Forming of the Norms [TASK]

[Gong]

Women of Nobility~

In the solitude of one's own mind can be found the most influential of thoughts, yet transforming them from the thought into something physical is were the hardship lies. As the tides change people continue to wish explanations of how their realm not only acts, but its own existance..the past and future, to combine the studies to formulate philosophies and theories that would stand the test of time. From one being to another, the taught methods being remembered by the attritube of a single soul who remained within the solitude and found the direction of which to make the transition. All students of one Sage and mentors to those who wish to learn from the Sage that taught the previous generations, combining their own commentary on different teachings. Constantly developing the ways in which we abide by, rules and regulations that on paper could mean more than the Heavens; thus, scholars attain true immortalisation through the writings they produced..whether contraversial or simple adoration...

Taking a breath, the lone figure was surrounded by her own thoughts and the occassional shuffling of feet from the two loyal attendants, who seemed to be pre-occupied with the stitching of a precious looking garment. As the eyes looked upon their delicate fingers fixing the robe, the Matriarch of the Dong family could not help mourn for the adored garment that her father had given her as a gift. It was something celestial and thankful to the Heavens that Furen had gained two skillfull seamtresses for attendants; otherwise, who knew what the robe's fate would have been?. The silence was golden and even though she wished to compliment their fine work, Furen could see that they did not wish the concentration to be interrupted; lest the break of sewing damages the seams and causes the garments to appear unworthy. Smiling the Matriarch could enjoy the company of others, even if words were not spoken the feeling of another so close brought great comfort. Especially as her husband, Minister Li, had not arrived from the shadows as she had hoped; the whereabouts were unknown and each night she awaited his arrival. Only hoping that he was at another Official's abode, rather than at the Taverns of the forgotten women. Closing her eyes, thoughts ran to the final moments they held each other just before the death of her father..cherishing them so tightly, if only she could tear the memory from her mind and reply it within the reality of now...

At the desk Furen was sat at, were scrolls spread of a matter of sizes and their subject similar; the learned words and theories of the great Sages of their past. Upon the left lay those of Confucius' ideals of filial piety and to the right, the counterpart of this section dedicated to women by the talented Ban Zhao. How Furen had become to respect this female scholar whose styles of writing surpassed many of her male counterparts, and yet, she did not gain the deserved respect. Just infront of her were the materials to create a tome, including the instruments and equipment used for calligraphy. This became more than a pass time for the Dong Matriarch, as the hours became long and the military men took hold of their weapons, she could be able to indulge in her passion for the arts. Thus was the start of her compiling of both manuals of life to form a new set of norms, developed from both ideals of the Sage and the Scholar. Indeed the Scholar Ban had placed sufficient work for women to abide by, it was scarce and could not be adaptable for those who had little to no education.

At first glance to the words of Confucius in the first installment of the Book of Filial Piety, Furen gained the idea that the Sage wished to guide those in high positions of Rulership to act accordingly to simple ettiquete; thus gaining not only stability of rank, but also longevity and sustainable fortune. Moving her eyes to the right, the Matriarch observed the writings of Scholar Ban. The words differed from the male counterpart, standing by the Warlord as a symbol of 'perfect womanhood' to resonate down not only the classes, but also the generations of the future. To become educated, but not to the point of arrogance. Gaining fame, but to retain all sense of virtue and to lack no self-respect; for this would tarnish the name of the beloved husband. Finally, to become the caring mother and grandmother in all matters, taking control over the ancestral shrines and being the grand example of how beings should act..the role model for their descendants..

Slowly the brush was gently dipped into the small puddle of ink, the fingers delicately caressing the handle to form the most elegant characters upon the scrolls. There was one thing Furen took in pride and the decorative nature of each character from their Realm was one, in calligraphy she seemed to have excelled and showed no signs of deteriorating from such high standards.... Upon the scrolls formed.......

~

As women of certain social standing, it is understandable to gain a certain level of arrogance. However, those of gentile dispositions must retain the virtues and modesty of their past thus not only elovating ones own image, but that of her husband. Actions can damage, yet they can elovate as well; do not act in such ways where the intergrity of your being can be placed through judgemental criticism. Listen to the words of other, but not to place distinguished judgement upon them; for they could one day be the Elder Sister of a higher positioned husband. To be blessed with children is the Heaven of any woman and care must be given, the health of the child paramount in all actions; the devoted mother, an eternal symbol of sagacious figures respected throughout the generations. As Mothers, guidance must be given and as Grandmothers, education must be bestowed. Mentor the influential offsprings in morals of the realm and see the development of a being whose name shall be placed within the skies, as one must lead by actions. Preserve the ancestral temples and teach the youth in the ethics and rituals of these shrines, thus allowing the traditions of our realm to flow as a proverbial stream into the future.

~

Taking the first steps into her own dreams, the Matriarch thought once again of her husband as the brush was gently placed into a small bowl of water. Watching the ink dance with the clear liquid, Furen could not help but allow the mind to wonder to her Brother, Lu Bu and the strategist Minister Chen. They would be her harshest critics and most important to her, even though these scrolls would not be known until all writings were compiled and ready to be formed..distributed and placed into a system where all could glance at the ideals... Setting the brush to dry upon it's frame, hung with the other brushes Furen had accumulated over the years, she looked to the window as a gentle breeze seemed to tickle her delicate skin. This evening would turn most beautiful and the scent of her favourite tea being brewed by the two attendants allowed the mind to disperse, another day was passing and yet..no one had enquired of the Tyrant's Daugher; perhaps this was the start of a new Era within her own life..that they welcomed the virtue of her being and awaited the scrolls that Furen hoped to produce, as a gift to their kindness...

[Gong]

Wives of those at Court~

Wives of the Common~

Women of the In-Laws~

Such a day was found within the heart of the many, the announcement of war was sounded and the wives of soldiers bid farewell; hope to the Heavens that every one of t hem returned. It was difficult to imagine what ever wife and mother was going through, for they all felt things differently; but to those who never heard the voice again..not knowing whether to mourn or continue the belief that their beloved remains alive, but simply lost in the vast plains of their realm. Such a feeling was something the Matriarch of the Dong could relate to, for it had been many a day since she had heard any word of her husband, Li Ru. Not truely knowing if he sat within the Heavens beside her father, or remaining in the shadows not sure if it was safe to emerge from his slumber. A woeful sigh escaped Furen's lips as the eyes trailed from the women of Xiapi to inside her own chamber...her own -lonely- chamber. Where was he?

The feet softly approached the desk that had both infamous texts of filial piety and traditions, within the middle was her own delicate calligraphy. It would be a long process, but one she could take enjoyment into. Furen's attendents moved in silence to grind more ink for her use, sensing this day would be it for the continuation of her works. As before the two dared not speak a word, incase any the silence was a muse to their Matron and may gain the consequence of interrupting the processes of thought. Long hours in this room did not seem to tamper with the Matriarch's mentality, but instead inspired her work further to completion. It would be a long path to finalise each chapter, yet, it was something she wished to do; not to mention that scholars would hopefully have their mind altered upon the judgement of her family..through these words of hers, Furen wished to the Heavens that the masses would aid her ambitions and embrace the characters as their own. To see that though her father created evil in his own doing, not all those of the Dong were made from the same mind as he; all those that she loved losing their life..simply through ignorance of those who gained influence.

Placing herself upon a plump cushion, the eyes looked over the scrolls of the Sagacious Confucius and in silence read the words all had become to adore. The place of Ministers was a world with regulations that on some occasion officials did not abide by. To the Great Sage, they were to dress in a manner not above their station and use words to aid, not to offend. They would become influential and their names known, but they could not overstep their own ambitions in accordance to the loyalty to their Liege; thus, they must act to complement the virtues of their Lord. So evil gave birth to evil, while good nutured the good? Such woes these Ministers had put on them, the burden of their own office to not only represent their Superiors but also the family too. However, what of the women who stood beside these robed gentlemen? Indeed the Scholar Ban had much to speak of and used her literary talents to extend the traditions to them. Their devotion the Ministerial husband is paramount and their abiding nature is something of a virtue. It is understood that the actions of any woman could easily refelct upon their husbands, excelling or tearing their reputation; such a cruel world it was for a woman, who cannot act as herself but must worry whether their very being is offending or not.

The brush tip was gently dipped into the puddle of black liquid, as a fresh scroll brought before Furen so that her own characters could form. With a breath, her own ideals were taking their first life by combining the thoughts of Ban and Kong........

~


For a woman of status, whose husband takes to the Courts, the burden of reputation must be worshipped and not only abode, but put into action as role model and wife. Thus, the wife cannot place shame to the threshold of her husband by wearing attire not perscribed to the rank of her husband; if so, surely offence can be taken, in the arrogance shown by the wrong doing of a woman. Furthermore, words are sounds that can heal and wound, believe in the wisdom of virtues and place the tongue to silence when necessary. As the wife of a Minister, one must be careful not to speak out of term for the Walls keep their ears open for the slip of tongue, once such words come into a rivals advantage look upon you as the husband reeps the consequences of your actions. To kowtow is seen as a virtue and one women of a certain decorum have used to their advantage, however, do not become the sycophant of corruption. When put on the pedastal one must take care in all things, for the sake of family and husband, the wife must act accordingly and rise the reputations of their ancestors.

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Searching the words Furen could see the two attendents watched the tears begin their path down her cheeks, without control the Matriarch knew their reason; she was the Wife of a Minister... Hanging the brush upon it's plynth the air became inspiring and the gentile breeze bringing imagination to the fore. Tea was brought for her and the serving girls were allowed a few moments to compose themselves, they could see that silence was not enough. As the two dispersed to their chores on the estate, Furen could not tell whether it was true inspiration or the need to move onto a different section simply because the memories of her husband's disappearance was far too much to handle this very moment......

~


If one cannot see the vast gold that is brought before them by the luxuries of high status, do not seem angered to your beloved but allow the adoration to escape your heart; one day the fortune shall rain. Virtues are one easily spoken but not so easily put into the processes, yet the Heavens observe these woman more carefully than others..for they hold the true key of traditions and present to the Realm on how the devoted wife and loving mother should truely behave. Do not wish for more than you know can provide, but strive for it inwardly and prepare the sacrificial artefacts so the ancestors continue the prayer for fortune. See to it that your Elders are taken care of, that the guests are satisfied and the husband adored; indeed the work is strenuous but the rewards shall be far beyond your own comprehension. Thus, the virtuous wife of Common must think of those around her before the mind can be devouted to the self....


~

It seemed the more she wrote, the more her husband came into her mind and refused to leave; for him to take her hand one last time.... The Matriarch moved the scroll that had the calligraphy on and left it in a safe place to dry, which would then be prepared for filing with the others. One last thing, Furen had to move on and break away from the tears that wished to fall; only the shadows of night could view the water of her eyes......

~


In our Realm the rituals of Ancestors is something of most important and should not be forgotten with any circumstance. Similar could be the same as the devoution to ones own parents-in-law, for they are within the living and shall be the destiny of your own family. Do not treat them with disrespect, but come to love them as you do your parents and share open them the filial devoution you would presrnt your father and mother. Some occasions it is an unwelcomed duty, but a duty for the virtuous wife to take hold of and take pride in; with the satisfaction of the in-laws follows the rewards of not only the happy husband..but also the family fortunes and longevity that could secure the health of your future children. Remember, they have given life to your husband and blessed your chambers with the love of someone who could view no other in a similar way. Allow them to see your happines and never forget the gratefulness you feel each day as you see the husband's smile while the sun rises....



~

Furen could go no further, the wind had carried the husband further and further towards her heart. The grip of the brush loosened and made it fall to the ground, leaving a fragmented black line where ever it rolled... Rising from the cushion, the pained Matriarch attempted to breath smoothly; yet it seemed impossible. Water did not help, the air seemed to swallow every available whole wishing to sufficate her. Perhaps she would meet Li Ru after all? If only he could save her from this self-turmoil......

[Gong]

Persuasive Guidance~


Balance of Filial Piety~


Knowledge of Years~

The tears had their lot and the pain seemed rid itself of the body, allowing the Matriarch to stand straight to view the flowing clouds within the sky. How serene all of this felt, even when the tides of war were turning and the people who believed such violence would come to a halt placed into fear once again; how she could weep each time she saw the suffering of others. Taking a small sip from the warm Northern tea, Furen allowed a smile to form on her lips. It was a strange feeling that in a time of sombre that happiness could surge forth, but it was welcomed and this wind that began to carry her was used to the advantage. It had been so long since the Matriarch had felt such life within her, as if Li Ru was standing in the very room and embracing her; telling her that the worries were mere folly and the flowers would always bloom in their life. How the dream of an heir began to fade..

The attendants had not visited this day, indeed melancholy but the silence was all she needed to continue the works that were spread on her desk. It seemed so far away that the completion of the small mission Furen had set herself, hoping to come to a close the brush retained its elegance; just for her. Smiling the calligraphy set the worries aside and inspiration flourished, as the eyes trailed from one text to the other..absorbing the information and taking a small delight in having in her own posession the prose and verse of the ancestors who placed the traditions of their Realm..

Sagacious theories of three strengths within a man, directing him from the ills of evil and the desires of corruption that so many were beginning to yield to..even her father.. Furthermore, the Great Sage emphasised the importance of acting as the height of decorum and never to act or speak out of line; lest you believe it is not only for the good of the people, but the Realm and its sovereign. The Scholar on the other hand, wrote the importance of a woman to transfer her heavens to the husband and guide him through the chaos. As a torch, present him good and bad, teaching him that the path of virtue was found in the good; thus, his influence would grow and the people will benefit also. Yet, she did not speak of the occasions where the wife does not wish to kowtow to the husband..that the arranged ceremony created hate, thus love could not aid the husband in taking the correct route. Perhaps, the Scholar believed all women should abide by these simple guidelines that were becoming traditions for the female forms........

~


Look to the skies and forever see the man that places his secure embrace upon you, indeed our own dreams placed into a mist we may never see again; however, this being as our husband shall bring something far beyond the Skies we believed we could see. Form the notions of the benevolent wife and restore the virtues within the wondering mind of the man, easily placed into action it is the duty of the woman to take his hand and present him with the two sides. Good and Evil cannot live without the other, indeed true, but the virtuous wife must teach the morals of both and place guidance to the Heavens that his mind shall search for the route of Goodness. However, do not believe that it shall be the husband to bring the fortune, for we are half the sky as well; thus, use the talents of tradition and set in motion the fortune for your family. Through weaving create elegance and marvel the customers and not only will the fortune flood, but the respect of both yourself and family rise to the Heavens. Devoution is a matter that can be forced, but the power of love is something far greater than any man could wield; hence it is the wife's actions to pass upon the knowledge of love. Through this feeling that husband shall be placed in awe and act through example to show such caring for his parents, transforming him into the filial son that each parent so desires for.

Care is a powerful asset to the wife, use it wisely for the guidance of those that you hold dear and the virtues shall be remembered.


~

Placing the brush on the hook, the eyes moved slowly to the window as the clouds continued their journey across the blue sky. To be as such would create harmony in the most darkest of corners, lifting the spirit to heights that even the Celestial dieties could not tamper with. Time was not becoming her favoured thing, once all was consumed by this moving mechination the constant memories that she was now alone; no father, family or husband and not even the purity of a naive child to cherish. Could Furen have already failed the Dong family by not conceiving earlier? Where would be the chance for this now that her husband was missing?...

...The brush halted the tears, forgetting the womb that tugged upon her dreams of an heir.......

~


Traditions are placed within the Realm we so love, do not forget the words of which our ancestors took to heart and create your own form of the laws of filial piety. To become so consumed in oneself and to forget those around is as if you could turn the back upon the family, to abandon all care for those who care for you; thus, the evil blossoms. Take all into your embrace and do not forget any, whether inferior or superior all must be cared with equal adoration; do not lapse, for all shall respect and grant you the fortunes of favour. Placed as Matriarch, one must duely not the work of others and bestow the kindness of a mother to all those who pass her door. As daughter and wife see to it that each parent, whether true or in-law, is taken into embrace and treated as if they were deities in human form. Living they shall praise you and when they journey to the Nether Realm, do not forget their words and begin the regular rituals of sacrifice; thus showing the devotion that they came from and allow their pride to shine over the family. Servitude maybe a chore, but the ability to veil these sufferings for a woman is simply done and a trait one must excell in.

Virtue must be the centre of all women, to serve all in order to gain the pride of the celestial ancestors; bestow them kindness and one shall be blessed with fortune in all things.


~

The shadows were calling the fading spirit within, the act of not boring a son too much to bare; even a daughter would have been welcomed as the first rain after a long drought. To take a child into her embrace, Furen could now only dream..the truth far too much, even the being she called Brother had this dream form into that of Youthful Lu Lingqi. Every glance to her by the Matriarch, would always remind her that she had failed as the wife..never to be so proud of an offspring and watch the child develop into something beyond the clouds.......

~



Indeed many believe the Sagacious come from the male form, however, such narrow-minds will never prosper within this realm. The husband leans to the wife and questions the future, the son shall kowtow to the mother in order to gain the knowledge of her years and the grandchild yielding to the wisdom of the grandmother. Such is the intelligence of a woman who makes it her duty to become learned in all matters, to advise the husband and guide the children in the path of righteousness. Do not abuse such privileges and expell the demons that lurk, but provide moral virtues for them to follow. With a sound judgement the man shall come to you, here is the power that the faithful virtue lies, to aid not to falter. Remember it is your name that shall be sullied if you desire the words to express become false and turn the tides unfavourable.

Educate without others believing yourself too arrogant, stand silent until questions and pass upon the virtues of your own knowledge to aid all that are lost.



~

Hooked the brush would be left for the attendents to clean, the Matriarch bent over to the pain of memories..this would either be her making or the last action to be made within this life. Cherish him, so she did. Adore the parents-in-law, thus was granted. Become the epitome of virtue, here it blossomed. Take to it that an heir be born, such a failure in the most crutial action of not only a wife, but a woman. To the Heavens she prayed, let their be one glance of hope within the darkness; bring back the husband she so missed and plant the seed of continuation...do not let it die so easily, after surviving so much...

[Gong]

The Act of Virtue~

Perpetual Trust~

Innocent Rebuttle~

How could a husband leave the faithful wife in such chaos? To allow the frailty to be tained by the corruption from the Nether Realm, cast into social status far below that of a commoner. The irrational feeling of anger rushed through each limb as the Matriarch gazed to the window, her fate placed into stone simply because of the cowardice of her husband. Furen had placed an unwavoring amount of trust within Li Ru and all he could simply do was dash it to the rocks when the blades became too close for comfort, yet, what of her? Facing each blade head on she stood as the Mountains, defending the right of survival and continuation of a life that refused to be cut short. Nevertheless, it was a matter that would have to await the arrival of her husband; for the fire that had burned her, would be placed upon him too..to a far greater extent, with her placing the flames to his skin.....

Returning to the desk, the two attendents had loyally remained by her side seeing that all matters were complete to a satisfactory level. Not to mention the worry for the Matriarch, spending all hours within the walls of her estate and refusing to leave until the compilation of her works had been finished. This venture would cleanse the shame she had felt many days ago, at the hands of the Blue banner Envoy. Furthermore, a small step to having the Dong name detatched from the Tyrannical nature of a mere Ancestor...her father..uncle...brothers... Taking a short breath, the eyes gazed to the next set of scrolls that had moved to a subject most important to the realm of women; virtue.

It was strange to read the words of a man subjecting reasons why women should be virtuous. How could he understand the feminine virtues, for was he not a man? To dictate such rulings gave him no true standing, thus placed to one side and perhaps forgotten; indeed a Sagacious being, but one who could not truly understand the opposite gender. However, the Scholar Ban was the significant figure in the traditions of Virtuous women, a gentile women who upheld and lived by such guidelines to the extent of sacrificing her own future. Losing the husband early is such a painful endeavour, though not willing to marry again is seen to be the gracious maiden..what of her loneliness? The nights she wished to have comfort and the secure embrace?.. A sigh left her lips, greiving for what the Scholar must have been forced into; but, could this be the situation that Furen was in? What if Li Ru, her beloved, had walked the path to the Nether Realm and no longer with the living?..

It would surely break her heart, but, never would she allow a glance to another; as Scholar Ban, she had transferred her Heavens to him..thus they shall remain.......

~

Indeed many could believe that Virtue is an easy attribute to master, however, even the most skillful masters can slip from time-to-time. To a husband, a virtuous woman does not solely mean the faithful to his heart and clan. It is to serve him as a manner of incantations that relate to different situations; such as act as the subject to the Ruler when the days of the matrimonial ceremony begins, when aiding him bathe and producing his cuisine one must take the position of child to the father, in the conversations between each other it is appropriate to act as the caring siblings and never place a disagreement to the threshold of the husband.. Thus, with these guidelines in mind, a woman can trasnform herself into the most virtuous of wives. Do not risk ones own words to be tainted by the blemishes of ill and retain the appropriate manner prescribed to those of a pure nature, in reaction shall appear the trusting flower who can easily maintain the affairs of the household.

Pride is a matter that should not be allowed to show upon the expression, leave it within the secrecy of one's heart and never allow it to birth the hideous nature of arrogance. Such could happen when thrusted into a position of high status, so act accordingly and one should not gain the consequence in being vulnerable to ruin. Yet, do not be entirely contempt with the mediocre status that comes with sub-bordination, for one could allow herself open to the punishment of misunderstood arrogance. Furthermore, the woman of such virtues will not allow herself to become involved in mundane debates, for a reputation for being quarrelsome is a blemish most hard to rid. With all considered, the virtues lie in the mere details of life and reactions to certain situations that call for the woman to remain calm. Do not allow the body to yield to mere jealousy and take into mind that the actions you place before the Realm could easily over-shadow the hard work of your own husband.

~

It was a mystery to why people could break such things as trust so easily, within these times the Realm was in need of those that remained on their word. Yet, Furen knew that perhaps her own origins blossomed into influence via the use of the trust of others? How her father placed the veil over her eyes, so much so she did not know what was truly happening around her. So high up, the clouds hid the corruption and terror her ancestors were creating for the people they apparently spoke for. Such were the mysteries of the dead, those who had not placed the truth to anyone but their hearts carried these secrets to the Nether Realm......

~

It is the dreams of youthful girls to gain the husband that the family not only desires, but deems worthy of her virtues. One cannot be placed with a being so devastating that it could bring potential ruin to the body of the wife and the name of the family. However, if placed in such the detrimount circumstance, do not haste to thrust the head upon the ground and rise to the Heavens in content for finding a husband to bring some form of stability. Through your own actions bring him honour and through the trust of chastity, turn his ways to the path of the filial man.


~

It was short, but all knew that the woman was in the centre of more than simply to be sold and bought...to birth the heir of the Clan and not to become the harlot of tales. The trust between the husband and wife must become a sacred thing, that both adhere and comply to without fail; even if one was to fall from grace, the very presence of the other must brush the dust and elovate both to the clouds once more.

On the other hand, it was deemed virtuous that the woman stood behind the man in all matters, taking no care whether it evil or good; the husbands words were final. But, all is not so in these times, for the Emperor is the heart of the Realm and Offspring to the Heavens; he is placed to the helm and could easily drop those who do not act accordingly to his desires. Thus, it is the duty of the honourable wife to step out from the shadows and whisper sound advice to the man, not allowing him to take the action of evil. These very words could seem laughable to Furen, as was her husband not known to be a being of evil? A cunning serpent whose body many wished to see burn...thus, she had failed in these virtuous. Perhaps now, as his return imminent she could allow the wind to change direction....

~


Consequences can come strongly even if the action is only slight, the actions of both genders can cause a multitude of reactions that both could not see. The mist of ones own arrogance could become stronger than the intelligence of a scholar, thus leaving any soul vulnerable to the misguidance and fall from graces. Such can be spoken of a man who takes the first steps into the realm of evils, believing his word to be absolute without any consequences being thrust to his door. If you see the skies and gain prophecy that such actions could bring the down fall of not only yourself, the family or either the Empire itself it is the wifely duty to place the hand in disagreement. However, mark your own words and be steady with explanation. Take the form of virtue and use the gentile voice to admonish the evils and place the husband t othe path of righteousness; indeed times can cause his mind to forget the morals of his own virtues.


~

The trees had become quite lovely to gaze upon in these recent days, it was comforting to see the nature that surrounded her refused to take form of the terror that would not doubt appear. As the tides of war beckoned, such things as the peach blossoms, should not be affected as it would be a shame..for these are viewed by the wives and mothers, the children of soldiers, thus when they begin to fall some may start to lose the hope of seeing their beloved again. Another sigh escaped as the two attendents silently brought some tea for the Matriarch, they were ever so loyal and had never gained the acknowledgement they truly deserved. Perhaps, after the last brush stroke was taken, she could present a small gift to both and also give them time to return home and visit their families...after all, Furen knew more than any, you could never tell when you would last embrace the ones you love......

[Gong]

Birth the Good~

Morals of the Mother~

Remove the Blemish~

Few could experience the life that wealth brought them and in fault came her own heritage, from the estate she sat in Furen could not speak of the good. Every peice of jewelry, sheet of silk, scroll of text and even the decorations of her own abode were all from the wealth of the peasants; which were bled dry by her very father, Dong Zhuo. How could she be happy to have been his creation? Yet, the ills of his doings should not be reflected upon her, not so harshly..a mere girl acting as the filial daughter whose love for the father could not be broken; no matter the evils. Taking a breath, the scrolls were felt by the lingering touch, the habbits of the Matriarch's mother stamped deep upon the fledgling heart. Oh so frail it had became with the revealing truth of Dong Zhuo, the lies being torn from her very eyes and the veil no longer covering the perspective; thus, Furen saw the skies and wailed in disgrace that her own family could do so many wrongs. The sacrifice would be great and she would be the one to bleed.

As the attendants boiled the water for tea, the brush was delicately dipped into the puddle of black liquid they had skillfully created for her. A fasting had been done, since the beginning of this compilation the Matriarch refused meals and simply took tea for sustinence. The crime was serious and one she refused to simply shy away from, these works would be retribution for the shame felt by the Envoy..the fasting a meagre part of her apologise to not only the populace, but also to the Heavens. It had become somewhat strenuous upon the temper, that of her father's, hence why no word had been spoken and the silence allowed the mind to concentrate upon the ideals....

~


There is one thing that comes as blessing to each woman as the life continues upon the stream, that of the continuation of the bloodline; an heir. A child who can become the second Heaven of your realm and transfer all the hidden adoration within the heart, to such a small being who will one day take the care..as you did with your parents. However, whilst still in the womb, do not believe it is safe from the evils of the land; for it can be born upon the thorns of evil. Act as the virtuous figure, do not stray from the boundaries of guidelines set by tradition and place oneself upon the path of benevolence. Each night read the classics the swelling stomach and allow the birth to bless you with a child of good, thus excelling in all matters and becoming an offspring to make the Ancestors smile with pride...


~

Taking a breath, the tea was brought to Furen's side and a small meat bun placed next to that; the scent almost intoxicating, with the stomach seconding the notion of wishing to take one small bite.. A simply morsel of the delightful pouch of delicious flavours, the torture by the attendents were becoming ill and surely they understood the reason behind the refusal of foods. Or did they believe it to be mere superficial? Swiftly the eyes were diverted, the stare became too intense and no doubt would end in the bite being taken...she could not yield when two verses were upon her, the last two of the entire works and then the bun could be consumed.

Once again the brush was lightly placed into the ink and observing the words of the Sage a short giggle faded over her expression, it was one that had no placing within the female world.. Such a learned being, could he not view the life of wives as before? Nevertheless, there was the infamous Scholar Ban to bestow knowledge upon them and sustain the traditions of the Ancients. Such a significant role these mothers had, to not only teach but to morally guide their children and relatives on a certain path. A constant need for virtues to be upheld, through the woman they would resonate from the man and then spread as the waters into the Realm..giving birth to a righteousness that the Heavens would be proud of.........

~


When the labour is complete and the first cries of youth can be heard, do not discard the virtues of your teaching and from the first embrace such standards must be retained. You shall become the stream of wisdom for the child to feed upon, to transfer your moral knowledge to them is the duty of the mother. Do not direct into evil, but merely guide them to the good and thus bring fortune to the family. For the son, aid him in his works and educate the mind to the classics, do not become the dictatorship for immitation. On the other hand, teach the daughter the elegance of virtue and seriousness of the zither; the needle an asset and silence the fortune of her arsenal.

Take into consideration the life of our Mengzi's mother, a woman of many years and one who took tradition to heart. However, no one could fault the dedication to the future of her child. Three times the nest was created in different terrains, yet when the correct was found it was her duty to lead poor Mengzi away from dithering his life into deterioration. Thus, the mother took a blade to the loom strings destroying the material that would sustain the family. Teaching her son that one must take education to heart, for this shall be the key to fortune and without dedication and seriousness..one would merely turn into turmoil. Furthermore, the mother refused to give sustinence to a child who did not care the clan's future, thus destroying her work would bring them both to ruin; causing him to act on her method.


~

It was a strange method, but seemed to have caused the offspring to act and take upon education as if it were his life. Perhaps without the mother, the young lad would not have become the great Scholar that they all worship and view close to the Great Sage. With a sip, the thought came to her own future. Would the Matriarch ever become in a situation such as this, being able to teach through her own virtues a son to continue both the Li and Dong clans into the future? Or, would she be the remaining figure of these two clans? It was a haunting imagination that winded Furen into submission each night, when the mind could not turn to sleep and wondered in the Realm of ill thoughts...it was becoming a lonesome life..

Whether Li Ru would return, the Matriarch could not linger upon for she knew the tears would fall once again and she simply refused to continue the woeful nature. The Dong family had enough tears run from them, they needed the drought to strengthen their position and through forgiveness the Phoenix would raise its head. Indeed the Dragon had cut them down, but it was a mere wound, the neck had not been slit....

~



To expell the evils from ones own body is a matter of importance, for through you shall this corruption taint many a thing. Your words could be the blemish upon a Minister or be the destruction of the State's foundation. Thus, mark the words you speak and force the steps into virtue, place aid in the intentions of the good and erase all traces of chaos that may reside in the body of your husband. There can be two version of one woman created in this realm, both can gain great influence but use this privilege in such different manners. The white flower would caress the virtues, be the catalyst for good and guardian of the sacred rituals that brings forth fortune for all. Whilst, on the other hand, the darkness of the shadows, a mere harlot by nature. A wielder of evil who has the ability to bring pure destruction to each soul that they encounter and give the husband nothing but the life of ruin.

Do not stray from the good and take care in all actions, to be remembered and worshipped is something an Ancestor dreams of...the demons shall be your masters if the other is taken to heart.




~

As the final brush stroke was made, a thought came to that of a certain being she used to refer to as 'harlot'. The very being she believed to be the true murderer of her father, not that of Lu Bu..but the delicate and seductive nature of the Mistress, Diaochan; the former maid and courtesan of Furen's father. Yet after all she had been through, there was a deep sense of sorrow for allowing herself to take such notion to heart. How could a Matriarch be so cruel in thought? She was now the head of a clan and hopeful advisor to the only being close enough to be brother...such must be thrown assunder and bring forth the age of the very virtues she wrote.

Placing the brush into the water, the eyes turned to the still warm bun next to her tea cup; it called to her..the fasting had come to an end and the compilation finally made. Taking a minute of composure, Furen smiled and delicately took the bun into hand; a small bite was needed for the delicious insides to be tasted. It was as if Heaven had been created just for her. The two attendents silently rejoiced that their mistress had obeyed the rules she had placed herself, not only this but Furen would finally leave the self-made prison that was her own estate...

"One place a copy within my chest, the other, I request to send to a scribe. Make sure that copies of my works are spread throughout the city; to mothers, wives and young girls." A gentile voice rose from the lips, orders said without malice or authority..far from the memories of her father. Furen placed the bun back upon it's plate and turned to the young girls who made their move as asked. Gently Furen took her family Seal into hand and steadily printed upon each scroll that she had written... Rising from the desk, the Matriarch slowly moved towards the window and gazed upon the city; a pass time that had recently become a favourite of hers. "To each female you give this to, comes with guidelines you must both adhere to. To a women of an elderly disposition, give 4 pecks of grain from my estate. To a woman of blossoming youth, give 3 pecks of grain from my estate....and to a girl whose coming has not been reached, grant 2 pecks of grain and two coins each from my estate. To all families who suffered from the taxations of my father, double these rules.." Furen knew that her wealth was vast, fortunately such luxury had survived with her.. "Thus begins the retribution of my family, to the people of Xiapi and then to the realm."

A smile appeared upon the Matriarch's expression, the embrace of her mother could be felt and the very presence of the father was near; surely he would be proud..surely? Did he wish for his dictatorship to continue via her?..surely not.... Turning to the attendents, the Matriarch observed as they went to complete the task at hand.. After all, Furen had much to plan, this was the first step to the redemption of her clan and name.....