大唐双龙传 [Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan] by Huang Yi

[Anh Nam]

Thanks Fox's. I finally caught up.

[foxs]

HPC, Ysabel, spy, Jaya, Sky, you are welcome. DongBin, thanks for the info. I really did not remember. Anh, welcome back.

---

Xu Ziling and Ba Fenghan crowded into a noisy restaurant, with great difficulty managed to find an empty table near the corner, ordered some pastries and light refreshments, and ate at their hearts’ content.

Xu Ziling casually asked, “Fenghan Xiong seems to have special admiration toward Luoyang, am I right?”

Ba Fenghan nodded and said, “Among the cities and towns of the Central Earth, Luoyang and Chang’an give me special impression, simply because these two cities have royal air, which no ordinary city can imitate.”

“How about Jiangdu?” Xu Ziling asked.

“I have not been to Jiangdu,” Ba Fenghan replied, “That is your, Ziling’s birthplace, naturally you have a profound affection toward that place, just like me with my steppe and desert.”

And then, smiling, he said, “However, by comparison, I still prefer northern cities and landscape. That kind of arduous, imposing and wonderful mountains and rivers has a completely different flavor to the enchanting, bright and beautiful South; it is more suited to my taste.”

Xu Ziling nodded and said, “Ba Xiong is like the Great River and lofty mountain range of the North, be able to withstand the test of the wind and the frost over the years, unafraid to face the difficult and nasty environment. Zhong Shao and I are, after all, southern people, very easy to develop love of ease and comfort and hate work. Even though we trained martial art, we do not have any stringent rule to follow. Hee …!”

Ba Fenghan laughed and said, “I’ll say Kou Zhong is more akin to me, and you are not one who love ease and comfort and hate work. It’s just your natural instinct is you don’t like confrontation. But if someone really provokes you to fury, I will be very worried about that person!”

Xu Ziling smiled and said, “Am I that terrible?”

Ba Fenghan turned serious as he said, “I rarely admire anybody, but you are an exception. In normal times you look suave, as if you don’t care about anything. But each time we are facing the critical juncture between life and death, you always show unswerving determination, no-nonsense willpower, plus the ingenuity of coming up with brilliant scheme to escape from the enemy, otherwise this morning we would not have been here, eating light refreshments in Luoyang.”

Smiling wryly, Xu Ziling said, “I have never thought about that side of me. Right! Should we think of a way to make contact with Zhong Shao?”

Ba Fenghan muttered to himself, “I wonder how’s Zhong Shao and Wang Shichong’s business deal? It should have been settled conclusively by now, but it’s inappropriate for us to meddle. It would be best if Kou Zhong is coming to look for us. We only need to leave some signs like originally agreed, so that he knows where we are.”

Xu Ziling nodded in agreement, but then he frowned and said, “So what are we going to do in the meantime?”

Ba Fenghan laughed involuntarily and said, “Ziling, you are too accustomed to have your days with Kou Zhong. Tell me, when you were together with Kou Zhong, have you ever had to think about what to do or what not to do?”

Embarrased, Xu Ziling said, “I seem to be too accustomed to that, but there’s always the first time for everything. Ay! Later we … hey!”

Ba Fenghan doubled up in laughter; he laughed so loud that other patrons on several tables nearby raised their eyebrows.

Finished laughing, Ba Fenghan spoke indifferently, “We are going to see a beauty whom we both know first, to see if she has some information about your Yu Yi, while making inquiries on the latest news about the Jade Annulus of the He Clan. Ziling, what do you think?”

“A beauty that we both know?” Xu Ziling asked incredulously.

Ba Fenghan revealed a strange expression first, before smiling and said, “Dongming Princess Shan Wanjing ought to be considered one of those, right?”

“What?” Xu Ziling blurted out.

※ ※ ※

Wang Shichong and Kou Zhong were standing on the bridge of the battleship [orig. ‘viewing platform’], with their gaze fixed on the direction of Luoyang.

Kou Zhong said, “Does Shangshu know that Li Mi had been to Xiangyang to pay a personal visit to Qian Duguan, to persuade him to supply him with manpower and provision when he attack Luoyang from the south?”

Shocked, Wang Shichong said, “Qian Duguan is not afraid of death? Unexpectedly he is this brazen!”

Kou Zhong said, “Li Mi has always been known for his cunning, he deliberately conspired with the Four Big Bandits and Jianghuai Army to take over Jingling, while pressing against the various cities on the north. It was indeed a brilliant ‘killing two birds with one stone’ stratagem. He made Du Fuwei too busy to mind the South, while at the same time making various cities south of Luoyang afraid of the Jianghuai Army and thus they threw their lots with him. Therefore, if Shangshu is too late in attacking the Wagang Army, sooner or later you will fall completely under siege. By that time it would be too late to be sorry.”

Wang Shichong was greatly astonished, “How did Kou Xiao Xiong know the North-South situation so clearly?” he asked.

Kou Zhong smiled and said, “Naturally in order to deal with Li Mi. That old thief issued the ‘Duke of Pushan Decree’, making us, two brothers, fell into danger time and again, several times we nearly died and escaped only by the skin of our teeth; how could we not try to quench this manhunt?”

After thinking in silence for half a day, Wang Shichong suddenly said, “Supposing this time I cannot defeat Li Mi, should I go west to ally myself to Li Yuan?”

Kou Zhong wanted to say, ‘This battle will be won’, but then he had another idea and answered the question with a question, “Between Li Yuan and Li Mi, which one Shangshu thinks is a bit more terrifying?”

Smiling ruefully, Wang Shichong replied, “I previously have never had any regard toward Li Yuan. Even when he rose in rebellion in Taiyuan, crossing Longmen [dragon gate] into Guanzhong, successively defeating venerable Old Song and Qu Tutong, I still thought it was just a fluke. But when Li Yuan’s second son Shimin routed Xue Ju and Xue Renguo father and son’s Xiqin Army [western Qin] at Fufeng [county in Baoji, Shaanxi], and then pursuing the retreating enemy he pressed on to Longcheng, I have no choice but to change my view. Because Guanzhong no longer has any threat from the west, they can concentrate on the east, to take over the Central Plains, becoming the biggest threat to Luoyang after Li Mi.”

Kou Zhong said, “Shangshu seems to be very clear about Li Clan’s situation, you probably know that Li Shimin is a person who has the high aims of pacifying the Central Plains in his heart. Therefore, unless Shangshu is willing to bow before him, if you let Li Shimin acquire more strongholds and strengthening his position in Guanzhong, sooner or later Luoyang will fall into his hands.”

Wang Shichong sighed and said, “Luoyang is the hub of water transport of the world, but for that same reason it is also caught in the middle of the enemies on all sides battling each other. Even if Li Mi is gone, it still has to deal with attacks coming from four sides eight directions, unlike Li Clan’s situation, where they could attack or retreat as needed.”

Kou Zhong said, “Therefore, after getting rid of Li Mi’s threat, Shangshu must move your troops to Guanzhong. Whether you like it or not, you must control the Li Clan so that they cannot leave Tongguan even for half a step, and then Shangshu could press on you victory by taking advantage of the canal Li Mi leave behind, to progressively nibble away the cities and towns in the vicinity, to increase your strength, so that others outside will have no other way.”

Smiling wryly, Wang Shichong said, “I’m a bit tired! I want to go into my cabin to rest.”

But Kou Zhong was sighing inwardly.

All along Wang Shichong was not a material for the contention over the world; he was absolutely nothing like Du Fuwei, he fell short compared to Xiao Xian, so naturally it was even more difficult to compare him with powerful talents with great aspiration like Li Shimin or Li Mi.

※ ※ ※

“津桥东北斗亭西，到此令人诗思迷；
眉月晚生神女浦，脸波春傍窈娘堤；
柳丝袅袅风缲出，草缕茸茸雨剪齐；
报道前驱少呼喝，恐惊黄鸟不成啼；”

[Translator’s note: my apology that this is beyond my ability to translate. According to my research, this poem is supposedly written by Bai Juyi (772-846), a Tang Dynasty poet, and the title is ‘Tianjin Bridge’. I would appreciate it of any of you could help me find a good translation.]

As the two men stepped on the Tianjin Bridge spanning across the Luo River, Ba Fenghan slyly said, “Tianjin’s Xiao Yue [dawn moon] is the chief among Luoyang’s Eight Sceneries. The most fascinating is in the still of the night, when the bright moon is hanging in the sky, capturing the beauty touring it arm-in-arm. The atmosphere is certainly no word can explain.”

Xu Ziling halted and said, “I suddenly remember something, I am afraid I can’t accompany Fenghan Xiong seeing the Princess.”

Ba Fenghan laughed and said, “I wonder what urgent matter Ziling Xiong needs to attend to?”

Xu Ziling forced a smile and said, “Fenghan Xiong, please do not think that I am looking for a pretext to avoid seeing the Princess, but my heart is concerned over our missing brothers that got separated from us. So I want to try to find them.”

“Are you talking about Duan Yucheng and the others, four men?” Ba Fenghan asked.

“Precisely them,” Xu Ziling replied.

“In that case I won’t stop Ziling!” Ba Fenghan calmly replied.

After agreeing on where and when to meet again, they went their separate ways around the city center.

[Jayariyin]

Thanks, foxs.

[HPC7595]

Thanks foxs

[Ysabelkid]

Thanks foxs

[spynet]

Thanks foxs!

[akolaw]

Tianjin is heaven's port, heaven refers to the emperor who is also known as son of heaven.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[LuDongBin]

The Tianjin Bridge was built by Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty. It was constructed according to ancient cosmological and astrological design, likening it to the Milky Way(Celestial Bridge). The Big Dipper sits in the East, dominating the region and pointing to the North (Celestial) Pole. And Luoyang was east of the Tianjin Bridge. Tang emperors improved and rebuilt the bridge many times due to war and floods. Strategists thought that Emperor Yang made a strategical error when he diverted Luo River across Luoyang City. The poem is difficult to translate but I think Bai Juyi was alluding to (youth - waxing crescent moon - overcoming the old - wrinkles on the face) Wan Shichong many failed attempts to contest against Li Shimin and eventually was suppressed by Li despite being the first to occupy Luoyang (storm flattening the grass/oriole too frightened to sing). (Hope this is not a spoiler as such). I may be way off in my interpretation.

[SkyWalker]

Thanks for the update foxs.

Thanks for the poem explanation Dongbin!

[LuDongBin]

Thanks for the poem explanation Dongbin!

The Chinese term for the Milky Way is 银河 (Silver River), hence the astrological significance of diverting the Luo River across Luoyang.

[foxs]

Jaya, HPC, Ysabel, spy, Anh, Sky, you are welcome. Akolaw, DongBin, thanks for the info. Either one of you care to try? Please? You can provide literal translation, and then add the explanation in footnote. If you could, I will include it in the unabridged thread.

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Book 12 Chapter 12 – Meeting an Old Friend on The Road

Stepping down from the Tianjin Bridge, Xu Ziling arrived at the southern part of of the city; he felt relaxed and was in a good mood.

He really did not want to see Shan Wanjing.

This moment the City of Luoyang looked like it has just been awakened from sleep. Streams of carts and sedan chairs flowed without stopping. The city was bustling with noise and excitement. Among the pedestrians, many were wearing barbarian attires; obviously they were traveling merchants from the Western Regions.

Just by looking at the prosperity before their eyes, anybody could not imagine that there were endless wars outside the city, and that people were in a terrible situation.

Even more difficult to imagine was that Luoyang was caught in the midst of internal and external problems; that it was in the center of conflict among major powers.

Leaving the Heavenly Street bubbling up with a tide of people, he walked to the west along the Luo River. On a more than ten zhang wide waterfront, a huge ship standing right by the dock, with smaller boats moored on the aft of ship. The size of the iron chain itself was a marvel.

Looking back at the Tianjin Bridge, Ba Fenghan had already disappeared.

The four multistory building opposite each other on the north and south of the Tianjin Bridge added to the grandeur of the bridge itself; it was such a magnificent sight.

Leaving the shopping area south of the Bridge, he noticed that the pedestrians were a lot more sparse. Xu Zling strolled along the Luo dike. The dike was lined with miscellaneous plants, Chinese scholar trees and willows. The green trees provided shade. It was a charming scenery.

Collecting his thoughts, Xu Ziling could not help thinking about the relationship between Ba Fenghan and Shan Wanjing.

That day Ba Fenghan and Shan Wanjing agreed to meet at Jiujiang. Perhaps it was not such a simple matter of man-woman relationship.

It should be noted that Shan Wanjing was the new generation leader of Dongming Pai. Internally, that Shang Ming fellow has been chosen to be her future husband. Therefore, although she fell in love with Li Shimin, they were not fated to be together.

Judging from Shan Wanjing’s strong character and the way she conducted herself, since she was able to restrain her feeling for Li Shimin that nothing went wrong, according to reason, she also should be able to refrain from making a tryst with Ba Fenghan.

Therefore, between she and Ba Fenghan, there must be some cooperation of mutual benefit.

Xu Ziling originally did not consider this aspect of the matter, but because Ba Fenghan had intimate knowledge that Shan Wanjing was in Luoyang, and he knew where she was staying, this was definitely not a simple matter at all.

If between the two people there was only a simple matter between a man and a woman, with Ba Fenghan’s attitude in which he did not attach most importance to family love, and the fact that Shan Wanjing did not have the heart to kill Xu Ziling the other day, it was enough for Ba Fenghan to never turn his back against Shan Wanjing.

Xu Ziling shook his head with rueful smile.

Could a wind blowing a ripple on a spring [season] pond interfere with the matters between a man and a woman?

Right this moment, someone was hurrying over. Xu Ziling looked up to see, and instantly he was dumbstruck, and nearly could not believe his own eyes.

※ ※ ※

Leaning on the window, Kou Zhong looked out, wile myriads of thoughts flashed through his mind.

The road to hegemony over the world was definitely not a broad and open road. Not only it was unpredictable and hard to fathom, it was rugged and hard to pass, with the risk of having his body torn and his bones crushed lurking at every turn. The one brought him the most headaches was that there were so many forks on the road. One slip and he would lose the opportunity to reach his goal.

And opportunity was of a really crucial importance.

Li Shimin was a person who understood how to grasp opportunity the most. He watched for opportunity, pushed his old man to rebel, and raised an army at Taiyuan, taking advantage while Guanzhong’s elite troops were pressing west to deal with Li Mi, he crossed the river to enter the pass, and seized the Western Capital Chang’An, a staunch and solid point, all along only had to face danger from Xue Ju, father and son, on the west side, and was able to take control of Guanzhong, in the midst of great heroes pursuing the deer in the Central Plains [fig. many vie for supremacy], and seized the advantage of ‘sandpiper and clam war together, and the fisherman catches both’ without even lifting a finger.

And right now he had just started.

Admittedly, while toppling Li Mi would break the Song Clan and Wagang Army alliance like killing a fetus inside the belly, the one reaping the most benefit would be Li Shimin, and not him, Kou Zhong.

Therefore, now it was not the time to kill Li Mi. Even though Li Mi was craning his neck waiting to be chopped, he could not kill Li Mi.

Ay! I wish Xiao Ling were here! Then at least I’ll have someone to unload my mind.

If Xu Ziling was killed, he would recklessly abandon everything to avenge him. All those aspiration to obtain the world or what have you, would have to be set aside.

‘Knock! Knock!’

Kou Zhong was stunned. “Come in!” he said.

A young maid pushed the door and bowed respectfully while saying, “Miss is inviting Kou Gongzi to her cabin for a meeting.”

※ ※ ※

Xu Ziling hesitated for a moment, before running to block the person who had just brushed past, and called in heavy voice, “Li Dage!”

Unexpectedly it was Li Jing, whom he had not seen in a very long time.

The reason of his hesitation was because all along he could not accept what happened to Susu. If Li Jing was not a fickle man, Susu would not receive disgrace from Wang Bodang, and furthermore, she would not have married Xiang Yushan.

Li Jing was dressed in everyday clothes, but he still looked heroic and frank; his eyes had become even sharper, evidently in these past few years his martial art skill had progressed tremendously.

Stunned, he halted his step. With confused expression he knitted his brows and asked, “Could this Xiongtai be mistaken?”

It was only then did Xu Ziling realize that presently he was the ‘Scarface Hero’. Thereupon, lowering his voice he said, “It’s me, Xu Ziling. I am wearing a mask.”

First, Li Jing’s tiger body shook, and then, showing a pleasantly surprised expression, he pulled Xu Ziling over the row of locust trees by the pathway and toward the edge of the sloping dike. “I also heard the rumor that you guys are heading to Luoyang,” he said in great delight, “But I would never have expected that we would come across each other by chance like this. Where’s Xiao Zhong?”

Xu Ziling pulled his mask off and stuffed it into his bosom.

Li Jing sighed and said, “You are taller than me now. Time flies really fast, unexpectedly it has been many years. Those two urchins of the old days have become world-shaking figures. Nowadays, at the mention of your name, people are either gnashing their teeth in anger, or praising you to high heaven!”

And then he quickly added, “Xiao Zhong is all right, isn’t he?”

Listening to his sincere concern, while also recalling Susu, Xu Ziling was so torn that he hated himself for it. He said, “Xiao Zhong is all right, we are just temporarily splitting up, each one handling different matter; that’s all!”

Li Jing breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Come! Let’s find a place to sit down and talk!”

※ ※ ※

Kou Zhong was led by the young maid to the inner cabin.

Dong Shuni had changed into fancy dress, and had put on meticulous makeups. Sitting nicely in a chair, her beauty was even more dazzling. Her smoky eyes also increased her charm and grace, and made her look a bit more mature.

Kou Zhong was sat on a chair on her left. The young maid retreated, and even closed the door behind her.

Kou Zhong looked unsure, “Aren’t you afraid your Da Jiujiu might blame you?” he asked.

Imitating Wang Shichong’s tone, she spoke in an old, gruff voice, “Now is now, then is then. How can they be the same?” But then she could not refrain from laughing tenderly, like a sprig of flower trembling uncontrollably, unleashing her seductive appearance at its full power that she looked extremely captivating.

Kou Zhong suddenly understood: Dong Shuni was Wang Shichong’s secret weapon. By exploiting her beauty, he coaxed and took advantage of talents, and perhaps to gather intelligence as well. Otherwise, perhaps even to his death Wang Shichong was not aware that he had fallen within Li Mi’s range of bows and arrows.

In order to subdue Kou Zhong, right now Wang Shichong was playing this Dong Shuni trump card.

Smiling sweetly, Dong Shuni said, “You are indeed a very capable person; I have never seen Da Jiujiu has such a high regard of anybody. But right now I don’t like you!”

“What?” Kou Zhong blurted out.

※ ※ ※

[Jayariyin]

Thanks, foxs.

[wangxiaohu]

Thank you Foxs..

[chowbeng]

Classic beauty trap! I don't like you......unless you do blah blah blah!

[foxs]

Jaya, Xiaohu, you are welcome. Chowbeng, Here's the end of Chapter 12. I will try to finish Book 12 tomorrow evening, Chapter 13.

---

The buildings along the Luo River banks stretched out to the left and right. Not too far ahead there was a tall campanile, magnificently towering high over the Luo River dividing the city into two sections.

Li Jing sighed and said, “I had never thought that when we parted that day, it’s only now that we can meet again. Su Mei is really something; were it not for her, I, Li Jing, could forget about sitting here with you, reminiscing over the old times. Therefore, when I heard Li Mi rose up in rebellion, I knew something bad was about to happen, I rushed to Xingyang immediately, and found out that you guys have rescued her out.”

Xu Ziling felt a lump in his throat; he nearly burst into tears. Struggling hard to control himself, he said in heavy voice, “Why did Li Dage let her return to Xingyang that day? Didn’t you know that Xingyang’s Longtou Mansion was a very dangerous place to be?”

Li Jing smiled wryly and said, “Su Mei’s kindness to me was as heavy as the mountain, how could I, Li Jing, be that kind of ungrateful b@stard? It’s a pity that she had had her mind made up. Knowing that I would stop her, unexpectedly she left a letter and quietly left me. At that time my internal injury had not been healed, if I ran after her, we would come across more wind and rain. Upon recovering from my heavy injury, I went to Xingyang to look for her, but Su Mei refused to see me. I had no choice but to go to Luoyang first, and then continuing into Guanzhong. And now I am working for the King of Qin.”

Listening to this, Xu Ziling was dumbstruck.

Turned out that was what happened!

※ ※ ※

Dong Shuni’s countenance turned cold, “Anybody that Da Jiujiu like, I don’t!” she spoke indifferently.

Seeing Kou Zhong was staring at her with his big eyes, she stomped her feet and snarled, “What’s so strange about that? Can’t I pick someone I like? Da Jiujiu has never liked my Die, but Niang was happier than any woman out there. Niang used to say previously they were free to select any partner from among the wildfire.”

Kou Zhong breathed a sigh of relief instead. Smiling, he asked, “In that case, can I get lost now?”

This time it was Dong Shuni who stared at him with her big eyes. “Did you hear what I said?” she said, “I said I don’t like you anymore; don’t you feel sad and broken hearted?”

Kou Zhong stood up, stretched his limbs, and started to walk toward the cabin door. Without stopping, he said, “Of course I am deeply grieved. I just want to go back to my room and cry my eyes out. Ha …”

Kou Zhong turned around to catch the precious porcelain vase Dong Shuni was throwing at his back. Giggling, he said, “I have a really bad habit: I don’t like to be manipulated by others. I prefer to eat soft food, but refuse to have hard food [i.e. amenable to coaxing but not coercion]. Ha!” With a wave of his hand, he whisked the porcelain vase back toward Dong Shuni.

While Dong Shuni was frantically catching the vase, he pushed the door and swaggered out.

‘Bang!’

The vase was thrown once again; it crashed against the door and disintegrated into pieces.

※ ※ ※

“How’s Su Mei doing?” Li Jing asked in concern.

Xu Ziling heard his own voice responding, “She is in Baling, and she is married now.”

Li Jing sounded cheerful, “I am really happy for her. Which family is so lucky to have her?”

Xu Ziling was visibly shaken; he looked at Li Jing in disbelief.

Li Jing was puzzled, “Why did your, Xiao Ling’s countenance, look so strange? Is there something wrong with Su Mei’s husband?”

Xu Ziling asked in surprise, “Su Jie married another man, Li Dage did not feel disappointed?”

Frowning, Li Jing said, “If Su Mei has a place to call home, I can’t be more happy than that. Is there any problem with this man?”

After staring at Li Jing for half a day, Xu Ziling shook his head and said, “I do not dare to be positive about it.”

Li Jing laughed and said, “You nearly scared me to death. Who is this man anyway? Isn’t Baling Xiao Xian’s territory?”

Xu Ziling nodded and said, “This man is precisely Xiao Xian’s man, his name is Xiang Yushan.”

Li Jing’s countenance changed, “What?” he blurted out.

Xu Ziling was shocked, “Is there really a problem with him?”

Li Jing showed a pained expression. It was quite a while before he sighed and said, “Whether in himself this man has a problem, I am not sure at all; but I do know … ay! Xiao Ling, please forgive me for having a hidden trouble too hard to mention, hence I cannot fluently tell you all I wanted. Heavens! How could there be such a coincidence?”

Xu Ziling’s brain traveled at the speed of light; he spoke heavily, “Just now Li Dage said that you are working under the King of Qin. Isn’t the King of Qin Li Yuan’s second son, Li Shimin?”

Li Jing nodded, “That’s him all right,” he replied, “He also has high regards toward you. Aren’t you looking to make a breakthrough in doing great undertaking? He is going to be a good emperor.”

Xu Ziling laughed coldly and said, “Can he ascend to the throne? He is merely the King of Qin, but the heir apparent is actually Li Jiancheng. Just by listening to Li Dage, I know the rift between the two brothers. Li Clan is facing a disaster, big chaos will arise. Li Dage still want to mingle in this muddy water?”

Li Jing solemnly said, “Xiao Ling, you have grown up, your knowledge and experience are greatly different from the past, but I, Li Jing, am not the kind of person who sees trouble and shrink back.”

After a pause, his eyes glittered like frost and snow as he gazed on the Luo River below, which water flowed in perpetuity, and then he said slowly, “The trials and tribulations of a nation today are the same as in time past, unless it obtained enlightened sage as its lord, it cannot be governed peacefully. And the problem facing the nation is not for the squeamish. Nowadays, who did not know that the Li Clan’s territory was won over by the King of Qin? Also, only he has the talent and morality and conduct, which will benefit thousands of people. Xiao Ling, do you understand what I am saying?”

Xu Ziling’s heart was vexed, as if there was a heavy stone weighing the pit of his stomach; after taking a long, slow breathe, he felt slightly comfortable. He said, “Li Dage is not in Guanzhong, but came to such a dangerous place like this, what is this all about?”

Lowering his voice, Li Jing replied, “I came to Luoyang this time is indeed for a very important matter, but right now I cannot tell you yet.”

And then he pulled Xu Ziling up and said, “Come with me, your Sister-in-law must be worried sick waiting for us!”

“Sister-in-law?” Xu Ziling blurted.

[9Dragons]

arrived at the southern part of of the city > part of the
City of Luoyang looked like it has just been awakened > had just
that Shang Ming fellow has been chosen > had been
Xu Zling strolled along the Luo dike > Ziling
wile myriads of thoughts flashed > while
Not only it was unpredictable > only was it
All those aspiration to obtain the world > aspirations
each one handling different matter > matters
and had put on meticulous makeups > makeup
Kou Zhong was sat on a chair on her left > Zhong sat

who sees trouble and shrink back > shrinks
after taking a long, slow breathe > breath

"Even though Li Mi was craning his neck waiting to be chopped, he could not kill Li Mi."
Wow, Kou Zhong has the rare opportunity and the brilliant strategy to eliminate his nemesis, Li Mi, yet shies away because it will benefit Li Shimin, an even more intimidating rival. Can't say I agree. Too bad Wang Shichong foolishly blew this plan by attempting to manipulate Kou Zhong.

[Anh Nam]

Thanks foxs

[Ysabelkid]

Thanks foxs

[LuDongBin]

Thks foxs. I'm way way off in the interpretation of Bai's poem having misread some of the words, particularly, the first part.