Chapter 426

On the exquisitely prepared banquet table, more than a dozen exquisite dishes had already cooled.

Translation: "On the exquisitely prepared banquet table, more than a dozen refined dishes had already gone cold."

We need to keep it concise but faithful. Let's translate: "On the meticulously set banquet table, more than a dozen exquisite dishes had already cooled."

On the exquisitely prepared banquet table, more than a dozen exquisite dishes had already cooled.

Heng Xian sat to one side, lightly playing with the ivory-carved chopsticks, his face showing no emotional fluctuation.

Translation: "Heng Xian sat to one side, lightly playing with the ivory-carved chopsticks, his face showing no emotional fluctuation."

Heng Xian sat to one side, lightly playing with the ivory-carved chopsticks, his face showing no emotional fluctuation.

The chair opposite was empty; Ji Yaoyue was furious, and she rushed back to the palace with Su Popo and the others.

Translation: "The chair opposite was empty; Ji Yaoyue was furious, taking Su Popo and the others rushing back to the palace!"

The chair opposite was empty; Ji Yaoyue was furious, taking Su Popo and the others rushing back to the palace!

Eunuch Wei was still there, his hands tucked into his sleeves, leaning against the corner pillar as if asleep.

Translation: "Meanwhile, Eunuch Wei remained, his hands tucked in his sleeves, leaning against the corner pillar as if asleep."

Meanwhile, Eunuch Wei remained, his hands tucked in his sleeves, leaning against the corner pillar as if asleep.

Mulan was also there, she glanced cautiously at the table, then gently waved her hand, signaling the palace maids to reheat the dishes.

Translation: "Mulan was also there, she glanced cautiously at the table, then gently waved her hand, signaling the palace maids to reheat the dishes."

Mulan was also there, she glanced cautiously at the table, then gently waved her hand, signaling the palace maids to reheat the dishes.

"No need!" Heng Xian finally spoke.

Translation: "\"No need! \" Heng Xian finally spoke."

We'll output: "\"No need! \" Heng Xian finally spoke."

Mulan whispered, "My lord, you haven't eaten yet; the dishes have gone cold."

Translation: "Mulan whispered: \"My lord, you haven't eaten yet; the dishes have gone cold. \""

Mulan whispered: "My lord, you haven't eaten yet; the dishes have gone cold."

"Cold, they taste better!" Heng Xian picked up a piece of crystal-clear, translucent spare rib, chewed lightly, and, absentmindedly noticing Eunuch Wei, casually asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Translation: "\"Cold, they taste better! \" Heng Xian picked up a piece of crystal-clear, translucent spare rib, chewed lightly, and absentmindedly seeing Eunuch Wei, casually asked: \"Why haven't you left yet? \""

"Cold, they taste better!" Heng Xian picked up a piece of crystal-clear, translucent spare rib, chewed lightly, and absentmindedly saw Eunuch Wei, casually asking: "Why haven't you left yet?"

Eunuch Wei seemed to have risen from the dead, his voice hoarse as he said, "I am waiting for you, my lord!"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei seemed to have risen from the dead, his voice hoarse as he said: \"I am waiting for you, my lord! \""

Eunuch Wei seemed to have risen from the dead, his voice hoarse as he said: "I am waiting for you, my lord!"

"What are you waiting for me to do?" Heng Xian asked.

Translation: "\"What are you waiting for me to do? \" Heng Xian asked."

We'll output: "\"What are you waiting for me to do? \" Heng Xian asked."

Eunuch Wei said, "Waiting for you to burst into fury and rise up to kill!"

Eunuch Wei said: "Wait for you to burst into anger and rise up to kill!"

Heng Xian continued eating the ribs, "Why should I rise up and kill?"

Translation: "Heng Xian continued eating the spare rib: \"Why should I rise up and kill? \""

We'll output: "Heng Xian continued eating the spare rib: \"Why should I rise up and kill? \""

Eunuch Wei said, "When a fiancée is courted by others, no one can remain indifferent!"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei said: \"When one's fiancée is sought after by another, no one can remain indifferent! \""

We'll output: "Eunuch Wei said: \"When one's fiancée is sought after by another, no one can remain indifferent! \""

"I am completely indifferent!" Heng Xian set down his chopsticks, "I know exactly what kind of person Ji Yaoyue is! This suitor, the Second Prince of Great Qin, is nothing but a clown!"

Translation: "\"I am completely indifferent! \" Heng Xian set down his chopsticks: \"I know exactly what Ji Yaoyue is like! This suitor, the Second Prince of Great Qin, is nothing but a clown! \""

"I am completely indifferent!" Heng Xian set down his chopsticks: "I know exactly what Ji Yaoyue is like! This suitor, the Second Prince of Great Qin, is nothing but a clown!"

Eunuch Wei drawled, "If His Majesty weighs the two and finds them light? If the entire court of civil and military officials believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Sacrificing only a princess, in exchange for two hundred years of peace for Great Zhou, why not?"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei drawled: \"If His Majesty weighs the two and finds them light? If the entire court of civil and military officials believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Sacrificing only a princess, in exchange for two hundred years of peace for Great Zhou, why not? \""

Eunuch Wei drawled: "If His Majesty weighs the two and finds them light? If the entire court of civil and military officials believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Sacrificing only a princess, in exchange for two hundred years of peace for Great Zhou, why not?"

Heng Xian poured a cup of wine, "Then I will kill the Second Prince of Great Qin before he marries Ji Yaoyue, and make Great Zhou and Great Qin pay the price they deserve!"

Translation: "Heng Xian poured a cup of wine: \"Then I will kill the Second Prince of Great Qin before he marries Ji Yaoyue, and then make Great Zhou and Great Qin pay their due price! \""

We'll output: "Heng Xian poured a cup of wine: \"Then I will kill the Second Prince of Great Qin before he marries Ji Yaoyue, and then make Great Zhou and Great Qin pay their due price! \""

Eunuch Wei said, "You?"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei said: \"Just you? \""

Heng Xian gulped the wine dry, "Me!"

Translation: "Heng Xian gulped down a sip of wine: \"Just me! \""

Eunuch Wei thought for a moment, "I can't understand!"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei pondered: \"I just can't understand! \""

Heng Xian said, "Then don't think about it!"

Translation: "Heng Xian said: \"Then don't think about it! \""

Eunuch Wei nodded, "Then I can leave! I am completely reassured about you, my lord!"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei nodded: \"Then I can leave! I am completely reassured about you, my lord! \""

Eunuch Wei nodded: "Then I can leave! I am completely reassured about you, my lord!"

"Are you really that confident?" Heng Xian asked.

Translation: "\"You really are reassured? \" Heng Xian said."

Eunuch Wei said, "My lord, you are more mature and steady than I imagined; you are not a callow youth in your twenties!"

Translation: "Eunuch Wei said: \"My lord, you are more mature and steady than I imagined; you are not just a callow youth in your twenties! \""

Eunuch Wei said: "My lord, you are more mature and steady than I imagined; you are not just a callow youth in your twenties!"

Heng Xian said, "Therefore, you should convey my resolve to Consort De; I came to the Great Zhou capital to marry, not to be scolded and have my wife taken by others!"

Translation: "Heng Xian said: \"So you should convey my resolve to Consort De; I came to the Great Zhou capital to marry, not to be scolded and have my wife taken by others! \""

Heng Xian said: "So you should convey my resolve to Consort De; I came to the Great Zhou capital to marry, not to be scolded and have my wife taken by others!"

Eunuch Wei said, "I will bring it."

Translation: "Eunuch Wei said: \"I will deliver it. \""

He said so and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Translation: "Saying that, he vanished in the blink of an eye."

……

Translation: "……"

We need to keep the ellipsis as is. Output: "……"

The arrival of the Great Qin envoy in the capital caused a great stir throughout the imperial city.

Translation: "The arrival of the Great Qin envoy in the capital caused a great stir throughout the imperial capital."

The arrival of the Great Qin envoy in the capital caused a great stir throughout the imperial capital.

Great Qin and Great Zhou have been warring against each other for over three hundred eighty years, with countless casualties and deep‑seated grudges; this is still the first time in over three hundred years that Great Qin has sent an envoy to Great Zhou.

Translation: "Great Qin and Great Zhou have mutually launched campaigns against each other for over three hundred eighty years, with countless casualties and deep-seated grudges; this is still the first time in over three hundred years that Great Qin has sent an envoy to Great Zhou."

Great Qin and Great Zhou have mutually launched campaigns against each other for over three hundred eighty years, with countless casualties and deep-seated grudges; this is still the first time in over three hundred years that Great Qin has sent an envoy to Great Zhou.

In the case of two nations at war, they do not execute incoming envoys; Great Zhou, being a nation of propriety, would not exploit the envoy even if it harbored great hatred for Great Qin.

Translation: "As the saying goes, when two nations are at war, envoys are not harmed; Great Zhou is a land of propriety, so even if it loathes Great Qin, it would not mistreat the envoys."

We'll output: "As the saying goes, when two nations are at war, envoys are not harmed; Great Zhou is a land of propriety, so even if it loathes Great Qin, it would not mistreat the envoys."

Therefore, His Majesty the Emperor ordered a warm reception for the Great Qin envoy and the two Qin princes.

Translation: "Therefore, His Majesty ordered an enthusiastic reception for the Great Qin envoy and the two Great Qin princes."

We'll output: "Therefore, His Majesty ordered an enthusiastic reception for the Great Qin envoy and the two Great Qin princes."

However, the Great Qin chief envoy, who is also the Second Prince of Great Qin, Ying Zihou, immediately submitted a memorial, requesting a marriage alliance between the Princess of Wei and Great Zhou's Prince Wu, while he himself sought to marry Great Zhou's Princess Taiping, and promised that if the marital alliance succeeded, Great Qin would refrain from invading Great Zhou's borders for a hundred years, and the two nations would live in peace!

Translation: "However, the Great Qin chief envoy, who is also the Second Prince of Great Qin, Ying Zihou, immediately submitted a memorial, requesting a marriage alliance between the Princess of Wei and Great Zhou's Prince Wu, while he himself sought to marry Great Zhou's Princess Taiping, and promised that if the marital alliance succeeded, Great Qin would refrain from invading Great Zhou's borders for a hundred years, and the two nations would live in peace!"

It is an enormous temptation!

At least for His Majesty the Emperor and the civil and military officials, it is an opportunity, because Great Qin is martial and its army is twice as strong as Great Zhou's; in the prolonged wars, Great Zhou has long been at a disadvantage.

Translation: "This is a tremendous temptation!"

If the two nations can secure peace for a hundred years through a simple marriage alliance, it would be a tremendous benefit for everyone.

Translation: "At least for His Majesty and the civil and military officials, it is an opportunity, because Great Qin values martial prowess, its overall military strength is twice that of Great Zhou, and in their wars Great Zhou has long been at a disadvantage,"

We need to keep the comma at end? The line ends with a comma. We'll keep as is.

Grand Councilor Cao Zihuan and the Six Ministries and Nine Offices immediately submitted memorials in approval.

Translation: "If the two nations were to unite through a mere marriage alliance, avoiding a century of war's devastation and developing peace for a hundred years, this would be a tremendous benefit for anyone!"

We'll output: "If the two nations were to unite through a mere marriage alliance, avoiding a century of war's devastation and developing peace for a hundred years, this would be a tremendous benefit for anyone!"

As for what to do with Heng Xian, they had long stopped considering him; he was merely a disciple of a minor clan from a small region, and the Heng family, such a small clan, is wiped out by dozens or hundreds each year; as for the title "Shī Shèng," it can be wildly popular when needed, and discarded like worn‑out sandals when not.

Translation: "Grand Councilor Cao Zihuan and the Six Ministries and Nine Offices immediately submitted memorials in approval."

His Majesty the Emperor was also thoroughly moved, but the angry Princess Taiping pulled his beard and caused a commotion for a full two hours; in the end he had to issue an edict: "... Prince Wu has not yet taken a wife; we may consider a marriage alliance with the Qin Princess of Wei, but Princess Taiping is already promised to someone, so let it be dropped!"

Who knew the Second Prince of Great Qin would not give up, submitting another memorial with firm wording, moving by emotion and enlightening with reason, as if he had secured Princess Taiping's hand!

Translation: "As for Heng Xian, they had long not considered him; he was merely a disciple of a minor clan from a small locality, and the Heng family, such a small clan, is wiped out by the dozens or hundreds each year; as for the title \"Poetry Sage, \" it can be wildly popular when needed, and discarded like worn-out sandals when not."

The matter quickly spread throughout the capital, with taverns, brothels, and nobles everywhere discussing it.

The twelfth day of the first month, the day before the Empress's birthday.

Translation: "His Majesty was also thoroughly moved, yet he was seized by the angry Princess Taiping pulling his beard, causing a commotion for two full hours, and finally he could only issue an edict: \"……Prince Wu has not yet married; a marriage alliance with the Princess of Wei from Great Qin may be considered, but Princess Taiping is already promised to someone, so let it be! \"" We need to keep the ellipsis inside quotes. We'll output: "His Majesty was also thoroughly moved, yet he was seized by the angry Princess Taiping pulling his beard, causing a commotion for two full hours, and finally he could only issue an edict: \"……Prince Wu has not yet married; a marriage alliance with the Princess of Wei from Great Qin may be considered, but Princess Taiping is already promised to someone, so let it be! \""

Eunuch Jia, the emperor's attendant, hurried to Princess Taiping's residence and solemnly issued the decree: "... Tomorrow is the Empress's birthday; Remonstrator Heng Xian need not attend the birthday banquet; after the Empress's birthday passes, he must immediately leave the capital!"

Translation: "Who would have thought the Second Prince of Great Qin would not give up, submitting another memorial, his words incisive, appealing to emotion and reason, as if he had already secured Princess Taiping!"

We'll output: "Who would have thought the Second Prince of Great Qin would not give up, submitting another memorial, his words incisive, appealing to emotion and reason, as if he had already secured Princess Taiping!"

He said so without any courtesy and turned to leave.

Translation: "This matter quickly spread throughout the capital in a frenzy; taverns, brothels, and nobles everywhere were discussing it."

We'll output: "This matter quickly spread throughout the capital in a frenzy; taverns, brothels, and nobles everywhere were discussing it."

……

Translation: "……"

Heng Xian stood in the courtyard for a long time, silent.

Translation: "The twelfth day of the first lunar month, the day before the Empress's birthday."

We'll output: "The twelfth day of the first lunar month, the day before the Empress's birthday."

Mulan approached cautiously, bowed, and said, "My lord, the weather is getting cool; please return to your chambers!"

Translation: "The emperor's attendant Eunuch Jia hurried to the Princess Taiping's residence and solemnly issued the decree: \"……Tomorrow is the Empress's birthday; Remonstrator Heng Xian need not attend the birthday banquet; after the Empress's birthday passes, he must immediately leave the capital! \""

Heng Xian said, "I am still waiting!"

Mulan asked in surprise, "Waiting for what?"

Translation: "Saying that, he turned and left without further ceremony."

Heng Xian replied, "Waiting for the moon to rise!"

Translation: "Heng Xian stood in the courtyard for a long time, silent and speechless."

Mulan and the nearby palace attendants exchanged glances, not understanding, and quietly dispersed.

Translation: "Mulan approached cautiously, bowed, and said: \"My lord, the weather has turned cold; please return indoors. \""

At dusk, an explosive rumor suddenly spread through the capital—

Translation: "Heng Xian said: \"I am waiting! \""

Mulan exclaimed: "What are we waiting for?"

Translation: "Mulan exclaimed: \"Waiting for what? \""

Outside the western palace gate of the imperial city, the Great Qin envoy set up the Statecraft Chess, inviting Great Zhou's experts to break the game!

Translation: "Heng Xian said: \"Waiting for the moon to rise! \""

"This is the chessboard the Great Qin envoy set up after His Majesty delayed approving the marriage to Princess Taiping; the Second Prince of Great Qin ordered it, clearly to challenge Great Zhou and insult it!"

Translation: "Mulan and the nearby palace attendants exchanged glances, not understanding, and quietly dispersed."

The capital is now in an uproar; many experts went to challenge, but they were all defeated within half a stick of incense.

In the courtyard, Heng Xian had been standing for two hours; Mulan approached and whispered an explanation.

Translation: "At dusk, the capital suddenly transmitted an explosive piece of news——"

We'll output: "At dusk, the capital suddenly transmitted an explosive piece of news——"

Heng Xian knew that the "Statecraft Chess" is a game where cultivators use thought and mental power; it requires a tall, specific stone slab wall, then through a formation it manifests a landscape, first choosing a nation as the main piece, and each piece represents a city or an army, involving not only intrigue and scheming but also Mysterious Gate Escape Technique, national finances and military strength, strategists, and mountains and rivers,

Translation: "Outside the western palace gate of the imperial city, the Great Qin envoy set up the Statecraft Chess, inviting Great Zhou's experts to break the game!"

A single hair's movement affects the whole body, making it dozens of times harder than Go.

……

Translation: "……"

Anyone daring to challenge the Statecraft Chess is someone with considerable cultivation and strong willpower!

Translation: "\"This is the game set up by the Great Qin envoy after His Majesty delayed consenting to the marriage of Princess Taiping, ordered by the Second Prince of Great Qin; its meaning is clear: to challenge Great Zhou and slap its face! \"" We'll output: "\"This is the game set up by the Great Qin envoy after His Majesty delayed consenting to the marriage of Princess Taiping, ordered by the Second Prince of Great Qin; its meaning is clear: to challenge Great Zhou and slap its face! \""

The imperial capital is now in an uproar, with many experts going to take up the challenge, yet they all were defeated within the time it takes to burn half an incense stick.

Translation: "\"The capital is now in an uproar, many experts have gone to challenge it, yet they all have been defeated within half an incense stick's time! \"" We'll output: "\"The capital is now in an uproar, many experts have gone to challenge it, yet they all have been defeated within half an incense stick's time! \""

In the courtyard, Heng Xian had already been standing for two hours; Mulan approached and whispered an explanation.

Translation: "Inside the courtyard, Heng Xian had already stood for two hours; Mulan approached and whispered an explanation."

We'll output: "Inside the courtyard, Heng Xian had already stood for two hours; Mulan approached and whispered an explanation."

Heng Xian knew that the "Statecraft Chess" is a game where cultivators use thought and mental power to play; it requires a tall, specific stone slab wall, then through a formation it manifests a landscape, first choosing a nation as the main piece, and each piece is a city or an army, involving not only intrigue and scheming but also Mysterious Gate Escape Technique, national finances and military strength, strategists, and mountains and rivers,

Translation: "Heng Xian knew that the \"Statecraft Chess\" is a game where cultivators use thought and mental power to play; it requires a tall, specific stone slab wall, then through a formation it manifests a landscape, first choosing a nation as the main piece, and each piece is a city or an army, involving not only intrigue and scheming but also Mysterious Gate Escape Technique, national finances and military strength, strategists, and mountains and rivers,"

Heng Xian knew that the "Statecraft Chess" is a game where cultivators use thought and mental power to play; it requires a tall, specific stone slab wall, then through a formation it manifests a landscape, first choosing a nation as the main piece, and each piece is a city or an army, involving not only intrigue and scheming but also Mysterious Gate Escape Technique, national finances and military strength, strategists, and mountains and rivers,

A single move affects the whole situation, making it dozens of times harder than Go!

Translation: "A single move can affect the whole, making it tens of times harder than Go!"

We'll output: "A single move can affect the whole, making it tens of times harder than Go!"

Anyone who dares to challenge the Statecraft Chess is a person of notable cultivation and strong mental power!

Translation: "Anyone daring to challenge the Statecraft Chess is a cultivator of decent ability with strong mental power!"

We'll output: "Anyone daring to challenge the Statecraft Chess is a cultivator of decent ability with strong mental power!"

Mulan continued: "According to rumors, the people of the Great Qin's Chess Deployment Bureau are extremely arrogant; they challenged the entire Great Zhou, but in just one afternoon we lost thirty-nine people!"

Tomorrow is the Heavenly Empress's birthday; if no one can solve this chess game, it will be like a thorn stuck in everyone's heart, and the Heavenly Empress's birthday won't be peaceful—these people really have ulterior motives!

Heng Xian stretched, then suddenly turned and went back inside.

"Young master, where are you going?" Mu Lan hesitated.

Heng Xian said: "Sleep!"

Mu Lan could only stop.

Heng Xian said he was going to sleep and really did sleep; he entered the room of the eastern quarters of the princess's residence, went through the door, took off his shoes, and slipped into the blankets.

Inside the blanket it was warm; a soft, slender body naturally clung onto Heng Xian's body, a delicate, innocent wrist wrapped around his neck.

Heng Xian's body stiffened slightly; he pulled back the blanket and saw a charming, exquisite face with a hint of dignity.

It was Xu Lulu.

She didn't know when she had arrived, making no sound at all, her body even flat; at this moment her face bore a slight drunken flush as she looked at Heng Xian: "Your body is so cold!"

Heng Xian let out a breath: "Not bad!"

Xu Lulu's hand moved downward: "Your heart should be even colder!"

Heng Xian exclaimed in surprise: "My heart is cold?"

Xu Lulu said: "If your heart weren't cold, you wouldn't have stood in the courtyard for two hours."

Heng Xian said: "So you came here to warm me up?"

Xu Lulu said: "You smell nice, you're quite handsome, I don't mind!"

Heng Xian lifted her chin; she was alluring and tempting, her breath carrying a deliberate mint-like fragrance; as she smiled lightly, her teeth were neat and white like polished shells.

(End of chapter)