Chapter 71

Pei Shangyan couldn't help but speak up to reprimand Pei Shangling: "Fourth Brother, without basis, you cannot say such serious words!"

Pei Shangyan couldn't help but speak up to reprimand Pei Shangling: "Fourth Brother, without basis, you cannot say such serious words!"

Thus: 【1】 Pei Shangyan couldn't help but speak up to reprimand Pei Shangling: "Fourth Brother, without basis, you cannot say such serious words!"

Check: we kept all info.

Pei Shangling snorted coldly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Pei Shangling gave a cold snort, neither agreeing nor denying.

Thus: 【2】 Pei Shangling gave a cold snort, neither agreeing nor denying.

Besides, Mu Yuanzhi has been suffering from various injuries, and just her forehead alone requires a lot of Gold Dragon Bile Grass. Pei Shangyan said this, then glanced at Mu Yuanzhi's forehead with heartache.

We need to replace the term for 'younger sister Zhi' with Mu Yuanzhi per the glossary. Also translate 'Gold Dragon Bile Grass' as 'Gold Dragon Bile Grass'. Also 'Mu Yuanzhi' refers to Mu Yuanzhi.

Thus: "Besides, Mu Yuanzhi has been constantly injured, big or small, and just her forehead alone needs a lot of Gold Dragon Bile Grass." Pei Shangyan said, then looked pained at Mu Yuanzhi's forehead.

Thus: 【3】 "Besides, Mu Yuanzhi has been constantly injured, big or small, and just her forehead alone needs a lot of Gold Dragon Bile Grass." Pei Shangyan said, then looked pained at Mu Yuanzhi's forehead.

It's unknown whether this scar can be completely removed.

We don't know if this scar can be completely removed.

Thus: 【4】 We don't know if this scar can be completely removed.

Upon mentioning Mu Yuanzhi's forehead wound, Consort De's face instantly paled, and Pei Shangling's gaze darted away.

Mentioning Mu Yuanzhi's forehead wound, Consort De's face instantly paled, and Pei Shangling's gaze also darted elsewhere.

Thus: 【5】 Mentioning Mu Yuanzhi's forehead wound, Consort De's face instantly paled, and Pei Shangling's gaze also darted elsewhere.

Mu Yuanzhi: "As the Crown Prince said, my Weiyang Palace truly has no Gold Dragon Bile Grass left."

Mu Yuanzhi: "As the Crown Prince said, my Weiyang Palace indeed has no Gold Dragon Bile Grass left."

Thus: 【6】 Mu Yuanzhi: "As the Crown Prince said, my Weiyang Palace indeed has no Gold Dragon Bile Grass left."

The Crown Prince?

Crown Prince?

Thus: 【7】 Crown Prince?

Pei Shangyan trembled slightly; Mu Yuanzhi actually called him Crown Prince?

Pei Shangyan's body trembled slightly; Mu Yuanzhi actually called him Crown Prince?

Thus: 【8】 Pei Shangyan's body trembled slightly; Mu Yuanzhi actually called him Crown Prince?

Such an unfamiliar form of address!

How unfamiliar this form of address!

Thus: 【9】 How unfamiliar this form of address!

Pei Shangyan glanced at Mu Yuanzhi again; her expression remained unchanged, and she didn't feel grateful for him speaking up for her, leaving him feeling downcast.

Pei Shangyan looked at Mu Yuanzhi again, seeing her expression unchanged, and she didn't feel grateful for him speaking up for her, so he felt gloomy.

Thus: 【10】 Pei Shangyan looked at Mu Yuanzhi again, seeing her expression unchanged, and she didn't feel grateful for him speaking up for her, so he felt gloomy.

Emperor: "The Gold Dragon Bile Grass for this year's tribute is about due; when the time comes, just send it all to Changle Palace."

Emperor: "The Gold Dragon Bile Grass tribute for this year is about due; when the time comes, just send it all to Changle Palace."

Thus: 【11】 Emperor: "The Gold Dragon Bile Grass tribute for this year is about due; when the time comes, just send it all to Changle Palace."

He patted Princess Yunxi's hand to comfort her: "Yunxi, don't worry, Father Emperor is here."

He patted Pei Yunxi's hand to comfort her: "Yunxi, you don't need to worry, Father Emperor is here."

Thus: 【12】 He patted Pei Yunxi's hand to comfort her: "Yunxi, you don't need to worry, Father Emperor is here."

"Mm, Yunxi listens to Father Emperor," Princess Yunxi said, nodding obediently.

"Mm, Yunxi listens to Father Emperor." Pei Yunxi nodded, very sensible.

Thus: 【13】 "Mm, Yunxi listens to Father Emperor." Pei Yunxi nodded, very sensible.

Her voice was faint as a thread, and she looked in great pain.

When she spoke, her breath was faint like a thread, looking in great pain.

Thus: 【14】 When she spoke, her breath was faint like a thread, looking in great pain.

Seeing this, many people present felt heartbroken.

Seeing this, many people present felt heartbroken.

Thus, seeing this, many people present felt heartbroken.

Pei Shangling's anger flared up again: "Shouldn't someone give an explanation for today's matter?"

Pei Shangling's anger flared up again: "Today's matter, shouldn't someone give an explanation?"

Thus: 【16】 Pei Shangling's anger flared up again: "Today's matter, shouldn't someone give an explanation?"

He gave Mu Yuanzhi and the qilin a pointed look.

He gave a meaningful glance at Mu Yuanzhi and the Qilin.

Thus: 【17】 He gave a meaningful glance at Mu Yuanzhi and the Qilin.

Although Pei Shangling wasn't looking at Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, who had been on edge, felt her heart leap to her throat upon hearing this.

Although Pei Shangling wasn't looking at Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, who had been anxiously waiting, upon hearing this, felt her heart jump to her throat.

Thus: 【18】 Although Pei Shangling wasn't looking at Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, who had been anxiously waiting, upon hearing this, felt her heart jump to her throat.

Mu Yuanzhi's expression remained unchanged as she repeated: "Those three mad dogs are raised by Miss Thus line: Xiao Chuchu; why would she let them loose to bite people randomly at the gathering of virtuosos?"

Mu Yuanzhi's expression unchanged, she still said: "Those three mad dogs are Thus line: Xiao Chuchu's pets; why did she let them loose to bite people randomly at the Gathering of Virtues?"

Thus: 【19】 Mu Yuanzhi's expression unchanged, she still said: "Those three mad dogs are Thus line: Xiao Chuchu's pets; why did she let them loose to bite people randomly at the Gathering of Virtues?"

Pei Shangling pointed at Mu Yuanzhi: "If it weren't for your junior brother's nefarious powder sprinkled on my younger sister, she wouldn't have been bitten by the dogs!"

Pei Shangling pointed at Mu Yuanzhi: "If it weren't for your junior brother's harmful powder sprinkled on my younger sister, she wouldn't have been bitten by the dogs at all!"

Thus: 【20】 Pei Shangling pointed at Mu Yuanzhi: "If it weren't for your junior brother's harmful powder sprinkled on my younger sister, she wouldn't have been bitten by the dogs at all!"

Mu Yuanzhi's gaze turned sharp: "It's just self-defense; why does the Fourth Prince always target us while ignoring the instigator?"

Mu Yuanzhi's eyes turned sharp instantly: "Just self-defense; why does the Fourth Prince always target us while ignoring the true instigator?"

Thus: 【21】 Mu Yuanzhi's eyes turned sharp instantly: "Just self-defense; why does the Fourth Prince always target us while ignoring the true instigator?"

She alternated between addressing the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, causing the Emperor to frown.

She said "Crown Prince" opening and "Fourth Prince" closing, making the Emperor frown straight away.

Thus: 【22】 She said "Crown Prince" at the start and "Fourth Prince" at the end, making the Emperor frown straight away.

Xiao Yichen immediately clasped his hands and said: "My sister was momentarily negligent and failed to control the dogs; please punish her, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yichen seeing this, immediately clasped his hands: "My sister was momentarily negligent and didn't watch the dogs well; please, Your Majesty, punish her!"

Thus: 【23】 Xiao Yichen seeing this, immediately clasped his hands: "My sister was momentarily negligent and didn't watch the dogs well; please, Your Majesty, punish her!"

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu widened her eyes, not understanding why Xiao Yichen so quickly blamed her.

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu widened her eyes, not understanding why Xiao Yichen so quickly pinned the blame on her.

Thus: 【24】 Thus line: Xiao Chuchu widened her eyes, not understanding why Xiao Yichen so quickly pinned the blame on her.

Isn't this still a game?

Isn't this still a game?

Thus: 【25】 Isn't this still a game?

Princess Yunxi, lying on the sickbed, listened to their argument and pondered how to speak up.

Pei Yunxi lying on the sickbed listened to their argument, also pondering how to speak up.

Thus: 【26】 Pei Yunxi lying on the sickbed listened to their argument, also pondering how to speak up.

She had been bitten by dogs for no reason, suffering greatly; ultimately, it was because Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, that fool, tried to harm Mu Yuanzhi but ended up implicating her. Yet if she blamed everything on Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Brother Xiao would surely blame her.

She was bitten by the dogs for no reason today, suffering greatly; ultimately, it's Thus line: Xiao Chuchu this fool trying to harm Mu Yuanzhi, but ended up implicating her; yet if she blamed everything on Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Brother Chen would surely blame her…

Thus: 【27】 She was bitten by the dogs for no reason today, suffering greatly; ultimately, it's Thus line: Xiao Chuchu this fool trying to harm Mu Yuanzhi, but ended up implicating her; yet if she blamed everything on Thus line: Xiao Chuchu, Brother Chen would surely blame her…

After all, those three mad dogs were never originally after her; every grudge has a source, every debt a debtor.

After all, those three mad dogs were never originally after her; there's a reason for every grudge and a debtor for every debt!

Thus: 【28】 After all, those three mad dogs were never originally after her; there's a reason for every grudge and a debtor for every debt!

After thinking it over, Princess Yunxi decided to blame the qilin, weakly grasping the Emperor's hand and saying: "Father Emperor, don't blame Chuchu; it's not her fault—the dog went mad and bit me, which isn't Chuchu's fault."

After thinking it over, Pei Yunxi still decided to push the blame onto the Qilin; she weakly grabbed the Emperor's hand and said plaintively: "Father Emperor, don't blame Chuchu; it's not her fault, the dog went mad and bit me, which isn't Chuchu's fault."

Thus: 【29】 After thinking it over, Pei Yunxi still decided to push the blame onto the Qilin; she weakly grabbed the Emperor's hand and said plaintively: "Father Emperor, don't blame Chuchu; it's not her fault, the dog went mad and bit me, which isn't Chuchu's fault."

If it's not Thus line: Xiao Chuchu's fault, then it's the fault of whoever made the dog bite her—who else could it be? Naturally, the qilin who scattered the powder.

If it's not Thus line: Xiao Chuchu's fault, then it's the fault of whoever made the dog bite her? Who else could it be? Of course, it's the Qilin who scattered the powder.

Thus: 【30】 If it's not Thus line: Xiao Chuchu's fault, then it's the fault of whoever made the dog bite her? Who else could it be? Of course, it's the Qilin who scattered the powder.

Mu Yuanzhi instantly understood what Princess Yunxi was trying to do.

Mu Yuanzhi instantly understood what Pei Yunxi was trying to do!

Thus: 【31】 Mu Yuanzhi instantly understood what Pei Yunxi was trying to do!

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu was instantly moved upon hearing Princess Yunxi's words.

Thus line: Xiao Chuchu hearing Pei Yunxi's words was instantly moved.

Thus: 【32】 Thus line: Xiao Chuchu hearing Pei Yunxi's words was instantly moved.

I never expected that Yunxi would be bitten by dogs to this extent and still speak up for her, while she previously thought Yunxi would drag her along as a shield.

I never expected Yunxi to be bitten by the dogs like this and still speak up for her, while she previously thought Yunxi would drag her along as a shield…

Thus: 【33】 I never expected Yunxi to be bitten by the dogs like this and still speak up for her, while she previously thought Yunxi would drag her along as a shield…

She really is measuring a gentleman's heart with a petty mind.

She really is measuring a gentleman's heart with a petty mind!

Thus: 【34】 She really is measuring a gentleman's heart with a petty mind!

At that time, the scene was in complete chaos; Yunxi must have been terrified, which is why she grabbed her wildly.

At that time, the scene was chaotic; Yunxi must have been terrified, which is why she grabbed her wildly.

Thus: 【35】 At that time, the scene was chaotic; Yunxi must have been terrified, which is why she grabbed her wildly.

Also blame her; she indirectly harmed Yunxi.

Also blame her; she indirectly harmed Yunxi!

Thus: 【36】 Also blame her; she indirectly harmed Yunxi!

Thinking this, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu felt extremely guilty; she decided to treat her future sister-in-law twice as well from now on.

Thinking of this, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu felt extremely guilty; she decided henceforth to treat her future sister-in-law doubly well!

Thus: 【37】 Thinking of this, Thus line: Xiao Chuchu felt extremely guilty; she decided henceforth to treat her future sister-in-law doubly well!

The Emperor turned to look at them, his gaze finally landing on the qilin, about to speak, when Mu Yuanzhi hurriedly interjected: "Father Emperor, that packet is..."

The Emperor turned to look at them, his gaze finally landing on the Qilin, about to speak, but Mu Yuanzhi hurriedly interjected: "Father Emperor, that packet is……"

Thus: 【38】 The Emperor turned to look at them, his gaze finally landing on the Qilin, about to speak, but Mu Yuanzhi hurriedly interjected: "Father Emperor, that packet is……"

"It was me who threw it!" the qilin hurriedly cut off Mu Yuanzhi's words: "I alone am responsible for my actions; I accidentally scattered it onto Princess Yunxi, causing her to be bitten by dogs."

"It was me who threw it!" the Qilin hurriedly cut off Mu Yuanzhi's words: "I take responsibility for my own actions; I accidentally scattered it onto Princess Yunxi, causing her to be bitten by the dogs."

Thus: 【39】 "It was me who threw it!" the Qilin hurriedly cut off Mu Yuanzhi's words: "I take responsibility for my own actions; I accidentally scattered it onto Princess Yunxi, causing her to be bitten by the dogs."

This is the fact; how can he have his senior sister speak for him?

This is fact; how can he have his senior sister speak for him?

Thus: 【40】 This is fact; how can he have his senior sister speak for him?

Upon hearing this, Mu Yuanzhi became anxious: "Father Emperor! It's me..."

Mu Yuanzhi hearing this became anxious: "Father Emperor! It's me……"

Thus: 【41】 Mu Yuanzhi hearing this became anxious: "Father Emperor! It's me……"

"Father Emperor, please hear your subject's words." This time Pei Shangyan spoke to block Mu Yuanzhi: "Investigating who is right or wrong in today's affair would inevitably be unfair; the qilin young lord did not act intentionally; besides, he earned merit by saving the great-grandmother; this matter could be turned into merit to offset fault, showcasing Your Majesty's wisdom."

"Father Emperor, please hear me first." This time Pei Shangyan spoke up to block Mu Yuanzhi's words: "Investigating who's right or wrong in today's affair would be unfair; the Qilin young lord didn't do it intentionally, and besides, he earned merit by saving the great-grandmother; this matter could be offset by merit, showcasing Your Majesty's wisdom."

Thus: 【42】 "Father Emperor, please hear me first." This time Pei Shangyan spoke up to block Mu Yuanzhi's words: "Investigating who's right or wrong in today's affair would be unfair; the Qilin young lord didn't do it intentionally, and besides, he earned merit by saving the great-grandmother; this matter could be offset by merit, showcasing Your Majesty's wisdom."

Having said all this, Pei Shangyan, Consort De, and Pei Shangling couldn't speak further, after all, saving the Empress Dowager is a great merit; punishing him over this would surely invite criticism.

Pei Shangyan having said all that, Consort De and Pei Shangling couldn't well object, after all saving the Grand Empress Dowager is a great merit; punishing him over this would surely invite criticism.

Thus: 【43】 Pei Shangyan having said all that, Consort De and Pei Shangling couldn't well object, after all saving the Grand Empress Dowager is a great merit; punishing him over this would surely invite criticism.

Only then did Mu Yuanzhi properly look at Pei Shangyan; she indeed hadn't expected him to help them, thinking he would blindly side with Princess Yunxi again.

Only then did Mu Yuanzhi properly look at Pei Shangyan; she indeed hadn't expected him to help them, thinking he would blindly side with Yunxi for her sake.

Thus: 【44】 Only then did Mu Yuanzhi properly look at Pei Shangyan; she indeed hadn't expected him to help them, thinking he would blindly side with Yunxi for her sake.

Is this a sudden awakening of conscience?

Is this a sudden awakening of conscience?

Thus: 【45】 Is this a sudden awakening of conscience?

But no matter what, she and Pei Shangyan will only be strangers.

But no matter what, she and Pei Shangyan will only be strangers.

Thus: 【46】 But no matter what, she and Pei Shangyan will only be strangers.

What he owes her can never be repaid.

What he owes her can never be repaid.

Thus: 【47】 What he owes her can never be repaid.

The Emperor heard this, deeply agreed and nodded: "The Crown Prince makes sense; today's incident was an accident; let's drop it."

The Emperor, hearing this, deeply agreed and nodded: "The Crown Prince makes sense; today's incident was an accident, let's drop it."

Thus: 【48】 The Emperor, hearing this, deeply agreed and nodded: "The Crown Prince makes sense; today's incident was an accident, let's drop it."

"Father Emperor." Princess Yunxi shook the Emperor's hand and said: "Yunxi feels that the qilin young lord, who recently needs to attend to the Empress Dowager, would find it more convenient to reside in the palace, saving the trouble of going back and forth."

"Father Emperor." Pei Yunxi shook the Emperor's hand, saying: "Yunxi feels the Qilin young lord, who must attend to the Grand Empress Dowager lately, would find it more convenient to stay in the palace, saving the trouble of going back and forth."

Thus: 【49】 "Father Emperor." Pei Yunxi shook the Emperor's hand, saying: "Yunxi feels the Qilin young lord, who must attend to the Grand Empress Dowager lately, would find it more convenient to stay in the palace, saving the trouble of going back and forth."

Mu Yuanzhi immediately became nervous; what does Princess Yunxi mean?

Mu Yuanzhi instantly grew nervous; what does Yunxi mean?

Thus: 【50】 Mu Yuanzhi instantly grew nervous; what does Yunxi mean?

Is this related to today's incident?

Is this related to today's incident?

Thus: 【51】 Is this related to today's incident?

What kind of madness did she suddenly develop?

What madness has she suddenly taken?

Thus: 【52】 What madness has she suddenly taken?

"Yunxi has thought it through thoroughly." The Emperor nodded: "It's hard that you're injured yet still thinking of your great-grandmother."

"Yunxi has thought it through well." The Emperor nodded: "It's hard on you, injured yet still mindful of your great-grandmother."

Thus: 【53】 "Yunxi has thought it through well." The Emperor nodded: "It's hard on you, injured yet still mindful of your great-grandmother."

"But, where in the palace is there an empty hall?" Mu Yuanzhi persisted.

"But, is there any empty palace left in the imperial grounds?" Mu Yuanzhi insisted.

Thus: 【54】 "But, is there any empty palace left in the imperial grounds?" Mu Yuanzhi insisted.

It's too dangerous for the qilin to reside in the imperial palace!

The Qilin living in the imperial palace is too dangerous!

Thus: 【55】 The Qilin living in the imperial palace is too dangerous!

Princess Yunxi said: "Sister, didn't you forget there's an abandoned palace? Have people refurbish and clean it; letting the qilin young lord stay there briefly would suffice."

Pei Yunxi said: "Sister, you forgot—isn't there an abandoned palace? Have people refurbish it; let the Qilin young lord stay there briefly."

Thus: 【56】 Pei Yunxi said: "Sister, you forgot—isn't there an abandoned palace? Have people refurbish it; let the Qilin young lord stay there briefly."

How could one forget? This is the place where Mu Yuanzhi, for not obeying, was banished by the Emperor to live—a deserted spot where even ghosts haunt.

How could one forget? This is where Mu Yuanzhi, for not obeying, was banished by the Emperor to live—a deserted place rarely visited and even haunted.

Thus: 【57】 How could one forget? This is where Mu Yuanzhi, for not obeying, was banished by the Emperor to live—a deserted place rarely visited and even haunted.

Gu Rongjin: "Is it convenient for a male qilin to reside in the palace?"

Gu Rongjin: "Is it convenient for a single man like the Qilin to live in the palace?"

Thus: 【58】 Gu Rongjin: "Is it convenient for a single man like the Qilin to live in the palace?"

The qilin doesn't mind; residing nearby would allow it to attend to its senior sister.

The Qilin doesn't mind; living nearby makes it easy to look after his senior sister.

Thus: 【59】 The Qilin doesn't mind; living nearby makes it easy to look after his senior sister.

"It's not like I live in the inner palace—where would there be any inconvenience?" Pei Shangling said.

When they weren't granted fiefdoms, didn't these princes also live in the palace?

Although Pei Shangling didn't know Pei Yunxi's intentions, since his younger sister had spoken up, he naturally should help speak.

The emperor agreed, saying, "I'll have people tidy up right away. Mu Yuanzhi, you can rest easy—your junior martial brother living in the palace will also look out for you; it's a win‑win."

What could Mu Yuanzhi do? Of course she had to agree.

That little Qilin was thrilled just at the prospect of living near her, completely unaware of how dangerous living inside the palace gates could be.

Things seemed to have settled just then, when Xiao Yichen breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear the emperor say, "Pei Yunxi, once you're well, you and Xiao AiQing's marriage should also be put on the agenda."