Published at 31st of July 2019 05:37:55 AM Chapter 64

Chapter 64 Together We Die

I wonder which of the poems written tonight is the best? Ran Yan loudly asked.

The crowd at the river discussed for quite a while, even going to inquire those few great scholars that were observing this lively scene. At last, the best poem was determined, and Zhang Fei volunteered to read it out loud,

Aligned clouds cross the Magpie Bridge today. Loving gazes no longer distant. Kindreds adorn themselves within mirrors in eager joy. The needles prayers face the Heavens under moonlight[1].

He read with a face full of pride as if the author of such a poem was himself.

This was a poem that narrated the history of Qixi. Truthfully speaking, it would have been hard for Ran Yan to understand the emotions in it without the original owners literary knowledge. When she was studying forensic medicine, Ran Yan has earnestly studied ancient Chinese prose for some time because she had to read Song Cis Collection Cases of Injustice Rectified[2].But to be able to understand what she hears and comprehend the feelings expressed inside the poems verses are things that stand on completely different levels.

Ran Yan was silently counting in her mind the poems she still remembered. Sighing deeply, she realized she could only remember about ten poems, such as The hoe seeding every day at noon[3],Two golden orioles sing amid the willow green[4],and so on, but nothing related to Qixi.

Regarding Ran Yans nature, if she can accept things such as the soul crossing over, then she can definitely do things such as recite the complete works of Li Bais poems from memory. If one is prepared, one is safe.

Recalling Li Bai, Ran Yan though for a moment before speaking: Ill recite one poem, and if everyone here is not able to get a poem even more artistically compelling, I ask that you let me leave.

What a big talk! All the various people on the river wore faces of surprise that slowly turned into scornful ones. Even if the young ladies had some talent and knowledge, they certainly cant surpass them, gentlemen who buried their heads in books all day long.

Miss must not let Tenth Gentleman Ran do it for her. Zhang Fei immediately spoke.

Although Ran Yun Sheng has never entered the prefectural school and never took the imperial examination test, everyone knows that his literary knowledge is not low. The only reason why he couldnt enter the imperial examination and became an official is because he is someone from a merchant family, thats all.

Ok. Ran Yan answered.

The river in Pingjiang quieted down. The water stream was the sole sound that could be heard. Be it those young gentlemen or those preeminent scholars they had all stopped their actions to listen attentively. Every single noble lady on the Qi familys boat was standing at the railing, and Sixth Miss Qis gaze was fixed at Ran Yans boat with a complicated expression.

Qi Yu Xiu curled her lips and said: Seventeenth Miss Ran spoke such big words. Can we assume that she has a card up her sleeve? Is it possible that todays events have been premeditated? Just to snatch sixth sisters[5]place?

After the time when Qi Yu Xiu saw Ran Yans calm attitude towards that corpse at the Yin Fu, her repulse towards her had diminished, but had not yet reached the degree of liking. Sixth Miss Qi pursed her lips and didnt speak, but her brows knitted slightly.

Ran Mei Yu curled her lips. Ran Yan is indeed very capable, she has clearly gone too far again! She can make any type of good poem if she relies on Tenth brother! Remembering Ran Yun Sheng, Ran Mei Yus heart felt disgusted. Tenth brother initially treated her extremely well, but now he was stolen by Ran Yan alone. She cant wait to see Ran Yan make a fool of herself in front of all Suzhou.

While each person here entertained their own little thoughts, Ran Yans cold and serene voice unhurriedly came from the inside of theboat,[G]

The Zhao person wears a plain straps hat, carries a wugou as bright as frost and snow.

A white horse shining with its silver saddle, soaring and resounding like a meteor.

One person is killed within ten steps, no one to detain within ten thousand li.

Pat the clothes and go after the job is done, deeply hiding his body alongside his renown.

A commotion started at the river. Seventeenth Miss Ran has not recited a Qixi poem, but a poem about an assassin! Moreover, her speech was bold and uninhibited, talking about an assassin who kept his identity concealed and lived the humblest life, with its description done in a free and lofty manner.

Ran Yans icy and indifferent voice was not high but was dispersed along the chilly wind on the river. That feeling of taking a persons life in the act of raising your hand was vividly rendered.

The unknown person being stabbed by Su Fu ended up being killed during that short time of chaos. Afterwards, he remained calm and composed and went away, leaving all the other people having no idea that there was an assassin tonight exactly as depicted.

Ran Yan dared to recite this poem so confidently because she was aware of such matter.

Precisely when everyone thought that the poem had already finished, they heard Ran Yan continuing:

Idling over drinks with Xin Ling, resting the sword on the knees before filing it.

Feasting on roasted meat with Zhu Hai, wine goblets toasting each other with Hou Ying.

Uttering pledges after three drinks, words heavier than the Five Sacred Mountains.

Eyes blurred and ears flushed, buoyant spirits gave rise to a bleached rainbow.

A jinchui was brandished to save Zhao, and a mighty quake befell in Handan.

A thousand years of hail to the two heroes, grandly celebrated at Daliang city.

The prestige of a brave spirit remains even in death, no shame exists in a heros life.

Who would follow the distinguished scholar, hair all white yet still writes Taixuanjing.

After those two segments, it could be seen that this is a story about Lord Xin Ling, Hou Ying, and Zhu Hai. The hero was able to meet the brilliant ruler, and the brilliant ruler was then helped by the heros brave and powerful strategy to achieve his cause. The hero attained success and gained fame, but even if he ultimately never succeeded, his name would still be immortalized in history.

The not only heroic but also unrestrained poem shocked the many people gathered on the river. They were deeply sighing as they realized this was not a poem singing praises for an assassin, but for a hero. On top of Zhen Guans[6]reignholding the military forces in high esteem, which man doesnt have a chivalrous dream in his heart? This poem is filled with heroism, magnanimity and soaring aspirations, striking deep into everyones heart with powerful waves.

Utter silence covered the whole rivers surface. Even those great scholars that heard the poem were dazed. The kind of boldness and passion shown in the poem drove every gentleman in here to blush with shame.

Is this poem, Ode to Gallantry[7],enough to let me leave? Ran Yan impatiently said.

Sometimes it is not about you not wanting to partake in rivalry, but about keeping yourself out of it; such is the way of the world. Ran Yan contemplated thigs in her mind, suppose she seeks for an opportunity for her to dissect a corpse in public. Perhaps, afterwards, the whole Suzhou would not talk about the Seventeenth Miss Ran so fervidly as they will after this silly competition. It surely wont be something she will enjoy.

Whats more, Ran Yan knows she posses meager knowledge. She was clear in how to settle the dispute this time, but what about the second time, or the third time, as well as countless other times that may come?

It is only obvious that the crowd did not want to let her leave, but taking all the people gathered here, including the group of great scholars, who was able to come up with a poem that could outshine Ode to Gallantry in such a sort time?

Therefore, it didnt matter if they were willing or not, they all had to let the boat sail away.

The boat soon leisurely departed. Inside the cabin, Ran Yun Sheng stared blankly at Ran Yan, saying: Ah Yan, this intense and unrestrained poem, full of lofty aspirations, has triumphed over all those great scholars!

Ran Yan gave him a weak smile, This poem is just something I heard it somewhere. Hasnt Tenth brother wondered how I could make this kind of poem since I studied for only a few years?

Ran Yun Sheng shook his head as if he already knew, and replied to her worriedly: Whose poem is this? Suppose other people learn about you using anothers work, your reputation will certainly be If you know who the author is, it would be better to

To take money and buy him over? Ran Yan interrupted.

Ran Yun Sheng has obviously never done such things, so his face immediately flushed when he heard Ran Yan being so blunt about it.

You have also said it, this poem is intense and unrestrained, its author must be someone broad-minded and unconstrained, someone with a noble heart. How can such person bow to money? Ran Yan knows Ran Yun Sheng in concerned about her. Her heart got warmer and she wanted to put him at ease: Tenth brother must not feel anxious. I remember this person has long pledged to never come public.

Ran Yun Sheng felt reassured after seeing her being this confident. Turning to look outside the window, the bustle at Pingjiangs river had resumed, seemingly much higher than what it was before.

Tenth brother, lets return. Ran Yan lightly said.

Since things have already taken this turn, going out for a stroll would perhaps cause even more disturbances.

Since Ran Yun Sheng agreed, the boatman sailed the boat and anchored in a desolated shore. After he helped Ran Yan get off, they walked and admired the moon throughout the way, and soon the market appeared within their sights.

Tired? Do you want Tenth brother to carry you? Ran Yun Sheng could not help asking when he saw the glittering beads of sweat at the tip of Ran Yans nose.

I am already this big. It would be terribly improper to let elder brother carry me. Ran Yan imitated aunt Xings intonation and stern face while replying.

Ran Yun Sheng was amused by her mimic, and his smile shined as brightly as the glistening white moon, reflecting light into the dim willows at the dike. However, as Ran Yun Sheng smiled, his heart grew dejected. She has really grown up, ah. They can never be as intimate as they were during childhood.

The two people quietly walked on the embankment, getting closer and closer to the markets hustle and bustle. But suddenly, they heard a rustling sound nearby.

Ran Yun Sheng stopped and grabbed Ran Yans wrist, glancing towards the place where the sound had come. The moment he was ready to speed up their pace, a womans voice emerged from behind the willow trees, Fourth Gentleman Do you know

The gentle voice carried a cold hostility inside, and some glimpses of tenderness, Did you know that theres a woman submerged in this river?

Ran Yan pulled Ran Yun Sheng and made a hand gesture for him to keep quiet, then silently walked towards the place where the voice was coming from.

There were two people hiding behind a large willow tree. Ran Yan stretched her head and through a gap between the forests trees, she saw a well-dressed man lying on the underbrush at the side of the embankment, but she couldnt see his face clearly. There was a strong smell wafting in the air being brought by the wind blowing at the river, and it was presumably because of that persons drunkenness.

The woman wearing an apricot-colored ruqun[8]thatfluttered with the breeze bent over and reached her delicate hands to caress the mans face lightly. She showed a docile expression, with small and delicate features, but her smile seemed to convey only coldness, a mixture of joy and hate. The way the moonlight faced her back caused her figure to appear somewhat gloomy.

It was Yin Miao Miao. Ran Yan had already recognized her when she heard her voice.

Yin Miao Miao had just called out Fourth Gentleman. Could it be that the drunk man is actually Fourth Gentleman Qi?

Fourth Gentleman. Yin Miao Miao sighed and carefully observed Qi Mu Sheng for a while. Suddenly, she forcefully grabbed him and dragged towards the riverside with great effort.

Yin Miao Miao spent a long time just to drag the tall and heavy Qi Mu Sheng for barely four meters until the edge of the river.

Her fair forehead revealed pinpricks of sweat under the moonlight. The hair on her temples was slightly messy and being scattered by the blowing wind. On her face a beautiful dimpled smile that, despite gentle, exposed a kind of sorrow. A hidden madness blended within her laugher, Fourth Gentleman Qi, Qi Mu Sheng. Today is the anniversary of her death. We are both going to die together and go find her.

I cant go on living Yin Miao Miao said as tears gathered in her eyes and then trickled down her cheeks.

Ran Yun Sheng slightly tugged Ran Yan and gave her an inquiring look, but she only shook her head.

The two people stood where they were and continued listening.

Miss! A young girl wearing a light pink ruqun and with hair pulled in two buns hurriedly run over[9].Seeing the weeping Yin Miao Miao looking like a pear blossom bathed in the rain[10],she promptly said: Calm down, Miss, let bygones be bygones. Miss should put the matter to rest.

The young girl consoled her with a soft voice while nimbly helping Yin Miao Miao fix her makeup.

Miss, we have to hurry! The people at that side have already gathered and should begin the needles ceremony[11]soon.The young girl pulled Yin Miao Miao and glanced at the completely drunk Fourth Gentleman Qi.

Yin Miao Miao pursed her lips tightly and looked at Qi Mu Sheng profoundly before moving.

Ah Yan! The intoxicated Qi Mu Sheng suddenly grabbed her ankle and pleaded: Ah Yan, dont go. Yin Miao Miao rapidly turned her head and asked in a trembling voice: What did you say?

Dont mind him, Miss. Lets hurry up! The maidservant squatted and pried open Qi Mu Shengs hand.

Qi Mu Sheng started yelling, Ah Yan, Ah Yan, dont break the engagement, I wont ever fool around with other women in the future!

Ran Yun Sheng couldnt help hanging his head to look at Ran Yan, but he was doomed to not find any change in her expression. Those two placid eyes, silently staring at the three people on the riverside, they looked as if the words Ah Yan that Qi Mu Sheng uttered was, in fact, calling another person altogether.

Glossary(back to the top)or(back to poem)

> The State of Zhao is a place from where many Chinese heroes came from (like the heroes this poem mentions)

> Wugou is a chinese weapon (image below).

> Li is a measure; it is equal to 1/2 kilometer or about 1/3 mile.

> Xinling is Lord Xinling, a famous politician and general who served the State of Wei (during the Warring States period).

> Zhu Hai and Hou Ying are chinese heroes from Wei that came roughly a thousand years before Li Bai (author of the poem).

> Jinchui is another chinese wapon (image below).

> Handan is the capital of Zhao.

> Daling is the capital of Wei.

> Taixuanjing is a philosophy book written by the scholar Yang Xiong.

[1]This poem was written by Quan De Yu an official during the Tang Dynasty and it talks about the history of Qixi and the customs/traditions that the people from that time had during Qixi.

[2]Also called Washing Away of Wrongs, is a book that is said to be the worlds first legal forensic text.

[3]This is a poem written by Li Shen, and its name is Sympathy for the peasants/farmers. It goes like this:

They hoe the crops at noon. Their sweat drips onto the sowed grains. Who would know that the food on the plate, down to every grain, is the fruit that their toil laid.

[4]This is a poem written by Du Fu. It goes like this:

Two golden orioles sing amid the willows green. A row of white egrets flies in the azure sky. My window frames the western mountains snow of a thousand autumns. The eastern-anchored boats lie a thousand li beyond my door.

[5]Here is elder sister.

[6]Zhenguan is the title of the reign (627-6490) of Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, called posthumously Tang Taizong.

[7]I chose Ode to Gallantry because its the same name as the book of Jin Yong, and the book has the same name in Chinese (as the poem.

[8]Image for only illustration purpose:

[9]Images for only illustration purpose:

[10]This is used to describe the tear-stained face of a beauty; it literally means like raindrops on a pear blossom.

[11]This is a womens tradition during Qixi. They throw a sewing needle into a bowl full of water as a test of their embroidery skills. If the needle floated on top of the water instead of sinking, it was proof of the girls good embroidery skill, and she girl would then be able to marry.