Chapter 4 #2
Big Wang does as he’s told, blushing at the compliment. ‘Thank you, Auntie, for coming so quickly.’
Queen Mother of the West smiles indulgently as one of her ribbons spirals upwards and gently pats his cheek. ‘Of course. When I heard Little Yang had fallen ill, I came prepared.’
She turns to Lord Aengus. Her silk ribbons dart forward, flitting and flying around his head at great speed.
Three of the ribbons support his neck and head while another two work on the hairpin and cushion, one plucking the hairpin from Lord Aengus’s hair then dropping it in Lady Min’s lap while the other holds the cushion to one side.
Her clouds bring Queen Mother of the West face to face with Lord Aengus.
He regards her with wonder. She leans forward, but stops, as if waiting for something.
When nothing happens, she makes a brief humming sound.
One of her ribbons swoops out and perches a pair of lorgnettes on her nose.
Satisfied, she peers deep into Lord Aengus’s eyes, then nods as if satisfied.
From her water sleeve, Queen Mother of the West pulls a bundle of silk and a small stoppered gourd. She hands the gourd to one of the ribbons while another stretches out to form a narrow makeshift table where she unfolds the silk. Inside is a set of long silver needles.
Turning to Lord Aengus, she inclines her head. ‘If I may, Little Yang? I will gift you some of my qi. It is not the same as awen, but it should make your journey home more comfortable.’
Lord Aengus eyes the long needles with some trepidation but nods.
Queen Mother of the West takes the needles and with a flick of her wrist places them one by one on qi meridians in Lord Aengus’s face.
The ends of the ribbons flowing around her rise and seem to watch her as she works.
Soon, his face is covered in quivering needles.
The last needle she places onto the tip of Lord Aengus’s tongue.
Queen Mother of the West closes her eyes.
With her middle finger and thumb, she forms a circle, one hand palm up, the other held to her heart.
Gold strands swirl between her hands. She twists her wrists, and the gold strands arc away from her, gossamer threads spiralling down each needle and disappearing beneath Lord Aengus’s skin.
‘Better?’ she asks.
Lord Aengus nods.
She holds out her hand for the gourd and unstoppers it. She pours a few drops of dark liquid into his mouth.
She notices us all staring and giggles.
‘My special elixir,’ she says. ‘Immortality peach resin, propolis, and royal jelly from my apiary. This should give Little Yang a bit of his self back.’
As we watch, Lord Aengus’s head seems to gain more dimension.
Queen Mother of the West inspects her handiwork. ‘Good. It’s working. Now drink the rest,’ she says, holding the gourd to his lips.
‘Ahhngg’ he says, the needle on his tongue quivering.
‘Aiya. Contain my forgetfulness, Little Yang.’ Queen Mother of the West plucks the needle from his tongue.
‘Abundant gratitude, most venerable and unrivalled Great Goddess Queen Mother of the West,’ Lord Aengus says before obediently drinking.
Gradually, his head inflates until it is almost normal again. The ribbons carefully unwind themselves, and withdraw as soon as Lord Aengus’s neck is strong enough to hold his head upright.
Queen Mother of the West plucks the needles from Lord Aengus’s facial meridians.
‘It will take some time for the elixir to take full effect, so be gentle with yourself and try not to get jostled. Your neck muscles are still weak.’ She sighs.
‘Please consider my advice from last time. You should speak with your father; he may be more understanding than you expect.’
Big Wang bows, as do I. The hulijing courtiers stare longingly at the gourd and I hiss to remind them to bow. ‘Abundant gratitude Queen Mother of the West,’ we say.
Queen Mother of the West radiates a peaceful glow.
‘Before you go, Little Aengus, we will rearrange breakfast with Lord Lei and Lady Dian. We have been practising our Irish with young Zhu Bajie – Brother Zhu as most of the yaojing know him – and would very much like to hear again your recital of that wonderful Táin Bó Cúailnge!’
Lord Aengus nods once, testing out his neck muscles. ‘This unworthy one basks in your benevolent glory, and looks forward to meeting again.’
Queen Mother of the West takes her leave and returns to her suite to rest.
‘We also need to resolve the issue of who will accompany Lord Aengus on his journey home,’ Big Wang says.
‘I have informed Niang Niang of this incident and she will be arriving shortly.’ The hulijing go still at this news.
‘Lady Xi, you will ensure the hulijing delegation remains in your suites until we hear back from the Hulijing Court.’
My whole body sags with relief. Niang Niang can deal with this mafan herself. I get up to leave.
‘Except you, Little Jing,’ Big Wang continues, dashing my hopes. ‘You will stay here with Lord Aengus and explain to me how he came to be contained in my favourite Ming vase.’