Song in the Clouds c23

Yun Zhong Ge Chapter 23: Three Emperors in the Stars

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The important thing was: these were charges that even court officials couldn’t remember once the dust had settled; maybe if they thought harder, everyone could come up with one or two charges; but while it was trivial to them, the commoners lapped it all up and felt each charge keenly.

What were the commoners scared of? They didn’t care who was to be a Grand Marshal or a General, they were only afraid of officials abusing their power for their own gains, to bully and deceive them. Meng Jue’s image of working for the best interest of the common folk, not bowing to power, and his uprightness, coupled together with his impeachment of Huo Guang at court spread his name far beyond the boundaries of the court, and onto the streets of Chang An. Everyone rejoiced, for finally here is a truly righteous official, a just judge addressing their grievances.

Wine seller Hu regained her freedom, and started to sell wine again. There were long queues at her shop, not only to buy her wine, but also to hear her tale. One was a pretty widow from a foreign land, the other a bully who relied on the Grand Marshal’s power to bully others; the tale was said to be vividly painted. Someone penned her story into poetry, driven to inspiration under the influence of wine, and soon it was sung all over various tea and wine houses across the city.

He had a slave called Feng Zi Du by name

Feng ogled a Hunnish maiden, wine house flower

Alone she served out wine when spring was green

Her vest adorned with lovebirds and sleeves wide,

A pair of Roman pearls behind her ear

That in the world they stood without compare.

Two of them worth much more than ten.

Would drop in and pay me his high regard!

His carriage waits with a canopy green.

I raise jade winepot by the silken cord fine.

I offer him on a golden plate sliced fish.

And tries it to tie it to my red silk gown.

Than let him stain my body humbly born.

A woman should love her husband through life.” [1]

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Bing Yi said “When they first came, Yun Ge had no clue, but seeing how she behaved later on, she probably would have guessed the truth by then.”

Yun Ge now is not the Yun Ge of old, Meng Jue hurt her deeply, so she wasn’t going to trust anyone so easily from now on. She had once followed him to the graves of Crown Prince Li’s family, piecing that together with today’s happenings, she would definitely have made the connection that he was a descendent of Crown Prince Li, and also probably figured he was closely connected to the Imperial family.

Xu Ping Jun let out a sigh of relief, with Yun Ge around, no matter what happens, they would have time to face it. In the worst case scenario, even if…. Even if something were to happen, they must protect Hu’er. Come to think of it, this must be the reason why Bing Yi specially requested the Emperor to name Hu’er.

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Inside the carriage, Yun Ge happily lay on the cushion, unusually quiet.

Liu Fu Ling looked at her “Liu Bing Yi is an alias, his real name is Liu Xun. The jade pendant he carries and the one on me are carved from He Shi Bi [3], by the same craftsman, causing your earlier confusion. I wanted to meet him today…..”

Yun Ge changed position languidly like a cat, making herself more comfortable, smiled “Ling gege, I know you wouldn’t harm Big Brother Bing Yi. Enough blood has been shed for this bloody throne; you wouldn’t order his death just because he is related to Crown Prince Li. I’m not worried about that. I just think it is funny, how every time I know a Liu, he is somehow related to the Imperial family? I’m just thinking what other Lius I know, so as to ascertain which Prince or King he may be, or an Imperial descendent, saving myself from the surprise in future.”

Liu Fu Ling amused, asked “Who are the other Lius you know?”

Yun Ge stuck out her tongue “The one who considers himself the world’s most handsome, charming, free and unruly man, your ridiculous nephew.”

Liu Fu Ling was surprised “Liu He?” When did Yun Ge meet Liu He? The only time she could have met him was during the hunt at Gan Quan Palace, but if she met him then, she wouldn’t be surprised he was part of the Imperial family.

Yun Ge thought of Liu He, looked at Liu Fu Ling before bursting into laughter, chortling as she hit her cushion. [4] Liu Fu Ling saw her amusement, and smiled too “Next time I will fulfil your wish, ordering him to perform the necessary greeting the younger generation should, and call you ‘aunt’ when he sees you.”

Yun Ge laughed as she vigorously nodded her head, then the figure of the other person crossed her thoughts, stealing all her previous joy away. When Liu Fu Ling saw Yun Ge suddenly burying her face within the rug, he knew she must have been thinking of the past again, though not exactly knowing why. He didn’t offer comfort, nor try to distract her, only choose to look quietly at her, giving Yun Ge her own space through the silence.

After a long while, Yun Ge’s muffled voice travelled from the bottom of the rugs “Liu He secretly entered Chang An, he and Meng Jue are close, and can be considered sworn brothers. Their relationship is held together only by another sworn brother. Meng Jue is wary of Liu He, they aren’t completely open with each other, I doubt Liu He really trusts Meng Jue either.”

Liu Fu Ling was slightly shocked but he didn’t really care much for what he just heard. If Liu He abided by rules, then he wouldn’t be Liu He. What he cared about was Yun Ge’s unwavering trust in him, and her desire to protect him. But, Yun Ge, are you only being so nice now so that you may leave without regrets a year later?

[1]“Captain of the Guard” by Xin Yannian, Translated by Xu Yuan Chong from "Golden Treasury of Poetry from Han to Sui"

[3] Most legendary and valuable jade in China
[4] see Chapter 10

Chapter end

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