Chapter 553

Xiong Anmin, from Hu Xiaotian's words and deeds, had already guessed his identity; he should be this expedition's Deputy Marriage Envoy, a newly risen popular eunuch official in the palace, Hu Xiaotian. He tentatively asked, "Is it Sir Hu?"

Translation: Xiong Anmin, from Hu Xiaotian's words and deeds, had already guessed his identity; he should be this marriage escort's deputy, a newly risen popular eunuch official in the palace, Hu Xiaotian. He then probed, asking: "Are you Sir Hu?"

But we need to keep Sir as Sir. So "Sir Hu" -> "Sir Hu". Also "Deputy Marriage Envoy" -> "Deputy Marriage Envoy". "popular eunuch official" -> "popular eunuch official". Let's produce concise but faithful.

We'll output: 【1】 Xiong Anmin, from Hu Xiaotian's words and deeds, had already guessed his identity; he should be this marriage escort's deputy, a newly risen popular eunuch official in the palace, Hu Xiaotian. He then probed, asking: "Are you Sir Hu?"

Check if any info missing: "a newly risen popular eunuch official in the palace, Hu Xiaotian" meaning "a newly risen popular eunuch official in the palace, Hu Xiaotian". Good.

Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "Brother Xiong, truly the noble forget many things."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian smiled and said: "Brother Xiong, truly the noble forget many things."

But "noble people forget things" idiom: "noble people forget things". We'll translate: "Brother Xiong, truly the noble forget many things." Keep tone.

Xiong Anmin was left bewildered by him, secretly thinking, I don't recall ever having dealt with you before; why are you so warm toward me? I do have some self‑awareness—how could a petty official from Cangmu County ever get close to someone as prominent as you?

Translation: Xiong Anmin was left bewildered by him, secretly thinking, I seem to have never dealt with you before; why are you so warm toward me? I do have some self-awareness—how could a petty official from Cangmu County have the chance to associate with such a popular figure?

We need to keep "Cangmu County" as Cangmu County city. We'll translate as "Cangmu County". Keep "petty official" as "petty official". "popular figure" as "popular figure". Good.

Hu Xiaotian said, "Brother Xiong, we can't just let the princess wait outside the city like this, can we?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "Brother Xiong, we can't let the Princess keep waiting outside the city like this, can we?"

After being reminded by him, Xiong Anmin finally came to his senses and hurriedly had someone show the way to welcome Princess Anping into the city.

Translation: After being reminded by him, Xiong Anmin finally came to his senses and hurriedly had someone lead the way to welcome Princess Anping into the city.

Cangmu County could be described as dilapidated; the streets are sparsely populated, and the people we see are mostly in ragged clothes, sallow and thin. The whole city exudes an inexplicable desolation and loneliness at dusk. There isn't even an inn, let alone any proper buildings; the wealthy have long moved south. Successive floods have sparked famine, and even those with some ability have left to make a living elsewhere, leaving mostly the old, weak, sick, and disabled, aside from the troops stationed here by order.

Translation: Cangmu County can be described as dilapidated; the streets are sparsely populated, and the passersby seen are mostly in ragged clothes, sallow and thin. The whole city exudes an inexplicable desolation and loneliness at dusk. There isn't even a decent inn, let alone proper buildings—wealthy folk have long moved south. Over the past two years, successive floods have sparked famine; even those with some ability have left to make a living elsewhere, leaving mostly the old, weak, sick, and disabled, aside from the troops stationed here by order.

We need to keep "dilapidated" as "dilapidated" or "scarred". We'll use "dilapidated". "sparsely populated" -> "sparsely populated". "ragged clothes" -> "ragged clothes". "sallow and thin" -> "sallow and thin". "desolation and loneliness" -> "desolation and loneliness". "inn" -> "inn". "proper buildings" -> "proper buildings". "wealthy folk have long moved south" -> "wealthy folk have long moved south". "successive floods have sparked famine" -> "successive floods have sparked famine". "even those with some ability have left to make a living elsewhere" -> "even those with some ability have left to make a living elsewhere". "leaving mostly the old, weak, sick, and disabled" -> "leaving mostly the old, weak, sick, and disabled". "troops stationed here by order" -> "troops stationed here by order". Good.

The county office is also empty and barren, even more impoverished and dilapidated than the Qingyun County where Hu Xiaotian once served. Apart from a main hall, it is just an empty courtyard. After discussing with Wu Jingzhen, Hu Xiaotian decided to set up camp temporarily inside the county office.

Translation: The county office is also empty and bare, even more impoverished and dilapidated than Qingyun County where Hu Xiaotian once served; aside from a main hall, it is just an empty courtyard. After discussing with Wu Jingzhen, they decided to temporarily set up camp inside the county office.

We need to keep "Wu Jingzhen" as Wu Jingzhen (name). Not in glossary; include as Wu Jingzhen. "set up camp" -> "set up camp". Good.

While everyone was busy setting up camp, Xiong Anmin came up to Hu Xiaotian, looking rather embarrassed, and said, "Sir Hu, Cangmu is poor; the soldiers haven't received their rations for several months."

Translation: While everyone was busy setting up camp, Xiong Anmin came to Hu Xiaotian's side, looking rather embarrassed: "Sir Hu, Cangmu is impoverished; the soldiers haven't received their rations for months."

Hu Xiaotian naturally understood his meaning—Xiong Anmin was crying poor, telling him they had no money to entertain his entourage. Hu Xiaotian said, "Even if you don't say it, I can see it. You don't need to worry about us; just keep doing what you normally do."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian naturally understood his meaning; Xiong Anmin was pleading poverty, telling him they had no money to entertain his party. Hu Xiaotian said: "Even if you didn't say it, I can see that; you needn't worry about us—just keep doing what you usually do."

Xiong Anmin nodded and said, "Thank you, Sir Hu, for your understanding."

Translation: Xiong Anmin nodded: "Thank you, Sir Hu, for your understanding."

Hu Xiaotian said, "I see there aren't many people in this city; have they all fled south to escape disaster?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I see few people in this city; have they all fled south to escape disaster?"

Xiong Anmin sighed and said, "Some have gone south, others have secretly crossed the river to go to Da Yong. Sir, please don't blame my foolish son. Recently, rebels have been causing trouble all around; a few days ago I was summoned to Wuxing Commandery for a meeting. Before I left, I specifically instructed my stupid son to guard Cangmu and avoid any unrest, for he is an honest fool from childhood. I tell him what to do, and he does it, which is why he ended up offending the princess."

Translation: Xiong Anmin sighed: "Some have gone south, others have secretly crossed the river to Da Yong. Sir, please don't blame my foolish son. Recently, rebels have been causing trouble all around; a few days ago I was summoned to Wuxing Commandery for a meeting. Before leaving, I specially instructed my stupid son to guard Cangmu and avoid any civil unrest—he's always been an honest fool. I tell him what to do, and he does it, which is why he offended the Princess."

Hu Xiaotian said, "Actually I quite like him; he's a frank, honest, and sturdy young man."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said: "I actually like him; he's an honest, straightforward, and upright young man."

Xiong Anmin said, "He used to be quite clever and quick-witted as a child, but then he fell ill. After recovering, his mind became a bit muddled, though his heart is not bad—just that his temper has grown more violent."

Translation: Xiong Anmin said: "He used to be quite clever and quick-witted as a child, but then he fell ill. After recovering, his mind became a bit muddled, though this boy's heart is not bad—just his temper has grown more violent."

The two were discussing Xiong Tianba when Xiong Tianba walked over. Xiong Anmin hastily grabbed him and said, "You little rascal, what are you up to again?"

Translation: The two were discussing Xiong Tianba when he walked over; Xiong Anmin hastily grabbed him and said: "Xiong boy, what are you up to again?"

Xiong Tianba said, "I'm looking for that pretty‑boy; he broke my family's heirloom axe and I want him to pay for it."

Translation: Xiong Tianba said: "I'm looking for that pretty‑boy; he broke my family heirloom axe and must compensate me."

Xiong Anmin exclaimed in frustration, "Little ancestor, please don't get me into trouble, okay? Do you even know who that general is? He is the son of the current Grand Tutor Wen, a prince consort, His Majesty's beloved general, and the Deputy Marriage Envoy escorting the princess to Da Yong."

Translation: Xiong Anmin exclaimed in distress: "Little ancestor, please don't get me into trouble again. Do you know who that general is? He is the son of the current Grand Tutor Wen, the Prince Consort, His Majesty's beloved general, and the Deputy Marriage Envoy escorting the Princess to Da Yong."

Xiong Tianba protested, "I don't care who he is—if he broke our family's heirloom axe, he has to pay!"

Translation: Xiong Tianba retorted indignantly: "I don't care who he is; if he broke our family's heirloom axe, he must pay!"

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Tianba, let this go; I'll give you a better axe later."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but chuckle, saying: "Tianba, let this go; I'll get you a better axe later."

Xiong Tianba stared blankly at Hu Xiaotian and said, "Why should I have you pay for it? It wasn't you who broke my axe. I always distinguish right from wrong; I know who treats me well and who treats me badly."

Translation: Xiong Tianba stared blankly at Hu Xiaotian and said: "Why should you compensate me? It wasn't you who broke it; I always distinguish right from wrong—I know who treats me well and who treats me badly."

Xiong Anmin, furious, raised his hand and slapped Xiong Tianba on the back of the head: "You brat, get lost and go home! If you dare show up again, I'll hang you up and beat you."

Translation: Xiong Anmin, furious, raised his hand and slapped Xiong Tianba on the back of the head: "Xiong boy, get lost home; if you dare show up again, I'll hang you up and beat you."

Xiong Tianba replied, "It's only because you're my father; otherwise, with your frail body, you wouldn't survive even one of my punches."

Translation: Xiong Tianba said: "It's only because you're my father; otherwise, with your frail body, you truly couldn't withstand one of my punches!"

"You ungrateful wretch, I'll beat you to death right now so you won't embarrass me in the world."

Translation: "You ungrateful wretch, I'll beat you to death now—saves me the embarrassment of having you around."

Xiong Anmin made a move to strike him, but Xiong Tianba, grinning foolishly, dodged behind Hu Xiaotian. Suddenly a large hand from behind grabbed his collar, pulled him back, and Xiong Tianba lost his footing, falling with a thump onto his rear. He flared up in anger, shouting, "That damned—" He looked up and saw the imposing figure of Wen Boyuan appear before him, and immediately stopped speaking, for Wen Boyuan had just saved his life from Wen Boyuan's blade, and he certainly couldn't curse him.

Translation: Xiong Anmin made a move to strike him, but Xiong Tianba gave a foolish grin and dodged behind Hu Xiaotian. Suddenly a large hand from behind grabbed his collar, pulled him back; Xiong Tianba lost his footing and fell with a thump onto his rear, fuming: "That damned—" He looked up and saw Zhou Mo's towering figure appear before him, immediately falling silent, for Zhou Mo had just saved his life from Wen Boyuan's blade, and he certainly couldn't curse.

Wen Mo frowned coldly and said, "You little brat, how dare you speak to your own father like that?"

Translation: Zhou Mo glared and said coldly: "You brat, how dare you speak to your father like that?"

Xiong Tianba said, "Since you helped me this time, I'll let it slide—but if you dare sneak‑attack me again, I'll beat you too."

Translation: Xiong Tianba said: "Since you helped me before, I'll let this slide—but if you dare ambush me again, I'll beat you too."

Wen Mo replied, "Can you actually beat me?"

Translation: Zhou Mo asked: "Can you even beat me?"

Xiong Tianba curled his lip, saw Wen Mo walking toward Hu Xiaotian, and, taking advantage of Wen Mo's momentary inattention, sprang up from behind and charged forward, intending to give Wen Mo a surprise attack—grabbing him from behind and throwing him to the ground as a small revenge. But just as he reached Wen Mo's side, Wen Mo flickered and vanished; Xiong Tianba's forward momentum was too great, his feet still unsteady, and Wen Mo's voice sounded from behind him: "You have strength but no brains; if you were on a battlefield, you'd have died countless times."

Translation: Xiong Tianba curled his lip, seeing Zhou Mo walk toward Hu Xiaotian; taking advantage of Zhou Mo's inattention, he scrambled up and rushed from behind, intending to give Zhou Mo a sudden tackle from behind as a little revenge. But just as he reached Zhou Mo's side, Zhou Mo flickered and vanished; Xiong Tianba's forward momentum was too great, his feet not yet planted, and Zhou Mo's voice sounded from behind: "You have strength but no brains—on the battlefield you'd have died countless times."

Wen Mo's large hand lightly pushed Xiong Tianba in the back; this boy, who had already charged too hard, now fell with a thump, landing face‑first in the dirt.

Translation: Zhou Mo's large hand lightly shoved Xiong Tianba in the back; this kid, already charging too hard, now fell flat on his face with a thump.

Xiong Tianba wiped the mud from his lips, stumbled to his feet, looking disheveled, and exclaimed angrily, "You ambushed me—if you've got the guts, fight me face to face!"

Translation: Xiong Tianba wiped the mud from his lips, staggered to his feet, and snapped: "You ambushed me—if you've got guts, fight me face to face!"

Xiong Anmin was so agitated he kept stamping his feet, but once his foolish son's temper flared, he wouldn't listen to anyone, while Hu Xiaotian merely watched with a amused smile.

Translation: Xiong Anmin stomped his feet in anxiety, but once his stupid son's temper flared he listened to no one; Hu Xiaotian, however, watched with a amused smile.

Xiong Tianba threw a punch at Wen Mo; Wen Mo did not dodge this time, meeting the blow with his own fist. Peng! The two fists collided hard, the shockwave kicking up sand and stones beneath their feet. Xiong Anmin, unluckily, got dust in his eyes and tears streamed down.

Translation: Xiong Tianba threw a sudden punch at Zhou Mo; this time Zhou Mo didn't dodge, meeting it with a punch of his own—Bang! Their fists collided, the wind from the impact kicking up sand and stones beneath them; Xiong Anmin unfortunately got dust in his eyes, tears streaming down.

Wen Mo secretly admired him; although he hadn't used his full strength, he had exerted about eighty percent. This foolish boy had never trained internal force, relying solely on his natural strength, yet he held his own—clearly he is a natural prodigy. If he could receive guidance from a master, this foolish boy would surely become a formidable general.

Translation: Zhou Mo secretly praised him; although he hadn't used full force, he'd still put in about eighty percent. This fool had never trained inner strength, relying purely on his innate power to match him—and yet he didn't lose ground. He truly is a natural-born divine force; with proper guidance from a master, this lad could certainly become a formidable general.

Peng peng peng, they exchanged three punches in succession. Wen Mo stood unmoving, while Xiong Tianba, though brave, found his full‑force punches striking like blows against a rock. He had exerted all his strength, yet could not shift his opponent even an inch, and now he fully realized he was no match for the other side.

Translation: Thump thump thump—they exchanged three punches in succession; Zhou Mo stood unmoving, while Xiong Tianba, though brave, felt his full‑force blows strike like hitting a rock—he had exerted all his strength yet could not shift his opponent an inch; now he fully realized he was no match for him.

Xiong Tianba lowered his hands, left hand rubbing the sore knuckles of his right fist; although his bones were hard, even they ached from the impact.

Translation: Xiong Tianba lowered his hands, left hand rubbing his right knuckles; although his bones were hard, they ached from the shock.

Wen Mo smiled and said, "Shall we stop?"

Translation: Zhou Mo smiled and said: "Done fighting?"

Xiong Tianba shook his head and said, "Do you really think I'm stupid? Fighting when I can't win is just asking for a beating."

Translation: Xiong Tianba shook his head: "You think I'm really stupid? Fighting when I can't win is just asking for a beating."

Everyone laughed at his words, and Xiong Tianba suddenly fell to his knees with a thump before Wen Mo, saying, "I, Xiong Tianba, have never submitted to anyone in my life; master, from now on you will be my teacher."

Translation: Those nearby couldn't help laughing at his words; Xiong Tianba suddenly plunged to his knees with a thump before Zhou Mo: "I, Xiong Tianba, have never submitted to anyone in my life—Master, you will be my master from now on."

Wen Mo was both amused and exasperated; this foolish boy really is an oddball—you want to become my disciple, but you should first ask if I agree.

Translation: Zhou Mo was both amused and exasperated: "This fool really is a oddball—you want to become my disciple, but you should ask if I agree first."

Xiong Anmin hurriedly said, "You brat, don't bother this sir."

Translation: Xiong Anmin hurriedly said: "Xiong boy, don't bother this sir."

Wen Mo smiled and said, "Sir Xiong, please don't stand on ceremony; I'm not a sir at all—I'm just a cart driver."

Translation: Zhou Mo smiled: "Sir Xiong, you're too formal—I'm not any dignitary, just a cart driver."

Seeing Wen Mo's performance just now, nobody believes he is merely a simple cart driver.

Translation: Seeing Zhou Mo's performance just now, nobody believes he's merely a simple cart driver.

Xiong Tianba is obstinate; no one can make him get up if he doesn't want to, implying that if Wen Mo refuses to take him as a disciple, he will stay kneeling indefinitely.

Translation: Xiong Tianba is stubborn; no one can make him rise—he implies that if Zhou Mo refuses to take him as a disciple, he'll stay kneeling indefinitely.

Hu Xiaotian, admiring Xiong Tianba's bravery, said, "Brother Wen, I think you should take him on as your disciple—you are called Wen Batian, he is called Tianba; the names even sound like they were meant to be together." When Hu Xiaotian first met Wen Mo, he indeed was called Wen Batian.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian, fond of Xiong Tianba's bravery, laughed: "Brother Zhou, I think you should take him on—you're called Ba Tian, he's Tian Ba; the names alone show you have some fateful connection." When Hu Xiaotian first met Zhou Mo, he was indeed called Zhou Batian.

In fact, Wen Mo has grown quite fond of Xiong Tianba; otherwise he wouldn't have stepped in to save him when he was in danger. This boy may lack a bit of common sense, but he is not truly stupid, and with his natural strength, if properly guided and trained, he could one day become a pillar of talent. So when Hu Xiaotian spoke up, Wen Mo nodded and agreed: "Since Sir Hu is speaking on your behalf, I will provisionally accept you as my disciple."

Translation: Actually Zhou Mo took a liking to Xiong Tianba; otherwise he wouldn't have rescued him today. This boy may lack sense, but he's not truly stupid, and with his innate divine power, if properly guided he could become a pillar of talent. So when Hu Xiaotian spoke up, Zhou Mo nodded and agreed: "Since Sir Hu speaks for you, I'll provisionally accept you."

Xiong Tianba was overjoyed; he knelt on the ground and knocked his head three times loudly, saying, "Master above, please accept my three bows!"

Translation: Xiong Tianba was overjoyed; kneeling on the ground, he knocked his head three times in earnest: "Master above, please accept my three bows!"

Wen Mo said, "I don't care about your past, but now that you have acknowledged me as your master, remember: first, you must honor your parents and show no disrespect; second, you must act uprightly and avoid wicked deeds; third, you must respect Sir Hu, treating him just as you would treat me and your own father."

Translation: Zhou Mo said: "I don't care about your past, but now that you've acknowledged me as your master, remember: first, honor your parents and show no disrespect; second, conduct yourself uprightly and avoid wrongdoing; third, respect Sir Hu—treat him as you would me and your father."

Xiong Tianba replied, "Yes!" He then knocked his head three times before Hu Xiaotian, who laughed and said, "Get up!"

Translation: Xiong Tianba said: "Yes!" He then knocked his head three times before Hu Xiaotian, who laughed: "Get up!"

Seeing his son turn misfortune into blessing, Xiong Anmin, though he didn't know Wen Mo well, had heard some of Hu Xiaotian's influence; being able to connect with Hu Xiaotian might give this foolish son a chance to rise, which is certainly better than drifting aimlessly with him in this remote backwater town for a lifetime.

Translation: Seeing his son turn misfortune into blessing, Xiong Anmin, though not well acquainted with Zhou Mo, had heard a little of Hu Xiaotian's influence; connecting with Hu Xiaotian might give this foolish son a chance to rise—far better than muddling along with him in this backwater town for a lifetime.

Xiong Anmin said, "Two sirs, if you don't mind my modest home, please come in and sit; I will prepare some simple wine to show my goodwill."

Translation: Xiong Anmin said: "Sirs, if you don't mind my humble abode, please do come sit; I'll prepare some simple wine to show my goodwill."

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Tonight isn't necessary; we've just arrived in Cangmu

Translation: Hu Xiaotian laughed: "No need tonight; we've just arrived in Cangmu, weary of person and horse—we need a couple days to rest before we go, and there will surely be a chance."

Xiong Anmin could only nod after hearing him say that.

Translation: Hearing that, Xiong Anmin could only nod.

Hu Xiaotian asked about the current situation of Qinglong Bay.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian asked about the current state of Qinglong Bay.

Xiong Anmin sighed and said: "Although Qinglong Bay lies within Cangmu County's jurisdiction, it is not under my authority. The naval commander Zhao Dengyun, Sir Zhao, used to be stationed there, but last year Wuxing Commandery built a water fort, and Sir Zhao led his troops there. Now only a small naval detachment remains stationed in Qinglong Bay; as far as I know, there are still three warships."

Translation: Xiong Anmin sighed: "Although Qinglong Bay lies within Cangmu County, it's not under my jurisdiction; the Naval Commander Zhao Dengyun, Sir Zhao, used to be stationed there, but last year when Wuxing Commandery built a naval fort, Zhao Sir took his forces there, leaving only a small detachment of marines at Qinglong Bay—as far as I know, there are still three warships."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said: "There is still a matter that requires trouble for Sir Xiong to contact; the day after tomorrow we need to cross the river from Qinglong Bay, and we also need the navy to dispatch ships to escort us across."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded: "There's something I need to trouble Sir Xiong with—contact them; the day after tomorrow we'll cross the river from Qinglong Bay and will need the navy to dispatch boats to escort us across."

Xiong Anmin said: "Sir Hu, rest assured, I will take care of this."

Translation: Xiong Anmin said: "Sir Hu, rest assured—I'll handle this."

Monthly Ticket sales are bleak—only four in a whole night. Actually, Zhangyu, as a part-time elderly writer, is already struggling; I hope everyone can sympathize and cast a few more Monthly Tickets. Zhangyu will update more as his health permits. Please! (To be continued~^~)