American Perspectives: Snake in the Grass Pt. 3 ("Ashes of Love" Ep. 4)

 

 

**The intent of The Flower Realm by 사극 Paradise is to support women and men in rejecting the culture of pornography, and to live a life of integrity without manipulative intent.***

 

"Ashes of Love" is a Xianxia drama based on the novel "Heavy Sweetness. Ash-Like Frost," by Dian Xian.  The writing presented here is based on observations from the television show "Ashes of Love."  Dialogue credit goes to the English subtitle translaters from the "Gone with the Shirt Team" at Viki.com.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng is sitting alone at his lunch table, trying to figure out what he wants to eat first.

 

Such a petty bird!  Jin Mi thinks.  He turned me into chopsticks.  It's been an entire day!  I can touch the food, but can't eat it.  Do you want me to starve to death?

 

Xu Feng wickedly grins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just for fun, Xu Feng sits down to play the drums with these chopsticks.

 

It hurts!  It hurts!  Jin Mi thinks.  It hurts so much!  It hurts!

 

********

 

Jin Mi has been transformed into a cabbage, and a rabbit is standing just a few inches away.  Now I know how Lao Hu feels.  Dear, please don't come closer.  Don't come closer!

 

Xu Feng smiles.

 

*********

 

Xu Feng and Run Yu are sitting outside in the Qiwu Gardens.

 

"I heard that a lively servant has come to your Qiwu Palace," says Run Yu.  "Why don't I see her today?  Did you give her a day off?"

 

"Yes," says Xu Feng.  "You like the quiet, so I can't let such a noisy person disturb us."

 

Run Yu smiles.  "Looks like I'm quite a big deal.  This little servant should really thank me."

 

"You only get this treatment in my palace.  She should be thanking me instead."

 

The two clink their ceramic cups.

 

Meanwhile, Jin Mi is trapped in Xu Feng's chair.  "It's been seven days, alright!  "When will you let me go?"

 

"Now you know what the transformation spell is, right?"  Xu Feng mentally communicates back to her.

 

"Yes," says Jin Mi.  "Fei Xu and Sui He, come and save me!"

 

Xu Feng softly chuckles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We're all friends here!"  Jin Mi exclaims.  "Why did it take you so long to save me?"

 

"But I still came," Danzhu insists.

 

"I was almost tormented to death before you came!  As fruits, we still have backbones!  I've made up my mind.  I'm going to live in your Fated Love Manor for awhile."

 

Danzhu grins.  Yes!  

 

Jin Mi walks through the doorway.  "But where will I stay?"

 

"Alright, alright.  Since you've worked so hard, I have some top secret information to tell you."

 

"What is it?"  Jin Mi asks enthusiastically.

 

"The conscription is in two days.  You'll have a great show to watch on that day."

 

"Conscription?"  Jin Mi asks.  "What's so fun about it?"

 

*******

 

Many soldiers of all stripes fill the Great Hall, waiting to be selected for conscription.

 

Jin Mi wanders down the aisle, completely unassuming.  Who the hell cares about all this?  However, if she had the personality of Blanche Deveraux from "The Golden Girls," she'd be excited about the massive number of good looking men.

 

She approaches Fei Xu, who is arranging items on a desk.  "Servant Fei Xu, what interesting scenes will be here later?"

 

"Ah," says Fei Xu, "in a little bit, the hearing test will be held.  His Highness is going to discuss 'The Art of War' with everyone.  From the new earth immortals, new heavenly generals will be chosen.  This only happens every thirty years.  You are so lucky to get a chance to see this right after you came."

 

"Why are so many people here, but none are there?"  Jin Mi asks, peering over at Run Yu's recruiting area.

 

"Being fortunate to be chosen by Fire Deity to join the Five Directions Heavenly Army is a great honor!"  Fei Xu exclaims.

 

"What's so bad about being Night Deity's subordinate?"  Jin Mi asks.

 

Fei Xu looks around to be sure no one is listening.  "You must not know about that.  Although Night Deity is the eldest son, he was born of a concubine.  Plus, he has not made any achievements in war, so this military recruitment is only for show.  But our prince is different.  He is the son of the Heavenly Empress.  He will become the Heavenly Emperor in the future, and rule the Heavenly Realm."

 

"Is Night Deity coming today?"  Jin Mi asks.

 

"Night Deity stays out of things like this.  He has no interest in these trivial events.  He always appoints a person to casually call the roll."

 

"His Highness, the Fire Deity, has arrived!"  A eunuch announces.

 

Xu Feng walks along the upper level with Liaoyuan by his side.  He looks over at Jin Mi and tries not to smile.

 

Jin Mi makes a face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A manservant hits the golden gong.

 

Xu Feng is seated at his desk with Jin Mi standing by his side.

 

"Let's begin," says Xu Feng.

 

"I am Lu Renjia."

 

Fried pancake with green onions?  Jin Mi thinks.

 

"I am from Suzhou Manor."

 

Jin Mi's jaw drops.  Sweet and sour mandarin fish!

 

"I am from Heijan Manor."

 

Donkey burger.  

 

"Soldiers are sly."

 

Lamb kebabs!  Jin Mi grins.

 

Xu Feng looks over at Liaoyuan.  "Can you understand them?"  He mentally communicates.

 

"The same as before," Liaoyuan mentally communicates back.

 

"Inform the Ascension Manor that the ability to speak the Six Realms Official Dialect will be considered in the ascension process in the future."

 

Liaoyuan nods.  "I understand."

 

The gong is struck once more.

 

"I am Po Jun from Zhongyuan."

 

Soup with peppers!  Jin Mi thinks delightfully.

 

"I've been studying martial arts since I was young.  At age eight, I started studying under General Pu," Po Jun continues.  "I once led eight hundred soldiers towards the North."

 

Jin Mi recoils as some of his spittle lands on her face.  "Eee, what are you doing?  You got spit all over me!"

 

Xu Feng looks over at her.

 

"Fellow townsman!"  Po Jun yells.  He runs up to Jin Mi and shakes her hand.  "Hello, fellow townsman!  In the Heavenly Realm, this is my first time meeting a fellow townsman!"

 

Jin Mi pushes his hand away.  "You got it wrong.  I'm not from the same hometown as you.  I'm not."

 

Xu Feng touches Jin Mi's arm.  "You can understand him?"

 

"I can understand every individual word, but when in combination, I don't know what they mean."

 

"Be my translator," says Xu Feng.

 

"Hmm?"  Jin Mi asks.  "Me?"

 

********

 

"He said that when you're surrounded, win by strategy," Jin Mi translates.  "When pushed to desperate measures, fight.  Act according to the situation.  Move when given the opportunity.  Of all the armies close to the commander, none is more intimate than the secret agent."

 

"Good!"  Xu Feng rises.  "Good!  Every statement that Heavenly Soldier Po Jun has made is exquisitely worded."  He steps in front of Po Jun.  "You are indeed well versed in military strategy.  I especially confer you as the Star Lord of the Northern Star Division.  You will lead 20,000 men.  Starting today, you are to report to the Heavenly General's office."

 

"Congratulations, Brother!"  Jin Mi slaps Po Jun on the shoulder.  "What he means is you're promoted, and you even have 20,000 soldiers to lead."

 

Po Jun graciously drops to his knees.  "Thank you, Your Highness!"

 

"He's thanking you," says Jin Mi.

 

Po Jun stands.

 

"Try to learn the common language of the Six Realms soon," says Xu Feng, "so that it will be easier for you to mix in with the people in the Heavenly Realm."

 

"Ah," says Jin Mi.  "He said that you should focus on learning the common language.  We're all friends, after all."

 

"Yes!"  Po Jun smiles.  "I will obey!"

 

Xu Feng looks at Jin Mi and smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A soldier runs like hell up the many white stairs to the Great Hall.  It is literally a stairway to Heaven.  She runs into the hall, gasping for air, just as the last remaining soldiers are leaving.

 

"Wait!"  She yells to Run Yu's assistant as he's packing up.

 

"May I ask if you're still hiring people?"  She inquires.

 

"This is the area where we hire night watchmen and guards here in Xuanji Palace," says Run Yu's assistant.  "If you want to work for His Highness, the Fire Deity, please apply on the other side."

 

"No," says the soldier.  "I'm applying to the exact posts you just mentioned."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng and Jin Mi enter Qiwu Palace.  It's been a long day.

 

Xu Feng smiles at her.  "It's all thanks to you earlier, or else I would have treated a good gem as an ordinary stone and missed out on such a good general."

 

Jin Mi giggles.

 

"I want to know where you learned your Zhongzhou dialect?"  Xu Feng inquires.  "It can't be some strange grapes you befriended from Zhongzhou, right?"

 

What strange grapes?  Jin Mi thinks.  A completely burned crow like you is the one who's a strange Phoenix.  "I grew up in the Water Mirror.  Usually, I will read some books in my leisure time to understand the Six Realms.  I sometimes bumped into languages different from the common one, and learned them in passing."

 

"If you don't work hard to learn, you will never improve your knowledge.  From now on, you must continue to strive to learn."

 

"Your Highness, since you're very happy today, do I get some reward?"  Jin Mi asks hopefully.

 

"Reward?" Xu Feng asks.

 

"Yes."

 

Xu Feng smiles.  "Sure.  In consideration of your merit today, I'll tell you some news.  In a few days, we will be organizing a mortal-style Dragon Boat festival here in Qiwu Palace to have some fun.  You know that Zongzi have fillings.  The usual fillings that mortals use are sweetened bean paste, egg yolks, and pork strips.  Then in the immortal's zongzi..."

 

Jin Mi gasps.  "It's filled with spiritual energy!"

 

*********

 

"His Highness has given orders that the spiritual energy filling of each zongzi should be different," says Fei Xu.  "There are little zongzi with one year of spiritual energy, while there are big ones with five hundred years of spiritual energy.  That day, all immortals and deities here in the Heavenly Realm will come to our Qiwu Palace, and it will all depend on luck."

 

Jin Mi's hand shoots straight up.  "Me!  I'm great at making zongzi.  I'll go."

 

"You can't," says Xu Feng.

 

"Why?"  Jin Mi asks.

 

"Isn't it obvious?"  Liao Ting asks.  "He's afraid that you'll cheat."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The soldier enters the 7th Government Palace Hall of Xuanji Palace.

 

Run Yu is all the way at the very end, sitting at his desk.  He's studiously reading a document.

 

The soldier stops in front of his desk and bows.  "I'm Heavenly Soldier Kuang Lu reporting to the Night Deity."

 

"Reporting?"  Run Yu asks.  "Did you go to the wrong place?"

 

"Your Highness, the Night Deity," says Kuang Lu.  "Xuanji Palace.  I'm not wrong."

 

Could this soldier have been sent by Heavenly Empress?  Run Yu thinks.  "My Xuanji Palace usually just joins the process of hiring for show.  You won't have any use here.  If you want to gain military merits, it's better that you try out with the Fire Deity."

 

"I only want to follow Your Highness, the Night Deity," Kuang Lu replies.  "I'm willing to do anything you ask."

 

"You have no wars to fight if you follow me."

 

Kuang Lu giggles.  "Great.  Anyway, I'm not good at fighting."

 

"My Xuanji Palace has a small number of employees, but a lot of work.  I fear that you must do all the chores of cleaning, making ink, serving of teas and water by yourself."

 

"I can do them all," Kuang Lu says eagerly.

 

"My work starts early, and I have duties at night," says Run Yu.  "If you come here, are you willing to watch the night with me?"

 

Am I ever!!  "I can do it," Kuang Lu says calmly.

 

"I am ill tempered and easily get mad."

 

Kuang Lu chuckles.  "Your Highness, you must be joking.  In the Heavenly Realm, you are famous for having a good temper."

 

"I usually like to research weird and forbidden techniques," says Run Yu.  "Sometimes, I'll get out of control, and have hurt people before."

 

Kuang Lu looks away.

 

"Hmm," says Run Yu.  Let's see if you still won't go.  

 

"Your Highness...Your Highness, can you teach me?"  Kuang Lu smiles sweetly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within the Demon Realm, Qiong Qi is locked in by many walls of energy.  He holds up his hands and growls.  He desperately makes an attempt to break through.  He can no longer bear to be locked in here.  The energetic walls hit him with a painful shock, and push him back.  He hits another wall in the process, getting shocked in the back.  He swings his arms, trying to get out, only to be knocked to the floor.

 

"Qiong Qi, stop wasting your energy."

 

"Who is it?  Who's outside?"  Qiong Qi shouts.

 

"Qiong Qi, as long as you're going to be obedient, I'll let you out."

 

"As long as you can let me out, I'll listen to whatever you say."  An opening appears in the high ceiling.  The light gives him a piercing headache.  His glowing red eyes burn through the dark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Begonia puts a purple cloak on Chief Peony's shoulders as they sit in front of Jin Mi's hut.

 

"Head Sister, are you worried about Jin Mi?"  Chief Begonia asks.

 

"The 10,000 years limit hasn't been completed yet, and she rashly left the Water Mirror," says Chief Peony.  "I keep worrying that Mistress' prediction might come true.  Could that bird be Jin Mi's love trial that was supposed to happen before she reaches 10,000 years of age?"

 

Chief Begonia chuckles.  "How could there be such a coincidence in this world?"

 

"It's better to be sure," says Chief Peony.  "We had just finished fixing the enchantment, but that bird was still able to break it."

 

"I fear that Head Sister is just too tired lately.  That bird...how could that be?  If it's really that bird, I'll cut off my legs to make fertilizers."

 

Chief Peony laughs.

 

"Moreover," Chief Begonia continues, "with the pellet she took, probably not.  Moreover, we've already informed the different plants that if they have any information about Jin Mi, they must immediately report it to us."

 

"There are also places in the Six Realms where there are no plants.  It's better to hurry and send people to find her.  We mustn't spare the 9th Level of Heaven or the Demon Realm."

 

"Yes," Chief Begonia agrees.  "By doing that, we indeed won't leave anything out.  Head Sister, just be at ease."

 

"As long as Jin Mi isn't back, I'll never be at ease," says Chief Peony.  "I haven't had a peaceful sleep ever since."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng is sitting in his room, meditating looking like the perfect zen master.  Jin Mi, on the other hand, is  off to the side, looking like the reluctant student who is only there because mom made her go.

 

"Yin Hour," says Xu Feng, "is the time when the sun and moon exchange shifts.  The time when the vital energy of the heaven and earth mixes."

 

Jin Mi is trying her best not to fall asleep.  For some, it would be the equivalent of sitting through a four hour church service, in a room without air conditioning, on a very hot day.

 

"It can open up all your acupressure points, and is good for cultivation," Xu Feng continues.

 

Jin Mi falls over to the side, waking herself in the process.  All that heavy breathing and thinking about nothing makes the bliss of sleep much too hard to resist.  She looks at a quiet Xu Feng, who is now dutifully meditating, like the good little golden boy that he is.  She rolls her eyes.  If they only knew, she thinks.

 

Liao Ting enters the room.  "Jin Mi," he whispers.  He hands her a pink envelope.  "An immortal sister from Nine Luminaries Star Palace asked me to hand this letter to you."

 

Jin Mi nods and takes the envelope.  Without reading the contents, she hands it to Xu Feng.  "It's for you."

 

Xu Feng pulls the letter out and chuckles.  Well, it looks like I can't hide this from the Heavenly Realm forever...