Chapter 481: with translation of chapter title

Xiao Yin really wants to lose his temper; can't he just be affectionate with his wife?

Literal: Xiao Yin really wants to lose his temper, can't he just be affectionate with his wife?

Can't he just be affectionate with his wife?

It was rare to hear a proper sentence from Gu Jiu Ling's mouth; the sweet feeling rushed into his heart, but before he could savor it, an ill‑omened star outside disrupted everything.

Literal: After much difficulty hearing Gu Jiu Ling utter a decent sentence from her mouth, the sweet taste rushed into his heart; before he could savor it, it was disturbed by that ominous star outside.

We need to keep meaning: "After finally hearing Gu Jiu Ling utter a decent sentence, the sweet feeling rushed into his heart; before he could savor it, that ominous star outside disturbed it." Use natural English: "At last he heard Gu Jiu Ling utter a decent sentence; the sweet feeling rushed into his heart, but before he could savor it, that ill‑omened star outside disturbed it." Keep one line.

Xiao Yin's voice sank: "Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow!"

Literal: Xiao Yin's voice sank: "What's the matter? Talk about it tomorrow!"

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin's voice sank: 'What's the matter? Talk about it tomorrow!'"

"My lord, today's matters must be settled today!" came the courteous voice of Gu Kang at the doorway.

Literal: "Prince, today's matters must be finished today!" came the refined voice of Gu Kang at the door.

We'll translate: "'Prince, today's business must be finished today!' Gu Kang's refined voice came from the doorway."

Xiao Yin froze for a moment; not wanting to, Gu Jiu Ling, who lay beneath him, couldn't help but be amused by his frustrated expression and let out a soft laugh.

Literal: Xiao Yin momentarily stunned; not expecting that Gu Jiu Ling lying beneath him at this moment couldn't help being amused by his frustrated appearance, she laughed softly.

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin stared for a moment; Gu Jiu Ling, lying beneath him, couldn't help laughing at his frustrated look, and she chuckled softly."

Xiao Yin gritted his teeth and stared fixedly at the smiling Gu Jiu Ling: "You just wait for me!"

Literal: Xiao Yin gritted his teeth, staring fixedly at the bright‑smiling Gu Jiu Ling: "You wait for me, Prince!"

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin gritted his teeth and stared at Gu Jiu Ling's bright smile: 'You wait for me, Prince!'"

I've discovered that your Gu family has not a single decent person; everyone is trouble!

Literal: "I've discovered that your Gu family has not a single good bird; everyone is no pushover!"

We'll translate: "I've found that your Gu family has not a single decent person; everyone is a tough nut to crack!"

A fleeting smile of grievance crossed Gu Jiu Ling's face: "In the Gu family, I am the most obedient and well‑behaved."

Literal: A flash of aggrieved smile crossed Gu Jiu Ling's face: "In the Gu family, I am the most obedient and well‑behaved."

We'll translate: "A flash of aggrieved smile crossed Gu Jiu Ling's face: 'In the Gu family, I am the most obedient and well‑behaved.'"

"Oh, give it a rest!" Xiao Yin snapped, got up angrily, straightened Gu Jiu Ling's clothes, and helped her sit up in the chair.

Literal: "You can cut it out!" Xiao Yin got up irritably, tidied Gu Jiu Ling's collar, and helped her sit up in a chair.

We'll translate: "'You can cut it out!' Xiao Yin got up irritably, straightened Gu Jiu Ling's collar, and helped her sit in a chair."

He deliberately left Gu Kang waiting, brewed tea for Gu Jiu Ling, knowing where she usually hid her snacks, he fetched them and placed them before her.

Literal: He deliberately left Gu Kang waiting, made tea for Gu Jiu Ling, knowing where she usually hides snacks, he fetched them and placed them before her.

We'll translate: "He deliberately left Gu Kang waiting, brewed tea for Gu Jiu Ling, knowing where she usually hides snacks, fetched them and set them before her."

"It's late, and there aren't any good eateries on the street; let's have some snacks to tide us over."

Literal: "It's late, there aren't any good eateries on the street; let's have some snacks to fill our stomachs."

We'll translate: "'It's late, there aren't any good eateries on the street; let's have some snacks to fill our stomachs.'"

After finishing all that, he coughed once, his voice hoarse and icy, and coldly stared at the guest room door: "Get in here!"

Literal: After finishing all that, he coughed once, his voice hoarse and cold, coldly looking at the guest room door: "Get in!"

We'll translate: "After finishing all that, he coughed once, his voice hoarse and cold, and coldly told the guest room door: 'Get in!'"

The door was gently pushed open; Gu Kang, just changed into a dark blue robe, walked in slowly and bowed to Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling.

Literal: The door was gently pushed open; Gu Kang, just changed into an indigo‑blue long robe, slowly entered and bowed to Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling.

We'll translate: "The door was gently pushed open; Gu Kang, just changed into an indigo‑blue long robe, slowly entered and bowed to Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling."

Prince, may you be blessed and safe!

Prince, may you have blessings and peace!

Prince, may you be blessed and safe!

Elder sister, may you be blessed and safe!

Elder sister, may you be blessed and safe!

We'll translate: "Elder sister, may you be blessed and safe!"

Gu Jiu Ling picked up a snack, held it before Gu Kang, and smiled: "Little Kang, have a snack!"

Literal: Gu Jiu Ling picked up a snack, held it before Gu Kang, smiling: "Little Kang, have a snack!"

We'll translate: "Gu Jiu Ling lifted a snack to Gu Kang's face and smiled: 'Little Kang, have a snack!'"

"Thank you, elder sister," Gu Kang said as he walked over to Gu Jiu Ling; although the official boat was supposed to be slow, Xiao Yin had urged it to go fast, leaving him feeling a bit seasick.

Literal: "Thank you, elder sister," Gu Kang walked toward Gu Jiu Ling; although the official boat was supposed to be slow, Xiao Yin had urged it to go fast, making him a bit seasick.

We'll translate: "'Thank you, elder sister,' Gu Kang walked over to Gu Jiu Ling; although the official boat was supposed to be slow, Xiao Yin had urged it to go fast, leaving him a bit seasick."

There was nothing to eat on the boat, and Gu Kang had previously enjoyed the elder sister's snacks, which were exceptionally sweet and uniquely flavored.

Literal: There was nothing to eat on the boat, and Gu Kang had previously eaten the elder sister's snacks, which were exceptionally sweet and had a distinctive flavor.

We'll translate: "There was nothing to eat on the boat, and Gu Kang had previously eaten the elder sister's snacks, which were exceptionally sweet and had a distinctive flavor."

This time Gu Jiu Ling passed it over; he hurriedly smiled and reached to take it, but Xiao Yin let out a harsh cough.

Literal: This time Gu Jiu Ling passed it over; he hurriedly smiled and reached to take it, not expecting Xiao Yin to cough harshly.

We'll translate: "This time Gu Jiu Ling passed it over; he hurriedly smiled and reached to take it, not expecting Xiao Yin to cough harshly."

Gu Kang hastily withdrew his hand and stood respectfully before Xiao Yin.

Literal: Gu Kang hastily withdrew his hand and stood respectfully before Xiao Yin.

We'll translate: "Gu Kang hastily withdrew his hand and stood respectfully before Xiao Yin."

Gu Jiu Ling laughed, stood up, and shoved the snack into Gu Kang's hand: "Eat while we talk!"

Literal: Gu Jiu Ling laughed, stood up, and shoved the snack into Gu Kang's hand: "Eat while we talk!"

We'll translate: "Gu Jiu Ling laughed, stood up, and shoved the snack into Gu Kang's hand: 'Eat while we talk!'"

Xiao Yin gave Gu Jiu Ling a wistful glance, and she also slipped him a piece.

Literal: Xiao Yin looked resentfully at Gu Jiu Ling; Gu Jiu Ling also gave him a piece.

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin gave Gu Jiu Ling a resentful look; she also gave him a piece."

He instinctively caught it, only then realizing in his hand how he had ended up catching it.

Literal: He instinctively took it; only after it was in his hand did he wonder how he had just taken it.

We'll translate: "He instinctively took it; only after it was in his hand did he wonder how he had just taken it."

Where has the dignity of the Ninth Uncle of Southern Qi gone?

Literal: Where has the dignity of the Ninth Imperial Uncle of Southern Qi gone?

We'll translate: "Where has the dignity of the Ninth Imperial Uncle of Southern Qi gone?"

In an instant, the atmosphere in the guest room shifted; everyone was eating snacks, sipping steaming tea, and began to chat.

Literal: In an instant the atmosphere in the guest room changed; everyone ate snacks, drank steaming tea, and began chatting.

We'll translate: "In an instant the atmosphere in the guest room changed; everyone ate snacks, drank steaming tea, and began chatting."

Gu Kang was probably truly hungry, and being in front of his elder sister, he didn't stand on ceremony.

Literal: Gu Kang was probably really hungry, and being before his elder sister, he didn't stand on ceremony.

We'll translate: "Gu Kang was probably really hungry, and being before his elder sister, he didn't stand on ceremony."

He picked up another piece of peach pastry, took a bite, and said: "The Jiangnan salt merchants are following us; they've stopped at a town upstream, and I just sent someone to inquire about them."

Literal: He then picked up a piece of peach pastry, took a bite, and said: "The Jiangnan salt merchants are following us; they've stopped at a town upstream, and I just sent people to inquire."

We'll translate: "He then picked up a piece of peach pastry, took a bite, and said: 'The Jiangnan salt merchants are following us; they've stopped at a town upstream, and I just sent people to inquire.'"

"The boatmen said the person on board is quite stout, accompanied by a beautiful concubine, reveling night after night—quite lively."

Literal: Listening to the boatmen, they said the person on board is very fat, accompanied by a beautiful concubine, indulging in nightly revelry, quite lively.

We'll translate: "The boatmen said the person on board is very fat, accompanied by a beautiful concubine, indulging in nightly revelry—quite lively."

"Cao Mao Lin!" exclaimed Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin together.

Literal: "Cao Mulin!" Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin said at the same time.

We'll translate: "'Cao Mulin!' Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin said at the same time."

Gu Kang nodded: "The Cao family has set their sights on us!"

Literal: Gu Kang nodded: "The Cao clan has set its sights on us!"

We'll translate: "Gu Kang nodded: 'The Cao clan has set its sights on us!'"

Xiao Yin furrowed his brows: "We must be cautious; my men have already reached Yangzhou by boat. On the road we should avoid delays and hurry to Yangzhou."

Literal: Xiao Yin furrowed his brows: "We should be more cautious; my people have already taken a boat to Yangzhou; on the road we should avoid delay and hurry to Yangzhou."

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin furrowed his brows: 'We should be more cautious; my people have already taken a boat to Yangzhou; on the road we should avoid delay and hurry to Yangzhou.'"

"Here..." Xiao Yin glanced at Gu Jiu Ling's residence, then said: "The defenses here need strengthening; for convenience, let's stay together with your elder sister for these few days."

Literal: "Here..." Xiao Yin glanced at Gu Jiu Ling's residence: "The defenses here need strengthening; for convenience, let's stay together with your elder sister these few days."

We'll translate: "'Here...' Xiao Yin glanced at Gu Jiu Ling's residence: 'The defenses here need strengthening; for convenience, let's stay together with your elder sister these few days.'"

"You take the room at the far west end of the corridor; I will stay with your elder sister at the far east end—let's settle it like that."

Literal: "You go to the westernmost room of the corridor; I will stay with your elder sister in the easternmost; that's settled."

We'll translate: "'You go to the westernmost room of the corridor; I will stay with your elder sister in the easternmost; that's settled.'"

Gu Kang's eyes flickered slightly; he sensed that Xiao Yin had some ulterior motive in doing this.

Literal: Gu Kang's eyes flickered slightly; he felt Xiao Yin had another motive.

We'll translate: "Gu Kang's eyes flickered slightly; he felt Xiao Yin had another motive."

He didn't expose it, and said calmly: "Your servant will follow the prince's arrangements!"

Literal: He didn't expose it, and slowly said: "Your servant, I will follow the Prince's arrangements!"

We'll translate: "He didn't expose it, and slowly said: 'Your servant, I will follow the Prince's arrangements!'"

Having discovered that the boat trailing them carried Cao family's eldest son, Cao Mao Lin, Gu Kang realized this journey might be more perilous than promising.

Literal: After finding out that the boat following them carried the Cao clan's eldest son, Cao Mulin, he realized this trip might be more dangerous than fortunate.

We'll translate: "Upon learning that the boat following them carried the Cao clan's eldest son, Cao Mulin, he realized this trip might be more dangerous than fortunate."

The three of them worked out a plan, deciding to head south to Yangzhou as quickly as possible; once there they could meet up with the reinforcements en route.

Literal: The three discussed a countermeasure, decided to head south to Yangzhou as soon as possible; once there they could meet up with the reinforcements on the road.

We'll translate: "The three discussed a countermeasure, decided to head south to Yangzhou as soon as possible; once there they could meet up with the reinforcements on the road."

This time the Longqing Emperor ordered that no troops be brought, so Xiao Yin couldn't openly march south with his personal guards; being caught would be disastrous.

Literal: This time Emperor Longqing ordered no troops to be brought; Xiao Yin also couldn't openly bring his personal troops south, or else if caught it would be bad.

We'll translate: "This time Emperor Longqing ordered no troops to be brought; Xiao Yin also couldn't openly bring his personal troops south, or else if caught it would be bad."

For now he is not yet ready, and the moment to take full control has not arrived.

Literal: Now he is not yet prepared; the moment to control the overall situation has not arrived.

We'll translate: "Now he is not yet prepared; the moment to control the overall situation has not arrived."

In the capital, the covetous crown prince, the Li and Lin families, and others remain idle; Xiao Yin now needs to find a way out of this turmoil.

Literal: In the capital there is the watchful Crown Prince, the Li and Lin families etc. still holding back; Xiao Yin now needs to find a way out of this turmoil.

We'll translate: "In the capital there is the watchful Crown Prince, the Li and Lin families etc. still holding back; Xiao Yin now needs to find a way out of this turmoil."

Since they must act discreetly, his personal troops must be broken up into small groups of dozens, becoming jianghu wanderers to rendezvous in Yangzhou.

Literal: Since acting low‑key, his personal troops must be broken down into zero, groups of dozens, becoming wandering martial artists to meet in Yangzhou.

We'll translate: "Since acting low‑key, his personal troops must be broken down into groups of dozens, becoming wandering martial artists to meet in Yangzhou."

Once these deployments are complete, if the Cao family and Xiao Yin come to blows, we'll see whether the Cao family truly has the capability.

Literal: Once these deployments are complete, if the Cao clan and he Xiao Yin come to blows, they'll see whether the Cao clan has that capability.

We'll translate: "Once these deployments are complete, if the Cao clan and he Xiao Yin come to blows, they'll see whether the Cao clan has that capability."

Soon after, the three dispersed, each returning to their own rooms to rest.

Literal: After a short while the three dispersed, each returning to their own rooms to rest.

We'll translate: "After a short while the three dispersed, each returning to their own rooms to rest."

Only Xiao Yin lingered, reluctant to leave; Gu Jiu Ling pushed him out the door, saying: "My lord, state affairs come first!"

Literal: Only Xiao Yin lingered, unwilling to leave; Gu Jiu Ling pushed him out the door: "Prince, state affairs come first!"

We'll translate: "Only Xiao Yin lingered, unwilling to leave; Gu Jiu Ling pushed him out the door: 'Prince, state affairs come first!'"

Xiao Yin, teeth gritted in anger, said: "When this girl makes a mistake, it's because I'm fond of you; once he steps back and indulges her, it becomes all about state affairs."

Literal: Xiao Yin, angry, gritted his teeth: "When this girl makes a mistake, it's because I'm fond of you; once he steps back and indulges her, it becomes state affairs first."

Xiao Yin, teeth gritted in anger, said: "When this girl makes a mistake, it's because I'm fond of you; once he steps back and indulges her, it becomes all about state affairs."

Xiao Yin, angry, gritted his teeth: 'When this girl makes a mistake, it's because I'm fond of you; once he steps back and indulges her, it becomes state affairs first.'

He had no choice but to return to his own room to rest.

Literal: He had no choice but to return to his own room to rest.

We'll translate: "He had no choice but to return to his own room to rest."

The group left the small town, boarded a boat and went downstream; not long after they encountered a thunderstorm.

Literal: The group left the small town, boarded a boat to go downstream, and soon encountered a thunderstorm.

We'll translate: "The group left the small town, boarded a boat to go downstream, and soon encountered a thunderstorm."

This was the plum‑rain season in Jiangnan; the rain grew heavier, the waterways narrowed, and it became too dangerous to continue sailing.

Literal: This is precisely the plum‑rain season in Jiangnan; the rain grows heavier, the waterways narrow, making it extremely dangerous to continue sailing.

We'll translate: "This is precisely the plum‑rain season in Jiangnan; the rain grows heavier, the waterways narrow, making it extremely dangerous to continue sailing."

The party was forced to abandon the boat and go ashore, seeking shelter in a nearby village from the rain.

Literal: The group had no choice but to abandon the boat and go ashore, preparing to find a nearby village to shelter from the rain.

We'll translate: "The group had no choice but to abandon the boat and go ashore, preparing to find a nearby village to shelter from the rain."

They indeed came upon a village where about a hundred households lived, of moderate size.

Literal: They really encountered a village; about a hundred households lived there, of medium size.

We'll translate: "They really encountered a village; about a hundred households lived there, of medium size."

Xiao Yin and his entourage entered the village; for safety's sake, Xiao Yin did not reveal his identity.

Literal: Xiao Yin and his party entered the village; for safety, Xiao Yin did not reveal his identity.

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin and his party entered the village; for safety, Xiao Yin did not reveal his identity."

They disguised themselves as a merchant caravan; encountering bad weather that prevented the merchant ships from passing, they stopped here for the night.

Literal: They posed as a merchant caravan; encountering bad weather, the merchant ships couldn't pass, so they came here to make a brief stop and stay one night.

We'll translate: "They posed as a merchant caravan; encountering bad weather, the merchant ships couldn't pass, so they came here to make a brief stop and stay one night."

The village head welcomed Xiao Yin and his party into his home; the head was elderly, with three sons, each married and with children.

Literal: At that moment the village head welcomed Xiao Yin and his party into his home; the village head is old, his household has three sons, all married with children.

We'll translate: "At that moment the village head welcomed Xiao Yin and his party into his home; the village head is old, his household has three sons, all married with children."

They arranged for Xiao Yin to stay in the western courtyard, while the elderly couple lived together with their sons.

Literal: Then Xiao Yin was arranged to stay in the western courtyard; the elderly couple lived together with their sons.

We'll translate: "Then Xiao Yin was arranged to stay in the western courtyard; the elderly couple lived together with their sons."

The west courtyard had about five rooms north‑to‑south; Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling occupied one, Yun Duo another, and Gu Kang a third. The remaining rooms were stacked with firewood and unsuitable for habitation.

Literal: The western courtyard roughly had five rooms north‑south; Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling occupied one, Yun Duo one, Gu Kang one; the remaining rooms were stacked with firewood and unsuitable for habitation.

We'll translate: "The western courtyard roughly had five rooms north‑south; Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling occupied one, Yun Duo one, Gu Kang one; the remaining rooms were stacked with firewood and unsuitable for habitation."

Xiao Yin helped Gu Jiu Ling take off her wet outer clothes, while the village head's several daughters‑in‑law heated water.

Literal: Xiao Yin helped Gu Jiu Ling take off her wet outer clothes; the village head's daughters‑in‑law boiled water.

We'll translate: "Xiao Yin helped Gu Jiu Ling take off her wet outer clothes; the village head's daughters‑in‑law boiled water."

Gu Jiu Ling didn't want to make a fuss; she simply wiped herself down, then ordered Yun Duo to fetch fifty taels of silver for the village head as payment for lodging and water heating.

Literal: Gu Jiu Ling didn't want to make a fuss; she simply washed up, then ordered Yun Duo to take fifty taels of silver to the village head as payment for lodging and water heating.

We'll translate: "Gu Jiu Ling didn't want to make a fuss; she simply washed up, then ordered Yun Duo to take fifty taels of silver to the village head as payment for lodging and water heating."

Fifty taels was a large sum for the villagers, so the daughters‑in‑law naturally served them with extra diligence.

Literal: Fifty taels is a large sum for villagers; naturally the daughters‑in‑law served them even more attentively.

We'll translate: "Fifty taels is a large sum for villagers; naturally the daughters‑in‑law served them even more attentively."

They furtively glanced at Xiao Yin, never having seen such a man who doted on his wife; aside from the maid who entered to attend his bath, he personally handled everything else, allowing no one else to approach.

Literal: They furtively glanced at Xiao Yin; they had never seen such a handsome husband who dotes on his wife, except for the maid who entered to serve during bathing; otherwise they attended to everything themselves, not letting anyone near.

We'll translate: "They furtively glanced at Xiao Yin; they had never seen such a handsome husband who dotes on his wife, except for the maid who entered to serve during bathing; otherwise they attended to everything themselves, not letting anyone near."

Gu Jiu Ling and Xiao Yin changed into dry clothes and sat on the earth brick bed; the two exchanged a smile, feeling really warm, just like an ordinary couple.

"Come here!" Xiao Yin waved at Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling hesitated a moment, then sat beside him; Xiao Yin picked up a cloth and gently wiped her hair, saying softly, "Once the matters in Shang Jing are settled, I'll take you away, we'll wander the world as an ordinary couple, how about that?"

Gu Jiu Ling was about to speak when suddenly the sound of weapons clashing came from outside, accompanied by hurried footsteps……