Chapter 14: with translation of chapter title

Gu Rongjin finally seemed satisfied: "Just now this look is what you resemble—baring teeth and waving claws, fierce and fierce; don't be like a lifeless doll lacking a soul."

Translation: Gu Rongjin finally seemed satisfied: "Just now, that's what you look like—baring your teeth and waving your claws, fierce and fierce. Don't be like a lifeless doll with no spirit."

But we must not add explanatory words. Let's keep close: "Gu Rongjin finally seemed satisfied: 'Just now, that's what you look like—baring your teeth and waving your claws, fierce and fierce. Don't be like a lifeless doll with no spirit.'"

Gu Rongjin only then seemed satisfied:

Just now this look is what you resemble—baring teeth and waving claws, fierce and fierce; don't be like a lifeless doll lacking a soul.

We'll keep quotes.

Thus line: 【1】 Gu Rongjin only then seemed satisfied: "Just now this look is what you resemble—baring teeth and waving claws, fierce and fierce; don't be like a lifeless doll lacking a soul."

Check length.

Mu Yuanzhi put down her chopsticks, and Gu Rongjin immediately grabbed his paper fan to defend himself, fearing she would strike him.

Translation: Mu Yuanzhi put down her chopsticks, and Gu Rongjin immediately picked up his paper fan to defend himself, fearing she would strike him.

He grabbed the paper fan, fearing she would strike him.

Thus: 【2】 Mu Yuanzhi put down her chopsticks, and Gu Rongjin immediately picked up his paper fan to defend himself, fearing she would strike him.

"Thank you, Gu Rongjin," Mu Yuanzhi said, gazing at the pastry before her, her vision slightly blurred.

Translation: "Thank you, Gu Rongjin." Mu Yuanzhi gazed at the pastry before her, her vision somewhat blurred.

Thus: 【3】 "Thank you, Gu Rongjin." Mu Yuanzhi gazed at the pastry before her, her vision somewhat blurred.

He chattered away beside her, and she seemed to relax quite a bit.

Translation: He chattered away beside her, and she seemed to relax quite a bit.

chattering

"You've thanked me twice today—I'm not used to it. Am I, the heir, due for a turn of fortune?" Gu Rongjin said, counting on his fingers as if he could really calculate it, then turned to ask the National Teacher beside him whether he was glowing with vitality tonight.

Translation: "You've thanked me twice today—I'm not used to it. Am I due for a turn of fortune?" Gu Rongjin said, counting on his fingers as if he could really calculate it, then turned to ask the National Teacher beside him whether he was glowing with vitality tonight.

Gu Rongjin said, counting on his fingers as if he could really calculate it, then turned to ask the National Teacher beside him whether he was glowing with vitality tonight.

Thus: 【5】 "You've thanked me twice today—I'm not used to it. Am I, the heir, due for a turn of fortune?" Gu Rongjin said, counting on his fingers as if he could really calculate it, then turned to ask the National Teacher beside him whether he was glowing with vitality tonight.

"Your Highness really is glowing with vitality."

Translation: "Your Highness, you really are glowing with vitality."

"Your Highness, you really are glowing with vitality."

"Right? I, the heir, said there would definitely be good fortune."

Translation: "Right? I, the heir, said there would definitely be good fortune."

Thus: 【7】 "Right? I, the heir, said there would definitely be good fortune."

Gu Rongjin was about to turn back when the National Teacher added, "It seems the Red Phoenix star is moving."

Translation: Gu Rongjin was about to turn back when the National Teacher added, "It seems the Red Phoenix star is moving."

Thus: 【8】 Gu Rongjin was about to turn back when the National Teacher added, "It seems the Red Phoenix star is moving."

Before his words had even finished, Gu Rongjin was still dazed when he heard Pei Yunxi call his name: "Xi'er feels that Elder Sister Mu Yuanzhi and Heir Gu Rongjin are quite a good match!"

Translation: Before his words had even finished, Gu Rongjin was still dazed when he heard Pei Yunxi call his name: "Xi'er feels that Elder Sister Mu Yuanzhi and Heir Gu Rongjin are quite a good match!"

"Xi'er feels that Elder Sister Mu Yuanzhi and Heir Gu Rongjin are quite a good match!"

"What?!"

Translation: "What?!"

Thus: 【10】 "What?!"

The hall fell silent, Mu Yuanzhi stared in shock, then lifted her gaze to look at the emperor.

Translation: The whole hall fell silent; Mu Yuanzhi stared in shock, then lifted her gaze to look at the Emperor.

Thus: 【11】 The whole hall fell silent; Mu Yuanzhi stared in shock, then lifted her gaze to look at the Emperor.

She had been only talking with Gu Rongjin just now and hadn't heard a word of what her father was saying.

Translation: She had just been talking with Gu Rongjin and hadn't heard anything the Father Emperor was saying over there.

Thus: 【12】 She had just been talking with Gu Rongjin and hadn't heard anything the Father Emperor was saying over there.

Isn't she still engaged to Xiao Yichen? Would Pei Yunxi really say something so thoughtless?

Translation: Isn't she still engaged to Xiao Yichen? Pei Yunxi wouldn't say something so thoughtless, would she?

Thus: 【13】 Isn't she still engaged to Xiao Yichen? Pei Yunxi wouldn't say something so thoughtless, would she?

Everyone observed the emperor's expression without leaving a trace; even if they had doubts, no one raised an objection right away, and they only vaguely understood what the emperor meant.

Translation: Everyone observed the Emperor's expression without leaving a trace; even if they had doubts, no one raised an objection right away, and they vaguely understood what the Emperor meant.

Thus: 【14】 Everyone observed the Emperor's expression without leaving a trace; even if they had doubts, no one raised an objection right away, and they vaguely understood what the Emperor meant.

It seems the emperor wants to back out, not wanting the Prime Minister Xiao to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi.

Translation: It seems the Emperor wants to go back on his word and doesn't want Prime Minister Xiao to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi.

Thus: 【15】 It seems the Emperor wants to go back on his word and doesn't want Prime Minister Xiao to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi.

After all, anyone who isn't blind can see that the emperor now dotes on the true little princess, Pei Yunxi; such a prime son-in-law like Xiao Yichen naturally belongs to his most beloved daughter.

Translation: After all, anyone can see that the Emperor now dotes most on the true little princess, Pei Yunxi; such a dragon‑son‑in‑law as Prime Minister Xiao naturally ought to be reserved for his most beloved daughter.

Thus: 【16】 After all, anyone can see that the Emperor now dotes most on the true little princess, Pei Yunxi; such a dragon‑son‑in‑law as Prime Minister Xiao naturally ought to be reserved for his most beloved daughter.

How could it possibly still require the Prime Minister Xiao to marry Mu Yuanzhi?

Translation: How could it still be possible for Prime Minister Xiao to marry Mu Yuanzhi?

Thus: 【17】 How could it still be possible for Prime Minister Xiao to marry Mu Yuanzhi?

When the emperor first bestowed the marriage, he never specified which princess, so there is no question of regretting it.

Translation: When the Emperor first bestowed the marriage, he never specified which princess, so there is no question of regretting it.

Thus: 【18】 When the Emperor first bestowed the marriage, he never specified which princess, so there is no question of regretting it.

Mu Yuanzhi is exasperated—even if Xiao Yichen wants to marry Pei Yunxi, what does it have to do with her?

Translation: Mu Yuanzhi was exasperated—even if Xiao Yichen were to marry Pei Yunxi, what business is it of hers?

Thus: 【19】 Mu Yuanzhi was exasperated—even if Xiao Yichen were to marry Pei Yunxi, what business is it of hers?

Her gaze met the emperor's.

Translation: Her gaze met the Emperor's.

Thus: 【20】 Her gaze met the Emperor's.

From her father's eyes, she could not decipher his meaning at all.

Translation: From the Father Emperor's eyes, she could not fathom his intention at all.

Thus: 【21】 From the Father Emperor's eyes, she could not fathom his intention at all.

The ruler's heart is unfathomable; his deep eyes are like a bottomless pool, and she doesn't know whether he is looking at her or at Gu Rongjin, nor what emotion lies within them.

Translation: The ruler's heart is unfathomable; his deep eyes are like a bottomless pool, and she doesn't know whether he is looking at her or at Gu Rongjin, nor what emotion lies within.

Thus: 【22】 The ruler's heart is unfathomable; his deep eyes are like a bottomless pool, and she doesn't know whether he is looking at her or at Gu Rongjin, nor what emotion lies within.

The emperor's gaze quickly shifted to Xiao Yichen, asking, "What do you think, Minister Xiao?"

Translation: The Emperor's gaze quickly turned to Xiao Yichen, "What do you think, Esteemed Minister Xiao?"

Thus: 【23】 The Emperor's gaze quickly turned to Xiao Yichen, "What do you think, Esteemed Minister Xiao?"

Xiao Yichen clearly hadn't expected the emperor to suddenly ask him; he glanced back at Mu Yuanzhi and saw no trace of panic in her expression.

Translation: Xiao Yichen clearly hadn't expected the Emperor to suddenly ask him; he glanced back at Mu Yuanzhi and saw not a trace of panic in her expression.

Thus: 【24】 Xiao Yichen clearly hadn't expected the Emperor to suddenly ask him; he glanced back at Mu Yuanzhi and saw not a trace of panic in her expression.

Just now she had been chatting and laughing with Gu Rongjin, something she never used to do; she despises Gu Rongjin the most, and not even cursing him out counts as her being in a good mood.

Translation: Just now she had been talking and laughing with Gu Rongjin—something she never used to do; she used to look down on Gu Rongjin the most, and not scolding him to oblivion counted as her being in a good mood.

Thus: 【25】 Just now she had been talking and laughing with Gu Rongjin—something she never used to do; she used to look down on Gu Rongjin the most, and not scolding him to oblivion counted as her being in a good mood.

The emperor then said, "You and Xi'er are to be married, and Xi'er cares about seniority—so the elder sister should have her marriage settled first; what do you think?"

Translation: The Emperor then said, "You and Xi'er are to wed; Xi'er also observes seniority, so it should be the elder sister who first settles the marriage—what do you think?"

Thus: 【26】 The Emperor then said, "You and Xi'er are to wed; Xi'er also observes seniority, so it should be the elder sister who first settles the marriage—what do you think?"

The emperor simply, without fanfare, transferred the marriage arrangement between Mu Yuanzhi and Xiao Yichen to Pei Yunxi, needing no special announcement.

Translation: The Emperor simply, without a fuss, transferred Mu Yuanzhi and Xiao Yichen's marriage arrangement to Pei Yunxi—no special announcement needed.

Thus: 【27】 The Emperor simply, without a fuss, transferred Mu Yuanzhi and Xiao Yichen's marriage arrangement to Pei Yunxi—no special announcement needed.

Indeed, is this something to be proud of? Mu Yuanzhi smirked scornfully.

Translation: Indeed, is there any glory in such a thing? Mu Yuanzhi smirked scornfully in her heart.

Thus: 【28】 Indeed, is there any glory in such a thing? Mu Yuanzhi smirked scornfully in her heart.

This Pei Yunxi, taking advantage of the situation while pretending to be innocent.

Translation: This Pei Yunxi, having gained an advantage, still acts cute.

Thus: 【29】 This Pei Yunxi, having gained an advantage, still acts cute.

The capital's most notorious playboy, noble ladies avoid him at all costs, while ordinary girls dream of marrying into the Prince Pingnan's mansion, transforming from a sparrow into a phoenix.

Translation: The capital's number one playboy; noble ladies avoid him like the plague, while ordinary girls dream of marrying into the Pingnan mansion, turning from sparrow to phoenix.

Thus: 【30】 The capital's number one playboy; noble ladies avoid him like the plague, while ordinary girls dream of marrying into the Pingnan mansion, turning from sparrow to phoenix.

Though Pei Yunxi harbors ulterior motives like Sima Zhao, she still puts on an act of innocent naivety, as if she truly worries for her older sister Mu Yuanzhi, and doesn't realize how odd her recommendation of Gu Rongjin looks to outsiders.

Translation: Though Pei Yunxi harbors the ambitions of Sima Zhao, she still puts on an act of innocent naiveté, as if she truly worries for her sister Mu Yuanzhi, not realizing how odd her recommendation of Gu Rongjin looks to outsiders.

Thus: 【31】 Though Pei Yunxi harbors the ambitions of Sima Zhao, she still puts on an act of innocent naiveté, as if she truly worries for her sister Mu Yuanzhi, not realizing how odd her recommendation of Gu Rongjin looks to outsiders.

Xiao Yichen withdrew his gaze from Mu Yuanzhi and calmly said, "Your servant has no opinion."

Translation: Xiao Yichen withdrew his gaze from Mu Yuanzhi and said lightly, "I, your humble servant, have no opinion."

Thus: 【32】 Xiao Yichen withdrew his gaze from Mu Yuanzhi and said lightly, "I, your humble servant, have no opinion."

Upon hearing that, Pei Yunxi's anxious heart finally settled; she had just seen him staring fixedly at Mu Yuanzhi and thought he was reluctant to let her go.

Translation: Upon hearing that, Pei Yunxi's anxious heart finally settled; she had just seen him staring fixedly at Mu Yuanzhi and thought he might be reluctant to let her go.

Thus: 【33】 Upon hearing that, Pei Yunxi's anxious heart finally settled; she had just seen him staring fixedly at Mu Yuanzhi and thought he might be reluctant to let her go.

Sure enough, Brother Chen doesn't like Mu Yuanzhi!

Translation: As expected, Brother Chen doesn't like Mu Yuanzhi!

Thus: 【34】 As expected, Brother Chen doesn't like Mu Yuanzhi!

Mu Yuanzhi almost laughed out loud; naturally he had no objection—he would love to shake off this clingy nuisance, and as for whom she marries, he certainly doesn't care.

Translation: Mu Yuanzhi almost laughed out loud; naturally he had no objection—he would love to shake off this clingy piece of gum, and as for whom she marries, he certainly doesn't care.

Thus: 【35】 Mu Yuanzhi almost laughed out loud; naturally he had no objection—he would love to shake off this clingy piece of gum, and as for whom she marries, he certainly doesn't care.

"Smack!" Pei Shangling slammed the table and exclaimed, "How… how can Mu Yuanzhi marry Gu Rongjin? I disagree!"

Translation: "Smack!" Pei Shangling slammed the table and exclaimed, "Little... how can Mu Yuanzhi marry Gu Rongjin? I disagree!"

Thus: 【36】 "Smack!" Pei Shangling slammed the table and exclaimed, "Little... how can Mu Yuanzhi marry Gu Rongjin? I disagree!"

In his excitement, he almost blurted out his old nickname for Mu Yuanzhi.

Translation: In his excitement, he almost shouted the old way he used to address Mu Yuanzhi.

Thus: 【37】 In his excitement, he almost shouted the old way he used to address Mu Yuanzhi.

"Ling'er, Mother knows you're worried about your sister—please sit down." Consort De quickly spoke up to smooth things over, fearing the emperor's anger.

Translation: "Ling'er, the consort mother knows you're worried about your sister—please sit down." The Virtuous Consort hurriedly spoke up to smooth things over, fearing the Emperor's anger.

Thus: 【38】 "Ling'er, the consort mother knows you're worried about your sister—please sit down." The Virtuous Consort hurriedly spoke up to smooth things over, fearing the Emperor's anger.

Consort De has two sons and one daughter; of course, that daughter is now Pei Yunxi instead of Mu Yuanzhi.

Translation: The Virtuous Consort bears two sons and one daughter; of course, that daughter is now Pei Yunxi instead of Mu Yuanzhi.

Thus: 【39】 The Virtuous Consort bears two sons and one daughter; of course, that daughter is now Pei Yunxi instead of Mu Yuanzhi.

Gu Rongjin laughed carefree: "What have I done to you? Am I, the heir, being rude?"

Translation: Gu Rongjin laughed, carefree and debonair: "What have I done to you? Am I, the heir, being very rude?"

Thus: 【40】 Gu Rongjin laughed, carefree and debonair: "What have I done to you? Am I, the heir, being very rude?"

His words provoked uproarious laughter throughout the hall.

Translation: His words provoked a great uproar of laughter.

Thus: 【41】 His words provoked a great uproar of laughter.

"Naturally not rude—how could the heir be rude?"

Translation: "Naturally not rude—how could Your Highness be rude?"

Thus: 【42】 "Naturally not rude—how could Your Highness be rude?"

"Exactly, the heir is just being tender and cherishing the fragrant and beautiful."

Translation: "Exactly, Your Highness is merely being tender and cherishing the fragrant and delicate."

Thus: 【43】 "Exactly, Your Highness is merely being tender and cherishing the fragrant and delicate."

Everyone spoke sarcastically, and the Prince Pingnan didn't know where to put his old face, glaring fiercely at his son.

Translation: Everyone spoke sarcastically, and the Prince of Pingnan didn't know where to put his old face, giving his son a fierce stare.

Thus: 【44】 Everyone spoke sarcastically, and the Prince of Pingnan didn't know where to put his old face, giving his son a fierce stare.

"I… I didn't say something wrong, did I?" Pei Yunxi looked utterly innocent, at a loss.

Translation: "I... did I say something wrong?" Pei Yunxi looked utterly innocent, at a loss what to do with her hands and feet.

Thus: 【45】 "I... did I say something wrong?" Pei Yunxi looked utterly innocent, at a loss what to do with her hands and feet.

Pei Yunxi's brother Pei Shangyan patted her hand and whispered, "You're still young; you don't understand many things—that Gu Rongjin is no good man, and your sister must absolutely not marry him."

Translation: Beside Pei Yunxi, Pei Shangyan patted her sister's hand and whispered, "You're still young; there's much you don't understand—Gu Rongjin is no good man, and your older sister must absolutely not marry him."

Thus: 【46】 Beside Pei Yunxi, Pei Shangyan patted her sister's hand and whispered, "You're still young; there's much you don't understand—Gu Rongjin is no good man, and your older sister must absolutely not marry him."

How could little sister Yuanzhi marry such a playboy? She's the cherished treasure they've doted on since childhood!

Translation: "How could little Mu marry such a playboy? She's the darling they've cherished since childhood!"

Thus: 【47】 "How could little Mu marry such a playboy? She's the darling they've cherished since childhood!"

Pei Yunxi anxiously bit her lip, on the verge of tears, clutching her handkerchief tightly.

Translation: Pei Yunxi anxiously bit her lip, on the verge of tears, clutching her handkerchief tight.

Thus: 【48】 Pei Yunxi anxiously bit her lip, on the verge of tears, clutching her handkerchief tight.

Although they were discussing Mu Yuanzhi and Gu Rongjin's marriage prospects, the emperor delayed asking the two parties involved, saying, "Heir Gu Rongjin has reached marriageable age; I truly intend to bestow a princess upon him, strengthening the alliance through marriage."

Translation: Clearly they were discussing Mu Yuanzhi and Gu Rongjin's marriage, yet the Emperor delayed asking the two parties concerned, saying, "Heir Gu Rongjin has reached the age to marry; I indeed intend to bestow a princess upon him, doubling the affinity."

Thus: 【49】 Clearly they were discussing Mu Yuanzhi and Gu Rongjin's marriage, yet the Emperor delayed asking the two parties concerned, saying, "Heir Gu Rongjin has reached the age to marry; I indeed intend to bestow a princess upon him, doubling the affinity."

Gu Rongjin's mother, the Princess of Pingnan, is the late empress's sister, which is why his family can attend the family banquet. In terms of status, marrying a princess is certainly not marrying above his station.

Translation: Gu Rongjin's mother, the Princess Consort of Pingnan, is the former Empress's sister, which is why his family can attend the family banquet. In terms of status, his marrying a princess is certainly not marrying above his station.

Thus: 【50】 Gu Rongjin's mother, the Princess Consort of Pingnan, is the former Empress's sister, which is why his family can attend the family banquet. In terms of status, his marrying a princess is certainly not marrying above his station.

The emperor's words instantly curbed Pei Shangling's agitation, and he sat down absentmindedly.

Translation: The Emperor's words instantly quelled Pei Shangling's agitation; he sat down, absent‑minded.

Thus: 【51】 The Emperor's words instantly quelled Pei Shangling's agitation; he sat down, absent‑minded.

The father said it was a princess, but didn't specify which; if Mu Yuanzhi refuses, then the younger sister must marry.

Translation: The Father Emperor said it was a princess, but didn't specify which; if Mu Yuanzhi refuses, then the younger sister would have to marry.

Thus: 【52】 The Father Emperor said it was a princess, but didn't specify which; if Mu Yuanzhi refuses, then the younger sister would have to marry.

If it's only a choice between the two, then he has no choice but to consent to Mu Yuanzhi marrying Gu Rongjin.

Translation: If it must be one or the other, then he would have to consent to Mu Yuanzhi marrying Gu Rongjin.

Thus: 【53】 If it must be one or the other, then he would have to consent to Mu Yuanzhi marrying Gu Rongjin.

After all, the younger sister has suffered for sixteen years; she can't be made to marry a playboy and continue suffering. Mu Yuanzhi is different—she's enjoyed sixteen years of privilege, so she will take this marriage upon herself to shield her sister.

Translation: After all, the younger sister has suffered sixteen years; she can't be made to marry a playboy and keep suffering. Mu Yuanzhi is different—she's enjoyed sixteen years of honor and privilege, so she will take this marriage as a shield for her sister.

Thus: 【54】 After all, the younger sister has suffered sixteen years; she can't be made to marry a playboy and keep suffering. Mu Yuanzhi is different—she's enjoyed sixteen years of honor and privilege, so she will take this marriage as a shield for her sister.

Pei Shangyan feared the emperor might act rashly and betroth Pei Yunxi to Gu Rongjin, so he hastily bowed and said, "Your Majesty, according to the principle of seniority, I and my younger brothers are still unmarried."

Translation: Pei Shangyan feared the Emperor might really lose his temper and hastily betroth Pei Yunxi to Gu Rongjin, bowing quickly and saying, "Father Emperor, according to the seniority principle, I and my several brothers are still unmarried."

Thus: 【55】 Pei Shangyan feared the Emperor might really lose his temper and hastily betroth Pei Yunxi to Gu Rongjin, bowing quickly and saying, "Father Emperor, according to the seniority principle, I and my several brothers are still unmarried."

"The Crown Prince is right, but a betrothal is a betrothal; we can first settle the marriage, and for my son to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi is a blessing earned over several lifetimes."

Translation: "The Crown Prince is right, but a betrothal is a betrothal; we can first settle the marriage, and for my son to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi is a blessing earned over several lifetimes."

Thus: 【56】 "The Crown Prince is right, but a betrothal is a betrothal; we can first settle the marriage, and for my son to marry Princess Mu Yuanzhi is a blessing earned over several lifetimes."

The Prince of Pingnan finished speaking and gave his son a meaningful glance, but Gu Rongjin pretended not to notice.

Translation: The Prince of Pingnan finished speaking and gave his son a look, but Gu Rongjin pretended not to see it.

Thus: 【57】 The Prince of Pingnan finished speaking and gave his son a look, but Gu Rongjin pretended not to see it.

Just kidding—if he said something wrong, Mu Yuanzhi might poison him into silence!

Translation: Just kidding—if he said something wrong, who knows, Mu Yuanzhi might poison him into muteness!

Thus: 【58】 Just kidding—if he said something wrong, who knows, Mu Yuanzhi might poison him into muteness!

He certainly wouldn't wade into this murky water.

Translation: He certainly wouldn't wade into that murky water.

Thus: 【59】 He certainly wouldn't wade into that murky water.

Prince Pingnan hates that iron won't become steel; if it weren't for so many people being here, he would have brought a stick!

Useless thing!

Which respectable family's daughter would want to marry a wastrel who runs to the Happy Red Pavilion every day? It's rare that the Son of Heaven shows sympathy; if he could graciously grant a marriage, their family could obtain a good daughter-in-law; otherwise, he wouldn't know how to face his ancestors.