Chapter 425

translation: "Lù Yǐnxiāo brought over the silver ear soup, carefully checked that it wasn't hot, then approached Sui Sui and asked in a low voice, 'Do you want to go over there to drink?'"

But need to be faithful, not add extra. Let's translate precisely.

Lù Yǐnxiāo brought over the silver ear soup, checked that it wasn't hot, then approached Suìsuì and whispered, "Do you want to go over there to drink?"

Make sure to keep meaning.

Though their small courtyard isn't large, it is arranged warmly and delicately.

Translation: "Their small courtyard may not be big, but it is arranged very warmly and also very delicately."

The courtyard has a small stone table seating three or four, with a simple garden beside it.

Translation: "In the courtyard there is a small stone table that can seat three to four people, and beside it is a simple flower garden."

Nearly all the flowers there were planted by Lù Yǐnxiāo.

Translation: "Almost all the flowers there were planted by Lù Yǐnxiāo."

Suìsuì occasionally helps with the planting too.

Translation: "Sui Sui occasionally also helps with planting."

However, she tries to send any novel species she obtains from abroad back to the capital first, so the Shanglin Garden staff can cultivate them.

Translation: "However, the novel species she obtains from foreign lands and such, she will try to first send back to Jing Cheng, letting the people at Shanglin Garden cultivate them."

They always have more experience than she does; although Suìsuì considers herself fairly smart, she lacks experience, being young and having encountered few things.

Translation: "They always have more experience than she does; Sui Sui thinks she is somewhat clever, but lacks experience, after all she is young and has encountered few things."

Moreover, the climate in the capital is definitely better than in the northwest.

Translation: "Moreover, the climate in Jing Cheng is definitely stronger than that in the Northwest."

Some plants have weaker tolerance, making the capital a more suitable place to grow them.

Translation: "Some plants have weaker tolerance; planting them in Jing Cheng is more suitable."

Suìsuì, smelling the fragrant sweet silver ear soup, nodded lightly: "Let's do it together."

Translation: "Sui Sui smelled the fragrant sweet silver ear soup, lightly nodded, and said, 'Let's do it together.'"

Lù Yǐnxiāo didn't object and followed Suìsuì over.

Translation: "Lù Yǐnxiāo did not object and followed Sui Sui over."

Upon hearing there was work to do, Aunt Xiang hurried inside and ladled another bowl.

Translation: "Upon hearing that she had work to do, Aunt Xiang hurried into the house and ladled another bowl."

As Suìsuì grew older, her brows and eyes came to resemble her birth mother's more and more—bright and lively, with a spirited heroic air; she is the kind of girl who is instantly recognizable as cheerful and lively.

Translation: "As Sui Sui gradually grew up, her eyebrows and eyes became increasingly like her birth mother's—bright and lively, with a spirited heroic air; she was the kind of girl who at a glance is seen as cheerful and energetic."

In the border garrison city, both the defending soldiers and officials' sons alike hold Suìsuì in high regard.

Translation: "In Border Pass City, whether it be the city-defending soldiers or some officials' sons residing in mansions, they all have a good impression of Sui Sui."

Moreover, Suìsuì's noble status makes everyone eager to use her as a stepping stone to success.

Translation: "Moreover, Sui Sui's status is noble; who wouldn't want to use this favorable assistance to rise to the clouds?"

But!!!

Translation: "But!!!"

There are wicked wolves lurking around Suìsuì!

Translation: "There are evil wolves lurking around Sui Sui!"

Five years ago, Lù Yǐnxiāo followed Suìsuì to the border garrison city out of brotherly affection.

Translation: "Five years ago, Lù Yǐnxiāo, out of love and protection for his younger sister Sui Sui, followed her all the way to Border Pass City."

He gave up scholarly pursuits for a military career and made a name for himself in the army.

Translation: "He abandoned literary pursuits for martial ones, and also made a name for himself in the army."

Don't let his young age fool you—he is already a fourth‑rank commander in the vanguard camp, a leader of the younger generation.

Translation: "Don't let his young age fool you; he is already a fourth-rank officer in the Vanguard Battalion, a leader among the younger generation."

Initially, he came to the border garrison city solely to look after his sister Suìsuì.

Translation: "At first, he indeed only wanted to come to Border Pass City to look after his younger sister Sui Sui."

However, feelings can sometimes sour after spending a long time together.

Translation: "But sometimes, when feelings develop over time spent together, they can easily change."

It might also be that as Suìsuì grew older, some things changed without her noticing.

Translation: "It could also be that as Sui Sui gradually grew up, some things changed without anyone noticing."

On Suìsuì's birthday this year, Lù Yǐnxiāo, without hesitation, took the initiative to confess his feelings; after gaining her consent, he directly brought her into the wolf's den.

Translation: "On Sui Sui's birthday this year, Lù Yǐnxiāo hesitated not, took the initiative to confess his feelings, and after gaining Sui Sui's agreement, he directly brought her into the wolf's den."

Nowadays, everyone in the border garrison city knows that although Suìsuì is beautiful and radiant, she is still a noble princess, but…

Translation: "Nowadays in Border Pass City, who doesn't know that although Sui Sui is beautiful and gorgeous, she is still a noble princess, but……"

Yet wicked wolves accompany her.

Translation: "Yet evil wolves accompany her side."

Anyone who dares to have designs on Suìsuì, Lù Yǐnxiāo will unhesitatingly bare his wolf fangs.

Translation: "Whoever dares to have designs on Sui Sui, Lù Yǐnxiāo will without hesitation show his wolf fangs."

Watching the two of them sitting there, drinking and chatting about everyday matters, Aunt Xiang sensibly withdrew.

Translation: "Seeing the two sitting there, drinking and chatting about everyday matters, Aunt Xiang very sensibly withdrew."

When Suìsuì previously came to the border garrison city, her former maids did not follow her.

Translation: "When Sui Sui previously came to Border Pass City, her former maid did not come along."

After arriving at the border garrison, the two maids personally selected by Prince Qing served Suìsuì for several years; when they came of age, Prince Qing, out of consideration, obtained their consent and set them free to marry.

Translation: "After arriving at Border Pass, the two maidservants personally selected by Prince Qing served Sui Sui for several years; when they came of age, Prince Qing, out of sympathy, obtained their consent and then set them free to marry."

Now the maids attending Suìsuì are those who arrived last year—Mo Lan and Mo Xiu, both young and lively girls.

Translation: "Now the maidservants attending Sui Sui are the ones who arrived last year: one named Mo Lan, the other Mo Xiu, both lively young girls."

When Suìsuì goes out, she often brings both of them along.

Translation: "When Sui Sui goes out, she often brings both of them along."

If they don't return, it's likely they were sent on some mission, so Aunt Xiang doesn't need to ask further.

Translation: "If they don't return, it's likely they were sent out on some mission, and Aunt Xiang doesn't need to ask further."

At this moment, she is merely a little curious…

Translation: "At this moment, she is merely a little curious……"

Where has Princess Shùnyáng gone?

Translation: "Where has Princess Shunyang gone?"

Princess Shùnyáng is currently wandering around the street.

Translation: "Princess Shunyang is just wandering around the street."

They will set off for the capital in two days.

Translation: "They will set off back to Jing Cheng in two days."

Seeing that Consort Qi's birthday is approaching, Suìsuì needs to hurry back to celebrate her mother's birthday.

Translation: "Seeing that Princess Consort of Qi's birthday is approaching, Sui Sui needs to hurry back to celebrate Mother Consort's birthday."

She has already missed several years; this year the border situation is stable, the sand‑control project is slowly progressing, and many matters no longer require Suìsuì to worry about them here.

Translation: "She has already missed several years; this year the situation in Border Pass is stable, the sand-control endeavor is slowly progressing, and many matters no longer require Sui Sui to worry excessively."

Therefore, she can now return to the capital with peace of mind.

Translation: "So she can return to Jing Cheng with peace of mind."

This return to the capital is not only to celebrate her mother's birthday, but also to send Fēng Yòután back.

Translation: "This return to Jing Cheng is not only to celebrate Mother Consort's birthday, but also to send Feng You Tan back."

Three years ago, the Emperor bestowed marriage upon her and Lù Yǐnsōng.

Translation: "Three years ago, His Majesty bestowed marriage upon her and Lu Yin Song."

Their wedding is set for next year; Fēng Yòután, staying in the border garrison city, is unwilling to return, unlike her childhood self, and occasionally finds opportunities to go play with Lù Yǐnsōng.

Translation: "Their wedding date is set for next year; Feng You Tan, staying in Border Pass City, is unwilling to come back, bearing no resemblance to how she was as a child, and from time to time she finds an excuse to go play with Lu Yin Song."

The Lù family is somewhat anxious.

Translation: "The Lu family is somewhat anxious."

When Madam Lù writes to Lù Yǐnxiāo, she often politely asks…

Translation: "When Lady Lu writes to Lù Yǐnxiāo, she often tactfully asks……"

Is Princess Shùnyáng safe and well?

Translation: "Is Princess Shunyang well?"

Lù Yǐnsōng, with Fēng Yòután, is quite proud and stubborn.

Translation: "Lu Yin Song, with Feng You Tan, is very proud and stubborn."

Even if his bones were burned to ashes, his mouth would still be going.

Translation: "I reckon even if his bones were burned to ashes, his mouth would still be going."

Lù Yǐnsōng writes sweet nothings to Fēng Yòután, and he does.

Translation: "Lu Yin Song writes sweet nothings to Feng You Tan, and there are some."

However, with all those twists and turns, someone who hasn't read a book simply can't understand it.

Translation: "But, winding through eighteen twists, someone who hasn't read a book simply cannot understand."

Ordinary greetings, of course, are also present.

Translation: "Ordinary greetings, of course, are also present."

As for asking about the return date?

Translation: "As for asking about the return date?"

There isn't any.

Translation: "There is none."

They wouldn't ask even if they were dead.

Translation: "Not even in death would they ask."

Madam Lù, helpless, unable to bear seeing her son anxious and unable to eat, can only steel herself and go ask the younger son who is also in the border garrison city.

Translation: "Lady Lu, helpless, unable to bear seeing her son anxious and unable to eat, could only thicken her skin and come ask the younger son who is also in Border Pass City."

Suìsuì is eager to return to the capital, one reason being to catch her mother's birthday.

Translation: "Sui Sui is anxious to return to Jing Cheng; one reason is to catch Mother Consort's birthday."

Another reason is naturally to send Fēng Yòután back.

Translation: "Another reason is naturally to send Feng You Tan back."

Don't let the fourth brother worry any more!

Translation: "Don't let Fourth Brother worry any further!"

Nowadays there is no warfare in the border garrison, and keeping Fēng Yòután there serves little purpose.

Translation: "Nowadays there is no warfare in Border Pass, and Feng You Tan staying there is not of much use."

Fēng Yòután also wants to return to the capital in her heart, but she is reluctant to give up the unique scenery of the northwestern border garrison, so she keeps wavering about whether to go back.

Translation: "Feng You Tan also wants to return to Jing Cheng in her heart, but she is also enamored of the distinctive scenery of the Northwest Border Pass, so she keeps wavering over whether to go back."

Now ensure each translation is on a single line, no line breaks.

Now after all lines, output ===TITLE=== and translation of chapter title: Mutual Affection. Title translation: "Mutual Affection" or "Both Feelings Mutual". The phrase Mutual Affection means "both feelings are mutually pleased", i. e., "mutual affection". We'll output "Mutual Affection".

Then

Their small courtyard may not be large, but it is arranged warmly and exquisitely.

In the courtyard there is a small stone table that seats three to four, and beside it is a simple Flower garden.

The Flower there are almost all planted by Lù Yǐnxiāo.

Sui Sui occasionally also helps with planting.

However, the novel species she obtains from foreign lands and such, she will try to first send back to Jing Cheng, letting those at Shanglin Garden cultivate them.

They always have more experience than she does; Sui Sui thinks she is fairly smart, but she lacks experience, after all she is young and has encountered few things.

Moreover, the climate in Jing Cheng is definitely stronger than that in the Northwest.

Some plants have poorer tolerance; planting them in Jing Cheng is more suitable.

Sui Sui, hearing the fragrant sweet silver ear soup, lightly nods: "Let's do it together."

Lù Yǐnxiāo did not object, and followed Sui Sui over.

Upon hearing she had work to do, Xiang Gugu hurried into the house and ladled out another bowl.

As Sui Sui slowly grows up, her eyebrows and eyes become ever more like her birth mother's—bright and lively, with a spirited heroic air; she is the kind of girl who at a glance is seen as cheerful and energetic.

In Border Pass City, whether it be the garrison soldiers or some officials' sons from their residences, they all have a good impression of Sui Sui.

Moreover, Sui Sui's status is noble; who wouldn't want to use this good help to rise to the clouds?

But!!!

There are wicked wolves lurking around Sui Sui!

Five years ago, Lù Yǐnxiāo, out of affection for his sister Sui Sui, followed her all the way to Border Pass City.

He abandoned literature for martial pursuits, and also made a name for himself in the army.

Don't let his young age fool you; he is already a fourth-rank commander in the vanguard camp, a leader of the younger generation.

Initially, he indeed only wanted to come to Border Pass City to look after his sister Sui Sui.

But feelings, when they last a long time, can easily change.

It could also be that as Sui Sui gradually grows up, some things change without anyone noticing.

On Sui Sui's birthday this year, Lù Yǐnxiāo, without hesitation, took the initiative to confess his feelings; after gaining her consent, he directly brought her into the wolf's den.

Nowadays in Border Pass City, who doesn't know that although Sui Sui is beautiful and lovely, she is still a noble princess, but……

Yet wicked wolves accompany her side.

Whoever dares to have designs on Sui Sui, Lù Yǐnxiāo will unhesitatingly show his wolf fangs.

Watching the two sit there, one drinking and chatting about daily matters, Xiang Gugu very sensibly withdrew.

When Sui Sui previously came to Border Pass City, her former maidservants did not follow.

After arriving at the Border Pass, the two maidservants personally selected by Prince Qing served Sui Sui for several years; when they came of age, Prince Qing, sympathetic, obtained their consent and then set them free to marry.

Now the maidservants attending Sui Sui are those who arrived last year—Mo Lan and Mo Xiu—both lively young girls.

When Sui Sui goes out, she often brings two people along.

If she doesn't return, it's likely she was sent on some mission; Xiang Gugu doesn't need to ask further.

At this moment, she is merely a little curious……

Where has Princess Shunyang gone?

Princess Shunyang is just wandering about the street.

They will set off to return to Jing Cheng in two days.

Seeing that the birthday of Princess Consort of Qi is approaching, Sui Sui must hurry back to celebrate Mother Consort's birthday.

She has already missed several years; this year the situation in the Border Pass is stable, the sand-control project is also slowly progressing, and many things no longer require Sui Sui to worry excessively.

So she can return to Jing Cheng with peace of mind.

This return to Jing Cheng is not only to celebrate Mother Consort's birthday, but also Feng You Tan must go back.

Three years ago, His Majesty bestowed marriage upon her and Lu Yin Song.

Their wedding date is set for next year; Feng You Tan, staying in Border Pass City, is unwilling to return, unlike when she was a child, she occasionally finds opportunities to go play with Lu Yin Song.

The Lu family is somewhat anxious.

When Lù Fūrén writes to Lù Yǐnxiāo, she often asks tactfully……

Is Princess Shunyang safe and well?

Lu Yin Song is very aloof and stubborn with Feng You Tan.

Even if his bones were burnt to ashes, his mouth would still be going.

Lu Yin Song writes sweet nothings to Feng You Tan; indeed.

But, winding through eighteen twists, someone who hasn't read a book simply cannot understand.

Everyday greetings, of course, are also present.

As for asking about the return date?

There is none.

Even to death, they do not ask.

Lù Fūrén, helpless, cannot bear to see her son anxious and unable to eat, so she can only thicken her skin and ask the younger son who is also in Border Pass City.

Sui Sui is eager to return to Jing Cheng; one reason is to catch Mother Consort's birthday.

The other is naturally to send Feng You Tan back.

Don't let the fourth brother worry any further!

Nowadays there is no warfare in the Border Pass; Feng You Tan staying there has little use.

Feng You Tan also wants to return to Jing Cheng in her heart, but she is also reluctant to leave the distinctive scenery of the Xi Bei Bian Guan, so she keeps wavering over whether to go back.

Now, upon hearing they would go back, her steps became light and cheerful; clearly she had come back from the military camp together with Sui Sui and the others, but halfway she directly ditched the two of them, saying she wanted to go stroll around.

Could Sui Sui not know? She's going to pick out specialties.

Sui Sui listened as Lù Yǐnxiāo told her some amusing military anecdotes; listening and listening, she became entranced staring at Qi Ge's profile.

Sui Sui thought: Qi Ge, he's really handsome!

At New Year's birthday, Qi Ge confessed his feelings to her; Sui Sui was then so captivated by his charming, deep‑eyed gaze that she lost her bearings and didn't even know how she had foolishly agreed.

However, she indeed didn't dislike Qi Ge, and over the years she had grown accustomed to his company.

Father had also once privately told Sui Sui that if she felt unsuitable, breaking up would be fine.

Even though the Fǔguó Gōng holds great power, she is a princess!

This is something Sui Sui said to Feng You Tan when she was young.

She is a princess, with a father of great military merit, and a Father King favored by His Majesty.

Sui Sui has nothing to fear.

She need not consider power and profit; she only needs to consider her own feelings.

Sui Sui is still somewhat naive about feelings.

But she knows, Qi Ge is good‑looking.

She is easily captivated by Qi Ge's face.

If she could be captivated for a lifetime, that wouldn't be bad.

At least, she gets to feast her eyes.

Lù Yǐnxiāo naturally noticed Sui Sui staring blankly at his profile, the little girl's lips curling with a faint smile.

Lù Yǐnxiāo tried to relax as much as possible, but his ears uncontrollably turned red.

He knew Sui Sui very much liked his face.

Therefore, even though he was stationed at the Northwest Frontier, Lù Yǐnxiāo paid close attention to his daily upkeep.

Although he had gotten tanned, he had not let himself become a rough, unkempt man.

Lù Yǐnxiāo thought, he must not become rough.

Otherwise, his wife might run away!

Lù Yǐnxiāo thought, he had spent five years carefully accompanying her, and with his face had kept Sui Sui; he could not let the little girl run away!