Chapter 246

Vice Minister of Revenue Xu Zhengying had not left his residence for some time, outwardly claiming illness, but in fact he stayed home quietly observing the shifting politics at court. After the new emperor ascended the throne and the former emperor retired as Taishang Huang, a brief period of peace passed before the hidden contradictions within Dakang inevitably surfaced. First, Li Tianheng of Xichuan raised the banner of loyalist uprising and carved out his own domain; then this new emperor began a large-scale purge within the court. Xu Zhengying did not worry that the turmoil would affect him; although he held the rank of senior fourth‑rank official as Vice Minister of Revenue, he was merely the third‑in‑command in the Ministry of Revenue, overseeing the Directorate of Currency and Law and the Imperial Mint. He had long sought to cultivate a closer relationship with Hu Buwei, but Hu Buwei had always been wary of him. In retrospect, past grievances might actually be a blessing, for if Xu Zhengying had truly ingratiated himself with Hu Buwei and become his confidant, he would likely now be implicated in the Hu family's troubles.

We must not add explanatory words not in source. Keep same info.

Let's produce translation.

【1】 Xu Zhengying, the Vice Minister of Revenue, had not left his residence for some time, outwardly claiming illness while actually staying home to quietly observe the shifting tides of court politics. After the new emperor ascended the throne and the former emperor retired as Taishang Huang, a brief calm followed, after which the hidden contradictions within Dakang inevitably surfaced. First, Li Tianheng of Xichuan raised the banner of loyalist troops and carved out his own domain; then the new emperor began a large-scale purge within the court. Xu Zhengying did not worry that this would affect him; although he held the rank of senior fourth-grade Vice Minister of Revenue, he was only the third-in-command in the Ministry, overseeing the Directorate of Currency and Law and the Imperial Mint. He had long wanted to draw closer to Hu Buwei, but Hu Buwei had always been wary of him. In retrospect, his past failure to ingratiate himself might actually be a blessing, for if he had truly managed to curry favor with Hu Buwei and become his confidant, he would now likely be implicated in the Hu family's affairs.

Check we kept all info: yes.

Having heard that the Hu family's estate had been seized, Hu Buwei and his wife were temporarily detained in the Ministry of Punishments awaiting trial. Xu Zhengying felt relieved, yet a twinge of sympathy stirred within him—though the matter had not yet implicated him, he knew that once the interrogation began, as Vice Minister of Revenue he would certainly have to go to the Ministry of Punishments to testify. He had already weighed the pros and cons: when the wall falls, everyone pushes, and Hu Buwei was doomed this time; even if he gave him an extra push, it would not change the outcome. Although Xu Zhengying was feigning illness at home, these past two days he had not been idle; he had compiled a dossier of charges against Hu Buwei. This document not only served as evidence of Hu Buwei's grave crimes, but could also exonerate himself. Xu Zhengying believed that Hu Buwei's arrest was due to Zhou Ruiyuan. Originally, Zhou Ruiyuan had defended the crown prince, Long Yelin, arguing fiercely in court to secure his position as heir apparent, which had angered the emperor; had it not been for Zhou Ruiyuan's meritorious service, the emperor might have had him beheaded then. Hu Buwei, Shi Buchui, and their allies had once banded together to push Zhou Ruiyuan into a well and stone him, nearly killing him. Now that Zhou Ruiyuan had regained power, he would surely not let these former political rivals go unpunished.

Hu Buwei, the Hu family, the Ministry of Punishments, Zhou Ruiyuan, the Crown Prince Long Yelin, the Emperor, Hu Buwei, and the followers of Shi Buchui.

Zhou Ruiyuan

Now translate.

【2】 Upon hearing that the Hu household had been sealed off, with Hu Buwei and his wife temporarily detained in the Ministry of Punishments awaiting trial, Xu Zhengying felt relieved yet also a flicker of "rabbit dies, fox grieves" sentiment. Although the matter had not yet implicated him, once the interrogation process began, as Vice Minister of Revenue he would certainly have to go to the Ministry of Punishments to testify. Xu Zhengying had already weighed the pros and cons in his mind: when the wall falls, everyone pushes; Hu Buwei is doomed this time, and even if he gave him an extra push, it would not change the outcome. Though Xu Zhengying was ill at home, these two days he had not been idle; he had compiled a dossier of Hu Buwei's crimes. This document not only served as evidence of Hu Buwei's grave offenses but could also exonerate himself. Xu Zhengying believed that Hu Buwei's arrest was due to Zhou Ruiyuan. Originally, Zhou Ruiyuan had defended the Crown Prince Long Yelin's position in court, arguing vehemently, which had angered the Emperor. Had it not been for Zhou Ruiyuan's meritorious service, the Emperor would likely have beheaded him then. Hu Buwei, Shi Buchui, and their ilk had once banded together to trip Zhou Ruiyuan, nearly causing his death. Now that Zhou Ruiyuan had regained power, he would certainly not let these former political rivals go unpunished.

Check we kept all info.

Xu Zhengying rejoiced at his own good fortune. He had more than once suggested marrying one of his two daughters to the Hu family's simpleton son, but Hu Buwei looked down on him and always treated him with cold disdain. In the end, he chose the paralyzed daughter of Li Tianheng, the Jiannan‑Xichuan Military Commissioner. At the time Xu Zhengying had secretly envied that match, for if the Hu and Li families joined forces and the crown prince, Long Yeqing, inherited the throne, their two houses would become the most powerful in Dakang. Yet events proved that Hu Buwei's luck was not so good, and Xu Zhengying's own fortune was not so bad either. Li Tianheng had already risen in rebellion with his troops, becoming a traitor to Dakang, and Hu Buwei's marriage alliance with him had deeply entangled him. In fact, regardless of whether the marriage took place, Hu Buwei was destined for no good end; the alliance merely gave him another charge of colluding with rebels. Just then, the Xu household steward, Xu Fu, knocked and entered, leaning close to whisper to Xu Zhengying: 'Sir, there is a young child outside asking to see you, claiming to be a distant relative of yours.'

The Jiannan-Xichuan Military Commissioner Li Tianheng, the Hu family's simpleton son, Hu Buwei, Hu and Li joining forces, and Crown Prince Long Yeqing.

Crown Prince Long Yeqing inherits the great mandate; Hu Buwei's luck is not that good.

Xu Fu

Now translate.

【3】 Xu Zhengying rejoiced at his own good fortune; he had more than once suggested marrying one of his two daughters to the Hu family's simpleton son, but Hu Buwei looked down on him and always treated him with cold disdain. In the end he chose the paralyzed daughter of Li Tianheng, the Jiannan-Xichuan Military Commissioner. At the time he had secretly envied that match, for if Hu and Li joined forces and once Crown Prince Long Yeqing inherited the throne, their two houses would become the most powerful in Dakang. Yet facts proved that Hu Buwei's luck was not so good, and his own was not so bad either. Li Tianheng had already risen in rebellion with his troops, becoming a rebel general of Dakang, and Hu Buwei, through his marriage alliance with Li Tianheng, was deeply entangled. In fact, whether or not the marriage took place, Hu Buwei would have met no good end; the alliance merely gave him an additional charge of colluding with rebels. Xu Fu, a retainer of the Xu household, knocked and entered, leaning close to Xu Zhengying's ear and whispering softly: "Sir, there is a young child outside seeking an audience; he says he is your distant relative."…

We need to keep the ellipsis.

Xu Zhengying furrowed his brows. As Vice Minister of Revenue, many relatives came seeking refuge upon hearing his name, but he waved his hand and said, 'Give him two taels of silver to send him away.' In this frame of mind, he truly did not wish to see any outsiders.

Below. Indeed, I don't want to see any outsiders.

【4】 Xu Zhengying furrowed his brows. As the Vice Minister of Revenue, many relatives came seeking refuge upon hearing his name; he waved his hand and said, "Give him two taels of silver to send him away." In this frame of mind, he indeed did not wish to see any outsiders.

Xu Fu whispered, 'He wrote a note and asked me to bring it, saying you will understand once you read it.'

【5】 Xu Fu whispered, "He wrote a note and asked me to bring it, saying you will understand once you read it."

Xu Zhengying took the note, only to see written on it: 'The upright part is a dog, the hanging part is a wolf!' Seeing those words, Xu Zhengying broke out in a cold sweat and exclaimed, 'Where is the person?'

【6】 Xu Zhengying took the note, only to see written on it: "Upright is a dog, hanging is a wolf!" Seeing these words, Xu Zhengying broke out in a cold sweat and exclaimed, "Where is the person?"

Xu Fu replied, 'He's right outside the door!'

【7】 Xu Fu replied, "Right outside the door!"

Xu Zhengying asked, 'You mean a child?'

【8】 Xu Zhengying asked, "You mean a child?"

Xu Fu nodded and said, 'A boy about twelve or thirteen years old. He looks quite clever and speaks with a southwestern accent.'

【9】 Xu Fu nodded and said, "A boy about twelve or thirteen. He looks quite sharp, with a southwestern accent."

Xu Zhengying had expected Hu Xiaotian himself to come to the door, and the thought startled him; if outsiders saw it, he did not know what they would think of his relationship with the Hu family. Hearing that it was merely a child, he relaxed, pondered briefly, and said softly, 'Xu Fu, bring him inside and keep watch outside to see if anyone is following him.'

【10】 Xu Zhengying had thought Hu Xiaotian himself had come to the door, which startled him; if outsiders saw it, they might wonder about his connection to the Hu family. Hearing it was merely a child, he relaxed, pondered a moment, and said softly, "Xu Fu, bring him in and keep watch outside to see if anyone is following him."

Xu Fu acknowledged and shortly brought in a boy dressed in green. The boy approached Xu Zhengying, bowed respectfully, and said, 'I am Gao Yuan, paying my respects, Sir.'

【11】 Xu Fu acknowledged, and shortly thereafter brought in a boy dressed in green. The boy approached Xu Zhengying, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your servant Gao Yuan pays his respects, Sir."

Xu Zhengying stroked his goat beard, scrutinized the boy before him, certain he had never seen him, and narrowed his eyes, asking, 'Do you know me?'

【12】 Xu Zhengying stroked his goat beard, scrutinized the boy before him, certain he had never seen this child, and narrowed his eyes, asking, "Do you know me?"

The boy before him was indeed Gao Yuan; he blinked and said, 'I don't know you, but I know you are Sir Xu, the Vice Minister of Revenue.'

【13】 The boy before him was indeed Gao Yuan; he blinked and said, "I don't know you, but I know you are Sir Xu, the Vice Minister of Revenue."

Xu Zhengying asked, 'Are you my distant relative?'

【14】 Xu Zhengying asked, "Are you my distant relative?"

Gao Yuan immediately shook his head and said, 'I don't have such fortune; someone paid me to deliver a message and instructed me to say that.'

【15】 Gao Yuan immediately shook his head and said, "I don't have such fortune; someone gave me money to deliver a message and told me to say that."

Xu Zhengying asked, 'Who sent you to deliver the letter?'

【16】 Xu Zhengying asked, "Who sent you to deliver the letter?"

Gao Yuan replied, 'It was a young man I don't know; he gave me one tael of silver and told me to deliver the letter here, saying that Sir Xu would reward me handsomely if I succeeded.'

【17】 Gao Yuan replied, "It was a young man I don't know; he gave me one tael of silver and told me to deliver the letter here, saying that once it arrived, Sir Xu would reward me handsomely."

Xu Zhengying furrowed his brows and asked, 'Did he also give you any verbal message to pass along?'

【18】 Xu Zhengying furrowed his brows and asked, "Did he also entrust you with any oral message?"

Gao Yuan stretched out his open right hand, clearly asking Xu Zhengying for the reward money.

【19】 Gao Yuan stretched out his right hand, clearly asking Xu Zhengying for the reward money.

Xu Zhengying had his steward Xu Fu fetch two taels of silver, which Gao Yuan happily took and tucked away, then added, 'He said to meet you at the place of the poetry gathering in an hour.'

【20】 Xu Zhengying had the steward Xu Fu fetch two taels of silver; Gao Yuan happily took it, tucked it away, and added, "He said to meet you at the place of the poetry gathering in an hour."

Xu Zhengying had already concluded that the person who wrote the note for him could only be Hu Xiaotian; no outsider could know the details of that day so clearly.

【21】 Xu Zhengying had already concluded that the person who wrote the note to him could only be Hu Xiaotian; no outsider could know the details of that day so clearly.

Gao Yuan then gave another promise, saying, 'Sir Xu, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave.'

【22】 Gao Yuan then said, "Sir Xu, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Xu Zhengying nodded.

【23】 Xu Zhengying nodded.

Watching Gao Yuan's small figure depart, Xu Zhengying quietly told Xu Fu, 'Have someone keep an eye on that boy to see where he actually goes.'

【24】 Watching Gao Yuan's small figure depart, Xu Zhengying whispered to Xu Fu, "Have someone tail that boy to see where he ends up."

Yes!

【25】 "Yes!"

After Gao Yuan left, Xu Zhengying thought it over and immediately had men make ready. He first stationed ten trusted household guards inside and outside the Smoke Water Pavilion for an ambush, then took Xu Fu and two guards to the pavilion himself. Knowing Hu Xiaotian was crafty, he feared that if he appeared in person, the boy would not show himself. The fact that Hu Xiaotian had not come directly to his manor proved the boy remained quite vigilant; most likely he was hiding near the Smoke Water Pavilion, watching his movements. If Xu Zhengying brought too many people, it might arouse the boy's suspicion.

From Hu Xiaotian not coming directly to his manor, it shows the boy remains quite vigilant; most likely he is hiding near the Smoke Water Pavilion, observing his movements. If he brings too many people, it might arouse the boy's suspicion.

Let's translate precisely.

【26】 After Gao Yuan left, Xu Zhengying thought it over and immediately had people prepare: first he arranged ten trusted servants to lie in wait inside and outside the Smoke Water Pavilion, then he took Xu Fu and two servants to the Smoke Water Pavilion. He knew Hu Xiaotian was crafty; if he himself appeared, the boy would likely not show up. The fact that Hu Xiaotian had not come straight to his manor proved the boy was still quite alert; most likely he was hiding near the Smoke Water Pavilion, watching his movements. If he brought too many people, it might alert the boy.

When Xu Zhengying went out, the household guard he had sent to follow Gao Yuan reported that after receiving the silver, the boy went straight to the market to eat, then watched a monkey show, never leaving the area, and no one was seen contacting him.

【27】 When Xu Zhengying went out, the servant he had sent to follow Gao Yuan reported that after receiving the silver, the boy went straight to the market to eat, then went to watch a monkey show, never leaving the area, and no one was seen contacting him.

Only then did Xu Zhengying relax, realizing that capturing Hu Xiaotian would be a great achievement—equivalent to presenting a pledge of loyalty to the new emperor. The thought made his heart swell.

【28】 Only then did Xu Zhengying relax; capturing Hu Xiaotian would mean a great merit, equivalent to presenting a pledge of loyalty to the new emperor. Thinking of this, his heart warmed involuntarily.

Hu Xiaotian's choice of Xu Zhengying as a point of entry was purely a last resort. Although Xu Zhengying had once been a subordinate of his father, he is adept at opportunism and fawning on the powerful, making it hard to guarantee he would not betray the Hu family in their misfortune. If Hu Xiaotian simply went to Xu Zhengying's residence unannounced, he feared Xu might act against him. After considering it, Hu Xiaotian determined he must ensure absolute safety. First he would send Gao Yuan to deliver the letter, then lure Xu Zhengying to the Smoke Water Pavilion; taking advantage of his skill in disguise, he could then stand nearby and observe whether Xu Zhengying behaved unusually.

【29】 Hu Xiaotian's choice of Xu Zhengying as a breakthrough point was purely a matter of necessity. Although Xu Zhengying had once been his father's subordinate, this man is adept at opportunism and fawning on the powerful; during the Hu family's misfortune, there is no guarantee he would not kick them when they are down. If Hu Xiaotian simply went to Xu Zhengying's residence unannounced, he feared it might backfire. After much thought, Hu Xiaotian resolved to make sure everything was foolproof: first have Gao Yuan deliver the letter, then lure Xu Zhengying to the Smoke Water Pavilion; taking advantage of his skill in disguise, he could then stand aside and observe whether Xu Zhengying showed any unusual behavior.

Xu Zhengying was no stranger to cunning; worried about alerting the enemy, he had already positioned his forces inside and outside the Smoke Water Pavilion. When the appointed time approached, he brought Xu Fu and two guards to the pavilion's exterior. He did not let the guards follow him upstairs, signaling Xu Fu to wait with them outside while he went up alone. A regular patron, the pavilion's proprietor saw him arrive and hurried forward to greet him. Xu Zhengying chose a window seat on the fifth floor, looked around, and saw no sign of Hu Xiaotian.

【30】 Xu Zhengying was also quite the old fox; worried about startling the snake, he had already deployed his men inside and outside the Smoke Water Pavilion. When the appointed time approached, he brought Xu Fu and two servants to the pavilion's exterior. He did not let the servants follow him upstairs, signaling Xu Fu to wait with them outside while he went up alone. Being a regular there, the pavilion's proprietor saw him approach and hurried forward to greet him. Xu Zhengying chose a window seat on the fifth floor, looked around, and saw no trace of Hu Xiaotian.

The Xu household had twelve guards, all in disguise, lying in wait around the area. Xu Zhengying ordered a pot of tea and sipped it while gazing at the scenery outside, but in truth his mind was in turmoil and he paid no attention to the view.

【31】 The Xu household had twelve servants all disguised and lying in wait around the area. Xu Zhengying ordered a pot of tea, sipping it while gazing at the outside scenery; in fact, his mind was in turmoil at that moment, and he had no attention to spare for the view.

The agreed‑upon time had long passed, yet Hu Xiaotian still did not appear, making Xu Zhengying a little anxious—had the boy sensed something amiss? Looking around, the guards hidden there were also growing impatient, a few of them glancing toward Xu Zhengying's direction.

【32】 The agreed-upon time had long passed, yet Hu Xiaotian still did not appear; Xu Zhengying could not help feeling anxious, wondering if the boy had sensed something amiss. Looking around, the servants lying in wait there were also growing impatient, a few of them glancing in his direction.

Xu Zhengying turned his face away and gave a glance; after all, these servants could not hold their composure. He waited a full half‑hour, but there was still no sign of Hu Xiaotian.

【33】 Xu Zhengying turned his face away and gave a glance; after all, these subordinates could not hold their patience. He waited a full half-hour, but there was still no sign of Hu Xiaotian.

At that moment the guests at the neighboring table had paid their bills and left; the entire fifth floor was empty except for him and his attendants.

【34】 At that moment, the guests at the neighboring table had paid their bills and left; the entire fifth floor now had only him and his servants.

Xu Zhengying could not help feeling disappointed, judging that Hu Xiaotian would not come after all; he decided to leave, rose to his feet, and exited the Smoke Water Pavilion alone. Upon reaching the doorway, he saw a carriage just passing by from outside, blocking his path. As he prepared to go around the carriage and head for his own vehicle, a middle‑aged man suddenly stepped close to his side, pressed a short dagger against his back, and whispered low, 'Don't turn around; if you don't want to die, just get into the carriage obediently.'

【35】 Xu Zhengying could not help feeling disappointed, estimating that Hu Xiaotian would not come again; he decided to leave, stood up, and still walked out of the Smoke Water Pavilion alone. Upon reaching the doorway, he saw a carriage just passing by from outside, blocking his path. As he prepared to go around the carriage and head toward his own vehicle, a middle-aged man suddenly pressed close to his side, a short blade against his back, and whispered lowly, "Don't turn around; if you don't want to die, just get in the carriage honestly."

Xu Zhengying felt a jolt of shock, his body freezing in place.

【36】 Xu Zhengying's heart pounded with shock, his body frozen in place.

That middle‑aged man was none other than Hu Xiaotian in disguise, who coldly said, 'Do not let your people follow; get into the carriage now!'

【37】 That middle-aged man was Hu Xiaotian in disguise; he said coldly, "Tell your men not to follow; get in the carriage now!"

Xu Zhengying dared not disobey, he loudly called out to Xu Fu in the distance: "You wait for me here, I ran into an old friend, I'll be right back."