DDR 63

Chapter 63: Recuperation in Zhuangzi

Where does the time go? Anyway, though I translate at a snail’s pace (tbf, this chapter is close to 5,000 words), I promise I am committed to this story!

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Qi Xueyan’s position was in front of Shen Jingshu, as she drew number four. The contrast between them would be strong. Qi Xueyan walked over with a smile. When she learned that Shen Jingshu would come right after her, a sly look flashed across her face. “Hehe, Jingshu, you’re right behind me. What a coincidence!” It was unclear why, but Qi Xueyan said this as though Shen Jingshu was destined to be behind her. Her face was filled with determination. However, Shen Jingshu did not take it to heart at all. “Yeah, it’s such a coincidence.”

“You have to work hard!” Otherwise, to end up behind me, you will completely lose face!

“En, you too!” Each of them returned to their seats to prepare. Calligraphy and painting could be done together at the same time. The organizers prepared the tables, brushes, ink, paper and inkstones. The contestants sat in their positions one by one. From this location, Shen Jingshu could see Duan Wang shizi more clearly, and indeed could see that the other party’s complexion was not too good. Shen Jingshu’s suspicions grew deeper, but this was not the time to think about it.

The competition began. First was painting, the requirement for which was an expression of spring. Shen Jingshu looked at the people around her who one by one got started. In her mind she filtered through the possibilities, then began at once to paint.

In the spring, a hundred flowers bloom and all living things awaken in many different ways. Shen Jingshu decided upon a lotus flower in a pond. Although one could paint a pond filled with lotuses, Shen Jingshu did not want to. She only painted one lotus flower with pointed edges and an adorable dragonfly on top of it. Although she did not paint many strokes, to be outstanding, she had to put in a lot of effort. After painting the lotus, Shen Jingshu thought a little bit, then wrote a line to the side: “The small lotus reveals its sharp points, early on a dragonfly settled on top.” Her calligraphy was graceful and her brush flowed smoothly. That she could write like this at her age was already considered excellent.

After she finished writing, Shen Jingshu was not in a hurry. She waited until most of the people had turned in their papers. She walked up slowly. The person collecting the paintings was a little surprised when he saw Shen Jingshu’s painting, but he quickly recovered his gaze.

“Now let’s first look at Miss Liu’s work…” Miss Liu painted a hundred flowers in bloom. It was truly a magnificent scene. It gave off a refined feeling and made one admire her grasp of the fundamentals.

“This is Miss Qi’s work…” Qi Xueyan painted the noble peony, surrounded by many butterflies. It gave off a bright and shining feeling.

“Next is Miss Shen’s…” Shen Jingshu’s painting came out, and everyone was surprised.

It is said that spring is when everything awakens and flowers are blooming, but why did Miss Shen’s painting only have one lotus? And it wasn’t even in full bloom?

“Miss Shen, this is?”

“My lord, please look at the verse on the side!” Although the painting contained only a small lotus and a dragonfly, it did not appear monotonous. Especially with the verse next to it, it made people’s eyes shine. “Good, it’s really very good!” Shen Jingshu wanted to convey a scene of early spring. This picture looked very leisurely and straightforward. How could people not like it?

The judges praised several good ones, and then looked over numerous other entries, but because of the excellent performances in the beginning, outside of Kong Xinhe’s peach blossoms and Yang Huilan’s weeping willow, nothing else attracted people’s interest.

“In the painting competition, Miss Shen takes first, Miss Qi second, and Miss Liu third!” This result did not make people feel there was anything unfair, but Qi Xueyan was very dissatisfied after hearing this conclusion.

Wasn’t it just a lotus? So how could such a monotonous painting win first place? Qi Xueyan was really dissatisfied, but the result had already come out, so she had no choice but to continue on to the next round!

The second round was calligraphy. Each person remained seated in the same places. The topic was contestant’s choice. Shen Jingshu looked at the paper in front of her, and then began writing the Lanting Xu[1] that she had often practiced. However, she knew that her chances of victory in this round were slim.

In the first round she was able to just rely on new ideas, but this round required real strength. Although her characters were not bad, and even much better than many other people’s, but she was still young and she hadn’t spent all that many days in earnest practice. Shen Jingshu could only highlight her differences, and hope to place well!

Compared with the people present, she had a lifetime’s more experience. Although she hadn’t practiced well in her previous life, but she had more experience in writing, and the characters she wrote would certainly have more of a trace of determination. This time, just like before, Shen Jingshu did not turn in her work as soon as she’d finished, but first waited for a few people to turn theirs in first. Her characters were delicate and graceful, and not more immature than others’. Although her skill was not comparable to those who had been practicing much more, in any case it wasn’t bad.

Shen Jingshu’s characters were beautiful and elegant, and this Lanting Xu was also a perfect match. Compared with Qi Xueyan’s selection which was more domineering, the calligraphic style was also inadequate. The substance of Miss Qi’s choice was gorgeous, but the writing was relatively immature. In this round, victory once again went to Shen Jingshu.

In the last round, it cannot be doubted that Shen Jingshu triumphed again. She was the granddaughter of Scholar Dan. In addition, she was the eldest daughter of an influential family with a hundred years of scholarly reputation. Shen Jingshu came into contact with many more poems on a daily basis than other people, especially after Dan Yuerong gave her the poetry book which helped her out a lot. Shen Jingshu took first in calligraphy, painting and poetry. That way, she naturally she suppressed Qi Xueyan!

In fact, Shen Jingshu’s skills were not really better than others’, but this time she planned well in advance, and her arrangements were very good. Instead of relying on her strength to win, it would be better to say that she cleverly differentiated herself from others, highlighting her advantages and hiding her weaknesses in order to obtain victory. In this competition, Shen Jingshu also profited a lot.

Yang Huilan participated in a different event from Shen Jingshu, but she also placed well. Kong Xinhe embroidered a picture of Spring River on a Moonlit Night,[2] and in doing so, defeated everyone else and gained a good name for herself. The girls all gained a lot from this experience. It was just that this time Qi Xueyan had only won second place, so she was really very unhappy.

“Jingshu, after three days, you really make one sit up and take notice.[3] I never thought about it, but Jingshu, you are actually really talented!” Yes, in front of her, Shen Jingshu had always been a straw bag.[4] She’d never been able to do anything, just serve as a comparison to set her out in a better light. When did this girl start to shine and make people have a new level of respect for her?

Was she looking down on her? If that was really the case, then the people present here today were really too awful!

“Xueyan, please don’t overpraise me. Didn’t you see that I was just a little clever today? How can my skills be compared to yours? I’ve let all of you see a joke!”

“Hehe, really? But I don’t think so!” She used to think that Shen Jingshu was still young, unsophisticated, and not scheming. The most important thing was that from the start, Shen Jingshu never pretended to be cultured, and was never a threat to her!

But today? How could she be reconciled with this person who had stolen away her wind? Especially in front of Duan Wang shizi, she wanted to perform well in front of him. How could she let this person embarrass her like this?

Shen Jingshu ah, Shen Jingshu, how could you?

“Xueyan, is something wrong? But I’m not happy if you’re not happy. I don’t want this rank and reward, so don’t mind it!” Seeing Qi Xueyan’s displeasure, Shen Jingshu wouldn’t let her treat her like this!

“Jingshu, what are you saying? Why would I be unhappy? We are friends, aren’t we?” Were they friends? Ha ha, what a joke, how could she be her friend?

“Of course. Xueyan, you are too tired these days, but it doesn’t matter. I won’t participate next year. You can definitely take first place!” She was compelled to participate today, but Shen Jingshu did not plan to participate again.

“Really?” She smiled. Qi Xueyan was originally angry, but in the end she did not expect that the reward for this competition would turn out to be hundred flowers yulu.[5] The legend says that it can make people younger. It was a very difficult to find good thing!

But envy was useless. Qi Xueyan could only watch helplessly as Shen Jingshu received the gift and the three girls departed happily. Although she was invited to go with them, how could Qi Xueyan enjoy their excitement?

She was really worried that she could not bear it!

* * * *

“Dad, Mom, did you see it? I took first place!” Grinning, she handed her prize over to Dan Yuerong. What woman didn’t wish to appear beautiful? Right now she was still little and had no need for it. “Mom, this is for you. I hope the Mom will be more and more beautiful!”

“Look at this child, she’s becoming more and more sensible and filial!” Not wanting to refuse, she took the item, but Dan Yuerong was still reluctant to use it.

This was a good item, and her daughter was filial. She understood this, but would hold onto it, so that if she wanted to use it, it would be there when needed.

“Mom becoming prettier is good!”

“Good girl. Everyone is cheerful today. Huilan, Xinhe, why not come home with us to eat?”

“Hehe, no thank you, Madam Shen, we have to go back soon. When we went out today, we had already discussed it with our families.” The two girls had ranked well, and they both got good results. Although they also wanted to celebrate, but in the end, they must go back home earlier, so it would not be good to go to the Shen residence.

“All right, you go back first then. Come visit our home when you’re free!”

“All right. Goodbye Madam Shen!” After seeing them off, Shen Jingshu happily went back home with her parents. However, before leaving, Shen Jingshu saw Duan Wang Shizi. The whole family naturally greeted him. “Duan Wang shizi.”

“Lord Shen,[6] Madam Shen!” A small smile flashed across his face, but because Duan Wang shizi‘s smile was already very shallow, one couldn’t be sure one had seen correctly.

“Has Shizi has been well recently?” Although Duan Wang shizi appeared well, Shen Wenhua still felt something was wrong.

It seemed that Duan Wang shizi had not appeared for some days. He’d heard that he had requested leave to go out, but somehow he looked a little different? Was he overthinking it?

“I’m very well. Thank you Lord Shen for your concern. Congratulations for today!”

“Hehe, thank you!”

“Miss Shen is truly a talent. My horizons have been broadened today!” How many faces did this girl have? It was said that this girl in front of him had been naughty and mischievous since young, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Indeed today it seemed that this was not so, and so he did not waste any time to come over and watch.

“Shizi praises too much!” Shen Wenhua was naturally pleased to be praised by Duan Wang shizi. Although Duan Wang shizi was not very old, but even outside his name, he was not like ordinary people!

“I can say it naturally because it’s true. In time, Miss Shen will certainly be extraordinary. Congratulations to Lord Shen and Madam Shen.” After looking at Shen Jingshu, Duan Wang shizi didn’t know why, but after not seeing her for several days and then suddenly seeing her today, he felt a sense of longing rise up within him.

“Then we accept Duan Wang shizi’s congratulatory words!” They spoke a bit more, then finally Duan Wang shizi had other things to do and said goodbye. The Shen family held no suspicions and thus left happily.

It was just that when Duan Wang shizi got into his carriage, his face turned deathly pale. Shuang who was to his side looked at him and furrowed his brows. “Shizi, why should you do this? The doctor said you needed rest, so why did you run around so far? Isn’t this taking your health for a joke? Not to mention, the people over there have always thought of Shizi unfavorably, and now that Shizi has received a serious injury, how can you withstand attacks from others? Shizi should put more consideration into yourself!” In the end, he was a subordinate, and it wasn’t good for Shuang to say too much. Only to here could he act within his duties. Shuang really did not want to see Duan Wang shizi treat himself like this.

“I was careless last time. I didn’t expect that they would actually do it there. But it won’t happen again. They owe me, so I must certainly repay them back a hundredfold!” He had already come here,[7] away from those rights and wrongs. Why did those people still refuse to let go of him?

That being the case, it would be a case of either the fish dies or the net splits.[8] We’ll see who has the last laugh!

“Those people over there have always regarded Shizi as a thorn in their eyes. It would be best if Shizi were cautious in your actions. The last time we were lucky, and your subordinates found Shizi. If by chance…” Thinking of the potential consequences, Shuang felt a burst of fear run through him.

“All right, I know the situation. I went out today, and although I have my own reasons, I also wanted to give those people a warning. If I hide, they will think that I was seriously injured and am unable to move. They would definitely wait for the opportunity when the time comes to make a move. Today I went out, so if they see me like this, they will be anxious and not dare to act for the time being.”

“Just like this, isn’t it too risky? “

“No worries, I know.” He stopped Shuang from continuing. Duan Wang shizi knew that Shuang had his best interests in mind, but Duan Wang shizi had his own thoughts on this matter.

In fact, he didn’t know what was going on with himself. He’d heard that the Hundred Flowers Festival was happening, and that that person would come here. For some unknown reason he came. What was going on with him?

“I still hope Shizi will take care of yourself, or this subordinate will be ashamed to face Master!” Shuang had been sent to Duan Wang shizi’s side from a very young age. The friendship between the two was extraordinary, and he was very concerned about Duan Wang shizi‘s situation. In addition, he was Duan Wang shizi’s personal bodyguard. Naturally, everything he did was for Duan Wang shizi.

“I’m fine. Go back and prepare. Let’s go to Zhuangzi in a few days. Nowadays I’m afraid the residence will not be peaceful. Find the opportunity to find out who betrayed my whereabouts!”

“Shizi’s meaning is, there’s a spy?”

“If not, how could my whereabouts be exposed this time?” His eyes stared coldly. His wings were not yet grown, so he had come here to avoid their spears, but those people weren’t willing to even give him a chance!

“Shizi, rest assured, this subordinate will find that person and deal with them properly so that Shizi can avoid future troubles!”

“No, you just need to secretly find out who that person is. Don’t make any movements for now!”

“But then won’t Shizi be in danger?”

“If there’s one, can it be guaranteed there isn’t a second? It’s better to keep him by my side so that at least I know who the enemy is. If I know his secret, he may be useful in the future.”[9]

“Shizi speaks correctly. But if Shizi goes back like this, what if you’re found out by someone?” Duan Wang shizi was so badly injured this time, and he must be nursed back to health well. If there was a spy in the residence who passed on the information, how would that be good?

“If I don’t go back, it will be suspicious. I have been out for so long, so I should come back. When I go back, I can also give an explanation, then we can prepare a justification to go to Zhuangzi, and there await my recovery from my injuries.”

“Yes, Shizi!” Knowing that Duan Wang shizi‘s resolve was unquestionable, Shuang didn’t ask more and drove the carriage back carefully. Duan Wang shizi felt that the wound seemed to have reopened, and the corner of his mouth rose in a sneer.

Want him to die? He would not die, and he must take back all the things that those people had snatched away from him, and then see who was laughing in the end!

* * * *

Everyone was happy today. Dan Yuerong specially made a table of food that Shen Jingshu liked. Shen Jingshu was moved. “Mom, you’ve worked hard, eat a little more!”

“All right!” The husband and wife smiled at each other, then Dan Yuerong looked at her daughter’s happy appearance. She really wanted to make her daughter even happier for a while. “Oh, that’s right, Shu’er, you got first place this time, but what would you like? We’ll give it to you!”

“No need, the last time you gave me presents was good, ok?” Shen Jingshu had never been a greedy person, how would she want another gift from the two of them?

“That’s no good. Your dad and I agreed that we would reward you. Our Shu’er is so sensible and clever, and performed so well today. How can we not reward you? Shu’er, speak up, what would you like? We will grant your wish!”

“Hehe, really?” If they insisted, then there was something Shen Jingshu really wanted to do.

“Naturally it’s true!”

“Dad, Mom, our family of four hasn’t yet gone out to have fun together. The weather is good now, and Hang’er is a little older. Wouldn’t it be good to go out and see the scenery?” This kind of time was really hard to come by. Shen Jingshu was eager to spend more time with her parents.

“Hehe, does Shu’er want to go out?” Their daughter was still very young. She was at home all day long, so it was normal that she couldn’t sit still. They thought of the last time Shen Jingshu went to Taoyuan and came back very happy. Dan Yuerong and Shen Wenhua glanced at each other, and they also had some thoughts, “Shu’er, how about this? After a few days, your father will take a break, and you can rest in the meantime. Then the four of us can all go to Zhuangzi for a few days. Would that be good? The scenery there is very good and tranquil, it’s actually a very good destination!”

“Really?” Going to Zhuangzi would be wonderful. Naturally Shen Jingshu was happy!

“Of course. Zhuangzi isn’t very far away. At that time, you can try farmer’s dishes. You will definitely like it!”

“Hehe, Daddy, Mom, you are the best!” In the end she was still a child. Shen Jingshu’s temperament had always been lively and cheerful, but her previous life had smoothed her edges, making it such that she could not just follow her inclinations.

Now that her family was at peace, she must get along with her family well before the big battle. She couldn’t let herself have any regrets!

* * * *

So it was decided to go to Zhuangzi. In the past few days, Dan Yuerong had been busy preparing things. Zhuangzi could not be compared to their residence. It was far away and lacked conveniences. Many things had to be prepared. They sent the news in advance, and at last Shen Wenhua was given his break.

The family of four happily boarded the carriage. Shen Zihan was now about half a year old. This was a time when he was lively and active. This was the first time he’d gone out, so everything was a novelty. His eyes spun around looking at everything, and he laughed the whole way. How very cute!

“Dad, Mom, look at how happy didi[10] is!” She grinned and pinched Shen Zihan’s small cheeks. Looking at Shen Zihan’s round dumpling of a face, Shen Jingshu felt her heart soften.

“I’m afraid this child is also one that likes to come out and play. He’s very happy when I carry him around for a walk in the garden everyday. When we go back, he becomes unhappy. He is also a playful one!” Dan Yuerong had not discovered this problem previously. It was just that a few times, Shen Zihan had been smiling, but then started crying when she carried him back. Dan Yuerong then found that her son liked it when she carried him outside! Shen Zihan was especially energetic when they went out, and his eyes would whirl around. It was really cute!

“Hehe, my brother knows how to appreciate beautiful scenery too!” Shen Jingshu had also discovered this. Shen Zihan only liked to look at pretty things, else he would complain loudly and get upset.

“This child has quite a temper. You guys, don’t indulge him all the time!” As the child they had been waiting for for so long, Shen Zihan was the treasure of the family. Almost no one would refuse anything he wanted. So sometimes, Shen Zihan would cry even when there was nothing, and sometimes he even lost his temper.

He was still at a young age, but how would it be good if he grew up like this? Dan Yuerong sometimes worried, but Shen Wenhua was not worried at all. “Afraid of what? Hang’er is so lovable and adorable, we should love him dearly! In any case, we are not lacking anything!” He hugged his son and fiercely kissed him. Shen Zihan perceived a familiar face and smiled, leaving some saliva on Shen Wenhua’s face. Shen Wenhua immediately felt a little embarrassed.

“Okay, give him to me. This child is about to start teething, so he’s been drooling recently. You should pay attention so as not to stain your clothes.”

“Our Hang’er is going to grow teeth, haha, that’s great!” Hearing that his son’s teeth would be coming in, Shen Wenhua was so happy he didn’t know north from south. Looking at such a tiny person, his heart melted.

This was his son, ah! He’d thought he was destined to never have a son in this life. He had been prepared to let his daughter bring in a son-in-law. He never expected that the heavens would be so kind in the end. He would surely do everything in his power to give his two children the very best!

“Mom, if didi is growing teeth, can he eat things? Every time he watches me eat, he looks so hungry, but he’s not allowed to eat it. It’s so pitiful!” Shen Jingshu didn’t really understand how children grew teeth, but after hearing Dan Yuerong say that Shen Zihan’s teeth were growing, she was full of curiosity about his teeth.

Life was really a magical thing!

“Hehe, very soon. Now that Hang’er is more than half a year old, his teeth will have grown enough so that he can eat in about six or seven months. I’ve noticed that he always likes to bite with his mouth recently, so it should be soon!” Dan Yuerong was very clear on this point. Mrs. Wang had been bitten by Shen Zihan recently, but this was no way of doing things.

“Hehe, that’s good. Mom, can I hold my brother?” Shen Zihan was six months old, his legs were strong, and overall he seemed strong and sturdy. He was really very cute. His eyes darted around and his face was smooth and round. He really made one want to hold him without letting go!

“He’s calm right now. Be careful and give him to me if you can’t hold him!”

“Okay, Mom!” Although Shen Zihan was heavy, Shen Jingshu still held him happily, completely ignoring his weight.

Didi ah, didi, you must grow up safely, and then we will protect this family together. No one can wreck our family or harm our parents!

As she was thinking, Shen Jingshu suddenly felt a wetness on her hands and Shen Zihan began to cry. Dan Yuerong saw that Shen Jingshu’s expression didn’t look quite right. A little puzzled, she said, “Shu’er, what’s wrong?”

“Mom, didi peed…” At the end of the day, she was girl. Shen Jingshu was usually inclined to cleanliness. Feeling the wetness on her hands, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Didi, what is your meaning? Is it to agree with me? But isn’t this too grand?[11]

“Hehe, quickly give him to me, I’ll change him! Hang’er loves being clean. Dirty clothes make him cry!”

“Okay, Mom!” She handed Shen Zihan over to Dan Yuerong. The first thing Shen Jingshu wanted to do when they reached Zhuangzi was to take a bath!

Although he was her own dear brother, but thinking about that dribble of urine, Shen Jingshu still felt gross!

Hang’er, you still have to give this elder sister face!

Sure enough, as soon as they arrived at Zhuangzi and Shen Wenhua finished speaking with the steward of Zhuangzi, Shen Jingshu asked people to prepare hot water for her to bathe. The stward looked at her a little strangely, thinking that Shen Jingshu wanted to avoid the Zhuangzi way of life and was afraid of getting dirty. “Miss, please rest assured, this Zhuangzi has been cleaned from top to bottom. This servant has had people tidy up, and the bedding is new. Miss, there’s no need to worry.”

Believing she knew the reason, Dan Yuerong just smiled. “All right, Steward Quan, you can go. The Miss is tired from the journey and wants to take a bath and rest a bit!”

“Yes, Madam!” Dan Yuerong had said it, and because it was the ladies’ preference, Steward Quan had people prepare the hot water. Soon Shen Jingshu could take a beautiful bath, and finally feel that she was clean!

In the future she must pay attention. This Hang’er definitely did it on purpose!

After bathing, Shen Jingshu changed into fresh clothes and wanted to look around. At this time, Steward Quan sent a maid over. “Miss, this servant is Ying Tao. Would Miss like to take a stroll?” This Ying Tao was Steward Quan’s daughter. She looked clever and seemed sensible.

“En, this is my first time coming here. I’d like to go for a walk, so will you show me around?” This was Shen Jingshu’s first visit to Zhuangzi, so she was very curious. Thinking about how they would be staying here for a few days, Shen Jingshu was very happy.

“Okay, Miss, please come with this servant!”

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Translator’s Notes

[1] The Lanting Xu is a famous calligraphy work by Wang Xizhi, written as the preface to a poetry collection. It was written in the running script style (semi-cursive) calligraphy with a weasel hair brush (like Jingshu’s), and consists of 324 characters. Running script may connect lines within characters, but each of the characters are not connected to each other (thus, semi-cursive).

This is a copy of the Lanting Xu.

[2] This is a poem by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ruoxu. I found about four different translations of the title, but whatever. It basically talks about some pretty scenery on a moonlit spring night, then about the ephemerality of life, and then loneliness (so, the usual stuff). If interested, here’s the poem, with a translation and audio recordings of someone reading it.

[3] This is an idiom referring to someone who has suddenly made great progress; the three days isn’t literal.

[4] An idiot.

[5] 百花玉露 So literally this means hundred flowers jade dew, but yulu according to google is a type of succulent; according to my dictionary, it is either a type of Japanese tea, gyokuro (unlikely in this context), or a type of liquor distilled from flowers, fruit, or leaves, or possibly also a medicinal liquid? I’m guessing maybe it’s that last one. I don’t think it’s very important in the end, but since I really don’t know what it is, I thought I’d share all possibilities rather than guessing.

[6] When he’s called Shen laoye I’ve been translating it as Master Shen. But here he says Shen daren, so I’ve translated it differently, to Lord. None of these honorifics have exact translations, so don’t take it too seriously.

[7] I assume he means Jiangnan.

[8] A life or death struggle.

[9] Michael Corleone would approve.

[10] Didi = younger brother

[11] Sometimes a baby is just a baby, Jingshu.