Chapter 451

【11】

Thus 【1】 "Form, form, form a good affinity?"

But we need to keep the line as a single output line: 【1】 Form, form, form a good affinity?

We'll not include extra quotes unless needed. The source had Chinese quotation marks; we can drop them as they are not essential meaning. However the instruction: "Render onomatopoeia / sound effects... as English sound words". For quotes, not specified. I'd keep the meaning; dropping quotes is fine. We'll just translate the content.

Thus 【1】 Form, form, form a good affinity?

Wei Yuan's voice trembled, his face showing a strange expression; he gave an embarrassed laugh and said, "Chief Yu, I'd like to form a good karmic bond with this child, but I have nothing to give, so I can't actually do it."

We need to keep the meaning, not add. Let's produce: Wei Yuan's voice trembled, his face full of oddness, he gave an embarrassed laugh and said: "Hundred Commander Yu, I actually want to form a good affinity with this child, but the problem is I have nothing on me; even if I wanted to form a good affinity, I have no way to do it with him!"

【20】

Now output: 【2】 Wei Yuan's voice trembled, his face full of oddness, he gave an embarrassed laugh and said: "Hundred Commander Yu, I actually want to form a good affinity with this child, but the problem is I have nothing on me; even if I wanted to form a good affinity, I have no way to do it with him!"

He's not stupid; he plans to, as soon as he returns, immediately contact his connections, look for an opportunity, and pass the matter of Wang Ping'an through special channels to the Prime Minister's daughter, in order to gain her favor.

Translate: He wasn't stupid; he planned to, as soon as he got back, immediately contact his connections, look for an opportunity, and pass the matter of Wang Ping'an through special channels to the Prime Minister's Daughter, ingratiate himself with her.

【26】

He wasn't stupid; he planned to, as soon as he returned, immediately contact his connections, look for an opportunity, and pass the matter of Wang Ping'an through special channels to the Prime Minister's daughter, in order to climb up to her.

【31】

Thus 【3】 He wasn't stupid; he planned to, as soon as he got back, immediately contact his connections, look for an opportunity, and pass the matter of Wang Ping'an through special connections to the Prime Minister's Daughter, to climb up to her.

As for whether the Prime Minister's daughter, aware of Wang Ping'an's situation, would send another strong enforcer to attack him, he said he didn't know.

Translate: As for whether the Prime Minister's Daughter, knowing Wang Ping'an's situation, would again send a formidable person to deliver a deadly blow, he said he didn't know.

【38】

Thus 【4】 As for whether the Prime Minister's Daughter, knowing Wang Ping'an's situation, would again send a formidable person to deliver a deadly blow, he said he didn't know.

Of course.

【5】 Of course.

【46】

Translate: If the Prime Minister's Daughter wants to let him know, he is willing to lend her a hand.

Thus 【6】 If the Prime Minister's Daughter wants to let him know, he is willing to lend her a hand.

In such a situation, how could he possibly form a good karmic bond with Wang Ping'an? Any gift he gave Wang Ping'an would be wasted, and it would only lead the Prime Minister's daughter to misunderstand.

Translate: In such a situation, how could he possibly form a good affinity with Wang Ping'an? The gift given to Wang Ping'an would be wasted, and it would also cause the Prime Minister's Daughter to misunderstand.

Thus 【7】 In such a situation, how could he possibly form a good affinity with Wang Ping'an? The gift given to Wang Ping'an would be wasted, and it would also cause the Prime Minister's Daughter to misunderstand.

【56】

Translate: He had, after all, served many years as the County Magistrate of Qingyang County; although he had no merit and no promotion or raise, he had gained worldly experience.

Thus 【8】 He had, after all, served many years as the County Magistrate of Qingyang County; although he had no merit and no promotion or raise, he had gained worldly experience.

"A good karmic bond isn't something just any cat or dog can form with him!"

Translate: "A good affinity isn't something just any cat or dog can form with Ping'an!"

Thus 【9】 "A good affinity isn't something just any cat or dog can form with Ping'an!"

【66】

Translate: Lü Tu gave a cold sneer, looked at Wei Yuan with undisguised contempt, and said: "At least this Weixian County Magistrate has no such qualification!"

Thus 【10】 Lü Tu gave a cold sneer, looked at Wei Yuan with undisguised contempt, and said: "At least this Weixian County Magistrate has no such qualification!"

Although.

【72】

Translate: Wei Yuan is the County Magistrate of Qingyang County; Wang Ping'an belongs to the populace of Qingyang County; Wei Yuan can be said to be Wang Ping'an's parental official; if Wei Yuan forms a good affinity with Wang Ping'an, for Wang Ping'an it would be a good thing.

Thus 【12】 Wei Yuan is the County Magistrate of Qingyang County; Wang Ping'an belongs to the populace of Qingyang County; Wei Yuan can be said to be Wang Ping'an's parental official; if Wei Yuan forms a good affinity with Wang Ping'an, for Wang Ping'an it would be a good thing.

Even if Wei Yuan didn't intentionally look after Wang Ping'an, knowing his relationship with Wei Yuan, the local bullies wouldn't dare to bully Wang Ping'an for no reason, let alone the Wang family.

Translate: Even if Wei Yuan did not intentionally look after Wang Ping'an, knowing the relationship between Wei Yuan and Wang Ping'an, the local tyrants would not dare to bully Wang Ping'an for no reason, let alone the Wang family.

Thus 【13】 Even if Wei Yuan did not intentionally look after Wang Ping'an, knowing the relationship between Wei Yuan and Wang Ping'an, the local tyrants would not dare to bully Wang Ping'an for no reason, let alone the Wang family.

【78】

Lü Tu's reputation in the surrounding area is far better than Wei Yuan's—by who knows how many times.

Translate: His, Lü Tu's, reputation in the surrounding hundred li is far better than Wei Yuan's—who knows how many times better.

Thus 【15】 His, Lü Tu's, reputation in the surrounding hundred li is far better than Wei Yuan's—who knows how many times better.

【88】

Translate: Wei Yuan is no good thing; the evidence he has gathered shows he is a corrupt official hidden in the imperial court.

Thus 【16】 Wei Yuan is no good thing; the evidence he has gathered shows he is a corrupt official hidden in the imperial court.

Besides, he hasn't done anything seriously wrong—just minor squabbles—and with his background and dealings with superiors, the emperor wouldn't even notice such a petty official.

Translate: Moreover, he hasn't done anything seriously bad, just minor mischief; besides, he has connections and deals with his superiors, so the emperor himself would never notice such a petty official.

Thus 【17】 Moreover, he hasn't done anything seriously bad, just minor mischief; besides, he has connections and deals with his superiors, so the emperor himself would never notice such a petty official.

【98】

Translate: That is why he can remain in his post as County Magistrate of Qingyang County!

Thus 【18】 That is why he can remain in his post as County Magistrate of Qingyang County!

He certainly doesn't want such a thing to bring harm to their family's Ping'an.

Translate: He certainly doesn't want such a thing to ruin their family's Ping'an.

Thus 【19】 He certainly doesn't want such a thing to ruin their family's Ping'an.

【108】

Translate: Who knows whether this wretched thing, relying on this small matter, will, after Wang Ping'an grows up and succeeds, gain some benefits—still a small matter—but fear that this wretched thing will lead Wang Ping'an astray.

Thus 【20】 Who knows whether this wretched thing, relying on this small matter, will, after Wang Ping'an grows up and succeeds, gain some benefits—still a small matter—but fear that this wretched thing will lead Wang Ping'an astray.

"Hmph! You brainless idiot, I don't know how you became a commander of the Demon-Suppressing Office, daring to take such a special-case child as your disciple, not fearing to offend the Prime Minister's daughter, and you don't even know how you'll end up dead!"

Translate: "Hmph! You brainless idiot, I really don't know how you managed to become a Thousand Commander of the Demon Suppression Office, daring to take such a special child as a disciple, not fearing to offend the Prime Minister's Daughter, and not knowing how you'll end up dead!"

Thus 【21】 "Hmph! You brainless idiot, I really don't know how you managed to become a Thousand Commander of the Demon Suppression Office, daring to take such a special child as a disciple, not fearing to offend the Prime Minister's Daughter, and not knowing how you'll end up dead!"

【118】

Translate: Wei Yuan let out a quiet cold snort.

Thus 【22】 Wei Yuan let out a quiet cold snort.

Deep down, they doubted that Wei Yuan would take Wang Ping'an as a disciple—not only because Wang Ping'an is an acquired sword body, but also because everyone of repute in the area knows what kind of person Lü Tu is; they don't want to send their outstanding offspring to him as a master, fearing he would mislead them.

Translate: Deep down he doubted that Wei Yuan would take Wang Ping'an as a disciple—not only because Wang Ping'an is an acquired sword body, but also because everyone of repute knows what Lü Tu is like, unwilling to send their outstanding offspring to him as a disciple, fearing he would mislead the youth.

Thus 【23】 Deep down he doubted that Wei Yuan would take Wang Ping'an as a disciple—not only because Wang Ping'an is an acquired sword body, but also because everyone of repute knows what Lü Tu is like, unwilling to send their outstanding offspring to him as a disciple, fearing he would mislead the youth.

【124】

But when Wei Yuan faces Lü Tu, his face shows no dissatisfaction or resentment; he is all flattery, wearing a fawning smile, and says:

Translate: But when Wei Yuan faced Lü Tu, his face showed no dissatisfaction or resentment, only a fawning, flattering smile as he said:

Thus 【25】 But when Wei Yuan faced Lü Tu, his face showed no dissatisfaction or resentment, only a fawning, flattering smile as he said:

【134】

Translate: "Lü Qianhu, what you're saying—what am I? How could I have the qualification to form a good affinity with this child?" Lü Tu gave a cold snort, paying no heed, whether Wei Yuan's words were sarcastic or sincere.

Thus 【26】 "Lü Qianhu, what you're saying—what am I? How could I have the qualification to form a good affinity with this child?" Lü Tu gave a cold snort, paying no heed, whether Wei Yuan's words were sarcastic or sincere.

Even if he harbors resentment, what of it? With him backing the Wang family, would Wei Yuan, having the courage of a bear and a leopard, dare to act against the Wang family?

Translate: Even if he harbors resentment, what of it? With him backing the Wang family, would Wei Yuan, having eaten a bear's heart and leopard's gall, dare to act against the Wang family?

Thus 【27】 Even if he harbors resentment, what of it? With him backing the Wang family, would Wei Yuan, having eaten a bear's heart and leopard's gall, dare to act against the Wang family?

【144】

Translate: "Weixian County Magistrate, look at what you're saying—you too once walked the path of the imperial examinations, crossing the single-plank bridge amidst thousands of troops, a top scorer on the golden list, once a heaven‑chosen prodigy!"

Thus 【28】 "Weixian County Magistrate, look at what you're saying—you too once walked the path of the imperial examinations, crossing the single-plank bridge amidst thousands of troops, a top scorer on the golden list, once a heaven‑chosen prodigy!"

Yu Die's expression turned serious as she said: "Besides, this child is a commoner under your jurisdiction; you could be considered his parent-official. If you aren't qualified to form a good karmic bond with him, then perhaps no one here is."

Translate: Yu Die's expression turned serious as she said: "Besides, this child is a subject of your jurisdiction; you can be considered his parental official; if you lack the qualification to form a good affinity with him, perhaps no one here has that qualification."

Thus 【29】 Yu Die's expression turned serious as she said: "Besides, this child is a subject of your jurisdiction; you can be considered his parental official; if you lack the qualification to form a good affinity with him, perhaps no one here has that qualification."

【154】

Translate: Before coming to Qingyang County, she did not know Wei Yuan, nor did she know what examination achievements he had earned back then.

Thus 【30】 Before coming to Qingyang County, she did not know Wei Yuan, nor did she know what examination achievements he had earned back then.

But she knows that although Qingyang County is a lowly county and its magistrate is a low-ranking post, to become the magistrate of Qingyang County one must at least have some achievements.

Translate: But she knows that although Qingyang County is a lowly county, the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County is a low‑rank position; yet to become the County Magistrate of Qingyang County, one must at least have some examination credentials.

Thus 【31】 But she knows that although Qingyang County is a lowly county, the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County is a low‑rank position; yet to become the County Magistrate of Qingyang County, one must at least have some examination credentials.

【164】

Translate: One must pass the golden list examination, then spend a few years training in the Hanlin Academy before being assigned down.

Thus 【32】 One must pass the golden list examination, then spend a few years training in the Hanlin Academy before being assigned down.

Furthermore.

【170】

Translate: Moreover, Wei Yuan must also perform well in the Hanlin Academy; otherwise, with so many scholars there, how could the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County possibly fall to him?

Thus 【34】 Moreover, Wei Yuan must also perform well in the Hanlin Academy; otherwise, with so many scholars there, how could the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County possibly fall to him?

Even if the magistrate of Qingyang County is low-ranking, he is still a local tyrant, at least far stronger than an idle Hanlin scholar.

Translate: Even if the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County is low‑rank, it is still a local tyrant; at the very least, it is far stronger than an idle scholar in the Hanlin Academy—who knows how many times stronger.

Thus 【35】 Even if the post of County Magistrate of Qingyang County is low‑rank, it is still a local tyrant; at the very least, it is far stronger than an idle scholar in the Hanlin Academy—who knows how many times stronger.

【180】

Translate: "Hundred Commander Yu……"

Thus 【36】 "Hundred Commander Yu……"

Lü Tu's face darkened as he wanted to say something, but Yu Die interrupted him.

Translate: Lü Tu's face darkened as he tried to say something, but Yu Die interrupted him:

Thus 【37】 Lü Tu's face darkened as he tried to say something, but Yu Die interrupted him:

【190】

Translate: "Lü Qianhu, I don't know where you offended the Weixian County Magistrate to make you look down on him, but I think that the matter of the Weixian County Magistrate forming a good affinity with this child—you shouldn't obstruct it; don't forget you are not this child's master!"

Thus 【38】 "Lü Qianhu, I don't know where you offended the Weixian County Magistrate to make you look down on him, but I think that the matter of the Weixian County Magistrate forming a good affinity with this child—you shouldn't obstruct it; don't forget you are not this child's master!"

In this novel, you have arrived at.

【195】

Thus 【39】 This novel you have arrived

Lü Tu coldly stared at Yu Die; the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back, and how could she possibly fail to understand the meaning in Yu Die's words?

Translate: Lü Tu coldly stared at Yu Die; the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back—how could she possibly fail to grasp the meaning in Yu Die's words?

Thus 【40】 Lü Tu coldly stared at Yu Die; the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back—how could she possibly fail to grasp the meaning in Yu Die's words?

【205】

Translate: Moreover, he is still an outsider; Wang Ping'an's affairs are the Wang family's affairs, not something an outsider like him can interfere with.

Thus 【41】 Moreover, he is still an outsider; Wang Ping'an's affairs are the Wang family's affairs, not something an outsider like him can interfere with.

At this moment.

【211】

Translate: Lü Tu didn't say anything; instead, he wanted to see what Yu Die intended to do.

Thus 【43】 Lü Tu didn't say anything; instead, he wanted to see what Yu Die intended to do.

What kind of person is Wei Yuan? He doesn't believe Yu Die would be unaware of why he is preventing Wei Yuan from forming a good karmic bond with this child, and Yu Die would certainly not be unaware either.

Translate: What sort of person is Wei Yuan? He doesn't believe Yu Die would be unaware of why he is obstructing Wei Yuan from forming a good affinity with this child; Yu Die certainly couldn't be unaware either.

Thus 【44】 What sort of person is Wei Yuan? He doesn't believe Yu Die would be unaware of why he is obstructing Wei Yuan from forming a good affinity with this child; Yu Die certainly couldn't be unaware either.

【221】

Translate: Although he is quite dissatisfied, Yu Die, relying on her connections—without any real merit, not having achieved anything—actually became a Hundred Commander of the Demon Suppression Office, and moreover is stationed in the capital; once transferred from the capital to a local post, a promotion on the spot is quite possible.

Thus 【45】 Although he is quite dissatisfied, Yu Die, relying on her connections—without any real merit, not having achieved anything—actually became a Hundred Commander of the Demon Suppression Office, and moreover is stationed in the capital; once transferred from the capital to a local post, a promotion on the spot is quite possible.

Who doesn't know?

【227】

Translate: Officials in the capital are all considered one rank higher when seen!

Thus 【47】 Officials in the capital are all considered one rank higher when seen!

Wei Yuan's face was grim as he looked at Yu Die; a flash of surprise and doubt crossed his eyes, and he said: "Chief Yu, why are you so concerned about me forming a good karmic bond with this child?"

Translate: Wei Yuan's face was ashen as he looked at Yu Die; a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes as he said: "Hundred Commander Yu, why are you so concerned about my forming a good affinity with this child?"

Thus 【48】 Wei Yuan's face was ashen as he looked at Yu Die; a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes as he said: "Hundred Commander Yu, why are you so concerned about my forming a good affinity with this child?"

【237】

Translate: He suspected that perhaps Yu Die had seen through his scheme, which was why she acted this way—trying to drag him down, to prevent him from reporting Wang Ping'an's matter to the Prime Minister's Daughter, lest she bring harm to Wang Ping'an's life.

Thus 【49】 He suspected that perhaps Yu Die had seen through his scheme, which was why she acted this way—trying to drag him down, to prevent him from reporting Wang Ping'an's matter to the Prime Minister's Daughter, lest she bring harm to Wang Ping'an's life.

Yu Die spoke solemnly: "Magistrate Wei, you are this child's parent-official; if you form a good karmic bond with him, once word gets out, who in Qingyang County would dare to bully this child? I'm doing this for his benefit, but I believe that when he grows up, he will surely repay you, Magistrate Wei."

Translate: Yu Die spoke solemnly: "Weixian County Magistrate, you are this child's parental official; if you form a good affinity with him, once word gets out, no one in Qingyang County will dare to bully him; I am doing this for his benefit, but I believe that when he grows up, he will surely repay you, Weixian County Magistrate."

Thus 【50】 Yu Die spoke solemnly: "Weixian County Magistrate, you are this child's parental official; if you form a good affinity with him, once word gets out, no one in Qingyang County will dare to bully him; I am doing this for his benefit, but I believe that when he grows up, he will surely repay you, Weixian County Magistrate."

【247】

Translate: Wei Yuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing Yu Die's expression, knowing she had made up her mind, no matter how he refused, it would likely be useless.

Thus 【51】 Wei Yuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing Yu Die's expression, knowing she had made up her mind, no matter how he refused, it would likely be useless.

"Chief Yu, I'm actually afraid of you!"

Translate: "Hundred Commander Yu, I'm actually afraid of you!"

Thus 【52】 "Hundred Commander Yu, I'm actually afraid of you!"

Now we need to process each.

Translate: Wei Yuan gave a bitter smile; with a thought, a yellowed book appeared in his palm, which he handed to Liu Dongzhu, saying: "This is a Confucian article I painstakingly obtained; I hope this child will like it!"

Thus 【53】 Wei Yuan gave a bitter smile; with a thought, a yellowed book appeared in his palm, which he handed to Liu Dongzhu, saying: "This is a Confucian article I painstakingly obtained; I hope this child will like it!"

(End of chapter)