Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As the Imperial Examination approached, the capital was shrouded in a tense atmosphere. The streets were filled with hurried pedestrians, their faces marked by anxiety and unease. For countless Cold Door scholars, the examination was the only chance to change their fate, and for Lin Xiu Wen, it was a life-and-death test.
Lin Xiu Wen had assumed the alias Lin Mo and participated in the examination as a Cold Door scholar. He resided in a secluded inn, dedicating his days to intense study behind closed doors. Whenever he ventured outside, he did so hastily, striving to avoid drawing attention to himself. He understood that his identity was extremely sensitive; any misstep could lead him into an irretrievable situation.
On this day, Lin Xiu Wen was in his room at the inn, immersed in his studies. Outside, a light rain fell steadily, adding to the already oppressive atmosphere. He was deeply focused on reading the Spring and Autumn Annals, seeking a glimmer of solace within its pages when he suddenly heard a commotion from downstairs.
“Make way! Eastern Depot is conducting an investigation!”
Lin Xiu Wen's heart raced as he abruptly set down his book and hurried to the window, peering through the gap. He saw a group of Eastern Depot officers searching the inn across the street, led by the very man whose hoarse voice he had heard speaking in the secret passage that night. Panic surged within him—how could Eastern Depot be here? Had they discovered something?
He quickly gathered his belongings, preparing to escape through the back door. Just as he stepped outside the inn, he collided with a woman rushing past.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, her scrolls scattering across the ground.
Lin Xiu Wen quickly apologized and bent down to help her collect her books. When he caught sight of the annotations on one of the scrolls, his eyes lit up. The insights were profound and eloquently expressed—far beyond what an ordinary person could write.
“Do you also understand the Spring and Autumn Annals?” she asked curiously as she took back her scrolls.
It was then that Lin Xiu Wen noticed her appearance. She appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, with striking features and an elegant demeanor that exuded scholarly grace. Her voice was soft and clear like a mountain spring, stirring something within Lin Xiu Wen's heart.
“I know a little,” he replied modestly. “Your annotations are quite insightful; I admire them.”
She smiled brightly, revealing two shallow dimples. “You flatter me. My surname is Su; my father works at the Ministry of Rites. May I ask for your esteemed name?”
“I am Lin Mo,” he introduced himself using his alias.
“Ah, Mr. Lin,” Su Wanqing's eyes sparkled with interest. “I am on my way to a poetry gathering; would you care to join me?”
Lin Xiu Wen initially intended to decline but reconsidered—given that Eastern Depot was searching for him, it would be wise to use this opportunity to evade danger. He agreed.
The poetry gathering was held at Drunken Moon Pavilion in the west of the city—a place renowned for its exquisite architecture and vibrant gatherings of literati. The attendees were celebrated talents from the capital who engaged in poetry recitation and musical games amidst a lively atmosphere.
As Lin Xiu Wen followed Su Wanqing into Drunken Moon Pavilion, he felt a twinge of anxiety. He had not wished to draw attention to himself, yet Su Wanqing insisted he compose a poem.
“Mr. Lin, since you are well-versed in the Spring and Autumn Annals, your literary talent must be exceptional,” she said with a smile. “Why not compose a poem on the theme of ‘Bright Moon’?”
The crowd eagerly agreed and turned their gazes toward Lin Xiu Wen. His heart tightened momentarily but quickly steadied itself. He approached the table and picked up a brush:
The bright moon shines upon tall towers, its light lingering in hesitation.
Above are sorrowful women lamenting, their cries filled with deep sorrow.
May I ask who sighs so? It is but a traveler far away.
You have journeyed for over ten years; your lonely concubine dwells alone.
The tides of fate rise and fall, but when will they converge in harmony?
As the poem concluded, the audience was taken aback. Su Wanqing's eyes sparkled with admiration. "What a splendid piece, 'If I Were Murky Water and Mud'! Mr. Lin, this poem encapsulates the pain of parting in this world."
Lin Xiu Wen smiled faintly, yet felt a pang of helplessness in his heart. This poem was his late mother’s favorite, and he had not intended to reveal his identity, but now it was too late to turn back.
At that moment, an unwelcome voice broke through the atmosphere. "A good poem indeed, but I wonder who this Mr. Lin really is?"
Lin Xiu Wen looked up to see a young man in fine clothing approaching with a folding fan in hand, flanked by several attendants. The man’s gaze was cold; he was Zhao Yuanlang, the son of the Eastern Depot's commander.
"What do you mean by that, Young Master Zhao?" Su Wanqing frowned.
Zhao Yuanlang sneered, his eyes like daggers fixed on Lin Xiu Wen. "I’ve heard that a wanted criminal has recently escaped to the capital, someone of similar age and appearance to this Mr. Lin..."
Lin Xiu Wen's heart raced, but he maintained his composure. "Young Master Zhao is jesting. I am merely a student from the Cold Door; how could I be a wanted criminal?"
"Is that so?" Zhao Yuanlang stepped closer, his tone laced with menace. "Then why not accompany me to the Eastern Depot for verification?"
The atmosphere grew tense as gasps rippled through the crowd of scholars and ladies present. Lin Xiu Wen realized he was in grave danger. He clenched his fists, ready to respond to any sudden developments.
Just then, a commanding voice rang out: "Yuanlang, do not be rude!"
Everyone turned to see a middle-aged man in official robes striding forward. Su Wanqing exclaimed in delight, "Father!"
It was Su Mingyuan, the Minister of Rites. He cast a cold glance at Zhao Yuanlang. "Mr. Lin is my guest; do you have any objections?"
Zhao Yuanlang's expression shifted dramatically as he quickly smiled apologetically. "Ah, I see he is Lord Su's guest; my apologies for my rudeness." With that, he retreated with his attendants.
Su Mingyuan turned to Lin Xiu Wen and said meaningfully, "Mr. Lin is exceptionally talented; would you care to visit my humble abode for further discussion?"
Lin Xiu Wen sensed that the Minister had likely discerned something about him. However, he had no choice but to agree.
The Su Mansion lay in the eastern outskirts of the capital—a typical official residence characterized by towering ancient trees and tranquil ponds. As Lin Xiu Wen followed Su Mingyuan into the study, anxiety filled his heart.
Once inside, Su Mingyuan dismissed all attendants until only the two of them remained. He spoke directly: "Mr. Lin—or should I say, Young Master Lin Xiu Wen—are you aware that you are being hunted throughout the city?"
Lin Xiu Wen's heart sank as he feigned calmness. "What do you mean by that, Lord Su?"
Su Mingyuan produced a wanted poster from his sleeve. "This is a warrant issued by the Eastern Depot. Although your likeness bears only a slight resemblance to this image, your poetry has betrayed you."
Lin Xiu Wen suddenly recalled that the poem he had just recited was indeed his mother's favorite. It seemed the Eastern Depot had long been aware of this information and had launched an extensive manhunt for him.
"Since you know my identity, why not hand me over to the Eastern Depot?" Lin Xiu Wen asked cautiously.
Su Mingyuan sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Because I know there are hidden truths behind the case of Lin Manor. Your father, Lin Yuanwai, was once my close friend from school."
Lin Xiu Wen looked at Su Mingyuan in surprise, a warm feeling surging within her. "Lord Su..."
"Back then, it was I who acted as the matchmaker when your mother married Lin Yuanwai," Su Mingyuan continued. "I know that your family is innocent. The Eastern Depot is targeting you because..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a cold arrow suddenly shot through the window, aimed directly at Su Mingyuan's throat!
Comment 0 Comment Count