Chapter 467

Qiqi asked Hu Xiaotian to help carry out the box; it wasn't heavy, so there probably wasn't much inside.

Translation: Qiqi asked Hu Xiaotian to help carry out the box; the box wasn't heavy, and there probably wasn't much inside.

Qiqi had Hu Xiaotian help carry out the box; it wasn't heavy, and there likely wasn't much inside.

We'll output: 【1】 Qiqi had Hu Xiaotian help carry out the box; the box wasn't heavy, and there probably wasn't much inside.

After opening the box, they found an object wrapped in oilcloth. Qiqi didn't try to hide it from Hu Xiaotian; she unfolded the cloth in front of him, revealing a scroll of jade slips.

Translation: After opening the box, inside was an item wrapped in oilcloth; Qiqi did not deliberately avoid Hu Xiaotian, and in his presence she opened the oilcloth, revealing a rolled jade slip inside.

We should retain the term 'jade slip' as it is the standard translation, since it's not in the glossary.

Although Hu Xiaotian didn't know what the jade slip was, he and Qiqi had gone to great lengths to find it, so the jade slip must be extremely important.

Translation: Although Hu Xiaotian didn't know what a jade slip was, he and Qiqi had gone through great trouble to find it, so this jade slip must be extremely important.

Qiqi said, 'This jade slip isn't exactly a treasure, but it's very important to our Long family. Today's matter is between you and me—you must absolutely not let a third person know.'

Translation: Qiqi said: "This jade slip isn't exactly a treasure, but it's very important to our Long family; today's matter, you know I know, must absolutely not be leaked to a third party."

Hu Xiaotian deliberately asked, 'Even Eunuch Quan can't be told?'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian deliberately said: "Not even Eunuch Quan can say?"

Qiqi replied, 'Nobody can be told.'

Translation: Qiqi said: "No one can say it."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I thought there was a huge treasure hidden beneath Mount Piaomiao.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I actually thought there was a huge treasury hidden beneath Miaomiao Mountain."

Qiqi said, 'As long as you wholeheartedly help me from now on, you'll definitely get your share of benefits.'

Translation: Qiqi said: "As long as you wholeheartedly help me with your work, you'll definitely get benefits."

Hu Xiaotian had heard similar words before, but this was the first time Qiqi said such a thing to his face; he looked at her strangely, yet saw that the underage girl's expression was extremely solemn—she wasn't joking with him.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian had heard such words more than once before, but Qiqi was the first to say them to his face; he looked at her strangely, yet saw that this underage girl's expression was extremely solemn—she certainly wasn't joking with him.

Hu Xiaotian asked, 'What benefits can you give me?'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "What benefits can you give me?"

Qiqi said, 'I'll guarantee you wealth and honor, and help restore the former glory of the Hu family.'

Translation: Qiqi said: "I'll guarantee you wealth and honor, and help you restore the former glory of the Hu family."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, 'That's easily said; you first need to convince the emperor.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "That's easily said; you first need to convince the Emperor."

Qiqi said, 'He's my father; if I speak up, he naturally won't refuse.'

Translation: Qiqi said: "He's my father; if I speak up, he naturally won't refuse."

Hu Xiaotian secretly laughed, thinking the girl was still too young and naive; even though the emperor is her father, he certainly wouldn't obey her every word. He said, 'We'd better head back soon—we've been gone too long. Others will surely become suspicious.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian secretly laughed, thinking this girl was still too young and simple-minded; although the Emperor is your father, he certainly wouldn't obey you blindly. Hu Xiaotian said: "We'd better head back soon; we've been gone too long. Others will surely suspect something."

After returning to the wine cellar, the little princess didn't linger, changed back into her own clothes, and quickly left the Imperial Gardens Bureau.

Translation: After returning to the wine cellar, the little princess didn't linger, quickly changed back into her own clothes and left the Imperial Gardens Bureau.

Note: "Imperial Gardens Bureau" is a place; not in the glossary; we translate it as "Imperial Gardens Bureau".

Hu Xiaotian hid the hairpin and dagger the princess had given him, changed into clean clothes, then quietly inspected the tunnel, worried that Li Yuncong might discover tonight's events. He therefore secretly set up defenses in the passage leading to the Scripture Pavilion; the so-called precautions were actually very simple—just placing a few spiders to spin webs in the cave. Though simple, this trick was very practical and wouldn't arouse Li Yuncong's suspicion.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian hid the water skin and dagger the princess had given him, changed into clean clothes, then quietly inspected the passageway, worried Li Yuncong might discover tonight's affairs. He therefore secretly set up defenses in the secret passage leading to the Cangshuge; the so-called preparations were actually very simple—just placing a few spiders to spin webs in the cave. Though simple, it was very practical and wouldn't arouse Li Yuncong's suspicion.

Hu Xiaotian checked and found the spider webs still intact, sealing the passage; it seemed Li Yuncong hadn't come by recently. He was quite curious about the jade slip Qiqi had obtained; this girl's movements were mysterious, and she repeatedly urged him to keep her secret, even keeping Quan De'an in the dark, so he suspected there was something significant. Judging from the layout of the secret cave, there was likely an eighty to ninety percent chance it held a royal secret. He hoped to ask his father later whether he knew what the jade slip really was.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian checked and found the spider webs still intact, sealing the passage. It seemed Li Yuncong hadn't been around lately. He was also quite curious about the jade slip Qiqi had obtained; this girl's movements were mysterious, and she repeatedly urged him to keep her secret, even keeping Quan De'an in the dark, so there must be something significant. Judging from the layout of that secret cave, what's hidden inside is almost certainly a royal secret. When he gets a chance, he'll ask his father to see if he knows what this jade slip really is.

After checking, he locked the wine cellar and returned to his room to rest. Just as he got back, Internal Supervisor Li Yan came over to deliver a message, saying that Ji Feihua wanted to summon him.

Translation: After checking, he locked the wine cellar and returned to his room to rest. Just as he got back, Internal Supervisor Li Yan came over to pass a message, saying Ji Feihua wanted to summon him.

Hu Xiaotian hadn't expected Ji Feihua to summon him so late; he wondered secretly whether Ji Feihua had learned that Qiqi had come looking for him, or whether his private visit to the emperor had aroused her suspicion.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian hadn't expected Ji Feihua to summon him so late; he secretly wondered whether Ji Feihua had learned about Qiqi coming to find him, or whether his private visit to the Emperor had aroused Ji Feihua's suspicion.

Arriving at the Internal Supervisor's office, Ji Feihua was standing with her back to the wall, examining the map of Dakang's territory. After Hu Xiaotian entered the room, he directly closed the door, then approached her side and respectfully said, "Commander, why did you summon me so late? Is there an urgent matter?"

Note: there is a period after "afterward" but we keep it as is. Translation: Arriving at the Internal Supervisor's office, Ji Feihua was standing with her back to the wall, examining the map of Dakang's territory. After Hu Xiaotian entered the room, he directly closed the door, then approached her side and respectfully said, "Commander, why did you summon me so late? Is there an urgent matter?"

Ji Feihua calmly said, 'If there's no urgent matter, am I not allowed to look for you?'

Translation: Ji Feihua calmly said: "If there's no urgent matter, can the Zajia not come find you?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed, 'I didn't mean that; I'm just afraid of disturbing your rest.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian smiled: "I don't mean that; I'm just afraid of disturbing your rest."

Ji Feihua said, 'Recently, Princess Yongyang has been visiting you very frequently.'

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Lately the Yongyang Princess has been visiting you very frequently."

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's all because Quan De'an told her about the secret passage, so she coerced me into accompanying her down there to investigate.' He had his own way of dealing with Ji Feihua, knowing exactly when to tell the truth and when to lie in her presence.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "It's all because Quan De'an told her about the secret passage, so she threatened me to have me accompany her down there to investigate." Hu Xiaotian had his own way of dealing with Ji Feihua; he knew exactly when to tell the truth and when to lie in front of her, striking the right balance.

Ji Feihua asked, 'Did you find anything?'

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Any discoveries?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Nothing found.' He felt uneasy inside, wondering if Ji Feihua had already sensed something, and quickly added, 'I was just forced by her to go swimming in the water; even now my temperature hasn't returned to normal.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Nothing found." He felt uneasy inside, wondering if Ji Feihua had already sensed something, then quickly added: "I was just forced by her to go swimming in the water, and my temperature still hasn't returned to normal."

Ji Feihua nodded, turned her gaze to the map on the wall, and softly asked, 'Do you recognize this map?'

Translation: Ji Feihua nodded, turned her gaze to the map on the wall, and softly asked: "Do you recognize this map?"

Hu Xiaotian said, 'It's the map of Dakang's territory.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "The map of Dakang's territory."

Ji Feihua exclaimed, 'The current territorial map!' She then turned and walked to the desk, slowly unrolling a scroll on the table; inside was another territorial map, but this one looked very ancient, apparently quite old.

Translation: "The current territorial map!" Ji Feihua said, then turned and walked to the desk, slowly unrolling a scroll on the table; it too was a territorial map, but this one looked very old, apparently quite aged.

Hu Xiaotian walked over to take a look, inwardly wondering why Ji Feihua had suddenly thought to bring these out.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian walked over to look, inwardly wondering why Ji Feihua had thought to dig these out.

Ji Feihua said, 'Dakang was founded over five hundred years ago, reaching its peak under the Taizong Emperor, who swept across the six directions and unified the realm; during his reign, Dakang's territory reached its greatest extent in history.'

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Dakang was founded over five hundred years ago; it reached its peak under Emperor Taizong, who swept across the six directions and unified the realm. During Emperor Taizong's reign, Dakang's territory was the largest in history."

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself, 'What does it have to do with me? What does it have to do with you, Ji Feihua? As a eunuch, the most important thing is to do one's own job well, not to interfere in state affairs. Don't you know why so many people resent you so much? The root cause is simply that your ambition is too great and you meddle too much.'

Translation: Hu Xiaotian thought, "What does this have to do with me? What does it have to do with you, Ji Feihua? As a eunuch, the most important thing is to do one's job well, not meddle in state affairs. Don't you know why so many people resent you? The root cause is simply that your ambitions are too great and your reach too long."

Ji Feihua's gaze returned to the map on the wall, and she said softly, 'Prosperity inevitably leads to decline; Dakang has experienced

Translation: Ji Feihua's gaze returned to the territorial map on the wall, and she whispered: "Excess leads to decline; Dakang has experienced unity and division since Emperor Taizong, its territory continually shrinking, yet none compare to the past century—over the last hundred years Dakang's territory has become less than half of its former peak."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Commander, your concern for the nation and the people is truly admirable."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Commander, you worry for the country and the people; I deeply admire you."

Ji Feihua said coldly, "No need to butter me up; I know exactly what you're thinking."

Translation: Ji Feihua coldly said: "No need to flatter; the Zajia knows what you're thinking."

Being called out to his face wasn't pleasant, even though it was Ji Feihua and just the two of them; Hu Xiaotian felt his cheeks flush, but he kept up the flattery: "Commander, my loyalty to you is as evident as the sun and moon—I certainly don't mean to suggest anything about you."

Translation: Being exposed to one's face feels unpleasant, even if it's Ji Feihua and even if only the two of them are present; Hu Xiaotian still felt a hot flush, but despite the heat, he kept on flattering: "Commander, my loyalty to you is as clear as day and night; I certainly mean no disrespect toward you."

Ji Feihua glared at him fiercely, and Hu Xiaotian dared not say another word. Ji Feihua said, "Dakang has its laws: eunuchs may not involve themselves in politics, and offenders are put to death immediately. Are you suggesting that I'm interfering in state affairs?"

Translation: Ji Feihua gave him a fierce glare, after which Hu Xiaotian dared not continue speaking. Ji Feihua said: "Dakang has its rules: eunuchs must not interfere in politics; violators are executed on the spot. Are you implying with those remarks that the Zajia is meddling in state affairs?"

Hu Xiaotian jumped in alarm—damn, he'd laid on the flattery too thick. Ji Feihua was incredibly perceptive; his remark could be construed as wielding a blade before the palace gates. Flustered, he bowed and said, "Commander, my loyalty to you is as plain as the sun and moon—I certainly don't mean to imply anything about you."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian was startled and shivered, thinking "Damn, I've flattered myself into a hoof!" Ji Feihua was really too sharp; his words sounded like brandishing a sword before the palace gates. He hurriedly bowed and said: "Commander, my loyalty to you is as clear as day and night; I certainly mean no disrespect toward you."

Ji Feihua replied calmly, "I can't see what's in your mind."

Translation: Ji Feihua calmly said: "What you think in your heart, the Zajia cannot see."

Hu Xiaotian said, "If you don't believe me, I'll rip out my heart and show it to you."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "If you don't believe me, I'll dig out my heart and show it to you."

Ji Feihua said, "Your tongue is such that you probably don't even believe what you say." He wasn't blaming Hu Xiaotian, pointing to the map of Dakang's territory: "A century ago, the Great Yong rose from the north; the commandant of Yong'an Pass, Xue Jiurang, allied with remnants of northern Hu tribes, raised his own army and seceded from Dakang. The Dakang emperor flew into a rage, mustered a million men vowing to crush Yong'an Pass and exterminate the Xue clan. The army advanced north like a broken bamboo, rebels scattering before it. When the forces reached the Tongtian River, preparing to cross, the rebels breached the dikes; a torrential flood surged downstream, sweeping the million‑strong host away like ants. The flood devastated the land, obliterating countless villages and towns across seventeen provinces and eighty‑two counties."

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "Your mouth is such that you probably don't even believe what you say." He didn't mean to blame Hu Xiaotian, pointing at the map of Dakang's territory and continuing: "A hundred years ago, Da Yong rose from the north; the commander of Lan Pass, Xue Jiurang, colluded with northern Hu remnants, raised troops and declared independence, breaking away from Dakang. The Dakang Emperor flew into a rage, mustered a million troops vowing to crush Lan Pass and exterminate the Xue clan. The army marched north with irresistible force; rebel forces fled in panic. When the army reached the banks of the Tongtian River, preparing to cross, the rebels blew up the dikes, and a mighty flood surged downstream. The million-strong army was swept away like ants by the floodwaters, which ravaged the land, destroying countless villages and towns across seventeen provinces and eighty-two counties."

Though Hu Xiaotian hadn't seen it himself, Ji Feihua's description let him picture the grim scene; he inwardly sighed that Xue Jiurang's methods to defeat the Dakang army were vile and shameless to the extreme, sparing no civilian lives.

Translation: Although Hu Xiaotian hadn't witnessed such a scene himself, through Ji Feihua's description he could imagine the tragic situation; he secretly sighed, Xue Jiurang's tactics to defeat Dakang's army were utterly despicable and shameless to the extreme, not hesitating to sacrifice civilian lives.

Ji Feihua said, "Dakang was certainly weakened by this disaster, but with its several‑hundred‑year foundation it wouldn't be overturned by a single flood. The emperor fortunately escaped the flood, taking the million‑strong expeditionary force; when he returned to Kangdu, fewer than seven thousand remained. He decided to rest and recuperate, planning to fight again next year. Given Xue Jiurang's strength at the time, he should not have been able to shake Dakang's rule in the short term, but heaven did not favor Dakang. After the flood, a plague swept across all of Dakang, beginning in the inundated areas and quickly spreading to every commandery. This plague was even more deadly than the flood, killing countless city and town dwellers, leaving corpses strewn across the fields. To stop the plague, the emperor actually heeded the advice of some treacherous ministers, setting up a barrier in Wuxing Commandery north of Kangdu, barring refugees from north of Wuxing from moving south, and ordering that anyone who crossed be shot on sight."

Ji Feihua said: "After suffering this great calamity, Dakang's vitality was naturally severely wounded, yet with its several‑hundred‑year foundation it certainly wouldn't be toppled by a single flood. At the time, the emperor fortunately escaped the flood, taking the million‑strong expeditionary force; when he returned to Kangdu, fewer than seven thousand remained. He decided to rest and recuperate, planning to fight again next year. Given Xue Jiurang's strength then, he should not have been able to shake Dakang's rule in the short term, but heaven did not favor Dakang. After the flood, a plague swept across all of Dakang, starting in the flooded areas and quickly spreading to every commandery. This plague was even more ferocious than the flood, killing countless city and town inhabitants, leaving corpses strewn across the fields. To block the plague, the emperor actually followed the advice of some treacherous ministers, establishing a defensive line in Wuxing Commandery north of Kangdu, forbidding refugees from north of Wuxing from moving south, and ordering that anyone who crossed the line be shot on sight."

Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brow; the emperor was utterly clueless. Strengthening border inspections would have been understandable, but to slaughter indiscriminately without any screening is simply brutal and despotic.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brows; this emperor was indeed utterly foolish. If he had merely strengthened border inspections, that would have been acceptable, but to indiscriminately shoot everyone was simply cruel and despotic.

Ji Feihua said, "Doing that was tantamount to leaving all the people to die in a death trap, whereas Xue Jiurang at that moment led his troops south, personally commanding them to rescue the populace. His actions easily won the people's hearts; those who had opposed him now turned to him. Within half a year he not only consolidated his hold on the north bank of the Tongtian River but also extended his influence north of Wuxing Commandery."

Translation: Ji Feihua said: "By doing that, he essentially left all the people to die in a death trap, whereas Xue Jiurang at that time led his troops south, personally commanding them to rescue the populace. His approach easily won over the people's hearts; those who had once opposed him now flocked to him, and within half a year he not only secured his hold on the north bank of the Tongtian River but also expanded his influence north of Wuxing Commandery."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "This plague couldn't have been engineered by Xue Jiurang, could it?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "This plague couldn't have been engineered by Xue Jiurang, could it?"

Ji Feihua slowly nodded and said, "You're indeed sharp; that's exactly right."

Translation: Ji Feihua slowly nodded: "You're indeed sharp; that's exactly right."

Hu Xiaotian sucked in a cold breath; those who achieve imperial greatness are indeed ruthless, unscrupulous tyrants.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian sucked in a cold breath; those who achieve imperial accomplishments are indeed ruthless, unscrupulous tyrants.

Ji Feihua said: "From then on, Da Yong secured its footing and developed rapidly; Dakang naturally was unwilling to accept defeat, and later multiple northern expeditions occurred, with both sides having victories and defeats, each time suffering heavy losses. Continuous warfare drained much of their national strength and vitality. Because the war in the Central Plains never ceased, the surrounding barbarians took the opportunity to develop, including the Sha Jia in the southwest and the Hei Hu in the north. Sha Jia continually threatened Dakang's territory in the southwest, while Hei Hu constantly harassed Da Yong's northern border. Eventually both sides realized that if this continued, the heartland of the Central Plains would sooner or later be invaded by the barbarians. Twenty years ago they signed a truce, ceasing hostilities, clarifying the border: Da Yong withdrew north of the Yong River from its original border, Dakang recognized Da Yong's existence, and the two countries took the center of the Yong River as the boundary, agreeing that generation after generation they would live in peace and never again resort to arms."(To be continued~^~)