Chapter 821

Original Chinese:

After finishing breakfast, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan tidied up their bowls, chopsticks, and food containers, putting them back where they belonged, then neatened the thatched hut they had stayed in, closed the door, led the little gray horse away quietly. Actually Hu Xiaotian still had some questions he wanted to ask Master Yuanmu in person, but since the master didn't want to see him, he naturally couldn't insist. One must know that the more reclusive the sage, the quirkier his temperament; some things are better not forced.

Breakdown:

"After finishing breakfast, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan tidied up the bowls, chopsticks, and food boxes, putting them back in their original places, then they neatened the thatched hut they had stayed in, after that they closed the door, leading Little Grey away quietly. Actually Hu Xiaotian still had some questions he wanted to ask Master Yuanmu face to face, but since the other party didn't want to meet, he naturally couldn't insist. One must know that the more reclusive the expert, the quirkier their temperament; some things are better not forced."

We need to keep it concise but include all info.

Let's craft: "After breakfast, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan cleaned up the bowls, chopsticks, and food boxes, returning them to their original spots, then tidied the thatched hut they had stayed in, closed the door, led Little Grey away quietly. Hu Xiaotian still had a few questions he wanted to ask Master Yuanmu in person, but since the master didn't wish to see him, he naturally couldn't press the matter. As one knows, the more reclusive the expert, the quirkier their temperament; some things are better not forced."

Check we included all: yes.

Now line 【2】:

Lingyin Temple could be considered the turning point of their journey this time. Compared to the gloom and misery when they arrived, their mood now was bright and cheerful, full of sunshine and joy. Although Huo Shengnan now rode the horse while Hu Xiaotian walked, they both felt a sense of rebirth after escaping desperation. Hu Xiaotian felt refreshed from regaining freedom and encountering happy events, while Huo Shengnan swept away the gloom from this experience—any false accusations, any leaving home behind were all cast aside. What more could go wrong? Leaving Da Yong, who knows their lives might become even more splendid? With Hu Xiaotian, this lively treasure, by their side, each day seems different from before.

Translate: "Lingyin Temple could be said to be the turning point of their journey this time; compared to the gloom and misery on the way there, their mood had become bright and cheerful by the time they left. Although it was Huo Shengnan who rode the horse and Hu Xiaotian who walked, they both felt a sense of rebirth after escaping desperation. Hu Xiaotian felt refreshed from regaining freedom and encountering joy, while Huo Shengnan, thanks to this experience, had swept away the gloom in her heart—whatever false accusations, whatever leaving home behind, all were tossed aside. What harm could there be? Leaving Da Yong, who knows their lives won't become even more splendid? With Hu Xiaotian, this lively treasure, by their side, it seems each day passes differently than before."

Check we included all: yes.

Line 【3】:

Leaving Grizzly Bear Valley, they headed toward Shaoyuan. Since Huo Shengnan's human-skin mask was destroyed and Hu Xiaotian had no spare usable one, Huo Shengnan had to dress as a man. After all, they were still within Da Yong's borders, where Huo Shengnan's maritime arrest warrants were everywhere, so they dared not draw attention. They abandoned their original plan to rest and adjust in Shaoyuan for a while, instead bypassing Shaoyuan and heading east, taking the route to East Liang Commandery, where they boarded a ship to sail downstream along the Yong River toward Wuxing Prefecture.

Translate: "Leaving Grey Bear Valley, they headed toward Shaoyuan. Since Huo Shengnan's human-skin mask was destroyed and Hu Xiaotian had no spare usable one, Huo Shengnan had to dress as a man. After all, they were still within Da Yong's borders, where Huo Shengnan's maritime arrest warrants were everywhere; they dared not draw too much attention. They thus abandoned their original plan to rest and recuperate in Shaoyuan for a while, instead bypassing Shaoyuan and heading east, passing through Dongliang Jun where they boarded a ship to sail downstream along the Yongjiang River toward Wuxing Jun."

Check: we included all details.

Line 【4】:

Along this route they encountered no danger or obstacles—no pursuit by Da Yong officials, no obstruction from the Sword Palace. Their luck began to improve after Lingyin Temple; Hu Xiaotian deliberately slowed their pace to allow Huo Shengnan's body to recover. Upon arriving at East Liang Commandery, their injuries had fully healed. Although they kept bickering the whole way, it wasn't that they disliked each other irreconcilably; later on, their exchanges took on a flirtatious, teasing tone.

Note there is a stray period after "Upon arriving at East Liang Commandery." We'll translate as is.

Translate: "Along the way there was no danger or mishap; they encountered neither the Da Yong army's manhunt nor any obstruction from the Sword Palace. Their luck had improved since Lingyin Temple, and Hu Xiaotian deliberately slowed their pace to let Huo Shengnan recover. By the time they reached Dongliang Jun, both of their injuries had fully healed. Although they kept bickering the whole way, it wasn't that they disliked each other; rather, their exchanges grew increasingly flirtatious."

Check we included all: yes.

Line 【5】:

At Xia Sha Port in the southern part of East Liang Commandery, they secured a merchant ship from Dakang. Boarding it, they sailed south with the current and would reach Wuxing Prefecture by noon the next day. That place falls under Dakang's jurisdiction.

Translate: "In the Xia Sha Port of southern Dongliang Jun they secured a merchant ship from Dakang. Boarding it, they would sail south with the current and reach Wuxing Jun by noon the next day, which lay within Dakang's jurisdiction."

Line 【6】:

Hu Xiaotian stabled the horses in the hold's livestock pen, then went up on deck. He saw Huo Shengnan leaning alone on the rail, gazing northward. Da Yong and Dakang are separated by the Yong River; once the ship crosses the river's center, it has left Da Yong. Although Huo Shengnan's heart was no longer as gloomy as before, it was inevitable to feel a pang of sorrow at the moment of departure. After this farewell, she wondered when she would ever return to Da Yong's soil.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian stabled the horses in the livestock pen below deck, then went up to the deck. He saw Huo Shengnan leaning alone on the rail, gazing northward. Da Yong and Dakang are separated by the Yongjiang River; once a ship crosses the river's midpoint, it has left Da Yong. Although Huo Shengnan's heart was no longer as gloomy as a few days ago, at the moment of departure she inevitably felt a pang of regret. After this parting, who knows when she will be able to return to Da Yong's soil?"

Line 【7】:

Hu Xiaotian came to her side and smiled, asking, "Missing home?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian came to her side and smiled, asking, "Missing home?""

Line 【8】:

Huo Shengnan let out a soft sigh and said, "I already have no home to return to; I just suddenly felt some emotions. This is still Da Yong territory. In a little while we'll be in Dakang."

Translate: "Huo Shengnan let out a faint sigh and said, "I have no home to return to anymore; I'm just suddenly feeling sentimental. This is still Da Yong territory, and we'll be in Dakang before long.""

Line 【9】:

Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes, looking toward the not‑far‑off East Liang Commandery, and said, "Actually, this is already Dakang's territory, isn't it?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes at the not‑far‑off Dongliang Jun and said, "Actually, this place already belongs to Dakang, doesn't it?""

Line 【10】:

Huo Shengnan stared in surprise and said, "What?"

Translate: "Huo Shengnan exclaimed, "What?""

Line 【11】:

Hu Xiaotian then, before coming here, the Da Yong Emperor Xu Shengkang had specially summoned him to the imperial palace, presented a great gift to Dakang, and returned Dongliang Jun to Dakang as an apology for Princess Anping's death.

Before Hu Xiaotian arrived, the Yong Emperor Xu Shengkang specially summoned him to the palace, gave Dakang a generous gift, and returned Dongliang Commandery to Dakang as an apology for Princess Anping's death.

We need to keep meaning: "Hu Xiaotian then, before coming here, the Da Yong Emperor Xu Shengkang had specially summoned him to the imperial palace, presented a great gift to Dakang, and returned Dongliang Jun to Dakang as an apology for Princess Anping's death."

Line 【12】:

Huo Shengnan furrowed her brows. She couldn't believe the emperor would actually give away East Liang Commandery, for which countless soldiers had sacrificed their lives to seize, as a gift. This commandery is one of Da Yong's key river‑front fortresses. Giving it to Dakang would be like throwing open the doors of their own country to the enemy. Yet upon further thought, Huo Shengnan realized it wasn't that simple; given Emperor Xu Shengkang's wisdom, he would never do such a foolish thing—there must be his own motive behind it.

Translate: "Huo Shengnan furrowed her brows. It was unthinkable that His Majesty would so readily give away Dongliang Jun, which had just been won at the cost of countless soldiers' lives—a key riverside fortress of Da Yong. Handing it over to Dakang would be like flinging open the nation's gate to the enemy. Yet upon reflection, Huo Shengnan realized it wasn't that simple; given Emperor Xu Shengkang's wisdom, he would never do such a foolish thing—there must be his own motive."

Line 【13】:

Hu Xiaotian said, "I have to say, your Majesty certainly plays a clever hand."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said, "I have to say, your Majesty certainly plays a shrewd hand.""

Line 【14】:

Huo Shengnan smiled and said, "I don't understand what you mean; it sounds like you still hold some grudge against him."

Translate: "Huo Shengnan smiled and replied, "I don't understand what you mean; it sounds like you still hold some grudge against him.""

Line 【15】:

Hu Xiaotian said, "On the surface they gave a city to Dakang, but in reality it's a hidden move. If our emperor accepts this city, do you think they'd station troops there?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said, "On the surface they gave a city to Dakang, but in fact it's a hidden move—if our emperor accepts that city, wouldn't they station troops there?""

Line 【16】:

Huo Shengnan replied, "Which city doesn't have a commander? Of course they'd send troops to take over."

Translate: "Huo Shengnan answered, "Which city doesn't have a commander? Of course they'd send troops to take over.""

Line 【17】:

Hu Xiaotian said, "Nominally Dakang takes over, but an isolated city left on the north bank of the Yong River—if the Da Yong emperor wants it back, he can reclaim it whenever he wishes. If our emperor sees through his plan, all well; but if he truly thinks he's gotten a bargain and strengthens defenses in East Liang Commandery, it will be like throwing a meat‑filled bun at a dog—gone with no return."

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said, "Nominally Dakang takes over, but an isolated city left on the north bank of the Yongjiang River—if the Da Yong emperor wants it back, he can reclaim it whenever he wishes. If our emperor sees through his scheme, all well; but if he truly believes he's gotten a bargain and strengthens defenses in Dongliang Jun, it will be like throwing a meat‑filled bun at a dog—gone with no return.""

Line 【18】:

Huo Shengnan had actually sensed Emperor Xu Shengkang's intention all along, but found it inconvenient to say. Hearing Hu Xiaotian's clear‑cut analysis, she couldn't help but sigh and say, "It looks like the emperor's thoughts have been completely laid bare by you; East Liang Commandery is very likely to become a case of throwing a meat‑filled bun at a dog—gone with no return."

Translate: "Huo Shengnan had actually long sensed Emperor Xu Shengkang's intention, but found it hard to voice. Hearing Hu Xiaotian's analysis, she couldn't help but sigh and say, "It looks like Your Majesty's thoughts have been completely laid bare by you; Dongliang Jun is very likely to become a meat‑bun‑at‑a‑dog situation—gone with no return.""

Line 【19】:

The two exchanged a glance and couldn't help laughing together.

Translate: "The two exchanged a glance and then burst out laughing together."

Line 【20】:

At this moment, several more people boarded the merchant ship, among them a man and woman who drew considerable attention. Their attire and bearing exuded noble elegance—the man handsome and upright, the woman charming and lovely, truly a perfect couple. Yet the woman showed a hint of anxiety; after stepping onto the deck she kept glancing backward, while the man put his arm around her slender waist and whispered a few words in her ear.

Translate: "At that moment, several more people boarded the merchant ship, among them a man and woman who drew considerable attention. Their attire gave off an aristocratic air; the man was handsome and upright, the woman lovely and graceful—truly a perfect pair. Yet the woman betrayed a hint of alarm, continually glancing aft after stepping onto the deck, while the man put his arm around her waist and whispered a few words in her ear."

Line 【21】:

Hu Xiaotian, sharp‑eyed and keen‑eared, immediately heard the man say, "Don't be afraid; once the ship sets sail, they'll never be able to catch up." He felt a faint strangeness, his gaze following the woman's silhouette. He saw the man toss a gold ingot to the ship's boss, who immediately bowed and scraped, leading them to a first‑class cabin.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian's sharp ears and eyes caught the man's words at once: "Don't worry; once the ship sets sail, they'll never be able to catch up." He felt a faint oddity, his gaze following the woman's silhouette, and saw the man toss a gold ingot to the ship's owner, who immediately bowed and scraped to lead them to a first‑class cabin."

Line 【22】:

Seeing Huo Xiaotian fixed on the woman's back, Huo Shengnan shot him a glare and said, "You lecher!"

Translate: "Seeing Huo Shengnan staring fixedly at the woman's back, Huo Shengnan glared at him and snapped, "Lecher!""

Line 【23】:

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Are you jealous?"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Are you jealous?""

Line 【24】:

Huo Shengnan replied, "Just you? Hehe!"

Translate: "Huo Shengnan retorted, "Just you? Heh!""

Line 【25】:

Hu Xiaotian said, "I'd certainly be stronger than that pretty‑boy!"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian said, "I'm definitely stronger than that pretty‑boy!""

Line 【26】:

The merchant ship finally weighed anchor; the deck filled with people waving farewell. Though they traveled together, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan felt completely opposite—one was returning to his native land, the other leaving his homeland behind. Hu Xiaotian knew it was best to let Huo Shengnan have some quiet, so he stopped disturbing her and looked around. After a while he still couldn't spot the young couple he had just noticed.

Translate: "The merchant ship finally weighed anchor; the deck filled with people waving farewell. Though traveling together, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan felt worlds apart—one returning to his native land, the other leaving his homeland. Hu Xiaotian knew it was best to let Huo Shengnan have some quiet, so he stopped disturbing her and scanned the surroundings, but after a while he still couldn't spot the young couple he had just seen."

Line 【27】:

As the ship sailed on and grew distant, after leaving the dock most people returned to their cabins, though a few remained on deck admiring the scenery, inevitably chatting about everything and discussing the state of the world. One speaker caught Hu Xiaotian's attention—a middle‑aged scholar waving a folding fan, shaking his head and bobbing his body, who said, "I've heard the Dakang emperor has gone mad; have you heard? Now the Crown Prince is handling state affairs in his stead, while Empress Jian rules from behind the curtain."

Translate: "As the merchant ship sailed on and grew distant from the dock, most people returned to their cabins, though a few remained on deck to admire the scenery, inevitably chatting about everything and discussing the state of the world. One speaker caught Hu Xiaotian's attention: a middle‑aged scholar waving a folding fan, swaying his head, who said, "I've heard the Dakang emperor has gone mad—have you heard? Now the crown prince is handling state affairs in his stead, while Empress Jian rules from behind the curtain.""

Line 【28】:

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but smirk inwardly—this was old news, yet the scholar was spreading it around as if it were fresh gossip.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but smirk inwardly; this was old news from the almanac, yet the scholar was treating it as fresh gossip to spread everywhere."

Line 【29】:

Nevertheless, the scholar's remarks drew a chorus of astonishment. In an age still far from the information era, news of events that had taken place in the Dakang capital a month earlier reaching here was already considered sensational. A crowd chattered on incessantly, until the ship's boss approached and said, "Everyone, better not discuss state affairs, lest you bring trouble upon yourselves."

Translate: "However, the scholar's remarks drew a chorus of astonishment; in this pre‑information age, a month‑old event in Kangdu could already be considered news here. A crowd talked over each other without cease, when the ship's owner approached and said, "Gentlemen, best not discuss state affairs, lest you bring trouble upon yourselves.""

Line 【30】:

The crowd replied, "We've got nothing to fear; the ship is sailing in the middle of the Yong River, which belongs to neither Da Yong nor Dakang, so no one can control us." A group of scholars burst out laughing.

Translate: "The crowd replied, "We've nothing to fear; the ship is sailing in the middle of the Yongjiang River, which belongs to neither Da Yong nor Dakang, so no one can control us." A group of scholars burst out laughing."

Line 【31】:

The ship's boss shook his head, too lazy to bother with these chattering scholars, when at that moment a ragged‑clothed man leaning on the gunwale chuckled and said, "Scholars are good for nothing; all they've been spouting for half an hour is pointless nonsense."

Translate: "The ship's owner shook his head, too lazy to bother with these chattering scholars, when at that moment a ragged man leaning on the gunwale chuckled and said, "Scholars are good for nothing; all they've been spouting for half an hour is pointless drivel.""

Line 【32】:

The scholars, hearing his words, were filled with indignant anger, gathering around the man and saying, "We're speaking here while you eavesdrop; even if you just listened, you still insulted us—why is that?"

Translate: "The scholars, hearing his words, were filled with righteous indignation and surrounded the man, saying, "We're speaking here while you eavesdrop on the side; even if you just listened, insulting us is unacceptable—why do you do this?""

Line 【33】:

The man, with big ears, a purplish complexion, and hair and beard tinged slightly red, bore a fierce look; his cold eyes fixed on the scholars as he said, "Have you heard that something new has happened in the Dakang capital's imperial city?"

Translate: "The man, with big ears, a purplish complexion, and hair and beard tinged reddish, bore a fierce look; his cold eyes fixed on the scholars as he said, "Have you heard that something new has occurred in Kangdu's Imperial City?""

Line 【34】:

A group of scholars laughed and said, "What changes? It's still Ji Feihua calling the shots." It seemed Ji Feihua's fame had already spread across the world.

Translate: "A group of scholars laughed and said, "What changes? It's still Ji Feihua calling the shots." Indeed, Ji Feihua's fame had already spread across the world."

Line 【35】:

The man shook his head and said, "You scholars do nothing but read dead books and treat old rumors you've picked up somewhere as earth‑shattering news, spreading them far and wide. Ji Feihua's failed attempt to assassinate the emperor ended with his suicide; his corpse is now hung outside the Meridian Gate as a public warning."

Translate: "The man shook his head and said, "You scholars do nothing but read dead books; you've picked up some old rumor somewhere and are blowing it out of proportion. Ji Feihua's failed attempt to assassinate the emperor ended in his own suicide, and now his corpse hangs outside the Meridian Gate as a public display.""

Line 【36】:

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked, and Hu Xiaotian felt the shock most deeply—but he immediately dismissed the man's words in his mind: "How could that be? Ji Feihua's martial arts have reached perfection; he has firmly held the Dakang royal family's power, and besides, he commands the capital's hundred‑thousand‑strong Feathered Forest Guard as his backing. He is deep‑scheming and supremely wise—who could defeat him?"

Translate: "Everyone gasped at the words; Hu Xiaotian's inner shock was greatest, yet he immediately dismissed the notion in his mind: How could that be? Ji Feihua's martial arts had reached perfection, he had long held firm control over the Dakang imperial household, and besides he commanded the Imperial City's ten‑thousand‑strong Feather Forest Army as his backing—deep‑cunning, supremely wise, who could defeat him?"

Line 【37】:

The scholars shared the same view; the first to speak said, "This is just rabble‑rousing for attention—deliberately spreading false rumors to attract notice. Who is Ji Feihua? He's the emperor's foremost favorite right now; how could he possibly assassinate the emperor?"

Translate: "The scholars shared the same view; the first speaker said, "This is just sensationalism for attention—deliberately spreading false rumors to draw eyes. Who is Ji Feihua? He's the emperor's foremost favorite today; how could he possibly assassinate the emperor?""

Line 【38】:

The scholars all nodded in agreement, saying, "Pure nonsense; even rumors ought to be fabricated more plausibly."

Translate: "The scholars all nodded in agreement, saying, "Utter nonsense; even rumors ought to be fabricated with some plausibility.""

Line 【39】:

They simply did not believe the man's words at all.

Translate: "They simply did not believe the man's words at all."

Line 【40】:

The man, too lazy to argue with those scholars, turned away and continued to gaze at the river scenery.

Translate: "The man, too lazy to argue with the scholars, turned his back and continued gazing at the river scenery."

Line 【41】:

Hu Xiaotian, however, had his curiosity piqued by the man's remark, walked over, and said to him, "Sir, did you just say Ji Feihua is dead?"

Translate: "But Hu Xiaotian, his curiosity piqued by the man's remark, walked over and said to him, "Sir, you just said Ji Feihua is dead?""

Line 【42】:

The man glanced at him and replied unfriendly, "Do we even know each other?"

Translate: "The man glanced at him and replied unfriendly, "Do we even know each other?""

Line 【43】:

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "All under heaven are brothers!"

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "All under heaven are brothers!""

Line 【44】:

The man sneered, "I don't have a brother like you; you're young and up to no good, abducting respectable women—watch out for karmic retribution."

Translate: "The man sneered, "I don't have a brother like you; you're a good‑for‑nothing youth who leads honest women astray—watch out for karmic retribution.""

Line 【45】:

Hu Xiaotian was torn between laughter and tears—he never expected to be accused of being a scoundrel who eloped after kidnapping virtuous women. The man had no desire to say more and turned, already heading toward the hold.

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian could only laugh and cry at the same time; he never expected to be mistaken for a scoundrel who elopes with respectable women. The man had no desire to say more and turned, already heading below deck."

Line 【46】:

The hold housed ordinary folk, while the truly wealthy patrons were placed in the ship's six first‑class cabins.

Translate: "The lower deck housed ordinary folk, while the truly wealthy patrons were placed in the ship's six upper‑class cabins."

Line 【47】:

Hu Xiaotian wasn't short of gold either, so he naturally picked the cabin with the best conditions. Seeing the sky darken again, he took out his jade pixiu, divined that a storm was imminent, and called Huo Shengnan to join him inside the cabin. (To be continued…~^~)

Translate: "Hu Xiaotian wasn't short of gold either; he naturally picked the cabin with the best conditions. Seeing the sky darken again, he took out his jade pixiu to divine that a storm was imminent, and so summoned Huo Shengnan to retreat to the cabin together. (To be continued…~^~)"

Now we need to output each line as "【N】 translation". Ensure each translation is on a single line, no line breaks inside.

===TITLE=== Chapter 371: 【Walls Have Ears】 (Part 1)

Chapter 371: 【Walls Have Ears】 (Part 1)

Now

Spirit Sound Temple could be said to be the turning point of their journey this time; compared to the gloomy clouds on the way there, their mood had become bright and cheerful when they left. Although the one riding horse had become Huo Shengnan and the one on foot had become Hu Xiaotian, they both felt a sense of rebirth after escaping a desperate situation. Hu Xiaotian felt refreshed from regaining freedom and encountering joy, while Huo Shengnan also swept away the gloom in her heart from this experience—any false accusations, any leaving home behind were all tossed to the back of her mind; what more could go wrong? Leaving Da Yong, who knows her life won't become even more splendid? With Hu Xiaotian, this lively treasure, by her side, it seems each day passes differently than before.

They left Gray Bear Valley and headed toward Shao Yuan, because Huo Shengnan's human-skin mask was destroyed and Hu Xiaotian had no spare usable one, so Huo Shengnan had to dress as a man; after all, they were still within Da Yong's borders, where Huo Shengnan's maritime arrest warrants were everywhere, and they dared not be too conspicuous. Their original plan to rest and recuperate in Shao Yuan for a while was abandoned; they detoured past Shao Yuan, heading east all the way, taking the route through Dongliang Jun where they boarded a ship to sail downstream along the Yong River toward Wu Xing Jun.

There was no danger along the way; they encountered neither Da Yong's military searches nor Jian Palace's blockades. Their fortune began to improve after Spirit Sound Temple, and Hu Xiaotian deliberately slowed his pace to let Huo Shengnan recover. When they arrived at Dongliang Jun, both of their injuries had fully healed. Although they kept bickering the whole way, it was not that they disliked each other to the point of being incompatible; later on, their exchanges grew more flirtatious.

They secured a merchant ship from Dakang at Lower Sand Port in the southern part of Dongliang Jun; boarding it, they would sail south with the current and reach Wu Xing Jun by noon tomorrow. That place falls under Dakang's jurisdiction.

Hu Xiaotian stabled the horses in the lower hold's livestock pen, then went up on deck and saw Huo Shengnan leaning alone on the rail, gazing northward. Da Yong and Dakang are separated by the Yong River; once the ship passes the river's center, it has left Da Yong. Although Huo Shengnan's heart was no longer as gloomy as before, she inevitably felt a pang of sorrow at the moment of departure. After this parting, who knows when she will be able to return to Da Yong's land?

Hu Xiaotian came to her side and smiled, asking, 'Missing home?'

Huo Shengnan sighed softly and said, 'I already have no home to return to; I just suddenly felt some sentiment. This is still Da Yong territory, but we'll be entering Dakang's borders shortly.'

Hu Xiaotian narrowed his eyes at the not‑far‑off Dongliang Jun and said, 'Actually, this place already belongs to Dakang, doesn't it?'

Huo Shengnan exclaimed in surprise, 'What?'

Before Hu Xiaotian arrived, the Da Yong Emperor Xue Shengkang had specially summoned him to the palace, presented a great gift to Dakang, and by returning Dongliang Jun to Dakang expressed his apology for the death of Princess Anping.

Huo Shengnan furrowed her brows. She never expected His Majesty to be willing to give away Dongliang Jun, which had just been won at the cost of countless soldiers' lives, for Dongliang Jun is one of Da Yong's key river‑front strongholds. Giving it to Dakang would be tantamount to flinging open the gates of their own country—yet Huo Shengnan, upon reflection, realized it couldn't be that simple; given Emperor Xue Shengkang's wisdom, he would never do such a foolish thing, so there must be some motive behind it.

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I have to say, Your Majesty sure plays a clever hand.'

Huo Shengnan smiled and said, 'I don't understand what you mean; it sounds like you still hold some grudge against him.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'On the surface they gave a city to Dakang, but in reality it's a hidden move—if our Emperor accepts that city, do you think they'll station troops there?'

Huo Shengnan said, 'Which city doesn't have a commander? Of course they'll send troops to take over.'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'Nominally it's Dakang taking over, but a lone city left on the north bank of the Yong River—Da Yong's Emperor could reclaim it whenever he wished. If our Emperor can see through his scheme, that's fine; but if he truly thinks he's gotten a bargain and strengthens defenses in Dongliang Jun, it will surely be like throwing a meat‑bun at a dog—gone for good.'

Huo Shengnan had actually long sensed Emperor Xue Shengkang's intention, but found it inconvenient to say; hearing Hu Xiaotian's thorough analysis, she couldn't help but sigh, 'It seems Your Majesty's thoughts have been completely laid bare by you—Dongliang Jun is very likely to become a meat‑bun thrown at a dog, never to return.'

The two exchanged a glance and couldn't help laughing together.

At that moment, several more people boarded the merchant ship, among them a man and woman who drew considerable attention. Both were dressed in a manner that exuded noble bearing; the man was handsome and tall, the woman lovely and graceful—truly a perfect pair. Yet the woman showed a hint of alarm, and after stepping onto the deck she kept glancing backward, while the man put his arm around her slender waist and whispered a few words in her ear.

Hu Xiaotian's keen ears and eyes immediately caught the man's words: 'Don't be afraid; once the ship sets sail, they won't be able to catch up.' He felt a faint oddity, his gaze following the woman's silhouette, and saw the man toss a gold ingot to the ship's boss, who promptly bowed and scraped to lead him to a upper‑class cabin.

Seeing Hu Xiaotian fixated on the woman's back, Huo Shengnan glared at him and snapped, 'Lecher!'

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, 'Are you jealous?'

Huo Shengnan replied, 'With you? Hah!'

Hu Xiaotian said, 'I'm definitely stronger than that pretty‑boy!'

The merchant ship finally weighed anchor; the deck was crowded with people waving farewell. Though traveling together, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan felt completely opposite—one was returning to his native soil, the other leaving his homeland. Hu Xiaotian knew it was best to let Huo Shengnan have some quiet, so he stopped disturbing her and let his gaze wander, but after a while he still didn't see the young couple he had just noticed.

The ship sailed on, growing distant from the pier; most people returned to their cabins, though a few remained on deck to admire the scenery, inevitably chatting and Tan tianshuodi, discussing the state of the world. One man's voice caught Hu Xiaotian's attention—a middle‑aged scholar waving a folding fan, swaying his head as he said, 'Have you heard that the Emperor of Dakang has gone mad? Now the Crown Prince is handling state affairs, and Empress Jian is governing from behind the curtain.'

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but smirk inwardly; this was old news from the almanac, yet the scholar was treating it as fresh gossip to spread everywhere.

However, the middle‑aged scholar's remarks drew a chorus of astonishment; in this age still far from the information era, an event that had taken place in Kangdu a month ago could already reach here as news. A crowd chattered on without cease, when the ship's boss approached and said, 'Everyone, better not discuss state affairs, lest you bring trouble upon yourselves.'

The crowd replied, 'We've nothing to fear; the ship is sailing in the middle of the Yong River, which belongs to neither Da Yong nor Dakang, so no one can control us.' A group of scholars burst out laughing.

The ship's boss shook his head, too lazy to bother with those scholars' idle chatter, when at that moment a ragged man leaning on the gunwale chuckled and said, 'Scholars are utterly useless; all they've been spouting for half an hour is pointless nonsense.'

The scholars, hearing his words, all felt indignant and surrounded the man, saying, 'We are speaking here while you eavesdrop from the side; even if you just listened, you still insult us—what is the meaning of this?'

The man, with big ears, a purplish complexion, and faintly reddish hair and beard, his appearance bearing a fierce air, coldly stared at the scholars and said, 'Have you heard that something new has happened in the Huangcheng of Kangdu?'

A group of scholars laughed and said, 'What changes? It's still Ji Feihua calling the shots.' It seemed Ji Feihua's fame had already spread across the world.

The man shook his head and said, 'You scholars do nothing but read dead books, taking some old rumor you heard somewhere and blowing it up as major news—Ji Feihua's failed assassination attempt on the Emperor already ended in his suicide, and now his corpse is hung outside the Meridian Gate as a public display.'

Everyone gasped at the words, Hu Xiaotian's inner shock being the greatest, yet he immediately dismissed the man's claim in his mind—how could it be? Ji Feihua's martial arts had reached perfection; he had long firmly held the Dakang imperial authority, and besides, he commanded the Huangcheng's ten‑thousand‑strong Feather Forest Army as his backing. With his deep scheming and extraordinary wisdom, who could defeat him?

The scholars shared the same view; the first to speak said, 'This is simply stirring up trouble to win favor—deliberately spreading false rumors to attract attention. Who is Ji Feihua? He is the Emperor's foremost favorite at court; how could he possibly assassinate the Emperor?'

A group of scholars nodded in agreement, saying, 'Pure nonsense; even rumors should be fabricated to sound plausible.'

They simply did not believe the man's words at all.

The man, too lazy to argue with the scholars, turned his back and continued to gaze at the river scenery.

Hu Xiaotian, however, had his curiosity piqued by the man's remark; he walked over and said to him, 'Sir, you just said Ji Feihua is dead?'

The man glanced at him and replied unfriendly, 'Do we even know each other?'

Hu Xiaotian laughed, 'All under heaven are brothers!'

The man snorted coldly, 'I don't have a brother like you; you young rascal, up to no good—beware of kidnapping respectable women, or you'll meet retribution.'

Hu Xiaotian blinked in surprise; the man glanced toward the distant Huo Shengnan, clearly having seen through her disguise as a man.

Hu Xiaotian could only laugh and cry at the same time; he never expected to be mistaken for a scoundrel who eloped with a respectable woman. The man had no desire to say more and turned, already heading toward the lower hold.

The lower hold was occupied by ordinary folk, while the truly wealthy patrons had been placed in the ship's six upper‑class cabins.

Hu Xiaotian was not short of silver either; he naturally picked the cabin with the best conditions. Seeing the sky grow overcast again, he took out his jade pixiu, divined that a storm was imminent, and called Huo Shengnan to retreat to the cabin together. (To be continued~^~)