Chapter 63

The emperor fathered six sons; the eldest legitimate son, Su Yi, was made crown prince, born of the late empress, thirty‑three years old, heir apparent, studying governance day and night; the second prince, Su Huai, born of Consort Shen, had already reached the age of the weak crown; after the late empress passed, the empress position lay vacant, with rumors that the emperor wished Consort Shen to hold the phoenix seal and succeed as empress; as the saying goes, if there is no clue, how can baseless rumors arise? Especially in royal matters, if such news spreads so that ordinary folk can hear it, it is likely the emperor turns a blind eye and deliberately spreads it.

already at the age of the weak crown

As the saying goes, if there is no hint, how can baseless rumors arise?

Especially concerning royal affairs, if such news spreads so that ordinary folk can hear it, it is likely the emperor turns a blind eye and deliberately spreads it.

Now produce line: 【1】 translation.

We must keep each translation on a single line. No extra commentary.

Let's craft.

【1】 The emperor has six sons; the eldest legitimate son, Su Yi, is the crown prince, born of the late empress, thirty-three years old, heir apparent, studying statecraft day and night. The second prince, Su Huai, born of Consort Shen, is already at the age of the weak crown. After the late empress passed, the empress position stands vacant, with rumors that the emperor wishes Consort Shen to hold the phoenix seal and succeed as empress. As the saying goes, if there is no hint, how can baseless rumors arise? Especially for royal matters; if it spreads so that ordinary folk can hear it, it is likely the emperor turns a blind eye and deliberately spreads it.

Check we kept all info: yes.

Now 【2】.

Consequently, Crown Prince Su Yi found himself unable to sit still; gazing at the vast palace, he imagined his future accession—this was his former residence, where every blade of grass and tree must be preserved for posterity to behold; now, for the emperor to choose a successor is awkward—must he appoint the mother of that second brother who constantly overshadows him? Although the royal house makes no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate, all are sons of the dragon; yet the empress's post still carries weight, and the once uncontested throne has suddenly sprouted complications, leaving Su Yi uneasy; he wonders whether the emperor could possibly have some other design in mind.

Translate: This makes the crown prince Su Yi somewhat unable to sit still. He gazes at the vast palace, also thinking that when he ascends the throne, this will be his former residence, every blade of grass and tree to be left for his descendants to admire. Now, for the father emperor to choose who to make empress is not good; he insists on making the mother of his second brother, who constantly suppresses him, the empress. Although the royal house makes no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate, all are dragon sons. Yet the empress position still carries weight; the originally uncontested throne suddenly encounters obstacles, making Su Yi uneasy. He wonders, could it not be that the emperor has some other intention?

former residence

Now 【2】 line.

【2】 This makes the crown prince Su Yi somewhat unable to sit still. He gazes at the vast palace, also thinking that when he ascends the throne, this will be his former residence, every blade of grass and tree to be left for his descendants to admire. Now, for the father emperor to choose who to make empress is not good; he insists on making the mother of his second brother, who constantly suppresses him, the empress. Although the royal house makes no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate, all are dragon sons. Yet the empress position still carries weight; the originally uncontested throne suddenly encounters obstacles, making Su Yi uneasy. He wonders, could it not be that the emperor has some other intention?

Check we kept all.

Throughout history, there has never been a lack of talk about deposing the eldest and installing the younger; if Consort Shen's pillow‑wind blows frequently, causing the father to develop a different affection, what then?

Translate: Throughout history, there has never been a lack of talk about deposing the eldest and establishing the younger. If Consort Shen's pillow-wind blows frequently, causing the father emperor to develop a different heart toward him, what then?

pillow‑wind, causing him to develop a different heart—what then?

【3】 Throughout history, there has never been a lack of talk about deposing the eldest and establishing the younger. If Consort Shen's pillow-wind blows frequently, causing the father emperor to develop a different heart toward him, what then?

Initially, to prevent fraternal strife, the emperor early on designated the crown prince; Su Yi served as crown prince for over ten years, never imagining that one day he would simply hand over the throne—something he regarded as a sure thing—to another.

Translate: Initially, to prevent fraternal estrangement, the emperor early on designated the crown prince. Su Yi served as crown prince for over ten years, never imagining that one day he would hand over the throne, which he regarded as something in his bag, to another.

something in his bag, to be handed over to another

【4】 Initially, to prevent fraternal estrangement, the emperor early on designated the crown prince. Su Yi served as crown prince for over ten years, never imagining that one day he would hand over the throne, which he regarded as something in his bag, to another.

The father's lack of intent to depose him does not mean Su Huai harbors no such thought; at twenty, Su Huai was merely a powerless younger brother, even putting on a show of brotherly affection by wearing colorful clothes to entertain his parents; now, at twenty, he is no longer the tearful, yellow‑haired brat he once was.

Translate: The father emperor not intending to depose him does not mean Su Huai lacks that thought. When he was twenty, Su Huai was merely an insignificant younger brother with no deterrent power, yet he once acted out the play of brotherly fraternity, wearing colorful clothes to entertain his parents. But now Su Huai is twenty, no longer the tearful yellow-haired brat who only knew how to cry.

yellow‑haired brat; wearing colorful clothes to entertain his parents

【5】 The father emperor not intending to depose him does not mean Su Huai lacks that thought. When he was twenty, Su Huai was merely an insignificant younger brother with no deterrent power, yet he once acted out the play of brotherly fraternity, wearing colorful clothes to entertain his parents. But now Su Huai is twenty, no longer the tearful yellow-haired brat who only knew how to cry.

Could it be that, unbeknownst to him, Su Huai has harbored a thought he ought not to have?

Translate: Could it be that, at a moment he doesn't know, Su Huai has grown a thought he shouldn't have?

has grown a thought he shouldn't have

【6】 Could it be that, at a moment he doesn't know, Su Huai has grown a thought he shouldn't have?

Damn it!

Translate: Damn it!

【7】 Damn it!

Su Yi gritted his teeth, his eyes dark and menacing; thinking of the impending "mountain rain about to come, wind filling the tower," he still resolved to strike first.

Translate: Su Yi gritted his teeth, his eyes dark and ferocious; thinking of the impending "mountain rain about to come, wind filling the tower," he still decided to strike first.

mountain rain about to come, wind filling the tower

【8】 Su Yi gritted his teeth, his eyes dark and ferocious; thinking of the impending "mountain rain about to come, wind filling the tower," he still decided to strike first.

Not long after, Crown Prince Su Yi was impeached on the charge of "keeping male favorites and secretly assassinating the second prince, Su Huai"; although the allegations were baseless, some evidence had surfaced, and this memorial quietly reached the emperor; Su Yi naturally denied it all, believing his actions were covert and that Su Huai could never uncover them; he therefore secretly had his aides devise ways to overturn the supposed evidence.

Translate: Not long after, Crown Prince Su Yi was impeached for the matter of "raising male favorites and assassinating the second prince Su Huai." Although these were baseless, some evidence had surfaced, and the memorial was quietly delivered to the emperor. Su Yi naturally denied it all, believing his actions were secret and that Su Huai could not discover them, so he secretly had his aides devise ways to overturn the so-called evidence.

impeached; memorial; quietly

【9】 Not long after, Crown Prince Su Yi was impeached for the matter of "raising male favorites and assassinating the second prince Su Huai." Although these were baseless, some evidence had surfaced, and the memorial was quietly delivered to the emperor. Su Yi naturally denied it all, believing his actions were secret and that Su Huai could not discover them, so he secretly had his aides devise ways to overturn the so-called evidence.

The emperor believed his explanation, yet planted a seed of doubt in his heart; over the years, he had examined Su Yi from many angles and found him unsuitable as heir apparent; conversely, Su Huai showed considerable insight into governance and often consulted with the emperor on state affairs.

Translate: The emperor believed his explanation, yet planted a seed of doubt in his heart. Over these years, the emperor has also examined Su Yi from multiple angles, finding him unsuitable as heir apparent, whereas Su Huai shows considerable insight into governance and often discusses state affairs with him.

unsuitable as heir apparent

【10】 The emperor believed his explanation, yet planted a seed of doubt in his heart. Over these years, the emperor has also examined Su Yi from multiple angles, finding him unsuitable as heir apparent, whereas Su Huai shows considerable insight into governance and often discusses state affairs with him.

In the stillness of midnight, the emperor even mused that raising Su Huai as heir apparent might be better; yet tradition dictates establishing the eldest legitimate son, and Su Yi has committed no grave fault, so the emperor cannot bear to depose him; perhaps giving him more time would cause Su Yi to earn a new look.

Translate: In the middle of the night, the emperor even pondered whether raising Su Huai as heir apparent might be better. But since ancient times, the principle has been to establish the eldest and legitimate; Su Yi has committed no major fault, and he cannot bear to depose him. Perhaps giving him more time, Su Yi will make him look at him anew.

look at him anew

【11】 In the middle of the night, the emperor even pondered whether raising Su Huai as heir apparent might be better. But since ancient times, the principle has been to establish the eldest and legitimate; Su Yi has committed no major fault, and he cannot bear to depose him. Perhaps giving him more time, Su Yi will make him look at him anew.

Yet Crown Prince Su Yi, resentful of this, thought Su Huai must have informed the emperor, seeking to sow discord between father and son; this reveals that Su Huai indeed harbors rebellious intent; such an imperial brother cannot be allowed to remain under any circumstances.

Translate: Yet Crown Prince Su Yi, because of this, harbors hatred toward Su Huai in his heart, thinking that Su Huai must have informed the emperor, attempting to sow discord between father and son; from this it is clear that Su Huai indeed harbors rebellious intent. Such an imperial brother cannot be allowed to remain!

harbors hatred in his heart; seeks to sow discord between father and son; harbors rebellious intent; cannot be allowed to remain

【12】 Yet Crown Prince Su Yi, because of this, harbors hatred toward Su Huai in his heart, thinking that Su Huai must have informed the emperor, attempting to sow discord between father and son; from this it is clear that Su Huai indeed harbors rebellious intent. Such an imperial brother cannot be allowed to remain!

If the father can so easily believe his accusations, what if one day Su Huai actually succeeds in framing him?

Translate: If the father emperor can so easily believe his evidence, what if one day Su Huai successfully frames him?

frames him successfully

【13】 If the father emperor can so easily believe his evidence, what if one day Su Huai successfully frames him?

Su Yi broke out in a cold sweat, suddenly hit upon a daring idea, which he suppressed deep within, daring not to speak.

Translate: Su Yi broke out in a cold sweat; he suddenly had a bold idea, but for now he suppresses it deep within, not daring to speak.

suppresses it deep within, not daring to speak

【14】 Su Yi broke out in a cold sweat; he suddenly had a bold idea, but for now he suppresses it deep within, not daring to speak.

After he left the imperial city, he gathered his aides to discuss the matter; they were all frightened into a cold sweat, and anyone who dared to leak a word was immediately stabbed outside the study; those aides with the heart of a hero in troubled times gritted their teeth, resolved to follow Su Yi, and immediately knelt, declaring: "The crown prince is the true Son of Heaven; long live the crown prince, long live, long long live."

Translate: After he left the imperial city, he gathered his aides to discuss the matter; the aides were all frightened into a cold sweat, and anyone who dared to leak a word was immediately stabbed to death outside the study. Those aides with the heart of heroes in troubled times gritted their teeth, resolved to follow Su Yi, and immediately knelt, saying: "The crown prince is the true Son of Heaven; long live the crown prince, long live, long long live."

long live, long live, long long live

【15】 After he left the imperial city, he gathered his aides to discuss the matter; the aides were all frightened into a cold sweat, and anyone who dared to leak a word was immediately stabbed to death outside the study. Those aides with the heart of heroes in troubled times gritted their teeth, resolved to follow Su Yi, and immediately knelt, saying: "The crown prince is the true Son of Heaven; long live the crown prince, long live, long long live."

Originally the chant was "thousand years, thousand years, ten thousand thousand years," but to suit Su Yi's wish it was changed to "ten thousand years"; Su Yi smiled faintly and praised him for being perceptive.

Translate: Originally they would have said "thousand years, thousand years, ten thousand thousand years," but to suit the crown prince's wishes they specially said "ten thousand years." The crown prince smiled faintly and praised him for being perceptive.

thousand years, thousand years, ten thousand thousand years; ten thousand years

【16】 Originally they would have said "thousand years, thousand years, ten thousand thousand years," but to suit the crown prince's wishes they specially said "ten thousand years." The crown prince smiled faintly and praised him for being perceptive.

Thus, Su Yi secretly secured several mountain strongholds outside the capital, trained troops, and bought countless weapons, awaiting a showdown at a certain palace; rather than anxiously waiting for the emperor's edict, he would rather take the throne himself; if the emperor is perceptive, he will naturally allow Su Yi to enjoy his twilight years; if not, since the royal house knows no blood ties, he cannot be blamed for being ruthless; remember, the father himself founded the nation in blood—this is the Su family's inherent coldness.

Translate: Thus, Su Yi secretly contracted several mountain strongholds outside the capital, drilled troops, and purchased countless weapons, awaiting a showdown at a certain palace. Rather than anxiously waiting for the father emperor's edict, it would be better to seize the throne first. If the father emperor is perceptive, he will naturally allow him to enjoy his twilight years; if not, since ancient times the royal house knows no blood ties, and he cannot be blamed for being ruthless. Recall that the father emperor also founded the state amidst blood; this is the Su family's innate coldness.

a certain palace

【17】 Thus, Su Yi secretly contracted several mountain strongholds outside the capital, drilled troops, and purchased countless weapons, awaiting a showdown at a certain palace. Rather than anxiously waiting for the father emperor's edict, it would be better to seize the throne first. If the father emperor is perceptive, he will naturally allow him to enjoy his twilight years; if not, since ancient times the royal house knows no blood ties, and he cannot be blamed for being ruthless. Recall that the father emperor also founded the state amidst blood; this is the Su family's innate coldness.

One day half a year later, Xie Qianling was in the Imperial Study discussing a case with the emperor when the palace gates suddenly slammed shut and the exterior candles went out; outside, not a bird chirped; the emperor and Xie Qianling immediately grew suspicious; even a close attendant could not make sense of the scene, hesitated a moment, swallowed, and said to the emperor: "Old servant, I'll go see what's happened; Your Lordship and Minister Xie, please wait here."

Translate: One day half a year later, Xie Junling was in the Imperial Study discussing a case with the emperor when the palace gates suddenly shut tight and the candles outside went out. Outside, not a crow or sparrow made a sound; the emperor and Xie Junling immediately grew suspicious. A close eunuch, unable to comprehend the situation, hesitated a moment, swallowed his saliva, and said to the emperor: "Old servant will go see what's happened; Your Majesty and Minister Xie, please wait here."

Imperial Study; emperor; Minister Xie

【18】 One day half a year later, Xie Junling was in the Imperial Study discussing a case with the emperor when the palace gates suddenly shut tight and the candles outside went out. Outside, not a crow or sparrow made a sound; the emperor and Xie Junling immediately grew suspicious. A close eunuch, unable to comprehend the situation, hesitated a moment, swallowed his saliva, and said to the emperor: "Old servant will go see what's happened; Your Majesty and Minister Xie, please wait here."

This eunuch, who grew up alongside the emperor, feels his humble station unworthy of a true Son of Heaven, yet his sincere loyalty is rare; for the emperor, what does it matter if he risks danger? He naturally knows that any disturbance in the imperial city signals a major event—otherwise, who would have the audacity to extinguish the lamps outside the Imperial Study? It surely isn't abdication, for the old practice of abdication was extremely brutal, nominally a relinquishment but actually a forced palace takeover; this is a commonplace yet unmentionable secret.

Translate: This eunuch grew up alongside the emperor from childhood; his lowly station may not befit a true Son of Heaven, yet his loyal, childlike heart is rare. For the emperor, what does it matter if he risks danger? He naturally knows that any anomaly in the imperial city must signal a major event; otherwise, who would have the audacity to extinguish the lamps outside the Imperial Study? It surely isn't abdication. In former times, abdication was extremely brutal—called abdication but actually a forced palace takeover. This is a commonplace yet unmentionable secret.

abdication; forced palace takeover

【19】 This eunuch grew up alongside the emperor from childhood; his lowly station may not befit a true Son of Heaven, yet his loyal, childlike heart is rare. For the emperor, what does it matter if he risks danger? He naturally knows that any anomaly in the imperial city must signal a major event; otherwise, who would have the audacity to extinguish the lamps outside the Imperial Study? It surely isn't abdication. In former times, abdication was extremely brutal—called abdication but actually a forced palace takeover. This is a commonplace yet unmentionable secret.

Inside the Imperial Study, both the emperor and Xie Qianling felt ill at ease—one because he had not expected anyone so bold to cause trouble in the imperial city, the other because he regretted not staying home with his beloved wife, Lu Bao'er, to instead pry into imperial affairs; yet however startled, Xie Qianling did not forget the court etiquette forbidding any lapse of decorum before the emperor; he silently continued sipping tea; the emperor, however, admired Xie Qianling's ability to remain seated, feeling a kinship of shared plight; when the sound of clashing arms rang outside the Imperial Study, both surmised the situation: someone was staging a forced palace takeover to seize the succession; the emperor's voice sounded markedly older than usual as he told Xie Qianling, "Let Minister Xie witness these sordid imperial affairs—consider it a joke on you."

Translate: Inside the Imperial Study, the emperor and Xie Junling also felt uneasy—one because they hadn't expected someone so bold to cause trouble in the imperial city, the other because he regretted not staying home to accompany his lovely wife Lu Bao'er, instead prying into imperial affairs. No matter how startled, Xie Junling still remembered the court etiquette forbidding loss of decorum before the emperor; he silently continued sipping tea. The emperor somewhat admired Xie Junling's ability to sit still, feeling a certain camaraderie. When the sound of arms clashing rang outside the Imperial Study, both guessed roughly what was happening: surely someone was staging a forced palace takeover to seize the succession. The emperor spoke, his voice much older than usual, and said to Xie Junling: "Let Minister Xie see these dirty imperial affairs; I'm giving you a laugh."

lovely wife; Lu Bao'er; court etiquette forbidding loss of decorum before the emperor; sound of arms clashing; staging a forced palace takeover to seize the succession; dirty imperial affairs

【20】 Inside the Imperial Study, the emperor and Xie Junling also felt uneasy—one because they hadn't expected someone so bold to cause trouble in the imperial city, the other because he regretted not staying home to accompany his lovely wife Lu Bao'er, instead prying into imperial affairs. No matter how startled, Xie Junling still remembered the court etiquette forbidding loss of decorum before the emperor; he silently continued sipping tea. The emperor somewhat admired Xie Junling's ability to sit still, feeling a certain camaraderie. When the sound of arms clashing rang outside the Imperial Study, both guessed roughly what was happening: surely someone was staging a forced palace takeover to seize the succession. The emperor spoke, his voice much older than usual, and said to Xie Junling: "Let Minister Xie see these dirty imperial affairs; I'm giving you a laugh."

Xie Qianling consoled the emperor: "Your Majesty's ability to sit thus shows you have a reserve; I ought to admire your profound foresight, for you always prepare for the unexpected."

Translate: Xie Junling comforted the emperor: "Your Majesty's ability to sit like this surely means you have a backup plan. I ought to admire Your Majesty's deep foresight and prudent planning; you always prepare for the unexpected."

prepare for the unexpected

【21】 Xie Junling comforted the emperor: "Your Majesty's ability to sit like this surely means you have a backup plan. I ought to admire Your Majesty's deep foresight and prudent planning; you always prepare for the unexpected."

The emperor's waiting in the Imperial Study naturally had its reason; he brought the imperial seal and led Xie Qianling to a hidden door behind the screen; together they fitted the seal onto the square marking, the hidden groove matching the seal's base, fitting snugly; after they entered the hidden chamber, the emperor removed the seal and the door quietly closed behind them.

Translate: The emperor's ability to wait in the Imperial Study naturally has its reason. He moved the imperial seal here, bringing Xie Junling to a hidden door behind the screen. Together they fitted the seal into the square indentation, the hidden groove's pattern meshing with the seal's base, fitting snugly. After they entered the secret chamber, the emperor removed the seal, and the hidden door slowly closed.

imperial seal; hidden door; hidden groove

【22】 The emperor's ability to wait in the Imperial Study naturally has its reason. He moved the imperial seal here, bringing Xie Junling to a hidden door behind the screen. Together they fitted the seal into the square indentation, the hidden groove's pattern meshing with the seal's base, fitting snugly. After they entered the secret chamber, the emperor removed the seal, and the hidden door slowly closed.

Xie Qianling noticed another hidden groove in this narrow passage; presumably, placing the imperial seal there would allow the door to be opened from within; it turned out that the emperor's consultations in the Imperial Study were not without purpose—should anything happen, he also had a refuge; this place is unknown to consorts and princes; the term "lonely household, widowed person" refers to one who possesses the world yet remains alone; reflecting on this, Xie Qianling felt fortunate, for he has a wife and child, making him far happier than the emperor.

Translate: Xie Junling noticed that this narrow corridor also had a hidden groove; surely, by placing the seal on it, one could open the door from inside. It turns out that whenever the emperor confers with officials in the Imperial Study on important matters, there is a reason—should anything happen, he also has a refuge. And this place is unknown to the consorts and princes; the term "lonely household, widowed person" refers to one who possesses the world yet remains alone. Thinking thus, Xie Junling also felt fortunate that he has a wife and child, making him far happier than the emperor.

lonely household, widowed person

【23】 Xie Junling noticed that this narrow corridor also had a hidden groove; surely, by placing the seal on it, one could open the door from inside. It turns out that whenever the emperor confers with officials in the Imperial Study on important matters, there is a reason—should anything happen, he also has a refuge. And this place is unknown to the consorts and princes; the term "lonely household, widowed person" refers to one who possesses the world yet remains alone. Thinking thus, Xie Junling also felt fortunate that he has a wife and child, making him far happier than the emperor.

The passage was long; Xie Qianling lit a spare tinderbox in the corner and used a small bamboo tube filled with saltpeter to light the way ahead; this tunnel leads out of the palace; inside, a great uproar raged, yet the high‑ranking officials fled—one can imagine how ridiculous the instigators will appear afterward.

Translate: This passage is long; Xie Junling lit a spare tinderbox in the corner and used a small bamboo tube filled with saltpeter to illuminate the road ahead. This passage leads out of the palace; inside, a great uproar ensues, yet the high-ranking officials have fled—one can imagine how ridiculous the instigators will appear afterward.

tinderbox; small bamboo tube filled with saltpeter; great uproar; high‑ranking officials

【24】 This passage is long; Xie Junling lit a spare tinderbox in the corner and used a small bamboo tube filled with saltpeter to illuminate the road ahead. This passage leads out of the palace; inside, a great uproar ensues, yet the high-ranking officials have fled—one can imagine how ridiculous the instigators will appear afterward.

Having left the palace, Xie Qianling led the emperor along a blind‑alley lane toward his home; soon other troops surrounded the imperial city watertight, and this forced palace takeover struggle may well drag on until dawn.

Translate: Having left the palace, Xie Junling led the emperor along a blind‑alley lane toward home; soon other troops surrounded the imperial city, watertight. This forced‑palace struggle will likely stalemate until dawn.

blind‑alley lane; watertight

【25】 Having left the palace, Xie Junling led the emperor along a blind‑alley lane toward home; soon other troops surrounded the imperial city, watertight. This forced‑palace struggle will likely stalemate until dawn.

Xie Qianling boldly stripped the emperor of his bright‑yellow outer robe, leaving only a white inner garment; once they had safely returned to the Xie residence, he had the old matron fetch a great cloak for the emperor to drape over himself; the weather was cold, but the flower hall was warmed by an underfloor heating system; observing the Xie household's décor—both the flower hall and the courtyard exude a rich, fragrant aura beloved by women, abundant with flowers and plants—shows how deeply Lu Bao'er weighs in Xie Qianling's heart; the emperor had previously investigated Xie Qianling; his interest stemmed partly from learning that Xie had married a woman of humble origins; many officials, once promoted and enriched, seek to discard their low‑status wives and marry into families that can advance them, but Xie Qianling differs: he keeps his promises and treats others sincerely; whether this evokes the emperor's envy or admiration, recalling his own deep love with the late empress—who, as a maternal relative, pursued power and gradually lost the youthful intimacy they once shared, leading to estrangement—after her death, the emperor occasionally visited her chambers, where a white jade hairpin he had bought for her still lay on her dressing table; seeing it stirred his feelings, and he could scarcely picture her youthful self; perhaps upon meeting Xie Qianling, the emperor sees his younger self reflected, and over time he has come to trust Xie Qianling more blindly than other officials.

Translate: Xie Junling boldly removed the emperor's bright‑yellow outer robe, leaving only a white inner garment; once they had safely returned to the Xie residence, he then had the old maid fetch a great cloak for the emperor to drape over himself. It was cold, but the Flower Hall had its underfloor heating lit. The emperor observed the Xie household's décor—whether the Flower Hall or the courtyard, there was a lush, fragrant ambience beloved by women, filled with flowers and plants, showing how deeply Lu Bao'er is valued in Xie Junling's heart. Previously the emperor had ordered an investigation into Xie Junling, taking interest because he knew Xie Junling had married a woman of humble origins; many officials, once promoted and enriched, seek to cast aside their former wives and marry into families that can aid them, but Xie Junling differs from the common sort—he keeps his promises and treats people sincerely. Whether this evokes the emperor's envy or admiration, recalling his own deep love with the late empress, who, as a maternal relative seeking power, gradually lost the youthful couple's original appearance, causing them to grow apart. After the late empress passed away, the emperor occasionally returned to her quarters to sit briefly; her dressing table still held the white jade hairpin he had bought for her. Seeing it stirred his feelings, and he rare ly recalled her youthful appearance. Perhaps upon seeing Xie Junling, the emperor is reminded of his younger self, and over time he has come to trust Xie Junling more blindly than other officials.

bright‑yellow outer robe; white inner garment; great cloak; Flower Hall; underfloor heating; white jade hairpin

We must keep the translation concise but not omit any info. This is long; we need to keep all details. Let's craft a single line translation.

【26】 Xie Junling boldly removed the emperor's bright‑yellow outer robe, leaving only a white inner garment; once they had safely returned to the Xie residence, he then had the old maid fetch a great cloak for the emperor to drape over himself. It was cold, but the Flower Hall had its underfloor heating lit. The emperor observed the Xie household's décor—whether the Flower Hall or the courtyard, there was a lush, fragrant ambience beloved by women, filled with flowers and plants, showing how deeply Lu Bao'er is valued in Xie Junling's heart. Previously the emperor had ordered an investigation into Xie Junling, taking interest because he knew Xie Junling had married a woman of humble origins; many officials, once promoted and enriched, seek to cast aside their former wives and marry into families that can aid them, but Xie Junling differs from the common sort—he keeps his promises and treats people sincerely. Whether this evokes the emperor's envy or admiration, recalling his own deep love with the late empress, who, as a maternal relative seeking power, gradually lost the youthful couple's original appearance, causing them to grow apart. After the late empress passed away, the emperor occasionally returned to her quarters to sit briefly; her dressing table still held the white jade hairpin he had bought for her. Seeing it stirred his feelings, and he rare ly recalled her youthful appearance. Perhaps upon seeing Xie Junling, the emperor is reminded of his younger self, and over time he has come to trust Xie Junling more blindly than other officials.

Check we didn't miss any clause. Looks good.

The emperor is a cousin of the old Lady Su and, by extension, a maternal great‑uncle of Lu Bao'er; he smiled warmly at her and said, "That boy must be Little Brother Jin, right? Bring him over so I can have a look."

Translate: The emperor is a cousin of Old Lady Su, and also counts as Lu Bao'er's maternal great‑uncle; at this moment he smiled kindly at Lu Bao'er and said, "That boy must be Little Brother Jin, right? Bring him over so I can have a look."

cousin (male); maternal great‑uncle; Little Brother Jin

【27】 The emperor is a cousin of Old Lady Su, and also counts as Lu Bao'er's maternal great‑uncle; at this moment he smiled kindly at Lu Bao'er and said, "That boy must be Little Brother Jin, right? Bring him over so I can have a look."

Lu Bao'er, seeing the emperor's heavenly countenance for the first time, felt a little nervous; noting that the emperor's age resembled that of her great‑grandmother and that he bore a kind, benevolent aspect, she nodded, led Xie Jin forward, and said, "Little Brother Jin is rather mischievous; please don't hold it against Your Majesty."

Translate: Lu Bao'er, seeing the heavenly countenance for the first time, felt a little nervous, but noticing that the emperor's age resembled her great‑grandmother's and that he looked kind and benevolent, she nodded, took the hand of the boy behind her—Xie Jin—and led him before the emperor, saying, "Little Brother Jin is quite mischievous; please don't hold it against him, Your Majesty."

heavenly countenance; great‑grandmother; Xie Jin

【28】 Lu Bao'er, seeing the heavenly countenance for the first time, felt a little nervous, but noticing that the emperor's age resembled her great‑grandmother's and that he looked kind and benevolent, she nodded, took the hand of the boy behind her—Xie Jin—and led him before the emperor, saying, "Little Brother Jin is quite mischievous; please don't hold it against him, Your Majesty."

The emperor gave a wry smile and said, "You talk about being mischievous—do any of my sons have that trait? They used to be just like Little Brother Jin, and now they dare to stage a forced palace takeover and rebel."

Translate: The emperor gave a wry smile: "Talk about being mischievous—do any of my sons have that trait? They used to be just like Little Brother Jin, but now they dare to stage a forced palace takeover and rebel."

stage a forced palace takeover and rebel

【29】 The emperor gave a wry smile: "Talk about being mischievous—do any of my sons have that trait? They used to be just like Little Brother Jin, but now they dare to stage a forced palace takeover and rebel."

Upon hearing this, Lu Bao'er dared not respond; she had been curious why Xie Qianling brought the emperor, dressed thus, to an official residence—it turned out he had escaped from the palace; an hour earlier she had heard the commotion, but she dared not speak; she merely had the old matron send a ventilated message to the Fu residence, then bolted the door tightly, kept it secure, and stationed guards at the entrance.

Translate: Upon hearing this, Lu Bao'er dared not respond. She had already been curious why Xie Junling brought the emperor, dressed thus, to an official residence; now she realized he had escaped from the palace. Earlier that hour she had heard the commotion, but she dared not speak, only having the old maid send a ventilated message to the Fu residence, then bolting the door tightly and stationing guards at the entrance.

official residence; Fu residence; ventilated message

【30】 Upon hearing this, Lu Bao'er dared not respond. She had already been curious why Xie Junling brought the emperor, dressed thus, to an official residence; now she realized he had escaped from the palace. Earlier that hour she had heard the commotion, but she dared not speak, only having the old maid send a ventilated message to the Fu residence, then bolting the door tightly and stationing guards at the entrance.

She worried for Xie Qianling's safety, yet assumed he was safe inside the palace—little did she know that the very place that had fallen was the imperial city itself.

Translate: She worried for Xie Junling's safety, yet thought he should be safe inside the palace—little knowing that the very place that had fallen was the imperial city itself.

the very place that had fallen

【31】 She worried for Xie Junling's safety, yet thought he should be safe inside the palace—little knowing that the very place that had fallen was the imperial city itself.

Fortunately, both Xie Qianling and the emperor are unharmed, with a mainstay to rely on; hopefully this farce will soon subside.

Translate: Fortunately, both Xie Junling and the emperor are safe; with a mainstay present, this farce should soon subside, right?

mainstay

【32】 Fortunately, both Xie Junling and the emperor are safe; with a mainstay present, this farce should soon subside, right?

Seeing the whole family anxious, the emperor chuckled, "No need to worry so much—if trouble breaks out in the capital, someone will surely light the beacon fires, and before long the surrounding provinces will send commanders with troops to secure the capital; besides, I suspect the crown prince is rebelling; when the time comes, my second son will naturally step in to suppress it; after all, disposing of the crown prince is merely a farce that benefits my second son—would he really pass up this opportunity?"

Translate: Seeing the whole family anxious, the emperor laughed: "No need to worry so much; if trouble breaks out in the capital, someone will surely light the beacon fires, and before long the commanders of the surrounding provinces will bring troops into the capital, making it safe. Besides, I suspect I also know it's the crown prince rebelling; when the time comes, my second son will naturally step forward to suppress it. It's merely the farce of deposing the crown prince, which benefits my second son—how could he pass up this opportunity?"

light the beacon fires

【33】 Seeing the whole family anxious, the emperor laughed: "No need to worry so much; if trouble breaks out in the capital, someone will surely light the beacon fires, and before long the commanders of the surrounding provinces will bring troops into the capital, making it safe. Besides, I suspect I also know it's the crown prince rebelling; when the time comes, my second son will naturally step forward to suppress it. It's merely the farce of deposing the crown prince, which benefits my second son—how could he pass up this opportunity?"

Lu Bao'er could not discern the sorrow in the emperor's words; she only felt he spoke lightly and carelessly, showing no fear nor any father‑son affection, making the situation seem absurd yet somehow understandable; could it be that imperial affairs are nothing but empty pretense, with everything judged solely by advantage and disadvantage?

Translate: Lu Bao'er could not discern the sorrow in the emperor's words; she only felt he spoke lightly and carelessly, showing no fear nor any deep father‑son bond, making the situation seem absurd yet somehow understandable. Could it be that the imperial family is all false affection, judging everything solely by profit and loss?

lightly and carelessly

【34】 Lu Bao'er could not discern the sorrow in the emperor's words; she only felt he spoke lightly and carelessly, showing no fear nor any deep father‑son bond, making the situation seem absurd yet somehow understandable. Could it be that the imperial family is all false affection, judging everything solely by profit and loss?

With that thought, Lu Bao'er again felt that the riches and glory of the imperial house were not so alluring after all.

Translate: Thinking thus, Lu Bao'er also felt that the imperial family's riches and glory were not so tempting after all.

riches and glory

【35】 Thinking thus, Lu Bao'er also felt that the imperial family's riches and glory were not so tempting after all.

At this moment, Su Yi was fuming in the palace; he had rallied the Minister of Revenue, Gu, and other senior ministers, donned imposing armor, and fought his way with difficulty to the Imperial Study; after taking several deep breaths to steady himself, he dared to face his aged father—only to discover that the father had fled! Where had he escaped to?! The entire palace was surrounded, watertight—how could he get away? Even if he fled, what difference would it make? All he would need is a forged abdication edict, to let him ascend the throne, then show the emperor a respectful demeanor and set him aside as a retired emperor; Su Yi calmly devised several plans, but just as he was about to act, he found that the imperial seal had vanished as well; without the heavenly seal, how could he persuade the ministers and take the throne?

Translate: At this moment, Su Yi was fuming in the palace; he had rallied the Minister of Revenue, Gu, and other senior officials, and, clad in imposing armor, had fought his way with difficulty to the Imperial Study. After taking several deep breaths to steady himself, he dared to enter and face the aged emperor—only to discover that the emperor had fled! Where had he escaped to?! The entire palace was surrounded, watertight—how could he escape?! Even if he fled, what difference would it make? As long as he forged a decree of abdication, allowed him to ascend the throne, and then showed the emperor a respectful demeanor, setting him aside as a retired emperor, wouldn't that do? Su Yi calmly devised several plans, was about to act, when he discovered the imperial seal had vanished as well. Without the imperial seal of heaven, how could he convince the ministers and take the throne?

He was fuming with rage.

We need to keep all. Let's craft a single line.

【36】 At this moment, Su Yi was fuming in the palace; he had rallied the Minister of Revenue, Gu, and other senior officials, and, clad in imposing armor, had fought his way with difficulty to the Imperial Study. After taking several deep breaths to steady himself, he dared to enter and face the aged emperor—only to discover that the emperor had fled! Where had he escaped to?! The entire palace was surrounded, watertight—how could he escape?! Even if he fled, what difference would it make? As long as he forged a decree of abdication, allowed him to ascend the throne, and then showed the emperor a respectful demeanor, setting him aside as a retired emperor, wouldn't that do? Su Yi calmly devised several plans, was about to act, when he discovered the imperial seal had vanished as well. Without the imperial seal of heaven, how could he convince the ministers and take the throne?

Damn it! Damn it!

Translate: Damn it, damn it!

【37】 Damn it, damn it!

Su Yi smashed everything in the Imperial Study and even ran a sword through the emperor's most trusted eunuch to vent his fury; the ministers who followed him saw the situation turn against them, knew the emperor had escaped—and possibly left a reserve—and were terrified, for failure would mean the extermination of nine clans; they could only steel themselves and order the troops to continue searching the imperial city, determined to drag the emperor out.

Translate: Su Yi smashed everything in the Imperial Study and even ran a sword through the emperor's closest eunuch to vent his anger. The ministers following Su Yi saw the situation turning unfavorable, also knew the emperor had escaped—and might have left a backup plan—and were terrified; failure would mean success only in death, whereas defeat would entail extermination of nine clans. They could only grit their teeth and have the troops continue searching the imperial city, determined to capture the emperor.

extermination of nine clans

【38】 Su Yi smashed everything in the Imperial Study and even ran a sword through the emperor's closest eunuch to vent his anger. The ministers following Su Yi saw the situation turning unfavorable, also knew the emperor had escaped—and might have left a backup plan—and were terrified; failure would mean success only in death, whereas defeat would entail extermination of nine clans. They could only grit their teeth and have the troops continue searching the imperial city, determined to capture the emperor.

Just as Su Yi was fuming with gums itching, the second prince, Su Huai, summoned the troops from all corners who had come to rescue the emperor and marched straight on the imperial city—truly, "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind"; regardless of whether Su Huai harbors rebellious intent, everyone knows his grudge against Su Yi, giving him a righteous pretext to slay his enemy; why would he not take it?

Translate: Just as Su Yi was fuming with gums itching, the second prince Su Huai again mustered the troops from all sides who had come to the capital to rescue the emperor, marching straight on the imperial city—truly a case of "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." Regardless of whether Su Huai harbors rebellious intent, everyone knows his heart is set against Su Yi. This moment fortuitously gave him a righteous pretext to slay his enemy; why not take it?

fuming with gums itching; the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; a righteous pretext to slay his enemy

【39】 Just as Su Yi was fuming with gums itching, the second prince Su Huai again mustered the troops from all sides who had come to the capital to rescue the emperor, marching straight on the imperial city—truly a case of "the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." Regardless of whether Su Huai harbors rebellious intent, everyone knows his heart is set against Su Yi. This moment fortuitously gave him a righteous pretext to slay his enemy; why not take it?

Su Huai remained refined and courteous, forming a stark contrast with Su Yi's furious disarray; he smiled and said, "Crown Prince, long time no see."

Translate: Su Huai remained his usual refined and courteous self, forming a stark contrast with Su Yi's furious disarray. He smiled and said, "Crown Prince, long time no see."

refined and courteous; furious disarray

【40】 Su Huai remained his usual refined and courteous self, forming a stark contrast with Su Yi's furious disarray. He smiled and said, "Crown Prince, long time no see."

"Second brother," Su Yi steadied his heart and said, "I see traitors and villains at the emperor's side; I have summoned troops to enter the imperial city and rescue the emperor; as crown prince, defending the emperor is my duty by order—but what about you? As an ordinary prince, you have brought weapons into the imperial city; a single misstep could be construed as treason."

Translate: "Second brother." Su Yi steadied his feelings and said, "I see that traitors and villains are causing chaos beside the emperor; at this moment I have gathered troops to enter the imperial city to rescue the emperor. As the crown prince, defending the father emperor is my duty by order, but you—though an ordinary prince—have brought weapons into the imperial city; a single misstep could be construed as treason."

traitors and villains; summon troops to enter the imperial city and rescue the emperor; defending the emperor is my duty by order; as an ordinary prince, you have brought weapons into the imperial city; a single misstep could be construed as treason

【41】 "Second brother." Su Yi steadied his feelings and said, "I see that traitors and villains are causing chaos beside the emperor; at this moment I have gathered troops to enter the imperial city to rescue the emperor. As the crown prince, defending the father emperor is my duty by order, but you—though an ordinary prince—have brought weapons into the imperial city; a single misstep could be construed as treason."

He twisted right into wrong, struck first with smooth‑talking words, but Su Huai was not intimidated; instead, with the speed of thunder before one can cover his ears, he thrust his long sword into Su Yi's chest and said, "Traitors and villains? I see only the Crown Prince."

Translate: He twisted right into wrong, struck first, yet Su Huai was not frightened by his smooth‑talking words; instead, with the speed of thunder before one can cover his ears, he thrust his long sword straight into Su Yi's chest, saying, "Traitors and villains? I see only the crown prince before me."

twisted right into wrong; struck first with smooth‑talking words; with the speed of thunder before one can cover his ears; thrust his long sword into Su Yi's chest; "Traitors and villains? I see only the Crown Prince."

【42】 He twisted right into wrong, struck first, yet Su Huai was not frightened by his smooth‑talking words; instead, with the speed of thunder before one can cover his ears, he thrust his long sword straight into Su Yi's chest, saying, "Traitors and villains? I see only the crown prince before me."

Su Yi could not have imagined that Su Huai would dare to assassinate the crown prince with such brazenness; he stared in disbelief, opened his mouth, and spat out a mouthful of blood, unable to utter another word: "You… you actually dare!"

Translate: Su Yi could never have imagined that Su Huai would dare to assassinate the crown prince so brazenly; he stared at Su Huai in disbelief, and as soon as he opened his mouth he spat out a mouthful of blood, unable to say anything more: "You… you actually dare!"

brazenly

【43】 Su Yi could never have imagined that Su Huai would dare to assassinate the crown prince so brazenly; he stared at Su Huai in disbelief, and as soon as he opened his mouth he spat out a mouthful of blood, unable to say anything more: "You… you actually dare!"

Su Huai leaned close to Su Yi's ear and whispered with a smile, "Do I dare or not? You, my elder brother, surely know."

Translate: Su Huai leaned close to Su Yi's ear and softly laughed, "Do you think I dare or not, elder brother?"

elder brother

【44】 Su Huai leaned close to Su Yi's ear and softly laughed, "Do you think I dare or not, elder brother?"

Su Yi had more to say, but at this point he could not speak; he merely stared blankly, and when his blood ran out, his eyes remained open; this farce ended with the eldest prince, Su Yi, dying with eyes unclosed.

Translate: Even if Su Yi had more to say, he could not utter it now; he merely stared blankly, waiting until his blood ran out, his eyes still open. This farce ended at the moment the eldest prince Su Yi died with eyes unclosed.

stared blankly; his blood ran out; his eyes remained open; this farce ended with the eldest prince, Su Yi, dying with eyes unclosed

【45】 Even if Su Yi had more to say, he could not utter it now; he merely stared blankly, waiting until his blood ran out, his eyes still open. This farce ended at the moment the eldest prince Su Yi died with eyes unclosed.

Su Huai disgustedly flung his sword to the ground, wiped his palm with a cloth, and muttered, "How revolting."

Translate: Su Huai disgustedly flung his sword to the ground, wiped his palm with a cloth, and muttered, "How disgusting."

disgustedly; wiped his palm with a cloth; "How revolting."

【46】 Su Huai disgustedly flung his sword to the ground, wiped his palm with a cloth, and muttered, "How disgusting."

The ministers who had followed the crown prince, seeing the situation turn sour, crawled on their knees to Su Huai's shoes and declared, "Second prince, you are the true Son of Heaven; the traitors have been removed—long live your ascension to the throne."

Translate: The ministers who had followed the crown prince, seeing the situation turn bad, immediately crawled on their knees to Su Huai's shoes and said, "Second… second prince is the true Son of Heaven! The traitors have been removed; congratulations on your ascension to the throne."

crawled on their knees to Su Huai's shoes; declared, "Second prince, you are the true Son of Heaven; the traitors have been removed—long live your ascension to the throne."

【47】 The ministers who had followed the crown prince, seeing the situation turn bad, immediately crawled on their knees to Su Huai's shoes and said, "Second… second prince is the true Son of Heaven! The traitors have been removed; congratulations on your ascension to the throne."

This flattery came at the worst possible moment; Su Huai gave him a cold glance and said, "The position of heir apparent is fit only for a prince of eligible age—namely, me and the crown prince; do you really think I value your congratulations?"

Translate: Such flattery came at the worst possible moment; Su Huai gave him a cold glance and said, "Only I and the crown prince are of eligible age for the heir‑apparently position; do you really think I would value your congratulations?"

The position of heir apparent is fit only for a prince of eligible age—namely, me and the crown prince; do you really think I value your congratulations?

【48】 Such flattery came at the worst possible moment; Su Huai gave him a cold glance and said, "Only I and the crown prince are of eligible age for the heir‑apparently position; do you really think I would value your congratulations?"

It is clear that Su Huai is determined to take the crown prince's place; the emperor is no fool, and whether for his own safety or other reasons, within three years he will surely abdicate in favor of Su Huai—there is no need for the sort of exhaustive scheming and forced palace takeover that Su Yi engaged in.

Translate: Clearly, Su Huai's determination to take the crown prince's position is inexorable. The emperor is no fool; whether for his own safety and interests or other reasons, within three years he will certainly abdicate in favor of Su Huai—there's no need to go through the exhaustive scheming and forced palace takeover that Su Yi attempted.

determined to take the crown prince's place; within three years he will surely abdicate in favor of Su Huai; no need for exhaustive scheming and forced palace takeover

【49】 Clearly, Su Huai's determination to take the crown prince's position is inexorable. The emperor is no fool; whether for his own safety and interests or other reasons, within three years he will certainly abdicate in favor of Su Huai—there's no need to go through the exhaustive scheming and forced palace takeover that Su Yi attempted.

The old minister's label displeased him; after all, he is already the true Son of Heaven—why should others need to tag him?

Translate: Moreover, the old minister's label on him is something he dislikes. He is already the true Son of Heaven—does he really need others to say so?

label

【50】 Moreover, the old minister's label on him is something he dislikes. He is already the true Son of Heaven—does he really need others to say so?

Having settled the matter, Su Huai heard from the Xie household the sound of the exclusive reinforcements' horn; he knew the performance was at its end; the old Lady Su donned a first‑rank ceremonial phoenix crown and rosy robes, a red python robe and an official‑green skirt, and came to greet the emperor; Fu, the Minister of Personnel and current premier, had no need to follow Su Yi in a forced palace takeover for high office, so he pretended deafness and muteness, refusing to accept the olive‑branch probe Su Yi had sent.

Translate: After Su Huai had settled matters, the emperor heard the call of the exclusive reinforcements at the Xie household and knew this drama was over. Old Lady Su donned the first‑rank ceremonial phoenix crown and rosy robes, wearing a red python robe and official‑green skirt to greet the emperor. Fu, the Minister of Personnel, who is the current premier, saw no need to follow Su Yi in a forced palace takeover for high office; thus he pretended deafness and muteness, firmly ignoring Su Yi's olive‑branch probe.

heard the sound of the exclusive reinforcements' horn; knew the performance was at its end; the old Lady Su donned a first‑rank ceremonial phoenix crown and rosy robes, a red python robe and an official‑green skirt, and came to greet the emperor;

【51】 After Su Huai had settled matters, the emperor heard the call of the exclusive reinforcements at the Xie household and knew this drama was over. Old Lady Su donned the first‑rank ceremonial phoenix crown and rosy robes, wearing a red python robe and official‑green skirt to greet the emperor. Fu, the Minister of Personnel, who is the current premier, saw no need to follow Su Yi in a forced palace takeover for high office; thus he pretended deafness and muteness, firmly ignoring Su Yi's olive‑branch probe.

The emperor was escorted back to the palace, the matter was settled, and outwardly it was announced that Su Yi had died of illness; Su Huai was then made crown prince, and his mother Consort Shen was conferred the title of empress. All senior officials who had followed Su Yi in rebellion were beheaded, their families exiled to the frontier, barred from returning to the capital for several generations—including the Gu family.

Xie Junling hadn't thought about the Gu family for a long time, but occasionally he would remember his poor mother, his conscience prompting him to go to the execution ground and pour a cup of clear wine for Lord Gu. After that, dust to dust, earth to earth, all grudges were settled.

Because Xie Junling had rendered meritorious service in rescuing the emperor, he entered the Privy Council; at first he was an ordinary clerk, then he became a council official, and finally he was appointed Left Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs, i. e., the Left Chancellor.

Some sigh that Xie Junling's fate is good—within a decade he rose from a humble background straight to the heights, until now his power dominates court and countryside. But those who truly know him understand that Xie Junling has always been diligent and down-to-earth, fulfilling his duties without overstepping the slightest; his colleagues who know him well are all convinced and have no objections.

After Lu Bao'er gave birth to their second daughter, the Xie family enjoyed both flowers and fruit, and her reputation for bringing prosperity to her husband spread. The second daughter's delivery went smoothly; Lu Bao'er suffered little, and Xie Junling found looking at his daughter much more pleasing. The daughter's name was chosen by Xie Junling, who called her Zhuzhu'er, also implying pearls, jade, and treasures—as if awaiting a precious jewel.

Xie Junling doted on this youngest daughter, but the girl was closer to her elder brother Jin Ge'er, daily taking his tender white hand and giggling at him, which left Xie Junling feeling displeased; he could only cling to Lu Bao'er.

Lu Bao'er laughed uncontrollably; this too could be considered karmic retribution—since Xie Junling had previously neglected Jin Ge'er, now it was Zhuzhu'er's turn to make up for him.

One Mid-Autumn Festival, after Xie Junling finished the palace banquet, both children at home were asleep.

He held Lu Bao'er and sneaked out of the mansion; in Jingdu there is a custom of setting off fireworks on Mid-Autumn night, and at that moment fireworks filled the sky, silver blossoms drifting down softly, illuminating people's eyes.

Lu Bao'er burst into cheerful cries; Xie Junling watched her brows and eyes curve like a crescent moon, a hint of sweet cloying flavor rising to his heart, and he said to her, "Do you like watching fireworks that much?"

Lu Bao'er turned her head, glanced at the handsome Xie Junling, suddenly felt like teasing him, and said, "It's not that I like watching fireworks; I like being with my husband."

"Is that so?" Xie Junling felt immensely pleased; he slyly took Lu Bao'er's hand, planted a kiss on it, and lightly said, "I also like you."

"......" Eh?! Lu Bao'er's cheeks flushed, she held back a breath she couldn't exhale. What she meant was just being together, not baring her heart to Xie Junling! This brat is shameless, always thinking of taking advantage of her lips!

However, if Xie Junling would only be this frivolous toward her alone in this lifetime, she would be magnanimous and forgive him.

(End of the text)

-------Side Story-------

I'll write a bit more of the side story, Deng Deng is done~~!

Deng Deng's crooked neck is Dear Grass Lamp Adult; afterwards her writings will go to another platform or be published, everyone can follow the crooked neck to learn more!