Chapter 334: and ===GLOSSARY=== sections

Hu Xiaotian said: "Just now Wang Decai came by, saying the Empress has issued an order for us to immediately tidy up the garden of the Mingyue Palace; it seems someone new will be entering the palace, which is strange because I haven't heard anything about the emperor selecting concubines lately." He was also puzzled about this.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Just now Wang Decai came over, saying the Empress issued an order to immediately tidy up the garden of Bright Moon Palace; it looks like someone new will be entering the palace. Strange, I haven't heard anything about the Emperor selecting concubines lately." He too was puzzled about this.

We need to keep it concise but faithful. Let's produce: Hu Xiaotian said: "Just now Wang Decai came over, saying the Empress issued an order to immediately tidy up the garden of Bright Moon Palace; it looks like someone new will be entering the palace. Strange, I haven't heard anything about the Emperor selecting concubines lately." He too was puzzled about this.

Make sure to keep quotes? We can keep as is.

Baobao said: "Actually, I've heard a few clues about this."

Baobao said: "As for this, I've actually heard a few clues."

Hu Xiaotian stepped closer, as if wanting to hear her better, but Baobao kept stepping back because of his approach, accidentally bumping into the wine barrel behind her; she quickly braced her hands against his chest, her delicate body leaning back, her heart fluttering, yet she forced a fierce expression and said: "What do you want?"

Hu Xiaotian stepped closer again, seemingly wanting to hear more clearly, but Baobao kept retreating from his approach, and accidentally leaned against the wine barrel behind her; she quickly braced her hands against his chest, her delicate body leaning back, her heart a little flustered, yet she forced a fierce expression: "What do you want?"

We need to keep all details.

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "You're scared!"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "You're scared!"

Baobao said: "Can we please speak properly?"

Baobao said: "Can we still talk properly?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Fine, go ahead!" Yet he showed no intention of stepping back.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Fine, you speak!" This guy had no intention of backing off.

Baobao realized that in her interactions with Hu Xiaotian she was gradually falling into a disadvantaged position; although she didn't want to admit it, it was clearly true. Her right hand pressed against his left chest, and she couldn't help noticing how well-developed his pecs were, which made her blush furiously at the thought. She wasn't trying to take advantage of him, but without her hand bracing him, he might lunge at her. Seeing that Hu Xiaotian had no intention of keeping his distance, she reluctantly accepted the fact. She forced herself to calm down, thinking: What's there to fear about Hu Xiaotian? Why should I be afraid of him? With brave eyes she looked at him and asked: "Do you know who this newly promoted talented lady is?"

Baobao realized that in her interactions with Hu Xiaotian she was gradually falling into a disadvantage; although she didn't want to admit it, it was clearly a fact. Her right hand pressed against his left chest, and let's not say his pecs aren't quite developed. Immediately, because of this thought, her face flushed red. She wasn't trying to take advantage of Hu Xiaotian, but without her hand bracing him, he might just pounce on her. Seeing that Hu Xiaotian had no intention of keeping distance, she reluctantly accepted this fact. She forced herself to calm down, thinking: What's there to fear about him Hu Xiaotian? Why should I be afraid of him? With brave eyes she looked at Hu Xiaotian and asked: "Do you know who this newly promoted talented person is?"

We need to keep all details.

Hu Xiaotian said: "The emperor's harem is full of countless beauties; I can't even keep straight the three palaces and six courtyards, let alone a newly promoted talented lady."

Hu Xiaotian said: "The Emperor's harem has countless beauties; even now I can't tell the Three Palaces and Six Courts apart, let alone a newly promoted talented person."

Baobao said: "This newly promoted lady comes from a notable background. If it were anyone else, the Empress would likely be burning with jealousy, but this time she not only showed no jealousy at all, she actually increased her favor toward the lady, even declaring in front of all the concubines that anyone who dares to bully this talented lady will be crossing her."

Baobao said: "This newly promoted person's background is not small. If it were anyone else, the Empress would probably be burning with jealousy, but this time the Empress not only showed no jealousy at all, she even increased her favor toward her, and in front of all the concubines declared that whoever dares to bully this newly promoted talented person is opposing her."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "This is exactly the Empress's clever tactic—by showing care and affection, she makes it easier to stir jealousy among the other consorts; this move is called 'praising to kill,' don't you see it?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "This is exactly the Empress's clever tactic: the more she shows care and affection, the easier it is to stir jealousy among the other consorts. This move is called 'raising to kill'—don't you see it?"

Baobao said: "Do you know that this talented lady is the daughter of Scholar-official Wen?"

Baobao said: "Do you know this talented person is the daughter of the Grand Preceptor Wen?"

Hu Xiaotian was taken aback; because of Wen Boyuan, he had some knowledge of Wen Taishi's family—Wen Chenghuan indeed had two daughters, but they were already married off. Could he be planning to marry off his already-married daughters to the emperor? That's impossible unless Wen Chenghuan doesn't want his head anymore. Moreover, even if he agreed, the emperor would never agree. Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Are you trying to fool me? Both of Wen Taishi's daughters are already married; where would an unmarried daughter come from? Even if he were to have one now, there wouldn't be time."

Upon hearing this, Hu Xiaotian was startled. Because of Wen Boyuan's connection, he had some knowledge of the Grand Preceptor Wen's family. Wen Chenghuan indeed has two daughters, but they are already married; could he be intending to marry off his already-married daughters to the Emperor? That's impossible unless Wen Chenghuan doesn't want his head anymore. Besides, even if he agreed, the Emperor would never agree. Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Are you kidding me? The Grand Preceptor Wen's two daughters are already married; where would an unmarried daughter come from? Even if he had one now, there wouldn't be time."

Baobao said: "He also has an adopted daughter!"

Baobao said: "He still has an adopted daughter!"

"Does an adopted daughter count?"

"Does an adopted daughter count?"

Baobao nodded and said: "I've heard that this adopted daughter is breathtakingly beautiful—her looks could make the moon hide and flowers blush, cause fish to sink and geese to fall; once she enters the palace, the beauties of the six palaces will pale in comparison."

Baobao nodded and said: "I've heard this adopted daughter is so beautiful she makes the moon hide and flowers blush, causes fish to sink and geese to fall; once she enters the palace, the beauties of the Six Palaces will lose all color."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Exaggerated. If what you say is true, wouldn't this talented lady be a disaster for the state and its people?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Exaggerated. According to you, wouldn't this talented person be a disaster for the state and its people?"

Baobao said: "Perhaps Wen Taishi's intention in sending her into the palace is precisely to bring disaster upon the state."

Baobao said: "Perhaps the Grand Preceptor Wen's intention in sending her into the palace is precisely to make her bring disaster upon the state and its people."

Hu Xiaotian's eyes shifted: "Whether she topples kingdoms or brings ruin, it seems to have nothing to do with me. You came to see me today not to pry, but because of this newly promoted talented lady—hehe, what are you really scheming? Are you feeling threatened by your Lady Lin, the Noble Consort?"

Hu Xiaotian's eyes rolled: "Whether it's toppling states or ruining the country, it seems unrelated to me. You came to see me today not to dig a hole, but because of this newly promoted talented person. Hehe, what exactly are you scheming? Are you feeling threatened by your Lin Guifei?"

Baobao said: "Wen Taishi's purpose in sending this girl into the palace is nothing more than to bewitch the emperor."

Baobao said: "The Grand Preceptor Wen's purpose in sending this girl into the palace is nothing more than to bewilder the Emperor."

Hu Xiaotian said: "You said our emperor prefers martial prowess over feminine adornment and has special feelings for Ji Feihua; if this talented lady could actually turn his heart away from that, it wouldn't be a bad thing at all."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Didn't you say our Emperor doesn't love feminine adornments but prefers military attire, and has special feelings for Ji Feihua? If this talented person could actually turn the Emperor straight, that wouldn't be bad at all—it would be a great joy."

Baobao blinked, not quite grasping what he meant by "turn his heart away"; anyway, most of what comes out of Hu Xiaotian's mouth isn't good, so she whispered softly: "I want you to help me kill this woman."

Baobao blinked her eyes, not quite understanding what "turn straight" meant. In any case, most of what comes out of Hu Xiaotian's mouth is not good; she whispered: "I want you to help me kill this woman."

Hu Xiaotian blinked in surprise, then laughed: "It seems our relationship hasn't reached that point yet, has it?"

Hu Xiaotian blinked slightly, then laughed again: "Our relationship doesn't seem to have reached that point yet, does it?"

Baobao sneered: "If you won't help me, I'll expose all your secrets—will you cooperate sincerely with me, or shall we both perish? You decide."

Baobao sneered: "If you don't help me, I'll spill all your secrets. Do you want sincere cooperation with me, or mutual destruction? You decide."

Hu Xiaotian despised being threatened; although Baobao was beautiful, that couldn't justify threatening him. In the past he might have hesitated, but after reaching an understanding with Ji Feihua, the leverage she held over him was now insignificant. This girl really is naïve, thinking those things could still coerce him. He thought to himself: If she really keeps pressing, I wouldn't rule out using force against her.

Hu Xiaotian hates being threatened most of all. Although Baobao is beautiful, that still can't be a reason to threaten him. Perhaps in the past he might have been wary, but now that he has reached an understanding with Ji Feihua, the leverage Baobao holds is utterly insignificant. This girl is really too naïve, thinking those things can still coerce him. Hu Xiaotian secretly thought: If she really keeps pressing, I wouldn't rule out using ruthless means.

Baobao sensed the killing intent in Hu Xiaotian's suddenly cold gaze; her heart trembled. She had known him for a long time, crossed blades many times, yet she had never truly gained the upper hand. Still, believing she had leverage, she thought he wouldn't dare act against her. Even if they fought to the death, she felt she could hold her own, and besides, she had already told Lin Wan of her whereabouts before coming to the Bureau of Gardens, so Hu Xiaotian wouldn't dare lay a hand on her even if he had the courage of a tiger and a leopard. Feeling reassured, she thrust her chest forward and demanded: "What? Dare you do something to me?"

Baobao felt the killing intent in Hu Xiaotian's suddenly cold gaze, her heart trembled. She had known Hu Xiaotian for a long time, they had clashed many times; speaking of which, she had never truly gained the upper hand. Yet she figured she had leverage, and Hu Xiaotian wouldn't dare do anything to her. Even if they fought to the death, even if she couldn't win, Hu Xiaotian might not be able to defeat her either. Moreover, before coming to the Bureau of Gardens she had already told Lin Wan of her whereabouts; Hu Xiaotian wouldn't dare lay a hand on her even if he had the gall of a bear and leopard. Realizing this, Baobao gained confidence, thrust her chest forward, and challenged: "How about it? Dare you do something to me?"

A woman's shamelessness can be more endearing than a man's; Hu Xiaotian's murderous flicker vanished as he saw Baobao's self-assured smirk. He couldn't help a hollow laugh: "Silly girl, you really still think you can threaten me?" His gaze dropped to his own chest, where Baobao's right hand still rested: "Had enough touching? If you keep going, I'll fight back."

Women playing the rogue are far more endearing than men. Hu Xiaotian's murderous intent merely flickered and vanished. Seeing Baobao's confident look, he couldn't help but chuckle: "Silly girl, you really think you can still blackmail me?" His gaze dropped to his own chest; Baobao's right hand was still pressing against his left chest: "Had enough touching? If you touch me again I'll fight back."

Baobao finally realized her hand had been pressing on his left chest all along; blushing, she pulled it away: "What's there to feel? You're not a woman."

Baobao then realized her hand had been gripping his left chest all along; blushing, she pulled it back: "What's there to feel? You're not a woman."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "So according to you, touching a woman is the only fun? Why don't you let me feel?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "According to you, only touching women is fun? Why don't you let me feel it?"

Baobao startled, clutched her chest and stepped back, pointing at Hu Xiaotian: "You stay right there, behave yourself, or else…"

Baobao, frightened, covered her chest and fled to the side, pointing at Hu Xiaotian: "Stand still, behave yourself, or else..."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Hey sister, did you come today to ask for my help, or did you come specially to threaten me?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Hey sister, did you come today to ask me for help, or did you come specially to threaten me?"

Baobao said: "Of course I have legitimate business; otherwise why would I look for you?"

Baobao said: "Of course there's legitimate business; otherwise why would I look for you?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Since you need my help, you should treat me a little better. You've known me long enough to understand me—I hate being threatened, don't use past incidents as leverage, that 'jade and stone burned together' talk—I truly don't fear fighting you to the bitter end. If you want my help, you'll have to be nicer to me."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Since you're asking me for help, you should treat me a little better. You've known me this long; you should have some understanding of me. I hate being threatened most. Don't use past events as leverage—'mutual destruction'—I really don't fear fighting you to the bitter end. If you want me to help you, heh heh, you'd better be nice to me."

"How do you want it?"

"What do you want?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "What's your attitude? Are you asking me to do something for you, or am I asking you to do something for me?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "What's your attitude? Exactly, am I asking you to handle things, or are you asking me to handle things?"

Hu Xiaotian sat on the chair beside the wine barrel, crossed his legs, and assumed an aloof posture.

Hu Xiaotian sat on the chair beside the wine barrel, crossed his legs, adopting an aloof airs.

Baobao bit her lip and whispered: "Mr. Hu, I'm sorry."

Baobao bit her lip, softly said: "Lord Hu, I'm sorry."

Hu Xiaotian snorted: "We eunuchs hate being called 'grandfather'."

Hu Xiaotian snorted: "Zajia hates being called 'lord' the most."

Baobao thought, then said coyly: "Hu brother…"

Baobao thought, then coquettishly said: "Brother Hu..."

"Hmm?"

"Hmm?"

"Hu big brother, Hu big sir, just now it was all my fault; I'm here to apologize to you."

"Big Brother Hu, Grandpa Hu, just now were all Baobao's fault; Baobao here makes amends to you."

Hu Xiaotian nodded slowly: "That's about right."

Hu Xiaotian slowly nodded: "That's about right."

Baobao approached him with an apologetic smile: "Just now I was discussing that matter with you…"

Baobao came to his side, smiling apologetically: "Just now I was discussing with you that matter..."

"Oh… I had a stiff neck yesterday, my waist and back ache… oh dear…"

"Ow... I slept funny yesterday, my waist is sore and my back aches... ow..."

Baobao moved behind him, reached out and gently massaged his shoulders; Hu Xiaotian closed his eyes, utterly relaxed.

Baobao moved behind him, reached out to gently knead his shoulders; Hu Xiaotian closed his eyes, utterly relaxed.

"Hu big sir, are you comfortable?"

"Grandpa Hu, are you comfortable?"

"A bit more pressure, please…"

"Focus, a bit more pressure..."

Baobao stood behind Hu Xiaotian, glaring furiously, wishing she could yank his head off. Having to ask for a favor, she swallowed her anger and said: "Actually, for you it's not a hard thing—just sprinkle this packet of powder in the Mingyue Palace garden while you're tidying it up, and the rest won't require your involvement." She tried to take out the packet of medicine powder.

Baobao glared at Hu Xiaotian from behind, wishing she could rip his head off. Unable to refuse a request, she suppressed her anger and said softly: "Actually, for you it's not difficult at all; as long as you scatter this packet when tidying the Bright Moon Palace garden, the rest doesn't need your involvement." She intended to take out that packet of powder.

But Hu Xiaotian said: "Don't stop, it feels too good."

But Hu Xiaotian said: "Don't stop, it feels great right now."

Baobao said: "Will you agree or not!" This time her tone was full of petulance.

Baobao said: "Will you agree or not!" This was full of coquettishness.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Oh dear, my legs suddenly feel sore."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Ow, why did my leg suddenly get sore?"

Baobao gritted her teeth, moved in front of him again, squatted down, and began to beat his legs. Hu Xiaotian opened his right eye a slit, watched Baobao enduring humiliation while working hard, felt smug, thinking: You want to threaten me? Not that easy. Do you think I'm easy to bully? Seeing Baobao's snowy-white neck skin, a lewd thought crossed his mind; he coughed and said: "No need to beat the legs—let's discuss terms instead."

Baobao gritted her teeth, came forward again, squatted down, and began to beat his leg. Hu Xiaotian opened his right eye a slit, watching Baobao endure humiliation and hard work, feeling pleased: "Want to threaten me? Not that easy. You think I'm easy to bully, Grandpa?" Seeing Baobao's jade-white skin on the nape of her neck, a lewd thought sprang up; he coughed and said: "No need to beat the leg; let's discuss terms."

Baobao lifted her head, somewhat bewildered: "Terms? What terms do you have?"

Baobao lifted her head, somewhat startled: "Terms? What terms do you have?"

Hu Xiaotian gave her a teasing glance; Baobao instantly realized what he meant, stepped back and said: "Hu Xiaotian, you'd better not make any outrageous demands—I have my limits."

Hu Xiaotian gave her a narrow-eyed glance; Baobao instantly realized what he meant, stepped back a pace, and said: "Hu Xiaotian, you'd better not mention any excessive demands; I have my limits."

Hu Xiaotian extended his index finger and hooked it toward her: "Since I entered the palace, I've never been intimate with a woman; how about…"

Hu Xiaotian extended his index finger and hooked it toward her: "Zajia, since entering the palace, has never been intimate with a woman; how about..."

"No way! You're shameless!" Baobao truly admired his audacity to say such things.

"No! You're shameless!" Baobao truly admired his thick skin—he could actually say such things.

Hu Xiaotian said: "You're overthinking—I'm not looking to sleep with you, I just want to hug you; that request doesn't seem excessive, does it?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "You're overthinking; I'm not trying to do that with you, I just want to hug you—this request doesn't seem excessive, does it?"

"Absolutely not!"

"No way, no way!"

"Then there's nothing to discuss!" Hu Xiaotian stood up: "I won't tell anyone about your affair, and you don't need to come looking for me again."

"Then there's nothing to discuss!" Hu Xiaotian stood up: "I won't tell anyone about your matter, and you don't need to come find me anymore."

Baobao bit her lip, stamped her foot, closed her eyes, steeled herself, and said: "Come on!"

Baobao bit her lip, stomped her foot, closed her eyes, steeled herself: "Come on!"

Gazing at her expression, just like that of a female martyr who sacrifices herself righteously, Hu Xiaotian secretly amused himself, "You little brat, aren't you threatening me?" Today I'm going to really mess with you, teach this little girl a lesson. Hu Xiaotian said: "Zajia never forces anyone; in fact, with my current status, the number of palace maids in the imperial palace who would throw themselves into Zajia's arms is countless." (To be continued ^~^)