Chapter 316

Hu Xiaotian scrambled up from Long Xi Yue's delicate body, gritted his teeth, bore the pain, and pulled the dagger lodged in his right shoulder out. Since Qiqi's arm strength was limited, the dagger was blocked by his scapula and didn't penetrate his body. At this moment Hu Xiaotian's hair was disheveled, his face covered in blood, his shoulder bleeding profusely. He first pulled up his pants, then transferred the dagger from his left hand to his right. Under the dim yellow glow of the lantern, he stepped toward Long Xi Yue, knowing his secret had been completely exposed and that the only way to keep it was to silence them.

Make sure to keep all details. Use "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "dagger". Use "scapula". Use "trousers". Use "lantern". Use "secret". Use "silence them" (or "kill them").

Now produce line: 【1】 translation.

Long Xi Yue sat up from the ground, her pretty face flushed, her beautiful eyes downcast, her long black lashes trembling like butterfly wings—not from fear, but from shyness.

Translate: Long Xi Yue sat up from the ground, her pretty face flushed with a rosy glow, her beautiful eyes lowered, her long black eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings, not from fear but from shyness.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue". Use "pretty face". Use "rosy glow". Use "beautiful eyes". Use "long black eyelashes". Use "trembling like butterfly wings". Use "not from fear but from shyness".

Seeing her expression, Hu Xiaotian felt a sudden hesitation; he pressed his lips together and glanced toward Qiqi not far away.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian saw her expression, his heart suddenly hesitated, he pressed his lips together, and his gaze turned toward Qiqi not far away.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Qiqi". Use "pressed his lips together". Use "gaze turned toward Qiqi not far away". Could also be "his gaze shifted to Qiqi nearby". Keep details.

Qiqi also had messy hair, half‑leaning against the wine barrel, one hand propped on the ground, the other clutching her chest, her bright eyes flashing with fear as she realized what Hu Xiaotian intended to do. She trembled and shouted, "Bold thief, how dare you disrespect me!"

Translate: Qiqi also had disheveled hair, half-leaning against the wine barrel, one hand supporting the ground, the other covering her chest, her bright eyes flashing with fear; she realized what Hu Xiaotian intended to do? She cried out in a trembling voice: "Bold thief, dare you be disrespectful to me?"

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "wine barrel". Use "bright eyes". Use "flashing with fear". Use "She realized what Hu Xiaotian intended to do?" maybe keep question mark. Use "She cried out in a trembling voice: 'Bold thief, dare you be disrespectful to me?'"

Hearing Qiqi's words, Long Xi Yue finally lifted her head, seeing Hu Xiaotian's murderous aura, her heart sank. She and Qiqi had learned Hu Xiaotian's secret—posing as a eunuch was a crime of deceiving the sovereign, and if exposed they feared extermination of nine clans. Hu Xiaotian must have formed a murderous intent toward them, and now Long Xi Yue felt fear rise. She slowly stood, blocking his path, and raised her pretty face, saying, "You must not harm Qiqi..." At such a moment, her first thought was still Qiqi's safety.

Translate: Long Xi Yue only then lifted her head after hearing Qiqi's words, seeing Hu Xiaotian's murderous aura, her heart sank; she and Qiqi had learned Hu Xiaotian's secret—posing as a eunuch was a crime of deceiving the sovereign, once exposed they feared extermination of nine clans, so Hu Xiaotian must have formed murderous intent toward them; at this moment Long Xi Yue finally felt fear, she slowly rose to block his path, raising her pretty face and said: "You must not harm Qiqi..." At such a time, her first thought was still Qiqi's safety.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "murderous aura". Use "her heart sank". Use "posing as a eunuch was a crime of deceiving the sovereign". Use "extermination of nine clans". Use "murderous intent". Use "slowly rose to block his path". Use "raising her pretty face". Use "You must not harm Qiqi". Use "At such a time, her first thought was still Qiqi's safety."

Gazing at Long Xi Yue's pitiful look, Hu Xiaotian's recently hardened heart softened again. He sighed, then turned the dagger around and offered the hilt to Long Xi Yue, saying, "I cannot escape death; if you wish to kill me, do so. I have only one request: do not involve my family."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian gazed at Long Xi Yue's pitiful look, the resolve he had just hardened suddenly softened again. He sighed. Then he turned the dagger around, offering the hilt to Long Xi Yue and said: "I cannot escape death; if you wish to kill me, do so—I only ask that you not implicate my family."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue". Use "pitiful look". Use "resolve he had just hardened". Use "He sighed." Use "Then he turned the dagger around, offering the hilt to Long Xi Yue". Use "I cannot escape death; if you wish to kill me, do so—I only ask that you not implicate my family."

Long Xi Yue silently stared at Hu Xiaotian, and after a long while slowly raised her hand to take the dagger he had offered.

Translate: Long Xi Yue silently stared at Hu Xiaotian; after a long while she slowly raised her hand and took the dagger he offered.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "silently stared". Use "after a long while she slowly raised her hand and took the dagger he offered."

Hu Xiaotian's body swayed, then he collapsed forward. Long Xi Yue, quick‑eyed and quick‑handed, opened her arms to catch him; the dagger fell to the ground. She cried softly, "Qiqi, come help me!"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian's body swayed, then he suddenly collapsed forward; Long Xi Yue, quick-eyed and quick-handed, opened her arms to embrace his body, the dagger also fell to the ground, and she cried in a tender voice: "Qiqi, come help!"

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "swayed". Use "suddenly collapsed forward". Use "quick-eyed and quick-handed". Use "opened her arms to embrace his body". Use "the dagger also fell to the ground". Use "she cried in a tender voice: 'Qiqi, come help!'"

Qiqi walked over, picked up the dagger from the ground, but met Long Xi Yue's wary gaze. Long Xi Yue said, "If you dare to hurt him, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life."

Translate: Qiqi walked over, picked up the dagger from the ground, but encountered Long Xi Yue's wary gaze. Long Xi Yue said: "If you dare to hurt him, I will never forgive you in this lifetime."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Long Xi Yue". Use "picked up the dagger from the ground". Use "encountered Long Xi Yue's wary gaze". Use "Long Xi Yue said: 'If you dare to hurt him, I will never forgive you in this lifetime.'"

It was the first time Qiqi had seen her gentle, water‑like aunt angry with her. She whispered, "I never said I wanted to kill him."

Translate: Qiqi had never before seen her gentle-as-water aunt angry at her. She whispered: "I never said I wanted to kill him."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi". Use "gentle-as-water aunt". Use "She whispered: 'I never said I wanted to kill him.'"

Tears glistened in Long Xi Yue's beautiful eyes as she whispered, "He saved my life; if I do not die, I will guarantee his safety. Qiqi, remember this: what happened today is known only to you and me; it must not be told to a third party, or else our bond of gratitude and righteousness will be severed." Her words were firm and unyielding, leaving no room for compromise.

Translate: Long Xi Yue's beautiful eyes brimmed with tears as she softly said: "He saved my life; if I do not die, I will surely keep him safe. Qiqi, remember this. Today's affair—you know, I know—must not be told to a third party, otherwise our bond of gratitude and righteousness will be severed." Her words were spoken with absolute firmness, leaving no room for compromise.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "beautiful eyes brimmed with tears". Use "softly said". Use "He saved my life; if I do not die, I will surely keep him safe." Use "Qiqi, remember this." Use "Today's affair—you know, I know—must not be told to a third party, otherwise our bond of gratitude and righteousness will be severed." Use "Her words were spoken with absolute firmness, leaving no room for compromise."

Qiqi said, "Auntie, you've misunderstood; I never had the intention to kill him. He is your lifesaver, and he also saved me. I have never repaid kindness with betrayal." She glanced at Hu Xiaotian lying in Long Xi Yue's arms, then lowered her voice: "I'll go get help, Auntie. You stay here and tend to him first."

Translate: Qiqi said: "Auntie, you misunderstand; I never had the intention to kill him—he is your lifesaver, and he also saved me. I have never been the type to repay kindness with betrayal." She glanced at Hu Xiaotian lying in Long Xi Yue's arms, then lowered her voice: "I'll go call for help, Auntie. You stay here and tend to him first."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Long Xi Yue", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "Auntie". Use "I never had the intention to kill him". Use "he is your lifesaver". Use "he also saved me". Use "I have never been the type to repay kindness with betrayal." Use "She glanced at Hu Xiaotian lying in Long Xi Yue's arms". Use "then lowered her voice: 'I'll go call for help, Auntie. You stay here and tend to him first.'"

Long Xi Yue nodded.

Translate: Long Xi Yue nodded.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue". Use "Long Xi Yue nodded."

Qiqi tidied her clothes and hair, took a few steps, then turned back to warn Long Xi Yue: "Auntie, you must be careful of this person; he is sinister, crafty, and full of tricks. Do not let his honeyed words deceive you."

Translate: Qiqi tidied her clothes and hair, took a few steps, then turned back to warn Long Xi Yue: "Auntie, you must be careful of this person; he is sinister, crafty, full of schemes—do not let his honeyed words deceive you."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Long Xi Yue". Use "tidied her clothes and hair". Use "took a few steps, then turned back to warn Long Xi Yue". Use "Auntie, you must be careful of this person; he is sinister, crafty, full of schemes—do not let his honeyed words deceive you."

In fact, Hu Xiaotian had merely feigned fainting; the situation had reached a stalemate, and he had indeed entertained the thought of killing them to silence them. But if he killed these two princesses, he could no longer remain in the Dakang palace—his only option would be to flee far away. Even if he managed to escape, what would become of his parents? Moreover, both are noble‑born; killing them would leave him nowhere to hide in the vast world. Furthermore, Hu Xiaotian truly could not bring himself to kill Long Xi Yue—not out of pity for her beauty, but because he had unknowingly developed a strong affection for this lovely and wise princess. As for Qiqi, that spoiled girl, he hardly cared whether she lived or died.

Translate: In fact, Hu Xiaotian had merely feigned unconsciousness this time; the situation had reached a stalemate, and he had indeed entertained the thought of killing to silence them, but if he killed these two princesses, he could no longer remain in the Dakang imperial palace—aside from fleeing far away, there would be no other option; even if he managed to escape, what would become of his parents and family? Moreover, these two are of noble birth; killing them would leave nowhere for him to hide in the vast world. Furthermore, Hu Xiaotian truly could not bring himself to kill Long Xi Yue—not out of pity for her beauty, but because he had unknowingly developed a strong fondness for this lovely and wise princess; as for Qiqi, that spoiled girl, he hardly cared whether she lived or died.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Dakang", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "feigned unconsciousness". Use "the situation had reached a stalemate". Use "he had indeed entertained the thought of killing to silence them". Use "if he killed these two princesses, he could no longer remain in the Dakang imperial palace". Use "aside from fleeing far away, there would be no other option". Use "even if he managed to escape, what would become of his parents and family?" Use "these two are of noble birth". Use "killing them would leave nowhere for him to hide in the vast world". Use "Hu Xiaotian truly could not bring himself to kill Long Xi Yue—not out of pity for her beauty, but because he had unknowingly developed a strong fondness for this lovely and wise princess". Use "as for Qiqi, that spoiled girl, he hardly cared whether she lived or died."

Given the circumstances, pretending to faint was the best move. Hearing Long Xi Yue's sincere and heartfelt words, Hu Xiaotian was deeply moved, wishing he could immediately embrace her and lavish affection upon her. When he heard Qiqi say she would go for help, he worried that the matter would become public, so he quickly came to his senses and said, "Little princess… please wait a moment."

Translate: Under those circumstances, feigning faint was the best choice; hearing Long Xi Yue's sincere and heartfelt words, Hu Xiaotian's heart was actually moved to the extreme—he wished he could immediately embrace her and indulge in affection. Upon hearing Qiqi say she would go seek aid, Hu Xiaotian worried that the matter would become public, so he promptly came to his senses: "Little Princess… please wait a moment."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "feigning faint". Use "hearing Long Xi Yue's sincere and heartfelt words". Use "Hu Xiaotian's heart was actually moved to the extreme". Use "he wished he could immediately embrace her and indulge in affection". Use "Upon hearing Qiqi say she would go seek aid". Use "Hu Xiaotian worried that the matter would become public". Use "so he promptly came to his senses: 'Little Princess… please wait a moment.'"

Qiqi gave Hu Xiaotian a cold stare; sharp as she was, she instantly saw through his feigned faint and silently cursed him for his deceit.

Translate: Qiqi coldly stared at Hu Xiaotian; being exceptionally perceptive, she instantly saw through his feigned faint and silently cursed him as deceitful.

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "coldly stared". Use "being exceptionally perceptive". Use "she instantly saw through his feigned faint". Use "and silently cursed him as deceitful."

Long Xi Yue naturally understood this as well; she quietly pushed Hu Xiaotian away, her pretty face flushing again. Human feelings are strange: previously everyone assumed Hu Xiaotian was a eunuch, so interacting with him felt natural and unforced. Now, upon learning the truth—that he was a fake eunuch—her perception shifted dramatically.

Translate: Long Xi Yue naturally understood this as well; she quietly pushed Hu Xiaotian away, her pretty face flushing again. Feelings between people are strange—previously everyone had assumed Hu Xiaotian was a eunuch, so their interactions lacked awkwardness and unnaturalness; now, upon suddenly learning the truth that he was a false eunuch, Long Xi Yue's sensation became markedly odd.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "quietly pushed Hu Xiaotian away". Use "her pretty face flushing again". Use "Feelings between people are strange". Use "previously everyone had assumed Hu Xiaotian was a eunuch". Use "so their interactions lacked awkwardness and unnaturalness". Use "now, upon suddenly learning the truth that he was a false eunuch". Use "Long Xi Yue's sensation became markedly odd."

Hu Xiaotian coughed and said, "I keep a spare set of clothes and some medicine down here in the cellar."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian coughed and said: "I have stored plenty of spare clothes in this cellar, as well as some medicinal ointments for wounds."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian". Use "coughed and said". Use "I have stored plenty of spare clothes in this cellar". Use "as well as some medicinal ointments for wounds."

Qiqi pointed a finger at Hu Xiaotian and said, "I've long seen you're no good." Her clothes didn't need changing, but Long Xi Yue's dress was stained with much blood, so she couldn't walk out like that. Hu Xiaotian was even worse—blood covered him from head to toe.

Translate: Qiqi pointed a finger at Hu Xiaotian and said: "I've long seen you're no good." Her clothes did not need changing, but Long Xi Yue's dress was stained with much blood, so she could not go out like that. Hu Xiaotian was even more troublesome—bloodstains covered his entire body.

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue". Use "pointed a finger at Hu Xiaotian and said". Use "I've long seen you're no good." Use "Her clothes did not need changing". Use "but Long Xi Yue's dress was stained with much blood". Use "so she could not go out like that". Use "Hu Xiaotian was even more troublesome—bloodstains covered his entire body."

He took out the medicine box hidden here, which contained the golden wound medicine and jade skin‑regenerating ointment left by Baobao last time. He removed his clothes, and following his instructions, Long Xi Yue applied the golden wound medicine, then used the jade ointment to bind the wound. While his body was manageable, his head had also been split by a wine jar Long Xi Yue smashed, leaving a half‑inch‑long gash. Hu Xiaotian had Long Xi Yue shave the hair around the wound, cleanse it with strong liquor, and then apply the golden wound medicine and jade ointment.

Translate: He took out the medicine box hidden here, which contained Baobao's leftover Golden Trauma Medicine and Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment; he removed his clothes, and Long Xi Yue, following his instructions, applied the Golden Trauma Medicine to him, then used the Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment to seal the wound. As for his body, it was fine, but his head had also been split open by a wine jar smashed by Long Xi Yue, leaving a half‑inch‑long gash; Hu Xiaotian had Long Xi Yue shave the hair around the wound clean, then cleanse it with strong liquor before applying the Golden Trauma Medicine and Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Baobao", "Golden Trauma Medicine", "Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment". Use "took out the medicine box hidden here". Use "which contained Baobao's leftover Golden Trauma Medicine and Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment". Use "he removed his clothes". Use "Long Xi Yue, following his instructions, applied the Golden Trauma Medicine to him". Use "then used the Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment to seal the wound". Use "As for his body, it was fine". Use "but his head had also been split open by a wine jar smashed by Long Xi Yue". Use "leaving a half‑inch‑long gash". Use "Hu Xiaotian had Long Xi Yue shave the hair around the wound clean". Use "then cleanse it with strong liquor". Use "before applying the Golden Trauma Medicine and Mo Jade Regenerating Ointment."

After treating the wound, Hu Xiaotian fetched a set of clothes and hid behind the wine barrel to change; at least outwardly he looked no different. As for the medicines Baobao left behind, they were truly effective—the pain vanished instantly once applied.

Translate: After treating the wound, Hu Xiaotian fetched a set of clothes and hid behind the wine barrel to change; at least outwardly there was little sign of abnormality. As for the medicines Baobao left behind, they were truly efficacious—the pain vanished immediately upon application.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Baobao". Use "After treating the wound". Use "Hu Xiaotian fetched a set of clothes and hid behind the wine barrel to change". Use "at least outwardly there was little sign of abnormality". Use "As for the medicines Baobao left behind". Use "they were truly efficacious". Use "the pain vanished immediately upon application."

Long Xi Yue also took a set of eunuch's robes and went to a secluded spot to change.

Translate: Long Xi Yue also took a set of eunuch robes and went to a secluded place to change.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue". Use "took a set of eunuch robes". Use "went to a secluded place to change".

While she was changing, Qiqi looked at Hu Xiaotian and said, "Hu Xiaotian, honestly tell me how you managed to sneak into the palace."

Translate: While she was changing clothes, Qiqi looked at Hu Xiaotian and said: "Hu Xiaotian, speak honestly—how exactly did you manage to infiltrate the palace?"

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "While she was changing clothes". Use "Qiqi looked at Hu Xiaotian and said". Use "Hu Xiaotian, speak honestly—how exactly did you manage to infiltrate the palace?"

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said, "That's a long story."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian sighed and said: "That's a long story."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian". Use "Hu Xiaotian sighed and said". Use "That's a long story."

Qiqi sneered, "It must have been Eunuch Quan who pulled strings for you, right? He's been quite good to you, even managing to smuggle a fake eunuch into the palace under the radar."

Translate: Qiqi sneered: "It must have been Eunuch Quan who pulled strings for you, right? He's been quite good to you—actually managing to smuggle a false eunuch into the palace."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi", "Eunuch Quan". Use "Qiqi sneered". Use "It must have been Eunuch Quan who pulled strings for you, right?" Use "He's been quite good to you". Use "actually managing to smuggle a false eunuch into the palace."

Hu Xiaotian whispered, "Princess, you must never tell Eunuch Quan about this, or my life is in jeopardy." Remembering the old eunuch's methods, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian whispered: "Your Highness, this must absolutely not be told to Eunuch Quan, or else my life would be in jeopardy." Recalling the methods of the Senior Eunuch, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but feel a chill run through him.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Your Highness", "Eunuch Quan", "Senior Eunuch". Use "Hu Xiaotian whispered". Use "Your Highness". Use "this must absolutely not be told to Eunuch Quan". Use "or else my life would be in jeopardy". Use "Recalling the methods of the Senior Eunuch". Use "Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but feel a chill run through him."

Qiqi chuckled, "Since I've promised to keep your secret, I won't tell anyone. But from now on you must obey me—do whatever I tell you to do."

Translate: Qiqi chuckled: "Since I've promised to keep your secret, I won't tell anyone—but from now on you must obey me; whatever I tell you to do, you will do."

Make sure to keep "Qiqi". Use "Qiqi chuckled". Use "Since I've promised to keep your secret". Use "I won't tell anyone". Use "but from now on you must obey me". Use "whatever I tell you to do, you will do."

Hu Xiaotian bowed and said, "It's better to obey than to be merely respectful. Rest assured, little princess, whenever you need me, I will go through fire and water without hesitation." Inside, however, he smirked darkly, thinking, "I'll humor you for now; later, when the chance comes, I'll slash you with one blow and save myself a lot of trouble."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian bowed and said: "Obedience beats respect; rest assured, Your Highness, whenever I can be of use, I will go through fire and water without hesitation." Inwardly, however, he smirked coldly, thinking: "I'll first placate you, then when the chance comes I'll cut you down with a single slash—saving myself a lot of trouble."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Your Highness". Use "Hu Xiaotian bowed and said". Use "Obedience beats respect". Use "rest assured, Your Highness". Use "whenever I can be of use, I will go through fire and water without hesitation". Use "Inwardly, however, he smirked coldly". Use "thinking: 'I'll first placate you, then when the chance comes I'll cut you down with a single slash—saving myself a lot of trouble.'"

The three tidied the cellar and then left. Scholar Dong was truly shocked—both princesses had followed Hu Xiaotian into the cellar for quite a while, and when they emerged, Princess Anping was wearing a eunuch's outfit, meaning she had taken off her clothes inside. What exactly happened in there? How charismatic must this brother be to make a princess willingly undress? Still, this is something he can only imagine; he dare not speak of it.

Translate: The three tidied up the wine cellar and then left. Shi Xuedong was truly shaken—both princesses had followed Hu Xiaotian into the cellar for quite a while, and when they emerged, Princess Anping was wearing a eunuch outfit, meaning she had taken off her clothes inside; what exactly happened in there? How much charm does this brother of mine possess, that he could make a princess obediently undress? Still, this guy can only be thought about—never spoken aloud.

Make sure to keep "Shi Xuedong", "Princess Anping", "Hu Xiaotian". Use "The three tidied up the wine cellar and then left". Use "Shi Xuedong was truly shaken". Use "both princesses had followed Hu Xiaotian into the cellar for quite a while". Use "when they emerged, Princess Anping was wearing a eunuch outfit". Use "meaning she had taken off her clothes inside". Use "what exactly happened in there?" Use "How much charm does this brother of mine possess". Use "that he could make a princess obediently undress?" Use "Still, this guy can only be thought about—never spoken aloud."

Hu Xiaotian escorted the two princesses out of the Imperial Gardens Bureau, and when Qiqi had walked away, he whispered to Long Xi Yue, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian escorted the two princesses out of the Bureau of Imperial Gardens, and taking advantage of Qiqi's distance, he whispered to Long Xi Yue: "Thank you, Your Highness."

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Qiqi", "Long Xi Yue", "Your Highness". Use "Hu Xiaotian escorted the two princesses out of the Bureau of Imperial Gardens". Use "and taking advantage of Qiqi's distance". Use "he whispered to Long Xi Yue". Use "Thank you, Your Highness."

Long Xi Yue's pretty face still flushed with bashfulness, she bit her cherry lips and said, "You don't need to thank me; you must look after yourself from now on." After saying it, she herself felt the words were odd—what did "look after yourself" even mean?

Translate: Long Xi Yue's pretty face still flushed with bashfulness, she bit her cherry lips and said: "You needn't thank me; you must look after yourself from now on." After speaking, she herself felt the remark odd—what does "look after yourself" mean?

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue". Use "Long Xi Yue's pretty face still flushed with bashfulness". Use "she bit her cherry lips". Use "and said: 'You needn't thank me; you must look after yourself from now on.'" Use "After speaking, she herself felt the remark odd—what does 'look after yourself' mean?"

Seeing her infinitely shy, alluring expression, Hu Xiaotian felt an unbearable itch in his heart and whispered, "When it's convenient, I'll come visit you." That remark was extraordinarily bold; Long Xi Yue was clearly startled, her eyes widening, then she glanced toward the distant Qiqi. Her first reaction wasn't anger but fear that Qiqi might overhear.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian saw her infinitely bashful, alluring expression, and felt an unbearable itch in his heart; he whispered: "When it's convenient, I'll come visit you." This remark was extremely bold; Long Xi Yue was obviously startled, her beautiful eyes widened, then she glanced toward the distant Qiqi—her first reaction was not anger but fear of being overheard by Qiqi.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "Hu Xiaotian saw her infinitely bashful, alluring expression". Use "felt an unbearable itch in his heart". Use "he whispered: 'When it's convenient, I'll come visit you.'" Use "This remark was extremely bold". Use "Long Xi Yue was obviously startled". Use "her beautiful eyes widened". Use "then she glanced toward the distant Qiqi". Use "her first reaction was not anger but fear of being overheard by Qiqi."

Hu Xiaotian bowed slightly, lowered his voice, and said, "Meet me at the old well at the second watch tomorrow night." After speaking, he stepped back.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian bent his body in a salute, lowered his voice and said: "Meet me by the old well at the second watch tomorrow night." After saying that, he stepped back.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian". Use "Hu Xiaotian bent his body in a salute". Use "lowered his voice and said". Use "Meet me by the old well at the second watch tomorrow night". Use "After saying that, he stepped back."

Long Xi Yue stood there dazed, unsure how to respond, until Qiqi came over and called her, bringing her back to her senses.

Translate: Long Xi Yue stood there dazed, not knowing how to respond for a moment, until Qiqi came over and called her, whereupon she snapped out of it.

Make sure to keep "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi". Use "Long Xi Yue stood there dazed". Use "not knowing how to respond for a moment". Use "until Qiqi came over and called her". Use "whereupon she snapped out of it."

Although Hu Xiaotian had lost a lot of blood today, he felt he had gained even more. Though Long Xi Yue and Qiqi now knew his true identity, they were willing to keep his secret—especially Princess Anping Long Xi Yue, who would even turn against her own niece to protect him. Reflecting on this, he felt immensely warmed; as the saying goes, even non‑sentient plants have feelings, so it seems this noble princess has also developed genuine affection for him. To safeguard his secret, he must strike while the iron is hot, even if it means turning raw rice into cooked rice with Long Xi Yue—by then her love for him would be deep‑rooted, and she would hardly betray him. Conversely, Qiqi has become a problem; this little girl is ruthless and vicious, and though she has promised Long Xi Yue not to tell, who knows if she won't betray him?

Translate: Although Hu Xiaotian had lost a lot of blood today, he felt he had gained even more; although Long Xi Yue and Qiqi now knew his true identity, they were willing to keep it secret—especially Princess Anping Long Xi Yue, who would even turn against her own niece to protect him. This thought warmed him immensely; as the saying goes, humans are not plants—who can be heartless? It seems this noble princess has also developed genuine feelings for him. To safeguard his secret, he must strike while the iron is hot, even if it means turning raw rice into cooked rice with Long Xi Yue—by then her affection for him would be deep-rooted, and she would hardly betray him. On the other hand, Qiqi has become a problem; this little girl is ruthless and vicious, and though she has promised Long Xi Yue, who knows if she will not sell him out?

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Long Xi Yue", "Qiqi", "Princess Anping". Use "Although Hu Xiaotian had lost a lot of blood today". Use "he felt he had gained even more". Use "although Long Xi Yue and Qiqi now knew his true identity". Use "they were willing to keep it secret". Use "especially Princess Anping Long Xi Yue". Use "who would even turn against her own niece to protect him". Use "This thought warmed him immensely". Use "as the saying goes, humans are not plants—who can be heartless?" Use "It seems this noble princess has also developed genuine feelings for him". Use "To safeguard his secret, he must strike while the iron is hot". Use "even if it means turning raw rice into cooked rice with Long Xi Yue". Use "by then her affection for him would be deep-rooted". Use "and she would hardly betray him". Use "On the other hand, Qiqi has become a problem". Use "this little girl is ruthless and vicious". Use "and though she has promised Long Xi Yue". Use "who knows if she will not sell him out?"

Hu Xiaotian steeled himself, thinking, "At worst it's just death; worrying about some things is pointless. Better to live for today—have wine and get drunk." With that mindset, he suddenly felt at ease.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian steeled himself—worst case, he would die; some worries are pointless, better to enjoy the wine while it's available. With this mindset, he instantly became carefree.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian". Use "Hu Xiaotian steeled himself—worst case, he would die". Use "some worries are pointless". Use "better to enjoy the wine while it's available". Use "With this mindset, he instantly became carefree."

Liu Yuzhang had already begun preparing for his retirement, summoning two junior eunuchs to sort and organize the items in his chambers. After so many years in the palace, he had naturally accumulated many belongings. When Hu Xiaotian entered, Liu Yuzhang was directing the junior eunuchs to pack the books on the shelves, and he waved at Hu Xiaotian, saying, "Xiaotian, you've come at just the right time; there are a few books here—please help me deliver them to Librarian Li in the Imperial Library."

Translate: Liu Yuzhang had already begun preparing for his retirement; he summoned two young eunuchs to sort and organize the items in his chambers. After so many years in the palace, he had naturally accumulated a great deal. When Hu Xiaotian entered, Liu Yuzhang was directing the young eunuchs to pack the books on the shelves, and he waved at Hu Xiaotian, saying: "Xiaotian, you've come at just the right time—there are a few books here; please help me deliver them to Li Gonggong in the Cangshuge."

Make sure to keep "Liu Yuzhang", "Hu Xiaotian", "Cangshuge". Use "Liu Yuzhang had already begun preparing for his retirement". Use "he summoned two young eunuchs to sort and organize the items in his chambers". Use "After so many years in the palace, he had naturally accumulated a great deal". Use "When Hu Xiaotian entered". Use "Liu Yuzhang was directing the young eunuchs to pack the books on the shelves". Use "and he waved at Hu Xiaotian". Use "saying: 'Xiaotian, you've come at just the right time—there are a few books here; please help me deliver them to Li Gonggong in the Cangshuge.'"

Hu Xiaotian stepped closer and saw they were three copies of "Grand Anthology of Poetry and Ci"—he hadn't expected Liu Yuzhang to be such a refined person.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian stepped forward to look, and found three copies of the "Anthology of Poetry and Ci"—unexpectedly, Liu Yuzhang was also a refined gentleman.

Make sure to keep "Hu Xiaotian", "Liu Yuzhang". Use "Hu Xiaotian stepped forward to look". Use "and found three copies of the 'Anthology of Poetry and Ci'". Use "unexpectedly, Liu Yuzhang was also a refined gentleman."

Liu Yuzhang said, "I only noticed them while tidying up just now; I've had them borrowed for over half a year and never found the time to finish reading them. Please help me deliver them to Librarian Li."

Translate: Liu Yuzhang said: "I only noticed it while tidying up just now; I've had it borrowed for over half a year and never found the time to finish reading it—please help me deliver it to Li Gonggong."

Make sure to keep "Liu Yuzhang". Use "Liu Yuzhang said". Use "I only noticed it while tidying up just now". Use "I've had it borrowed for over half a year". Use "and never found the time to finish reading it". Use "please help me deliver it to Li Gonggong."

Second chapter uploaded, please click recommendation votes! (To be continued~-~)