Chapter 327: and translation of title line [1] (the Chinese title)

same.

Hu Xiaotian said, "I don't know anything about governing a country; just running the Imperial Gardens Bureau has worn me out." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I don't understand any of those grand principles of governing a country; just managing the Bureau of Imperial Gardens has left me exhausted."

Use "Bureau of Imperial Gardens" for the term; alternatively "Imperial Gardens Bureau" is acceptable. Use "Bureau of Imperial Gardens". - OK.

Ji Feihua, knowing the lad was humble, sipped her tea and quietly asked, "Has Quan De'an been seeking you recently?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua knew this kid was modest, sipped some tea, and softly asked: "Has Quan De'an been looking for you lately?"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "No," he said, speaking truthfully. Since Liu Yuzhang died, Quan De'an had never reached out to him on his own. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian shook his head and said: "No!" He was telling the truth; since Liu Yuzhang's death, Quan De'an had never proactively contacted him again.

Ji Feihua said, "He's still nursing his grudge and scheming against the Za family." She lowered her teacup, smiled, and asked Hu Xiaotian, "Do you still resent me?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "He's unwilling to give up, and is still plotting against the Zajia." She set down her teacup slowly, smiling narrowly at Hu Xiaotian, and asked: "Do you still hold a grudge against me in your heart?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "At first I did feel some resentment, but after returning, I gradually calmed down. I asked myself, if I were living apart from the commander, and someone tried to endanger my life, perhaps I would have no other choice." This shows Hu Xiaotian's cleverness; if he claimed he bore no grudge, Ji Feihua would surely not believe him, so saying it this way makes it easier to win her trust. In the end, he never clearly stated whether he held a grudge or not. - OK.

First sentence: Hu Xiaotian said: "At first there indeed were some, but after returning, Xiaotian gradually calmed down; I asked myself, if I were to get along with the commander in a different place, if someone wanted to endanger my life, perhaps I would also have no choice."

Second sentence: This is precisely Hu Xiaotian's cleverness; if he said he bore no grudge, Ji Feihua would surely not believe him; saying it this way to Ji Feihua makes it easier to gain her trust.

Third sentence: Actually, in the end he never clearly said whether he held a grudge or not.

We need to keep the line as one output line. So combine.

Ji Feihua didn't press further, her slender fingers tapping the teacup as she remarked, "Your father has been doing a satisfactory job at the Ministry of Revenue." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua surprisingly did not press further; her fingers, like spring scallions, lightly tapped the teacup a few times and said: "Your father has been doing his duty fairly well at the Ministry of Revenue."

Hearing his father's name, Hu Xiaotian's heart clenched—was Ji Feihua warning him that she controlled his father's fate? - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian, upon hearing him mention his father's name, felt his heart tighten involuntarily; could Ji Feihua be reminding him that she controls his father's life and death?

Ji Feihua said, "The Za family will arrange for you to see your father soon." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Recently, the Zajia will arrange for you and your father to meet."

Hu Xiaotian saw that Ji Feihua had remarkable qualities; her approach was the opposite of Quan De'an's, who barred him from seeing his family. Ji Feihua, however, left him an opening—perhaps to win his loyalty. Even so, it showed her perceptiveness, as she could guess what he truly wanted. - OK.

Breakdown: Hu Xiaotian discovered that this person Ji Feihua indeed had exceptional qualities; in this regard, his attitude was completely opposite to Quan De'an's; Quan De'an strictly forbade himself from meeting his family. Meanwhile, Ji Feihua left an opening for him. Could it be that he intends to win people's hearts this way? Even if so, it shows his cleverness, being able to guess what he truly wants in his heart.

We'll translate.

Thank you, Commander Ji. - OK.

Translation: "Thank you, Commander Ji."

Ji Feihua said, "Take the Za family down to the wine cellar." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Take the Zajia to the wine cellar to have a look."

Hu Xiaotian had no choice but to obey; he led Ji Feihua into the wine cellar, and they went straight to the lowest level, where she and Quan De'an had once tested their inner strength, shattering wine barrels. The image of wine spraying upward still seemed vivid. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian dared not disobey, he brought Ji Feihua into the wine cellar; the two went straight to the deepest level of the cellar, where Ji Feihua and Quan De'an had once compared their inner strength, causing the wine barrels to explode into fragments. The scene of wine shooting up into the sky seemed still before his eyes.

Ji Feihua walked a few steps, looked around the cellar; the earlier chaos had been tidied up, leaving no sign of her quarrel with Quan De'an. - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua walked a few steps, surveyed the wine cellar; the former mess had long been tidied up, leaving no trace of the struggle between him and Quan De'an that night.

Hu Xiaotian whispered, "Shall I take you to the secret passage?" - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian whispered: "Would you like me to take you to see the secret passage?"

Ji Feihua shook her head and suddenly asked, "Did Wei Hualin die here?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua shook her head, then suddenly asked: "Did Wei Hualin die here?"

Hu Xiaotian's heart leapt; he never expected Ji Feihua to ask that out of nowhere. Remembering she had once shown him the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle, it all made sense, and a cold sweat instantly drenched his back. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted; he never expected Ji Feihua to suddenly raise this question; recalling that Ji Feihua had once shown him the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle, this made sense, and a cold sweat instantly covered Hu Xiaotian's back.

Ji Feihua calmly asked, "Did you kill Wei Hualin with the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle?" Though her face showed no murderous intent, the question made Hu Xiaotian's heart race. - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua's voice remained calm as she said: "Was it you who used the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle to shoot and kill Wei Hualin?" Although his expression showed no killing intent, these words were enough to make Hu Xiaotian's heart pound with fear.

Hu Xiaotian pressed his lips; anyone else would have collapsed under such pressure, but he stayed upright. He knew that if Ji Feihua wanted him dead, she wouldn't let him live this long. His only option was to reveal part of the truth to earn her trust. "I didn't kill him," he said. "He suddenly burst into the wine cellar, and there was someone else with me." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian pressed his lips; anyone else would have already knelt under such immense pressure, but Hu Xiaotian persisted in standing; he understood that if Ji Feihua wanted to kill him, she would not let him live to this day. Thus the plan: only by revealing part of the truth could he gain her trust. Hu Xiaotian said: "I didn't kill him. At that time he suddenly burst into the wine cellar, and there happened to be another person beside me."

Ji Feihua's expression stayed calm: "Who?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua's expression remained unruffled: "Who?"

The little princess! - OK.

Translation: "The little princess!"

Oh? Ji Feihua was now a little surprised. - OK.

Translation: "Oh?" Now it was Ji Feihua's turn to be somewhat surprised.

Hu Xiaotian said, "Commander, you should know I once saved the little princess's life. That night she came to see me in eunuch garb to catch up, but Wei Gonggong suddenly burst in. I don't know what I did to offend him; he immediately tried to kill me and also get rid of the little princess." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Commander, you should know I once saved the little princess's life; that night she came to me in eunuch attire to catch up, but Wei Gonggong suddenly burst in; I don't know what I did to offend him, and without hesitation he tried to kill me and also eliminate the little princess."

Ji Feihua said, "So the little princess then used the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle to shoot him dead on the spot?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "So the little princess then used the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle to shoot him dead on the spot?"

Hu Xiaotian nodded. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded.

Ji Feihua chuckled, "You probably didn't lie to me; afterward, did you use bone-dissolving liquid to destroy Wei Hualin's body and erase all traces?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua chuckled: "You probably didn't lie to me; afterward, did you use Dissolving Bone Water to destroy Wei Hualin's corpse and erase traces?"

Hu Xiaotian was drenched in sweat; Ji Feihua wasn't even there, yet she recounted the events as if she'd seen them herself. She is indeed a formidable opponent—no wonder even someone as crafty as Quan De'an would choose to lay low. He steeled himself, thinking that if Ji Feihua blamed him, merely conspiring with the little princess to kill Wei Hualin would be enough to deserve death a hundred times over. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian was sweating profusely; Ji Feihua was not present at the time, yet she described the events as if she had witnessed them herself; this person is indeed difficult to deal with, no wonder Quan De'an, such an old and crafty figure, would choose to temporarily avoid his sharpness. He steeled himself, thinking that if Ji Feihua blamed him, merely conspiring with the little princess to kill Wei Hualin would already be enough to deserve death a hundred times over.

Ji Feihua said, "It's rare you're so frank; actually, the Za family already figured it out when they came to the wine cellar that day." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "It's rare that you are so frank; actually, the Zajia had already fully understood when they came to the wine cellar that day."

Hu Xiaotian said, "I, Xiao Tian, deserve death ten thousand times; deal with me as you see fit, Commander." Ji Feihua was indeed formidable—she had already guessed the truth but stayed silent until now, when she finally spoke, revealing her extraordinary insight. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Xiaotian deserves death ten thousand times; I leave it to the Commander to deal with." Indeed Ji Feihua is formidable; having already guessed the truth, she remained silent and restrained until now, when she finally pointed it out, showing truly exceptional ability.

Ji Feihua said, "You are indeed guilty, but the Za family doesn't want you dead; they want you to make amends through merit. The fault isn't yours—it seems you still haven't seen through this." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "You are indeed guilty, but the Zajia does not want you dead; rather, they want you to redeem your guilt through merit. This matter is not your fault; it seems you still haven't seen through it to this day."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Please, Commander, show me the way." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Please, Commander, point out the way."

Quan De'an and the little princess are deeply devoted; he lost his right leg protecting her, and you have experienced this firsthand—far more clearly than the Za family. - OK.

Translation: "Quan De'an and the little princess have deep affection; he lost his right leg protecting her, an affair you experienced firsthand, which is clearer to you than to the Zajia."

Hu Xiaotian nodded. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded.

Ji Feihua added, "Quan De'an would do anything for the little princess, and she would likewise take risks for him; do you still think she came to the wine cellar that night just to catch up and chat with you?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua added: "Quan De'an can do anything for the little princess, and the little princess can likewise take risks for him; do you still think that night she came to the wine cellar to see you merely to catch up and chat?"

One sentence woke him up; at that moment Hu Xiaotian realized how many coincidences there had been that night: why Qiqi came to the wine cellar then, why Wei Hualin appeared at the same time, and why Qiqi happened to have the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle. Perhaps it was all a plot by Quan De'an and Qiqi, because Ji Feihua had Wei Hualin replace Liu Yuzhang, giving Quan De'an a motive to kill him; after plotting with Qiqi, they decided she would carry it out herself, first coming to the wine cellar to find him, then having someone spread the word to lure Wei Hualin in. - OK.

Translation: One sentence awakened the dreamer; at this moment Hu Xiaotian finally realized how many coincidences there were that night: why did Qiqi come to the wine cellar then, why did Wei Hualin appear at the same time, and why did Qiqi happen to have the Violent Rain Pear Blossom Needle in hand. Could it all be a plot by Quan De'an and Qiqi, because Ji Feihua let Wei Hualin replace Liu Yuzhang's position, so Quan De'an developed a murderous intent toward Wei Hualin, Qiqi conspired with him, then decided to carry it out herself, coming early to the wine cellar to find him, and then having someone spread the news to lure Wei Hualin into the wine cellar.

The more Hu Xiaotian thought, the more his heart raced; he had always thought the killing was a mere coincidence, but he realized he was just a pawn in Quan De'an and Qiqi's scheme—Quan De'an and Qiqi were the true masterminds, and he, unaware, had become an accomplice. - OK.

Translation: The more Hu Xiaotian thought, the more startled he became; he had always thought the killing was merely a coincidence, but he hadn't realized he was merely a pawn in Quan De'an and Qiqi's scheme; Quan De'an and Qiqi were the true masterminds of this murder, and he, unaware, had become an accomplice.

Ji Feihua said, "Don't feel disheartened; at your age, achieving what you have is already no small feat. Quan De'an is old and cunning; if the Za family didn't understand him deeply, it would be hard to see through his schemes. You also shouldn't blame yourself for Wei Hualin's death; when the Za family first let him take over the Imperial Gardens Bureau, they didn't intend for him to kill anyone. He bore a grudge against your father, so he took it upon himself to plan to eliminate you—getting what he deserved." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "You need not feel disheartened; at your age, being able to reach this point is already quite difficult; Quan De'an is old and crafty, and unless the Zajia understood him extremely well, it would also be hard to see through his schemes. You also need not blame yourself for Wei Hualin's death; when the Zajia initially let him take charge of the Bureau of Imperial Gardens, they did not order him to kill, but he bore a grudge against your father, so he arbitrarily made the plan to eliminate you, and meeting this end is just deserts."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Commander Ji truly doesn't blame me." But Ji Feihua's words can't be trusted—who knows if Wei Hualin wanted to eliminate me at her behest, or if he saw me as expendable back then, only now realizing my value. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Commander Ji truly doesn't blame me." Ji Feihua's words cannot be trusted; who knows if at that time Wei Hualin wanted to eliminate me not under his orders, perhaps he thought I was merely an insignificant role, and now I am gradually discovering my own worth.

Ji Feihua said, "When you employ someone, you don't doubt them; when you doubt them, you don't employ them. Since the Za family have employed you, all your past deeds are wiped clean." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "When employing people, do not suspect them; when suspecting, do not employ them. Since the Zajia have employed you, all your past deeds are wiped clean."

Hu Xiaotian secretly admired her; though she looked like a woman, her mind and vision were extraordinarily broad—something he had rarely seen in his life. He pointed to the entrance of the secret passage and said, "That's the entrance." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian secretly praised, this person although appearing extremely like a woman, has a breadth of mind and vision rarely seen in his lifetime. Hu Xiaotian pointed to the entrance of the secret passage: "That is the entrance to the secret passage."

Ji Feihua still had little interest in the secret passage, saying calmly, "The palace's underground passages are extensive, but there's nothing special about them; the air here is too foul, let's go up." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua still had little interest in the secret passage, calmly saying: "The underground passages of the imperial palace are extensive, but there's nothing particularly remarkable; the air here is too turbid, let's go up."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and followed Ji Feihua up the stairs. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded and followed Ji Feihua up the stairs.

Having returned to his room, Hu Xiaotian felt he had narrowly escaped death; if he'd made even the slightest mistake earlier, he'd likely be dead in the wine cellar now. Fortunately, by telling the truth, he finally dispelled Ji Feihua's murderous intent. Compared to Quan De'an, who is far outside the palace, earning Ji Feihua's trust is actually more important. - OK.

Translation: Having returned to his own room, Hu Xiaotian felt a sense of having narrowly escaped death; if he had made the slightest mistake just then, he would probably already be dead in the wine cellar; fortunately, by telling the truth, he finally dispelled Ji Feihua's murderous intent toward him. Compared to Quan De'an far outside the palace, gaining Ji Feihua's trust is actually more important.

Hu Xiaotian didn't want to side with either faction; he wanted to survive by his own wits in the narrow gap between them, seeking the greatest benefit from their struggle. Quan De'an wanted him to get close to Ji Feihua so he could betray Quan De'an; Ji Feihua wanted to use him to counter-spy against Quan De'an and would occasionally leak him information. As long as the two sides hadn't yet decided a winner, he still had value and should be safe for now. - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian did not want to rely on any side; he wished to survive by his own abilities in the cracks, seeking the greatest benefit from their struggle. Quan De'an wanted him to get close to Ji Feihua; for that purpose, he could naturally betray Quan De'an. Ji Feihua wanted to use him to carry out a counter-espionage plot against Quan De'an, and would occasionally leak some information to him; before the two sides determined a winner, he still had utility, so he should be safe for now.

Since the Black Tiger Whip has become the charge for Liu Yuzhang's murder, keeping it would only be a liability. Hu Xiaotian therefore had to confess this to Ji Feihua, went to the wardrobe, took out the wooden box containing the Black Tiger Whip, and presented it to her. Though the whip is said to have miraculous powers—like making withered wood take root—that might be irresistible to eunuchs, to Hu Xiaotian it meant nothing. - OK.

Translation: Since the matter of the Black Tiger Whip has already become the charge for Liu Yuzhang's murder, keeping it in his hand would only be a liability; Hu Xiaotian must confess this to Ji Feihua, turning to the wardrobe, he took out the wooden box storing the Black Tiger Whip and presented it to Ji Feihua; the Black Tiger Whip's almost divine efficacy might have an irresistible allure for the eunuch community, but to Hu Xiaotian it amounts to nothing.

Ji Feihua took the box, opened the lid, lifted the red silk covering it; upon seeing the Black Tiger Whip inside, she showed no surprise, flicked the silk back into place, and said calmly, "What do you mean?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua took the wooden box, opened the lid, lifted the red silk covering it; upon seeing the Black Tiger Whip inside clearly, he showed no surprise, flicked his finger to replace the red silk, and calmly said: "What do you mean?"

His reaction surprised Hu Xiaotian, who had expected Ji Feihua to be delighted at seeing the Black Tiger Whip, but she remained calm. Hu Xiaotian whispered, "This is the Black Tiger Whip; it's said to make withered wood take root." - OK.

Translation: His reaction somewhat exceeded Hu Xiaotian's expectations; Hu Xiaotian had thought Ji Feihua would be overjoyed upon seeing the Black Tiger Whip, but he hadn't expected him to be so calm. Hu Xiaotian whispered: "This is the Black Tiger Whip; it is said to have the power to make withered wood take root."

Ji Feihua let out a strange laugh: "Withered wood meeting spring? Hehehe, do you really believe such a thing exists?" - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua, upon hearing him finish, couldn't help but let out a grim laugh: "Withered wood meeting spring? Hehehe, do you really believe such a thing exists?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "Today Eunuch Rong came again demanding it, insisting it's for the emperor; I dare not decide myself, so I ask you, Commander, to decide." - OK.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Today, Gonggong Rong came again demanding it, saying over and over that the Emperor wants it; I dare not decide on my own, please Commander, make the ruling."

Ji Feihua said, "If he didn't mention it, how would the emperor even know about this thing? What Black Tiger Whip? The Za family see it as mere rumor; Xiao Tian, just keep it." - OK.

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "If he doesn't say so, how would the Emperor know about this thing? What Black Tiger Whip, the Zajia regard it as mere rumor; Xiaotian, just give this thing to you."

Hu Xiaot

Translation: Hu Xiaotian could hardly believe his ears; why would Ji Feihua be so good to him? This seems off; initially Liu Yuzhang could be said to have indirectly died because of this Black Tiger Whip; now Ji Feihua leaves the Black Tiger Whip to him, isn't that leaving a handle? This thing is like a time bomb that might detonate at any moment.

Hu Xiaotian said, "But..."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "But..."

Ji Feihua laughed, "Are you afraid the Za family will use this as a handle against you? If the Za family really wanted to deal with you, they wouldn't need a reason." She slowly rose and asked, "Do you have time?"

Translation: Ji Feihua laughed: "Are you afraid the Zajia will use this as a handle against you? If the Zajia truly wanted to deal with you, they wouldn't need a reason." He slowly rose to his feet and said: "Do you have time?"

Hu Xiaotian hurriedly bowed and said, "I will obey the Commander's orders."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian hastily bowed and said: "I will obey the Commander's orders."

Please vote for the Monthly Ticket! (To be continued~^~)