Chapter 312

Everyone has a time when they must rely on themselves to walk independently.

But need to be faithful, not padded. Let's translate each line.

We'll go line by line.

【1】 Every person has a moment when they must walk alone, relying only on themselves.

Literal: Everyone has a time when they can only rely on themselves to walk independently.

We'll produce: Everyone has a time when they can only rely on themselves to walk independently.

Gu Xixi, who inexplicably transmigrated into a book and had a terrible start, is just like that.

The phrase "inexplicably transmigrated into a book" means "inexplicably transmigrated into a book"; the phrase "Gu Xixi, who had a terrible start, is like that" means "Gu Xixi, who had a terrible start, is like that."

We'll translate: Inexplicably transmigrated into a book, Gu Xixi, whose start was miserable, is no exception.

But need to be faithful: "Inexplicably transmigrated into a book, Gu Xixi, whose start was miserable, is like that." Means: (She) inexplicably transmigrated into a book; Gu Xixi, whose start was miserable, is like that. We'll produce: Inexplicably transmigrated into a book, Gu Xixi, whose start was miserable, is no different.

Murong Nan Zhao, who faked his death after being poisoned and fled to the northwest, is just like that.

"Mu Nan Zhao, who was poisoned and feigned death, went far to the northwest, is like that." We'll translate: Mu Nan Zhao, who feigned death after poisoning and went far to the northwest, is no different.

An Qinghe, who left home at a young age to do business, is just like that.

"An Qinghe, who left home young to do business, is like that." We'll translate: An Qinghe, who left home young to do business, is no different.

Jiang Mingyuan, who studied hard for years in a cold window, is just like that.

"Jiang Mingyuan, who studied hard for years in a cold window, is like that." We'll translate: Jiang Mingyuan, who endured years of hard study, is no different.

Lv Jing, who went to the capital to sue the wicked and seek justice for her family, naturally also has her own realization.

"Lv Jing, who went to the capital to sue the wicked and seek justice for her whole family, naturally also had her awakening." We'll translate: Lv Jing, who went to the capital to sue the wicked and seek justice for her family, naturally also had her awakening.

It's not just that she fears implicating her friends.

"Not only is she afraid of implicating friends." We'll translate: It's not just that she fears implicating friends.

From the start she never thought of relying on anyone, which is why she left the capital without a word as soon as she arrived.

"From the start she never thought of relying on anyone, so she left the capital without a word as soon as she arrived." We'll translate: From the start she never thought of relying on anyone, so she left the capital without a word as soon as she arrived.

Gu Xixi also understood Lu Jing's thoughts, and therefore respected her choice.

"Gu Xixi also understood Lv Jing's thoughts, thus respecting her choice." We'll translate: Gu Xixi also understood Lv Jing's thoughts, and therefore respected her choice.

When they went into the shop to eat, An Qinghe had already figured everything out.

"When they went into the shop to eat, An Qinghe had already figured everything out." We'll translate: When they entered the shop to eat, An Qinghe had already figured everything out.

"Xixi is right; we should trust Lu Jing."

"Gu Xixi said correctly, we should trust Lv Jing." We'll translate: "Gu Xixi is right; we should trust Lv Jing."

"She didn't hesitate to come to the capital alone to file a lawsuit, which shows she had already planned what to do."

"She didn't spare coming alone to the capital to file a lawsuit, showing she had already planned what to do." We'll translate: "She didn't hesitate to come alone to the capital to file a lawsuit, showing she had already planned what to do."

"Gu Xixi smiled slightly and said, 'I was just thinking that today we'll first stroll through the East Market, and tomorrow we'll move to an inn near the Ministry of Justice so it'll be easier to hear news.'"

"Gu Xixi smiled slightly, 'I was thinking earlier, today we'll first stroll Dongshi, then tomorrow move to an inn near the Prefecture of Jingzhao, so it's convenient to hear news.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi smiled slightly, "I was thinking earlier; today we'll first stroll Dongshi, then tomorrow move to an inn near the Prefecture of Jingzhao, so it's convenient to hear news."

"An Qinghe happily said, 'Xixi, I knew listening to you would be right!'"

"An Qinghe happily said, 'Gu Xixi, I knew listening to you would be correct!'" We'll translate: An Qinghe happily said, "Gu Xixi, I knew listening to you would be correct!"

"Although Lu Jing is somewhat clever and capable, Gu Xixi never thought of abandoning her completely."

"Although Lv Jing is somewhat clever and capable, Gu Xixi never thought of abandoning her completely." We'll translate: Although Lv Jing is somewhat clever and capable, Gu Xixi never thought of abandoning her completely.

"After all, Fan Dongping's surname is Fan."

"After all, Fan Dongping bears the surname Fan." We'll translate: After all, Fan Dongping's surname is Fan.

"If he really is a relative of Fan Ge Lao, then the opponent Lu Jing would face would be too strong for her to handle alone."

"If he really is some relative of Fan the Grand Secretary, the opponent Lv Jing faces would be too strong; she alone could not handle it." We'll translate: If he really is some relative of Fan the Grand Secretary, the opponent Lv Jing faces would be too strong; she alone could not handle it.

"Gu Xixi turned to Jiang Mingyuan and said, 'We'll go to the East Market later to look around; Brother Zi Chu, what are your plans?'"

"Gu Xixi turned to Jiang Mingyuan, 'We'll later go to Dongshi to look around; Brother Zi Chu, what are your arrangements?'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi turned to Jiang Mingyuan, "We'll later go to Dongshi to look around; Brother Zi Chu, what are your arrangements?"

"Jiang Mingyuan said, 'The imperial examinations are coming up soon, so I won't join you; I'll stay in the room to read and calm my mind.'"

"Jiang Mingyuan said, 'The spring examinations are imminent, I won't go with you; I'll stay in the room to read and calm my mind.'" We'll translate: Jiang Mingyuan said, "The spring examinations are imminent; I won't go with you—I'll stay in the room to read and calm my mind."

"Gu Xixi nodded and said, 'The imperial examinations are a major matter; Brother Zi Chu, please focus on your preparations.'"

"Gu Xixi nodded, 'The spring examinations are important; Brother Zi Chu, please prepare with peace of mind.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi nodded, "The spring examinations are important; Brother Zi Chu, please prepare with peace of mind."

"If there's anything you'd like to eat or need us to buy for you, just let us know."

"If there's anything you want to eat or need us to buy, just tell us." We'll translate: "If there's anything you want to eat or need us to buy, just tell us."

"An Qinghe also said, 'Exactly, don't be polite.'"

"An Qinghe also said, 'Exactly, don't be polite.'" We'll translate: An Qinghe also said, "Exactly, don't be polite."

"Jiang Mingyuan smiled, thought for a moment, and said, 'I've heard that in the capital there are many dishes made by non‑Han peoples, such as roasted lamb and lamb biero, which are quite good.'"

"Jiang Mingyuan smiled, thought, and said, 'I've heard the capital has many Hu people's foods; roasted lamb and lamb bi lu are quite good.'" We'll translate: Jiang Mingyuan smiled, thought, and said, "I've heard the capital has many Hu people's foods; roasted lamb and lamb bi lu are quite good."

"There's also the sesame‑filled glutinous rice balls made by Jiangnan cooks, the water‑milled rice, soft and chewy, with sesame filling mixed with premium pork fat, steaming hot and sweet as it melts in the mouth, the broth sprinkled with sugar‑osmanthus, one bite feels like autumn in Jiangnan."

"Also there are sesame floating dumplings made by Jiangnan cooks, water-milled rice, soft and chewy, sesame filling mixed with premium pork fat, steaming hot and sweet flowing into the mouth, the soup sprinkled with sugar osmanthus; a mouthful is like autumn in Jiangnan." We'll translate: "Also there are sesame floating dumplings made by Jiangnan cooks, water-milled rice, soft and chewy, sesame filling mixed with premium pork fat, steaming hot and sweet flowing into the mouth, the soup sprinkled with sugar osmanthus; a mouthful is like autumn in Jiangnan."

"An Qinghe couldn't help but scoff, 'Isn't it just craving roasted lamb, lamb biero, and sesame glutinous rice balls with sugar‑osmanthus?'"

"An Qinghe couldn't help but disdain, 'Isn't it just craving roasted lamb, lamb bi lu, and sesame floating dumplings with sugar osmanthus?'" We'll translate: An Qinghe couldn't help but disdain, "Isn't it just craving roasted lamb, lamb bi lu, and sesame floating dumplings with sugar osmanthus?"

"Do you scholars always speak in such elaborate ways? Can't you just keep it simple?!"

"Do you scholars always speak in such elaborate ways; can't you be simpler?!" We'll translate: "Do you scholars always speak in such elaborate ways; can't you be simpler?!"

"Jiang Mingyuan was taken aback."

"Jiang Mingyuan was startled." We'll translate: Jiang Mingyuan was startled.

"Gu Xixi lowered her head and laughed out loud."

"Gu Xixi lowered her head and laughed out loud." We'll translate: Gu Xixi lowered her head and laughed out loud.

"After Jiang Mingyuan's surprise, he also gave a helpless smile and said, 'Brother An, what you say is not without reason.'"

"After Jiang Mingyuan's astonishment, he also showed a helpless smile, 'Brother An's words are not without reason.'" We'll translate: After Jiang Mingyuan's astonishment, he also showed a helpless smile, "Brother An's words are not without reason."

"From now on I'll try to cooperate with Brother An, keeping my words brief and to the point."

"From now on I'll try to cooperate with Brother An, speaking concisely." We'll translate: "From now on I'll try to cooperate with Brother An, speaking concisely."

"An Qinghe waved his hand casually and said, 'Forget it, just be yourself.'"

"An Qinghe waved his hand broadly, 'Forget it, just be yourself.'" We'll translate: An Qinghe waved his hand broadly, "Forget it, just be yourself."

"Who made you fill your belly with poetry and books, then not let you say a few more words? That would be a waste."

"Who let you fill your belly with poetry and books, yet not allow you to say a few more words; wouldn't that be wasteful?" We'll translate: "Who let you fill your belly with poetry and books, yet not allow you to say a few more words; wouldn't that be wasteful?"

"Both Gu Xixi and Jiang Mingyuan laughed."

"Gu Xixi and Jiang Mingyuan both laughed." We'll translate: Gu Xixi and Jiang Mingyuan both laughed.

"After a brief rest following the meal, Gu Xixi, An Qinghe, and Jiang Mingyuan exchanged greetings and then left."

"After a brief rest after the meal, Gu Xixi, An Qinghe, and Jiang Mingyuan exchanged greetings and left." We'll translate: After a brief rest after the meal, Gu Xixi, An Qinghe, and Jiang Mingyuan exchanged greetings and left.

"The East Market is indeed extremely prosperous, gathering not only specialty goods from all over the country but also merchants from Silla, the Western Regions, Nanyang, and other foreign lands."

"Dongshi is indeed very prosperous, gathering not only national specialty goods but also foreign merchants from Silla, the Western Regions, Nanyang, etc." We'll translate: Dongshi is indeed very prosperous, gathering not only national specialty goods but also foreign merchants from Silla, the Western Regions, Nanyang, etc.

"A Silla merchant was promoting ginseng, drawing a crowd of ordinary shoppers and medicine dealers alike."

"A Silla merchant promoted ginseng, drawing a crowd of ordinary passersby and medicine merchants." We'll translate: A Silla merchant promoted ginseng, drawing a crowd of ordinary passersby and medicine merchants.

"Gu Xixi curiously followed and took a look, then turned and walked away."

"Gu Xixi curiously followed and looked, then turned and walked away." We'll translate: Gu Xixi curiously followed and looked, then turned and walked away.

"An Qinghe asked, 'Isn't this a medicinal herb unique to Silla? Anyway, we have a cart—why don't you buy some for Old Jiang?'"

"An Qinghe asked, 'Is this a specialty medicine of Silla? Anyway, we have a cart; why not buy some for Old Jiang?'" We'll translate: An Qinghe asked, "Is this a specialty medicine of Silla? Anyway, we have a cart; why not buy some for Old Jiang?"

"Gu Xixi replied, 'The quality of his ginseng is average, and it might not even be truly exclusive to Silla as he claims.'"

"Gu Xixi said, 'His ginseng is of average quality, and it may not be as he claims, unique to Silla.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi said, "His ginseng is of average quality, and it may not be as he claims, unique to Silla."

"If you keep heading northeast, you can find the same items, and the price for comparable quality might be even lower."

"If you keep walking northeast, you can find the same thing; the price for equal quality might be cheaper." We'll translate: If you keep walking northeast, you can find the same thing; the price for equal quality might be cheaper.

"Continuing on, there are live scorpions from Nanyang, Jiangnan embroidered fans in silk pouches, silk flower hair ornaments for women, large‑bowl tea stalls, various local and regional snacks, and acrobatic performances…"

"Continuing on, there are live scorpions from Nanyang, Jiangnan embroidered fans in silk pouches, silk flower hair ornaments worn by women, large bowl tea stalls, various local or foreign snacks, acrobatic performances…" We'll translate: Continuing on, there are live scorpions from Nanyang, Jiangnan embroidered fans in silk pouches, silk flower hair ornaments worn by women, large bowl tea stalls, various local or foreign snacks, acrobatic performances…

"However, most of the street stalls are run by ordinary people who can afford to consume their goods."

"However, most of the street stalls are affordable for ordinary commoners." We'll translate: However, most of the street stalls are affordable for ordinary commoners.

"The truly refined and expensive goods, however, are found only in the shops lining the main street."

"Truly refined and expensive goods require going into the shops along both sides of the main street." We'll translate: Truly refined and expensive goods require going into the shops along both sides of the main street.

"Gu Xixi stopped in front of a shop and looked up at its sign."

"Gu Xixi stopped in front of a shop, looking up at the sign." We'll translate: Gu Xixi stopped in front of a shop, looking up at the sign.

"An Qinghe came running over, delighted, holding two velvet flowers—one a pink double lotus with

"An Qinghe happily ran over, holding two velvet flowers: one a pink twin lotus with jade-green leaves, the other a light purple bent-branch orchid, both lifelike." We'll translate: An Qinghe happily ran over, holding two velvet flowers: one a pink twin lotus with jade-green leaves, the other a light purple bent-branch orchid, both lifelike.

Xixi, you were just saying how much you liked these two flowers, weren't you? I bought them for you to wear!

"Gu Xixi, you weren't just fond of these two flowers earlier, right? I bought them for you to wear!" We'll translate: "Gu Xixi, you weren't just fond of these two flowers earlier, right? I bought them for you to wear!"

Gu Xixi glanced over, gave an apologetic smile, and said, "But I just picked them up—I wasn't planning to wear them myself."

"Gu Xixi looked over, apologetically smiling, 'But when I picked them up just now, I didn't intend to wear them myself.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi looked over, apologetically smiling, "But when I picked them up just now, I didn't intend to wear them myself."

An Qinghe was stunned.

"An Qinghe was stunned." We'll translate: An Qinghe was stunned.

Gu Xixi said, "The Wu daughter-in-law who works for me at the estate—you know her—she has two daughters."

"Gu Xixi said, 'Wu Niangzi, who works at my farmstead, you know, she has two daughters.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi said, "Wu Niangzi, who works at my farmstead, you know, she has two daughters."

"I just wanted to bring a little gift for them on this outing."

"I just wanted to bring a small gift for them on this trip away." We'll translate: "I just wanted to bring a small gift for them on this trip away."

"Little girls love cute things; I just saw... maybe this velvet flower would be just right."

"Young girls love cute things; I just saw… perhaps these velvet flowers are suitable." We'll translate: "Young girls love cute things; I just saw… perhaps these velvet flowers are suitable."

An Qinghe, adhering to the motto "as long as I'm not embarrassed, the embarrassment is someone else's," nodded and said, "I think it's suitable too."

"An Qinghe, following the principle 'as long as I'm not embarrassed, the embarrassment is others',' nodded, 'I also think it's suitable.'" We'll translate: An Qinghe, following the principle "as long as I'm not embarrassed, the embarrassment is others," nodded, "I also think it's suitable."

"Although I haven't met those two little girls yet."

"Although I haven't yet met those two girls." We'll translate: "Although I haven't yet met those two girls."

"You're so fond of them; they must be absolutely adorable."

"You like them so much; they must be adorable." We'll translate: "You like them so much; they must be adorable."

Gu Xixi took the velvet flower, saying, "Thanks—I'll pay you for the flowers later, and then I'll ask the stall owner to wrap it up for me."

"Gu Xixi took the velvet flowers, 'Thanks; later I'll give you the money for the flowers, and then ask the stall owner to wrap them up.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi took the velvet flowers, "Thanks; later I'll give you the money for the flowers, and then ask the stall owner to wrap them up."

What else could An Qinghe say? All that's left is to give a silly smile and nod.

"What else could An Qinghe say? All that's left is to smile foolishly and nod." We'll translate: What else could An Qinghe say? All that's left is to smile foolishly and nod.

Gu Xixi stepped forward and said, "Come on, let's go in and take a look."

"Gu Xixi stepped forward, 'Let's go, let's go inside and have a look.'" We'll translate: Gu Xixi stepped forward, "Let's go, let's go inside and have a look."

An Qinghe followed obediently, his eyes landing on Gu Xixi's hairline, earlobes, and neck—she had saved up some family wealth, so why wasn't she wearing any jewelry?

"An Qinghe obediently followed, his gaze falling on Gu Xixi's hairline, earlobes, and neck; she also has some savings, so why doesn't she wear any jewelry?" We'll translate: An Qinghe obediently followed, his gaze falling on Gu Xixi's hairline, earlobes, and neck; she also has some savings, so why doesn't she wear any jewelry?

Is it that she doesn't like it?

"Is it because she doesn't like it?" We'll translate: Is it because she doesn't like it?

This tea shop is fairly large, and since it's on Dongshi's main street, its business is clearly extremely good.

Gu Xixi walked into the main hall, but instead of seeing a bustling crowd, it was very quiet and elegant.

Half of the hall's area was taken up by tea cabinets, somewhat like the medicine cabinets of a pharmacy; each small drawer had a label indicating the tea variety, origin, year, and season.

Gu Xixi strolled through, examining each one in turn.

No wonder it's a major tea house in Dongshi—its varieties are found all over the country.

Moreover, it carries top-grade teas such as pre‑rain Longjing, Mao Shan Xianhao, and Lan Guiren.

It's a pity the tea cabinets are closed, so the appearance of the leaves cannot be seen.

As she approached the center, she discovered there was also a staircase inside.

At that moment, a shop assistant walked over; he showed no curiosity about An Qinghe's appearance and didn't even give her a second glance.

"May I ask what kind of tea the two honored guests would like to see?"

"You can tell me the type you need or your taste preferences, and I'll recommend a few options."

Gu Xixi's gaze fixed on one drawer, and she did not answer right away.

The assistant smiled and said unhurriedly, "Go up the stairs that way; the second floor is our tasting room, with seats divided by bamboo blinds, fairly quiet, and a tea master brews tea for guests every day."

"If the honored guests cannot decide which tea to choose, they may go to the second floor, taste it, and then decide."

While he spoke, he kept observing Gu Xixi's reaction.

Although this woman wore no makeup or valuable hairpins, between her and that foreign youth, it seemed she was the one calling the shots.

The assistant continued, "If the honored guests wish to rest a while longer, we can also provide tea snacks with the tea; our shop has an elegant private room on the third floor."

Gu Xixi lifted her eyes and said, "I'd like to try black tea; do you have any fu tea here?"

The assistant blinked in surprise.

Around the capital there are tea plantations, which mostly produce green tea, so loose‑leaf tea is more popular in the market.

To ask for black‑tea cakes or fu tea—a niche, premium product—as soon as one walks in is certainly not something an ordinary tea drinker would do.