Chapter 475

All guard posts across the realm number over four hundred, with troop quotas exceeding two million; the Capital Region alone has over a hundred guard posts and five to six hundred thousand troops. This was indeed the case at the founding of the dynasty.

Translation: "All guard posts across the realm number over four hundred, with troop quotas exceeding two million; the Capital Region alone has over a hundred guard posts and five to six hundred thousand troops. This was indeed the case at the founding of the dynasty."

Over four hundred troop quotas exceed two million; the Capital Region alone has over a hundred guard posts and five to six hundred thousand troops; this was indeed the case at the founding of the dynasty.

Make sure to keep numbers: four hundred, two million, over a hundred, five to six hundred thousand.

We'll output: 【1】 All guard posts across the realm number over four hundred, with troop quotas exceeding two million; the Capital Region alone has over a hundred guard posts and five to six hundred thousand troops. This was indeed the case at the founding of the dynasty.

But can these figures on paper still be trusted today? I dare not speak of other regions, but speaking only of these guard posts in the Capital Region, the rolls list men who are not actually present—vacancies amount to at least sixty or seventy percent.

Translation: "But nowadays, can those figures on paper still be trusted? I dare not speak of other places, but speaking only of these guard posts in the Capital Region, the rolls list many names while the camps lack the personnel—vacancies amount to at least sixty or seventy percent."

sixty or seventy percent

Thus: 【2】 But nowadays, can those figures on paper still be trusted? I dare not speak of other places, but speaking only of these guard posts in the Capital Region, the rolls list many names while the camps lack the personnel—vacancies amount to at least sixty or seventy percent.

Those listed on the rolls have either fled or been pressed into private service; the number truly able to be mustered for battle falls far short of even half the paper strength. Relying on these empty numbers is nothing short of alarmist.

Translation: "Those soldiers listed on the rolls have either fled or been pressed into private service; the number truly able to be mustered for battle is far less than half of the paper strength. Relying on these empty figures is nothing short of alarmist."

Those soldiers listed on the rolls have either fled or been pressed into private service; the number truly able to be mustered for battle is far less than half of the paper strength. Relying on these empty figures is nothing short of alarmist.

The Princess Consort of Bei Jing remained composed, refuting the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an without haste or delay; after a pause, she continued:

The Princess Consort of Bei Jing remained composed, refuting the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's words without haste or delay; after a pause, she continued:

We need to keep punctuation? We'll output as one line.

Thus: 【4】 The Princess Consort of Bei Jing remained composed, refuting the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's words without haste or delay; after a pause, she continued:

Furthermore, Duke Jingguo's recent reclamation of farmland recovers land that rightfully belongs to the court and distributes it to lower-ranking soldiers who have no land to farm and no stipend to receive; this is clearly benevolent governance, good policy, and a lifeline the emperor grants to the million military households.

Translation: "Furthermore, Duke Jingguo's recent reclamation of farmland recovers land that rightfully belongs to the court and distributes it to those lower-ranking soldiers who have no land to farm and no stipend to receive; this is clearly benevolent governance, good policy, and a lifeline the emperor grants to the million military households."

Furthermore, Duke Jingguo's recent reclamation of farmland recovers land that rightfully belongs to the court and distributes it to those lower-ranking soldiers who have no land to farm and no stipend to receive; this is clearly benevolent governance, good policy, and a lifeline the emperor grants to the million military households.

If such benevolent policies were carried out, the military households would be grateful beyond words; who would follow troublemakers to rebel and cause unrest if no one were stirring up trouble?

Translation: "If such benevolent governance is carried out, the military households will be grateful before they can even express it; without anyone stirring up popular sentiment, who would follow in rebellion and mutiny?"

Thus: 【6】 If such benevolent governance is carried out, the military households will be grateful before they can even express it; without anyone stirring up popular sentiment, who would follow in rebellion and mutiny?

Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an: "……"

Translation: "Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an: "……"" Actually we need to keep the ellipsis as is. So: 【7】 Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an: "……"

What a fine fellow, this Lady Zhen—usually appearing gentle and weak, yet today she dares to oppose her so openly!

Translation: "What a fine fellow, this Lady Zhen—usually appearing gentle and weak, yet today she dares to oppose her so openly!"

What a fine fellow, this Lady Zhen—usually appearing gentle and weak, yet today she dares to oppose her so openly!

What do you mean by 'your words are mistaken' and 'you're stirring up trouble'—are you just trying to provoke her?

Translation: "What do you mean by 'Your words are mistaken' and 'you're stirring up popular sentiment'—you're clearly pointing fingers at her!"

We need to keep quotes? We'll translate: 【9】 What do you mean by "Your words are mistaken" and "you're stirring up popular sentiment"—you're clearly pointing fingers at her!

Tan Chun gazed at Lady Zhen with admiring and longing eyes, restraining the urge to cheer.

Translation: "Tan Chun gazed at Lady Zhen with admiring and longing eyes, restraining the urge to cheer."

Tan Chun gazed at Lady Zhen with admiring and longing eyes, restraining the urge to cheer.

Thus: 【10】 Tan Chun gazed at Lady Zhen with admiring and longing eyes, restraining the urge to cheer.

This is the poise and bearing a princess consort should have—dignified and graceful in repose, warm and tranquil in manner; in speech she is composed and forthright, speaking with great principle!

Translation: "This is the bearing and demeanor a princess consort should possess—dignified and graceful in repose, warm and serene in conduct; in speech, composed and forthright, expounding great righteousness."

We need to keep punctuation? We'll output as one line.

Thus: 【11】 This is the bearing and demeanor a princess consort should possess—dignified and graceful in repose, warm and serene in conduct; in speech, composed and forthright, expounding great righteousness.

Unlike the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Consort of the Eastern Ping Prince, who stir up gossip, spread rumors, and harbor deceit!

Translation: "Unlike the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping, who stir up gossip, spread rumors, and harbor deceit!"

Thus: 【12】 Unlike the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping, who stir up gossip, spread rumors, and harbor deceit!

Bao-chai looked at Lady Zhen, and on her face, like a pear blossom, there was likewise a hint of dazed emptiness.

Translation: "Baichai looked at Lady Zhen, her face like a pear blossom likewise showing a hint of bewilderment."

Thus: 【13】 Baichai looked at Lady Zhen, her face like a pear blossom likewise showing a hint of bewilderment.

She could say these things too, but it's just that she lacks the standing……

Translation: "She could say these words too, but she lacks the standing……"

We need to keep ellipsis. So: 【14】 She could say these words too, but she lacks the standing……

Lady Li also glanced at Lady Zhen, her eyes showing a hint of something unusual.

Translation: "Lady Li also glanced at Lady Zhen, her eyes showing a hint of something unusual."

Thus: 【15】 Lady Li also glanced at Lady Zhen, her eyes showing a hint of something unusual.

This Princess Consort of Bei Jing is truly not to be underestimated; I never expected her to have such insight and courage, and she chose this moment well—expecting the Duke Jingguo to return soon, she has promptly taken her stand……

Translation: "This Princess Consort of Bei Jing is indeed not to be underestimated; I never expected her to have such insight and courage, and she seized the moment well—Duke Jingguo should be returning soon, so she hurried to take her stand……"

We need to keep ellipsis. So: 【16】 This Princess Consort of Bei Jing is indeed not to be underestimated; I never expected her to have such insight and courage, and she seized the moment well—Duke Jingguo should be returning soon, so she hurried to take her stand……

Lady Niu on the side flashed her eyes, feeling some regret for missing such a good chance to perform, and hastily echoed:

Translation: "Beside her, Lady Niu's eyes flickered; she regretted missing such a good chance to perform, and hastily echoed:"

Thus: 【17】 Beside her, Lady Niu's eyes flickered; she regretted missing such a good chance to perform, and hastily echoed:

The princess consort's words struck a chord in my heart. To be frank, my father last night examined those military orders, slapped the table, and said 'good' three times.

Translation: "The princess consort's words hit the spot for me. To be frank, my father last night read those several military orders, slapped the table, and said 'good' three times."

Thus: 【18】 "The princess consort's words hit the spot for me. To be frank, my father last night read those several military orders, slapped the table, and said 'good' three times."

He said, the ills of military affairs have accumulated for years, long past the point when they must be reformed; yet in court, all the officials know it's corrupt, but none dare to touch it.

Translation: "He said, the ills of military affairs have accumulated for years; it's long past the time when reform is unavoidable, yet the officials in court all know it's corrupt but none dare to touch it."

Thus: 【19】 "He said, the ills of military affairs have accumulated for years; it's long past the time when reform is unavoidable, yet the officials in court all know it's corrupt but none dare to touch it."

Why? Because they fear offending others and

Translation: "Why? Fear of offending others, fear of taking responsibility. Now Duke Jingguo steps forward and cuts decisively—what boldness, what responsibility!"

Thus: 【20】 "Why? Fear of offending others, fear of taking responsibility. Now Duke Jingguo steps forward and cuts decisively—what boldness, what responsibility!"

My lord also said, such a ruthless method of scraping bone to cure poison is unmatched among all civil and military officials; only the current emperor's keen eye for talent would lead him to appoint someone like Duke Jingguo, who is wholly devoted to the state.

Translation: "My father also said, such a ruthless remedy—cutting to the bone to purge poison—cannot be matched by any other civil or military official in the court; it is only because the present emperor has such discernment in people that he would choose Duke Jingguo, a loyal official devoted to the state."

Thus: 【21】 "My father also said, such a ruthless remedy—cutting to the bone to purge poison—cannot be matched by any other civil or military official in the court; it is only because the present emperor has such discernment in people that he would choose Duke Jingguo, a loyal official devoted to the state."

Such harmony between ruler and minister is exactly the sign that our Great Han is about to undergo a revival.

Translation: "Such harmony between ruler and minister is precisely the portent of our Han dynasty's imminent revival."

Thus: 【22】 "Such harmony between ruler and minister is precisely the portent of our Han dynasty's imminent revival."

Madam Niu relaxed, her gaze unintentionally sweeping over the slightly stiff faces of the Nan'an Imperial Consort and the Dongping Crown Prince's Consort, her smile growing ever more sincere and humble.

Translation: "Lady Niu eased her gaze, seemingly unintentionally sweeping over the slightly stiff faces of the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping; her smile grew ever more sincere and humble."

Thus: 【23】 Lady Niu eased her gaze, seemingly unintentionally sweeping over the slightly stiff faces of the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping; her smile grew ever more sincere and humble.

Our Zhongjing Marquis household is second to none in lineage and foundation, yet my father warned that at such a critical moment we must clearly discern right from wrong.

Translation: "Our Marquis Zhongjing's manor may be equal in pedigree and foundation to any other, but my father said that at such a juncture, we must distinguish right from wrong."

Thus: 【24】 "Our Marquis Zhongjing's manor may be equal in pedigree and foundation to any other, but my father said that at such a juncture, we must distinguish right from wrong."

Clearing the military colonies is a major state undertaking, a lifeline for the million military households, and the proper way for the court to cultivate elite troops; if we still pursue our own petty interests, we would truly be ashamed before our ancestors and the court.

Translation: "The reclamation is a great state undertaking, a lifeline for the million military households, and the proper way for the court to nurture elite troops. If we still cling to our own petty schemes in the face of such good governance, we would truly shame our ancestors and the court."

Thus: 【25】 "The reclamation is a great state undertaking, a lifeline for the million military households, and the proper way for the court to nurture elite troops. If we still cling to our own petty schemes in the face of such good governance, we would truly shame our ancestors and the court."

Thus, as soon as my father received the military order yesterday, he directed that all stewards of the manor's estates involved with military colonies must, within three days, compile registers, submit them, and voluntarily return the land, not retaining even a single mu.

Translation: "So my father, upon receiving the military order yesterday, immediately issued instructions: all stewards of the manor's estates, any land involved in military farms, must within three days compile registers, submit them, and return the land proactively—not a single mu to be retained."

Thus: 【26】 So my father, upon receiving the military order yesterday, immediately issued instructions: all stewards of the manor's estates, any land involved in military farms, must within three days compile registers, submit them, and return the land proactively—not a single mu to be retained.

Madam Niu's remarks are more blunt and forceful than Lady Zhen's; she flatters Emperor Jingsheng and Jia Jing while mocking the Nan'an Imperial Consort and the Dongping Crown Prince's Consort.

Translation: "Lady Niu's words were more blunt and forceful than Lady Zhen's—on one hand praising Emperor Jing Sheng and Jia Jing, on the other mocking the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping."

Thus: 【27】 Lady Niu's words were more blunt and forceful than Lady Zhen's—on one hand praising Emperor Jing Sheng and Jia Jing, on the other mocking the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an and the Crown Princess of Dongping.

She is a relative by marriage of the Jia family, and at this moment she does not fear offending the two great princely households.

Translation: "She is a relative by marriage of the Jia family, and at this moment she fears no offense to the two great princely mansions!"

Thus: 【28】 She is a relative by marriage of the Jia family, and at this moment she fears no offense to the two great princely mansions!

In the Rongqing Hall, as the Princess Consort of Bei Jing and Madam Niu successively spoke to refute the Nan'an Imperial Consort, the hall fell into a sudden silence.

Translation: "In the Rong Qing Tang hall, as the Princess Consort of Bei Jing and Lady Niu successively spoke to refute the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an, the hall fell into a sudden silence!"

Thus: 【29】 In the Rong Qing Tang hall, as the Princess Consort of Bei Jing and Lady Niu successively spoke to refute the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an, the hall fell into a sudden silence!

The Nan'an Imperial Consort's complexion flushed and pallid, her fury extreme; for years, no one has dared to speak to her in this manner.

Translation: "The Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's complexion shifted, pallid and flushed; her fury peaked— for years, no one had dared to speak to her in this manner."

Thus: 【30】 The Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's complexion shifted, pallid and flushed; her fury peaked— for years, no one had dared to speak to her in this manner.

What does it mean to harbor petty schemes, to be ashamed before one's ancestors and the court?

Translation: "What does it mean to harbor one's own petty schemes, to shame one's ancestors and the court?"

Thus: 【31】 What does it mean to harbor one's own petty schemes, to shame one's ancestors and the court?

You think you're so pure and lofty? You think you're so remarkable?

Translation: "Are you so pure? Are you so extraordinary?"

Thus: 【32】 Are you so pure? Are you so extraordinary?

The Nan'an Imperial Consort's face darkened, only a cold smile curling at the corner of her mouth, as she slowly said:

Translation: "The Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's visage darkened, only the corner of her mouth twitching into a cold smile as she slowly said:"

Thus: 【33】 The Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's visage darkened, only the corner of her mouth twitching into a cold smile as she slowly said:

The Bei Jing Prince's household and the Zhongjing Marquis household uphold lofty principles and deeply understand righteousness; truly admirable.

Translation: "The manor of the Bei Jing Prince and the Marquis Zhongjing's manor lofty in principle and clear in righteousness— truly admirable!"

Thus: 【34】 "The manor of the Bei Jing Prince and the Marquis Zhongjing's manor lofty in principle and clear in righteousness— truly admirable!"

But not everyone in the world is as fortunate as you, with extra income at home and having clung to the great tree of Duke Jingguo, so they don't mind abandoning the military colonies.

Translation: "But not everyone in this world is as fortunate as you, with additional income at home and having climbed onto the great tree of Duke Jingguo, so they don't mind abandoning their military farms."

Thus: 【35】 "But not everyone in this world is as fortunate as you, with additional income at home and having climbed onto the great tree of Duke Jingguo, so they don't mind abandoning their military farms."

For those families whose livelihoods have been cut off, where their resentment will go is uncertain; Duke Jingguo now commands heavy troops, so he naturally fears nothing.

Translation: "For those whose livelihoods have been cut off, where their resentment will go is uncertain. Duke Jingguo now holds heavy troops, so he naturally fears nothing."

Thus: 【36】 "For those whose livelihoods have been cut off, where their resentment will go is uncertain. Duke Jingguo now holds heavy troops, so he naturally fears nothing."

But I also want to remind you: nothing good lasts a hundred days, no flower stays red for a hundred days; if you push things to the extreme today, when it's your turn tomorrow, don't blame others for not leaving you any leeway.

Translation: "But I must also give you a reminder: no enjoyment lasts a hundred days, no flower stays red for a hundred; today you push things to the extreme, but when your turn comes tomorrow, don't blame others for not leaving you any leeway."

Thus: 【37】 But I must also give you a reminder: no enjoyment lasts a hundred days, no flower stays red for a hundred; today you push things to the extreme, but when your turn comes tomorrow, don't blame others for not leaving you any leeway.

This is laying cards on the table, applying pressure, a naked threat.

Translation: "This is laying cards on the table, applying pressure, a naked threat!"

Thus: 【38】 This is laying cards on the table, applying pressure, a naked threat!

Lady Zhen, the Bei Jing Princess Consort, beneath her curved willow-leaf eyebrows, saw a cold glint; her gaze fell clear and icy upon the Nan'an Imperial Consort's face, yet her voice remained gentle as she said:

Translation: "Under her curved willow-leaf brows, Lady Zhen saw the cold glint; her gaze fell clear and icy upon the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's face, yet her voice remained gentle as she said:"

Thus: 【39】 Under her curved willow-leaf brows, Lady Zhen saw the cold glint; her gaze fell clear and icy upon the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an's face, yet her voice remained gentle as she said:

Your words, Imperial Consort, I cannot agree; the Bei Jing Prince's household and the Zhongjing Marquis household voluntarily return the fields not because we have other income, nor because we are clinging to some high branch, but because those fields originally belonged to the court, not to us.

Translation: "Your words, Consort, I cannot agree with. The Bei Jing Prince's manor and the Marquis Zhongjing's manor voluntarily returning the fields is not because we have other income, nor because we seek higher connections, but because those fields originally belonged to the court, not to us."

Thus: 【40】 "Your words, Consort, I cannot agree with. The Bei Jing Prince's manor and the Marquis Zhongjing's manor voluntarily returning the fields is not because we have other income, nor because we seek higher connections, but because those fields originally belonged to the court, not to us."

Returning things to their rightful owner is natural and proper; where does the notion of 'doing it absolutely' come from? As for the 'leeway' you just mentioned, I actually think that precisely because we will have to meet again in the future, we should now handle things openly and rightly.

Translation: "Returning things to their rightful owner is natural and just— where does the notion of 'doing it absolutely' come from? As for your earlier mention of 'leaving leeway,' I actually think that precisely because we will meet again in the future, we ought now to handle matters openly and justly."

Thus: 【41】 "Returning things to their rightful owner is natural and just— where does the notion of 'doing it absolutely' come from? As for your earlier mention of 'leaving leeway,' I actually think that precisely because we will meet again in the future, we ought now to handle matters openly and justly."

If we return the land voluntarily today, we will still be old friends when we meet again; if we hide and resist, refusing to return, only to regret when the knife is at our throats, that truly means leaving no leeway.

Translation: "If we return the land today, we will still be old acquaintances when we meet tomorrow; but if we conceal and defy orders, only to regret when the blade is at our throats, that truly means leaving no leeway."

Thus: 【42】 If we return the land today, we will still be old acquaintances when we meet tomorrow; but if we conceal and defy orders, only to regret when the blade is at our throats, that truly means leaving no leeway.

The twelve divisions, 180,000 tiger-and-wolf troops, garrison the divine capital—could this be a joke?

Translation: "Twelve regiments, 180,000 tiger-and-wolf troops garrisoned in Shenjing— could this be a joke?"

Thus: 【43】 Twelve regiments, 180,000 tiger-and-wolf troops garrisoned in Shenjing— could this be a joke?

Moreover, among those seated here are the Niu family, representing the Northwestern army, and the Nian family, representing the Northeastern army, not to mention the emperor's support from the palace; it's truly baffling where the Nan'an and Dongping households get the audacity to oppose the overwhelming tide of the court.

Translation: "Moreover, seated here are the Niu family representing the northwestern army and the Nian family representing the Liaodong army, not to mention the emperor's support from the palace— truly I do not know where the Nan'an and Dongping mansions get the audacity to oppose the court's mighty tide!"

Thus: 【44】 Moreover, seated here are the Niu family representing the northwestern army and the Nian family representing the Liaodong army, not to mention the emperor's support from the palace— truly I do not know where the Nan'an and Dongping mansions get the audacity to oppose the court's mighty tide!

All that can be said is that this person, when causing trouble, is truly muddle-headed and meticulously scheming.

Translation: "All that can be said is that this person, in courting death, is truly muddled-headed and tight-lipped!"

Thus: 【45】 All that can be said is that this person, in courting death, is truly muddled-headed and tight-lipped!

In the Rongqing Hall, the crowd listening to this series of exchanges, watching coldly, mostly developed a dislike for the Nan'an Imperial Consort.

Translation: "Those present in the Rong Qing Tang hall listened to this series of exchanges, watching coldly, and many took a dislike to the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an."

Thus: 【46】 Those present in the Rong Qing Tang hall listened to this series of exchanges, watching coldly, and many took a dislike to the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an.

On such a joyous occasion, to come to the door and behave so rudely is truly detestable.

Translation: "On such a joyous occasion, to come to the door and behave so rudely is truly detestable!"

Thus: 【47】 On such a joyous occasion, to come to the door and behave so rudely is truly detestable!

However, among those present, aside from Jia Madam and Lady Zhen, no one else really has the qualifications to contend with the Nan'an Imperial Consort on equal footing.

Translation: "However, among those present, aside from Jia Mu and Lady Zhen, nobody else truly has the standing to match the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an in a showdown!"

Thus: 【48】 However, among those present, aside from Jia Mu and Lady Zhen, nobody else truly has the standing to match the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an in a showdown!

Because the Nan'an Imperial Consort, as the widow of the deceased Nan'an Senior Prince, holds a superior rank and is advanced in age, she is truly a person of exalted status.

Translation: "Because the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an is the widow of the late Prince of Nan'an Commandery, she holds a rank of superior grade and is advanced in years— a truly noble person by status."

Thus: 【49】 Because the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an is the widow of the late Prince of Nan'an Commandery, she holds a rank of superior grade and is advanced in years— a truly noble person by status.

Within the Jia household, no one outranks her; even Jia Madam falls short by a notch.

Translation: "Within the Jia mansion, no one outranks her—not even Jia Mu, who falls short by a notch."

Thus: 【50】 Within the Jia mansion, no one outranks her—not even Jia Mu, who falls short by a notch.

Moreover, Jia Madam is elderly, and today is her joyous occasion; it would be improper to quarrel with others, so only Lady Zhen, who likewise holds a superior rank as a princess consort, can rebut in words without losing propriety.

Translation: "Moreover, Jia Mu is advanced in age, and today is her happy day; it would be improper to quarrel with others, so only Lady Zhen, who likewise holds a superior-grade rank as a princess consort, can rebut in words without losing propriety!"

Thus: 【51】 Moreover, Jia Mu is advanced in age, and today is her happy day; it would be improper to quarrel with others, so only Lady Zhen, who likewise holds a superior-grade rank as a princess consort, can rebut in words without losing propriety!

All that can be said is that Lady Zhen truly gave her all today!

Translation: "All that can be said is that Lady Zhen truly exerted herself today!"

Thus: 【52】 All that can be said is that Lady Zhen truly exerted herself today!

Just as the Rongqing Hall fell silent and the Nan'an Imperial Consort was about to speak again, a report suddenly came from outside the door:

Translation: "Just as the Rong Qing Tang hall lay in silence and the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an prepared to speak again, a report suddenly came from outside the door:"

Thus: 【53】 Just as the Rong Qing Tang hall lay in silence and the Imperial Noble Consort of Nan'an prepared to speak again, a report suddenly came from outside the door:

Grandmother, the Duke has returned and is about to come pay his respects for your birthday!

Translation: "Grandmother, the Duke has returned and is about to come pay his respects for your birthday!"

Thus: 【54】 "Grandmother, the Duke has returned and is about to come pay his respects for your birthday!"

Inside the hall, the Jia family members all stirred, exclaiming, 'Good, he's finally back!' With that young man's stubborn temperament, there's bound to be some good drama to watch!

Translation: "Inside the hall, the Jia household members all brightened up— 'Good, he's finally back!' With that young man's stubborn temperament, there's bound to be a good show to watch!"

Thus: 【55】 Inside the hall, the Jia household members all brightened up— 'Good, he's finally back!' With that young man's stubborn temperament, there's bound to be a good show to watch!

Jia Madam's face lit up with joy, and she hurriedly ordered:

Translation: "Jia Mu's expression lit up, and she hurriedly ordered:"

Thus: 【56】 Jia Mu's expression lit up, and she hurriedly ordered:

'Yuan Yang, go quickly to greet him!'

Translation: "'Yuan Yang, go greet him quickly!'"

Thus: 【57】 "Yuan Yang, go greet him quickly!"

This is sending someone ahead to say a few words, so that Jia Jing can get a sense of the situation.

Translation: "This is to send someone ahead to inform him so he can understand the situation."

Thus: 【58】 This is to send someone ahead to inform him so he can understand the situation.

Yuan Yang responded with an affirmation, then left the Rongqing Hall to go meet Jia Jing.

Translation: "Yuan Yang responded with an assent, then left the Rong Qing Tang hall to go meet Jia Jing!"

Thus: 【59】 Yuan Yang responded with an assent, then left the Rong Qing Tang hall to go meet Jia Jing!

Immediately, Jia Mu, who had been filled with anger, again spoke softly to Princess Nan'an and the consort of the Eastern Ping Prince:

"Jing Ge'er is back, he's the one whose word is final, you all should talk things over with him properly, don't rush to leave!"