Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan Volume 9 Chapter 5 part1

Book 9 Chapter 5 - Room for Hegemony

West and south of Jingling County, the Yangtze River and its two tributaries, the Zhang Shui and the Ju Shui form a delta of fertile land. As the two rivers flowing through, they irrigate good agricultural land on both sides, before finally converge into the Great River.

The climate here is mild, the soil fertile, natural resources abundant. Flying Horse Ranch was located in such open country. The pasture was particularly rich, all four sides were bordered by mountains, surrounding a fertile land of more than ten li in either direction. There were only two gorges to the east and to the west providing access. The ranch was an inaccessible stronghold with the protection of natural barriers.

After entering the mountain pass with the team of riders, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling reached the mountain ridge where they could have a bird's-eye view of the ranch. They saw piece after piece of cultivated lands, big and small, were covering the valley below, forming beautiful patterns like a quilt; they could not help feeling carefree and relaxed.

On the pasture full of beautiful colors: dark green, light green, umber-black dye, in all kinds of hues stitched together, more than a dozen mirror-like lakes of various shapes and sizes dotted the land. The deep-green color of the water of the lakes vying against the dark-green color of the grass to be the most glamorous, with their flowing light and overflowing color, full of life and beauty that the two boys held their breath in admiration.

No matter from whichever angle they looked, the border of the grassland was an endless line of undulating mountain peaks, stretching as far as their eyes could see.

In this fairy-land that resembled the Garden of the Peaches of Immortality, countless poultry and livestock roamed around freely: white sheep, brown or grey cows, all kinds of horses; adding even more color to the already-saturated beautiful prairie.

The northwest corner was comparatively higher than the rest. A magnificent castle was built there, with its back against the steep wall of ten thousand fathoms precipice, and its front overlooking a winding-like-a-piece-of-ribbon brook, making it even more spectacular.

By this time everybody dismounted from the horses and continued on foot. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling walked in the middle; looking around, they were ecstatic, almost felt that this trip has not been made in vain.

The things Kou Zhong noted were the construction of the fortress and its strategic points, as well as the sentry platforms and lookout stations, while Xu Ziling was single-mindedly enjoying the beautiful and picturesque scenery.

The exit to the gorge was equipped with a city gate tower, with a trench, three zhang wide and five­ zhang deep dug in front of it, crossing the gorge outlet. The bottom of the trench was full of sharp spikes, so the only way in was via the drawbridge. It was indeed a ‘one man can defend it, ten thousand men cannot cross' situation.

Upon entering the grazing land, it was obvious that Liu Zongdao and the others became more relaxed; everybody was chatting and laughing loudly as if they had just laid down the heavy burden on their backs.

Mounting their horses again, they galloped toward the castle along the gravel road.

Different types of farm animals were separated by wooden fence. The shepherds were rushing back and forth between the wooden fence, shouting repeatedly. The farmers were working quietly on the fields, occasionally the low mooing of the plowing ox blended with the neighing of the horses and the bleating of the sheep.

Along the way, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling gained further understanding of this seemingly standing-aloof-from-worldly-affairs Flying Horse Ranch.

The founder of this Flying Horse Ranch, the first generation Ranch Master Shang Xiong was a military leader from the end of the Jin Dynasties [265-420AD]. When Liu Yu broke away from Jin and changed the country's name to Song [of the Southern dynasties (420-479)], the world split up.

Avoiding the disaster of war, Shang Xiong led his troops and clansmen to go down south, and by chance found this hidden valley. Thereupon they decided to live in peace and work happily in here, establishing the Ranch.

From the time the Ranch was founded to the time the Sui Dynasty unified the world, spanning a period of 160 years, the Flying Horse Ranch has had seven different Ranch Master, all from the Shang family clan, passing down from generation to generation, and all had supreme power over the Ranch.

As for the other clans, namely Liang, Liu, Tao, Wu, Xu, Luo, and the others, after more than a century they multiplied and continuously moved out to the surrounding area, forming the villages and towns around the Ranch, so much so that the majority residents of the two big cities by Ju Shui, Yuan'an and Dangyang, were originated from Flying Horse Ranch.

Flying Horse Ranch was also the economic lifeblood of the region. Their product, excellent quality horses, was world-famous. Yet because the Ranch Masters always adhered to the teachings of their ancestors, they did not participate in Jianghu matters, as well as got involved in imperial court. Maintaining a low-key work ethic, they had always been businesspeople; hence the reason Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling never heard about them.

The first generation Ranch Master Shang Xiong was of military background, with deep understanding of punching and kicking principles; hence he encouraged his subordinates and clansmen to research and study martial arts, promoting martial style throughout, so that everybody in the Ranch was strong, brave and adept in warfare, unafraid of bandits and robbers from the outside, and became a force able to ensure the peace and safety of the region, and thus won the veneration of the citizens of the cities and towns in the vicinity. It was somewhat similar to the role of Duba Village toward Jingling.

Whenever the Flying Horse Ranch was in need of staff, they usually recruited new people from the surrounding area; it was very rare that they would seek employees from different part of the country.

But this time it was a special case; first of all, it was due to Liu Zongdao had a favorable impression as soon as he saw the two boys, but probably more importantly, it was because the Pastry Chef of the Ranch had passed away recently, and none of the new recruits was able to satisfy the female Ranch Master Shang Xiuxun's taste buds. Consecutively more than ten different people have been discharged, prompting Liu Zongdao to invite the two boys to try.

Seen from the front, the Flying Horse mountain city was even more impressive.

The city wall was built following the topography of the mountain, constructed from uneven pile of rocks; it wound and snaked, and went up and down along the steep terrain. Behind the city was bare stratified rock, with cavities perched high into the sky, so that even flying birds would find it difficult to cross.

The troops crossed the river via the suspension bridge, and entered the city. All the bridge guards treated them amiably and enthusiastically, in friendly atmosphere, giving the impression that they were all members of one big family living in harmony with each other.

Beyond the city gate was a wide street sloping upwards, extending to the Ranch Master's inner castle at its highest point. On either side of the road was an unbroken line of houses, with streets and alleys all connected to the sloping road; a distinct characteristic of a mountain city.

Pedestrians and carriages traveled back and forth along the road, as majestic as a thriving metropolis. Flocks of children played noisily, making Kou and Xu to open their eyes wide and click their tongues in wonder, since they had never imagined that such a happy place really existed in the world.

All the buildings were plain and simple, constructed mainly of rocks, but the model was spacious. Bell-shaped pavilions, decorated archways and doors heavily lined up both sides of the road; plain, unadorned design that clearly defined the grand and heroic spirit of the establishment of the city.

The scale of the inner castle was even grander; the main building complex consisted of five layers of halls and pavilions, plus another side palace hall colonnade. Buildings of various sizes were spread out within the castle complex, everything clear and in good order, linked together by gardens and shrubberies, small bridges and fountains and waterfalls; elegant and graceful.

Upon entering the castle, Liu Zongdao and the old man Xu took the good horses from outside the northern border to see the Ranch Master, but Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling was led by the young fellow Luo Fang toward the Housekeeper Mansion to report for duty.

Due to their lowly position, naturally the two boys did not have the qualification to see the Housekeeper, Shang Zhen. Therefore, they were received by his assistant, Liang Qian, who was in charge of personnel affairs.

This man was around forty-years old, dressed in scholar attire. At first his manner was arrogant, but after hearing Luo Fang's explanation that these two were the Pastry Chef recommended personally by Liu Zongdao, he became rather polite.

After routine interview of the two boys' background, Liang Qian said seriously, "There is one thing that I must make it clear to the two of you: unless Changzhu [Ranch Master] nods her consent, gentlemen's employment here is only probationary. During this probation period, unless under someone else's escort, you are not allowed to leave your lodging house. After you are officially employed here, I will personally go through the Ranch's rules and regulations with you.”

Kou Zhong said excitedly, "A country has national laws, a house has family rules; this aspect, we understand clearly. It's just that when can we showcase our unique talents, so that Changzhu get a taste of the goodies we can produce?”

After casting a sidelong glance toward the two boys, Liang Qian asked Luo Fang, who was standing on the side, "What was Liu Zhishi's comment on their products?”

Luo Fang replied awkwardly, "Er Zhishi has not tasted their handicraft.”

Liang Qian stared blankly for half a day. His countenance changed, he said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? If Changzhu blamed me for dereliction of duty, who would have pity on me?”

Smiling apologetically, Kou Zhong said, "Liang Fu Guanjia [Deputy Housekeeper] may rest assured that we …”

"Less bullsh1t,” Liang Qian cut him off impatiently, "Right now I'll have someone take you to have some rest. After making some arrangement, I'll have someone bring you to the kitchen to see what can you do? We'll talk again after you pass my test.”

After a pause, he went on with a sympathetic tone, "I want you to be well aware of the situation: I lost track of how many Pastry Chefs, all with experience over ten years more than you have, plus outstanding reputation, yet they absolutely had no luck in this matter at all. Men! Take Xiao Ning and Xiao Ling to the courtyard of the Rear Castle.”

And then, turning to Luo Fang he said, "You are dismissed!”

The courtyard was located east of the Rear Castle. There were more than a dozen buildings in it, and next to it was precisely the kitchen that supplied food to the people of the Inner Castle, from top to bottom. The two boys were placed in a small room in one of the buildings; they also had to change into low-rank Flying Horse Ranch uniform.

Sprawling on the bed, Xu Ziling grumbled, "Thousands and tens of thousands names in the world, why must you pick Fu Jing? People are calling me Xiao Jing, Xiao Jing; so awkward, like I turned into a woman. It also reminded me of Dong Ming Princess.” [Reminder: same Jing character as Shan Wanjing's name.]

Kou Zhong was leaning against the window, looking out. He said proudly, "You are Xiao Jing, and I am Xiao Ning; both reminded us of people we ought to forget; we are even. Ay! Why am I thinking about these things at time like this? I was just inventing crazy nonsense and blurting out those names, I thought we only had to tell them and be done with it.”

And then he became excited as he said, "That day in Cui Shan town when we worked for Ol' Zhang, he often bragged that his dumpling oil rice, jade-well rice are peerless under the heavens [see Book 1 Chapter 9], and now we can confirm whether he indeed has bragging rights.”

Xu Ziling chided him gently, "You are right; Ol' Zhang often bragged about his rice dishes, but he had never said his pastries were anything amazing. Ay! You, this kid, also love to brag, and this time you are implicating me that I have to share the humiliation with you.”

Kou Zhong stared blankly for half a day. Like a wandering soul he walked over to the bed and sat down. "Logically speaking, Ol' Zhang's pastries can't be that lacking,” he muttered to himself, "At least, I think so. Hey! I think they are all very tasty!”

Xu Ziling smiled wryly and said, "Other than being good at consoling yourself, what else can you do? Have you forgotten what that rotten ghost scholar surnamed Liang told us that there are a lot of outstanding pastry chefs who had been sacked and sent home to till their fields? Ol' Zhang is just like you; he loves to brag. Rice dishes he may have a skill or two, but pastry? I'll say even by patting the horse's bottom he won't be able to catch up with big city's or big town's famous masters.”

Kou Zhong's countenance changed, "What should we do?” he asked.

Xu Ziling said in an unusual tone, "If you really want to be Pastry Chef in here, I may be able to accompany you. What I am most afraid of is if you are coveting others' ranch, and here to obtain both riches and sex. If that's the case, please forgive Xiaodi for not be able to keep you company!”

Kou Zhong's old face turned slightly red; he said in embarrassment, "Can you not paint me in such an unbearably light? Most probably that Shang Xiuxun is just another Zhai Jiao; nothing to look at. I only want to build a good relationship with her, so that when I buy horses from her in the future, I can get a bit more discount. That's all!”

Staying calm and composed, Xu Ziling said, "Whatever you say, it's useless. First thing tomorrow morning we have to get out of here; I forbid you from looking at her even for a glance.”

‘Pow!'

Kou Zhong pummeled Xu Ziling's thigh and cried out, "You have to think of something for me!”

‘Ow!' Xu Ziling cried out in pain and dropped back onto the bed. Stroking the sore spot, he moaned, "You wanted to kill me?”

Kou Zhong was skeptical, "Based on your, Ling Shao's power this day and age, a gentle slap could give you that much pain?”

Xu Ziling angrily replied, "Your Niang's gentle slap carried the strength of a vortex of qi. You nearly broke through the qi protecting my body.”

Greatly delighted, Kou Zhong was about to speak, when a young woman's voice was speaking angrily from outside the door, "Who's making a big fuss inside? Get your @ss out here right now!”

Stunned, the two boys looked at each other.

Chapter end