The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

Chapter 24 - Lake Tour (1)

The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband – Chapter 24

Translated by: Oinkoink

Chapter 24 – Lake Tour (1)

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Even the rain didn't know that spring had left. Once it was clear, it was already summer and suddenly, Wangdu was steaming hot.

Many things have happened in the past few months. Bai Xingzhi was executed with immediate beheaded and Bai Xizhi returned home after resigning from his official post on grounds of illness. Even Bai Zhixuan, who was pregnant with the dragon descendant could not escape from this implication. She was demoted to Noble Lady and subjugated to Zhuo Xin Yuan with bleak circumstances as everyone commented that the Bai family was surely gone.

[Glossary: Bai Xingzhi – clan family younger uncle. Bai Xizhi – father of Bai Zhixuan]

In sharp contrast was the Ye family. Ye Huaixin advanced triumphantly in the palace examinations and ranked at the top three. He successfully entered and held a post in Zhongshu Province* and formally acknowledged Yue Ting as his mentor. This move undoubtedly painted a subtle stroke for the confrontation between the prominent family and the poor family factions. The groundbreaking in the future began from this day onwards, however this part of the story would be recounted later and would not be mentioned at this moment.

[T/N: Zhōng Shū Shěng (中书省) – Zhongshu Province is one of the three provinces in the central government system. It is mainly responsible for discussing the drafting of bills with the emperor]

Dragon boat races had always been popular in Chu Country during the summer and this year was no exception. The Emperor had spent hundreds thousands of silver in building a viewing platform on Huanhu Lake which was known as Youlong water veranda. Half section was erected on the lake shore and the other half was suspended above the water with copper and gold plated eaves. The glaze colored window could gaze afar looking across the river that was like a long sleeping dragon which was vastly magnificent. After it was built, it had been left unused for the entire winter and could finally be put to good use now.

On the day of the summer solstice*, the Emperor along with his imperial harem and hundreds of the officials as well as their families came to watch the dragon boat race. The carriages stopped in a line on the shore yet the water veranda still appeared empty which proved its vastness. The womenfolk particularly liked the suspended side of the veranda as they could see the scenic view of the lake and mountain. So, they gathered in groups of two and three by the side of the handrails. As soon as they approached, the sound of swallows and orioles reached the ears which was thoroughly delightful.

[T/N: Summer solstice ( 夏至 – Xiàzhì) – June 21 or 22, the longest day of the year]

When there was excitement, there would naturally be desolation too. In the room at the end of the covered veranda, Pei Yuanshu was standing alone and silently enjoying the scenery.

On the surface of the lake, flags and banners fluttered in the air. Dragon boats were in rows abreast and innumerable topless brawny men were beating the drums while rallying loudly in great momentum. Seeing that the race was about to start, his sight kept gazing around Youlong water veranda, accompanied by frequent sighs.

Such a huge viewing platform which extended for several miles that exhausted lots of manpower and material resources just for the enjoyment of the annual dragon boat race. It was truly a waste of the people's money and depletion of the treasury!

There was a creaking sound from the door behind him. He wondered if it was the arrival of Yue Ting. He couldn't bear the righteous indignant anymore when he turned around and unwittingly blurted out, "Teacher, look at the golden silk screens, the east pearl lanterns, the mahogany tables and the drawings of court ladies. Which of these are not enough to feed the common people in the drought-stricken areas of Xibei for several months? This was simply wasteful and overly extravagant. Student is really......"