Chapter 759

Xue Shengjing glanced around and asked, "Where's Li Chen Zhou? You two are never apart, right?"

Translation: Xue Shengjing looked around and said, "Where is Li Jiangjun? You two are never separated, are you?"

But we need to keep the exact meaning: "Where is Li Chen Zhou? You two are never apart, are you?" The phrase "never apart" is an idiom meaning they are always together. We'll translate it naturally.

Thus: Xue Shengjing looked around and said, "Where is Li Jiangjun? You two are never apart, are you?"

We'll keep as single line.

Xue Daohong chuckled, saying, "I had invited him, but he said he'd be playing chess with his wife tonight."

Translation: Xue Daohong laughed and said, "I originally invited him, but he said he would accompany his wife to play chess tonight."

Xue Shengjing chuckled and said, "This General Li is truly a hopeless romantic."

Translation: Xue Shengjing chuckled and said, "This Lord Li is truly a hopeless romantic."

Xue Daohong remarked, "How can someone devoid of passion be a true hero? I also envy the Chen Zhou couple." He lowered his voice to his uncle, saying, "Uncle, those two maidservants beside you are real beauties." His face showed a look of lustful admiration.

Translation: Xue Daohong said, "How can someone without emotion be a true hero? I also envy the couple Li Jiangjun and his wife." He lowered his voice to his uncle and said, "Uncle, the two maidservants by your side are absolute beauties." His face was full of an enamored expression.

【21】 We need to keep 'Chen Zhou couple' as General Li and his wife; we used General Li.

Xue Shengjing chuckled, "If you like them, Uncle will give them to you." In this patriarchal society, nobles often exchange maidservants to win favor, and it has become a standard way to build alliances.

Translation: Xue Shengjing laughed and said, "If you like them, Uncle will give them to you." In today's patriarchal society, it's nothing unusual for nobles to exchange maidservants; it has become a means of currying favor.

Xue Daohong chuckled, "Nephew, that's not what I meant."

Translation: Xue Daohong laughed and said, "Nephew, I have no such intention."

Xue Shengjing said, "I'll have two better ones sent to your mansion later."

Translation: Xue Shengjing said, "Later I'll have someone send you two even better ones to your mansion."

The uncle and nephew smiled at each other, about to take their seats, when they heard another announcement from outside: the Long Princess Xue Lingjun had arrived.

Translation: The uncle and nephew exchanged smiles, just about to join the banquet together, when they heard another announcement from outside: the Grand Princess Xue Lingjun had arrived.

When they heard the Long Princess had arrived, both Hu Xiaotian and even Xue Shengjing were surprised—she wasn't invited to tonight's banquet, so no one knew why she showed up unannounced.

Translation: Upon hearing that Princess Xue Lingjun had arrived, not only Hu Xiaotian felt surprised, but even Xue Shengjing was quite surprised. For tonight's banquet, this imperial princess was not on the invitation list, so he wondered why she had come uninvited.

The Long Princess swept in radiantly, her exquisitely tailored gold dress highlighting her curvaceous figure; her mature allure was unmistakable, and as soon as she entered the Treasure Hall she had caught every man's eye.

Translation: Princess Xue Lingjun's appearance was dazzling; her exquisitely crafted gold long gown accentuated her curvaceous figure, and the mature woman's charm was on full display. As soon as she entered the Gathering Treasure Palace, she had already captured the gazes of all the men present.

Hu Xiaotian, being a man, was naturally drawn to the Long Princess's stunning appearance; he admired her as a peerless beauty, yet felt a pang of resentment, as it seemed the Yong royal family had forgotten Princess Anping's death—putting on a show of mourning while secretly rejoicing; they pretended to be grief‑stricken in the Qichen Palace but quickly broke into smiles. Gathered here, they drank and reveled, enjoying themselves.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian, being a man, was naturally attracted by Princess Xue Lingjun's gorgeous appearance, sighing that she was truly a first-rate beauty, yet he also felt a twinge of resentment, as it seemed the Da Yong imperial family had not taken Princess Anping's death to heart—putting on one show in person and another behind the scenes. Don't look at them acting grief-stricken in the Qichen Palace; in the blink of an eye they were all smiles, feasting and making merry.

When Xi Yan saw Hu Xiaotian's eyes locked on the Long Princess, jealousy flared; she slipped her hand under the table and pinched his right thigh hard. Though his thigh was solid muscle, the pain made his chubby face twitch, and he gave her a hurt look.

Translation: Xi Yan saw Hu Xiaotian's eyes fixed on Princess Xue Lingjun, a sudden sourness welled up in her heart. She reached under the table and pinched his right thigh hard. The flesh on Hu Xiaotian's thigh was genuine, the pain making his chubby face twitch, and he looked at Xi Yan with a look of grievance.

Xi Yan whispered mentally, "Look at your lustful stare—you're practically drooling, your eyes about to pop out; it's disgusting, saliva dripping."

Translation: Xi Yan sent a mental transmission: "Look at your lovestruck expression. Your eyes are practically popping out, disgusting—drool is even dripping out."

Hu Xiaotian replied, "Everyone appreciates beauty; she's gorgeous—what's wrong with looking?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "Everyone loves beauty; she's gorgeous—what's wrong with looking?"

Xi Yan snapped, "Why don't you ever look at me like that?"

Translation: Xi Yan gritted her teeth and said, "Why don't you ever look at me like that?"

Hu Xiaotian whispered mentally, "I'm your father; if a father looked at his daughter that way, wouldn't he incur heavenly punishment?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian sent a mental transmission: "I'm your father; if a father looked at his daughter like that, wouldn't he incur heavenly punishment?"

Xi Yan said, "I don't care about heavenly punishment—you're not allowed to look at her; you can only look at me."

Translation: Xi Yan said, "I don't care about heavenly punishment or not—you're not allowed to look at her. You can only look at me."

Hu Xiaotian's mind reeled—what the hell is this?! In front of everyone, making a father lecherously stare at his own daughter—no way am I that depraved.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian felt like a thunderbolt was rolling in his heart—what the hell is this?! In front of everyone, making a father lecherously stare at his own daughter—damn, I'm not that perverted.

The guests took their seats, with Crown Prince Xue Daohong, his uncle, and aunt at the head table. Prince Yan Xue Shengjing chuckled, "Tonight I'm hosting a banquet at my manor. I warmly invite both new and old friends to bond over treasures, exchange collecting insights, and enjoy a refined scholar's pastime."

Translation: At this moment, the guests all took their seats. The Grand Prince Xue Daohong, together with his uncle and aunt, sat in the main seats. Prince Yan Xue Shengjing laughed and said, "Tonight I am hosting a banquet at my mansion. I sincerely invite all new and old friends, with the purpose of bonding over treasures, to exchange insights on treasure appreciation—this can also be considered a refined pastime for scholars."

All together they said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity!"

Translation: The crowd chorused, "Thank you, Prince, for your generosity!"

Xue Shengjing said, "Since I've invited you all, I won't let you leave empty‑handed; tonight I've prepared three great surprises."

Translation: Xue Shengjing said, "Since I've invited you all, I will certainly not let you leave empty-handed. Today I have prepared three great surprises for everyone!"

Everyone held their breath, eager to hear what surprise Prince Yan had in store.

Translation: Everyone held their breath, listening to see what surprise the Prince Yan had in store for them.

Xue Shengjing said, "This first surprise: over the years I've traveled far and wide, recording every rare treasure I've seen or heard of. I personally drew the illustrations, sent them to the printing bureau, and had them bound into three volumes—each guest tonight will receive one copy."

Translation: Xue Shengjing said, "This first surprise: over the years I have traveled far and wide, recording every rare treasure I have seen or heard of. I personally drew up the illustrations, handed them to the Printing Bureau, which printed them into three volumes. Tonight, each guest attending the banquet will receive one copy!"

Everyone cheered; although Prince Yan looks plump and slow‑witted, he is actually extraordinarily intelligent, and in treasure appraisal he ranks among the few true experts, so his illustrated treasure catalogue will surely have considerable collectible value.

Translation: The crowd cheered in unison. Although Xue Shengjing is fat and dull-looking, he is actually extraordinarily intelligent, and in the field of treasure collecting and appraisal he is one of the few top experts in the world; his treasure atlas will surely have considerable collectible value.

Xue Daohong raised his cup, saying, "Come, let's toast my royal uncle—wishing him health and lasting prosperity."

Translation: Xue Daohong raised his cup and said, "Come! Let's toast my Imperial Uncle—may he enjoy health and lasting wealth and honor!"

Everyone responded in unison.

Translation: Everyone responded in unison.

Xue Shengjing laughed heartily, lifted his cup, and the Long Princess Xue Lingjun raised hers with both hands, saying, "Royal brother, I toast you."

Translation: Xue Shengjing burst out laughing, lifted his cup before him, and Grand Princess Xue Lingjun raised her cup with both hands, saying, "Imperial Elder Brother, I toast you with a cup!"

Xue Shengjing happily drained his cup and whispered, "Royal sister, you seem to have something on your mind."

Translation: Xue Shengjing happily drained the cup, then whispered, "Imperial Younger Sister seems to have something on her mind?"

The Long Princess Xue Lingjun let out a soft sigh and said, "Don't blame me, royal brother—lately many things have happened, and my mood is as gloomy as this weather."

Translation: Grand Princess Xue Lingjun let out a soft sigh and said, "Don't blame me, Imperial Elder Brother, but lately a lot has happened, and my mood is as gloomy as this weather."

Xue Shengjing laughed and said, "Worries are self‑inflicted; royal sister, why not learn from me, relax, stay out of conflicts, and enjoy life to the fullest."

Translation: Xue Shengjing laughed and said, "Worries are all self‑inflicted; Imperial Younger Sister, why not learn from me, relax your mind, live without contention, and enjoy life to the fullest?"

Xue Daohong added, "Among the royal family, no one else is as open‑minded as the royal uncle."

Translation: Xue Daohong added, "Among the imperial clan, no one else is as open‑minded as the Imperial Uncle."

Xue Shengjing said, "I also owe much to your father; if I didn't have such a good older brother, I don't know how many troubles I'd have." The three laughed, and Xue Shengjing asked, "Royal uncle, you mentioned three great surprises—what is the second one?"

Translation: Xue Shengjing said, "I also owe a lot to your father; if it weren't for having such a good elder brother, I wouldn't know how many troubles I'd have." The three laughed. Then Xue Shengjing said, "Imperial Uncle, you just said there are three great surprises—what is the second one?"

In fact, everyone was also looking forward to Prince Yan's second surprise.

Translation: Actually, everyone was also looking forward to the Prince Yan's second great surprise.

Prince Yan said, "This second surprise is that I've invited the world‑renowned dancer Huo Xiaoru; tonight her music and dance troupe will perform the piece 'Nine Heavens Rippling Wave Dance' for us."

Translation: Prince Yan said, "This second surprise is that I have invited the world‑renowned dancer Huo Xiaoru; tonight her Music Dance Troupe will perform a piece called 'Nine Heavens Ripple Dance' for everyone."

The hall burst into applause; everyone knows the name of Huo Xiaoru, a celebrated performer from Dakang, invited personally by the Empress to teach court music and dance in Da Yong for the Empress Dowager's birthday. The nobles of Da Yong consider it an honor just to see her, let alone watch her perform; during her stay in Da Yong her troupe has performed only inside the palace and never elsewhere, which only adds to their mystique.

Translation: Inside the hall, applause thundered. Who in the world doesn't know the great name of Huo Xiaoru? She is a famous singer from Dakang, invited by the Empress herself to come to Da Yong to teach court music and dance in preparation for the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration. The nobles of Da Yong consider it an honor just to catch a glimpse of her, let alone see her perform. During her time in Da Yong, her Music Dance Troupe has only performed inside the imperial palace and never appeared elsewhere; the rarer it is, the more mysterious the troupe seems.

The fact that Prince Yan Xue Shengjing managed to secure Huo Xiaoru's troupe for his manor banquet shows just how great his influence is.

Translation: That Prince Yan Xue Shengjing could actually secure Huo Xiaoru's Music Dance Troupe to perform at his mansion banquet shows just how great his influence is.

The Crown Prince Xue Daohong was also quite envious; he had previously tried to invite Huo Xiaoru to perform at his own residence, but she politely declined. It was unexpected that his uncle could secure her, and while he felt envy, he also felt a bit resentful, not believing his uncle outranked him—he saw himself as the most likely heir to Da Yong's throne, yet a mere performer like Huo Xiaoru refused to give him face.

Translation: Grand Prince Xue Daohong also felt considerable envy; he had previously tried to invite Huo Xiaoru to perform at his own residence, but she politely declined. It was unexpected that the Imperial Uncle could secure her presence. While he felt envious, he also felt a bit uneasy, for he did not believe the Imperial Uncle's status surpassed his own—he himself was the most likely to inherit the Da Yong realm—and yet a mere performer refused to give him face.

Everyone eagerly awaited the appearance of Huo Xiaoru and her troupe, when Prince Yan Xue Shengjing loudly announced, "Before the splendid dance performance, I will first bring out a few treasures for you to admire and enjoy."

Translation: The crowd stared up in anticipation, hoping to see Huo Xiaoru and her Music Dance Troupe appear, when Prince Yan Xue Shengjing loudly announced, "Before the wonderful song and dance, I will first bring out a few treasures for everyone to appreciate and liven things up!"

Everyone shouted their approval.

Translation: The crowd shouted their approval.

Prince Yan Xue Shengjing gave a signal, and shortly afterward a group of palace guards, led by the chief steward Tie Zhen, entered in single file, bringing several treasures from the manor's treasure tower.

Translation: Prince Yan Xue Shengjing gave a signal, and shortly afterward a group of mansion guards, led by the chief steward Tie Zheng, filed in single file, bringing with them several treasures from the mansion's treasure tower.

First displayed was a censer—a gilt‑silver bamboo‑joint copper censer. Although censers are common, this one has a distinguished pedigree: it was once used by the founding emperor of Da Yong, Xue Juerang. Its design is distinctive: about two feet tall, the base is pierced with a coiling dragon whose head is raised and mouth open, the dragon's mouth grasping a long handle shaped like five bamboo sections; from the top of the handle extend three outward‑curving dragons with raised heads, steadying the censer's body. The censer body is shaped like a Bo Mountain, its lower part decorated with coiling dragon motifs, the base silver‑gilt, the dragon bodies gold‑gilt. The rim of the lid bears an inscription all around, and the censer's true value lies in this inscription, which is taken directly from a short poem by the founding emperor Xue Juerang.

Translation: First displayed before the crowd was a censer—a gilded silver bamboo‑joint copper censer. Although censers are common, this one has a distinguished pedigree: it was once used by the founding emperor of Da Yong, Xue Jiurang. Its design is quite special: about two feet tall, its base is an openwork coiling dragon with head raised and mouth open, the dragon's mouth holding a handle shaped like five bamboo sections, the top of the handle extending outward three curling dragons with heads raised, which steady the censer's body. The body is in the shape of a Boshan mountain, the lower part engraved with coiling dragon patterns, the base color silver‑gilded, the dragon bodies gold‑gilded. The outer rim of the lid is inscribed all around with text; the true value of this censer lies in that inscription, which is taken directly from a short poem by the founding emperor Xue Jiurang.

After the two guards presented the censer, they followed Xue Shengjing's instructions to carry it around the hall for everyone to see.

Translation: After the two guards presented the censer, they then, following Xue Shengjing's orders, carried it around the venue for everyone to see.

Everyone admired the beautifully crafted censer, exclaiming in wonder; the censer itself is already precious, and being an object once used by the founding emperor makes its significance extraordinary.

Translation: Everyone who saw this exquisitely crafted censer could not help but exclaim in wonder; the censer itself is already precious, and being an article used by the founding emperor makes its significance extraordinary.

This is only the beginning; afterwards two warriors lifted the red cloth covering the second treasure, revealing a red coral tree as tall as five chi, the coral tree layered upon layered, showing variegated colors under the lamp light, everyone stared agape; the coral trees they had seen before were merely over two chi tall and already priceless treasures, yet they never expected Prince Yan Xue Shengjing to have collected such a huge one. Even the Crown Prince Xue Daohong could not help but step down to examine the coral tree up close, unable to refrain from clicking his tongue in wonder, let alone his own manor, even the imperial palace had never seen such a large specimen; this uncle manages affairs well, truly worthy of being rich enough to rival a state. Returning to his seat and sitting down, he said with a hint of envy: "Imperial Uncle's collection truly opens Daohong's eyes."

Xue Shengjing laughed and said: "Daohong, your words are mistaken; this is not my collection, but the Xue family's collection. I am merely responsible for gathering rare treasures for the Xue family and also tasked with their safekeeping; I have never harbored the thought of claiming them as my own. Take whatever you like." Possessing jade brings guilt to the innocent, Xue Shengjing certainly understands this principle. He has never concealed anything he possesses, especially before his elder emperor brother; whenever he obtains a priceless treasure, he immediately informs his imperial elder brother, and should his elder brother have any need, he promptly parts with it painfully, never furrowing a brow. Xue Shengjing's conduct is absolutely supremely wise.

Xue Daohong smiled and said: "A gentleman does not take what others love, and everyone's preferences differ; my nephew has no particular interest in these rare treasures." Yet in his heart he secretly reckoned, this Imperial Uncle, leveraging his father the emperor's authority, has reaped many benefits; once he himself ascends the throne, he will surely make him return all these things that rightfully belong to the Xue family.

The Princess Imperial Xue Lingjun said: "These things are neither edible nor useful, and there's nothing particularly remarkable about them."

Prince Yan Xue Shengjing, hearing his sister say that, could not help but burst out laughing loudly, and he proclaimed in a clear voice: "Everyone, have you heard? My imperial younger sister does not fancy these two treasures of mine; what good things have you brought with you? Rather than keep them to yourselves, bring them out to let everyone broaden their horizons. If there is something that can catch my imperial younger sister's eye, I, the prince, will exchange one of these two treasures for it." Xue Shengjing's move is exceedingly clever, making clear the theme of tonight's banquet: please come not just to eat for free, but to see what treasures you possess. Incidentally, he also tells everyone not to bring out ordinary items to embarrass themselves; at the very least, they should be comparable in value to the two treasures he has produced. (To be continued~^~)