novelapdf Chapter 12 The First Poem That Seduced the Empress
Chapter 12 The First Poem That Seduced the Empress
The next morning, Jiang Mu arrived at the Demon Slayer Division and headed to the Merit Office.
Along the way, I encountered many colleagues from within the company.
Whether it was an ordinary demon slayer passing by in a hurry, or clerks and servants from various departments, the way they looked at him was quite different from before.
It's clear that news of Jiang Mu going to the countryside to slay demons has already spread.
There is curiosity, doubt, confusion...
But what was missing was much of the usual disdain.
Jiang Mu arrived at the Office of Merit and found Zhou, the Registrar, who was in charge of distributing resources.
"Lord Zhou, the Chief Commander has ordered me to collect my identity token and this month's resources, and also to change my sword."
Jiang Mu handed over his hall master token.
Zhou, the registrar, had a lean face and three long strands of beard, and looked to be about forty years old.
Upon seeing Jiang Mu arrive, a warm smile appeared on his face:
"Please wait a moment, Lord Jiang. The Chief Steward has given instructions. I will go and get it for you right away."
He turned and went into the inner vault.
A moment later, he came out carrying a plate.
First, he took out a palm-sized white jade porcelain bottle and handed it to Jiang Mu:
"Lord Jiang, this is the 'Tiger and Leopard Marrow Cleansing Pill,' a potent and domineering medicine, best suited for martial artists of the first realm to temper their bones and cleanse their marrow. There are ten pills in the bottle. Remember to take one pill every three days, otherwise the medicine may be too strong and damage your meridians."
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Zhou. I've got it."
Jiang Mu took the porcelain bottle.
Clerk Zhou then took out a thick booklet, opened it to a page, and handed it to Jiang Mu:
"Lord Jiang, this is the catalog of martial arts techniques currently collected by our Huzhou City branch, with brief descriptions attached. You can choose one from this page to learn. Once you've selected one, I'll go to the storeroom to fetch a copy for you."
Jiang Mu took the booklet and browsed through it carefully.
The catalog lists more than twenty martial arts techniques suitable for martial artists at the first or second level, categorized into fist and palm techniques, sword and saber techniques, spear and staff techniques, and movement techniques.
After looking at it for a while, Jiang Mu pointed to a sword technique called "Eight Styles of Breaking the Heavens" and said to Zhou Zhubu:
"Let's choose this one."
This name sounds cool, it's cringeworthy, and it's fierce.
Since we're using a knife now, we naturally need to practice more powerful knife techniques.
Zhou, the registrar, nodded and went into the inner treasury.
A short while later, he came out with a brand-new thread-bound booklet and handed it to Jiang Mu.
It is clearly a copied copy.
At the same time, he took out a token and handed it to Jiang Mu.
"Lord Jiang, according to the regulations of the department, all Demon Slayers who have officially entered the first realm can be issued an identity badge."
With this token, one can exchange cultivation resources, access some records, and even seek certain assistance at any branch of the Demon Slayer Bureau in the world, according to the corresponding rank.
The higher the rank, the greater the authority and quota. This is a system established by the imperial court, an ironclad rule.
Jiang Mu accepted the token.
The token was quite heavy, with a dark yellow surface and a rough texture, as if it were made by mixing fine sand with some kind of material and firing it. It faintly emitted a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy.
Besides the carved beast, it also bears Jiang Chen's name.
This is the most basic symbol of identity in the Demon Slayer system: the Sand Sculpture Token.
Jiang Mu stroked the token, beaming with satisfaction:
"From today onwards, I am also a silly person."
As Jiang Mu walked out of the Hall of Merit with his new sword, he ran into Ran Qingshan.
The other party seemed to have been waiting for him.
"grown ups."
Jiang Mu bowed.
Ran Qingshan chuckled and patted him on the shoulder:
"Congratulations, Xiao Jiang, on becoming a silly goose. Come on, I have something to say to you."
……
We arrived at the office where the chief official worked, where the signatures were made.
The room was simply furnished, with only a few sprigs of red plum blossoms braving the snow on the table.
Ran Qingshan didn't put on any airs of officialdom; he proactively poured Jiang Mu a cup of hot tea, a slightly teasing smile on his face.
"Rumors are circulating that you, the dashing young master Jiang, have been indulging in nightly revelry and sleeping soundly in the arms of gentle ladies these days."
Who would have thought that you could actually be so patient, locking yourself away and practicing diligently, and you've actually made a name for yourself, achieving minor success in body tempering. Congratulations!
Jiang Mu accepted the teacup with both hands, his expression solemn, and said humbly:
"You flatter me, sir. Now that you've joined the Demon Slayer Division and donned this uniform, you can't just think about wasting your time."
My late father spared no effort in paving the way for my success, hoping I would achieve something great. I will certainly do my utmost to live up to my father's wishes, and even more so, I dare not disappoint your cultivation and expectations.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Ran Qingshan's eyes, and he nodded:
"It's good that you have this heart and this ambition. I believe your parents in heaven would be pleased. Keep up the good work, you have a bright future ahead of you."
"Thank you for your encouragement, sir."
Jiang Mu knew that the other party had summoned him not just for idle chatter and encouragement, so he took the initiative to steer the conversation toward serious matters, "Sir, what exactly happened with that Fifth Elder yesterday?"
The smile on Ran Qingshan's face gradually faded.
He gently traced the rim of the teacup with his fingers and sighed.
According to his mother, Granny Yuan, Yuan Laowu's youngest son was seriously ill and had taken a lot of medicine but his condition did not improve.
The fifth elder heard about a folk remedy from somewhere, saying that there was a "blood lingzhi" that could cure all diseases growing deep in the mountains. Ignoring all advice, he went into the mountains alone to find it.
But he disappeared for several days. He didn't return home until three days ago.
When he returned, he was acting strangely; he was burning up and coughing up black blood. His mother had seen the demon before and suspected something was amiss, but she dared not report it to the authorities, fearing it would alert us.
Ran Qingshan shook his head and said helplessly.
"So they tied the fifth elder to the kitchen, secretly went to the Taoist temple to get some talismanic water, and forced him to drink it, hoping to drive away the evil spirits. You've seen what happened next."
At this point, Ran Qingshan glanced at Jiang Mu with a hint of relief:
"It's fortunate that you went to urge the grain yesterday and stumbled upon this matter by chance, and you decisively killed him."
If it had been a few days later, things would have been much more complicated; the entire village could have been wiped out. The longer a demon lives, the more difficult it becomes to deal with.
Jiang Mu frowned:
"In that case, it is highly likely that the Fifth Elder encountered a demon in the deep mountains and was injured by it, or came into contact with something contaminated with demonic poison, which is why he was poisoned."
"Yes, I will send the Third Division to search the mountains for the specific source."
Ran Qingshan nodded and said,
"In addition, I also know about the Yuan family's situation and have asked a doctor to treat the child. However, the child's illness is deep-rooted, and whether he can pull through depends on his fate."
For the next few days, just stay home and focus on your cultivation. Don't go to that place again. I'm reiterating, that place... you shouldn't go there.
"Understood."
Jiang Mu nodded gently.
Ran Qingshan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at him with gentle eyes:
"Xiao Jiang, you're still young, full of passion and drive, which is a good thing. But some things are beyond our control."
This world is like a boiling pot, with firewood burning constantly underneath, and people struggling and sinking inside.
If you want to be a shovel to save people and a shield to block fire, your heart is good, and no one will stop you from being a great philanthropist and a hero.
But you have to remember, sometimes the more you do, the more people you might kill, or even yourself. Do you understand what I mean?
Jiang Mu remained silent.
Ran Qingshan stood up, walked to the window, his back to Jiang Mu, and gazed at a lone plum tree in the courtyard, its few remaining buds still standing tall in the autumn wind. His voice was low and deep:
"In the profession of demon slayer, the most taboo thing is the word 'sympathy.' Because sympathy will slow down your hand when drawing your sword. You may not understand now, but in the future... you will understand."
He waved his hand, looking somewhat dejected.
"Alright, I won't say anything more. Go back and focus on your training. If the department has a suitable new task for you, they will arrange it."
"Yes, sir. I'll take my leave now."
Jiang Mu stood up, bowed deeply with her hands clasped, and turned to leave the signing room.
Ran Qingshan stood alone by the window, gently stroking the plum branch that peeked in from the window. His fingertips felt the rough bark and the cool buds, and he murmured softly:
"In dealing with matters, one should neither conform to nor deviate from the common ways. One's actions should neither annoy nor please others..."
That's just how the world is.
……
When Jiang Mu returned home, her previously depressed mood quietly dissipated the moment she stepped into the courtyard.
The afternoon sun shone lazily down.
Bai Xiang was tending to her small vegetable garden.
In less than a month, the once barren land has become a vibrant place.
A row of lush green bok choy was planted against the wall, its leaves plump and tender.
Next to it were several pea shoots that had just sprouted tender vines, and in the corner there was a small patch of scallions and garlic, all lush and green.
At this moment, Bai Xiang is busy working with a small hoe.
She was wearing that simple dress.
Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing two sections of her fair forearms.
Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of the locust tree in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows that fell upon her, swaying gently with her movements.
It's a scenic view from afar, and a painting up close.
Jiang Mu gazed quietly at the graceful figure working serenely in the vegetable patch, suddenly lost in thought.
He noticed that this woman seemed to possess a peculiar aura.
No matter where she is or what she is doing, she always appears calm, composed, and enjoying herself.
Enjoy the freedom of being integrated with nature.
Whenever I feel gloomy, just seeing her always brightens my mood.
"Have you chosen a name yet?"
Jiang Mu walked over and asked.
Bai Xiang straightened her slender waist, turned her face, and her clear eyes held a hint of doubt.
A bead of sweat slid down her temple, first kissing a ray of sunlight, then shyly hiding deep within her slightly open collar, disappearing from sight.
Jiang Mu pointed to the vegetable garden:
"I mean, have you thought about giving this little garden a name? Many literati, scholars, and reclusive hermits like to name their own gardens to express their leisurely sentiments."
Bai Xiang gently shook her head.
Jiang Mu stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and then snapped his fingers:
"Alright, I'll come up with a name. How about... 'Morning Fragrance'?"
?
Bai Xiang's eyes turned somewhat strange.
"What? You have a problem with that?"
Jiang Mu crossed her arms, striking a domineering pose that said, "I'm the head of the family, so I make the decisions."
Bai Xiang's beautiful eyes flickered, a hint of mockery appearing in them.
She put down the small hoe, patted the dirt off her hands, and then raised her hands, gesturing in sign language:
Now that you have such a refined name, shouldn't you, the host, compose a poem to commemorate it? If you can write a good poem, then so be it, and this name will be given to you.
"Write a poem?"
Jiang Mu paused, scratched his head, and said, "This... let me go back to my room and think about it. I'll let you know when I've thought it through."
Although he had a lot of poems from his previous life, he couldn't think of any that would be suitable for this vegetable garden for the time being.
Bai Xiang smiled as she watched Jiang Mu's retreating figure.
She didn't really expect this spoiled young master to produce any poetry; she just treated it as a bit of fun. So she lowered her head again and continued tending to her vegetable garden.
Jiang Mu returned to his study and took out the "Eight Styles of Breaking the Sky" sword manual.
The opening of the sword manual elucidates the essential principles of this sword technique, the core of which lies in the word "break." It emphasizes using simplicity to overcome complexity, using force to overcome skill, and employing a fierce and violent sword style.
The goal is to unleash the strongest destructive power in the shortest possible time.
It emphasizes practical combat and is remarkably effective at breaking through armor and disrupting enemy lines.
During cultivation, it is necessary to coordinate with specific breathing methods and blood circulation routes, which are similar to the body tempering methods in the "Body Forging Technique" and can complement each other.
There are five levels of swordsmanship:
First glimpse, entry, minor success, major success, perfection.
Each level of mastery demands progressively higher levels of skill in controlling power, speed, and timing, as well as understanding the essence of swordplay.
Jiang Mu carefully studied the introductory mental cultivation method and the diagrams of the first two forms, as well as the method of channeling energy, and had a general understanding of it.
He changed into a set of short clothes that were easy to move in, picked up his sword, and prepared to go to the sandy area in the courtyard for practice.
As I reached the door, I suddenly remembered Bai Xiang's "Poem".
Looking at the small vegetable garden in the yard, I thought about how I came into this world so inexplicably, and then about my past life, and the experiences of the past month or so...
I've thought about it a lot.
My heart was filled with mixed feelings, and many emotions surged within me.
He suddenly turned back to his desk.
He picked up his brush and dipped it in ink.
After finishing writing, he picked up the still-wet Xuan paper, blew on it gently, and left the study.
Upon arriving in the courtyard, they discovered that Bai Xiang was not busy in the vegetable garden.
She was leaning against a bamboo chair under the eaves, her eyes slightly closed, her chest rising and falling gently with her even breathing, as if she were asleep.
On the small table next to her were the small hoe she had just used and half a glass of water.
They were clearly tired from working and were taking a short rest here.
Jiang Mu did not wake her up.
He went back into the house and got a thin blanket, which he gently covered her with. Then he placed the paper with the poem on it on the small table next to him and weighed one corner down with a teacup.
After doing all this, he picked up his sword and walked to the sand, where he began to practice each move according to the sword manual.
After the man turned around, Bai Xiang opened her eyes.
She looked down at the thin blanket covering her, her eyes deep and unfathomable, lost in thought.
Then, his gaze fell on the piece of paper on the table next to him.
Bai Xiang picked up the paper.
I was slightly taken aback when I saw the short poem written above.
She gently placed the paper on her lap, tilted her head back, and gazed at the azure sky through the corner of the eaves.
Her eyes, usually gentle and clear like an autumn lake, were now veiled in a faint, hazy mist, reflecting the drifting clouds and the sunlight, creating a sense of desolation.
a long time.
She stretched out her slender finger and made a sweeping motion towards the vegetable garden.
In the corner of the vegetable garden, on two newly unfurled leaves, delicate veins and textures appeared, transforming into graceful handwriting.
One leaf represents "morning".
One leaf is called "fragrance".
She unfolded the paper in her hand again, parted her lips slightly, and murmured:
"This garden is so narrow, yet it is already magnificent to me."
"Watching people water the cabbages, separating the water from the yellow flowers."
"The frost has ripened, and the weather is exceptionally warm; a gentle breeze causes the banners to flutter askew."
"Laughing, I pick up my bamboo cane; when will I be able to lean on it and return home?"
She paused for a long time after reading the last sentence, her eyes swirling with a thousand emotions.
"When will I be able to return home again...?"
"What day..."
She slowly closed her eyes, as if in a dream, "...Go home."