Chapter 498

As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, Lord Wang's face had already turned deathly pale, sweat seeping out all over his head.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin's words just fell, Lord Wang's face had already turned deathly pale, sweat oozing from his head.

We need to keep it concise but faithful. Let's produce: "Cao Mao Lin's words had just fallen when Lord Wang's face turned deathly pale, sweat pouring from his head."

As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, Lord Wang's face had already turned deathly pale, sweat seeping out all over his head.

We'll produce: "As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, Lord Wang's face was already deathly pale, sweat seeping from his head."

That's one line.

Cao Mao Lin gave a snicker, grabbed Lord Wang's arm, and Lord Wang shuddered all over.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin gave a heh-heh laugh, grabbed Lord Wang's arm, and Lord Wang shuddered all over.

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin gave a heh-heh laugh, seized Lord Wang's arm, and Lord Wang shuddered all over."

Cao Mao Lin's cold laugh came from nearby: "Lord Wang, now that it's come to this, do you still have any other ways to save yourself?"

Translation: From beside him came Cao Mao Lin's cold laugh: "Lord Wang, now that it's come to this, do you still have any other ways to protect yourself?"

We'll produce: "From beside him came Cao Mao Lin's cold laugh: 'Lord Wang, now that it's come to this, do you still have any other ways to protect yourself?'"

"Over the years you've looked after my business a lot; I've kept those things for you."

Translation: "Over the years you've looked after quite a bit of my business, and I've kept those things for you."

We'll produce: "'Over the years you've looked after quite a bit of my business, and I've kept those things for you.'"

As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, Yangzhou Prefect Lord Wang froze in fright.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin's words had just fallen when Yangzhou Prefect Lord Wang was instantly frightened stiff in place.

We'll produce: "As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, Yangzhou Prefect Lord Wang was instantly frightened stiff in place."

His expression shifted several times, his heart filled with regret; back then he lusted after silver and women, and many handles were grabbed by this brat; now it seems he must do this even if he doesn't want to.

His expression shifted several times, his heart filled with regret; back then he lusted after silver and women, and many handles were grabbed by this brat; now it seems he must do this even if he doesn't want to.

His expression shifted several times, his heart filled with regret; back then he lusted after silver and women, and many handles were grabbed by this brat; now it seems he must do this even if he doesn't want to.

We'll produce: "His expression shifted several times, his heart filled with regret; back then he lusted after silver and women, and many handles had been grabbed by this brat—now it seems he must do this even if he doesn't want to."

Cao Mao Lin eased his expression and said softly: "You needn't worry; over the years the court has sent any number of imperial commissioners to Yangzhou—maybe twenty, maybe ten—but which of them ever returned completely unscathed?"

Translation: Cao Mao Lin eased his expression again, smiling softly: "Lord, you needn't worry; over the years the imperial court has sent no fewer than ten imperial envoys to our Yangzhou, and which of them ever returned intact?"

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin eased his expression again, smiling softly: 'Lord, you needn't worry; over the years the imperial court has sent no fewer than ten imperial envoys to our Yangzhou, and which of them ever returned intact?'"

"Besides, this time Xiao Yin is coming for our lives—what matters more, life or money, status?"

Translation: "Besides, this time Xiao Yin is coming for our lives—what matters more, life or money, status?"

We'll produce: '"Besides, this time Xiao Yin is coming for our lives—what matters more, life or money, status?"'

"If this succeeds, even the Minister of Rites in the capital, Lord Tong, won't be able to ignore it; then Lord Wang will walk away with the silver, retire smoothly, enjoy his fertile lands and beautiful women, and yes, let Nan Xiang keep him company with a few drinks."

Translation: "If this matter succeeds, even the Minister of Rites in the capital, Lord Tong, won't be able to stand by; then Lord Wang will take the money and retire smoothly home, enjoying fertile lands and beauties—right, let Nanxiang keep Lord Wang company with a few drinks later."

We'll produce: '"If this matter succeeds, even the Minister of Rites in the capital, Lord Tong, won't be able to stand by; then Lord Wang will take the money and retire smoothly home, enjoying fertile lands and beauties—right, let Nanxiang keep Lord Wang company with a few drinks later."'

Afterwards Cao Mao Lin pulled a stack of land deeds from his sleeve and gently pushed them toward Lord Wang.

Translation: Subsequently Cao Mao Lin took out a stack of land deeds from his sleeve and gently pushed them toward Lord Wang.

We'll produce: "Subsequently Cao Mao Lin took out a stack of land deeds from his sleeve and gently pushed them toward Lord Wang."

"The estate in Haining has already been fixed up for you—it's magnificent; frankly, even the mansions of capital nobles can't compare to yours."

Translation: "The manor over in Haining has already been repaired for you, Lord—its grandeur is such that, speaking frankly, even the mansions of the nobles and aristocrats of Shang Jing can't compare to yours."

We'll produce: '"The manor over in Haining has already been repaired for you, Lord—its grandeur is such that, speaking frankly, even the mansions of the nobles and aristocrats of Shang Jing can\'t compare to yours."'

"In that manor I've found you many beauties—Yangzhou's slender horses, Western Region women, everything you could want… hehe, enjoy them slowly, isn't that wonderful!"

Translation: "In that manor, I've found many beauties for you, Lord—Yangzhou's slender mares, Western Region beauties, everything you could want… hehe, enjoy them slowly, Lord—how wonderful!"

We'll produce: '"In that manor, I\'ve found many beauties for you, Lord—Yangzhou\'s slender mares, Western Region beauties, everything you could want… hehe, enjoy them slowly, Lord—how wonderful!"'

Lord Wang finally twitched his face into a smile, raised his cup and said to Cao Mao Lin: "You've gone to trouble again, Master Cao; this matter, we can talk it out."

Translation: Lord Wang finally twitched his face into a smile, raised his wine cup and said to Cao Mao Lin: "Again you've troubled Master Cao with expense—this matter, easily said, easily done."

We'll produce: "Lord Wang finally twitched his face into a smile, raised his wine cup and said to Cao Mao Lin: 'Again you\'ve troubled Master Cao with expense—this matter, easily said, easily done.'"

Cao Mao Lin turned his gaze to Nan Xiang on the side, a flicker of warning in his eyes, and said coldly: "You've been with me for a while; tonight serve Lord Wang well, and from now on follow him—wealth and glory will surely be yours."

Translation: Cao Mao Lin turned his face to look at Gu Nanxiang on the side, a flicker of warning in his eyes, and said coldly: "You've followed me for some days; tonight serve Lord Wang well, and from now on you'll follow Lord Wang—wealth and honor will surely not lack you."

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin turned his face to look at Gu Nanxiang on the side, a flicker of warning in his eyes, and said coldly: 'You\'ve followed me for some days; tonight serve Lord Wang well, and from now on you\'ll follow Lord Wang—wealth and honor will surely not lack you.'"

Nan Xiang lowered her head slightly, her eyes flashing, and walked gracefully to Lord Wang, bowing: "I pay my respects, sir."

Translation: Gu Nanxiang lowered her head slightly, her eyes flashing, walked gracefully to Lord Wang's front and bowed: "This humble girl pays her respects to you, Lord."

We'll produce: "Gu Nanxiang lowered her head slightly, her eyes flashing, walked gracefully to Lord Wang's front and bowed: 'This humble girl pays her respects to you, Lord.'"

"Good, good, good…" Lord Wang seized Nan Xiang's wrist, his face breaking into a grin.

Translation: "Good, good, good…" Lord Wang seized Gu Nanxiang's wrist, his face instantly breaking into a smile.

We'll produce: '"Good, good, good…" Lord Wang seized Gu Nanxiang\'s wrist, his face instantly breaking into a smile.'

Cao Mao Lin rose slowly: "I still have some business to attend to; you stay here and listen to the music, Lord Wang, and we'll touch base later."

Translation: Cao Mao Lin slowly rose: "I still have some matters to attend to, Lord Wang; you stay here and listen to some music, we'll keep in touch later."

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin slowly rose: 'I still have some matters to attend to, Lord Wang; you stay here and listen to some music, we\'ll keep in touch later.'"

Cao Mao Lin waved his hand, ushering off the musicians on stage and the rest of the miscellaneous crowd.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin waved his hand, taking the musicians on stage and the rest of the miscellaneous people out with him.

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin waved his hand, taking the musicians on stage and the rest of the miscellaneous people out with him."

The splendid Feiyun Pavilion now held only Lord Wang and Nan Xiang.

Translation: The entire splendid Flying Cloud Pavilion now held only Lord Wang and Gu Nanxiang.

We'll produce: "The entire splendid Flying Cloud Pavilion now held only Lord Wang and Gu Nanxiang."

The door of the Feiyun Pavilion was shut from outside, leaving no outsiders inside, and Lord Wang's lecherous nature was laid bare.

Translation: The door of the Flying Cloud Pavilion was shut from outside, leaving no unrelated persons inside, and Lord Wang's lecherous nature was instantly exposed in full.

We'll produce: "The door of the Flying Cloud Pavilion was shut from outside, leaving no unrelated persons inside, and Lord Wang\'s lecherous nature was instantly exposed in full."

"Miss, when I saw you perform that beautiful dance earlier, I thought it was heavenly; might I have the honor of another dance with you?"

Translation: "Miss, I saw you dance that beautiful lady's piece earlier and thought it heavenly; might I ask for another dance with you, old man?"

We'll produce: '"Miss, I saw you dance that beautiful lady\'s piece earlier and thought it heavenly; might I ask for another dance with you, old man?"'

Lord Wang's hand slipped around Nan Xiang's waist, beginning to wander.

Translation: Lord Wang's hand slipped around Gu Nanxiang's waist, beginning to wander.

We'll produce: "Lord Wang\'s hand slipped around Gu Nanxiang\'s waist, beginning to wander."

"You're too eager, sir; let me first offer you a drink to loosen you up."

Translation: "Lord, you're too eager; let me first offer you a cup to help you loosen up."

We'll produce: '"Lord, you\'re too eager; let me first offer you a cup to help you loosen up."'

Nan Xiang leaned into Lord Wang's embrace, lifted her cup, and presented it to him.

Translation: Gu Nanxiang leaned into Lord Wang's embrace, lifted her cup, and brought it to his lips.

We'll produce: "Gu Nanxiang leaned into Lord Wang\'s embrace, lifted her cup, and brought it to his lips."

A flicker of surprise crossed Lord Wang's eyes; he took her for a lady of officialdom, the second daughter of a premier's mansion, surely unwilling to do such lowly work.

Translation: A flicker of surprise and delight crossed Lord Wang's eyes; he still thought she was a lady from an official family, the second daughter of a prime minister's household, and would never deign to do such lowly work.

We'll produce: "A flicker of surprise and delight crossed Lord Wang\'s eyes; he still thought she was a lady from an official family, the second daughter of a prime minister\'s household, and would never deign to do such lowly work."

Unexpectedly, her warm, soft embrace made Lord Wang's heart bloom; he pulled her close in a tight hug and took her cup.

Translation: Unexpectedly, her warm, soft leaning into his arms made Lord Wang's heart bloom; he pulled her into a tight embrace and took her cup.

We'll produce: "Unexpectedly, her warm, soft leaning into his arms made Lord Wang\'s heart bloom; he pulled her into a tight embrace and took her cup."

Lord Wang raised his cup but brought it to Nan Xiang's lips: "Come, have a drink too!"

Translation: Lord Wang held the cup but brought the wine to Gu Nanxiang's lips: "Come, you have a drink too!"

We'll produce: "Lord Wang held the cup but brought the wine to Gu Nanxiang\'s lips: 'Come, you have a drink too!'"

Nan Xiang's eyes flashed slightly, then she bit the rim of the cup, brought it to Lord Wang's face, and flung herself onto him.

Translation: Gu Nanxiang's eyes flickered, then she bit the cup's rim, brought it to Lord Wang's face, and flung herself onto him.

We'll produce: "Gu Nanxiang\'s eyes flickered, then she bit the cup\'s rim, brought it to Lord Wang\'s face, and flung herself onto him."

Her attire today was sheer enough to hint at her figure, her makeup bold to the extreme, yet also stunningly gorgeous.

Translation: Her attire today was also barely there, her makeup extravagant to the extreme, yet also gorgeous to the extreme.

We'll produce: "Her attire today was also barely there, her makeup extravagant to the extreme, yet also gorgeous to the extreme."

Her crimson lips lightly gripped the white jade cup's rim, like a fox spirit she slowly slumped against him, making Lord Wang's heart skip a beat.

Translation: This time her vermilion lips lightly gripped the white jade cup's rim, like a demon fox she slowly lay upon him, and at that moment Lord Wang's heartbeat skipped a beat.

We'll produce: "This time her vermilion lips lightly gripped the white jade cup\'s rim, like a demon fox she slowly lay upon him, and at that moment Lord Wang\'s heartbeat skipped a beat."

Nan Xiang clenched the cup with her teeth, yet forced the opposite rim to Lord Wang's lips, her eyes soft and seductive, leaving him no choice but to drink.

Translation: Gu Nanxiang clenched the cup with her teeth, yet forced the opposite rim to Lord Wang's lips, her eyes seductive and brimming with feeling as she gazed at him—this cup Lord Wang must drink.

We'll produce: "Gu Nanxiang clenched the cup with her teeth, yet forced the opposite rim to Lord Wang\'s lips, her eyes seductive and brimming with feeling as she gazed at him—this cup Lord Wang must drink."

Lord Wang lifted his hand, pinched Nan Xiang's soft cheeks, and laughed low: "You little vixen, even though you're a lady from the Premier Guo's household, why are you so bewitching? Are you out to ruin mankind? Today I, the magistrate, will claim you myself."

Translation: Lord Wang raised his hand, pinched Gu Nanxiang's soft white cheeks, and laughed low: "You little vixen, though you come from a prime minister's household as a proper young lady, how can you be so bewitching? Are you out to bring disaster to mankind? Today I, as an official, will personally take you in."

We'll produce: "Lord Wang raised his hand, pinched Gu Nanxiang\'s soft white cheeks, and laughed low: 'You little vixen, though you come from a prime minister\'s household as a proper young lady, how can you be so bewitching? Are you out to bring disaster to mankind? Today I, as an official, will personally take you in.'"

Thus Nan Xiang, biting the cup's rim, forced the whole cup of wine down Lord Wang's throat; the cup fell to the ground, and Lord Wang could no longer hold back.

Translation: Thus Gu Lanxiang, biting the cup's rim, forced the entire cup of wine down Lord Wang's throat; the cup fell to the ground—how could Lord Wang still hold back?

We'll produce: "Thus Gu Lanxiang, biting the cup\'s rim, forced the entire cup of wine down Lord Wang\'s throat; the cup fell to the ground—how could Lord Wang still hold back?"

He grabbed her waist, lifted her, and carried her toward the soft couch on the steps.

Translation: He seized her waist, lifted her, and walked toward the soft couch on the steps.

We'll produce: "He seized her waist, lifted her, and walked toward the soft couch on the steps."

The crimson gauze curtain swayed gently in the breeze drifting in from the window.

Translation: The crimson gauze curtain swayed with the breeze drifting in from outside, forming a gentle arc.

We'll produce: "The crimson gauze curtain swayed with the breeze drifting in from outside, forming a gentle arc."

A soft, languid melody filled the grand luxurious booth, making ears flush and hearts race.

Translation: Soft, lascivious music slowly rose in the grand luxurious private box, making listeners' ears flush and hearts race.

We'll produce: "Soft, lascivious music slowly rose in the grand luxurious private box, making listeners\' ears flush and hearts race."

Suddenly an almost inaudible groan sounded, followed by a thick smell of blood; crimson blood seeped slowly down the couch and pooled on the floor.

Translation: Suddenly an almost inaudible groan sounded, followed by a thick smell of blood spreading; crimson blood trickled down the soft couch and flowed onto the floor.

We'll produce: "Suddenly an almost inaudible groan sounded, followed by a thick smell of blood spreading; crimson blood trickled down the soft couch and flowed onto the floor."

Nan Xiang yanked the gauze curtain down; her robes fell open, revealing white skin, her hair spilled loose, suspicious red marks on her neck, her eyes icy cold, and she gripped a thin blade.

Translation: The gauze curtain was torn down by Gu Nanxiang; her clothing fell open to reveal white skin, her hair scattered, suspicious red marks on her neck, her eyes icy cold, and she gripped a thin blade in her hand.

We'll produce: "The gauze curtain was torn down by Gu Nanxiang; her clothing fell open to reveal white skin, her hair scattered, suspicious red marks on her neck, her eyes icy cold, and she gripped a thin blade in her hand."

Blood spattered her face, accentuating her increasingly grim complexion.

Translation: Fresh blood spattered onto her face, accentuating how increasingly grim her expression became.

We'll produce: "Fresh blood spattered onto her face, accentuating how increasingly grim her expression became."

Even at her lowest, Nan Xiang would not be bullied by a lecherous old man.

Translation: Even at her lowest ebb, Gu Nanxiang would not be bullied by a lecherous old man.

We'll produce: "Even at her lowest ebb, Gu Nanxiang would not be bullied by a lecherous old man."

Cao Mao Lin thought he now had her under his thumb—what a petty man he is.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin thought he now had her under his thumb—what was he, anyway?

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin thought he now had her under his thumb—what was he, anyway?"

In Nan Xiang's eyes, Cao Mao Lin had lost any usefulness; tonight's banquet he arranged will see the Yangzhou prefect meet a grisly end in his Lookout Tower—let's see how he wriggles out of this one.

Translation: In Gu Nanxiang's eyes, Cao Mao Lin had long lost any use value; tonight's banquet he arranged would see the Yangzhou Prefect die miserably in his Looking River Tower—let's see how he wriggles out of this one.

We'll produce: "In Gu Nanxiang\'s eyes, Cao Mao Lin had long lost any use value; tonight\'s banquet he arranged would see the Yangzhou Prefect die miserably in his Looking River Tower—let\'s see how he wriggles out of this one."

Nan Xiang showed no panic at having killed; she tossed her dagger aside and stripped off the blood‑stained garments.

Translation: Gu Nanxiang showed no panic at having killed; she flung her dagger aside and removed all her blood‑stained clothing.

We'll produce: "Gu Nanxiang showed no panic at having killed; she flung her dagger aside and removed all her blood‑stained clothing."

Yet she opened a hidden compartment on the other side of the table, took out a set of dark men's clothing, donned it, bound her hair in a male style with a hair tie.

Translation: Yet she opened a hidden compartment on the other side of the table, took out the dark men's attire inside, donned it, bound her hair in a male style with a hairband.

We'll produce: "Yet she opened a hidden compartment on the other side of the table, took out the dark men\'s attire inside, donned it, and bound her hair in a male style with a hairband."

She put on a cloak, raised its hood to cover half her face, added a veil, then activated the mechanism on the table's other side.

Translation: She donned a cloak, lifted its hood to cover half her face, added a layer of veil, then activated the mechanism on the table's other side.

We'll produce: "She donned a cloak, lifted its hood to cover half her face, added a layer of veil, then activated the mechanism on the table\'s other side."

Behind the table a doorway appeared; Nan Xiang bent, slipped inside, closed the secret door, and vanished into the night.

Translation: Behind the table there appeared an entrance; Gu Nanxiang bent and slipped inside, then closed the hidden door from within, vanishing into the night.

We'll produce: "Behind the table there appeared an entrance; Gu Nanxiang bent and slipped inside, then closed the hidden door from within, vanishing into the night."

Cao Mao Lin must finish his preparations tonight; only at dawn can he blow up the prefecture office, killing Lord Xiao and his wife and Lord Tang Kang.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin must finish his deployment tonight; only tomorrow morning can he blow up Xiao Yin and his wife and Gu Kang in the government office.

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin must finish his deployment tonight; only tomorrow morning can he blow up Xiao Yin and his wife and Gu Kang in the government office."

Having learned from the previous mishap, Cao Mao Lin personally oversaw this operation, dressed in night clothes with a few trusted aides, and conveyed the materials by carriage to the Yangzhou prefect's office.

Translation: Having learned from the previous mishap, this time Cao Mao Lin personally handled it, wearing night‑clothes and accompanied by a few confidants, he delivered the items by carriage to the Yangzhou Prefect's office.

We'll produce: "Having learned from the previous mishap, this time Cao Mao Lin personally handled it, wearing night‑clothes and accompanied by a few confidants, he delivered the items by carriage to the Yangzhou Prefect\'s office."

He held Lord Wang's waist tablet, and the guards at the gate let him pass without trouble.

Translation: He held Lord Wang's waist token, and the guards at the office gate let him in without trouble.

We'll produce: "He held Lord Wang\'s waist token, and the guards at the office gate let him in without trouble."

Cao Mao Lin and his men surrounded the office; anyone inside or outside who had received Lord Wang's orders withdrew far away, leaving the area solely under his control.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin surrounded the office with his men; those inside and outside who had received Lord Wang's orders retreated far away, leaving only his people active in that area.

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin surrounded the office with his men; those inside and outside who had received Lord Wang\'s orders retreated far away, leaving only his people active in that area."

Cao Mao Lin had his people work quickly, placing the nitre and fire oil around the office's perimeter.

Translation: Cao Mao Lin had his men work quickly, placing the nitre and fire oil around the office.

We'll produce: "Cao Mao Lin had his men work quickly, placing the nitre and fire oil around the office."

In less than half an hour everything was set; though Cao Mao Lin straightened his back, weary, his face bore an expression of immense satisfaction.

Translation: In less than half an hour everything was set; Cao Mao Lin straightened his back, a little tired but his face brimming with great delight.

We'll produce: "In less than half an hour everything was set; Cao Mao Lin straightened his back, a little tired but his face brimming with great delight."

He gave a cold chuckle: "Let you be arrogant for one more night; tomorrow I'll see you off."

Translation: He gave a cold chuckle: "Let you be arrogant for one more night; tomorrow I'll send you on your way."

We'll produce: "He gave a cold chuckle: 'Let you be arrogant for one more night; tomorrow I\'ll send you on your way.'"

As soon as Cao Mao Lin finished speaking, a sudden rush of footsteps sounded all around.

Translation: As Cao Mao Lin's words fell, suddenly a hurried footsteps sounded from all around.

We'll produce: "As Cao Mao Lin\'s words fell, suddenly a hurried footsteps sounded from all around."

At the same time, many people brandishing torches came charging toward them.

Translation: At the same time many people brandished torches and rushed toward them.

We'll produce: "At the same time many people brandished torches and rushed toward them."

Cao Maolin's face instantly changed dramatically.