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journeytothewestresearch · 1 year ago

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WIP: Sun Wukong's Powers and Skills

I'm currently working on a comprehensive list of Sun Wukong's magic powers. Here is just a taste from chapters two to four.

Bold black = magic power Bold red = acquired non-magic skill Bold green = claimed magic power that is never actually demonstrated Bold orange = inborn talent?

Ch. 2

Early education #1: human skills - “[H]e began to learn from his [senior immortal] schoolmates the arts of language and etiquette” (與眾師兄學言語禮貌) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116). - Note: We all know that Monkey failed his etiquette classes.

Early education #2: religious skills - “He discussed with them the scriptures and the doctrines; he practiced calligraphy and burned incense” (講經論道、習字焚香; i.e. ritual procedure) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Wukong’s knowledge of scripture and philosophy pops up a few times in the novel. For example, he subsequently becomes enraptured by Subodhi's lecture on the Dao and Chan (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Early education #3: gardening skills - “In more leisurely moments he would be … hoeing the garden, planting flowers or pruning trees” (閑時即...鋤園、養花修樹) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 116).

Immorality (1st category) [1] - This is achieved via oral formulas (口訣) and breathing exercises (自己調息) at prescribed times (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 120-121). - The stipulated Chinese hours are before zi (12:00-14:00) and after wu (12:00-02:00) (i.e. noon to midnight) (子前午後). However, historical real world practice is reversed: after zi and before wu (i.e. midnight to noon).

Adeptness (i.e. quick learning) - “But this Monkey King was someone who, knowing one thing, could understand a hundred!” (這猴王也是他一竅通時百竅通) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122).

First learns the “Multitude of Terrestrial Killers” (地煞數; a.k.a. “72 changes,” 七十二般變化) - This requires oral formulas (口訣, a.k.a. “oral spells,” 咒語) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122). - This sometimes requires a magic hand sign and a shake of the body (see below).

First attempt at “Cloud-Soaring” (騰雲) - Subodhi mockingly calls this “Cloud-Climbing” (爬雲) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 122).

First learns the “cloud somersault” (觔斗雲) - This requires a magic sign, an oral spell, a fist clinch, and a body shake (捻著訣，念動真言，攢緊了拳，將身一抖). It takes him 108,000 li (里) in a single leap (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 123). - 108,000 li = 33,554 mi or 54,000 km [2]

Multitude of Terrestrial Killers (i.e. 72 changes) - This requires a magic sign (捻著訣) and an oral spell (咒語). He transforms into a pine tree (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 124).

Cloud somersault - He flies from the Western Continent to Flower-Fruit Mountain (i.e. from one side of the world to the other) “in less than an hour” (消一個時辰) (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 125).

First use of the “body beyond body” (身外身法; a.k.a. “magic of body division,” 分身法) (i.e. hair clones) - This requires chewing and a “change!” (變) command. Small clone monkeys are used to overwhelm and beat up a monster who is three zhang (三丈) (31.29 ft / 9.53 m) tall (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 128). [3] A passage explains: - “For you see, when someone acquires the body of an immortal, he can project his spirit, change his form, and perform all kinds of wonders [出神變化無方]. Since the Monkey King had become accomplished in the Way, every one of the eighty-four thousand hairs on his body could change into whatever shape or substance he desired” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 128). - 原來人得仙體，出神變化無方。不知這猴王自從了道之後，身上有八萬四千毛羽，根根能變，應物隨心。

Cloud somersault - He flies 30 or 50 monkeys and property (pots, bowls, utensils, etc.) home from captivity to Flower-Fruit Mountain (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 129).

Ch. 3

Martial arts (武藝) - He “teach[es his monkeys] how to sharpen bamboos for making spears, file wood for making swords, arrange flags and banners, go on patrol, advance or retreat, and pitch camp” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 131-132). - 教小猴砍竹為標，削木為刀，治旗幡，打哨子，一進一退，安營下寨 …

Cloud Somersault - He flies east from Flower-Fruit Mountain over “200 li of water in no time” (霎時間過了二百里水面) to the Eastern Continent (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 131).

Blows a mighty wind (陣風) - This requires a magic sign (捻起訣來), an oral spell (咒語), and taking a deep breath (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 131-132). A poem states that it puts the world into chaos: - Thick clouds in vast formation moved o'er the world; Black fog and dusky vapor darkened the Earth; Waves churned in seas and rivers, afrighting fishes and crabs; Boughs broke in mountain forests, wolves and tigers taking flight. Traders and merchants were gone from stores and shops. No single man was seen at sundry marts and malls. The king retreated to his chamber from the royal court. Officials, martial and civil, returned to their homes. This wind toppled Buddha's throne of a thousand years And shook to its foundations the Five-Phoenix Tower (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132). - 炮雲起處蕩乾坤，黑霧陰霾大地昏。江海波翻魚蟹怕，山林樹折虎狼奔。諸般買賣無商旅，各樣生涯不見人。殿上君王歸內院，階前文武轉衙門。千秋寶座都吹倒，五鳳高樓幌動根。

Body beyond body (i.e. hair clones) - This requires chewing and a “change!” (變) command. The small clone monkeys carry an armory’s worth of weapons (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132).

Magic of displacement (攝法) - This is a spell that carries the weapon-laden monkeys on wind (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 132).

Monkey claims to have a number of supernatural powers: - “I have the ability of seventy-two transformations. The cloud somersault has unlimited power. I am familiar with the magic of body concealment (身遯身, a.k.a. 隱身法) and the magic of displacement. I can find my way to Heaven or I can enter the Earth. I can walk past the sun and the moon without casting a shadow, and I can penetrate stone and metal without hindrance. Water cannot drown me, nor fire burn me” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 133). - 我自聞道之後，有七十二般地煞變化之功，觔斗雲有莫大的神通；善能隱身遯身，起法攝法。上天有路，入地有門；步日月無影，入金石無礙；水不能溺��火不能焚。

Magic of water restriction (閉水法) - He travels to the Dragon Kingdom (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 133).

Super strength - He effortlessly toys with a 3,600 catty (斤) (4,682.61 lbs / 2,124 kg) battle fork and a 7,200 catty (9,365.23 lbs / 4,248 kg) halberd (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 134). [4]

Super strength - He lifts the 13,500 catty (斤) (17,559.81 lbs / 7,965 kg) iron pillar in the dragon treasury (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 135).

Opens a waterway (開水道) - He uses the magic of water restriction to return to Flower-Fruit Mountain (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 137).

First use of the “Magic Method of Modeling Heaven on Earth” (法天像地的神通), a 10,000 zhang (萬丈) (104,300 ft / 31,800 m) tall giant form - This requires bending over and screaming “grow!” [長!]. This form has: - “[A] head like the Tai Mountain and a chest like a rugged peak, eyes like lightning and a mouth like a blood bowl, and teeth like swords and halberds” (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 138). - 頭如泰山，腰如峻嶺，眼如閃電，口似血盆，牙如劍戟

Immorality (2nd category) - This is achieved by inking out his name from the ledgers of hell [生死簿子] (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 141).

Ch. 4

Cloud somersault - It is much faster than those of ordinary immortals (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 145).

Travel to heaven - Refer back to ch. 3-#6A (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 145).

First use of “three-headed and six-armed” (三頭六臂) war form - This requires a “change!” (變) command (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 155).

Staff multiplication - This is done millions of times over (以一化千千化萬) to face Nezha’s own countless weapons (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156). - The multitude of armaments are said to “clash like horned-dragons flying in the air” (cf. Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156).

Body beyond body (i.e. hair clones) - This requires a “change!” (變) command. Monkey creates an autonomous decoy to distract Nezha while he slips behind him to land a staff blow (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 156).

Immortality (3rd category) - This is achieved via heavenly imperial wine (御酒, a.k.a. “Immortal wine,” 仙酒 and “juices of jade,” 玉液瓊漿) (Wu & Yu, vol. 1, p. 159, 165, and 167).

I'm currently on chapter 16, so it will take me a while to finish, especially since I'm simultaneously gathering info for several other articles, including mirrored essays for Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing.

Once I've gone through all 100 chapters, I will put each instance of a particular power into its own category (transformation, super strength, hair clones/tools, etc.) and then analyze everything as a whole. The Google Doc containing the list of powers will be attached to the analysis.

This project was partly inspired by a previous effort made by @the-monkey-ruler.

I'm open to feedback.

Notes:

1) In place of using “layer” or “level,” I’m choosing to designate his various immortalities as “categories.” This is because a new layer of divine longevity or durability would surely be added for each immortal peach, elixir pill, or cup/jug of heavenly wine consumed. Hence, eating multiple peaches would be one category, eating multiple elixir pills would be one category, and so on and so forth.

2) It’s important to note that 108,000 li is a metaphor for instant enlightenment (see section III here). Therefore, power-scalers should not use any instance of this as a feat.

3) One zhang (丈) comprises ten chi (尺, a.k.a. "Chinese feet"), and during the Ming Dynasty, one chi was roughly 12.3 in or 31.8 cm. This makes one zhang 10.43 ft or 3.18 m (Jiang, 2005, p. xxxi).

4) During the Ming, one catty (jin, 斤) was 590 grams (Elvin, 2004, p. 491 n. 133).

Source:

Elvin, M. (2004). The Retreat of the Elephants: An Environmental History of China. New Haven (Conn.): Yale University Press.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

#Sun Wukong #Monkey King #Journey to the West #JTTW #Monkey King powers #Sun Wukong powers #Lego Monkie Kid #LMK

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apothecaryscript · 11 days ago

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The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 (Ep.25 in total) : Maomao and Maomao / 薬屋のひとりごと　第2期　第1話（通算第25話）『猫猫と毛毛（マオマオとマオマオ/Maomao to Maomao）』

男「これ本当か？」

Otoko “Kore hontoka?”

Man “Is this authentic?”

妓女(ぎじょ)「フフフ…」

Gijo “Fufufu…”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

梅梅(メイメイ)「フフフ」

Meimei “Fufufu.”

やり手婆「ヘ～ッヘッヘッヘッヘ」

Yarite-Babaa “Heehhehhehhehhe.”

白鈴(パイリン)「なぁに？おばば、この量」

Pairin “Naani? Obaba, kono ryo.”

Pairin “What is this huge pile, Granny?”

女華(ジョカ)「猫猫からの注��らしい」

Joka “Maomao-karano chumon-rashii.”

Joka “Maomao ordered it, apparently.”

白鈴「またぁ？」

Pairin “Mataa?”

Pairin “Again?”

やり手婆「いい稼ぎになりそうだ。言われた通りに届けてやってくれ」

Yarite-Babaa “Ii kasegini narisoda. Iwareta-toorini todokete yatte-kure.”

Madam “This’ll be a good business. Just deliver it like you’re told.”

右叫(ウキョウ)「わかりました」

Ukyo “Wakari-mashita.”

Ukyo “Understood.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

壬氏「綺麗ですね」

Jinshi “Kirei-desune.”

Jinshi “They’re beautiful.”

梨花妃「部屋に飾ろうと思って」

Rifa-hi “Heyani kazaroto omotte.”

Concubine Lihua “I’m thinking of keeping some in my room.”

壬氏「お変わりないですか」

Jinshi “Okawari-nai desuka.”

Jinshi “Is everything going well?”

里樹妃「あっ、はい…」

Rīshu-hi “A, hai…”

Concubine Lishu “Y-Yes.”

壬氏「園遊会の後、子昌(シショウ)殿から侍女の増員を打診された」

Jinshi “En’yu-kaino ato, Shisho-dono-kara jijono zoin’o dashin-sareta.”

Jinshi “After the garden party, Master Shishou did ask for more ladies-in-waiting for her.”

高順(ガオシュン)「ですが、この人数は…」

Gaoshun “Desuga, kono ninzuwa…”

Gaoshun “This seems like far too many, though…”

壬氏「ああ。これでは、他の夫人たちの矜持(きょうじ)が保てないな」

JInshi “Aa. Kore-dewa, hokano fujin-tachino kyojiga tamote-naina.”

Jinshi “Yes. It’s not a good look for the other ladies.”

壬氏「ごきげんよう。楼蘭妃」

Jinshi “Gokigen-yo. Roran-hi.”

Jinshi “Greetings, Concubine Loulan.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

鈴麗公主(リンリーひめ)「あう～あ～あう～、うい～、ウフッ…。ハハッ、う～、あ～」

Rinrī-hime “Auuu aaa auu, uii, ufu… Haha, uuu, aaa.”

玉葉(ギョクヨウ)妃「あら？何かお探し？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara? Nanika osagashi?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? Looking for something?”

壬氏「あぁ…いえ」

Jinshi “Aa…Ie.”

Jinshi “Oh, no.”

玉葉妃「猫猫なら医局に行ったわ」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomao-nara ikyokuni ittawa.”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao is at the clinic.”

玉葉妃「フフフ…春よねぇ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Fufufu…Haru-yonee…”

Concubine Gyokuyou “It really is spring.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵(グエン)（やぶ医者）「ふぅ～」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Fuuu.”

壬氏「何をやっている？」

Jinshi “Nani’o yatte-iru?”

Jinshi “What are you doing?”

猫猫「何をと言われましても。香油を作っております。医局を掃除していて、蒸留装置を見つけたので。先日、青薔薇(そうび)を作る際に用意した薔薇の余りです」

Maomao “Nani’o-to iware-mashitemo, koyu’o tsukutte-orimasu. Ikyoku’o soji-shite-ite, joryu-sochi’o mitsuketa-node. Senjitsu, ao-sobi’o tsukuru-saini yoi-shita sobino amari desu.”

Maomao “Why do you ask like that? I’m making scented oils. While cleaning up the clinic, I found a still. I’m using some of the blooms left over from the blue roses we grew the other day.”

壬氏「すごい匂いだな」

Jinshi “Sugoi nioi dana.”

Jinshi “The scent is really strong.”

猫猫「野生の薔薇に比べると、薄いですよ。何かご用でしょうか？」

Maomao “Yaseino sobini kuraberuto, usui desuyo. Nanika goyo-deshoka?”

Maomao “It’s still weaker than wild roses. What can I do for you?”

壬氏「これだけ香りが強いと、誰だって気になるだろう。ここでやるのは、さすがに翡翠宮ではやりにくいからか？」

Jinshi “Kore-dake kaoriga tsuyoito, dare-datte kini-naru-daro. Kokode yaru-nowa, sasugani Hisui-Kyu-dewa yari-nikui-karaka?”

Jinshi “Anyone would grow concerned, given such a strong scent. Are you making it here because you can’t do it at the Jade Pavilion?”

猫猫「それもありますが…（小声で）香油の中には子を流す作用を持つものもあります。よほど濃いものでなければ問題ないと思いますが」

Maomao “Soremo ari-masuga…(kogoede)Koyuno naka-niwa ko’o nagasu sayo’o motsu-monomo ari-masu. Yohodo koi-monode nakereba mondai-naito omoi-masuga.”

Maomao “That too, but… Some scented oils can cause miscarriages. It shouldn’t be an issue unless it’s extremely concentrated, but…”

壬氏「では、後宮内で使われている香水などは規制しなくてもいいのか？」

Jinshi “Dewa, kokyu-naide tsuka-warete-iru kosui-nadowa kisei-shinaku-temo ii-noka?”

Jinshi “So, there’s no need to restrict perfumes and things like that in the rear palace?”

猫猫「ええ。問題ないかと」

Maomao “Ee. Mondai-naikato.”

Maomao “Right. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

猫猫（やぶ医者は、人はいいが口が軽い。まだ玉葉妃の妊娠は知らせない方がいい）

Maomao (Yabu-Ishawa, hitowa iiga kuchiga karui. Mada Gyokuyo-hino ninshinwa shirase-nai-hoga ii.)

Maomao (The quack doctor is a nice guy, but can’t keep his mouth shut. He shouldn’t know about Concubine Gyokuyou’s pregnancy yet.)

壬氏「これは？」

Jinshi “Korewa?”

Jinshi “What’s this?”

猫猫「ん？酒を蒸留しています。何度も蒸留させると、濃いアルコールが取れるんです」

Maomao “N? Sake’o joryu-shite-imasu. Nandomo joryu-saseruto, koi arukōruga torerun-desu.”

Maomao “I’m distilling alcohol. By distilling repeatedly, I can create a very strong alcohol.”

壬氏「飲むのか？」

Jinshi “Nomu-noka?”

Jinshi “You’re going to drink this!?”

猫猫「消毒用です。小さな公主のいる翡翠宮は、できるだけ清潔にしておきたいので」

Maomao “Shodoku-yo-desu. Chiisana himeno iru Hisui-Kyuwa, dekiru-dake seiketsuni shite-okitai-node.”

Maomao “It’s for disinfecting. I want the Jade Pavilion to be as clean as possible, since we have a small princess there.”

壬氏「そんなことができるのか」

Jinshi “Sonna kotoga dekiru-noka.”

Jinshi “You can do that?”

猫猫「これを布に染み込ませて、拭き掃除をしたり、使い道はいろいろあります」

Maomao “Kore’o nunoni shimi-koma-sete, fuki-soji’o shitari, tsukai-michiwa iro-iro ari-masu.”

Maomao “You soak a cloth in this, and wipe surfaces, among other things.”

壬氏「よく知っているな」

Jinshi “Yoku shitte-iruna.”

Jinshi “You’re very knowledgeable.”

猫猫「西方(さいほう)では、そう使うと」

Maomao “Saiho-dewa, so tsukau-to.”

Maomao “I heard that’s what they do in the west.”

壬氏「あぁ、確かお前の養父は…」

Jinshi “Aa, tashika omaeno yofuwa…”

Jinshi “Oh, right. Your adoptive father is…”

宦官「お荷物お持ちしました」

Kangan “Onimotsu omochi shima-shita.”

Eunuch “We brought your package.”

猫猫「うわっ！」

Maomao “Uwa!”

高順「何ですか？これは」

Gaoshun “Nan-desuka? Korewa.”

Gaoshun “What is this?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ああ、それは嬢ちゃんが…」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Aa, sorewa jochanga…”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Ah, the little lady―”

猫猫「シャ～～～ッ！」

Maomao “Shaaaaaaa!”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ヒィッ！？」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Hii!?”

猫猫「壬氏様、お茶を入れますので、椅子に座っていてください」

Maomao “Jinshi-sama, ocha’o ire-masu-node, isuni suwatte-ite kudasai.”

Maomao “Master Jinshi, I will make some tea. Please have a seat.”

壬氏「何が入ってる？」

Jinshi “Naniga haitteru?”

Jinshi “What’s inside?”

猫猫「うわっ！これは実家からの荷物で、大したものではありませんので」

Maomao “Uwa! Korewa jikka-karano nimotsude, taishita mono-dewa ari-masen-node.”

Maomao “This is a package from my family. It’s nothing, really!”

壬氏「ほう、お前の実家から？」

Jinshi “Ho, omaeno jikka-kara?”

Jinshi “Oh, from your family?”

猫猫（何てヤツだ！）

Maomao (Nante yatsuda!)

Maomao (What’s wrong with this guy!?)

猫猫「し…下着が入っていますので…」

Maomao “Shi…Shitagiga haitte-imasu-node…”

Maomao “Th-There are… undergarments inside.”

壬氏「あっ…そうか…」

Jinshi “A…Soka…”

Jinshi “Oh… I see.”

高順「ですが…男二人がかりで持って来るなんて、この下着は何製でしょうか？」

Gaoshun “Desuga…otoko futari-gakaride motte-kuru-nante, kono shitagiwa nani-sei deshoka?”

Gaoshun “But what are these undergarments made of, if they require two men to carry?”

猫猫「チッ」

Maomao “Chi.”

壬氏「はっ！」

Jinshi “Ha!”

猫猫「後宮で問題なのは、性的に無垢(むく)なことが求められ過ぎていることです。後宮に集められる女官は、生娘(きむすめ)がほとんどです。帝のお眼鏡にかなったとして、無知なために粗相があったりしたら、不憫(ふびん)でなりません。事前に学習する必要があるかと」

Maomao “Kokyude mondai-nanowa, sei-tekini mukuna kotoga motome-rare-sugite-iru-koto desu. Kokyuni atsume-rareru nyokanwa, kimusumega hotondo desu. Mikadono omeganeni kanatta-to-shite, muchina tameni sosoga attari-shitara, fubinde nari-masen. Jizenni gakushu-suru hitsuyoga aru-kato.”

Maomao “The problem with the rear palace is that the women are expected to be excessively innocent in matters of sex. Most of the ladies-in-waiting gathered here are virgins. What if the emperor finds a girl to his liking, only to have her fail to perform due to her ignorance? That’s why I thought they need to be educated beforehand.”

壬氏「だから、こんなものを用意したと？」

Jinshi “Dakara, konna mono’o yoi-shita-to?”

Jinshi “So… you had these brought in?”

猫猫（何の書物かと言えば、あれである、あれ。せっかく紅娘(ホンニャン)様にバレないよう医局に届けてもらったのに。愛読する帝のために取り寄せていたものを、少しばかり販路を増やそうと多めに頼んだのだが、間が悪かったか…。…ん？え？）

Maomao (Nanno shomotsu-kato ieba, arede aru, are. Sekkaku Hon’nyan-samani bare-nai-yo ikyokuni todokete-moratta-noni. Aidoku-suru mikadono tameni tori-yosete-ita-mono’o, sukoshi-bakari hanro’o fuyasoto oomeni tanondano-daga, maga waru-kattaka… …N? E?)

Maomao (Books, like the ones from back then. You know, then. After all the work I did to get them delivered to the clinic, out of Lady Hongniang’s sight… I used to order them for the emperor, who loves these, but I increased the order to get more business. Bad timing, though.)

高順「これは…随分綺麗に作られていますね。いい紙を使っています」

Gaoshun “Korewa…zuibun kireini tsuku-rarete-imasune. Ii kami’o tsukatte-imasu.”

Gaoshun “These books… are very well made. The paper is of high quality.”

猫猫（そこか…。実はむっつりなのかと思った）

Maomao (Sokoka… Jitsuwa muttsuri-nanokato omotta.)

Maomao (That’s what he noticed? I thought maybe he was a closet pervert.)

猫猫「こういう本は嫁入り道具にも使われますし、字が読めずとも絵だけで楽しめるので、需要があるんです」

Maomao “Ko-iu honwa yome-iri-dogu-nimo tsukaware-masushi, jiga yomezu-too e-dakede tanoshi-meru-node, juyoga arun-desu.”

Maomao “These books are sometimes used as part of a new bride’s package, and it’s popular because the pictures are enough to enjoy, even if you can’t read.”

壬氏「版画か」

Jinshi “Hanga-ka.”

Jinshi “A print.”

猫猫「木版画ではなく、金属板を使った印刷だそうです」

Maomao “Mokuhanga-dewa naku, kinzoku-ban’o tsukatta insatsu daso-desu.”

Maomao “Not woodblock prints, but ones that use metal plates.”

壬氏「それはすごいな」

Jinshi “Sorewa sugoina.”

Jinshi “That’s impressive.”

猫猫「はい。せっかくいい品ですので、より多くの方に見ていただくべきかと」

Maomao “Hai. Sekkaku ii shina desu-node, yori ookuno katani mite-itadaku-beki-kato.”

Maomao “Yes. Because it’s so good, I wanted as many people to see it as possible.”

壬氏「それとこれとは話が別だ」

Jinshi “Soreto kore-towa hanashiga betsuda.”

Jinshi “That’s a separate issue.”

高順「お気に召したならば、一冊お納めになっては？」

Gaoshun “Okini-meshita-naraba, issatsu oosameni nattewa?”

Gaoshun “If you find this to your liking, perhaps you should keep one?”

壬氏「いや…そういうわけでは断じてない！（咳払い）まぁ、今回だけは見逃してやらんでもない」

Jinshi “Iya…so-iu wake-dewa danjite nai! (Seki-barai) Maa, konkai-dakewa minogashite-yaran-demo nai.”

Jinshi “N-No! That’s definitely not it! I guess I can let you off the hook this one time.”

猫猫「いいのですか！？」

Maomao “Iino-desuka!?”

Maomao “Really?!”

壬氏「これを販売している店を教えてくれ。…はっ！だから違う！印刷技術を知りたいだけだ！」

Jinshi “Kore’o hanbai shite-iru mise’o oshiete-kure. …Ha! Dakara chigau! Insatsu-gijutsu’o shiritai dakeda!”

Jinshi “Tell me which shop sells these. …No! I just want to know about their printing techniques!”

猫猫「フフ」

Maomao “Fufu.”

壬氏「なっ…」

Jinshi “Na…”

猫猫「ええ、わかっております。店の名前ですね」

Maomao “Ee, wakatte-orimasu. Miseno namae desune.”

Maomao “Yes, of course. The shop, got it.”

壬氏「あぁ…」

Jinshi “Aa…”

高順「小猫(シャオマオ)」

Gaoshun “Shaomao.”

Gaoshun “Xiaomao.”

猫猫「何でしょうか？」

Maomao “Nan-deshoka?”

Maomao “What is it?”

高順「きわどいものについては、検閲の必要があるかと」

Gaoshun “Kiwadoi mononi tsuitewa, ken’etsuno hitsuyoga arukato.”

Gaoshun “Perhaps some of the more explicit ones need to be censored.”

猫猫「ですが、帝が今までのでは物足りないとおっしゃっていたので…」

Maomao “Desuga, mikadoga ima-madeno-dewa mono-tarinai-to osshatte-ita-node…”

Maomao “But the emperor said the previous ones weren’t exciting enough, so―”

高順「ダメです」

Gaoshun “Dame desu.”

Gaoshun “No.”

猫猫（ああ…。せっかく、やり手婆に厳選してもらったのに…）

Maomao (Aa… Sekkaku, Yarite-Babaani gensen-shite-moratta-noni…)

Maomao (Sigh… And after I asked Granny to do all that work to pick the best ones…)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

小蘭(シャオラン)「ハァ…。ああ、綺麗な花が咲くその下に、私は何を求めるのか…。フフフフ。ねぇ、一体何が埋まってると思う？」

Shaoran “Haa… Aa, kireina hanaga saku sono shitani, watashiwa nani’o motomeru-noka… Fufufufu. Nee, ittai naniga umatteru-to omou?”

Xiaolan “Oh, what is it that I seek, beneath those beautiful flowers? Hey, what do you think is buried there?”

猫猫「う～ん。馬糞(ばふん)？」

Maomao “Uuun. Bafun?”

Maomao “Huh. Manure?”

小蘭「ブフ～～～ッ！」

Shaoran “Bufuuuuuuu!”

猫猫「あ～あ、がっつくから」

Maomao “Aaaa, gattsuku-kara.”

Maomao “You ate too quickly.”

小蘭「猫猫のせいだよ！今、大流行なんだからね、この小説」

Shaoran “Maomaono sei dayo! Ima dai-ryuko nan-dakarane, kono shosetsu.”

Xiaolan “No, it’s your fault! This novel is really popular, you know!”

猫猫「小蘭って文字読めたっけ？」

Maomao “Shaorantte moji yometakke?”

Maomao “Can you read, Xiaolan?”

小蘭「読めないよ！でも読める子がみんなに読み聞かせてくれるの。早く続きを知りたいなぁ！フフフフ…」

Shaoran “Yome-naiyo! Demo yomeru koga minnani yomi-kikasete-kureruno. Hayaku tsuzuki’o shiri-tai-naa! Fufufufu…”

Xiaolan “Nope! But one of the girls who can is reading it out loud for us. I want to know the rest!”

猫猫（文字の読めない下女にまで話が伝わっているということは、相当な人気のようだ）

Maomao (Mojino yome-nai gejoni-made hanashiga tsutawatte-iruto iu-kotowa, sotona ninkino-yoda.)

Maomao (If even the illiterate servant girls know the story, the book must truly be popular.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫「戻りました。何です？それ」

Maomao “Modori-mashita. Nan-desu? Sore.”

Maomao “I’m back. What is that?”

貴園(グイエン)「主上様が、妃全員に配られたそうよ。読み終わったら、他の者にも見せてあげるといいって」

Guien “Shujo-samaga, kisaki zen’in-ni kuba-rareta-soyo. Yomi-owattara, hokano mono-nimo misete-ageruto iitte.”

Guiyuan “The emperor handed it out to all of the concubines. He said once they’re done reading it, they should show the others, as well.”

桜花(インファ)「猫猫も読んでみる？」

Infa “Maomaomo yonde-miru?”

Yinghua “Do you want to read it too, Maomao?”

猫猫（小蘭が言ってたのと同じもののようだな…大衆小説か。上流階級ではあまり上品なものとして扱われないのに、どうしてこれを…ん？この印…この間、壬氏様に教えたものだ。小説とはいえ帝からの贈り物にふさわしい品質。それも妃全員に配られたとすれば、100は刷られているはず。恐らく壬氏様が帝に頼んだのだろう。仲介料をもらっておけばよかった…！）

Maomao (Shaoranga itteta-noto onaji monono yodana… Taishu-shosetsu-ka. Joryu-kaikyu-dewa amari johinna mono-to-shite atsuka-ware-nai-noni, doshite kore’o… N? Kono in… Kono-aida, Jinshi-samani oshieta monoda. Shosetsu-towa-ie mikado-karano okuri-mononi fusawashii hinshitsu. Soremo kisaki zen’in-ni kuba-rareta-to sureba, hyakuwa surarete-iru-hazu. Osoraku Jinshi-samaga mikadoni tanondano-daro. Chukai-ryo’o moratte-okeba yokatta…!)

Maomao (Looks like it’s the same as the one Xiaolan talked about. A popular novel. These are considered low class in high society. So I wonder why… Hmm? This stamp… It’s from the place I told Master Jinshi about the other day. It might be a novel, but it’s of a high quality, befitting a gift from the emperor. If he gave it out to all of the concubines, there must be at least one hundred copies. Master Jinshi must have asked the emperor to do it. I should have charged a commission!)

猫猫（しかしなぜだ？品がないとされる小説を、わざわざ育ちのいい妃たちに配る理由…）

Maomao (Shikashi nazeda? Hinga naito sareru shosetsu’o, waza-waza sodachino ii kisaki-tachini kubaru riyu…)

Maomao (But why? Novels are considered lowly. Why hand it out to concubines of noble birth…)

猫猫（政(まつりごと)に関係しているのだろうとは思っていたが、やはり何か企んでいたか）

Maomao (Matsuri-gotoni kankei-shite-iruno-daro-towa omotte-itaga, yahari nanika takurande-itaka.)

Maomao (I knew it had to do with politics. He really was scheming something.)

桜花「あ～ん、もう終わっちゃった！早く続きが読みた～い！」

Infa “Aaan, mo owacchatta! Hayaku tsuzukiga yomitaaai!”

Yinghua “Oh no, I finished it! I want to read the rest!”

貴園「高順様が、新しいのができたらまた配ってくださるって」

Guien “Gaoshun-samaga, atarashii-noga dekitara mata kubatte-kudasarutte.”

Guiyuan “Master Gaoshun said he’ll hand out the next one when they’re ready.”

猫猫「どうしたのですか？」

Maomao “Doshitano-desuka?”

Maomao “Is something wrong?”

愛藍(アイラン)「翡翠宮の侍女って私達だけじゃない？せっかく玉葉様からいただいても、私たちだけで読み終わるのはもったいないなと思って」

Airan “Hisui-Kyuno jijotte watashi-tachi-dakeja nai? Sekkaku Gyokuyo-sama-kara itadaitemo, watashi-tachi-dakede yomi-owaru-nowa mottai-nainato omotte.”

Ailan “Well, we’re the only ladies-in-waiting at the Jade Pavilion, right? It feels like a waste, having a gift from Lady Gyokuyou like this enjoyed by just us.”

桜花「でも、宮の外の子に渡すのはダメよ。大切に扱わないと」

Infa “Demo, miyano sotono koni watasu-nowa dameyo. Taisetsuni atsukawa-naito.”

Yinghua “But we can’t hand it out to the girls outside the pavilion. It’s too precious.”

貴園「なくされちゃうかもしれないし」

Guien “Nakusare-chau-kamo shire-naishi.”

Guiyuan “What if they lost it?”

愛藍「そうよね～」

Airan “Soyoneee.”

Ailan “You’re right.”

猫猫「フフ、この冊子本体を渡さずとも、書き写せばよろしいのではないですか？」

Maomao “Fufu, kono sasshi hontai’o watasazu-tomo, kaki-utsuseba yoroshiino-dewa nai-desuka?”

Maomao “Instead of handing out the originals, you could create copies yourself.”

愛藍「えっ？」

Airan “E?”

猫猫「挿絵などは難しいかと思いますが、愛藍様は字がお綺麗ですので、写すのは問題ないと思いますよ」

Maomao “Sashie-nadowa muzukashii-kato omoi-masuga, Airan-samawa jiga okirei-desu-node, utsusu-nowa mondai-naito omoi-masuyo.”

Maomao “Maybe the pictures are too difficult, but Lady Ailan, your penmanship is excellent. It shouldn’t be a problem for you to make copies.”

愛藍「そ…そうかな…」

Airan “So…Sokana…”

Ailan “Y-You think so?”

桜花「うわ～、そんな面倒なことやるの？」

Infa “Uwaaa, sonna mendona koto yaruno?”

Yinghua “Yikes, that sounds like a lot of work!”

愛藍「桜花、そんなこと言わない」

Airan “Infa, sonna koto iwa-nai.”

Ailan “Yinghua, don’t say that!”

猫猫（壬氏様たちの考えに沿うなら、たぶんこれが正解だろう）

Maomao (Jinshi-sama-tachino kangaeni sou-nara, tabun korega seikai-daro.)

Maomao (This is probably the correct interpretation of Master Jinshi’s idea.)

猫猫（後宮内に書物が出回れば、文字を読もうとする者たちが増える。それが流行りの大衆小説であれば、なおさら。前に壬氏様のお付きの下女をしていた時、聞かれたことがあった）

Maomao (Kokyu-naini shomotsuga demawa-reba, moji’o yomoto suru mono-tachiga fueru. Sorega hayarino taishu-shosetsu-de areba, naosara. Maeni Jinshi-samano otsukino gejo’o shite-ita-toki, kikareta kotoga atta.)

Maomao (If books became popular in the rear palace, many will want to try to learn to read, especially if the book is a popular novel. Back when I was Master Jinshi’s servant, he did ask me…)

壬氏「薬屋。女官の識字率を上げるには、どうすればいいと思う？」

Jinshi “Kusuriya. Nyokan’no shikiji-ritsu’o ageru-niwa, do-sureba iito omou?”

Jinshi “Apothecary, what do you think we can do to improve the literacy rate of the court ladies?”

猫猫（それにしても、回りくどいことをするものだな）

Maomao (Soreni-shitemo, mawari-kudoi koto’o suru-mono-dana.)

Maomao (Still, he chose a very roundabout way of doing it.)

小蘭「ねぇ、猫猫！字を教えて欲しいの！」

Shaoran “Nee, Maomao! Ji’o oshiete-hoshiino!”

Xiaolan “Hey, Maomao! Please teach me how to read and write!”

猫猫「いきなりどうした？」

Maomao “Ikinari doshita?”

Maomao “Where’d that come from?”

小蘭「いつも小説を読んでくれてた子が、何度も読み過ぎちゃって声が枯れちゃったんだ。代わりに本の写しを作ってくれたんだけど、私、字が読めないから」

Shaoran “Itsumo shosetsu’o yonde-kure-teta koga, nandomo yomi-sugi-chatte koega kare-chattanda. Kawarini hon’no utsushi’o tsukutte-kuretan-dakedo, watashi, jiga yomenai-kara.”

Xiaolan “The girl who read the novels out loud for us wore out her voice by reading too much. Instead, she made copies of the books for us, but I can’t read.”

猫猫「なら、私が読もう…」

Maomao “Nara, watashiga yomo…”

Maomao “Then I could read them to you―”

小蘭「それはダメ！せっかく時間かけて書いてくれたのに、私がそんなズルしちゃいけないよ」

Shaoran “Sorewa dame! Sekkaku jikan kakete kaite-kureta-noni, watashiga sonna zuru-shicha ike-naiyo.”

Xiaolan “No! That girl spent so much time making copies for me. I can’t cheat like that.”

猫猫（偉い）

Maomao (Erai.)

Maomao (Good girl.)

小蘭「も～急に何、何～！？」

Shaoran “Mooo kyuni nani, naniii!?”

Xiaolan “Hey, what’s this, all of a sudden?!”

猫猫「これが名前。真似して書いてみて」

Maomao “Korega namae. Mane-shite kaite-mite.”

Maomao “This is your name. Try to write it yourself.”

小蘭「わかった！む～…私の名前って結構難しかったんだね」

Shaoran “Wakatta! Muuu… Watashino namaette kekko muzukashi-kattan-dane.”

Xiaolan “Got it! I didn’t know my name was so complicated.”

猫猫「書いた方が読めるようになるけど、読み方だけ勉強する？」

Maomao “Kaita-hoga yomeru-yoni naru-kedo, yomi-kata-dake benkyo-suru?”

Maomao “Writing helps you learn to read too, but do you want to just focus on reading?”

小蘭「ううん。せっかくだから書けるようになりたい。後宮を出たら自分で仕事を探さなきゃならないし。文字を書けると便利なんでしょ？」

Shaoran “Uun. Sekkaku-dakara kakeru-yoni nari-tai. Kokyu’o detara jibunde shigoto’o sagasa-nakya nara-naishi. Moji’o kakeruto benri-nan-desho?”

Xiaolan “No, I might as well learn to write, too! Once I leave the rear palace, I have to work on my own. Being able to read and write helps, right?”

小蘭「ウフフ…何、何～」

Shaoran “Ufufu…nani, naniii.”

Xiaolan “What is this?!”

猫猫（小蘭なりに、将来のことを考えているようだ）

Maomao (Shaoran-narini, shoraino koto’o kangaete-iru-yoda.)

Maomao (Xiaolan is thinking about her future in her own way.)

猫猫「じゃあ、少し詰め込み気味でいこうか」

Maomao “Jaa, sukoshi tsume-komi-gimide ikoka.”

Maomao “Let’s go a bit quickly, then.”

小蘭「うん、ありがとう！これは何て読むの？」

Shaoran “Un, arigato! Korewa nante yomuno?”

Xiaolan “Yes, thank you! What does this say?”

猫猫「冬虫夏草(とうちゅうかそう)」

Maomao “Tochukaso.”

Maomao “Mushroom fungus.”

小蘭「じゃあ、これは？」

Shaoran “Jaa, korewa?”

Xiaolan “And this?”

猫猫「曼荼羅華(まんだらけ)」

Maomao “Mandarake.”

Maomao “Thornapple.”

小蘭「これは？」

Shaoran “Korewa?”

Xiaolan “This?”

猫猫「葛根(かっこん)」

Maomao “Kakkon.”

Maomao “Kudzu root.”

小蘭「ねぇ、それって、普段使うような言葉なの？」

Shaoran “Nee, sorette, fudan tsukau-yona kotoba-nano?”

Xiaolan “Hey, are those commonly used words?”

猫猫「まずは挨拶(あいさつ)からね」

Maomao “Mazuwa aisatsu-karane.”

Maomao “We should start with greetings.”

小蘭「そうして」

Shaoran “So-shite.”

Xiaolan “Sounds good.”

��――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

鈴麗公主「あぅ、あぅ、あぅ、あ～う！ウフフフ…！」

Rinrī-hime “Au, au, au, aaau! Ufufufu…!”

猫猫「鈴麗公主のお散歩の許可が下りたんですか」

Maomao “Rinrī-himeno osanpono kyokaga oritan-desuka.”

Maomao “Is Princess Lingli allowed to go on walks now?”

玉葉妃「ええ。そろそろ宮内だけじゃ狭くなってきたから、お伺いしてみたの。もうあちこち走り回るんだから。猫猫、どう思う？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ee. Soro-soro kunai-dakeja semaku-natte-kita-kara, oukagai shite-mitano. Mo achi-kochi hashiri-mawarun-dakara. Maomao, do omou?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Yes. The pavilion has become a bit too small for her, so I asked. She really likes to run around all over the place. What do you think, Maomao?”

猫猫「確かに、公主の健康を考えると、外に出る��会を増やした方がいいと思います」

Maomao “Tashikani, himeno kenko’o kangaeruto, sotoni deru kikai’o fuyashita-hoga iito omoi-masu.”

Maomao “I agree. For the princess’s health, it would be best for her to go outside more.”

玉葉妃「護衛として宦官が二人つくけど、紅娘と一緒に猫猫もついていってくれないかしら？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Goei-to-shite kanganga futari tsuku-kedo, Hon’nyan-to isshoni Maomaomo tsuite-itte kurenai kashira?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Two eunuchs will follow her as guards. Could you and Hongniang accompany her?”

猫猫「わかりました」

Maomao “Wakari-mashita.”

Maomao “Understood.”

猫猫（今まで帝の子は皆、幼くして亡くなっている。たかだか散歩に過保護な気もするが、それも仕方ないだろう）

Maomao (Ima-made mikadono kowa mina, osanaku-shite nakunatte-iru. Taka-daka sanponi kahogona kimo suruga, soremo shikata-nai-daro.)

Maomao (All of the emperor’s previous children have passed away very young. This seems like a bit of an overreaction for a simple walk, but I guess it’s understandable.)

玉葉妃「猫猫は花や生き物に詳しいから、散歩のときに鈴麗に教えてあげてくれる？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Maomaowa hanaya ikimononi kuwashii-kara, sanpono tokini Rinrī-ni oshiete-agete-kureru?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Maomao, you know a lot about flowers and creatures. Can you teach Lingli while we’re outside?”

紅娘「あっ、玉葉様、それはダメです。ろくでもないものばかり教えます」

Hon’nyan “A, Gyokuyo-sama, sorewa dame-desu. Roku-demo-nai mono-bakari oshie-masu.”

Hongniang “Lady Gyokuyou, no! She’ll teach the princess all sorts of nasty things.”

玉葉妃「あら、役に立つと思うんだけど。将来どこへ嫁ぐか分からないでしょ？」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ara, yakuni tatsuto omoun-dakedo. Shorai doko’e totsugu-ka wakara-nai-desho?”

Concubine Gyokuyou “Oh? I think it’s useful. Who knows where she’ll get married off?”

猫猫（まだ幼い公主だが、あと10年もすれば、どこかへ嫁ぐ可能性が出てくる。もし他国へと渡った場合、必ずしも歓迎されるとは言い切れない）

Maomao (Mada osanai hime-daga, ato ju-nenmo sureba, dokoka’e totsugu kanoseiga dete-kuru. Moshi takoku-eto watatta baai, kanarazu-shimo kangei-sareru-towa iikire-nai.)

Maomao (The princess is still a baby, but in a decade or so, talks of marriage may arise. If she went to a foreign nation, she might not necessarily be welcome.)

鈴麗公主「あ～う～」

Rinrī-hime “Aaa uuu.”

猫猫（薬や毒の知識は、あって困るものではないと。やはり食えない妃だ）

Maomao (Kusuriya dokuno chishikiwa, atte komaru mono-dewa naito. Yahari kuenai kisakida.)

Maomao (Knowing about medicines and poisons can only help her. She really is a clever concubine.)

鈴麗公主「ウフッ、ハハハ…あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “Ufu, hahaha…auuu.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（公主を見た者の反応は様々だ。それぞれ、公主に対する考え方が違う。公主もいずれ、その視線の意味がわかってくるだろう）

Maomao (Hime’o mita-monono hannowa sama-zamada. Sore-zore, himeni taisuru kangae-kataga chigau. Himemo izure, sono shisen’no imiga wakatte-kuru-daro.)

Maomao (Reactions to seeing the princess are varied. They represent the differing views towards her. Perhaps soon, she’ll learn what those eyes mean.)

鈴麗公主「あっ、あっ、あぅ～あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “A, a, auuu auuu.”

猫猫「それはサクラソウですね」

Maomao “Sorewa sakuraso desune.”

Maomao “That’s a primrose.”

鈴麗公主「あぅぁ～、あぅ～」

Rinrī-hime “Auaaa, auuu.”

鈴麗公主「あ～！ウ～フフッ！」

Rinrī-hime “Aaa! Uuufufu!”

紅娘「あっ、公主様！公主様！公主様、いけません！」

Hon’nyan “A, Hime-sama! Hime-sama! Hime-sama, ike-masen!”

Hongniang “Oh, Princess! Princess! Princess! You mustn’t!”

猫猫「見てまいります」（…子猫？）

Maomao “Mite-mairi-masu.” (…Koneko?)

Maomao “I’ll go take a look.” (A kitten?)

猫猫「ふっ、んっ、うっ……あっ！」

Maomao “Fu, n, u……A!”

鈴麗公主「あっ、なう～！みゃうみゃう！」

Rinrī-hime “A, nauuu! Myau-myau!”

紅娘「公主様！」

Hon’nyan “Hime-sama!”

Hongniang “Princess!”

鈴麗公主「みゃう！」

Rinrī-hime “Myau!”

猫猫（捕まえよと…仕方ない）

Maomao (Tsukamaeyo-to… Shikata-nai.)

Maomao (I have to catch it? Oh, well.)

猫猫「うわっ！あっ！」

Maomao “Uwa! A!”

紅娘・鈴麗公主「あっ」

Hon’nyan, Rinrī “A.”

子翠(シスイ)「見つけた！」

Shisui “Mitsuketa!”

Shisui “Found you!”

猫猫「がはっ。あ、あ、あ…」

Maomao “Gaha. A, a, a…”

子翠「これ、いるの～？」

Shisui “Kore, irunooo?”

Shisui “You want this?”

猫猫「えっ」

Maomao “E.”

子翠「フフフッ。…あれ？捕まえようとしているふうに見えたけど、違った？」

Shisui “Fufufu. …Are? Tsukamae-yoto shite-iru-funi mieta-kedo, chigatta?”

Shisui “Oh, I thought you were tying to catch it. Was I wrong?”

猫猫「あっ…ありがとうございます」

Maomao “A…Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

子翠「はい。この子、お腹すいてるのかも。後は任せるね。じゃあ！」

Shisui “Hai. Kono ko, onaka suiteruno-kamo. Atowa makaserune. Jaa!”

Shisui “Here. It might be hungry. I’ll leave it to you! See ya!”

紅娘「猫猫、それって…」

Hon’nyan “Maomao, sorette…”

Hongniang “Maomao, is that…”

猫猫「ええ、猫です」

Maomao “Ee, neko desu.”

Maomao “Yes, a cat.”

鈴麗公主「みゃうみゃう～」

Rinrī-hime “Myau-myauuu.”

猫猫「汚れていますし、公主様が触れるのは控えた方がいいかと」

Maomao “Yogorete-imasushi, hime-samaga fureru-nowa hikaeta-hoga iikato.”

Maomao “It’s dirty. The princess shouldn’t touch it for now.”

鈴麗公主「みゃう…」

Rinrī-hime “Myau…”

紅娘「そ、そうよね」

Hon’nyan “So, soyone.”

Hongniang “R-Right…”

紅娘「とりあえず保護しましょうか。上に話は通しておくから」

Hon’nyan “Toriaezu hogo shimashoka. Ueni hanashiwa tooshite-oku-kara.”

Hongniang “Let’s keep it safe for the time being. I’ll let management know.”

猫猫「はい」

Maomao “Hai.”

Maomao “Yes.”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

虞淵（やぶ医者）「おや珍しい。子猫じゃないか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Oya mezurashii. Konekoja naika.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Oh, how rare. A kitten.”

猫猫「拾いました」

Maomao “Hiroi-mashita.”

Maomao “I found it.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「かわいそうに。震えているね。ちょうどお湯が沸いたところなんだ。ちょっと待ってておくれ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kawaisoni. Furuete-irune. Chodo oyuga waita-tokoro nanda. Chotto mattete-okure.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “How sad. It’s trembling. I just boiled some water. Hold on a moment.”

猫猫（しかし、おかしなことだ。後宮には愛玩動物の類いはほとんどいない。動物を飼うには許可が必要で、犬猫の場合、去勢も必要である。一体どこで生まれた子猫なのか）

Maomao (Shikashi, okashina kotoda. Kokyu-niwa aigan-dobutsuno taguiwa hotondo inai. Dobutsu’o kau-niwa kyokaga hitsuyode, inu-nekono baai, kyoseimo hitsuyode aru. Ittai dokode umareta koneko nanoka.)

Maomao (This is strange, though. There are almost no pets in the rear palace. Keeping an animal requires a permit, and cats and dogs need to be castrated. Where was this kitten born?)

虞淵（やぶ医者）「こうやって布で巻いたとっくりに湯を入れて、置いてやるといいんだよ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Ko-yatte nunode maita tokkurini yu’o irete, oite-yaruto iin-dayo.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Wrap a bottle of hot water with cloth, and put it next to it.”

猫猫「お詳しいようで」

Maomao “Okuwashii-yode.”

Maomao “You seem to be familiar with this.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「昔、拾ったことがあってねぇ。かわいい三毛だったよ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Mukashi, hirotta-kotoga atte-nee. Kawaii mike dattayo.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “I found a cat before, too. It was a very cute calico.”

猫猫「��ぇ。…だいぶ痩せていますね。家畜の乳はありませんか？」

Maomao “Hee. …Daibu yasete-imasune. Kachikuno chichiwa ari-masenka?”

Maomao “I see. It’s very skinny. Do we have any livestock milk?”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ああ、食堂で貰ってこようか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Aa, shokudode moratte-koyoka.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Sure, I’ll go ask the kitchen.”

猫猫「あと、家畜の腸も」

Maomao “Ato, kachikuno chomo.”

Maomao “Also, a livestock intestine.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「ちょっ、腸！？」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Cho, Cho!?”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “I-Intestine?!”

猫猫「親猫の乳首の代わりにしようかと。何度か、食事に腸詰めが出たので、厨房になら…」

Maomao “Oya-nekono chikubino kawarini shiyokato. Nandoka, shokujini chozumega deta-node, chuboni-nara…”

Maomao “I was thinking of using it as a replacement for its mother’s teat. We had sausages a few times, perhaps there’s some in the kitchen…”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「わかったよ。聞いてみるね」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Wakattayo. Kiite-mirune.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Sure, I’ll go ask.”

猫猫（さて、できるなら湯に浸けたかったが、この状態では体力が持たない。仕方ないので、汚れた体は手拭いで拭き、ノミを油につけて殺していく）

Maomao (Sate, dekiru-nara yuni tsuke-takattaga, kono jotai-dewa tairyokuga mota-nai. Shikata-nai-node, yogoreta karadawa tenuguide fuki, nomi’o aburani tsukete koroshite-iku.)

Maomao (It would have been best to bathe it in warm water, but in its current state, it won’t survive. Instead, I’ll have to wipe off the dirt with a cloth, and kill any fleas with oil.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「お嬢ちゃん、ヤギの乳ならあったよ！腸ももらえた」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Ojochan, yagino chichi-nara attayo! Chomo moraeta.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Little lady, I found some goat milk! And some intestine, too.”

猫猫「ありがとうございます」

Maomao “Arigato gozai-masu.”

Maomao “Thank you.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「フッ、ヘッヘッヘ～」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Fu, hehhehheee.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「かわいいねぇ、かわいいねぇ」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kawaii-nee, kawaii-nee.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “So cute. So cute!”

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

猫猫（その夜、翡翠宮に帝が来た）

Maomao (Sono yoru, Hisui-Kyuni mikadoga kita.)

Maomao (That night, the emperor visited the Jade Pavilion.)

皇帝「子猫を飼うことにした」

Kotei “Koneko’o kau-kotoni shita.”

Emperor “We’ve decided to keep the kitten.”

鈴麗公主「みゃ～う！」

Rinrī-hime “Myaaau!”

皇帝「引き続き、世話を頼む」

Kotei “Hiki-tsuzuki, sewa’o tanomu.”

Emperor “Do continue to take care of it.”

猫猫（帝も大概、親ばかである）

Maomao (Mikadomo taigai, oya-bakade aru.)

Maomao (The emperor can be a doting parent, too.)

皇帝「猫猫が子猫の世話とは、名前の通りぴったりだろう」

Kotei “Maomaoga konekono sewa-towa, namaeno toori pittari-daro.”

Emperor “Maomao, taking care of a kitten. It suits your name, too.”

玉葉妃「ウフフ…」

Gyokuyo-hi “Ufufu…”

猫猫「アハハ…」

Maomao “Ahaha…”

猫猫（子猫に体力がついてきたところで、石鹸豆をつぶした洗剤で体を洗った）

Maomao (Konekoni tairyokuga tsuite-kita-tokorode, sekken-mame’o tsubushita senzaide karada’o aratta.)

Maomao (When the kitten grew healthier, I washed it with a detergent made of crushed soap beans.)

猫猫「お～、湯が灰色に…」

Maomao “Ooo, yuga hai-ironi…”

Maomao “Wow, the water went grey.”

猫猫（しばらく乳を与えていたが、元気になってくると、ほぐした鶏肉も食べられるようになった。砂を入れた木箱を置いてやると、排泄(はいせつ)も自らするようになった）

Maomao (Shibaraku chichi’o ataete-itaga, genkini natte-kuruto, hogushita tori-nikumo tabe-rareru-yoni natta. Suna’o ireta kibako’o oite-yaruto, haisetsumo mizukara suru-yoni natta.)

Maomao (I fed it milk for a while, but as it improved, it started to be able to eat shredded chicken. When we put down a box filled with sand, it relieved itself on its own.)

猫猫「公主を引っかいたりしたら大変だ」

Maomao “Hime’o hikkai-tari-shitara taihenda.”

Maomao “We can’t have you scratching the princess.”

壬氏「子育ては順調か？」

Jinshi “Kosodatewa juncho-ka?”

Jinshi “How goes the child-raising?”

猫猫「そろそろ公主に見せても問題ないかと思います」

Maomao “Soro-soro himeni misetemo mondai-naikato omoi-masu.”

Maomao “I think she’s ready to be presented to the princess.”

壬氏「そうか」

Jinshi “Soka.”

Jinshi “Good.”

虞淵（やぶ医者）「小魚ですか？そのままでは少し硬いので、茹でましょうか」

Guen(Yabu-Isha) “Kozakana desuka? Sono-mama-dewa sukoshi katai-node, yude-mashoka.”

Guen(Quack Doctor) “Small fish? They might be a bit tough as-is. Shall I boil them?”

高順「そ、そうですよね」

Gaoshun “So, So-desu-yone.”

Gaoshun “O-Of course.”

壬氏「雌か」

Jinshi “Mesu-ka.”

Jinshi “She’s female.”

猫猫「はい。去勢する必要がなくてよかっ…はっ！申し訳ありません」

Maomao “Hai. Kyosei-suru hitsuyoga nakute yokatt… Ha! Moshi-wake ari-masen.”

Maomao “Yes. I’m glad we don’t have to castrate―My apologies.”

壬氏「いや、気を使う必要はない」

Jinshi “Iya, ki’o tsukau hitsuyowa nai.”

Jinshi “No, don’t worry about it.”

猫猫「お詫びに何か茶菓子でも…ハハ…」

Maomao “Owabini nanika chagashi-demo…haha…”

Maomao “Let me get you a snack as an apology…”

猫猫（さすがにこれを出すのはな…）

Maomao (Sasugani kore’o dasu-nowa-na…)

Maomao (Can’t put these out, I guess.)

壬氏「お前もするか？」

Jinshi “Omaemo suruka?”

Jinshi “You want to try?”

猫猫「あまり猫は好きではありません」

Maomao “Amari nekowa suki-dewa ari-masen.”

Maomao “I don’t actually like cats.”

壬氏「その名前でか？」

Jinshi “Sono namae-deka?”

Jinshi “With your name?”

猫猫「よく言われます。壬氏様こそ、猫が好きそうですね」

Maomao “Yoku iware-masu. Jinshi-sama-koso, nekoga sukiso-desune.”

Maomao “I get that a lot. Master Jinshi, you seem to like cats.”

壬氏「うん…あの二人ほどではない。具体的にどこがいいのかわからない」

Jinshi “Un… Ano futari-hodo-dewa nai. Gutai-tekini dokoga ii-noka wakara-nai.”

Jinshi “Not as much as those two. I don’t really understand the appeal.”

猫猫「私もそうですね。でも、猫好きによると、何を考えているのかわからないところがいいようで」

Maomao “Watashimo so-desune. Demo, neko-zukini yoruto, nani’o kangaete-iru-noka wakara-nai tokoroga ii-yode.”

Maomao “I agree. However, according to cat lovers, the fact that you can’t tell what they’re thinking is part of the appeal.”

壬氏「ほう」

Jinshi “Ho.”

Jinshi “Oh.”

猫猫「見ていると飽きず、目が離せなくなり、そのうちに触りたくなるとか」

Maomao “Mite-iruto akizu, mega hanase-naku-nari, sono-uchini sawari-taku-naru-toka.”

Maomao “They’re fun to watch. You can’t keep your eyes off of them. After a while, you start to want to touch them.”

壬氏「うむ」

Jinshi “Umu.”

Jinshi “Hmm.”

猫猫「普段はそっけないくせに、餌を与える時だけ愛想が良くなるのが腹立たしいですが」

Maomao “Fudanwa sokke-nai kuseni, esa’o ataeru-toki-dake aisoga yoku-naru-noga hara-datashii-desuga.”

Maomao “They usually behave coldly, but suddenly become friendly when you feed them, which is annoying.”

壬氏「あ、あぁ…」

Jinshi “A, aa…”

Jinshi “R-Right…”

猫猫「そこまで来ると、もう諦めてしまうらしいですね」

Maomao “Soko-made kuruto, mo akiramete-shimau-rashii-desune.”

Maomao “At that point, they say you just kind of give up.”

猫猫（肉球ぷにぷにしたり、接吻したり、不衛生だと思うんだが）

Maomao (Nikukyu puni-puni-shitari, seppun-shitari, fueisei-dato omoun-daga.)

Maomao (Poking at their paws, kissing them… it all seems very unsanitary.)

猫猫（うわ…）「どうしたんですか、壬氏様」

Maomao (Uwa…) “Doshitan-desuka, Jinshi-sama.”

Maomao “What’s wrong, Master Jinshi?”

壬氏「ハァ…。わからなくもない気がしてきた」

Jinshi “Haa… Wakara-nakumo-nai kiga shite-kita.”

Jinshi “I’m starting to see it, too.”

猫猫「…そうですか」

Maomao “…So-desuka.”

Maomao “Is that so?”

語り「結局、子猫がどこから来たのかはわからず、後宮に出入りする荷車に入り込んだのだろうと結論づけられた。その後、子猫は、皇帝より『盗賊改』という大層な役割が与えられた。要するに医局の備蓄を荒らすネズミを退治するのである」

Katari “Kekkyoku, konekoga doko-kara kitanokawa wakarazu, kokyuni deiri-suru nigurumani hairi-kondano-daroto ketsuron-zuke-rareta. Sonogo, konekowa, kotei-yori ‘Tozoku-Aratame’-to-iu taisona yakuwariga atae-rareta. Yo-suruni ikyokuno bichiku’o arasu nezumi’o taiji-suru-node aru.”

Narration “They never figured out where the kitten came from, so they assumed she must have snuck in with a luggage cart. Later, the kitten… was bestowed the title of ‘Admonisher of Thieves’ by the emperor. In other words, she was tasked with chasing down rats threatening the clinic’s reserves.”

猫猫（しかし…名前が毛毛(マオマオ)になったことだけは、解せないな…）

Maomao (Shikashi… Namaega Maomaoni natta-koto-dakewa, gesenaina…)

Maomao (But… I’ll never understand why they decided to name her Maomao.)

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

愛藍「さぁ、手早く片付けましょう」

Airan “Saa, tebayaku katazuke-masho.”

Ailan “Let’s get this cleaned up fast.”

桜花「そうね。もうすぐキャラバンが来るから」

Infa “Sone. Mosugu kyarabanga kuru-kara.”

Yinghua “Yes. The caravan is coming soon.”

猫猫「キャラバン？」

Maomao “Kyaraban?”