Chapter 934

After Long Xuan'en regained power, Hong Beimo undoubtedly became the foremost contributor to this restoration; the Tianji Bureau he headed quickly regained its former glory, even surpassing it.

Translation: After Long Xuan'en regained his position, Hong Beimo undoubtedly became the foremost contributor to this restoration; the Heavenly Secrets Bureau he headed quickly regained its former glory, even surpassing it.

Note: The meanings are: "undoubtedly became" and "foremost contributor" (also could be "chief meritorious official"). We'll keep concise.

We must not add explanation. Keep meaning.

Let's produce: After Long Xuan'en regained his position, Hong Beimo undoubtedly became the foremost contributor to this restoration; the Heavenly Secrets Bureau he headed quickly regained its former glory, even surpassing it.

Hu Xiaotian had passed the gate of the Tianji Bureau more than once before, but had never entered; today he came ostensibly to look for Baobao, but his pretense was to request an audience with Hong Beimo. Hu Xiaotian and Hong Beimo had never dealt directly, although they had clashed a few times, all in the shadows.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian had passed the gate of the Heavenly Secrets Bureau more than once before, but had never entered; today he came looking for Baobao, yet his pretext was to request an audience with Hong Beimo—Hu Xiaotian and Hong Beimo had never dealt directly, although they had clashed a few times, always in the shadows.

Note: The meanings are: "had never dealt directly", "clashed a few times", and "in the shadows". We'll keep concise.

Today, Hu Xiaotian specially brought two boxes of tea leaves.

Translation: Today Hu Xiaotian specially brought two boxes of tea leaves.

Upon hearing that Hu Xiaotian had voluntarily requested an audience, Hong Beimo felt somewhat surprised; he was also curious about this young man. After Hu Xiaotian killed several of his subordinates at the Tianlong Temple, Hong Beimo finally gave him due attention.

Translation: Upon hearing that Hu Xiaotian had voluntarily requested an audience, Hong Beimo felt somewhat surprised; he was also curious about this young man—after Hu Xiaotian killed several of his subordinates at the Heavenly Dragon Temple, Hong Beimo finally gave him due attention.

Note: The meanings are: "killed several of his subordinates" and "finally gave him due attention". We'll keep concise.

Hong Beimo had someone escort Hu Xiaotian to the Observatory Platform. Upon arriving at the highest point of the Tianji Bureau, Hu Xiaotian saw Hong Beimo personally brewing tea in the star‑gazing pavilion. Judging by appearance alone, this slender‑looking middle‑aged man bore no trace of arrogance; instead he gave the impression of a gentleman, gentle and jade‑like in his graceful bearing.

Translation: Hong Beimo had someone summon Hu Xiaotian to the Observation Platform; upon arriving at the highest point of the Heavenly Secrets Bureau, Hu Xiaotian saw Hong Beimo personally brewing tea in the Observation Pavilion. Judging by appearance alone, this slender‑looking middle‑aged man bore no trace of domineering aura; instead he gave the impression of a gentleman, gentle and jade‑like in his graceful bearing.

Note: The meanings are: "slender‑looking" and "the impression of a gentleman, gentle and jade‑like in his graceful bearing". We'll keep concise.

Hong Beimo smiled and said, "Chief Hu, please have a seat."

Translation: Hong Beimo smiled and said, "Chief Hu, please have a seat."

Note: The meaning is "Chief Hu". We'll keep concise.

Hu Xiaotian smiled, set down the two boxes of tea leaves, and said, "This is my first visit; please accept this modest gift."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian smiled, set down the two boxes of tea leaves he was holding, and said, "This is my first visit; this modest gift is merely a token."

Hong Beimo chuckled lightly and said, "Chief Hu, you're being overly polite."

Translation: Hong Beimo chuckled lightly and said, "Chief Hu, you are indeed polite."

He poured the brewed tea into a blue‑and‑white porcelain cup; the tea's clear yellow hue was pleasing to the eye, and a fragrant aroma quietly filled the star‑gazing pavilion, leaving those who smelled it feeling refreshed and clear‑headed.

Translation: He poured the brewed tea into a blue‑and‑white porcelain teacup; the tea's clear yellow hue was pleasing to the eye, and a fragrance quietly filled the Observation Pavilion, leaving those who smelled it feeling refreshed and clear‑headed.

Note: The meanings are: "the tea's clear yellow hue was pleasing to the eye" and "leaving those who smelled it feeling refreshed and clear‑headed". We'll keep concise.

Hong Beimo presented one cup of tea with both hands to Hu Xiaotian; given his current status and rank, this gesture already showed sufficient courtesy and respect toward Hu Xiaotian. Hu Xiaotian hastily reached out to take it, inhaled the aroma, and, somewhat intoxicated, closed his eyes and said, "Excellent tea!"

Translation: Hong Beimo presented one cup of tea with both hands to Hu Xiaotian; given his current status and rank, this gesture already showed sufficient courtesy and respect toward Hu Xiaotian, who hastily reached out to take it, inhaled the aroma, and, somewhat intoxicated, closed his eyes and said, "Excellent tea!"

Hong Beimo said, "To judge good tea, first observe its color, then smell its aroma; the most crucial part is tasting it on the palate. If the color and aroma are satisfactory but the taste fails to meet heightened expectations, the drinker will surely be disappointed."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "To judge good tea, one must first observe its color, then smell its aroma; the most crucial part is tasting it on the palate. If the first two are satisfactory but the taste upon swallowing fails to meet heightened expectations, disappointment is inevitable."

Note: The meanings are: "tasting it on the palate" and "if the first two are satisfactory but the taste upon swallowing fails to meet heightened expectations". We'll keep concise.

Hu Xiaotian took a sip of tea. A delicate fragrance quietly permeated his throat, then fully blossomed at the back of his throat, making his entire inner body feel soaked in the tea's rich aroma; so comfortable that it seemed all his pores opened. He could not help but admit he had never tasted such superb tea in his life, and after savoring it a while he added, "Excellent tea!"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian took a sip. A faint fragrance quietly permeated his throat; the aroma fully volatilized at his throat, making his five viscera and six bowels feel steeped in the tea's rich fragrance, so comfortable that his pores seemed to open all over. He could not help but admit he had never tasted such superb tea in his life; after savoring it a while, he praised again, "Excellent tea!"

A faint smile touched Hong Beimo's lips. Even though they stood on opposing sides, he still longed to hear praise; sometimes an enemy's compliment is more credible than a friend's.

Translation: A faint smile touched Hong Beimo's lips. Even though we stand on opposing sides, I still long to hear praise; sometimes an enemy's commendation is more credible than a friend's.

Hu Xiaotian opened his eyes and said, "Mr. Hong, your tea skill is the finest I have ever seen."

Note: There's a stray quote at end. We'll translate as: Hu Xiaotian opened his eyes and said, "Mr. Hong's tea skill is the finest I have ever seen in my life."

Note: The meaning is "the finest" (also "the best"); we used "the finest I have ever seen". We'll keep concise.

Hong Beimo replied, "What do you mean by 'number one'? The world's affairs are myriad and boundless; what we see is not the whole of it. Sitting in the star‑gazing pavilion, we only see each other, yet besides

Translation: Hong Beimo replied, "What does 'number one' even mean in the world? Affairs are myriad and complex, boundless and limitless; what we see does not represent the whole of reality. Sitting in the Observation Pavilion, we see only each other, yet besides you and me there remain countless people in the world—not that they do not exist, but because our field of vision is limited."

Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Mr. Hong, every word you speak is profound wisdom; hearing you once is better than reading ten years of sages' books."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian nodded and said, "Mr. Hong, every word of yours is a Zen insight; hearing you speak once is better than reading ten years of sages' books."

Hong Beimo said, "Chief Hu, you flatter me." He gently set down his teacup and calmly asked, "Chief Hu, what brings you here today?"

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "Chief Hu flatters me." He gently set down his teacup, then calmly asked, "Chief Hu, what brings you here today to seek advice?"

Hu Xiaotian wanted to speak but held back.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian wanted to speak but hesitated.

Hong Beimo smiled and said, "No problem; we serve in the same court—feel free to speak openly."

Translation: Hong Beimo smiled and said, "No problem; as officials serving the same palace, speak freely whatever is on your mind."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Mr. Hong, may I see Baobao?" For such a perceptive person as Mr. Hong, it's best to state one's thoughts directly.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "Mr. Hong, may I be allowed to see Baobao?" For such a perceptive person as Hong Beimo, it is best to state one's thoughts directly.

Hong Beimo replied, "Sure!" and then called out, "Go fetch Baobao!"

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "Sure!" and immediately called out, "Go fetch Baobao!"

Hu Xiaotian hadn't expected Hong Beimo to agree so readily; he was somewhat surprised, but the thought of reuniting with Baobao after a long separation made him feel excited.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian had not expected Hong Beimo to agree so readily; he felt somewhat surprised, yet the thought of soon reuniting with Baobao after a long separation stirred his emotions.

Hong Beimo remarked offhandedly, "A couple of days ago Princess Yongyang came to see me and said some things; I'm still completely in the dark about it."

Translation: Hong Beimo remarked offhandedly, "A couple of days ago Princess Yongyang came to see me and said some things; to this day I remain utterly baffled."

What matter?

Translation: "What matter?"

Hong Beimo said, "The princess accused me of sending people to plot the assassination of Chief Hu."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "The Princess accused me of sending people to plot your assassination."

It should be said that this meeting with Hong Beimo was still quite unexpected for Hu Xiaotian; he had thought Hong Beimo would avoid the subject, given that he himself had planned the assassination and ought to feel guilty and steer clear, yet Hong Beimo actually brought it up himself.

Translation: One should say that this meeting with Hong Beimo was still quite unexpected; Hu Xiaotian had thought Hong Beimo would avoid the subject, given that he himself had orchestrated the assassination attempt and ought to feel guilty and steer clear, yet it never occurred to him that Hong Beimo would bring it up voluntarily.

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Indeed, there have been such incidents; a few people tried to scheme against me, but I discovered them in time. Otherwise, I might never have had the chance to sit and drink tea with Mr. Hong in my lifetime—I wonder if they were acting on his orders."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian laughed and said, "Indeed, there have been such incidents; several people tried to scheme against me, but I discovered them in time—otherwise I might never have had the chance to sit and drink tea with Mr. Hong in this lifetime. I wonder whether they were acting under his orders."

Hong Beimo smiled at Hu Xiaotian and said, "This is a long story, but they were indeed sent by me, and I did order them to eliminate you."

Translation: Hong Beimo smiled at Hu Xiaotian and said, "This is a long story, but those people were indeed sent by me, and I did indeed order them to eliminate you."

Hu Xiaotian was genuinely surprised—he never expected Hong Beimo to admit this to his face. He nodded, showing no anger on his face, and asked, "Mr. Hong, why would you do this?" It seemed as if they were discussing someone unrelated to him; after weathering so many storms, Hu Xiaotian had become increasingly steady.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian was genuinely taken aback—he never expected Hong Beimo to admit this to his face. He nodded, showing no trace of anger on his face, and asked, "Mr. Hong, why would you do such a thing?" It was as if they were discussing someone utterly unrelated to him; after weathering so many storms, Hu Xiaotian had become ever more composed.

Hong Beimo inwardly praised, "This kid is quite extraordinary." He remained calm, refilled Hu Xiaotian's tea, poured himself a cup, took a sip, and then said, "Because in the past I did not fully recognize your importance, I regarded you as merely a dispensable figure."

Translation: Hong Beimo inwardly praised, "This kid is quite extraordinary." He unhurriedly refilled Hu Xiaotian's tea, poured himself a cup, took a sip, and then said, "Because previously I had not fully grasped Chief Hu's importance, I regarded you as a mere dispensable figure."

This reason once again exceeded Hu Xiaotian's expectations; Hong Beimo truly is a person who can create surprises.

Translation: This reason once again exceeded Hu Xiaotian's expectations; Hong Beimo truly is a person capable of producing surprises.

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Is that the sole reason you wanted to kill me?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "Is that reason alone enough for you to want to kill me?"

Hong Beimo said, "Although your mission to the Great Yong earned you an imperial reward, you yourself know whether it truly succeeded. While you escorted Princess Anping safely to Yongdu, the journey suffered heavy casualties—even the beloved son of Minister Wen perished in the Yong River. You should bear some responsibility for this. Upon reaching Yongdu, did you really think you could hide your actions from the world? You first cured the Great Yong empress's illness and then healed the Great Yong emperor Xue Shengkang's urgent condition; had you not intervened, Xue Shengkang might well have met a grim fate. If he died, internal chaos would erupt in Great Yong, though it would not immediately threaten the northern borders of Great Kang. In effect, you have harmed Great Kang's interests."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "Although your mission to Da Yong earned the Emperor's reward, you yourself know whether it succeeded or not; although you escorted Princess Anping safely to Yongdu, the journey suffered heavy casualties, even the precious son of Grand Tutor Wen perished in the Yong River—you should bear some responsibility for these events. Upon reaching Yongdu, you suppose your actions could escape the world's notice? You first treated the Da Yong Empress Dowager's illness, then cured the urgent ailment of Da Yong Emperor Xue Shengkang; had you not intervened, Xue Shengkang would likely have met a grim fate. If he died, internal chaos would erupt in Da Yong, though it would not immediately threaten Dakang's northern border—yet by doing so you have harmed Dakang's interests."

Hu Xiaotian replied, "If that's your view, there's nothing I can do." He thought to himself, "Even the old emperor hasn't blamed me—what are you making a fuss about?" However, the fact that this news spread so quickly within Great Kang indicates that it was likely leaked by the Great Yong side, who intend to use Great Kang's hand to eliminate him.

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "If Mr. Hong thinks so, there's nothing I can do." He thought to himself, "Even the Emperor hasn't blamed me—what are you, some sort of hairball?" Moreover, the fact that this spread so quickly within Dakang proves that nine times out of ten the leak came from Da Yong's side; they intend to use Dakang's hand to eliminate me.

Hong Beimo added, "As for the princess's later death, that too is your responsibility. Even if you try to blame Great Yong, do you really think the emperor would be that foolish?"

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "As for the princess's later death, that too is your responsibility; although you could blame Da Yong, do you truly suppose the Emperor would be that foolish?"

Hu Xiaotian sighed and said, "If you say so, I truly deserve death. In that case, why not petition the emperor to have me executed by imperial decree, instead of resorting to such underhanded means?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian sighed and said, "If Mr. Hong is right, I am indeed more than deserving of death; in that case, why not memorialize the Emperor and have him issue an edict for my execution, rather than resorting to such underhanded means?"

Hong Beimo replied, "Please forgive my frankness, but you have not yet reached a level that would warrant the emperor's attention."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "Please forgive my frankness, but you have not yet reached a stature worthy of the Emperor's attention."

Hu Xiaotian felt his face flush at those words, thinking, "Hong Beimo, Hong Beimo, I've out‑schemed you—you're just too arrogant."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian felt his cheeks flush at those words; he thought, "Hong Beimo, Hong Beimo, I've trapped you just right—you are simply too arrogant."

Hong Beimo said, "Each of the matters I just mentioned is enough to condemn you to death; if Princess Yongyang hadn't intervened on your behalf, do you really think you could leisurely serve as deputy chief of the imperial guard?"

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "Each of the matters I just mentioned is sufficient to condemn you to death; were it not for Princess Yongyang's intervention shielding you, do you suppose you could leisurely hold the post of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard?"

Hu Xiaotian replied, "In your eyes, I am nothing but a worthless good‑for‑nothing."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "In Mr. Hong's eyes I am merely a good‑for‑nothing ruffian."

Hong Beimo smiled and said, "I used to think that way, but now…" He shook his head and added, "I must say, Chief Hu has given me countless surprises."

Translation: Hong Beimo smiled and said, "I once thought so, but now…" He shook his head and added, "I must say, Chief Hu has continually surprised me."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Is letting Chi Feixing impersonate the emperor not a crime of deceiving the sovereign?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian asked, "Is letting Chi Feixing impersonate the Emperor not a crime of deceiving the sovereign?"

Hong Beimo laughed and said, "If the emperor hadn't given his assent, how could I dare to do that?"

Translation: Hong Beimo laughed and replied, "If the Emperor does not nod his approval, how could I dare to do that?"

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Would the emperor not know that you sent people to search everywhere in the Tianlong Temple for the Qiankun Kaiwu?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "The Emperor surely does not know that you sent people to scour the Heavenly Dragon Temple for the *Opening of Heaven and Earth*, does he?"

Hong Beimo replied, "It seems you don't understand me. The Tianji Bureau exists to protect the interests of the Great Kang dynasty; I am utterly loyal to the emperor with no divided heart, and everything I do is first reported to him."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "It seems you do not understand me; the Heavenly Secrets Bureau exists to safeguard Dakang's dynastic interests, I am utterly loyal to the Emperor with no divided heart, and everything I do is first reported to the Emperor."

Including killing me?

Translation: "Including killing me?"

Hong Beimo's deep gaze fixed on Hu Xiaotian as he said, "You truly don't know that the Xu family of Jinling has already refused the emperor's request?"

Translation: Hong Beimo's deep gaze fixed on Hu Xiaotian as he said, "You truly do not know that the Jinling Xu family has already refused the Emperor's request?"

Hu Xiaotian's heart skipped a beat—he had no idea about this. All along, Long Xuan'en had hoped the Xu family of Jinling would aid the dynasty in its life‑or‑death moment by lending their overseas trade routes to the imperial household, using overseas commerce to ease Great Kang's grain shortage. If what Hong Beimo said is true, then his grandmother had unintentionally refused the emperor's plea; who gave her such confidence? Had she not considered the consequences of defying the emperor? Had she not thought about the safety of her daughter, son‑in‑law, and grandchildren? In an instant Hu Xiaotian's thoughts were in turmoil—how could this stranger‑to‑him old woman be so cold‑hearted?

Translation: Hu Xiaotian's heart jolted—he had been unaware of this; all along Long Xuan'en had hoped the Jinling Xu family would aid the Dakang dynasty in its hour of need by lending overseas trade routes to the imperial household, thereby easing Dakang's famine through maritime commerce. If Hong Beimo's words are true, then my maternal grandmother has unwittingly rejected the Emperor's plea; who gave her such boldness? Did she not consider the consequences of defying the Emperor? Did she not think of the safety of her daughter, son‑in‑law, and grandchildren? In a flash Hu Xiaotian's mind was in turmoil—this stranger of an old woman turned out to be so cold‑blooded?

Hong Beimo sighed and said, "According to the emperor's wishes, you and your father should both have lost your heads by now."

Translation: Hong Beimo sighed and said, "According to the Emperor's will, you and your father should both have lost your heads by now."

Hu Xiaotian's expression remained unchanged, but he inwardly wondered why Qiqi had never told him about this—was she unaware, or had it simply not happened? Was Hong Beimo merely alarming him with exaggerated talk? Thinking this, he smiled and said, "So Mr. Hong is staging a fine assassination drama?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian's expression remained unchanged; he secretly wondered why Qiqi had never told him of this—was she ignorant, or had it simply not occurred? Was Hong Beimo merely alarmist, trying to frighten him? Thinking thus, he smiled and said, "So Mr. Hong is staging a fine assassination drama?"

Hong Beimo said, "We must give those who don't obey some warning; I just didn't expect Chief Hu's martial arts to have reached such a level—it's truly surprising."

Translation: Hong Beimo said, "One must give the disobedient some warning; I just did not expect Chief Hu's martial prowess to have reached such a level—it is truly surprising."

Hu Xiaotian asked, "Mr. Hong, do you still want to kill me now?"

Translation: Hu Xiaotian asked, "Mr. Hong, do you still wish to kill me now?"

Hong Beimo shook his head and said, "The emperor has changed his mind again." Although he did not directly deny it, his words constantly referred to the emperor, effectively telling Hu Xiaotian that neither those who wished to kill him nor those who now spare him are acting on his own initiative.

Translation: Hong Beimo shook his head and said, "The Emperor has changed his mind again." Although he did not directly deny it, each of his remarks carried reference to the Emperor, effectively telling Hu Xiaotian that those who want you dead are not me, and those who now spare you are also not me.

Hu Xiaotian replied, "Well then, I really ought to thank Mr. Hong."

Translation: Hu Xiaotian said, "Well then, I really ought to thank Mr. Hong."

Hong Beimo stroked his beard and laughed, saying: "I, Hong, have always wanted to find an opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding; I never expected it to come so quickly." He slowly rose to his feet: "Baobao has come, you guys chat!" (To be continued~^~)