CH 38

The grass grew longer and the warblers flew1, spring had come to full-term in the blink of an eye.

Chu Mingyun propped up his forehead with a single hand, and casually put aside the letter on the table. Hearing the approaching footsteps, he didn’t even look up as he asked: “Is there any news from Su Shiyu’s side?”

“……Shige.” The footsteps suddenly halted, and there was a strange note in Qin Zhao’s voice.

Chu Mingyun lifted his eyelids and looked over, “En?“

Qin Zhao looked at him with a complicated expression, and after a moment of hesitation he said: “…..You’ve already asked that seven times in the last two days.”

“Have I?” Chu Mingyun lifted his brows lightly, and continued to speak without any change in expression: “How come there isn’t any news even after I’ve asked seven times?”

“Su Shiyu is already on the way back, there wasn’t any incident, so of course there isn’t any news.”

Chu Mingyun nodded expressionlessly, Qin Zhao went up to the desk to put down the report, “Zhou Yi wrote this after he went to take up his duties, said circumstances at the Western border are already within control2 now.”

“En.”

Qin Zhao’s movements suddenly paused, and inhaled a deep breath, then looked at the fortune beast incense-burner lightly wafting smoke, curling upwards in thin threads. He said with some surprise, “Shige, you changed fragrance?”

“En, calming incense3,” Chu Mingyun cast him a glance, “How is it?”

“It’s not bad.”

“Wo–?” Those white fingertips tapped incessantly on the head of the beast outlined in gold, each tap making a light clink. Chu Mingyun said, “How come I feel like this is lacking something, it’s a little bland and odorless.”

“Calming incense has always had this sort of smell.” Qin Zhao said.

“But it wasn’t like this whenever I smelled it back then.” Chu Mingyun sub-consciously responded as he stared at the incense burner.

“Where did you smell it before this?”

A name passed between his teeth, and he almost said it before he stopped himself. Chu Mingyun froze, and immediately regained his wits, retrieving his hand, and ended the topic with a non-committal reply.

After he finished reporting matters in a simple manner, Qin Zhao left.

The patter of spring rain on the roof’s exterior, a blue veil over the Wutong tree4. The fragrant mist and warm smoke entangled within the room, silently binding the unbidden thoughts.

Chu Mingyun lazily leaned against the backrest of the chair, and after a moment picked up the letter at the side, absent-mindedly reading over it word-by-word again.

‘This is the last report,’ The shadow guard who followed wrote, ‘Su Shiyu has already disembarked from Huainan, everything went smoothly without a hitch.

Everything went smoothly without a hitch.

Everything in this past month, including the case of the Huainan King, all went so smoothly, unexpectedly smooth.

When Su Shiyu first arrived, the Huainan King refused in utmost to greet him at the border. The city gate was tightly closed, it was clear how rigid an attitude they had. And there were even troops heavily deployed in the city, creating an opposing formation to the Southern border army Su Shiyu had gathered. The tension was as pulled as taut as a thread by both sides, and mounted with each passing day, seeming like it would explode with the slightest provocation.

But everything overturned within one night.

Over ten thousand elite soldiers took off their armour [T/N: not sure if this is more figurative as in they put down their arms] in unison, the vermillion city gate opened wide; and under the clammy moonlight a man walked out on bare feet, seal raised above his head and coming forward to surrender.

That man proclaimed himself to be the Huainan King’s strategist, and that he was only aiding and abetting such evil-doing5 and rebelling because he was coerced by said king; that he could hardly withstand how it was hurting his conscience. Seeing how the Huainan King was not only commiting heresy and treason but also bringing disaster to the civilians by sealing the city, he resolutely plotted with someone to assassinate the Huainan King, then came to open the city gates and welcome the Grand Secretary without a moment’s delay.

He knelt beneath the towering city walls, and recited his crimes in full: using the opium to implicate Tan Jing, setting up the Eternal Joy Casino in Chang’an, sending Su Xing to assassinate government officials, blackmailing Ji Heng to ambush Mulahe, aiding the Huainan King to stir up troubles.

He said that since most of these malicious plots were his handiwork, he knew he could not avoid a death sentence, and it was only right that he compensate with his life for all the people killed, only pleading that Su Shiyu could have mercy, and let off those loyal and brave soldiers that were kept in the dark and the entire city’s innocent civilians.

This one speech resounded with power, and at the end of these words he kowtowed for a long moment.

There were soldiers with reddened eyes behind him, making the patrolling escort mutter a few lamentations.

Yet Su Shiyu looked calmly at the decapitated head of the Huainan King, the frozen expression on that face that was streaked all over with blood had eyes bulging with violent rage and grievance, in the shadowed light of the gloom it was ferocious and ghastly.

After a long while, Su Shiyu spoke up blandly: “When did I ever say I wanted the Huainan King’s head?”

The strategist lifted his head, and as soon as he opened his mouth he listed in order the ten crimes of the Huainan King, each unpardonable, and marking him neither loyal nor benevolent, with no conscience to speak of, by any human’s standard he was deserving of death.

Su Shiyu looked at him silently for a moment, then smiled faintly, and no longer elaborated.

Huainan was left temporarily to the management of the protectorate general of the Southern border’s army, and after Su Shiyu sorted and collected the evidence he was in no hurry to leave, rather ordering people to investigate the entire territory. He discovered more than a hundred mu6 of opium poppy fields, and after that personally supervised their burning7, till they were destroyed in absolute.

That strategist suddenly hurried over and sought an audience on the last day, greeting Su Shiyu extremely solemnly, (T/N: this could mean that he was kneeling or bowing deeply) and repeated his plea to spare the innocent once more in a resounding voice. Then, turning around he swung himself, leaping into the blazing sea of flames that was the ignited poppy fields. The inferno grew for a moment, and the figure of a person turned to ash within moments.

Within the city of Huainan, everyone tsked and sighed, saying that that strategist wasn’t a evil person after all, he was one with sentiment and righteousness.

Chu Mingyun snorted upon hearing this.

Amidst the scene of chaos at that time, the shadow guard paid special attention to Su Shiyu’s reaction. The Grand Secretary who was being fought over by the inspection retinue in a protective circle only froze slightly, then lowered his eyes and laughed lightly with unknown meaning.

Others did not know what Su Shiyu meant, but Chu Mingyun particularly understood:

Before contact could be made the Huainan King was dead, ending all opportunities to interrogate him in detail. There was no way to tell whether that strategist’s words were true or false, because he admitted guilt and killed himself before even being escorted to the capital for the hearing.

This was again another round of theatrics where the suspects died and no testimony was left.

This case appeared to have gone smoothly, and even had some inspiring and moving embellishments since justice was served, but in truth other than a head and a handful of bone-ash they had no other gains. Su Shiyu didn’t encounter a dangerous scenario, and it wasn’t the trap to ensnare the suspect with his own actions like they expected. The contradictions between the irrefutable evidence and the suspicious motive grew deeper, yet there was no longer any avenue to set about [investigation].

If they were not overthinking it, then unfortunately this case wasn’t as simple as what was shown to the common people.

The cause for suspicion was revived, but even thinking about it yielded no solution.

Chu Mingyun stared at the snow-white letter and spaced out, his gaze subconsciously landing on that person’s name, the traces of ink carving out thin strokes, each sweep, curve and downward slant8 revealing that gentleness.

One could just envision the humid gentle Southern winds passing between his fingers, the faint hint of a smile hidden between flaps of his flying sleeve; the flame-coloured poppy flowers in front of him incinerated into flitting butterflies fleeting in the wind, the mountain fires stretching unbroken for ten li (~5km), brilliant and inextinguishable.

It was boundless elegance.

— Then Master Su should remember to return sooner, lest my longing becomes lovesickness.

It was obviously a coincidental turn of phrase, a he joke made unwittingly.

The spring rain outside the window grew larger, making a sound with each time it knocked on the Wutong leaves, falling below the eaves.

Chu Mingyun suddenly put out the incense burner with a cup of cold tea, threw the letter onto the table, and raised his hand to press between his brows.

Longing becoming lovesickness, what kind of joke is that.

……who would actually think of him.

After a few days passed, Chang’an didn’t get to wait for the Grand Secretary, but rather the arrival of an unprecedented guest.

An embassy visit from the Xiongnu, and the ambassador was even the

Ninth Prince Yuwen Sun9.

Since the start of the dynasty, Daxia was at constant war with the Xiongnu; who knew how many loyal souls were lost in the dusty wilderness of Mongolia10, the heaping bones along Wuding River’s banks that all belonged to Daxia. Even the ladyfolk, young and elderly gnashed their teeth and pounded their chests11 when mentioning the Xiongnu.

Even if because of Chu Mingyun in these recent years the Xiongnu had a reason to avoid acting out rashly, both sides of that border remained a strictly-defended stronghold, and no intercommunication and dealings had ever been allowed.

Yet now the Xiongnu had suddenly sent a prince over here; the court was astounded, and hurriedly received them according to customary etiquette, at least not disgracing their demeanour.

The ninth prince Yuwen Sun’s spoken Han was unexpectedly accurate and fluent, andafter a simple rite was passed in the golden palace, he expressed their purpose frankly and straight-to-the-point12:

They wanted Daxia to carve out five cities from Xibei to be given to the Xiongnu.

The Xiongnu‘s attitude was quite a clear display of arrogance. Simply put they were taking advantage of the opportunity while relations between Daxia and Loulan were troubled; half-threatening and half-negotiating as they attempted to haul some profits.

And this Xiongnu prince was all the more a expert in rhetoric, speaking a whole round of sentiment, logic and reason in sequence; one could say that he was as eloquent as to make lotuses bloom from his brilliant tongue13.

A strange silence fell within the palace, the officials of the court looking at each other blankly.

After a moment, Li Yanzhen spoke up: “Then according to what Ninth Prince says, after five cities are carved out and acceded to you, the Xiongnu will promise to never invade again?”

”Of course.” Yuwen Sun smiled, “Actually we don’t really hold much of a grudge against Daxia, the many times we advanced southward was but to find a way to survive. You all also know, we have been nomads living off the grassland and water for many generations, sandstorms cuts off both these means of subsistence; but we can’t let so many people in the tribes just starve to death. So many people died fighting battles southward, but only snatched a bit to eat, it’s truly not worth the cost, but there isn’t any other way either. He paused, and said: “I’ve heard that the emperor of Daxia is magnanimous, Father is also unwilling to continue the war, and so quickly sent me to negotiate peace with you.”

Li Yanzhen didn’t manage to reply before Chu Mingyun said coldly: “Since you’re here to negotiate peace, then naturally [we] are on equal terms; what right does the Xiongnu have to make us accede territory?”

”Didn’t I already say earlier, we had no choice but to go to war in order to live. Daxia’s lands are expansive and fertile; divvying out a bit is no great loss to you, but to us it would mean not letting people starve. Both parties can also avoid going to war, there’s no harm either way.” Yuwen Sun then added, “Besides we also heard that previously that just because a woman from Loulan died, his Majesty the Emperor was willing to compensate them with three cities. Yet we would be able to avoid the deaths of over ten thousand people for want of only five cities, surely this can’t be considered too much to ask?”

These words were simultaneously hinting that Loulan had actually already made contact with the Xiongnu.

Chu Mingyun’s expression darkened, Li Yanzhen quickly raised a hand to stop him from speaking, and said to Yuwen Sun: “What the Prince has said does have reason, but this matter is not a trivial one, We are unable to give you a reply immediately. You have made the arduous journey here, why not rest for a few days, and wait for the result of the discussions.”

Li Yanzhen’s expression was not very pleasant, but he didn’t get angry14, simply looking at the people beside him, and hesitantly speaking up: “Judging by this, perhaps [we] should still……”

”Your Majesty,” Lu Shi stepped out of the rank and bowed in greeting, “This subject thinks Grand Marshall Chu’s words are reasonable, the Xiongnu cannot be trusted!”

”This……” Li Yanzhen looked at him.

”This subject will definitely not agree to this,” Chu Mingyun’s smile slightly dimmed, and said slowly, “May His Majesty be prudent.”

Li Yanzhen’s desire to speak was then shut down.

Wei Song bowed deeply in greeting, and said earnestly: “Your Majesty, the larger interests should be prioritised!” As these words were spoken, they were immediately followed by several chorusing in agreement behind him.

Li Yanzhen was placed into a difficult position, seeing Chu Mingyun standing with his back straight, and staring right over at him without a hint of giving in, his heart quaked once, and couldn’t help but look towards the right anterior where the placement stood vacant.

Chu Mingyun followed his gaze and looked over as well, his expression calming a little subconsciously, and for a moment nobody spoke.

Li Yanzhen waved his hand, saying: “Forget it, forget it, this isn’t something that can be decided within a moment’s notice. Beloved Subject Su is already on the road back to the capital, it’s not too late to wait for him to come back before we discuss this further.”

Among these few civil officials there were more from the Su faction, and naturally they had no disagreement with this, after responding in concurrence they looked towards Chu Mingyun in unison.

It was only then that Chu Mingyun retracted his gaze, saying casually, “That’s fine too.”

Along the walkways of the palace, Wei Song slowed his steps, and then came to a complete stop. He held the railing and gazed distantly at the blue sky and green tiles, his troubled brows not easing.

T/N: Joke’s on you, Chu Mingyun. Sorry this is 3 days late. I’m beginning to think that most of this novel is based in the Sixteen Kingdoms period (since you have Daxia) but borrowing elements from later dynasties. I discovered that my translations are still being uploaded to aggregator sites, so I might look into moving off WordPress and getting my own website. Please help support by donating on ko-fi so that I can raise a budget for the site :’)

1.草长莺飞- Idiom describing the scenery of spring in Jiangnan at dusk. Comes from《与陈伯之书》, a long essay-letter written by Qiu Chi advising the duke to return to Liang from Wei during the first years of the Liang dynasty. [Return]

2. 掌握之中- within grasp [Return]

3.安神香; mentioned in that chapter they were sharing a bed. [Return]

4. I suspect this is a reference to the line: 碧纱秋月，梧桐夜雨，几回无寐 from《撼庭秋·别来音信千里》which is a poem about the poet’s longing and missing their lover but not knowing when they will reunite. [Return]

5.助纣为虐 – literally, ‘to aid King Zhou in his tyranny’, a metaphor from the story about 商纣王 in《红楼梦》(“Dream of the Red Chamber”). [Return]

6.亩 – unit of measurement for area of farmland. 1 mu is equivalent to 0.165 hectares. [Return]

7.付诸一炬 – idiom meaning to ‘put a torch to something’. [Return]

8.横折转撇 – ‘heng zhe zhuan pie’ – referring to four of the basic strokes in writing chinese characters. [Return]

9.隼 – Falcon. [Return]

10.荒漠胡尘 – so strictly speaking it’s not exactly Mongolia, because this phrase is referring to all the lands on the Northern and Western borders where foreign tribes lived, including Mongolia. [Return]

11.切齿拊心 – idiom meaning to hate someone/something so much you have a visceral reaction to it. [Return]

12.开门见山 – literally, ‘to see the mountain upon opening the door’. [Return]

13.舌灿莲花 – idiom that literally translates as ‘tongue brilliant lotus flower’. [Return]

14.动怒 – more precisely speaking, this means that he may or not have gotten angry, but at least he didn’t express it is a manner that everyone has to stop the discussion to placate him. [Return]