Chapter 116

In the conference hall of the Wang Family fortress, the atmosphere was so stagnant it seemed water could be wrung out.

Interpretation: In the conference hall of the Wang family fortress, the atmosphere was so stagnant it seemed water could be wrung out.

In the conference hall of the Wang Family fortress, the atmosphere was so stagnant it seemed water could be wrung out.

On either side of the sandalwood long table sat the Wang Family's core members; the white‑haired elders wore dark brocade robes, hands folded on their knees, brows furrowed, while the younger generation and academy elites sat upright, their eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness.

Translate: "On either side of the sandalwood long table sat the core members of the Wang Family, the white-haired elders dressed in dark brocade robes, hands folded on their knees, brows furrowed; while the younger generation of disciples and academy elites sat upright, their eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and unease."

In the Wang Family academy, the disciples studied.

When Wang Po (Wang Xiu) again mentioned the four characters "overseas expansion," the elders' long‑suppressed doubts burst forth like a flood breaking through a dam.

Translate: "When Wang Po (Wang Xiu) again mentioned the four words 'overseas expansion,' the elders' long-suppressed doubts finally burst forth like a flood breaking through a dam."

For those elders accustomed to tilling the Central Plains, abandoning a promising and highly attainable throne to venture into the unknown and perilous overseas seas seemed utterly unreasonable.

Translate: "For the elders accustomed to tilling this Zhongyuan land, to give up a promising and highly probable throne and instead venture into the unknown and perilous overseas seas was utterly unreasonable."

Need to keep "Zhongyuan". Use exactly.

"Lord! Please reconsider! We are the orthodox Huaxia, always rooted in the Central Plains! To abandon the fundamentals and pursue barbaric lands would surely shake the foundations of our Wang Family!"

Translate: "Head of Family! Please reconsider! We are the orthodox Huaxia, anciently rooted in Zhongyuan! To abandon the root and chase the fringe, to develop those barbarian lands, would surely shake the foundation of our Wang Family!"

We need "Head of Family" exactly. Also "Zhongyuan". Keep.

"Yes, lord! As descendants of the Wang Family who have farmed and studied for generations, how could we join those barbarian outsiders?"

Translate: "Yes, Head of Family! Our Wang Family descendants have generations of farming and scholarship; how could we join those barbarian peoples?"

When Wang Po (Wang Xiu) first proposed developing overseas territories, everyone was indeed stunned by his vision and blueprint, but after calming down, most raised objections.

Translate: "When Wang Po (Wang Xiu) first raised the idea of developing overseas, everyone was indeed stunned by his vision and the blueprint he sketched. But after calming down, most of them raised objections."

Facing these doubts, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) neither lost his temper nor forcibly suppressed them.

Translate: "Facing these doubts, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) neither lost his temper nor forcibly suppressed them."

He understood that changing minds requires both time and method.

Translate: "He knew that a change in mindset requires both time and method."

Three days later, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) convened another closed‑door meeting; the conference hall no longer held its usual tables and chairs, but instead displayed rows of wooden crates and shelves.

Translate: "Three days later, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) convened another closed-door meeting. In the conference hall, the usual tables and chairs were replaced by wooden crates and shelves."

Wang Po first summoned the workshop manager, who held a delicate copper instrument; its compass steadily pointed south, beside it lay a set of thin wooden star‑guiding boards.

Translate: "Wang Po first called for the workshop manager, who held in his hands a refined copper instrument; its central compass needle steadily pointed south, and beside it lay a set of star-guiding boards made of thin wood sheets."

He held a compass and a star-guiding board.

"Please look," the manager said loudly, "this is our newly developed nautical instrument. The compass determines direction, the star‑guiding board measures stellar altitude to fix latitude, and with an improved sea chart, even on the boundless ocean we can pinpoint our location without fear of getting lost."

Translate: "\"Please look, \" the manager said loudly, \"this is the newly developed nautical instrument. The compass determines direction, the star-guiding board establishes latitude by measuring stellar altitude, and together with an improved sea chart, even on the boundless ocean one can pinpoint location precisely, no longer fearing getting lost. \"

Next, the academy teacher stepped forward, holding paper, pen, and star chart, and gave a detailed explanation of how astronomical observation and mathematical calculation apply to navigation.

Translate: "Next, the academy teacher stepped forward, holding paper, pen, and a star map, and gave a detailed explanation of how astronomical observation and mathematical calculation are applied to navigation."

Need to keep "Star Map" exactly as glossary. So "star map" should be capitalized? The glossary says "Star Map". Use exactly that term. So "Star Map". We'll use "Star Map". So: "holding paper, pen, and a Star Map".

"By measuring the altitude of the North Star, we can calculate our latitude; combined with the regular motions of the sun and moon, we can determine sailing distance…" The teacher spoke while working out the figures on paper, turning complex theory into clear, easy‑to‑understand explanations that left the audience in awe.

Translate: "\"By measuring the altitude of the North Star, one can calculate the latitude; combined with the regularities of the sun and moon's motion, the voyage distance can be determined…\" The teacher spoke while working out calculations on paper; complex theory became clear and easy to understand under his explanation, leaving everyone present in awe."

Subsequently, Wang Tian, accompanied by the intelligence department, opened the wooden crates. Instantly, a rich aroma of spices filled the hall; the boxes were packed with precious pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and other fragrant goods, their bright colors and pungent scent filling the air.

Translate: "Then Wang Tian brought the intelligence department personnel and opened the wooden crates one by one. Instantly, a rich aroma of spices filled the hall; the boxes were packed with precious spices such as pepper, cloves, and nutmeg, their colors vivid and their fragrance pungent;"

Another crate held assorted gemstones—rubies blazing like fire, sapphires like the deep sea, glittering under the lights. Besides these, stacks of yellowed scrolls lay inside, detailing the sea routes, products, customs, and peoples of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, even marking the approximate locations of the legendary "Land of Gold" and "Spice Islands."

Translate: "Another crate held assorted gemstones—rubies like blazing fire, sapphires like the deep sea—glittering brightly under the lights. Moreover, there were stacks of yellowed scrolls detailing the sea routes, products, and local customs of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, even marking the approximate locations of the legendary 'Land of Gold' and 'Spice Islands'."

The elders who had initially shaken their heads in disbelief now had their eyes drawn to the spices and gems; their gaze shifted from doubt to astonishment, and finally to greed and desire.

Translate: "The elders who had been shaking their heads in sighs had their gazes instantly captured by the spices and gems; their eyes shifted from initial doubt to shock, and finally filled with greed and yearning."

One could not resist stepping forward, picking up a ruby that felt cold to the touch and deep in color, murmuring, "Such a precious gem actually comes from overseas?" He leaned over the scroll, examining the record; upon seeing that the Spice Islands produce hundreds of thousands of bushels of pepper each year, his breath quickened, for in the Central Plains pepper is a luxury worth its weight in gold.

Translate: "One of them could not restrain himself, stepped forward, picked up a ruby—cool to the hand, deep in color—and muttered, 'Such a precious treasure, could it actually be produced overseas?' He leaned over the scroll, examining the record; upon seeing 'the Spice Islands yield hundreds of thousands of dan of pepper annually,' his breathing quickened, for in Zhongyuan pepper was a luxury worth its weight in gold."

Need to keep "Zhongyuan". Also "dan" is a unit; keep as is.

At this moment, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) stepped forward, scanned the crowd, and spoke slowly: "Uncles and aunts, you have just seen that overseas is not a barbaric wilderness but a fertile land teeming with endless treasures. The throne of the Central Plains may look glorious, but it is actually a mire."

Translate: "At this moment, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the assembled, and spoke slowly: 'Uncles and aunts, you have just seen that overseas is not a barbaric wilderness but a fertile land teeming with endless treasures. The throne of Zhongyuan appears glorious, yet it is nothing but a mire.'"

Zhu Youzhen and the other northern warlords all eyed the throne hungrily; whoever sat upon it would be ensnared by the Central Plains' tangled power relations and deep‑rooted traditions, ultimately falling into endless warfare and internal drain, worn down to exhaustion.

Translate: "Zhu Youzhen and the other northern warlords all eyed the throne hungrily; whoever sat upon it would be entangled by Zhongyuan's intricate power relations and deep-rooted traditions, ultimately falling into endless warfare and internal drain, being dragged down and exhausted."

He paused, then his voice grew firmer: "But the ocean is an open road. In the Central Plains, challenging existing rules makes us a thorn in everyone's side; yet overseas we can forge new territories and become the rule‑makers."

Translate: "He paused, his voice growing firmer: 'But the sea is an open road. In Zhongyuan, challenging the existing rules makes us a thorn in every faction's side; yet overseas we can pioneer new lands and become the rule‑makers!'"

"I am not abandoning Jiangnan; it remains the Wang Family's ancestral homeland and our steadfast stronghold. Marching north at most would merely recreate a Han or Tang dynasty, but by expanding east and south into the overseas realms we could create a never‑before‑seen, ever‑lasting Wang Family empire!"

Translate: "I am not abandoning Jiangnan; Jiangnan forever remains the Wang Family's ancestral land, our solid backing. Marching north at most would merely recreate a Han or a Tang, but by heading east and south to develop overseas we could create an unprecedented, never‑setting‑sun Wang Family!"

"Though the elders did not grasp the three words 'sun‑never‑setting,' the four words 'without precedent' left a deep impression on each heart. Wang Po's words struck like thunder, igniting the younger generation's passion."

Translate: "The three words 'never‑setting' may have been unfamiliar to the elders, but the four words 'without precedent' left a deep imprint on every heart. Wang Po's words struck like thunder, exploding in everyone's ears and completely igniting the fire in the younger generation's hearts."

The academy's disciples gazed at the huge world map hanging on the wall; the vast ocean and unknown lands filled them with curiosity and a desire to conquer, and they shouted excitedly, "We wish to follow the lord in developing overseas!" and "Let us create an unprecedented achievement!"

Translate: "The academy disciples gazed at the huge world map hanging on the wall; the vast ocean and unknown lands depicted filled their eyes with curiosity and a desire to conquer the unknown, and they shouted excitedly: 'We wish to follow the Head of Family in developing overseas!' 'Create an unprecedented achievement!'"

Need to keep "Head of Family". Also "Head of Family" is glossary term.

The elders looked at the scene before them, recalled the precious spices and gems, and their doubts gradually faded. Ultimately, under Wang Po's strong push and the fervent backing of the youth, the "overseas expansion" strategy was formally established as the Wang Family's supreme future policy.

Translate: "The elders looked at the scene before them, recalled the precious spices and gems, and their doubts gradually faded. Ultimately, under Wang Po's strong push and the fervent support of the younger generation, the 'overseas expansion' strategy was formally established as the Wang Family's supreme future decision."

Having settled the internal ideological issue, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) turned his attention to the external political environment. He knew that after defeating the Liang army, the Wang Family had become the greatest potential threat in the eyes of the northern warlords. If their concerns were not allayed, the Wang Family's overseas plan would be hard to carry out, so he personally penned a proclamation titled "Message to the Heroes of the World."

Translate: "Having settled the internal ideological issue, Wang Po (Wang Xiu) turned his gaze to the external political environment. He knew that after the Wang Family's great defeat of the Liang army, they had become the biggest potential threat in the eyes of the northern warlords. If their suspicions were not allayed, the Wang Family's overseas plan would be hard to carry out; thus he personally wrote a proclamation titled 'Announcement to the Heroes of the World'."

Need to keep "Liang" as is? It's a dynasty name; translate? Not in glossary; we can translate as "Liang". It's a proper noun but not a person name; we should translate meaning? It's a dynasty name; we could keep as "Liang" (pinyin) but it's a proper noun; but rule says for place names that are a bare surname/meaningless proper noun we romanize. "Liang" is a dynasty name; it's meaningful? It means "Liang". Usually we keep as "Liang". I'd keep as "Liang". Similarly "Liang army" maybe "Liang forces". We'll translate as "Liang army". Keep.

The Wang Family

Translate: "The Wang Family's printing workshop ran day and night, churning out hundreds of thousands of copies of the proclamation. These proclamations spread via caravans, messengers, refugees and other channels, quickly reaching every corner of the world—from the prosperous Kaifeng Prefecture to remote Shu, and then to northern Youzhou—so that hardly anyone was unaware of the Wang Family's proclamation."

Need to keep "Kaifeng Prefecture" exactly. Also "Shu" is a region; translate as "Shu". "Youzhou" keep as is? It's a place name; we can keep pinyin? It's a historical region; but not in glossary; we could translate as "Youzhou". Keep.

The proclamation was eloquent and heartfelt, every word striking deep. It opened by denouncing Zhu Youzhen as 'lawless' and 'foolish': 'Zhu Youzhen is dim and incompetent, ignoring the northern Khitan threat, disregarding the suffering of the Central Plains' people, rashly launching a southern campaign—actually endangering the state's altars, venting the rage of a petty man! This has left the Central Plains deserted, refugees scattered everywhere, the people suffering, crimes unforgivable!'

Translate: "The proclamation's literary style was splendid and sincere, every word striking the heart. Its opening passage denounced Zhu Youzhen's 'lack of virtue' and 'foolishness': 'Zhu Youzhen is dim-witted and incompetent, ignoring the northern Khitan threat, disregarding the suffering of the Zhongyuan populace, and rashly launching a southern campaign—this is nothing less than placing the state's altars in jeopardy for the sake of personal rage! It has left Zhongyuan empty, refugees scattered across the fields, the people suffering, crimes unforgivable!'"

Need to keep "Zhongyuan". Also "Khitan" keep as is.

Next, Wang Po declared the Wang family's stance of 'forced self-defense': 'Our Wang clan has long resided in Jiangnan, originally loyal subjects of the Great Liang (Great Tang), seeking only to settle in a corner, to guard a piece of land for His Majesty, and let the people of Jiangnan live in peace and prosperity.'

Translate: "Next, Wang Po articulated the Wang Family's stance of 'forced self-defense': 'Our Wang clan has long dwelt in Jiangnan, originally loyal subjects of the Liang (Tang) dynasty, seeking only to settle in a corner, to guard a parcel of land for Your Majesty, and to let the Jiangnan people live in peace and prosperity.'"

Need to keep "Your Majesty". Also "Liang (Tang)" we keep as is.

However, Zhu Youzhen listened to slander, acted perversely, repeatedly launched southern campaigns, harming the people of our Jiangnan. The Wang family, seeking self-preservation and to protect the Jiangnan populace, reluctantly counterattacked, decisively defeating the Liang forces—an unavoidable measure.

Translate: "Yet Zhu Youzhen listened to slander, acted perversely, repeatedly launched southern invasions, harming our Jiangnan compatriots. The Wang Family, in order to protect itself and the Jiangnan people, reluctantly struck back, dealt a crushing blow to the Liang army—truly a reluctant measure."

The most crucial part is the proclamation's conclusion, where Wang Po solemnly announced to the world: 'Now the Zhu clan is lawless; all under heaven shall unite to strike them. Heroes abound in the north; the one destined by heaven will naturally arise, unify the realm, and bring peace to the Central Plains.'

Translate: "The most crucial part is the proclamation's conclusion, where Wang Po solemnly declared to the world: 'Now Zhu is devoid of virtue; let all under heaven jointly attack him. Heroes abound in the north; surely the one destined by Heaven will appear, unify the realm, and pacify Zhongyuan.'"

Our Wang clan has been born and raised in Jiangnan, our hearts tied to its land and waters; we do not wish to contend northward. We desire to take the Yangtze River as a boundary, forever maintaining peace with the northern heroes, mutually non-aggressive.

Translate: "Our Wang clan has been born and raised in Jiangnan, our hearts set on its land and waters; we do not wish to contend northward. We desire to take the Yangtze River as a boundary, to maintain eternal friendship with the northern heroes, and to refrain from infringing upon each other."

Need to keep "Yangtze River"? Not in glossary; translate as "Yangtze River". "Yangtze" is a proper noun but we can translate meaning? It's a river name; we can translate as "Yangtze River". Keep.

From then on, the Wang family will have no part in any northern warfare; for any refugees fleeing south, we will take them in, provide food and clothing, and help them settle. We only wish for the world to be pacified soon, so the people may escape war and live in peace and prosperity. Should a mighty ruler arise one day, unifying the north, the Wang family could bow as vassals, return most of Jiangnan's territory, seeking only the safety of Jiangnan's people.

Translate: "From now on, we shall not involve ourselves in any northern warfare; any southern‑crossing civilians we will uniformly shelter, providing food and clothing to help them settle. We only wish that the world be pacified soon, so that the people may stay clear of war and live in peace and prosperity. Should a mighty lord arise one day to unify the north, our Wang Family may also bow as vassal, return most of Jiangnan's territory, seeking only the safety of the Jiangnan people."

When this proclamation was issued, the world stirred again. Residents of Kaifeng vied to read and discuss it; northern warlords, upon receiving it, were first shocked, then breathed a sigh of relief.

Translate: "When this proclamation appeared, the world erupted in an uproar again. Residents of Kaifeng Prefecture vied to read and discuss it, opinions diverging; the northern warlords, upon receiving it, were first shocked, then breathed a sigh of relief."

They had expected the Wang family to press northward after victory, contending for the realm; yet the Wang family voluntarily abandoned a northern advance and pledged the Yangtze as a boundary, mutual non-aggression—this undoubtedly dispelled their worries. Even those forces harboring hostility toward the Wang family could not help but admire Wang Po's magnanimity and foresight.

Translate: "They had expected the Wang Family to press northward after victory, contending with them for the realm; now the Wang Family voluntarily relinquished a northern advance and pledged the Yangtze as a boundary, mutually non‑infringing—this undoubtedly dispelled their worries. Even forces hostile to the Wang Family could not help but admire Wang Po's breadth of vision and foresight."

Some praised the Wang family for 'understanding the greater good, putting the people first,' while others lamented that they 'missed the golden opportunity to seize the throne.' Yet more people expressed understanding of their choice, given the years of warfare; the people longed for stability, and the Wang family's proclamation perfectly aligned with popular sentiment.

Translate: "Some praised the Wang Family for 'understanding the greater good and putting the people first,' while others lamented that they had 'missed the fine opportunity to seize the throne,' but more people expressed understanding of the Wang Family's choice, for after years of warfare the populace longed for stability, and this proclamation precisely accorded with popular sentiment."

Wang Po (Wang Xiu) then used this proclamation to secure a valuable external environment for the Wang family's 'overseas expansion' strategy, thus launching the grand plan concerning the family's future.

Translate: "And Wang Po (Wang Xiu) used this proclamation to secure a precious external environment for the Wang Family's 'overseas expansion' strategy, thus opening the curtain on a grand plan concerning the family's future."

Of course, some suspected this was a delaying tactic by the Wang family.

Translate: "Of course, some suspected that this was the Wang Family's stalling tactic."

But for the warlords locked in fierce combat in the Central Plains, this was undoubtedly wonderful news.

Translate: "But for the warlords locked in fierce combat in Zhongyuan, this was undoubtedly great news."

Especially the Prince of Jin, Li Cunxu.

Translate: "Especially the Prince of Jin, Li Cunxu."

Need to keep "Li Cunxu" as per glossary? Not given; it's a person name; we should romanize as "Li Cunxu". Use exactly that.

He was worried, wondering how to face the now stronger Wang family to the south after destroying the Later Liang.

Translate: "He was worried, wondering how, after destroying the Later Liang, to face the now even stronger Wang Family to the south."

Now, the Wang family has declared they are withdrawing; he was overjoyed beyond expectation.

Translate: "Now the Wang Family has declared it will not play anymore, and he is overjoyed."

'Excellent! Splendid Wang Po!' Li Cunxu looked at the proclamation in his hand, clapped his hands and laughed loudly, 'This man possesses the courage of a hegemon and the wisdom of Fan Li! Not to be his enemy is my great fortune!'

Translate: "\"Excellent! What a Wang Po! \" Li Cunxu looked at the proclamation in his hand, clapped his hands and laughed loudly, 'This man possesses the courage of a hegemon and the wisdom of Fan Li! Not to be his enemy is my great fortune!'"

He immediately sent envoys bearing the most precious gifts to Jiangnan, formally establishing the Yangtze River boundary with the Wang family, and, submitting a memorial to the court (which he himself controlled), had Wang Po invested as Prince of Wu, overseeing all military and civil affairs in Jiangnan.

Translate: "He immediately dispatched envoys bearing the most precious gifts to Jiangnan, where they formally agreed to divide rule along the river with the Wang Family, and furthermore submitted a memorial to the court (which he himself controlled), bestowing upon Wang Po the title 'Prince of Wu' and appointing him to oversee all military and civil affairs of Jiangnan."

Keep 'court' as the glossary term, and translate the title as 'Prince of Wu'.

This amounted to an official recognition that the Wang family held an independent kingdom in Jiangnan.

Translate: "This amounted to an official recognition of the Wang Family's independent kingdom status in Jiangnan."

When Yang Xingmi of Huainan saw the proclamation, the heavy stone in his heart finally fell.

Translate: "And Yang Xingmi of Huainan, upon seeing this proclamation, finally had the heavy stone in his heart set down."

Although the title 'Prince of Wu' made him uncomfortable—since he had long considered himself the leader of the Wu region—he knew he no longer had the standing to contend with the Wang family.

Translate: "Although the title 'Prince of Wu' made him feel uneasy—for he had always considered himself the chief of the Wu region—he knew he no longer had the standing to contend with the Wang Family."

He could only bear it, likewise sending envoys to the newly appointed Prince of Wu to offer congratulations and submission.

Translate: "He could only bear it grudgingly, likewise sending envoys to the newly appointed Prince of Wu to convey congratulations and submission."

Thus Wang Po's (Wang Xiu's) single proclamation dispelled the shared enmity of the heroes across the land.

Translate: "Thus, Wang Po (Wang Xiu)'s single proclamation dispelled the common enmity of the world's heroes."

The northern warlords, though not wholly abandoning their suspicions of the south, would not launch a concerted attack on the Wang family, but would continue their unfinished 'chicken-eating contest'.

Translate: "The northern warlords, though not entirely having let down their guard against the south, would not launch a concerted attack on the Wang Family; instead they would continue their unfinished 'chicken‑eating grand tournament'."

Need to keep "chicken‑eating grand tournament"? It's a metaphor; we translate meaning: "chicken‑eating grand tournament". Keep quotes? We'll keep as is.

Thus the Wang family could close its doors and calmly carry out its vast overseas plan unknown to outsiders.

Translate: "Thus the Wang Family could close its doors and calmly carry out its vast overseas plan unknown to outsiders."

Wang Tian gazed at the ceaseless tribute and envoys arriving from the northern lords, his admiration for the lord's decisions reaching wholehearted reverence.

Translate: "Wang Tian gazed at the incessant stream of congratulatory gifts and envoys from the northern lords, and in his heart he admired the Head of Family's judgment to the point of wholehearted conviction."

Need to keep "Head of Family". Also "Head of Family's judgment". Good.

And Wang Po (Wang Xiu) was standing before that huge world map, using a vermilion brush to draw a big circle on an island in the east.