Chapter 988

Translation: "Li Tianheng had now completely calmed down, slowly setting down the already-cooled teacup in his hand. His deep gaze fixed on Zhang Ziqian as he asked, 'Brother Zhang, what do you think?' In Xichuan, the person he relied on most was Zhang Ziqian. Whenever he faced a major decision, he would consult Zhang Ziqian, and it was precisely because of Zhang Ziqian's help that he had reached where he is today."

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Translation: "Li Tianheng had already completely calmed down at this moment, slowly setting down the already-cooled Chazan in his hand, his deep gaze fixed on Zhang Ziqian as he said, 'Brother Ziqian, what do you think?' In Xichuan, the person he relied on most was Zhang Ziqian. Whenever faced with a major decision, he would consult Zhang Ziqian, and it was precisely because of Zhang Ziqian's help that he had gotten to where he is today."

Check: preserve all info. Yes.

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Translation: "Zhang Ziqian said: 'The Grand Marshal must make a decision.'"

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Translation: "Li Tianheng said: 'That's why I wanted to ask your opinion.'"

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Translation: "Zhang Ziqian said: 'The longer we delay, the more likely accidents will happen. For generals who want to rebel, we must act decisively and without hesitation to suppress them, not let the situation continue to spread. We must find the root, uncover their accomplices, and wipe them out in one fell swoop.' Having said that, Zhang Ziqian paused for a moment, then lowered his voice: 'In my view, this matter is certainly related to the Dakang side; the court also understands this principle. If we can control the Grand Marshal, perhaps we can regain control of the situation in Xichuan. The Grand Marshal needs to be careful.'"

Check: preserve all.

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Translation: "Li Tianheng remained silent. Although Zhang Ziqian spoke tactfully, Li Tianheng already understood his meaning. Although Xichuan was under the Li family's control, his foundation was not solid. In the past, he had won the hearts of the troops and the people's support by flying the banner of loyalty to the court. Once the military and civilians discovered his true purpose was to rebel and establish himself independently, internal division would be inevitable. Relying on the prestige accumulated over the years might perhaps keep these troops and civilians in check, but if something were to happen to him, what situation would arise is hard to say."

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Translation: "Li Tianheng rose and walked a few steps slowly, then said in a low voice: 'How should I treat the Prince of Zhou?'"

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Translation: "Zhang Ziqian said: 'The emperor is foolish and decadent; Dakang's current state is entirely due to his foolish and misrule. Why not let the Prince of Zhou write a proclamation of punitive expedition, list the crimes of the foolish ruler, and support the Prince of Zhou as emperor, under the banner of upholding orthodoxy and eliminating traitors to the state?'"

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Translation: "Li Tianheng's expression showed some hesitation; he said without reservation: 'But the emperor is the legitimate orthodoxy of Dakang.'"

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Translation: "Zhang Ziqian said: 'In the past, Ji Feihua caused chaos in government; today, Hong Beimo has usurped power. If I wanted to, I could list thousands of their crimes, making them the target of condemnation by all under heaven.'"

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Translation: "Upon hearing this, Li Tianheng felt great delight. He nodded heavily and said: 'With Brother Ziqian's help, I am like a fish in water. If it weren't for Brother Ziqian guiding me, I wouldn't know where to go!'"

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Translation: "Zhang Ziqian said respectfully: 'The Grand Marshal is the direction of heaven's mandate; heaven has bestowed a great mission upon the Grand Marshal. I hope the Grand Marshal seizes this opportunity, never wavers, makes a clear decision, and preserves the land of Xichuan to benefit the people there.'"

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Translation: "Li Tianheng nodded repeatedly, then said in a deep voice: 'Tonight I will wipe out those rebel generals in one fell swoop; I want to see what they are really capable of!' He had originally intended to use a long line to catch a big fish, first investigating all the accomplices of Lin Zefeng and Zhao Yanjiang before launching a crackdown. But Zhang Ziqian's words made him suddenly change his mind."

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Translation: "The night in Xizhou was far from peaceful. Hu Xiaotian did not notice the changes outside; after returning to the inn, he fell into a deep sleep. When he woke up, it was already the morning of the next day. First he found a mirror and examined his face. The blow from the black-armored man the previous night had indeed been heavy, but after a night's rest, only slight bruising remained on his skin—if not looked at closely, it was hardly noticeable. It seemed his facial skin's resistance to blows was still quite good."

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Translation: "A light knocking came from outside. After receiving permission, Xiong Tianba and Tang Tiexin entered together. As soon as Xiong Tianba stepped inside, he exclaimed, 'Third Uncle, something big has happened outside—everywhere are fully armed soldiers!'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian's heart jumped: 'What?' He thought they were coming for them."

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Translation: "Tang Tiexin added: 'It's not aimed at us; I heard someone wanted to harm the delegation that had come to offer congratulations, so Grand Marshal Li had them arrested.'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian furrowed his brows and asked: 'Who?'"

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Translation: "The two shook their heads at the same time."

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Translation: "Xiong Tianba saw the armor on the ground, his eyes lighting up. He stepped forward, picked up a piece, and held it against himself: 'Third Uncle, this armor is not bad; where did you get it?'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'Picked it up!'"

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Translation: "Xiong Tianba said full of envy: 'How come I never run into such good fortune?'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian saw his expression and knew he liked this set of armor, smiling: 'This set of armor is missing a breastplate; if you don't mind, take it and use it.'"

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Translation: "Xiong Tianba was overjoyed: 'Thank you, Third Uncle—I don't need a breastplate; I have a big hammer! No breastplate is as sturdy as my big hammer.'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian yawned and said: 'Keep investigating the situation; report any news back promptly. Remember, under no circumstances cause trouble!'"

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We need Da Yong, Xue Lingjun.

Translation: "Not long after the two left, Xiong Tianba returned and reported to Hu Xiaotian: the Eldest Princess of Da Yong, Xue Lingjun, had arrived."

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian had just finished washing up; he nodded and let Xiong Tianba invite her in."

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun came this time still dressed in male attire; even in men's clothes, her alluring, gentle charm could not be concealed."

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian took the opportunity to drink a bowl of plain congee, then seeing Xue Lingjun enter, rose to greet her: 'Elder Sister, you came so early!'"

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun laughed charmingly: 'I'm not like you men who go out at night for carousing; I went to bed early, so I naturally wake up early.'"

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We need Prince Yan, Zhong Xiang Lou.

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian chuckled; from her words he could infer that Xue Lingjun should have known about Prince Yan's invitation last night for them to go to Zhong Xiang Lou to drink flower wine."

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun said: 'Judging by your appearance, you must have had a great time last night!'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'If it weren't for someone interrupting us midway, we would have been happy; it's a pity that a clueless fool ruined our drinking mood.'"

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun observed minutely and actually noticed the bruise on Hu Xiaotian's face. She reached out, unabashedly touching his face, feigning concern: 'What happened? How did you get hurt here?'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian sighed inwardly; Xiong Tianba and Tang Tiexin, both careless fellows, had not noticed his facial injury, but Xue Lingjun spotted it as soon as she arrived—truly, women are meticulous. He laughed: 'I drank too much last night; on my way back I didn't see the road clearly and bumped headfirst into a pillar.'"

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun did not suspect anything, sighing languidly: 'Does it hurt? It would be a pity if such a handsome face were damaged.' She cupped Hu Xiaotian's face with both hands; Hu Xiaotian felt as if he were being taken advantage of. Gazing closely at Xue Lingjun's exquisite, beautiful face, the myriad tenderness in her eyes ensnared him, her lovely eyes captivating his soul, she cooed: 'I don't know why, but last night I dreamed of you all night long.'"

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Translation: "Hu Xiaotian laughed: 'What a coincidence—I dreamed of Elder Sister all night long last night.'"

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Translation: "Xue Lingjun's pretty face flushed slightly, making her look even more alluring and charming; she spoke with a fragrant breath like orchids: 'What did you dream about me?'"

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"Elder Sister, you speak first!"

Xue Lingjun bit her cherry lips, her eyes fluttering, she said, "I dreamed about you... uh... but I'd better not say it—suffice to say, you're no good!"

Translation: "Xue Lingjun bit her cherry lips, her autumnal gaze flowing, and said: 'I dreamed of you…… um…… actually I won't say it; in short, you're not a good person!'"

Hu Xiaotian felt a stirring somewhere, quickly pushing aside improper thoughts. "Xue Lingjun, you really are a first‑rate woman," he thought. "If it were any other man, you'd have him dazed and confused, forgetting even his own parents—luckily I have iron self‑control." He said, "Looks like Elder Sister and I are thinking alike; I also did something bad in my dream." He didn't specify what, because some things are felt rather than spoken; since you, Xue Lingjun, can say it outright, I won't hold back.

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian felt a certain part of him reacting, and hurriedly dispelled the improper thoughts in his mind. Xue Lingjun, Xue Lingjun, you truly are a top-notch person; fortunately I have strong self-control, otherwise if it were another man, he would likely be dazed by you, even forgetting who his own parents are. Hu Xiaotian said: 'It seems Elder Sister and I have thought of the same thing; in my dream I also did something bad.' He didn't specify what bad deed, for such things can only be understood, not spoken; since you, Xue Lingjun, can say it outright, I won't be vague either."

Xue Lingjun's cheeks flushed; she spat, "I've long known you're no good!" She reached out and tapped Hu Xiaotian's forehead with a finger.

Translation: "Xue Lingjun's cheeks flushed with color, she spat and said: 'I've long known you're not a good person!' She extended a finger and tapped Hu Xiaotian's forehead."

Hu Xiaotian seized the opportunity to grab her wrist; it felt soft and boneless, smooth and warm in his hand—a great pleasure. Yet Xue Lingjun lightly wriggled free of his grasp, turned, and sat down on the chair.

wrist; her wrist felt soft and boneless, smooth and warm in his hand—a great pleasure.

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian seized the opportunity to grab her wrist; it felt soft and boneless, smooth and warm in his hand—a great pleasure. However, Xue Lingjun lightly broke free from his grasp and turned to sit on the chair."

If Hu Xiaotian tried to force her, she'd have no chance to escape, but Xue Lingjun's position prevented him; even with extra courage, he wouldn't dare. He smiled and sat beside her, saying, "Elder Sister, did you come to see me just for this?"

Translation: "If Hu Xiaotian used force, she would have no chance to break free, but given Xue Lingjun's status, even if he had the courage he wouldn't dare; he smiled and sat beside her: 'Elder Sister, did you come to see me just for this?'"

Xue Lingjun said, "You little rascal, the moment you see me you take advantage of your sister, leaving her flustered and forgetting important things."

Translation: "Xue Lingjun said: 'You little rascal, as soon as we meet you take advantage of your sister, leaving her heart in turmoil and forgetting important matters.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, "It's all your fault for being so gorgeous—you practically invite crime!"

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'It's all your fault for being born too beautiful and charming; it practically invites crime.'"

Xue Lingjun's smile blossomed like a flower, two shallow dimples appearing on her lovely face as she softly asked, "Do you want to commit a crime?"

Translation: "Xue Lingjun's smile blossomed like a flower, two shallow dimples appearing on her pretty face; she whispered: 'Do you want to commit a crime?'"

Hu Xiaotian asked, "What is the important matter you mentioned, sister?"

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'What is the proper business you spoke of, Elder Sister?'"

Long paragraph. Need to translate faithfully.

Xue Lingjun had intended to tease him a bit longer, but she didn't expect this brat to suddenly get serious. From his clear gaze she could tell that his earlier amorous looks were just an act; her teeth itched with annoyance. "You little punk, actually trying this on me? I've been flaunting my charm all afternoon, and you're just humoring me." Everyone has a competitive streak, and Xue Lingjun, who always prides herself on her beauty, has seen countless men fall at her feet—she doesn't know how many have bowed under her pomegranate skirt, nor how many have died for her. Yet meeting Hu Xiaotian gives her the feeling of having met her match. According to Jian Ping, Hu Xiaotian is a eunuch, but rumors say he's a normal man, and his behavior doesn't look like a eunuch's either, leaving Xue Lingjun deeply puzzled. She brushed a strand of hair from her cheek and said solemnly, "Do you know what happened last night in Xizhou?"

Xue Lingjun, Hu Xiaotian, Jian Ping

pomegranate skirt

Now translation:

"Xue Lingjun had originally wanted to tease him a bit longer, but she didn't expect this brat to suddenly return to seriousness; from his clear eyes one could tell that his earlier amorous behavior was just an act. Her teeth itched with annoyance—'you little rascal, you actually tried this on me? I've been flaunting my charm for half a day, and you're just perfunctorily going through the motions.' As a person, everyone has a competitive spirit; Xue Lingjun has always been proud of her beauty, over the years she doesn't know how many men have fallen at her feet in her pomegranate skirt, nor how many have died because of her. Yet upon meeting Hu Xiaotian she feels as if she has met her nemesis. According to Jian Ping, Hu Xiaotian is a eunuch, but outside rumors say he is a normal man, and from his various performances he doesn't look like a eunuch either, which leaves Xue Lingjun deeply puzzled. She smoothed the hair at her temples, then said solemnly: 'Do you know what happened last night in Xizhou?'"

Check we kept all info.

Hu Xiaotian said, "I don't know; I only heard that troops suddenly flooded Xizhou's streets, and I had someone ask what big thing had happened."

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'I don't know; I only heard that troops suddenly filled the streets of Xizhou, and I just had someone inquire what major event had occurred.'"

Xue Lingjun said, "Li Tianheng's two capable aides, Lin Zefeng and Zhao Yanjang, were secretly plotting rebellion, but Li Tianheng found out ahead of time and ordered these traitors to be rounded up. Reportedly, last night more than ten implicated officers were arrested, leaving the whole city of Xizhou on edge and people's hearts pounding with fear."

the whole city was jumpy at every noise, and people were terrified

Also names: Lin Zefeng, Zhao Yanjiang.

Translation: "Xue Lingjun said: 'Li Tianheng's two capable aides, Lin Zefeng and Zhao Yanjiang, were plotting rebellion, but Li Tianheng detected their plan in advance and ordered these rebel generals to be wiped out in one fell swoop. It is said that last night more than ten officers involved were arrested; the entire city of Xizhou was alarmed by every sound, and people's hearts were filled with fear.'"

Hu Xiaotian said, "We'd better not meddle in other people's affairs; after all, we're here only to celebrate the birthday."

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian said: 'We shouldn't meddle in other people's affairs; after all, our purpose in coming here is simply to offer birthday greetings.'"

Xue Lingjun stared into Hu Xiaotian's eyes and said meaningfully, "Others may not care, but you cannot afford to be indifferent; this matter might concern you."

Translation: "Xue Lingjun fixed her gaze on Hu Xiaotian's eyes and said meaningfully: 'Others may not care, but you cannot afford to be indifferent; this matter might be related to you.'"

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Elder Sister, what do you mean by that?"

Translation: "Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but laugh: 'What do you mean by that, Elder Sister?'"

Third Update delivered, again ask for Monthly Ticket! (To be continued~^~)