Chapter 34 (1/2)
Chapter 34 Rising Wind: Summer
Despite being situated by the Wei River, summer was as hot as it could be in Chang’an. The cicadas chirped endlessly amongst the trees, increasing the annoyance brought on by the heat.
Feng Luodi sat on the highest floor of a teahouse in Chang’an, taking in the scenery from her vantage point. Although the area was not enclosed, there wasn't even the slightest wind caught through the bannisters and corridors which were specifically designed to catch the breeze. Perspiration beaded her face as she gulped down a cup of warm tea.
“It’s so hot!” Feng Luodi briefly fanned herself with a paper fan, but quickly put it down after her arm grew tired. Not even a moment had pa.s.sed before she picked up the fan again, unable to tolerate the heat. That was all she had been doing the entire afternoon, and the annoyance was written clearly on her face.
The heat was not the only reason for her sudden lack of composure; there was also the lack of news regarding the other 9 Guqin. Since Wind Crane, spring had came and left while summer descended on her like a burning furnace, but still not even the slightest information regarding the other Guqin was heard. She had repeatedly checked with the zither shopkeepers in Chang’an to no avail. She had intended to leave Chang’an in her quest to find the other 9 Guqin, but she had barely even mentioned the idea to her parents before the Chamberlain shut her down, lecturing her sternly on the matter. She recalled what her father had said. You will not venture far from this city as long as your parents are still alive! Feng Luodi sighed; there was nothing she could do about it – she was a girl, after all, and she had to obey her parents.
“How will I ever find all 10 Guqin at this rate?” Feng Luodi downed another cup of warm tea. “No wonder Phantom said that finding the 10 Guqin was more about fate than hard work.”
And then there was the problem of acquiring the Guqin after they had been found. The shopkeepers have subtly reminded her on numerous occasions that, even if they had managed to locate any of the Guqin, it would cost a fortune to buy – money that Feng Luodi did not possess. They had deduced that most of the Guqin were held by collectors or maestros, and if that were the case, it would not just be a matter of money – they would have to give it up willingly.
A fortune! Feng Luodi’s face soured at the mere thought of that. Although the Chamberlain and the First Lady gave her a sizeable allowance of silver every month, it would be silly to think that she can purchase a famed Guqin with that measly amount of money! She had briefly entertained the thought of using the Feng household’s wealth to fund her purchases of the Guqin, but quickly extinguished these thoughts whenever they came up. If she had used the Feng household’s silver to pave her way back to the 21st Century, she would never be able to live with herself. After what happened with Linglong that day when she realised her ignorance regarding her parent’s heritage, she had don her research.
The Chamberlain was born a commoner, the only son of a poor family. He studied hard despite his humble background, and started out as a magistrate in a small county. He was just and well loved by the people, and the county prospered under his rule. He was repeatedly promoted in the next few years, his ability recognised, until the position of a Prefect. When the Emperor reached the Chamberlain’s place of governing when he toured the kingdom, he was amazed by the ability of the Chamberlain, and promoted him to his current position and rank.
The Chamberlain met the Yushan Commandery Princess the year he was promoted to his position, and the two married soon after, deeply in love. Although the Yushan Commandery Princess was only the daughter of a Commandery Prince loosely related to the royal family, and her status could not compare to that of a princess of royal descent, she was known in Chang’an for her tenderness, both of her personality and beauty. Her features were soft and attractive, and had many suitors when she first arrived in Chang’an with her father. Although many of her suitors were of higher born or position than the Chamberlain, she had fallen in love with the Chamberlain, and the two were wed soon after.
Footsteps echoed along the hallway, shaking her from her reverie. She raised her head and saw Qi Jianqiu walk into the room, dressed in feminine clothing. Qi Jianqiu had taken up the habit of changing her clothes extremely often, now that summer has arrived. She had accidentally spilt tea on her clothes a while ago, and used it as an excuse to change into new clothes. When she came back, she was dressed in a high skirt that spanned the area between her chest and ankles, outlined in a royal purple. A wide belt sat on her hips, hibiscus patterns swirling along the span of the belt of a deep magenta. A white half-tunic sat on top of her skirt, the sleeves wide and airy, her hair held up in an elegant hairstyle by an elaborate hairpin of white jade.
Qi Jianqiu sighed as she sat down, her expression troubled. She reached out for a cup of tea, and, realising that it was still hot, sighed once more.
“Argh, I can’t take this anymore!” She groaned.
Feng Luodi looked at her curiously. “You were still enjoying yourself just now, before you left to change.” She eyed her clothes bemusedly. “Did changing your clothes bring about a change of mood as well?”
“Luodi,” Qi Jianqiu looked at Feng Luodi with her best puppy eyes, “I don’t want to be married.”
“Then don’t. n.o.body is forcing you anyway.” Feng Luodi was puzzled. As far as she knew, the Minister of the Right had had no plans to wed Qi Jianqiu so quickly, wanting her to stay at home with him for at least another year.
“But there are so many suitors! If they all lined up in front of my door, they could reach the other end of the street!” Qi Jianqiu pursed her lips. “I could barely get out of my house just now. Nowadays, almost everyone is trying to flirt with me, some of them even telling me that 17 years old is a good time to get married!” She raised her voice towards the end, evidently upset by the endless suitors.
Feng Luodi quickly poured her a cup of tea, wanting to calm her down. Seems like there are some drawbacks from being too pretty and having a good birth.
Qi Jianqiu took a swig of the tea carelessly, and her face changed. “Argh! The tea is still so hot!” She looked at the sky. “Why is the weather so hot!”
Feng Luodi pouted helplessly at her friend, annoyed by the heat as well. If only there was an air-conditioner in this world, I wouldn’t have to spend my days with this fan that’s barely of any use.
When Jiang Moyin came up the stairs into the room, he saw the two girls by the table, looks of resignation on their faces as they repeatedly sighed.
“Something wrong again?” Although he was the Grand Tutor for the Heir Apparent, supposedly bearing heavy duties and responsibilities, Jiang Moyin had been spending his days with the two girls.
Qi Jianqiu glanced at him. He was dressed in clothes slightly more formal than they were used to seeing, a robe of dark red on the outside, embroidered with suns and moons. The edges were of a bright red, the pattern in fas.h.i.+on at the moment. He must have just came from the palace.
“Why are you here again?” Qi Jianqiu snapped. I’m sure this Jiang Moyin is up to no good. More specifically, he is interested in Feng Luodi! He tried to hide it, but I know that he had tried to find out about Luodi’s likes and dislikes, and is even helping her to search for the 10 Guqin. Hmph! This Jiang Moyin is the same as the playboy Gan Qingjia, who spends his days between the zither parlour, the pear orchards or even the brothels! Only Xue Yiqi is slightly better than the two of them, seeing as how slow and silly he is. I’m sure the First Gentleman who they always hang out with, Situ Muye, is of the same kind as them! What a weird gang!
Jiang Moyin ignored her, and looked patiently at Feng Luodi. Seeing that it was him, Feng Luodi gathered her emotions and smiled. “Just finished with your duties? Was the Heir Apparent satisfied with your teachings?”