Cherry Blossoms Upon a Wintry Sword

Chapter 55: His Holiness

Xuan Qing, who only had three coins left in his pouch, naturally could not teach the child how to earn money. So under the child’s disappointed look, Fu Hua cracked the whip and drove the carriage all the way away. Lin Rufei sat in the carriage and talked with Xuan Qing.

Xuan Qing said he came from Nanyin Temple and had been traveling for three years. He had been to many places and also met a lot of strange and bizarre things. Lin Rufei listened with great interest and from time to time, he would ask a question or two, the atmosphere was very harmonious.

“What is the reason for Master’s visit to the imperial palace of Dajing?” Lin Rufei said curiously.

“I heard that a nobleman was infected with evil spirits so they asked this monk to go over to perform a ritual.” Xuan Qing said, “Who is Lin gongzi going to deliver the invitation to?”

Lin Rufei said, “Prince Bai Tianrui of Dajing.”

“Oh, so it’s him.” Xuan Qing revealed a look of understanding.

Bai Tianrui was the Prince of Dajing and his cultivation level had reached the eighth level. He was the only sword practitioner in Dajing’s imperial family whose cultivation level had passed the fifth level. But his reputation among the people was not too good. Although he had an outstanding talent, he was a real smiling tiger[1]. He had a perverse nature and was temperamental and unpredictable. Although it wasn’t to the point that he would prey on the people, nothing good happened to those who dare to provoke him. According to rumors, when they first met Bai Tianrui, he was smiling and after they made friends with Bai Tianrui he was also smiling. In the end, when they were finally killed with a sword, he was still smiling. And the most creepy thing was that his smile wasn’t a disguise. One could see his true feelings at any moment and any minute—he would really treat you as a friend and would also really want to kill you. 

These rumors were so widespread that it was hard to tell if they were true or not.

But Lin Rufei had long been used to seeing all kinds of swordsmen with peculiar natures and did not find anything particularly strange about this rumored image of Bai Tianrui.

“He has a perverse nature and likes beautiful women. Lin gongzi, remember to be careful when you go there.” Xuan Qing said.

Lin Rufei did not take Xuan Qing’s words too seriously and said, “What, Master knows that Bai Tianrui?”

Xuan Qing said, “Sort of …… know?”

Lin Rufei always felt that Xuan Qing’s expression was a bit strange, but he didn’t think much of it.

The weather was scarily hot. Even though Fu Hua had put a lot of ice in the carriage to cool it down, it was still stiflingly hot. Yu Rui was fanning Lin Rufei and noticed that the monk, Xuan Qing, did not shed a drop of sweat so she curiously asked: “Little master, how do you not sweat, ah?”

Xuan Qing smiled and said, “A calm heart keeps you cool.”

“A calm heart keeps you cool? It’s all a lie.” Yu Rui muttered.

“Monks do not lie.” Xuan Qing said seriously.

“Little master is not lying.” Lin Rufei laughed, “When people die, don’t they naturally feel cool?” 

Xuan Qing nodded: “Nevertheless, Lin gongzi understands things.”

Yu Rui’s eyes widened: “But little master is not a dead person, how can he feel so cool?”

Xuan Qing did not speak but blinked at Yu Rui. Yu Rui also defiantly glared back. They glared for a while that their eyes were starting to turn red. However, she found that the monk actually did not even blink so how could she win? So she twitched her mouth in an aggrieved manner and shrunk to the corner.

When Lin Rufei saw the situation, he laughed out loud and said, ‘Master, please don’t bully my family’s little girl.’ 

“Amitabha Buddha.” Xuan Qing folded his hands and said with a serious face, “Monks never bully little girls, except when telling ghost stories.”

Lin Rufei burst into laughter again.

Ten days of travel and Lin Rufei also learned a lot about this Xuan Qing. This monk was very interesting and he knew a lot of things. He even told a few things to Lin Rufei about the secrets of Dajing’s imperial family. Such as fathers and sons at each other’s throats, sibling rivalry, which was quite common in the imperial family. But there were also some interesting things, such as the eldest prince falling in love with a woman to the point that he didn’t even want the throne. Who knew that when the two were soon to be married, an immortal master suddenly appeared. He said that the woman was a demon sent to plague the prince. He then cast a spell on the spot and the woman turned back into her original form—which was a poor rabbit spirit. The eldest prince was furious. He directly used a sword and cut off the immortal master’s head. He then carefully picked up the rabbit and carried the rabbit home in front of everyone while rubbing its ears. 

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Yu Rui listened dumbfoundedly and said, ‘That was possible? According to a normal plot, shouldn’t the prince be terrified and let the immortal master subdue the demon in the end?’ 

“Yes, everyone thinks so, and besides, Dajing and the demons had a great feud, the eldest prince should also be clear.” Xuan Qing said, “But this matter, ah, later on, there was a big reversal.”

“What reversal?” Yu Rui asked.

“That immortal master, who had his head chopped off, his body actually turned into a demon. And that woman recuperated in the eldest prince’s home for half a month before regaining her human form again.” Xuan Qing said, “Later, he sent someone to check and found out that the woman was not a rabbit spirit at all and was wronged by the immortal master.” 

Yu Rui made a sound of amazement, “Such a thing was possible?” 

“The matters regarding the imperial family, you can’t think of it but there’s nothing they can’t do.” Xuan Qing shook his head, his tone was very sorrowful, “Fortunately, the eldest prince was resolute and did not let the miscreants have a chance to take advantage…… just a pity ……”

“Pity?” Lin Rufei said with interest, “Just a pity what?”

Xuan Qing slapped his legs and laughed: “Unfortunately after the woman suffered from this disaster, she was afraid of the imperial family. And refused desperately to be with the eldest prince.” 

Lin Rufei and Yu Rui stared at the same time. They did not expect things to develop this way. According to the plot of the book, shouldn’t the eldest prince and his beloved finally live a happy and beautiful life?

“And finally, what happened at the end?” Yu Rui also pursued the question.

“In the end, the eldest prince, in anger, rose to the occasion and became an heir apparent.” As Xuan Qing said this, he was already laughing back and forth, “Who is the current day holy emperor—hahahahahaha, it is a pity that he was never able to find his little rabbit.”

Lin Rufei and Yu Rui were suddenly speechless. From Xuan Qing’s laughter, they could taste that he was rejoicing in other people’s misfortune. They didn’t know what sort of relationship Xuan Qing had with the eldest prince.

Xuan Qing finished laughing and waved his hand, “These are just rumors, Lin gongzi must not say this in the palace, lest ……” He coughed lowly, “Lest the current holy emperor becomes annoyed. “

Lin Rufei nodded and said he would pay attention.

Yu Rui was lost on the side. It was apparent that she couldn’t really accept this too realistic ending. Her expression was very complicated. Several times she looked at Xuan Qing and wanted to say something but then stopped.

As a result, that night, they ate a wild rabbit that Yu Rui had caught from the mountain forest.

The wild rabbit was not like a domestic rabbit. The meat was a little older[2], and if not handled well, it would be stinky. The good thing was that Fu Hua was a good cook. She first marinated the rabbit meat and then put it on the fire to slowly roast. Not long after that, the grease on the surface began to sizzle, giving off a rich meat smell.

It was a pity that the vegetarian Xuan Qing was not blessed with this and could only eat the sweet potatoes specially baked for him by Yu Rui.

The rabbit meat tasted really good, but unfortunately, the weather was too hot and Lin Rufei’s appetite was not good. He ate a rabbit leg and then felt tired of it. In the end, it was Fu Hua who crushed some ice to make him a bowl of cool mung bean soup and only then did he eat some more. Xuan Qing sighed and said, “Why is Lin gongzi’s appetite so bad? If you don’t eat, then the body will collapse.”

Lin Rufei waved his hand and indifferently expressed that he was used to it and told Xuan Qing not to worry.

In the evening, the group came down from the mountain and found an inn at the foot of the mountain to rest.

Lin Rufei, as usual, did not sleep well and wanted to chat with Gu Xuandu. However, he found that Gu Xuandu was not with him. It seemed that since the arrival of this monk Xuan Qing, Gu Xuandu words were much more less. Most of the time, he was standing beside Lin Rufei silently. He neither talked nor answered. For a while, Lin Rufei was a little bit unused to it.

He tossed and turned in bed for a while before he heard Gu Xuandu’s words ringing out beside him, “What, can’t sleep?”

“Mnn.” Lin Rufei said, “Where did senior go?”

Gu Xuandu said, “I went to ……”

Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Lin Rufei: “Don’t tell me that you went to catch ghosts.”

Gu Xuandu said, “You could even guess it?”

Lin Rufei sighed.

But even so, Gu Xuandu did not want to explain where he actually went. Lin Rufei didn’t feel appropriate to ask again. He started to chat with Gu Xuandu about Xuan Qing and Gu Xuandu said, ‘this Xuan Qing’s temper is actually good, but sometimes his thinking angle is a bit strange, no need to be surprised.’ Lin Rufei wondered: “Listening to senior’s tone, why does it feel like you’ve known this monk for a long time?”

Gu Xuandu said, “Does it?”

Lin Rufei said, “Naturally, it does.”

“Then your feeling is probably wrong.” Gu Xuandu was a little lost in thought and he didn’t know what he was thinking, “In a few days we will be going to the Imperial Palace of Dajing, you must be more careful.”

Lin Rufei said, “What does senior know?”

Gu Xuandu shook his head: “I don’t know anything, but since Xuan Qing was asked to help, then this matter must be a bit of trouble and not so easy to solve.”

Lin Rufei pondered.

Gu Xuandu chatted with Lin Rufei a bit more in a slow tone before he revealed a drowsy look. Lin Rufei urged him to rest. He yawned, swung his long sleeves, and his body dissipated in front of Lin Rufei. He seemed to be in very bad shape. Looking at him like this, Lin Rufei suddenly remembered what happened on the Xiliang Mountains, could it be that this trip to the imperial palace also had something Gu Xuandu needed?

The more Lin Rufei thought about it, the more it made sense. Lying on the bed, he pondered for a long time. Only when the morning light appeared did he take a short nap. 

The next day, the carriage was on the road again. Lin Rufei leaned against the window and dozed off.

The name of Dajing’s imperial city was called Dengxiao. The reason for this name was that there were star-like lights all over Dengxiao City, which made it bright all night. This practice had been in place since a long time ago, he just didn’t know why it started. But the name Dengxiao had indeed been passed down for a hundred years.

Lin Rufei liked the word “Dengxiao,” so he was also looking forward to the Imperial City.

The closer they got to the imperial city, the more prosperous the surroundings became. The people of Dajing were so open that when a handsome man walked along the roadside, there were bold girls who threw beautiful silk flowers at him.

Lin Rufei was not aware of this custom in Dajing and was taken aback. The weather was hot and the woman who threw flowers at Lin Rufei was wearing a short shirt and skirt. Her hair was tied up and her waistline was revealed. She saw Lin Rufei’s wide eyes, as if she had frightened him, and burst out laughing with joy. She started to chatter about in the local dialect, but unfortunately, Lin Rufei did not understand a word of it.

In the end, it was Fu Hua and Yu Rui who helped Lin Rufei stop the cherry blossoms[3] that suddenly appeared on the side of the road. The two maids saw their gongzi was being assaulted to the point that he was at a loss of words and a smile surfaced on the corner of their mouths.

Lin Rufei said in shock, “This is too direct.”

“That’s Dajing’s style.” Xuan Qing laughed, “Gongzi will have to get used to it soon.” Although Lin Rufei’s body looked a little weak and his face was pale, his appearance was excellent, and his every move had the unique noble aura of a large family’s son so he could naturally attract many girls who liked beauty. But Lin Rufei himself apparently did not realize. That look of surprise when the woman stuffed silk flowers into his arms was somewhat cute.

Lin Rufei did not say anything for a long time. The most spontaneous girl he had ever seen was his own third sister, Lin Weirui. But in the end, there was a big brother at home. No matter how spontaneous Lin Weirui was, she wouldn’t toss out flowers. This time, when they arrived at Dajing, he was able to see different customs and people.

The closer they got to Dajing, the more temples related to the Heavenly Ruler appeared. Some of these temples were magnificent and majestic and some were just small temples built with stones by the roadside. However, no matter what kind, what was enshrined inside, was a red-clad Heavenly Ruler. Although Lin Rufei had long heard of the reverence the people of Dajing had for the Heavenly Ruler, he still was shocked seeing these scenes in front of him.

Back then, after the Heavenly Ruler’s tribulation, most people said that he stepped through the void and left and ascended to immortality. However, there were also rumors made by mortals that the Heavenly Ruler did not leave, but failed the tribulation, and his cultivation was greatly reduced, and was forced to hide. In addition, there were other strange sayings that were not worth mentioning.

Xuan Qing also seemed to have different emotions for the Heavenly Ruler. When he saw a Heavenly Ruler’s temple, he would certainly go in to pay homage. If there was money left over, he would certainly buy a pillar of incense to light. Unfortunately, he was short of money at this time and only had three coins left. Lin Rufei wanted to lend him money, but he refused to take it.

“I’m just telling the Heavenly Ruler some of this monk’s thoughts.” Xuan Qing said as such, “If I receive money from others, the intentions would change. Besides …… it is Lin gongzi’s.”

Lin Rufei asked curiously, “What’s wrong with my money?”

Xuan Qing smiled and said, “This whole journey I am riding in Lin gongzi’s carriage, eating Lin gongzi’s food, and has given Lin gongzi a lot of trouble. How could I possibly ask for money?”

Those words were true. But Lin Rufei always felt that Xuan Qing’s words just now did not mean this. This monk was not pedantic and knew how to adapt so he shouldn’t be stuck on such trivial matters. But his resolute attitude made it hard for Lin Rufei to persuade.

After another day, they were going to enter Dengxiao. But Gu Xuandu suddenly appeared at night. His figure was much lighter and his voice also sounded very weak.

“There is an object in that palace that is restraining me, I’m afraid I can’t show myself.” Gu Xuandu said, “If Xiao Jiu needs anything, remember to go to Xuan Qing for help.”

Lin Rufei looked shocked, “Is the thing in the palace the same as the one on the Xiliang Mountains, something that senior needs?” 

Gu Xuandu hesitated slightly but under Lin Rufei’s burning gaze, he still nodded. He then said in a deep voice: “If that thing is there, the imperial city will be very dangerous. Xiao Jiu must not venture in like when we were on the Xiliang Mountains.”

Lin Rufei nodded and said yes.

Gu Xuandu instructed some more words before fading away. It seemed that the incident on the Xiliang Mountains scared Gu Xuandu very much, otherwise, he would not have repeatedly reiterated to Lin Rufei. He was afraid that Lin Rufei would really have some accidents. Lin Rufei was curious at this time, exactly what was in the Dajing Palace?  

Stepping on the early morning sun, the carriage was on the road again. Today they would be able to reach Dengxiao. And then after staying in Dengxiao for a night, the next day Lin Rufei would be able to send out the invitation in his hand. 

It was indeed the imperial city. Even before entering, Lin Rufei saw the tall and lofty city walls and the heavily armed soldiers stationed beside them.

Lin Rufei handed over the paperwork. The soldiers carefully checked it and waved their hands to let them go in. But when it came to Xuan Qing, the soldiers’ attitude was not quite the same. First, they repeatedly confirmed enthusiastically whether it was really Master Xuan Qing and after getting a positive answer, they immediately asked someone to report.

However, Xuan Qing waved his hand and stopped the soldier’s movement, saying that he would visit the palace tomorrow, so they should not bother the people above.

The soldier wanted to say more, but when he saw that Xuan Qing was very insistent, he had to give up. However, he still sent someone to invite Xuan Qing to stay at the best inn in Dengxiao City along with Lin Rufei, who was also received as a distinguished guest.

Sitting in the carriage, Lin Rufei smiled and said that he had a taste of Xuan Qing’s glory. But Xuan Qing shook his head. He sighed and said that he had nothing to offer and was afraid that he would cause trouble.

“How is it troublesome?” Lin Rufei wondered.

Xuan Qing said, “I have come to Dengxiao three times. The first two times were also to help the imperial family solve trouble, but I have never received such treatment ……” He sighed, “It is better to ignore me.”

The more enthusiastic the attitude, it just meant that things were more troublesome. And now even the soldiers guarding the door knew that he was coming over. Xuan Qing recited Amitabha Buddha.

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When they arrived at the inn, the imperial family arranged several more upper rooms for them and also thoughtfully prepared a zhai meal[4].

Xuan Qing, however, refused outright on the grounds that he was not feeling well and went back into his room and closed the door. Lin Rufei thought that this matter had nothing to do with himself but who knew that when those people couldn’t find Xuan Qing, they thought he was Xuan Qing’s friend and talked to him for a while.

Lin Rufei then learned from their mouths that the matter in the palace was indeed a big deal. Three of the six royal heir apparents, two were seriously injured and in a coma. The remaining three people were on edge and were almost scared to the point of hysteria. This matter had happened for almost a month but because they feared that the public would panic, the news did not dare to spread. However, recently there were still some rumors amongst the people, if this continued, this matter would not be completely suppressed! The story was that the people were still talking about it and for this reason, the imperial family invited Master Xuan Qing, a monk from Nanyin Temple, to calm the matters down as soon as possible.

After Lin Rufei identified himself as a member of the Lin family, they warmly invited Lin Rufei to follow Xuan Qing to the palace tomorrow, saying that Prince Bai Tianrui would also be present and Lin Rufei could just hand over the invitation to him. Lin Rufei thought for a moment and agreed.

Before those people left, they said that Dengxiao had a curfew and told Lin Rufei that he must remember to rest early and not wander outside.

Although Lin Rufei’s mouth said yes, in his heart he felt an overwhelming sense of regret. Dengxiao was famous for its nighttime light scenery, but he didn’t expect to encounter a curfew as soon as he arrived.

After arriving at Dengxiao, Gu Xuandu completely disappeared. He didn’t come out to chat with Lin Rufei even though he was having trouble sleeping.

Lin Rufei had something on his mind and didn’t sleep too well. In the midst of his tossing and turning, the first light of morning came. 

When he went out in the morning after washing up, he saw Xuan Qing already sitting at the table enjoying breakfast. He smiled and greeted Lin Rufei and asked him how he slept last night.

“Not too good.” Lin Rufei yawned.

“I didn’t sleep too well either.” Xuan Qing said.

“What, are you worried about what happened in the palace?” Lin Rufei asked.

Xuan Qing nodded seriously and said, “If this matter is not resolved, this monk is afraid that he will really die of hunger.” As he said this, he pulled out his wallet. The only three coins left in it have been used to buy incense a few days ago. At this time, it was deflated and nothing could be shaken out. 

Although he said it was very serious, Lin Rufei could not help but laugh and said, ‘Master Xuan Qing no need to worry. If you really starve to death, then come to find me. I can ensure that there is a zhai meal for Master to enjoy.’

Xuan Qing seriously said, “Then I will first accept Lin gongzi’s kindness.”

While they were talking, the carriage from the palace had already stopped at the entrance. A guard with a sword, wearing a vermillion guard’s uniform, walked up to the two of them. He balled his hand in respect, swept his sharp gaze from Lin Rufei’s to Xuan Qing’s faces, and said, “You are Lin gongzi and Master Xuan Qing, right?”

Xuan Qing and Lin Rufei nodded their heads.

“This way, please.” The guard raised his hand and pointed to the carriage at the entrance, “His Holiness[5] is already waiting in the palace.” His Holiness was the current emperor of Dajing and was also the eldest prince in Xuan Qing’s story. He was surnamed Bai, called Bai Jinglun, and was now the half-brother of Prince Bai Tianrui. He was three years older than Bai Tianrui.

Together, Lin Rufei, Fu Hua, Yu Rui, and Xuan Qing got on the carriage.

The curtain fell and the driver raised his whip. Da, Da. The sound of clattering hooves came from the stone road. The guard entered the carriage with Lin Rufei and the others and sat opposite Lin Rufei. He looked grave and his body was in a state of extreme vigilance as if he was guarding against something.

“How is the Third Princess doing?” Xuan Qing asked.

The guard, however, glanced at Lin Rufei as if hesitating to elaborate on the private affairs of the imperial family in front of him, an outsider. Seeing this, Xuan Qing said indifferently, “Lin gongzi’s family is not an outsider, there is no harm in talking about it.”

The guard hesitated for a moment and whispered, “The Third Princess is still in a coma. We have already followed Master Xuan Qing’s previous instructions to lay formations around, but …… it’s not of much use.”

“Has that thing come again?” Xuan Qing asked again.

“It came.” The guard gritted his teeth and when he said this, he said it so hard that the veins on his forehead bloomed out, “Last night …… It also went to his Holiness’s bedchamber.” After he finished this sentence, he heaved a few more breaths, “But the guards who were guarding the door saw nothing at all.”

Xuan Qing’s expression concentrated: “Bedchamber? That thing went in?”

“Yes.” The guard said, “It left dozens of bloody handprints on the side of his Holiness’s bed ……”

Xuan Qing fell into deep thought at his words.

Lin Rufei, however, became interested. Thing? What was that thing? Was it the thing that Gu Xuandu wanted? But listening to the description, it didn’t seem to be it. Rather, it was like they were talking about something that could move living things.

“The Prince did not go to the palace?” Xuan Qing asked again.

“Entered. At night, he was sleeping in the room next to his Holiness. But …… he also did not notice anything different.” The guard smiled bitterly, “That’s why his Holiness is in such a hurry.”

What would be something that even a sword cultivator at the eighth level couldn’t detect? At this point, Lin Rufei finally vaguely understood what the trouble Gu Xuandu was talking about meant.

********

The author has something to say:

Gu Xuandu: Weak, I need Xiao Jiu’s kiss to get better.

Lin Rufei eager to get into action[6]: It’s finally your turn to be poor, weak and helpless!

Gu Xuandu: ……….
Time to modify the BUG[7] for Bai Jinglun’s age.

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[1] Smiling tiger – man with a big smile and evil intentions. 

[2] There is probably a better word for this but my mind is blank. The word here is 老 which can mean old, but when it is referred to food, it means it is too chewy, hard to swallow and not as tender etc. 

[3] 桃花 (psst, technically these are peach blossoms but I have changed all of the ones in the story to fit the novel title ;^;) refers to people who have an interest in others, so when someone is blocking the cherry blossoms (//cough peach blossoms), they are stopping the person (who has an interested in you) trying to get closer to yoi. 

[4] I really couldn’t find an English word for this but the meaning of this is “food given to Buddhist monks as alms” 

[5] The word here is 圣人 which can mean “Saint” but it also means “the current reigning Emperor.” Using “Saint” doesn’t really make sense and “the current reigning Emperor” also is too wordy so I will use “His Holiness” 

[6] Technically it’s like rubbing his fist and scheming, this is how it’s supposed to look. 

[7] Written in English, meaning is as implied.