I snatch the final booklet off the pedant's hand, "Finally!" I smile happily to the pedant, who expresses his sense of relief with a dutiful nod. "Finished product!"
I want to thank Xiu Ying, who managed to help me convince Yuan Zi Yan's parents that inviting a pedant to "teach me" will somehow serve as a torturous method for me.
I would like to give a round of applause to Xi Ning, who always provide treats for me. I want to thank the pedant for keeping up with my bull crap and outrageous requests.
Last but not least, I want to thank my parents for mating and allowing this clutter of cells to develop into a fully capable human being!
Muah!
I kiss the booklet and dance together with the pedant in harmony. Wait—why is he dancing too?
"I am so glad this is over, Elder Miss. That was one of the most difficult pieces I've put together."
I nod, "Thank you. This will blossom into great success."
"Great success? Don't tell me you're actually going to publish this booklet?"
I had my mouth wide open, "Of course I will! Why do you think I had you write it? No worries, I won't leave a name. It will be anonymous. I will disperse copies of it across the town for free. The elocutionists will do their job."
The pedant sighs, "This old fellow prays that yamen (government offices) won't arrest me with the introduction of this book. I think it's perhaps the time to move to Yangzhou anyways."
"What! Is it that bad that you will have to move away?"
"Yes, Elder Miss. Now if you'll excuse me." He took his things and scurry away.
I scratch my head, "The Ming Dynasty must have had controversial texts. I don't think mine is that controversial, is it?" I shake the thoughts off, "I'll have to find a way in which they cannot track it was the Yuan household who dispersed the tale."
**
"Kya, look! It's the imperial military guards!" A young maiden cheers as she stares at the guards, who ride their horses and pass by the stands.
A young guard by the name of Wu Lan Jun glances around the town, uncomfortable to the stares of the females. His co-commander Xu Kai, questions the commotions. "Did something occur?"
"No idea, Sir. I can ask for you," Wu Lan Jun swerves his horse and asks a young lady about the ruckus.
"Ah, sir. Haven't you heard? Someone dispersed a booklet about the romance between a brocade-clad commander and a daughter from an affluent family. Since most of us can't read, we relied on the city's elocutionist. Now, the tale is spreading throughout the city. It's a must-read!"
"I see," Wu Lan Jun laughs nervously, "Do you perhaps know the author?"
The lady shakes her head, "No one knows who wrote the book itself. It is so popular now that none of us know where it really began."
They conversed quite a bit about the context of the booklet. Soon, the conversation ends. After thanking the lady, Wu Lan Jun returns to the co-commander and informs him about what the lady told him.
"What's even more surprising is the fact that the brocade-clad guard's name is Kai Xu. Co-commander, that is quite close to your-"
Xu Kai coldly glances at Wu Lan Jun, causing him to shut his mouth.
"Ahah.." Wu Lan Jun laughs it off, "I mean it's totally different from your name, Sir."
"Romance between a brocade-clad guard and a daughter from an affluent family, huh? Send men to investigate the author." Co-commander Xu Kai resumes to ride the armored horse through the streets.
"How dull."
This marks a whole month since I have been stuck here. Sure, writing again has lift some weights off my shoulders but life is not the same. I forgot my privileges in the 21st century: when I can go out to wherever I want, where I can see my parents whenever I want.I slowly drift back again into pessimistic thoughts.
I was about to leave until I see a hydrangea on the corner of my eyes. It is lying within a small box next to his vintage arithmetic calculator."No way. Hydrangeas!" I point to the box in surprise.One of my top favorite flowers when I was studying botany. I
Following the introduction and history of the villages, we took a trip to examine the village's conditions. In order to reason with the Yuan family, I had Xiu Ning tell Madam and Master Yuan that I am paying pardons for my unfortunate deeds in a temple. They seem to be satisfied at the fact that I am asking for forgiveness and saving the Yuan household's face.One thing I am fine with is the fact that Madam and Master Yuan can care less about Yuan Zi Yan's whereabouts. That is convenient and easygoing!
"Take a look at this." Li Shi Zhen hands me a catalog with ancient Chinese words I cannot comprehend."I cannot read-" I pause before continue, "I don't favor reading. I usually meticulously observe my evidences." I subconsciously laugh to express my incongruous emotions.Xu Kai's eyes are shoot
We had our dinner by sharing a wild rooster. Li Shi Zhen said that he caught it in the wild, but by the looks of it, it was Sir Xu who hunted the rooster.All of the tents as well as the bonfire is set up now.Xiu Ying insists on preparing the sleeping tent as comfortable as possible for me whil
When everything seemed quiet and everyone seems to have fallen asleep, I sought to finally join too.After some time, I hear ruffles and the shuffling sound of bushes. My eyes immediately open and the sound of swords clashing surprise me, causing me to stand up."Miss, do you hear that?" I nod,
We stay on the low for the rest of the night in the rural village.By the time it was morning, we hurry into another horse carriage and head back to the city through another route. It should be safer this way, as it is a secret route.. at least according to Co-Commander Xu Kai.Inside the carria
I take a deep breath as I stare at the jade bottle.Am I an idiot?Why can't I stop thinking about him? Is this what the scientists mean when they say your brain is controlled by