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

  1. #3621
    Senior Member smurf120's Avatar
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    thank you thank you thank you! Jean, we missed you!

  2. #3622
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    to continue....


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

    A successful businessman will always know how to guess his buyer’s thoughts, and this fact has remained since time memorial.

    In the middle of the great hall was a square table and surrounding this square table there were six seats.

    Xiang Shaolong prefers such seating arrangements where everyone is seated around one another as it’s more conducive and close-knitted for chats.

    Du Bi personally invited Xiang Shaolong, Lao Ai and Han Jie into the hall while the rest of the guards stayed outside, where they will be welcomed by others.

    Du Bi’s attitude is extremely warm, a rare change which makes one unable to imagine that his attitude used to be frosty and aloof in the past.

    Naturally Xiang Shaolong knows what he’s thinking about.

    If they are really are able to assassinate Xiao Pan, or successful in shifting the blame to Lu Buwei, then they will try to fight for the support of Xiang Shaolong and his men because by that time Cheng Qiao would have become the legal successor.

    By then, Wang Chi, Wang Ling etc will have no choice but to support Cheng Qiao.

    As for Lao Ai, firstly he is still of value now and secondly, Du Bi holds no regards for him at all. Like Wang Chi, he does not believe he’s capable of doing anything great, so he just flattered him together with the group.

    Lao Ai is most concerned about whether Shi Sufang will be attending the feast so he asked, “Miss Shi…”

    Du Bi interrupted with a laugh, “Lord Interior Minister do not worry, Master Pu has gone to speak with Miss Shi personally. Hai! A woman’s heart is indeed unfathomable. Actually she has a good impression of Lord Interior Minister as well, it’s just that she’s a little vexed that Master Xiang would stand her up so she was just putting on some airs! Lord Interior Minister please do not be offended.”

    Now that Lao Ai has regained some dignity, his confidence is slightly restored and he’s suddenly more relaxed.

    Right at this time Pu Hu returned and from a distance away, made a hand signal to show that all has been arranged. Du Bi hurriedly invited everyone to sit down, leaving the seat between Xiang Shaolong and Lao Ai empty. Obviously that seat is being kept for Shi Sufang.

    The pretty maids first served wine and food, followed by beautiful musicians whose music brought life to the gathering. A number of swirling dancers came out, their movements fluid. A pity that Xiang Shaolong, Lao Ai and Han Jie were not here for this and thus were not in the mood to enjoy.

    After the dance, the dancers and musicians left the hall, leaving only six elegantly dressed beauties to serve wine and all of them were above average in looks.

    Other than Lu Buwei, all the other royalty and officials of Xianyang cannot be compared to Du Bi.

    Han Jie asked in passing, “What business does Master Pu has in Xianyang?”

    Pu Hu laughed, “With Shaolong’s father-in-law around, there’s no place for me here at all.”

    Everyone knows that he’s joking and Du Bi said with a laugh, “This old friend of mine, when doing business, is as good as Yi Yin and Lu Shang’s stratagems in governing a country, Sun Wu and Wu Qi’s military tactics and Shang Yang’s reforms. One is so impressed that one is rendered speechless.”

    Pu Hu said humbly, “And you call yourself my old friend, trying to flatter me against your conscience. But when it comes to business, there are three whom I respect the most. The first one is Shaolong’s Grandfather-in-law, master Wu. The horses and cattle he raises are so numerous they cannot be counted by per head, but measured by per valley. Secondly is Bai Gui of the state of Wei, who runs the grains and silk-screen industry. In times of famine, it’s easier to borrow grains from him than to take loans from some other states. Thirdly is Yi Dun, the salt in his warehouse is enough to last everyone in this world for a few years. As for Lu Buwei? He’s still not considered up to par yet.”

    Xiang Shaolong secretly thought “Here it comes!”. Pu Hu’s formidable point is his subtlety. Words like these which deliberately demean Lu Buwei were uttered beautifully and convincingly.

    Han Jie said with a smile, “But Lu Buwei is indeed someone who knows what to invest in. Once he makes a right bet, he will enjoy the fruits endlessly.”

    Everyone knows what he was referring to and all chortled loudly.

    Ever since Han Jie stood out that night at Lu Buwei’s feast, he has been keeping a low profile, as if he’s afraid to steal Lao Ai’s thunder. But in reality, his wisdom and air is something that Lao Ai cannot be compared with.

    Xiang Shaolong asked nonchalantly, “Isn’t Master Pu an expert in investment as well?”

    Pu Hu replied with a wry smile, “Master Xiang please be gracious, do not pour salt into my wound again. This time I’ve really lost badly. If I’d known, I would have learnt from Zhong Sunlong from the state of Qi and become a loan shark instead. If I can just employ someone with half the capabilities of Master Xiang to collect the debts, I can guarantee that money will come rolling in. Then I can avoid the danger of meeting a gambling expert like Ling Yue.”

    This time, even Xiang Shaolong can’t help but laugh. The glib tongues of businessmen are really different from others, their expressions are more lively and interesting.

    Lao Ai is only concerned about Shi Sufang and asked, “Is Miss Shi not coming?”

    Du Bi replied with a smile, “My lord, do not worry. The prettier a woman, the more difficult she is. Even though Miss Shi is staying in my residence, but up until now I’ve only seen her twice. A meal taken at the same table like what’s happening today is the first time for me! And I have the three of you to thank for it!”

    Lao Ai, on seeing that a great Qin general like Du Bi is buttering up to him as well, felt privileged and hurriedly held his wine cup up in a toast.

    Xiang Shaolong pretended to drink but in fact, not a single drop of wine touched his lips.

    Pu Hu exclaimed in surprise, “Does Master Xiang find the wine not to your liking? I can instruct my men to change it to another type of wine.”

    Xiang Shaolong smiled, “If Master Pu had just been attacked only a few days ago, I’m afraid you’ll behave like me as well and control my drinks.”

    Pu Hu was about to reply when Lao Ai’s eyes brightened as he looked straight ahead at the entrance.

    Everyone followed his gaze and looked towards the same direction, and including Xiang Shaolong, all of them were instantly dumbfounded.

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

  3. #3623
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    Haha..what a cliffhanger..Thanks Jean is good that you are back!...

  4. #3624
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    Jean...thanks...what a fun daily checking activity, back to back new updates!!!...cant wait for more

  5. #3625
    Senior Member SkyWalker's Avatar
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    Thanks for the update Jean.

    Another beauty making her grand entrance!

  6. #3626
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    awesome update as always jean!
    "The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
    -Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam to Paul Atreides

  7. #3627
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    last one for the week!


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

    Shi Sufang, under the accompaniment of two maids, swayed elegantly into the hall.

    The more distressing fact is that she looked as if she has just bathed and changed. Her shiny black hair was just bundled up at the top with just a wooden hairpin to secure it. She was without make-up, wearing only a thin, white and short silk top with sleeves so long that it reached the back of her palms, revealing only her slender fingers. On the bottom she was wearing a plain yellow long skirt, so long that it was trailing on the floor. She wore no other adornments but still looked a hundred thousand times better than any other women who may not look as good as her but dressed in finery and make up.

    Everyone can’t help but stand up, and can’t help but feel ashamed of themselves.

    Shi Sufang’s expression was aloof as she moved to Xiang and Lao and sat down between them. Only then did everyone else regain their senses and sat down with her.

    Lao Ai brushed off the pretty maid who was coming up to serve her and poured the wine for her personally instead. It seems that once lust took over his soul, he has long forgotten the warning that Xiang Shaolong gave him.

    Xiang Shaolong could smell the fresh scent on her body after her bath and can’t help but remember the intoxicating time when he first met Ji Yanran after her bath. He was suddenly jolted awake and at the same time saw that while Du Bi is equally head over heels, Pu Hu has been secretly keeping a watch on him. His heart turned icy as he realized that he must not underestimate this flamboyant and experienced businessman.

    Man’s ambition is never satisfied. Lu Buwei excelled in business and became rich and this exactly represents Pu Hu’s mindset, which is why he can ignore a beauty in his hands.

    Du Bi has always harbored unhealthy thoughts towards Ji Yanran, so naturally he is unable to resist the shocking and exotic charms of Shi Sufang.

    Shi Sufang thanked Lao Ai quietly and slowly turned the crystal clear drink. Not only Lao Ai, all the rest felt as if their souls were being eaten.

    Lao Ai had been pining for her arrival but once he was seated beside her, his glib tongue is now suddenly tied and he’s at a loss for words.

    Shi Sufang offered everyone a toast, then turned towards Xiang Shaolong and asked nonchalantly, “Why is Master Xiang suddenly available again?”

    Xiang Shaolong was a little startled by her clear gaze and he lifted his cup with a wry smile as he replied, “I do not wish to give a false answer to Miss Shi’s questioning so I can only punish myself with a drink. Would Miss please let me off the hook?”

    Pu Hu chortled, “If Miss Shi knows that Master Xiang is risking his life to drink this wine, she’ll certainly be touched.”

    After Xiang Shaolong had a hearty drink, he put his cup down only to catch a glimpse of excitement flash past Shi Sufang’s eyes before she averted his eyes. She badgered Pu Hu to clarify his earlier words and after Pu Hu’s explanation, Shi Sufang said happily, “It was Sufang who was rude, I’ll have a drink with Master Xiang then!”

    Saying is one thing, doing is another thing. On seeing that Shi Sufang’s attentions are now all on Xiang Shaolong, Lao Ai jealously tried to make her drink with him.

    Du Bi said with a laugh, “Hold it! Our Miss Shi has a rule, at every feast, she will only drink three cups of wine. Now she has already drunk two, Master Lao must treasure it.”

    Lao Ai was even more annoyed but he dared not make himself appear loutish so he can only give a dry laugh as he tried to compliment her on her music instead.

    Shi Sufang listened to him, showing neither approval nor disapproval but when Lao Ai’s flattery became too exaggerated, she just smiled lightly and it was enough to make this wily old lecher start itching but there was nothing he could do to her.

    Han Jie’s sword skills may be excellent but in this instant, he is of no help at all.

    When Lao Ai started talking about how Shi Sufang’s dance and song is so excellent that no one since time memorial can compare with, Shi Sufang guffawed and replied, “Lord Lao’s compliments are really too kind. Compared to sages of the past, Sufang’s song and dance is just decadent performances, only good enough to help sirs relieve some boredom. The music and dance of past sages are significant to the peace and stability of a country, and has been marked by Confucius as one of the Six Arts. It is not something that a woman like me can be compared with.”

    Lao Ai’s knowledge in this area is limited and he can only smile along in consternation, unable to continue the conversation further.

    In this area, Xiang Shaolong is even more ignorant than Lao Ai and he was secretly surprised, having the slight feeling that Shi Sufang’s certainly is not of simple background.

    Shi Sufang asked calmly, “Has anyone heard of this story? After the death of King Wen of Chu, he left behind a beautiful wife. Master Yuan wanted to seduce her but as he had no access to her, he built a guest house next to her imperial abode. Everyday he’ll arrange for extraordinary dance performances, hoping to lure her out. One day, she finally came out and Master Yuan thought that his lure had worked.”

    Once she came to this point, she spoke no further, leaving a cliffhanger behind.

    Her speech was fluent and lively, with pauses at all the right moment. Even Xiang Shaolong was engrossed in her story, much less for Lao Ai.

    But this beauty has a unique style and extremely prickly, not someone who gets along easily at all. In front of her, it’s very easy for one to feel inferior.

    Du Bi said with a sigh, “Of course the widow of King Wen was not tempted, I’m afraid Master Yuan has been snubbed.”

    Du Bi can’t help but try to show off a little in the face of a beauty so that he can get into her good books.

    The only thing that can be said has been said by Du Bi and there’s no chance for Lao Ai to interject or agree.

    Xiang Shaolong was secretly alarmed. Lao Ai is completely under this beauty’s control now and now if she tries to show attention to him, it will mean that she is only interested in him and that will certainly incur Lao Ai’s jealousy, thus spoiling the good ‘honeymoon’ period he is having with Lao Ai.

    Han Jie said with a smile, “Miss, please have mercy on us and tell us the ending of the story!”

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

  8. #3628
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    Thanks for the translation Jean, love to have you back (^^)/).

    one thing for sure though, you really love to keep us hangin` there XD, it really reminded me of the old times. (^^)
    "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is Mystery.
    Today is a gift... That`s why we called it Present."

  9. #3629
    Senior Member wuxiagurl's Avatar
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    Hi! I'm new to this story. Thanks to all the translators!! Love your work and really appreciate selfless giving of your time and effort! I basically spent my whole Spring Break with my eyes stuck to the screen reading the Unabridged thread from morning to night. I think I lost my 20/20 vision.

    I was actually ok with XSL in the beginning but got sick of his endless desire for more women recently. I don't really understand why he fell in love/lust with Qin Qing and onwards. I thought Zhao Ya and Jin Yanran were the best cause they contributed the most to his efforts. Or maybe cause the earlier ladies had more character development and I could sorta see why he fell in love with them. Or maybe it's just cause I wasn't sick of his courting of ladies yet.

    On a side note, I noticed that there was less graphic love scenes after the first few chapters. Is it because of the PG rating of this forum?

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    Quote Originally Posted by wuxiagurl View Post
    Hi! I'm new to this story. Thanks to all the translators!! Love your work and really appreciate selfless giving of your time and effort! I basically spent my whole Spring Break with my eyes stuck to the screen reading the Unabridged thread from morning to night. I think I lost my 20/20 vision.

    I was actually ok with XSL in the beginning but got sick of his endless desire for more women recently. I don't really understand why he fell in love/lust with Qin Qing and onwards. I thought Zhao Ya and Jin Yanran were the best cause they contributed the most to his efforts. Or maybe cause the earlier ladies had more character development and I could sorta see why he fell in love with them. Or maybe it's just cause I wasn't sick of his courting of ladies yet.

    On a side note, I noticed that there was less graphic love scenes after the first few chapters. Is it because of the PG rating of this forum?
    I think that's his Achilles Heel. I didn't like Ji Yanran until Zhao Ya died, mostly because she fell for his pretense. I liked Zhao Ni because she had nothing to gain by being with him and is so far the only one he didn't stand to gain anything from, or try to use. Zhao Ya may have been the only one he ever loved -- she came the closest to hurting him very badly many times but he always returned to her.

    I'm actually glad there're less graphic scenes. Hopefully it's because Huang Yi got more into the story and decided to focus less on "fleshly conquests."

  11. #3631
    Senior Member SkyWalker's Avatar
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    Thanks for the post Jean. Have a good weekend!

  12. #3632
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    thanks jean, uurgh weekend break especially when our SITP addiction is in ful swing
    "The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
    -Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam to Paul Atreides

  13. #3633
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    sorry, was sick over the weekend so didn't start the daily post on mondau....

    anyway to continue....

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

    Shi Sufang’s clear and alluring eyes swept past the crowd as she continued gently, “The lady cried, ‘My late husband's intention of holding dances was to prepare for battle. Now Master is not using it to deal with our enemies but instead using it on those who are not yet dead, isn't that strange!’ On hearing that, Master Yuan was so ashamed that he immediately brought 600 war carriages and attacked the state of Zheng.”

    Everyone was stunned. Her story is subtly hinting that her own songs and dance are just decadent pleasures, not worthy enough for the admiration of others. The hidden meaning is profound and yet filled with a twinge of sadness, making one immediately change his impression of her. It’s very difficult to just imagine her now as an ordinary courtesan with outstanding musical capabilities.

    Pu Hu laughed loudly and his laughter took away some of the awkwardness in the air. He said, “Miss Shi’s wisdom is indeed a refreshing change from the current fad, I am much enlightened.”

    Shi Sufang’s pretty eyes turned towards Xiang Shaolong as she asked offhandedly, “I wonder what topic all of you were discussing before I arrived?”

    Xiang Shaolong was still slowly savoring Shi Sufang’s story, thinking about the hidden meaning behind this tale that this unfathomable beauty has spun. He was jolted awake on hearing her and can’t help but scratch his head and said, “Hei! I think it’s something about businesses!”

    Everyone see his bewildered expression and chortled.

    Shi Sufang covered her mouth and smiled, her behavior genteel as she said, “Then this topic must have arisen because of Master Pu.”

    Lao Ai was intensely jealous on seeing this and interrupted, “Miss’s predictions are absolutely correct.”

    Xiang Shaolong was secretly lamenting. Once Shi Sufang appeared, she has gained control of the whole event. People like Lao Ai who is usually so glib and always good for an argument can now only try to interject a few words in between her conversations whereas he himself is at a loss for words. This is the first time he’s met a woman like that.

    Du Bi added with a smile, “Boss Pu mentioned that there are three businessmen he admires the most, namely Master Wu, Bai Gui and Yi Dun. I wonder which three men would Miss Shi admire the most?”

    Shi Sufang covered her mouth as she smiled, “With so many talents here, how can it be my turn to express my thoughts? Why don’t we ask Lord Lao to start first!”

    Lao Ai was staring at her so intently that for a moment he had no idea what Du Bi and her was talking about and was awkwardly dumbfounded.

    On seeing his lord in trouble, Han Jie immediately tried to help by saying, “Why don’t I start the ball rolling. The person I am most impressed with is Sun Wu*. Not only did he leave behind an extremely exceptional book of military strategies, he also managed, with just a little trick and only a few thousand Wu soldiers, to infiltrate and defeat the Chu army, who had more than ten times the number of soldiers and went straight to the Capital. Indeed no one else before, or even after him, has been able to accomplish anything close.”

    *Sun Wu – also known as Sun Tzu who wrote the Book of War

    Xiang Shaolong can’t help but quietly recite these famous words, “Ahead, I see no one else before me; Behind, I see no one else after me; Contemplating the vastness of the world; I can’t help but weep out of loneliness and sadness.” * He secretly thought that only those who have personally experienced the battles of this era will understand how impressive that battle of Sun Wu is.

    * Poem from Tang Dynasty by Chen Zi’ang.

    Du Bi agreed, “Ha! Lord Han have said exactly the words in my mind. The person I’m most impressed with in my life is Sun Wu as well.”

    Shi Sufang’s clear eyes gazed at Lao Ai and he hurriedly added, “Sun Wu may be the best expert in military tactic, but ultimately he has to answer to some lord or ruler. The person I am most impressed with is Duke Wen of Jin, who maintained internal security and repelled external forces to build a great kingdom. His accomplishments are greatly above those of Qi Huan.”

    Shi Sufang replied with no particular preference, “So Lord Ai is one with great ambitions.”

    Pu Hu and Du Bi exchanged looks, obviously like Xiang Shaolong, they could hear the subtle sarcasm that Shi Sufang was making regarding Lao Ai’s wish to become the ruler.

    Lao Ai thought that Shi Sufang was complimenting him and became smug.

    Xiang Shaolong was feeling a little vexed. There’re about six people in this feast but each harbors their own intentions and there’s not an inkling of sincerity or joy in this gathering at all. Not only do they not share the same interest in topics, the discussion seems to be quite disjointed as well. He can’t help but exclaim, “I am the exact opposite from Lord Lao, I have no ambitions at all. There are so many people who have impressed me that I find it very difficult to choose just one. All right! It’s Miss Shi’s turn now.”

    Pu Hu interrupted with a smile, “The person I am most impressed with is Lord Xiang, so unconstrained that others have no way of guessing. No wonder even Guan Zhongxie had to admit defeat when faced with your battle-weary sword.”

    Lao Ai’s expression changed slightly. Although he knows very well that Pu Hu is just trying to flatter Xiang and belittling himself, it’s a fact that Xiang Shaolong has many surprises indeed. In no way at all is he disadvantaged because of Shi Sufang’s excellent way with words, unlike himself who seemed to be always caught in a dilemma. It’s really difficult not to feel any ounce of jealousy at all.

    Han Jie interrupted, “I wonder who is the famed ruler or general who has Miss Shi’s admiration?”

    Everyone was interested in finding out Shi Sufang’s answer.

    ************************************************** **
    Last edited by Jean; 04-12-11 at 10:34 PM.

  14. #3634
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    XSL being dumb or coy again!


    Thanks Jean for a great translation once more!
    "The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
    -Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam to Paul Atreides

  15. #3635
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    Quote Originally Posted by yongbifan View Post
    XSL being dumb or coy again!

    Thanks Jean for a great translation once more!
    My thoughts exactly. I don’t see the need for Huang Yi to shock everyone into such a mindless state even if he is trying to elevate Shi Sufang. He already did that with Yanran and Qin Qing. XSL is from the 21st century with extraordinary talents, a fact that Huang Yi has been drilling into our brains since the very first chapter. He has met and bedded countless beautiful women so far, plus he is married to the #1 beauty of the story. I don’t care how attractive, elegant, and knowledgeable Shi Sufang is, XSL should not be struck speechless by this woman. It doesn’t make sense and portrays him as shallow.

    But I suppose Huang Yi decided to give our hero some character weakness and made him easily influenced by gorgeous women.


    Thank you for the update and welcome back, Jean!

  16. #3636
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    End of chapter!!


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

    A light fog seems to cloud Shi Sufang’s bright eyes as she quietly sighed, “A great teacher will surely live in a place surrounded by thorns, a year of suffering will definitely ensue after a great army. In a battle for land, men are killed in the wild. In a battle for cities, men are killed in the city. Behind every famed ruler and general, is the suffering of the people, so how can there be anyone who impresses Sufang.”

    This time even Du Bi was at a loss for words.

    Instead it was Xiang Shaolong who had momentarily forgotten the hidden enmity of all those present who exclaimed in surprise, “Pity on the bones which lie by the River Wuding, were once lovers in the dreams of their young wives. * As the saying goes, behind every great success is the sacrifice of thousands. War has always brought honor to only a handful of people. I really did not expect Miss to feel the same way. Hey! Why are all of you looking at me so strangely?”

    *Poem by Chen Tao – Dreams of the Departed

    When he uttered the first two verses, Shi Sufang has already turned to look at him in surprise, even Pu Hu and the rest were taken aback.

    Only then did Xiang Shaolong realize that he has spoken too quickly and again plagiarized the famous words of ‘forbearers’.

    His understanding of poetry may be limited, but those that he knows are the most popular and most brilliant verses.

    Han Jie furrowed his brows, “Pity on the bones which lie by the River Wuding, were once lovers in the dreams of their young wives. These two verses aptly describe the cruelty of war, but I wonder in which state is River Wuding in?”

    *River Wuding is in Inner Mongolia. Wuding’s literal translation can also mean uncertain.

    Xiang Shaolong avoided Shi Shufang’s extremely round and animated eyes as he blushed in reply, “That can be any river, that’s why it’s called Uncertain River.”

    Du Bi took a close look at him before he said with a sigh, “No wonder Learned Lady Ji fell for Lord Xiang. Behind every great success is the sacrifice of thousands, but since time memorial, wars have never stopped. It’s either you’ll kill me or I’ll kill you, there’s nothing anyone can do.”

    Lao Ai, on seeing that Xiang Shaolong has managed to surprise Shi Sufang, was feeling greatly discouraged and a feeling of jealousy aroused. He changed the topic, “Miss Shi still has not told us who the person who will command your compliance is.”

    Shi Sufang slowly took her eyes away from Xiang Shaolong and glanced at Lao Ai before settling her gaze on the pillar on top of the roof before saying forlornly, “There is this person in the state of Chu. It was said that the King of Chu is aware of his intelligence and sent some men to employ him as the Premier. He then asked the emissary, ‘I heard the King of Chu has a divine turtle which has been dead for more than 3,000 years and the King of Chu kept it in a cloth tube. Would this turtle prefer to be dead and his bones be kept as a treasure? Or would it rather be alive and dragging its tail around in mud?’. The emissary replied, ‘Of course it’d rater be alive and dragging its tail around in mud.’. That person then said, ‘Go! I want to drag my tail around in mud.’”

    All of them looked at one another in bewilderment as they wonder why she is suddenly telling another story now.

    Xiang Shaolong was thinking rapidly, wondering which famed forbearer will have such a story where he’s so dispassionate about fame and fortune. He can only hate himself for his limited knowledge, as he is only aware of a few Confusianists and Mohists whose name that every one knows. Suddenly a thought went past his head as he slapped the table and exclaimed, “So Miss is most impressed with Zhuang Zhou*, who is adept at using metaphors to illustrate his points, no wonder you love telling stories so much.”

    * Ancient philosopher more commonly known as Zhuang Zi (Master Zhuang)

    Only now did the rest of the people think of Zhuang Zhou and instantly looked at Xiang Shaolong in a new light.

    Shi Sufang’s eyes gleamed excitedly as she looked at him intently in surprise.

    This is the difference between the modern and ancient world.

    In this era, bamboo books are manually written so circulation is not widespread and only a handful of people have the privilege of having books. Unlike the 21st century, where people can not only easily obtain any form of publications, there are also electronic books. Compared to this ancient era where knowledge is difficult to come by, the difference is as wide as heaven and earth.

    Shi Sufang asked in surprise, “So Lord Xiang has some knowledge of Zhuang Zhou. I’ve been looking around but have yet to find anyone who has such outstanding views like him. He is the only one who truly understands the meaning of life. Not taking into consideration the difference between life and death, birth and demise, success and failure, right and wrong, praise and blame, breaking away from the bounds of the world, the ties of emotions, regarding oneself as being as one with the universe. There’s no more differentiating between ‘me’ or ‘others’.”

    This time it was Xiang Shaolong and the rest of the group’s turn to be amazed. From her understanding of Zhuang Zi, they can now tell how overwhelming is this beauty’s intelligence.

    Han Jie asked with great respect, “May I be so bold as to ask where Miss is from originally?”

    Shi Sufang’s eyes revealed endless pain as she said gently, “The citizen of a doomed country, there’s no need to mention it further.”

    Lao Ai, who came with only thoughts of lust, now has all his evil thoughts erased as he was touched to the core.

    Shi Sufang suddenly stood up, took two steps back and bowed, “Although I still owe everyone a cup of wine, but I can only make it up to all of you another day. Sufang only wants to go to a quiet place now to mull over some questions. Everyone, please help yourselves.”

    Pu Hu was about to speak up and ask her to stay but stopped himself, his expressions complex as well.

    As Xiang Shaolong gazed at her perfect silhouette, he secretly thought that in terms of intellect and beauty, this lady is comparable with Ji Yanran and Qin Qing, but obviously not as lucky as them.

    He made up his mind that no matter what happens, he will no longer contact her because he now has genuine respect for her and cannot bear to hurt her just because they are on opposing camps.

    Although she has successfully aroused Lao Ai’s jealousy towards him, there is nothing he can do now.

    Lao Ai can deal with him whatever way he wants.

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

  17. #3637
    Senior Member balikpapan's Avatar
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    First!
    Will comment later.

  18. #3638
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    Default throwing some stones

    Quote Originally Posted by balikpapan View Post
    First!
    Will comment later.
    you better dodge a little, or you might get a lump on your head

    Great read Jean thanks a lot.
    Ali Derhamy

  19. #3639
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    thanks alot for the translation, Jean. We love you! ^^

    BTW XSL started to get on my nerves too... I mean come on man, u`ve already gotten 2 of the prettiest women in that time, slept with countless of women (including the most beautiful queen at the time), and yet He can`t help himself from falling for every beautiful woman he lay his eyes on. arghhhh How low can you be?
    Last edited by deepbleu; 04-14-11 at 04:02 AM.
    "Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is Mystery.
    Today is a gift... That`s why we called it Present."

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    XSL seems to caught all the girls by reciting poetry..I feel like doing my own original not copy cat like XSL...
    "If you look up bird dump may hit your face
    If you look down lamp post may hit you
    Just look at me and be mesmerize...."..
    Yanran sure like it.

    Anyway thanks for the post Jean!

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