Chapter 595: and ===GLOSSARY===

However, Ji Feihua appeared in the Tianhe Hall wearing a purple‑red palace robe.

Translation: However, Ji Feihua appeared in the Tianhe Dian wearing a purple-red palace robe.

However, Ji Feihua appeared in the Tianhe Dian wearing a purple‑red palace robe.

Make sure it's one line.

The civil and military officials stared at one another; according to the Dakang statutes, eunuchs were forbidden to attend court and participate in state affairs. Although Ji Feihua was arrogant and overbearing, he had never before appeared at court, yet today he broke precedent and came, but no one knows what he is scheming in his heart.

Translation: Civil and military officials stared at each other; according to Dakang's past regulations, eunuchs were not allowed to attend court and participate in state affairs. Although Ji Feihua was arrogant and overbearing, he had never appeared at court before, yet today he broke precedent and came—no one knew what he was scheming.

his

Zhou Ruiyuan's eyes narrowed; Ji Feihua's appearance at this moment is surely no coincidence—perhaps he is deliberately testing the limits of the civil and military officials using this opportunity. Given Ji Feihua's current power and influence, even Zhou Ruiyuan, the Left Chancellor, dare not openly confront him, let alone other officials; each is silently weighing his own position, yet no one steps forward to rebuke Ji Feihua for being out of place.

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan's eyes narrowed; Ji Feihua's appearance at this moment was surely no coincidence—perhaps he was deliberately testing the bottom line of the civil and military officials with this opportunity. Given Ji Feihua's current power and influence, even Zhou Ruiyuan, this Left Chancellor, would not dare openly clash with him, let alone the other civil and military officials, each secretly weighing their own standing in their hearts, yet no one stepped forward to rebuke Ji Feihua for being out of place here.

Left Chancellor

Ji Feihua came to the Tianhe Hall, stood firm, and respectfully said, "Your humble servant pays homage to the Emperor, may you live ten thousand years!" He then knelt down.

Translation: Ji Feihua came to a stop inside the Tianhe Dian and respectfully said, "Your subject pays homage to Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years!" He bent his knees and knelt down.

Long Yelin had long harbored a deep hatred for him, but constrained by his power he had to suppress his anger, forcing a smile and saying, "Please rise, my beloved official."

Translation: Long Yelin had long hated him to the core, but constrained by his power he had to swallow his anger, suppressing the fury in his chest and speaking with a pleasant face: "Beloved minister, rise!"

Ji Feihua then rose to his feet.

Translation: Ji Feihua rose to his feet accordingly.

Long Yelin said, "Ji Aiqing, what urgent matter compels you to present your memorial at court?" He was reminding Ji Feihua that this is where the Emperor and officials discuss state affairs, and as a eunuch you ought not to be here.

Translation: Long Yelin said, "Ji, beloved minister, what urgent matter compels you to memorialize the throne at court?" He was reminding Ji Feihua that this was where the Emperor and officials discussed state affairs; as a mere eunuch, you ought not to be here.

Ji Feihua replied, "Your Majesty! Unless it were an utterly urgent matter, I would not dare disturb Your Majesty and the ministers' deliberations. I have just received a secret report from the north of great importance; I dare not delay, so I have broken precedent to see Your Majesty. Please forgive my transgression!"

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "Your Majesty! Unless it were an utterly urgent matter, I would not dare disturb Your Majesty and the ministers' deliberations. I have just received a northern intelligence report of great importance; I dare not delay, so I broke with precedent to see Your Majesty—please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

Long Yelin nodded and said, "You are pardoned; speak quickly."

Translation: Long Yelin nodded and said, "You are pardoned; speak quickly."

Ji Feihua straightened his back, scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Wen Chengwan's face, and he sighed, saying, "The two ships escorting the princess to Yongdu for her marriage were attacked in the middle of the Yong River. In the panic they collided, and due to severe damage they sank one after another, causing heavy casualties among the bridal entourage..."

Translation: Ji Feihua straightened his waist, scanned the crowd, his gaze finally landing on Wen Chenghuan's face, and he sighed: "The two ships escorting the Princess to Yongdu for her wedding were attacked in the center of the Yongjiang. In the panic, the vessels collided, and due to severe damage they sank one after another; the escort delegation suffered heavy casualties..."

Long Yelin eagerly asked, "How is my imperial sister? How is she now?"

Translation: Long Yelin could not wait to ask, "How is my imperial sister? How is my imperial sister now?"

Wen Chengwan also wore an expectant expression, his gaze toward Ji Feihua filled with pleading and compassion; if Ji Feihua were to tell him his son was safe, he would be willing to abandon all actions against Ji Feihua.

Translation: Wen Chenghuan also wore an expectant look; his gaze toward Ji Feihua was full of plea and compassion. If Ji Feihua told him his son was safe, he would be willing to abandon all actions against Ji Feihua.

Ji Feihua lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. According to reliable news, Princess Anping has been rescued by the Yong forces who rushed upon hearing the news; Lord Wu and Xiao Tian Hu are unharmed, and about thirty or more members of the entourage have survived." Ji Feihua deliberately omitted any mention of Wen Boyuan's fate.

Translation: Ji Feihua lowered his head: "Your Majesty, please do not worry. According to reliable news, Princess Anping has been rescued by the Yong forces who rushed upon hearing the news; Sir Wu and Hu Xiaotian are also unharmed, and about thirty or more members of the escort delegation survived." Ji Feihua deliberately skipped over the news of Wen Boyuan.

Despite Wen Chengwan's usual scheming, he is ultimately just an ordinary father; anxiety has overwhelmed him, leaving him dazed by this sudden tragedy, and he trembled, "Lord Ji… do you… do you have any news of my son Boyuan?"

Translation: No matter how strategically wise Wen Chenghuan was, after all he was just an ordinary father; worry threw him into confusion, and this sudden bad news left him at a loss. He trembled, "Sir Ji… do you… do you have any news of my son Boyuan?"

Ji Feihua did not look at him, but turned to Long Yelin and said, "Your Majesty, General Wen Boyuan has unfortunately died in battle." Though he spoke softly, to Wen Chengwan it struck like a thunderclap.

Translation: Ji Feihua did not look at him, but instead said to Long Yelin, "Your Majesty, General Wen Boyuan has unfortunately died in battle!" Though he spoke softly, to Wen Chenghuan it felt like a thunderclap.

Wen Chengwan burst into tears, cried out "My son!" and then fainted. Even his former political rivals, seeing his state, felt sympathy. The surrounding officials gathered around him, some rushing to call the imperial physician, others massaging his chest and pressing his philtrum, until Wen Chengwan finally caught his breath. He gasped in anguish, "Boyuan… my son… my ill‑fated child…"

Translation: Wen Chenghuan burst into tears, cried out "My son!" and then fainted. Even his former political rivals, seeing him in this state, felt sympathy. The surrounding officials crowded around him, someone hurriedly summoned the imperial physician, someone helped him rub his chest and press his philtrum, and Wen Chenghuan finally eased his breath. He cried out in anguish, "Boyuan… my son… my ill-fated child…"

The audience could no longer continue; Long Yelin descended from his throne to Wen Chengwan's side, took his hands, and said earnestly, "Old Grand Preceptor, mourn but move forward; you must hold on. I still need your counsel and your aid to safeguard the realm, and even Boyuan's spirit in heaven would not wish you to grieve thus."

Translation: The court assembly could no longer proceed; Long Yelin descended from his throne and approached Wen Chenghuan. Grasping his hands, he spoke earnestly: "Grand Tutor, mourn but adapt; you must surely hold on. I still need your counsel, and my realm and altars still need your support. Even Boyuan's spirit in heaven would not wish you to be so grief-stricken."

Wen Chengwan gazed at Long Yelin, tears streaming, his heart filled with resentment: "If it were not for you, this foolish emperor, I would never have let my son embark on such a perilous mission." He lamented, "Your Majesty, Boyuan… he… he died unjustly…"

Translation: Wen Chenghuan gazed at Long Yelin, tears streaming down, his heart filled with hatred: "If it weren't for you, this wicked emperor, how could I have let my son go into danger?" He lamented, "Your Majesty, Boyuan… he… he died unjustly…"

Ji Feihua added, "According to reports from the front, General Wen's body has been retrieved by the forces of Da Yong and is likely now at the Nanyang water stronghold; the princess and the other survivors are there as well. Whether General Wen was wronged and what grievance he suffered, I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly how this came to pass."

Translation: Beside him, Ji Feihua said, "According to reports from the front, General Wen's corpse has been salvaged by the Da Yong side and should now be at the Nanyang Water Stronghold, together with the Princess and the other survivors. Whether General Wen was wronged and what grievance he suffered—may Your Majesty investigate thoroughly how this came to pass."

Wen Chengwan, tears streaming, pleaded, "Your Majesty, grant my son justice; he served Dakang with unwavering loyalty, giving his all until death. I beg Your Majesty to uncover the truth swiftly."

Translation: Wen Chenghuan spoke through tears, "Your Majesty, I beg Your Majesty to give my son justice… He was utterly loyal to Dakang, devoted himself to death… I hope Your Majesty will soon uncover the truth."

Long Yelin had intended to bestow honors then and there, but seeing Wen Chengwan overcome with grief, he thought the timing inappropriate; he glanced at Ji Feihua, whose earlier remarks seemed to hint at something, released Wen Chengwan's hands, and asked Ji Feihua, "Have you ascertained exactly what happened?"

Translation: Long Yelin had originally intended to bestow rewards in court, but seeing Wen Chenghuan overcome with grief, he thought the timing inappropriate for awards; he glanced at Ji Feihua, whose earlier words seemed to carry insinuation, then released Wen Chenghuan's hands and asked Ji Feihua, "Have you ascertained exactly what happened?"

Ji Feihua replied, "Your Majesty, the details are still unclear; I have sent people to investigate thoroughly, but I have heard that when the army was in Cangmu County, General Wen borrowed two hundred soldiers from Naval Commander Zhao Dengyun to reinforce his troops, and shortly thereafter this incident occurred."

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "Your Majesty! The specifics are still unclear; I have sent people to investigate thoroughly, but I heard that when the army was at Cangmu County, General Wen diverted two hundred soldiers from Admiral Zhao Dengyun's navy to reinforce his troops, and immediately after that this incident occurred."

Long Yelin snapped, "As Naval Commander, Zhao Dengyun has acted with shocking negligence; for my imperial sister's river crossing—a matter of such magnitude—he failed to provide adequate protection. I hereby order his immediate summon to the capital to explain himself to me personally; if this incident is linked to him, I will show him no leniency."

Translation: Long Yelin snapped, "Zhao Dengyun, as a navy admiral, actually acted so negligently—my imperial sister's river crossing is such a major affair, yet he failed to take proper protective measures. I issue an imperial edict: summon Zhao Dengyun to the capital at once to explain this matter to me personally; if this incident is connected to him, I will certainly not show leniency."

"Yes!" Ji Feihua received the order.

Translation: "Yes!" Ji Feihua received the order.

At this moment, Zhou Ruiyuan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should not act too hastily."

Translation: At this moment Zhou Ruiyuan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter should not be rushed."

Long Yelin, still angry, gave his former teacher Zhou Ruiyuan no pleasant expression and retorted coldly, "Acting too hastily? What does that mean? My imperial sister was ambushed, General Wen gave his life for the state, and half the entourage is dead or wounded—how can you ask me not to be urgent?"

Translation: Long Yelin was still seething; even toward his former teacher Zhou Ruiyuan he showed no pleasant expression, coldly saying, "Rushed? What does 'rushed' mean? My imperial sister was schemed against, General Wen died for the state, the escort delegation suffered heavy casualties—how can you tell me not to be urgent?"

Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Your Majesty, disturbances have broken out in Wuxing Commandery; Naval Commander Zhao Dengyun has always been loyal and patriotic, so he may have unavoidable difficulties in this matter."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Your Majesty, disturbances have erupted in the Wuxing Commandery region; Admiral Zhao Dengyun has always been loyal to the sovereign and patriotic, so perhaps he has unavoidable difficulties in this matter."

"I care not what his difficulties may be; this matter must be investigated to the fullest, and whoever is at fault will find no mercy from me."

Translation: "I care not what difficulties he may have; this matter must be investigated to the core—whoever erred in this affair, I will show no mercy."

Zhou Ruiyuan said, "I have a matter I do not understand; I hope Lord Ji can clarify."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "I have a point I do not understand; I hope Sir Ji can clarify."

Ji Feihua replied, "Chancellor, please speak!"

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "Chancellor, please speak!"

"The sinking occurred in the Yong River; the river's midpoint marks the border between Dakang and Da Yong. Exactly in which country's territory did this happen?"

Translation: "The shipwreck occurred in the Yongjiang; the center of the Yongjiang is the border between Dakang and Da Yong—exactly where did this incident take place, within which country's territory?"

Ji Feihua said he does not know; investigations are underway. Nevertheless, wherever it occurred, the underlying cause is certainly not simple.

Translation: "Ji Feihua does not know; we are having people investigate and confirm. However, no matter where it happened, the background is certainly not that simple."

After the audience dispersed, Ji Feihua hurriedly left the Tianhe Hall, only to hear someone behind him call, "Lord Ji, please wait!"

Translation: After court adjourned, Ji Feihua hurriedly left the Tianhe Dian, yet he heard someone behind him call, "Sir Ji, please wait!"

Ji Feihua stopped, saw Zhou Ruiyuan rushing up, halted again, and said respectfully, "Chancellor, I do not know what further instructions you have for me."

Translation: Ji Feihua stopped his steps, only to see Zhou Ruiyuan rushing up; he stopped again and said respectfully, "Chancellor, I do not know what further instruction you have for me."

Zhou Ruiyuan asked, "Lord Ji, are you aware that disturbances are erupting in the north?"

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan asked, "Sir Ji, do you know that the north is currently in turmoil?"

Ji Feihua replied, "I usually concern myself only with the Emperor's meals, daily routine, and health; beyond that, I pay attention mainly to palace affairs, and rarely to state matters."

Translation: Ji Feihua replied, "In my daily life I pay attention only to the Emperor's food and lodging, his physical condition; besides that, merely the goings-on within this palace. I rarely concern myself with state affairs."

Zhou Ruiyuan said meaningfully, "It seems I misheard."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said with deep meaning, "It seems I misheard."

Ji Feihua smiled, "Many mouths can melt gold; accumulated slander can destroy bones. A man of your wisdom, Chancellor, would surely not believe outside rumors."

Translation: Ji Feihua smiled, "Many mouths can melt gold; accumulated slander can destroy bones. Chancellor Sir, such a wise person would certainly not believe outside rumors."

Disturbances have arisen in Wuxing Commandery; the Emperor himself issued an edict ordering Commander Zhao to deploy the navy to assist Wuxing in quelling the unrest. If Zhao Dengyun were summoned to the capital, the situation in the northern borders would become even more chaotic, possibly beyond control.

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Disturbances have arisen in the Wuxing Commandery region; it was the Emperor himself who issued an edict ordering Admiral Zhao to dispatch the navy to cooperate with the Wuxing Commandery side in pacifying the unrest. Now, if Zhao Dengyun is transferred to the capital, the situation in Bei Jiang will become even more chaotic, possibly beyond control."

Ji Feihua said, "Given the magnitude of the mishap befalling the bridal entourage, it is no wonder the Emperor is furious. Regardless, Commander Zhao was still negligent in this affair; had he paid more heed and assigned more personnel to escort the princess, perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided."

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "It's no wonder the Emperor is furious over such a major incident involving the wedding escort; however you put it, Admiral Zhao still was negligent in this matter—if he had paid more attention and dispatched more personnel to escort the Princess, perhaps this tragedy would not have occurred."

"Even if the two states fail to become allied by marriage, they need not turn into enemies; but if the northern borders fall into chaos, Dakang will be ruined. As subjects of Dakang, we both ought not wish to see such a situation arise."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "If the two states' marriage alliance fails, it need not turn into mutual enmity; but if Bei Jiang falls into chaos, Dakang will be doomed. As subjects of Dakang, you and I ought not wish to see such a situation arise."

Ji Feihua replied, "Your words are mistaken, sir; you are a pillar of the state, whereas I am merely a slave in the palace. I do not understand, nor do I involve myself in, great affairs of the nation."

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "Sir, your words are mistaken; you are a pillar of the state, while I am merely a slave in the imperial palace. I do not understand, nor will I meddle in, state affairs."

Zhou Ruiyuan asked, "Lord Ji, are you aware that the Emperor has recently been preoccupied with selecting an heir?"

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan asked, "Sir Ji, do you know that the Emperor has recently been occupied with selecting an heir?"

Ji Feihua smiled, "I have heard some rumors; could it be that the Emperor has already decided on a crown prince?"

Translation: Ji Feihua smiled, "I have heard some rumors; could it be that the Emperor has already decided on the Crown Prince's candidate?"

Zhou Ruiyuan said, "In your opinion, Lord Ji, who would be fit to serve as crown prince?"

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "In your mind, Sir Ji, who do you think would be suitable as the Crown Prince?"

Ji Feihua chuckled, "Chancellor, what's gotten into you today? You keep asking me these awkward questions."

Translation: Ji Feihua chuckled, "Chancellor Sir, what's gotten into you today? You keep asking these questions that put me on the spot."

Zhou Ruiyuan smiled faintly, "Since it's just the two of us here, we might as well speak openly."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan smiled faintly, "Here it's just the two of us; we might as well speak openly."

Ji Feihua said, "Since the time of Emperor Taizu, a rule has been established that eunuchs may not participate in governance; Chancellor, you are asking me to break that ancestral precedent. Though I have always respected you, since you inquire, I dare to say this: in the Emperor's eyes there are essentially only two candidates—the eldest prince and the third prince—and in my view neither is suitable."

Translation: Ji Feihua said, "Since the time of Emperor Taizong, a rule has been established that eunuchs may not participate in governance; Chancellor Sir, you are making me violate the ancestral statutes. However, I have always held you in high regard; since you ask me, I will venture to say this: actually, the Emperor's eyes hold no more than two candidates—the Eldest Prince and the Third Prince—and in my view neither is suitable."

Zhou Ruiyuan's brows twitched; he had thought Ji Feihua would never dare say such a thing openly, yet he did not expect Ji Feihua to be so frank.

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan's brow twitched; he had thought Ji Feihua would not dare speak so openly, yet he did not expect Ji Feihua to be this frank.

"Why?"

Translation: "Why?"

Ji Feihua smiled, "A capable ruler need not possess extraordinary ability or grandiose ambition; the key lies in knowing how to employ people and having a tolerant spirit. Ambitions to unify the world and revive the land inevitably demand rivers of blood and incessant warfare as their price—something Dakang can no longer afford."

Translation: Ji Feihua smiled, "A qualified ruler need not possess great ability, nor need excessive ambition; the key is knowing how to employ people and having a tolerant heart. To unify all under heaven and revive the rivers and mountains, such lofty ambitions inevitably exact a price of rivers of blood and flames of war—present-day Dakang seems unable to bear that cost."

Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Lord Ji, your perspective is truly rather unexpected."

Translation: Zhou Ruiyuan said, "Sir Ji, your perspective is truly somewhat unexpected."

Ji Feihua said: "Actually, Sir Zhou understands better than anyone; the more serious the patient's condition, the less one should use strong medicine. To have a loyal minister like the Chancellor to share the Emperor's worries is indeed Dakang's fortune." These words were exactly what Zhou Ruiyuan had personally said to the Emperor before. By saying this now, he first expresses his approval of Zhou Ruiyuan's view, and secondly hints to Zhou Ruiyuan that his every move cannot escape his eyes. (To be continued~^~)