The Deer and The Cauldron

[crazee]

OOooooh... another update.

Normally during Christmas hols I will be away for the whole week..... but this year things sort of popped up and I had to cancel off all the leaves and work....so here I am in the office after spending christmas and boxing day in Malacca.
I'll have more days off this Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year and hopefully my inlaw's place's broadband is operational otherwise I'll be bored stiff....

Thanks Fox, yes at least yours truly here love updates, long or short. I eat them up like an addict heh heh heh .....

Another 3 days to countdown.......

[Gubrak]

Thanks Foxs.

So, is there any possibility the common people would choose to support a revolution to topple a good administration and replace it with a bad administration?

Common people usually are simple who don't care so much about the government administration. As long as they can have a good life, enough food, enough clothes, live peacefully, what's else? They are not tempted by the various things offered by the advertise on radio or tv.

What ever revolution they support, they only hope to make life better not to make it worst.

[smurf120]

LOL, Ace is hinting for you to change your userid, smurf!

haha! I compromised a bit. see my new avatar

[tweety365]

haha! I compromised a bit. see my new avatar

How cute! Now you are a "blue smurf"!

[Ace High]

Good points Ace High, who is Bluesmurf?? LOL

Woops... A mistake the on my part. bluesmurf is my friend on another forum. Sometimes I wrote on Microsoft Word, and when I do that, normally I don’t use the quote function. I just type as I go along.

LOL, Ace is hinting for you to change your userid, smurf!

maybe to smurfette :P

Common people usually are simple who don't care so much about the government administration. As long as they can have a good life, enough food, enough clothes, live peacefully, what's else? They are not tempted by the various things offered by the advertise on radio or tv.

What ever revolution they support, they only hope to make life better not to make it worst.

That’s my point exactly. The populace have a good life, enough food, enough clothes and live peacefully under Kang Xi. While they didn’t have a good life, not enough food, not enough clothes and live miserably under Ming. So why should the populace support a rebellion whose aim is to overthrow Kang Xi and restore the Ming?

In 1640, masses of Chinese peasants who were starving, unable to pay their taxes, and no longer in fear of the frequently defeated Chinese army, began to form into huge bands of rebels.

Support from populace is very important, since they are the source for the bulk of the army. If the government is good, the they'll get a steady supply of troops. If the government is bad, they'll get a steady supply of rebels.

During the early half of the 17th century, famines became common in northern China because of unusual dry and cold weather that shortened the growing season; these were effects of a larger ecological event now known as the Little Ice Age. Famine, alongside tax increases, widespread military desertions, a declining relief system, and natural disasters such as flooding and inability of the government to properly manage irrigation and flood-control projects caused widespread loss of life and normal civility. The central government was starved of resources and could do very little to mitigate the effects of these calamities. Making matters worse, a widespread epidemic spread across China from Zhejiang to Henan, killing a large but unknown number of people.

[SkyWalker]

Thanks for the great updates foxs! My Christmas was quiet as always and no, there was no white Christmas here for us.

[crazee]

Thanks Foxs.

Common people usually are simple who don't care so much about the government administration. As long as they can have a good life, enough food, enough clothes, live peacefully, what's else? They are not tempted by the various things offered by the advertise on radio or tv.

What ever revolution they support, they only hope to make life better not to make it worst.

People are funny....and it take all kinds to make the world.
We have people who live in semi hunger while the country embarks on nuclear programs...but the people love it inspite of the difficulties and backward economy..
We have countries that are corrupted to the core and their people who could have been much better should the Govt be transparent but somehow their people will always be loyal to their leaders....inspite being milked dry.

"We are the world...."

[Gubrak]

People are funny....and it take all kinds to make the world.
We have people who live in semi hunger while the country embarks on nuclear programs...but the people love it inspite of the difficulties and backward economy..
We have countries that are corrupted to the core and their people who could have been much better should the Govt be transparent but somehow their people will always be loyal to their leaders....inspite being milked dry.

"We are the world...."

Semi hunger is not starve to death, as long people still have 'enough' food and clothes, they will continue running their life. And also not every person born to be a leader who can lead a mass. Without a leader there will not be a rebel.

In a corrupted country, if the corruption spread evenly, then 'they' will loyal to their leaders as long as they can get advantage from that situation or he/she has had 'enough' wealth for the rest of his/her life. That's why a 'good' leader will organize the corruption so "no one" feel less benefited, and make common people still can have their food and clothes.

[foxs]

smurf, I missed the part about the 'blue smurf', what was it about? 9dragons, I am glad we agree. Tweety, Ace, Crazee, Gubrak, thanks for the interesting discussion about politics . Sky, how's you little one? Almost two, am I right? Are you running around, chasing him everywhere yet? How about the next one?

I went to Portland, Oregon the whole day yesterday, and did not get a chance to post the update. Will try another one tomorrow, about the same time.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Wei Xiaobao took the sutra out of his pocket and presented it with both hands, asking, “Is it this thing?”

Prince Kang grabbed the sutra tightly, his body was shaking all over; opening the envelope, he looked inside and said, “Precisely, precisely. This is the sutra bestowed to the Bordered White Banner, hence it has white envelope with red border around it. We must start working on the carved printing block immediately. Xiongdi, can you think of some excuse so that I can stall for a few more days. Um, how about I pretend to fall down from the horse, with head broken and blood flowing, and remain unconscious? When the replica is finished, I will kowtow in salute to His Majesty. Do you think it’s good?”

Wei Xiaobao shook his head and said, “His Majesty is extremely brilliant; you fell and knocked down dramatically like that, he would be suspicious instead. You present a ‘western shellfish goods’ [not sure what it means, 西贝货儿] to the Emperor, His Majesty examines it carefully, your trickery will be exposed at once. The copy of sutra that you lost, other than the color of the cover, what else is different?”

Prince Kang said, “Other than the cover, everything else is identical.”

“That’s easy,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Just replace the cover of this book, today you can present it to the Emperor.”

Prince Kang was startled and delighted at the same time. With a trembling voice he said, “This … this … book is missing from the Palace, if it is being investigated, I am afraid Xiongdi will be implicated.”

“I quietly stole it from the Upper Study Room last night,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Nobody saw it. Even if someone did, humph, humph, that puppy will not dare to say anything. I will take this responsibility from you.”

Prince Kang was very grateful; he could not stop his eyes from turning wet. Holding Wei Xiaobao’s hands tight, he could no longer say anything.

Wei Xiaobao returned to the Palace. He wanted to take two more sutra and go to see Fat Toutuo and Lu Gaoxuan. He thought that the Pain Yellow Banner’s sutra was soaked in poisoned water and was snatched away by Sangjie Lama; the Bordered White Banner’s sutra he gave away to Prince Kang, he still had five sutras left. He seized the Bordered Yellow and Plain White, two copies, from Oboi’s house. The Bordered Blue he acquired from the old wh0re. The old wh0re had seen all three copies. By now the old wh0re must be with Cult Leader Hong, hence if he presented these three copies, it would not be too good. He snatched away the Plain Red Banner’s copy was from Prince Kang’s mansion. The Bordered Red Banner’s copy was from Rui Dong’s body. Although the old wh0re knew the origin of this copy, there was no harm in it. Therefore, he decided to give Fat and Lu, two people, the Plain Red and the Bordered Red copies.

Fat and Lu, two people had already been waiting eagerly for him. Seeing him suddenly appeared with two copies of the sutra their Cult Leader wanted, they were overjoyed. Wei Xiaobao said, “Mr. Lu, take these sutras and present them to Jiaozhu and Madame. Tell them that I heard that Wu Sangui knows the whereabouts of the other six. I, the White Dragon Envoy will handle this matter for Jiaozhu and Madame. I will be loyal and devoted, a hundred thousand deaths, a million deaths will not prevent me; thereupon I will go to Yunnan, I will go through water and tread on fire to find those sutras. Fat Zunzhe, I want you to come with me to set up more great merit for Jiaozhu.”

Fat and Lu, two people happily agreed. Fat Toutuo said, “Lu Xiong, the White Dragon Envoy rendered this great service, the two of us can also enjoy the benefit. If Jiaozhu bestows us the leopard embryo tendon-altering pill’s antidote, you must immediately send someone you trusted to deliver it to Yunnan.”

“Yes, yes,” Lu Gaoxuan repeatedly complied; he thought, “The White Dragon Envoy is so young, yet he is already established like this. Someday the great position of Cult Leader will definitely be his. If I don’t seize the opportunity to curry favor with him right now, what am I waiting for?” Therefore, he said, “This antidote is indeed not a small matter, subordinate will not feel at ease to hand it over to other people, I will definitely deliver it personally. White Dragon Envoy, subordinate is loyal and devoted to you. I will make sure that you take the antidote first before subordinate and Pang Xiong [Fat brother] take it. Otherwise, even is the leopard embryo tendon-altering pill flares up, and subordinate has the antidote in my hand, I would rather die than take it first.”

Wei Xiaobao laughed and said, “Very good, very good, you are so loyal and devoted to me, I won’t forget it.”

Lu Gaoxuan was delighted; he bowed and said, “Subordinate respectfully wish White Dragon Envoy a life of ease and comfort forever, and life as long as Mount Nan.”

Wei Xiaobao thought, “My position is only a level below Jiaozhu, a life of ease and comfort forever, and life as long as Mount Nan does not sound too bad.”

He returned to the Palace. Before long, a eunuch announced the Imperial Decree: conferring Wei Xiaobao the status as first class viscount, assigning him as the marriage envoy to escort Princess Jianning to visit Yunnan, to be bestowed in marriage to Ping Xi Wang Heir Apparent Wu Yingxiong. Wu Yingxiong was conferred the title Third Class Jing Qi Ni Ha Pan[4], plus the concurrent titles of Shao Bao [young protector/guardian] and Taizitaibao [tutor to the crown prince].

Wei Xiaobao took some money and gave it to the eunuch. He mused, “That fellow Wu Yingxiong has it too easy, he is going to marry a good-looking princess and promoted as high-ranking official. The mister storyteller said that Jing Zhong Yue Chuan, Yue Fei, Yue Yeye [Grandpa Yue] was also conferred the title Shao Bao. How can you, stinky fellow Wu Yingxiong, be compared to Yue Yeye?” But then he thought, “His Majesty bestowed him a high-ranking official position, so that Wu Sangui won’t suspect anything. Sooner or later his head will be chopped. Wasn’t Oboi also a high-ranking official with the title Shao Bao? Right, right, Yue Fei, Yue Shao Bao was also killed by the emperor. Hence it is obvious that those with the title Shao Bao is going to be beheaded. Next time His Majesty wants to confer the title Shao Bao to me, I must desperately decline it.”

Immediately he went to have an audience with the Emperor to express his gratitude. “Your Majesty,” he said, “This time your servant is going to Yunnan on a mission for you, if you have some ‘brocade pouch of miracle plans’, why don’t you tell me right now?”

Kangxi burst out in laughter. “Xiao Guizi does not know how to read,” he said, “A brocade pouch of miracle plans will be sealed in a brocade pouch; mysteries of heaven must not be revealed, how can I tell you right now?”

“So be it,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Too bad I am illiterate, even if Your Majesty has a brocade pouch of miracle plans, it must be drawn into pictures. Your Majesty, last time you ordered me to Qing Liang Temple to be the head administrator, the drawings in the Imperial Decree were very beautiful.”

Kangxi laughed; he said, “Since ancient times, I am afraid only the two of us, a ruler and his minister, who use pictures in place of letters in an imperial decree.”

“This is called ‘no one precedes, no one follows’,” Wei Xiaobao said.

Kangxi laughed and said, “Very good, you remember it well. I taught you idioms[5], and you remember.”

Wei Xiaobao said, “The ones Your Majesty taught me, I always remember. The ones other people taught me, some I can remember, some others I can’t always remember; I don’t know why. Just like the saying ‘once a promise is made, some horses cannot chase’. What kind of horses, I never remember.”

Right this moment, a eunuch reported the arrival of Princess Jianning who came to say goodbye. Kangxi looked at Wei Xiaobao, telling him to bring the Princess in.

As soon as Princess Jianning entered the Study Room, she threw herself in Kangxi’s bosom, while crying loudly. “Huangdi Gege,” she said, “I … I … I don’t want to be married in Yunnan, please retract your Imperial Edict.”

---------------------------------------------------------------
[4] Manchurian for Viscount of the Third Class. WXB’s peerage title of Zǐ (子), was actualy only used in the 18th century onwards. Therefore, WXB should be a First Class Jing Qi Ni Ha Pan [一等精奇尼哈番], rather than a First Class Zi [一等子]. (Courtesy of Ace High)

[5] Set of expression, often made up of four characters, or two couplets of four characters each, often alluding to a story or historical quotation.

[smurf120]

We are alright with Bluesmurf - Ace just quote me as Bluesmurf - so now I am a blue penguin.


I'm reading this and can barely sort out which sutra is which - he certainly has a good memory. All his titles flying around, he is not even impressed by them!

[Ace High]

Wu Yingxiong was conferred the title Third Class Jing Qi Ni Ha Pan [don’t ask me what it is].

Its in Manchu, which means a Viscount of the Third Class. WXB’s peerage title of Zǐ (子), was actualy only used in the 18th century onwards. Therefore, WXB should be a First Class Jing Qi Ni Ha Pan [一等精奇尼哈番], rather than a First Class Zi [一等子].

Immediately he went to have an audience with the Emperor to express his gratitude. “Your Majesty,” he said, “This time your servant is going to Yunnan on a mission for you, if you have some ‘brocade sack of miracle plans’, why don’t you tell me right now?”

Kangxi burst out in laughter. “Xiao Guizi does not know how to read,” he said, “A brocade sack of miracle plans will be sealed in a brocade sack; mysteries of heaven must not be revealed, how can I tell you right now?”

I think ‘pouch’ is more suitable than ‘sack’, since they were referring to the three brocade pouchs Zhuge Liang gave to Zhao Yun before the later went to Wu with Liu Bei.

[crazee]

Thanks Foxs....

Rather generous of Xiao Bao....to give Prince Kang a Sutra. Or should I say bestow him a Sutra ??? - empty one that is...heh heh heh.
Left or right, he scores points with friends and master, all the same just like piling up Karma.
Now he got promoted and gets to go on another adventure ???

BTW, what happened to my favorite ?? Shuang Er ?? She seems to be missing...

[foxs]

smurf, I must have missed that one, I looked, but couldn't find it. Perhaps Ace edited his/her post? Ace, thanks, I fixed it. Crazee, wxb also missed Shuang'er, hopefully we'll get to see her soon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally, ever since they were little, Kangxi had always liked this younger sister; however, after he found out about the fake Empress Dowager’s evil conducts, he started to loathe and detest this younger sister. By marrying her to Wu Yingxiong, his real intention was to frame her; however, seeing her pitiful cry this moment, he could not bear not to feel pity for her. It’s just that things had come this far, he could not retract his Imperial Decree. Patting her shoulder gently, he said in tender voice, “When a girl grow up, she must be married. The husband I pick for you is really not bad. Xiao Guizi, tell Princess, that Wu Yingxiong is really handsome, isn’t he?”

“Absolutely,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Princess, the prince consort is a well-known handsome man in Yunnan province. Last time he came to Beijing, there were dozens of young women fighting outside the gate. The fight claimed three lives.”

Princess Jianning was startled. “What happened?” she asked.

Wei Xiaobao said, “Ping Xi Wang Heir Apparent is very handsome, he is famous throughout the world. When he entered the Capital that day, thousands and tens of thousands young women and married women throughout Beijing’s city wall were crowding the gate to have a look at him. Several dozens of young women, you squeezed me, I crowded you, they ended up fighting with each other.”

Princess Jianning laughed through her tears. “Pei,” she spat, “You lied! How can there be such matter?”

“Princess,” Wei Xiaobao said, “Do you know why His Majesty is sending me to escort you to Yunnan? And told me to bring a lot of Imperial Bodyguards, to give you adequate protection?”

The Princess replied, “It is because Huangdi Gege loves me.”

“That’s right,” Wei Xiaobao said, “This is His Majesty’s wisdom and foresight, his deep plans and distant thoughts. Just think: the prince consort is that handsome, I don’t know how many young women want to marry him and be his wife. And now all of a sudden he will be yours, I don’t know how many vinegar vats, vinegar jugs, vinegar pots, vinegar bottles are overturned in the world. Some young women are bound to know martial arts, they might give you some trouble. Although Princess herself has an excellent martial art skill, the few are no match for the many after all; isn’t that right? For this reason, your servant is escorting Princess to the south this time, the load on my shoulder is indeed not light. Dealing with an army of sweet and sour women, just think, how difficult is that?”

Princess Jianning laughed. “What sweet and sour army of women?” she asked, “You are really good at talking nonsense.” Right now her smiling face looked like flower, while several drops of sparkling tears were still hanging on her cheeks. She turned to Kangxi and said, “Huangdi Gege, after Xiao Guizi escorting me to Yunnan, let him accompany me talking to relieve my boredom, otherwise I don’t want to go.”

Kangxi laughed and said, “Alright, alright, let him accompany you for some time, until you get used to the situation there, and then we’ll talk about it.”

Princess Jianning said, “I want him to accompany me forever, I don’t want him to go back.”

Wei Xiaobao stuck out his tongue. “That won’t do,” he said, “If your Fuma Ye [master emperor’s son-in-law] loathes seeing me, he might get angry and chop me with a saber. A headless Xiao Guizi won’t be able to accompany Princess talking to relieve your boredom.”

Princess Jianning’s little mouth flattened. “Humph,” she said, “He dares?”

Kangxi said, “Xiao Guizi, before you go to Yunnan, I have something else I want you investigate. In this Upper Study Room I have lost a Buddhist sutra; I just felt a bit strange, even in here unexpectedly someone dares to steal things!” When he said the last sentence, his tone turned rather stern.

“Yes, yes,” Wei Xiaobao complied.

“Huangdi Gege,” Princess Jianning interrupted, “It was me who took your Buddhist sutra. Hee hee …”

“Why did you take it?” Kangxi asked, “Why didn’t you ask me first?”

The Princess laughed and said, “Empress Dowager ordered me to take it. Empress Dowager said, every day the Emperor must deal with thousands and hundreds military and country’s affairs, if I have to ask you for a small matter like a Buddhist sutra, it be too troublesome for you.”

“Humph,” Kangxi snorted, but did not say anything.

Princess Jianning stuck out her tongue. “Huangdi Gege,” she pleaded, “Please don’t be mad at me for this matter. Later when I go to Yunnan, if I want to come here to take your book again, I won’t be able to do it.”

Hearing her pitiful pleading, Kangxi’s heart softened immediately. He said tenderly, “When you go to Yunnan, if you need anything, just let me know.” After a short pause, he continued, “What can possibly be missing in Ping Xi Wang mansion?”

Wei Xiaobao went out of the Upper Study Room, a crowd of Imperial Bodyguards and eunuchs came to congratulate him. Each Imperial Bodyguard was hoping to be brought along to Yunnan; Wu Sangui’s riches could be compared to a country, it was a cushy job, there was a nine out of ten chance that they would make some money there.

In the middle of the evening, Prince Kang went into the Palace to see Wei Xiaobao again. Jubilantly he said, “Xiongdi, the sutra has been presented to the Emperor. His Majesty is happy, he even praised me several times.”

“That’s very good,” Wei Xiaobao said.

Prince Kang said, “You won’t leave for Yunnan in several days, today Gege will play host; first, to congratulate you of being conferred the title viscount, second, to give you a farewell dinner.” Taking along Wei Xiaobao’s hand, they left the Palace. But this time they did not go to Prince Kang’s mansion, instead, they went to an exquisite high-ranking official residence in Dongcheng district [lit. eastern city]. Although this house was not as grand as Prince Kang’s mansion, the engraved building, the painted beam, the flower, trees and mountain rocks, all the arrangement was very luxurious.

“Xiongdi,” Prince Kang said, “What do you think of this house?”

Wei Xiaobao laughed. “Very good, very beautiful!” he said, “Wangye really knows how to live a happy and prosperous life. Is this the Xiao Fujin’s [fujin is Manchurian word for wife] residence?”

Prince Kang laughed but did not answer his question; he invited Wei Xiaobao to enter the main hall. Many nobilities and high-ranking officials had already waited in the hall. Songgotu, Dolong, and the others came out to greet him. The word ‘Congratulations’ did not stop flowing into his ears. Prince Kang said with a laugh, “Today we are congratulating Wei Daren for getting a promotion; according to reason, he should sit in the place of honor. However, since he is the host, he will have to sit in the host’s seat.”

Wei Xiaobao was surprised. “What host?” he asked.

Prince Kang laughed and said, “This house is Wei Daren’s Viscount Mansion. Your Gege has prepared it for you. The carriage driver, cook, servants, maids, we have them all. Only it was such in a hurry that I am afraid it won’t be completely satisfactory. If Xiongdi wants anything, please feel free to send someone to my home to get it.”

Wei Xiaobao was pleasantly surprised; he did help Prince Kang out of a big trouble, but it did not cost him a single wen, did not pose him the slightest risk. Although he was aware that the Prince would definitely thank him with a gift, he had never imagined that he would receive such a heavy present. Momentarily he was speechless; he could only stammered, “This … this … how can I receive it?”

Prince Kang squeezed his hand and said, “The two of us have friendship that surpasses life, why should you still distinguish between what’s yours and what’s mine? Come, come, come, everybody must drink. Whoever is not drunk cannot go home today.”

The banquet continued with wine, everyone enjoyed themselves to the full before the part broke up. Wei Xiaobao was now a viscount, everybody also knew that he disguised himself as a eunuch under imperial orders; hence he could not comeback to live at the Palace anymore.

That night he slept in a splendid, magnificent and luxurious bedroom. Looking around, he noticed that if not golden utensils or silverwares, then it must be silk or satin. He suddenly thought, “His granny, if I open a brothel in this Viscount Mansion, ten Lovely Spring Courtyards cannot compare.”

[sablemagi]

Thanks foxs! Such a quic update. Made my day before sleeping

Love the way he compares the new mansion o the brothel he grew up in. The frames of reference always is rooted in our childhood

[smurf120]

Now that I am older and more appreciative of these things - giving someone a mansion really is not a small gift. Also taking care to staff the place takes a lot of attention to detail! I can't imagine a more cushy job for a peasant than being staff at WXB's mansion. He has a team of servants to take care of a single person, having no wife or children, and he is never home.
Other officials always have excuse to curry favors = tons of presents. His high status means high income.

Pretty sweet!

[tweety365]

I find WXB's constant comparison of fancy places to Lovely Spring Courtyards a sharp reminder that he never forgets his roots and that he came from humble backgrounds. Although a brothel, it is still the only home he knew growing up.

Thanks foxs!

[SkyWalker]

Thanks foxs. My son is only 9 months old! You must be really busy to think that he's 2!

Is the Princess the daughter of the fake Dowager and the fat monk?

[Anh Nam]

Thanks Foxs You are translating faster than I can read it in a busy holiday season.

[Anh Nam]

[QUOTE=9Dragons;1020600]I think you meant mallet/hammer instead of axe.

To people who don't care about using the right tool an axe is commonly picked up and used as a hammer

[Ace High]

Wei Xiaobao stuck out his tongue. “That won’t do,” he said, “If your Fuma Ye [master emperor’s son-in-law] loathes seeing me, he might get angry and chop me with a saber. A headless Xiao Guizi won’t be able to accompany Princess talking to relieve your boredom.”

How about Prince Consort?