Chapter 51

Murong Feiyan said: "If you really can produce some timeless masterpiece, I would gladly hold an umbrella for you, but just based on you..." She was certain Hu Xiaotian didn't have that much talent, so she feigned disdain and shook her head.

Check: Need to preserve meaning exactly. Let's translate faithfully.

Murong Feiyan said, "If you really could produce some timeless masterpiece, I'd happily hold an umbrella for you, but just based on you..." She was certain Hu Xiaotian lacked such talent, and she shook her head in contempt.

We'll translate: Murong Feiyan said: "If you truly could create some timeless masterpiece, I would gladly hold an umbrella for you, but just based on you..." She was certain Hu Xiaotian didn't have that much talent, so she feigned disdain and shook her head.

Make sure to keep the ellipsis and punctuation? We'll keep approximate.

Hu Xiaotian certainly doesn't have that much talent, but Han Yu does. Hu Xiaotian has been a star student since childhood; he's memorized Tang poetry, Song lyrics, and Yuan verses inside out. Even if Li Bai were resurrected, he could hardly rival Hu Xiaotian's talent. This is what's called "drawing on the strengths of many schools"; all the world's writings are essentially one big copy. Hu Xiaotian's job is simply to place fitting poetry into fitting scenes—that's the whole incubation process.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian indeed didn't have that much talent, but Han Yu did. Hu Xiaotian had been a study ace since childhood; he had memorized all Tang poetry, Song ci, and Yuan qu until they were second nature. Even if Li Bai were reborn, he could hardly match his talent. This is called drawing on the strengths of many schools; all the world's writings are essentially one big copy. Hu Xiaotian's task is merely to fit suitable poetry into suitable scenes—that's the whole process of brewing.

We need to retain the meaning "drawing on the strengths of many schools", and "all the world's writings are essentially one big copy". We'll translate accordingly.

He strolled slowly down the freshly cleaned blue‑stone road, softly chanting, "The rain on the city streets moistens like butter..."

Translate: This guy walked slowly along the road freshly washed with blue stone slabs, softly reciting: "The rain on the city streets moistens like butter..."

We need to keep the quote exactly; we will translate it as "The rain on the city streets moistens like butter..." (ellipsis).

Murong Feiyan burst out laughing; even the finest verses couldn't stop her from repeating them. She laughed openly, revealing a mouth of bright, sparkling teeth—her bright eyes and white teeth were quite captivating. In this age, it was frowned upon to show teeth when laughing, yet Murong Feiyan's unrestrained laughter was rare. Hu Xiaotian was dazed by her gorgeous, flower‑like appearance.

Translate: Murong Feiyan couldn't help laughing; no matter how fine the verse, she couldn't stand his repeating it so much. This girl laughed without any affectation, revealing a mouth of pure, sparkling white teeth, her bright eyes and white teeth quite charming. In this era, one is supposed to laugh without showing teeth, so it's rare to see Murong Feiyan laugh so openly. Hu Xiaotian was dazed by her gorgeous, flower-like appearance.

We need to keep the meaning "bright eyes and white teeth". We'll translate as "bright eyes and white teeth". Good.

Upon seeing his lustful stare, Murong Feiyan's face flushed; she lowered her long black lashes and softly said, "It's still this line—if you can't think of anything, just forget it; don't hold it in." She then couldn't help laughing again.

Translate: Seeing his lecherous gaze, Murong Feiyan's pretty face flushed; she lowered her long black lashes and softly said: "Still this line, huh? If you really can't think of anything, just forget it—don't hold it in..." Saying this, she couldn't help laughing again.

Hu Xiaotian said, "My belly is bursting with talent—just about to overflow. Listen: 'The rain on the city streets moistens like butter; the grass looks green from afar but vanishes up close. The finest part of spring is nothing compared to the willow‑smoke filling the capital.'"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian said: "My belly is full of talent, just about to overflow. Listen: 'The rain on the city streets moistens like butter, the grass color looks green from afar but disappears up close. The finest part of spring is nothing like the willow-smoke filling the capital.'"

Murong Feiyan had been gearing up to mock him, but upon hearing Hu Xiaotian recite the entire poem, she was completely stunned. This poem is actually Han Yu's original work "Early Spring Presented to Official Zhang Eighteen of the Water Department." Given the weather, Hu Xiaotian happened to recite it on the city street—it couldn't be more fitting. The poem's style is fresh and natural; though it seems plain, it is far from plain. With simple language, it depicts the unique scenery of spring. The depiction is delicate, the phrasing beautiful, the conception innovative. In Murong Feiyan's eyes, this fellow suddenly transformed from an ignorant playboy into a talented genius blessed with a halo—what great talent! If this poem were truly Hu Xiaotian's creation, then his talent would indeed be astonishing enough to move heaven and earth, to make ghosts and gods weep. Murong Feiyan searched her memory carefully; though she had read many poems, she had never encountered one like this. She doubted yet wondered, "Is this poem really yours?"

Translate: Murong Feiyan had been holding back her urge to mock him, but hearing Hu Xiaotian recite the whole poem, she was utterly shocked. This poem is actually Han Yu's original work "Early Spring Presented to Official Zhang Shiba of the Water Department". Hu Xiaotian, in this weather, happened to recite it on the city streets, which was perfectly fitting. The poem's style is fresh and natural; though it seems plain, it is anything but plain. With simple words, it depicts the unique scenery of spring. The depiction is delicate, the phrasing beautiful, the conception novel. In Murong Feiyan's eyes, this guy suddenly transformed from an ignorant playboy into a talented genius haloed with brilliance—great talent! If this poem were truly Hu Xiaotian's, then his talent would indeed be astonishing enough to shock heaven and earth and move ghosts and gods. Murong Feiyan searched her memory thoroughly; she had read plenty of poetry, but she had never remembered anything like this. Murong Feiyan doubted and said: "Is this poem really yours?"

We need to keep the poem title translation: "Early Spring Presented to Official Zhang Shiba of the Water Department". Could also be "Early Spring Presented to Zhang Shiba, Official of the Water Department". We'll keep as above.

Hu Xiaotian nodded, thick‑skinned, and said, "Let this 'Spring Rain' be my parting gift to Captain Murong." He thought, next time I'll send you 'Spring Night Joyful Rain'; I may not be able to compose poetry, but I'm quite good at reciting it.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian nodded, thick-skinned, and said: "Let this 'Spring Rain' be my parting gift to Captain Murong." He thought to himself: Next time I'll send you a poem 'Spring Night Joyful Rain'; I may not be able to compose poetry, but I'm excellent at memorizing it.

Murong Feiyan remained silent, then with a pop she opened the red umbrella. She has always admired talented scholars the most; she believes in giving credit where it's due, and holding an umbrella for a talented person is an honor, certainly not embarrassing. Still, she couldn't figure out when this guy had become so talented.

Translate: Murong Feiyan said nothing, then with a pop she opened the red umbrella. She has always admired talented scholars the most; she willingly accepts defeat, and holding an umbrella for a talented person is an honor, certainly not embarrassing. Yet she still couldn't figure out when this guy had become so talented.

We need to keep the sound effect, translating it as "with a pop". Could also be "with a bang"; we'll use "pop". Keep the exclamation.

Walking along the city street, the East Four Archway lies ahead. To the south is a hutong belonging to the office, which houses the Dakang's Yunshao Mansion. The Yunshao Mansion is actually the Teaching Bureau, under the Ministry of Rites, responsible for teaching and performing court folk music. To the north is the Fenzi Hutong, Kangdu's largest pleasure quarter, packed with buildings standing in rows and courtesans like clouds. However, these venues are all official offices of the Teaching Bureau, serving nobles and royalty. When the night lamps are first lit, the area becomes extraordinarily lively, a veritable playground for men. But now it is daytime, the most deserted time of day.

Translate: After passing the city street, ahead lies Dongsi Paifang; to the south of the road is an alley belonging to the office, inside which is Dakang's Yunshao Fu. The so-called Yunshao Fu is actually the Jiaofang Si, subordinate to the Libu, specially responsible for teaching and performing court music. To the north of the road is a hutong called Fenzi Hutong, which is the largest entertainment district in Kangdu, with **buildings standing in rows and courtesans like clouds**, though here they are all official households of the Jiaofang Si, serving nobles and imperial relatives. Whenever the night lamps first rise, this place becomes extraordinarily lively, a paradise for men in general. But now it is daytime, the most neglected time of day.

Hu Xiaotian had heard of the Fenzi Hutong's reputation, but had never had the chance to see it, so whenever he passed by he couldn't help glancing twice. Murong Feiyan couldn't help furrowing her brows, she took back the umbrella—this guy was ultimately no good; even if he had a little talent, he lacked great virtue, so she couldn't honor him with an umbrella; it would be disgraceful.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian had heard of Fenzi Hutong's name, but never had the chance to see it, so when passing by Fenzi Hutong he couldn't help glancing twice. Murong Feiyan couldn't help furrowing her brows, taking back her umbrella. This guy is ultimately no good; even if he has a little talent, he lacks great virtue, so I won't hold an umbrella for him—it would be embarrassing.

Murong Feiyan asked, "Aren't you eager to go?"

Translate: Murong Feiyan said: "Do you really want to go?"

Hu Xiaotian hehe‑laughed, "I've heard of it, but I've never gone."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian hehehed and said: "I've heard of it, but never gone."

Murong Feiyan snorted dismissively, she simply didn't believe it. Someone like Hu Xiaotian must be a regular at the Fenzi Hutong—how could he possibly not have gone?

Translate: Murong Feiyan snorted disdainfully; she simply didn't believe it. Someone like Hu Xiaotian must be a regular at Fenzi Hutong—how could he not have gone?

Hu Xiaotian thought, "Don't judge me by my looks—I may resemble a VIP member, but I've never actually spent money at the Fenzi Hutong." Murong Feiyan's words reminded him: before leaving the capital, shouldn't he go see for himself? Heading to Qingyun County, he didn't know when he'd be able to return to the capital; missing this would be a tremendous loss.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian thought: Don't look at me resembling a VIP member; in fact I've never once spent money at Fenzi Hutong. Murong Feiyan's words reminded him: before leaving the capital, should he come see it? This trip to Qingyun County, I don't know when I'll be able to return to the capital; if I miss it, wouldn't that be a huge regret?

We need to keep the term "VIP member". Good.

Hu Xiaotian said, "I may just be a little restless in appearance, but my heart is truly pure and upright."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian said: "I'm just a little restless in behavior, but this heart of mine is very pure and upright..."

A crisp voice called out, "Master Hu!"

Translate: A crisp voice called out: "Master Hu!"

Hu Xiaotian turned around in surprise; he really didn't know many people in Kangdu, let alone near the East Four Archway's Fenzi Hutong. When he turned back, he recognized the dainty maid behind him as Wan'er, the personal servant of the talented lady Huo Xiaoru.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian started and turned around; in Kangdu he really didn't have many acquaintances, let alone near Dongsi Paifang and Fenzi Hutong. When he turned back, he finally recognized the dainty maid behind him as Wan'er, the personal servant of the talented young lady Huo Xiaoru.

Note: "Fenzi Hutong" might be a typo for "Fenzi Hutong". We'll translate it as "Fenzi Hutong". Keep consistent.

Murong Feiyan now truly despises Hu Xiaotian; how dare he claim he never came to Fenzi Hutong—if he never came, how could he have met them?

Translate: Murong Feiyan now truly despised Hu Xiaotian; how dare he say he's never been to Fenzi Hutong? If you've never been there, how could you run into them?

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Oh, it's Wan'er!"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Oh, it's Wan'er!"

Wan'er held a pot of begonias, wearing a red top and green pants that complemented the flowers; the lively girl looked charming, and even in such flashy attire she carried it off well, naturally showing two cute white buckteeth when she smiled: "Master Hu, do you still remember me?"

Translate: Wan'er held a pot of begonia flowers, wearing a red jacket and green trousers that matched the pot perfectly; the lively girl, even in such flashy attire, still carried it off, and when she smiled she naturally revealed two little white rabbit teeth: "Master Hu, do you still remember me?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed, "How could I forget? Do you live here?"

Translate: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "How could I forget? Do you live here?"

Wan'er nodded and said, "At Yunshao Manor, my lady has recently been teaching song and dance there; she often mentions you, sir, and praises your talent."

Translate: Wan'er nodded: "At the Yunshao Fu, my lady has recently been teaching song and dance; she often mentions you and praises your great talent."

Thinking of the peerless beauty Huo Xiaoru, Hu Xiaotian felt a warm surge; being remembered by a beautiful woman is gratifying to one's vanity, and Huo Xiaoru could be considered a confidante, at least. He smiled and asked, "How is Miss Huo doing?"

Translate: Thinking of the peerless Huo Xiaoru, Hu Xiaotian's heart warmed involuntarily; being thought of by a beauty is something that can satisfy vanity, and Huo Xiaoru could be considered a red‑knowing confidante, after all. Hu Xiaotian laughed: "How is Miss Huo doing?"

Wan'er said, "Sure, Master Hu, our lady is at Yunshao Manor; let me take you to see her—she'll surely be delighted to know you've come." The girl is not only pleasant-looking and likable, but also very sweet-spoken.

Translate: Wan'er said: "Sure, Master Hu, our lady is right at the Yunshao Fu; why don't I bring you over to see her? If she knows you're coming, she'll surely be very happy." The girl is not only pleasant‑looking and likable, but also very well‑spoken.

Murong Feiyan, unaware of Wan'er's identity, assumed the lady she referred to was Hu Xiaotian's lover, and inwardly despised him once again.

Translate: Murong Feiyan didn't know Wan'er's identity, only assuming the lady she mentioned was Hu Xiaotian's lover, and she inwardly despised Hu Xiaotian once again.

Hu Xiaotian turned to Murong Feiyan and said, "Shall we go together?" He didn't let his servants accompany them, telling them to wait outside.

Translate: Hu Xiaotian turned to Murong Feiyan and said: "Shall we go together?" He didn't let his servants accompany them, having them wait outside.

Murong Feiyan thought to herself, "Didn't you invite me to eat at Tianran Ju? Why did you suddenly change your mind?" Still, she was quite curious about Hu Xiaotian's lover and wanted to go see what she looked like, so she nodded.

Translate: Murong Feiyan thought: Weren't you inviting me to dinner at Tianranju? Why did you suddenly change your mind? But she was quite curious about Hu Xiaotian's lover, and really wanted to go see what she looked like, so she nodded.

Wan'er led the way, turning south into the bureau's alley; not long after, they saw the gate of Yunshao Manor—a vermilion-red door with a black horizontal plaque bearing three large characters in vermilion lacquer: Yunshao Manor.

Translate: Wan'er led the two, turning south into the Office Hutong; not long after they saw the gate of Yunshao Fu—a vermilion‑red door with a black horizontal plaque, on which three large characters were written in vermilion lacquer: Yunshao Fu.

Under the eaves of the gate stood two blue-clad warriors; perhaps due to the weather, their faces looked gloomy and listless, facing each other without speaking, occasionally yawning.

Translate: Under the eaves of the gate stood two blue‑clad warriors; perhaps because of the weather, their faces looked gloomy, listless, facing each other without speaking, occasionally yawning.

With Wan'er guiding them, the two warriors didn't stop them and let them pass without question.

Translate: With Wan'er leading, the two warriors didn't stop them, and let Hu Xiaotian's party pass smoothly.

After passing the second gate of Yunshao Manor, they saw a square courtyard where over a hundred young dance trainees were practicing; these girls were all beautiful and youthful, and their instructors were four middle-aged women who had once been famed dancers of the Dakang dynasty, but now, aged and faded, they could no longer perform on stage, so they took up teaching.

Translate: After entering the second gate of Yunshao Fu, they saw a square courtyard where over a hundred young dance girls were practicing; these girls were all beautiful and youthful, and their trainers were four middle‑aged women who had once been famed dancers of Dakang, but later grew old and lost their beauty, unable to perform on stage, so they took up teaching.

Walking along the right-side corridor past the courtyard, watching the dancers train, Wan'er said, "They practice every day, rain or shine."

Translate: Walking along the right‑side corridor past the courtyard, watching the dance girls train, Wan'er said: "They have to train every day, rain or shine."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Nothing is easy."

Translate: Hu Xiaotian said: "Nothing is easy."

Murong Feiyan gazed at the diligently practicing dancers, her eyes softening with sympathy as she whispered, "Most of them are children from poor families; some are daughters of disgraced officials. If they had other options, who would choose this life?" The social status of courtesans is extremely low; they are merely playthings for the entertainment of the powerful. The best outcome is to be favored by a patron and taken as a concubine; most end up as government prostitutes, and when they grow old and lose their beauty, they are cast out to fend for themselves. The fact that these four instructors remain employed teaching dance at the teaching bureau is already a relatively good fate.

Translate: Murong Feiyan gazed at those dance girls training hard, sympathy in her beautiful eyes, and said softly: "Most of them are children of poor families; some are daughters of disgraced officials. If they had any other choice, who would do this?" The social status of dance girls is extremely low; they are merely playthings for the entertainment of nobles and officials. The best outcome is to be favored by a patron and taken as a concubine; most end up as government prostitutes, and when they grow old and lose their beauty they are expelled from their homes to fend for themselves. The fact that these four instructors can remain in the Jiaofang Si to teach dance is already a favorable outcome.

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival; Octopus wishes everyone a happy family reunion, harmony and happiness, and also asks for a few mooncakes and some osmanthus wine to satisfy cravings:)

Translate: *******************************************************************Today is the Mid‑Autumn Festival; Zhangyu wishes everyone family reunion, harmony and happiness, and incidentally asks for a few mooncakes, maybe some osmanthus wine to curb the cravings:)

We need to keep the asterisks line exactly? The line is a line of asterisks then Chinese text. We'll translate the Chinese part, keep the asterisks line as is? The rule: translate everything. The asterisks are not Chinese; they are just symbols. We should keep them as they are? Probably we should keep the asterisks line unchanged, then translate the Chinese after. The line begins with many asterisks then Chinese. We'll output the same asterisks line then the translation. But we must keep each 【N】 on a single output line. So we need to include the asterisks line and the translation together on one line. We'll keep the asterisks as is, then a space then the translation.

Thus: *******************************************************************Today is the Mid‑Autumn Festival; Zhangyu wishes everyone family reunion, harmony and happiness, and incidentally asks for a few mooncakes, maybe some osmanthus wine to curb the cravings:)

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