BMN : Chapter 20

The message conveyed by An Jingzhi from the Third Prince was, “I hope Jin’s family, Fu Gongzi, can bring a surprise to the banquet in seven days.”

 

Born into the royal family, the Third Prince had seen all manner of wonders. To surprise him, Fu Ming knew he had to offer something truly extraordinary.

 

With only seven days until the banquet, Fu Ming worked tirelessly, often staying up all night. Even Jin Yi could only catch glimpses of him before bed.

 

One night, under the moonlight, Jin Yi looked closely at Fu Ming, feeling a touch of helplessness. “You look exhausted.”

 

Fu Ming replied, “No matter. Once the banquet is over tomorrow, I can return to my leisurely days.”

 

Jin Yi asked, “What have you been working on these past few days? Is it ready?”

 

Fu Ming smiled and said, “I’ve collaborated with some of the palace musicians to prepare a performance. The time was short, but it should be impressive enough to make an impact.”

 

“Oh? The Third Prince is not easily impressed, especially by something outside his usual interests.”

 

Fu Ming laughed, “Ordinary music and dance won’t do, but I’ve prepared something that no one has seen before. Hopefully, it will be refreshing and unique.”

 

Jin Yi, intrigued, smiled back. “Now I’m looking forward to it even more.”

 

As the morning sun rose, Fu Ming was already awake, leaving only a trace of warmth in the bed beside Jin Yi when he awoke.

 

They reunited in the afternoon at the palace where the Third Prince hosted the banquet. Fu Ming sat beside Jin Yi, nodding slightly when they made eye contact.

 

Once the Third Prince and his consorts were seated, and after a few rounds of drinks and dishes, the Third Prince paused, setting his cup and chopsticks down with a smile. “Everyone here is a friend of mine and pillars of the court, the best among civil and military officials. Today, let me once again witness your talents.”

 

The Third Prince, a martial arts enthusiast, was close to many military officials and gathered skilled fighters around him. He invited four military generals, including Jin Yi, and several highly skilled guards for this occasion. The first event was archery.

 

Among the generals was Liao Ping, the son of the late General Liao. Twenty years ago, General Liao represented the country in the northern Liao region, winning an archery competition and bringing honor to the nation. To this day, his accomplishment is highly regarded.

 

Liao Ping, like his father, mastered the art of archery, hitting every target with precision. The audience cheered continuously, and the Third Prince, pleased, rewarded him generously. Liao Ping, feeling confident, glanced at Jin Yi.

 

Jin Yi suggested others take their turns first. The next dozen or so performers showed their skills, each remarkable in their own right, and the Third Prince praised them generously.

 

When it was Jin Yi’s turn, he addressed the Third Prince, “I would like to request something from Your Highness. If my performance pleases you, may I ask for it as a gift?”

 

Curious, the Third Prince asked, “What could be so precious that Changjie would make such a request?”

 

Jin Yi replied, “I have heard that three years ago, Your Highness acquired an exquisite guqin made by a renowned artisan from the previous dynasty. I wish to ask for this guqin.”

 

The Third Prince laughed, “You have a good eye, Changjie. The items I have rewarded others today are valuable, but they pale compared to that guqin. Very well, though. I am not one to play it myself. If you surpass General Liao, the guqin will be yours!”

 

Liao Ping had already performed flawlessly, so to surpass him required an exceptional feat. With a determined look, Jin Yi prepared himself. As he stepped out, Fu Ming lightly tugged on his garment, meeting his encouraging smile. Jin Yi returned the smile and confidently strode to the courtyard.

 

An attendant presented him with a bow, and Jin Yi drew three arrows, setting them simultaneously on the bowstring. The audience held their breath as he released all three arrows, each aiming at a different target. The arrows flew true, hitting the bullseye almost simultaneously. The audience burst into applause and cheers, amazed at the display.

 

As Jin Yi’s eyes met Fu Ming’s, who had been watching him intently, their hearts swelled with pride, overshadowing the applause around them.

 

The Third Prince’s laughter broke the spell. “Excellent, excellent! Changjie, you have indeed opened my eyes. The guqin will be delivered to the Jin household upon our return to the capital!”

 

Jin Yi bowed to thank the prince and returned to his seat, where their hands clasped tightly under the table.

 

After another round of drinks, the Third Prince announced, “Changjie has displayed remarkable martial skills, and Jin’s family Fu Gongzi is also known for his talents. Today, Fu Gongzi has prepared a performance for us, which I eagerly anticipate!”

 

With the Third Prince’s signal, Fu Ming stood and addressed the gathering. “Ordinary music and dance are commonplace, and I’m sure His Highness and esteemed guests are familiar with them. What we present today is not a performance from our dynasty but an attempt to recreate the lost ‘Nishang Yuyi’ dance composed by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. Though we cannot fully replicate its grandeur, we hope it will bring a smile to your faces.”

 

“Recreating a Tang dynasty grand dance?” An enthusiast in the audience remarked, their eyes bright with anticipation. “The legendary spectacle, this should be interesting!”

 

Fu Ming clapped his hands, and a group of musicians entered, each carrying an instrument.

 

The performance began with a purely instrumental prelude, the music enveloping the audience, transporting them back to the flourishing Tang dynasty.

 

As the music continued, singers joined, harmonizing beautifully, evoking the grandeur of a vast landscape and the revival of spring across the land, as if nature itself were coming alive with the call of the music.

 

The singing seemed to summon the dancers, dressed in feathered garments and cloud-like skirts. They moved gracefully, not like ordinary dancers but ethereal beings from the heavens. The music became an ethereal echo between heaven and earth, the dancers a mesmerizing vision of a bygone era. Their flowing robes and ethereal movements created a scene of unparalleled beauty, reminiscent of a time when the world was at peace.

 

As the performance ended, the musicians, singers, and dancers gracefully exited the stage. The hall fell silent, the grandeur of the past lingering like a fleeting dream, leaving the audience in awe.

 

“Magnificent! A glimpse into the Tang dynasty’s grandeur, Fu Gongzi, your talent is truly remarkable. Changjie is fortunate to have such a talented spouse. Today’s feast has been an unforgettable experience, a feast for the senses,” praised the Third Prince, his words met with enthusiastic agreement.

 

Seeing Fu Ming’s composed demeanor, neither arrogant nor overly humble, the Third Prince observed him with newfound respect.

 

The Third Prince’s consort remarked, “My lord, the archers received rewards earlier, and now Fu Gongzi and the performers should be rewarded as well.”

 

The Third Prince smiled. “Indeed, they should be rewarded!”

 

While the attendants handled the rewards for the performers, the Third Prince asked Fu Ming, “What reward would Fu Gongzi like? If your husband hadn’t requested the guqin earlier, it would have been the perfect reward.”

 

Fu Ming thought it would be inappropriate to refuse, so he gracefully said, “I’ve heard that Your Highness has a fine collection of swords…”

 

Before Fu Ming could finish, the Third Prince laughed loudly, “A fine guqin for the knowledgeable and a treasured sword for the brave. A perfect match, and good things should come in pairs. In my collection, there’s a sword called ‘Suirin,’ fitting for Changjie. It’s yours!”

 

Fu Ming glanced at Jin Yi, who nodded, indicating that the reward could be accepted. Fu Ming bowed and expressed his gratitude.

 

The Third Prince’s consort whispered to him, “You once expressed regret over General Jin’s situation. It seems to have turned into a blessing in disguise.”

 

The Third Prince gently patted her hand, smiling. “Let’s hope so.”

 

As Fu Ming returned to his seat, curious glances followed him and Jin Yi. Aware of the attention, they paid it no mind, raising their cups in a toast to each other, their eyes locking in a private moment of shared joy.

 

As the night grew late, the Third Prince ended the banquet, and everyone returned to their quarters.

 

The weather changed quickly in summer. When they had entered the hall, the moonlight had shone brightly, but as they left, a light rain began to fall.

 

Lu Fei and Bai Lu were waiting outside with umbrellas. Seeing their masters emerge, they hurried to meet them.

 

Noticing that the rain wasn’t heavy, Jin Yi handed his umbrella to one of the musicians waiting for the rain to stop. Fu Ming, understanding his intent, smiled and opened his umbrella, inviting Jin Yi to walk with him under it.

 

The fine rain glistened on the winding path and the trees and rocks along the way, reflecting the lamplight with a cool and fresh sheen. The rain deepened the night’s quiet, a slight chill lingering in the air, kept at bay by the warmth of the person beside him.

 

As they walked away from the palace, into a secluded area surrounded by lush trees, Jin Yi stopped and embraced Fu Ming tightly. Fu Ming reciprocated, their bodies fitting together perfectly, hearts beating in sync, as if they were becoming one.

 

After a long moment, Fu Ming whispered, “Let’s go back first.” His voice, low and soft, sent shivers down Jin Yi’s spine.

 

In Yunsheng Pavilion, freshly bathed and draped in light clothing, Fu Ming was lifted into Jin Yi’sarms and carried to the bed, gently placed among the silk covers. Jin Yi leaned over him, their eyes meeting, filled with emotion and warmth.

 

Jin Yi caressed Fu Ming’s face, his voice hushed but filled with depth. “Changjie.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Call me—Changjie.”

 

Fu Ming smiled softly, whispering, “Changjie.”

 

The simple call acted like a spell, making Jin Yi feel entirely captivated by the person before him.

 

Outside, the rain, which had been soft and sporadic, grew heavier, drumming on the trees and eaves. Yet, inside, the two were oblivious to the rain’s serenade. The cool moisture brought by the wind couldn’t diminish the heat of their passion…

 

As the rain cleared and the moon emerged from behind the clouds, startling a bird into song, Fu Ming stirred from his daze. Lifting his head from Jin Yi’s embrace, he gazed at the reflection of the bright moon in the mirror and said in a hoarse voice, “Yexin.”

 

“What?”

 

“My courtesy name. My father gave it to me long ago.”

 

“Yexin?”

 

“Yes, it means a clear, bright heart like the moon. I’ve always liked it.”

 

“And I like it too,” Jin Yi murmured, holding his beloved closer, his lips brushing against his eyelids. With the most tender and loving voice he’d ever used, he called out a name, “Yexin.”

 

As bright as the moon, so is my heart this night.

---

A guqin is a type of zither. 

---

R : Sorry guys I was so sick last week (╯3╰)