years, achieving a widely praised prosperous era. People said: "King Shiliu values commerce over officialdom, hence he is called the 'Merchant King'." However, Xiao Shiliu's financial power greatly strengthened the strength of the Zhao family dynasty in the future, allowing the Zhao family of the Xiangze Kingdom to thrive for a hundred years, achieving a widely praised prosperous era.
A cool breeze swept by, bringing with it a hint of a delicate fragrance. I took a deep breath and found it reminiscent of the subtle scent of roses, faint yet exquisite, and I couldn't help but become immersed in it. Suddenly, I recalled that there were no fragrant flowers in the Eastern Palace; whence did this fragrance come? Before I could ponder further, I felt a wave of weakness wash over me, and my body could no longer support itself, causing me to slide off the edge of the bed. I inwardly exclaimed: This is bad! Could it be the common trope found in martial arts novels—an intoxicating fragrance? Xuebi and Qixi were outside, and I was alone in the room. I wanted to call for help, but it felt as if someone was choking my throat, rendering me unable to produce even the slightest sound.
Only I have knees as stiff as wood
The term 'small person' refers to children, and both women and children remain at home without engaging in production. Women manage the household, and the children are still young; however, they all require food, clothing, and other necessities. Where does the money for these expenses come from? Therefore, it is said: 'Only women and small people are difficult to support.' This serves to encourage men to strive hard to earn wealth. Only by having a solid financial foundation can one marry and have children. Your lofty discussions about family and the nation cannot bring food and cloth.
Upon entering, my father hurriedly brought Master Fang with him. As soon as they stepped through the door, they bowed and greeted me: "I, Yun Shui Xin (the commoner Fang Yi), pay my respects to Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess! May Your Highness live a thousand years, a thousand years, and a thousand thousand years!"
This is our own plain, night and poetry
I have always liked the poetry of Hai Zi, yet I do not particularly favor this one, finding its writing rather plain. Today, this line clearly emerged in my mind, leading me to a sudden realization: only such fluid words are worthy of the fluid imagery and the fluid emotions.
Before my father departed, he said to me: "Ruer, I am worried about you. Today, you have come with me to the palace and are now waiting downstairs in the loft. I still have matters to attend to in court, and if I find the time, I will come to see Rong'er again." I reluctantly bid farewell to my father as he left.