Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The majestic South Heavenly Gate stood tall amidst the swirling clouds, flanked by celestial generals clad in golden helmets and armor. They were imposing and stern, resembling two magnificent statues carved from bright stone. Upon seeing Aozheng, the two finally displayed a hint of emotion, clasping their fists in salute, "We pay our respects to the Fourth Princess." Aozheng raised her hand and said, "No need for formalities, Generals."
Lin Qingmo followed closely behind Aozheng as they passed through the South Heavenly Gate. Stepping onto the winding stone corridor made of white jade, the cool, smooth surface shimmered with a faint bluish hue. In the distance, Lingxiao Palace was surrounded by various flying eaves and palaces. Amidst the mist, a few small and exquisite palaces dotted the landscape like ink drops accidentally spilled on paper. Lin Qingmo couldn't help but exclaim, "Mother, the Heavenly Palace is truly beautiful!" Aozheng turned around, patted his shoulder, and smiled, "Would you like to find a job in the Heavenly Palace?"
Lin Qingmo nearly jumped with excitement, nodding vigorously, "Yes, of course! Staying in Dragon Palace every day is quite dull. People should do something worthwhile." Aozheng replied gently, "Then I will find you some temporary tasks first. After comparing a few options, you can choose what you like. Whatever you prefer, I will petition the Jade Emperor to grant you that position."
As they spoke, they approached a small arch bridge at the end of the corridor. Beneath it, azure waves rippled gently with a few pink lotus flowers timidly peeking out from the mist. On the bridge stood a young man in a blue robe with a tall and slender figure. Though his attire was plain and modest, he wore it with an elegance that made him appear as graceful as a bamboo shoot after rain. Upon seeing them approach, he stepped forward. As they got closer, Lin Qingmo's heart raced at the sight of his large yellow-glass-like eyes—he looked just like Ao Yan.
The young man blinked and teased with a smile, "Madam, you're late." Aozheng deliberately turned her face away from him and elongated her voice as she said, "Have you brought the bag?" "How could I not do what my lady commands?" he replied eagerly as he presented a pouch tied with a red string. He squinted slightly; warmth radiated from his eyes. He clumsily placed his hand over Aozheng's cool hand and asked playfully, "Madam, who is this?" He glanced at Lin Qingmo.
Aozheng swatted his hand away and said, "This is your daughter-in-law, Lin Qingmo. How could you not recognize her?" The young man—Ao Yan—shrunk back slightly and chuckled awkwardly while blushing. He circled around Lin Qingmo and suddenly lifted him up in excitement, exclaiming, "Oh! Now I've found myself a drinking companion! Daughter-in-law, I'll host a feast to apologize for not recognizing you at first; I should drink three cups as punishment for that!"
"Whoa now," Aozheng scolded as she tugged on his ear and pulled him aside. Leaning in close, she said coldly, "Have you been drinking again? You’re grounded for three months."
"Madam! Please!" Ao Yan pleaded with a sorrowful expression. "I haven't been home in six months! Just one month this time?" Gripping Ao Yan's delicate ear tightly, Aozheng considered giving him a good pinch but hesitated. She released her grip with a muttered curse: "You have no shame at all. You're supposed to be a father now; act like an adult." She called over to Lin Qingmo: "Qingmo, let’s go."
She shot a sideways glance at Ao Yan and saw him sulking against a pillar. Sighing inwardly, she asked him again, "Why aren't you leaving yet?" He grinned mischievously and replied, "I’ll leave once you and my daughter-in-law are gone." Then he added softly, "I just want to take another good look at you." Aozheng's face flushed as she hurriedly led Lin Qingmo away.
Lin Qingmo was left dumbfounded; he didn’t know whether to call him father-in-law or brother or even younger brother? Pinching himself discreetly to regain his composure, he heard Aozheng say: "Your father is just like that—obsessed with drinking and has the personality of an old child; always joking around without any seriousness." Wiping sweat from his brow, Lin Qingmo thought how appearances could be deceiving.
Aozheng rode on clouds with Lin Qingmo above a town. With a wave of her sleeve, thick white clouds suddenly transformed into rolling black smoke that surged ominously back and forth like massive lion heads stretching their necks. “Release the wind,” Aozheng commanded.
"Yes," Lin Qingmo responded as he followed her earlier instructions. He untied the red string from the pouch and held it upside down over the town below. Suddenly, a fierce wind erupted from within it—growing stronger by the moment—it howled as it extended its tongue to lick at houses, people, curtains... Street vendors hurriedly packed up their stalls; women rushed to gather clothes drying outside; pedestrians frantically searched for shelter from the rain while shouting: “It’s raining! Bring in your clothes! Hurry to find cover!”
Aozheng instructed again: “Go to the other side. Be careful.”
"Yes," Lin Qingmo replied as he held tightly onto the pouch which grew heavier in his hands; sweat began to bead on his palms. The wind blew fiercely against him as if trying to scatter him apart; his clothes flapped wildly like blades in flight. Steadying himself with determination, he cautiously guided his cloud towards the west side of town.
As Aozheng observed that it was nearly time, she soared into the air and transformed into an enormous golden dragon with an elongated tail—much larger than Ao Yan’s form—radiating dazzling light all around her. Her sharp claws rested upon a mass of dark clouds while her long body flickered in and out of sight among them. Opening her dragon mouth wide, she unleashed torrents of water that cascaded down like an enormous waterfall. The clouds acted like sieves filtering out raindrops that fell upon the earth below.
As rain began to pour down heavily on the town below, people shouted even louder: “This heat is unusual; there must be a heavy downpour coming! But it’ll pass quickly!” Those seeking shelter echoed each other’s sentiments while looking up at the sky where dense raindrops fell like arrows—fast and furious.
After about fifteen minutes had passed, Aozheng called out again: “Qingmo! Gather up the pouch.”
"Yes," Lin Qingmo quickly responded as he tightened the opening of the pouch and tied it shut with red string. The once swollen pouch suddenly deflated. Aozheng transformed back into human form and approached Lin Qingmo with admiration: “Qingmo! You’re meticulous yet brave; well done!”
Lin Qingmo beamed at her praise; everything felt new and vast to him. All he wanted was freedom—not being constrained—and that alone satisfied him.
In truth, Aozheng had her own plans for teaching Lin Qingmo how to work. She noticed that there were unresolved feelings between him and Ao Yan; since they couldn’t confront them directly, she decided to approach it indirectly instead. By securing Lin Qingmo a position in Heavenly Palace—a task aligned with his desires—she aimed to keep him there long enough for them to resolve their issues together without him thinking about returning to mortal life. She was indeed a selfish mother but believed her son needed Lin Qingmo as his wife.
Comment 0 Comment Count