Chapter 21 - The Wind is Up (1/2)

Chapter 21: The Wind is Up

The snow stopped, clouds soaring about and mutating in their multitudes, and a clear, cold moon bored through the layer of cloud onto the big river, shrouding a small boat.

On the prow stood a tall man in white robes playing a transverse bamboo flute, notes slipping out velvety from that high-quality mottled bamboo instrument.

Song Yuming was at the bank watching with his hands clasped behind his back the man the Son of Heaven called the “White-Clad Martial Celestial”. He sighed and called out, “You’re here. Year in and year out, don’t you get tired of it?”

White-Clad Martial Celestial Chen Xichui lowered his flute and looked at the fisherman with his hands behind his back over on the bank. “A lot of people hope you will return,” he said softly.

Song Yuming smiled and shook his head. “Even if a hundred thousand people wanted me to go back, as long as the one on the dragon throne does not wish it, I won’t go.”

Chen Xichui frowned. “The wind is up with many changes in the capital. The crown prince longs for the throne and their are factions formed not at court. His Majesty is in poor health and though the high consort has no heir, she has still become entangled with the crown prince’s contention for the throne. Third Prince seeks higher up support, so…”

Song Yuming waved it away and cut him off. “Such a pestilent atmosphere is no match for the peaceful scenery here. I have no interest in stepping into those muddy waters… General Chen, you should go.”

Chen Xichui had more to say, but he saw the calm look on Song Yuming’s face and knew he had already set aside many things, including concern for that woman. Whatever else he might say would do no good. He heaved a sigh. “I never really hoped to be able to persuade you to leave retirement… I’m happy you can live reely in such a nice secluded place… I won’t come anymore.”

He took out a lustrous jade pendant and tossed it to Song Yuming, a bitter smile on his face. “After all, it was my younger sister, Baozhuang, who let you down the most. I’m returning this to its rightful owner.”

Song Yuming snatched the jade ornament out of the air and looked at it. It was a bare semi-circular disc with bamboo and plum carvings.[1]

How to tie the knot of affection? With a beautiful jade hung from a silken sash.[2]