Chapter Six, The Dream of Mandarin Ducks and Butterflies

It turns out that the beauty is also an old acquaintance. I politely said, "Thank you, sister, for your concern"

Madam Xie, however, is quite philosophical: "Men are always attracted to novelty for a time, but eventually, they become bored. It is still better to be traditional, virtuous, and reliable."

No wonder everyone wants to be an emperor

Master Xie coughed uncomfortably. I secretly found it amusing

Has it really come to this point

Upon hearing my name, the fox man Han Wang Sun immediately exclaimed: "You are delusional and intellectually disabled, are you not a madman?"

The beauty on the other side of the gauze curtain let out a soft sigh and said, "Liu Lang, do you still remember this tune?"

I gently called out towards the curtain: "Hello, sister."

His voice became a bit louder, and I was startled into a cold sweat. Taking advantage of the fact that there were few people in this area, I quickly pulled him towards home

Queen? I will take over.

Xie Zhaoying's expression was gentle as she smiled and said, "How could I forget"

Xie Zhaoying walked up the stairs with ease, casually lifting the hem of her garment.

How long will you stay this time

I fell to my knees in front of him, disregarding the nonsense about how a daughter is worth her weight in gold.

Madam Xie asked: "Are you skilled in embroidery, cooking, singing, dancing, playing the piano, and chess?"

The beautiful sister smiled at me warmly, "I haven't seen my younger sister for many years. I didn't expect that her illness has already been cured. This is truly a cause for celebration."

I bravely asked: "Second Brother, Sister Feihua, who exactly is she?"

At the moment of my admiration, Xie Zhaoying had already walked over and affectionately supported her. The two locked eyes, gazing deeply at each other, and the sparks of love crackled in the air

After Feihua left, Han Wangsun and the others also took their leave. I accompanied the dejected Xie Zhaoying as we slowly walked home

Xie Zhaoying suddenly opened her arms and embraced Feihua.

Madam Xie advised him, "Isn't it enough that you have returned? Fortunately, you went along with them."

Xie Zhaoying is puzzled: "How does a chicken's belly call? How does a chicken's belly make a sound?"

The study is solemn, with candlelight hanging high. The elegant old face of Master Xie is illuminated from above by this light, revealing all its wrinkles. I seem to have suddenly traveled back to the time before liberation.

The young woman had a graceful figure, with hair as dark as clouds, and she wore no jewelry, only a blooming peony flower tucked in her hair. Her exquisite blue silk embroidered dress was magnificent, her skin delicate and snow-white, warm and smooth like jade. She had an elongated face, eyes like water apricots, a beautiful nose, and lips like sandalwood, looking as if she had stepped out of a modern oil painting.

Xie Zhaoying smiled and said: "Zhao Ce is the emperor's nephew. I have known him since we were young. When he was serving as a reader in front of the Crown Prince, he spilled ink on me and I nailed his stool, and we both received the teacher's punishment; as we grew up, I took his courtesan and he snatched my antiques, and we both went home to face strict lessons from our families."

Xie Zhaoying said with a dark expression: "You haven't left?"

Xie Zhaoying elegantly picked up a piece of green vegetable with her chopsticks and ate slowly. Seeing me devour my food, she reminded me, "Take your time, be careful not to choke"

I watched this scene with great sympathy. It was evident at a glance that Feihua came from a noble background, and her beauty was not inferior to that of Xie Zhaoke. She was also Xie Zhaoying's childhood sweetheart, yet for some reason, they could not be united. It is a pity that lovers cannot ultimately be together.

Xie Zhaoying looked at the beautiful sister and asked, "Who knows you are out this time?"

The elder brother chuckled and said, "We are all worried that Xiao Hua might get lost. It's good that you are back, dinner is ready, everyone come in."

Xie Zhaoying's expression was solemn, yet devoid of any sorrowful feelings associated with the changing seasons; instead, there was an urgent impatience akin to a treasured sword ready to leap from its sheath, resembling a wolf poised to pounce on its prey. At that moment, he shed his previous demeanor of frivolity and indifference, and his previously listless image suddenly appeared imposing.

Madam said: "No!"

Xie Zhaoying hurried to comfort her: "It's nothing, it's my fourth sister. I brought her out to have some fun"

The shop assistant hurried to call someone, and soon after, a delicate sound of beads and jade came from outside the door, accompanied by a faint and elegant fragrance that wafted in. The visitor moved gracefully, sitting behind the gauze curtain in the outer room, where only a beautiful silhouette could be faintly seen.

Fortunately, at this moment, the waiter brought the dishes up

Madam Xie stood by my side and nodded, saying: "Indeed, my lord. Little Hua is still quite naive; you should treat her as if she were a two-year-old child"

Xie Zhaoying smiled: "What do you think? Is it just a carefree night for the beautiful woman in red? In fact, that Miss Liu is the beloved of a friend of mine. My friend comes from an ordinary family and cannot afford to redeem the lady, so I simply lent a helping hand.

several lifetimes

Xie Zhaoying smiled and said: "Indeed, it has been a long time since I have heard Miss Bu Ting's singing, so let us invite her."

I stared at the smug Xie Zhaoying, not out of admiration, but out of pity for Master Xie. As a highly educated intellectual, he must have struggled to support such a prodigal child, no wonder he had to sell his third daughter into the palace.

Xie Zhaoying remained silent throughout the journey, her face shrouded in a layer of gloom, with a fierce light in her eyes, as if thunder and lightning were raging, warning others to keep their distance

I used all my limbs and exerted tremendous effort, finally managing to climb up and sit down beside him

I curiously perked up my ears as he was about to speak, but in the blink of an eye, he saw me and abruptly slammed on the brakes. The gentle expression that was almost nauseating was momentarily frozen on his face, creating a very comical scene, and I let out a light laugh.

I crumpled my features into a heap, crawled over to embrace Madam Xie's thigh, and cried out in despair: "Mother, can I not learn?"

I am not in a good mood: "Father, you cannot blame me. I have been foolish for fifteen years, and suddenly someone comes to tell me that I will be able to rule the world in the future. Anyone would be frightened to the point of having an irregular heartbeat."

Master Xie said: "In every generation of the Xie family, there have been women who married into the imperial family. In my generation, it was originally planned to send your third sister into the palace."

Master Xie glared at me fiercely and said: "I have never encountered someone as rude, uncivilized, and ferocious as you!"

The two individuals held hands tightly. I think that if I were not present, they would have likely embraced each other affectionately by now

On the wall of the yard, a solitary figure crouches, the dim moonlight stretching his shadow long. He resembles a weathered eagle, resolutely confronting this cold moment in life

Master Xie shouted: "Kneel down!"

Xie Zhaoke was quite pleased, probably because the old monk had predicted that I would take her place, and she rarely let go of her reserve to link her arm with mine. I had just returned and had little appetite, yet she still enthusiastically served me dishes and rice.

Later, I was admonished a few more times before being released. Yunxiang was waiting for me outside the courtyard, and as I complained to her, I walked back to my own courtyard

I was astonished: "He, he, does he believe in Christianity?"

I gently stood up and walked outside

I sprayed the table with a puff, "I misheard, I misheard!"

Yu Zhengxun couldn't help but laugh for a moment, and Xie Zhaoying kicked me hard under the table

Master Xie must be a staunch royalist. Upon hearing me say this, his blood pressure suddenly spiked: "To be able to enter the palace and serve the Emperor is a blessing earned over several lifetimes. Do not speak recklessly and bring disaster upon the Xie family!"

Behind the curtain, a beautiful woman chuckled softly, and a hand that seemed to be carved from white jade lifted the curtain, revealing a face as bright and pure as the full moon.

Sitting down in a street-facing private room, Xie Zhaoying opened the menu and began to read: "Button mushrooms with fat chicken, cherry meat with yam, duck strips with sea cucumber, roasted reed mushrooms, braised tofu, smoked dried silk, stir-fried vegetables ... ... "

The names of these two individuals have a distinctly Korean flavor, which is quite amusing. The man in the front, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, has a pair of single phoenix eyes, and when he smiles, he resembles a fox. The man walking behind him has a calm demeanor, akin to a still pond.

Xie Zhaoying nodded, "That's good. I was very worried about you"

As we reached the doorstep, our servant outside shouted, "The Second Young Master and the Fourth Young Lady have returned!" Then, a large crowd surged out from inside, with the foremost being Master Xie and Madam Xie

I am a young girl who has not yet reached the age of maturity. It is indeed not easy for him to apologize to me so sincerely and earnestly. Therefore, I picked up a piece of chicken leg that I had just spat on and placed it in Han Wangsun's bowl, affectionately saying: "Brother Han, there is no need for you to blame yourself. I also spoke harshly just now, so please do not take it to heart."

After dinner, I was indeed called to the study by the Xie couple

Xie Zhaoying smiled and said, "At that time, I thought I had lost you, and I was so frightened that I lost my seven souls and six spirits."

Xie Zhaoying was still pondering: "Does the chicken call from its belly?"

Xie Zhaoying said: "Fourth sister does not remember the past, this is your sister Feihua"

Outside the wall is a narrow alley, where during the day, some unlicensed vendors sell fruits, shoes, and socks. The surrounding wall is not very high, and in the past, there were no thefts; that was due to the good fortune of the Xie family. Now it is quite late, and everywhere is silent, which further accentuates the loneliness and misery of the person beside me

Indeed, when old lovers meet, I have become a large lantern

As the piece concluded, a profound silence enveloped the surroundings. I turned around and saw Xie Zhaoying with a complex expression, a mix of surprise and joy, her eyes shimmering with light. Having grown accustomed to her carefree demeanor, I was quite taken aback by such a serious expression.

I have not seen him yet

I could only stand still

This sentence is addressed to Xie Zhaoying

Xie Zhaoying let out a cold laugh and said, "The Qin family intends to send Feihua into the palace"

I did not expect the beauty to suddenly call out to me: "Fourth sister, please wait."

It is only now that I see the portrait hanging on the wall behind Master Xie, with incense lit in front of it. I have already knelt before it during the day; coming to kneel again now, even our ancestors might find it bothersome

Master Huikong's words during the day, do you still remember them?

I ask again: "Are you both well despite the disagreement of your parents on both sides?"

Tianxiang Tower is located on the commercial street of the capital city. It is a four-story building with soaring eaves and high walls, exuding grandeur and magnificence. The patrons arriving are all in splendid carriages, dressed elegantly. It truly lives up to its reputation as the finest restaurant in Kyoto

Xie Zhao Ke is noble and aloof, while Qin Fei Hua is gentle and graceful, both are unparalleled beauties

The beautiful elder sister said with deep affection: "You need not worry about me. Take care of yourself, and I will be just fine"

Indeed, his health has not improved at all

The King of Han Sun was indeed aware that he had misspoken, and hurriedly adopted a serious demeanor to apologize to me: "I spoke carelessly just now and have offended the Fourth Miss. I am truly accustomed to being indiscreet in my speech, but I meant no harm. I hope the Fourth Miss can forgive me."

I innocently shrugged and said, "They didn't bring me along"

I and others consciously turned our heads away

Upon my first glance, the small plates and bowls for the dishes were only about half the size of my palm. I couldn't tell if it was due to frugality or tradition, but they were arranged in abundance across a large table, giving me the illusion of dining on Korean cuisine. No wonder Xie Zhaoying immediately began to read the menu.

Xie Zhaoying's expression softened slightly as she said: "She is Qin Feihua, the only daughter of the Minister of Works. One of the two beauties of Dongqi. The other is your sister, Xie Zhaoke"

The fox man looked at me with curiosity and said, "This young lady is ... ... "

Suddenly, a cheerful voice was heard from outside: "Since when has the second young master of the Xie family started serving others?"

The beautiful woman spoke with a sorrowful tone: "I remember that time when I disguised myself as a boy and went out with you to see the lanterns. We accidentally got separated, and I cried all the way home, later being found and brought back by the housekeeper. Little did I know that you searched for me all night outside, caught a chill, and fell seriously ill upon returning"

After a moment, the two reluctantly parted ways. Feihua wiped her tears and, with a voice choked with emotion, said: "I am leaving, take care of yourself."

So this is what happened

Suddenly, there was a light sound of three knocks on the door. The lovebirds came back to their senses. The beautiful sister said: "I should go back now"

Xie Zhaoying introduced: "This is Prince Han Wang Sun, and this is General Yu Zhengxun, the Cavalry Commander. This is my fourth sister, Xiaohua"

Xie Zhaoying stood up with a smile, "Yan Yu, Zheng Xun, it has been a while since we last met"

At this moment, it was discovered that both Prince Han and General Yu had already vanished without a trace. These two individuals are rather ungrateful, leaving without informing me. Now, I find myself in a predicament where I cannot stay, yet I cannot leave either.

The beautiful woman, both startled and shy, said: "Who is there?"

Xie Zhaoying's face twitched slightly, and I warned him with my eyes. He wisely closed his mouth. Thus, I happily watched Han Wangsun swallow that piece of chicken.

Master Xie has calmed down a bit, and during the day, he has somewhat restored the face he lost when he confronted me. He maintained a stern expression and said: "Although you have been ill for a long time, you are not young anymore. Now that you have recovered, and given that such an incident has occurred today, it is better for you to be slightly informed about certain matters concerning the Xie family."

King Han Sun leaned in and said, "Feihua, the time has come"

As I was lost in thought, Xie Zhaoying suddenly patted me on the shoulder. I thought he was about to deliver an impassioned declaration of love, but instead, with a face full of excitement, he pointed to a figure in the shadow of a distant wall and said: "Look, there are little mandarin ducks engaging in a secret romance!"

A bolt from the blue struck my head on a sunny day, and Xie Zhaoke's misfortune has fallen upon me. I feel as if I am a pig being force-fed, awaiting slaughter, with the inevitable fate of death following the painful absorption.

Xie Zhaoying was clearly accustomed to a life of luxury, nonchalantly stating: "It's just a few dishes, your brother can still afford it."

I said: "So, are our family and the Qin family still trying to please the Zhao family?"

I said: "I can read and write, and I can compose a few poems. I am proficient in foreign languages, and I have a good grasp of mathematics and the sciences. I am also somewhat knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine. I no longer need to learn anything further!"

Madam Xie instructed me: "This concerns over a hundred members of the Xie family, and the matters in the Buddhist hall today must not be disclosed to anyone in the future. Furthermore, starting tomorrow, I will have Mr. Song give you private lessons, and in the afternoon, you will study vocal music for female workers..."

At this moment, Yu Zhengxun suddenly spoke up: "Aying, you haven't been back for a long time. I remember you used to enjoy listening to Miss Buting from Tianxiang Tower sing little tunes. Why not invite her to sing a few songs today?"

The beautiful sister bit her lip, furrowing her brow as she said: "I will find a way for you. Please be patient for a while. Do not act rashly; you must understand how perilous the situation is now. I have heard that, apart from that person, no one else can see him."

I have indeed been a nun for eight lifetimes, devotedly seeking the Buddha, yet the Buddha has cast me into such a mess. A queen? Once my original body is restored, I will simply pack up and leave; as for that palace, whoever wishes to enter may do so.

I am busy, stop, stop, stop. We are only two people, two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and one soup are enough

I believe that someone who can be loved by a woman like Qin Feihua must not be an idle playboy. Xie Zhaoying has transformed from a second-rate male supporting character into a deeply wronged and burdened iron-blooded male protagonist, truly a twist of fate

As he spoke, the door opened. A tall man in a brocade robe entered uninvited, with a handsome face and an inviting smile, yet he was fanning himself with a painted fan despite the cold weather. A waft of fragrant incense drifted to my nose with the breeze from the fan. Following closely behind him was a man in a blue scholar's robe, tall and handsome, with a gentle demeanor. Both men appeared to be of similar age to Xie Zhaoying, dressed elegantly and behaving with propriety, clearly well-educated.

Madam Xie kindly reminded me: "It is not kneeling to your father, but kneeling to your ancestors"

I am busy asking: "What about the courtesan?"

I recalled what Yunxiang had said to me about the Zhao clan and asked, "This young Master Zhao must also be a dandy, right?"

Oh? What? Remnants of the previous dynasty? Martial arts spies? Or are you, esteemed Minister Xie, also working for the National Security Bureau

What a joke! I hurriedly said: "Father, nothing is certain in this world. Just look at me, in this state, no one would think I could be the queen. If I could become the queen, what kind of virtue would the emperor possess!"

Xie Zhaoying led me inside, and as soon as the waiter saw him, he greeted him with a smile, "Oh, isn't this the Second Master? You haven't been here for quite a while, please, go upstairs."

The beautiful woman spoke with a hint of tears in her voice, saying: "I still remember the vow I made by your bedside, do you still remember?"

Old Master Xie grunted, "So you actually know to come back?"

No wonder, no wonder

My second brother, reluctant to part, asked: "When will I be able to see you again?"

I laughed: "How can one not be generous when using the family's money to uphold justice?"

Only the ancient zither in hand produces a few crisp sounds, and a gentle and graceful voice sings: "Cold cicadas and jade flowers, light mist beneath the willows. A single northern goose, the river full of parting waters. It is said that we meet again in dreams after parting. Year after year, willows are inserted, spring after spring, the peach blossom isle drifts with sorrow..."

Quite clever, the Xie family is also planning this way

Yunxiang suddenly tugged at my sleeve. I closed my mouth and followed her hand with my gaze

The beautiful sister said: "I mentioned going up the mountain to offer incense, but they didn't stop me. Don't worry, with Yan Yu and Zheng Xun helping, they won't know that I met with you."

"The Emperor?" Xie Zhaoying scoffed, "That sickly old emperor who holds no power? Certainly not him! After the death of the Crown Prince, there is still the second prince Xiao Li, who was raised solely by the Empress. Feihua is now serving as a lady-in-waiting in the Empress's palace, and the intentions of the Qin and Zhao families are quite evident"

The waiter immediately began to flatter nearby: "Second Master is known for his generosity. Last time, he spent a fortune to exclusively enjoy the courtesan of Qiongcui Tower, leaving even Young Master Zhao only able to watch enviously."

Master Huikong has always spoken with sincerity; what he says today will surely come to pass in the future

Xie Zhaoying had just parted ways with her beloved, and her mood was poor, feeling somewhat cynical. She remarked, "If the Xiao family continues to be so unambitious, this world will sooner or later change its surname to Zhao."

I broke the silence by saying: "Second brother, are you thinking about Sister Feihua?"

This sentence is directed at me

I am speechless and choked with emotion

Xie Zhaoying held her hand and said, "I understand, I will wait patiently."

Oh? Isn't it the singer Bu Ting?

I roll my eyes. Forgetting is not an easy task

This melody is beautiful, like weeping and lamenting, and I listen to it with great enjoyment

Xie Zhaoying still held her hand tightly, with a deeply affectionate expression. The beautiful Feihua, filled with resentment, broke free from his grasp, donned her veil, and hurried away

Master Xie said: "Our Xie family has served in official positions for a hundred years. Throughout this time, generations have been loyal and virtuous, producing one chancellor, three generals, as well as two imperial consorts and three secondary consorts. However, we have absolutely never produced ... ... "

Who is Zhao Xiaohou?

I disdain: "Every woman will, what meaning would it have for me?"

Xie Zhaoying stared at me curiously, "What exactly are you transformed from, how can you be so cunning and peculiar?"

Xie Zhaoying spoke tenderly, saying: "Of course I still remember ... ... "

The dishes are not only visually appealing, aromatic, and delicious, but also to my taste, making my dining experience exceedingly enjoyable

Xie Zhaoying said: "Not really, although he is a scoundrel, shameless and lecherous, his literary talent is indeed exceptional. You should take some time to read the chapter 'Shengjing' in 'Qijiangshan Zhi', which he authored."

I laughed in anger: "You insult others without basis, are you not a fool?"

His seemingly casual remark sent chills down my spine. In this feudal society, as a person who borrows a corpse to return to life, I would be treated as a monster and nailed to a wooden stake, sizzling as I was burned.