Chapter 225: with translation of chapter title

You sure care about him a lot!

Hu Meiniang gave a cold snort, seeing Hu Rui open her mouth to explain—she wasn't sure if Hu Rui was trying to justify herself or admit fault—and had no interest in listening to the little girl's nonsense, so she said to Wang Ping'an:

Translation: "Hu Meiniang snorted coldly, seeing Hu Rui open her mouth to explain, not knowing whether she was trying to justify or admit, having no interest in listening to the little girl's nonsense, she said to Wang Ping'an:" Need to keep as one line.

We'll produce: "Hu Meiniang gave a cold snort, seeing Hu Rui open her mouth to explain—she didn't know if it was justification or admission—and had no interest in listening to the little girl's nonsense, she said to Wang Ping'an:"

But we need to keep it concise but not omit info. Let's try: "Hu Meiniang snorted coldly, seeing Hu Rui open her mouth to explain, not knowing whether she was justifying or admitting, and having no interest in listening to the little girl's nonsense, she said to Wang Ping'an:" That's one line.

No matter what your connection is to the Wang Family of Hutou Gou, I went to the Wang family last night and came back empty-handed; I'll go back there in a few days, and that old Daoist staying at the Wang family is no match for me—I hope to run into you there!

Translation: "No matter what your connection to the Hutou Gou Wang Family is, I went to the Wang Family last night and came away empty-handed; in a few days I'll go again, and the old Daoist staying at the Wang Family is no match for me—I hope to run into you there!" Need to keep meaning.

We'll produce: "No matter what your ties to the Hutou Gou Wang Family are, I went to the Wang Family last night and came away empty-handed; in a few days I'll go again, and the old Daoist staying there is no match for me—I hope to run into you there!"

After saying that, Hu Meiniang turned to leave, but Wang Ping'an watched her retreating back, no longer hiding his intentions, and sent a mental message:

Translation: "Having said that, Hu Meiniang turned to leave, but Wang Ping'an watched her retreating back, no longer hiding anything, and transmitted his voice:" We'll produce: "After saying that, Hu Meiniang turned to leave, but Wang Ping'an watched her retreating back, no longer hiding anything, and sent a mental transmission:"

I'll set up a powerful formation at the Wang Family; I look forward to your performance—you'd better have life-saving treasures ready, or you'll lose your life there!

I'll set up a powerful formation at the Wang Family; I look forward to your performance—you'd better have life-saving treasures ready, or you'll lose your life there!

Hu Meiniang halted, turned her head to look at Wang Ping'an, her face full of undisguised surprise, and she laughed: "What, you're no longer hiding your connection with the Wang family?"

Translation: "Hu Meiniang halted, turned to look at Wang Ping'an, her face full of undisguised surprise, and laughed: 'How so, you're no longer hiding your connection to the Wang Family?'" We'll produce: "Hu Meiniang halted, turned to look at Wang Ping'an, her face full of undisguised surprise, and laughed: 'How so—you're no longer hiding your ties to the Wang Family?'"

She learned about the Wang family's situation from Dai Zhishang, who originally feared she would harm the Wang family and thus was reluctant to speak much.

Translation: "The situation of the Wang Family, she learned from Dai Zhishang, who originally feared she would harm the Wang Family and was reluctant to speak much." We'll produce: "She learned about the Wang Family's situation from Dai Zhishang, who had originally feared she would harm the Wang Family and was reluctant to say more."

But under her temptation, the disarmed Dai Zhishang felt a pain in his kidneys, dared not provoke her further, and had no choice but to give her a detailed account of the Wang family's situation.

Translation: "But under her enticement, the disarmed Dai Zhishang's kidneys ached, he dared not provoke her further, and had no choice but to give her a detailed account of the Wang Family's situation." We'll produce: "But under her enticement, the disarmed Dai Zhishang's kidneys ached, he dared not provoke her further, and had no choice but to give her a detailed account of the Wang Family's situation."

During that time.

Translation: "During that time." We'll produce: "During that period."

He even begged her not to harm the Wang family!

Translation: "Moreover, he begged her not to harm the Wang Family!" We'll produce: "Furthermore, he begged her not to harm the Wang Family!"

The Wang family of Hutou Gou.

Translation: "The Hutou Gou Wang Family." We'll produce: "The Hutou Gou Wang Family."

Before, they were just an ordinary farming household; luckily, they produced Wang Ruhai, a true dragon, who in his twenties managed to become a third-place finisher in the imperial examinations—an achievement many scholars could only dream of in half a lifetime, if not a whole lifetime.

Translation: "Before, it was merely an ordinary farming household; with good luck, it produced Wang Ruhai, a true dragon—still in his twenties, he actually placed as a High School Top Scholar in the imperial exams, something many scholars could never achieve in half a lifetime, let alone a whole one." We'll produce: "It had been just an ordinary farming household; luckily, it produced Wang Ruhai, a true dragon—still in his twenties, he actually ranked as a High School Top Scholar in the imperial exams, an achievement many scholars could not reach in half a lifetime, let alone a whole one."

However.

Translation: "However." We'll produce: "However."

No one expected that Wang Ruhai would be a beast worse than a pig or dog; right after becoming a third-place finisher, he divorced his wife of hair-tying and took up with the prime minister's daughter.

Translation: "No one expected that Wang Ruhai would be a beast worse than pigs and dogs; right after becoming a High School Top Scholar, he divorced his hair-tying wife and took up with the Prime Minister's Daughter." We'll produce: "No one imagined Wang Ruhai would be a beast worse than pigs and dogs; right after becoming a High School Top Scholar, he divorced his hair-tying wife and took up with the Prime Minister's Daughter."

When this got out, although many people cursed Wang Ruhai as worthless, if they were in his position, they'd likely make the same choice.

Translation: "This matter, once spread, though many cursed Wang Ruhai as worthless, if it were them, they'd likely make the same choice." We'll produce: "Once this got out, although many denounced Wang Ruhai as worthless, if it were them they'd probably make the same choice."

Although this action is immoral, if he could become the prime minister's son-in-law, rising to great heights would be imminent, especially since the imperial exams occur only every five years.

Translation: "Although doing this is immoral, if one could become the Prime Minister's son-in-law, soaring to success would be imminent, since the imperial exams occur only every five years." We'll produce: "Although this is immoral, if he could become the Prime Minister's son-in-law, rising to prominence would be imminent, given that the imperial exams happen only every five years."

The title of third-place finisher does have value, but at best it only gives a head start over the vast majority of jinshi.

Translation: "The value of being a Top Scholar isn't nil, but at best it merely puts one ahead of most ordinary Jinshi." We'll produce: "The worth of being a Top Scholar isn't nil, but at best it merely puts one ahead of most ordinary Jinshi."

From the founding of the Xia dynasty to now, several hundred years have passed, and who knows how many third-place finishers have emerged—let alone third-place finishers, even zhuangyuan rarely achieve meteoric rise.

Translation: "Since the founding of Daxia, several hundred years have passed, and who knows how many Top Scholars have emerged—not to mention Top Scholars, even Zhuangyuan rarely achieve meteoric rise." We'll produce: "Since Daxia's founding, several hundred years have passed, and who knows how many Top Scholars have emerged—not to mention Top Scholars, even Zhuangyuan rarely achieve meteoric rise."

One is the opportunity to soar to great heights; the other is to live in poverty and distress under the prime minister's oppression…

Translation: "One is the chance to soar to success; the other is to live in poverty and hardship under the Prime Minister's oppression…" We'll produce: "One is the opportunity to soar to success; the other is to live in poverty and hardship under the Prime Minister's oppression…"

How should one choose? Any normal person would know how to choose.

Translation: "How to choose? Any ordinary person would know how to choose." We'll produce: "How to choose? Any ordinary person would know how to choose."

According to some conspiracy theorists' after-the-fact analysis, Wang Ruhai, a mere peasant's son, managed to become a third-place finisher perhaps because he clung to the prime minister's golden branch.

Translation: "According to some conspiracy theorists' after-the-fact Zhuge Liang analysis, Wang Ruhai, a mere peasant's son, managed to become a High School Top Scholar perhaps because he clung to the Prime Minister's golden branch." We'll produce: "According to some conspiracy theorists' after-the-fact Zhuge Liang analysis, Wang Ruhai, a mere peasant's son, managed to become a High School Top Scholar perhaps because he clung to the Prime Minister's golden branch."

On the contrary, Wang Ruhai's parents were tough; upon receiving the divorce letter he sent back from the capital, they not only refused to acknowledge it, they drove away Liu Dongzhu, and instead claimed that their son Wang Ruhai had lost his life on the road to the capital while taking the exams.

Translation: "On the contrary, Wang Ruhai's parents were steadfast; upon receiving the divorce notice Wang Ruhai sent back from the Capital, they not only refused to accept it, they drove Liu Dongzhu away, and instead claimed that their Wang Ruhai had lost his life on the road to the exam in the Capital." We'll produce: "On the contrary, Wang Ruhai's parents were steadfast; upon receiving the divorce notice Wang Ruhai sent back from the Capital, they not only refused to accept it, they drove Liu Dongzhu away, and instead claimed that their Wang Ruhai had lost his life on the road to the exam in the Capital."

Nowadays, the Wang Ruhai who holds the title of third-place finisher is merely a namesake!

Translation: "Nowadays, the Wang Ruhai who is a High School Top Scholar is merely a namesake!" We'll produce: "Nowadays, the Wang Ruhai who is a High School Top Scholar is merely a namesake!"

Even their native places are the same!

Translation: "Even their native places are the same!" We'll produce: "Even their native places are the same!"

Moreover, they held a funeral at home, a funeral carefully prepared for Wang Ruhai.

Translation: "Furthermore, they held a funeral at home, a funeral meticulously prepared for Wang Ruhai." We'll produce: "Furthermore, they held a funeral at home, a funeral meticulously prepared for Wang Ruhai."

Once this came to light, the relationship between the Wang family and Wang Ruhai was effectively severed; whether it can be repaired is unknown, but at least Wang Ruhai's former friends will no longer approach the Wang family, lest they incur Wang Ruhai's ill fortune.

Translation: "Once this came out, the relationship between the Wang Family and Wang Ruhai was essentially severed; whether it can be mended is unknown, but at least Wang Ruhai's former friends will no longer approach the Wang Family, lest they incur his ill fortune." We'll produce: "Once this came out, the Wang Family's ties with Wang Ruhai were essentially severed; whether they can be mended is unknown, but at least Wang Ruhai's former friends will no longer approach the Wang Family, lest they incur his ill fortune."

The cultivator controlling the paper person could not possibly be a friend of Wang Ruhai!

Translation: "The cultivator controlling the paper person cannot be a friend of Wang Ruhai!" We'll produce: "The cultivator controlling the paper person cannot be a friend of Wang Ruhai!"

Moreover, Wang Ruhai is merely a scholar, so his friends would also be scholars.

Translation: "Moreover, Wang Ruhai is merely a scholar; the friends he makes would likewise be scholars." We'll produce: "Furthermore, Wang Ruhai is merely a scholar; the friends he makes would likewise be scholars."

Hu Meiniang wasn't without suspicion that the cultivator controlling the paper person might be Daoist Xuanqing, but that thought hadn't even lingered in her mind for a few seconds before she dismissed it herself.

Translation: "Hu Meiniang was not without suspicion that the cultivator controlling the paper person might be Xuanqing Daozhang, but this thought had barely surfaced in her mind for a few seconds before she dismissed it herself." We'll produce: "Hu Meiniang was not without suspicion that the cultivator controlling the paper person might be Xuanqing Daozhang, but the thought had barely surfaced in her mind for a few seconds before she dismissed it herself."

Daoist Xuanqing is a righteous cultivator; he has many righteous arts he doesn't practice, so why would he spend time cultivating the heretical art of controlling paper people?

Translation: "Xuanqing Daozhang is an orthodox cultivator; with many orthodox arts he neglects to practice, why would he spend time practicing the heretical art of controlling paper people?" We'll produce: "Xuanqing Daozhang is an orthodox cultivator; possessing many orthodox arts he neglects to practice, why would he spend time practicing the heretical art of controlling paper people?"

Furthermore.

Translation: "Furthermore." We'll produce: "Furthermore."

Just last night she had a life-and-death battle with Daoist Xuanqing; unlike her usual ease, he almost exhausted all his abilities, which were all righteous arts, with not a trace of heretical methods—he didn't even use a single talisman.

Translation: "Last night she had just engaged in a life-and-death battle with Xuanqing Daozhang; unlike her usual ease, he nearly exhausted all his abilities, all of them orthodox arts, with not a trace of heretical methods—not even a single talisman was used." We'll produce: "Last night she had just engaged in a life-and-death battle with Xuanqing Daozhang; unlike her usual ease, he nearly exhausted all his abilities, all of them orthodox arts, with not a trace of heretical methods—not even a single talisman was used."

The talisman from this 'Li Daoist' before her, after she tested it herself, is merely a low-grade talisman that can rival a medium-grade one; if Daoist Xuanqing had such ability, he would surely have used talismans last night.

Translation: "The talisman from this 'Li Dao You' before her, after she personally tested it, was merely an elementary talisman yet could rival an intermediate one; if Xuanqing Daozhang possessed such ability, last night he would certainly have used a talisman." We'll produce: "The talisman from this 'Li Dao You' before her, after she personally tested it, was merely an elementary talisman yet could rival an intermediate one; if Xuanqing Daozhang possessed such ability, last night he would certainly have used a talisman."

This 'Li Daoist' before us is neither a friend of Wang Ruhai nor Daoist Xuanqing; the Wang family are just villagers, not lacking relatives and friends, but they are ordinary people, yet he placed a large number of golden talismans at the Wang residence.

Translation: "This 'Li Dao You' before her is neither a friend of Wang Ruhai nor a Xuanqing Daoist; the Wang Family are merely villagers, not lacking in relatives and friends, but all are ordinary people, yet he placed a large number of golden-light talismans at the Wang Family's home." We'll produce: "This 'Li Dao You' before her is neither a friend of Wang Ruhai nor a Xuanqing Daoist; the Wang Family are merely villagers, not lacking in relatives and friends, but all are ordinary people, yet he placed a large number of golden-light talismans at the Wang Family's home."

This person is very likely drawn here by Wang Ping'an!

Translation: "This person is very likely drawn here by Wang Ping'an!" We'll produce: "This person is very likely drawn here by Wang Ping'an!"

Obviously.

Translation: "Obviously." We'll produce: "Obviously."

Wang Ping'an must have something extraordinary about him, otherwise he wouldn't have attracted this person.

Translation: "Wang Ping'an possesses something extraordinary; otherwise he wouldn't have attracted him." We'll produce: "Wang Ping'an possesses something extraordinary; otherwise he wouldn't have attracted him."

"Hide it? I'd like to hide it, but will you give me a chance?"

Translation: "'Conceal? I'd like to conceal, but will you give me a chance?'" We'll produce: "'Conceal? I'd like to conceal, but will you give me a chance?'"

Wang Ping'an sneered.

Translation: "Wang Ping'an snorted coldly." We'll produce: "Wang Ping'an snorted coldly."

He doesn't not want to; he wishes to continue hiding his identity to avoid exposure, although even if it were revealed, no one would know, nor would anyone believe he is Wang Ping'an, but as long as they know he has some connection to the Wang family…

Translation: "He doesn't not want to continue hiding his identity, lest it be leaked; even if it were leaked, no one would know, nor would anyone believe he is Wang Ping'an, but as long as they know he has ties to the Wang Family…" We'll produce: "He doesn't not want to continue hiding his identity, lest it be leaked; even if it were leaked, no one would know, nor would anyone believe he is Wang Ping'an, but as long as they know he has ties to the Wang Family…"

Any trouble he stirs up will surely implicate the Wang family!

Translation: "The trouble he stirs up will surely implicate the Wang Family!" We'll produce: "The trouble he stirs up will surely implicate the Wang Family!"

He naturally does not want to reveal the information!

Translation: "He naturally does not want to leak the information!" We'll produce: "He naturally does not want to leak the information!"

But.

Translation: "But." We'll produce: "But."

You have reached this novel.

This novel you have reached.

From Hu Meiniang's revealed attitude, since she returned empty-handed from the Wang family last night, she will surely come again, sneaking over to the Wang family; if he sets up schemes there, Hu Meiniang, following the vine to melon, would inevitably find out.

Translation: "From Hu Meiniang's revealed attitude, she returned empty-handed from the Wang Family last night; there will surely be a next time, sneaking to the Wang Family, and if he sets up measures there, Hu Meiniang, following the vine to melon, could not possibly remain unaware." We'll produce: "From Hu Meiniang's revealed attitude, she returned empty-handed from the Wang Family last night; there will surely be a next time, sneaking to the Wang Family, and if he sets up measures there, Hu Meiniang, following the vine to the melon, could not possibly remain unaware."

It is the scheme he set up at the Wang family!

Translation: "It is the measures he set up at the Wang Family!" We'll produce: "It is the measures he set up at the Wang Family!"

Unless he doesn't buy the formation at the Jiutou Mountain market, but besides that market, he can't think of anywhere else he could obtain such a formation.

Translation: "Unless he doesn't buy the formation at the Jiu tou shan ji shi market; besides that market, he can't think of anywhere else he could obtain a formation." We'll produce: "Unless he doesn't buy the formation at the Jiu tou shan ji shi market; besides that market, he can't think of anywhere else he could obtain a formation."

The Jiutou Mountain market belongs to the Jiutou Mountain fox tribe; Hu Meiniang is a direct descendant of that tribe, and conducting business there cannot be said to be without secrets, but some traces inevitably leak out.

Translation: "The Jiu tou shan ji shi market belongs to the Nine-headed Mountain Fox Clan; Hu Meiniang is a direct descendant of that clan, and conducting business there cannot be said to have no secrets, yet some traces inevitably leak out." We'll produce: "The Jiu tou shan ji shi market belongs to the Nine-headed Mountain Fox Clan; Hu Meiniang is a direct descendant of that clan, and conducting business there cannot be said to have no secrets, yet some traces inevitably leak out."

Sooner or later there will be a day of exposure, so why bother hiding things in front of Hu Meiniang?

Translation: "Sooner or later there will be a day of exposure; then there's no need to hide anything before Hu Meiniang." We'll produce: "Sooner or later there will be a day of exposure; then there's no need to hide anything before Hu Meiniang."

Hu Rui, ignored by Hu Meiniang on the side, was originally furious, but upon hearing Hu Meiniang's 'talking to herself,' she realized it was Wang Ping'an sending a mental message.

Translation: "Hu Rui, ignored by Hu Meiniang on the side, was originally furious; upon hearing Hu Meiniang's 'talking to herself', she realized it was Wang Ping'an's mental transmission." We'll produce: "Hu Rui, ignored by Hu Meiniang on the side, was originally furious; upon hearing Hu Meiniang's 'talking to herself', she realized it was Wang Ping'an's mental transmission."

From a few simple lines of dialogue and Hu Meiniang's demeanor, it can be inferred that 'Li Fugui' truly has a connection to the Hutou Gou Wang family.

Translation: "From a few simple exchanges and Hu Meiniang's demeanor, it can be inferred that 'Li Fugui' truly has ties to the Hutou Gou Wang Family." We'll produce: "From a few simple exchanges and Hu Meiniang's demeanor, it can be inferred that 'Li Fugui' truly has ties to the Hutou Gou Wang Family."

Hu Rui's eyes lit up at once; although she still doesn't know what the Hutou Gou Wang family is about, as long as she's in Qingyang County, she'll soon find out.

Translation: "Hu Rui's eyes lit up at once; although she still doesn't know what the Hutou Gou Wang Family is about, as long as she's in Qingyang County, she'll soon find out." We'll produce: "Hu Rui's eyes lit up at once; although she still doesn't know what the Hutou Gou Wang Family is about, as long as she's in Qingyang County, she'll soon find out."

She eagerly hopes to use the Hutou Gou Wang family to draw closer to 'Li Fugui'.

Translation: "She eagerly hopes to use the Hutou Gou Wang Family to draw closer to 'Li Fugui'." We'll produce: "She eagerly hopes to use the Hutou Gou Wang Family to draw closer to 'Li Fugui'."

"Last night, when I went to the Wang family, you ought to know—no, maybe you were secretly watching from the side; it's laughable that old Daoist thought he was the only one interested in that child!"

Translation: "'Last night, when I went to the Wang Family, you ought to know—no, perhaps you were secretly watching from the side—how laughable that old Daoist, thinking only I was there, had designs on that child!'" We'll produce: "'Last night, when I went to the Wang Family, you ought to know—no, perhaps you were secretly watching from the side—how laughable that old Daoist, thinking only I was there, had designs on that child!'"

Hu Meiniang gave a cold snort; she wasn't unwilling, seeing an odd expression on Wang Ping'an's face and combining it with her mental deduction, but unfortunately what stood before her was merely a paper person, whose face cannot show emotion, and she sent a mental message:

Translation: "Hu Meiniang gave a cold snort; she wasn't unwilling, seeing an odd expression on Wang Ping'an's face and combining it with her mental deductions, but alas, facing her was merely a paper person, whose face cannot show emotion, and she transmitted her voice:" We'll produce: "Hu Meiniang gave a cold snort; she wasn't unwilling, seeing an odd expression on Wang Ping'an's face and combining it with her deductions, but alas, facing her was merely a paper person, whose face cannot show emotion, and she transmitted her voice:"

"I'm really curious—what exactly is different about that child that makes you care so much, to the point of secretly guarding by his side!"

Translation: "'I'm very curious—what exactly is different about that child, that makes you care so much, to the point of secretly guarding beside him!'" We'll produce: "'I'm very curious—what exactly is different about that child, that makes you care so much, to the point of secretly guarding beside him!'"

Wang Ping'an gave no response!

Translation: "Wang Ping'an gave no response!" We'll produce: "Wang Ping'an gave no response!"

Hu Meiniang sent another mental message: "As long as you're willing to tell me, I won't go to the Wang family!"

Translation: "Hu Meiniang transmitted again: 'As long as you tell me, I won't go to the Wang Family!'" We'll produce: "Hu Meiniang transmitted again: 'As long as you tell me, I won't go to the Wang Family!'"

Seeing Hu Meiniang and Wang Ping'an standing there like fools, motionless and silent, Hu Rui realized they were communicating via mental transmission and did not want to divulge important information to her or others.

Translation: "Seeing Hu Meiniang and Wang Ping'an standing there like fools, motionless and silent, Hu Rui knew they were communicating via mental transmission, and she was unwilling to let important information leak to her and others." We'll produce: "Seeing Hu Meiniang and Wang Ping'an standing there like fools, motionless and silent, Hu Rui knew they were communicating via mental transmission, and she was unwilling to let important information leak to her and others."

Hu Rui pretended to be ignorant and naive, said: "Aunt, what are you and Fellow Daoist Li talking about?"

"I and you, this Li Dao Ren, will say some things that only adults can know!"

Hu Meiniang gave a casual reply, seeing Hu Rui open her mouth to follow up, she impatiently said: "Wait until you transform into human form before asking again; otherwise, as a monster, no human man will like you!"

(End of chapter)