Episode 34 Brother Zhou was a man who only knew martial arts. He was innocently pure at heart and didn’t understand relations between men and women. He went up and wanted to exchange some pointers with Concubine Liu. He managed to pin her to the ground in a few strokes and demanded to know
Whether she admitted defeat. Of course. Chaos reign where Zhou Botong appears. You know Zhou Botong? Yes. We have been friends for a decade. My father kept him captive on Peach Blossom Island, only releasing him recently. Is Brother Zhou well? He’s fine, but he’s getting crazier with age.
He even became sworn brothers with Brother Jing. Yes. What happened after that? Concubine Liu pestered Brother Zhou to impart martial arts to her. One was the master, while the other was the student. Brother Zhou and Concubine Liu were both young people in the prime of their lives.
Feeling developed between them during the long hours spent together. Matters finally got to the stage where it got totally out of hand. What could be so serious? They were not married, but committed acts only married couples did. Priest Wang got to know about it, and brought Brother Zhou to me
To dispose of him as I deemed fit. As pugilists, friendship and brotherhood were valued above women. How could I allow a woman to ruin the friendship I had with him? I released him on the spot, summoned for Concubine Liu and… ordered them to become man and wife. However, Brother Zhou insisted that
He had done nothing wrong. He would rather die than get himself into such a distressing state. He even proclaimed that he would not retaliate no matter what we did. If we didn’t kill him, he would leave and never return. He produced a handkerchief from his bosom and handed it to Concubine Liu.
She merely gave a wistful smile, but did not receive it from him. Brother Zhou released the handkerchief, and it fell at my feet. He didn’t say anything else and stomped out of the palace. That was the last we saw of him. From then on, there was no news of him at all.
Looking at the downcast Concubine Liu, my heart ached for her. When I picked up the handkerchief, I saw a pair of Mandarin ducks on it. That must be the token of love Concubine Liu gave him. By the side of the Mandarin ducks, there was a poem sewn onto the cloth. “The Four-Line Chance”.
“The loving Mandarin ducks age well before their time”. “Beneath the cold exterior lies an exuberant youthful presence”. “Lovers entwined in red silk”. You know this poem too? Now I remember. During the times Brother Zhou was asleep, he would be mumbling this poem in his dreams. Oh, he even warned me that
Women must never be touched. Bonds of friendship would be lost once women were touched. He also mentioned something about making his senior angry, and that one must never allow a woman to touch his acupoints on the body. If that happened, great misfortune would follow. Ying-gu’s abode! Yes, it sounds familiar.
Ying-gu is Concubine Liu. Reverend, deep down in your heart, you still loved Ying-gu. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so unhappy. Miss, you… Am I wrong? Rong’er, do not continue. Reverend, did I say the wrong thing? I didn’t summon Concubine Liu in the next six months.
However, I still met her frequently in my dreams. One night, I finally could not take it and went to pay her a visit. I didn’t inform the eunuchs or palace maids and went there alone quietly. I merely wanted to see what she was doing. “The Four-Line Chance ”.
“The loving Mandarin ducks age well before their time”. “Beneath the cold exterior lies an exuberant youthful presence”. “Lovers entwined in red silk”. I only left at dawn, and fell ill once I arrived at my chambers. Wasn’t it a happy event that Concubine Liu gave birth to a son? Reverend, why were you unhappy?
Silly girl, the baby was Brother Zhou’s son. Didn’t Brother Zhou leave the palace? Did he come back again? A baby has to be in his mother’s womb for ten months before he is born. I didn’t go near Concubine Liu at all during that period of time. How could the child be mine?
I was ill for more than half a year. When I finally recovered, I cast the whole matter out of my mind. It happened on a night two years later… My child! Your Majesty! Please show mercy! Please be merciful and spare the child! Your Majesty! What is wrong with the child? Your Majesty, look.
How did he get injured? Your Majesty, please show mercy! I’m willing to take any punishment you mete out without any complaints, but the child… Who said anything about punishing you? How exactly did the child get injured? Your Majesty, didn’t you send men to injure the child?
Which guard would have the guts to do that? Your Majesty, if it wasn’t you who commanded that, there is hope for the child! The assassin was highly skilled. His internal strength is definitely a force to be reckoned with. In Dali, no second person has attained such a level of internal strength besides me.
Could it be him? Why would he want to kill his own son? Brother Zhou couldn’t have done that. But at that time, I was certain that it was the doing of Brother Zhou. Other than him, who in the pugilistic fraternity would… attempt to harm an innocent child?
He didn’t want to leave behind any roots that could shame him. No… It wasn’t him. I remember that laughter. It wasn’t him. You were in a state of shock. How can you be clear about that? I would never forget that laughter. even if I became a ghost. It wasn’t him!
She presented me with a barrage of theories, and I believed her. But I didn’t have a clue as to who the assassin could be. He could very well have killed the defenceless baby, but he chose only to inflict serious injuries on the baby. That has to be Ouyang Feng.
I did think of him too. But being from the Western Regions, he was of a larger build than others. He was more than a head taller than the average man. According to Concubine Liu, the killer was a short man. That’s really strange. I really couldn’t deduce anything at that moment,
And Concubine Liu could do nothing but hold the child and sob. Though the child’s injuries were not as severe as yours, he was young, and treating him was an immensely difficult task. If I had treated him, it would have damaged my internal strength greatly. I would have been at a disadvantage
During the Mt Hua duel. I wouldn’t be able to lay hands on the Jiuyin Manual either. Your Majesty, I am too ashamed to continue living in this world. Please show mercy and allow me to use my life in exchange for my child’s! I’m willing to become your slave in my reincarnation
To repay your kindness! I couldn’t bear to see Concubine Liu in such a despondent state and agreed to help save the child. But… I couldn’t do it. Each time I wanted to save the child, I would see the handkerchief glaring at me squarely from his chest. There was a pair of Mandarin ducks
Nestled lovingly with their heads bent towards each other. The heads of the Mandarin ducks were white. Didn’t it imply that they were to stay and grow old together? Why did the poem then mention that they were “growing old before their time”. So the two of you want to grow old together.
But you’re leaving me all alone in this palace? Why should I save the child born out of wedlock between the two of you? Let go of me! My child, I may not be able to save you, but I can relieve your suffering. My child, go to sleep.
You will not feel pain after you have fallen asleep. My precious darling, go to sleep. Go to sleep peacefully. You will never have to suffer again. As I turned around and saw her crazed state, I suddenly broke out in cold sweat. I’m going to plunge this dagger into your chest one day.
This jade bangle was a gift from you. Just wait. The day you see this jade bangle again will be the day… this dagger will pierce your chest! This is the jade bangle. After waiting for more than ten years, the day of reckoning is finally here. Reverend,
The child was neither injured nor killed by you. Why do you have to assume responsibility? She even poisoned you! Even if there were grudges between you, you have repaid your debt. I’ll chase her away right now and not allow her to come up. Master, this was delivered from the foot of the hill.
Master! The Mandarin ducks yearn to be together all their lives, but everything comes to naught. All right, let’s just get everything over and done with. I shall take it as a form of charitable help offered to her. All right, show Ying-gu the way up the hill. You’re not to be disrespectful to her.
Master! Don’t you know me well enough after being with me for so many years? Master… Go on! Rong’er, what should we do? I have a favour to ask of the two of you. Reverend, please speak your mind. I owe Ying-gu too much. No matter what difficulties she may come across,
Please try your best to help her on my account. If you could bring her and Brother Zhou together, I would be eternally grateful to you. Can you agree to this request of mine? Reverend, we… Brother Jing, since the reverend has asked for our help, we should agree. Amitabha. Leave this place.
Our respects to Your Ladyship. Who are you referring to? Concubine Liu is dead. I am Ying-gu. The Prime Minister and Naval Officer are all here. I was under the impression His Majesty had forsaken secular ties. So he’s hiding in the hills enjoying life as the sovereign!
His Majesty is a shadow of his former self. You will not be able to recognize him if you see him now. Are you trying to be sarcastic by addressing me as “Lady”? Do you plan to kneel here until I die? Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship… Let’s take a look!
Your servant pays his respects to you. Since His Majesty sent you here to stop me, why bother with all these shallow formalities? I’m all ready for you! Do you have any idea how many innocent people you have killed? Why do you still bother putting on a front before me? Your Ladyship,
His Majesty is a benevolent sovereign who loves his subjects dearly. To this day, the people of Dali still hold him in high regard. The people suffered no hardship during his reign. His Majesty showed mercy even to serious criminals. Your Ladyship, didn’t you know all this? How dare you rebut! I wouldn’t dare to.
You claim yourselves officials, but where is your sense of propriety? I demand to see Duan Zhixing! Are you going to give way? Once a sovereign, forever respected. You must never insult him! Your Ladyship, please halt! Go away! Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship, if you do not stop, I will have to be disrespectful.
Your Ladyship, please pardon us! What loyal subjects you are! Your Ladyship, please halt! What do you want? The Prime Minister and… Supreme Commander has been struck by my Seven-Death needles. No one in the world can save them. Do you want to suffer the same fate? Elder. Have the lady’s injuries been cured?
Thanks to your guidance, my junior has been cured by Reverend Yideng. Why didn’t she come to thank me personally? Elder, please stop. Be careful! Elder, you certainly possess consummate skills. I should thank you for saving my life first. I directed you here with the intention of harming another,
Not with the aim of helping you. Why are you thanking me? There is no end and explanation to the feuds in this world. My father held Zhou Botong captive on Peach Blossom Island for 15 years but was still unable to save my mother. Zhou Botong?
What did Zhou Botong have to do with your mother? Zhou Botong indirectly caused my mother’s death. My father held him captive on the Island for 15 years in a fit of anger. But as time passed, he started to have regrets. He decided that the person responsible had to pay the price.
He would seek out the person who was responsible for my mother’s death. That was why my father released Zhou Botong. Released him? I do not have to go and save him then. Of course. If my father hadn’t released him, you’d never have been able to save him.
Old Imp listens to everything I say. He will do what I say. If you want to see him, you’d better leave this place now. I will have my means of bringing the two of you together. Take it as repayment for your saving my life.
Why should he listen to a mere lass like you? Why should he listen to you and take orders from you? I didn’t help you and do not need any repayment from you. You’d better step aside, or you will be sorry! Are you going to kill me? So what if I do?
I’m not afraid of anyone and that includes your father! Don’t you want to seek revenge? Come with me. I’ve killed him! Ying-gu… Master! You… Reverend Yideng… Hand her the dagger. But… Give it to her. Here. Master! No one is to stop her! Go ahead and stab me. Reverend Yideng!
I’ve waited a long time. Ying-gu, you must not kill him! Master! Get your elder here! Yes! Ten years of waiting have come to naught! So what if I kill him? My child, I failed to exact revenge for you! Brother Jing, how are you? Rong’er, I’m fine. Don’t worry. She didn’t hurt me.
That’s good. I’m sorry that you had to risk your life to save me. Please forgive me for impersonating you. Amitabha. “Skies and stars, join in line. Pulsating with life…”. “But lacking in lustre”. You can understand Sanskrit? No, but when Brother Zhou was making me memorize the Jiuyin Manual,
The last paragraph sounded similar to what the reverend was saying. Admirable! You managed to memorize such a long paragraph of Sanskrit although you do not understand the language! This is really fate! What are they talking about? I have no idea. This is a formula used for treating internal injuries.
Even Priest Chongyang was not able to comprehend its meaning. Well, since you’ve memorized the Jiuyin Manual and my junior is here, allow him to explain the meaning of the words do you. You will be able to save others with your knowledge in the future. Thank you, Reverend! Amitabha. Abbess,
I’ve been here for almost a month. Staying indefinitely is not a solution. Please allow me to take the tonsure and become a nun today. You’re doing this in a fit of anger. It must not be so. Abbess, I’m not doing this on impulse. Only religion can relieve my suffering.
I want to be a peace person. Abbess, please grant my wish. Since you’ve seen the light, I should accede to your request. But… But what? Your body has become weaker throughout your time here. When I took your pulse yesterday, I realized you are with child. Nianci!
Your ties with the secular world are not resolved yet. Since Master Yang is here, you should have a good talk with him. I Hope the two of you can come to an agreement. Nianci, I didn’t expect… Nianci! Nianci! I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby! Nianci!
I know I have broken your heart. But forgive me for the sake of the baby. Nianci! Nianci, let’s go back. I’ll summon the best physician. We will have a… Nianci, please do not be angry anymore. Please forgive me. Let’s go back. Go back? Where are we going? Back to your royal residence?
If you don’t like it, we can stay outside the royal palace. I can no longer stay in the nunnery now that I’m pregnant. I’m going to a faraway place to bring my child up. Don’t leave! Spare a thought for our child if not for me. You should allow our child.
To have both parents by his side When he grows up, we will employ the best masters for him. I will impart martial arts to him and groom him into a worthy youth! All right, that’s enough! I’m leaving for the sake of our child. Why? I cannot allow him to
Follow in your footsteps and become a traitor! You’re a useless person who hankers after material wants and luxuries! You’ve even forgotten who your ancestors are! My child can do without material comforts, but he has to be clear that his surname isn’t Wanyan. His surname is Yang! He is a descendant of Song!
Brother Jing, we’ve been staying here for quite some time. I wonder how Master is now. What is this? It’s cloth from my father’s attire. It has bloodstains on it! Did something happen to my father? Rong’er, calm down. Let’s return to Peach Blossom Island now. Since you have matters to see to,
I won’t hold you here. Brother Yao is a resourceful man. No one will be able to bring harm unto him. Do not worry. Rong’er, the reverend is right. Reverend, thank you. Amitabha. Reverend, we take our leave. Rong’er, let’s go. Have a safe journey. Brother Jing, we’ve known each other for some time and…
Have gone through many dangers together. But something good always comes out of the trials we go through. I got injured this time, but we uncovered the Jiuyin Manual’s secret. Rong’er, I’d rather not learn any skills. My only wish is that you remain safe and sound.
You don’t have to resort to this to win my favour. If you didn’t know martial arts, you would have been killed long ago. Not to mention Ouyang Feng and Sha Tongtian, Just one of the Iron Palms would have been able to take your life easily. But I do not wish to
See you get injured ever again. I didn’t feel anything when I was injured in Lin’an the other time. But I feel terrible when I see how much suffering you have to undergo. You’re really heartless. Why? You’d rather get yourself injured and see me heartbroken?
In that case, we shall get injured together in the future. Or else, the two of us will stay healthy together. Hum. I want Guo Jing and Huang Rong! Why did you kidnap an old woman? Chief, this woman is in cahoots with them!
When we were chasing Guo Jing and Huang Rong the other time, they sought refuge in her house. Chief, that’s right. Take her away! Yes! Rong’er, let’s go there and find out. This way please. We want to go to Hankou. Could you find a boatman to row us across the river?
Not a problem, please wait here. I’ll go right now! Sirs, the boatman is here. Rong’er, you can even communicate with mutes. You are really admirable. Rong’er, what did you tell him that made him so happy just now? I asked him to buy some food and indicated that I would pay him later.
Brother Jing, that priestess seems tempted by the secular world. She feels that you’re a dashing and handsome young man. Me? Rong’er, stop joking. Why are you chasing her? How can you allow such a beautiful priestess to get away? Come on. Hurry! Brother Jing, I’ll take off her hat.
Rong’er, stop fooling around, will you? Rong’er… Sister Mu, it’s really you. I’m sorry… Miss Mu! Brother Jing, the boat you hired belongs to the Iron Palm Sect. They set a trap to ambush you. Iron Palm Sect? That mute’s boat? He’s not a mute. He’s simply pretending to… be one to allay your suspicions.
I see. If you hadn’t told us, I wouldn’t have been able to tell. Sister Mu, here. Why are you dressed like this? Yes. Did Yang Kang bully you again? I’m sure you know what happened between me and Yang Kang. I can only blame my ill fate for meeting an unworthy man like him.
Where is Yang Kang? He left with his father. There’s nothing worth living for in this world any longer. That was why I chose to turn to religion. I was about to set off for Niu village in Lin’an… and didn’t expect to meet you here. Sister Mu,
We’re on our way back to Peach Blossom Island. Why don’t you travel with us? We can keep each another company. That’s right. It isn’t necessary. Thank you for the offer, but I feel like travelling alone. A woman like her having to travel such long distances… Fortunately she possesses martial arts.
She will not be easily bullied by commoners. That might not be the case. The two of us were bullied by others too. My second master used to lament that humans were not equal even to dogs in times of chaos. Well. Let’s go take care of that mute dog now. What mute dog?
Let’s go. It doesn’t taste good. Go on. Rong’er, There’s something I haven’t been able to figure out. Why didn’t the soldiers continue pursuing Chief Shangguan after he reached Iron Palm Peak? I don’t understand either. The terrain of Iron Palm Peak could be too dangerous for the soldiers to attempt scaling it. Maybe…
The men from the sect could have prevent the soldiers from capturing their chief. The soldiers then had no choice but to leave. Senior Qu unexpectedly managed to claim credit for his expedition. Credit? The Wumu War Manual was initially hidden in the cave next to The waterfall in the imperial palace. After Shangguan Jiannan
Stole the manual, he would have left the painting he drew in the cave, am I right? That’s right. Although Senior Qu was expelled from Peach Blossom Island, he still missed my father and knew that my father liked such paintings. Since such paintings were mostly kept in the imperial palace,
He went forth with the intention of stealing the paintings. I know! Senior Qu stole that painting along with others and hid them in… the secret room in Village Niu. He wanted to present the paintings to your father, but didn’t expect to be killed by the soldiers. If in that case. When Wanyan Honglie
Rushed to the palace, both the Wumu War Manual and the painting with the clue were gone. If we had known, I wouldn’t have fought with Ouyang Feng and gotten myself injured. You wouldn’t have had to worry for me for seven days and nights either. That might not have been the case.
If we weren’t recuperating in the secret room, we wouldn’t have discovered the painting. We also wouldn’t… I wonder how my father is now. Rong’er… The mid-autumn festival is coming soon. Will you be returning to Mongolia after the duel at Jiaxing? No. I’m going to kill Wanyan Honglie to exact revenge…
For my father and Uncle Yang. What happens after you kill him? There are still many things waiting to be done. We have to treat Master’s injuries, and bring Brother Zhou to Ying-gu. I also intend to visit each of my six masters’ homes. And I also have to find my father’s grave.
But you will still return to Mongolia after all these are completed.
source
