Chapter 314: with translation of chapter title

The carriage was entirely lacquered black, with not a trace of inlaid gold or carved decoration, and there were no hanging bells or ornaments on its four corners.

Blue curtains hung on all four sides, swaying like flowing water waves, completely obscuring the view inside.

After he said that, noticing no response beside him, he turned his head and called, "Xixi? Xixi! What are you looking at?"

All that could be seen was Gu Xixi standing with her back turned, head tilted upward, gazing at something unknown.

Now proceed line by line.

We must keep each translation on a single line after 【N】. No extra commentary.

Let's translate.

【1】 -> item 1

Translation: "The carriage was entirely lacquered black, with not a trace of inlaid gold or carved decoration, and there were no hanging ornaments such as bells on its four corners."

Check: Keep meaning. Good.

【2】 -> item 2

Translation: "Blue curtains hung on all four sides, swaying like flowing water, completely obscuring the view inside."

【3】 -> item 3

Translation: "An Qinghe watched the spectacle together with the surrounding townsfolk, saying, 'As expected of a legendary figure—just looking at this carriage already feels oppressive; I'm really curious what the person themselves looks like.'"

【4】 -> item 4

Translation: "Having said that, he found it strange that there was no response beside him, so he turned his head and asked, 'Xixi? Xixi! What are you looking at?'"

-> item 5 (since after 【29】 【4】 next is 【32】 which should be 【5】)

Translation: "All that could be seen was Gu Xixi standing with her back to them, head tilted upward, gazing at something unknown."

-> item 6

Translation: "When questioned by An Qinghe, she put on a serious and busy expression, saying, 'I just saw a very beautiful parrot fly by, its plumage as gorgeous as a rainbow; I don't know whose home it escaped from.'"

-> item 7

Translation: "An Qinghe didn't suspect anything and followed Gu Xixi's gaze, asking, 'Is there one?'"

-> item 8

Translation: "Hearing the hoofbeats fade into the distance, Gu Xixi turned back, her expression unchanged as she clenched her still‑trembling hand inside her sleeve, saying, 'It's already flown away; I can't see it anymore.'"

-> item 9

Translation: "\"Let's go, or the mutton back at the inn will get cold. \""

-> item 10

Translation: "An Qinghe hurried to catch up, smiling at Gu Xixi and saying, 'Did you see it just now?'"

-> item 11

Translation: "Gu Xixi: 'See what?'"

-> item 12

Translation: "\"It's the Regent Prince's carriage! \" An Qinghe bounced up and down like a happy puppy, exclaiming, 'The capital is so huge, and on our very first day here we happen to run into the Regent Prince! What do you think this signifies?'"

-> item 13

Translation: "Gu Xixi, not wanting to be a killjoy, asked, 'What does it signify?'"

-> item 14

Translation: "An Qinghe clapped his hands and said, 'Of course it means we're very fortunate—a good omen, a great start!'"

-> item 15

Translation: "He went on excitedly by himself, 'The Regent Prince has risen to heaven in a single step, standing above all and below none; looking across the world, who could have a stronger fortune than his?'"

-> item 16

Translation: "\"I have a feeling that our trip to the capital will go smoothly and all our wishes will be fulfilled! \""

-> item 17

Translation: "Gu Xixi clapped along, saying, 'Thanks for the auspicious words! Keep the faith!'"

-> item 18

Translation: "An Qinghe clenched his fist, saying, 'Exactly! Keep the faith!'"

-> item 19

Translation: "By the time they returned to the inn, it was already the hour when lamps are lit."

-> item 20

Translation: "An Qinghe and Jiang Mingyuan shared lodgings, and they had originally invited Gu Xixi to join them for a meal."

-> item 21

Translation: "Gu Xixi, however, smiled and politely declined, saying, 'I've had that tea and some snacks; I'm still not hungry.'"

-> item 22

Translation: "\"Besides, I'm a bit tired from running around all day; I'd like to go back and sleep first. \""

-> item 23

Translation: "An Qinghe immediately showed concern, asking, 'Are you all right?'"

-> item 24

Translation: "\"After days of long travel, you might have worn yourself out; I'll go fetch a doctor for you. \""

-> item 25

Translation: "As he spoke and started to leave, Gu Xixi hurriedly stopped him, saying, 'What doctor are you calling? Don't forget who my master is!'"

-> item 26

Translation: "Seeing An Qinghe halt, Gu Xixi then said softly, 'All right, I still have to go out and run tomorrow.'"

-> item 27

Translation: "\"You should also go to bed early; after eating, try to keep quiet so as not to disturb Brother Zi Chu's studies. \""

-> item 28

Translation: "It was like a puppy being stroked and smoothed by its owner."

-> item 29

Translation: "An Qinghe nodded obediently, saying, 'All right, you can rest assured—I won't disturb Jiang Zi Chu before the spring examinations.'"

-> item 30

Translation: "Finally, Gu Xixi handed the tea leaves to him, saying, 'Please give this to Brother Zi Chu for me.'"

-> item 31

Translation: "Having said that, she pushed the door open and returned to her own guest room."

-> item 32

Translation: "An Qinghe watched the door close, his smile still unfaded, then turned and bumped into the opposite guest room, calling out, 'Little Brother Zi Chu! Time to eat, time to eat!'"

-> item 33

Translation: "\"Let me tell you, this roasted mutton is best when roasted and eaten fresh; hey, once you pass the imperial exams, I'll treat you to authentic whole roasted lamb to celebrate! \""

"……"

Translation: "……" (ellipsis stays as is)

-> item 34

Translation: "After washing up, Gu Xixi extinguished the lamp and lay quietly in the darkness."

-> item 35

Translation: "She kept her eyes open, feeling no sleepiness, and the image of the carriage she had glimpsed outside Dongshi surfaced in her mind."

-> item 36

Translation: "At that moment, she and he were within arm's reach."

-> item 37

Translation: "Before her mind could react, her body had already acted first."

-> item 38

Translation: "Even though she had previously ceased to fear him, why did she suddenly react this way?"

-> item 39

Translation: "Was she afraid to see him?"

-> item 40

Translation: "Upon reflection, that makes sense."

-> item 41

Translation: "If they were to meet again anywhere else, she would not feel so uneasy in voice and spirit."

-> item 42

Translation: "In the original plot, the female lead Huanhuankuai was fetched to the capital by people sent by Mu Nan Zhao."

-> item 43

Translation: "It was here that she endured years of imprisonment and torment, worse than death, her hopes gradually turning to despair until she drew her last breath."

-> item 44

Translation: "By a twist of fate, after transmigrating into the book, Gu Xixi arrived in the capital once Mu Nan Zhao had ascended to the position of Regent Prince."

-> item 45

Translation: "Although the manner differs, their relationship also differs from the original plot."

-> item 46

Translation: "Nevertheless, the psychological shadow that Gu Xixi carries remains the same."

-> item 47

Translation: "Gu Xixi, feeling dejected, covered her face with both hands."

-> item 48

Translation: "Before setting out, she had planned to come and go quietly, trying as much as possible to avoid encountering Mu Nan Zhao."

-> item 49

Translation: "But plans cannot keep up with changes."

-> item 50

Translation: "If heavenly principles remain obscure and Lv Jing's injustice cannot be redressed, her situation will inevitably become even more perilous."

-> item 51

Translation: "If it truly comes to this, who should she turn to for help?"

-> item 52

Translation: "During the several days she traveled with Lv Jing, Gu Xixi had already pondered these questions."

-> item 53

Translation: "The most intimate and suitable choice is naturally Jing Lan of the He family."

-> item 54

Translation: "The He family is an old-line aristocratic clan in the capital, a prestigious lineage; He Jinghui, moreover, is a newly risen official in the court, holding a third‑rank post and currently in the limelight."

-> item 55

Translation: "Asking the He family for help would at least guarantee Lv Jing's safety, which should pose no problem."

-> item 56

Translation: "But……"

-> item 57

Translation: "If He Jinghui knows about this, isn't that tantamount to Mu Nan Zhao knowing as well?"

-> item 58

Translation: "Must she go directly to beg Mu Nan Zhao? Gu Xixi let out a heavy sigh."

After a long while, when she opened her eyes again, her gaze had already returned to a state of calm.

It has truly come to a critical point; human life is of utmost importance—what's wrong with her going to seek Mu Nan Zhao?

After days of indecision, a decision was finally made at this moment.

Gu Xixi fell asleep peacefully.

Regent Prince's mansion, study.

The dark guards withdrew silently, and Mu Nan Zhao gazed at the burning secret letter in the lamp stand.

The warm glow of the lamps accentuated his eyes, making them ever clearer and colder, filled with killing intent.

"Grand Secretary Fan......"

The next day, Gu Xixi slept until late morning; upon waking, she felt that the fatigue accumulated over several days had vanished.

She felt refreshed and in good spirits, deciding to go downstairs for a hearty meal.

After washing up simply, she had just opened the door when she saw He Jinglan standing outside with a hand raised, looking surprised.

"I was just about to knock on the door......"

Gu Xixi laughed and said, "What a coincidence—come on, let's go downstairs for breakfast."

She spoke, stepping out hurriedly, and said, "How do you know I live here?"

He Jinglan's eyes flickered as she said, "I met An Qinghe and Jiang Mingyuan in the lobby; they had already eaten and were drinking tea. Why did you get up so late?"

Gu Xixi said, "I'm a bit tired, but I'm fine now."

When she reached the stairwell with no one around, she stared directly at He Jinglan and said, "You only told me how you found my room, but you haven't said how you knew I was staying at this inn."

"Is there any reason not to say it?"

He Jinglan sighed and said, "I'm not trying to hide it from you; I just saw you were eager to eat, so I wanted to wait until you finished before speaking, so as not to affect your appetite."

Gu Xixi teased, "So can we talk now?"

He Jinglan's expression turned solemn as she said, "Someone has been secretly investigating a group traveling from near Phoenix City to the capital, their carriage, and the features of several people, which closely resemble yours three, except there's an extra young woman. Could it be you three?"