Of Weddings and Wakes | Chapter 29 | Burning Wood for Light | Novela.app

The white-robed monk drew a bucket of water from the well and began the long ascent up the mountain path. At the end of the stone steps sat Baishui Temple, its bells currently tolling in rhythmic waves. Baishui Temple was an ancient sanctuary; its bells had rung out daily for hundreds of years. Though the era of watches and clocks had arrived, most people in the city still lived by the sound of the bells—dawn and dusk, the opening and closing of shops, the kitchen smoke of every household, and the cries of street vendors were always accompanied by that long, lingering chime. Mu Gesheng sat in the water pavilion, the sound of the bells enveloping the entire study. His mind wandered. He suddenly remembered a year when Guanshan Yue had set a rule to open only after six in the evening. He and Second Brother, unable to wait for the new repertoire, had played a prank on the young novice monk responsible for the bell, moving the time forward by an hour. The entire city had been thrown into chaos, with people clutching their pocket watches and frantically trying to synchronize the time. It had been quite a spectacle. Sometimes, the tranquility of life was indeed easily shattered. He looked at the chessboard before him and placed a stone. It could be broken by a bell’s chime, or by the crack of a gunshot. Two games were being played simultaneously in the pavilion. Mu Gesheng was playing against Hua Bucheng and Zhu Baizhi at the same time. They were playing "fast chess," and in less than half an hour, the outcomes were decided. Mu Gesheng won one and lost one—a draw. His actions at the House of Medicine had quickly spread through the Seven Houses. Everyone knew the current Heavenly Calculator had refused to cast a divination. A few days later, he had received letters from Penglai and the Zhu family, specifying a time and place to request a game of chess. Mu Gesheng understood this was a test and a warning. Neither Hua Bucheng nor Zhu Baizhi were easy to deal with, and Fifth Brother was still young. He had never intended to involve Penglai or the Zhu family; he only hoped these two houses would remain bystanders and not create further complications as the great battle loomed. He had exhausted his mental energy on these two games, barely managing to win one. His black stones had struggled for a long time before finally carving out a path to life. "Passable. Your skill is not inferior to the Master of Ginkgo Study," Hua Bucheng said indifferently. "Penglai recognizes you as the Heavenly Calculator, but without a hexagram, we will not join the war." Zhu Baizhi stroked his long beard. "The Zhu family says the same." "I expected as much," Mu Gesheng nodded. "My actions are indeed rebellious. It is already a mercy that Master Changsheng and Elder Zhu have not intervened." "You are the Heavenly Calculator; there is no need to address us as seniors." Hua Bucheng looked at the board. "There is a killing intent in your moves. Even if we wanted to stop you, we could not." "Master Changsheng’s skill is superior to mine." "A fluke. I didn't always win against your master, either." Hua Bucheng stood up and flicked his fly-whisk. "The matter here is concluded. I will deliver the letter you wrote for Lin Juansheng." Zhu Baizhi followed suit. "The Star Master is safe within the Zhu family. He may attend the next gathering of the Seven Houses." "Safe travels to you both." Mu Gesheng reached out and swept the stones into a mess. "I shall await the future." *** Beneath the courtyard ceiling, the notes of a pipa tinkled like falling water. Aunt Zhao sat by the window, tuning the pegs and plucking the strings. She wore a plain white qipao. Sunlight filtered through the latticed window, casting mottled silhouettes upon the silk. She was practicing a new piece. Ever since she joined Guanshan Yue, her new compositions for each season were eagerly anticipated by the city; the house was always packed when she took the stage. Yet, she maintained the habit from her apprentice days: before officially revealing a new song, she would always change into a plain white qipao and play alone by the window. When the song ended, Aunt Zhao pushed aside the bead curtain. "Do you see that restaurant across the street? Most people in the city know I practice new songs here. That manager opened private rooms directly facing this window. At its peak, a single banquet table there could cost as much as a townhouse." She set down the pipa and smoothed her hair at the temples. "But that was years ago." Now, the restaurant across the street had few guests and was nearing closure. It wasn't just that one shop; the entire city had fallen into desolation, with few pedestrians on the streets. A few days ago, the garrison had announced the retreat of the front lines. This city was no longer safe. Many had taken their families and fled to distant lands. News of falling cities arrived incessantly; in a few days at most, this place too would become a battlefield. "You don't have to stay here," Song Wentong said, sitting to one side and wiping his blade. "There’s still time to leave." "The bells have been ringing more frequently lately. I remember those are the blessing bells of Baishui Temple," Aunt Zhao said calmly. "The bald donkeys outside the city haven't left yet, so why should I?" "You aren't 'empty of all four elements,' Aunt Zhao," Song Wentong said seriously. "You still have many songs left to play." Aunt Zhao smiled. "By that logic, there are tens of thousands of melodies between these four strings. I fear I could not play them all in a lifetime." She leaned down, idly plucking a string, and whispered, "But sometimes, you play a single song and feel that it is enough. Years of study for this one piece—it is sufficient." Song Wentong remained silent, quietly watching this elegant woman. When a beauty ages, snow accumulates at the corners of her eyes, and memory becomes a slow thaw. "I remember a winter many years ago. It was much like this one, only far more lively. The city was filled with bright red lanterns. It was the day Guanshan Yue was to release a new song, but I slipped on the icy steps and injured my hand. It happened so suddenly; everyone was frantic." "Just as I was preparing to force myself onstage, my best sister brought someone over. That person borrowed my pipa and said she could give it a try. Guanshan Yue is a music house; melody is no joking matter here. I asked her how many years she had studied. She said she hadn't—she only knew one song." "I thought it was absurd, so I had her play for me on the spot." "We were right here by this window. She played, and my best sister—the most beautiful courtesan of Guanshan Yue—danced for her." Aunt Zhao plucked a string, the tone crisp. "You’ve probably guessed it. That person was your mother." Song Wentong thought for a moment. "I didn't know my mother could play the pipa." "She couldn't, really. She only knew that one song. She said she’d surreptitiously learned it from an old friend. It was a secret family legacy, never shared with outsiders, but the other person had lost a drinking bet and taught it to her." Aunt Zhao gave a soft laugh. "After she played that day, I viewed her as a true kindred spirit." "Later, the courtesan passed away, and your mother vanished for a long time. When she returned, she was holding you." "But she wasn't cut out for raising children. It’s less that she carried you back and more that she brought you back dangling from her blade. I saw you swaying behind her back and thought she was carrying a rucksack." "We made a pact then. She would teach me that song, and I would look after you on behalf of her and the courtesan. It took me five years to learn it. Once I mastered it, she vanished." "She eloped with her lover," Song Wentong grumbled. "Your mother entrusted you to me, but you had a mind of your own. You ran off to study at the Master of Ginkgo’s place, and sometimes I wouldn't see you for a year or more." Aunt Zhao sighed. "No wonder you grew up crooked. A boy raised in a den of rouge and powder, yet you’re as fierce as something escaped from a slaughterhouse. I don't know what that Master of Ginkgo taught you every day. Sometimes looking at you makes me feel I’ve failed your mother, yet I feel you are exactly like her." "Am I very much like my mother?" "In personality." Aunt Zhao scrutinized Song Wentong. "But don't say your aunt is talking nonsense, Little Tong—you’re handsome because you take after that courtesan." "Oh, is that so?" Song Wentong didn't have much of a reaction. "No wonder I never knew who my father was." "Stop fooling around." Aunt Zhao slapped Song Wentong. "Go to the music room and pick out a pipa." "What are you going to play?" "I’m not playing. I’m teaching you," Aunt Zhao said. "Just pick one that looks good to you." "But I don't know how to play, Auntie. You said it yourself when I was little—that I even pee out of tune." Aunt Zhao choked for a moment, then glared at him. "I don't give a damn about that. This was the agreement between your mother and me. I must teach you this song." Song Wentong looked puzzled. "Then why didn't you teach me sooner? It took you five years; how long will it take me?" "According to your mother, I wasn't of her blood, so I shouldn't have been able to play it at all. But I am a national master, so I learned it," Aunt Zhao said. "For you, it will be effortless. Your mother didn't know how to play either, yet she could play this one song perfectly." Song Wentong looked thoughtful. "Did my mother say anything else?" "She said you are her son," Aunt Zhao replied. "This is the inheritance." "Then I will certainly learn it." Song Wentong nodded. "What is the song called?" Aunt Zhao hugged the pipa and struck a chord across the center. The sound was like tearing silk. "*Wu Yi*—No Clothes." *** Wisps of smoke swirled and coiled. Wu Zixu sat in the center of the room. It was a circular inner chamber, surrounded on four sides by tables. Upon the offering tables sat layers of ancestral tablets. The smoke gathered above the tablets, condensing into human forms. Closest to Wu Zixu were ten elderly figures in ancient robes and high crowns, floating above the room. "We believe the best course of action is to evacuate." "The Heavenly Calculator was the first to rebel. Since there is no hexagram, we have no obligation to obey." "There are Yin soldier riots outside; we should not leave Fengdu." "This battle is destined to be lost." "As the Impermanence Child, you should lead by example..." Wu Zixu sat with his hands tucked in his sleeves, his head slightly bowed, looking at the incense stick before him as if in deep thought. The room was filled with whispering voices that gradually grew louder until they reached a boiling point. Finally, all the phantom figures spoke in unison: "We ask the Clan Head to make a decision quickly." Wu Zixu remained silent for a moment before speaking. "The House of Yin-Yang will not participate in this matter of the mortal realm." The phantoms collectively sighed in relief. One of them bowed and said, "Then we ask the Impermanence Child to return to Fengdu. There was a great disturbance at the West City Pass recently, and there are many matters awaiting your decision." "However," Wu Zixu’s tone shifted, "I will not be returning." The phantoms froze. "What?" "As the Head of the Wu Clan, I have already fulfilled my duties regarding the West City Pass. The elders can decide the remaining matters," Wu Zixu said. "I will remain here. My return date is uncertain." "Do you intend to help the Heavenly Calculator?" "This must not be." "As the Impermanence Child, this action is improper." "We ask the Clan Head to reconsider." "Matters in Fengdu are unsettled; please return quickly." When the voices of opposition finally died down, Wu Zixu spoke, his voice calm and resolute: "The one helping him is Wu Zixu, not the Impermanence Child." "My mind is made up. The elders need not oppose me further." With that, he leaned forward and blew out the offering incense. The phantom figures immediately began to dissipate. Some, unwilling to give up, continued to plead: "The Clan Head is still young, do not lose the great for the small..." Before the words could finish, the door to the inner chamber was kicked open. A bucket of water was splashed over the area with a *crash*. The embers were thoroughly extinguished, and the phantoms vanished completely. The newcomer said impatiently, "So much chatter, it's annoying. None of you are that old, yet you talk so much nonsense." Wu Zixu was soaked to the bone. He said helplessly, "Only you, Great Aunt, would dare call the elders 'young.'" The newcomer was Wu Nie. She pulled back the surrounding curtains, and the room instantly brightened. She looked around, curling her lip. "It’s been nearly a hundred years since I’ve been to the Wu residence in the living world. This room is still so stiff and boring." "The elders are traditional, and since I’m the only one living in the house, I don't pay much attention to these things." Wu Zixu smiled. "I must thank you for your help, Great Aunt. This is my first time doing something so rebellious; I’m a bit out of practice." "No matter, you’ll get used to it. When you begged me to open the array that day, I knew this day would come." Wu Nie waved her hand, then turned serious. "But this is no small matter. Have you thought of how to deal with the Yin soldiers?" "I haven't." Wu Zixu shook his head. "The battlefield outside the city has Fourth Brother’s army. As for the Yin soldiers inside the city... I have no absolute certainty." He looked at Wu Nie. "But since you’ve come, you must have a way." Wu Nie raised an eyebrow. "Not bad, kid. You’ve learned to calculate against me." "I wouldn't dare. It was Fourth Brother who said it." "I knew it was him. That kid will eat anything, but he’ll never eat a loss." Wu Nie sneered. "Let’s go." "Where are we going?" "To Fengdu with me. There are things I need to teach you that can't be practiced in the living world—otherwise, the city will be destroyed before the battle even starts." "I just said I wasn't going back to Fengdu." Wu Zixu was surprised. "There are many members of the Yin-Yang family in Fengdu. If I go back, I’ll inevitably be discovered." "Who do you think I am? I can't even smuggle one brat in?" Wu Nie rolled her eyes. "I know what you’re worried about, but right now, there’s one place in Fengdu that is guaranteed to be quiet. I doubt there’s a single ghost there." Wu Zixu thought for a moment, and his eyes flickered as he realized something. Wu Nie smirked. "The West City Pass. The Land of Avici." "Right now, the Yin soldiers are all sealed in the Yin-Yang Ladder. The Land of Avici was swept clean by ghost soldiers and generals a few days ago. It’s empty now. Even if there are a few stragglers, they’ll be perfect for your practice." Wu Nie seemed confident. "Let’s go. It’s foolproof." Wu Zixu was stunned. "The Land of Avici is a forbidden zone. Even for you, Great Aunt... you can actually enter?" "The West City Pass just went through a riot; the suppression is loose. Entering isn't hard, it’s just that no one has the guts." Wu Nie shrugged. "Even in normal times, while entering isn't exactly easy, it’s not entirely impossible." "What do you mean?" "Haven't you always wanted to know the whereabouts of your father?" Wu Zixu’s entire body jolted. He snapped his head up. "The Impermanence Children have always been orphans, but the House of Yin-Yang has never feared the dead. Even if they die, they can live well in Fengdu," Wu Nie said calmly. "But the Impermanence Child is an exception. Among the various family members in Fengdu, your parents are the only ones missing." "You know about your mother. The Impermanence Child is born with a half-underworld constitution. The accumulation of Yin energy during pregnancy is too heavy; the mother’s body is gradually consumed by ghost energy, and eventually, even her soul is devoured. To enter Fengdu, the physical body may perish, but the soul must remain." "As for your father... don't tell me you don't know. In truth, the final destination of every generation’s Impermanence Child has always been a mystery among the Seven Houses. Some speculate they might be like the Heavenly Calculators—souls scattered, unable to enter reincarnation. But that is not the case." Wu Zixu listened with rapt attention, subconsciously repeating, "Not the case?" "Come with me." Wu Nie pushed open the door. "I will tell you where your father went." *** The main hall was a cacophony of voices, filled with uproar. Unlike the desolation of the city, the Chai residence was packed with people. The main hall couldn't even hold them all; seats had been placed along the corridors. This was uncommon for the House of Medicine. Although they held councils, they rarely involved so many people. The House of Medicine had many branches, and some members didn't even have the right to enter the main residence except during festivals. Chai Shuxin sat in the hall. Before him was a small desk; he had moved his workspace here to finish some final business. The noise around him was deafening, but his hand was steady as he held the brush. He wore white silk gloves embroidered with a plum blossom branch in silver thread. He knew what the people around him were discussing. Everyone was waiting—waiting from silence to clamor, from composure to frantic anxiety. They were all waiting for his decision. He calmly finished the last character, set down his brush, and spoke: "We do not retreat." The already boiling crowd instantly exploded. Someone jumped up and shouted, "What did you say?" Chai Shuxin looked up and repeated, "My decision is: we hold the city and do not retreat." A heavy cough sounded, and someone stood up. It was a highly respected elder of the House of Medicine. The surroundings quieted slightly. "Clan Head," the old man began. "Everyone is gathered here today for a matter that concerns the future survival of the House of Medicine. I ask you to think twice before acting." "I have been thinking for as long as you have been arguing," Chai Shuxin said, repeating himself. "I said: we do not retreat." "Years ago, you ignored all opposition and chose to pour the House of Medicine’s strength into helping the army. Now it seems that was not the best course of action," the elder said loudly. "Therefore, this time, I ask the Clan Head not to act arbitrarily again." "The war is far from over. It is not yet time to conclude whether it was the best course," Chai Shuxin glanced at him. "If you do not believe in me, so be it. Among the Seven Houses, the House of Medicine values tradition and seniority the most. I know I am young, and you harbor much resentment." This was a blunt statement, unbelievable coming from Chai Shuxin’s mouth. He was naturally cold, but he had always been meticulous about etiquette, giving people the impression that the Head of the House of Medicine possessed the character of a refined gentleman. Now that he had suddenly torn away the pleasantries, the elder was stunned for a long time, feeling as though Chai Shuxin had become a different person, his words sharp as a blade. He merely sat there, yet his spirit was like ice and snow—a white-robed rebel. But now was not the time for such thoughts. The elder looked around and raised his voice. "In that case, the House of Medicine has always valued consensus. Since you are so arrogant..." "...I am unfit for the position of Clan Head." Chai Shuxin didn't even wait for him to finish, speaking the second half of the sentence himself. He looked at the dumbfounded crowd. "Is there anything else you wish to say?" Some even wondered if Chai Shuxin had taken the wrong medicine. They heard him continue: "When I succeeded as Clan Head, I was young and lacked talent. Though I have struggled to maintain things for several years, those of you here have still whispered much in private." "Now that the city is in turmoil, I choose not to retreat." Chai Shuxin said calmly. "I know most of you oppose this." "The House of Medicine can tolerate one instance of willfulness, but it will not tolerate a second act of recklessness," the elder sneered. "If the Clan Head wishes to remain in power for long, please cut your losses in time." "Yes, it is time." Chai Shuxin stood up, removed his gloves, and threw them into the brazier. The crowd gasped. Everyone knew what this gesture meant. Chai Shuxin’s voice echoed in the hall. "As of today, I officially resign from the position of Head of the House of Medicine." "I voluntarily remove my name from the Chai clan." *** Chai Rendong walked out of the Nine-Fold Corridor, hearing the surging debate from the distant main hall. "From now on, who should take up the mantle of Clan Head?!" Though they were far apart, she could still hear the excitement and joy hidden beneath the suppressed tones. she lowered her head and smiled. The House of Medicine was the most worldly of the Seven Houses; the family was very much like an ordinary noble clan—struggling for power, scheming, lacking respect for elders... but it wasn't surprising. Though they were of the Seven Houses, they had no long lifespans, no strange bloodlines, no eerie family legacies or innate great powers. They only had their medical skills, which were slightly more capable than those of ordinary physicians. Naturally, they were more attached to the mundane world. The Head of the House of Medicine was perhaps the most ordinary of the seven, and the hardest to be. She had seen her younger brother’s years of hard work. "According to family rules, the Clan Head must be of the direct Chai bloodline." Chai Shuxin looked coldly at the man before him. "You are from a branch family. You are not qualified." His words struck a nerve. The other man’s face flushed with anger. "Since you have resigned, the direct Chai line is broken! Other than a respected elder taking over, who else could there be?" Before he could finish, the doors to the hall were pushed open, and a figure walked in. "Me." The voice was resonant, shocking the entire hall. Chai Rendong wore a raven-green qipao, with a white magnolia jade hairpin in her hair. She had eyes like a vast, misty sea, which usually looked somewhat weak and hazy. But now the mist had cleared. She stood in the hall, as immovable as a green mountain. "Eldest Miss?" The elder was stunned, then laughed. "Eldest Miss has been ill for many years. It was precisely because you lacked the energy that your younger brother inherited the position. What kind of play is this now?" "My health is not for you to decide, Grandfather." Chai Rendong smiled. "Where is the Medicine Official?" The Medicine Official was a special position in the House of Medicine. Regardless of blood relation, only those with profound medical skills could hold it. A man in black robes carrying a medicine chest entered and bowed to Chai Rendong. "Eldest Miss." Chai Rendong held out her hand. "Examine me." "Yes." The Medicine Official removed his gloves, placed a soft cloth over Chai Rendong’s wrist, and carefully felt her pulse. After a moment, he bowed. "Eldest Miss’s body is no different from a normal person’s. Her chronic illness is cured. She can take up the position of Clan Head." "Nonsense! Impossible!" the elder shouted. "You are in league with them! Drag him away!" "Then you may examine me yourself, Grandfather. There is no harm in it." Chai Rendong blocked him with a hand and said calmly, "I only fear your medical skills are insufficient." "This is impossible! The Medicine Official examined your illness back then; it was absolutely incurable!" "An absolutely incurable illness—for those words to come from a member of the House of Medicine is a joke." Chai Rendong looked at him leisurely. "Or perhaps, you know too well what illness I had back then?" "You!" "My illness came on suddenly and fiercely back then; soon I couldn't even leave my bed. If my father hadn't exhausted his efforts to formulate medicine for me, I wouldn't have lived until today. But even with all his skill, he could only save my life; I couldn't live like a normal person. Since then, I have lived deep within the Nine-Fold Corridor, not leaving for years." Chai Rendong suddenly smiled, her tone turning cold. "I suppose in your heart, Grandfather, I was already as good as dead?" Indeed, no one present could have imagined that Chai Rendong would recover. She had been gone for too long, living in seclusion for so many years that she was rarely seen even during festivals. Many had already forgotten that the Chai family had an Eldest Miss. And the Chai Rendong of back then was famous for far more than her looks. Brilliant and talented, her name had once filled the capital. Chai Rendong looked at the people present—all sorts of faces, all sorts of expressions. She remembered the previous night, when Chai Shuxin had knocked on her door and handed her a wooden box. The moment she opened it, she understood. Inside the box was a pair of gloves. Sister and brother had faced each other under the lamp. She had spoken softly: "I have something for you as well." She took out a pouch. Chai Shuxin took it and opened it. Inside was a sheet of paper covered in dense writing. "This is?" Chai Rendong smiled. "The secret recipe for First-Grade Pot." They were connected by blood; many things didn't need to be said. Under the gaze of the crowd, Chai Rendong put on the gloves. The air of illness vanished from her. She had pinned up her long hair today, highlighting her elegant yet sharp jawline. "As of today, the House of Medicine will evacuate." Chai Rendong looked at Chai Shuxin. Sister and brother locked eyes. "Lingshuzi Chai Shuxin is voluntarily removed from the clan and forfeits the position of Clan Head." "He will remain behind and not retreat." Chai Shuxin bowed deeply to the floor. "I thank the Clan Head for fulfilling my wish." The moment his forehead touched the ground, Chai Shuxin suddenly thought of a conversation he’d had with his Master many years ago. Back then, his Master had asked him what he thought of Mu Gesheng. He straightened up and looked at the sunlight coming toward him. A heart of pure innocence, the courage of a fool, charcoal in the snow, the sun in winter. They were all such ridiculous yet precious things. *** The bells rang out. Mu Gesheng sat in the water pavilion for a long time, until the abbot approached. "Heavenly Calculator, it is getting late." "It is time to go back." Mu Gesheng stood up. "Let me finish listening to this chime." He walked to the water’s edge, watching the ripples stirred by the sound of the bell. "When I first came to the study, I was always kept awake by the bells. Later, I slowly developed the habit of sleeping to their sound. A few years ago, when I was studying abroad, I would wake up in the middle of the night and still couldn't sleep—but it was because I *couldn't* hear the bells. I always felt something was missing." "Life is impermanent," the abbot said. "The Heavenly Calculator is a nostalgic person." "Old scenes are hard to discard; dreams of ruined mountains are the most real." Mu Gesheng broke into a fit of coughing. Playing chess was extremely taxing, and he had exhausted himself to secure a victory. Mu Gesheng took a medicine bottle from his robe and hurriedly swallowed a pill. His injuries hadn't fully healed; he should have been resting in bed, but with the great battle imminent, everyone was racing against time. No one had time to rest. Mu Gesheng said between coughs, "Master, will you not take the monks and leave? The war is about to start; this place may not be safe." "The Heavenly Calculator need not worry." The abbot pressed his palms together and chanted a Buddhist name. "Falling leaves return to their roots." "If you need anything, Master, please find me at any time. The military camp is on the outskirts of the city, very close to Baishui Temple." "All is well in the temple. we pray day and night. Please take care of your precious health, Heavenly Calculator." "Baishui Temple prays for the whole city; I thank you on their behalf." Mu Gesheng smiled. "As for me, it matters not." He looked as far as he could see. In the distance was a vast twilight, long mountains and wide waters—a boundless land. "This wood is fuel, burning wood to serve as kindling—henceforth, if there is no torch, I shall be the only light." Six days later, the front lines fell, and the battlefield retreated once more. At the same time, the Yin soldiers rioted, breaking through the seal. Mu Gesheng led three thousand garrison troops into a battle of life and death. And those within the city facing the Yin soldiers numbered only a few. *** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 画不成 | Hua Bucheng | Head of the Penglai Sect. 朱白之 | Zhu Baizhi | An elder of the Zhu family. 长生子 | Changshengzi | "Master of Longevity," the title for the head of the Penglai Sect. 星宿子 | Xingxiuzi | "Star Master," the title for the head of the Zhu family. 林眷生 | Lin Juansheng | Likely a member of the Seven Houses. 无衣 | Wu Yi | "No Clothes," a famous poem from the *Classic of Poetry* (Shijing) about soldiers' camaraderie. 药官 | Medicine Official | A specialized medical rank within the House of Medicine. 一品锅 | First-Grade Pot | A famous traditional Chinese stew; here, a family recipe. 阿鼻之地 | Land of Avici | The lowest level of hell in Buddhist mythology; a forbidden zone in Fengdu.