Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 45: Trance
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Thousands of years ago, the Great Summer royal family originated from a nomadic tribe. Their people followed a nomadic lifestyle, living off the land, and spent their days riding across the plains atop Red Chuan horses. It wasn't until the reign of the imperial Peiluo Huang (King) that this robust nation was transformed into the vision of the Eastern orthodox clan. A Xing (star) culture emerged, focusing on farming development, which took hundreds of years to establish. The former alien regime gradually disappeared, leaving behind the legacy of a great empire. What was once a vast snowy expanse had, under the stewardship of the Summer people, taken on a unique identity and heritage. Compared to the weak Bian Tang and the flashy Huai Song, Great Summer demonstrated a generation of power and sobriety in its governance and environment.
Although Great Summer lay rooted in the blood of the grasslands, the connection to its nomadic past had not weakened. They embraced the right to be domineering, just like a great whale swallowing all the fish that emerged in the sea of their culture. Their rivers, intermingled with various ethnic groups for thousands of years, fostered continuous integration and broadmindedness. The precedence of their culture was splendid, becoming a unique feature of the continent.
Shen Jin Gong spanned a vast area, integrating the diverse landscapes of Ximeng on Earth. It encompassed the misty rain of Jiangnan, the majestic bridges, and the dignified expanse of the northwest. Outside the city, red walls, golden tiles, black inkstone platforms, deep trenches, fierce soldiers, and strict guards fortified its defenses. In the midsection, the Baiguan (hundreds of imperial officials who reported trivial matters and gossip to the emperors) spoke of the tension within the Mahogany Hall, Kinmen Building, and Summer Huasheng Palace, among thousands of soaring, majestic palaces. Inside the city lay the residences of princesses and princes, with vegetation, pavilions, and orderly, exquisite designs leading to the cliffs. At the peaks were spa gardens, with clear waters, flourishing flowers, green bamboo, and scenic lakes. In the south, small ponds adorned the Golden Palace City of the Great Summer Dynasty.
The Great Summer Dynasty, originating from its nomadic roots, had a unique respect for the status of women. Unlike Bian Tang and Huai Song, Great Summer was different. For thousands of years, women had joined the official harem, and some even wielded political power from behind the curtains. There were many defenders, both men and women, throughout the city. Beyond the emperor's concubines and daughters, numerous guards were stationed, not only protecting the palace but also the princes who resided there.
At this moment, in the quiet sea of bamboo after Yingge city, sat a young man dressed in a black robe.
This young man, around twenty years old, had a handsome face, eyes like stars, a high nose, and sword-like eyebrows. His hair was tied loosely with a black ribbon, and his black robe, embroidered with a Zijin (gifted) unicorn and dark cloud patterns along the edges, exuded elegance. His foot pedals were made of soft leather deer boots engraved with Albatron patterns. Sitting quietly before a small stone pillow at a table, he burned curly incense. A Guqin (zither) sat nearby, its strings silent, with a few scattered volumes of books and a green jade jar next to jade cups decorated with Shuanglong (double dragons) spitting beads. It was a scene of quiet contemplation.
Although it was winter, the hot springs around the mountain cliffs created warmth and life in this serene setting. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the fresh scent of bamboo and adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
The young man, with hands as white as jade and slender fingers, held a jade cup to his lips but did not drink. His eyes, like stars, squinted faintly as he spoke softly: "Come out."
"Annoying!" A delicate voice sounded, and a charming girl emerged from behind the bamboo forest. "Every time, you find me out!"
The girl, around eighteen years old, wore a lotus-gold duvet fabric, a white butterfly-sprinkled gown, and a light blue belt adorned with a green lily Lan (blue-colored) Pei (girdle ornament). Her hair was styled with clouds, and she wore tassel earrings and an agate necklace. Although noble in appearance, she did not exude any tackiness. As she walked, she threw off her fur cloak and said in a playful tone, "Father dotes on you the most! I've just come from the liming (enrichment of land) house, where it was cold as death. The snow hasn't even settled yet."
The young man turned his head, a faint smile on his lips. "Love is a sacred thing."
"Well," the girl replied, "then why don't you love me? Is it because I'm my father's daughter?"
"Princess…"
"Call me Princess!" She tossed the servant's sphere aside and ran to the young man's side, crying out loud.
The young man gave a helpless smile. "Chun, child."
"Don't think you can get away with that!" Chun sat on the opposite stone bench, her cheeks puffed up. "Why not let me go? I left all the guests just to come here and see you."
The young man smiled faintly. "I'm sorry, some things are only temporary."
"What do you mean?" Chun, having just finished her outburst, quickly glanced at his face to gauge his reaction. Seeing none, she hurriedly added, "You're not upset about Wei Shu You, are you? I only just returned from the south, and I didn't know he was coming. You won't be angry with me, will you?"
The young man slowly shook his head. "Princess, your heart is kind, but Yan Xun has no such feelings."
"They call me Princess!" Chun frowned, suddenly pulling on Yan Xun's clothes. "Why don't you treat me as one of your own?"
Yan Xun looked down, frowning at her hand. He gently removed it, saying, "Princess, you should be mindful of others."
"Do you remember when I was nine years old, and you took me to that brothel fight?"
"You were such a naive and reckless official back then."
"Annoying!" Chun shouted, throwing a bucket of water on the ground. "I hate you!"
"Speak, or I'll leave."
"Princess, please stay," Yan Xun called, handing her a lavender silk-wrapped box.
"What's this?"
"Happy birthday, Princess. Although His Majesty forbade it, I wanted you to have this gift."
Chun's face lit up as she opened the box, revealing a white rabbit tail. Her eyes widened with joy. "It's an atlas tail!"
Yan Xun nodded. "A few days ago, I heard that the rabbit bit your hand. The West Princess had it thrown out, and you cried for a long time. I had its tail cut off for you, as a keepsake. It's not a valuable gift, but I hope you won't take offense."
Chun's eyes moistened, and she whispered, "I have plenty of gold and silver jewelry, but this is the best gift. Thank you, Xun'er brother. Chun is very happy."
Blushing, Chun held the rabbit tail and ran out of the bamboo forest, her face aglow.
Yan Xun stood in place, smiling as the girl's figure faded into the distance.
"Shi Zi, Princess Chun Yu has left."
Yan Xun turned away, his face unreadable. He discarded his robe onto the table and left with the cold command, "Burn it."
"Yes," came the quiet reply.
The people of Shen Jin carried out the order. Soon after, Yan Xun's figure disappeared into the horizon.