Chapter 009: The Mid-Autumn Festival in the Pottery Entertainment

The Fourth Princess's anger surged as she noticed Yang Jian also looking at her, his gaze seemingly filled with compassion. Hearing her brother and Ding Xiang laughing nearby, without further thought, she splashed the remaining wine from her cup onto Yang Jian. He closed his eyes, allowing the wine to drench his face, yet his expression remained calm and unperturbed.

As I gradually write, the sorrowful thoughts are faintly inked, fearing that in writing them down, it will lead to a thinning of the spirit

Sun Wukong grew impatient: "Fool, what exactly do you want to ask?"

Unconsciously, the years have turned into darkness, counting again, the dust of the road has been walked upon.

Who can provide solace for this sentiment, only the sounds of nature, the wind mournfully howling through the gaps

The Hundred Flowers Path: "If it were not for someone obstructing them, how could this couple have been separated for twenty years? Today's events truly demonstrate that good and evil will ultimately be rewarded in the end"

Sun Wukong opened his mouth and said: "Old Sun admires ... ... "

After becoming an immortal, the changes in the human world have led to the development of poetry and songs, yet he has never let go of them

Sun Wukong shook his head and said: "I, Sun, have never liked to use magical treasures; it is better to rely on my own true abilities, which cannot be stolen or taken away. On this point, I do agree with Erlang Shen..."

It is simply that I have always been stubborn and unwilling to admit it; this thought has even managed to deceive myself.

Xiao Yu's face was like a rosy cloud, glancing at Chen Xiang, she remained silent, shy and reserved

However, I couldn't formulate the question properly and after scratching my head for a long time, I still couldn't get to the bottom of it

It is not necessarily the coldness of the world that one becomes accustomed to, but rather the fleeting nature of life, like the changing of clouds and the white garments of the past

This further heightened everyone's enthusiasm

As soon as the words fell, the wine jug was tipped over, filling a cup to the brim in front of him. Everyone stared wide-eyed at Sun Wukong, who was also taken aback: "I admire him?"

Xiao Yu, please point to someone.

The Three Holy Mothers looked at her husband with pride, waiting for him to speak

The Three Holy Mothers let out a sigh of relief, gratefully glancing at the Flower Fairy, and instructed the maid beside her to arrange for a small table to be set up, ensuring that a portion of the fruits and dishes was also placed there.

A silver thread overflowed, and the cup in Sun Wukong's hand was also full

Long Ba nodded: "Indeed, those who can be considered figures in the Three Realms have been mentioned quite thoroughly, it certainly cannot be Erlang Shen."

Chang'e, in a state of confusion and uncertainty, resolutely stated: "It is Yi."

The atmosphere gradually became lively at the table, with unrestricted laughter and conversation, and Yang Jian also let out a sigh of relief

The people at the table began to speculate, and Zhu Bajie shouted: "It is I, Old Pig!"

After two laps, the flower came to a stop in Liu Yanchang's hand

Long Ba did not expect such a strong reaction from his sister, and for a moment he was stunned, not daring to laugh again

The Three Holy Mothers secretly thought it was not good, fearing that she would recall the matter of leaving Hou Yi. She did not want Chang'e to reveal a smile, lost in her memories: "It was the last three months I spent with Yi, when he returned with the elixir of immortality..."

Baihua looked at Yang Jian with disdain in his eyes and scoffed: "Yang Jian, what are you trying to show off? If it weren't for Mr. Liu's kind heart, who chose to overlook past grievances and took you in, you would have probably died on the streets long ago"

Indeed, if the person being questioned refuses to speak, others at the table may guess. If they guess correctly, they will also receive wine

Smiling, he said: "Fourth Princess, who are you thinking of this time?"

Baihua said that today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chang'e is the fairy of the Moon Palace, naturally bearing this heavy responsibility. Chang'e agreed and turned her back to strike the small drum brought by the attendants. Whoever holds the flowers shall rise to perform, whether singing or dancing, reciting poetry while playing with the moonlight, or performing a sword dance in the courtyard.

Sun Wukong tentatively said: "Is it the master? No, I have respect for the master, not admiration. Is it the Buddha?"

The wine jug was tilted, filling her cup. Xiaoyu raised the wine and drank, exchanging glances with Chenxiang, their eyes filled with affection.

Seeing him close his eyes, the crowd could not say anything else and, greatly disappointed, returned to their seats. The drumming ceased, and the flower branch fell into the hands of the Howling Celestial Dog. Chen Xiang found it amusing, not knowing what the Howling Celestial Dog would perform.

The sisters of Baihua, aware of Chang'e's lingering feelings for Houyi, did not dare to ask recklessly. They pondered how to frame their questions to avoid this topic. Meanwhile, Zhu Bajie, in his usual clumsy manner, blurted out: "Sister, what is it that you remember the most?"

As Baihua was about to change the subject, Zhu Bajie, seeing Chang'e's sadness, panicked and blurted out: "Ah, sister, who is it that you are thinking of?"

The Hundred Flowers Fairy came to her senses and, without waiting for everyone to savor the moment, quickly stood up and said with a smile: "This magical treasure is also being used for the first time, so there might have been some issues. It didn't fall just now, and only after finishing my words did I realize. Now, Fourth Princess, it's your turn to answer."

Chenxiang Xiaoyu looked curiously at the Howling Celestial Dog, appearing somewhat confused. Xiaoyu asked, "Howling Celestial Dog, do you know us?"

Sun Wukong furrowed his brows, always feeling that something was amiss. Reflecting on Chen Xiang's question, he rephrased it: "Who do you think your father resembles?"

The Celestial Dog seemed not to have heard and walked straight to Yang Jian's side, where he sensed a familiar and reassuring scent. What should he do next? Instinctively, he crouched beside Yang Jian, gazing into his eyes

We take turns holding the cup, and others at the table may freely ask questions. If the person being asked answers sincerely, the wine is poured out; otherwise, there is no wine.

She has never seen her father, so how could she know who she resembles

Yes, this is how it should be, it ought to be this way

The wine jug showed no response

The people at the table began to stir: "Since Mr. Liu has received the favor of the Three Holy Mothers, he must be exceptionally talented and well-versed in knowledge, naturally he should compose a poem at the banquet to showcase his high abilities"

The various speculations have emerged one after another, yet they are all incorrect

Before the words had left his mouth, the howling celestial dog had already begun to recite: "Lingering for long, the clouds drift away, a light chill invades the sleeves"

Yang Jian sneered coldly, closing his eyes and no longer paying them any attention

Sun Wukong cautiously looked at the wine jug and said, "Could it be... Erlang Shen?"

The wine jug is tilted, and the cup is full

Faint, elusive, cool and serene, the Celestial Hound stood up joyfully, sniffing the scent of the past

After the gathering dispersed, the Fourth Princess felt a mix of emotions. Seeing that Yang Jian was still seated in his original spot, and the servants had not yet attended to him, she could not help but walk over casually.

After receiving a blow from Sun Wukong, the wine jug remained still

The wine jug hung in the air without a hint of movement, and Long Ba jumped up and laughed, "Good, Fourth Sister, who do you like in your heart? Hurry up and say it, and I will go back and have Father prepare your dowry."

Long Ba and Ding Xiang chased each other for a while, and upon seeing their sister, they recalled the events at the banquet and made a funny face, teasingly asking: "Sister, who are you thinking about?"

A family member has registered, and another guest has arrived

The Fourth Princess, both shy and angry, went to twist Long Ba's ear, causing him to escape. She turned around and complained to the Flower Fairy: "Sister Baihua, what kind of magical treasure is this? It only makes a fool of people."

He pulled his wife aside and whispered: "The Celestial Dog has consumed the Worry-Free Herb, and is somewhat dazed. I will take him out for a walk; perhaps seeing more people will help him feel better"

The Three Holy Mothers nodded, allowing them to take their seats

Leave with him

Everyone let out a sigh of relief, yet felt somewhat perplexed, unsure of what they had been so tense about

One cannot allow someone to be taken away at this moment, so one can only pretend not to know and continue to engage in light-hearted conversation with Chang'e and others

Be careful and ask: "Sister, think carefully?"

The fourth princess covered her mouth, her face full of confusion: "What, what did I say?"

Chang'e was taken aback, while Zhu Bajie secretly rejoiced, thinking that if Chang'e could let go of Hou Yi, she might not be unable to accept him, Zhu Wuneng

The housekeeper understood the situation, but did not speak to the mistress. He called two more people and had Yang Jian, along with his chair, carried to the side.

Speaking of the moon, its icy brilliance shines brightly, as cold laughter spills from the cup, causing it to topple.

Disappointed, I take another whiff, amidst the mingling scents, a familiar feeling wafts in.

Kang Laoda, fearing that he might remember, hurriedly stood up and said: "The Howling Celestial Dog is unwell, I will take him away first, everyone, farewell"

Liu Yanchang stood up with the flowers in hand, unsure of what performance would be appropriate

After bathing and changing clothes, for the first time in three years, Yang Jian was carried by several servants through the corridor and courtyard, and after being placed on the reclining chair, they respectfully withdrew

Once again, guests have arrived. Nezha, having nothing to do in the heavens, also came to join the excitement. Upon seeing Yang Jian sitting to the side, he was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what to say. It was only after Chen Xiang called him twice that he regained his composure. After exchanging some pleasantries, his eyes still occasionally darted towards Yang Jian, uncertain of what the Three Holy Mothers had summoned him for.

In a single night, two souls share the same dream

Zhu Bajie became excited and urged, "Quickly tell me, who do you admire the most?"

Xiao Yu squeezed out two words in a voice as soft as an ant's whisper: "Agarwood"

Zhu Bajie rarely encounters an opportunity to tease his senior brother, and he is unwilling to let it slip away. He shouts, "No one else intervene, I will ask."

In his heart, he secretly pondered that this person was indeed the only one in the Three Realms who could match him in true skill. Although he often verbally complained that this person won through unfair means, he was well aware that even without any assistance, this individual's abilities were sufficient to contend with him.

A cup of wine filled to the brim, Long Ba's heart finally settled down

Kang Laoda saw his gaze directed at Liu Yanchang and realized that he had misunderstood. He quickly said: "Mr. Liu is reciting poetry, you do not know how, find someone else..."

Yang Jian's body trembled as he watched Brother Kang stride through the courtyard with the Howling Celestial Dog. Liu Yanchang and his wife joyfully approached him, saying, "Brother Kang, what brings you here today?"

Sun Wukong shook his head and said, "Ask away, I, the old monkey, have nothing in my life that cannot be shared with others"

Indeed, sorrow outweighs joy, and anger is as fierce as a raging bull.

Everyone gasped in surprise, and Liu Yanchang was even more astonished. Among the crowd, there were those who understood the art, and they could tell that the words were indeed far superior to Liu Yanchang's work. But how could they come from the mouth of the Howling Celestial Dog? Chang'e pondered for a moment and asked, "Howling Celestial Dog, where did you see this?"

Chang'e asked: "If you answer correctly, will there be a penalty of wine?"

Baihua was also surprised and hesitated, saying: "How about we ask another question? Xiaoyu, you answer, everyone think about what to ask."

Unexpectedly, the wine jug showed no signs of movement at all

Xiao Yu looked at everyone with a bit of nervousness, as everyone seemed to be pondering what to ask. Their gazes, both consciously and unconsciously, drifted towards Yang Jian, murmuring in their hearts.

The wine was full, and Chang'e raised her cup and drank it all in one go. Thinking of Hou Yi, she did not want to ruin the atmosphere at the table, yet she could not help but feel her eyes redden.

With a laugh, they managed to get through it. At the table, they began pointing at each other again. Sun Wukong specifically pointed at Zhu Bajie and immediately asked him who he wanted the most. After a bout of laughter, Zhu Bajie pointed at Dingxiang. Long Ba did not wait for others to ask and, appearing somewhat nervous, fixed his gaze on his wife: "Dingxiang, who is the person you love the most?"

The Three Holy Mothers pondered, among this group of sisters, the Fourth Princess has the most straightforward personality and is the least knowledgeable about matters of love. It would be better to inquire in this manner to avoid further complications.

The eyes, however, were fixed on Yang Jian

Chen Xiang pondered: "The thoughts of the holy Buddha are too difficult to decipher; if you yourself do not know, how can we guess?"

Yang Jian reclined in his chair, observing the group as they took their seats. The Hundred Flowers Fairy had initially opposed Yang Jian's presence, and at this moment, seeing the slight regret in the expression of the Three Holy Mothers, she beckoned a servant over and whispered a few words in his ear

He held his head and began to ponder deeply

Chen Xiang pondered for a moment and cautiously asked, "Xiao Yu, what do you think your father should be like?"

Although not a renowned master, my insights are not lacking. When in the mood, I also compose a couple of poems and create a few melodies. Liu Yanchang's great works truly do not catch my eye.

Liu Yanchang felt somewhat troubled; he was merely a failed scholar, possessing some knowledge, but not to a high degree. In the midst of the lively atmosphere filled with merriment after drinking, it was indeed quite difficult for him to compose a poem.

Perhaps my happiness is destined to be solitary

Kang Laoda declined, saying: "I am a rough man; such refined matters are beyond me. Fairy, do not seek excuses to pour me wine."

Xiao Yu tilted her head: "Who does it resemble?"

Seeing that everyone has more or less come to a conclusion, Baihua pointed to Xiaoyu and said: "Then let it start with you. Who will ask?"

Looking at the trusting gaze of the Three Holy Mothers, I found it difficult to refuse. After a brief moment of contemplation, I raised my head and said: "Though I am somewhat inebriated and lacking poetic inspiration, I do have an old piece that I shall present today, despite its shortcomings."

Yang Jian's gaze was filled with disdain as he listened to Liu Yanchang recite poetry, a hint of mockery playing at the corners of his mouth. Nezha was saying: "Mr. Liu, today, being able to be together with the Three Holy Mothers is indeed a testament to your sincerity, which is commendable. This poem clearly reflects your true intentions."

The body is hidden in the shadow of the artificial rock, no longer needing to respond to those curious and disdainful glances with a calm and unruffled gaze

The moonlight is enchanting, and the annual Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions

The young couple should take their time to look around in their room

Xiao Yu closed her eyes and sketched in her heart, slowly saying: "The father I imagine must be tall and handsome.

Dingxiang, having drunk wine, pointed a finger at Chang'e and said: "I want Aunt Chang'e to answer."

Refining the preface to convey the wandering of the water lilies

but I cannot think of anyone at the moment

The Fairy of a Hundred Flowers plucked a branch of red plum blossoms, returned to the table, and said with a smile: "Let us play a drinking game, passing the flower while beating the drum."

The fragrance of flowers intoxicates the senses. Although it is already August, the fairy of flowers is present, and there is no flower that cannot bloom. In the courtyard, the extraordinary blooms of all four seasons compete for beauty.

He recited a poem titled "Washing the Stream Sand." To be honest, it was not particularly outstanding in the ears of the listeners, but the sentiment of longing expressed in the words was profound and rich. It was known that this was composed during the time he was separated from the Three Holy Mothers. Reflecting on their more than twenty years of separation while remaining loyal to each other, the audience could not help but express their admiration.

Xiao Yu felt like crying a little

Although it was his own idea, when the Three Holy Mothers invited a group of guests to sit down and noticed that everyone's gaze, whether intentional or not, swept over Yang Jian, and saw Yang Jian's expressionless face, falling into an unknown gaze, he felt a pang of regret in his heart, fearing that this Mid-Autumn banquet would be disrupted by him

The Three Holy Mothers suddenly remembered Yang Jian and sent someone to bring him over

Xiao Yu finished the wine and pointed at Sun Wukong: "Ask the Victorious Fighting Buddha."

As he relaxed his grip, the wine jug spun and hovered above the table. Baihua smiled and said, "This is merely a trinket for the old fellows to enjoy their idle drinking of Du Kang. I will take it first, it is just right.

The wine glasses remained still, creating a subtle atmosphere at the banquet. The Fourth Princess and her sisters hoped that Chang'e would open her embrace, yet they did not wish to put her in an awkward position and were eager to help her out. The Fourth Princess glanced around and saw Yang Jian reclining in his chair, his gaze directed towards Chang'e, filled with both surprise and boundless tenderness. A sudden pang of pain struck her heart, and she thought it would be better to use him as a target. With a cold snort, she shouted: "Yang Jian, what are you looking at? A toad wishing to eat..."

At this moment, Kang Laoda finally saw Yang Jian, approached with a stern face, and abruptly picked up the Howling Celestial Dog, glaring at Yang Jian: "Howling Celestial Dog, what are you doing here with this despicable person? Go back and drink!"

The Celestial Dog looked at Boss Kang in confusion, not seeing any hints from him, and shook its head uncertainly

The Celestial Dog rubs its nose, wondering where the scent it desires is. It can never seem to find it.

Only then did everyone understand, becoming greatly interested, and began to ponder how to come up with some tricky questions that would be difficult for others to answer

Sun Wukong raised his wine cup and approached Yang Jian's chair, smiling as he said: "Yang Jian, did you ever think that the day you harmed me, Old Sun, would lead to your own downfall today? I will not seek revenge on you; you will reap the consequences of your own actions."

The Fourth Princess felt a turmoil in her heart, looking at Yang Jian with a hint of regret, yet she found it difficult to express her feelings. She shot a glare at her brother and turned to leave.

Yang Jian looked at the Howling Celestial Dog, which had accompanied him for a thousand years. He thought his heart, which he believed to be as calm as an ancient well, was suddenly shaken. The Howling Celestial Dog still appeared somewhat foolish, but the master would take care of you, and you would no longer be burdened by me. You would no longer have to share in my joys and sorrows. From now on, we shall be strangers.

Baihua smiled and said: "Today's banquet is naturally meant for everyone to enjoy themselves, without being restricted by the program; whatever is spontaneous is good."

He is strong enough to protect me, ensuring that no one can bully me; yet he is very gentle with me, caring for me when I am ill and comforting me when I am tired

Yang Jian did not expect that the Howling Celestial Dog still remembered him, glancing at him with a rare gentleness, revealing a hint of admiration.

Although I despise his actions, upon seeing him in such a fallen state yet still proud as before, I cannot help but feel a faint sense of respect in my heart

In a place where no one could see, he gazed at his mother, who had regained her radiance after years of imprisonment, leaning on her husband, smiling as she watched her son call upon friends, and at the now much more mature Chenxiang, whose eyes revealed an unknown tenderness.

After much contemplation, Sun Wukong truly had no leverage to question him, so Zhu Bajie reluctantly asked a casual question: "Who do you admire the most in your life"

Not to mention the things that Liu Yanchang has forgotten, even in terms of the poetry he recited, it is not regarded highly by him

The words remain unspoken, yet a cup of wine is already filled to the brim

The elegant breeze of the quiet period embraces the knees, as the evening forest reflects the red clouds at dusk

The fourth princess shook her head without a moment's hesitation: "No."

Just now? The Celestial Dog looked at Liu Yanchang and said, that person was reciting something, so I also want to recite something.

The wine jug remains still, and Sun Wukong knows it is not right; his resentment towards the Buddha outweighs his reverence.

Old Master Kang laughed heartily and said, "I brought the Howling Celestial Dog out for a stroll, thinking that since it is the Mid-Autumn Festival, it must be lively around here, so I came to enjoy a bit of the festivities."

Kang Laoda signaled them not to ask any further and had the Howling Celestial Dog sit beside him

However, this banquet ultimately lost its significance and ended abruptly

Baihua took it back and said, "It truly is ruined, it is my fault, I have dampened everyone's spirits, we will drink, and not play anymore"

A gathering filled with joy

The Celestial Dog looked at Boss Kang in confusion, and Boss Kang said softly: "Did you see what they just performed? Just like that, do whatever you can."

I ... ... ''

The sound of the silk pipe lingers as the frost has thickened, while the rivers and mountains seem distant, yet my feelings remain profound.

Liang Chui Dao: "Speak quickly, what is there to be shy about"

The Hundred Flowers Laugh: "This wine has used a considerable amount of my Hundred Flowers Essence, crafted by Du Kang. Its exquisite flavor is unparalleled in the three realms. This is not a punitive drink, but a reward."

At this moment, the Three Holy Mothers deeply regretted allowing Yang Jian to attend the meeting, which displeased her husband. At this time, the Hundred Flowers Fairy spoke up, naturally echoing this sentiment, hoping that everyone would quickly forget what had just happened, and then playfully asked: "What kind of treasure is this little wine pot? Sister Hundred Flowers, I wonder where you pulled it from, trying to amuse us."

Kang Laoda had just clinked glasses with someone when he turned his head and called out to him: "Xiao Tian Quan, don't run around."

With a flick of her wrist, she poured a cup of wine, the fragrance wafting through the air

Is that Guanyin? No, that's not right. Sigh, who does this old Sun admire? Could it be no one? Myself?

Baihua and the Three Holy Mothers wished they could sew up the mouth of this pig's head, while Chang'e, not wanting to dampen everyone's spirits, looked up and smiled, saying: "It is Yi"

How is it

The woman dressed in vibrant floral patterns, laughing and speaking loudly, exuded a fragrance that made him want to sneeze; the middle-aged scholar raising his glass in a toast had a sour and musty smell that he also found unappealing

The wine jug responded and filled a cup to the brim

At this moment, the gathering fell into a profound silence, and the Fourth Princess, instead of being angry, teased Baihua by saying: "Sister Baihua, look at your treasure."

Although Yang Jian is focused on his martial training, he is not a reckless warrior. Since childhood, in order to prove himself and not fall behind others, he has not neglected any form of knowledge alongside his martial arts practice

Dingxiang only thought he was embarrassing himself, not caring at all: "Do you think I am as shy as Xiaoyu? I am not afraid at all. I love you, so what?"

Inquiring about the weariness of life, how does one fare in desolation, pondering in silence with golden engravings

Everyone at the table couldn't help but cast their gaze towards Yang Jian, reciting repeatedly, not expecting him to possess such poetic sentiment. Liu Yanchang felt even more uncomfortable in his heart, secretly blaming his wife for allowing him to come, resulting in a momentary silence at the gathering

Having said that, he took out a small wine flask from his sleeve

The Celestial Dog casually replied: "What the master wrote... Oh, master, who is the master?"

The Fourth Princess understood that she was there to help Chang'e out of her predicament, and without hesitation, she graciously nodded and said, "You may ask."

The Celestial Dog sits among the guests, raising its nose to sniff; the scent of these individuals is unpleasant.

Others felt a bit shy, and Long Ba took the lead to ask: "Xiao Yu, tell me, who do you think about the most in your heart?"

Seeing the atmosphere at the banquet grow cold, the Flower Fairy, intending to ease the mood, noticed that everyone was drinking somewhat sullenly. She clapped her hands and laughed, saying: "Last time I went to Du Kang's place, I obtained a magical treasure, which is quite interesting, just right for a toast."

Zhu Bajie grunted in agreement, spat towards Yang Jian, and said: "Exactly, it serves you right"

No one forced him; they listened to his recitation.