Page 13 of 321 FirstFirst ... 3456789101112131415161718192021222363113 ... LastLast
Results 241 to 260 of 6420

Thread: A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

  1. #241
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    1,367

    Default

    to continue....

    *************************************************

    He took out the damp cloth from under the pillow and after feeding them half of the melted, gluey aphrodisiac each, Xiang Shaolong sat calmly at the side.

    In a short moment their skin turned fresh red, they started twisting and moaning, and slowly regained consciousness.

    Xiang Shaolong was secretly exclaiming that the drug is formidable, and retreated to a corner to see what will happen. When the 2 women were in the throes of passion, they do not care if the other party is male or female. When they started tearing each other’s clothes, he put his mind at ease.

    So a little aphrodisiac is already so formidable, if he were to swallow the whole pill, he won’t be able to take it even is his body is made from metal. Lady Ya and Cuiniang’s actions were becoming more and more intolerable, the bedroom was filled with their moans and screams.

    Xiang Shaolong closed his eyes and meditated according to how Yuan Zong taught him, eliminating all thoughts from his mind, blocking out the sounds in the room. Without knowing how much time has passed, when the two ladies were finally quiet, he opened his eyes.

    The two women were lying in a messy heap on the rug, their chests heaving, and asleep from extreme fatigue.

    Xiang Shaolong smiled, burned the piece of cloth over the lamp before lying down between the two women and pulled the blanket over the three of them and went to sleep.

    That night he dreamt of a bleeding Shu’er, crying piteously for him to avenge her. HE screamed and struggled to wake up from this nightmare, and it’s already noon.

    The 2 ladies were gone and only a pretty maid was waiting at the side. When she saw that he’s awake, she immediately knelt down and paid her respects, saying, “The Eldest Young Master Wu is waiting for Master Xiang at the main hall, is Master Xiang all right!”

    Xiang Shaolong pretended to be trembling and dizzy and called out, “Water! Get me some water!”

    The pretty maid smiled, “Master Xiang has over-exerted yourself last night, Lady was like you too.”

    Xiang Shaolong was secretly laughing that the maid is just like the mistress, she doesn’t seem to be of good character. He reached out and grabbed her tender bosom.

    The pretty maid left with a smile.

    Xiang Shaolong put on an act and pretended to be uneasy on his feet, staggering into the hall.

    Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang was accompanied by the listless looking Lady Ya, and on seeing him, they both looked furious, thinking that he has let himself down so terribly.

    When Lady Ya saw him coming out, she looked guilt-stricken. She stood up and was about to speak when Xiang Shaolong fell over and fainted on the floor.

    This move spared the need for all talk.

    He decided to hide this from Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang for the time being as well so that Zhao Mu and Lian Xin will really believe their plan worked and will fall into his trap instead.

    Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang were angry and anxious, and hurriedly sent him back to the guesthouse.

    When they put him on the rug, Wu Yingyuan said seriously, “Something’s wrong, I think Shaolong has been deviously tricked by Lady Ya. Master Tao, go and get Miracle Hand Huang here, see if he can recover his strength before the duel.” After he spoke he heaved a long sigh, full of regret and anger.

    Xiang Shaolong snapped open his eyes and sat up.

    The both of them were startled, and stared at him dumbly.

    Xiang Shaolong smiled helplessly, “If I were to keep on pretending to be unconscious, it’ll be more difficult than giving me a beating.”

    The two of them were ecstatic and hurriedly asked him what was happening. After Xiang Shaolong told them the whole process, the two of them laughed so hard they were clutching their bellies.

    Wu Yingyuan hurriedly told Tao Fang to instruct the other warriors to guard the guesthouse and not allow anyone to come in.

    Tao Fang sat down after he returned and said, “Shaolong is really formidable. The poison from the needle must have been cultivated from the sap of the fainting grass. Once injected into the bloodstream, even a horse will lose consciousness, but I didn’t expect that you’ll have no fear of it.”

    Wu Yingyuan replied, “Heaven must be on our side, how does Shaolong intend to make use of this advantage?”

    Xiang Shaolong replied, “I’ll just react according to circumstances! I will definitely shock that Zhao Mu and Lian Jin.”

    Tao Fang said, “Lady Ya sent someone over to ask about your situation earlier, I’ve chased that person away. If she comes and see you personally, do you want to see her?”

    Wu Yingyuan replied, “It’s better not to meet.”

    Xiang Shaolong said, “The aphrodisiac may be formidable, but hearing what Zhao Mu said, it seems that one will recover some of his strength after sleeping for a few hours, but will definitely not be able to handle an intense fight!”

    Wu Yingyuan replied, “That is the reason, or else if Lian Jin was to win without a fight, how can he show off in front of his Majesty and all the court officials.

    Xiang Shaolong agreed, “I agree with Eldest Young Master’s words. I should not see anyone at all, and let the enemy think that I’m trying my best to regain my strength, then I won’t have to put on so much of an act tonight.”

    Tao Fang replied, “But at least Shaolong must pretend to be tired. Before we leave I will put some gray powder on your face, then nothing will go wrong.”

    Once they said this, the three of them can’t help but chortle again.

    ************************************************** *

  2. #242
    Senior Member rati4u's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    330

    Default

    wow...its turning very interesting!

  3. #243
    Junior Member encoish's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    My location? Anywhere with lots of bunnies. Dead bunnies.
    Posts
    49

    Default

    Hahaha, two ladies took the "lust" aphrodisiac next to each other... I really wonder what happened. Too bad Huang Yi didn't describe in detail...
    If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

  4. #244
    Member greyman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    102

    Default

    Wow.. Xiang Shaolong meditated while the two ladies were a few feet away from him .... INCREDIBLE !! this guy is better than all the gu long/Jin Yong heroes...Incredible self control!!!

  5. #245
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    1,367

    Default

    end of chapter....

    ************************************************** *

    The Zhao Palace is in the middle of Handan city, surrounded by walls everywhere, the river moat deep and broad, it’s almost like a city within a city.

    The feast will be held in the Xiangrui Great Hall in the Palace.

    The King of Zhao’s imperial seat was on the north facing the main door, on both sides there were each 40 tables placed, all facing the large empty plaza in the middle. There were 2 rows of tables front and back, each table can seat 10 people. Those seated in the front rows are naturally for royalty and the senior court officials, while the tables behind are for their families and warriors with special status.

    The nearer the tables are to the King of Zhao, the higher ranking the people. Master Wu and Guo Zhong, the two most wealthiest people, are seated on the third table on the left and third table on the right respectively. As such it can be seen how important these two people are in Zhao.

    After all the guests entered, they went to their own tables and sat down. They placed their heads close to each other as they spoke, not daring to make any loud noises. The atmosphere was tense and serious.

    When Master Wu walked in with the dazzling dressed Wu Tingfang and Wu Tingwei, they immediately captured the attention of everyone, firstly because of Wu Tingfang’s outstanding beauty, but all the more because the two contestants in the duel tonight are both swordsman from the Wu Mansion.

    Guo Zhong, who was already seated, stood up and walked over. After saying a few polite words, he went nearer to his ear and whispered, “I heard that last nithg Xiang Shaolong even went to Lady Ya’s place for fun. How can he accomplish anything great if he lets himself down thus, it seems that he will certainly lose tonight.”

    This Guo Zhong was average sized, about 40 years old, his face fair and without a bear but his eyes were bright and smart. When he spoke he is full of expressions, and seems like a person with no ill intent. But all who knows him will know how good he is at hiding daggers behind his smiles.

    Master Ma, who is at least two sizes taller and larger than him was secretly furious, on one hand unhappy that Xiang Shaolong is so lax, on the other hand because Guo Zhong was insinuating that he is blind to place his bets on the wrong person to duel with the invincible Lian Jin. He can only smile condescendingly and said, “You have a lot of men under you, why don’t you find someone for a duel and let us have an eye-opener.”

    As the two of them were debating, Zhao Mu, with a long sword scar starting from the lobe if his left ear and ending on the corner of his mouth, together with the beautiful yet tired looking Lady Ya arrived under the protection of a few warriors. All the court officials hurriedly paid their respects to him, which shoes how unique his status is.

    Zhao Mu stood straight, his shoulders broad, the scar on his face did not make him become ugly, instead it added to his male attraction. Although he is more than 30, he is very well maintained and handsome looking. His brows are exceptionally thing, the bridge of his nose hooked like an eagle, paired with his long and slim yet shiny eyes, he gives others the feeling that he is not to be trifled with.

    He saw Wu Tingfang who is next to Master Wu and his eyes shone immediately. He went forward and said, “Miss Tingfang, it’s been a long time since we met.”

    After Wu Tingfang paid her respects, she said coldly, “Marquis, how do you do!”

    Master Wu and Guo Zhong dared not be rude, so they turned around and greeted him as well.

    Right at this time there was a commotion near the door, it turns out to be Wu Hei who has come in with the proud and handsome looking Lian Jin who is dressed in warrior’s attire.

    Lian Jin looked energetic and smug, greeting everyone with a smile, and at the same time flirting with the beauties with his eyes.

    By now almost all the guests have arrived. The women tied their hair up in the palace fashion and were formally dressed for the feast, either wearing jewelry that was embroidered on their clothes, swaying along or they were wearing long robes reaching the knees, revealing the underskirt, with a coat hanging on them. When their hands extend from the broad sleeves, matching gold bangles coiled around the arms, with jade rings on their slender fingers and pearls on their ears. The jade belt around their waist hung fragrance pouches, and for a moment the fragrance and the dazzling display is enough to make one dizzy.

    The men were wearing crowns on their head, long robes, the back of their robes sewn to look like a swallow’s tail, and looked like an opposing complement to the ladies.

    Wu Tingfang has heard about how Lady Ya forcefully invited Xiang Shaolong to her residence, and saw that everyone’s attention was on Lian Jin. She moved over to Lady Ya’s side and whispered angrily into her ear, “Why did you harm Shaolong. If anything happens to him, I will not let you off.”

    Lady Ya was stunned for a moment, and when she was speechless, Lian Jin had walked over with large strides. She thought of how she has to accompany him tonight, and for a moment felt shame and anger, and lowered her head.

    Wu Hei (Hei = black), who is next to Lian Jin, really lives up to his name. His face and eyes were dark, his body short and stout with a square face and large ears, but his eyes were long and narrow. Ha made Lian Jin who is at least a head taller than him looks dashing in comparison.

    Lian Jin first paid his respects to Zhao Mu, Master Wu and Guo Zhong but when his gaze shifted over to Wu Tingfang and Lady Ya, a strange, complicated expression flashed past his eyes.

    By then another few senior court officials joined their circle, and the atmosphere became more celebratory.

    Lian Jin was thinking of slipping over and flirting with the 2 ladies when Zhao Mu suddenly said, “If Boss Wu agrees, I would like to invite Lian Jin to be seated at my table.”

    Everyone was stunned. By saying that, Zhao Mu is opening asking for Lian Jin from Master Wu, to place Lian Jin under his banner.

    Lian Jin did not expect him to do this and was extremely surprised. The expression of Wu Hei’s face changed. If Lian Jin were to agree, then he can forget about staying on in the Wu family.

    Master Wu was secretly furious, but he smiled on the surface and said, “If Lian Jin wants to, why would I not agree.” Obviously he’s making Lian Jin decide.

    Lian Jin was secretly cursing Zhao Mu. It must be known that people in this era places much importance on loyalty between master and servant. A mercenary must be loyal to his master, never to waver in his whole life. Now that Zhao Mu has forced him to make a decision, if he agrees, others will certainly ostracize him. In the end the only way he can survive is if he works only for Zhao Mu.

    But he is now placed in a difficult position, so he gritted his teeth and replied, “I thank Marquis for your compliment, how dare I refuse.”

    Everyone was quiet, and looked at Master Wu.

    After all Master Wu has been through a lot of experiences, and he laughed loudly, “Lian Jin you must try your best to fight for his Marquis’s glory tonight, you can only win and not lose!” The underlying meaning is that if he loses, he can forget about staying on in Handan.

    Lian Jin and Zhao Mu exchanged looks and laughed at the same time.

    Master Wu and Guo Zhong are all wily old foxes, and once they heard the smugness hidden in the laughter, they knew that something must be going on, and both looked towards Lady Ya who still had her head bowed at the same time.

    Naturally Lady Ya knows why the two of them were laughing so happily, and suddenly felt an overwhelming regret. She thought of how Xiang Shaolong will be humiliated in front of others later, and quickly walked towards the 2nd table on the left to hide herself.

    “Dang!”

    The bell sounded, reminding everyone to be seated.

    Master Wu was even more unhappy with Xiang Shaolong, and was secretly cursing Tao Fang and Wu Yingyuan, blaming them for being late.

    Close to a thousand royalty, officials and families hurriedly went to their seats, the 80 tables on both sides filled to the brim, preparing for the grandest palace feast after the feast they had when the Yan soldiers were defeated.

    Everyone were just seated, and before the arrival of the King of Zhao, Xiang Shaolong arrived calmly into the hall with the wooden sword hung on his waist, accompanied by Tao Fang and Wu Yingyuan.

    Everyone there had more or less heard about how he was carried out of Lady Ya’s residence this morning, and when they saw him arriving, they began sizing him up.

    Besides looking a little ashen, Xiang Shaolong looks quite normal. His beautiful physique and his height, which is a little taller than Lian Jin, really makes him the dream hero of all girls.

    Zhao Mu and Lian Jin, who was next to him, exchanged looks, secretly laughing that the Xiang Shaolong now only looks good on the outside, but is totally useless.

    Lady Ya can’t help but steal a look at him, her heart quietly crying tears of regret. She has caused him such harm, the whole city already knows about it, so how can he not know? Will he forgive her? And she can’t help but hate herself for caving in under Zhao Mu’s lustful force, but it’s too late for regrets now. If Lian Jin goes back on his word and harms him, she can only kill herself to repay him.

    Master Wu saw that his steps were still steady and was relieved. He chuckled, “Shaolong, come over!”

    Xiang Shaolong hurriedly walked towards him.

    ************************************************** *****

  6. #246
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    3,478

    Default

    finally! this duel better be good! after the disappointments from legendary siblings, i need a good fight. lian jin needs to have his a$$ kicked.

    jean, please no cliffhangers during the duel. i can wait a bit longer for the update so i won't be interrupted at the good part. thanks a bunch for keeping up with the translation

  7. #247
    Senior Member efflix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    291

    Default

    wow, even an update on thanksgiving! what a holiday treat =)

    Who is Wu Hei again? Have we heard anything about him before? Lots of Wu's here.

  8. #248
    Senior Member sehseh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    2,562

    Default

    Ah, so exciting! Can't wait for Shao Long to kick Lian Jin's a**.

    Thanks for the wonderful translation, Jean!

  9. #249
    Senior Member rati4u's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    330

    Default

    jean oh jean....i began to like you very much for your work! hmmmm...where are you from?

  10. #250
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    1,367

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tweety365 View Post
    jean, please no cliffhangers during the duel. i can wait a bit longer for the update so i won't be interrupted at the good part. thanks a bunch for keeping up with the translation

    but... but.... but... don't you like my cliffhangers?

    efflix, Wu Hei is the one at loggerheads with Tao Fang, also the one who introduced Lian Jin to Master Wu.

    btw, I don't celebrate thanksgiving here, it's another working day for me

  11. #251
    Senior Member ProtoM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    oDDwORLD
    Posts
    1,207

    Default

    ah i read this novel a long time ago. it is one of Huang Yi's best work. it is quite long, but the intrigue and action makes it very exciting...btw, i dont think this novel is PG13 ^^ good job translating Jean!!!
    "Power tends to corrup and absolute power corrupt absolutely" ~ Lord Acton

  12. #252
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    3,478

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jean View Post
    but... but.... but... don't you like my cliffhangers?
    your cliffhangers are wonderful, really do add in a lot of anxiety, but sometimes too much anxiety . i've been waiting for this duel, so it'll have me biting my nails if you stop at a critical moment. be gentle to my nerves

    i'll have to say that this is the first ancient story i've read that has so much

  13. #253
    Senior Member efflix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    291

    Default

    LOL tweety...at first i was like, WHAT is that graphic?? and then a OOOOOOOO -_-

  14. #254
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    3,478

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by efflix View Post
    LOL tweety...at first i was like, WHAT is that graphic?? and then a OOOOOOOO -_-
    you mean this:

    LOL...

  15. #255
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Ithaca, NY
    Posts
    35

    Default

    Thanks for giving the gift of translation on thanksgiving.

    I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE DUEL, THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME.

  16. #256
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Posts
    1,367

    Default

    to continue.... new chapter!

    ************************************************** **

    Book 2 Chap 3 – The duel in the Palace

    Xiang Shaolong sat down next to Wu Tingfang and she hurriedly leaned over and asked with concern, “Shaolong are you all right! I am so worried, and last night you were even at that s.lut’s place.” And she pinched him hard on his thigh under the table.

    Xiang Shaolong looked at the delicacies filling the table, reached his hand out and caressed her thigh and laughed quietly, “Don’t worry! Just trust your future husband!”

    Wu Tingfang’s body went soft under his touch, and on one hand wanted him to be even bolder but on the other hand afraid that she may not be able to take it and let others see through her. She was so frightened that she hurriedly sat properly, and luckily Xiang Shaolong’s 5 fingered army finally retreated.

    A tall and thin gentleman with a pale face seated at the 2nd table in front turned his head around and stared at Xiang Shaolong who was seated on the 3rd table at the back row, his glance filled with the intent to create trouble.

    Tao Fang who was next to Xiang Shaolong told him, “That would be the Prince of Shaoyuan, Zhao De.”

    Xiang Shaolong looked back at him coldly, his eyes shooting out rays of ice. That Zhao De did not back down but stared back at him, and the warriors seated at the surrounding tables also turned back and stared at him angrily. The air was charged with explosives.

    “Dang!”

    The bell rung again.

    The sounds of bamboo instruments are heard, a group of musicians blew on their instruments as they walked in and stood at the two sides, continuing with the music.

    Only now did Prince Shaoyuan took back his stare and looked at the main door.

    With the accompaniment of his concubines, King Xiaocheng of Zhao, aged around 30, walked into the hall, with over 100 followers walking behind him. Half of them went to stand around the tables, the other half following the King of Zhao towards the main seating area set aside for him.

    The King of Zhao has a pale face tinged red from alcohol, his features quite handsome, his eyes bright and forehead broad, quite good looking overall. However he’s just a little thin, his lips are not thick enough, and looks like a young greenhorn.

    On his head he wore a headgear with a board, rounded in front and squared behind, with 10 strands of pearls stringed with red and green threads hanging from the end of the board, signifying his status as King.

    His dragon robe was sewn with diagrams of the sun, moon, stars, dragons etc, looking extremely grand.

    He walked alone to the main table, his concubines sat at the 3 tables behind him while the guards stood protectively at the 2 sides and the back. He really exuded the aura of the King of the state.

    Everyone knelt on the floor, waiting for him to be seated.

    After the King of Zhao sat down, he said gently, “Please rise and take a seat.”

    After everyone called out greetings, they returned to their seats.

    Naturally there are palace maids who will pour the wine for the guests.

    The King of Zhao raised his cup and said, “King Xi of Yan thinks too highly of himself, and sent Li Fu and Qing Qin to attack us but were badly defeated by us. Now General Lian Po has brought troops to surround Yan under my orders. I think King Xi of Yan can forget about a good night’s sleep. Let’s drink a toast to us defeating Yan!”

    Everyone cheered and the atmosphere was celebratory.

    The King of Zhao suddenly stood up, and the rest were so startled they hurriedly stood up as well. He laughed, “The success of defeating Yan this time is due to the hard work of all my beloved officials. If Master Wu did not provide the warhorses and food supplies, Master Guo did not supply weapons and ships. I’m afraid we would not have succeeded. Let us all drink a toast to both of them.”

    Everyone took another drink heartily.

    Master Wu and Guo Zhong were both overwhelmed and ecstatic.

    Xiang Shaolong who did not have a initial good impression of him, had a change of heart and secretly thought that a person who can become the ruler, his bearing is indeed different from others.

    After the King of Zhao invited everyone to be seated and enjoy the dishes, his hands clapped, emitting a crisp sound.

    The musicians who had retreated to both sides of the main door immediately started playing again.

    A group of nearly 200 beauties with their hair combed like a swallow’s tail, wearing light veils made from translucent material danced into the hall like flying birds. The semi hidden bosoms and silken legs made various marvelous poses, capturing one’s attention.

    Everyone clapped and cheered, the applause was deafening.

    Xiang Shaolong watched as the dancers sang and danced daintily, and can’t help but think about Ting Fangshi, who was given away, and think about if he defeats Lian Jin, he will be able to get her back, and can’t help but feel a gush of bravery.

    Wu Tingfang whispered proudly in his ear, “Fang’er’s song and dance is a lot better than theirs. I will let you have a good look when there’s a chance.”

    Xiang Shaolong replied, “But you must not wear any item of clothing.”

    Wu Tingfang rolled her eyes at him, and gave him a sweet smile.

    Zhao Mu and Lian Jin, who were keeping an eye on Wu Tingfang, was fuming at the scene, and were consoling themselves that Xiang Shaolong will be in trouble later.

    The dancers retreated, leaving behind only their fragrance.

    Everyone’s gaze shifted to the King of Zhao, holding their breath and waiting for him to speak.

    The hall was huge, but it’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

    ************************************************** *******

  17. #257
    Senior Member tweety365's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    3,478

    Default

    darn. was so hoping this next installment will be the duel. i got all excited too . jean, you really do know how to tease . i can hardly handle the suspense.

    i don't know if it is a good thing or not for XSL to get ting fangshi back. he has too many enemies and can't possible protect her 24/7. she'll most likely end up as another lost soul in the men's battle.

    anyway, back to the fight.

  18. #258
    Senior Member overjoy71's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Melbourne, AU
    Posts
    304

    Default

    OH you can't separate Jean and Cliffhangers.. they go hand in hand!! hahaha..

    Thanks Jean

  19. #259
    Member Icefrog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    dagupan city, philippines
    Posts
    156

    Default

    i'll endure and enjoy all the Cliffhangers Jean has to offer. she's a great translator and a perfect story teller at that. we do owe Jean a lot of gratitude. thanks a lot Jean!!!

  20. #260
    Senior Member rati4u's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    330

    Default

    hey jean! did u hear that? your cliff hangers are making people go insane..heeeee...tweety is so excited about the fight, of course me too! pls dont tease us! and thx in advance

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 318
    Last Post: 11-12-15, 05:26 PM
  2. a step into the past question
    By King_Kong_1981 in forum Wuxia Fiction
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 09-26-13, 03:27 PM
  3. A Step Into The Past 《尋秦記》
    By i|uaNZ in forum TVB Series
    Replies: 128
    Last Post: 10-04-08, 03:20 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •