Chapter 308

Hu Xiaotian clung to the well wall with both hands; his arms were starting to feel sore and numb. He had been about to climb back down, but when he heard that Empress Jian had arrived, his spirits lifted and he strained to hear what she was saying. Could she really have come over just to act as a matchmaker for Long Xi Yue?

"Hu Xiaotian had his hands gripping the well rim; his arms were starting to feel sore and numb. He had been about to retreat, but hearing that Empress Jian had arrived, he perked up, eager to hear what this old woman had to say. Could she really have come over to act as a matchmaker for Long Xi Yue?"

Could she really have come over to act as a matchmaker for Long Xi Yue?

Make sure to keep meaning.

Now output: 【1】 Hu Xiaotian had his hands gripping the well rim; his arms were starting to feel sore and numb. He had been about to retreat, but hearing that Empress Jian had arrived, he perked up, eager to hear what this old woman had to say. Could she really have come over to act as a matchmaker for Long Xi Yue?

Four palace maids carried lanterns to light the way ahead, while four eunuchs followed behind as guards. Empress Jian walked slowly between them. Although she had endured many hardships following Emperor Long Yelin through exile and faced countless cold stares and contempt, she had persevered with him. Now that Long Yelin had become emperor, he had not forgotten this wife who shared his hardships from the start, and he appointed her as empress.

Translate: "Four palace maids held lanterns to light the way ahead, while four eunuchs followed behind as guards. Empress Jian walked slowly between them. Although she had endured many years of hardship following Long Yelin, suffering plenty of cold stares and neglect, she had ultimately stuck it out with him. Now that Long Yelin had become emperor, he had not forgotten this wife who shared his hardships, and he elevated her to empress."

appointed her as empress

Empress Jian clearly had no experience managing the harem, nor any dignified bearing that would inspire respect. Since being crowned empress, she spent most of her time trying to put order into the chaotic harem affairs. After becoming empress, her opportunities to see the emperor grew ever rarer; he hadn't even spent a single night in the Xining Palace, and she hadn't seen him favor any other concubine either.

Translate: "Empress Jian clearly lacked experience in managing the harem and had no dignified presence to command respect. Since being crowned empress, she spent most of her time trying to straighten out the chaotic harem affairs. After becoming empress, her opportunities to see the emperor grew ever rarer; he hadn't even spent a single night in the Xining Palace, nor had he shown favor to any other concubine."

Long Xi Yue led the palace maids and eunuchs forward to greet her, saying respectfully, "Xiyue pays her respects to the Empress."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue led the palace maids and eunuchs forward to greet her, saying respectfully, 'Xi Yue pays her respects to the Empress.'"

Empress Jian stepped forward quickly, grabbed her arm, and said, "Sister, is there anyone else around? Why stand on such ceremony?"

Translate: "Empress Jian stepped forward quickly, grabbed her arm, and said, 'Sister, is there anyone else around? Why stand on ceremony like that?'"

Long Xi Yue replied softly, "There must be a distinction between superior and inferior; the palace rules cannot be broken."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue replied softly, 'Rank must be observed; the palace rules must not be broken.'"

Empress Jian turned, glanced around, and ordered, "All of you, withdraw!"

Translate: "Empress Jian turned, glanced around, and ordered, 'All of you, withdraw!'"

All the palace maids and eunuchs withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the Zilan Palace garden, where beneath the moon the golden chrysanthemums were in full bloom.

Translate: "The palace maids and eunuchs all retreated, leaving only the two of them in the garden of Zilan Palace, where the golden chrysanthemums bloomed brilliantly in the moonlight."

Empress Jian still held Long Xi Yue's hand, smiling as she appraised her. Seeing this, Long Xi Yue lowered her head slightly, embarrassed. The empress sighed softly, "Even the phrases 'sinking fish, falling geese' and 'hiding the moon, shaming the flowers' cannot do justice to your beauty, sister!"

Translate: "Empress Jian still held Long Xi Yue's hand, smiling as she appraised her. Seeing this, Long Xi Yue lowered her head slightly, embarrassed. The empress sighed softly, 'Even the phrases "sinking fish, falling geese; hiding the moon, shaming the flowers" cannot do justice to your beauty, sister.'"

Long Xi Yue said, "Empress, you flatter me; I am merely of humble quality. I dare not accept such praise."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue said, 'Empress, you flatter me; I am merely of modest talent. I dare not accept such praise.'"

Empress Jian said, "If Seventh Sister could be as gentle and sensible as you, I would worry far less."

Translate: "Empress Jian said, 'If Qiqi could be as gentle and sensible as you, I would worry far less.'"

Long Xi Yue said, "Please, Empress, come inside the palace to sit."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue said, 'Please, Empress, come inside to sit.'"

"No thanks," she replied. "I spend all day cooped up in the palace halls, never seeing sunlight by day or moonlight by night. Tonight the moonlight is so lovely. Here, enjoying the moonlight and the fragrance of the flowers, I feel completely relaxed. Let us, aunt‑in‑law and niece, sit in the courtyard and exchange a few heartfelt words."

Translate: "'No thanks,' she replied. 'I've been cooped up in the palace all day, seeing no sunlight by day and no moonlight by night. Tonight the moonlight is lovely. Out here, enjoying the moon and the fragrance of the flowers, I feel completely relaxed. Let us, aunt‑in‑law and niece, have a heart‑to‑heart chat in the courtyard.'"

Long Xi Yue gave an affirmative hum, and neither of them expected that, not far away in the ancient well, someone was clinging to the well wall like a gecko, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue gave an affirmative hum, little expecting that, not far away in the ancient well, someone clung to the wall like a gecko, eavesdropping on their conversation."

Empress Jian said, "Xiyue, I recall you were born on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, at the third moment of the Mao hour, correct?"

Translate: "Empress Jian asked, 'Xi Yue, I recall you were born on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, at the mao hour, three quarters, correct?'"

Long Xi Yue replied respectfully, "Thank you, Empress, for remembering my birthday so clearly." Yet in her heart she realized that the Empress's recollection of her birthdate was not out of affection but served some other motive.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue replied respectfully, 'Thank you, Empress, for remembering my birthday so clearly.' Yet in her heart she realized that the empress's precise recollection of her birthdate was not born of affection, but served some other motive."

Empress Jian said, "Xiyue—'Morning‑light Moon'! Your name comes from that." She smiled at Long Xi Yue and added, "If your father had possessed foresight, he ought to have named you 'Shy Moon,' for the phrases 'hiding the moon, shaming the flowers' describe a peerless beauty."

Translate: "Empress Jian said, 'Xi Yue—"Morning‑light month"! That is where your name comes from.' She smiled at Long Xi Yue and added, 'If your father had possessed foresight, he ought to have named you "Shy Moon," for "hiding the moon, shaming the flowers" describes a peerless beauty.'"

Hearing this, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but chuckle: "'Shy Moon'—this old lady really knows how to coin a phrase. Clearly it should be 'hiding the moon,' yet neither 'Shy Moon' nor 'Hiding the Moon' sounds as nice or as poetic as 'Xiyue.' It seems the late Emperor Long Xuan'en wasn't totally useless after all; he had a real talent for naming his daughter."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but chuckle at this: 'Shy Moon—this old lady really knows how to coin phrases. Clearly it's "hiding the moon," yet neither "Shy Moon" nor "Hiding the Moon" sounds as nice or as poetic as "Xi Yue." Evidently the late emperor, Long Xuan'en, wasn't totally useless; naming his daughter was one thing he did well.'"

Long Xi Yue said, "Empress, you overpraise me."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue said, 'Empress, you overpraise me.'"

Empress Jian said, "It's not me praising you; your fame has spread far and wide. Everyone knows of my sister's beauty. To speak without exaggeration, the number of suitors coming to ask for her hand has already worn down the palace gates."

Translate: "Empress Jian said, 'It's not me praising you; your fame has spread far and wide. Everyone under heaven knows of my sister's beauty. To speak plainly, the stream of suitors coming to ask for her hand has already worn down the palace gates.'"

Upon hearing the Empress finally steer the conversation toward her marriage, Long Xi Yue felt a twinge of apprehension. Although she had long realized her fate was not in her own hands, she wished the moment to change it would come as late as possible. She whispered, "I have grown up in Dakang, never left the capital, and have never even thought about my marriage."

Translate: "Hearing the empress finally steer the conversation toward her marriage, Long Xi Yue felt a flicker of apprehension. Although she had long realized her fate was not in her own hands, she wished the moment to change it would come as late as possible. She whispered, 'I have grown up in Dakang, never left the capital, and have never contemplated my marriage.'"

Empress Jian smiled and said, "A man should marry when he comes of age, a woman when she comes of age—there's no reason for a woman not to marry. In fact, when Father was on the throne he had already planned to betroth you to the prince of Shajia. I have always opposed that idea; how could such a gentle, lovable sister of mine be sent to that barbaric land?"

Translate: "Empress Jian smiled and said, 'A man should marry when he comes of age, a woman when she comes of age—there's no reason for a girl not to marry. In fact, when your father was on the throne, he had intended to betroth you to the prince of Shajia Guo. I have always opposed that; how could such a gentle, lovable sister of mine be sent off to those barbarian lands?'"

Long Xi Yue bit her lower lip, saying nothing, anticipating that the Empress had more to say.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue bit her lower lip, saying nothing; she sensed the empress had more to say."

Empress Jian said, "I truly love you as my sister; if you must marry, I will be sure to choose a family of equal standing for you."

Translate: "Empress Jian said, 'I truly cherish you as my sister; if you must marry, I will certainly choose a family of equal standing with great care.'"

Long Xi Yue asked, "Empress, do you not want me to remain in the palace?"

Translate: "Long Xi Yue asked, 'Empress, do you not want me to remain in the palace?'"

Empress Jian replied, "Silly girl, where does that come from? You could live in the palace your whole life, and I, as your sister‑in‑law, would never say a word against it. But a woman's youth fades, and I do not wish to see my sister, a goddess‑like figure, grow old and lonely within these walls."

Translate: "Empress Jian replied, 'Silly girl, where does that come from? You could live your whole life in the palace, and I, as your sister‑in‑law, would not utter a single objection. But a woman's youth fades quickly, and I do not wish to see my sister, a fairy‑like figure, grow old and alone within these walls.'"

"Xiyue has never felt lonely," Long Xi Yue's protest also came out feeble and ineffective.

Translate: "'I have never felt lonely,' Long Xi Yue said, her protest sounding feeble and ineffectual."

Empress Jian said, "Had His Majesty not firmly objected, you would already be married into Shajia. In his heart, you are the one he loves most, and I know this better than anyone. Regarding your marriage, he is more anxious than anyone else, often telling me to find you a family of equal rank so that you may spend the rest of your life happy and glorious."

Translate: "Empress Jian continued, 'Had the emperor not firmly opposed it, you would already be married into Shajia. He loves you more than anyone else in his heart—I know this best. Concerning your marriage, he is more anxious than anyone, often telling me we must find you a family of equal standing so that you may spend the latter half of your life happy and glorious.'"

Long Xi Yue replied, "As long as one is happy in life, I have never cared for grandeur or spectacle."

Translate: "Long Xi Yue replied, 'As long as one is happy in life, that's enough; I have never cared for pomp and splendor.'"

Empress Jian continued: "People living in this world cannot exist solely for themselves. The state of Da Yong has sent an envoy to propose marriage for the Seventh Prince, Xue Chuanming. He is twenty‑five years old, wise and brave, the foremost among the three armies, and at nineteen he was made a Da Yong naval commander in recognition of his outstanding military exploits—yet he remains unmarried. He admires your beauty and virtue, and therefore has specially dispatched this envoy to seek your hand. You are seventeen, and together you are truly a match of talent and beauty, families of equal standing. Da Yong is now powerful, and it shares a border with our Dakang along the Yong River, dividing north and south. If you were to become the consort of a Da Yong prince, your status would not be diminished in the slightest compared to remaining in Dakang. Moreover, this marital bond would forge a friendly alliance between our nations, preventing any outbreak of war." The Empress's final remark was the crux: her true motive in pushing for a marriage between Long Xi Yue and Xue Chuanming was to achieve, through this marriage alliance, a temporary friendly relationship between the two countries.

"Empress Jian said, 'People living in the mortal world cannot ultimately live only for themselves. An envoy from Da Yong Guo has come to propose marriage for the Seventh Prince, Xue Chuanming. Xue Chuanming is twenty‑five years old, endowed with both wisdom and courage, bravest of the three armies; at nineteen he was exceptionally made a Navy Commander of Da Yong due to his conspicuous military achievements, and he remains unmarried. He admires your beauty and virtue, so he has specially dispatched an envoy to seek your hand. You are seventeen, and together you are a perfect match of talent and beauty, families of equal standing. Da Yong Guo is now strong, and it shares a border with my Dakang Guo along the Yong River, dividing north and south. If you were to become the consort of the Yong prince, your status would not be diminished in the slightest compared to remaining in Dakang, and this marital bond between our two nations would surely forge a friendly alliance, averting a war.' The empress's final remark was the key point: her true motive in pushing for a marriage between Long Xi Yue and Xue Chuanming was to achieve, through this marriage alliance, a temporary friendly relationship between the two countries."

We need to keep it as one line.

Now 【31】 Soon after Emperor Long Yelin took the throne, Dakang was thrown into turmoil as Li Tianheng raised troops and declared himself ruler; not to mention the secession of Western Sichuan, Shajia and Li Tianheng swiftly allied through a marriage pact, leaving the Li clan temporarily free of rear‑concerns.

Translate: "Not long after Long Yelin ascended the throne, Li Tianheng's rebellion—raising troops to declare independence—broke out within Dakang Guo. Xichuan declared independence as well, and Shajia quickly allied with Li Tianheng through a marriage alliance, leaving the Li clan temporarily without rear‑guard worries."

Long Yelin had just ascended the throne when trouble broke out in Da Kang Guo: Li Tianheng raised troops and declared himself independent; not only did Xichuan declare independence, but Shajia and Li Tianheng also quickly formed an alliance through a marriage alliance, which temporarily freed the Li clan from any rear worries.

Emperor Long Yelin had originally considered launching an immediate attack on Li's forces to swiftly recover Western Sichuan, but under the strong urging of Zhou Ruizhen he temporarily abandoned that idea. For him, securing the throne was the urgent priority. Making peace with Da Yong and shoring up the northern defenses would free his hands to suppress the internal chaos in Dakang. Coincidentally, Da Yong's arrival with a marriage proposal was tantamount to extending an olive branch to Dakang, so Long Yelin naturally had no reason to refuse.

Translate: "Long Yelin had originally planned to launch an immediate campaign against the Li clan to swiftly recover Xichuan, but under the strong urging of Zhou Ruizhen he temporarily abandoned that idea; for him, securing the throne was the pressing priority. Making peace with Da Yong, shoring up the northern defenses, would free his hands to quell the turmoil within Dakang Guo. Coincidentally, Da Yong's arrival with a marriage proposal was tantamount to extending an olive branch to Dakang, so Long Yelin naturally had no reason to refuse."

Behind this marriage lies politics; the true decision‑maker is the Dakang emperor, Long Yelin, while Empress Jian merely carries out his orders.

Translate: "Behind this marriage lies politics; the one who truly decides it is the Dakang emperor, Long Yelin. Empress Jian is merely the executor of his orders."

Long Xi Yue lifted her bright eyes to gaze at the moon in the sky; although it was not a full‑moon night, she suddenly recalled the scene of her fall into the Hollow Valley, and in the moon she seemed to see a familiar smiling face—the sunny countenance of Hu Xiaotian.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue lifted her bright eyes to gaze at the moon in the sky; tonight was not a full moon, yet for some reason she suddenly recalled the scene of her fall into the Sunken Void Valley that night. In the moon she seemed to see a familiar smiling face—the sunny countenance of Hu Xiaotian."

Empress Jian whispered, "Xiyue, what do you think?" In truth, there was really no need to consult Long Xi Yue's opinion; the emperor had already decided, and even as an imperial princess she could not change it.

Translate: "Empress Jian whispered, 'Xi Yue, what do you think?' In truth there was no need to seek her opinion; the emperor had already decided, and even as an imperial princess Long Xi Yue could not alter it."

Long Xi Yue's exquisite, peerless face remained calm; from her expression one could not tell whether she was pleased or distressed. She gently nodded and said, "Xiyue will obey the Empress." As she spoke, her heart filled with endless sorrow; it was truly a heart torn apart, for she felt like a rootless weed tossed by wind and rain, going wherever they pushed her.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue's exquisite, peerless visage remained calm; her expression gave no hint of whether she was pleased or distressed. She gave a slight nod and said, 'I will obey the Empress.' As she spoke, her heart filled with endless sorrow—truly her intestines felt cut apart. She was nothing more than a rootless duckweed tossed by wind and rain, going wherever they pushed her."

Empress Jian smiled and said, "I knew my sister would be the most understanding and sensible."

Translate: "Empress Jian smiled and said, 'I knew my sister was the most reasonable and understanding, the most adept at sensing others' feelings.'"

Hu Xiaotian lay in the well, his arms aching and numb from strain, but because he wanted to hear every word, he forced himself to endure. At this point he silently cursed, "That Empress is no good—she's just trying to push Long Xi Yue into a pit of fire. Talk of 'matching families' and 'talented man, beautiful woman' is nonsense! At bottom, she merely wants to sacrifice Long Xi Yue to strengthen her husband's rule."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian lay in the well, his arms aching and numb from exhaustion, yet because he wanted to hear every word clearly he forced himself to endure. At this point he cursed silently, 'That old hag Empress Jian is good for nothing—she's simply trying to shove Long Xi Yue into a pit of fire. All this talk of "matching families" and "talented man, beautiful woman" is bullshit! At bottom she just wants to sacrifice Long Xi Yue to shore up her husband's rule.'"

Empress Jian said, "I must return now; the emperor is still waiting for my reply. Sister, I congratulate you first. If you someday become the consort of Da Yong, do not forget my effort as your matchmaker."

Translate: "Empress Jian said, 'I'm heading back now; the emperor is still waiting for my report. Sister, I congratulate you in advance. If you ever become the empress of Da Yong, don't forget to thank me for my efforts as your matchmaker.'"

Long Xi Yue remained silent; this was the only way she could express her resistance.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue remained silent; this was the only resistance she could muster."

Empress Jian had no intention of lingering; after finishing her business and receiving Long Xi Yue's response, she left the Zilan Palace at once. Long Xi Yue stood alone in the courtyard, and the palace maids and eunuchs of Zilan Palace noticed that since the Empress's visit her mood had worsened, so no one dared to linger in the garden and disturb her tranquility.

Translate: "Empress Jian had no intention of lingering; after finishing her business and receiving Long Xi Yue's reply, she left Zilan Palace at once. Long Xi Yue stood alone in the courtyard, and the palace maids and eunuchs noticed that since the empress's visit her mood had deteriorated, so no one dared linger in the garden to disturb her peace."

Long Xi Yue stood among the chrysanthemums, lingering for a long time, then slowly walked toward the ancient well where Hu Xiaotian was hiding. Although her steps were light, the quiet night could not escape his ears; Hu Xiaotian had originally planned to slip back into the tunnel quietly, but hearing her footsteps he dared not move, pressing his whole body against the well wall.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue stood among the chrysanthemums, lingering for a long while, then slowly walked toward the ancient well where Hu Xiaotian was hidden. Though her steps were light, in the quiet night Hu Xiaotian's ears could not be fooled; he had originally planned to sneak back into the tunnel, but hearing her footsteps he dared not move, pressing his whole body against the well wall."

Long Xi Yue gazed at the well's mouth as two crystal‑clear tears slid down her fair cheeks. In the darkness, Hu Xiaotian raised his face, feeling a sudden worry—could this girl really be thinking of ending her life? If she were to jump into the well, what would he do? Suddenly he felt two cool spots on his face—Long Xi Yue's tears had fallen upon him, and his heart gave a jolt. Though Xiyue's nature is ultimately gentle, if she is unwilling, why does she not dare to rise up and fight her fate? Had she fallen into the hands of the spoiled Seventh Princess, she might have grown bolder, even daring to stab the Empress.

Translate: "Long Xi Yue gazed at the well's mouth; two lines of crystal tears slid down her fair cheeks. In the darkness Hu Xiaotian lifted his face, feeling a sudden worry—could she really be thinking of ending it all? If she truly threw herself into the well, what would he do? Then a cool sensation touched his face—it was Long Xi Yue's tears falling on him. His heart jolted; her nature was ultimately somewhat frail. Since she was unwilling, why didn't she summon the courage to defy fate? If instead it were the spoiled princess Qiqi in her place, she'd likely grow bolder and might even dare to stab Empress Jian."

Sending the third update, pleading for guaranteed monthly tickets—even just one would do! (To be continued…)

【31】 Long Yelin had just ascended the throne when trouble broke out in Da Kang Guo: Li Tianheng raised troops and declared himself independent; not only did Xichuan declare independence, but Shajia and Li Tianheng also quickly formed an alliance through a marriage alliance, which temporarily freed the Li clan from any rear worries.

【44】 Sending the third update, pleading for guaranteed monthly tickets—even just one would do! (To be continued…)