Continuing the Past Events Two lanterns, covered with blue wax paper, hung in front of the ancestral hall, casting a dim blue glow. The broken threshold was discarded in the corridor, and a large incense burner lay overturned next to it, covered in ash. The plaque was still there, its inscriptions barely discernible; the vermilion… Continue reading Fish 180: A Person Called…
Tag: aggrieved fish sprite
Fish 179: Waiting with Deceptive Tactics on the Left Path
Fat Rat, crossing his arms: Keep jumping, and if you move, I lose The shadows of the trees sway, crows fly chaotically. The mournful cries of ghosts penetrate one's ears, followed by several red lanterns lighting up in the distance, swaying and drifting in the wind. Lu Min was finding it novel, when Mr. Jinshui… Continue reading Fish 179: Waiting with Deceptive Tactics on the Left Path
Fish 178: Unborn
It is better to relocate early for peace, than to be restless. Broken eaves and crumbling walls, twilight deepens, and crows perch on dry branches. The once towering Huabiao is gone, leaving only the lonely base, the square stones pried apart in disarray, and mud pits filled with water everywhere. Wild weeds grow as high… Continue reading Fish 178: Unborn
Fish 177: Desperate Plea
Lu Min: Just because I don’t mind the stench doesn’t mean I’m not a prince. The rapid currents of the Qing River and its rocky banks make it impossible to dock just anywhere. Marquis Zhu’s Temple was constructed with materials transported via waterway, and for convenience, a dock was built on the riverbank. Though now… Continue reading Fish 177: Desperate Plea
Fish 176: The Powerless Take Risks
Lu Min: I want a refund for this boat ride! The boat traveled four or five li, and the waterway of the Qing River was blocked by a giant rock, carved as if by a knife. Waves slapped against the rocks, with submerged reefs scattered about, creating dozens of whirlpools in the swift currents. "We've… Continue reading Fish 176: The Powerless Take Risks
Fish 175: The Poor Have No Status
Short-sighted? That doesn't exist! The old boatman lowered his head and tapped his tobacco pouch twice against the edge of his shoe. Even hearing such a colossal scandal of embezzlement, he showed no reaction. —"Ordinary folks, illiterate, how could they harbor concerns for the nation and the people? Besides, life was somewhat better during the… Continue reading Fish 175: The Poor Have No Status
Fish 174: Rampant Corruption
Crossing together The river slapped against the hull, and a gaunt man led the way in stuffing the unconscious Cha Ye into a burlap sack, disguising him as cargo to be carried aboard this vessel. The old boatman, holding a tobacco pouch, sat on the step, sighing deeply. Lu Min struggled to lead his horse… Continue reading Fish 174: Rampant Corruption
Fish 173: Governing Brings Order, Chaos Brings Disorder
Cannon Fodder: No, I’m not looking for fishes. After more than a month, the mighty waters of the Qing River came into view again. It's called a ferry, but it resembles a small town, complete with inns, tea houses, and restaurants. There are places frequented by wealthy merchants, as well as tea stalls for the… Continue reading Fish 173: Governing Brings Order, Chaos Brings Disorder
Fish 172: Roadblocks for the People
Mo Li: I won't ask; troubles are bound to arise anyway. The Vice Minister of War left in a disheveled state, with the onlookers busy discussing among themselves, hardly anyone noticed the unfortunate scholar who fell off the carriage. The scholar twisted his right foot, he endured the pain and got up, trying hard to… Continue reading Fish 172: Roadblocks for the People
Fish 171: Where Profits Are, There Is But One Road
Only this one path exists OR blocked on the road After about an hour of "fierce struggle," the crowd gradually thinned, and Lu Min couldn't help but wipe away a cold sweat, his previous longing for the civilian life of the capital turned into horror. Along this road, the carriage moved through perilous situations. The… Continue reading Fish 171: Where Profits Are, There Is But One Road