[The Moon Was Bright Then] - Chapter Fourteen

Author: Mi Nan

First published on the forum (and Chunman Siheyuan) on September 30, 2015

First published on this site: Yes

Word count: 6200

First published ID: Suffocating

(Published on behalf of Mi Nan *This is an original first publication* Not a repost or forward)
Chapter Fourteen: Little Thief Yan Jiu

Behind Qixia Temple, there is a delicate seven-story pagoda. The white pagoda, its origins unknown, has witnessed countless
clouds and the blooming and withering of flowers in the mountains. At some point,
eight protective murals were built around the pagoda according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) arrangement. The murals depict fairies scattering flowers, playing
instruments such as waist drums, clappers, flutes, transverse flutes, reed pipes, pipa, ruan strings, and konghou. The surrounding sky swirls with flowers, clouds drift, and the figures in the paintings fly in the wind,
their clothes fluttering gracefully. Although this place is little known, it still attracts many curious visitors, all of whom
are awestruck and praise it as a "divine wall. "

Yan Jiu came here every day at dawn to study the paintings, without fail for half a month, rain or shine.

He originally intended to find the entrance to the underground palace built by Emperor Mingde, but after studying the paintings for so long, he felt as if he were walking
and breathing with the figures in the paintings, and became completely absorbed in one particular painting. That painting was located in the Kun position, depicting a
celestial maiden with her hair in a bun, smiling gently, standing gracefully with a flute in hand, her cherry lips seemingly about to move, her eyes about to sparkle, a touch of vermilion between her brows, embodying both innocence and
captivating beauty.

Yan Jiu's grandfather, Yan Shipu, was a remarkable man, a devout follower of Buddhism and Taoism, disdainful of etiquette, and a most unrestrained
individual. When he painted the "divine wall," he had a sudden inspiration, using the Eight Beauties of Xiao Qinhuai as the prototypes for the celestial maiden. Although
he never told anyone, he considered it his most prized work. Little did he know that years later, his grandson would
fall head over heels for one of the most beautiful courtesans.

The woman Yan Jiu was so infatuated with was none other than Tang Xiaowan, one of the Eight Beauties of Qujiang in bygone days.

...

Li Zihan, having obtained the register and the token, was eager to reclaim his power and had no interest in playing with Mingyue
anymore. The talk of riding horses was completely abandoned. The next day, he told Mingyue that his maternal uncle had been dismissed and imprisoned by the emperor, and that he
was going Hangzhou to help.

This was a man's duty, and Mingyue, naturally understanding, supported him. But though she said it well, she
was still reluctant to part. The sudden separation of the loving couple left her feeling empty and lonely, a look of desolation frequently appearing on her brow.

Bihe tried everything to make her laugh and find various ways to amuse her, but she couldn't bring herself to smile.

Later, it was the head of the village, Lai Wang's wife, who mentioned a nearby Qixia Nunnery. She said the abbess was a very kind person, the vegetarian food
at the nunnery was excellent, and the scenery was beautiful. Mingyue was intrigued and, accompanied by Bihe, visited Qixia Nunnery.

Influenced by Xie Xiang, Mingyue, though not a Buddhist, loved tea. Suyin, also from a noble family and skilled in tea ceremony,
became an instant friend to Mingyue. Suyin was cheerful and insightful, often incorporating Zen principles into her tea ceremony.
Mingyue frequently debated with her, finding the discussions interesting and refreshing. Therefore, she had been a regular visitor to Qixia Nunnery lately.

On this particular day, Suyin was absent. Mingyue, familiar with the nunnery's inhabitants, went to the Listening to the Spring Pavilion to
wait for her without being led. After waiting for a while, seeing that she hadn't returned, she admired the orchids in the courtyard. The orchids, found in the mountains, though
not exceptional specimens, possessed a wild charm as they swayed by the water.

Bihe was delighted to see Mingyue in such high spirits.

"Miss, look at that orchid, its blossoms are twin, so beautiful! Shall I pick it for you to adorn your hair?"

Mingyue was about to stop her when a small frog suddenly darted out from under the leaves, its jade-like skin adorned
with golden embroidery. The frog was no bigger than a child's palm, yet its voice was surprisingly loud, croaking at the two of them
as if in displeasure.

"Oh, this little thing is so rare! Don't run away!" Bihe reached out to catch it, but missed. The frog
leaped far away, then turned back and croaked at them, seemingly mocking them. "Fools, you can't catch it!"

Mingyue's eyes widened. She had originally intended to stop Bihe, but now she felt indignant. It was just a little
toad, what was it so proud of! She lightly touched the white stone with her toes, leaped into the stream, and reached out to grab it, but to her surprise, she missed again.

The little frog was incredibly agile; it bounced a few times on the clear stream before hiding under a rockery by the wall.

A rockery nestled against the courtyard wall, its surface entwined with golden vines and swaying green ivy, their intertwined branches concealing
a narrow path leading to the back of the mountain.

Mingyue and Bihe, having followed her there, were astonished; after all these days, they had no idea the nunnery held such a hidden paradise.

Mingyue, ever the mischievous and daring, was filled with curiosity, wondering what fun awaited her behind the walls. She
took Bihe's hand and led her along the path out of the Listening to the Spring Pavilion.

Although Bihe had a vague feeling of unease, past experience told her that stopping her mistress was futile;
if her mistress wanted to do something, she would always find a way to achieve it. Rather than be left behind, it was better to carefully follow and
protect her from any obstacles.

The path was paved with white pebbles, clean and charming. A clear, shallow stream flowed gently on either side.
Albizia trees grew along the banks, stretching as far as the eye could see. It was the peak of the flowering season, and the lush canopy of the trees was draped in a layer of rosy clouds. A slight breeze
would send delicate pink mimosa blossoms fluttering down, like velvet or umbrellas, landing on the path and in the shallow stream—a scene of exquisite beauty . 　　Mingyue was captivated by the sight. Bihe, joining in the fun, picked some cattails from the water's edge and quickly wove them into two small flower baskets. The two walked along, catching the fallen mimosa blossoms. 　　"Miss, look! That tree is huge, just like our family's banyan ancestor!" 　　Mingyue looked ahead and indeed, halfway up the mountain stood a massive mimosa tree, towering above the forest, its roots deep and leaves abundant, as if spreading its arms to shelter its scions from wind and rain. 　　"Hey, why do I see a white pagoda under that tree?" 　　In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the mistress and servant arrived at the pagoda and saw the celestial wall. 　　They then explored in different directions. 　　"Oh, Miss, come quick! Look! How did you get into the painting?" 　　Mingyue was astonished when she saw the mural. It was clearly her own image, yet it wasn't her. She was only a teenager, but the mural looked like it hadn't been painted recently; it must have existed before she was even born. She racked her brains, but couldn't understand who could have painted her decades ago. Since she couldn't figure it out, she decided to stop thinking about it and ask her father another day.

Having put her worries aside, she carefully admired the painting, captivated by its exquisite and magnificent depiction. Her
eyes darted around, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Pointing at Bihe, she exclaimed, "Hey, look! The woman in this painting seems like a celestial
maiden scattering flowers. How beautiful she is, dancing amidst the myriad blossoms! Let's imitate her and scatter flowers, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Bihe, understanding, picked up her small flower basket, grabbed a handful of mimosa flowers, and tossed them from upwind.

A beautiful woman dances gracefully in the empty valley, her green waist swaying lightly.

She moves like a delicate orchid, as graceful as a soaring dragon.

Her earrings flutter as she glances, her long skirt seeming to soar into the sky.

One fears only that she cannot catch her, for she flies away like a startled swan.

Mingyue, laughing sweetly, began to dance, hiding fallen flowers in her sleeves, tossing them with her movements. Her martial arts were based on the laws of
nature ; now, moving with the wind, she was as ethereal and graceful as a startled swan. Perhaps it was the sheer beauty that made the giant tree seem intoxicated
, showering down a profusion of blossoms, creating a scene of ethereal beauty.

In the nearby pavilion, Yan Jiu was still engrossed in painting a beautiful woman. His servant, Fei Bai, however, had been startled by
the girls ' laughter. Looking over, his jaw nearly dropped, and he rushed to push Yan Jiu away in shock.

"Young Master, Young Master, she's alive! She's alive! She's alive…"

"How many times have I told you? Don't disturb me while I'm painting! What do you mean, 'alive'?"

"Let your painting go to hell! No, not a ghost, maybe a demon!" Fei Bai's face turned pale. He suddenly
remembered his teacher's saying that spirits roamed the deep mountains and forests. He had previously scoffed at it, but now he was convinced—
it was definitely a demon!

Yan Jiu glared at him fiercely, noticing his wide-open eyes, as if they were about to bulge out. He too
looked over in astonishment.

Wow, a fairy! Alive! She really was alive!

Unlike Fei Bai's fear, Yan Jiu was overjoyed. Heaven had indeed taken pity on his devoted heart, bringing the woman
in to life. "Amitabha! May the boundless Dao be with you! Thank you to any deity, wherever they may have helped
!"

Yan Jiu held his breath, watching Mingyue play and laugh, afraid that with a single exhale, the beauty would vanish. He
reached out and pinched Fei Bai, forbidding him to cry out, lest he shatter the beautiful dream before him.

Mingyue danced for a while, feeling refreshed and invigorated, as if the long-standing melancholy had dissipated. She wanted to venture
deeper , but Bihe persuaded her otherwise. "It's getting late," she said, "we'll be staying at this estate for a while anyway; we
can come back another day. " Only after

Mingyue and her companion disappeared down the path did Yan Jiu awaken from his dream.

He rushed to the painted wall to look at the celestial maiden in the painting; now only faint traces remained on the wall. In a moment,
even the faint traces vanished completely, like ripples on a lake.

Fei Bai groaned, thinking, "It really is a demon; this painting has come to life!"

Yan Jiu followed the path into the nunnery, but when he reached the Listening Spring Pavilion, he couldn't find her anywhere. He couldn't help but
sigh, regretting not having gone closer earlier. Then he thought, "If I had gone closer, my dream
might better to have looked a little longer!" Heaven, oh heaven, since you let her descend from the stone wall, why be so stingy? Why
won't you let me get closer to your beauty?

Su Yin turned back to the Listening Spring Pavilion and saw her nephew standing in the courtyard, stamping his feet in a daze! She couldn't help but
laugh and ask, "Little Jiu, what are you doing?"

Startled by her question, Yan Jiu suddenly had a thought and asked, "Aunt, did a guest
come to visit you just now?"

Su Yin took his hand and led him into the house, smiling as she said, "Yes, the young mistress of the Governor's Mansion. She's
been enjoying herself at the manor at the foot of the mountain lately and came to the nunnery to talk to me!"

Yan Jiu was overjoyed. So that's it! Just as he suspected! He'd found his beloved!

Wait, wasn't the Governor-General of Liangjiang Li Wenze? Li Wenze, Fengqi Manor, the Li family! Suddenly, a thought struck him like
lightning , and he asked hesitantly, "The young mistress of the Governor's Mansion? Aunt,
do you know her surname?"

Su Yin looked at him, wondering why he had suddenly become interested in someone else's wife. Although she found it strange, she still replied
, "She's said to be surnamed Xie, and she's the head of our six clans, the aunt of the Xie family!"

Yan Jiu stamped his feet repeatedly, his face contorted in misery, "It's over, it's over, she really is a peony! Fei Bai, you
jinx!"

Seeing his expression, Su Yin couldn't help but speak seriously, "Xiu Ling, although the men of our Yan family don't abide by worldly customs and
etiquette, and value romantic love, there's one rule: we don't seduce other people's wives or sow discord between husband and wife
! That's a sin! I see the Xie family girl as very good, but no matter how good she is, she's already someone else's wife.
You'd better not make a move on her!"

"What do you mean someone else's wife? She's my wife! It's over, it's over, she's my wife!"

Su Yin then remembered what he had said about coming to Yangzhou to get married, and asked in surprise, "If she's supposed to be your wife, how come she's married to
someone else?"

Yes, she is your wife, how come she's married to someone else? Yan Jiu was filled with regret. He had been so focused on opposing the old man
that he hadn't realized it was a karmic debt from a past life—the woman he had fallen for at first sight was actually the girl the old man had mentioned.

Now, his wife belonged to someone else!

Fei Bai, overhearing this, realized the woman he had met in the mountains wasn't a demon after all! She was actually Miss
Xie, the young master had wanted his son to marry. The young master was in a terrible predicament, unable to express his bitterness.

Seeing that his son couldn't explain himself, Fei Bai recounted the whole story to Su Yin.

Su Yin then learned that her brother and nephew had been fighting, and the nephew had deliberately missed the Fei Ying Banquet, thus losing
his wife. Su Yin was both amused and annoyed. She tapped Yan Jiu's forehead with her finger and said, "You, you seem so clever
and quick-witted, but you can be silly too! Alright, alright, there are plenty of good women in the world! Since she's already married,
it just means you two aren't meant to be! You shouldn't think about it anymore!"

Yan Jiu recalled the scene in the mountains, his heart pounding and his throat tightening. How could he give up on the person he had finally fallen for
?

He said fiercely, "That won't do. It's not that our fate isn't right, it's that our fate hasn't arrived yet, just a little late! My
wife , even if she marries someone else, will still be my wife!"

"Your wife? How can she be your wife? She worships in the Li family ancestral hall, is listed in the Li family genealogy! She has
Li family descendants, and even if she dies, she'll be buried in the Li family ancestral graveyard!"

"Aunt, you're mistaken. As the saying goes, 'A single meeting of kindred spirits is enough; what need is there for a marriage certificate!' That's what
the old man ! Although she worships in a different ancestral hall, is listed in a different family genealogy, and has different descendants, but..."
"If I could stay by her side forever, never leaving her, how would that be different from being husband and wife?"

Yan Jiu sighed deeply, reciting softly: "I wish to be the collar of her garment, to receive the lingering fragrance of her beautiful head; I grieve for
the night's separation from her, I lament the endless autumn night! I wish to be the belt of her skirt, to bind her slender figure; ... I wish to be the paulownia tree, to be the zither on
my lap ; I grieve for the extreme joy turning to sorrow, and finally she pushes me away, silencing the music!

Love arises without knowing why, and deepens with each passing moment!"

Su Yin recalled their past love, looking at the same determined face before her and her brother, and sighed, "It's true, it's not
that enemies don't meet; it's that they don't know how to be together ...

Su Yin pondered for a long time before advising him, "She's not from a humble family; she's
the daughter-in-law . She lives in a grand mansion. Even if you covet her, what way do you have to get close to her? Besides, even if you did get
to her, she'd have a whole host of maids and servants attending to you. No matter how clever you are, you wouldn't be able to get anything done. You should give up
this idea as soon as possible!"

Hearing this, Yan Jiu felt disheartened. Yes, what way was there to get close to her?

But how could he not think about it?

From that day on, Yan Jiu fell ill with lovesickness. The beauty's gentle smile and delicate frown were etched in his mind and planted in his heart.

He would think of her thousands of times in an hour, gritting his teeth and stamping his feet,
sighing deeply , scratching his head, tossing and turning in bed. His heart was like a drifting cloud, sometimes like a wisp of smoke
, always wandering aimlessly. In just a few days, the amorous young man had become noticeably thinner.

Fei Bai, seeing this, realized it wasn't a good idea. After much hesitation, he boldly offered a suggestion. Yan Jiu
was overjoyed and rushed to find Su Yin.

Yan Jiu explained Fei Bai's plan, and Su Yin repeatedly waved her hands. However, she couldn't resist Yan Jiu's persistent pleading and earnest
entreaties , and genuinely felt sorry for her nephew's thinning appearance. Finally, she reluctantly agreed, shaving his long hair,
dressing him in a nun's robe, and taking him along.

This way, whether Mingyue came to the nunnery or Su Yin went to the manor, the two would chat and drink tea
together, and Yan Jiu could steal glances at her. Even a little eye contact was a form of solace, greatly alleviating his lovesickness.

Yan Jiu had delicate features, was as serene as a virgin, and had a slender figure. He remained unnoticed while following Su Yin. Although
his voice was clear, it lacked a girl's softness, so he often kept quiet in front of others, which no one seemed to mind.

That day, Mingyue sent someone to invite Suyin again. Coincidentally, Suyin was in the city. Yan Jiu accepted the invitation, secretly
delighted ; his efforts had finally paid off, and his opportunity had arrived.

As the saying goes, it's not the thief you should fear, but the one who has his eye on you! Another saying goes, there are only those who steal for a thousand days, not
those who guard against thieves for . Moreover, Mingyue had no idea that such a
cunning thief was lurking beside her, always eyeing her, wanting to steal her beauty and fragrance. A scheme against an unsuspecting man—this was truly terrible.

…

Bihe led Yan Jiu through several gates to a courtyard, the very Qinghong Courtyard where Mingyue resided.

The courtyard was filled with the gentle sound of a zither and the wafting fragrance of incense.

A mountain bends, a river bends, mountains and rivers separate fish and geese, who feels the loneliness of a cold pillow?

The zither plays slowly, the se plays slowly, the zither and se resonate in the Hall of Eternal Life, a joyful meeting in dreams.

The shadow moves gracefully, the steps are graceful, like a shadow following the form, the intention is endless, wanting to speak, turning the red ring.

A delicate smile, a soft whisper, a gentle murmur of affection, charm etched on her brow.

Bees and butterflies fluttered around, frolicking wildly among the flowers, their intoxication almost foolish. Orioles

murmured, swallows murmured, timid as the orioles and weak as the swallows, afraid to face the cold mountains.

Yan Jiu listened intently to the zither music outside the courtyard, thinking: "Longing for you, my heart is broken, this melody is meant for you but no one conveys it,
I wish it could ride the spring breeze to Yanran!" Ah, she was thinking of her husband there, remembering him across the vast sky, unaware that I was also thinking of
her here, a beauty like a flower beyond the clouds!

Suddenly the zither music faltered, then a string snapped.

Yan Jiu heard a faint sigh, as if it had penetrated her own heart, making her
want to offer her all the best things in the world, hoping to bring a smile to her face and dispel her sorrow.

"A guest has arrived! Please come in!"

Yan Jiu, as if receiving a divine decree, floated into the courtyard.

Mingyue, seeing that it was not Su Yin, was utterly astonished. Huh? "High mountains and flowing water, a kindred spirit,
who ?" How could this kindred spirit be a little nun? Could it be that this little nun also understands the feelings of unrequited love? How ridiculous!

She couldn't help but scrutinize Yan Jiu from head to toe, only then realizing that the little nun, whom she hadn't paid attention to before, though initially unremarkable,
possessed a surprisingly captivating charm upon closer inspection!

Yan Jiu chanted a Buddhist prayer, bowed, and said softly, "Greetings, Young Madam. The Abbess
went into town this morning and was therefore unable to keep our appointment!"

Bihe laughed from the side, "What a coincidence! This afternoon, our mistress suddenly felt like coming and thought of the Abbess, so she
specially prepared the finest vegetarian dishes and wine, but who would have thought the invitation would be sent so late!"

Mingyue, seeing that Yan Jiu was no ordinary person, wanted to keep her guest, so she chimed in, "Since Abbess Suyin is busy, it's just as good for the young master
to come ! The young master has a refined character and profound wisdom; he must have something to teach my daughter. Please stay at my
humble abode for a while."

Yan Jiu hurriedly said, "I dare not, I dare not, I would be so troublesome."

After chatting for a while, Mingyue smiled apologetically at Yan Jiu and said, "Little Master, you don't know, I'm most impatient
with incense ! I was playing the zither just now, and I'm covered in sandalwood scent. I'll come find you after I bathe and change! Please
come to the east wing for tea first!"

Yan Jiu had already smelled the subtle fragrance, which he found wonderful and delightful, but he hadn't expected the beauty to dislike it!

He sighed inwardly at what a waste of such a wonderful fragrance, but he politely asked the young mistress to make herself at home and obediently followed the maid to the east wing
for tea .

Yan Jiu sat with his head down under the crimson gauze window, thinking about Mingyue bathing, her skin smooth and fragrant, wondering what kind of
allure . Then he thought about how he was all alone now, and what if he gave himself away during the conversation?
He was torn between joy and worry, restless and uneasy. Time flew by as his mind wandered, and just as he was contemplating the worst of it, the maid came to invite
him to the main room.

Mingyue, tired from swinging in the morning, felt refreshed after her bath and couldn't help but yawn.

Bibo lit a candle and was about to help her change clothes and comb her hair, but Mingyue refused, saying, "Forget it. That young nun
is a Buddhist disciple, and besides, a woman. It doesn't matter if my clothes aren't very proper! Judging from her
expression, she seems quite open-minded, so I doubt she'll mind our slight disrespect. Let me just leave it as it is!"

"You, go and check the vegetarian dishes yourself. Don't let that stupid woman make a mistake. Once the dishes are ready, bring them to my
room. We'll eat here!"

Yan Jiu, holding his prayer beads, entered the main room and saw Mingyue, her black hair loose, reclining on the bolster.

Underneath a thin silk shawl, she wore only a dark green bodice. Embroidered on it was a twin lotus flower, the two blossoms trembling
slightly at the highest point of her breasts. She wore moon-white silk trousers, her snow-white, delicate lotus feet peeking out from the hem, like
tiny lotus buds just beginning to emerge—captivating even without emotion! Yan Jiu's heart pounded wildly at the sight, his mouth went dry, and he murmured
a greeting, not even knowing what he was saying!

Mingyue lay languidly, smiling brightly, and said, "Little Master, please forgive my disrespect, I'll speak to you like this, reclining like this
!"

Yan Jiu forced himself to remain calm and casually engaged in conversation with Mingyue. After a while, he felt a little better, and his heart
stopped pounding so wildly. He had traveled extensively since childhood, gaining vast knowledge and wit. His recounting of his travels
captivated Mingyue, filling her with longing and excitement.

Soon, vegetarian dishes and wine were served. Mingyue urged him to drink several rounds, and she herself drank some, her face
flushed . In the candlelight, she appeared even more alluring, making Yan Jiu's heart itch with desire; he longed to pounce and kiss
her passionately! Alas, he had the desire but not the courage!

Seeing that the young nun pleased her mistress, Bihe asked where the young nun should be settled.

Mingyue thought for a moment; the young nun was articulate and witty, and she was reluctant to let her go. She had previously
shared a late-night conversation with Suyin, and today she would simply follow suit! She told Bihe that she would be settled with her, and asked
her to have a brand-new quilt and pillows, saying she wanted to emulate the ancients who talked while touching feet.

This was completely unexpected for Yan Jiu; it was like a windfall, a godsend. Just as he was dozing off, someone handed him a pillow.
To not accept what Heaven offers is to suffer the consequences; to not welcome the opportune moment is to reap the wrath. A true man stands tall and upright, and does it first!

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[The Moon Was Bright Then] - Chapter Fourteen

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