Chapter 639

Annuo'er's sarcasm did not embarrass Nan Gongdi.

Translation: Annuo'er's sarcasm did not embarrass Nan Gongdi.

Annuo'er's sarcasm did not embarrass Nan Gongdi.

He is now filled with shame.

Translation: He now feels only shame.

Therefore, no matter what Annuo'er says or does, he will never get angry.

Translation: Therefore, he never gets angry at whatever Annuo'er says or does.

He only feels a bit ashamed toward Li Qingluo.

Translation: He only feels a little ashamed toward Li Qingluo.

"Luò'er, Master knows this is difficult for you."

Translation: "Luò'er, Master knows this is difficult for you."

"If you truly don't want to go, that's fine."

Translation: "If you truly don't want to go, it's fine."

"Master has already come this far; even a worse outcome wouldn't be any worse than now."

Translation: "Master has come this far; even a worse outcome wouldn't be any worse than now."

Li Qingluo indeed did not nod immediately.

Translation: Li Qingluo did not immediately nod.

Li Qingluo first comforted Nan Gongdi, then asked Annuo'er a question: "Master said that at first, you, Empress Dowager of Wusun, kidnapped several of his disciples, and only after receiving the letter did Master come alone to Wusun to meet you."

Translation: Li Qingluo first comforted Nan Gongdi, then asked Annuo'er a question: "Master said that at first, you, Empress Dowager of Wusun, kidnapped several of his disciples, and only after receiving the letter did Master come alone to Wusun to meet you."

Master said that at first, you, Empress Dowager of Wusun, kidnapped several of his disciples, and only after receiving the letter did Master come alone to Wusun to meet you.

"And now, where are my several senior fellow disciples? I don't know where they are, nor whether they are safe."

Translation: "What about my several senior fellow disciples now? I don't know where they are, nor whether they are safe."

This is also a question that Nan Gongdi wanted to ask but dared not.

Translation: This is also a question Nan Gongdi wanted to ask but dared not.

Since he was imprisoned by the Empress Dowager of Wusun, he has completely not seen those disciples again.

Translation: Since he was imprisoned by the Empress Dowager of Wusun, he has never seen those disciples again.

He clearly knows those disciples were kidnapped because of his involvement, so he worries about them deeply.

Translation: He knows those disciples were captured because of his involvement, so he worries about them deeply.

Annuo'er: "Don't worry."

Translation: Annuo'er: "Don't worry."

"They are not dead yet."

Translation: "They are not dead yet."

"Those few are much better than these people nowadays, so they went to handle affairs for me."

Translation: "Those few are much better than these people now, so they went to handle matters for me."

"I promised them that once the task is done, I will release their master."

Translation: "I promised them that once the task is done, I would release their master."

"Each one naively agreed."

Translation: "Each of them naively agreed."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingluo fell silent for a moment.

Translation: Upon hearing this, Li Qingluo fell silent for a moment.

Actually, one cannot say that Zisu and the others are disrespectful to their master.

Translation: Actually, one cannot say that Zisu and the others are disrespectful to their master.

Likewise, they are also obedient disciples.

Translation: Likewise, they are obedient disciples.

It's just that their temperaments are not suited for wandering the martial world.

Translation: It's just that their temperaments are not suited for wandering the martial world.

"Then why don't you bring your own trusted aides to Hala Royal City? Do you trust me more than them?"

Translation: "Then why don't you bring your own trusted aides to Hala Imperial City? Do you trust me more than them?"

Annuo'er remained silent for a moment before replying: "Kuerte and I have had political differences these past few years, so he has already seized full power, completely sidelining me as empress dowager."

Translation: Annuo'er paused a moment before replying: "Ku'erte and I have had political differences these past few years, so he has already seized full power, completely sidelining me, the Empress Dowager."

"A few months ago, after his temperament changed drastically, he took most of his forces to Hala Royal City."

Translation: "A few months ago, after his temperament changed drastically, he took most of his forces to Hala Imperial City."

"Now Wusun is merely an empty shell."

Translation: "Now Wusun is merely an empty shell."

"He left a small half of the remnant weak forces, along with the Khatun and young prince he disliked, in Wusun; Wusun has also been eyed by other forces taking advantage—how could I divert Wusun's last defenses at this time?"

"He left a small half of the remnant weak forces and the Khatun and young prince he disliked in Wusun; Wusun has also been eyed by other forces taking advantage—how could I divert Wusun's last defenses at this time?"

Thus: "He left a small half of the remnant weak forces and the Khatun and young prince he disliked in Wusun; Wusun has also been eyed by other forces taking advantage—how could I divert Wusun's last defenses at this time?"

"So, I can only fight alone, go out by myself, and even seek others' cooperation."

Translation: "So I can only fight alone, coming out by myself and even seeking others' cooperation."

"That explains it."

Translation: That's how it is.

"This is what a true mother is like, right?"

Translation: This is what a real mother is like, right?

"Even if she has a disagreement with her son, she can still sense something wrong with him at the first moment and decisively decide to prepare to rescue him."

Translation: Even if she and her son have a disagreement, she can still sense something wrong with him in the first moment and decisively decide to prepare to rescue him.

"Li Qingluo even thought of her birth mother."

Translation: Li Qingluo even thought of her birth mother.

"Back when she was in the harem, she had already anticipated her own fate, and she did everything she could for Duan Rongshi."

Translation: Back when she was in the imperial harem, she had already foreseen her own fate and had done everything she could for Duan Rongshi.

"Thinking of this, Li Qingluo recalled there was still something she hadn't fully figured out."

Translation: Thinking of this, Li Qingluo recalled there was still something she hadn't fully figured out.

"That is, why does her birth mother look so much like Annuo'er?"

Translation: That is, why does her birth mother look so much like Annuo'er?

"Moreover, the Empress Dowager and King of Loulan resemble her birth mother to some extent, or rather, they also resemble Duan Rongshi in appearance."

Translation: Moreover, the Loulan Empress Dowager and the Loulan King bear some resemblance to her birth mother, or rather, they also look somewhat like Duan Rongshi.

"Annuo'er calls the Empress Dowager of Loulan her aunt, and Annuo'er's birth mother was formerly a concubine in the imperial court."

Translation: Annuo'er calls the Loulan Empress Dowager her aunt, and Annuo'er's birth mother used to be an imperial concubine in the imperial court.

"Therefore, their resemblance likely comes from the maternal side."

Translation: Therefore, the resemblance should come from her maternal side.

"Li Qingluo also thought of Duan Rongshi's head of slightly wavy long hair."

Translation: Li Qingluo also thought of Duan Rongshi's head of slightly curved long hair.

"She then had even more speculation in her mind."

Translation: She then had a stronger suspicion.

"Perhaps this journey could also uncover the secret of her birth mother's origins."

Translation: Perhaps this journey could also uncover the secret of her birth mother's origins.

"And what about Loulan? I see that the Empress Dowager and King of Loulan genuinely care for you; why don't you borrow their strength to help you?"

Translation: "And what about Loulan? I see that the Loulan Empress Dowager and this Loulan King truly care for you; why don't you borrow their power to help you?"

"If you speak up, they will surely not refuse."

Translation: "If you speak up, they will certainly not refuse."

"Annuo'er: 'Loulan has always avoided the world and refuses to take part in any external conflicts.'"

Translation: Annuo'er: "Loulan has always avoided the world and refuses to take part in any external conflicts."

"If I were to speak up, my royal brother would indeed send people with me to Hala Royal City, but why would I trouble them and drag them into this vortex?"

Translation: "If I speak up, the King Brother will indeed send people with me to Hala Imperial City, but why would I trouble them, dragging them into this vortex?"

"Li Qingluo: So that innocent person can just enter this vortex?"

Translation: Li Qingluo: "Then can this innocent person be drawn into this vortex?"

"Heh, this Annuo'er is quite calculating and also ruthless."

Translation: Heh, this Annuo'er is quite calculating and ruthless.

"However, Li Qingluo does not dislike her."

Translation: However, Li Qingluo does not dislike her.

"On the contrary, she feels great sympathy for her and also admires her."

Translation: On the contrary, she feels sympathy for her and also admires her.

"She is a very strong woman and mother."

Translation: She is a remarkably strong woman and mother.

"Li Qingluo: 'If that's the case, let's go to Hala Royal City.'"

Translation: Li Qingluo: "If so, let's go to Hala Imperial City."

"This is to repay the master's two years of teaching and care."

Translation: This would be repaying the master's two years of teaching and care.

"In the blink of an eye, after bidding farewell to Loulan, the group set out again on the road to Hala Royal City."

Translation: In the blink of an eye, after bidding farewell to Loulan, the group set out again on the road to Hala Imperial City.

"With Annuo'er personally leading the way, this journey is not difficult."

Translation: With Annuo'er personally leading the way, this journey is not difficult.

"However, the route is far, so whether they hurried or took it slow, they still arrived after twenty-odd days."

Translation: Only the road is far, so whether hurrying or taking it slow, they still arrived after twenty-odd days.

"And in the blink of an eye, winter in the Western Regions had quietly arrived."

Translation: And in another blink, winter in the Western Regions had quietly arrived.

"Li Qingluo had already put on thick fur."

Translation: Li Qingluo had already put on thick sable fur.

"Although her abdomen now shows a bulge, because she is wearing overly thick clothing and her movements are cumbersome, to this day no one else knows she is pregnant."

Translation: Although her abdomen now shows a bulge, because she wears overly thick clothing and her movements are cumbersome, to this day no one else knows she is pregnant.

"Only Zhui Yu noticed something off, initially thinking she was ill."

Translation: Only Zhui Yu noticed something off, initially thinking she was ill.

After being repeatedly fooled by Que'er and Zheng Mama, he saw that Li Qingluo had no other abnormality, so he did not suspect further.

Only, inexplicably, they guarded Li Qingluo much more tightly.

It often made Que'er feel extremely annoyed.

That day, they finally entered Hala Imperial City.

Compared with all the royal cities they had passed along the way, even Loulan, Hala Imperial City was indeed more prosperous and bustling.

Although Loulan's architecture was unmatched by any city.

But Hala's prosperity and strength were incomparable to any other royal city in the Western Regions.

On the streets, all sorts of people gathered, and Li Qingluo even saw many Han faces.

It seemed these Han had stayed here from long ago, yet in this Western Region imperial city they were heavily humiliated, their status extremely low.

On the streets, many scenes unfolded that Que'er and Zheng Mama could not bear to watch.

Que'er, angry, slammed the curtain aside: "No wonder before we entered the city, that Empress Dowager Anar arranged a carriage for us."

"Sha San, they also covered their faces."

"It turns out Empress Dowager Anar knew that once our Han faces are shown, we would face severe discrimination and bullying."

"But these people are just too over the line!"

"In my view, among the Han in this Hala Imperial City, hardly any can live normally; they're tied up like livestock, beaten and scolded at will. I think they're even worse than animals!"

"Even in Jinling, no Western Region people would be treated like this by us, right?"

Zheng Mama broke the silence: "But these Western Region people are indeed looked down upon in our Central Plains."

"In the eyes of the Han, they are also treated as slaves for sale."

"Thus for centuries, the two peoples have been unable to truly live in harmony, harboring deep mutual hatred."

Que'er: "Then why do these Han stay in the Western Regions? Why don't they return to the Central Plains?"

Li Qingluo: "Do you think you can just leave whenever you want?"

"Dragging families and belongings, plus the journey is far. The road is full of life‑and‑death uncertainties."

"And people like Liu Li, who fled because they committed crimes."

"For many, their hometown is a dream they can't return to."

"Perhaps one day, regardless of nation or gender, everyone can truly live in harmony, and the people can achieve the equality and freedom that Qin Yu once spoke of…"

Li Qingluo finished and shook her head, "Alright, remember, for the next few days don't meddle in anything."

"Whenever you go out, wear your veil properly."

"Avoid causing any unnecessary trouble again."

Zheng Mama and Que'er understood Li Qingluo's meaning: they shouldn't interfere in others' affairs.

"Yes, miss."

The party slipped quietly into a mansion.

It was Anar's private residence in Hala Imperial City.

After the steward settled Li Qingluo's group properly, Anar vanished without a trace.

Li Qingluo, feeling relieved, quickly took the chance to rest from her travel‑worn fatigue.

However, she still hadn't forgotten an important matter.

"Zheng Mama, you and Sha Er should go personally to inquire about Nanping's current situation."

Zheng Mama smiled at the words: "The miss pretends to be tough but is soft‑hearted; she says she won't care about Princess Nanping, yet she can't help worrying about her."

Li Qingluo: "If I hadn't come to Hala Imperial City it would be fine, but since I'm here, it doesn't hurt to ask around."

"Moreover, on our journey we've seen how low the Han's status is in the imperial city; I fear that this marriage‑alliance princess, having lost her dowry and entourage, won't have a good life here either."

"Go, and inquire carefully."

Zheng Mama's expression grew solemn.

"Yes, that old servant will go and return shortly."

After Zheng Mama put on her veil and turned to leave, she quickly lowered the heavy cotton blanket door‑stop, fearing any draft might slip into the house.

Li Qingluo rubbed her hands, warming by the fire; soon a fine sweat appeared on her skin.

The cold in this Hala Imperial City is far harsher than in Jinling.

Even Li Qingluo, who isn't usually cold‑sensitive, now feels too chilly to leave the house.

Just as Li Qingluo was about to rest her head for a moment, Qin Ling arrived.

He came to check Li Qingluo's pulse, and also brought Li Yunchu.

Li Yunchu carried a pot of hot milk tea and poured it herself for Li Qingluo.

"Luo'er, try it quickly; the milk tea in Hala City is tastier than elsewhere."

Li Qingluo, looking listless, said: "I don't want to drink, just bring it up."

Li Yunchu, with a worried face, asked: "Why have you lost your appetite lately? Not long ago you still liked those sweets, didn't you?"

"Husband, please examine Luo'er properly. She's already lost a few more pounds; don't let her become too frail."

Qin Ling rolled his eyes helplessly.

"She's just too full from lunch, that's why she can't drink the milk tea right now!"

"I say, my lady, can you stop being so nervous? Rest assured, the Princess of Yue is vigorous and lively; even going into battle to slay enemies would be no problem."

Li Yunchu, seeing that he couldn't speak properly, kicked Qin Ling in anger.

"Who wants to go into battle and slay enemies?"

"You?"

"Luo'er, don't worry about him; what do you want to eat tonight, and I'll personally go make it for you, okay?"

"I have nothing else I can help you with now; if you trust me, I'll get you foods from all corners of the world for you to try."

Li Qingluo looked at Li Yunchu.

She really didn't understand why she had suddenly become entangled with her.

Does she truly no longer hate me?

When we were in Manduo City, just after she was taken to Qin Ling's side, there was clearly still resentment and hatred in her eyes. When exactly did that hatred disappear and turn entirely into concern?

Does she really have no other intention?

Li Qingluo doesn't believe a person could suddenly let go of hatred for no reason and then turn around and become kind to someone they once resented.

Therefore, regarding Li Yunchu she always harbors a slight grudge.

And regardless of whether she is sincere or feigning, Li Qingluo does not intend to get too close to her.

"No need to bother."

"Whatever the cooks in this mansion prepare, I'll eat."

"If there's nothing else, you all can go out."