Chapter 161: with translation of chapter title

Qin Zhanhong's appearance like a clingy little sprite made Chen Wuji very pleased, though inside he was a little surprised—this woman seemed to have a split personality, switching so fast.

translation

All 49.

Let's translate line by line.

Qin Zhanhong's clingy little goblin-like appearance pleased Chen Wuji, though inside he was somewhat surprised; she seemed to have a dual personality, switching too quickly.

Translation: Qin Zhanhong's clingy little sprite-like appearance made Chen Wuji quite pleased, though inside he was somewhat surprised; this woman seemed to have a split personality, switching far too quickly.

She shouldn't criticize his plan like that.

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong's clingy little sprite-like appearance pleased Chen Wuji, though inside he was somewhat surprised; this woman seemed to have a split personality, switching far too quickly.

Make sure it's one line.

Chen Wuji said solemnly: "Today there is important business; I inadvertently obtained some news yesterday that countless people in the city are inquiring about who destroyed the Drunken Eight Immortals and the Zhang family's belongings. With so many eyes watching this case, even if we act flawlessly, we might still be found out."

Translation: Chen Wuji said solemnly: "Today there is important business; I inadvertently obtained some news yesterday that countless people in the city are inquiring about who destroyed the Eight Immortals Tavern and the Zhang family's belongings. With so many eyes on this case, even if we act flawlessly, we might still be found out."

Need to keep quotes? Probably keep the quoted speech as is but translate. Use Chen Wuji said solemnly: "..."

We'll output: Chen Wuji said solemnly: "Today there is important business; I inadvertently obtained some news yesterday that countless people in the city are inquiring about who destroyed the Eight Immortals Tavern and the Zhang family's belongings. With so many eyes on this case, even if we act flawlessly, we might still be found out."

Qin Zhanhong said: "I also knew about this yesterday, but you don't need to worry for now; although what we did isn't flawless, we didn't leave any clues."

Translation: Qin Zhanhong said: "I also knew about this yesterday; however, you don't need to worry for now. What we did may not be flawless, but we didn't leave any clues."

We need to keep quotes? Probably just translate the quoted part. Use Qin Zhanhong said: "..."

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong said: "I also knew about this yesterday; however, you don't need to worry for now. What we did may not be flawless, but we didn't leave any clues."

Chen Wuji shook his head: "We can't be overconfident, nor can we do nothing!"

Translation: Chen Wuji shook his head: "We can't be overconfident, and we also can't do nothing!"

We need to keep the exclamation. Use Chen Wuji shook his head: "We can't be overconfident, and we also can't do nothing!"

So many eyes are fixed on this case, all of them influential people in Yunan City; one person's skill is limited, but many minds are broad, so they will surely tease out something from it. We must prepare early and not wait for others to strike first.

Translation: "With so many eyes on this case, all of them powerful and influential figures in Yunan City, one person's skill may be limited but many minds are broad; they will surely ferret out something from it. We must prepare early and not wait for others to strike first."

We need to keep meaning. Use Yunan City.

Let's produce: "With so many eyes on this case, all of them powerful and influential figures in Yunan City, one person's skill may be limited but many minds are broad; they will surely ferret out something from it. We must prepare early and not wait for others to strike first."

More importantly, I cannot let my friends fall into danger.

Translation: "More importantly, I cannot let my friends fall into danger."

We need to keep meaning. Use I cannot let my friends fall into danger.

Old Zhang and the Sheep Blacksmith are willing to take on such great risk to help him, out of trust in him.

Translation: Zhang Lao and Yang Tiejiang are willing to take on such great risk to help him, stemming from their trust in him.

We need to keep meaning. Use Zhang Lao and Yang Tiejiang.

He cannot put them in danger.

Translation: He cannot drag them into danger.

Qin Zhanhong's expression also turned serious: "I will assign more personnel to closely monitor the situation in Yunan City; if any news arises, I will inform you immediately. Do you have any other ideas?"

Translation: Qin Zhanhong's expression also grew stern: "I will assign more personnel to closely monitor the situation in Yunan City; if any news arises, I will inform you immediately. Do you have any other ideas?"

Chen Wuji said in a deep voice: "Send Zhang Mingyuan and Zhu Wei to the west as soon as possible!"

Translation: Chen Wuji said in a deep voice: "Send Zhang Mingyuan and Zhu Wei to the west as soon as possible!"

Chen Wuji said in a deep voice: "Send Zhang Mingyuan and Zhu Wei to the west as soon as possible!"

One step back and it's a bottomless abyss; he has no other choice.

Translation: "One step back and it's a bottomless abyss; he has no other choice."

Qin Zhanhong said somewhat ruefully: "I sent out three teams, taking three routes, with an 800-li express to deliver the evidence to the capital; it has already reached Divine Immortal Ridge yesterday. But even if these things are presented to His Majesty the Emperor, they won't yield results quickly."

Translation: Qin Zhanhong said somewhat wistfully: "I dispatched three groups of personnel, each taking a different route, and sent the evidence to the Capital via the 800-li express; it had already reached Shenxian Ling yesterday. But even if these things are presented before His Majesty the Emperor, they won't yield results quickly."

We need to use glossary: Capital, Shenxian Ling, His Majesty the Emperor.

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong said somewhat wistfully: "I dispatched three groups of personnel, each taking a different route, and sent the evidence to the Capital via the 800-li express; it had already reached Shenxian Ling yesterday. But even if these things are presented before His Majesty the Emperor, they won't yield results quickly."

You might find it hard to believe just how powerful those people are; let me give you a simple example. His Majesty the Emperor's painstakingly cultivated foremost loyalist from humble origins was recently forced to death by them. The cause was merely that this official had recently taken a concubine, and a hundred taels of gold were hidden in the betrothal gifts, constituting bribery.

Translation: "You may find it hard to believe just how powerful those people are; let me give you a simple example. The foremost loyalist of humble origins that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated was recently forced to death by them. The cause was merely that the official had taken a concubine a few days earlier, and a hundred taels of gold had been slipped into his gift money, which counts as accepting a bribe."

one hundred taels of gold

Let's produce: "You may find it hard to believe just how powerful those people are; let me give you a simple example. The foremost loyalist of humble origins that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated was recently forced to death by them. The cause was merely that the official had taken a concubine a few days earlier, and a hundred taels of gold had been slipped into his gift money, which counts as accepting a bribe."

After the matter spread, Court Officials wept and remonstrated before the palace; a Ruan faction censure official struck the pillar and died in the hall. His Majesty the Emperor, left with no choice, temporarily dismissed that official. That very night, the official was drowned in a chamber pot by a concubine, a miserable and humiliating death.

Translation: "After the matter spread, court officials wept and remonstrated before the palace; a censure official from the Ruan faction struck his head against a pillar in the hall and died. His Majesty the Emperor, left with no choice, temporarily dismissed that official. That very night, however, the official was drowned in a chamber pot by his concubine, a miserable and humiliating death."

Court Officials

Let's produce: "After the matter spread, Court Officials wept and remonstrated before the palace; a censure official from the Ruan faction struck his head against a pillar in the hall and died. His Majesty the Emperor, left with no choice, temporarily dismissed that official. That very night, however, the official was drowned in a chamber pot by his concubine, a miserable and humiliating death."

They are openly slapping His Majesty the Emperor in the face.

Translation: "They are openly slapping His Majesty the Emperor in the face..."

We need to keep ellipsis? Probably keep as is. Use "...".

Let's produce: "They are openly slapping His Majesty the Emperor in the face..."

They try to deafen His Majesty the Emperor, manipulate court affairs, and repeatedly break the Knife that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated; this is not the first time. Since His Majesty the Emperor's ascension, such incidents have repeatedly occurred. This is factional strife in the court, but in fact it is entirely the Ruan faction versus His Majesty the Emperor.

Translation: "They try to deafen the emperor's ears, manipulate court affairs, and time and again break the sword that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated; this is not the first time. Since His Majesty the Emperor ascended the throne, such things have repeatedly occurred. This is factional strife in the court, but in fact it is entirely the Ruan faction versus His Majesty the Emperor."

He broke the knife that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated.

Let's produce: "They try to deafen the emperor's ears, manipulate court affairs, and time and again break the knife that His Majesty the Emperor painstakingly cultivated; this is not the first time. Since His Majesty the Emperor ascended the throne, such things have repeatedly occurred. This is factional strife in the court, but in fact it is entirely the Ruan faction versus His Majesty the Emperor."

Premier Ruan, an elder statesman of two dynasties and teacher to two emperors, wields power that overshadows the heavens, with disciples and former officials spread across the realm; His Majesty the Emperor could not possibly execute all officials. Moreover, most generals are under Premier Ruan's command, so the Emperor dare not act rashly.

Translation: "Premier Ruan is a veteran of two dynasties and a teacher to two emperors, his power overshadowing the heavens, his disciples and former officials spread across the realm; His Majesty the Emperor could not possibly execute all his officials. Moreover, most of the generals are his disciples, so His Majesty the Emperor dares not act rashly."

Premier Ruan begged His Majesty the Emperor for pardon.

Let's produce: "Premier Ruan is a veteran of two dynasties and a teacher to two emperors, his power overshadowing the heavens, his disciples and former officials spread across the realm; His Majesty the Emperor could not possibly execute all his officials. Moreover, most of the generals are his disciples, so His Majesty the Emperor dares not act rashly."

Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly.

Translation: Chen Wuji's mouth twitched slightly.

What is there not to understand? It's unimaginable.

Translation: What is there not to understand? It's unimaginable.

Flipping through a few pages of Chinese history, one could cite countless examples.

Translation: Flip through a few pages of Huaxia history and countless examples can be cited.

Even the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang had orders suppressed by Lü Buwei that never left the court; looking at the Ming and Song dynasties, such situations cannot be counted on one hand.

Translation: Even the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang had orders suppressed by Lü Buwei that never left the court; looking at the Ming and Song dynasties, such situations are too many to count on one hand.

The mistakes are so many they cannot be counted on one hand.

Let's produce: "Even the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang had orders suppressed by Lü Buwei that never left the court; looking at the Ming and Song dynasties, such situations are too many to count on one hand."

As Premier Ruan, isn't this just like Cai Jing's petty court?

Translation: Premier Ruan's conduct is no different from Cai Jing's petty court.

Premier Ruan decided to resign.

Let's produce: "Premier Ruan's conduct is no different from Cai Jing's petty court."

Chen Wuji shook his head: "Given what you say, I think merely trying to find Premier Ruan's guilt to topple him is somewhat wishful thinking. That Premier Ruan, surnamed Ruan, is Zhang Mingyuan's teacher, right?"

Translation: Chen Wuji shook his head: "Given what you say, merely trying to find evidence against Premier Ruan to topple him is somewhat fanciful." He continued: "That Premier Ruan surnamed Ruan is Zhang Mingyuan's mentor, right?"

We need to keep quotes. Use Chen Wuji shook his head: "Given what you say, merely trying to find evidence against Premier Ruan to topple him is somewhat fanciful." Chen Wuji said: "That Premier Ruan surnamed Ruan is Zhang Mingyuan's mentor, right?"

But the line has two parts: first part is Chen Wuji speaking, then he says another sentence. We'll translate as: Chen Wuji shook his head: "Given what you say, merely trying to find evidence against Premier Ruan to topple him is somewhat fanciful." Chen Wuji said: "That Premier Ruan surnamed Ruan is Zhang Mingyuan's mentor, right?"

We need to keep it one line. Let's combine: Chen Wuji shook his head: "Given what you say, merely trying to find evidence against Premier Ruan to topple him is somewhat fanciful." Chen Wuji said: "That Premier Ruan surnamed Ruan is Zhang Mingyuan's mentor, right?"

Qin Zhanhong asked in surprise: "You really don't know Premier Ruan's name?"

Translation: Qin Zhanhong asked in surprise: "Yes, you wouldn't not know Premier Ruan's name, would you?"

We need to keep meaning. Use Premier Ruan.

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong asked in surprise: "Yes, you wouldn't not know Premier Ruan's name, would you?"

Chen Wuji firmly grabbed Qin Zhanhong's pert buttocks: "I'm just a mountain hunter; isn't it strange that I don't know the names of these big shots?"

Translation: Chen Wuji firmly pinched Qin Zhanhong's perky butt, saying: "As a mountain hunter, isn't it strange that I don't know the names of these big shots?"

We need to keep meaning. Use Chen Wuji.

Let's produce: Chen Wuji firmly pinched Qin Zhanhong's perky butt, saying: "As a mountain hunter, isn't it strange that I don't know the names of these big shots?"

Qin Zhanhong let out a soft, coquettish sigh: "But you don't seem unaware."

Translation: Qin Zhanhong cooed softly: "But you don't seem unaware."

We need to keep meaning. Use Qin Zhanhong.

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong cooed softly: "But you don't seem unaware."

The fact is, I really don't know.

Translation: Chen Wuji said: "In fact, I really don't know."

We need to attribute to Chen Wuji? The line doesn't have speaker tag, but context it's Chen Wuji responding. We'll translate as Chen Wuji said: "In fact, I really don't know."

Qin Zhanhong said, word by word: "His name is Ruan Yuchang."

Translation: Qin Zhanhong said, enunciating each word: "His name is Ruan Yuchang."

We need to use Ruan Yuchang.

Let's produce: Qin Zhanhong said, enunciating each word: "His name is Ruan Yuchang."

She originally didn't intend to tell Chen Wuji these things.

Translation: She originally did not intend to tell Chen Wuji these things.

She didn't understand why.

Let's produce: She originally did not intend to tell Chen Wuji these things.

The court factional struggles are too complex; she feels that even if she told Chen Wuji, he might not understand.

Translation: Court factional struggles are too complex; she felt that even if she told Chen Wuji, he might not understand.

We need to keep meaning. Use she.

Let's produce: Court factional struggles are too complex; she felt that even if she told Chen Wuji, he might not understand.

But upon hearing Chen Wuji's perspective, she suddenly realized she had perhaps underestimated this young man; he not only understands, but his insights are also unique and piercing.

Translation: But upon hearing Chen Wuji's perspective, she suddenly realized she had perhaps underestimated this young man; he not only understood, but his insight was also unique and spot-on.

We need to keep meaning. Use she.

Let's produce: But upon hearing Chen Wuji's perspective, she suddenly realized she had perhaps underestimated this young man; he not only understood, but his insight was also unique and spot-on.

Chen Wuji said: "I'll say something I shouldn't; just listen. To topple such a powerholder in the court, wielding great power and covering the sky with one hand, relying solely on evidence is absolutely insufficient."

Translation: Chen Wuji said: "I'll say something I shouldn't; just listen." He continued: "Trying to topple such a minister who holds great power in the court, who can cover the sky with one hand, relying solely on evidence is absolutely insufficient."

We need to keep meaning. Use Chen Wuji.

Let's produce: Chen Wuji said: "I'll say something I shouldn't; just listen." Chen Wuji said: "Trying to topple such a minister who holds great power in the court, who can cover the sky with one hand, relying solely on evidence is absolutely insufficient."

But we have two quotes; we can combine: Chen Wuji said: "I'll say something I shouldn't; just listen. Trying to topple such a minister who holds great power in the court, who can cover the sky with one hand, relying solely on evidence is absolutely insufficient."

His Majesty the Emperor's more pressing task now is to divide their faction, find ways to grasp wealth and the army in hand, or to make money himself, train new troops, and enhance the authority of the Imperial City Department. As long as His Majesty the Emperor has money and absolute command over the Bīngmǎ, he will not be manipulated by them.

Translation: His Majesty the Emperor's more pressing task now should be to divide their faction, find ways to grasp wealth and the army, or find ways to make money himself, train new troops, and increase the authority of the Imperial City Department. As long as His Majesty the Emperor has money and absolute command over the armed forces, he will not be manipulated by them.

He was responsible for wealth, the army, New Army Training, the Imperial City Department, and Bīngmǎ.

Let's produce: His Majesty the Emperor's more pressing task now should be to divide their faction, find ways to grasp wealth and the army, or find ways to make money himself, conduct New Army Training, and increase the authority of the Imperial City Department. As long as His Majesty the Emperor has money and absolute command over Bīngmǎ, he will not be manipulated by them.

On this basis, if the Knife of your Imperial City Department is sharp enough, it can deter the Ruan faction's edge. Then His Majesty the Emperor can further act on personnel, promoting some to contend with the Ruan faction, only then can a result be reached and their lives be taken.

Translation: "On this basis, if the knife of your Imperial City Department is sharp enough, it can deter the edge of the Ruan faction. Then His Majesty the Emperor need only exert a little effort in personnel, promote some to contend with the Ruan faction, achieve a result, and thus take their lives."

His Majesty the Emperor, this knife belongs to your Imperial City Department, part of the Ruan faction.

Let's produce: "On this basis, if the Knife of your Imperial City Department is sharp enough, it can deter the edge of the Ruan faction. Then His Majesty the Emperor need only exert a little effort in personnel, promote some to contend with the Ruan faction, achieve a result, and thus take their lives."

If these cannot be achieved, His Majesty the Emperor will find it hard to act as he wishes. Whenever there is the slightest disturbance in the world—whether needing to mobilize a large army or to provide disaster relief—His Majesty the Emperor will have to rely even more on them.

Translation: "If these cannot be achieved, His Majesty the Emperor will find it hard to act as he wishes. Under heaven, whenever there is the slightest stir—such as needing to mobilize a large army or a natural disaster requiring relief—His Majesty the Emperor can only rely on them even more."

We need to keep meaning. Use His Majesty the Emperor.

Let's produce: "If these cannot be achieved, His Majesty the Emperor will find it hard to act as he wishes. Under heaven, whenever there is the slightest stir—such as needing to mobilize a large army or a natural disaster requiring relief—His Majesty the Emperor can only rely on them even more."

Money—this word—is extremely important to every individual, and even more so to the state.

Translation: Money—this word is extremely important to every individual, and even more so to the state.

We need to keep meaning. Use Money.

Let's produce: Money—this word is extremely important to every individual, and even more so to the state.

It is evident that Premier Ruan's faction monopolizes the state's wealth, speech, and even officials' promotions.

Translation: It is obvious that Premier Ruan's faction monopolizes the state's wealth and speech, even extending to officials' promotions.

We need to use Premier Ruan's faction.

Let's produce: It is obvious that Premier Ruan's faction monopolizes the state's wealth and speech, even extending to officials' promotions.

These three points are fatal to imperial authority.

Translation: These three points are fatal to imperial authority.

It is literally pulling the firewood from under the cauldron.

Translation: It is literally draining the cauldron from below.

This is literally pulling the firewood from under the cauldron.

The court cannot do anything without wealth; when His Majesty the Emperor wages war, provisions must be prepared before the Bīngmǎ move.

Translation: In the court, nothing can be done without wealth; when the emperor wages war, provisions must be prepared before the army moves.

We need to keep meaning. Use wealth.

Let's produce: In the court, nothing can be done without wealth; when the emperor wages war, provisions must be prepared before the army moves.

To provide disaster relief and carry out construction, one needs to spend huge sums of silver.

Translation: Disaster relief and construction require heap after heap of silver.

We need to keep meaning. Use silver.

Let's produce: Disaster relief and construction require heap after heap of silver.

Ninety percent of court affairs are virtually inseparable from the word 'money'.

Translation: Ninety percent of court affairs are virtually inseparable from the word money.

The success rate is ninety percent.

Let's produce: Ninety percent of court affairs are virtually inseparable from the word money.

In other words, the emperor can only rely on the Ruan faction for any undertaking.

Translation: In other words, the emperor can only rely on Premier Ruan's faction to accomplish anything.

We need to use Premier Ruan's faction.

Let's produce: In other words, the emperor can only rely on Premier Ruan's faction to accomplish anything.

Thus, they seize the initiative.

Translation: Thus they seize the initiative.

Then, using various overt and covert means to trip others up, they line their own pockets with money while also pressing the emperor for more power and expanding their influence.

Translation: Then, by various overt and covert means of tripping others up, they can line their own pockets with money while also pressing the emperor for more power, expanding their influence.

We need to keep meaning. Use money.

Let's produce: Then, by various overt and covert means of tripping others up, they can line their own pockets with money while also pressing the emperor for more power, expanding their influence.

When their power permeates all levels, even if a monumental event occurs, they can still line their own pockets while maneuvering with ease against the emperor.

Translation: When their power permeates every level, even if a great calamity occurs, they can still line their own pockets while maneuvering with ease against the emperor.

We need to keep meaning. Use their own pockets.

Let's produce: When their power permeates every level, even if a great calamity occurs, they can still line their own pockets while maneuvering with ease against the emperor.

Such manipulations—treating the emperor as a devil and trying to turn him into a mascot—give figures like Zhao Gao, Cai Jing, Li Linfu, and Qin Hui great influence; it is practically their specialty.

Translation: Such manipulations—treating the emperor as a devil and trying to turn him into a mascot—are areas where figures like Zhao Gao, Cai Jing, Li Linfu, and Qin Hui have great influence; it is practically their specialty.

Zhao Gao, Cai Jing, Li Linfu, and Qin Hui were all treacherous ministers.

Let's produce: Such manipulations—treating the emperor as a devil and trying to turn him into a mascot—are areas where figures like Zhao Gao, Cai Jing, Li Linfu, and Qin Hui have great influence; it is practically their specialty.

Having reached this point in the Da Yu dynasty, it now depends on whether this His Majesty the Emperor has ambition; if he is weak and worthless like Emperor Gaozong of Song, the outcome of national extinction and ethnic annihilation would not be surprising.

Translation: Having reached this point under the Yu Dynasty, it all depends on whether His Majesty the Emperor possesses ambition; if he is weak and worthless like Emperor Gaozong of Song, then the outcome of national extinction and annihilation would hardly be surprising.

After the Da Yu dynasty, Emperor Gaozong of Song began reforms.

Let's produce: Having reached this point under the Da Yu dynasty, it all depends on whether His Majesty the Emperor possesses ambition; if he is weak and worthless like Emperor Gaozong of Song, then the outcome of national extinction and annihilation would hardly be surprising.

Having ambition but no ability, the Chongzhen Emperor is also a living example.