Chapter 428

Wen Chenguan stroked his whiskers and said, "Quan De'an and Ji Feihua are no ordinary men; I always sense the emperor has some leverage that Ji Feihua holds in her hand, otherwise why would this brat be so insolent?" He knitted his brows; this had always been a puzzle he could not solve.

Translation: Wen Chenghuan stroked his beard and said: "Quan De'an and Ji Feihua are both not simple; I always feel the Emperor seems to have some leverage held by Ji Feihua, otherwise why would this brat be so arrogant?" He frowned tightly; this had always been a problem he could not figure out despite much thought.

Need to keep tone. Use 'brat'? The term could be translated as 'this brat' or 'this fellow'; we'll use 'this brat'. Ensure we keep all info.

Wen Boyuan said, "Father, I heard that Hu Xiaotian was sent by the emperor to Zilan Palace and made its chief steward."

Translation: Wen Boyuan said: "Father, I heard that Hu Xiaotian was sent by the Emperor to Zilan Palace and made its steward?"

Wen Chenguan slowly nodded, fixing his gaze on his son's eyes until the boy lowered his head guiltily, then he whispered softly, "Boyuan, do you still think of her in your heart?"

Translation: Wen Chenghuan slowly nodded, staring at his son's eyes until the son lowered his head guiltily, then he whispered: "Boyuan, do you still miss her in your heart?"

Wen Boyuan pressed his lips, feeling his father's gaze seemed to have pierced to the depths of his heart, his true thoughts nowhere to hide, his gaze darting aside, then he whispered, "Father, I have figured it out: a man establishing himself in the world must have lofty aspirations; how can he be bogged down by petty love?"

Translation: Wen Boyuan pressed his lips, feeling his father's gaze seemed to have seen deep into his heart, his true thoughts nowhere to hide, his gaze darted aside, then he whispered softly: "Father, I have already figured it out; a man establishing himself in the world should have lofty aspirations, how can he be indulged in romantic affairs?"

Wen Chenguan stood, walked slowly to his son's side, raised his hand and lightly patted his shoulder, saying, "Whatever you think in your heart, Father knows it well." As the saying goes, "Knowing a son best is the father." The son has been deeply devoted to Princess Anping; even back when the retired emperor Long Xuan'en was alive, he had wanted to propose to Princess Anping, and at that time Wen Chenguan supported his idea. But times have changed: now Long Xuan'en has become the retired emperor, although nominally still bearing the title of emperor, he is actually under house arrest by Long Yelin on the Ethereal Mountain surrounded on all sides by water. Princess Anping, though a half-sister of Long Yelin, has long lost her former prominence; otherwise she would not have been sent far away to marry into Da Yong.

Translation: Wen Chenghuan rose and slowly walked to his son's side, raised his hand and lightly patted his shoulder, saying: "Whatever you think in your heart, Father knows it well." As the saying goes, none knows a son better than his father. The son had been deeply devoted to Princess Anping; even back when the Retired Emperor Long Xuan'en was alive, he had wanted to propose to the princess, and at that time Wen Chenghuan had supported his idea. But times have changed; now Long Xuan'en has become the Retired Emperor, although nominally still bearing the title of Emperor, he is actually under house arrest by Long Yelin on the misty, water-encircled Miaoxiang Mountain. Princess Anping, though a half-sister of Long Yelin sharing the same father, has long lost her former prominence; otherwise she would not have been sent far away to marry into Da Yong.

Need to keep details: 'Ethereal Mountain' could be translated as 'Misty Mountain', but its literal meaning is 'Ethereal Mountain'; I'll use 'Ethereal Mountain'.

Thus: 'four-sided water-encircled Ethereal Mountain'. Actually 'four sides surrounded by water' describes the Ethereal Mountain; we translate it as 'Ethereal Mountain, surrounded on all sides by water'.

Wen Boyuan said, "Father, I now know what to do! I have completely let go of that matter."

Translation: Wen Boyuan said: "Father, I understand what I should do! I have completely let go of that matter."

Wen Chenguan nodded and said, "Ji Feihua has not been in the capital these days; Hu Xiaotian's going to Zilan Palace is certainly not his doing. That means.. It is the emperor's own intention. It could also be Lord Quan's intention."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan nodded and said: "Ji Feihua has not been in the capital these days; Hu Xiaotian's going to Zilan Palace is certainly not his idea. That means it is the Emperor's own intention. It could also be Eunuch Quan's intention."

Note there is an extra period after 'means'. We'll keep as is.

Wen Boyuan said, "It's merely a transfer of a eunuch; there shouldn't be so much fuss behind it, right?"

Translation: Wen Boyuan said: "It's merely a transfer of a eunuch; there shouldn't be that much scheming behind it, right?"

Wen Chenguan shook his head and said, "March sixteenth of next year is Princess Anping's wedding day; Hu Xiaotian going to Zilan Palace at this time is certainly not just to serve her; the emperor must be considering appointing him as the escort envoy for the marriage."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan shook his head: "March 16 next year is Princess Anping's wedding day; Hu Xiaotian going to Zilan Palace at this time is certainly not just to serve her; the Emperor must have the idea of making him the escort envoy for the marriage."

Wen Boyuan exclaimed in disbelief, "How could that be? What virtue or ability does he have?"

Translation: Wen Boyuan exclaimed in disbelief: "How could that be? What merit or ability does he have?"

Wen Chenguan said, "Hu Xiaotian was brought into the palace by Quan De'an himself; logically, he ought to be Quan De'an's man. Quan De'an is cold-hearted and ruthless, caring nothing for sentiment; the only one he truly treats sincerely is probably the emperor alone. His greatest enemy at present is Ji Feihua, and Hu Xiaotian's getting close to Ji Feihua is almost certainly his doing. After the fire at Mingyue Palace, he began standing with me, intending to use Hu Xiaotian as a pawn to topple Ji Feihua, but developments have not proceeded as smoothly as we imagined; Quan De'an's tactics will inevitably make Hu Xiaotian wary, and may even completely drive him into Ji Feihua's camp."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan said: "Hu Xiaotian was brought into the palace by Quan De'an himself; logically he should be Quan De'an's man. Quan De'an is ruthless and unfeeling, indifferent to affection; the only one he truly treats sincerely is probably the Emperor alone. His greatest enemy at present is Ji Feihua, and Hu Xiaotian getting close to Ji Feihua is almost certainly his doing. After the Bright Moon Palace fire, he began to side with me, intending to use Hu Xiaotian as a pawn to topple Ji Feihua, but the developments have not been as smooth as we imagined; Quan De'an's approach will surely arouse Hu Xiaotian's vigilance, possibly completely pushing him into Ji Feihua's camp."

Wen Boyuan asked, "But why would he then recommend Hu Xiaotian before the emperor?"

Translation: Wen Boyuan said: "But why would he then recommend Hu Xiaotian before the Emperor?"

Wen Chenguan said, "Hu Xiaotian is no fool. After the Mingyue Palace incident, he will never wholeheartedly serve Quan De'an again. Since we can see this, Quan De'an surely can too; sending Hu Xiaotian to Zilan Palace must be another plot. Although I don't yet know what his scheme is, one thing is certain: he likely intends to stir up trouble involving Princess Anping, and this pawn Hu Xiaotian will eventually be discarded by him." Wen Chenguan's deep eyes flashed a cold light.

Translation: Wen Chenghuan said: "Hu Xiaotian is no fool. After the Bright Moon Palace incident, he will never wholeheartedly serve Quan De'an again. Since we can think of this, Quan De'an surely can too; sending Hu Xiaotian to Zilan Palace must be another plot. Although I don't yet know what his plot is, one thing can be determined: he likely intends to manufacture some scandal involving Princess Anping, and this pawn Hu Xiaotian will ultimately be discarded by him." Wen Chenghuan's deep eyes flashed with a cold light.

Wen Boyuan furrowed his brows and said, "Father, Princess Anping's far-off marriage is imminent; could there still be any trouble surrounding her?"

Translation: Wen Boyuan furrowed his brows: "Father, Princess Anping's distant marriage is imminent; could there still be any trouble surrounding her?"

Wen Chenguan smiled and said, "I am preparing to nominate you to escort Princess Anping; what do you think?"

Translation: Wen Chenghuan smiled: "I am preparing to nominate you to escort Princess Anping; what do you think?"

Wen Boyuan, thinking his father was testing him again, hurriedly replied, "I have long abandoned any thoughts of her; I would rather stay in the capital."

Translation: Wen Boyuan thought his father was again testing him, and hurriedly said: "I have long given up any thoughts of her; I would rather stay in Kangdu."

Wen Chenguan lowered his voice and said, "This time, however, you must go; you must go."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan lowered his voice: "This time, you must go; you must go."

Wen Boyuan did not understand his father's meaning; he blinked his eyes.

Translation: Wen Boyuan did not understand his father's meaning. He blinked his eyes.

Wen Chenguan's voice sank as he said, "Make your preparations; after the first lunar month you will set out for Da Yong."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan said in a low voice: "Make preparations; after the first month you will set out for Da Yong."

Hu Xiaotian had not left the palace for several days; the twenty-ninth of the twelfth lunar month was the last opportunity this year to go out for shopping. Early that morning he had his attendants ready, taking along Shi Xuedong, Xiao Zhuozi, and Xiao Dengzi with him out of the palace. The reason he brought so many people was also to have a good time outside before the year's end, even if it was just a small perk for his close aides and attendants.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian had not left the palace for several days; the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month was the last opportunity this year to go out for shopping. Early that morning he had people prepare, and he took Shi Xuedong, Xiao Zhuozi, and Xiao Dengzi out of the palace together. The reason he brought so many people was also because he wanted to have a good time outside before the year's end, even if it was just a small benefit for these few trusted aides and attendants.

Cao Qianshan of the Feicui Hall had already prepared the banquet and red envelopes, merely waiting for their arrival.

Translation: Cao Qian Shan of the Jade Hall had already prepared the banquet and red envelopes, just waiting for them to arrive.

After leaving the palace, Hu Xiaotian parted ways with the others, taking a carriage to Baofeng Hall, while the rest had agreed to meet at Feicui Hall before noon.

Translation: After leaving the palace, Hu Xiaotian separated from the others, took a carriage to the Hall of Abundant Treasures, and they had agreed to meet at the Jade Hall before noon.

One of Xiao Tianmu's reasons for taking over Baofeng Hall was to facilitate meetings with Hu Xiaotian; although he initially spent some silver, Hu Xiaotian used his authority to purchase many goods from Baofeng Hall, and the palace's purchases alone were enough to cover the hall's daily expenses. Xiao Tianmu is skilled at management; during this period he opened up north-south trade routes and has already established a branch in the capital Yongdu of Da Yong.

Translation: One of Xiao Tianmu's reasons for taking over the Hall of Abundant Treasures was to facilitate meetings with Hu Xiaotian; although he initially spent some silver, Hu Xiaotian used his authority to purchase many goods from the hall, and the palace's purchases alone were enough to cover its daily expenses. Xiao Tianmu is skilled at management; during this period he opened up north-south trade routes and has already established a branch in Yongdu, the capital of Da Yong.

When Hu Xiaotian arrived at Baofeng Hall, he saw cart after cart of ceramics being hauled out; Gao Yuan and several assistants were busy at the doorway, and upon seeing Hu Xiaotian's carriage approach, Gao Yuan greeted him cheerfully, cupping his hands and saying, "Lord Hu, what wind blows you here?"

Translation: When Hu Xiaotian arrived at the Hall of Abundant Treasures, he saw cart after cart of ceramics being hauled out; Gao Yuan and several assistants were busy at the door. Seeing Hu Xiaotian's carriage approach, Gao Yuan greeted him happily, clasped his hands and said: "Lord Hu, what wind blows you here?"

Hu Xiaotian lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down; not having seen Gao Yuan for a while, the boy had grown noticeably taller, appearing darker and more muscular, with a hint of soft fuzz at the corners of his mouth, giving him a manly air. Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "You've grown tall—what are you up to?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out; not seeing Gao Yuan for a while, the boy had grown much taller, appearing darker and more robust, with a soft fuzz on the corners of his lips, giving him a hint of manliness. Hu Xiaotian laughed: "You've grown tall; what are you doing?"

Gao Yuan said, "I'm transporting a batch of goods to Yongdu by ship before the year's end, and I'm going too." Since coming to the capital, he had never ventured far afield, so he was unusually excited.

Translation: Gao Yuan said: "I'm transporting a batch of goods to Yongdu before the year's end, by ship, and I'm going too." Since coming to Kangdu, he had never ventured far away, so he was unusually excited.

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Then doesn't that mean we'll be on the road during the New Year as well?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Doesn't that mean you'll be on the road during the New Year?"

Gao Yuan said, "We'll leave tonight, and Second Master will come along as well." His "Second Master" refers to Xiao Tianmu.

Translation: Gao Yuan said: "We'll leave tonight; Second Master is also going." The "Second Master" he referred to was Xiao Tianmu.

Hu Xiaotian nodded, letting Gao Yuan continue with his business, and entered Baofeng Hall alone.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded, letting Gao Yuan continue with his business, and entered the Hall of Abundant Treasures alone.

Zhou Mo was busy in Baofeng Hall handing out red packets to the workers; after finishing today, the hall would close temporarily until the fifteenth, when it would reopen. Seeing Hu Xiaotian enter, Zhou Mo came forward, cupping his hands and saying, "Lord Hu, your grand presence honors us; sorry for not welcoming you properly, my apologies." Although they are sworn brothers, in public they still observe the proper formalities.

Translation: Zhou Mo was busy in the Hall of Abundant Treasures handing out red packets to the workers; after finishing today, the hall would temporarily close tomorrow and reopen on the fifteenth. Seeing Hu Xiaotian enter, Zhou Mo came forward, clasped his hands and said: "Lord Hu, your esteemed presence honors us; sorry for not welcoming you properly, sorry for the slight!" Although they were sworn brothers, in public they still had to observe proper formalities.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "Boss Zhou, you're too polite."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Boss Zhou, you're being too polite."

Zhou Mo, understanding implicitly, said, "The accounts office is in the rear courtyard; Lord Hu, please go ahead, and I'll join you as soon as I finish my current task."

Translation: Zhou Mo understood and said: "The accounts office is in the rear courtyard; Lord Hu, go there first, I'll finish my current task and come right after."

Hu Xiaotian gave him a knowing smile and entered the rear courtyard.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian gave him a knowing smile and walked into the rear courtyard.

At that moment, Xiao Tianmu was waiting for Hu Xiaotian in his own room; the door and window were open, he sat in a chair by the window wearing a half-new, half-old white fox-fur overcoat, his dim eyes gazing out the window, although he could see nothing.

Translation: At that moment Xiao Tianmu was waiting for Hu Xiaotian in his own room; the door and window were open, he sat in a chair by the window, wearing a somewhat worn white fox-fur overcoat, his dull eyes gazing out the window, although he could see nothing.

Hu Xiaotian entered the room and said, "Second brother!"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian entered the room: "Second Brother!"

Xiao Tianmu, as if waking from a dream, drew a deep breath, still holding his previous posture, and said, "Third brother has arrived!"

Translation: Xiao Tianmu, as if waking from a dream, took a deep breath, still holding his previous posture: "Third Brother has come!"

Hu Xiaotian sat beside him, casually closing the window; cold wind kept streaming in from outside, and he worried that Xiao Tianmu might catch a chill.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian sat beside him, casually closed the window; cold wind kept pouring in from outside, he worried Xiao Tianmu would catch a chill.

Xiao Tianmu said, "Staying cooped up in here for too long makes me feel stifled."

Translation: Xiao Tianmu said: "Staying indoors too long makes me feel stifled."

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "Then let's go out for a walk."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Then let's go out for a walk."

"I will go to Yongdu tonight."

Translation: "I will go to Yongdu tonight."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Leaving so suddenly?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Leaving so suddenly?"

Xiao Tianmu smiled faintly, "It's not really sudden; even when Baofeng Hall first opened, we had already begun preparing to set up a branch in Yongdu, and this time we must go to inspect it."

Translation: Xiao Tianmu smiled faintly: "It's not really sudden; even when the Hall of Abundant Treasures first opened, we had already prepared to set up a branch in Yongdu; this time we must go to see it."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Good, bring Gao Yuan along to give him some experience."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "That's fine; bring Gao Yuan along to give him some experience."

Upon hearing Gao Yuan's name, Xiao Tianmu laughed and said, "Xiao Yuan is a smart lad; if properly trained, he will surely become a pillar of talent."

Translation: Upon hearing Gao Yuan's name, Xiao Tianmu laughed: "Little Yuan is a smart kid; if properly trained, he will surely become a great talent."

Hu Xiaotian nodded in deep agreement, recalling Gao Yuan's changes, and suddenly realized he had been in the palace for quite a while—indeed, time flies like an arrow.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded in deep agreement; recalling Gao Yuan's changes, he suddenly realized he had been in the palace for quite a while—indeed, days fly like shuttles, time speeds like an arrow.

Xiao Tianmu said, "I've heard of many things happening in the palace lately, and my elder brother and I have been worried about you."

Translation: Xiao Tianmu said: "Recently I've heard many things about the palace; my elder brother and I have been worried about you."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Indeed, events keep unfolding one after another." He then recounted in detail what had recently happened around him. The last time he came to Baofeng Hall, he had just been assigned to serve Wen Ya in Mingyue Palace; this time, seeing that not only had Wen Ya committed self-immolation, but Mingyue Palace itself had been reduced to rubble—truly, things and people are no longer what they were.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Things indeed keep cropping up." He then recounted in detail what had recently happened around him. The last time he came to the Hall of Abundant Treasures, he had just been assigned to serve Wen Ya at the Bright Moon Palace; this time, seeing her, not only had Wen Ya self-immolated, but the Bright Moon Palace itself had been reduced to rubble—truly, things are not what they used to be, people are not the same.

Xiao Tianmu, hearing Hu Xiaotian finish, could not help but worry deeply about his situation; trapped in the palace among the three major powers, a single misstep could cost his life. Based on Hu Xiaotian's account, Quan De'an must already suspect a relationship between

Translation: Xiao Tianmu, hearing Hu Xiaotian finish, could not help but worry deeply about his situation; being in the palace and moving among the three major powers, a slight misstep could cost his life. According to Hu Xiaotian's account, Quan De'an should already have suspected his relationship with Ji Feihua. Xiao Tianmu asked: "Who exactly decided to send you to Zilan Palace?"

Hu Xiaotian said, "The little princess Qiqi originally wanted to seize me and take me to the Chuxiu Palace, but the emperor saw my difficulty and did not indulge her; instead he sent me to Zilan Palace." He paused and added, "At first I too thought the emperor had merely made a spur-of-the-moment decision, but later I realized it was not that simple. Princess Anping's wedding is set for March sixteenth of next year—only two and a half months away—and after the new year we should set out for Da Yong. Lately rumors have circulated in the palace that the emperor intends to appoint me as the escort envoy for the marriage, yet he has not yet officially announced it."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "The little princess Qiqi originally wanted to seize me and take me to the Reserve Elegance Palace; the Emperor saw my difficulty and did not let her have her way, instead sending me to Zilan Palace." He paused and added: "At first I also thought the Emperor had merely acted on a whim, but later I realized this was not so simple; Princess Anping's wedding is on March 16 next year, only two and a half months away; after the New Year we should set out for Da Yong. Recently there have been rumors in the palace that the Emperor appointed me as the marriage escort envoy, yet the Emperor has not yet officially announced this to the outside world."

Xiao Tianmu said, "Regarding the Mingyue Palace incident, Quan De'an refuses to back you; on one hand he wants to implicate you to drag down Ji Feihua and strike at her; on the other hand, he may have lost trust in you."

Translation: Xiao Tianmu said: "Regarding the Bright Moon Palace incident, Quan De'an refuses to speak up for you; on one hand he wants to implicate you to entangle Ji Feihua, aiming to strike at her; on the other hand he may have lost trust in you."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Quite possible, so I suspect that sending me to Zilan Palace this time is his behind-the-scenes maneuver."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "That is quite possible, so I suspect that sending me to Zilan Palace this time is his behind-the-scenes maneuver."

Xiao Tianmu said, "If that is indeed the case, then what is his purpose in sending you to Zilan Palace?"

Translation: Xiao Tianmu said: "If that is indeed the case, then what is his purpose in sending you to Zilan Palace?"

Hu Xiaotian's heart sank, he suddenly thought of his secret, he was basically a fake eunuch who hadn't been castrated, Quan De'an knew this clearly; could it be that Quan De'an sending him to Zilan Palace was intended to make an issue of this? If so, Quan De'an's heart is too vicious. (To be continued~^~)