"Pull it down!"
X month X day, light rain
The shrew has moved into the Wangfu residence. Life can't go on like this. Even my nap time is disturbed by her screeching voice. This can't go on!
X month X day, partly cloudy
Today I met the shrew head-on. All my fur stood up, and finally, I scared her away. Feeling refreshed~
X month X day, sunny
Today, when the shrimp man held me to play with the lady owner, I heard them quarreling inside. The argument turned into a fight. The male owner didn't have scales today, but he was still fierce. The female owner couldn't beat him.
The shrimp man was very worried and put me down, asking me to go in and save the female owner.
Hey! Do you think I can beat such a big human? He's dozens of times bigger than Big Chunk!
Despite his urging, I reluctantly went in. If I can't fight, I can at least reason with them.
But unexpectedly, I was so impressive! I just cleared my throat, and before I could say "a good man doesn't hit a woman," the male owner ran away. The female owner was lying on the bed unable to get up, and I jumped up and licked her.
Sigh~ Humans are so troublesome. Why do males and females have to live together? Living together often leads to fights.
And the Wangfu is so big; you could easily live separately. That way, you wouldn't bump into each other and wouldn't argue!
Do you think what I said makes sense, female owner?
X month X day, partly cloudy
Today, the female owner's mother came to visit her.
I hate this woman because she waved her hand to chase me away as soon as she arrived, calling me a stray cat! Nonsense! I'm already the master cat of this Wangfu! Even Big Chunk doesn't dare to compete with me for food anymore!
She also said I would harm the female owner's child, which is absurd. I am not that kind of cat. If anything, the shrew living in the Wangfu is dangerous and should be kicked out!
X month X day, sunny
After a long time without visiting Mama Cat, I went out today, only to find out something big happened in the Wangfu!
That shrew actually kicked the female owner!
I always knew she would cause trouble if she stayed in the Wangfu. Now look, this happened while I was away.
The shrimp man was very depressed. When it happened, he was there but couldn't protect the female owner either.
Fortunately, the female owner's child was fine. Otherwise, the female owner's mother might blame me again.
X month X day, overcast
The female owner gave birth to a little girl, but I still wasn't allowed into their yard. So annoying!
The female owner's thigh belongs to me!
X month X day, partly cloudy turning overcast
Today, something big happened in the Wangfu. Many people with scales rushed in and took everything out. The shrimp man held me, the female owner held the little female owner, and we could only watch from the courtyard.
Even the dog was taken away! The dog is my servant. Who allowed you to take him away? Give him back! Or I'll scratch your face!
The shrimp man held me too tightly, so I couldn't jump out and had to watch helplessly as the dog was taken away.
Hope it won't become porridge. Sigh~
X month X day, overcast
I don't want to ride in a carriage!!!!!!
X month X day, sunny
The shrew married the male owner. It seems she will live with the male owner from now on.
But how can three people sleep on one bed? Will there be two female owners? I will never acknowledge the shrew as Female Owner No. 2.
PS: The food at the shrew's house is terrible. Not fit for a cat!
X month X day, sunny
The female owner is missing!
I searched the entire large yard of the shrew's house but couldn't find the female owner or the little female owner. So strange, where did they go?
Did they move because the food here is so bad?
X month X day, sunny turning partly cloudy
Another carriage ride! It's killing me!
X month X day, partly cloudy turning sunny
We arrived at the new home. There's only me, no chickens or anything.
Not happy. Wonder how the dog is doing. Although it's likely turned into human poop by now.
X month X day, heavy snow
It's snowing. Everyone is happy, saying it rarely rains here, and snow means good harvest next year. I don't understand why rain is good. It's wet and sticky. Snow is also annoying. I can only stay in the shrimp man's arms, but his thighs aren't soft enough.
Kind of miss the female owner.
X month X day, heavy snow
A new cat came in today and was chased away by me.
X month X day, sunny
The female owner is back~~~ My thigh!
X month X day, sunny
Today, I'm in a bad mood because the shrimp man is going on a long trip. He wanted to take me along, but I hate riding in carriages, so he had to go alone.
Not only that, but that cat came again. Ugh, so annoying!
But he just ate some leftover fish bones. At least he knows his place.
X month X day, sunny turning partly cloudy
I seem to be pregnant. D*mn, I can barely jump anymore. Luckily, that male cat has some conscience and brings food to me.
When the female owner gave birth, she screamed so loudly. Is giving birth really that hard? Didn't hear Mama Cat say anything about it.
What are you looking at! Get away from my belly. You're just rubbing your face against it all the time. Have the guts to give birth yourself!
X month X day, overcast with light rain
There were six kittens in total. One black, two black-and-white, and three yellow-striped. What! None of them look like me!
But since you lick my fur, it's okay if they look like you. Whatever.
X month X day, overcast
Today, another new cat came, a female, also yellow-striped, probably his sister.
Hey, even if you all come to rely on me, don't mate right under my nose! We're domestic cats now; pay attention to decorum!
X month X day, sunny
More and more cats are coming to the Wangfu. I have a bad feeling about this.
X month X day, sunny
When the male owner came back, a cat bumped into his leg. The male owner got furious and ordered all the cats except me to be driven out. Even I could only follow the shrimp man.
Actually, the male owner never liked us much. I guess he's afraid of cats, but the female owner likes them, so he tolerates me wandering around.
The shrimp man's house is smaller, but the roof is still good for sunbathing. That's enough.
X month X day, windy and partly cloudy
The yellow-striped cat found me again, but this time alone, without a bunch of siblings or offspring.
Oh, you want to live with me forever like humans?
Well... it's not impossible, but we need rules first. No bringing wild cats into the house, not even siblings. Mating is forbidden. Got it?
Are you listening? Blink if you understand! Such a silly look. Can't stand it.
Forget it. Being stuck with you is my fate. I'll just have to... Hey! Get off me! I haven't agreed yet!
---
**Extra Chapter Two: Hearing the Willow in the Night (Part One)**
"Study, study, all you ever do is study! After studying for over ten years, how come you're still useless? You can't carry heavy loads or do manual labor. With so many farm chores undone, how can I rely on you for support in old age? You're nothing but a burden!"
"Uncle, don't blame me for being heartless. Since our parents passed away, the family income hasn't covered expenses. Your brother and I can't feed four or five children properly, let alone support you."
"They say scholars are useless, but even useless people should be somewhat useful. Third Brother, if you could marry into a good family like Second Sister, do whatever you want, and I won't stop you."
"Mother said the rice in the pot is reserved for Uncle. If you're hungry, figure it out yourself."
"It's raining outside, and we don't have extra umbrellas. Please see yourself out."
*
"Why aren't you going home in such heavy rain, sir?"
*
"Mr. Shan, are you comfortable living here?"
"Your Highness! Why have you come today without prior notice? I would have prepared better if informed."
"What preparation is needed? I suddenly felt like coming. Knowing the purple wisteria is blooming, I thought of enjoying poetry and flowers with you. Are you unwelcoming?"
"How could I be? The Fragrant Pavilion belongs to Your Highness. I'm merely staying here temporarily under your care. How could I not welcome you?"
"So, you're not welcoming me. Fine, I'll leave. Stay here."
"Your Highness..."
*
"Your Highness hasn't come for over a month. Should I prepare something and invite him over for drinks?"
"...No need. If he doesn't come, it's time for me to leave. Please help me pack my things. I'll depart tonight."
*
"Mr. Shan! Wait!"
"Your Highness?"
"Where are you going?"
"To wherever I must. Thank you for letting me stay at the Fragrant Pavilion these months. I feel unworthy of your kindness and must leave."
"Mr. Shan!... Fu Zhi, wait!"
"Fu Zhi, my mother was ill recently, and I've been attending her daily. Haven't seen you for a while. Did you get angry?"
"Your Highness, you flatter me. I wouldn't dare. I just feel..."
"Again with 'wouldn't dare.' You always say you 'dare not,' 'how could I,' 'why would I.' Do you despise me? Just because I'm a prince, you avoid me and remain cold whenever I visit. Am I wrong?"
"Your Highness misunderstands. I mean no disrespect."
"Then why are you leaving tonight? If Cheng Mo hadn't told me, I'd find you gone tomorrow."
"Your Highness."
"Yes?"
"I wonder if I may ask a question."
"Ask."
"On Qingming night, when you found me homeless and allowed me to stay at the Fragrant Pavilion, providing excellent accommodation and servants, I wondered why you treated me so kindly."
"Fu Zhi..."
"Your Highness, what do you consider me to be?"
*
"Why did you send someone to invite me for drinks tonight?"
"No reason. Last night, hearing the rain beating on the plantain leaves, I wrote a poem and wanted to present it to Your Highness."
"Oh? You're a talented poet. Show me."
"Why is it blank paper?"
"The autumn wind bends the leaves, and the rain sweeps them away. Naturally, it's blank."
"Banana plants are lovely, though they wilt in autumn and sprout new leaves next year. But it's not autumn yet. Why are you so melancholic?"
"Bamboo is lovely, but not everyone appreciates it. Though it's not autumn, the autumn winds and rain have come early. The green banana plants in this yard won't last long."
"...Has someone bothered you?"
"The Fragrant Pavilion is part of the palace. It's normal for the owner to visit. It's my fault for being an eyesore."
"Was it Jingyi who came? Only I visit here. Why did she come? Cheng Mo! Why didn't you tell me the princess visited?"
"I asked him not to bother Your Highness. Staying here too long is inappropriate. She asked a few questions, nothing serious. No need to inform Your Highness."
"If it was just a few questions, why did you stay awake all night writing a blank poem for me?"
"To Your Highness, it's trivial, but I feel guilty accepting your kindness and causing trouble for the princess. Please let me go."
"What did she do to you? If you're upset, tell me. I'll protect you. Why do you keep wanting to leave without considering my feelings?"
"Your Highness."
"Fu Zhi..."
"A year ago, I asked why you treated me so well. Tonight, I ask again. What do you see me as? Giving me the Fragrant Pavilion, treating me so well, allowing me to drink and discuss poetry without formalities. If I'm just a guest, how can I deserve such favor? If not, have you considered the princess's feelings?"
"Fu Zhi... I..."
"Your Highness loves literature and has a heart for talent. Though I lack virtue, I'm willing to serve you diligently. Whether discussing state affairs or enjoying poetry, please don't elevate me so high. Others might misinterpret it. As a commoner, I don't care about reputation, but Your Highness does."
"...Alright, I understand. I failed to consider your situation. Thinking the Fragrant Pavilion suited you, but since you dislike it, let's move you to the palace."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"But, Fu Zhi, the palace has many guests from all walks of life, not all easy to get along with. Though Jingyi is well-bred, she might trouble you. Please bear with it."
"Your Highness jests. Guests should respect their hosts. I'll be obedient and serve faithfully, causing no trouble."
"You... sigh, forget it. Let's go."
*
"This Moonlit Chamber is quiet and beautiful, especially with this willow tree. You'll stay here. Tell Cheng Mo if you need anything. I'll visit when I can."
"Mr. Shan, you have such refined tastes."
"Greetings, Princess."
"No need to bow. I heard you sent Cheng Mo to buy wine early this morning. Planning to enjoy drinks with His Highness tonight? You're free to drink, but His Highness shouldn't indulge too much. It's unhealthy."
"You're right. I'll advise him to drink less. Health is important."
"Caring for His Highness is my duty. Though he listens less to me, he values my words. We owe our comfort to you and His Highness's generosity."
"You're right."
*
"It's late. The princess sent several reminders. His Highness should return."
"Not yet... another cup, come on."
"He's had too much. Drinking excessively harms health. Come back another time. I'm free anytime. Don't get drunk every time."
"You don't understand. Enjoying tonight's wine relieves worries. Life has many sorrows. Getting drunk helps forget them."
"Drinking to forget sorrow only deepens it. Return early. Cheng Xu, help His Highness back."
"You're chasing me away!"
"Your Highness!"
"I won't leave! I won't leave tonight! More wine!"
"You can't drink anymore!"
"Who says I can't... vomit..."
"Your Highness!"