Drunken Beauty

  "Though men's fates differ, all strive to stand firm on earth and heaven..."

  A stroke of ink breaks off halfway, with some dragging mud and water stagnation. You stop your pen in dismay, slowly pick up the letter paper, and crumple it into a ball.

  Before this, she had already lost a few sheets of scribbled paper, yet she couldn't calm down. She grasped her pen tightly and furrowed her brow. This day was either spent in absent-minded confusion or restless anxiety. Every time she closed her eyes, the sound of drifting flute melodies would resound in her heart, like reality and illusion, like shadows following forms.

  She threw down her pen in some annoyance, got up and walked to the corridor but suddenly stopped, turned back to the desk, stared at the ink for a while, then sat down on the chair with her skirt lifted, and started grinding the ink heavily.

  On one side, the circular jade seal was being ground with a hissing sound, and the ink marks were getting deeper and more saturated. The circles were overflowing from the inkstone, but her movements were becoming slower and more gentle, gradually calming down.

  Just as he let out a sigh of relief, Jing Hui's voice came from outside: "Qing Chen is in?"

  You hastily smoothed out your skirt and changed into a proper kneeling posture, just as Jing Hui walked in.

  Jing Hui wore a light purple cloud-patterned robe with layered hems and a long skirt, her hair styled with a jade pin, looking elegant and refined. Seeing the brush and ink on the desk, she smiled and said: "Every day I see you practicing calligraphy, your handwriting is getting better and better."

  "You're writing badly and need practice; besides, there's nothing else to do anyway."

  Jing Huidao: "Looks like you're someone who can't stay idle. The other day, you asked me if there was anything you could help with, and now it just so happens that I have something for you to do."

  "What's going on?" asked Qing Chen.

  "Come with me," Jing Hui said, taking her hand and heading towards Xian Yu Lake.

  Crossing the White Jade Bridge, along the lake and turning out of the deep willow shade, on the shore is a waterside pavilion, with a flat roof and plain gold, not very luxurious, but the platform is connected to the half-lingering green water, with a broad view, facing the lotus flowers in the lake, unlike the night before, they are no longer continuous, each branch and leaf is elegant, dotting the summer sky.

  As I stepped into the waterside pavilion, the fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the wide corridor, where green silk curtains hung. With a gentle breeze, delicate floral patterns danced among the lotus scents, carrying the refreshing coolness of the lake water. Jing Hui walked alongside and said: "This is the Smoke Wave Pavilion, inside there are many rare books that are not easily seen outside, I don't dare entrust them to others, if you're willing, I'll leave this place in your care."

  "Is this a study?"; Qing Chen asked with delight, "Can I read the books inside?"

  "It's naturally fine.

  Hui led her to walk through the pavilion, with light footsteps.

  What can't be done if you hand it over to me to take care of? It's just that I don't know if you're willing to do these complicated things or not."

  "Why would I be unwilling?"

  "The Dusty Dao,"

  "With things to do and books to read, I really must thank the princess."

  Jing Hui turned her head to look at her, "How come it still sounds so unfamiliar? I'm older than you by a few years, if you don't mind, just call me 'sister', that's more natural."

  You fell silent for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "Sister is right."

  "That's right." Jing Hui smiled and said, "You might as well take a look around first, if there's anything you need to ask me again."

  You stepped lightly towards the depths of the waterside pavilion, your long skirt and sleeves floating behind you like clouds, along with the light green silk curtains, drifting on the clear breeze and faint fragrance, and my listless mood had dissipated by more than half.

  After passing through the Linfeng Corridor, the main body of the Shui Ge is actually built on the shore. The previous few rooms were filled with books of various colors, and their collection was so rich that just browsing the catalog would take a long time. It wasn't until I stepped inside that it became a real study.

  The study had fewer books, but it was clear that someone often flipped through them. She pulled out a few to look at and saw that they were "Guoce", "Congjian", "Zhìyǔ", "Liùbiāo", "Wujing" and other not very easy-to-understand books. On the purple sandalwood tiger- carved wide desk, there was an inkstone, a yellow jade pen, and a Xue Tao letter paper, all of which were spotless. A copy of "Yishi Shuhua" was scattered on the side, next to some stacked chapters.

  Behind the dark-colored screen with gold sprinkles, beside it was a transparent vase with purple orchids and white stones, green leaves, and delicate petals quietly blooming with elegance and refinement. The decorations in the room were casually yet tastefully arranged, exuding nobility everywhere. Her gaze fell on an exquisite piece of jade carving, its color translucent, and she vaguely guessed that this was not an ordinary person's study, probably only one person in the Zhan Wang Fu would read such books in a place so serene.

  The interest that had just been raised suddenly fell a few points, she stood in front of the case and casually picked up something to flip through it, but as soon as she saw it, it was the "Night Sky Drunken Dance" case of Chen Piao's Heavenly Dance Pavilion, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn't help but want to know the case, so she continued to browse.

  I took a cursory glance, and the content was not immediately clear to me. I only felt that the characters in this chapter were elegant and refined, with a clear and harmonious tone, and the strokes of the brush seemed almost perfectly matched, like pearls on a jade belt, woven into a brocade. It's as if one could only appreciate the beauty of the writing and forget what it was actually about. The last few strokes of vermilion ink were marked with the words "Be cautious, handle with care". After closing the chapter and thinking quietly for a moment, I took another look, and only then did I realize that this seemingly simple case could be handled in just one day at the Tianwu Drunken Pavilion; or it could be big, involving up to three high-ranking officials, with connections inside and out. From this memorial, it appears that the author is pointing to a deep-seated corrupt quagmire among the high-ranking officials in the imperial court, who are taking advantage of their power to seek personal gain, especially in industries like the song and dance troupes, where officials and merchants collude for huge profits.

  Apart from the Shangshu of the Ministry of Personnel, Guo Qi, there was a string of high-ranking officials involved. Xiang Chen even suspected that this might not be Ye Tianzhen's memorial, as the language was so sharp and merciless, vastly different from his usual gentle nature, making it hard to believe it came from his hand.

  However, the article of only a few hundred words required careful consideration with rapt attention. Qingchen put down the draft and suddenly realized that after waiting for so long, the sky was already near dusk. The light in the room gradually dimmed, she got up to light two crystal silver lamps, slightly tidied up her desk, and walked out of the Yunbo Songshan study. As she walked, she thought that since she had already agreed, it wouldn't be good to say no again. Bai Tianye seemed to not often be in the mansion during the day or night, if she paid a little attention to avoid him at the wrong time, they shouldn't meet. These books were very attractive to her, and she didn't want to miss them.

  Just as she walked into the willow shade of the long dam, a black-clad man suddenly appeared beside her and pulled her into the deep shadows of the trees. As Qing Chen cried out in surprise, the man pressed his finger to his lips and removed his veil.

  "Ghost? You dust are very surprised, how is it you?"

  Ming Yu still had that cold and indifferent expression: "I've been searching for you for several days, only to find out you're being held captive in the Zhan Wang Fu. Come with me."

  "Where are you going?"

  "Do you want to stay here?" Ming asked, putting her veil back on and turning around to ask.

  You lightly raised your phoenix-like eyes, gazing at the calm and collected eyebrows and eyes that peeked out from behind the veil: "Although I don't really want to, I'm also not used to blindly following others."

  Ming Huang heard this and slightly furrowed his brow: "My elder brother wants to see you."

  "Who is your elder brother and why does he want to see me?" asked Qing Chen again.

  "You will naturally know after seeing it."

  "Even if I leave with you, I should still inform the King of Xuan or the Queen about it, can't just leave without a word."

  "Ming's voice was low and husky; 'No need,' he said, as he reached out to pull her close. A black rope shot out from his sleeve and soared up the high wall, his toes barely touching the ground before his body sprang upwards, floating over the wall."

  "Alas, no..."; Just as Qing Chen's words fell, the two were still in mid-air when a white light suddenly flashed like lightning and struck Ming Mi's back.

  In the midst of a gentle hum, he came with a fierce momentum, and his heart was slightly startled. With a flash of red sleeve knife, he struck out with his hand, exchanging blows with the incoming person in mid-air, but his body didn't slow down, instead using the momentum to rise up further.

  That white light did not stop, passing through the thin knife with a slight shake, turning into thousands of shadows, rushing forward, and in an instant, all exits were sealed.

  Darkness envelops half of the sky, nowhere to borrow strength, body shape rapidly retreats, floating down to the ground.

  At dusk, under the willow tree, a figure in a bright and clean long water-colored shirt appeared, holding a jade flute with a hint of a smile: "Miss, you have great skills, but when entering or leaving the palace, shouldn't you also greet the master? Not to mention taking someone from my mansion."

  Ming Yin looked him up and down, coldly saying: "You've offended me, I'm definitely taking her away today."

  Your soul had just calmed down, and you were thinking about how to explain this matter, when the thin knife in Ming's hand struck again towards Ye Tianzhan, taking advantage of the opportunity to turn around and bring her along.

  The night sky was filled with a bright smile, reflecting the faint glow of the jade flute as it pierced through the thin blade's attack. A cold light flashed like a shadow, and the sound of gold and jade colliding echoed incessantly. Before she knew it, her body felt weightless, and he had already seized the opportunity to grab her, his eyes flashing with a red glow. The thin blade slipped from her grasp, and the jade flute's attack showed no signs of weakening, its sharp light and shadow thrusting straight at her throat!

  "Stop!"

  Jade flute heard the sound and withdrew its momentum, elegant and natural. The previous sharpness disappeared instantly, Night Sky looked down at her with a slight raise of his eyebrows.

  "She... is my friend, without malice." Youchen hastily said.

  "If you're a friend, you can come in through the main gate next time." Ye Tian Yan said with a faint smile. "Otherwise, the guards will probably feel very embarrassed." His tone was light and casual, but it made people feel that the guards on duty at the Ye Manor today were likely to be in trouble.

  "I'm sorry, she misunderstood that I was imprisoned in the palace, so she sneaked in."

  Ye Tian's gaze fell on her eyes, his expression calm and elegant: "Oh? It seems I was the one who was rude just now." He bent down to pick up the knife that had been knocked out of her hand, looking at Ming Wei: "As beautiful as a peach blossom, shining like flowing water, I suppose the young lady is as lovely as this knife." After speaking, he placed the knife in the palm of his hand and handed it back to her.

  A hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes as he looked at him coldly.

  The night sky was filled with a gentle smile, as if he had never clashed with anyone just now. The gleam of the sword and the shadow of the knife were all dissolved into nothingness in his elegant smile like jade. In this world, only the soft breeze and the warm moonlight remained, with a new moon faintly shining.

  "Can she be allowed to leave?"

  Yè Tiān Zhàn slightly lowered his head: "Are you going with her?"

  Her eyes slightly lowered, Ming Mi entered the Zhan Wang Fu today, which could be to find a friend or secretly intrude with ulterior motives, even assassination. If Ye Tian Zhan insisted on investigating, he could make it difficult for the Chang Men Gang to stand in Yi Ge again, and Ming Mi would also be in trouble. She raised her head to meet Ye Tian Zhan's inquiring gaze, smiled slightly: "It's already late, leaving the mansion is inconvenient, if there's something, why not talk about it another day?" As she spoke, she took the thin knife from Ye Tian Zhan's hand and handed it to Ming Mi, shaking her head lightly.

  The night sky flashed a bright and handsome light in his eyes, he turned his head to ask: "What about this young lady's intention?"

  He gave a slight nod, his eyes locked onto hers as he said, "I'll find you again." With that, he glanced up at the night sky and vanished into the darkness beyond the red walls and green tiles.

  Yè Tiān Zhàn shook his head and smiled wryly: "This is indeed much more convenient than going through the front door."

  The distant dike is shrouded in a haze, with a row of willows along the dike, their branches stretching out like a quiet painting. In the warm twilight, it's hard to discern the expression on his face, but I can sense the subtle freshness of the lake water emanating from him, relaxed and at ease.

  "Have you been there before?"; Yè Tiān Zhuàn put down the matter and walked towards the Smoke Wave Pavilion with Qīng Chén, asking him along the way.

  "You stand still and don't move:"I won't disturb you anymore."

  Yè Tiān Zhàn stopped in his tracks and turned back with a smile: "Why are you hiding from me, do I look like I'd eat people?"

  "You hesitated for a moment and casually said: 'It shouldn't be.'"

  Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh at this, and just smiled as he looked at her. These words made Qing Chen herself feel a bit amused, she raised an eyebrow, and involuntarily curled up the corners of her lips.

  The atmosphere between the two people relaxed, and under the warm gaze of the night sky, there was a gentle clarity. "I'll take you to see the scenery of the misty waves at dusk, it's different from daytime, and also very different from the Cong Cui Pavilion."

  Along the willow dam, when walking onto the lake, a gentle breeze blew across his face. Qing Feng turned around and asked: "Is this your study?"

  Yè Tiān Zhàn nodded: "If you usually practice calligraphy and read books, you can come here. The people below won't disturb you without being told to do so. It's quiet and convenient. If you want to read medical books, there are plenty of them. You can find them yourself."

  "Qingchen Dao: 'This place has a vast collection of books that encompass all things. Could it be that you have read them all one by one?'"

  Yitian Zhan put his hands behind his back and said with a smile, "Many people have seen it, but the most hidden books are in the East Palace, the prince's mansion. The prince loves books like his life, and the books here are not even one ten-thousandth of his."

  "You suddenly pursed your lips, and asked: 'What are you smiling at?'"

  "Qingchen Road: 'I recall the poem you inscribed on that painting.'"

  Ye Tian Xuan gazed out at the lake with a faint smile, a hint of unclear serenity in his laughter, yet seemingly tinged with a sense of nostalgia: "One of my most satisfying masterpieces, and they're actually willing to ruin it."

  Smoke and waves sent a refreshing message to the middle of the night, and when Tian Zhan returned, there were several more attendants among them. One stepped forward and said: "Your Highness, dinner is ready ahead."

  "Move over here." Yè Tiān Zhěn ordered, "Take a look at what I eat every day, since I don't eat people." He turned his head and smiled, immediately blocking off Qīng Chén's excuse to leave.

  In the green silk shade by the water's edge, she sat at a low table, and her attendants quickly brought up several delicate dishes, then all withdrew.

  You sat quietly opposite him in the still of the night, watching him quietly, his every move, his words and laughter. At the banquet with wine, she suddenly had an impulse to drink painfully and get drunk.

  The wine had the fragrance of lotus leaves, she sipped a small mouthful, then poured in half a cup, and as she tilted her head back, it flowed smoothly down her throat. The wine was not strong, but it made people's minds wander, warmly and comfortably.

  At night, Tian Zhan started drinking with her and had two cups. Suddenly, he noticed that she was drinking very quickly, so he put a dishcloth in front of her: "Drink slowly."

  You dusted off the phoenix and looked up at him, with a flush on his cheeks and a faint clear wave in his eyes, which made him slightly distracted.

  She ignored him and poured the wine down her throat, the feeling of being trapped and helpless for days was overwhelming her senses with the temptation of the wine. If she couldn't vent it out, she would suffocate under such oppression. If raising a glass could dispel worries, she'd be willing to get drunk and perhaps wake up to find it was all just a wild dream, or discover who had played a huge joke on her.

  He poured more wine, half a cup into his belly, and the other half spilled into the lake. Qing dust bit her lip and narrowed her eyes slightly, loosening her hand, and the white jade cup splashed into the water, sinking slowly. She leaned against the railing, looking down at the ripples on the Idle Jade Lake, the moonlight was faint, casting a hazy glow on her profile, but unable to obscure the radiant glow of her skin.

  "Qing Chen," Night Sky Drenched gazed at her for a moment before asking, "Can you really drink or not?"

  She stood up, leaning on the wooden railing, with the clear wind blowing her wide sleeves fluttering, and the moonlight floating in her smile. She didn't answer, but looked at him and asked word by word: "Who are you?"

  Her expression was somewhat dazed, but her clear and bright eyes seemed determined to see through him; "Tell me who you are?" she asked again.

  Yè Tiān Zhàn put down the silver chopsticks, smiled and supported her, replying: "Yè Tiān Zhàn."

  "You are Ye Tian Zhan." She suddenly lifted her head and smiled brightly, the moonlight, lake ripples, and evening lamps all sank into the clarity of her eyes, transforming into a deep and shallow luster that slowly rose through the clear mist. Her heart was clearer than ever, gazing intently as she stepped out of a whirlpool one step at a time, walking forward without looking back on the moonlit lake surface until she merged with another self. Under the glory of the moon's shadow, she stood alone, facing the endless distance ahead.

  Yè Tiān Zhàn stopped her from pouring wine and said softly: "The wine is gone, let's not drink anymore, okay?"

  "En."

  You skillfully handed him the wine.

  "I want to hear your flute."

  "Alright." Yè Tiān Zhàn agreed with her, Qīng Chén propped his elbow on the desk and sat quietly waiting.

  At night, he gently stroked the jade flute, and the water waves under the pavilion quietly lapped against the railing. He gazed at Qingchen for a while, then smiled warmly at her.

  Long fingers rose and fell, the flute sound gently echoed, the tone was not clear and crisp, low hummed and hovered, only between the two of them, only they could hear. The melody was elegant and classical, with a sighing tone, as if it had emerged from the ancient red dust, bringing forth a brilliant light that shone on the softest part of the heart, illuminating a corner of the world.

  Your lips always carry a smile, the smile is clean and clear, the flying shadow of the green gauze becomes blurred in front of your eyes, quietly turning into another world. There is nothing, only the gentle flute sound lingering and floating, accompanying her softly.

  Her eyes, gazing into the night sky, had a drunken glow, her words also floated vaguely, lazily leaning on the table and whispering: "Are you, the compensation given to me by fate?" Not expecting any answer, she closed her eyes heavily.

  Ye Tianzhan put down the jade flute, bent down and gently picked up Qingchen. She only half-opened her dazed eyes to look at him for a moment, then closed them again, quietly leaning against his arm.

  He smiled and shook his head, today's wine was not strong, but he didn't expect her to be so unable to hold her liquor.

  He saw her off to her residence, standing in front of the bed and gazing at her for a while. In his impression, her complexion was often somewhat pale, but at this time, a faint flush seemed to be a touch of enchanting peach color, which fell on her icy skin and bones, making her even more charming. Her eyebrows were as clear and beautiful as a cage smoke, and her bright eyes were covered by the shallow shadow of her eyelashes, making her face soft and quiet. The thin lip line was faintly hidden, like hiding a secret in the night, while the shallow smile at the corner of her lips was unintentionally seductive, making people sink slowly.

  He smiled as he gazed at the woman who was drunk and sleeping on her jade pillow. Suddenly, he slightly leaned forward, and the fragrance of orchids wafted up, carrying the warmth of wine, almost making him dizzy and fall. But he stopped just short, merely reaching out to gently tidy her hair, letting out a silent sigh.

  He straightened up, a gentle curve rising at the corner of his lips, his eyes tracing the elegance in her charming appearance, and his mood suddenly became cheerful. This woman, from the moment he saw her, was strangely attracted to him, and he didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of this wonderful person.

  He turned around and walked slowly to the case, thought for a moment, and then wrote with a flourish:

  Gazing at each other from afar, entwined in tender affection. Slender wings so pure and clean, like a spring morning's gentle mist.

  With phoenix seeking phoenix, their voices rise and fall. I wash my plumage, and obtain a peaceful abode in a good tree.

  Gazing at each other from afar, our eyes entwined in longing. Thinking of you, dear sir, is a sorrow that cannot be alleviated.

  With flowers and stems entwined, branches are connected in harmony. Suitable for my wishes, year after year we will be intimate.

  Gazing at each other from afar, entwined in tender affection. With emotions overflowing, speaking of dawn and dusk.

  There is a zither, its sound is full and beautiful. It has captivated my heart, and I have obtained the companionship of a pair of mandarin ducks.

  Gazing at each other from afar, entwined in tender affection. My thoughts are upside down, hard to pour out.

  Orchids and chrysanthemums fragrance, tortoise longevity crane age. Expressing my thoughts, long accompanying you.

  This ancient tune "Bi Mu", I hope she wakes up and sees it, and can smile.