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

[foxs]

Ysabel, HPC, Jaya, Anh, you are welcome. Xu Xiong, I get that. This debate is about our interpretation of the word ‘repulsive’, not about wuxia, not about Huang Yi. We know Huang Yi used that word, which according to the dictionary I am using means repulsive. Why can’t I use ‘repulsive’ just because she was attracted to him? Let me give you an example: some time ago I helped my colleague with something that he could not figure out, and he said, ‘You dog, you …’ Now, in different culture, when someone called you ‘dog’, that could only mean an insult. But this colleague of mine meant it as a compliment, similar to ‘you rock’. Again, it’s a matter of interpretation. Akolaw, Kowloon, I do not have any blacklist. The reason we all are here is because we do not read Chinese (which makes me wonder why people like Akolaw and Xu Xiong, who, by their own admission, have read the story in Chinese, are even here); therefore, if you post something in Chinese, I would appreciate very, very much, if you also provide the English translation. So, kudos to Akolaw for translating that passage. As for Kowloon’s correction, if you read the unabridged, you will see that I have most of it. I said ‘most’, because some I consider to be ‘style’. Maybe not perfect grammatically, but it is not necessarily wrong. Xiaohu, what Xu Xiong mean is for you to learn Chinese and stop coming here … . Sky, thanks for your support. Hungry, ‘fillers’? No, they are good. Period. Kowloon, agree.

Anyway, I feel that this is a good place to pause. No cliffhanger, with some kind of hard-to-explain end-of-an-episode feeling. Don’t worry, I already prepared the next part (otherwise, how do I know that the next part is a new episode?). The Lord’s willing, I am going to continue after this brief interlude. In the meantime, I am going to post the preface. Check it out.

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Ku Ge’s tactics have always been the four-character mantra, lai qu ru feng [come and go like the wind]. If he was unable to defeat the enemy, he would leave, so that others could not touch his tail. Furthermore, his ability to crisscross Shandong unhindered could be attributed to his important relationship with the ‘Wolf King’ Mi Fang, who was familiar with the local geography, natural conditions and social customs.

Entering this completely unfamiliar territory, Ku Ge and the others were like the blinds, and Mi Fang was like the bamboo stick guiding the blind.

Mi Fang’s death has forced Ku Ge to only follow the old, familiar road to retreat; without any other way, he simply entered Kou Zhong’s inescapable net.

By this moment, most of the horse-mounted bandits were already out of the canyon. Suddenly one after another a dozen or so riders in front lost their hooves, and tumbled down to the ground.

The Luoma Bang men, who had just recently joined the Shao Shuai Army, ambushing on both sides shouted together, and then, amidst the sound of the drums shaking the heavens, from the forest on the left and right the archers shot their arrows at the same time, to take down the men, but not the horses. One after another the Khitan group of horse-mounted bandits fell down in a great mess.

Next, the spear and lance wielders, rushed out in neat formation from either side and attacked systematically in groups. Each group consisted of five hundred men, all at once dashed against the enemies that they were scattered and smashed, broken down into several pieces, the head and the tail could not help each other.

The archers ambushing by the mouth of the gorge also rained down their arrows to the mouth of the gorge, so that a small part of the enemy troops who had not yet exited the gorge were forced to flee back into the gorge.

Knowing the time has come, Kou Zhoung shouted, leading two hundred elite cavalry charging out of the forest, and immediately launched frontal attack against the enemies.

It didn’t matter how valiant the Khitan group of horse-mounted bandits were, how brilliant their horsemanship was, having suffered defeat two days in a row, their morale had reached the lowest point. Under attack from all sides like this, they finally lost their ability to fight back, hence they scattered in all directions in utter defeat.

※ ※ ※

Xu Ziling pricked up his ear and listened carefully. Yun Yuzhen let out a cold snort and said, “To become a Gang and establish a Sect, one must uphold benevolence, righteousness, and sincerity. Right now Bu Tianzhi is having secret ties with outside enemies, conspiring to betray the Gang, disregarding trust and justice, adamantly holding on to his crime without any regret. In vain did I take extremely good care of him these many years, promoting him to be the deputy only one position below me; I could even say that he gets whatever he wants. But he let me down like this, it could be said that all those things are not enough for him.”

A deep and low male voice said, “Yun Bangzhu, there is no need to grieve over this kind of crafty villain. Bu Tianzhi’s death is near at hand, we are going to follow Yun Bangzhu’s direction, using a large business as a bait, luring him to come to Caizi Lake to make the deal. At that time we are going to use warships and speedboats to put him under heavy siege. I guarantee that he will want to sink to the bottom of the river as conveniently as the fish in the water.”

Zheng Shuming spoke in low voice, “Does Bu Tianzhi know that Yun Bangzhu is suspicious toward him?”

Yun Yuzhen replied indifferently, “Of course I won’t let him find out. I am going to entrust him a heavy responsibility on purpose, so that he still think that I trust him as before. This time I intentionally did not involve the trusted aides under my command, and hand over the task to deal with him to your honorable Alliance, so that he won’t suspect anything. After the critical step is accomplished perfectly, with no mouth left alive, I will take advantage while Bu Tianzhi’s cronies is still in the dark, to get rid of them one by one, and thus eliminate endless trouble in the future.”

Zheng Shuming said, “Yun Bangzhu, set your heart at ease, this is a trivial matter not even worth mentioning. As long as we can swindle him into getting on board, Bu Tianzhi and his men can forget about even half a chance to escape our net.”

Listening to this, Xu Ziling secretly broke into cold sweats, while also cried out ‘lucky!’ If not for him coming across this matter at the right place at the right time, Bu Tianzhi’s little life would be gone without he knowing it.

The fleet suddenly slowed down, and turned to a tributary on the right, and then continued upstream to the north.

Naturally the destination was Caizi Lake, where Yun Yuzhen wanted Bu Tianzhi to meet his death.

※ ※ ※

Under escort of Xuan Yong, Jiao Hongjin, Luo Qifei, and other high-ranking military officers, Kou Zhong inspected the after-the-battle situation of those who had just acknowledged allegiance to his military power.

This Khitan group of horse-mounted bandits, who had wreaked havoc for many years, was finally destroyed. Among the spoils of war, other than nearly eight hundred pedigree Khitan warhorses, there were countless bows and arrows, and other weapons, plus close to three thousand taels of gold. Merely these riches were enough to rebuild half of Pengcheng.

Kou Zhong was pleasantly surprised of this unexpected gain.

Although it was not the first time that he witness the scene of dead bodies lying around everywhere on the prairie, this time he single-handedly took charge of the entire battle.

His reaction right now was purely some kind of direct reaction upon seeing a scene that recalled past memories, the emotionally stirring scene of seeing dead bodies all round him.

Kou Zhong reined in his horse to stop, his gaze was captivated by the extremely unnatural postures of the Khitan group of horse-mounted bandits’ ice-cold and stiff body, twisted this way and that on the ground, and not too far there was also a horse.

One of those bodies apparently hit by the arrow on his back, and was thrown down from the horseback. His head was immersed in a pool of blood, which had coagulated into a dark-colored bloodstain. Under the morning light, the originally full of live skin appeared to be nauseating indigo color.

Seeing him staring blankly at the bodies on the ground, Xuan Yong and the others had no choice but to wait patiently nearby.

Kou Zhong smiled bitterly and said, “Don’t you think it’s strange? Just now I had never thought or perhaps never regarded them as people. But now, looking at them lying face down in the wilderness, I suddenly recall that they were people just like me; they had their family, their relatives, that perhaps day and night are looking forward to them coming back to Khitan, people who care about their wives, sons and daughters.”

Xuan Yong spoke heavily, “Very soon Shao Shuai will get used to all this. On the battlefield, it is either you die or I perish, you can’t be softhearted even for a bit!”

Kou Zhong sighed and said, “I am not softhearted at all. Even if we had to go through this all over again, I would still be ruthlessly kill these extremely vicious, utterly evil disciples that not even half would remain. It’s just that people are not grass or trees, we are bound to have feelings. That’s all.”

This moment, a subordinate came to report that they could not find Ku Ge’s body.

Kou Zhong snorted coldly and said, “Just consider him lucky! After tidying up, we will immediately return to Xiapi. The next target ought to be Li Zitong’s old nest, the Dong Hai Army!”

The generals chorused their acknowledgement.

Kou Zhong urged his horse to move. Suddenly, he just wanted to leave this bodies-lying-around-everywhere battlefield as far as possible!

※ ※ ※

Caizi Lake was far inferior to the Chaohu Lake area not far in the east, and its shape was very irregular, but the scenery was beautiful, which was not what Xu Ziling was expecting.

By this time he had moved from Yun Yuzhen’s Jukun flagship to Zheng Shuming’s ship, and was hiding underneath one of the skiffs hanging from the hull, enjoying the lake scenery of clear water and white foamy waves, reflecting the bluish green surface of the lake.

Jukun Flagship and Yangtze River Alliance warships separately sailed toward the appointed point where the ships would be hidden before they would hem in to intercept the target. Only Zheng Shuming’s command ship, which was full of martial art masters in hiding, was going to meet their appointment with Bu Tianzhi.

The sail’s shadow danced lightly on the lake, as if it was gliding on the mirror.

On the shore, the shiny, green jade mountains seemed to blend with the limpid lake water, so that it was unclear whether the lake was dyed green by the mountain, or the mountain appeared to be green due to the water of the lake. On top of that, the undulating surface of the lake was hazy with light mist, so that it was even more difficult to tell which was real and which was fantasy, as if by mistake they had burst into the world of the immortals where normally there would be no way they could enter.

Half a sichen later, the speed of the ship was gradually reduced.

Xu Ziling took a deep breath. His internal energy traveled via the body of the skiff, and into the sling.

The sling disintegrated into cun-size fragments.

By the time the skiff was falling onto the lake, Xu Ziling already flipped over into the skiff.

‘Bang!’

The skiff landed onto the lake; it sank a chi or so, and then with Xu Ziling’s skillful kick, he restored its balance.

The enemies aboard the ship shouted and yelled, but it was too late.

The oar was raised and hit the water, like an arrow the skiff darted pass the mother ship and continued forward.

About a li ahead, Bu Tianzhi’s warship was coming slowly.

Xu Ziling stood upright facing the wind. While steering the boat, he looked around as far as his eyes could see.

The tranquil lake was undisturbed, the mountain and the lake reflected each other, the bluish green water covered in mist, the cool breeze gently blew, making him feel his heart and breast open wide, his ears and eyes fresh and clean, his mind and spirit free and invigorated.

Zheng Shuming’s alarmed cry came from the deck of the warship, which he had left about twenty zhang behind; she shouted tenderly, “Xu Ziling!”

Without looking back, Xu Ziling responded, “Zheng Dangjia, just leave! Is the killing in Jianghu not enough? Tying an unresolvable hatred, being drawn into other people’s Gang’s internal struggle, what benefit would it bring to Yangtze River Alliance?”

No longer paying attention to her, he sped up to meet Bu Tianzhi’s sailboat.

He was fully confident that in the end Zheng Shuming would beat the return drum. Even if the Yangtze River Alliance had the ability to kill him, Xu Ziling, they would have to pay a very heavy price. Plus, to tie an enmity against Kou Zhong, the enemy that almost no one dared to provoke, was not something that the insignificant Yangtze River Alliance could afford.

Besides, Xu Ziling’s sudden appearance might giver her a reason to justify her decision; it was not that she abruptly go back on the deal.

After losing Yangtze River Alliance’s support, other than fleeing away to the wilderness, Yun Yuzhen had no way to deal with him.

And thus a crisis was averted, albeit a bit reluctantly.

But the struggle against Xiao Xian and Xiang Yushan has just begun.

[徐中銳]

The reason we all are here is because we do not read Chinese (which makes me wonder why people like Akolaw and Xu Xiong, who, by their own admission, have read the story in Chinese, are even here).

You've left out some significant others. I'll name two that definitely have been here at Da Tang, Ren Wo Xing and whiteskwirl—whom I alluded to yesterday :

When I saw that picture of the 63 volumes of this novel Foxs is translating, got me wondering about how much of the novel was left. I know we're on Book 15, and there are 63 volumes, but there is also an edition of the novel in 20 volumes, so I checked to see which this was and sure enough it's the 63 volume version. So after two years we're less than a quarter of the way through. At this pace it will take another seven years to finish translating this novel.

It would actually be faster to learn Chinese and read the original than wait for the translation. I don't know how you persevere Foxs, but it's really commendable.

When your translation began on 11-03-14 I couldn't read much Chinese, but curious, especially of Shi Qing-Xuan I began focusing on understanding the parts in which she featured. For example :

click to show/hide spoilers

石青璇輕盈寫意的別轉嬌軀，嫣然笑道：「露出狐狸尾巴哩！原來你是這樣子的。」

And as recently as 07-13-17, akolaw explained his reasoning :

I come here to rejoice the translation, and trying to put in my 2 cent to some of the question or explain concept and structure of the book because I think Da Tang is classic , huge in structure tight in logic and full of tropics that I like but some readers may not familiar.

Well, wangxiaohu, although foxs has mischievously spun my meaning into implying 'if you learn to read Chinese, you needn't visit…' don't let that wayward mistranslation discourage you from learning…

[Ysabelkid]

Thanks foxs. I am enjoying your translation. Keep it up.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[Jayariyin]

Thanks, foxs.

[HPC7595]

Thanks foxs

[spynet]

Thanks foxs!

[hungryhero]

Thanks foxs. so is this the last update already for the break time?

[LuDongBin]

" .... DongBin, you want to try translating that story? ...." Tried a few times (not this novel tho) but my left and right fingers don't co-ordinate so well as before. Very time consuming. That was a very good discussion on translating style and preference (re: repulsive. etc). The spoken tone is important in conveying the intent, playful or otherwise. Respect your choice. This is a good spot to take a break. Looking forward to the Chu Liuxiang series. But come back soon. Thks foxs.

[wangxiaohu]

Today is supposed to be the update day, isn't it?
------------
Just realized and understand, that the last part is the last update before the break.
Take your time foxs, and we will be waiting here, with incomparably-hard-to-describe feeling.

[徐中銳]

I will… scholarly. Wanwan is still tops with, "Wanwan is a bit afraid I cannot restrain my emotions and fall in love with you."

Well, outside of your speculative bubble, the original text is richer in meaning and subtleties : 婠婠有點害怕會情不自禁的傾心於你。Try studying it (and any other favourite parts) while instalments are now suspended.

And in the end, you will realise who's hors concours.

[SkyWalker]

Thanks for all your hard work foxs! Have a good break and hope to see you continue soon. If not, I also look forward to whatever you will translate next. Thanks again!

[徐中銳]

In my humble opinion, Wanwan is a very beautiful girl, however there are still girls that are at the same level. They may have a different temperament. Wanwan may be more seductive and arose lust while Shi holy girl purify and calm us down.

When the two boys meet Wanwan, it is the first time they (as well as readers) meet girl of this caliber, so we have that impression, please see beauty critic Hou's comment on two girls.侯希白颓然跪倒风雨之中，也不理双脚沾满雨水污泥，仰天迎着箭矢般射在他面上的雨水叹道："妃 暄啊！你可知世上竟能有在气质外貌武功均足可与你匹敌的人吗？你的敌手终于出现了。"

I personally like Wanwan more than Shi holy girl.

It's nice of you to share your Da Tang knowledge and excitement. You should consider taking this indefinite-silence to supplement foxs by translating your favourite 婠婠 highlights in a new Thread, e.g. like was done for DGSD Chapter 41. Fight at Shaolin.

[chualot]

Thanks foxs

[paonakata]

".... DongBin, I have no idea what you are talking about. ..." I drew a reference to a Zen story regarding the seeking of enlightenment from Xu Xiong's quote about seeing the evidence of love but not love itself. This is the famous Ten Ox Herding pictures wherein in the initial phase of those practicing zen cultivation, glimpses of enlightenment (Ox=Enlightenment/Satori) is likened to finding traces of the ox's hoof prints but discovering and taming the Ox is another distant goal to be realized. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Bulls Thks foxs for another great chapter.

Following the link you shared, the Ten Bulls story feels like it has the same moral lesson as Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist << https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alchemist_(novel) >>

What I understand from the Ten Bulls:
We spend so much of our lives searching for our ox, only to realize how finite the ox is, leaving us with nothing substantial, only to realize we’ve wasted all this time selfishly taking for granted what’s around us.

What I understand from The Alchemist:
We spend our lives searching for treasure only to realize at the very end of our lives that it was at home all this time (kinda like how people look for their eyeglasses everywhere but it's been on top of their heads all this time?)

[徐中銳]

The online translation site I've been using www.cojak.org/ (which, firstly, helps me with the Cantonese sound of a word, secondly, order of brush strokes to its spelling) has been down for a few days. When and if it comes back, there's a 70% chance I might make a translated record of my favourite passages from Da Tang…


Coelho's Alchemist began with allusion to the following prose-poem by Oscar Wilde :
« When Narcissus died, the pool of his pleasure changed from a cup of sweet waters into a cup of salt tears, and the Oreads came weeping through the woodland that they might sing to the pool and give it comfort.

And when they saw that the pool had changed from a cup of sweet waters into a cup of salt tears, they loosened the green tresses of their hair and cried to the pool and said, 'We do not wonder that you should mourn in this manner for Narcissus, so beautiful was he.'

'But was Narcissus beautiful ?' said the pool.

'Who should know that better than you ?' answered the Oreads. 'Us did he ever pass by, but you he sought for, and would lie on your banks and look down at you, and in the mirror of your waters he would mirror his own beauty.'

And the pool answered, 'But I loved Narcissus because, as he lay on my banks and looked down at me, in the mirror of his eyes I saw ever my own beauty mirrored.' »
The Disciple

Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist

[wangxiaohu]

Finally, the-long-awaited "sometimes next week" comes... Cannot wait to see the boys..

[paonakata]

The online translation site I've been using www.cojak.org/ (which, firstly, helps me with the Cantonese sound of a word, secondly, order of brush strokes to its spelling) has been down for a few days. When and if it comes back, there's a 70% chance I might make a translated record of my favourite passages from Da Tang…


Coelho's Alchemist began with allusion to the following prose-poem by Oscar Wilde :
« When Narcissus died, the pool of his pleasure changed from a cup of sweet waters into a cup of salt tears, and the Oreads came weeping through the woodland that they might sing to the pool and give it comfort.

And when they saw that the pool had changed from a cup of sweet waters into a cup of salt tears, they loosened the green tresses of their hair and cried to the pool and said, 'We do not wonder that you should mourn in this manner for Narcissus, so beautiful was he.'

'But was Narcissus beautiful ?' said the pool.

'Who should know that better than you ?' answered the Oreads. 'Us did he ever pass by, but you he sought for, and would lie on your banks and look down at you, and in the mirror of your waters he would mirror his own beauty.'

And the pool answered, 'But I loved Narcissus because, as he lay on my banks and looked down at me, in the mirror of his eyes I saw ever my own beauty mirrored.' »
The Disciple

Thank you for reminding me of that part, we were required to read that book waaay back in highschool so I've mostly forgotten the finer details, just the moral lesson I picked up

Hmmm so can we say that while the medium level enlightenment chases self-perfection, the highest level enlightenment is a realization or movement from self towards the people around us?

Xu Ziling will I hope follow this trajectory

[徐中銳]

I know Coelho's The Alchemist from CDs narrated by Jeremy Irons.

Am glad you'll in time find the answers to Huang Yi's solution.

[paonakata]

Thank you Xu Xiong, I look forward to finding out come back here soon foxs