Chapter 44

line: "Just as Shen Shuangning expected to see that 'Third Young Master Pei', the person who walked in turned out to be the steward of the Purple Chen Pavilion." No Chinese.

"Just as Shen Shuangning thought she would meet that 'Third Young Master Pei', the person who entered was actually the steward of the Purple Chen Pavilion." OK.

"The steward bowed with a smile and said, 'That young master has already paid the bill for you.'" OK.

Translation: "\"That young master has already settled the bill for you, miss, \" the steward said, bowing with a smile."

"Shen Shuangning sat upright in her chair, took a deep breath, lifted her gaze, and asked, 'Where is he?'" OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning sat upright in her chair, took a deep breath, lifted her gaze, and asked, \"Where is he? \""

"\"The young master has already left, but he asked me to give this to you, \" the steward said, producing an invitation from his sleeve and placing it gently on the table." OK.

Translation: "\"The young master has already left, but he asked me to give this to you, miss. \" The steward produced an invitation from his sleeve and gently placed it on the table."

"Shen Shuangning picked it up, opened it, and looked." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning picked it up, unfolded it, and took a look."

"It was indeed an invitation from the Duke of Zhen's residence." OK.

Translation: "It was indeed an invitation from the Protector of the Nation Duke's Manor."

"As expected, it bears the Pei surname." OK.

Translation: "Sure enough, it bears the surname Pei."

"Shen Shuangning said nothing, and instructed Ah Heng to settle the bill." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning said nothing, and ordered Ah Heng to settle the bill."

"\"Miss, please don't do that—someone has already paid, and we won't accept any money from you! \"" OK.

Translation: "The steward hastily waved his hands and said, \"Miss, please don't do that; someone has already paid, and we won't accept any payment from you! \"

"Ah Heng hesitated, looking at her mistress." OK.

Translation: "Ah Heng hesitated and looked toward the miss."

"Shen Shuangning rose, smoothed her sleeves, and said, 'We are strangers; I don't like to owe favors.'" OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning rose, smoothed her sleeves, and said, \"We are strangers; I don't like to owe favors. \"

"Seeing Shen Shuangning insist on paying, the steward couldn't argue further, merely clasped his hands and said, 'Please take your leave, miss.'" OK.

Translation: "Seeing Shen Shuangning insist on paying, the steward could not say much, merely clasped his hands and said, \"Please take your leave, miss. \"

"Shen Shuangning accepted the invitation, and before leaving she also took the magnolia painting with her." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning accepted the invitation, and before leaving she also took the magnolia painting with her."

"After returning from the Purple Chen Pavilion, Shen Shuangning's mind kept dwelling on the affairs of the Duke of Zhen's residence." OK.

Translation: "After returning from the Purple Chen Pavilion, Shen Shuangning's mind kept dwelling on the Protector of the Nation Duke's Manor."

"She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep." OK.

Translation: "She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep."

"That Third Young Master Pei, Pei Zhi, seems to know a great deal." OK.

Translation: "That Third Young Master Pei, Pei Zhi, seems to know a great deal."

"The prince's secret meeting with Xiao Jingyuan—something he could know about—shows that the other party is no ordinary person, certainly not the simple-minded fool the outside world claims him to be." OK.

Translation: "The crown prince had arranged a secret meeting with Xiao Jingyuan, and the fact that he knew about it shows he is no ordinary person, far from the foolish simpleton the outside world claims him to be."

"Shen Shuangning kept her eyes open, recalling some events from her previous life and things she herself had overlooked." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning opened her eyes, recalling some events from her previous life, as well as things she herself had overlooked."

"In her past life, Madame Pei had also visited the Duke of Rong's residence with the idea of arranging a marriage, but later, for some unknown reason, she never brought it up again, and Shen Shuangning had forgotten about it." OK.

Translation: "In her previous life, Madam Pei had also visited the Rong Guo Duke's Manor, harboring thoughts of discussing a marriage alliance, but later, for some unknown reason, she never brought it up again, and Shen Shuangning forgot about it."

"Yet Madame Pei seems to have been quietly looking out for her all along, just as she does in this life." OK.

Translation: "But Madam Pei seems to have been silently looking after her all along, just as she does in this life."

"Moreover, when she married into the Prince of Yan's mansion, the gifts sent by the Duke of Zhen's residence were especially lavish." OK.

Translation: "Moreover, when she married into the Yan Prince's Manor, the Protector of the Nation Duke's Manor sent a gift of extraordinary value."

"But she truly has no impression whatsoever of that Third Young Master Pei..." OK.

Translation: "But she truly has no impression whatsoever of that Third Young Master Pei......"

"The next day, Shen Shuangning sought out Shen Er, the most well-informed person in the capital, to inquire a little about the affairs of the Pei family's third son." OK.

Translation: "The next day, Shen Shuangning sought out Shen Er, the most well-informed person in the capital, to inquire a little about the affairs of the Pei family's third son."

"\"You mean that idiot? \" Shen Er said, then realizing it was inappropriate, added, \"No, we can't call him an idiot anymore. \"" OK.

Translation: "\"You mean that idiot? \" Shen Er said, then realizing it was improper, he added, \"No, we can't call him an idiot nowadays. \"

"Shen Shuangning looked at him doubtfully." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning looked at him doubtfully."

"\"Shen Er pulled her aside to sit down and said, 'You don't know, but a few days ago he gave a lecture and debated the classics at the Wanghe Tower, clashing with the scholars and driving that whole bunch from the Song family away in defeat—it's simply unbelievable!'\"" Wait we need to ensure quotes correct. I wrote: "Shen Er pulled her aside to sit down and said, 'You don't know, but a few days ago he gave a lecture and debated the classics at the Wanghe Tower, clashing with the scholars and driving that whole bunch from the Song family away in defeat—it's simply unbelievable!'" That's fine.

Translation: "Shen Er pulled her aside to sit down and said, \"You don't know, a few days ago he gave a lecture on the classics at the Gazing Crane Tower, debated the scholars, and drove that whole bunch from the Song family into retreat in utter disarray—it's simply unbelievable! \"

"Although he didn't really understand what those people were saying, Shen Er could read faces and body language, and just by observing the reactions of those around, he could tell that Pei Zhi was formidable." OK.

Translation: "Although he didn't really understand what those people were saying, Shen Er could read faces and tones; just by observing the expressions of those around, he knew Pei Zhi was formidable."

"Shen Shuangning blinked and said, 'There's still something like that?'" OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning blinked and said, \"There's actually something like that? \""

"She was actually wondering whether, in her previous life, Pei Zhi had ever had such a prominent moment; if so, why had she never heard any whisper of it?" OK.

Translation: "She was actually wondering whether, in her previous life, Pei Zhi had ever had such a prominent moment; if he had, why had she heard nothing about it?"

"\"Shen Er's gaze fell on his sister's face as he teased, 'It's just that you've been busy those days learning horseback riding with the young marquis, your eyes full of that Xie Lin—how could you possibly know about these things?'\" Actually we need to keep the quote marks. I wrote: "Shen Er's gaze fell on his sister's face as he teased, 'It's just that you've been busy those days learning horseback riding with the young marquis, your eyes full of that Xie Lin—how could you possibly know about these things?'" That's fine.

Translation: "Shen Er's gaze fell on his sister's face, and he teased, \"It's just because you were busy those few days learning horseback riding with the Young Marquis, your eyes were full of Xie Lin, so how could you know about these things. \"

"Shen Shuangning, who is usually thin-skinned and can't tolerate her brother's teasing, blushed slightly and then hurriedly steered the conversation back." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning, who is naturally thin-skinned and cannot tolerate her brother's teasing, blushed slightly, then quickly steered the conversation back."

"Second brother, how could you go to a place like the Wanghe Tower?" Shen Shuangning stared into Shen Er's eyes,

Translation: "\"Second Brother, how could you go to a place like the Gazing Crane Tower? \" Shen Shuangning fixed her gaze on Shen Er's eyes,

"Shen Er is the epitome of a good-for-nothing in the capital; chasing flowers and willows is all he's supposed to do." OK.

Translation: "Shen Er is the epitome of a good-for-nothing in the capital; chasing flowers and willows is what he ought to be doing."

"\"Look at you, what kind of look is that? I'm also from a prominent clan—what's wrong with going there? \" Shen Er, his face heating under Shen Shuangning's stare, retreated with a light cough." OK.

Translation: "\"Look at you, what kind of look is that? I too am from a prominent clan; what's wrong with going there? \" Shen Er's face heated under Shen Shuangning's stare, so he conceded with a light cough."

"\"All right, I heard there were quite a few young ladies there, so I went along just to have a look. \"" OK.

Translation: "\"All right, I heard there were quite a few young ladies there, so I went along just to have a look. \"

"Lecturing on the classics is usually dull, and Shen Er felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles—yet he never expected that among the crowd a 'dark horse' would emerge; upon inquiry he discovered it was none other than the widely known simpleton, Third Young Master Pei, which made it interesting." OK.

Translation: "Lecturing on the classics is usually dull, and Shen Er felt as if sitting on pins and needles, but he never expected that among the crowd a \"dark horse\" would emerge; upon inquiry he learned it was none other than the widely known simpleton, Third Young Master Pei, which made it interesting."

"Thus Shen Er ended up listening to the whole thing without even realizing it, and it was rare for him to actually absorb what was said." OK.

Translation: "Thus Shen Er unconsciously listened to the entire session, and it was rare for him to actually absorb what was said."

"He usually despises the affectations of scholars, yet he inexplicably took a liking to Pei Zhi—something Shen Er himself couldn't figure out why." OK.

Translation: "He usually despises the affectations of scholars, yet he inexplicably admires Pei Zhi, and Shen Er himself cannot figure out why."

"\"Don't blame me for meddling, big brother, but I think Pei Zhi would be a better match for you than Xie Lin. \"" OK.

Translation: "\"Don't blame me for meddling, older brother, but I think compared to Xie Lin, that Pei Zhi would be more suitable for you. \"

"\"Upon hearing that, Shen Shuangning shoved him with her hand and snapped, 'Second brother, stop bringing this up out of the blue—if you say it again I'll ignore you.'\"" OK.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Shen Shuangning reached out and shoved him, angrily saying, \"Second Brother, don't keep bringing this up out of the blue; if you say it again I'll ignore you. \"

"\"Fine, fine, I won't say it. \" Shen Er then muttered, \"Wasn't there previously a plan for the Duke of Zhen's residence to come to the door and discuss a marriage alliance? \"" OK.

Translation: "\"Fine, fine, I won't say it. \" Shen Er then muttered, \"Wasn't there once a plan for the Protector of the Nation Duke's Manor to come to the door and discuss a marriage alliance? \"

"There was such a matter, but Lady Shen had rejected it, and Shen Shuangning only learned of it then." OK.

Translation: "Indeed there was such a matter, but it was rejected by Madam Shen, and Shen Shuangning only learned of it then."

"Lady Shen favored the Yongning Marquis's residence, the Xie family; the Xies also had that intention, but the elders of both houses respected the opinions of the younger generation and would not impose their own decisions." OK.

Translation: "Madam Shen favored the Yong Ning Marquis's Manor and the Xie family; the Xie family also had this intention, but the elders of both houses greatly respected the opinions of the younger generation and would not impose their own decisions."

"Roughly speaking, once Xie Lin returns with military merit, enters the Golden Wolf Guard and gains real authority, the two families could then sit down to formally discuss the marriage." OK.

Translation: "Once Xie Lin returned with military merit and entered the Golden Warrior Guard, gaining real authority, the two families could then sit down to formally discuss the marriage."

"Recently the Shen and Xie families have been visiting each other quite frequently; outsiders can see it, only a step away from breaking through that last layer of paper, so Lady Shen naturally would not consider any other family, and thus politely declined Madame Pei's overture." OK.

Translation: "Recently the Shen and Xie families have been visiting each other quite frequently; outsiders can see it, and only the final layer of paper remains to be pierced. Madam Shen naturally would not consider any other family, and thus politely declined Madam Pei."

"Shen Shuangning naturally felt there was nothing wrong with her mother's approach." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning naturally also felt there was nothing wrong with her mother's approach."

"Perhaps the only one in the Shen family who strongly objects to this is Shen Xiuci." OK.

Translation: "The only person in the Shen family who strongly objects to this might be Shen Xiuci."

"\"Shen Er glanced at his sister's expression and couldn't help probing, 'I see you're suddenly so concerned about Pei Zhi's affairs—I thought you might have feelings for him.'\"" OK.

Translation: "Shen Er glanced at his sister's expression and couldn't help probing, \"I see you suddenly caring so much about Pei Zhi's affairs; I thought you might have feelings for him. \"

"\"How could I be as flirtatious as you, second brother? \" Shen Shuangning retorted." OK.

Translation: "\"How could I be as flirtatious as you, Second Brother? \" Shen Shuangning retorted.

"She naturally wouldn't tell Shen Er that her concern for Pei Zhi stems entirely from his actions, which have aroused both her curiosity and her wariness." OK.

Translation: "She would naturally not tell Shen Er that her concern for Pei Zhi stemmed entirely from his actions, which aroused her curiosity and vigilance."

"She even came up with an unimaginable idea." OK.

Translation: "She even gave rise to an inconceivable idea."

"If it truly is as she suspects—that Pei Zhi is also a reborn person—then she must keep her distance from him at all costs." OK.

Translation: "If it truly were as she suspected, that Pei Zhi is also a reborn person, then she must keep far away from him."

"For no particular reason, she simply does not want anyone to discover her secret of rebirth." OK.

Translation: "For no particular reason, she does not wish her secret of rebirth to be detected by anyone."

"That day, the Song residence formally delivered an invitation." OK.

Translation: "That day, the Song Manor formally delivered an invitation."

"Shen Shuangning glanced at the date—what a coincidence, it happened to clash with the day the Duke of Zhen's residence was holding a banquet." OK.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning glanced at the date, and what a coincidence—it happened to clash with the day the Protector of the Nation Duke's Manor was holding a banquet."

"Even if there were no scheduling conflict, Shen Shuangning had no intention of going." OK.

Translation: "Even if there were no scheduling conflict, Shen Shuangning had no intention of going."

"She neither wants to go nor can she go!" OK.

Translation: "She neither wanted to go nor could she go!"

"Song Zhang had secretly colluded with the Holy

Translation: "Song Zhang secretly colluded with the Heavenly Saint Sect; when his plot is exposed and Emperor Xuanwen issues an edict to settle accounts, anyone connected to the Song Manor, no matter how close or distant, will be implicated!"

Including those who will attend the banquet at the Song residence three days from now—they will all be implicated.

Translation: "Including those who will go to the Song Manor for a banquet three days later, they too will be implicated."

Shen Shuangning clutched the two invitations in her hand; the times matched, and they both invited everyone from the Duke's mansion—this is absolutely no coincidence!

"If she had not learned in advance that Grand Secretary Song was colluding with the Holy Heaven Sect, she and the rest of the Shen family would certainly have gone to accept the Song residence's invitation."

Translation: "If she had not learned in advance that Grand Secretary Song was colluding with the Holy Heaven Sect, she and the rest of the Shen family would certainly have accepted the invitation to the Song residence."

Note: 'Song residence's invitation' refers to an invitation from the Song residence. That's correct.

"Then, when the Song residence faces imminent disaster, given Emperor Xuanwen's mindset of preferring to mistakenly kill a thousand rather than let a single member of the Holy Heaven Sect escape, the Duke of Rong's residence will surely suffer as well!"

Translation: "Then, when the Song household faces imminent disaster, given Emperor Xuanwen's attitude of rather killing a thousand by mistake than letting one Holy Heaven Sect member go, the Duke of Rong's residence will surely suffer as well."

We need to keep "Xuanwen Emperor" as Emperor Xuanwen, "Holy Heaven Sect" as Holy Heaven Sect, and "Duke of Rong's residence" as Duke of Rong's residence.

Although it won't bring outright disaster, my father's official career—and the fortunes of the Duke of Rong's residence—will come to an end.

Translation: "Although it may not come to a great calamity, my father's official career, as well as the fortunes of the Duke of Rong's residence, would come to an end."

Shen Shuangning suddenly recalled the warm, friendly smile Song Xizhi had given her when she invited her to the Song residence just before leaving yesterday.

We need Shen Shuangning. So: "Shen Shuangning suddenly recalled the warm, friendly smile Song Xizhi had given her when she invited her to the Song residence the day before."

【139】

At the time she didn't think much of it, but now, upon reflection, the connection sent a chill creeping up Shen Shuangning's back.

Translation: "At the time she didn't think much of it, but now, upon recalling it and connecting the dots, Shen Shuangning felt a chill rise inexplicably up her back."

Could Song Xizhi have done this on purpose?

Translation: "Could Song Xizhi have done this on purpose?"

Is she trying to drag the Duke of Rong's residence into trouble?

Translation: "Was she trying to drag the Duke of Rong's residence into trouble?"

Shen Shuangning tossed the Song residence's invitation aside, her eyes icy and her face as cold as frost.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning tossed the Song residence's invitation aside, her eyes icy, her face as cold as frost."

The Duke of Rong's residence has always been her bottom line; dare to harm her family, and she won't let it rest!

Translation: "The Duke of Rong's residence has always been her bottom line; dare to harm her family, and she will not let it rest!"

"Ah Heng, go find out who the Song residence has invited this time."

We need to keep Ah Heng as name. So: ""Ah Heng, go find out who the Song residence has invited this time.""

"Yes, miss! I'll go right away!"

Translation: ""Yes, Miss! I'll go right away!""

Ah Heng is the only person beside Shen Shuangning who knows this secret.

Translation: "Ah Heng was the only person beside Shen Shuangning who knew this secret."

As soon as Ah Heng left, Shen Shuangning hurried off to find her mother.

Translation: "As soon as Ah Heng left, Shen Shuangning hurried to find her mother."

At that moment, Lady Shen was in the study looking at the account books; seeing Shen Shuangning rush in anxiously, even before the maid could announce her, she sensed something was up and set down the account book in her hands.

At that moment, Lady Shen was in the study looking at the account books; seeing Shen Shuangning rush in anxiously, even before the maid could announce her, she sensed something was up and set down the account book in her hands.

"What's wrong? You're sweating buckets." Lady Shen grabbed a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Shen Shuangning's forehead, chiding, "You're all grown up—show some composure."

Translation: ""What's wrong? You're sweating buckets." Lady Shen grabbed a handkerchief to wipe Shen Shuangning's forehead, then chided, "You're grown up—show some composure.""

"Mother, I cannot go to the Song residence's banquet." Shen Shuangning stated bluntly.

Translation: ""Mother, I cannot go to the Song residence's banquet." Shen Shuangning said bluntly."

Lady Shen blinked: "Why? I've already written the reply."

Translation: "Lady Shen blinked: "Why? I've already replied.""

Lady Shen still didn't know what had happened; she assumed her daughter was refusing to go because of the unpleasantness during her last visit to the Song residence.

Translation: "Lady Shen still didn't know what had happened; she thought her daughter was refusing to go because of the unpleasantness last time at the Song residence."

Upon hearing that Lady Shen had already sent the reply, Shen Shuangning's heart gave a thump, and she hurriedly asked, "Has it been sent?"

Upon hearing that Lady Shen had already sent the reply, Shen Shuangning's heart gave a thump, and she hurriedly asked, "Has it been sent?" (duplicate? Actually 【181】 and 【183】 are similar but we keep both.)

"Not yet," Lady Shen said, glancing at the nearby table where the unsent reply lay. "It's not urgent."

"Not yet," Lady Shen said, glancing at the nearby table where the unsent reply lay. "It's not urgent." (duplicate again; but we must output both.)

Once that reply is sent to the Song residence, accepting their invitation, it will be hard to refuse later.

Translation: "Once that reply is sent to the Song residence, accepting their banquet invitation, it will be hard to decline later."

Shen Shuangning exhaled in relief and gestured for the servants to withdraw.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning let out a breath and gestured for the servants in the room to withdraw."

Lady Shen saw her daughter's solemn expression and, unable to help herself, straightened her demeanor and asked, "What exactly is going on?"

Translation: "Lady Shen saw her grave expression and likewise straightened her own demeanor: "What exactly is going on?""

This matter is of great importance, and Shen Shuangning did not keep it from her mother.

Translation: "This matter is of great importance; Shen Shuangning did not hide it from her mother."

"Grand Secretary Song has been secretly colluding with the Holy Heaven Sect; the crown prince already has irrefutable evidence, and the Song family is doomed."

Translation: ""Grand Secretary Song has been secretly colluding with the Holy Heaven Sect; the crown prince already has solid proof, and the Song family is doomed.""

Upon hearing this, Lady Shen's hand holding the tea cup trembled violently, spilling tea everywhere; she sprang to her feet with a swish, her face full of shock.

Upon hearing this, Lady Shen's hand holding the tea cup trembled violently, spilling tea everywhere; she sprang to her feet with a swish, her face full of shock.

"What are you saying?!"

Translation: ""What did you say?!""

Shen Shuangning said, "Mother, Grand Secretary Song has committed treason; we must have absolutely no connection with the Song family."

Translation: "Shen Shuangning said, "Mother, Grand Secretary Song has committed treason; we must have nothing to do with the Song family whatsoever!""

Lady Shen was staggered by the news, seeing stars; after all, that was Grand Secretary Song, a close minister of the emperor!

Lady Shen was staggered by the news, seeing stars; after all, that was Grand Secretary Song, a close minister of the emperor!

After Lady Shen steadied herself, she looked at her daughter and asked only, "How did you come to know this?"

After Lady Shen steadied herself, she looked at her daughter and asked only, "How did you come to know this?"

Shen Shuangning pressed her lips together, earnestly saying, "Mother, don't worry about how I know this; just trust me."

Translation: "Shen Shuangning pressed her lips, earnestly saying, "Mother, don't worry about how I know; just believe me.""

Lady Shen glanced at Shen Shuangning a few times, then, without asking further, rose to rewrite the reply and decline the Song residence's invitation.

Lady Shen glanced at Shen Shuangning a few times, then, without asking further, rose to rewrite the reply and decline the Song residence's invitation.

If what Shen Shuangning says is true, then even if it offends the Song residence, we must absolutely not let the Duke of Rong's residence get dragged into this mess!

Translation: "If what Shen Shuangning says is true, then even if it offends the Song residence, we must absolutely not let the Duke of Rong's residence wade into this muddy water!"

Shen Shuangning's tense shoulders eased a little, for she knew her mother would surely believe her.

Translation: "Shen Shuangning's tensed shoulders eased slightly; she knew her mother would surely believe her."

Seeming to think of something, Shen Shuangning hastily added, "Mother, none of the people from the second or third branches, nor anyone else in the Duke's residence, may go."

Translation: "Upon thinking of something, Shen Shuangning hurriedly added, "Mother, none of the second or third branches, nor anyone else in the Duke of Rong's residence, may go either.""

Lady Shen replied, "I understand; I am the matriarch of the Duke's residence, and they will obey me."

Translation: "Lady Shen replied, "I understand; as the mistress of the Duke of Rong's residence, they will have to obey me.""

Shen Shuangning, however, thought, "I fear it won't be easy."

Translation: "Shen Shuangning, however, thought, "I'm afraid it won't be that easy.""

Lady Shen knew what she was worrying about, and she smiled, saying, "Don't worry—I have plenty of ways to make the second and third branches toe the line."

Translation: "Lady Shen knew what she was worried about, and curled her lips into a smile: "Don't worry; I have plenty of ways to make the second and third branches obey.""

Shen Shuangning said, "Then I'll leave the Duke's residence to you, Mother, while I go to the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence to find my elder sister."

Translation: "Shen Shuangning said, "Then I'll leave the Duke of Rong's residence to you, Mother, while I go to the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence to see my older sister.""

Only then did Lady Shen recall that Shen Miaoyun is now the mistress of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence.

Translation: "Only then did Lady Shen recall that Shen Miaoyun is now the mistress of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence."

"Exactly, exactly, go quickly and remind Sister Yun—don't let the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence get dragged into this as well!"

Translation: ""Exactly, exactly, go quickly remind Sister Yun, don't let the Loyal and Brave Marquis's residence get dragged into this as well!""

Shen Shuangning then hurried away.