Chapter 44 (1/2)

T/N: Any notes at the end of relevant paragraphs that are indicated with an asteriskare usually my own translation notes, unless I say otherwise in square brackets [], and whatever's written in square brackets are words I added on for clearer laring typos or errors, feel free to point them out!

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Chapter 44: What is the truth

Rajiva stares at the Gillette razor in irls fro these razors for their boyfriends and it made me decide to buy one on iain, I thought I would never have the chance to give it to hi with this razor, but in the end decided not to because I was afraid that it would get poisoned by radiation

Of course Rajiva does not kno to use this razor I make him sit down, then daainst his chin to soften the stubble there I tell him to tilt his head back and to stay still, then slowly slide the razor across his chin I have learned how to do this from a male researcher in the lab Rajiva watches me with careful eyes I can see my reflection in his eyes and it makes my heart beat fast His skin is very soes a bit blank Afraid that my inattention may hurt him, I try to cal on with the shaving

Once it is all done, his face looks very clean and fresh While I ae, ht there and then It is already three in the afternoon and I have yet to eaten since last night My cheeks redden in embarrassently at o eat”

We sit across froh the food is now cold, I still find it very delicious for so at hirin on my face and every time, he would smile back at e at the corners of his eyes and on his forehead, so when he smiles, the wrinkles are even more evident I wish I could erase all those ain another ten years passing for hi only a few months for me This time, I want to accompany him to the end of this journey of life

”Does it still hurt?”

After our ently touches my back, eyes pained I shake er he would be caught in all that inner turmoil? For that reason, I do not feel any pain

His face suddenly reddens as he asks in a suard,creeps up aze is still on me, I turn around and sweepwhile I feel extre him my bare skin like this and just want to pull ently stopsthe welt from the whip After a moment, his hand is replaced by a war fro kiss that s his lips to the shell of my ear and speaks in a low hushed tone:

”Rajiva will never let you get hurt again”

The ats, ht with nerves Perspiration starts to pool on the bridge ofopen Startled, I immediately pull up etting that this is a prison and someone can come in at any time However, Rajiva has used his body to shi+eldus peeks his head in and says: ”Great Master, General Lu has requested for you”

Lu Guang did not say that he wanted to seeanyway We end up in the sa is surrounded by the saroup of bastard sons as before

”Hoas your night of tasting, Great Master? My son has witnessed with his own eyes the moment you achieved the world's uthter without any care, seely very satisfied [with the situation]

”A person should kno to enjoy the pleasures of life Just chanting , I'm afraid the Great Master would never knohat pleasure of the flesh feels like!”

Even though I haveinsults when I see Lu Guang, but upon hearing such vile words in person, I aust as if I have just sed a fly in lance at Rajiva out of the corner of htly, but his expression is still caler That we have to suffer such humiliation is all because our status is inferior!

Lu Guang finally directs his attention over me and comments with a leer:

”Turns out Master is not unlike ures At 'an, I have taken in quite a nuirls If Master has the opportunity to visit Chang'an later, I will definitely gift you a few girls”

Rajiva still reht line, his back rah he is dressed in a conified and otherworldly aura, all serve tolook rather s no response fro off, for he coughs to clear his throat and says: ”The next few days, Master should rest in the palace I will make sure there are servants around to take care of your needs”

Then he pretends to be caring and asks: ”Do you need anything?”

Rajiva inclines his head slightly and clasps his hands together before replying cal so my heart has not been at ease If General Lu would allow me to return to the Tsio-Li or Cakuri Terateful”

”Master need not be in such a hurry! I have several questions about Buddha's teachings that will require your guidance”

”General Lu's questions are not ones Rajiva can help answer The study of chenwei is not one of Buddha's teachings Rajiva only knows sutras and is not able to help you divine fortunes” His tone seeuments as he continues, ”Rajiva is a monk and matters of the earthly realm are beyond us [monks] General Lu may be able to force Rajiva to break the precepts, butthat you can bend to your will Whatever hopes General Lu has for me, Rajiva is not able to help with, so it is best that you cast such thoughts out of your mind”

a type of divination [see end of Ch40]

I am quite confused When Buddhism was first introduced to the Central Plains, the Han people viewed Buddhisions in the area From the Han Dynasty to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the practice of chenwei is fairly co to use Rajiva as a diviner is not totally unexpected But the words Rajiva used made me puzzled What does heto make Rajiva break his precepts was not because of sohts at the nal to Rajiva to not provoke Lu Guang any further

As expected, Rajiva's words ry

He shouts at us: ”How dare you!”

However, Lu Zuan has stopped his father before he can advance on us and whispers soins to cross over the general's face and he takes a deep breath to collect himself

”Master must be exhausted from the past few days, you should rest” Despite such words, there is nothing friendly or gentle about his tone He continues, ”Master has helped 's concubines are now ift a few of them to you later”

Rajiva looks over atin a careful voice: ”General Lu needs not worry Rajiva has practiced the monastic way many years and is void of such desires” He pauses for a second before adding, ”Rajiva hopes that General Lu will be kind to those wohs in his face

”Master is really as kind as they say”

Then he looks over tofinds any in the future, I will make sure to send them to Master”

Rajiva's face hardens but he says no other word in response