Chapter 375: Court Record
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but chuckle. She had momentarily forgotten that this world was purely virtual, devoid of any ties to certain historical references, which explained why Su Bin was puzzled by her remark. Nevertheless, even without direct allusions, Su Bin’s sharp intellect undoubtedly grasped the intended meaning behind her words.
With a nod, Qin Zhenzhen affirmed, “You’re right.”
As she spoke, she gently pushed Su Bin away, saying, “Allow me to share the story behind that phrase.”
Su Bin, evidently intrigued, momentarily forgot his amorous intentions as he urged, “Please, go on.”
Qin Zhenzhen proceeded to narrate the tale in great detail. Su Bin exclaimed, “Wife, your knowledge is truly extensive!”
“I assume you’ve read countless books. May I inquire about the source of this story?”
Qin Zhenzhen had plotted to gradually unveil her secret to Su Bin. Observing his genuine curiosity, she responded earnestly, “It’s from the ‘Court Records’ by
Fan from Song.”
Su Bin’s surprise deepened. “From Song? The Song Dynasty?” Qin Zhenzhen nodded, reassuring him, “You could interpret it that way.” ‘”Court Records’? Fan Gongzhi? Why haven’t I heard of this?”
“It’s not uncommon that you haven’t come across it,” Qin Zhenzhen began to fabricate a tale. “Let me share a secret with you. I often experience vivid dreams. The scenes in my dreams are remarkably clear, as if I’m an active participant within them.”
“It’s a book I read in my dream.”
“I remember the full passage went like this,” Qin Zhenzhen began, her memory impeccable. She proceeded to recite the ancient text without a single omission:
“Sun Shan, hailing from Wu, was a peculiar scholar. When he visited other prefectures, the locals were so captivated by his wisdom that they willingly accompanied him. However, their expectations waned, and as Sun Shan found himself at the bottom of the rankings, the villagers decided to return home prematurely. Upon their return, they queried their son about his gains and losses. Sun Shan responded, ‘Sun Shan’s reputation may be lost here, but true wisdom extends beyond my own self.’
Su Bin’s jaw nearly dropped in astonishment.
“Wife, can you truly recite the entire court record?” “Are there numerous such stories within the court records?” “Do all these allusions conceal their unique tales?”
He was right. His wife was undoubtedly harboring secrets.
Furthermore, she was evidently prepared to divulge them to him.
Could this be her way of progressively bridging the gap between them, step by step? Their physical closeness mirrored their emotional connection.
Ultimately, they converged as one entity.
Su Bin was elated, eagerly anticipating his wife’s revelation of further secrets.
If she could truly commit the entire court record to memory, he hungered to learn its contents.
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head, smiling warmly. “I don’t possess a photographic memory; how could I memorize an entire book?”
“However, I can divulge that the ‘Court Records’ essentially chronicles the history of the Fan family. It encompasses the ancestral deeds of the Fan family, spanning governance, familial teachings, and various aspects. It delves into the intricate political affairs of the imperial court, including reforms, the bureaucratic system, and more.”
“It also encompasses notable scholars, renowned literary works, verses, and miscellaneous affairs. Aside from revered masterpieces, it contains an array of poems, proverbs, and anecdotes.”
“Moreover, there are some renowned aphorisms,” Qin Zhenzhen continued.
“There are two particular sayings that remain etched in my memory: ‘Punish yourself with the heart of a person, and forgive others with the heart of a person.”‘
Su Bin silently repeated these words to himself, “Punish yourself with the heart of a person, and forgive others with the heart of a person.”
He couldn’t help but feel skeptical about this approach.
“Wife, if we were to abide by these two maxims, wouldn’t we become saints?”
Qin Zhenzhen struggled to suppress her laughter. Su Bin, she realized, was undeniably a formidable rascal. Mere avoidance of wrongdoing already represented a significant leap for him. The prospect of becoming a saint was quite out of the question..