Halcyon, our wedding day draws near. By the custom of ordinary folk, there ought to be words of blessing from …
Halcyon, our wedding day draws near. By the custom of ordinary folk, there ought to be words of blessing from an elder. It is only a sorrow that Heaven did not grant Master longer years, and he cannot witness our marriage. So allow me this one trespass. I have written them in his stead, for you to look over.
Note: If Master were still here, he would surely be delighted to see the two of us. Since this is such a happy occasion, Qizhe, do not go pulling a long face over such things, or Master would laugh at you. Of course, if your wording is poor, I shall laugh too.
First: May Su Qizhe and Qi Halcyon be joined forever in one heart.
Note: You and I were of one heart already. But husbands and wives who are of one heart are common enough in this world. Far rarer are those who walk the same Dao. So for us, should it not be: joined forever in one path? What do you think?
Second: May Su Qizhe and Qi Halcyon fly wing to wing.
Note: You really have read too many storybooks. You have learned every syrupy line those gifted scholars use for their beauties. Still, you truly are a gifted scholar. As for me, haha, I can only count as rough and unruly. But flying side by side does sound rather good. We are disciples of Mohist Hill, after all. We ought to fly heavenward.
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And one more question for Halcyon: Have matters concerning the calculating array gone smoothly of late? The wedding clothes are already prepared. When will you come home and have a look?
Note: The calculating array has now been rearranged in keeping with the flow of the channels, and with running water to drive it, two or three parts of the labor may be spared. Ah... how did I end up talking about the calculating array again? I really must break that habit, or else wait until I am old and become some grey-haired gatekeeper woman in the Chamber of Derivation.