Chapter 157

Hu Xiaotian hurried over, grabbed Hu Tianxiong's arm, and laughed, "Big Brother Hu, how did you come?" Hu Tianxiong held a lofty position among the Hu family's servants, deeply favored by Hu Buwei, so he was chosen as the personal guard; any important matter was entrusted to him. Although his status remained that of a servant, Hu Xiaotian calling him "Big Brother Hu" gave him plenty of face. Hearing this, Hu Tianxiong felt warm inside, somewhat moved.

Let's produce: Hu Xiaotian strode over in three steps, grabbed Hu Tianxiong's arm, and laughed, "Big Brother Hu, how did you come?" Hu Tianxiong held a lofty position among the Hu family's servants, deeply favored by Hu Buwei, so he was chosen as the personal guard; any important matter was entrusted to him. Although his status remained that of a servant, Hu Xiaotian calling him "Big Brother Hu" gave him plenty of face. Hearing this, Hu Tianxiong felt warm inside, somewhat moved.

We checked that we kept all info: "three steps in two strides" means he covered three steps in two strides (i. e., walked quickly); we can say Hu Xiaotian hurried over, grabbed Hu Tianxiong's arm, and laughed, "Big Brother Hu, how did you come?" Hu Tianxiong held a lofty position among the Hu family's servants, deeply favored by Hu Buwei, so he was chosen as the personal guard; any important matter was entrusted to him. Although his status remained that of a servant, Hu Xiaotian calling him "Big Brother Hu" gave him plenty of face. Hearing this, Hu Tianxiong felt warm inside, somewhat moved.

We need to keep "Hu Tianxiong held a lofty position among the Hu family's servants, deeply favored by Hu Buwei, so he was chosen as the personal guard; any important matter was entrusted to him." We captured.

Hu Tianxiong actually arrived in Xichuan earlier than Hu Xiaotian, because the news of Hu Xiaotian forcefully taking Tang Qingxuan had spread throughout the city. Hu Buwei worried the rumors would affect the marriage alliance between the Hu and Li families, so he specially wrote a letter urging Hu Tianxiong to rush day and night to Xizhou to meet the founding duke of Xichuan, Li Tianheng, and report the details in full, showing how greatly Hu Buwei valued this marriage. After finishing his business in Xichuan, Hu Tianxiong originally intended to return to the capital, but then received a message from Hu Buwei asking him to go to Qingyun County to check on Hu Xiaotian's situation after taking office.

Translate: Hu Tianxiong actually arrived in Xichuan earlier than Hu Xiaotian, because the news of Hu Xiaotian forcefully taking Tang Qingxuan had spread throughout the city. Hu Buwei worried the rumors would affect the marriage alliance between the Hu and Li families, so he specially wrote a letter urging Hu Tianxiong to rush day and night to Xizhou to meet the founding duke of Xichuan, Li Tianheng, and report the details in full, showing how greatly Hu Buwei valued this marriage. After finishing his business in Xichuan, Hu Tianxiong originally intended to return to the capital, but then received a message from Hu Buwei asking him to go to Qingyun County to check on Hu Xiaotian's situation after taking office.

Hu Tianxiong actually arrived in Xichuan earlier than Hu Xiaotian, because the news of Hu Xiaotian forcefully taking Tang Qingxuan had spread throughout the city. Hu Buwei worried the rumors would affect the marriage alliance between the Hu and Li families, so he specially wrote a letter urging Hu Tianxiong to rush day and night to Xizhou to meet the founding duke of Xichuan, Li

Ok.

Hu Tianxiong actually arrived in Xichuan earlier than Hu Xiaotian did, because the matter of Hu Xiaotian forcibly abducting Tang Qingxuan had spread throughout the city, Hu Buwei worried that the rumors would affect the marriage alliance between the Hu and Li families, so he specially wrote a letter letting Hu Tianxiong rush day and night to Xizhou, to meet face-to-face with Li Tianheng, the Duke who founded Xichuan, and thoroughly inform him of the detailed circumstances of the matter, this shows how greatly Hu Buwei values this marriage alliance. After Hu Tianxiong finished his business in Xichuan, he originally intended to return to the capital, but then he received news from Hu Buwei's side, prompting him to go to Qingyun Xian to check on Hu Xiaotian's situation after taking office.

Hu Xiaotian, hearing Hu Tianxiong say that, also felt moved; it seemed his father still couldn't rest easy about him.

Translate: Hearing this, Hu Xiaotian also felt moved; it seemed his father still worried about him.

Hearing this, Hu Xiaotian also felt moved; it seemed his father still couldn't rest easy about him.

Liang Da Zhuang also stood to the side, grinning, and Hu Xiaotian said, "Dazhuang, don't just stand there foolishly; hurry to reserve a spot at the Wild Goose Pavilion so we can have a good drink at noon."

Translate: Liang Da Zhuang stood nearby, grinning. Hu Xiaotian said, "Da Zhuang, don't just stand there—hurry to reserve a table at the Wild Goose Pavilion; let's have a good drink at noon."

"All right!" Liang Da Zhuang hurried out.

Translate: "Sure thing!" Liang Da Zhuang hurried out.

Hu Xiaotian pulled Hu Tianxiong's arm and asked him to sit in the courtyard; though small, it was neat and tidy. Before Hu Xiaotian returned, Hu Tianxiong had already learned from Liang Da Zhuang about the young master's winding journey from the capital to Qingyun; Liang Da Zhuang naturally exaggerated a bit, but the basics were clear. Hu Tianxiong was quite amazed at the young master's adaptability, given that his previous sixteen years of foolishness had left a deep impression on everyone in the Hu household; even now Hu Tianxiong could hardly believe that a fool could suddenly become exceptionally clever.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian pulled Hu Tianxiong's arm and asked him to sit in the courtyard. Though small, the courtyard was neat and tidy. Before Hu Xiaotian returned, Hu Tianxiong had already learned from Liang Da Zhuang the twists and turns of the young master's journey from the capital to Qingyun; Liang Da Zhuang naturally embellished the story a bit, but the basics were clear. Hu Tianxiong was also amazed at the young master's adaptability, given that his sixteen years of idiocy had left a deep impression on everyone in the Hu household; even now Hu Tianxiong couldn't fully accept it—how could a fool suddenly become a genius?

We need to keep "young master" as "young master". Good.

Hu Tianxiong said, "Young master, the father-in-law has asked about you several times during my trip to Xizhou."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong said, "Young master, on my trip to Xizhou, the future father-in-law asked about you several times."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian felt a headache. Li Tianheng's daughter is ugly and paralyzed; gaining such a son-in-law like him, Li Tianheng would naturally think he'd struck gold. If he knew Hu Xiaotian had already arrived in Qingyun, it would be trouble—seeing such a fine son-in-law, he might immediately send someone to abduct him and consummate the marriage with his daughter. Hu Xiaotian whispered, "Does he know I've come to Qingyun?"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian felt a headache upon hearing this. Li Tianheng's daughter is ugly and paralyzed; gaining such a son-in-law like him, Li Tianheng would naturally think he'd struck gold. If he found out Hu Xiaotian had arrived in Qingyun, it would be trouble—seeing such an excellent son-in-law, he might immediately send people to abduct him and consummate the marriage with his daughter. He whispered, "Does he know I've come to Qingyun?"

We need to keep "gaining such a son-in-law like him, Li Tianheng would naturally think he'd struck gold." We translated as "gaining such a son-in-law like him, Li Tianheng would naturally think he'd struck gold." Good.

Hu Tianxiong shook his head and said: "The master specifically ordered that this matter be kept from him, young master—rest assured, our future father‑in‑law is stationed in Xizhou; why would he concern himself with affairs here in Qingyun?"

Translate: Hu Tianxiong shook his head and said, "The elder specially instructed that this must be kept from him. Young master, rest assured—the future father-in-law is stationed in Xizhou; how could he pay attention to affairs here in Qingyun?"

【53】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian also thought his reasoning sound. Xichuan is vast and rich, with fertile lands stretching a thousand li; Xizhou is the political and commercial hub of Xichuan, the most prosperous place in the southwest. Gazing across Xichuan, there are hundreds of small towns like Qingyun—how could Li Tianheng notice this remote mountain town? Moreover, Father had specially greeted the Ministry of Personnel to conceal his identity. Surely Li Tianheng wouldn't know about this.

We need to keep the phrase "vast and rich, with fertile lands stretching a thousand li".

【57】

Translate: Hu Tianxiong said, "My trip to Xizhou broadened my horizons. The future father-in-law is truly a hero of his age, with countless capable generals under him, abundant troops, the people of Xichuan live in peace and prosperity; whenever Li Sir is mentioned, everyone sings his praises."

Hu Xiaotian thought, "He's so arrogant, what does it matter to me? I'm marrying his daughter, not him. Besides, he's a high‑ranking regional official; my father is no slouch either—Minister of Revenue, the top finance official of Dakang. How could my background not measure up to his daughter's?" Hu Tianxiong talked for a while without addressing his concerns, then coughed to interrupt and asked softly, "Did you see the Li family's young lady on your trip to Xizhou?"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian thought, "What does his awesomeness have to do with me? I'm marrying his daughter, not him. Besides, he's a regional governor, and my father is no slouch either—Minister of Revenue, Dakang's finance chief, the highest official in charge of Dakang's grain and taxes. How could my background not measure up to his daughter's?" Hu Tianxiong went on for a while without mentioning what Hu Xiaotian cared about. Hu Xiaotian coughed to interrupt him and asked softly, "On your trip to Xizhou, did you see the Li family's young lady?"

【62】

Hu Tianxiong laughed and said: "Young master, the Li family's daughter is kept deep in the inner chambers; as a servant I hardly have a chance to see her. However, on this trip to Xizhou I was fortunate to meet Li Honghan, the Li family's son. He is a striking hero, outstanding in both martial skill and strategy, one of the finest young generals of Dakang."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong laughed, "Young master, the Li family's young lady is kept in the inner chambers; as a servant I hardly have a chance to see her. However, I was fortunate to meet the Li family's eldest son, Li Honghan, in Xizhou. He is a dignified, heroic figure, excelling in both martial skill and strategy—one of Dakang's finest young generals."

【69】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian scoffed, "I've seen few heroes' sons turn out well; instead, heroes' sons who are scoundrels are everywhere. If I hadn't stumbled into this world by accident, Hu Buwei's son would have remained an idiot for life."

We need to keep the phrase "I've seen few heroes' sons turn out well".

【73】

Translate: Hu Tianxiong's earning Hu Buwei's trust was no accident; he is not only strong in martial arts but also adept at reading people's expressions, and he somewhat knows the young master's concern. He said softly, "Young master, I think the rumors may not be reliable; even if the Li family's young lady is not a peerless beauty, her looks are certainly not as terrible as the rumors claim."

Hu Xiaotian coldly replied: "You haven't even seen him, so how would you know?"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian replied coldly, "You haven't even seen her—how would you know?"

【79】

Translate: Hu Tianxiong said, "I saw that the Li family's eldest son is handsome; his sister can't be far off."

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said: "Perhaps she once had some beauty, but unfortunately Li Wuyou contracted smallpox in childhood, leaving her face pockmarked, and at ten she fell seriously ill, leaving her legs paralyzed. Would you still want such a woman as your wife?"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian sighed, "She might have had some looks, but unfortunately Li Wuyou contracted smallpox as a child, leaving her face pockmarked; at ten she fell seriously ill, paralyzing her legs. Would you want such a woman as your wife?"

【85】

Translate: Hu Tianxiong thought, "I would want it; only a fool would refuse. Becoming the son-in-law of the founding duke of Xichuan is like a fish leaping over the dragon gate—no matter how hideous or dull his daughter is, it wouldn't matter." While he was mulling this over, he noticed Hu Xiaotian's sharp, knife-like gaze fixed on him, as if seeing through his thoughts.

Hu Tianxiong's face flushed; the young master's gaze was indeed sharp, showing a hint of the master's demeanor—trying to keep anything from him would be difficult, truly a tiger father has no dog son. From what we've seen earlier to what Liang Da Zhuang just described, if it's all true, this young master's tactics and foresight are outstanding among his peers. Hu Tianxiong said: "Young master, you truly humble me; the Li family's daughter is of such stature that she naturally matches you."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong's face flushed; the young master's gaze was truly sharp, bearing a hint of his father's demeanor—trying to hide anything from him would be difficult, truly a case of "tiger father, no dog son." From what he had seen before to just now hearing Liang Da Zhuang's description, if it's all true, the young master's tactics and scheming rank among the best of his generation. Hu Tianxiong said, "Young master, you've utterly defeated me; the Li family's young lady's status naturally matches yours."

【91】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian said, "Are you scolding me, implying I'm suited to marry an ugly, paralyzed woman?"

Hu Tianxiong said: "Young master, we should look at things positively; given your status, you are destined to have three wives and four concubines. As always, parents' orders and matchmaker's words are observed, so you shouldn't defy the master's wishes regarding the principal wife; later you may take concubines as you please."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong said, "Young master, actually we should look at things positively; with your status, you are destined to have three wives and four concubines. Since ancient times, marriages have followed parental wishes and matchmaker's words—this first wife, you had better not defy your father's intent; later taking concubines will be up to you."

【97】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian shook his head, surprised that Hu Tianxiong had so many devious thoughts. He sighed, "I am by nature frank; I would rather be shattered like jade than survive broken like pottery."

Hu Tianxiong advised: "Young master, please try to understand the master's difficulties."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong advised, "Young master, you should try to understand your father's difficulties."

【103】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian said, "He arranged this marriage with the Li family not just for political gain; even without you saying it, I understand that well."

Hu Tianxiong, not wanting to say more, changed the subject: "Young master, I recall something—this time your future father‑in‑law entrusted me to bring you a gift."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong also found it inconvenient to say more, so he changed the subject: "Young master, I recall something—this time the future father-in-law entrusted me to bring you a gift."

【110】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian, hearing there was a gift, felt curious and followed Hu Tianxiong into the room. Hu Tianxiong opened his luggage and took out a dagger: black shark‑skin sheath, ebony with silver‑inlaid guard, ivory handle. At first glance it looked ordinary, but once drawn, a chilling aura spread, its bright gleam making Hu Xiaotian blink involuntarily. He gripped the dagger and lightly plunged it into the rosewood table below; the blade slid through as if meeting no resistance. Though Hu Xiaotian knew little about weapons, he recognized this as a rare, superb weapon—ideal for self‑defense. Delighted, he slung it at his waist. It seemed the future father‑in‑law had begun investing emotionally in him, being so generous. Sugar‑coated cannonball— I'll strip off the sugar and send the shot back.

We need to keep the phrase "black shark‑skin sheath, ebony with silver‑inlaid guard, ivory handle".

【114】

Translate: His gaze fell on the scroll beside him: "What is this?"

Hu Tianxiong said: "Li the official presented this piece of calligraphy to the master."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong said, "It's a piece of calligraphy that Li Sir gave to Father."

【120】

Translate: Hu Xiaotian smiled, "Let's open it and have a look."

Hu Tianxiong slowly unfurled the scroll; Hu Xiaotian, who hadn't looked before, was stunned upon seeing it. The inscription read: "At the southern bridge head, two ferries shuttle like shuttles, weaving brocade across the river. On the western bank's end stands a tower like a brush, writing straight to the heavens."

Translate: Hu Tianxiong slowly unfurled the scroll; Hu Xiaotian, who had not looked at it before, was stunned at first sight—there was written: "At the southern bridgehead, two ferries shuttle like shuttles, weaving brocade across the river. On the western bank's end stands a tower like a brush, writing straight to the heavens."

【125】

This couplet was composed when he first arrived in Qingyun, where he met the old fisherman who gave the upper line; he responded with the lower line, using this couplet to move the fisherman and earn a free crossing. Hu Xiaotian stared dumbstruck, cold sweat breaking out on his back. He had thought he was obscure in the southwestern frontier, but seeing the couplet made him realize Li Tianheng already knew his every move. The old fisherman and Li Tianheng must be closely connected; the fisherman had been waiting by the Tongji Riverbank beforehand, which produced this couplet. At the time Hu Xiaotian wondered how a rustic fisherman could devise such a clever upper line; now he knows the answer—the old fisherman is actually Li Tianheng's man.

Translate: This couplet was precisely the upper line composed by the old fisherman when Hu Xiaotian first arrived in Qingyun; Hu Xiaotian supplied the lower line, moving the old fisherman with this couplet to earn a free river crossing. Hu Xiaotian stared at it, dumbfounded, cold sweat breaking out on his back. He had thought his arrival in the southwestern frontier would go unnoticed, but seeing the couplet made him realize Li Tianheng had long known his movements inside out. The old fisherman and Li Tianheng must be closely connected; the old man had been waiting in advance by the Tongji Riverbank, which is how this couplet came about. At the time Hu Xiaotian wondered how a country fisherman could devise such an ingenious upper line; now he knows the answer—the old fisherman was none other than Li Tianheng's man.

【131】

Translate: Hu Tianxiong also noticed Hu Xiaotian's astonished expression, not knowing the reason, and said softly, "Young master, what's wrong?"

Hu Xiaotian finally came to his senses, sighed and said: "The writing is good, the couplet even better!" He was basically praising himself, commenting on the calligraphy on the couplet: dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, phoenixes fluttering, phoenixes resting—if placed in past eras it would be the work of a master calligrapher. Hu Xiaotian is not skilled with a soft brush, but his hard‑brush writing is passable. He can still judge the quality of calligraphy by analogy, and this future father‑in‑law truly has some talent.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian finally came to his senses and sighed, "The calligraphy is good, the couplet even better!" This fellow was basically praising himself; speaking of the calligraphy on the couplet—dragons soaring, phoenixes dancing, phoenixes fluttering, phoenixes resting—if placed in that era it would certainly be the level of a master calligrapher. Hu Xiaotian is not skilled with a soft brush, but his hard‑hand writing is passable. By analogy, he can still judge the quality of calligraphy; this future father‑in‑law really does have some talent.

Hu Xiaotian does not know whether his coming to Qingyun Xian was because his father gave Li Tianheng a heads-up in advance, or because Li Tianheng discovered it himself, if it's the latter, this future father-in-law Sir (official) is truly not to be underestimated, but he does not know whether the talent he displayed in the couplet has moved this old father-in-law, upon further thought, even if Li Tianheng knows, it's not necessarily a bad thing, as his future father-in-law, he would surely not fail to back him up, which means that no matter how big a mess he stirs up in Qingyun Xian, someone will clean it up for him, so perhaps his future actions can be even more unscrupulous?