é | li | unit of measurement that has varied over time but has now been standardized to 500 meters (Wikipedia)
The Prince said: I am truly happy you finally decided to fly south, little Sparrow, for you have stayed here too long. But you must first place a kiss on my lips for I love you.
Little Sparrow murmured a reply: It is not to the South I am going. After subsequently kissing the Happy Princeâs mouth, it then fell underneath the princeâs foot, deadâŠâŠ[a]
Speaking to here, Ruan Zhu stopped and glanced at the expressions of the several children before her.
âAnd then, and then? Little Sparrow died then what about the little Prince?â The three- or four-years old Bo Ya widened her watery eyes, her little mouth opening as she directed her mournful, small face at her mother.
âAnd thenâŠâŠlittle Sparrow fell onto the ground, dead, and then a peculiar crack was heard inside from within a statue as if something had shattered. It was actually the little Princeâs lead heart that had broke into two pieces.â
âHis heart broke into two pieces; did he die? The little Prince wonât die, right? Mama, tell me.â Bo Yaâs chubby and small hands clutched a corner of her motherâs skirt, hope flashing across her tiny face.
âStupid Xiao Ya. The little Princeâs heart had already split so how could he not have died?â Zhi Xi was, after all, a little older and understood more things.
âThe little Prince was both stupid and foolish. He gave away his precious stone and even gave away his eyes. He deserved to die, but what a pity for the poor swallow.â The one who spoke was Bo Yu. This little one was the same age as his little sister but he spoke amazingly well as he declared his own opinion.
Bo Ya wailed, sniffling and sobbing: âThe little Prince wonât die. Heâs also not stupid.â
âAll right, the little Prince wonât die. Ai, he originally was a statueâŠâŠnot having a brain is also normal. Xiao Ya, donât cry.â Ruan Zhu picked up her daughter and soothed her. Nearly all of the Oscar Wildeâs works that she had read in her childhood had left a strange yet warm shadow. Telling this story to her children was to make them understand that there were also many poor commoners in the world who could not afford to eat, so while they enjoyed their privileged lives, they also must learn how to think about this issue.
In middle school, she had read from a history book that Du Fu had wrote âVermilion doors with rotten wine and meat, frozen bones along the roadsâ with a broken heart after hearing his youngest son had starved to death. However, that famous historical phrase was then ridiculed by Prime Minister Yan Shu of the Song dynasty.[b]
It was impossible for those who had never starved before to understand the horrifying tragedy of seeing your loved ones slowly starve to death. Fancy that he was still a prime minister. It could be seen that he was one without class or morals.
She currently had five children and each one of them was a precious treasure in her hands. Like all parents of this world, she hoped they would have good prospects in the future with the sons becoming dragons and her daughter becoming a phoenix.[c]
Ruan Zhu drove the two little boys outside to play. Of her five children, Bo Ya was the sole girl and had been spoiled by Zong Zhi to become extremely delicate. Even Bo Zhao and Yu Ze, whose births werenât that long ago, didnât need to be carried and cajoled every day.
After she had coaxed Bo Ya to sleep, she handed her daughter over to her wet nurse.
She then headed towards the other room to peek at the just-born twins who were now a little over a month old. The two wet nurses were currently sitting beside their beds, nursing them. She walked in and took one of her sons, pushing aside her lapel so that he could suckle. A smile formed on her face as she took in his tiny mouth moving without pause, the radiance of maternal love flashing on her face.
She only returned to her own room when the twins had fallen asleep. Nowadays, she rarely visited the high tech experimental field because her responsibility as a qualified wife and mother was even more important, and managing her household well was her largest duty.
âEldest Miss, look. This is the clothing that was made according to your instructions. Try it on to see if it fits?â Nuan Chun held out a warm-yellow long dress with a plunging neckline. He had received the position as the head of Mei Yan Ying Ying Chuâs embroidery department and frequently used that authority to create beautiful clothes for Ruan Zhu.
âNuan Chun, your tailoring skills have become better than ever. Look at how these stitches are smoother and closer thanâŠâŠâ than a sewing machine. The latter half of the sentence got caught in her throat. Although it had already been a long time since she transmigrated, she still sometimes carelessly blurted out some of the vocabulary of her previous world. Alas, this was the aspect where she differed from them. No matter how much time passed, she could never change into a woman of this era as some of her previous worldâs habits had been engraved into her soul and were thus difficult to change.
Ruan Zhu changed with his assistance. This floor-length cheongsam really defined the waist, and with its flowing sleeves that barely reached her wrists, it brought an air of elegance among its simplicity.
She scrutinized her reflection in the large mirror on the wall, extremely pleased with both the skirt and her figure. She was a now a mother of five children yet was only twenty years old. Since giving birth to Bo Zhao and Yu Ze, she had become aware that youth was fleeting and started to practice yoga every day.
She had seen a video in her past life of a forty year old married Japanese woman who still looked twenty and in her prime because she maintained her beauty and took good care of herself year-round.
As the saying goes: there were no ugly women in the world, only lazy women.
âEldest Miss, it is very fitting and looks very good.â Nuan Chun gazed at his mistress, his eyes completely filled with admiration.
Zong Zhi returned to Guan Ju Villa from the barracks and directly entered Yi Zhu Cottage. His eyes brightened upon seeing his wifeâs winsome figure. âMy wife is truly beautiful.â Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her for a while before handing over a letter.
Ruan Zhu took the letter and read it before suddenly giving a delighted cry, forgetting herself: âOh my god, is this saying Second Cousin is coming back?â
âThe news came today at noon. The imperial army has already broken through the enemyâs final line of defense, with the soldiers at the walls of Nan Hua, slowly and steadily besieging the city. The fraudulent emperor sent emissaries outside the city to negotiate peace, saying he was willing to life the rest of his life as the imperial courtâs subject. Unfortunately, it was already too late and the imperial army is continuing to strengthen its siege, not letting the rebels off in the slightest.â
The city of Nan Hua was the Red Eyebrowsâ last line of defense. It wasnât far from the southern borderâs Mao Er Town and was the location where the Red Eyebrows had first started their revolt during the beginning of their rebellion. âAs long as theyâre willing to leave their city in surrender, then that should be enough, right? There are still plenty of innocent civilians inside that will also be implicated.â
âThe commoners of the rebels are also subjects of the imperial court. As long as they are willing to pledge their loyalty, Father-Emperor will surely let bygones be bygones.â Zong Zhi saw his wife was happy and his spirits also rose: âAfter fighting such a long war, the imperial treasury is empty and the civilians find life difficult, but now that the war is on the eve of its conclusion, our officers and soldiers can withdraw and return back to the capital after a few more months.â
Who knew what the Yun Shi Wei who had been baptized in the battlefield would become? Would he be his previous self of a supercilious and straightforward youth, or an extraordinary general with a soldierly appearance?!
âSecond Cousin is finally coming back.â Ruan Zhu slanted a gaze at the two boys, Zhi Xi and Bo Yu, in the garden. Urgently wanting to share this happiness with someone, she ran outside and picked up little Zhi Xi: âMa will tell you a good piece of newsâyour second uncle is returning from the battlefield.â
âSecond Uncle?â Zhi Xi scratched his head, bewildered: âMa, youâre muddled. What does Second Uncle returning have anything to do with me? Seeing how youâre so happy, I thought it was Pa that was returning.â
Ruan Zhu became angered: âYou heartless thing, to think how much your Second Uncle has always loved you so.â
Little Zhi Xi wasnât convinced and pouted his small mouth: âThereâs plenty of people who dearly love Zhi XiâThird Father, Fourth Father, Fifth Father, Uncle Nuan Chun, and thereâs also Grandpapa and Grandmama in the Yun Manor plus a whole squadron of imperial bodyguards in the residence who loves me.â
âBig Brother Lu, do you see how heartless he is?â
Zong Zhi walked out from the room, and in complaint, Ruan Zhu thrust Zhi Xi into his arms. While Yun Shi Yi was absent, all of the people in Guan Ju Villa blindly followed Zong Zhi as he was dependable and handled things well.
âZhi Xi, be good. Third Father will take you out for a ride.â Zong Zhi smiled as he held Zhi Xi with one hand while leading his son, Bo Yu, with the other as they headed out of Yi Zhu Cottage.
Good things came in pairs. Just while Ruan Zhu was exulting in Yun Shi Weiâs imminent return, Xiao Zhou Zhi, who attended to the emperor, arrived at Guan Ju Villa via carriage. After performing the rites, he then announced that Ruan Zi Xu had returned to Tian Chu by sailing across the ocean, was currently resting and reorganizing in Wan Zhou and would return to Lan Zhou within the next few days.
Ruan Zhu was immediately thunderstruck and then asked with a heart full of anticipation: âDid Head Yun return with him?â
Xiao Zhou Zi was taken aback: âThis one has not heard any news regarding that. The year Head Yun left on his voyage, he was followed by several dozen large ships with fluttering brocade flags that made for such a magnificent sight. If he was to return, there would surely be fast couriers heading towards Lan Zhou with the news!â
There was also the imperial navy as an escort, so there was bound to be a commotion as soon as they reached the port.
Saudade overwhelmed Ruan Zhu and she didnât even know when Xiao Zhou Zi left. Listless, she didnât eat much during the evening meal and returned alone to her room afterwards to blankly stare in space.
Seeing that their wifeâs mood wasnât good, her husbands lingered in Yi Zhu Cottage, none of them willing to leave.
âAll of you should retire for the night. It will be fine with just me here.â Wang Jing Yan toughened his face as he attempted to drive the others away. Today was finally his turn and all of these blind men followed in stirring up trouble, making him grow angrier with each glance. Zong Zhi hugged his wife as he sat by the head of the bed, unhurriedly saying: âSince Wife is not in a good mood, it is everyoneâs responsibility to comfort her. Fifth only knows to satisfy himselfâthis is too heartless.â
Ruan Zhu rolled her eyes: âDonât describe yourself as so lofty; I canât take it. Itâs obvious that all of you want to take advantage of this situation and rub my oil[d] yet you still think I donât know it?â
âWife is not making sense again. It seems this husband will have to properly punish you tonight.â A strange smile was hooked on the corner of Zong Zhiâs mouth as he pushed a hand inside her night clothes, his movements nice and slow as he rubbed, while his other hand stretched downwards and began to tease her susceptible spot.
His so-called âpunishmentâ was very unusual as it often caused her to be unable to get out of bed.
She closed her mouth, thinking to herselfâWho allowed all of you to create such a large disturbance? I donât care anymore! But his provocation caused her body to become limp.
Min Zhi stared at his wifeâs seductive appearance and noiselessly walked in front of her before immediately carrying out his mission. Throwing off her clothes, he buried his head between her breasts, taking one of her red plums into his mouth as his other hand grabbed the remaining one.
She bit her lip and couldnât help but to remind them: âOkay, stop it. Today is Jing Yanâs turn so stop disturbing us.â
It was like Zong Zhi hadnât heard her at all. He attached herself to her ear, smirking: âWife, youâre wet!â
Irritation formed in Ruan Zhuâs heart and she shifted her body, extending her hands into either manâs pants. One hand on each shaft, she gripped the two mensâ desires located at the base of their crotches and responded as if in retaliation: âLord Husbands, youâre hard.â
âThatâs right, and Wife is in charge of soothing it.â
Nuan Chun carried a basin of warm water in and placed Ruan Zhuâs feet inside: âEldest Miss, this slave will wash your feet for you. It will be easier to retire for the night once that has been done.â Ruan Zhu repeatedly moaned from Zong Zhiâs teasing and her coquettish eyes were like smoke: âWuâŠâŠNuan ChunâŠâŠhow many times have I said itâŠâŠdonât call yourself a slaveâŠâŠwhy have you forgotten it againâŠâŠâ
âI remember now.â After Nuan Chun finished washing one of her sparkling and beautiful feet, he pulled it close to his lips and sucked on two of her delicate toes.
Wang Jing Yanâs cold voice rang out: âAll of you are too outrageous. Wife should be mine today so I want to be first.â
Zong Zhiâs mouth twitched: âDo not be so narrow-minded. At worst, after tonight, I will let you have our wife for one more day.â
Jing Yanâs expression became a little better, and he pried apart his wifeâs slender and long legs. Zong Zhiâs finger was still provoking that particular spot, creating a stain on the bed sheets that was caused by a liquid that continued to trickle downâŠâŠLooking at it incited his entire body to be in an uproar. Taking out Zong Zhiâs finger, he took back what was his. He stripped himself and then supported his little brother inside her.
After Jing Yan, it was Zong Zhi, and then Min Zhi, with the last spot being Nuan ChunâsâŠâŠ
They continued until over half the night had passed. The men could finally be considered as having ate their fill and left, one by oneâŠâŠRuan Zhu was so tired that her entire body ached and even panting for air was a strenuous task.
Jing Yan massaged her acupuncture points, which helped in soothing her qi and blood.
Ruan Zhu laid on her belly in bed, yelping: âJing Yan, it hurts. Lighter.â
âIt is already very light. I am using a little bit of inner force. This way, the qi and blood vessels will quickly be unblocked, and I guarantee that tomorrow morning, you will be as you normally are.â
âIâm already much better now. So tired, Jing Yan, letâs sleep. My Pa will return soon and I still need to prepare to receive him. Oh, and Second Cousin is also returning soon.â
Ruan Zi Xu was almost home. Ruan Zhu was very glad but also a little worried.
She had received news regarding Madam Ruan not too long ago, or maybe it was something that Tian Wang Embassy had found. In a mountain village five hundred li from Lan Zhou, Madam Ruan had opened a small tavern with Fourth Concubine-Father Zhu, earning several dozen copper wen every day and surviving with great difficulty. Because Fourth Concubine-Father Zhuâs two sons could not receive a good education, they had become like mountain villagers.
At that time, Ruan Zhu had still been in her month-long confinement and could not leave her room. After Ruan Yu had known about their situation, she had taken some servants with her to the mountain village one time to implore their mother to come home with her. But Madam Ruanâs temperament was one that was inflexibly stubborn, and she had refused to return no matter what was said.
Ruan Zhu sank into contemplation. This married couple should be one that still has feelings for each other. Should she find a way to act as the middleman?
She held weak emotions towards Madam Ruan and did not have much of a preconceived bias, thus hoped that they were able to reconcile. But there was also another selfish reasonâshe was very unwilling to let Ruan Zi Xu bring home a young and attractive woman. Having her and Ruan Yu call that lady âMotherâ was something she could never do.
That was precisely because her father in her previous world had liked the new and hated the old. It had caused her mother to be abandoned and then die an early death. Towards the word âstepmother,â she rejected it from the bottom of her heart.
[a] This is an excerpt from Oscar Wildeâs story âThe Happy Prince,â which is about a statue who meets a little sparrow and has it send all of his precious stones and other decorations to the poor villagers. The entire story can be found on Gutenberg while Wiki has a summary.
[b] Du Fu (712-770) is one of Chinaâs most famous poets. (Wikipedia) The phrase is an excerpt from his poem èȘäșŹè”Žć„ć ćżćæäșçŸć Five Hundred Words of My Thoughts from the Capital to Feng Xian which compares the haves and the have-nots. Prime Minister Yang Shu (991-1055) was also a celebrated poet. (Wikipedia)
[c] æćæéŸïŒæć„łæć€, idiom translated literally above that means âhoping oneâs [child] is successful in life. Left it literally translated bc of the double meaning as the kids are royalty.