Impératrices transmigrantes (hommes et femmes)

Chapitre 2

"You want me to come back and make money, right? I'm worth more now that I've grown up, aren't I? Ruyi, you're still so beautiful! And so greedy!"

"Zelang told me to do this before, and it breaks my heart. Little Ge'er, will you stay here for the Mid-Autumn Festival this time..."

Xingge went up to her room on the rooftop and sorted out everything.

Xingge discovered the "Chaodan" sword when he was a child out of curiosity. Old Ze never used it, always carrying it with him. Twenty-six years ago, a female swordsman used it, so Xingge concluded that the woman in the painting must be the beauty in the picture. He had thought Old Ze would be reluctant to pass on the "Chaodan" to him, even planning to trick and steal it—how shameful! Back then, a pair of swordsmen wielded the "Chaodan" and "Yechi" swords. With Old Ze's poor skills, he certainly couldn't be the owner of "Yechi." So what kind of entanglement did these three have? Aunt Wan must have died before he was born, otherwise Old Ze wouldn't be so consumed by longing for her through the painting. Who was Aunt Wan unable to let go of? Women can't let go of anything but their lovers and children. Given the age and skill of the "Yechi" owner, he shouldn't need Xingge's help. The most likely candidate was Aunt Wan's children. And whose children? Old Ze's? Or the owner of "Yechi"? Xingge found the matter quite interesting and thought that going to the old man tomorrow should be able to solve the mystery. She wanted to know about Lao Ze and her favorite Aunt Wan's story, which was very exciting!

The next day, Ruyi went out in high spirits, singing as he pleased, but returned in anger and frustration, uttering vile words about wanting to eat fox meat and drink fox blood!

3. The Bright Moon Follows People (Part 1)

Xingge snapped out of his reverie, feeling a tightness in his chest. Seeing the night falling and the streetlights coming on outside the window, he suddenly felt like going for a walk by the water. He put on an outer robe, left his hair untied, and, holding "Li Sao" in his arms, went out to Zui Dongfeng.

A gentle breeze stirred the lake, ruffling Xingge's robes and flowing black hair. The bright moon cast a silvery glow on the water, and several painted boats dotted the shore, their lights twinkling like stars. Xingge sat in a corner pavilion by the lake, a zither resting on her lap. She sighed, and her delicate hands began to play. A melody of "Quiet Night Thoughts" flowed gently from her lips…

A moment later, the sound of a xiao (vertical flute) suddenly drifted from a nearby painted boat, blending seamlessly with the qin (zither) melody. Xingge, in a burst of inspiration, abruptly changed the key and began to play. The xiao melody, without pause, easily matched the previous note. Xingge smiled, his technique becoming even more ingenious, the xiao melody flowing and lively, perfectly synchronized. It really was him! How skillful!

As the music ended, Xingge looked towards the painted boat. A figure slowly emerged from within and stood at the bow. Bathed in moonlight, the figure wore an exquisite white brocade robe, possessed a face like jade, and had jet-black hair tied up with a jeweled crown. Her bearing was elegant and refined, and she held a crystal-green jade flute. Her reflection was faintly visible on the water. Xingge sighed inwardly, "What a beautiful picture of reflection in the water! No wonder the old flute immortal praised it so highly!" She couldn't help but smile and said:

"Brother Xiao Xian, Xing Ge greets you."

Ran, the Immortal Flute Master, was intelligent from a young age, with a passion for calligraphy, painting, and music. He enjoyed traveling and exploring nature. After receiving the Flute Immortal's teachings at the age of fifteen, he became a renowned gentleman in the martial arts world. Because the Mid-Autumn Festival at Mirror Lake in Linzhou was world-famous, he came this year to admire the moon. While watching the increasingly full moon from his boat, he suddenly heard the sound of a zither—the unique melody of "Li Sao"! Three years ago, he learned from his master that "Li Sao" had been obtained by a thirteen-year-old mischievous boy. That boy was cunning and unruly, but unfortunately, he hadn't had the chance to meet him for three years. Today was truly a coincidence. Ran immediately took out the "Heavenly Questions" and played along with the zither music. The music seemed intentionally challenging, rising and falling sharply. Ran was delighted; indeed, a mischievous boy! As soon as the music ended, he stepped out of the boat and looked towards the source of the music.

In the pavilion, a figure in light purple sat cross-legged, the autumn wind ruffling her flowing robes and black hair, highlighting her exquisitely beautiful face. Mist swirled around her, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere, like a water lily rising from the surface… Suddenly, a clear sound drifted from the pavilion.

"Brother Xiao Xian, Xing Ge greets you."

Ran then realized that she had been stunned, and her face flushed with embarrassment. She hurriedly replied, "I have met Qin Moxian..." Before she could say "brother," she suddenly remembered that her master had mentioned that the little devil was actually a girl. She didn't know how to respond and became even more embarrassed.

Xingge noticed the unusual sound from the other side and couldn't help but feel playful. "Hehe, it really is Brother Ran, who is as handsome as jade and as elegant as an immortal! It is my great honor to meet you today!" As she spoke, she played her zither across the lake and leaped onto the boat.

Ran heard Xing Ge teasing her about her master's words, and then saw the mocking smile suddenly magnified in front of her. She was annoyed, and her face flushed even more.

"Brother Ran, you've had a little wine and put on rouge, your face is truly as beautiful as a peach blossom!" Xingge deliberately brought her face closer and smiled.

"You, you, you..." Ran was so angry that she couldn't even speak properly when Xingge compared her to a woman. She backed away to avoid Xingge's smiling face, but Xingge kept getting closer. Ran tripped on the edge of the boat and fell into the lake with a cry.

Xingge reached out and grabbed Ran's arm, pulling her back onto the boat. She then stepped back and gave a graceful, feminine bow, looking pitiful as she said:

"Xingge was just joking with Brother Ran. Please don't take offense, Brother Ran. If the old devil finds out that Brother Ran was so happy to see Xingge that he almost fell into the lake, Xingge will be punished."

Seeing that Xingge's expression and demeanor seemed apologetic, yet his words were still joking, Ran Jianxing couldn't help but smile wryly and say, "Your master would probably be cheering loudly, wouldn't he?"

"Xingge invites Brother Ran to have a drink at Zui Dongfeng to calm your nerves. Brother Ran, would you do me the honor?" Before Ran could reply, Xingge had already darted toward the shore. Ran could only turn around, greet the servants in the boat, and follow after him.

The two arrived at the building one after the other. Ran was secretly amazed; Xing Ge was so young yet possessed such excellent martial arts skills, while she herself was struggling to keep up, her face flushed and her breath ragged. She couldn't help but feel admiration.

Xingge chuckled inwardly. He had only used 30% of his strength and the kid was already in such a state, yet he still insisted on following suit. What an interesting little devil! After this commotion, most of the frustration in his heart had dissipated.

They entered the building side by side, and were greeted by Ruyi, swaying gently in the wind.

"Little Ge'er, you've brought a friend here and you haven't even introduced him? Who is this young master? He's such a handsome man!" Ruyi said to Xingge, but her eyes were lingering on Ran.

Ran saw the appraising gaze sweep over her, and judging from the familiarity with Xing Ge's words and singing, she bowed and said, "I am..."

"Brother Ran, where are you from? How old are you? Are you married? Who else is in your family...?"

Ran was taken aback by Xingge's barrage of questions!

"My sister Ruyi is the proprietress of Zui Dongfeng and a famous matchmaker in Linzhou. With your looks and being an acquaintance of Xingge, my sister Ruyi will definitely give you a big discount!"

Ran then understood Ruyi's intention; Xingge was giving her a hint. So she said seriously, "I have no plans to get married yet. Thank you for your kindness, Sister Ruyi."

Ruyi turned to Xingge and whispered, "Stop being a traitor! There's a 'flower festival' tomorrow, bring this little Ranzi along, 20%!" Then she turned to Ran and smiled, "What kind of wonderful people doesn't Linzhou have? Young Master Ran can decide what to do when he sees someone he likes!"

Seeing that Ruyi wasn't going to let go, Xingge grabbed Ran's wrist and hurried upstairs while turning back to say, "Sister Ruyi, let's go eat first, we'll talk later!"

Ran was pulled by Xingge to a private room upstairs. She felt a warm, gentle touch on her wrist. When she looked up, she saw Xingge's hair flying up as she walked and half of her face bare. Her heart trembled slightly, and her face flushed again! She thought of herself as gentle and refined as ever. What was wrong with her today? The result was an even greater surge of heat.

Xingge shoved Ran into a private seat, then turned back to make sure Ruyi wasn't following. He cursed inwardly, "Ruyi's gone crazy for money! Not only did she enslave me before, but now she wants to take advantage of anyone she sees!" He then turned to Ran and saw that her face was flushed. He assumed it was because of Ruyi, so he teased, "Look at you, so delicate and fawning, you don't look like a man at all!"

"You're dragging a man around in front of everyone, how can you act like a woman!"

"You only just realized that?! Heh heh, you'd better turn your face white right now, or the waiter will think I've already devoured you alive! Your reputation will be ruined!"

This only made Ran's face turn even redder! Xingge deliberately stared at this blushing handsome face, and suddenly noticed that this kid actually had a pair of phoenix eyes that were extremely similar to the old fox's! Frustration rose in her heart again, "Brother Ran, just for those phoenix eyes, I'll torture you without hesitation!"

That night, amidst clinking glasses and playful banter, Xingge got Ran completely drunk. He then tossed Ran to the servants who had been waiting outside, saying, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Tomorrow, have your young master get up early; I'll take him to Junshan for a visit!"

4. The Moon Follows People (Part 2)

The next day, Xingge rode to the inn looking for Ran. A young scholar, about thirteen or fourteen years old, invited Xingge to sit in the side hall for tea. "My young master has already gotten up and is washing up. Please wait a moment, sir," the young scholar said. He noticed Xingge was dressed in a dark purple men's robe, his demeanor elegant, his hair twisted into a strange bun with a hairpin, which contrasted with his handsome face, which had a half-smile, giving him an inexplicably eerie air. He couldn't be sure, but thinking that since he had come on horseback, he must be the young master.

"Little brother, go and ask your young master to hurry up and stop applying makeup!"

After a while, three pots of tea were brewed, a short nap was taken, and a bellyful of impatience ensued. About an hour later, Ran finally came downstairs with graceful steps. Everyone in the hall stared at Ran. Xingge felt a sudden light in her eyes, thinking to herself that the effect of nearly an hour of grooming was indeed different! But was it really necessary to go to Junshan for a visit?

"I had a hangover last night, and it took me more than half an hour to smooth out these swollen eyes. I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting!" Ran gestured with her orchid-like fingers, but her eyes were filled with a hint of a smile, without the slightest bit of embarrassment.

Xingge looked at those fox-like eyes and thought to herself, "She's doing this on purpose! Little Ranzi, you're dressed up like a beauty today, don't blame me for being impolite!"

"Hehe, for a wonderful person like Brother Ran, an extra hour wouldn't be a problem! However, I left in a hurry this morning and forgot something. Would it be alright if Brother Ran came with me to Zui Dongfeng to retrieve it before heading to Junshan?"

Xingge entered Zui Dongfeng, gave Ruyi a knowing look, and turned to say, "Brother Ran, I'm going upstairs to get something. You wait for me in the back garden with Sister Ruyi!" Without waiting for Ran's reply, he went upstairs.

For nearly seventy years since the founding of this dynasty, all industries have flourished and social customs have become increasingly open. Young men and women are no longer bound by arranged marriages and often seek their sweethearts through garden parties and gatherings. The flower fair in Ruyi is one of the best in Linzhou. These gatherings are counted by the length of time spent at the flower fair, so the number and quality of the men and women who participate are especially important.

Xingge went up to the rooftop pavilion and leaned against the window to see Ran, who had been dragged and coaxed into the flower fair by Ruyi. He was now surrounded by two or three groups of people. "Kid! This kind of treatment is not a waste of the hour you spent getting ready!"

Ran stood in the crowd, looking at each of the girls. He thought to himself that he had always thought northern women were hot and passionate, but he hadn't expected these beauties from the south to be so uninhibited in their scrutiny. Little did he know that flower parties were for men and women who were interested in each other, so their interactions were naturally free of formalities. He was so stared that a light sweat broke out on his forehead. He was indignant at being accused of betraying his friends through song.

Xingge ate some snacks upstairs, took a nap, and then got up to wash up quickly. Ruyi then pushed open the door and came in.

"This young master Ran is truly a treasure! Today's flower fair prizes more than doubled, next time...!"

"We'll talk about it next time, just give me what I need this time." The singer stretched out his hand.

"I, Ruyi, naturally keep my word, here it is! Twenty percent,"

"It's been an hour, and we still have to go to Junshan. Here we are now." Xingge stuffed the silver notes into his pocket, stretched, and walked downstairs.

"Don't use any drastic measures, we'll be back next time!" Ruyi reminded him from behind.

Among the group of girls in the pavilion by the lake, Ran was dealing with them with a pained expression. Suddenly, she saw Xingge enter the garden gate, and quickly raised her hand, giving Xingge a pleading look. Xingge returned a sly smile and came over.

"Ran Lang, Ran Lang, it really is you!"

Ran only saw a purple figure squeeze in from outside the crowd, but then heard Xing Ge calling out in a male voice. Her mind went blank!

Xingge's eyes welled up with tears, and she still spoke in a male voice, "Ran Lang, the spring bed in 'Liangren Lou' was still warm last night, and today you're seeking pleasure at this flower gathering. How heartless you are!" After saying that, she buried her face in Ran's arms and laughed tremblingly! But in the eyes of everyone else, it was heartbroken sobbing.

Ran stared dumbfounded at Xingge in her arms. This "Liangrenlou" seemed to be a notorious male brothel in Linzhou! Xingge, are you saving someone or killing them?!

The crowd scattered instantly, as if avoiding a deadly disease.

Ran was still in a daze when she felt the person in her arms poking her chest with their finger and whispering, "They're all gone, aren't they?! What are you still doing here? Do you want to make a fool of yourself? Hurry up and take me out of the garden."

To avoid being recognized, Xingge kept her face buried in Ran's shoulder. Ran vaguely felt the soft warmth in her arms and smelled a sweet fragrance. When she looked up, she saw the different expressions on the faces of the people around her. A blush instantly rose to her ears, and she stiffly led Xingge out of the garden.

For the next ten days or so, the two traveled together through Linzhou, enjoying a carefree life. Xingge then realized that Ran hadn't been deliberately making things difficult for her that day. This embroidered pillow was not something to be taken lightly; even with washing and breakfast, an hour was quite rushed! On days when they weren't traveling, Ran would ask Xingge to paint portraits of her in various poses. Xingge was pleasantly surprised to find that Ran's paintings were actually quite good. One painting of a chivalrous knight was Xingge's favorite. She brought it back to show off to Ruyi and hung it in the most conspicuous place in the room to soothe her heart, which had been sore from being angered by the old fox.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival, under Ruyi's persistent coaxing and coercion, Xingge dressed in red became a dancer at Zui Dongfeng, and also took Ran to be her musician. Xingge specially set up a gauze curtain for Ran so that she wouldn't have to show her face in public.

Ran gazed through the gauze curtain at Xingge on the stage. Her robes billowed like red clouds, her lotus steps swayed like willow branches, and her alluring eyes seemed to sweep over everyone, yet also gazed into the distance… Xingge seemed indifferent to everything, without parents, without ties, leaning on her sword to gaze at the vast sea, a lotus flower adorning her lips, intoxicated on the jade terrace. Xingge, oh Xingge, for whom and what is that occasional melancholy in your eyes? Do you also have someone you care about?! Ran's lips trembled, and a note slipped out of tune. The red figure swirled to the curtain, turned, and made a face. Ran couldn't help but laugh; another note had gone off-key…

After the Drunken East Wind banquet concluded, the guests went to the garden to admire the moon. Inside the building, the lights were dim. Ran was resting at a corner table in front of the counter, drinking tea, when she saw Xingge emerge from the inner room. She was still wearing her red dancing skirt, but all her hair ornaments had been removed, leaving only loose strands draped over her shoulders. Her makeup had been washed off, making her stand out vividly against her red dress and black hair. The flickering lights reminded Ran of a thousand-year-old fox spirit searching for a scholar at night. Xingge carried a jar of wine in one hand and held the 'Li Sao' (a famous poem by Qu Yuan) in the other, beckoning to Ran, "I'll take you to the place where the moon is brightest and roundest!"

Xingge's horse had already been taken away by Ruyi, and the two rode along a forest path by the lake. Dust followed the horses, and the bright moon followed them, interspersed with Xingge's clear voice and Ran's deep laughter. Emerging from a dense forest, they suddenly saw a rocky beach by the lake. The two dismounted and leaped onto the largest blue stone. Only then did Ran realize they had circled most of the lake, arriving at the foot of the mountain opposite Zui Dongfeng. All around was quiet, and moonlight spilled onto the lake and the rocky beach, giving it a soft, shimmering glow.

"When I couldn't stand being enslaved by Ruyi anymore, I would come here to catch my breath. Hehe, nobody can find me here!"

The two sat down cross-legged, and Xingge took out two wine bowls from his bosom and drank with Ran.

"Brother Ran, Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for family reunion, why are you alone in Linzhou?"

“In previous years, no matter how far away I was, I had to go home. My parents, uncles, elder brothers and younger sisters would all be making a ruckus. I’ve long heard of the famous moonlit nights in Linzhou, Jiangnan. This year, I’ll just have fun and then go home to ask for punishment.”

"My family wouldn't bear to punish me; it would only cause them more worry!"

"...How did Ge'er spend the Mid-Autumn Festival in previous years?"

Ran heard a hint of melancholy in Xing Ge's voice, and he didn't want to talk about his family's Mid-Autumn Festival anymore. But as soon as he finished speaking, he felt even more uncomfortable and annoyed!

"These past few years, I've traveled all over the country, and the personnel changes every year; it's always a fresh start!"

Ran felt saddened and didn't know how to respond.

“Brother Ran, haven’t you always wanted to hear the song ‘Wandering the World’? Today, with its clear breeze and bright moon, it’s the perfect time. Why don’t we play it together?”

The sounds of the zither and the flute intertwined and gradually rose...

Ran had played this piece before, but today she seemed to be drawn by magic, unable to control herself. It was as if she was not just playing the melody, but singing her heart out! The beautiful woman before her had her delicate hands caressing the zither, her eyes lowered, her expression ethereal. Her black hair and red dress fluttered in the strong wind, making her seem like a celestial being about to take flight. She only wished to stay with her like this forever...

Ran was startled to realize that the person before her had already entered her eyes and her heart!

When the music ended, Xingge remained silent for a long time, his eyes lowered, while Ran stared intently at him.

"Ge'er, from now on, when we travel the world, shall I accompany you?" Ran whispered slowly.

Xingge remained silent, only glancing sideways at Ran... Suddenly, he smiled broadly, "Alright! Aren't you afraid I'll use you to pay off the debt again!"

He only hoped that Ran would see his dejection and offer words of comfort; to have such a good friend warmed his heart. But Ran, upon hearing his teasing words, didn't laugh back, only gazing at him with a gentle smile. Her phoenix eyes shimmered with a misty light, a spark of fire gleaming deep within. Xingge met her gaze, then seemingly casually turned his face away to look at the lake.

"Before I travel the world, I have something to do, and it won't be short." For some reason, Xingge thought of the old fox and murmured sadly.

Ran's eyes darkened, and she reached around her neck to take something off and handed it to Xingge. "Here, take this. After you've finished your business, go find the prefect of Linzhou. He's an old acquaintance of mine, and he'll contact me when he sees this."

Xingge reached out and took the jade pendant, carefully examining its smooth, lustrous texture. It must have been worn for quite some time! A warm feeling welled up in her heart.

“Brother Ran, it’s only polite to reciprocate. I have quite a few treasures here too!” He rummaged in his pocket. “This is the embroidered handkerchief of the eldest daughter of the Kaiyuan Trading Company in Jingzhou, this is the jade hairpin of the second daughter of the Changlong Money Shop in Xiangyang, this is the bracelet of the young lady from the Chenxiang Pavilion in Fanzhou, this is the young master of the Baizhuang Manor in Baizhou---this one isn’t suitable for you, and this one too…”

"Alright, alright, who cares about your treasures? Just remember to come find me after you're done!" Ran replied, both amused and annoyed.

"Definitely! That's the real Ran-gege! He looked so half-dead just now, it scared me to death! Hehe!" Xingge punched Ran on the shoulder. "Come on, let's drink until we drop tonight!"

Who?! Half-dead?! Fainted!

As a result, Ran was still completely drunk and unconscious, and Xingge threw him back to the inn.

The next day, we went to Zui Dongfeng again, and our journey began with singing.