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墨書 Inktalez
The ten miles of red makeup are all for your graceful arrival. Waiting for you, the thousand-mile journey is paved with tears. Waiting for you, a single sigh makes it hard to embroider brocade. Waiting for you, the spring breeze brushes the willows, and winter snow slips into sleeves. Waiting for you, the wind and snow paint my brows, deep in affection. Waiting for you, I brew wine with poetry. My love for your footsteps is eternal and unchanging. I ask you, is this feeling enough? Do you still remain so gentle? A verse filled with lingering emotions remains unchanged. Do you still wear white as pure as snow, wielding a folding fan that cannot exhaust the elegance of this prosperous world? Remembering the past, the misty waves linger late. Reflecting on bygone days, a faint blush graces bright eyes. Alone in spring flowers, the crescent moon sinks in shyness. In this mortal world, there is you; in this mortal world, there is me. This shore has dreams, while that shore knows no worries. A flower blooms, a dream for this life. A flower wilts, a thought carried away by the wind. The clouds are in the sky; you are in my heart. Who understands the taste of longing? Who awaits the return of a beloved? Who holds the tears of rouge? Who sketches willow moon brows? Who expresses grievances in songs? Who contemplates the cycle of red sleeves? Who has unrequited love that turns one into a heartbroken soul? A touch of beauty has overturned countless springs and autumns. A hint of vermilion sways with myriad charms. A scroll carries countless memories; a melodious song echoes through the years. If you have no heart, then I shall rest; past events feel like yesterday as we grow old. Drinking a thousand cups to pass the days and nights, reciting hundreds of poems through spring and autumn. In this intoxicated world, I wish to win one person's heart. In the mundane world of fireworks, may we never part in old age. Amongst three thousand weak waters, I only take a ladle to drink. Beauty fades easily; she does not leave while you do not abandon her. Supporting each other through thick and thin, hand in hand until old age. In green smoke and rain, my lonely shadow waits for your return. Time is peaceful; I converse with you; gentle streams flow by as I share life with you; when prosperity fades away, I grow old with you. One day, when we are both elderly, we will sit quietly in front of the courtyard together. Enjoying flowers and chatting as fleeting life passes by. Tonight feels like a hundred years apart; walking together, only then do we realize we have seen all the vibrant colors.
All eyes were gathered on White Jade Peak and Lin Xiu as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes. Lin Ning faced this scene and composed a poem: "On Snow Peak Rock atop White Jade Mount, a cup at the wedding banquet fulfills long-cherished wishes; most profound gazes hold infinite meanings, as if we had met in a past life!" The Princess of Yue Ming County heard his poem beside Lin Ning and intentionally asked: "Master Lin, is this poem for the groom and bride? You truly are a talented person! May I request that you compose an impromptu poem for this princess?" Seeing her light tone and slightly teasing tone, Lin Ning readily replied: "Alright! Since Princess of the County is so interested in my poetry, let me present a piece titled 'Fisherman's Pride' to Princess of the County!" Lin Ning recited loudly:
"Silk and brocade make splendid garments,
Bells ring while feasting on delicacies,
Indulging in rich food within city walls.
Not to mention golden threads and jade strands!
A life of luxury amidst flowers and wine,
All pleasures at hand,
Lost in dreams of fleeting joy!"
Lin Ning's voice resonated throughout the hall; all guests heard him clearly and were captivated by his talent, applauding enthusiastically. However, they recognized that this poem was mocking Princess of Yue Ming County's extravagant lifestyle and turned their gazes toward her to see her reaction. Although Princess of Yue Ming County did not understand the rhythm of 'Fisherman's Pride,' she grasped from its surface meaning that Lin Ning was ridiculing her. Instead of getting angry, she smiled: "Master Lin must be envious of this princess's wonderful life! If you truly admire such a lifestyle after White Jade Peak and Lin Xiu's wedding ends, why not return to Shengjing with this princess?" As soon as she finished speaking, Hu Xueyan interjected: "Brother Ning will return to Yunshan Island with me; he won't go to Shengjing." The Princess's expression darkened: "This princess wants Lin Ning to return to Shengjing as my husband." Hu Xueyan smiled at Princess of Yue Ming County: "I intend to be Brother Ning's wife; he will not marry you." The Princess's face suddenly turned grim; she dropped her teasing demeanor and said seriously: "This princess has never lost anything I've desired since childhood." Both Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan felt a chill from her words. Although Lin Ning's martial arts surpassed hers significantly, he could never bring himself to harm someone who had helped him in dire times; however, her mischievousness was indeed troubling.
White Jade Peak and Lin Xiu completed their wedding amidst blessings from guests. After their wedding concluded, guests departed from White Jade Mount while Lin Enzhe and his wife stayed on for several more days with Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan at White Jade Mount. However, no feast lasts forever; after over ten days at White Jade Mount, Lin Enzhe's couple missed Lin Cheng and bid farewell to Lin Xiu, White Jade Peak, Bai Songpeng, and Bai Songhe. With vast distances separating Jinling from White Jade Mount, they did not know when they would meet again; Miao Shuyan and Hu Xueyan's tears flowed freely while Lin Enzhe and Lin Ning felt profound sorrow in their hearts. Thinking about how they might never again share moments of composing poetry or enjoying tea together with Lin Xiu at Jinling or Yunshan Island made Lin Ning feel utterly despondent.
Lin Xiu escorted her parents out from White Jade Mount and continued eastward for over a hundred miles before turning back to bid farewell again. Lin Ning smiled sadly at her: "Xiu'er, sending you off a thousand miles ends in parting; do you intend to send us all the way to Jinling?" Lin Xiu embraced her parents once more before hugging Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan tightly while shedding tears: "Father, Mother, Second Brother, Xue Yin's sister! I will think of you every day!" The four rode their horses while frequently looking back; Lin Xiu waved goodbye repeatedly until she became just a small black dot in their sight before disappearing completely.
That year felt like a dream where flowers bloomed for whom? The wind swept away memories as time flowed by—momentarily hazy yet reminiscent of yesterday. Like dreams mourning brief emotions as fireworks burn away years' worries. Today feels like dreaming back to yesterday; lonely travelers reflect on their years gone by—drinking white dew at dawn and sleeping under crimson clouds at dusk while singing across rivers all night long.
Lin Ning and Hu Xueyan lamented life's unpredictability—what was meant to last forever often leads to separation while what should not be forgotten fades away instead. A heart full of joy cannot encompass all sorrows—life rarely goes as desired. This world is but a dream; your lifelong attachment to family is merely fate’s arrangement—a family hard to let go is just a stop along your destiny’s path—the feelings chased after are mere illusions of self-awareness—when dreams awaken everything feels empty—the whole world belongs to you yet remains void—when songs end people scatter—everything is but a dream—when prosperity fades it leaves emptiness behind.
Fate began when I saw you among crowds; it ended when I saw you amidst crowds again—a thought blooms then wilts—there’s nothing in life that cannot be let go.
Lin Enzhe decided against taking routes through Dunhuang or Qinghai Lake on their return journey from White Jade Mount to Jinling but chose instead a direct route back home. Remembering his promise to Liu Hongyuan, Lin Ning decided first to visit Liu Family Castle before heading south back to Jinling. Fearing he might encounter danger alone on this trip, Hu Xueyan insisted: "This time I must accompany you to Liu Family Castle! We share fortune together and face difficulties together!" Touched by her determination—and recalling his promise never to part ways with her—Lin Ning knew that even if danger awaited them at Liu Family Castle, Hu Xueyan would face it alongside him without hesitation.
Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan understood their mutual feelings would not be deterred by whatever hardships lay ahead—they urged them both to stay safe amidst treacherous paths ahead before bidding farewell themselves.
Lin Ning rode his sweat blood horse while Hu Xueyan rode her white horse; finally having time alone together without urgency—they leisurely enjoyed scenic views along their journey through vast deserts where solitary smoke rises straight up against sunsets casting reflections upon rivers—a grandeur unmatched yet romantic in its own right compared to Yunshan Island’s ethereal beauty.
Lin Ning remarked: "If we could escape worldly troubles far from dangerous realms—living our lives on these vast grasslands surrounded by children—wouldn’t that be wonderful?" Hu Xueyan smiled playfully: "Stop dreaming so far ahead! We should focus on how to rescue your beloved sister first!" After pondering briefly he replied: "That’s easy! Just ask Miss Liu if she’d consider marrying another handsome young man since she’s so beautiful! Surely many young men would want her as their wife!"
Hu Xueyan countered: "What if Miss Liu only wants to marry you?"
Lin Ning replied earnestly: "That won’t do! My heart has already been firmly captured by that fairy named Hu—I fear escaping her grasp in this lifetime!" Hearing his words made Hu Xueyan’s heart flutter sweetly as she leaned against his shoulder.
After spending over half a month traveling together they finally arrived at Liu Family Castle where sweat blood horse whinnied joyfully upon returning home unexpectedly.
However what surprised Lin Ning was finding Princess of Yue Ming County along with Hao Ge also present at Liu Family Castle who greeted them cheerfully: "I knew both of you would return here! This princess has been waiting for your arrival!"
Lin Ning replied: "Princess of the County—I always appreciate your past assistance but wish not to become enemies—I hope you tread carefully!"
The Princess's expression darkened: "How can one who remembers my help treat me thus?"
Lin Ning calmly responded: "But I’ve also saved you—we’re even now!"
The Princess huffed angrily saying: "Sharp-tongued! One day I’ll make sure you submit wholeheartedly!"
Liu Mengyuan felt delighted upon seeing Lin Ning return but quickly grew disheartened upon noticing Hu Xueyan beside him—her ethereal presence made Liu Mengyuan sigh inwardly thinking: How can I compare myself with Miss Hu? She seems like an otherworldly fairy deserving Master Lin!
Lin Ning asked Liu Mengyuan: "Has Xu Biao caused any trouble since we left Liu Family Castle?"
Liu Mengyuan shook her head saying: "He was scared off after being defeated by you last time—he wouldn’t dare cause any more trouble!"
Lin Ning nodded approvingly: "That’s good news! Since you're safe here—I plan on leaving with Xu Yin tomorrow back towards Jinling."
Liu Mengyuan sadly remarked: "Why must our reunion be so short-lived?" She momentarily lost words before continuing awkwardly.
Lin Ning realized after departing from Liu Family Castle distance would separate them making future meetings difficult—his heart felt particularly heavy.
Liu Mengyuan found an excuse claiming illness before retreating back into her room feeling despondent while Lin Ning along with Hu Xueyan returned exhausted from their long journey seeking rest.
In the middle of night however—a faint rustling sound outside caught Lin Ning’s attention—it was so subtle most ordinary people wouldn’t hear it—but due to his exceptional martial arts skills he sensed slight changes around him quickly noticing someone poking through window paper using thin bamboo tube blowing smoke into his room.
Just as he prepared to block his nose mouth realizing he was immune to poisons he feigned deep sleep observing movements outside quietly.
Suddenly four masked figures dressed in black stealthily approached him dragging along corners of fishing nets filled with sharp blades glinting ominously under moonlight closing in on him rapidly!
With no time left—he swiftly drew out his black gold dagger slicing through netting causing it disintegrate into pieces scattering dozens blades across floor producing clattering sounds!
Leaping off bed he kicked down nearest two black-clad figures while remaining two attempted fleeing but were caught by him grabbing collars twisting them around knocking heads together rendering them unconscious!
Concerned about Hu Xueyan’s safety he dashed out bursting into her room discovering she remained sound asleep evidently under effects from narcotic powder!
Quickly retrieving antidote from within his robe he administered it causing Hu Xueyan gradually awaken groggily hearing him whisper urgently near ear: “This place is too dangerous—we must leave immediately!”
Startled awake she jumped off bed readying herself just as more than ten masked figures rushed towards them carrying an even larger fishing net than before!
Holding black gold dagger firmly—Lin Ning felt undaunted against these nets—but who were these people trying capture him along with Xu Yin?
Could it possibly be Princess Yue Ming County again?
As thoughts raced through mind—the massive net approached rapidly forcing him into action slashing wildly across its surface creating more fragments scattering everywhere!
Grabbing hold tightly onto Xu Yin’s hand intending escape towards stables suddenly seven individuals leaped down surrounding them completely!
Upon closer inspection—it turned out those seven included Yang Yan along with Zhao Qing—the Dunhuang Double Slayers Chen Zhaohui & Xiao Tianquan—and also Xu Biao alongside Princess Yue Ming County herself!
Furious—Lin Ning shouted demanding answers: “What do you want?”
Yang Yan replied grimly stating simply: “We intend kill you—to reclaim my position as leader within Sun Moon Gang!”
Xu Biao added coldly stating simply: “I know if you're alive Dream Yuan won’t ever give up following me!”
Chen Zhaoh
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