Chapter 419

Jing'an City lies to the northeast of Qing Tian County; it is the capital city of Xi Bei and the largest city in all of Xi Bei.

Translate: Jing'an City is located northeast of Qing Tian County, it is the capital city of Xi Bei, and also the largest city in all of Xi Bei.

We need to keep meaning. Use "Jing'an City", "Qing Tian County", "Xi Bei". "capital city" = capital city. "largest city in all of Xi Bei" = largest city in all of Xi Bei.

Thus: Jing'an City is located northeast of Qing Tian County, it is the capital city of Xi Bei, and also the largest city in all of Xi Bei.

Check punctuation: keep commas.

This place is right next to the Grand Canal ferry crossing, enjoys water transport advantages, and land routes are also well connected.

Translate: It lies close to the Grand Canal ferry crossing, enjoys water transport advantages, and land routes are also well connected.

Thus: It lies close to the Grand Canal ferry crossing, enjoys water transport advantages, and land routes are also well connected.

The geographical advantage here is considered exceptionally favorable in Xi Bei.

Translate: In Xi Bei, its geographical advantage is exceptionally favorable.

Or: Its geographical advantage is considered exceptionally favorable in Xi Bei.

We'll choose: Its geographical advantage is considered exceptionally favorable in Xi Bei.

Consequently, Jing'an City's commerce is extremely prosperous, bearing nearly half of the tax revenue of all Xi Bei.

Translate: Therefore, Jing'an City's commerce is highly prosperous, bearing nearly half of Xi Bei's tax revenue.

Thus: Therefore, Jing'an City's commerce is highly prosperous, bearing nearly half of Xi Bei's tax revenue.

When Gu Xixi and the others entered the city, it was already near dusk, yet they still saw many people coming and going through the city gates.

Translate: Gu Xixi and the others entered the city as dusk approached, yet still saw many people coming and going through the city gate.

Thus: Gu Xixi and the others entered the city as dusk approached, yet still saw many people coming and going through the city gate.

Among them were merchant caravans and escort bureaus, with people speaking various regional accents gathering here.

Translate: Among them were caravans and escort agencies, with people speaking various regional accents gathering here.

Thus: Among them were caravans and escort agencies, with people speaking various regional accents gathering here.

Lv Jing lifted the curtain and kept looking outside excitedly.

Translate: Lv Jing lifted the curtain and kept looking outside excitedly.

Thus: Lv Jing lifted the curtain and kept looking outside excitedly.

She used to rarely go out from home, but now, for the first time accompanying Gu Xixi on a trip, her state of mind is completely different.

Translate: She rarely went out before, but now, accompanying Gu Xixi on her first official trip, her mood is completely different.

Thus: She rarely went out before, but now, accompanying Gu Xixi on her first official trip, her mood is completely different.

Once again, she found herself in a place she had never seen before, and naturally everything seemed interesting to her.

Translate: Arriving at a place she had never seen before, she naturally found everything interesting.

Thus: Arriving at a place she had never seen before, she naturally found everything interesting.

"The person leading the camels has red hair, unlike An Qinghe!"

Translate: "The person leading the camels has red hair, unlike An Qinghe!"

Thus: "The person leading the camels has red hair, unlike An Qinghe!"

"Those few people are leading monkeys and colorful birds—are they parrots? What do they do?"

Translate: "Those few people are leading monkeys and colorful birds—are they parrots? What do they do?"

Thus: "Those few people are leading monkeys and colorful birds—are they parrots? What do they do?"

"Hey, look at that stall—what vegetables is she selling? I've never seen them before."

Translate: "Look at that stall—what vegetables is she selling? I've never seen them before."

Thus: "Look at that stall—what vegetables is she selling? I've never seen them before."

…… (ellipsis). We need to output the line exactly as given? The line contains only "……". We should translate as "……"? Probably keep the ellipsis as is. Since it's not translatable, we output the same? The instruction: translate faithfully. Ellipsis is punctuation; we can keep as "……". So output: …… (same). We'll output exactly "……".

Gu Xixi, from behind, occasionally glanced back to answer the curious baby's questions.

Translate: Gu Xixi occasionally glanced back, clearing up the curious baby's doubts.

Thus: Gu Xixi occasionally glanced back, clearing up the curious baby's doubts.

Upon entering the city, Jiang Mingyuan rode his horse ahead.

Translate: Upon entering the city, Jiang Mingyuan rode ahead on horseback.

Thus: Upon entering the city, Jiang Mingyuan rode ahead on horseback.

At this moment he slowed his speed, waiting for the carriage to catch up, and spoke to Gu Xixi through the window:

Translate: Now he slowed his speed, waiting for the carriage to catch up, and said through the window to Gu Xixi:

Thus: Now he slowed his speed, waiting for the carriage to catch up, and said through the window to Gu Xixi:

"The government office has a relay station in the prefectural city; let's stay there."

Translate: "There's a relay station at the government office in the prefectural city; we'll stay there."

Thus: "There's a relay station at the government office in the prefectural city; we'll stay there."

"Let's wait until tomorrow morning to go visit the prefectural office."

Translate: "We'll visit the prefectural office tomorrow morning."

Thus: "We'll visit the prefectural office tomorrow morning."

Gu Xixi nodded, saying, "This is my first time coming to Jing'an; I'm not familiar with governmental affairs either."

Translate: Gu Xixi nodded, "This is my first time in Jing'an City; I'm not familiar with government affairs."

Thus: Gu Xixi nodded, "This is my first time in Jing'an City; I'm not familiar with government affairs."

"I'll follow everything Brother Zi Chu instructs."

Translate: "Everything will be as Brother Zi Chu directs."

Thus: "Everything will be as Brother Zi Chu directs."

Earlier, Gu Xixi had already taken a liking to a low-lying slope south of Qing Tian County.

Translate: Earlier, Gu Xixi had already taken a liking to a low slope south of Qing Tian County.

Thus: Earlier, Gu Xixi had already taken a liking to a low slope south of Qing Tian County.

Fertile land in Xi Bei is inherently scarce.

Translate: Fertile land in Xi Bei is inherently scarce.

Thus: Fertile land in Xi Bei is inherently scarce.

Good land suitable for growing grain had long been cleared by generations of Xi Bei people.

Translate: Good land suitable for grain cultivation had long been cleared by generations of Xi Bei people.

Thus: Good land suitable for grain cultivation had long been cleared by generations of Xi Bei people.

The remaining abandoned places are naturally not fertile soil.

Translate: The remaining abandoned places are naturally not fertile.

Thus: The remaining abandoned places are naturally not fertile.

Gu Xixi had long been mentally prepared for this; she wasn't seeking perfection, just hoping to stand out among the short.

Translate: Gu Xixi had long been mentally prepared for this; she didn't seek perfection, only the best among the poor options.

Thus: Gu Xixi had long been mentally prepared for this; she didn't seek perfection, only the best among the poor options.

Fortunately, she still managed to find it.

Translate: Fortunately, she still managed to find it.

Thus: Fortunately, she still managed to find it.

That place, due to its prevailing winds and terrain, receives more rainfall and is relatively warmer.

Translate: That place, due to its prevailing wind direction and terrain, receives more rainfall and is relatively warmer.

Thus: That place, due to its prevailing wind direction and terrain, receives more rainfall and is relatively warmer.

The conditions are barely suitable, plus irrigation is convenient; moreover, it lies under Qing Tian County's jurisdiction and is close to home.

Translate: The conditions are barely suitable, plus irrigation is convenient; it also happens to be under Qing Tian County's jurisdiction and close to home.

Thus: The conditions are barely suitable, plus irrigation is convenient; it also happens to be under Qing Tian County's jurisdiction and close to home.

Gu Xixi immediately gave her approval and informed Jiang Mingyuan of her decision.

Translate: Gu Xixi immediately approved and informed Jiang Mingyuan of her decision.

Thus: Gu Xixi immediately approved and informed Jiang Mingyuan of her decision.

After reviewing Gu Xixi's formally submitted plan and conducting an on-site inspection with the county's agricultural official, Jiang Mingyuan also approved her plan.

Translate: After Jiang Mingyuan reviewed Gu Xixi's formally submitted plan and conducted an on-site inspection with the county office's agricultural official, he also endorsed her plan.

Thus: After Jiang Mingyuan reviewed Gu Xixi's formally submitted plan and conducted an on-site inspection with the county office's agricultural official, he also endorsed her plan.

Although the low slope appeared small, the county's personnel surveyed it and found that the area Gu Xixi had marked out amounted to nearly five hundred mu.

Translate: Although the low slope appeared small, the county office's on-site survey found that the area Gu Xixi marked out amounted to nearly five hundred mu.

Thus: Although the low slope appeared small, the county office's on-site survey found that the area Gu Xixi marked out amounted to nearly five hundred mu.

In Xi Bei, arable land is extremely precious.

Translate: In Xi Bei, arable land is extremely precious.

Thus: In Xi Bei, arable land is extremely precious.

When the Northwestern Grand General Huo Jiang first came to power, in order to increase the region's total grain output, he specially agreed with the then prefect and issued a series of decrees known as the "Land Cultivation Order."

Translate: When General Huo Jiang of Xi Bei first assumed power, to increase the region's total grain output, he deliberately agreed with the then prefect and issued a series of decrees called the "Cultivation Field Order."

Thus: When General Huo Jiang of Xi Bei first assumed power, to increase the region's total grain output, he deliberately agreed with the then prefect and issued a series of decrees called the "Cultivation Field Order."

For example, arable land may not be privately bought or sold, left idle without reason, or repurposed without authorization.

Translate: For example, arable land may not be privately bought or sold, left idle without cause, or repurposed without authorization.

Thus: For example, arable land may not be privately bought or sold, left idle without cause, or repurposed without authorization.

Violators are subject to fines, corporal punishment, confiscation of farmland, or conscription into the army to perform hard labor, depending on the severity of the offense.

Translate: Violators face fines, beatings, confiscation of arable land, or conscription into the army for hard labor, depending on the severity of the offense.

Thus: Violators face fines, beatings, confiscation of arable land, or conscription into the army for hard labor, depending on the severity of the offense.

Therefore, if the plot Gu Xixi favored continues to lie fallow, naturally nothing will come of it.

Translate: Therefore, if the plot Gu Xixi favored continues to lie fallow, naturally nothing will come of it.

Thus: Therefore, if the plot Gu Xixi favored continues to lie fallow, naturally nothing will come of it.

But if the land is reclaimed and planted with crops, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Land Cultivation Order.

Translate: But if the land is reclaimed and planted with crops, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Cultivation Field Order.

Thus: But if the land is reclaimed and planted with crops, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Cultivation Field Order.

To this day, no one in Xi Bei has cultivated tea.

Translate: To this day, no one in Xi Bei has cultivated tea.

Thus: To this day, no one in Xi Bei has cultivated tea.

Tea plants are certainly not considered grain crops.

Translate: Tea trees are certainly not considered grain crops.

Thus: Tea trees are certainly not considered grain crops.

Would large-scale planting of tea trees be considered a violation of the order?

Translate: Does large-scale planting of tea trees constitute a violation of the order?

Thus: Does large-scale planting of tea trees constitute a violation of the order?

Moreover, all this wasteland is to be granted to Gu Xixi for use through a cooperative arrangement between the government and individuals.

Translate: Moreover, all this wasteland is to be granted to Gu Xixi for use through a collaboration between the government office and individuals.

Thus: Moreover, all this wasteland is to be granted to Gu Xixi for use through a collaboration between the government office and individuals.

How should the contract specifically be defined?

Translate: How should the contract specifically be defined?

Thus: How should the contract specifically be defined?

What authority does the government have in this arrangement?

Translate: What authority does the government office hold in this arrangement?

Thus: What authority does the government office hold in this arrangement?

How should future profits be divided?

Translate: How should future profits be divided?

Thus: How should future profits be divided?

…Many questions remain, and given the matter's importance, County Magistrate Jiang Mingyuan, with his rank, cannot make all the decisions alone.

Translate: …… Many questions, and given the importance, County Magistrate Jiang Mingyuan's rank alone cannot decide everything.

Thus: …… Many questions, and given the importance, County Magistrate Jiang Mingyuan's rank alone cannot decide everything.

Therefore, Jiang Mingyuan first wrote a letter to Prefect Xu.

Translate: So Jiang Mingyuan first wrote a letter to Prefect Xu.

Thus: So Jiang Mingyuan first wrote a letter to Prefect Xu.

After receiving approval, today Gu Xixi went to the prefectural city to discuss the details in person with Prefect Xu.

Translate: Having received approval, today Gu Xixi came to the prefectural city to discuss the details in person with Prefect Xu.

Thus: Having received approval, today Gu Xixi came to the prefectural city to discuss the details in person with Prefect Xu.

As long as this trip succeeds in obtaining an official document approved by the prefectural office.

Translate: As long as this trip succeeds in obtaining an official document approved by the prefectural office.

Thus: As long as this trip succeeds in obtaining an official document approved by the prefectural office.

Thereafter, the specific implementation can be fully overseen by Jiang Mingyuan as the local parental official.

Translate: Thereafter, the specific implementation can be fully directed by Jiang Mingyuan, the local Parent Official.

Thus: Thereafter, the specific implementation can be fully directed by Jiang Mingyuan, the local Parent Official.

Upon arriving at the relay station exterior, Gu Xixi and Lv Jing were about to get off the carriage.

Translate: Upon arriving outside the relay station, Gu Xixi and Lv Jing were about to get off the carriage.

Thus: Upon arriving outside the relay station, Gu Xixi and Lv Jing were about to get off the carriage.

Suddenly, a man in official attire emerged from the relay station and cupped his hands toward Jiang Mingyuan, saying:

Translate: Suddenly, a man in official uniform emerged from the relay station and cupped his hands toward Jiang Mingyuan, saying:

Thus: Suddenly, a man in official uniform emerged from the relay station and cupped his hands toward Jiang Mingyuan, saying:

"May I dare ask if you are the newly appointed Magistrate of Qing Tian County, Sir Jiang?"

Translate: "May I ask if you are the newly appointed County Magistrate of Qing Tian County, Sir Jiang?"

Thus: "May I ask if you are the newly appointed County Magistrate of Qing Tian County, Sir Jiang?"

Jiang Mingyuan dismounted and returned the salute.

Translate: Jiang Mingyuan dismounted and returned the salute.

Thus: Jiang Mingyuan dismounted and returned the salute.

Inside the carriage, Gu Xixi signaled Lv Jing to remain seated and observe the situation.

Translate: Inside the carriage, Gu Xixi signaled Lv Jing to remain seated and observe the situation.

Thus: Inside the carriage, Gu Xixi signaled Lv Jing to remain seated and observe the situation.

Only the conversation between the two outside could be heard.

Translate: Only the conversation between the two outside could be heard.

Thus: Only the conversation between the two outside could be heard.

Jiang Mingyuan said, "Exactly."

Translate: Jiang Mingyuan said: "Exactly."

Thus: Jiang Mingyuan said: "Exactly."

Regardless of who the other party is, he asks himself whether he has acted upright and sat properly, and finds nothing he cannot admit.

Translate: Regardless of who the other party is, he asks himself, having acted upright and sat properly, there's nothing he cannot admit.

Thus: Regardless of who the other party is, he asks himself, having acted upright and sat properly, there's nothing he cannot admit.

The other party said, "I am a ninth‑rank clerk of the prefectural office, my name is Quan."

Translate: The other party said: "I am a ninth-rank clerk of the prefectural office, Ren Quan."

Thus: The other party said: "I am a ninth-rank clerk of the prefectural office, Ren Quan."

"By order of Prefect Xu, I have come to welcome Magistrate Jiang and your guests to the welcoming banquet."

Translate: "By order of Prefect Xu, I have come to welcome you and your guests to the banquet."

Thus: "By order of Prefect Xu, I have come to welcome you and your guests to the banquet."

Jiang Mingyuan's voice still held a hint of scrutiny: "First meeting, how do you know this official?"

Ren Quan smiled and said, "Rumor has it that this year's Top Scholar bears himself exceptionally, not lacking at all compared to the third-place finisher."

"Just now I also saw you had a carriage following behind you, stopped in front of the official relay station, and that confirmed it about eighty or ninety percent."

Jiang Mingyuan saw the color of the official robe on this person's person, and indeed it was that of a ninth-rank official.

Moreover, seeing him openly walk out of the official relay station with his own eyes.

Jiang Mingyuan thus dispelled his doubts, clasped his hands and said, "Then please trouble Sir Ren to lead the way."

"However, please wait a moment longer."

Jiang Mingyuan turned and walked toward the carriage, speaking a few sentences in a low voice through the window.

Gu Xixi had actually already heard everything clearly.

After Jiang Mingyuan finished speaking, she calmly said, "I have nothing inconvenient."

"You just make the decision."

According to Gu Xixi's thoughts, of course she wanted to see the prefect himself as soon as possible.

For Jiang Mingyuan, the superiors had anticipated his arrival time, specially prepared a welcome banquet, and also sent people to wait in advance.

Tonight he has no choice; there is simply no reason to decline.

Thus, the party changed direction, following Ren Quan's carriage toward the government office.

The Houyuan of the government office was not lavishly decorated, nor were there many servants coming and going.

Ren Quan personally carried a lamp to lead the way, laughing and saying, "Our superior has always been frugal."

"Tonight, to entertain the distinguished guests, we have prepared a few more meat dishes than usual and brewed a vat of good wine."

"The banquet is mostly just some local specialty home-style dishes."

"So you three need not be formal; just treat it as ordinary conversation."

Jiang Mingyuan now also knows how to speak polite phrases: "I have long heard that Magistrate Xu is incorruptible, upright and unbiased, a model for us."

Ren Quan then asked about some matters of Qing Tian County.

The two talked only about officialdom; Gu Xixi wasn't very interested, merely silently rehearsing in her mind the words she had prepared beforehand.

Since they came for negotiations, she of course had to bring up all the points and strive for them.

The government office covers a large area; after passing several small gates, they finally arrived at the courtyard where the banquet was set.

No need to wait for servants to announce; Ren Quan led the guests directly toward the lit main house.

He loudly announced outside the door, "Magistrate Xu, Prince, County Magistrate Jiang, and the two distinguished guests have been brought."

Prince?

Jiang Mingyuan startled, could it be that the mysterious high official from Xi Bei spoken of in rumors is which Prince?

Gu Xixi also heard it, but she was still reviewing her plan, only subconsciously glancing at Jiang Mingyuan without thinking further.

As soon as Ren Quan's words fell, laughter from Magistrate Xu came from inside the house, accompanied by footsteps approaching the door.

"Please come in! Please come in quickly!"

"This old man can't wait any longer to see the true appearance of our newly crowned Top Scholar!"