Chapter 518

Soon news spread in the palace that Xiao Zheng was confined in the Imperial Clan Office, and as to when the confinement would end, Emperor Longqing gave no explanation.

Imperial Concubine Cao, for failing to educate her son and lax discipline, was sent to the cold palace.

That night the Duke of Cao vomited blood from rage and died before dawn!

The once unrivaled richest family under heaven, the Cao clan, thus withdrew from the historical stage of Southern Qi.

After Xiao Zheng's scandal, how could those officials possibly choose him as heir?

After all, a prince who favors male beauty and cannot guarantee the continuation of his line—how could he possibly have the qualifications to seize the heirship?

The night was deep and dark; Xiao Yin entered Gu Jiu Ling's warm pavilion.

Today's affair had blown up so large; Xiao Yin knew Gu Jiu Ling was waiting for him to give an explanation, so after finishing his business he personally came to her courtyard.

Yun Duo led the retinue of servants out of the warm pavilion, closing the door from outside; only Xiao Yin and Gu Jiu Ling remained inside.

Gu Jiu Ling tiptoed to help Xiao Yin unfasten his cloak; Xiao Yin sat in the chair, and Gu Jiu Ling brought him a bowl of hot soup.

"The commotion by the Imperial River today is truly lively—was this your grand scheme, Prince?"

Xiao Yin nodded: "The Cao clan once framed my Azure Dragon Army and killed many of my brothers at Qi Sha Gu; now this can be considered letting them off easy."

"By the way, I have already sent people to Mang Shan to look for that path and that underground palace."

"If they find it, we two can go together."

Gu Jiu Ling hadn't expected Xiao Yin to act so swiftly, but to uncover the secret of her maternal grandfather's disappearance, the trip to Mang Shan is unavoidable.

【16】 Having finished speaking the proper business, Xiao Yin lifted his eyes to the lovely Gu Jiu Ling before him, his heart heating up a bit.

【17】 "It's getting late; rest now."

【18】 Gu Jiu Ling could hear that those three words "rest now" carried too much meaning.

【19】 Although her misunderstanding with Xiao Yin has now been cleared up, being alone together at this moment feels somewhat awkward.

【20】 Xiao Yin bent over and scooped Gu Jiu Ling up in a horizontal hold; she exclaimed, "Prince!"

【21】 "Shh!" Xiao Yin raised a finger to press against her lips, then lay down beside her still clothed.

【22】 "I know you still have some reservations about me."

【23】 "Besides, before you clung to my thigh asking to cooperate, our marriage that time doesn't count—it was all an act."

【24】 "Last time I again used shameless and despicable means, employing Miss Lin's hand to force you back to the Prince Rui's residence; that too doesn't count."

【25】 Xiao Yin drew a breath: "Once this matter is settled and the truth comes to light, I will certainly marry you again in grand style, making up for the missing bridal night."

【26】 Gu Jiu Ling ate her meal, unsure what to say; Xiao Yin spoke both what should and shouldn't be said for her.

【27】 Although she and Xiao Yin had already been intimate—even having a child—they have stumbled to this point, and much of it is misunderstanding; they have never done anything proper between husband and wife.

【28】 "Sleep, tomorrow there are still many things to do," Xiao Yin slowly raised his hand and pulled Gu Jiu Ling into his chest, gently patting her.

【29】 Gu Jiu Ling leaned against his shoulder and fell asleep.

【30】 Early the next morning, Gu Jiu Ling discovered that the person beside her was already gone, and she hurriedly sat up.

【31】 Yun Duo hurried in with people to attend to Gu Jiu Ling as she rose.

【32】 "Hasn't the Prince returned?" Gu Jiu Ling, after washing up, sat at the small table eating her meal, recalling that Xiao Yin hadn't eaten anything today.

【33】 Usually after court Xiao Yin would return to eat, but today perhaps something detained him at the palace.

【34】 Yun Duo hastily replied, "My lady, after the Prince attended court this morning, he has not returned to this point."

【35】 Gu Jiu Ling frowned slightly, not knowing what had happened again in the court.

【36】 Unless there is a major affair, Xiao Yin would surely return to keep her company for a meal.

【37】 "Yun Duo, guard the Eastern Si Ma Gate; if you see Ling Feng, ask him what exactly is going on."

【38】 "Yes!" Yun Duo turned and walked out.

【39】 At that moment, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was in an uproar.

【40】 Emperor Longqing was furiously angered by his own son Xiao Zheng, vomited several mouthfuls of blood at night, and lay there completely immobile.

【41】 That very evening, a Vice Minister of the Rites was summoned to the palace and personally instructed to write the edict.

【42】 The emperor is gravely ill; Crown Prince Xiao Ting assumes regency, and all major state affairs of Southern Qi are decided solely by him.

【43】 When this news spread, the supporters of the crown prince immediately cheered and leapt for joy.

【44】 Nowadays, among the many princes, some are young and ignorant, some are dead, some wounded, and some have stirred up scandals.

【45】 Looking over the whole of Southern Qi, only Crown Prince Xiao Ting is capable of bearing the great responsibility.

【46】 The people of the Li and Lin families are even more ready to laugh in their dreams; these years they have followed the crown prince, who was suppressed by the Third and Sixth Princes to a sorry state, but now they have finally raised their heads.

【47】 The realm of Southern Qi can only continue if it is handed over to the Crown Prince.

【48】 These days, it's only a matter of time before Xiao Ting ascends the throne.

【49】 Xiao Ting suddenly became the regent heir apparent, just one step from the throne; for a while the court officials flocked to his side, doing everything they could to curry favor.

【50】 Also, some wise people have already sensed an unusual smell in the air; they have temporarily refrained from picking sides, quietly standing aside to watch the myriad changes.

【51】 Xiao Ting wore a dark purple prince's robe, crowned with a five-beam coronet, and slowly sat in the chair beside the Dragon Desk.

【52】 Although he had not formally taken the wheelchair seat, this position beside the Dragon Desk already foreshadowed that he would soon be the future ruler of Southern Qi.

【53】 Xiao Ting had been suppressed for over a decade; now, in a single morning, he raised his brows and exhaled, his face naturally brimming with immense pride.

【54】 However, his bearing is a little lofty, but those below don't care about that; they all hope to quickly jump aboard the Crown Prince's boat.

【55】 Xiao Ting received the officials in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

【56】 Although it was not in the Hall of Eternal Peace, the smaller Hall of Mental Cultivation was already packed to capacity with the civil and military officials who could attend.

【57】 Everyone stood in ranks below the steps, raising their heads to look at Xiao Ting seated before them.

【58】 For a moment, everyone sighed, reflecting that over the years the Third and Sixth Princes had fought each other to the death, never expecting the Crown Prince to sit back and reap the fisherman's gain.

【59】 This time, Xiao Ting slowly lifted his eyes and gave a casual glance at Xiao Yin standing before him; this man is a hidden threat to him.

【60】 Xiao Ting looked at Xiao Yin and smiled benevolently: "Ninth Imperial Uncle, you have rendered meritorious service to our Southern Qi with blood and sweat. These years you have poured out your heart and blood; I see it and feel especially sorry for you. Now that governance is smooth and the people are at peace, Imperial Uncle, you may lay down your heavy burden and enjoy a few days of blessing."

After Xiao Yin finished speaking about the matter at hand, he lifted his eyes to the charming Gu Jiu Ling before him, and his heart grew a little warmer.

Translation: Having finished speaking the proper business, Xiao Yin lifted his eyes to the lovely Gu Jiu Ling before him, his heart heating up a bit.

"It's getting late; you should rest."

Translation: "It's getting late; rest now."

Gu Jiu Ling could tell that the three words "rest now" held a lot of meaning.

Translation: Gu Jiu Ling could hear that those three words "rest now" carried too much meaning.

Although her misunderstanding with Xiao Yin has been cleared up, being alone together now feels a bit awkward.

Translation: Although her misunderstanding with Xiao Yin has now been cleared up, being alone together at this moment feels somewhat awkward.

Xiao Yin bent down and scooped Gu Jiu Ling up in a horizontal hold; she exclaimed, "Your Highness!"

Translation: Xiao Yin bent over and scooped Gu Jiu Ling up in a horizontal hold; she exclaimed, "Prince!"

"Shh!" Xiao Yin raised a finger to her lips, then lay down beside her still fully clothed.

Translation: "Shh!" Xiao Yin raised a finger to press against her lips, then lay down beside her still clothed.

"I know you still have some reservations about me."

Translation: "I know you still have some reservations about me."

Besides, you once clung to my thigh, begging to cooperate with me; that wedding of ours doesn't count—it was just an act.

Translation: "Besides, before you clung to my thigh asking to cooperate, our marriage that time doesn't count—it was all an act."

Last time I again used shameless, despicable means, using Miss Lin's hand to force you back to the Prince Rui's manor; that doesn't count either.

Translation: "Last time I again used shameless and despicable means, employing Miss Lin's hand to force you back to the Prince Rui's residence; that too doesn't count."

Xiao Yin took a breath: "Once this is over and the truth comes to light, I will surely marry you again in grand style, making up for the missed bridal night."

Translation: Xiao Yin drew a breath: "Once this matter is settled and the truth comes to light, I will certainly marry you again in grand style, making up for the missing bridal night."

Gu Jiu Ling ate her meal, unsure what to say; Xiao Yin spoke for her, both what should and shouldn't be said.

Translation: Gu Jiu Ling ate her meal, unsure what to say; Xiao Yin spoke both what should and shouldn't be said for her.

Although she and Xiao Yin have already been intimate and even have a child, their bumpy journey to this point has been full of misunderstandings, and they have never actually done the things a proper married couple should.

Translation: Although she and Xiao Yin had already been intimate—even having a child—they have stumbled to this point, and much of it is misunderstanding; they have never done anything proper between husband and wife.

"Sleep, tomorrow there are still many things to do," Xiao Yin slowly lifted his hand and drew Gu Jiu Ling to his chest, gently patting her.

Sleep, tomorrow there are still many things to do, Xiao Yin slowly raised his hand and pulled Gu Jiu Ling into his embrace, gently patting her.

Sleep, tomorrow there are still many things to do, Xiao Yin slowly raised his hand and pulled Gu Jiu Ling into his chest, gently patting her.

Thus: "Sleep, tomorrow there are still many things to do," Xiao Yin slowly raised his hand and pulled Gu Jiu Ling into his chest, gently patting her.

Gu Jiu Ling leaned against his shoulder and fell asleep.

Translation: Gu Jiu Ling leaned against his shoulder and fell asleep.

The next morning, Gu Jiu Ling discovered that the person beside her was already gone, and she hurriedly got up.

Translation: Early the next morning, Gu Jiu Ling discovered that the person beside her was already gone, and she hurriedly sat up.

Yun Duo hurried in with someone and attended to Gu Jiu Ling as she rose.

Translation: Yun Duo hurried in with people to attend to Gu Jiu Ling as she rose.

"Hasn't the lord returned?" Gu Jiu Ling asked, after washing up and sitting at the small table to eat, recalling that Xiao Yin hadn't eaten anything today.

Translation: "Hasn't the Prince returned?" Gu Jiu Ling, after washing up, sat at the small table eating her meal, recalling that Xiao Yin hadn't eaten anything today.

Usually Xiao Yin would return for a meal after court, but today perhaps something is keeping him at the palace.

Translation: Usually after court Xiao Yin would return to eat, but today perhaps something detained him at the palace.

Yun Duo hurriedly replied, "My lady, the lord went to court this morning and still hasn't come back."

Translation: Yun Duo hastily replied, "My lady, after the Prince attended court this morning, he has not returned to this point."

Gu Jiu Ling frowned slightly, not knowing what had happened in the court again.

Translation: Gu Jiu Ling frowned slightly, not knowing what had happened again in the court.

Unless something major occurred, Xiao Yin would surely return to share a meal with her.

Translation: Unless there is a major affair, Xiao Yin would surely return to keep her company for a meal.

"Yun Duo, go guard the East Si Ma gate; if you see Ling Feng, ask him what's going on."

Translation: "Yun Duo, guard the Eastern Si Ma Gate; if you see Ling Feng, ask him what exactly is going on."

"Yes!" Yun Duo turned and left.

Translation: "Yes!" Yun Duo turned and walked out.

At that moment, a great commotion stirred within the Yangxin Hall.

Translation: At that moment, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was in an uproar.

The Longqing Emperor was furious with his son Xiao Zheng, vomited several times blood at night, and lay there completely immobile.

Translation: Emperor Longqing was furiously angered by his own son Xiao Zheng, vomited several mouthfuls of blood at night, and lay there completely immobile.

That very night, a vice minister of the Rites Bureau entered the palace and personally dictated the imperial edict.

Translation: That very evening, a Vice Minister of the Rites was summoned to the palace and personally instructed to write the edict.

The emperor is gravely ill; Crown Prince Xiao Ting is regent, and all major state affairs of Southern Qi are decided solely by him.

Translation: The emperor is gravely ill; Crown Prince Xiao Ting assumes regency, and all major state affairs of Southern Qi are decided solely by him.

When this news spread, the crown prince's faction erupted in cheers and joy.

Translation: When this news spread, the supporters of the crown prince immediately cheered and leapt for joy.

Nowadays, among the many princes, they are either ignorant youths, or dead, wounded, or embroiled in scandal.

Translation: Nowadays, among the many princes, some are young and ignorant, some are dead, some wounded, and some have stirred up scandals.

Looking over the whole of Southern Qi, only Crown Prince Xiao Ting is capable of shouldering the great responsibility.

Looking over the whole of Southern Qi, only Crown Prince Xiao Ting is capable of bearing the great responsibility.

The Li and Lin families were practically bursting with laughter; for years they had followed the crown prince, who had been crushed by the third and sixth princes, but now they finally could raise their heads.

Translation: The people of the Li and Lin families are even more ready to laugh in their dreams; these years they have followed the crown prince, who was suppressed by the Third and Sixth Princes to a sorry state, but now they have finally raised their heads.

Only by handing the realm of Southern Qi to the crown prince can it continue.

Translation: The realm of Southern Qi can only continue if it is handed over to the Crown Prince.

It's only a matter of time before Xiao Ting ascends the throne.

Translation: These days, it's only a matter of time before Xiao Ting ascends the throne.

Xiao Ting suddenly became the regent heir; just one step away from the throne, and for a while the court flocked to his side, doing everything possible to curry favor.

Translation: Xiao Ting suddenly became the regent heir apparent, just one step from the throne; for a while the court officials flocked to his side, doing everything they could to curry favor.

Some perceptive individuals have already sensed the unusual atmosphere; they remain neutral for now, quietly observing the myriad changes.

Translation: Also, some wise people have already sensed an unusual smell in the air; they have temporarily refrained from picking sides, quietly standing aside to watch the myriad changes.

Xiao Ting wore a deep purple prince's robe, donned a five‑beam crown, and slowly sat in the chair beside the dragon steps.

Translation: Xiao Ting wore a dark purple prince's robe, crowned with a five-beam coronet, and slowly sat in the chair beside the Dragon Desk.

Although he wasn't formally seated in a wheelchair, this place beside the dragon table already foreshadowed that he would soon become the ruler of Southern Qi.

Translation: Although he had not formally taken the wheelchair seat, this position beside the Dragon Desk already foreshadowed that he would soon be the future ruler of Southern Qi.

After being suppressed for over a decade, Xiao Ting now finally could raise his head, his face naturally brimming with pride.

Translation: Xiao Ting had been suppressed for over a decade; now, in a single morning, he raised his brows and exhaled, his face naturally brimming with immense pride.

Though his bearing is a little lofty, those beneath don't care; they all hope to quickly jump aboard the crown prince's boat.

Translation: However, his bearing is a little lofty, but those below don't care about that; they all hope to quickly jump aboard the Crown Prince's boat.

Xiao Ting received the officials in the Yangxin Hall.

Translation: Xiao Ting received the officials in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Although it wasn't the Yongtai Hall, the relatively small Yangxin Hall was already packed to capacity with the civil and military officials who could attend.

Translation: Although it was not in the Hall of Eternal Peace, the smaller Hall of Mental Cultivation was already packed to capacity with the civil and military officials who could attend.

Everyone stood in ranks below the steps, lifting their heads to look at Xiao Ting seated before them.

Translation: Everyone stood in ranks below the steps, raising their heads to look at Xiao Ting seated before them.

For a moment, everyone sighed, reflecting that while the third and sixth princes had been fighting each other to the death, no one expected the crown prince to reap the benefits like a fisherman.

Translation: For a moment, everyone sighed, reflecting that over the years the Third and Sixth Princes had fought each other to the death, never expecting the Crown Prince to sit back and reap the fisherman's gain.

This time, Xiao Ting slowly lifted his gaze and gave a casual glance at Xiao Yin standing before him—this man was a thorn in his side.

Translation: This time, Xiao Ting slowly lifted his eyes and gave a casual glance at Xiao Yin standing before him; this man is a hidden threat to him.

Xiao Ting looked at Xiao Yin and smiled warmly: "Imperial Uncle, you have laid down meritorious service for our Southern Qi with blood and sweat. Over the years you have given your all, and I feel especially sorry for you. Now that the realm is peaceful and the people prosperous, you may lay down your burdens and enjoy a few days of rest."

Translation: Xiao Ting looked at Xiao Yin and smiled benevolently: "Ninth Imperial Uncle, you have rendered meritorious service to our Southern Qi with blood and sweat. These years you have poured out your heart and blood; I see it and feel especially sorry for you. Now that governance is smooth and the people are at peace, Imperial Uncle, you may lay down your heavy burden and enjoy a few days of blessing."

Imperial Uncle

Now ensure each line is a single line, starting with 【N】 and a space then translation.

Let's produce.

The command authority over the Rui Wangfu's imperial guard and the Azure Dragon Army— the Imperial Guard side no longer needs to be managed by the Imperial Uncle; go back and properly look after your health, that is the most crucial point, after all the Imperial Uncle is getting older and should rest.

As soon as the Crown Prince's words fell, the officials standing below changed countenance dramatically, all turning to look at Xiao Yin standing in front.

What a fellow! This Crown Prince is truly formidable.

With the first sword of the upper position, he thrust it toward his own Ninth Imperial Uncle.