Minamoto is an ancient surname. In feudal Japan, this surname represented a status second only to the Emperor. Even today, the Imperial Family, which has abolished the nobility system, still acknowledges the Minamoto clan's lineage.
Duanmu Ci said with emotion, "He and I are old friends. Could you take me to meet him?"
Gu Hanzhou said, "Of course, Teacher Yuan instructed that regardless of victory or defeat in this battle, he must take you to see him after it is over."
"Then lead the way." Duanmu Ci was the first to stand up.
The onlookers were reluctant to see the two main characters leave, as it seemed they were about to depart. Although it was a very exciting scene, it was too short! They were truly sad to see it end so soon, and some even felt they hadn't had enough.
But this isn't a regular opera performance where the actors can return for an encore; this is a duel! Are you suggesting they fight again? Or... fight for just one more moment?
So although everyone was very reluctant and unwilling, there was nothing they could do but leave the temple in order. And everything that happened here today would spread to a wider place as they left.
...
...
Gu Hanzhou led Duanmu Ci up an escalator, which led to the second floor of the kendo hall.
The interior design here is in a Japanese style, with rows of traditional Japanese wooden houses standing side by side. Walking through the house feels like stepping into pre-Meiji Restoration Japan, a time when the shogun ruled the country.
Gu Hanzhou led Duanmu Ci to a door. The door was a carved sandalwood door covered with white window lattice paper, exquisite yet exuding an antique charm.
"This is a reunion between you and an old friend, how could I dare to disturb you? Farewell." Gu Hanzhou bowed slightly, speaking ancient words that seemed to resonate with this small space.
"Hmm." Duanmu Ci nodded.
After Gu Hanzhou left this floor, Duanmu Ci gently slid open the door to the right and went inside.
The room behind the wooden door was spacious, with a vase of flowers in one corner and a low table by the window. A kettle of boiling water was also sitting on the table, and there was a faint smell in the air.
"Duanmu-jun, your timing is still so precise. You've only just arrived, and the tea is already ready to drink."
The tea brewer was a young man wearing a white brocade with small patterns. He turned his head amidst the rising steam, his features as beautiful as falling flowers. Judging from Duanmu Ci's life experience, perhaps only Wei Jie, who had once entered Jiankang City and attracted a huge crowd of onlookers, could be compared to him.
Duanmu Ci sat down on the other side of the table and watched the man brew tea.
Yuan Weiyue wiped the tea set with a fine blue cloth, took two or three spoonfuls of tea powder from the tea caddy and put them into the bowl, then poured in boiling water. He then gently stirred the tea into a foamy state with a brown whisk, his movements as light and agile as a bird in flight, as if stepping to the rhythm of music, with a hint of Zen in the air, as beautiful as Wang Xizhi's flowing calligraphy when he was drunk at the Orchid Pavilion.
Wei Yue gently turned the teacup so that the patterned side faced the guest, then raised the teacup to eyebrow level with both hands and presented it to the distinguished guest across the long table.
Duanmu Ci knew how much this Japanese man valued etiquette, so he accepted the teacup according to the proper etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony. He then turned it twice, so that the patterned side faced the moon, and raised the tea to his forehead, sipping it with a clear sound. Afterwards, he hypocritically expressed his appreciation for the pattern on the teacup.
At this point, the tea ceremony etiquette is complete, fully complying with the requirements of the "Four Rules" and "Seven Principles".
Duanmu Ci looked at the man opposite him and sighed slightly. "It's always troublesome to see you. This time it was a tea ceremony, which was relatively easy. The last time we met in Tokyo, you actually asked me to go with you to Senso-ji Temple to draw a fortune stick, saying it was to pray for the victims of the Fukushima disaster, but you drew a fortune stick for marriage. Another time we met was at a Kabuki theater... But I have to say I really don't understand the aesthetics of you Japanese people."
Wei Yue smiled, "Doesn't Duanmu Jun worry about hurting his old friend's feelings by saying that? No matter what, we are still friends. Isn't it a blessing that we can sit here and drink a cup of hot tea on this beautiful snowy day?"
Duanmu Ci didn't want to continue his elegant nonsense. "Stop talking so much rubbish. What are you doing in Haishan? And why are you teaching here? Don't your elders care? They're probably preparing for your wedding with Princess Jiazi."
Wei Yue smiled indifferently, "Duanmu Jun has probably forgotten that I am half Chinese. What right does a descendant of the Yuan family with impure blood have to marry into the royal family?"
Duanmu Ci said, "What does it matter? I've heard recently that your Japanese Imperial Family is becoming more and more open. Many commoners have married princesses of the Imperial Family. Moreover, the Japanese nobility have always valued lineage over bloodline. The descendants of the Minamoto family and the status of the Imperial Princess are a good match. Your future children will probably be cabinet ministers."
Wei Yue put away the tea set. "Speaking of which, my family and the royal family have a blood relationship. According to the family tree, Princess Kako should be my cousin, but the lineage is quite ancient... However, it seems that the Japanese Civil Code does not prohibit this. It's really a headache."
Duanmu Ci smiled and said, "For families of your stature, there's probably no other choice for the wedding venue besides Meiji Shrine, right? But a honeymoon would be a good option... Hmm... how about Bali?"
Not very good...
Ignoring his old friend's seemingly serious teasing, Wei Yue said solemnly, "I have no intention of marrying Princess Kako, nor do I intend to attend the wedding at Meiji Shrine. I want freedom."
Duanmu Ci carefully considered the meaning of those words, "You want to elope?"
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