Joy of Life
A family inclined to kindness and charity would grace the descendants. Thanks to one small act of kindness, by providence she comes across a grateful friend; Fortunate that her mother, has done an unperceived good deed…. Men should rescue the distressed and aid the poor… Who would have guessed that kindness in this world ultimately would be the road that one must choose, that proverbial fork in the road? Clouds of rain float on eastern winds as new vines start to blossom. Though drums of war roar too loudly and their brilliance has been lost, a green grass carpet greets the sun by the break of morning. Let us wait for the yellow leaves, a few gourds are harvested.
Dragon Rise[JW1]
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
March 3rd Qing Calendar, Dragon Rise.
Under the escort of the Jiangnan sailors, a large ship slowly edged close to the dock. Aboard the ship they dropped anchor and cast their mooring lines. The officers quickly completed their actions and immediately laid down the gangplank, which had been shaped like stairs, across the gap between the dock and deck. The officials on land went forward to spread a thick cloth over it to prevent slipping.
In the distant horizon, a roll of thunder sounded as if to welcome the arrival of the imperial envoy. At the same time, firecrackers and drums popped and rolled. The rocket prepared earlier on the shore was lit and went off with a bang and even managed to muffle the sound of heaven's might.
The officials on the dock furrowed their brows but were too embarrassed to cover their ears. They only swung their gazes toward the gangplank.