Chapter 1257

Zou Yong said: "Yan Boguang is still in our hands." This remark sounded somewhat feeble and powerless. His biggest mistake tonight was believing in Yan Boguang's value, thinking that Yan Boguang's side, wary of harming the innocent, would not act rashly, but the opposite side did the exact opposite, launching a feint east and striking west, successfully eliminating the Bei Ze Old Monster. In addition to regret, deep down Zou Yong even felt a little afraid. If not for the Empress Dowager's protection, the Bohai King would likely have already blamed him for Xue Lingjun's disappearance. He could sense the Bohai King's growing aversion toward him.

We'll produce: Zou Yong said: "Yan Boguang is still in our hands." These words sounded somewhat feeble and powerless; his biggest mistake tonight was believing in Yan Boguang's value, thinking that Yan Boguang's side, fearing to act rashly, would not dare to act hastily, but the opposite side did the opposite, launching a feint east and striking west, successfully eliminating the Bei Ze Old Monster. In addition to regret, deep down Zou Yong even felt a little afraid; if not for the Empress Dowager's protection, the Bohai King would likely have already blamed him for Xue Lingjun's disappearance, and he could sense the Bohai King's growing aversion toward him.

launching a feint east and striking west; successfully eliminated the Bei Ze Old Monster; in addition to regret, deep down Zou Yong even felt a little afraid; if not for the Empress Dowager's protection, the Bohai King would likely have already blamed him for Xue Lingjun's disappearance; he could sense the Bohai King's growing aversion toward him.

We need to keep the quote marks? Probably keep as is.

Now output: 【1】 Zou Yong said: "Yan Boguang is still in our hands." These words sounded somewhat feeble and powerless; his biggest mistake tonight was believing in Yan Boguang's value, thinking that Yan Boguang's side, fearing to act rashly, would not dare to act hastily, but the opposite side did the opposite, launching a feint east and striking west, successfully eliminating the Bei Ze Old Monster. In addition to regret, deep down Zou Yong even felt a little afraid; if not for the Empress Dowager's protection, the Bohai King would likely have already blamed him for Xue Lingjun's disappearance, and he could sense the Bohai King's growing aversion toward him.

Make sure it's one line.

Xue Lingjun's blatant return this time, I don't know what tricks he will play; it's likely aimed at me. From their first destroying the Variegated Gate, it's clear they intend to pick us off one by one. The Variegated Gate undoubtedly suffered heavy losses; whether the Bei Ze Old Monster is dead or alive is unknown. Even if he is still alive, he probably no longer has his former vigor. Their next target is surely our Falling Cherry Palace.

Translate: Xue Lingjun's blatant return this time, it's unclear what tricks he will play; it's very likely aimed at us. From their earlier annihilation of the Variegated Gate, it's clear they intend to pick us off one by one. The Variegated Gate undoubtedly suffered heavy losses; whether the Bei Ze Old Monster is dead or alive remains unknown, and even if he still lives, he probably no longer has his former vigor. Their next target will surely be our Falling Cherry Palace.

Variegated Gate, Falling Cherry Palace.

Now output line.

Li Chen Zhou also realized this, and he whispered: "Xue Lingjun will likely target you next."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou also realized this; he whispered, "Xue Lingjun will very likely target you next."

Zou Yong said: "Things have come to this point; what is bound to come will come." He began to realize that Xue Lingjun and Xue Shengjing are not as easy to deal with as Li Chen Zhou claimed; at least for now, with Xiao Tian and Yan Tianlu assisting Xue Lingjun, he might not be defeated by Li Chen Zhou.

Translate: Zou Yong said: "Things have come to this point; what is bound to come will come." He began to realize that Xue Lingjun and Xue Shengjing are not as easy to deal with as Li Chen Zhou said; at least for now, with Hu Xiaotian and Yan Tianlu assisting, Xue Lingjun may not necessarily lose to Li Chen Zhou.

Yan Tianlu.

Li Chen Zhou said: "The matter of Yuan Tianzhao cannot be delayed any longer; we must reach a decision quickly. What does Your Majesty say?"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "The matter of Yuan Tian Zhao cannot be delayed any longer; we must settle it quickly. What does Your Majesty say?"

Your Majesty.

Zou Yong sighed and said: "Because of the long princess's disappearance these past two days, our plans have been thrown into disarray; who still has the attention for this matter?"

Translate: Zou Yong sighed and said: "Over the past two days, the long princess's disappearance has thrown us into disarray; who still has the bandwidth for this matter?"

the long princess.

Li Chen Zhou said: "Aren't you worried that long nights bring many dreams?"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "Aren't you worried that delay will bring complications?"

Zou Yong said: "There has been some progress regarding the Treasure Gathering Studio; I just received news that its backer is actually Yanxi Hall." He originally wanted to keep this secret, but developments have been moving increasingly against him, so Zou Yong must produce some valuable information to make Li Chen Zhou realize his importance, and also to let Li Chen Zhou use this to pressure the Bohai King.

Translate: Zou Yong said: "There has been some progress regarding the Treasure Gathering Studio; I just received news that its backer is actually the Yanxi Hall." He originally wanted to keep this secret, but developments have been turning increasingly unfavorable to him, so Zou Yong must produce some valuable information to make Li Chen Zhou realize his importance, and also enable Li Chen Zhou to use this to pressure the Bohai King.

Treasure Gathering Studio, Yanxi Hall.

Li Chen Zhou furrowed his brows: "Do you have any evidence?"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou frowned tightly: "Any evidence?"

Zou Yong nodded and said: "The manager of Yanxi Hall, Shan Shancong, and the Jin Jincheng of Treasure Gathering Studio have been secretly communicating nonstop; according to my recent intelligence, the revenue of Treasure Gathering Studio ultimately flows into Yanxi Hall. I believe the true boss behind Yanxi Hall, Shan Shancong, is directly responsible for Xue Shengjing."

Translate: Zou Yong nodded and said: "The manager of Yanxi Hall, Xiangshan Cong, and the person in charge of Treasure Gathering Studio, Tong Jincheng, have been secretly communicating nonstop. According to the information I recently obtained, the studio's revenues ultimately flow into Yanxi Hall. I believe Xiangshan Cong is the true boss behind the scenes, directly responsible to Xue Shengjing."

Note: "manager" means the shopkeeper or proprietor; we will use "manager". They have been secretly communicating nonstop. The true boss behind the scenes.

Li Chen Zhou fell silent; upon a little reflection one could see that Zou Yong's words could not withstand scrutiny. It seems Zou Yong is probably not just now discovering this matter, but has only now decided to speak up; he must have his own calculations in mind. If he had not recently fallen into such a passive situation, he would not have told me this. Li Chen Zhou also showed no displeasure, and softly said: "Do you have any evidence?"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou fell silent; with just a little scrutiny, one could see that Zou Yong's words don't hold up. It seems Zou Yong is eighty or ninety percent not having just discovered this, but only now decided to speak up; he surely has his own calculations. If he hadn't recently fallen into such a passive situation, he probably wouldn't have told me this. Li Chen Zhou showed no displeasure and whispered: "Any evidence?"

Zou Yong shook his head and said: "There is no solid evidence."

Translate: Zou Yong shook his head and said: "There is no solid evidence."

"Does the king know?"

Translate: "Does Your Majesty know?"

Zou Yong said: "How could I dare to speak rashly about something without evidence?"

Translate: Zou Yong said: "How could I dare to speak recklessly without evidence?"

Bohai King Yan Dongsheng heard that Xue Lingjun had already been successfully rescued, and he breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of his heart. Although he does not admit it verbally, deep down he believes Xue Lingjun's life is far more important than his own younger sister; his younger sister Yan Dongqing's death would at most cause grief, but if Xue Lingjun were to die, he would likely face the worry of national destruction.

Translate: Upon hearing that Xue Lingjun had been successfully rescued, Bohai King Yan Dong Sheng felt a deep sigh of relief. Although he did not admit it verbally, deep down he considered Xue Lingjun's life far more important than that of his own sister; his sister Yan Dong Qing's death would at most cause grief, but if Xue Lingjun died, he would likely face the threat of national destruction.

Note: "his own sister" means his own sister; we will keep as "his own sister". "Yan Dong Qing" is the name Yan Dong Qing.

The palace's chief steward, Fu Yanshou, hurriedly came to the Palace of Longevity, approached Yan Dongsheng, and whispered: "Your Majesty, Li Chen Zhou of Da Yong has come to request an audience."

Translate: The Grand Steward of the Palace, Fu Yan Shou, hurried to the Palace of Longevity and, before Yan Dong Sheng, said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Li Chen Zhou of Da Yong has come to request an audience."

Note: "Grand Steward of the Palace" means the Grand Steward of the Palace (or Chief Eunuch); we will use "Grand Steward of the Palace". "Palace of Longevity" is the Palace of Longevity. "Your Majesty" is "Your Majesty". "Li Chen Zhou of Da Yong" is Li Chen Zhou of Da Yong.

Upon hearing Li Chen Zhou's name, Yan Dongsheng's face involuntarily showed a hint of displeasure. Earlier, Hu Xiaotian led the Golden Scale Guard to the palace to cause trouble, and he had sent Fu Yanshou to invite Li Chen Zhou. However, Li Chen Zhou kept making excuses and refused to come, so Yan Dongsheng bore a grudge against him. Hearing that he had come, Yan Dongsheng coldly said: "Just say that I have important matters to attend to. Let him come another day." As the ruler of a nation, he naturally has some temper.

Translate: Upon hearing Li Chen Zhou's name, Yan Dong Sheng's face involuntarily showed a hint of displeasure. Earlier, Hu Xiaotian had led the Golden Scale Guard to the palace to cause trouble, and he had ordered Fu Yan Shou to summon Li Chen Zhou, but Li Chen Zhou kept making excuses and refused to come. Consequently, Yan Dong Sheng bore a grudge against Li Chen Zhou; hearing of his arrival, he coldly said: "Just say I have pressing matters; let him come another day." As a monarch, it's natural to have some temper.

Note: "Golden Scale Guard" is the translation of "Jinlin Guard". We'll translate as such.

Fu Yanshou respectfully said: "Your Majesty, Li Chen Zhou is an envoy of the Da Yong emperor; in my opinion, it would be fine to hear what he has to say."

Translate: Fu Yan Shou said respectfully: "Your Majesty, Li Chen Zhou is an envoy of the Da Yong Emperor; in my humble opinion, there's no harm in listening to what he has to say."

Yan Dongsheng angrily said: "He wants to see whom he wants? He's merely an envoy."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng snapped: "He wants to see, so he sees? He's merely an envoy."

Fu Yanshou smiled and said: "Your Majesty, surely you want to hear what he has to say about the Da Yong princess's rescue?"

Translate: Fu Yan Shou chuckled: "Your Majesty, don't you want to hear what he has to say about the Da Yong long princess's rescue?"

Yan Dongsheng said: "I know what he wants; it's nothing more than using me to achieve their goals."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "I know exactly what he wants; it's nothing more than using me to achieve their goals."

Fu Yanshou said: "Your Majesty, will you see him or not?"

Note: there is a stray quote at end. We'll translate as: Fu Yan Shou said: "Your Majesty, will you see him or not?"

Yan Dongsheng pondered for a moment and said: "I have no need to avoid him; let him come in!"

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng pondered for a moment and said: "I see no need to avoid him; let him come in."

Not long after, Fu Yanshou led Li Chen Zhou to Yan Dongsheng's presence. Li Chen Zhou clasped his fists and bowed, saying: "Envoy Li Chen Zhou pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Translate: Not long after, Fu Yan Shou led Li Chen Zhou to Yan Dong Sheng's presence, and Li Chen Zhou clasped his fists in salute: "Your humble envoy Li Chen Zhou greets Your Majesty!"

Yan Dongsheng and Yan Yuese said: "General Li, there's no need for formalities; please take a seat!"

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng and Yan Yue Se said: "General Li, no need for courtesy; please take a seat!"

Note: "Yan Yue Se" is the translation of "Yan Yuese". We'll keep as "Yan Yue Se".

Li Chen Zhou smiled and said: "In front of Your Majesty, I, the humble envoy, dare not sit. I have come this time especially to thank Your Majesty for rescuing our state's princess."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou smiled: "In Your Majesty's presence, your humble envoy dare not sit; I have come this time especially to thank Your Majesty for rescuing our long princess."

Yan Dongsheng chuckled and said: "I thought the princess would come herself to tell me." The implication of his words was that the princess herself did not come to thank him, so what are you? Of course, he couldn't say it too bluntly.

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng chuckled: "I thought the long princess would come in person to tell me." The implication was that Xue Lingjun herself hadn't come to thank me—what are you, some nobody? Of course, he couldn't say it too bluntly.

Li Chen Zhou smiled and said: "The princess will certainly come in person. Your Majesty, I have heard that your state's national preceptor has been attacked and his whereabouts are unknown, and the Heavenly Star Garden has been burned to the ground by fire. Is this true?"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou laughed: "The long princess will certainly come in person, Your Majesty. I've heard that your state's national preceptor was attacked and his whereabouts are unknown, and even the Heavenly Star Garden was burned to ashes by arson; I don't know if this is true."

Note: "national preceptor" is the translation of "Guoshi". "Heavenly Star Garden" is the translation of "Tianxingyuan".

Yan Dongsheng said: "General Li's information is indeed timely; this matter is currently under investigation."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "General Li's information is indeed well-informed; this matter is under investigation."

Li Chen Zhou said: "I have heard that your state's princess has not yet been freed; the bandits of Mang Jiao Island merely released our princess, with no intention of exchanging hostages."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "I've heard that your long princess is still not out of danger; the bandits of Mang Jiao Island merely released our long princess, with no intention of exchanging hostages."

Note: "Mang Jiao Island" is the translation of "Mangjiao Island". We'll translate as Mang Jiao Island.

Yan Dongsheng said: "How these rebels think, I do not know; in any case, I will certainly investigate this matter to the end, rescue the princess, and bring all those involved to justice."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "I don't know what these rebels are thinking either, but I will certainly get to the bottom of this, rescue the princess consort, and bring all those involved to justice."

Note: "princess consort" is the translation of "Wangmei", meaning the king's sister. We'll translate as "princess consort".

Li Chen Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I have come to your state bearing the emperor's important commission; having arrived several days ago, I have yet to make progress on the task entrusted to me by the emperor."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "Your Majesty, I have come to your state bearing a heavy mandate from the Emperor; although I have already been here several days, the Emperor's instructions have yet to see any progress."

Yan Dongsheng said: "In judging a case, evidence is paramount. Regarding the case of Yuan Tianzhao colluding with rebels, I am even more concerned than you are. However, recently two officials have been killed in succession, making the case complicated and tangled. General Li, you need more patience; nothing should be rushed."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "In judging a case, evidence is paramount; regarding the case of Yuan Tian Zhao colluding with rebels, I am even more concerned than you are, but lately two ministers have been killed in succession, making the case tangled and complex; General Li needs more patience, and nothing should be rushed."

Li Chen Zhou clearly sensed the change in Yan Dongsheng's recent attitude; although he appeared amiable on the surface, one could still feel his coldness toward Li Chen Zhou, which is not a good omen for Li Chen Zhou. He and Xue Shengkang had devised a plan to start from the Yuan Tianzhao case, link it through the Ju Bao Zhai to the Yan Prince Xue Shengjing, but now it seems the progress is not as smooth as expected.

Translate: Li Chen Zhou clearly noticed Yan Dong Sheng's recent change in attitude; although he appeared harmonious on the surface, Li Chen Zhou could still feel his coldness toward him, which is not a good omen for Li Chen Zhou. He and Xue Sheng Kang had devised a plan, starting from the Yuan Tian Zhao case, to link the Treasure Gathering Studio to Prince Yan Xue Shengjing, but so far progress has not been as smooth as expected.

Note: "Xue Sheng Kang" is the pinyin transcription of the name Xue Sheng Kang.

Li Chen Zhou said: "Your Majesty, according to the information we have received, behind the Ju Bao Zhai there is also the Yan Xi Tang."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "Your Majesty, according to the information we have received, behind the Treasure Gathering Studio also lies the Yanxi Hall."

Yan Dongsheng said: "General Li, you are indeed very concerned about Bohai's affairs; I will handle this matter myself, so you need not worry."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "General Li, you're indeed very concerned about Bohai's affairs; I will handle this myself, so you need not worry." His words were already rather impolite.

Although Li Chen Zhou refused outright, he still remained courteous and smiled: "Your Majesty, please take the trouble; everything Your Majesty has done for Da Yong, I will surely inform the emperor, and I will also persuade the emperor to send troops to Mang Jiao Island to eliminate Bohai's rear threats."

Translate: Although Li Chen Zhou had flatly refused, he still maintained an elegant and refined demeanor, smiling: "Your Majesty, please take care; everything Your Majesty has done for Da Yong, your humble envoy will certainly report to the Emperor, making sure the Emperor knows of Your Majesty's goodwill toward Da Yong, and I will swiftly persuade the Emperor to send troops to Mang Jiao Island to eliminate Bohai's rear threats."

Note: "rear threats" is the translation of "hougu zhi you".

Yan Dongsheng could not fail to hear the threatening implication in Li Chen Zhou's words; he fell silent, although his heart was already wavering, he still dared not openly offend Da Yong, for Bohai is merely a small state that has constantly watched Da Yong's face; if he offended the Da Yong emperor, the latter's anger might truly depose him from the throne, and might even destroy Bohai. Thinking of this, Yan Dongsheng regretted having said those words just now.

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng could not help but hear the threatening implication in Li Chen Zhou's words; he fell silent, though his heart was already wavering, he still dared not openly offend Da Yong, for Bohai is merely a small state, constantly watching Da Yong's face; if he offended the Da Yong emperor, the latter's wrath could very well depose him, possibly even destroy Bohai. Thinking this, Yan Dong Sheng regretted having said those words just now.

Li Chen Zhou bade farewell to Yan Dongsheng: "I, the humble envoy, will not take up Your Majesty's rest; I take my leave now."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou took his leave of Yan Dong Sheng, saying: "Your humble envoy will not disturb Your Majesty's rest; I take my leave now."

Yan Dongsheng said: "Envoy, take your leave slowly; I will have people investigate what you said as soon as possible."

Translate: Yan Dong Sheng said: "Envoy, take your leave slowly; I will have people investigate the matters you mentioned promptly."

Li Chen Zhou smiled and said: "Your Majesty, thank you for your trouble!"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou smiled: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li Chen Zhou left the Palace of Longevity, and unexpectedly met the Da Yong princess Xue Lingjun face to face. Although both knew the other was in Bohai, they had never met before. Logically, as a subject, Li Chen Zhou should first go to Xue Lingjun to pay his respects, but he has never done so.

Translate: Li Chen Zhou exited the Palace of Longevity, only to come face‑to‑face with the Da Yong long princess Xue Lingjun. Although both knew the other was in Bohai, they had never met before; by protocol, as a subject Li Chen Zhou ought to have first gone to pay his respects to the princess, but he had never done so.

This encounter was rather like meeting an old enemy on a narrow road; Li Chen Zhou reacted quickly, hurriedly bowed and said: "I, Minister Li Chen Zhou, pay my respects to the Princess, may she live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"

Translate: This encounter was rather awkward; Li Chen Zhou reacted quickly, hastily bowing and saying: "Your subject Li Chen Zhou pays respects to the long princess, may she enjoy ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"

Note: The phrase "may she enjoy ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years" means "may you live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years". We'll keep as "may she enjoy ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years".

Xue Lingjun coldly looked at Li Chen Zhou and said: "Yo! Isn't this General Li? Such a grand salute is too much for my palace to bear!"

Translate: Xue Lingjun coldly looked at Li Chen Zhou and said: "Oh! Isn't this General Li? Such a grand salute is more than this palace can bear!"

Li Chen Zhou accompanied with a smile and said: "The princess certainly can bear it!"

Translate: Li Chen Zhou accompanied with a smile: "The long princess can certainly bear it!"

Xue Lingjun said: "The Da Yong emperor is certainly not my servant; you are certainly not my subject. You are a favored minister beside the emperor, and in the future I will still have to rely on you to look after me."

Translate: Xue Lingjun said: "The Da Yong emperor is not this palace, so you are certainly not my servant; you are a favored minister beside the Emperor, and from now on even this palace will have to rely on you for extra care."

Li Chen Zhou smiled and said: "The princess flatters me; I really ought to have gone to pay my respects to the princess earlier, but I was delayed by urgent matters for the emperor. I hope the princess will not blame me."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou laughed: "The long princess flatters me; I actually ought to have gone to pay my respects to her long ago, but I was delayed because I had to handle some urgent matters for the Emperor; I hope the princess will not hold it against me."

"I dare not!" Xue Lingjun chuckled, her lips full of coldness, she glanced toward the Palace of Longevity and said: "General Li, did you come here to see the Bohai king?"

Translate: "I wouldn't dare!" Xue Lingjun chuckled, her lips curled with coldness, glancing toward the Palace of Longevity, and asked: "General Li, did you come here to see the Bohai King?"

Li Chen Zhou said: "I came because the princess was captured; please forgive my lack of information—I only just learned that the princess has been safely released, and I am rejoicing for her."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "I came because of the long princess's abduction; please forgive my lack of information—I only just learned that the princess has been safely released, and I am rejoicing for her."

Xue Lingjun coldly said: "It's really hard on you to be so thoughtful; hearing you say this, I am truly moved."

Translate: Xue Lingjun coldly said: "It's really hard on you to be so thoughtful; hearing you say this, this palace is truly moved."

Li Chen Zhou said: "Princess, could you tell me what happened during this period? I will spare no expense to seek justice for you."

Translate: Li Chen Zhou said: "May the princess tell this humble minister what happened during this period; I will spare no expense to seek justice for her."

Xue Lingjun said: "I am fine now; besides, even if there were something, I would not dare to trouble you, General Li. Ah! I have other matters to attend to, so I will go first."

Translate: Xue Lingjun said: "This palace is fine; besides, even if there were something, I wouldn't dare to trouble General Li—ah! I won't say more; I have other matters to attend to first."

Li Chen Zhou watched Xue Lingjun's retreating figure, a flash of cold light passing through the depths of his gaze.

Translate: Li Chen Zhou watched Xue Lingjun's retreating back, a flicker of cold light passing through the depths of his gaze.

Xue Lingjun's visit this time was certainly not to thank the Bohai king, but to confront him and demand accountability.

Translate: Xue Lingjun's visit this time was certainly not to thank the Bohai King, but to confront him with accusations.

Facing the Da Yong princess Xue Lingjun, the Bohai king Yan Dongsheng did not dare to put on airs; he personally descended from the throne to greet her, saying with concern: "Seeing the princess return safe and sound, my heart is filled with relief."

Translate: Faced with the Da Yong long princess Xue Lingjun, Bohai King Yan Dong Sheng dared not stand on ceremony; he personally descended from his throne to greet her, saying with concern: "Seeing the long princess return safe and sound, my heart is filled with relief."

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