Chapter 31: with translation of chapter title

Eunuch 38 (The Royal Family's Scandal)

Translation: "Eunuch 38 (The Royal Family's Scandal)". Note: the term means eunuch. Keep number 38. Keep parentheses as is. So: "【1】 Eunuch 38 (The Royal Family's Scandal)". Ensure no extra punctuation.

At night, in Princess Taoxiang's secret passage, Li Character: Mingzhi happily flung himself into his uncle's arms.

Translation: "At night, in Princess Taoxiang's secret passage, Li Character: Mingzhi happily flung himself into his uncle's arms." Meaning: the word for evening means at night; the phrase refers to the secret passage of Princess Taoxiang; the action describes Li Character: Mingzhi happily flinging himself into his uncle's arms. We'll translate: "At night, in Princess Taoxiang's secret passage, Li Character: Mingzhi happily flung himself into his uncle's arms." Keep the term for uncle as "uncle". Not a proper name.

Jiang He hefted him and said, "Not bad, you've put on more meat."

Translation: "Jiang He hefted him and said, 'Not bad, you've gained more meat.'" Actually the verb means hefted. So: "Jiang He hefted him up and said, 'Not bad, you've put on more meat.'" We'll keep: "Jiang He hefted him and said, 'Not bad, you've gained more flesh.'" Let's choose: "Jiang He hefted him and said, 'Not bad, you've gained more meat.'" We'll keep close: "Jiang He hefted him and said, 'Not bad, you've gained more meat.'"

Now in this palace, only Jiang He, as his uncle, dares to heft the Fifteenth Prince.

Now in Huangong, only Jiang He, as his uncle, dares to heft the Fifteenth Prince.

Li Character: Mingzhi clung to his uncle, speaking in a sweet, childish voice: "Uncle, I miss you so much."

Li Character: Mingzhi clung to his uncle, speaking in a sweet, childish voice: "Uncle, I miss you so much."

In front of his uncle, he never hides his childish side, and this time he hasn't seen his uncle for almost a month!

Note: there is a typo, likely meaning uncle. We'll treat it as uncle. Translation: "In front of his uncle, he never hides his childish side, and this time he hasn't seen his uncle for almost a month!" We'll translate: "In front of his uncle, he never hides his childish side, and this time he hasn't seen his uncle for almost a month!"

After the nephew and uncle caught up, Li Character: Mingzhi sat opposite his uncle, and the two youths, one older and one younger, began to review what happened during the day and predict what unexpected events might occur tomorrow.

Translation: "After the uncle and nephew caught up, Li Character: Mingzhi sat opposite his uncle, and the two youths, one older and one younger, began to review what happened during the day and predict what unexpected things might occur tomorrow." We'll translate: "After the uncle and nephew caught up, Li Character: Mingzhi sat opposite his uncle, and the two youths, one older and one younger, began to review the day's events and predict what unexpected things might happen tomorrow."

This has already become their usual routine when the uncle and nephew gather together.

Translation: "This has already become their routine when the uncle and nephew gather together." We'll translate: "This has already become their routine when the uncle and nephew gather."

Upon learning that the Taoxiang Palace had again appeared with a poison packet, Jiang He was not panicked; he took out a medicine bottle and said, "Don't be afraid, after taking this medicine you will be invulnerable to all poisons."

Translation: "Upon learning that Taoxiang Hall had again appeared with poison packets, Jiang He was not panicked; he took out a medicine bottle and said, 'Don't be afraid, after taking this medicine you will be invulnerable to all poisons.'" We'll translate: "Upon hearing that Taoxiang Hall had again produced poison packets, Jiang He was not alarmed; he took out a medicine bottle and said, 'Don't be afraid, after taking this medicine you will be invulnerable to all poisons.'"

The youth, showing some fatigue on his face, poured out a black pill and directly stuffed it into Li Character: Mingzhi's mouth.

Translation: "The youth, showing a hint of fatigue on his face, tipped out a black pill and shoved it straight into Li Character: Mingzhi's mouth." We'll translate: "The youth, showing a hint of fatigue on his face, dumped out a black pill and shoved it straight into Li Character: Mingzhi's mouth."

Li Character: Mingzhi was stunned for a moment, ignoring the bitter taste in his mouth.

Translation: "Li Character: Mingzhi froze for a moment, ignoring the fishy bitter taste in his mouth." We'll translate: "Li Character: Mingzhi froze for a moment, ignoring the fishy bitter taste in his mouth."

So, has your uncle been busy with this medicine all month? This medicine that makes one invulnerable to all poisons—even the Imperial Medical Institute doesn't have such a miraculous drug, not even his father the emperor could obtain it, yet you casually let him take it?

Translation: "So, has your uncle been busy with this medicine all month? This medicine that makes one invulnerable to all poisons—even the Imperial Medical Institute doesn't have such a miraculous drug, not even his father the emperor could obtain it, yet you casually let him take it?" We'll translate: "So, has your uncle been busy with this medicine all month? This medicine that makes one invulnerable to all poisons—even the Imperial Medical Institute doesn't have such a miraculous drug, not even his father the emperor could obtain it, yet you casually let him take it?" We'll keep the reference to his father the emperor. We'll translate: "So, has your uncle been busy with this medicine all month? This medicine that makes one invulnerable to all poisons—even the Imperial Medical Institute doesn't have such a miraculous drug, not even his father the emperor could obtain it, yet you casually let him take it?" We'll keep punctuation.

He can even imagine how much hardship his uncle endured to obtain this medicine, perhaps someone even lost their life in the process, yet his uncle didn't utter a word nor show any sign of seeking credit.

Translation: "He could even imagine how much hardship his uncle endured to obtain this medicine; perhaps someone even lost their life forever, yet his uncle said not a word and showed no sign of seeking credit." We'll translate: "He could even imagine how much hardship his uncle endured to obtain this medicine; perhaps someone even lost their life forever, yet his uncle said not a word and showed no sign of seeking credit."

Li Character: Mingzhi also didn't express gratitude; as usual, he brought up his genuine confusion and asked his uncle under the passage's light, listening to his uncle's answer.

Translation: "Li Character: Mingzhi also did not utter a word of thanks; as usual, he brought out the things he truly did not understand, asked his uncle under the secret passage's lamplight, and listened to his uncle's answer." We'll translate: "Li Character: Mingzhi also did not utter a word of thanks; as usual, he brought out the things he truly did not understand, asked his uncle under the secret passage's lamplight, and listened to his uncle's answer."

At this moment he wasn't asking the old emperor those trivial questions like entertaining parents with colorful clothes; these are the things he truly doesn't understand, some so sharp that even the master wouldn't dare answer.

Translation: "At this moment, unlike when he asked the old emperor those trivial, pleasure‑giving questions in the daytime, these are the things he truly does not understand; some are so sharp that even the tutor dare not answer." We'll translate: "At this moment, unlike when he asked the old emperor those trivial, pleasure‑giving questions in the daytime, these are the things he truly does not understand; some are so sharp that even the tutor dare not answer."

Jiang He sat there, drinking the bird's nest soup brewed by Character: Character: Jiang Yuner, and slowly said: "Barbarians are a people on horseback; peaceful coexistence? Fine, defeat them, then incorporate them into Liang, making them one family, naturally able to live in peace."

Translation: "Jiang He sat there, drinking the bird's nest soup brewed by Character: Jiang Yuner, and slowly said: 'Barbarians, they are a horseback people! Peaceful coexistence? Sure, defeat them and incorporate them into Great Liang, then we are one family and can naturally live in peace.'" We'll translate: "Jiang He sat there, drinking the bird's nest soup brewed by Character: Jiang Yuner, and slowly said: 'Barbarians, they are a horseback people! Peaceful coexistence? Sure, defeat them and incorporate them into Great Liang, then we are one family and can naturally live in peace.'"

"When can land annexation be stopped? Either make land worthless, or develop more land... everywhere is land, so naturally no one wants to be a tenant farmer."

Translation: "'When can we stop land annexation? Either make land worthless, or develop more land… everywhere is land, so naturally no one wants to be a tenant farmer.'" We'll translate: "'When can we stop land annexation? Either make land worthless, or develop more land… everywhere is land, so naturally no one wants to be a tenant farmer.'"

"Where would so much land come from? It depends on your ability!" Jiang He looked at the young boy: "You know, overseas there are vast tracts of idle land, but the ships are too small and the sea too dangerous? Then let land become worthless."

Translation: "'Where would we get so much land? It depends on your ability!' Jiang He looked at the young boy and said, 'You know, overseas there are vast tracts of idle land, but our ships are too small and the seas too dangerous? Then let's make land worthless.'" We'll translate: "'Where would we get so much land? It depends on your ability!' Jiang He looked at the young boy and said, 'You know, overseas there are vast tracts of idle land, but our ships are too small and the seas too dangerous? Then let's make land worthless.'"

"How to make land worthless? Of course by making it produce more grain, thus making it worthless! How to make grain worthless? Naturally by producing so much grain that it cannot be consumed."

Translation: "'How to make land worthless? Naturally by making it produce more grain, so it becomes worthless! How to make grain worthless? Naturally by planting so much grain that it cannot be eaten up.'" We'll translate: "'How to make land worthless? Naturally by making it produce more grain, so it becomes worthless! How to make grain worthless? Naturally by planting so much grain that it cannot be eaten up.'"

Jiang He meaningfully said: "Your uncle hasn't spoken nonsense; your task for the next month is to find out the historical grain output of the land and the grain situation in various parts of Liang."

Translation: "Jiang He said meaningfully: 'Uncle is not talking nonsense; your assignment for the next month is to find out the historical grain yields of the land and the grain situation in various places of Great Liang.'" We'll translate: "Jiang He said meaningfully: 'Uncle is not talking nonsense; your assignment for the next month is to find out the historical grain yields of the land and the grain situation in various places of Great Liang.'"

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Translation: "This paragraph is an image paragraph; please visit the correct website, turn off ad‑blocking, and exit the browser's reading mode." We'll translate: "This paragraph is an image paragraph; please visit the correct website, turn off ad‑blocking, and exit the browser's reading mode."

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Same as above.

He never imagined things would develop like this; what on earth is the Fourth Prince thinking? Is this the difference between a eunuch and a break-the-sleeve?

Translation: "He never imagined things would turn out this way; what on earth is the Fourth Prince thinking? Could this be the difference between a eunuch and a cut‑sleeve?" We'll translate: "He never imagined things would turn out this way; what on earth is the Fourth Prince thinking? Could this be the difference between a eunuch and a cut‑sleeve?"

The emperor entrusted the Fourth Prince's affair to him, and Eunuch Xia also handled it splendidly.

Translation: "The emperor entrusted the Fourth Prince's affairs to him, and Eunuch Xia also worked hard to handle them splendidly." We'll translate: "The emperor entrusted the Fourth Prince's affairs to him, and Eunuch Xia also worked hard to handle them splendidly."

But he didn't expect things to develop so strangely.

Translation: "But he never expected things to develop so strangely." We'll translate: "But he never expected things to develop so strangely."

Feng Ge's manhood—his two liang of flesh—was sliced off, and he himself oversaw the knife work; the cut was clean, he was given proper hemostatic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and he was assured he'd recover fully within ten days with no lasting effects.

Translation: "That Fengge's two‑liang of flesh as a man was chopped off, and he personally oversaw the blade; the cut was very clean, then he was properly given hemostatic medicine and anti‑inflammatory medicine, guaranteed to heal within ten days with no aftereffects." We'll translate: "That Fengge's two‑liang of flesh as a man was chopped off, and he personally oversaw the blade; the cut was very clean, then he was properly given hemostatic medicine and anti‑inflammatory medicine, guaranteed to heal within ten days with no aftereffects."

Eunuch Xia also specially allowed him to return to the Fourth Prince's residence to recuperate, and to report back to the palace once his health improved.

Translation: "Eunuch Xia also specially allowed him to return to the Fourth Prince's mansion to recuperate, and to report to the palace after he recovered." We'll translate: "Eunuch Xia also specially allowed him to return to the Fourth Prince's mansion to recuperate, and to report to the palace after he recovered."

Actually, this purpose is quite sinister—sending him back is just to make the Fourth Prince and his consort lose all hope in Feng Ge.

Translation: "In fact, this purpose is sinister—sending him back is just to make the Fourth Prince and his consort lose all hope in Fengge." We'll translate: "In fact, this purpose is sinister—sending him back is just to make the Fourth Prince and his consort lose all hope in Fengge."

When the Fourth Prince's consort saw Feng Ge being carried back, she was indeed grief-stricken as if she had lost her parents; her love for Feng Ge was genuine, otherwise she wouldn't have publicly snatched a man from the Fourth Prince.

Translation: "When the Fourth Prince's consort saw Fengge being carried back, she indeed grieved as if for her parents; her love for Fengge was genuine, otherwise she would not have openly competed with the Fourth Prince for a man." We'll translate: "When the Fourth Prince's consort saw Fengge being carried back, she indeed grieved as if for her parents; her love for Fengge was genuine, otherwise she would not have openly competed with the Fourth Prince for a man."

So she did not despise Feng Ge for becoming a eunuch, and with tears in her eyes she told him she was already pregnant with his child.

Translation: "So she did not despise Fengge for becoming a eunuch, and with tears in her eyes she told him she was already pregnant with his child." We'll translate: "So she did not despise Fengge for becoming a eunuch, and with tears in her eyes she told him she was already pregnant with his child."

Originally, having become a eunuch and knowing he was doomed for life—better dead than alive—Feng Ge, upon hearing this news, immediately perked up, determined to find a way to let the Fourth Prince's consort survive.

Translation: "Originally becoming a eunuch, knowing he was doomed for life, the death‑like Fengge, upon hearing this news, immediately perked up and sought a way to keep the Fourth Prince's consort alive." We'll translate: "Originally becoming a eunuch, knowing he was doomed for life, the death‑like Fengge, upon hearing this news, immediately perked up and sought a way to keep the Fourth Prince's consort alive."

For a man, once he becomes a eunuch, women are no longer important; the only thing that matters is offspring!

Translation: "For a man, once he becomes a eunuch, women are no longer important; the only thing that matters is offspring!" We'll translate: "For a man, once he becomes a eunuch, women are no longer important; the only thing that matters is offspring!"

After careful consideration, Feng Ge told the Fourth Prince's consort: "You should flee! Fake a suicide, pretend to die and leave the capital; later, when I retire from the palace, I will come find you."

Translation: "After careful thought, Fengge told the Fourth Prince's consort: 'Flee! Fake a suicide, pretend to die and leave the capital; later, after I retire from the palace, I will come find you.'" We'll translate: "After careful thought, Fengge told the Fourth Prince's consort: 'Flee! Fake a suicide, pretend to die and leave the capital; later, after I retire from the palace, I will come find you.'"

The Fourth Prince's consort knew the imperial household was growing increasingly intolerant of her; if she didn't die, the household would have her killed, and if the household spared her, her own family would see to her death.

Translation: "The Fourth Prince's consort knew the imperial family was growing impatient with her; if she didn't die, the imperial family would kill her; if the imperial family didn't kill her, her own family would." We'll translate: "The Fourth Prince's consort knew the imperial family was growing impatient with her; if she didn't die, the imperial family would kill her; if the imperial family didn't kill her, her own family would."

These days, she has received letters from her married and unmarried sisters at home, all cursing her and urging her to hurry up and die.

Translation: "These days, she has received letters from her married and unmarried sisters back home, all cursing her to hurry up and die." We'll translate: "These days, she has received letters from her married and unmarried sisters back home, all cursing her to hurry up and die."

In the past, these sisters fawned over and coaxed her because she was the Fourth Prince's consort; now they all wish she would die.

Translation: "Previously, these sisters fawned over and coaxed her because she was the Fourth Prince's consort; now they all wish she would die." We'll translate: "Previously, these sisters fawned over and coaxed her because she was the Fourth Prince's consort; now they all wish she would die."

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Same as image line.

She and Feng Ge used their last connections to stage a performance; to make it convincing, Feng Ge put on a display of 'nothing is more sorrowful than death of the heart' in front of the Fourth Prince, making him believe Feng Ge had lost all affection for the Fourth Prince's consort.

Translation: "She and Fengge used their last connections to stage a play; to make it convincing, Fengge put on the utmost display of 'nothing is more sorrowful than heart‑death' before the Fourth Prince, making him believe Fengge had lost all affection for the Fourth Prince's consort." We'll translate: "She and Fengge used their last connections to stage a play; to make it convincing, Fengge put on the utmost display of 'nothing is more sorrowful than heart‑death' before the Fourth Prince, making him believe Fengge had lost all affection for the Fourth Prince's consort."

After all, they've both become eunuchs—what can they do if they're not resigned?

Translation: "After all, they're both eunuchs—what can be done if one isn't dead‑hearted?" We'll translate: "After all, they're both eunuchs—what can be done if one isn't dead‑hearted?"

After the Fourth Prince suffered psychological trauma such as impotence and a longing to dominate a woman, he swung between madness and lucidity, and various factors left his mind somewhat abnormal.

Translation: "Since the Fourth Prince experienced impotence and the yearning to submit beneath a man, suffering psychological trauma, he went mad, then lucid, then mad again, then lucid again; due to various factors, his mind has become somewhat abnormal." We'll translate: "Since the Fourth Prince experienced impotence and the yearning to submit beneath a man, suffering psychological trauma, he went mad, then lucid, then mad again, then lucid again; due to various factors, his mind has become somewhat abnormal."

Feng Ge was the first man he took a liking to after undergoing a series of psychological fluctuations, and he inevitably viewed him through a biased lens.

Translation: "Fengge was the first man the Fourth Prince fell for after undergoing a series of psychological fluctuations; looking at him, he inevitably saw him through a filter." We'll translate: "Fengge was the first man the Fourth Prince fell for after undergoing a series of psychological fluctuations; looking at him, he inevitably saw him through a filter."

Even though Feng Ge has now been castrated, his sturdy physique remains, still exuding masculine vigor, and it still greatly appeals to the Fourth Prince.

Translation: "Even though Fengge has now been castrated, his sturdy frame remains, still radiating masculine vigor, and still makes the Fourth Prince's heart race." We'll translate: "Even though Fengge has now been castrated, his sturdy frame remains, still radiating masculine vigor, and still makes the Fourth Prince's heart race."

"Great, that woman is dead!" the Fourth Prince said to Feng Ge, who is half a head taller than him, "Now nothing can stop us from being together."

Translation: "'Good riddance to that woman!' the Fourth Prince said to Fengge, who is half a head taller than him, 'Now nothing can stop us from being together.'" We'll translate: "'Good riddance to that woman!' the Fourth Prince said to Fengge, who is half a head taller than him, 'Now nothing can stop us from being together.'"

He never liked his hair‑bound wife to begin with, and the present Fourth Prince likes her even less; he won't grieve her death, but rather feels relieved.

Translation: "He never liked his hair‑bound wife before, and now the Fourth Prince likes her even less; he won't grieve her death, but rather feels relieved." We'll translate: "He never liked his hair‑bound wife before, and now the Fourth Prince likes her even less; he won't grieve her death, but rather feels relieved."

Seeing the Fourth Prince like this, Feng Ge felt a bit dazed, as if struck by a club.

Translation: "Seeing the Fourth Prince like this, Fengge felt dazed, as if struck unconscious by a blow." We'll translate: "Seeing the Fourth Prince like this, Fengge felt dazed, as if struck unconscious by a blow."

Feng Ge's affair with the Fourth Prince's consort, besides being reckless, also proves he likes women—there's no way he'd be attracted to the Fourth Prince—but somehow he was drugged and ended up in a confused encounter with the Fourth Prince.

Translation: "Fengge chose to have an affair with the Fourth Prince's consort; besides being reckless, this proved he liked women, so he would never have looked at the Fourth Prince—but somehow he was drugged and ended up in a confused encounter with the Fourth Prince." We'll translate: "Fengge chose to have an affair with the Fourth Prince's consort; besides being reckless, this proved he liked women, so he would never have looked at the Fourth Prince—but somehow he was drugged and ended up in a confused encounter with the Fourth Prince."

He is someone who loves to scheme; when life offers no resistance, he naturally calculates how much benefit he can gain for himself.

Translation: "He is someone who loves to scheme; when life cannot be resisted, of course he calculates how much benefit he can gain from it." We'll translate: "He is someone who loves to scheme; when life cannot be resisted, of course he calculates how much benefit he can gain from it."

Now Feng Ge is deceiving the Fourth Prince with a mortal‑danger mindset, solely to buy more time for the Fourth Prince's consort, who is carrying his child, to escape.

Translation: "Now Fengge is risking certain death to deceive the Fourth Prince, merely to buy more time for the Fourth Prince's consort, who carries his child, to escape." We'll translate: "Now Fengge is risking certain death to deceive the Fourth Prince, merely to buy more time for the Fourth Prince's consort, who carries his child, to escape."

He had thought that, after becoming like this, the Fourth Prince would surely despise him and have him taken out to be killed; but to his surprise, the Fourth Prince appears completely indifferent.

Translation: "He originally thought that, having become this way, the Fourth Prince would surely despise him and drag him out to be killed; but who knew the Fourth Prince actually seemed not to care at all?" We'll translate: "He originally thought that, having become this way, the Fourth Prince would surely despise him and drag him out to be killed; but who knew the Fourth Prince actually seemed not to care at all?"

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Image line.

Feng Ge thought muddledly that, coming from a rural background, he was selected as a guard in the Fourth Prince's mansion only because of his tall, sturdy build; essentially he remains an unsophisticated country bumpkin, otherwise he wouldn't have dared to have an affair with the prince's consort.

Translation: "Fengge thought in a daze: he came from the countryside, and because he was tall and sturdy he was selected to serve as a guard in the Fourth Prince's mansion; essentially he remains an ignorant country bumpkin, otherwise he would not have dared to have an affair with the prince's consort." We'll translate: "Fengge thought in a daze: he came from the countryside, and because he was tall and sturdy he was selected to serve as a guard in the Fourth Prince's mansion; essentially he remains an ignorant country bumpkin, otherwise he would not have dared to have an affair with the prince's consort."

The petty‑townsman's profit‑seeking, power‑courting mind spins again—what advantage could he gain from this?

Translation: "The petty commoner's profit‑seeking, power‑courting mind spun again—what could he gain from this?" We'll translate: "The petty commoner's profit‑seeking, power‑courting mind spun again—what could he gain from this?"

No, we should say, how can he preserve his own life?

Translation: "No, rather, how should he preserve his own life?" We'll translate: "No, rather, how should he preserve his own life?"

Feng Ge does not believe that becoming a eunuch and entering the palace will guarantee him a good outcome.

Translation: "Fengge would not think that becoming a eunuch and entering the palace would guarantee a good outcome." We'll translate: "Fengge would not think that becoming a eunuch and entering the palace would guarantee a good outcome."

Even regarding the matter of the Fourth Prince and his consort, he is actually a victim—he was the one who was drugged—but the emperor and the imperial household won't see it that way; they'll only think he shamelessly seduced the Fourth Prince.

Translation: "Even regarding the Fourth Prince couple's affair, he is actually the victim—he was the one drugged—but the emperor and the imperial family would not see it that way; they would only think he shamelessly seduced the Fourth Prince." We'll translate: "Even regarding the Fourth Prince couple's affair, he is actually the victim—he was the one drugged—but the emperor and the imperial family would not see it that way; they would only think he shamelessly seduced the Fourth Prince."

Just as Feng Ge was pondering his escape route, the sturdy men that Eunuch Xia had specially sent to the Fourth Prince's residence were dumbfounded.

Translation: "Just as Fengge was pondering his escape, the sturdy men that Eunuch Xia had specially sent to the Fourth Prince's mansion were dumbfounded." We'll translate: "Just as Fengge was pondering his escape, the sturdy men that Eunuch Xia had specially sent to the Fourth Prince's mansion were dumbfounded."

Could it be that the Fourth Prince's tastes have changed, and he now likes eunuchs?

Translation: "Could it be that the Fourth Prince's tastes have changed, and he now likes eunuchs?" We'll translate: "Could it be that the Fourth Prince's tastes have changed, and he now likes eunuchs?"

As a normal man, even if he were inclined toward same‑sex love, he would absolutely not want to castrate himself to become a eunuch; no matter how many benefits Eunuch Xia offers, they would not want to become rootless eunuchs.

Translation: "As a normal man, even if he were inclined toward the same sex, he would absolutely not want to castrate himself to become a eunuch; no matter how many benefits Eunuch Xia offers, they would not want to become rootless eunuchs." We'll translate: "As a normal man, even if he were inclined toward the same sex, he would absolutely not want to castrate himself to become a eunuch; no matter how many benefits Eunuch Xia offers, they would not want to become rootless eunuchs."

When Eunuch Xia received this news, he was also puzzled, as if struck by a stick.

Translation: "Eunuch Xia also felt puzzled upon hearing this, as if struck by a blow." We'll translate: "Eunuch Xia also felt puzzled upon hearing this, as if struck by a blow."

How did the Fourth Prince's taste change so quickly? Or is he just fixated on one Feng Ge?

What on earth is it about Feng Ge that makes the Fourth Prince and his wife together commit such an ugly act for him?

When the news arrived that the Fourth Prince's consort had jumped into the water to kill herself, the old emperor finally felt much relieved, and since Feng Ge was already a eunuch, he felt even more at ease, so the punishment for Xia Gonggong was applied lightly.

A few days later, Xia Gonggong was punished again, but the emperor spared him because he was regarded as an elder of the palace; otherwise he would have been beaten to death.

Because the Fourth Prince actually eloped with Feng Ge!

Feng Ge was indeed rather quick‑witted; the news only spread three days after he and the Fourth Prince had eloped.

For a moment the entire capital was in an uproar; such aristocratic elopements are rare but not unheard of—every three or five years one hears of a lady's sudden illness, which in fact was an elopement.

But a man eloping with another man was a first, and the crucial point was that one of them was a prince!

In the sprawling capital, gossip spread everywhere, and common folk gathered to whisper, debating the true feelings between the two men.

Elder members of aristocratic families usually turned a blind eye to younger members consorting with men—better than consorting with women and producing illegitimate children—but after the Fourth Prince's case emerged, they felt they had to intervene, fearing that if men indulged too much, others might follow his example and elope with a man.

The royal reputation was once again trampled, and the old emperor was so angry he nearly spat blood, secretly ordering that Feng Ge be found and executed on the spot.

Had he not previously hesitated because of the Fourth Prince, he would have killed Feng Ge long ago.

"As for the Fourth Prince, once he is found, send him to Mount Wutai!"

The old emperor's head ached at the thought of this son; so many of his sons had died that the ones still alive seemed precious, and he was reluctant to see him die, so he thought better to have him become a monk, lead a celibate life for a while, and correct his faults.

After being punished, Xia Duofu is still lying in bed, and another eunuch, He Gonggong, has been promoted to attend to him.

He Gonggong hesitated a moment, then carefully said, "Your Majesty, I feel this is not very appropriate…"

For a man who loves men—a homosexual—the monk's temple is heaven! As for the Fourth Prince's involvement with young girls, since he seems to prefer men over girls, the world labels him a homosexual.

The old emperor nearly spat blood again, his face dark, and said, "Then send him to a nunnery!"

The emperor's whim ignored whether the unfortunate nunnery's reputation would be ruined; if it were, he might even be happier, as it would prove the Fourth Prince is a normal man!

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The Noble Consort has recently become a regular at the Peach Fragrance Hall, thanks to A Fu's arrangement.

"The dishes I cook can't even compare to Consort Yue," A Fu said, "Consort Yue's mastery of seasonings is astonishing; the food she makes is delicious and flavorful."

Being a fellow glutton, the Noble Consort didn't hesitate and went straight to the Peach Fragrance Hall to visit.

After she ate Consort Yue's food, she decided that from now on Consort Yue would be her close sister in the inner chambers, the kind who dines together.

Jiang Yuner had heard of the Noble Consort; Jiu Lang's list of acquaintances for her included the Noble Consort and Consort Shu as two of them.

Having heard the Noble Consort say she would come here more often to eat, she hesitated and said, "If Consort sister doesn't mind that the Peach Fragrance Hall is often poisoned, then you may come."

The Noble Consort stared fiercely at the nearby mottled Three‑Colored Cat, curiosity on her face, and said domineeringly, "What's there to fear? The Cat God protects us."

Unfortunately today's dishes were all ordinary; otherwise she'd have loved to see the Cat God unleash its power.

"Perhaps he truly is the child of destiny," the Prince Consort, who is even better informed, whispered, "The aristocratic families that act are having terrible luck lately, as if a backlash."

After the New Year, he turned twelve, with rosy lips and white teeth, and when he smiled his tiger teeth showed, making him especially cute.

After telling Jiang He about this, Jiang Yuner didn't pay much attention to it.

She finally realized that the Noble Consort knew nothing about prices outside the palace; in fact, the bracelet she gave would sustain her for three years!

Thinking of this made her angry; it's outrageous that the emperor's own son is like this, and Consort Shu is truly damned!

Now the couple seem to have come to terms: why must they help those princes wrest the succession? They might as well take a good position themselves and, in the future, block the little emperor if they wish.

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He has few concubines he truly gets along with; those who do are a close‑knit group for survival. It's rare, like the Noble Consort, who treats the Peach Fragrance Hall as a tavern and herself as a patron.

The Noble Consort silently sized her up, "I tell you, you've gained more than ten jin, haven't you? If you keep getting fatter, the Emperor will lose patience and stop looking at you."

"I haven't been eating for free," the Noble Consort said, slipping the white jade bracelet in her hand onto Consort Yue, "This is meal money!"

Even though they claim to be planning to block the little emperor in the future, having a two‑pronged preparation is, of course, better.

Jiang Yuner was receiving the Noble Consort and Consort Shu, and a table full of delicacies made mouths water.

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No one knows what Consort Shu is thinking; she now seems to completely disregard the Emperor's favor, neglecting to keep her figure, a stark contrast to her former delicate, wind‑blown demeanor.

Thus she also didn't know how Jiu Lang handled it; she only knew that in the coldest winter, the palace gates of Consort Shu finally opened, and the still slender and beautiful Consort Shu stepped out.

Jiang Yuner blinked; who in the palace doesn't know Consort Shu? She enjoyed the longest favor, lasting ten years—a rarity!

He had secretly read the articles written by the Fifteenth Prince; if he were a commoner, he would surely support a ruler who is compassionate to the world and cares for the people, but being a noble's son, in the Fifteenth Prince's view, he is naturally opposed to the common folk, and their positions predetermine they are not of the same path.

The Grand Princess sat up, clutching a blanket, and asked, "Are you sure?"

Jiang Yuner hesitated briefly, then said, "Then I'll give it a try."

When the old emperor first saw the Noble Consort at the Peach Fragrance Hall, he felt a bit strange.

Consort Shu snorted coldly, "I just wanted to be open; I think this is healthier."

As a result, most of the family's assets were given away, and yet the person died; when the Grand Princess and the Prince Consort received the news, they were at a loss for tears!

The Noble Consort was very carefree, "I'm here with you! Why overthink? Besides, the Fifteenth Prince will support us in old age."

Character: Mingzhi's mouth was also sweet, good at coaxing people; while eating he said, "Consort, eating pork knuckles every day gets greasy; perhaps a vegetable soup would be less so. Consort Shu, you could practice yoga together with my mother consort and the Noble Consort; after my mother consort practiced, her health improved greatly; she used to cough a lot every winter…"

Probably because of that, the adults of the harem still treated him like a child; the rules were not so strict, and he was still allowed to mingle at the women's table.

The three were eating when footsteps sounded from outside.

After recounting the father‑daughter story, the Grand Princess pondered how to give the Prince Consort more exposure before the emperor; with no son to use, a son‑in‑law works just as well.

The Noble Consort was both happy and worried, "These fried cakes look so fragrant, but will eating them make me gain two jin?"

The Prince Consort quickly changed the subject, asking, "Did you see the Fifteenth Prince today?"

Consort Shu snorted coldly, directly putting the sweet pastry into her mouth: "Want it tasty and still fear gaining weight?"

If the Grand Princess could truly get close to the Fifteenth Prince, killing him would be easy, for example pushing him into the lake, or poisoning him while the Cat God is distracted.

The Prince Consort nodded, seriously saying, "Of course, but the news hasn't spread; it's all being covered up." The aristocratic families also fear that if the information leaks, it will give the Fifteenth Prince more capital and confidence.

The Noble Consort touched her protruding belly, noting that Consort Yue's dishes were truly delicious; she needed to move more, or else her weight would surge again.

The Eldest Princess hesitated for a long time, "Why not still find an opportunity to contact the Fifteenth Prince—if he really ……" is the mandate of heaven; by then it would be too late to light the stove.

Character: Jiang Yuner's mouth twitched; this is just a chaotic fun-loving person.

"I haven't seen him." The Eldest Princess, somewhat irritated, pulled the blanket higher, "I've only just begun, and Father Emperor is already watching me warily."

The path of seizing the succession requires not only money but also people; they have all contributed, and now they expect a return.

"This little Fifteenth Prince really has a big life." The Eldest Princess sighed; he's impossible to kill, as if heaven itself is protecting him.

"Eat more, don't be polite." She said with a hearty laugh, very warmly.

She decided that when she saw Ninth Prince tonight, she would tell him about Consort Shu; Consort Shu also counts as an old-timer in the palace, and she is exceptionally scheming, having managed the harem for ten years, while the carefree Noble Consort simply cannot compare in connections.

"The Fifteenth Prince told me not to rush, to learn to wait patiently," Consort Shu said wistfully, "but I feel life is still long, and only I myself can cherish my own body."

As a result, she hadn't slept long before being awakened by the servants' noisy clamor.

Gradually, the Old Emperor grew accustomed to having a Noble Consort at the Peach Fragrance Hall dining table, and also to eating an extra half bowl of rice, because the Noble Consort's manner of eating is simply too fragrant!

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Originally they had chosen the Second Prince, but after being outmaneuvered by the Fifth Prince, they quickly came around and switched sides; the Fifth Prince is also capable, and his appearance and demeanor are even more likable.

Ninth Prince said Afu is his adopted sister, which also makes her my sister; once she leaves the palace, I'll ask Afu if she'd like to open a restaurant with me.

People of this era believe more in fate; emperors rule by divine right, and the mandate of heaven.

Li Character: Mingzhi approached, first giving a polite salute to the three birth mothers, then sat calmly between the three women, chatting and laughing, with not a hint of awkwardness.

The sharp-eyed people in the palace immediately understood that the Old Emperor still cherished Consort Shu; as his white moonlight, after so much time, Consort Shu might rise again.

Character: Jiang Yuner, who was already experiencing the life of running a restaurant in advance, had no objections, laughing, "This bracelet, Noble Consort Sister, can last half a year! You can even order dishes!"

He then turned to his birth mother and said, "Birth Mother, even if we become fat, we must be soft fat."

Having eaten and drunk his fill, the Old Emperor leisurely spoke to his women and children.

"Be careful." The Prince Consort did not stop the Eldest Princess, merely reminding her, "The aristocratic clans have attempted assassination so many times; the Fifteenth Prince is aware of it, and if we get involved we will only offend the clans, ending up hated by both sides."

The Noble Consort and Consort Shu watched, laughing outright; this is why they enjoy associating with Consort Yue—this mother and son are both fun-loving people, and just watching them brings joy.

"Of course." The Prince Consort gazed at the Eldest Princess's ambitious face in the moonlight, "Princess, do you still remember the Fengcheng incident from a few years ago?"

Having lost so many sons, the Old Emperor now values family ties above all; the Eldest Princess will not miss the chance to show herself before Father Emperor.

The Eldest Princess's voice instantly turned cold, "How could I forget? I originally plotted against the Sixth Prince, but the Fifth Prince got wind of it early and even threatened us to ally with him; over the years we've certainly not spared any filial offerings, yet a short-lived ghost—pouring so much silver into him was all for nothing."

The Old Emperor even strangely gained a sense of superiority; Consort Yue never asked him for money—indeed he is the most special!

At night, as the couple chatted, the Eldest Princess instructed, "Prince Consort, you must perform well."

Unlike the dog emperor, the Fifteenth Prince is a good child of pure innate kindness; she and Consort Shu merely protected Consort Yue once, and the child felt grateful as if to something.

Children and body—one must have both! Besides, now the Old Emperor's hair is completely white; standing beside him, I feel as if separated by three generations, I don't even like seeing him; wherever it's cool, I'll go there. Instead of wasting time vying for favor, I'd rather nurture my body.

The Prince Consort soothed, "Don't be angry, choosing the Second Prince is the same." Anyway, they're all just short-lived ghosts.

"What happened?" the Eldest Princess's voice held back fury, she violently wanted to press the noisy servants and beat them dozens of times with the rod.

The two walked hand in hand on the road, when Consort Shu suddenly sighed, "The Fifteenth Prince really is a good child."

Character: Jiang Yuner also didn't get up, waving to her son with a smiling face, "Character: Mingzhi, come over quickly; Birth Mother has prepared many delicious things for you."

The Eldest Princess grew angrier the more she spoke.

Even though the Prince Consort comes from an aristocratic clan, spending so much money still hurts.

The matter has not yet succeeded, and the Prince Consort also hasn't voiced his own plans.

Nevertheless she still warmly welcomes the Noble Consort; looking at her manner of eating, any cook would not dislike her, and Afu gets along especially well with her—they often cook together.

"Then tell me, how should my sister earn Consort Shu's money? She hasn't sworn to close the palace, has she?"

The Prince Consort gave a silent chuckle, "No wonder, too many people want to kill the Fifteenth Prince." Just the poisonings reported from the palace alone number no less than ten.

The Eldest Princess and her husband discussed all night, only falling asleep as dawn approached.

At first, Consort Shu thought Fifteenth Prince Li Character: Mingzhi was deeply scheming, trying to win them over; later she realized it was unnecessary, for the Old Emperor had no other choice unless he took a liking to the remaining misshapen princes.

"Birth Mother!" the boy's clear voice rang out, "Your servant son has returned."

The Eldest Princess has recently been entering the palace often to visit the Old Emperor.

Character: Jiang Yuner fumed, kneading his head, "You little brat, this is charm of mine, not fat!"

"Consort Yue, younger sister." She turned her beads, took Character: Jiang Yuner's hand, "Do you want to earn more money? There's someone in the palace who is even more generous."

One willing to strike, another willing to endure—what can the Old Emperor say?

Yet the Old Emperor is no longer exclusively doting on Consort Shu as before, but his expression is nostalgic.

Just fear that the Fifteenth Prince is the one destined by heaven.

After finishing lunch, Character: Mingzhi went to nap; the Noble Consort and Consort Shu tactfully took their leave.

This matter spread throughout the harem in vivid detail; even the Noble Consort, who usually doesn't involve herself in harem affairs, has heard quite a bit and is rather eager to see it.

The personal maid stumbled into the room, frightened, saying, "Princess, Prince Consort, someone among the household servants has contracted smallpox."

"It's Consort Shu!" the Noble Consort exclaimed, "She's the wealthiest patron in our palace!"

The Noble Consort dismissed it, "The oaths people make in this palace are worthless, like farts! If His Majesty says she can come out, then she can come out!"

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