Chapter 191

we had: Hu Xiaotian was thinking here when six riders galloped over; he looked up and saw they were all Black Miao Tribe people, one of whom was Teng Zidan of the Black Stone Stronghold. Arriving before the Wild Goose Tower, she dismounted and smiled, calling out: "Sir Hu, is this where the charitable auction dinner will be held?"

【7】

we had: Hu Xiaotian was both startled and delighted; at this point he didn't care what influence the guests had—having someone come to give him face was already a blessing. He hurried over, laughing: "Miss Teng has come, haha, please come in, please come in!"

Hu Xiaotian was both startled and delighted; at this moment he didn't care what power or influence the guests had—having someone come to give him face was already more than he could hope for. He hurried over with a cheerful grin, saying: "Miss Teng has arrived, haha, please come in, please come in!"

we had: Beside Teng Zidan was a middle-aged Black Miao Tribe man, stalwart and imposing, with a purplish face and a drooping mustache; though he stood there silent, he clearly exuded a powerful leadership aura—at a glance one could tell he was the leader of this group.

【16】

【5】 we had: The middle-aged man cupped his fists; Hu Xiaotian smiled and returned the greeting, leading the group into the Wild Goose Tower. Hu Xiaotian did not know this man, but when he entered the hall, Chief Clerk Guo Shouguang saw him and hastily rose to his feet—it turned out to be Teng Tianqi, chieftain of the Black Stone Stronghold, who enjoys immense prestige among the local Black Miao people; even County Magistrate Xu Qinglian would treat him courteously. Guo Shouguang could not fathom when Hu Xiaotian had struck up a connection with the Black Stone Stronghold. Teng Tianqi is stern by nature and rarely contacts Qingyun officials; Guo Shouguang could not recall him ever attending such public events here, yet today he voluntarily brought his daughter to give Hu Xiaotian face—this relationship is clearly out of the ordinary. Guo Shouguang stepped forward to greet Teng Tianqi; Teng Tianping gave a slight nod, his attitude arrogant, not even deigning to notice the Qingyun Chief Clerk.

Check we included all details: middle-aged man cupped his fists, Hu Xiaotian smiled and returned greeting, leading group into Wild Goose Tower. Hu Xiaotian didn't know him, but when he entered hall, Guo Shouguang saw him and hastily rose. It turned out to be Teng Tianqi, chieftain of Black Stone Stronghold, immense prestige among local Black Miao people; even County Magistrate Xu Qinglian would treat him courteously. Guo Shouguang could not fathom when Hu Xiaotian had struck up connection with Black Stone Stronghold. Teng Tianqi stern by nature, rarely contacts Qingyun officials; Guo Shouguang could not recall him ever attending such public events here, yet today he voluntarily brought his daughter to give Hu Xiaotian face—relationship out of ordinary. Guo Shouguang stepped forward to greet Teng Tianqi; Teng Tianping gave slight nod, attitude arrogant, not even deigning to notice Qingyun Chief Clerk.

Chief Clerk

【23】

The middle-aged man cupped his fists; Hu Xiaotian smiled and returned the greeting, leading the group into the Wild Goose Tower. Hu Xiaotian did not know this man, but when he entered the hall, Chief Clerk Guo Shouguang saw him and hastily rose to his feet—it turned out to be Teng Tianqi, chieftain of the Black Stone Stronghold, who enjoys immense prestige among the local Black Miao people; even County Magistrate Xu Qinglian would treat him courteously. Guo Shouguang could not fathom when Hu Xiaotian had struck up a connection with the Black Stone Stronghold. Teng Tianqi is stern by nature and rarely contacts Qingyun officials; Guo Shouguang could not recall him ever attending such public events here, yet today he voluntarily brought his daughter to give Hu Xiaotian face—this relationship is clearly out of the ordinary. Guo Shouguang stepped forward to greet Teng Tianqi; Teng Tianping gave a slight nod, his attitude arrogant, not even deigning to notice the Qingyun Chief Clerk.

Check for any missing info: we included all.

Now line 【6】:

has Chinese line inside quotes.

Translation: When Hu Xiaotian had Teng Zidan seated, she quietly asked him: "Where is your elder brother?"

【32】

Thus: 【6】 When Hu Xiaotian had Teng Zidan seated, she quietly asked him: "Where is your elder brother?"

Line 【7】:

Hu Xiaotian blinked slightly. Then he realized she was asking about Murong Feiyan, and he smiled and replied, "He went out on business; he may not make it back tonight." It seems Teng Zidan came specifically for Murong Feiyan.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian blinked, then realized she was asking about Murong Feiyan; he smiled and replied: "He's out on business and may not make it back tonight." It seemed Teng Zidan had come for Murong Feiyan.

【41】

Thus: 【7】 Hu Xiaotian blinked, then realized she was asking about Murong Feiyan; he smiled and replied: "He's out on business and may not make it back tonight." It seemed Teng Zidan had come for Murong Feiyan.

Line 【8】:

Chinese paragraph.

Chinese: Same as 【41】 but labeled Original. So we translate same as above.

Hu Dadi

Thus: When Teng Zidan heard that Hu Dadi would not appear, her pretty face inevitably showed disappointment. Hu Xiaotian saw her expression and couldn't help but secretly laugh; Teng Zidan's gaze is really poor. Even now she still hasn't figured out Murong Feiyan's gender. Given Murong Feiyan's temperament, he probably wouldn't contact Teng Zidan, let alone extend an invitation, but why this bunch of Black Miao people came to give face is unknown.

【53】

Black Miao people

Thus: 【8】 When Teng Zidan heard that Hu Dadi would not appear, her pretty face inevitably showed disappointment. Hu Xiaotian saw her expression and couldn't help but secretly laugh; Teng Zidan's gaze is really poor. Even now she still hasn't figured out Murong Feiyan's gender. Given Murong Feiyan's temperament, he probably wouldn't contact Teng Zidan, let alone extend an invitation, but why this bunch of Black Miao people came to give face is unknown.

【60】

Line 【9】:

Chinese paragraph.

Breakdown:

【68】

similar.

【72】

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【9】 On this side we welcomed the Black Stone Stronghold's distinguished guests into the Wild Goose Tower; on the other side more guests arrived—this time it was Xiao Tianmu, master of the Red Willow Manor, accompanied by six or seven brothers. Hu Xiaotian was now beaming; at least it wasn't as desolate as before, and he could finally save face. As they escorted Xiao Tianmu inside, he whispered: "Sir Hu, the matter you entrusted me with has been arranged." Hu Xiaotian spoke with a double meaning: "I originally wanted to lure the tiger away from the mountain, but now it seems not so smooth."

Line 【10】:

【81】

Translation: Xiao Tianmu lowered his voice: "My elder brother is personally leading the men out; there shouldn't be any mistake."

Xiao Tianmu

Thus: 【10】 Xiao Tianmu lowered his voice: "My elder brother is personally leading the men out; there shouldn't be any mistake."

Line 【11】:

【90】

Breakdown: Chinese line.

Interpretation: Hu Xiaotian then recalled that Zhou Batian had been bailed out today; tonight he will lead his brothers to stage a "rob the rich to help the poor" grand performance in Qingyun County—just thinking about it is exciting.

【99】

Thus: 【11】 Hu Xiaotian then recalled that Zhou Batian had been bailed out today; tonight he will lead his brothers to stage a rob-the-rich-to-help-the-poor grand performance in Qingyun Xian—just thinking about it is exciting.

Line 【12】:

Chinese line.

Translation: After seating Xiao Tianmu's group, suddenly a loud voice came from outside: "Sir Zhang, the Xizhou Chief Secretary, has arrived!"

【108】

Thus: 【12】 After seating Xiao Tianmu's group, suddenly a loud voice came from outside: "Sir Zhang Ziqian, the Xizhou Chief Secretary, has arrived!"

Line 【13】:

Chinese paragraph.

【114】

Chinese line.

【118】

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【13】 Chief Clerk Guo Shouguang's first reaction upon hearing it was that he had misheard; the Xizhou Chief Secretary Zhang Ziqian is the chief strategist under Xizhou Governor Li Tianheng. This man is widely learned, his wisdom outstanding; he is a renowned scholar domestically, usually stationed in Xizhou, devising strategies for Li Tianheng—one can say that Li Tianheng's recent success in Xichuan is largely due to him.

Line 【14】:

【127】

Translation: Hu Xiaotian also looked puzzled. The Xizhou Chief Secretary is a rank-above-fifth-grade official; he and Zhang Ziqian have never met, yet he doesn't know why he's come here. From the couplet Li Tianheng previously sent to his father, he already knew his whereabouts had been exposed; Li Tianheng had long known his identity and kept an eye on his movements. It seems the Xizhou Chief Secretary's visit is most likely at Li Tianheng's behest.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【14】 Hu Xiaotian also looked puzzled. The Xizhou Chief Secretary is a rank-above-fifth-grade official; he and Zhang Ziqian have never met, yet he doesn't know why he's come here. From the couplet Li Tianheng previously sent to his father, he already knew his whereabouts had been exposed; Li Tianheng had long known his identity and kept an eye on his movements. It seems the Xizhou Chief Secretary's visit is most likely at Li Tianheng's behest.

Line 【15】:

【136】

Translation: Hu Xiaotian went out full of confusion, and when he stepped outside and looked, he suddenly understood: Zhang Ziqian was none other than the old fisherman who had ferried him across the river on his first day in Qingyun.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【15】 Hu Xiaotian went out full of confusion, and when he stepped outside and looked, he suddenly understood: Zhang Ziqian was none other than the old fisherman who had ferried him across the river on his first day in Qingyun.

Line 【16】:

【145】

Translation: But today Zhang Ziqian was no longer dressed as that fisherman; he wore a gray robe, had two guards behind him, stood smiling at the gate, and said with a squinting smile: "Sir Hu, long time no see!"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【16】 But today Zhang Ziqian was no longer dressed as that fisherman; he wore a gray robe, had two guards behind him, stood smiling at the gate, and said with a squinting smile: "Sir Hu, long time no see!"

Line 【17】:

【154】

Translation: Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply to the ground—such a salute was rather exaggerated, like a student seeing a teacher. Although Zhang Ziqian's seniority far exceeded his, accepting such a grand salute was truly too much; he stepped forward, grabbed Hu Xiaotian's wrist, and laughed: "Sir Hu, don't be so formal—you'll kill an old man like me!"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【17】 Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply to the ground—such a salute was rather exaggerated, like a student seeing a teacher. Although Zhang Ziqian's seniority far exceeded his, accepting such a grand salute was truly too much; he stepped forward, grabbed Hu Xiaotian's wrist, and laughed: "Sir Hu, don't be so formal—you'll kill an old man like me!"

Line 【19】:

Note: line 【18】 missing. So translate 【19】.

【165】

Translation: Zhang Ziqian chuckled: "I originally wanted to be frank with you, but then I thought, you never told me you came to Qingyun to serve as county clerk; if I spoke the truth, wouldn't I be suffering a great loss?"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【19】 Zhang Ziqian chuckled: "I originally wanted to be frank with you, but then I thought, you never told me you came to Qingyun to serve as county clerk; if I spoke the truth, wouldn't I be suffering a great loss?"

Line 【20】:

【174】

Breakdown: Chinese line.

【178】

Chinese line.

【182】

Chinese line.

【186】

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【20】 Hu Xiaotian thought the old man was quite amusing, yet he couldn't relax; thinking back to when he left the capital, his father had repeatedly urged him to conceal his identity at all costs. From the present situation, it seems that since arriving in Qingyun he has already been under the surveillance of his future father-in-law, whose chief strategist Zhang Ziqian had even deliberately disguised himself as an old fisherman to test his abilities. Had he known this, he should have acted like a fool, answering "I don't know" to everything, making Li Tianheng utterly disappointed and abandoning the idea of him as a son-in-law. In these days, not only is a woman considered virtuous if she lacks talent, but the same applies to men.

Line 【21】:

【195】

Translation: Hu Xiaotian invited Zhang Ziqian into the Wild Goose Tower, since Zhang Ziqian is his superior official and also a favorite of Li Tianheng; both emotionally and logically he should accompany him, so he entrusted the reception duties to Song Shaofu and personally seated himself with Zhang Ziqian.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【21】 Hu Xiaotian invited Zhang Ziqian into the Wild Goose Tower, since Zhang Ziqian is his superior official and also a favorite of Li Tianheng; both emotionally and logically he should accompany him, so he entrusted the reception duties to Song Shaofu and personally seated himself with Zhang Ziqian.

Line 【22】:

【204】

Translation: Chief Clerk Guo Shouguang initially didn't believe it, but upon seeing Zhang Ziqian appear he realized it was truly the Xizhou Chief Secretary who had come; his shock was immeasurable. Although Zhang Ziqian holds only a rank-above-fifth-grade post, he is greatly trusted by Li Tianheng and is a veritable power broker in Xichuan. Zhang Ziqian's ancestral home is Qingyun; each time he returns to visit his parents he comes and goes hurriedly. Five years ago his elder sister died, leaving no relatives in his hometown, and in those five years there had been no word of his returning—so why he has suddenly appeared today is unknown.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【22】 Chief Clerk Guo Shouguang initially didn't believe it, but upon seeing Zhang Ziqian appear he realized it was truly the Xizhou Chief Secretary who had come; his shock was immeasurable. Although Zhang Ziqian holds only a rank-above-fifth-grade post, he is greatly trusted by Li Tianheng and is a veritable power broker in Xichuan. Zhang Ziqian's ancestral home is Qingyun; each time he returns to visit his parents he comes and goes hurriedly. Five years ago his elder sister died, leaving no relatives in his hometown, and in those five years there had been no word of his returning—so why he has suddenly appeared today is unknown.

Line 【23】:

【213】

Translation: Guo Shouguang actually already knew the answer—Zhang Ziqian hadn't come by chance to eat, nor was he coming for Guo Shouguang himself; he was coming for Hu Xiaotian, to give him face. Guo Shouguang's heart began to pound: Hu Xiaotian indeed has backing, able to connect with even Li Tianheng's favorite; it seems their information is incomplete, for fear that this Hu Xiaotian is more than just a salt merchant's son.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【23】 Guo Shouguang actually already knew the answer—Zhang Ziqian hadn't come by chance to eat, nor was he coming for Guo Shouguang himself; he was coming for Hu Xiaotian, to give him face. Guo Shouguang's heart began to pound: Hu Xiaotian indeed has backing, able to connect with even Li Tianheng's favorite; it seems their information is incomplete, for fear that this Hu Xiaotian is more than just a salt merchant's son.

Line 【24】:

【222】

Translation: Guo Shouguang whispered a few words to his attendants, then rose with a beaming smile and walked toward Zhang Ziqian, also bowing deeply to the ground—despite his age, his skill at obsequiousness surpassed Hu Xiaotian's, his movements clean and swift: "Your humble servant Guo Shouguang pays respects to Sir Zhang!"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【24】 Guo Shouguang whispered a few words to his attendants, then rose with a beaming smile and walked toward Zhang Ziqian, also bowing deeply to the ground—despite his age, his skill at obsequiousness surpassed Hu Xiaotian's, his movements clean and swift: "Your humble servant Guo Shouguang pays respects to Sir Zhang Ziqian!"

Line 【25】:

【231】

Translation: Zhang Ziqian's demeanor was modest; he smiled: "No need for excessive ceremony—this isn't a government office, and you're not my subordinate; outside the court, don't get hung up on formalities." He then turned to Hu Xiaotian: "Old brother Hu, am I right?"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【25】 Zhang Ziqian's demeanor was modest; he smiled: "No need for excessive ceremony—this isn't a government office, and you're not my subordinate; outside the court, don't get hung up on formalities." He then turned to Hu Xiaotian: "Old brother Hu, am I right?"

Line 【26】:

【240】

Translation: That single "old brother Hu" clearly narrowed the distance between them; nearby Guo Shouguang, hearing it clearly, broke into a sweat—given Zhang Ziqian's status, calling Hu Xiaotian "old brother" shows their relationship is indeed out of the ordinary.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【26】 That single "old brother Hu" clearly narrowed the distance between them; nearby Guo Shouguang, hearing it clearly, broke into a sweat—given Zhang Ziqian's status, calling Hu Xiaotian "old brother" shows their relationship is indeed out of the ordinary.

Line 【27】:

【249】

Translation: Zhang Ziqian's appearance was purely accidental, and Hu Xiaotian also felt his prestige boosted; it seems tonight really is full of surprises—perhaps his future father-in-law intends to make their relationship public today; if so, tomorrow all the big and small officials of Qingyun County will be beating a path to his door.

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【27】 Zhang Ziqian's appearance was purely accidental, and Hu Xiaotian also felt his prestige boosted; it seems tonight really is full of surprises—perhaps his future father-in-law intends to make their relationship public today; if so, tomorrow all the big and small officials of Qingyun Xian will be beating a path to his door.

Line 【28】:

【258】

Translation: After exchanging only a few words with Zhang Ziqian, another distinguished guest arrived outside, a voice calling out loudly: "His Highness the Prince has arrived!"

Need glossary:... includes Chinese terms.

Thus: 【28】 After exchanging only a few words with Zhang Ziqian, another distinguished guest arrived outside, a voice calling out loudly: "Prince Long Yefang, Your Highness, has arrived!"

Line 【29】:

【265】

I said. I said, "We don't have that kind of connection, huh?" Quite a few words.

【269】

Not a few words.

【273】

Prince Long Yefang (the seventeenth prince Long Yefang), little Qingyun county town, give face, wreck the event.

Thus: 【29】 Everyone was stunned; Hu Xiaotian blinked and said, "Surely this isn't a joke on me? The Prince isn't the seventeenth prince Long Yefang? I have no acquaintance with him—why would he come to this little Qingyun county town? Is he here to give me face? I said, we have no such connection? Could he be here to wreck the event? Not a few words."

Line 【30】:

【282】

Translation: Everyone in the hall stood frozen, looking at each other; they basically thought someone was playing a prank, but on second thought it didn't quite seem like a joke—jesting about this could land them in jail or even get them beheaded.

land them in jail or even get them beheaded

Thus: 【30】 Everyone in the hall stood frozen, looking at each other; they basically thought someone was playing a prank, but on second thought it didn't quite seem like a joke—jesting about this could land them in jail or even get them beheaded.

Line 【31】:

【291】

Prince Long Yefang is twenty-three years old this year.

【295】

That was when the former emperor made an extremely important decision: to reclaim all the princes' fiefs.

【299】

But the order had only been in effect for three days when an edict reclaimed all the princes' fiefs.

【303】

Prince Long Yefang, Emperor Long Xuan'en, Long Yelin, Laohuangdi, Western Min, granted him Western Min as a fief.

【312】

Thus: 【31】 Prince Long Yefang is twenty-three this year; the current emperor, Long Xuan'en, three years ago abolished the crown prince status of his eldest son Long Yelin and passed the throne to his third son Long Yeying. That was when the former emperor Laohuangdi made an extremely important decision: to reclaim all the princes' fiefs. At that time Prince Long Yefang was only twenty, just having reached the age of twenty, and was granted Western Min as his fief—but the order had only been in effect for three days when an edict reclaimed all the princes' fiefs. Prince Long Yefang didn't even have time to visit his fief before becoming merely a prince in name only.

Check glossary: we used Prince Long Yefang, Emperor Long Xuan'en, Long Yelin, Laohuangdi. Good.

Line 【32】:

Among the many princes, Prince Long Yefang is the type who avoids worldly contention. Ahead of him are sixteen elder brothers in order; from childhood onward he never showed any extraordinary talent, and the crown prince position will never come to him. He has no intention of competing for power and profit; no matter how fiercely those brothers struggle, he remains neutral. In fact, there are still a few princes who share his view—wise self-preservation, enjoying life.

【318】

Ahead of him are sixteen elder brothers in order.

【322】

The crown prince position will never come to him.

【326】

No matter how fiercely those brothers contend, he remains neutral.

【330】

Prince Long Yefang

Thus: 【32】 Among the many princes, Prince Long Yefang belongs to the type that stays out of worldly contention; ahead of him are sixteen elder brothers in order, and from childhood onward he has never shown any extraordinary ability—the crown prince position will never come to him, and he has no intention of contending for power and profit. No matter how fiercely those brothers contend, he remains neutral; actually there are a few others among the princes who share his view: they practice wise self-preservation and enjoy life.

Line 【33】:

【339】

However, Prince Long Yefang's mother, Consort Li, enjoyed the emperor's great favor; love me, love my house. The former emperor also doted on this seventeenth son, and rumors even spread in court that the emperor intended to make Long Yefang the crown prince. Knowing that such rumors would not benefit them, Prince Long Yefang and his mother decided to stay out of court intrigues, traveling throughout the Dakang realm under the pretense of praying for the emperor's blessings, while their true aim was to avoid the court's strife.

Interpretation: However, Prince Long Yefang's mother, Consort Li, enjoys great favor from the emperor; "love the house and thus love the crow" (i. e., love extends to associated things). The former emperor also dotes on this seventeenth son, and as a result rumors spread in court that the emperor intends to make Long Yefang the crown prince. The prince and his mother know such rumors do them no good, so they have developed the idea of staying away from court intrigue, touring Dakang under the pretense of praying for the emperor's blessings, while their real aim is to avoid court strife.

【360】

Thus: 【33】 However, Prince Long Yefang's mother, Consort Li, enjoys great favor from the emperor; love extends to the household, and the former emperor Laohuangdi also dotes on this seventeenth son, with the result that rumors spread in court that the emperor intends to make Long Yefang the crown prince. The prince and his mother know such rumors do them no good, so they have developed the idea of staying away from court intrigue, touring Dakang under the pretense of praying for the emperor's blessings, while their real aim is to avoid court strife.

Check we used Consort Li (not in glossary but we translate meaning). Good.

Now we have all translations.

We need to output each line as 【N】 translation on a single line. Ensure no extra lines.

Let's list them in order: 【1】 through 【33】 except missing 【4】 and 【18】. We'll output exactly those numbers.

Check each translation for any missing info.

Let's double-check each.

we had: When Hu Xiaotian had Teng Zidan seated, she quietly asked him: "Where is your elder brother?"

When Hu Xiaotian had Teng Zidan seated, she quietly asked him, "What about your older brother?"

we had: Hu Xiaotian blinked, then realized she was asking about Murong Feiyan; he smiled and replied: "He's out on business and may not make it back tonight." It seemed Teng Zidan had come for Murong Feiyan.

【366】

we had: When Teng Zidan heard that Hu Dadi would not appear, her pretty face inevitably showed disappointment. Hu Xiaotian saw her expression and couldn't help but secretly laugh; Teng Zidan's gaze is really poor. Even now she still hasn't figured out Murong Feiyan's gender. Given Murong Feiyan's temperament, he probably wouldn't contact Teng Zidan, let alone extend an invitation, but why this bunch of Black Miao people came to give face is unknown.

Teng Zidan heard that Hu Dadi would not appear, and her pretty face inevitably showed disappointment. Seeing her expression, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but secretly laugh; Teng Zidan's gaze is really unpleasant. Even now, we still haven't figured out Murong Feiyan's gender. Given Murong Feiyan's temperament, they probably wouldn't contact Teng Zidan, let alone extend an invitation. I don't know why these Black Miao people have come to give face.

This side welcomed the distinguished guests of Black Stone Stronghold into Hongyan Tower; the other side also had guests arriving—this time it was Xiao Tianmu, the master of Red Willow Manor, who came with six or seven brothers. By now Hu Xiaotian was beaming, no longer as desolate as at the start; at least he could save face. While accompanying Xiao Tianmu inside, Xiao Tianmu whispered: "Sir Hu, the matter you ordered has been arranged." Hu Xiaotian spoke with a double meaning: "Originally I wanted to lure the tiger away from the mountain, but now it seems not so smooth."

Xiao Tianmu lowered his voice: "My elder brother personally led the men out; there shouldn't be any mistake."

Hu Xiaotian then recalled that Zhou Batian had already been bailed out today; tonight he would lead his brothers to stage a "rob the rich to help the poor" spectacle in Qingyun Xian—just thinking about it made him excited.

After seating Xiao Tianmu's group, suddenly a loud voice came from outside: "Sir Zhang, the Prefect of Xizhou, has arrived!"

Clerk Guo Shouguang's first reaction upon hearing it was that he had misheard; Zhang Ziqian, the Prefect of Xizhou, was the chief strategist under Li Tianheng, the Governor of Xizhou. This man was richly learned, his wisdom surpassing all, a renowned scholar nationwide, usually stationed in Xizhou, offering plans and strategies for Li Tianheng; it could be said that Li Tianheng's recent success in Xichuan was largely due to him.

Hu Xiaotian also looked puzzled. The Prefect of Xizhou is a fifth-rank official or higher; he and Zhang Ziqian were strangers, yet he didn't know why the man had come here. From the couplet Li Tianheng had sent to his father earlier, he already knew his whereabouts had been exposed; Li Tianheng had long known his identity and kept an eye on his movements. It seemed likely that the Prefect of Xizhou's visit was at Li Tianheng's behest.

Hu Xiaotian went out full of doubt, and when he stepped outside and saw, he instantly understood: that Zhang Ziqian was none other than the old fisherman who had ferried him across the river on his first day in Qingyun Xian.

But today Zhang Ziqian was no longer dressed as that fisherman; he wore a gray long robe, with two Guards behind him, smiling and standing outside the door, gazing at Hu Xiaotian with a grin and saying: "Sir Hu, long time no see!"

Hu Xiaotian bowed deeply to the ground; the salute was somewhat exaggerated, like a student seeing a teacher. Although Zhang Ziqian's seniority was much higher than his, this grand salute was really more than he could bear; he stepped forward, grabbed Hu Xiaotian's wrist, and laughed: "Sir Hu, don't be so formal—you'll kill an old man like me!"

That's many.

Zhang Ziqian chuckled: "I originally wanted to be frank, but then I thought—you never told me you came to Qingyun Xian to serve as county magistrate; if I spoke the truth, wouldn't I be suffering a great loss?"

Hu Xiaotian thought the old man was quite interesting, yet he couldn't relax; recalling when he left the capital, his father had repeatedly urged him to conceal his identity. Looking at the present situation, since arriving in Qingyun Xian he had already been within the surveillance range of his future father-in-law, whose chief strategist Zhang Ziqian had deliberately disguised himself as an old fisherman to test his talent. Had he known, he should have acted like a fool, knowing nothing when asked, so that Li Tianheng would be utterly disappointed and abandon the idea of making him a son-in-law. In these days, not only are women considered virtuous if they lack talent, but men are too.

Hu Xiaotian invited Zhang Ziqian to enter Hongyan Tower; since Zhang Ziqian was his superior official and also a favorite of Li Tianheng, Hu Xiaotian had to accompany him both emotionally and rationally. He delegated the greeting duties to Song Shaofu, while he himself sat with Zhang Ziqian.

Clerk Guo Shouguang initially didn't believe it, but upon seeing Zhang Ziqian appear, he finally realized it was truly the Prefect of Xizhou who had come; his shock was beyond words. Although Zhang Ziqian held only a fifth-rank post, he was greatly trusted by Li Tianheng and was a genuine power figure in Xichuan. Zhang Ziqian's ancestral home was Qingyun Xian; each time he came to visit his parents, it was a brief visit. After his elder sister died five years ago, there were no relatives left in his hometown, and in those five years no word had been heard of his returning—so why had he suddenly appeared today?

Guo Shouguang actually already knew the answer—Zhang Ziqian hadn't come by chance to eat, nor was he targeting Guo Shouguang himself; he had come for Hu Xiaotian, to give him support. Guo Shouguang's heart began to pound; Hu Xiaotian indeed had backing, able to connect with Li Tianheng's favorite, showing their information was incomplete—perhaps Hu Xiaotian was more than just the son of a salt merchant.

Guo Shouguang quietly whispered a few words to his attendant, then rose with a pleasant smile and walked toward Zhang Ziqian, also bowing deeply to the ground. Though he was older, his skill at obsequiousness surpassed Hu Xiaotian's, his movements clean and swift: "Your humble servant Guo Shouguang greets Sir Zhang!"

Zhang Ziqian, contrary to expectation, was modest and smiled: "No need for excessive ceremony—this isn't the Government Office, you're not my subordinate; outside the court, don't get hung up on etiquette." He turned to Hu Xiaotian and said: "Hu junior brother, am I right?"

That single address of "junior brother" clearly narrowed the distance between them; Guo Shouguang nearby, hearing it clearly, broke into a sweat—given Zhang Ziqian's status, calling Hu Xiaotian "junior brother" showed their relationship was indeed extraordinary.

Zhang Ziqian's appearance was purely accidental, and Hu Xiaotian also felt a boost to his dignity; it seemed tonight would be full of surprises—perhaps his future father-in-law intended to make their relationship public today; if so, tomorrow all the officials big and small in Qingyun Xian would be beating a path to his door.

After exchanging only a few words with Zhang Ziqian, another distinguished guest arrived outside, and a loud voice called out: "His Highness Prince Zhou has arrived!"

Everyone was stunned; Hu Xiaotian blinked and thought, "Surely this isn't a joke on me? Prince Zhou isn't the seventeenth prince, Long Yefang? I've never met him—why would he come to this little Qingyun Xian? Is he here to give me support? No, we have no such connection—could he be here to cause trouble?" Not many words.

Everyone in the hall stood frozen, looking at each other; most thought it was a prank, but upon reflection it didn't quite seem like one—joking about this could easily land them in jail or even get them executed.

Prince Long Yefang is now twenty-three years old; the current Emperor, Long Xuan'en, three years ago abolished the crown prince status of his eldest son, Long Yelin, and transferred the succession to his third son, Long Yinqing—at that time the retired emperor made an extremely important decision, recalling all the princes' fiefdoms. The Prince was then only twenty, just having reached the age of weak crown, and had been granted Ximin as his fief; but the order had only been issued for three days when an edict recalled all the princes' fiefdoms, so the Prince never even got to see his own fief and became merely a prince in name only.

Among the many princes, Prince Long Yefang belongs to the type that avoids worldly contention; he has sixteen older brothers in order of seniority, and from childhood onward he has shown no extraordinary talent—the crown prince position will never come to him, and he has no desire to vie for power and profit. No matter how fiercely his brothers compete, he remains steadfastly neutral; indeed, a few other princes share his mindset, preferring to preserve themselves and enjoy life.

However, Prince Long Yefang's mother, Consort Li, was greatly favored by the Emperor, and the retired emperor also doted on this seventeenth son; consequently, rumors spread in court that the Emperor intended to make Long Yefang the crown prince. Knowing such rumors would bring them no benefit, the prince and his mother conceived the idea of staying clear of court intrigue, touring Dakang in the name of praying for the Emperor's blessings, while their true aim was to evade palace strife.

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