Chapter 1118

Hu Xiaotian said: "Forced into this, I had to defend myself; actually, my situation is harder than ever. Outsiders only see my outward glory, but who knows the hardships I truly endure!"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Forced into a corner, I acted in self-defense; actually, my situation is harder than ever. Outsiders only see my outward prosperity—who knows the real hardship I endure!"

We need to keep as single line. Ensure we keep quotes? Probably keep Chinese quotes replaced with English quotes? We can keep double quotes. We'll output: 【1】 Hu Xiaotian said: "Forced into a corner, I acted in self-defense; actually, my situation is harder than ever. Outsiders only see my outward prosperity—who knows the real hardship I endure!"

Fan Zongxi chuckled and said: "Sir Hu, you've already captured Donglo Granary, which is one of the seven major granaries of Da Yong." In other words, don't pretend poverty with me; we're all sensible people.

Translation: Fan Zongxi chuckled: "Sir Hu, you've already captured Donglo Granary—Donglo Granary is one of Da Yong's seven major granaries." The implication was: don't cry poverty to me; we're all sensible people.

We need to keep as single line.

Hu Xiaotian sensed that Fan Zongxi still had more to say, and smiled: "Brother Fan, you don't know the exact situation here; others think I seized Donglo Granary and took all its grain, but when we attacked, Da Yong set fire to the grain storehouse, burning more than half the grain inside Donglo Granary. Although we tried desperately to salvage, what we rescued was merely a drop in the bucket." Anticipating that Fan Zongxi might be asking for grain on behalf of the court, Hu Xiaotian preemptively cut him off.

Hu Xiaotian sensed Fan Zongxi had more to say, and smiled: "Brother Fan, you don't know the exact situation here; others think I seized Donglo Granary and took all its grain, but when we attacked, Da Yong set fire to the grain storehouse, burning over half the grain inside Donglo Granary. Though we tried desperately to salvage, what we rescued was merely a drop in the bucket." Anticipating that Fan Zongxi might be asking for grain on behalf of the court, Hu Xiaotian preemptively blocked his request.

We need to keep as single line.

Fan Zongxi sucked in a breath of cold air, his expression showing some regret: "How could this happen? Sir Hu, to be frank, besides this visit, I have another matter to convey: the granaries in Kangdu are running low, and the emperor orders you to allocate 100,000 shi of grain to the capital for emergency relief."

Translation: Fan Zongxi sucked in a breath of cold air, his expression showing regret: "How could this be? Sir Hu, to be frank, besides this matter, the Zajia has another item to convey: Kangdu is running low on grain, and the Emperor orders you to allocate 100,000 dan of grain to the capital for relief."

Hu Xiaotian silently cursed, "Long Xuan'en, Long Xuan'en, you really have the appetite of a lion—just opening your mouth demands 100,000 shi; one shi equals 120 jin, so 100,000 shi is 12 million jin. Where am I supposed to get that much grain? Even if I had none, even if I had some, I couldn't give it to you; this grain is what I painstakingly seized—why should I hand it over to you?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian cursed silently: "Long Xuan'en, Long Xuan'en, you really opened your mouth like a lion—one mouthful is 100,000 dan, one dan equals 120 jin, so 100,000 dan is 12 million jin. Where am I supposed to get that much grain for you? Even if there were none, even if there were, I couldn't give it to you; this grain I painstakingly seized—why should I hand it over to you?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Did the emperor really say that?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Did the Emperor really say that?"

Fan Zongxi nodded: "Absolutely true!" He certainly wouldn't dare lie about such a big matter. From Hu Xiaotian's earlier words, Fan Zongxi realized he could hardly agree to the emperor's demand; it seems he may return empty-handed this time.

Translation: Fan Zongxi nodded: "Absolutely certain!" He certainly wouldn't dare lie about such a big matter. From Hu Xiaotian's earlier words, Fan Zongxi realized he could hardly easily agree to the Emperor's demand; it seemed he might return empty-handed this time.

Hu Xiaotian said: "There's definitely no 100,000 shi available, but since the emperor has spoken, as his subject I cannot but share his concern. Brother Fan, what do you think of this: the revenue and grain recently collected at Donglo Granary haven't been fully tallied yet; I'll have people expedite the count, and whatever the amount, I'll allocate half to send to the emperor."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "There's definitely no 100,000 dan, but since the Emperor has spoken, as his subject I cannot but share his worry. Brother Fan, what do you think of this: the revenue and grain recently collected at Donglo Granary haven't been fully tallied yet; I'll have people expedite the statistics, and whatever the amount, I'll allocate half to send to the Emperor."

Fan Zongxi understood it was just an excuse. Yet the initiative lay in Hu Xiaotian's hands; he was merely a messenger, and even if Hu Xiaotian gave him not a single grain, there was nothing he could do. Hearing that Hu Xiaotian promised to share half the grain with the capital, Fan Zongxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief—at least his trip wasn't in vain. He could now report back to the emperor.

Translation: Fan Zongxi understood inwardly it was just an excuse. Yet the initiative lay in Hu Xiaotian's hands; he was merely a messenger, and even if Hu Xiaotian gave him not a single grain, he could do nothing. Hearing that Hu Xiaotian promised to send half the grain to the capital, Fan Zongxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief—at least his trip wasn't in vain. He could now report back to the Emperor.

Upon learning Fan Zongxi's purpose, Hu Xiaotian no longer regarded him as important; he had Li Mingcheng arrange for Fan Zongxi to rest, and had Gao Yuan recall Remy Tianxing and Zhan Peng.

Translation: Having learned Fan Zongxi's purpose, Hu Xiaotian no longer took him as seriously, had Li Mingcheng arrange for Fan Zongxi to rest, and also had Gao Yuan summon Yu Tianxing and Zhan Peng back.

Zhan Peng, upon hearing that the court had sent someone to demand grain, felt indignant and exclaimed: "When the Da Yong army attacked, they didn't show their faces; now that we've seized Donglo Granary, everyone rushes over asking for grain. My lord has painstakingly achieved today's victory—are we really supposed to hand over this hard-won grain?"

Translation: Upon hearing that the court had sent people to demand grain, Zhan Peng felt indignant and exclaimed: "When Da Yong's army attacked earlier, they didn't show their faces; now that we've seized Donglo Granary, everyone rushes over asking for grain. Our lord has painstakingly achieved today's victory—are we really supposed to hand over this hard-won grain?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "It's audacious of the emperor to open his mouth—he owes the Yongjiang navy their provisions and hasn't paid them. Now he reaches out to us for grain, and his first demand is 100,000 shi."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "It's hard to believe the Emperor can open his mouth—he owes the Yong River Navy its provisions and hasn't paid them. Now he reaches out to us for grain, opening with a demand of 100,000 dan."

Remy Tianxing, upon hearing that figure, was stunned: "100,000 shi?"

Translation: Yu Tianxing also gaped at the figure: "100,000 dan?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "That's enough to feed 50,000 people comfortably for a year."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "That's enough to feed fifty thousand people comfortably for a year."

Remy Tianxing asked: "My lord, do you intend to accede to the emperor's demand?"

Translation: Yu Tianxing asked: "Does our lord intend to accede to the Emperor's demand?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Fan Zongxi didn't bring an imperial edict; he only carried the emperor's verbal order, which counts for nothing. The emperor certainly doesn't approve of our two victories, but he can't reach us and dares not punish me, so he's trying this—sending Fan Zongxi is more about probing: he asks me for grain, and if I give him some, perhaps we'll gain a brief respite; if I refuse, he might devise some other scheme against us."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Fan Zongxi came without an imperial edict, only bearing the Emperor's oral decree—such a thing counts for nothing. The Emperor surely disapproves of our two battles, but he can't reach us and dares not punish me, so he resorted to this: sending Fan Zongxi is more important as a probe, to see if I'll give grain. If I do, perhaps we can buy a short peace; if I don't, he might yet devise some nasty scheme against us."

Zhan Peng said: "Actually, given the court's current state, even if they wanted to deal with our lord, they'd be willing but unable." After securing Donglo Granary and obtaining ample grain, Hu Xiaotian's troops also gained confidence.

Translation: Zhan Peng said: "Actually, given the court's present state, even if they wanted to deal with our lord, they'd be willing but unable." After securing Donglo Granary and obtaining ample grain, Hu Xiaotian's troops also gained confidence.

Remy Tianxing said: "That's not right; the fact that Da Yong has sent an envoy today shows they aren't eager to launch a third battle immediately, but wish to resolve the crisis through negotiation. I've heard the Black Hu are training their troops on the northern frontier, preparing for a southern advance next spring. I believe they've abandoned immediate retaliation precisely because of this. Our lord should first clarify the purpose of the Da Yong envoy's visit, then decide how to respond. Although the court's demands are excessive, for now we cannot openly break with them, and our lord's current strength cannot withstand a war on two fronts."

Translation: Yu Tianxing said: "That's not right to say; Da Yong's envoy today shows they aren't rushing to launch a third war immediately, but seek negotiation to resolve the current crisis. I've heard the Black Hu are mustering troops in Bei Jiang, preparing a strong southward advance next spring. I believe their reason for shelving immediate retaliation is precisely this. Our lord should first clarify the purpose of Da Yong's envoy's visit, then decide how to respond. Although the court's demands are excessive, for now we cannot openly break with them, and our lord's current strength cannot withstand a situation of being attacked from both front and rear."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "I'm also worried about this. Da Yong's lack of haste for revenge doesn't mean they accept defeat; the Black Hu threat in the north is one factor, and the new Da Yong emperor's unstable foothold after his accession is another. These two defeats likely have caused a crisis of trust for him domestically; Xue DaoHong probably realizes this, which is why he's temporarily shelved revenge to first consolidate his rule."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "I'm also worried about this. Da Yong not rushing revenge doesn't mean they accept defeat; the Black Hu threat in the north is one factor, and the new Da Yong monarch's unstable foothold after accession is another. These two defeats likely caused a trust crisis for him domestically; Xue Daohong must have realized this, so he temporarily shelved revenge to first stabilize his rule."

Remy Tianxing said: "That's actually good news for our lord."

Translation: Yu Tianxing said: "That's actually good news for our lord."

Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes and said: "I feel something's off. As the saying goes, the highest strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, next to attack their alliances. Perhaps Xue DaoHong has finally grasped the correct approach; the Princess Consort Xue Lingjun's envoy mission this time may aim to pacify me. Do you think he might have other tactics?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes: "I always feel something's off. As the saying goes, the highest strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, next to attack their alliances. Perhaps Xue Daohong has finally grasped the correct countermeasure; the Princess Xue Lingjun's envoy mission this time likely aims to stabilize me. Do you think he might have other tricks up his sleeve?"

Remy Tianxing said: "No matter what tactics he employs, if our lord completes conscription before spring and then launches the next move, as long as we firmly hold the southern Yongjiang line, we need fear no scheming. However, this demand of 100,000 shi of grain is truly excessive; what does our lord intend to do—agree or refuse?"

Translation: Yu Tianxing said: "No matter what tactics he employs, if our lord completes conscription before spring and then launches the next move, as long as we firmly hold the southern Yong River line, we need fear no scheming. But this 100,000 dan of grain is truly enormous—how does our lord intend to handle it? Will he agree or refuse?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Now is not the time to break with the court; we should certainly give something, but not that much."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Now is not the time to break with the court; we certainly should give, but not that much."

How much?

Translation: "How much should we give?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I need to think it over carefully."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I need to give it careful thought."

Remy Tianxing said: "Actually, no matter how much we give, they could send people to intercept and seize it en route!" That remark hit Hu Xiaotian right in the heart; he smiled faintly and pointed at Remy Tianxing, saying: "Tianxing, Tianxing, you're starting to learn bad habits!"

Translation: Yu Tianxing said: "Actually, no matter how much we give, they can send people to seize it back en route!" That remark hit Hu Xiaotian's mind exactly; he curled his lips in a faint smile, pointing at Yu Tianxing and saying: "Tianxing, Tianxing, you're starting to learn bad habits!"

Remy Tianxing chuckled: "Those who stay near vermilion become red; being close to our lord, one inevitably picks up a few tricks."

Translation: Yu Tianxing chuckled: "Those who stay near vermilion get stained red; being close to our lord, one inevitably picks up some skills."

After bathing, Princess Xue Lingjun sat by the window, arranging her appearance in the mirror. The door was gently knocked; upon receiving permission, Jian Peng entered from outside, closed the door, approached the princess from behind, and helped her comb her flowing black hair.

Translation: After bathing, Xue Lingjun sat by the window, facing the mirror to tidy her appearance; the door was lightly knocked, and upon receiving permission, Jian Peng entered from outside, closed the door, came behind Xue Lingjun, and helped her comb her flowing black hair.

Princess Xue Lingjun asked: "How is it?"

Translation: Xue Lingjun asked: "How is it?"

Jian Peng said: "Hu Xiaotian's consecutive victories are entirely due to his newly acquired strategist, Remy Tianxing; both battles have been directed by Remy Tianxing."

Translation: Jian Peng said: "Hu Xiaotian's consecutive victories are entirely due to his newly acquired strategist Yu Tianxing, who has been directing these two battles."

Princess Xue Lingjun said: "I already knew that; I'm asking whether you've investigated Remy Tianxing's background thoroughly."

Translation: Xue Lingjun said: "I already knew this; I'm asking whether you've investigated Yu Tianxing's background thoroughly."

Jian Peng replied: "Remy Tianxing originally hailed from Tianbo City in the state of Dakang; because his homeland suffered famine, he fled north with his fellow villagers. When he reached Dongliang Prefecture, Hu Xiaotian discovered him, appreciated his talent, entrusted him with important responsibilities, and Remy Tianxing did not disappoint. He is versed in astronomy and geography, skilled in troop deployment—truly a rare talent capable of governing the state. By the way, he has two elder brothers who went to Da Yong for trade several years ago and now reside in Yongdu."

Translation: Jian Peng said: "Yu Tianxing originally hailed from Tianbo City in Dakang; due to famine in his hometown, he fled north with his fellow villagers. When he reached Dongliang Jun, Hu Xiaotian discovered him, appreciated his talent, entrusted him with important duties, and Yu Tianxing did not disappoint—he knows astronomy above and geography below, is versed in troop deployment, truly a rare talent for governing the state. By the way, his two elder brothers went to Da Yong for trade years ago and now reside in Yongdu."

Princess Xue Lingjun sighed softly: "I have long advised the emperor to take advantage of Dakang's famine to recruit talented people from all over, but he refuses to listen. If Da Yong were to relax its entry policies and treat virtue with humility, Remy Tianxing ought to be serving us."

Translation: Xue Lingjun sighed softly: "I've long advised the Emperor to recruit talents from all over during Dakang's famine, but he won't listen. If Da Yong were to relax entry restrictions and treat the learned with courtesy, Yu Tianxing ought to be serving us."

Jian Peng said: "I didn't expect Hu Xiaotian's eye for talent to be so good!"

Translation: Jian Peng said: "I didn't expect Hu Xiaotian's eye for talent to be so good!"

Princess Xue Lingjun's expression suddenly turned cold: "Wench! You dare call Hu Xiaotian's name?"

Translation: Xue Lingjun's expression turned cold instantly: "Slave! Do you also call Hu Xiaotian by name?"

Jian Peng, frightened, hurriedly knelt: "Your Highness, I spoke improperly; please forgive me, please forgive me!"

Translation: Jian Peng, frightened, hurriedly knelt: "Your Highness, I spoke improperly; Your Highness, please forgive me; Your Highness, please forgive me!"

Princess Xue Lingjun snorted: "Don't think that because I favor you you can act spoiled; now that you've seen Hu Xiaotian, aren't you happily forgetting your station, exchanging glances and flirtatious looks with him?"

Translation: Xue Lingjun snorted: "Don't think that because I favor you you can get conceited; now that you've seen Hu Xiaotian, aren't you delighted and forgotten your station, exchanging glances with him?"

Jian Peng, terrified, lay prostrate, trembling: "Your Highness the Princess Consort, I merely follow your orders; I dare not act on my own, nor dare I do anything disrespectful to you."

Translation: Jian Peng, terrified and unable to rise, trembled: "Princess Xue Lingjun, I merely follow your orders; I dare not act on my own, nor dare to do anything disrespectful to you."

Princess Xue Lingjun chuckled, still admiring her reflection in the bronze mirror, and said softly: "What are you afraid of? If you haven't done anything guilty, there's no reason to be this frightened; get up and quickly help me tidy my appearance, for I still have a banquet to attend later."

Translation: Xue Lingjun chuckled, still admiring her reflection in the bronze mirror, and said softly: "What are you afraid of, girl? If you haven't done anything guilty to warrant such fright, get up; hurry and help me finish my toilette, for we still have a banquet to attend."

Jian Peng secretly sighed: "The Princess Consort is so suspicious; even though I've been by her side since childhood, I didn't expect her still not to trust me. I went aside to wash my hands, then returned behind her to comb her hair, my heart pounding, thinking it's best to say little, for I know not where I might offend her; I'm well aware of her methods, and she has always been someone who shows no sentiment."

Translation: Jian Peng secretly sighed: "This princess is so suspicious; even though I've been by her side since childhood, I didn't expect her still not to trust me. I went aside to wash my hands, then returned behind Xue Lingjun to help comb her hair, my heart pounding, thinking it's better to say less, for I know not where I might offend her; I'm well aware of her methods—she has always been someone who shows no favoritism."

Princess Xue Lingjun asked: "Is that all you've found out?"

Translation: Xue Lingjun asked: "Is that all you've found out?"

Jian Peng replied: "The investigation is ongoing, Princess Consort; rest assured, I will soon clarify everything."

Translation: Jian Peng replied: "Still under investigation, Princess, rest assured—I will surely ascertain everything as soon as possible."

Princess Xue Lingjun opened her jewelry box, after a while selected a jade hairpin, which Jian Peng helped her insert; she looked at herself in the mirror and asked softly: "How do you like my attire today?"

Translation: Xue Lingjun opened her jewelry box, took a while to pick out a jade hairpin; Jian Peng helped her insert it, Xue Lingjun glanced at her reflection in the mirror and said softly: "How do you like my attire today?"

Your Highness the Princess Consort is naturally beautiful, peerless in beauty.

Translation: "Your Highness Princess is naturally beautiful, peerless in beauty."

Princess Xue Lingjun sighed: "It's a pity that beauty fades with age, and a lovely life is short." She then removed the jade hairpin; the freshly coiled hair fell down like a waterfall. Jian Peng, having wasted half a day's effort, heard the princess say: "Tell him I'm unwell and won't attend the banquet tonight."

Translation: Xue Lingjun sighed: "Alas, beauty fades quickly, a lovely life is brief." She then removed the jade hairpin; the freshly coiled tresses cascaded down like a waterfall. Jian Peng had busied herself in vain for half a day, only to hear Xue Lingjun say: "Tell him I'm unwell and won't attend the banquet tonight."

Xue Lingjun released Hu Xiaotian's pigeons at the last moment; Hu Xiaotian didn't really mind, anyway I'm not worried about lacking guests—if you, Xue Lingjun, don't come, there's still Fan Zongxi, this Vice Director of the Imperial Stables, the Emperor's envoy will surely give me face. (To be continued~^~)