Explore Chapter 2 of '水浒新传' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Now, when Chai Jin came to the Eastern Capital, his errand was that of a spy. He had originally reckoned on spending three to five months seeking opportunities. By chance, he met Young Master Cai at the East Gate Post Station, which kindled a flicker of hope for success. After waiting three or four days without any sign of Captain Wu coming to meet him, Chai Jin's enthusiasm waned. That day, he entrusted a letter to Dai Zong to take back to the mountain stronghold, and in the evening, he secretly convened with Yan Qing to deliberate. He said, 'Although we have made acquaintance with Tong Guan, he is but a lowly creature in the Young Master's Residence, capable of little. Let us examine the list of contacts that Brother Xuan Zan prepared. Since a wily hare keeps three burrows, we may well seek another path.'
Yan Qing said, 'I too grow impatient waiting for Captain Wu.' Chai Jin retrieved the list from his chest and perused it under the lamplight. Among the many names, he found two that seemed promising prospects. One was the household of Sun the Mounteer. This man's given name was Qingliu, and he excelled at painting landscapes. Relying on this skill, he dedicated himself to currying favor with high officials and nobles. The current Grand CouncilorWang Fu had a vast retinue of retainers, all of whom associated with him. The other was Zhu Bayan, a master stonemason. At that time, the court was transporting floral stones from Jiangnan to the capital to construct rockeries. The Bureau of Imperial Tribute had summoned numerous artisans to await orders in the capital. For stones requiring further carving, the artisans were sent to the imperial gardens to work. Zhu Bayan possessed a singular talent for carving stones into exquisitely delicate forms, erasing all trace of chisel marks. The eunuch Yang Jian held him in the highest esteem. He also claimed kinship with the tribute commissioner Zhu Mian, which further inflated his prestige in the Eastern Capital.
Chai Jin and Yan Qing having settled on a plan, they prepared a valuable gift, entrusted to Bai Sheng and Shi Qian to carry in a gift box. Chai Jin himself donned a Tang-style hat, a robe of purple Taoist cut, and a yellow silk sash, attired in the most fashionable scholar garb of the Eastern Capital. In those days, Emperor Huizong revered immortals and repeatedly employed Taoist priests. Scholars too began affecting a semi-Taoist guise, as if proclaiming themselves confidants of Emperor Zhao. However, impoverished scholars did not adopt such attire, for frequenting teahouses and taverns demanded considerable silver.
Thus attired, Chai Jin mounted a horse, accompanied by his attendants, and first made for Sun the Mounteer's residence. A young servant came to answer the door. Chai Jin dismounted and said, 'Pray inform your esteemed master that this humble Zhou Ji, having journeyed from Suzhou to the capital, seeks an audience on a matter.'
Chai Jin was ushered into the parlor. Before a nine-fold brocade screen stood a redwood couch. On one side, a lattice shelf displayed vases, precious tripods, wine tallies, and poetry tablets. On the other, embroidered cushions and green side tables were arranged-scarcely resembling the home of a mere picture mounter. Sun the Mounteer emerged from behind the screen, wearing a coarse hat and black robe, with a thick, bristly beard and large, peach-like eyes-a swarthy, rotund fellow of diminutive stature. He clasped his hands and repeatedly apologized for not welcoming him sooner.
Chai Jin said, 'This humble one has heard of your mastery in painting and presumes to visit, daring to seek your instruction.' With that, he lifted the curtain and beckoned his attendant to enter, presenting the gift box. After the attendant withdrew, Chai Jin clasped his hands toward Sun the Mounteer and said, 'These trifles are but a token of my respect.' As he spoke, he opened the lid of the gift box and set it aside. Sun the Mounteer looked inside and saw four bolts of brocade, four pearl hairpins, two ornamental jade girdles, and ten garlic-strip gold ingots. He could not help exclaiming in astonishment, 'Being strangers, how dare I accept such a lavish gift?'
Chai Jin replied, 'Precisely because we are strangers, I must express my sincerity in visiting today. Should you deem these gifts too meager, I shall trouble you no further.'
Sun the Mounteer smiled and said, 'Since you honor my humble abode, pray partake of some tea first, and we shall discuss further.' As he spoke, he engaged Chai Jin in conversation while instructing his servants to bring fragrant tea and fruits.
After a brief chat, Sun the Mounteer inquired into Chai Jin's background and quickly grasped the situation. He smiled and said, 'Does Lord Zhou seek a few rough sketches from this humble one for personal use or to present to a court noble? To speak plainly, I frequent the mansions of princes and dukes in the Eastern Capital and am intimately acquainted with their preferences.'
Chai Jin said, 'Your masterpieces deserve treasuring. However, as a traveler, I have no place to display them. As you surmise, I wish to befriend the Gentry. Should someone show favor, I hope to seek an introduction through noble patronage.'
Sun the Mounteer smiled and said, 'Since you honor me with your trust and speak candidly, how dare I not reply with sincerity? An appreciation for zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting reflects deep refinement. Although there are a few elegant gentlemen at court, my meager skill alone cannot win their regard. Since you come from the Wu region, you must have brought some Jiangnan goods.'
Chai Jin said, 'Should there be any progress, I would not hesitate to spend all the fine gold, pearls, and brocade I brought from Wu in several carts.'
Sun the Mounteer laughed and said, 'If you are truly so generous, I am honored to befriend a hero like you. Come, come, come, pray stay for a simple drink and let us converse freely.'
Chai Jin clasped his hands and said, 'I respectfully await your instruction and will gladly impose on your hospitality.'
Sun the Mounteer was delighted. He accepted the gifts on the table and ordered his servants to buy wine and dishes from the street. He also instructed them to properly entertain Lord Zhou's attendants in the outer rooms. Soon, the young servant brought in two pots of wine, along with roast goose, smoked chicken, large chunks of beef, and assorted fruits. Sun the Mounteer seated Chai Jin at the head of the table and took the host's seat beside him.
After a few drinks, Sun the Mounteer rested his left hand on a pair of ivory chopsticks on the table and stroked his disheveled beard with his right. He smiled and said, 'Lord Zhou, did someone guide you to the Eastern Capital? Otherwise, how would you know of Sun the Mounteer's household?' Chai Jin replied, 'Who in the Eastern Capital does not know the painter Sun Qingliu?'
Sun the Mounteer shook his head and smiled. 'Although that may be said, more know I frequent Grand Councilor Wang's household than know I can paint. The Grand Councilor often accompanies the Imperial Majesty and is not easily met. However, several of the Grand Councilor's trusted retainers are on good terms with me. Lord Zhou, if you are willing to expend some wealth, I can see you clothed in the purple and crimson of high office.'
Chai Jin suddenly stood up and said, 'Should you assist me, I will surely repay you handsomely. My family has modest means, but should I obtain an official post, I can offer half my family fortune to reward my benefactor.' As he spoke, he patted his chest, his face flushed. Sun the Mounteer raised a large cup of Xinfeng wine and smiled at him. 'In that case, let me first toast to your success, Lord Zhou.' Chai Jin was naturally pleased and joined him in drinking seven or eight cups. Sun the Mounteer smiled and asked, 'Does Lord Zhou wish to serve at court or take up a post in a prefecture?'
Sun the Mounteer said, 'That makes sense. Since you return from south of the Yangtze, do you wish to take a prefectural post in the central plains?'
Chai Jin said, 'It is not easy to fulfill my wishes. If I may choose, Gaotang or Pingyuan would be fine, as they are closer to my hometown Cangzhou.'
Sun the Mounteer stuck out his tongue and shook his head. 'Lord Zhou, the world is vast. Why set your sights on Gaotang and Pingyuan? Those are areas where bandits from Liangshan Marsh roam. Just this past year, they have crossed the north bank of the Yellow River dozens of times, treating a dozen prefectures as their own thoroughfare. The government troops dare not so much as cast a sidelong glance in their direction.'
Sun the Mounteer said, 'Originally, Grand Councilor Cai considered amnesty and recruitment for them. But because they robbed the Birthday Tribute Convoy, slaughtered the entire family of Secretariat Liang, and repeatedly offended Grand Councilor Cai, he hates them to the core. Several attempts have been made to suppress them, but none succeeded. Now, they plan to dispatch a large force to quell them, but due to the rebellion of Fang La in Jiangnan, the court has to set this aside for now.'
Chai Jin silently memorized every word, but his face showed no reaction. He picked up his wine cup and slowly drank, gazing idly at the antiques on the lattice shelf. He asked casually, 'From whom did you hear this?'
Sun the Mounteer smiled and said, 'Precisely because of the rebellion of that villain Fang La, Grand Councilor Wang is uneasy. The tribute commissioner Zhu Mian, who oversees the procurement of Flower and Stone Tributes, was recommended by the Grand Councilor himself. Fang La's rebellion first targets that commissioner. The Grand Councilor receives urgent dispatches day and night, reporting that Fang La has occupied many prefectures. Should the bandit's momentum grow, the Grand Councilor's own position would be threatened. Therefore, several armies have already been dispatched to Jiangnan to sweep them away. Once Fang La is pacified, they will turn to suppress Liangshan Marsh. I frequent the Grand Councilor's mansion and know this well.'
Though Sun the Mounteer frequented noble households, he had never encountered someone who employed gold so liberally. He was skeptical, but since ten garlic-strip gold ingots had already been presented, it was no idle talk. Half-convinced, he agreed casually. As the wine dwindled, they shook hands, made an agreement, and parted.
The next day around noon, Sun the Mounteer took two paintings and had a servant carry a presentation box to return the visit at the Gaosheng Inn. Seeing Chai Jin's numerous attendants, horses, and carriages, he discreetly inquired with the innkeeper, who said the Zhou brothers were exceedingly wealthy. This confirmed they were fat targets from whom he could profit greatly. He further promised Chai Jin that within three days, he would secure a path through Grand Councilor Wang. To please him, Chai Jin accompanied him to a tavern for drinks. Leaning on the railing, they toasted repeatedly, greatly enjoying themselves.
Suddenly, a clamor arose from the street as over a dozen fine horses passed by. Among them was a man with a purplish complexion, a long five-strand beard, wearing a purple satin battle robe and a purple concave-front hat. A golden girdle held a monk's knife, and he rode a purple steed. His bulging goldfish eyes scanned the surroundings with pride. Chai Jin said, 'What a heroic figure!'
Sun the Mounteer said, 'This man is Chief InspectorDou Jian of the imperial city in Bianjing. Because of his fierce visage, people in the Eastern Capital often see him on the streets and call him Match for the Door Gods, likening him to the traditional door guardian deities.'
Chai Jin said, 'The imperial city's Chief Inspector, nicknamed Match for the Door Gods. Is that not splendid?' He praised incessantly. Sun the Mounteer said, 'Inspector Dou and I have long been acquainted. If you wish to meet him, I can notify him today, and we can visit him together tomorrow. How does that sound?'
Sun the Mounteer smiled and said, 'Even better. When you return to your lodging, have your attendant bring the gift to my place, and I will personally escort him.' Chai Jin repeatedly thanked him. They did not linger over drinks. Chai Jin paid the bill, and each went his own way.
Upon returning to the inn, Chai Jin called Shi Qian and Bai Sheng into his room to discuss the matter secretly. Bai Sheng laughed and said, 'As spies in the Eastern Capital, we naturally should befriend him. But with the nickname Match for the Door Gods, his eyes miss nothing. Are we to deliver ourselves to his door for arrest?'
Shi Qian chuckled and said, 'What's there to fear? As long as we give lavish gifts, he'll treat us like kin!' Chai Jin said, 'With Sun the Mounteer's recommendation, Dou Jian will not suspect. Brothers, go ahead.' They prepared a load of gifts, had Bai Sheng carry it, and Shi Qian hold the presentation box, heading to Sun the Mounteer's residence.
Sun the Mounteer was pleased to see Chai Jin keep his word. He said to Shi Qian, 'The Chief Inspector's residence is not far. Let's go now.' The three arrived at the Dou mansion and saw the purple steed still saddled in the stable to the left of the entrance. Sun the Mounteer smiled and said, 'Perfect timing. The inspector has just returned from patrol.' He instructed Shi and Bai to wait briefly at the gate, took the presentation box from Shi Qian, and went inside. Soon, two bailiffs emerged, saying, 'You two have worked hard,' took over the load, and led them into the inner chambers.
Shi Qian observed carefully as they passed through two halls to the third courtyard. From a distance, he saw Sun the Mounteer conversing with the inspector. Shi and Bai bowed at the base of the steps. Upon entering the room, they bowed again. Shi Qian saw this was an inner chamber. At the center stood a Xiangfei wood couch covered with a tiger-skin rug. Behind the screen was a warm alcove concealed by curtains. Besides chairs, tables, and precious curios, there were items reflecting a military family's style. On the right wall hung a carved bow and a bronze sword. On the left, below a zither stand, was not a zither but a carved wooden rack holding five command arrows in silk-oilcloth sheaths. Each sheath bore a large vermilion character for 'command.'
At that moment, Dou Jian held the gift list, watching the bailiffs unpack the gifts. He could not help smiling at Shi Qian and said, 'Convey my thanks to your Presented Scholar for his generous sentiments. I have official duties and cannot visit your lodging in person. Pray come tomorrow evening for a simple drink at my humble abode. I will only invite Court Official Sun to accompany us. There will be no others, so please do not decline.'
In those days, scholars who came to the capital for examinations were called Presented Scholar, unlike later when only the top graduate was called the palace-selected. Others who held posts in the capital based on a skill were called Court Official. Dou Jian addressed them thus out of courtesy. Shi Qian understood and bowed in acknowledgment. Pleased, Dou Jian ordered the bailiffs to fetch four taels of silver, rewarding Bai Sheng and Shi Qian with two taels each.
The two took the silver and, upon encountering two beggars in a back alley, gave them all four taels. Returning to the inn, they reported to Chai Jin, and they laughed heartily.
The next evening, with Shi Qian holding a lantern, Chai Jin rode a white horse to Dou Jian's residence. From afar, he saw two vermilion-lacquered gates wide open, with a large lantern about six feet in circumference hanging from the lintel, bearing a large vermilion character 'Dou.' On both sides of the gate stood two rows of sixteen square-fan lanterns, supported by bamboo frames in a cross pattern. Under the eaves, two more rows of ten octagonal palace lanterns with gauze shades illuminated the area brightly. Chai Jin dismounted outside the gate, and bailiffs from the Dou mansion quickly went inside to announce his arrival.
Two handheld palace lanterns emerged from within, and Dou Jian personally welcomed Chai Jin to the first courtyard. Under the lamplight, he saw Chai Jin's dignified and heroic bearing, far from a rustic scholar. He thought to himself, no wonder he is so generous in forming connections. He laughed heartily and said, 'I guessed Presented Scholar Zhou would be a distinguished figure. Meeting you confirms it. What an honor!' As he spoke, he bowed deeply. When ushered into the guest room, Sun the Mounteer, dressed in new clothes, was already seated there.
After seating them, Dou Jian smiled and said, 'I heard from Court Official Sun that a Presented Scholar Zhou from Cangzhou has come to the Eastern Capital, putting all the scholars here to shame. Court Official Sun has met many people, so if he admires someone, he cannot be wrong. Now, after talking with Presented Scholar Zhou, I fear Court Official Sun's analogy is still inadequate. Presented Scholar Zhou nearly outshines all the scholars in the Eastern Capital. Ha ha ha.' As he spoke, he stroked his beard and laughed.
Chai Jin said, 'Before coming to the Eastern Capital, I heard Inspector Dou was a hero. Upon arrival, I hear even more praise. Thus, through Court Official Sun's introduction, I dared to seek an audience. In future dealings in the capital, I hope for your guidance.'
Dou Jian raised his head, stroked his long beard, and smiled. 'Rest assured, Presented Scholar. The Eastern Capital is now a splendid world. Teahouses, taverns, song stages, and pleasure quarters are all under the jurisdiction of my men. Feel free to amuse yourself as you please. Should anyone dare harm a single hair on your head, they will at least taste three hundred strokes of my rod.'
Chai Jin clasped his hands and said, 'I rely entirely on your mighty authority. I dare not break the law in the imperial capital, but being unfamiliar with the place, I fear unexpected mishaps. Should I achieve any advancement in the future, I will repay your kindness.'
Dou Jian smiled and said, 'Your future rise to prominence is assured. I may yet rely on your great talent.' They spoke happily, with Sun the Mounteer constantly adding to the merriment. Dou Jian then ordered the bailiffs to serve wine and dishes, and they drank to their heart's content.
Bai Sheng and Shi Qian drank with several bailiffs and servants in a small outer room. Shi Qian had brought small treasures like sweat towels, fragrant pendants, and jade tablets from Suzhou, which he distributed to everyone, delighting them all.
That night, Chai Jin returned to the inn late. In the courtyard, he saw light still shining from Yan Qing's room. He asked, 'Is Little Brother Yi still awake?' Yan Qing emerged smiling and said, 'Brother, while you were enjoying drinks, I also broadened my horizons. Shortly after you left, Captain Wu came to arrange a meeting.'
As they entered the room, he looked around to ensure no outsiders were present and lowered his voice. 'I gave the gatekeeper four ingots of silver and promised further rewards later. Seeing I was with Captain Wu, he said I could come to the chancellor's gate to find him in the future. Tomorrow, Cai You is hosting guests at home, surely a gathering of dignitaries. I plan to go again.'
In the Eastern Capital, amidst the Gentry and wealthy households, who would have guessed that a nest of bandits moved freely as honored guests? They could only laugh secretly to themselves.
The next day, Yan Qing brought Shi Qian, carrying a red silk bundle with some items, and went to Cai You's residence again. It was already the first watch. Lamps and candles lit up every corner of the Cai mansion, illuminating it thoroughly. Yan Qing saw two rows of guards standing at the gate, their swords and halberds gleaming, different from the previous day. Approaching the gate, he paused. A guard came to interrogate him. Yan Qing bowed and said, 'The Second Young Master ordered me to come at the first watch. The gatekeeper knows me.'
The guard led him to the gatekeeper's room. The gatekeeper was startled and whispered, 'Second Master Zhou, you come rather recklessly tonight. The Imperial Majesty is here.'
Yan Qing said, 'This humble one only seeks to see the Second Young Master, not to meet the emperor. The chancellor's mansion has countless doors and rooms. Even if I enter, how would the Imperial Majesty know?' The gatekeeper said, 'Even so, when the Imperial Majesty visits, strangers are not allowed inside.'
Yan Qing said, 'Is the Second Young Master in the mansion? If he is, I must seize this chance to see him. I rely entirely on your assistance.' He then took the bundle from Shi Qian. With no fourth person in the room, Yan Qing opened the bundle on the table, revealing ten gleaming garlic-strip gold ingots. The gatekeeper stared, dumbfounded and shocked. Yan Qing said, 'This small token is for you, only asking for your help. If the Second Young Master is not in the mansion, I will leave immediately without delay.'
The gatekeeper examined the ten gold ingots neatly placed on the red silk under the lamp, confirming they were real and not a trick. He stepped forward, pulled the silk to cover the gold, and smiled. 'I already received generous gifts yesterday. Today, such lavish presents truly make it hard to refuse your kindness. The Second Young Master is indeed here, but with the Imperial Majesty present, I fear he may not wish to see outsiders.'
Yan Qing said, 'If the Second Young Master refuses, please put in a good word for me. I cannot keep returning empty-handed.' Seeing the ten gold ingots, the gatekeeper felt Yan Qing was dearer than his own parents. For such a cause, he should take some risk. He smiled at Yan Qing and said, 'A scholar dies for his知己. I will accompany you inside. Have your attendant hide in the corridor corner outside. I have half a jar of wine for night watchmen. You can quench your thirst with it. I gratefully accept this kindness.' He bowed deeply and, without asking if Yan Qing wanted the gold back, picked up the bundle and took it to a hidden alcove at the back. Then, he brought out a wine jar and a wooden tray with half a smoked goose on the table, smiling, 'It's rather crude. Please tear it with your hands.'
About half an hour later, the gatekeeper returned, sweating profusely, and bowed to Yan Qing. 'I have not failed your request. When the Second Young Master heard you sought an audience, he did not say much. But he scolded me for being糊涂, asking how I could let a stranger in with the Imperial Majesty here. After I pleaded repeatedly, saying you waited here daily, showing rare loyalty, and that your skills are remarkable, just the kind of person the Second Young Master lacks, it took two cups of tea time before he relented. He quietly agreed to see you. A captain outside will guide you.' Yan Qing thanked him and followed the guide outside.
Shi Qian had been standing in the corridor outside the window for a long time. He thought, 'What the devil? After spending so much gold and silver, I end up standing in a corner of the chancellor's mansion gate.'
At that moment, the sound of strings and singing drifted over the wall with the wind. He thought, 'The Emperor Zhao is here enjoying himself. I wonder what kind of fun emperors and ministers have?' As he fretted, he saw Yan Qing follow two captains into the inner chambers. He then slowly moved along the outer whitewashed wall. Seeing a row of guards in soft armor holding weapons at a distant moon gate, he hid under a rose trellis. He pondered, 'If even the side gates by this wall are so heavily guarded, the doors leading directly inside must be even harder to approach.' After standing still for a while, he saw several people carrying food boxes enter freely through the moon gate. He then slipped around the corridor. At the corner was a narrow alley winding toward the chancellor's outer compound.
On the way, he passed two or three people who paid him no mind. Shi Qian grew bolder and pressed forward. He saw an elderly man with graying beard carrying a load, walking straight toward him. Shi Qian stepped forward, blocking the path, and loudly demanded, 'Where are you going?'
The old man set down his load and said, 'This old man is delivering fish to the kitchen.' Shi Qian asked, 'Those who deliver goods to our chancellor's mansion must have passes. Today, with the Imperial Majesty here, no idlers are allowed.' The old man set down his load, took out a copper token from his pocket, and smiled. 'Brother, don't you recognize me?'
Shi Qian took the token, examined it, and smiled. 'I was recently transferred here from the old chancellor's mansion, so I don't know you. Please don't take offense.' The old man said, 'This old man is called Old Hu. Every day, I buy fresh carp from the Yellow River banks and deliver them to the chancellor's mansion. Usually, I enter through the back gate, close to the kitchen. Today, I'm late, and the back gate is closed, so I came around through the east side gate. Another day, I'll invite you for wine on Xiangguo Temple Street.'
Shi Qian smiled and said, 'No need for another day. I've been on duty in this alley for half a day, and my stomach is growling. If you take me to the kitchen, I can get some wine and meat. That would be a great convenience.' As he spoke, he took over Old Hu's load and added, 'Don't say I'm from the chancellor's mansion. First, I'm not in uniform. Second, if I claim to be one of them, they'll say everyone has their duties and won't give me food.'
As he spoke, he picked up the load and walked. Old Hu was an honest man and did not know what role Shi Qian played in the mansion. He followed the load. Seeing him move, Shi Qian fell back behind him and pleaded, 'If anyone asks, just say I'm your nephew. I'll handle the rest.' Old Hu never imagined a rebel in the chancellor's mansion and agreed, leading him to the kitchen.
The cooks saw Old Hu and someone laughed, 'We were wondering why you hadn't delivered the fish at this hour. Maybe you were sick? Or did someone carry the load for you?' Old Hu said, 'Exactly. This old man couldn't come, but fearing to delay the kitchen's needs, I had my nephew bring it.'
In the past few days, Shi Qian had learned some Eastern Capital dialect. He picked a kind-looking kitchen helper, showered him with pleasantries, and asked for some wine and meat. The helper gave him a large bowl of leftover dishes, half a pot of wine, and several steamed buns, then led him to a side room to eat before leaving.
Shi Qian saw a pile of dry firewood in the side room, stacked to the eaves. He first extinguished the oil lamp, secretly climbed onto the woodpile, grabbed a rope hanging from the eaves for storing items, swung like on a swing, kicked out with both feet, hooked onto the eaves, and with a carp's leap, stood on the tiled roof. Northern houses had thick roofs of mud and hemp mixture. Shi Qian was agile and made no sound. He looked around from the roof. In the center, a place shone brightly, lighting up the sky, revealing surrounding trees, rocks, pavilions, and towers. The sound of strings and pipes came from there.
Shi Qian fixed his direction and moved along the roof ridges toward the lit area. As he drew near, a long alley blocked his way, with round-tiled walls on both sides, making footing difficult. Crouching between two roof rafters, he peered into the alley and saw two gauze palace lanterns guiding a man and woman forward. The man appeared about forty, wearing a gauze hat and a first-rank red satin Hu-style robe, with a three-strand mustache covering his mouth, not clearly visible. He heard the woman behind say, 'Today, the Imperial Majesty is so pleased. My lord minister, after changing court robes, can sing together.'
Shi Qian thought, 'In this chancellor's mansion, who else wears first-rank robes and is called lord minister? Isn't this Cai You? If I threw down a few tiles, I could rid the people of a scourge. But that would ruin our mountain stronghold's plans.'
Watching the pair move away, he turned back and saw a wisteria trellis in the right courtyard. He slid down the post, crept along the wall past the long alley, and faced a narrow海棠-leaf door connecting to a winding corridor. Slipping through the door, he immediately climbed onto the corridor roof, stepped onto the ridge, and saw the brightly lit, music-filled courtyard before him. Crossing two more ridges, he reached the front of that courtyard. It was surrounded by artificial hills and dense flowers and trees, with various colored lanterns of silk and paper hanging from the rocks and branches. The sounds of music and laughter came from a high pavilion at the center. The pavilion had upturned eaves on four sides and a flat-ceilinged canopy in the middle.
Shi Qian studied it for a moment and approached the canopy. The canopy extended about ten feet high, not connected to the surrounding eaves. Below it, above the eaves, a carved lattice enclosure was installed, embedded with luminous stones and glazed mirrors, covered with gauze, perfect for peering down. Shi Qian crouched on the eaves and looked down through the lattice cracks. Below was a grand hall with eight large pillars. In the center sat a yellow-robed, long-bearded man on a dragon throne. Given the two rows of brocade-robed, jade-belted men and high-coiffured palace ladies flanking the throne, he could guess this was the current Zhao Emperor.
Thousands of gauze lanterns hung at various heights in the hall, illuminating it as bright as day. The doors were wide open, with three sets of white marble steps descending seven levels to under the canopy. Here, red felt covered the ground, surrounded by colorful brocade curtains. Sixteen-foot-long red candles in purple copper trays flanked a silk-crafted Mount Ao. To the south stood a large peacock screen reaching the hall threshold, its gleaming eyes shining on the scene. Below the screen, a row of blue-gowned men held sheng pipes, flutes, drums, and cymbals, playing music. On the red felt, over a dozen pairs of men and women in colorful red and green garments danced and sang like butterflies flitting through flowers. The Emperor sat on the throne, stroking his beard, nodding, and constantly smiling.
When the music stopped, the people on the red felt uniformly bowed. However, their bow was swift and dance-like. The Emperor showed no particular dignity, throwing his head back with a hearty laugh. After laughing, he turned to a minister standing beside him and gave orders. What he said was too distant to hear. But the minister, holding a multicolored dragon-headed scepter with tassels, waved it from the steps, and the band under the peacock screen resumed playing. The dancers on the red felt had all vanished.
From behind the brocade curtains on east and west, two more troupes of men and women emerged. The women wore long-sleeved palace gowns with trailing sashes. The men were dressed contrarily, in tight green silk jackets and red trousers, with red headbands and powdered faces.
The first man from the east troupe was Cai You, who earlier wore first-rank court robes. Now, his face was plastered with powder white as snow, a green plum-blossom dot adorned his forehead, and two great rouge circles blotched his cheeks. His red headband was bound with pearl braids, and flowers were stuck haphazardly in his hair. He held a panpipe, draped in rainbow colors. Amidst the intense music, he and the leader from the west troupe rushed up the steps and bowed to the Emperor. The Emperor opened his mouth and laughed heartily. The man from the east, being the Junior Grand Councilor Equal to the Three Excellencies, meant the man from the west must also be a high official. After bowing, they returned to the red felt and joined the others in playing and dancing.
Cai You danced excellently, swaying left and right, leaning forward and back, rolling through the crowd like a colored ball. The Emperor was delighted, clasped his hands behind his back, left the throne, and walked to the hall entrance to watch. The two dancing ministers sometimes danced right up to the Emperor.
After watching from the eaves for a long time, Shi Qian thought, 'Even if Brother Song Gongming of the mountain stronghold sat in the first chair, he maintained a stern face. Which of our brothers would dare frolic so recklessly? Who would have thought the Great Song Emperor amuses himself like this? The court's lord minister paints his face like a clown and rolls around. With such people ruling, what achievements can there be? When I return, I'll tell Brother Gongming to seize the initiative before Fang La and capture the Eastern Capital.'
As he thought this, he forgot he was leaning against the carved lattice. He pressed forward slightly, crushing two luminous glazed stones embedded in the lattice. They chimed and shattered, sending fragments down like a small shower of glazed fragments onto the dancers. Below, people stopped dancing and looked up. Shi Qian was alarmed. He quietly shrugged twice, climbed onto the roof ridge, and rolled down along the outward slope.
He kept rolling down, forgetting this was still the chancellor's upper quarters. Seeing a phoenix tree under the eaves, he slid down along it. When his feet touched the ground, he looked up and could not help but feel stunned!