大唐双龙传 [Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan] by Huang Yi

[Abhay]

Thanks Foxs

[CFT]

How can a beauty comparable to Wanwan appear in such a short timeframe?

[徐中銳]

Greatly surprised, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling looked at each other, and then they scrambled to stand up and salute her. “Changzhu!” they exclaimed...

Fast approaching the 25th, wishing you smooth preparations towards celebrating and remembrances Happy holidays

[BocahTuaNakal]

thanks foxs

happy holiday everybody!

[foxs]

Kink, Ysabel, Jaya, ycb, Anh, HPC, Abhay, you are welcome. Lao Qianbei, come to think of it, you seldom leave comments, but I noticed that while talking about food, you enthusiastically leave comments. Sky, CFT, what’s wrong with more beauties? Especially since this is the first time that Xu Ziling’s heart was moved. Xu Xiong, Bocah, same to you too.

---

In this life-and-death-decisive-battle like moment, a smile, like a glimmer of the moon breaking through the dark clouds, escaped from her mouth; her pair of big eyes, which looked as if they affectionately contained her feeling, swept the two boys over. She nodded and said, “Can still be considered edible. Although not top grade, the creativity is commendable, it surpasses those so-called famous chefs who are hidebound by convention. Sit down!”

The two boys cried out ‘close-call’ in their hearts; they gladly sat down across from her.

Shang Xiuxun sized them up and down, her definitely-not-simple sharp eyes made the two boys uncomfortable.

They struggled hard to curb their true qi, so that it would not leak out via their eyes and thus exposing their true identity.

Shang Xiuxun’s pair of jet-black eyebrows was suddenly knitted together, making her pretty forehead appeared like beautiful rippling waves of the ocean. Looking perplexed, she asked, “You don’t look like people who do this kind of thing for a living, am I right?”

Kou Zhong regained his composure, while in his heart he groaned, ‘This fairy is formidable!’ Nodding his head, he said, “Changzhu is formidable. Making cakes is indeed our side occupation, our main line of work is salt trading.”

“Pfft!” Shang Xiuxun covered her mouth as a tender laugh escaped her mouth.

It was quite some time later when she finally let her hand down. As if she had just seen Kou Zhong for the first time, she looked at him for a good while with graceful smile on her face before speaking softly, “You are forthcoming and witty; you amused me that I am also going to be frank with you. Just by looking at this cake, I am going to give you half a tael of gold per month per person; is there any problem? It should be more or less the same as profiting from salt trading, isn’t that right?”

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were greatly surprised. They had never imagined that Shang Xiuxun would be this straightforward; even more surprising, they never expected that pastry chef income could be this lucrative. A strange feeling welled up in their heart.

Without waiting for their response, Shang Xiuxun went on, “These days I am going to have a lot of guests. Just like your cake, your outward appearance is not bad, but your eyes lack a bit of spirit. But I don’t mind that at all, I just want you to come out and greet the guests for me during the banquet, or perhaps I’ll have you explain how to make these strange cakes.”

Without much choice the two boys nodded their agreement.

After stretching her alluring limbs, Shang Xiuxun stood up.

The two boys hurriedly paid their respect and sent her off.

Shang Xiuxun casually said, “Every ranch has its own rules, violators will be severely punished, even Er Zhishi will be helpless to defend you. The Housekeeper will be responsible to explain this aspect to you clearly.”

Finished speaking, she left without even looking back.

The two boys looked at each other in dismay.

After making sure that she has really left, Kou Zhong heaved a sigh and said, “This beauty is both pretty and formidable. Do you think she has seen through us?”

Xu Ziling smiled wryly and replied, “This is extremely hard to say. But one thing I know: this poniang is capable of enticing any man to his death.”

Kou Zhong felt the same way. “She is blessed by the Heaven,” he commented, “Not only with exceptional countenance, but also with naturally touching gracefulness. As for wealth, power and martial art skill, not a single one is lacking. Hey! Are you interested?”

Xu Ziling irately said, “Your own heart is moved yet you still say such thing. Do you believe that I can beat you up?”

Kou Zhong sat down disappointedly; he said, “For the sake of Song Yuzhi, I have lost the eligibility to pursue the deer, to chase under her skirt. This is the high price one must pay for the sake of vying over the world!”

Familiar sound of footsteps was approaching, the elated Xiao Juan, like a burst of fragrant wind, stormed in. “Changzhu is willing to hire you!” she called out with her tender voice, “And now I am taking you to see the Housekeeper.”

Xiao Juan took them to the Housekeeper Mansion, and signaled them to stop just in front of the main gate, while she herself stepped over the threshold and continued toward a chair at the inner end of the hall, where she said respectfully, “Da Guanjia [great housekeeper], the two Xiao Shifu are here.”

The two boys took a furtive glance, and saw smoke filling the air; not only tobacco smoke spouting out of the pipe, but also spiraling fragrant smoke from the sandalwood stove on a small table at the corner of the room, blending into some kind of scent filling the room.

A tall and sturdy man with bald head was reclining on the couch, with two pretty and flirtatious women on each side, giving him massage.

This big housekeeper of the Flying Horse Ranch was swallowing clouds and blowing out fog from the long tobacco pipe in his hand in a laid-back manner. His head was supported by a pile of soft pillows, his eyes were on the beam overhead, and he spoke glibly, “So young yet have good skill; it is indeed rare.”

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling could only listen quietly; they both thought that this man’s airs was above Shang Xiuxun’s.

Looking from the side, this Housekeeper appeared to be around fifty, his nose straight, his upper lip arched slightly over his upturned lower lip, giving him some kind of charm, showing his very strong personality and self-confidence.

A bit like he was talking to himself, Shang Zhen continued, “Entering our Ranch, you must observe our Ranch’s rules. Offender to the rules is subject to severe punishment. Do you understand?

The two boys promptly acknowledged.

Shang Zhen turned his head to cast them a quick glance before his gaze returned to the roof. Letting out a dry cough, he said, “We rarely employ outsiders, but this is a special case, plus you have a manager-level recommendation, so I have nothing to say.”

After a short pause, his eyes gleamed with cold flashes as he turned his head toward the two boys again and said, “Although what you are wearing now bears Flying Horse insignia, you are still considered outsiders. Unless within three years you go the distance in compliance to our rules, receive a manager-level recommendation, and receive Changzhu’s approval, you can’t be considered Ranch people. Understand?”

Just by looking at his fierce and sharp gaze, one would know that his internal strength had reached a first-class master level. No wonder the Flying Horse Ranch was able to stay aloof from the dispute of the outside world.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling could only nod their heads in agreement.

Shang Zhen’s gaze returned to the ceiling. Suddenly he sucked in a mouthful of smoke, and then slowly blew it out, “Outsiders also have outsider’s rules to follow. First of all, you must never engage in an illicit sexual relationship with any Ranch women. You want women? Take a leave and go to neighboring cities and towns to solve your problem. Otherwise I will castrate you.”

Xiao Juan, who was standing across the threshold from them, lowered her head; even she was blushing to the roots of her ears. The two boys’ embarrassment need not be mentioned.

As if nothing happened, Shang Zhen calmly continued, “Unless receiving special approval, usually you are not allowed to leave the Inner Castle. As for other rules, Liang Qian will explain to you in details. You are dismissed!”

By the time they finished with Liang Qian and returned to their living quarters, it was already the first watch of the night [between 7-9pm]. It was only then did Xiao Juan happily bid her farewell from the two boys and returned to the Ranch Master mansion.

After sniffing at himself and then sniffing at Xu Ziling, Kou Zhong proposed, “We are covered in greasy smell, and then we’ll have to crowd into one bed; how could we sleep? We might as well go to the bath house and enjoy a good his mother’s cold water bath. I wonder if there is any house law prohibiting us from sleeping this his granny’s late at night.”

Frowning, Xu Ziling said, “But where is the bath house? Right now everybody is hiding under his quilt looking for a dream; we won’t find anybody to ask for directions.”

“Just now I still saw some rooms with lantern lights in them,” Kou Zhong said, “Besides, bath house can’t be several li away from here, we can always look around while trying to find somebody to ask. Hey! We can always use some warm-up exercise before looking for the ‘Duke Yang Treasure’. This one will do!”

Xu Ziling finally agreed. The two boys picked up two sets of clean uniforms, and groped their way around out of their room.

The huge courtyard was quiet with no one in sight. Apart from their room, the other rooms were dark without any lantern or light, some even transmitted sounds of people snoring. Fortunately the main gate had a lantern hanging above it to provide illumination.

The sky was full of stars, but the moon was not showing its face. From the direction of the pasture came the sound of sheep bleating and horses whinnying, interspersed with the dogs barking, creating a unique atmosphere of a mountain town.

Kou Zhong unleashed his natural gift of geography, “To the left is Changzhu’s mansion, the Flying Horse Courtyard, to the rear is the kitchen building, to the right is the rear mountain, only the direction of our exit that I don’t know where it leads to. If we want to try, we should try this direction.”

Xu Ziling pricked up his ears and listened carefully, he said, “But the sound of running water actually comes from the rear mountain, perhaps there is a seasonal spring in there somewhere. Only we will have to blindly grope and bump our way to it. If we break many taboos of this place, taking sticks or whips is totally not worth it.”

Kou Zhong agreed, “You are better than me in being a servant; I have never thought about sticks or whips. Ha …”

While talking and cursing at each other in low voice, the two boys walked quietly on tiptoe toward the exit leading to the rear mountain.

Only after entering a moon gate that they found another garden behind the courtyard. The most amazing thing was that there was a corridor that wind back to the outside, that extended into the garden, opening up the depth of field, bringing about beautiful scenery as one walked along the corridor toward the garden. There was a lily pond on the left, with a small hexagonal pavilion built in the middle, and a small bridge connecting it to the bank.

The moon appeared on the horizon to their right, bathing the serene rear courtyard in its silvery light; the scenery was extremely moving. The two boys forgot about bathing, they stood still, full of praise.

Kou Zhong looked up toward the sharply bent cliff behind the courtyard, where on a crack in the rock an old tree defiantly grew with its branches dancing lightly in the wind. He could not help sighing and said, “Since our debut, this is the first time I am having the intention to shun the world and retreat to secluded place; a clear indication of how strong the influence of this place to me.”

Xu Ziling deeply shared his sentiments; he said, “Whoever built this landscape garden in the Inner Castle must be a master builder. Even Yang Guang’s imperial garden doesn’t have this kind of intoxicating effect.”

Kou Zhong nudged him and said with a laugh, “Do you see that gracefully winding clear creek? It must have come from a spring on the rear mountain. If we can find its source, we could take a quick bath and go back to the hexagonal pavilion to cool off and admire the moon; won’t that be fun?”

Xu Ziling was also in a good mood; he stepped forward as soon as Kou Zhong finished.

With a tourist mind, the two boys turned to the left and wound to the right along the winding corridor, where more and more beautiful sceneries emerged on both sides. After passing a bamboo forest, they heard the crashing noise of water. Turned out at the end of the path was a square pavilion, overlooking a hundred-zhang high cliff, where a stream of waterfall flew down with irresistible momentum. Were it not for the bamboo forest separating the two places, the thundering sound of the waterfall could have been heard from the courtyard.

The two boys gasped in amazement.

To the left there was a gravel path leading toward the square pavilion, winding along the edge of the cliff, extending toward the depths of the forest, creating in their hearts the desire to explore this secluded area.

Following the path, the two boys turned to the left and wound to the right, until suddenly a wide panorama opened up before their eyes. There was a small two-story building strategically situated on the tableland overlooking the cliff.

This moment they could still see light coming from the second story, indicating that not only this building was inhabited, but also that the inhabitant had not gone to sleep yet.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had never expected that there would be a place of charm and beauty at the end of the path. They were about to turn around and walk back when an old-sounding man’s voice was heard from the upstairs, “Noble guests have already arrived, why not come up and meet Laofu face-to-face?”

[Jayariyin]

Thanks, foxs.

[ycb5959]

Thanks, again, foxs!

Edit:

This big housekeeper of the Flying Horse Ranch was swallowing clouds and blowing out fog from the long tobacco pipe in his hand in a laid-back manner...

Author made a historical error? Tang Dynasty was founded sometime in 618AD.
Tobacco wasn't discovered till 1492, in America

[HPC7595]

Thanks foxs

[Ysabelkid]

Thanks foxs

[LuDongBin]

Just back from a fortnight's travel and already so much excitement and discussion had taken place ... and a new beauty to boot ....Thks foxs.

[Laoren]

Thanks foxs. At my age I learned that different people will always have different opinions. There are already many sharing their comments (and getting upset over nothings ) So enjoying good food and drinks is better then getting some dear readers here annoyed with my comments. here another virtual beer for you.

[Laoren]

Merry Chrismas to you and all the readers , cheers to all

[chualot]

Thanks foxs, thanks Laoren.

[Abhay]

Thanks Foxs

[spynet]

Thanks foxs, Merry Chrismas. Have a safe holiday!

[foxs]

Jaya, HPC, Ysabel, Chua, Abhay, spy, you are welcome. ycb, I had similar thought, but was too lazy to research. I think you are right. DongBin, welcome back then. Lao Qianbei, amen to that brother ... Let's just enjoy the ride. Merry Christmas everybody, and God bless us, everyone!

Side note: I am going back to Germany first week of January, updates will be a bit splotchy until I settle down a bit; will be there like last time, i.e. around 8 weeks.

---

Book 9 Chapter 7 – Strange Encounter At The Back of The Mountain

An elegant room does not need to be big, fragrance does not require a lot of flowers.

As the two boys stepped over the main gate, where a sign board carved with the characters ‘An Le Wo’ [Comfort Zone; lit. still/calm happy nest] was hanging over it, a feeling of serene, peaceful harmony welled up in their hearts.

Opposite the entrance, on the beam supported by two pillars, there was another wooden board with this couplet written on it: ‘Mornings are suitable to make qin [zither] music, evenings are suitable to strike the se [standing harp with 5-25 strings]; old friends have arrived, new rains are starting to fall’. The calligraphic style was elegant yet simple, bold and powerful.

This hall was shaped in a four-sided living room style, with all four sides have ‘wooden pot’-style windows. On the far end the plant in the pot drooped down, covering the view of the dangerous precipice beyond. The gentle sound of the bamboo grove dancing in the wind faintly penetrating the inner hall, adding a more relaxed, natural feeling to the simple, plain, rustic mahogany furnishing of the room. On the corner, there was a cedar wood stairs leading to the upper floor.

The old-sounding voice came again, “Gentlemen, please come upstairs!”

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling exchanged a glance, then walked slowly up the flight of stairs.

The room upstairs was divided into two sections by a standing screen. The front section had a round table and several chairs; presumably the rear section was where the host slept.

This moment a man was standing at the window, facing out. He spoke in soft voice, “Two Xiao Xiongdi, please sit down, try the Six-fruit Brew Laofu personally made.”

It was only then did the two boys notice the wine bottle and wine cups on the table. The aroma of the wine permeated the whole place.

Under the illumination of two palace-style lanterns hanging from the beam, they saw that other than the table and chairs, there was only a few necessary furniture, all made of rosewood, displaying its stylish, quaint grandeur.

The old man dressed in formal intellectual attire. Although because his back was facing the two boys that they were unable to see his face, he looked slightly taller than Xu Ziling. Furthermore, because of the oversized long robe he was wearing, he exuded some kind of loftiness that commanded other people to look up in respect.

Recalling their own low rank, the two boys looked at the wine on the table, but were unsure of what to do.

The old man sighed and said, “Drink! There’s wine to enjoy, life is short!”

His voice carried a profound helplessness, giving the impression that he must have a sad past.

Kou Zhong pushed Xu Ziling and sat down first.

They were both moving very cautiously, not willing to make any noise to disturb the sacred quietness of the small room upstairs.

They could still hear the faint sound of waterfall from the distance.

Kou Zhong lifted up the wine bottle and poured three cups. Seeing the old man has not made any movement, he picked one cup, and handed the other one to Xu Ziling.

The fruit brew entered his throat. The aroma was mellow and rich, soft and fresh. The most amazing thing was that the fragrance was thick, but in congruence, so that the aftertaste lingered long.

Tranquil and calm, the old man said, “This wine is brewed from a collection of pomegranate, grape, tangerine, crabapple, green plum, and pineapple, six types of fresh fruits. The manufacturing method involves picking the fruits, washing in water, bleaching in water, crushing, pits removal, soaking, juice extraction, fermentation, blending, filtering, and aging process, before loading it in barrels and burying it for three whole years. And it tastes good!”

Kou Zhong praised wholeheartedly, “Laozhang [Sir/gentleman] is adept in wine brewing, and is very creative.”

The old man was silent for half a day before speaking softly, “Laofu has lived here for nearly thirty years. Other than Xiuxun, nobody ever dared to barge in here. You must be newcomers.”

Hearing that, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling knew that they had violated a taboo; the latter apologetically said, “Liang Fu Guanjia [deputy housekeeper] has never mentioned this place to us, and thus we have disturbed Qianbei’s [senior/older generation] peace. I …”

The old man interrupted him, “You have Yangzhou accent; this is strange, since the Ranch very seldom hires outsiders. What do you do?”

Thereupon Xu Ziling narrated their story again.

Up to this point the two boys were still unclear of the old man’s identity, or his relationship with the Ranch, but they were quite sure that he was an unfathomable senior martial art expert.

Kou Zhong could not help asking, “Has Qianbei really never left this place in thirty years?”

The old man laughed aloud, “Of course not,” he said, “Although these past thirty years I have lived peacefully in this ‘An Le Wo’, but I spent quite a bit of time outside, more than the time I spent in this place. This time I came across you, it can be said it is predestined affinity; it’s not easy for us to be here.”

Finished speaking he slowly turned around to face the two boys.

It was a very particular face; plain, simple, inelegant, amazingly old. His long, thick black eyebrows extended almost to the edge of his temples, while the other ends nearly met above the bridge of his nose, in stark contrast with his deep, elegant hawk eyes. There were wrinkles at the corners of his mouth and under his eyes, making him appear to have a rather cold, tired and sad look of the affairs of life.

The bridge of his nose was straight and powerful, just like his waist. With the addition of his lips, which displayed natural air of arrogance, his slender and clean face, he ought to be someone who enjoyed the riches and honor, the glory and splendor of the world to the fullest; yet now he looked more like a dejected nobleman whose heart had died.

His gaze slowly swept the two boys. Smiling slightly, he said, “Do you know why as someone who take no notice of the things of the world I asked you to come up here?”

The two boys shook their head with blank expression on their face.

Revealing an exhausted look, both physically and mentally, the old man sat down slowly, took the six-fruit brew cup and drained it in one gulp, and said with a wry smile, “Were it not for this thing suspending my life, there’s a good chance I would not see gentlemen today.”

Hearing that, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling looked at each other in dismay. “Is Qianbei injured?” the latter asked.

The old man nodded, “The injury I received thirty years ago,” he said, “Although that witch’s demonic power was lauded as the crown jewel of the heretical schools, it still failed to take my life; by taking advantage of the mountain’s topography and utilizing my knowledge of geography, I managed to escape a thousand li and finally hid in this place.”

He sighed and went on, “In thirty years, with my heart and soul I built the landscape garden. Were it not for this sustenance, I am afraid I have already succumbed to my injury and died. But these days I occasionally remember the old enmity, thereupon my injury flared out. I am afraid the old man’s days are numbered.”

Breathing out a mouthful of cold air, Kou Zhong asked, “Who was that witch?”

The old man stared hard at him for half a day; he also cast a glance toward Xu Ziling. Instead of answering the question, he said, “Actually, I have seen you a while back; I even eavesdropped your conversation. You two are very interesting kids indeed.”

The two boys were stunned. “Where did Qianbei see us?” Xu Ziling asked.

The old man spoke indifferently, “Do you remember that abandoned village? The one where Zhai Rang fell into a sinister plot, so much so that his full works fell apart.”

The two boys remembered the smoke from kitchen chimneys; their countenance changed instantly. “It was you!” they said.

Although the old man has exposed their true identity, his demeanor was still as amiable as before. He smiled and said, “That was the reason I invited you to come up; just by looking at your ability to suppress your divine qi, so much so that you can conceal it from Xiuxun, I know that your skill has advanced tremendously. Kou Xiao Xiong and Xu Xiao Xiong, can you tell me what enmity has brought you here to be pastry chefs?”

The two boys were greatly embarrassed; however, seeing his friendly manner, they did not conceal anything, and told him about how they acted before thinking. Naturally they did not tell him about Kou Zhong’s intention to utilize the Ranch in his effort to vie over the world; they only told him about trying to evade the enemy’s tracking.

The old man did not reveal whether he believed their story or not; after pondering for half a day, he said, “Among the four managers of the Flying Horse Ranch, in terms of intelligence and martial art skill, Liu Zongdao ranks first. Logically speaking, under normal situation, he can’t possibly meddle in the kitchen’s personnel affairs. His high regard on you may be due to something else; perhaps your outward appearance and your aptitudes!”

Xu Ziling respectfully asked, “Qianbei must be a greatly well-known character of the Jianghu; would it be possible for you to reveal it to us?”

A glimmer of proud smile appeared on the corners of the old man’s mouth; he replied nonchalantly, “Even if Ning Daoqi sees me, he would respectfully greet me ‘Lu Laoshi [teacher]’. Ay! What does it mean anyway? Ultimately I still nurse a grievance under that witch’ hands, and the illustrious name I built my entire life hereby lost forever.”

Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong racked their brains trying to remember a Jianghu senior character with the surname Lu.

Feeling it would be embarrassing to ask directly, Kou Zhong tried a roundabout way, “Who was that witch anyway?”

The old man straightened up his back, his eyebrows rose, his sharp eyes shone with murderous aura as he said hatefully, “Have you heard about Yin Gui Pai?”

The two boys blurted out in chorus, “Empress Yin, Zhu Yuyan!”

It was the old man’s turn to be stunned. “You are indeed not simpletons! Unexpectedly you knew about this witch. Ay! There are two things that I regret doing in all my life, and one of them is to fall in love with this woman. To think that I, Lu Miaozi [his given name’s literal translation is ‘clever kid’] has always been conceited all my life, unexpectedly I made continuous mistakes; other than blaming it to my luck, what else can I say?”

[Laoren]

Thanks foxs. Hahaha first again.

Can they heal this 'clever kid' with their yin, yang skill?

[Ysabelkid]

Thanks foxs

[Abhay]

Thanks Foxs

[ycb5959]

thanks.
Have a safe trip!

[This is where the comics differs from the novel. In the comics, the boys met this old fella after their 'resurrection' from 'death' at the hands of wanwan. This old fella has no relation with the ranch...]