#yao guang lu translations

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-8 Fly High and Escape Far Away (高飛遠遁)

Chapter 14-7

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The room was filled with the strong smell of medicine. Chen Xiu was reclining on a couch.

Princess: Is your injury any better?

Chen Xiu, whom I hadn't seen in days, tried to get up from the couch, but I gently pushed him back down.

Princess: You have injuries, you need to rest properly.

Chen Xiu was dressed in plain clothes, his face still somewhat pale. He must have already learned about the events that had unfolded.

His expression was filled with shame. Before I could even speak, he hastily explained.

Chen Xiu: It was indeed my fault for not informing you of the plan beforehand.

Chen Xiu: But I knew there were many spies within the Imperial Guard, and I was afraid that even the slightest leak would ruin everything. Initially, even Chen Qi was unaware...

Chen Xiu: How could we involve you in something we weren't even sure would succeed?

Chen Xiu finished speaking and waited for my response.

He looked paler and thinner. Despite his calm demeanor, I could guess that his injuries were far from minor.

Perhaps when Chen Qi learned the truth, Chen Xiu was still unconscious...

Princess: I don't blame you. Even before Ning Ji and Wang Jue revealed everything, I had already guessed.

Chen Xiu's eyes widened slightly, touched by my words.

Chen Xiu: You knew all along?

I sat down on the edge of Chen Xiu's bed and picked up his medicine bowl.

Princess: Yes. Because I always believed that you wouldn't truly leave.

-

Back in my own room, the night was already very deep.

I dismissed all the servants and sat alone at my desk, looking through the evidence of Gao Zhuo's crimes.

However, Gao Zhuo's words kept invading my thoughts, and I couldn't focus on anything.

In the Heavenly Prison, Gao Zhuo hadn't answered my question. He only spoke of a past event.

*Flashback*

Gao Zhuo stood bathed in moonlight, the cold light falling on his shoulders.

Gao Zhuo: Princess, before I became the head of the family, I was nothing.

Gao Zhuo: Before gaining power, human dignity and desires are things to be trampled upon in the dirt.

Gao Zhuo: Only one person told me that I could reach a position second only to the emperor.

Princess: Did you come this far because of that person?

Gao Zhuo slowly raised his hand, as if trying to grasp something, but then let it fall.

Gao Zhuo: Yes. To me, she was the only candlelight in a vast labyrinth. Without her, there would be no Gao Zhuo as I am today.

Princess: Who was that person?

This should have been the answer, the solution to the mystery. But Gao Zhuo seemed to be tightly sealing the wellspring of those words. He remained silent, so I pressed him.

Princess: I don't remember meeting you, but you recognize my face.

Princess: You searched for my whereabouts, monitored my movements, but it didn't seem like you coveted my identity or anything I possessed.

Princess: We were strangers, yet at that time...

I looked at his injured hand, cornering him with my words.

But Gao Zhuo lowered his head, avoiding my insistent gaze. A faint smile touched his lips, quickly disappearing.

Gao Zhuo: Princess, we have never met.

His smile was desolate. In that moment, I felt like I had seen that smile before, but the ripples in my memory faded, leaving the surface calm once more.

Gao Zhuo: What you want is still a Nancang without "aristocratic families," without me.

"Still"... why did he say "still"? My thoughts yielded no answers.

Princess: Gao Zhuo, you're not being truthful. Tell me...

But Gao Zhuo didn't respond to me with another word.

*Flashback over*

I sat at my desk, my mind heavy, replaying Gao Zhuo's words over and over.

It seemed to be a rainy night outside. The rain poured down, the night sky like an overturned inkstone, the raindrops falling and splashing into the room.

Princess: Wait...

I looked towards the window – it faced the veranda, and I never usually opened it.

Someone had been here!

I abruptly stood up. The wind carried the night rain into the room, scattering the documents piled on my desk.

An unfamiliar letter caught my eye.

Princess: "To the Princess..."

I opened the envelope, and a faint floral fragrance wafted out. A small object tucked inside slipped out and fell at my feet.

It was a white camellia, pressed and dried into the thickness of paper.

I recognized it. It was a dried flower note, favored by Nancang's scholars and artists.

White camellia... where had I seen it before? Why was this scent so familiar?

My gaze fell on the letter again. The handwriting was strong and forceful.

There was no signature. I frantically searched through the documents Ning Ji had brought, pulling out a confession written by Gao Zhuo himself. I placed it on the table, comparing the two texts word by word.

In the cold night, the handwriting on both pieces was identical.

There were only a few short words on the letter: "Princess, until we meet again."

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Chapter 15-1 (NOT RELEASED YET)

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[we-dont-have-anything-at-all]

I found this song a few weeks ago and I can’t stop listening to it. I finally looked up the lyrics, and I’m so glad they mean something nice!! I really want to be able to sing this song at karaoke sometime. 

Lyrics: (from here)

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Time spoiled us   only warmly flowing by It didn’t take anything away   instead left behind a great deal What we loved deeply   we loved even more Those who loved me still do   like sand in the wind, the stars accompany us as they did before What we only dreamed about   became reality One by one   they came true What once was empty is now full to the brim love love love Filled with   love love love   this is how happiness is I was once that ignorant Luckily the heavens looked out for me And arranged for you to be willing to understand and forgive me Because you resolutely held trust and keeping watch over us in your two hands Together creating such moving emotions Thankful for loving us on this road for so long You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I’ve decided no matter how much longer I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here I���m thankful that even though the world has changed so much You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I don’t need promises anymore I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here The sky became gray Then lit up again They were all spent together   they were all impactful They were the most precious treasure of them all The flowers bloomed   and then bloomed again My heart is still burning How could I have any regrets love love love It’s like there’s some sort of magic love love love   it’s the heaven of love Watching you resolutely with both hands Surround us with castles and oases   our tears overflowed Thankful for loving us on this road for so long You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I’ve decided no matter how much longer I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here I’m thankful that even though the world has changed so much You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I don’t need promises anymore I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here What surprises the future will bring Let’s slowly uncover them together As long as we are always loving Happily loving each other Time spoiled us Only warmly flowing by It didn’t take anything away   instead left behind a great deal Loving us along this road for so long You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I’ve decided no matter how much longer I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here I’m thankful that even though the world has changed so much You are always there Not once did you leave   you were always there I don’t need promises anymore I’ll have you here Because with your love   it is always here With you here   because with your love   it is always here With you here   because with your love   it is always here

PINYIN LYRICS

Shi guang en chong   zhi wen rou di liu guo Mei dai zou shen me   que liu xia le hao duo Shen ai de   geng ai le   ai wo de Hai ai zhe   feng she xing chen yi jiu xiang ban Xiang guo de   cheng zhen le Yi ge yi ge   shi xian le Wei man de yi jing tian man love love love Man man dou shi   love love love   xing fu wu fei zhe yang Ceng jing shi na yang meng dong Hai hao shang tian juan gu wo An pai le ni yuan yi li jie he bao rong Yin wei ni jian ding shuang shou Yi qi wan cheng gan dong Gan xie yi lu ai le zhe me jiu Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Jue ding bu guan zai duo jiu Wo dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan dou hui zai Gan xie shi jie bian le zhe me duo Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Yi jing bu xu yao cheng nuo Dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan do hui zai Tian hui le Tian you liang le Gong du de   dou shen ke Shi zui zui zhen gui de bao zang Hua kai le   you kai le Xin yi zhi   hai re zhe Na hai you shen me yi han love love love Xiang you mo li yi yang de love love love   jiu shi ai de tian tang Kan zhe ni jian ding shuang shou Wei cheng cheng bao he lu zhou   yan lei jiu hui chong dong Gan xie yi lu ai le zhe me jiu Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Jue ding bu guan zai duo jiu Wo dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan dou hui zai Gan xie shi jie bian le zhe me duo Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Yi jing bu xu yao cheng nuo Dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan do hui zai Wei lai hai you shen me jing cai Yi qi man man qu jie kai Wo men zhi yao yi zhi ai jiu dui le Tong kuai di xiang ai Shi guang en chong Zhi wen rou di liu guo Mei dai zou shen me   que liu xia le hao duo Yi lu ai le zhe me jiu Yi zhi dou hai zai Jue ding bu guan zai duo jiu Yong yuan dou hui zai Gan xie shi jie bian le zhe me duo Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Jue ding bu guan zai duo jiu Wo dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan dou hui zai Gan xie shi jie bian le zhe me duo Ni yi zhi dou hai zai Cong lai mei li kai   yi zhi dou hai zai Yi jing bu xu yao cheng nuo Dou hui you ni zai Yin wei you ni ai   yong yuan do hui zai You ni zai   yin wei you ni ai   yong yan do hui zai You ni zai   yin wei you ni ai   yong yan do hui zai

CHINESE LYRICS

时光恩宠　只温柔地流过 没带走什么　却留下了好多 深爱的　更爱了　爱我的 还爱着　风沙星辰依旧相伴 梦过的　成真了 一个一个　实现了 未满的已经填满 love love love 满满都是　love love love　幸福无非这样 曾经是那样懵懂 还好上天眷顾我 安排了你愿意理解和包容 因为你坚定双手 高举信任和守候 一起完成感动 感谢一路爱了这么久 你一直都还在 从来没离开　一直都还在 确定不管再多久 我都会有你在 因为有你爱　永远都会在 感谢世界变了这么多 你一直都还在 从来没离开　一直都还在 已经不需要承诺 都会有你在 因为有你爱　永远都会在 天灰了 天又亮了 共度的　都深刻 是最最珍贵的宝藏 花开了　又开了 心一直　还热着 哪还有什么遗憾 love love love 像有魔力一样的 love love love　就是爱的天堂 看着你坚定双手 围成城堡和绿洲　眼泪就会冲动 感谢一路爱了这么久 你一直都还在 从来没离开　一直都还在 确定不管再多久 我都会有你在 因为有你爱　永远都会在 感谢世界变了这么多 你一直都还在 从来没离开　一直都还在 已经不需要承诺 我都会有你在 因为有你爱　永远都会在 未来还有什么精采 一起慢慢去揭开 我们只要一直爱就对了 痛快地相爱 时光恩宠 只温柔地流过 没带走什么　却留下了好多 一路爱了这么久 一直都还在 确定不管再多久 永远都会在 感谢世界变了这么多 你一直都还在 从来没离开　一直都还在 已经不需要承诺 我都会有你在 因为有你爱　永远都会在 有你在　因为有你爱　永远都会在 有你在　因为有你爱　永远都会在

[bookofjin]

Fragments of the Hanzhao ji

[The Suishu bibliography lists He Bao’s Annals of Han and Zhao in 10 scrolls, but now only fragments remains, as fragments in the Taiping Yulan and similar works. These have been collected together by the Qing era scholar Tang Qiu. The source text can be found here: https://ctext.org/wiki.pl?if=en&chapter=701978

Tang Qiu at the end appends three fragments the Yulan attributes to the Book of Zhao. Tang Qiu argues these could not have come from Tian Rong’s Book of Zhao (also now only fragments left of), because Tian Rong’s book only dealt with the Shi of Later Zhao.

Below Tang Qiu’s notes appear in {}.]

He Bao's Annals of Han and Zhao.

Liu Cong's 3rd Year of Jiaping [313 AD], the Commandant of Justice, Chen Yuanda, was extremely admonishing. Cong was angry and wanted to behead him. Cong at the time favoured the Xingxiao Park's plum tree middle dais. Yuanda embraced the tree beneath the dais and shouted, saying:

The words by Your Subject are plans for the altars of soil and grain.

Cong made an effort to listen to him. Hence he changed the Plum Tree Dais to be Shamed [by the] Worthy Dais.

{Chuxueji 24. Yulan 176.}

The Marquis of Luyang, Wang Guang, courtesy name Guangzhi, was Inspector of West Yang province. At the end of Jin, he gathered the multitudes to escape the era. There was a Mei Fang of the Man who fanned the mountain barbarians to action and besieged Guang. The city was captured. The Man took Guang prisoner and wanted to turn him [?] to Fang.

Guang's daughter had a beautiful appearance. Fang pulled her in to enter, she considerably had favour. She entered through a ten day period. Wang waited until Fang was asleep, and pulled out a blade to behead Fang. Fang was startled and stood up, saying:

Why are you rebelling?

Wang scolded [him] saying:

Animal of the Man, I desire to execute the rebellious thieves, why speak of me rebelling? I have heard that with one's father's enemy one does not share the heavens, with one's mother's enemy one does not share the earth. Your rebellious treason is indescribable, [you] murdered this person's father and mother, and then without courtesy affronted this person.

The reason why I did not die is that I desired to execute you, that is all. Now death I myself will mete out, and not wait for you to kill. I only resent not getting to display your head at the roadway intersection, so as to close up the great shame.

Her phrases and manners were savage and sharp, her appearance had no change in form. She then killed herself. At the time she was 15 years old.

{Yulan 414.}

The Present Sovereign {Yao} killed Jin's Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Liang Wei, and summoned his wife, Ms. Xin. He crouched on the ground and greatly wept, raised her end and declared to the Present Sovereign, saying:

Your Handmaid has heard a woman does not twice pledge, a man uses righteous zeal. I have heard. Your Handmaid's husband is already dead, [I] manage not to live alone. [I] beg to attain sentencing and have the ministers for the earth send down the affair to my husband's father and mother. [?] Moreover a wife twice betrothed, Your Enlightened Excellency, likewise how [will you] make use of her?

Thereupon she she wept and wailed without ceasing. The Sovereign said:

Chaste wife, thus rely on it.

She likewise killed herself.

{Yulan 414}

[These two stories are also found in JS096, as well as several others on the same themes also involving Han-Zhao.]

Liu Cong's 3rd Year of Linjia [318 AD], the Heir-Apparent, Can, punished Zhao Tong and Guo Mo at Luoyang. Mo sent Geng Wei and others to at night cross north over the He, and ambush the Heir-Apparent's encampment. With lofty ladders they vaulted the palisades, and entered. The Heir-Apparent directed troops to the north-east, pushed through the palisade and left.

{Yulan 336}

The Present Sovereign's 2nd Year of Guangchu [319 AD], Shi Le summoned the multitudes of You and Ji, more than 100 000 people, built attack chariots and loft ladders, and attacked the lesser wall of Pingyang. The Present Sovereign dispatched 15 000 cavalry, dragging firewood and scattering ashes, clouding in the mountain valleys. Soon after Fen province turned towards Pingyang to inside and outside strike them. Le's host scattered.

{Yulan 236}

6th Year of Guangchu [326 AD], the Present Sovereign punished Chen An at Longcheng. Within the city they got news of An's death [?]. Chen An striving with swords, left and right all together brought it out. In Longshang there was a proverb which said:

Longshang's strong soldier was Chen An.

A zhang and eight snake spear winding left and right.

{Yulan 496}

Liu Yuan went to rule from Pingyang [?]. From the middle of the Fen river he obtained a white jade signet, 4 cun wide, 2 fen tall {some write obtained a white jade, 4 cun, 2 fen tall.} with a dragon knot. The writing said “Is a New Protector for It”. {Shilei fuzhu 9, Yulan 804.}

{Note that the below all are pulled from attributions to the Book of Zhao, [which I] suspect is likewise He Bao's book. Probably Tian Rong's Book of Zhao always recorded the affairs of the Shi, and is due to that also named Assembled Annals of the Two Shi, it does not speak then of Han-Zhao. For that reason [I have] for the moment appended them to the end of the Annals of Han and Zhao, to accordingly wait for examination.}

Zhao Ran assaulted Chang'an. The King of Qin, Ye, ran to the Sheyan Tower. The grappling fight reached Tianming, but [the city] was not overcome. {Yulan 176}

Liu Yao at Longmen from the middle of the He river obtained one jade signet, the writing said “Achieve Old age and Eternal Glory”. Yao considered it as Heaven bestowing a divine signet, he fasted for nine days and then accepted it. {Shuchao 131. Yulan 682}

Liu Yao punished Chen An below Longcheng. The junior generals Liu Yong, Zhao Lao and Lu Songduo strengthened the defences and did not come down. Within the city they got news of An's death, and therefore made song which said:

Longshang's strong son, named Chen An.

Though small in body, wide amidst the belly.

Cared for and fostered officers and men, the same in heart and liver.

The horse a swift dappled steed, with iron inlaid saddle.

Seven chi great sword, matched equally all over [?].

[With] a zhang and eight snake spear, winding left and right.

Ten times charged and ten times broke out, nobody were in front.

A hundred riders all set out, like drifting clouds.

The pursuing ten million, riding in haste and hurry.

In the battle's first three clashes, lost the snake spear.

Ten times the riders all charged, nine times the riders stopped.

He left our swift dapple, to climb the cliffs in grief.

Heaven greatly brought down rain, the pursuers rested.

A-ha hu-wu, how is it, Sir!

Wu-hu a-ha, what is it, Sir! [?]

{Yulan 353 & 465}

[I have not attempted to preserve the original’s rhyme structure. For a more poetic translation, see @fuyonggu‘s translation of a slightly different version here: http://the-scholars.com/viewtopic.php?p=615278#p614321]

[yaozaisheng]

Historical basis of YZS & translation notes

In light of the recent chapters, I did a little background search. In case you weren’t aware, Demons and Disasters (Yao Zai Sheng) is set during the Sui Dynasty and Doctor is loosely based off the crown prince of that time.

Some translation corrections:

Prince Jin should be Prince of Jin

Concubine Yuan should be Princess Yuan

Concubine Yun should be Consort Yun

Disinherit should be depose

History lesson under the cut

Yang Yong’s fate was unfair and ultimately tragic. As the crown prince to the throne, he was lenient, kind, and honest but he lacked the ambition and political inclination his brother, Yang Guang the Prince of Jin possessed.

Emperor Wen and Empress Dugu favored the younger brother and through many unlucky incidents, Yang Yong was ultimately deposed.

1. Yang Yong favoured luxuries, much to the chagrin of Emperor Wen, who favored frugality.

2. Yang Yong’s chief of staff Lu Ben tried to get him involved in a plot to take power from Emperor Wen’s favored officials.

3. The commoner Gao De submitted a petition to Emperor Wen, suggesting that he retire and pass the throne to Yang Yong.

4. At Dongzhi, Yang Yong openly welcomed officials to his palace, which Emperor Wen deemed inappropriate because Yang Yong was still a subject of the court, not the master.

5. Empress Dugu disfavored men who had many concubines, but Yang Yong, who did not favor his wife Crown Princess Yuan, had many, including the beautiful Consort Yun. When Yuan died suddenly from a heart ailment, both Emperor Wen and Empress Dugu suspected foul play. Yang Yong also had many children with his concubines which made Empress Dugu exceedingly displeased, 

8. Other than leading Sui to conquer the rival Chen dynasty, Yang Guang pretended to be frugal and loved only his wife Princess Xiao. He also conspired with another highly influential official, the general Yang Su, who caused Empress Dugu to persuade Emperor Wen to depose Yang Yong. 

9. Yang Yong, figuring something was wrong, tried to have witches deflect ill fortune from him and only further wrought suspicion from Emperor Wen. 

10. Finally, Yang Guang bribed Yang Yong’s associate to make false accusations against Yang Guang, so it would seem like Yang Yong was attacking him. Yang Su then made public denunciations against Yang Yong, which Emperor Wen concurred in. 

In winter 600, Emperor Wen ordered that Yang Yong be deposed, and executed a number of officials who were close to Yang Yong or who dared to speak on his behalf. 

Yang Guang was made crown prince to replace Yang Yong.

[theexcogitativelibrarium]

[Chen] Yeah

[All] Stop stop

[Chen] 会淋湿你的翅膀 hui lin shi ni de chi bang it will soak your wings

Oh hoo

[All] Stop stop

[Luhan] 你不断悄悄地入侵 ni bu duan qiao qiao de ru qin You constantly, stealthily invade

在我每一天的缝隙 zai wo mei yi tian de feng xi the breaks in my everyday life

放逐了黑色梦境 fang zhu le hei se meng jing Exiled to a dark dream

温柔将我唤醒 wen rou jiang wo huan xing your gentleness awakens me

来不及关上窗 lai bu ji guan shang chuang Too late to close the window

你远远地逃离 ni yuan yuan di tao li you flee far away

[Chen] 彷彿又迷路的你,你,你 pang fu you mi lu de ni, ni, ni The you, you, you who seems lost again

黑夜依然冷清 空气里失去你 hei ye yi ran leng qing kong qi li shi qu ni The dark night is still cold and lonely, I lose you to the air

So baby hold on 捨不得看着你 So baby hold on she bu de kan zhe ni So baby hold on, I can’t bear to look at you

在我追不上的距离 zai wo zhui bu shang de ju li At a distance that I cannot catch up to

担心你一个人孤寂 dan xin ni yi ge ren gu ji worried that alone you will be lonely

[All] 你在洒落的月光下沐浴 ni zai sa luo de yue guang xia mu yu You take a bath under the moonlight that spills down

[Luhan] 从未见过如此着迷的那神情 cong wei jian guo ru ci zhao mi de na shen qing I’ve never seen before an expression so captivating

[All] 凝结成画 在我视线尽头 ning jie cheng hua zai wo shi xian jin tou Frozen into a picture, at the end of my line of sight

[Chen] 你永远暂停 ni yong yuan zan ting You stay there forever

[All] 触摸不到的你 无法拥在臂弯里 chu mo bu dao de ni wu fa yong zai bi wan li You who I can’t touch, who I can’t pull into my arms

即使闭上眼睛 ji shi bi shang yan jing Even if I close my eyes

再也梦不到的神秘 zai ye meng bu dao de shen mi I can’t dream of that mysteriousness

[Chen] 不知如何下笔 bu zhi ru he xia bi I don’t know how to start moving my pen

写完你的 story xie wan ni de story and finish writing your story

愈是想要靠近 yu shi xiang yao kao jin The closer I want to get to you

愈痛苦的悲剧 yu tong ku de bei ju the more painful and tragic it is

[All] 爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

[Chen] 我阻止自己 焦急地呼唤你 wo zu zhi zi ji jiao ji de hu huan ni I stop myself from anxiously calling out for you

[All] 怕眼里月光 babe pa yan li yue guang babe Afraid that the moonlight in my eyes, babe

[Chen] 会淋湿你的翅膀 hui lin shi ni de chi bang will soak your wings

[Luhan] 我每次对你说 wo mei ci dui ni shuo Every time I tell you that

你早已听不见 ni zao yi ting bu jian you’ve long ago not been able to hear

也许在他身边 ye xu zai ta shen bian Perhaps you’re by his side

有怎样喜悦 you zen yang xi yue what kind of happiness is there

让你忘记所有危险 rang ni wang ji suo you wei xian that has made you forget all the dangers?

[All] 若你已经疲倦 ruo ni yi jing pi juan If you’re already tired

[Chen] 让你的心歇一歇 rang ni de xin xie yi xie let your heart rest for a while

只要你还在我心里 zhi yao ni hai zai wo xin li As long as you’re in my heart

心痛的不只是你 xin tong de bu zhi shi ni you won’t be the only one whose heart is hurting

[All] 你在洒落的月光下沐浴 ni zai sa luo de yue guang xia mu yu You take a bath under the moonlight that spills down

[Chen] 从未见过如此着迷的那神情 cong wei jian guo ru ci zhao mi de na shen qing I’ve never seen before an expression so captivating

[All] 凝结成画 在我视线尽头 ning jie cheng hua zai wo shi xian jin tou Frozen into a picture, at the end of my line of sight

[Luhan] 你永远暂停 ni yong yuan zan ting You stay there forever

[All] 触摸不到的你 无法拥在臂弯里 chu mo bu dao de ni wu fa yong zai bi wan li You who I can’t touch, who I can’t pull into my arms

即使闭上眼睛 ji shi bi shang yan jing Even if I close my eyes

再也梦不到的神秘 zai ye meng bu dao de shen mi I can’t dream of that mysteriousness

[Luhan] 不知如何下笔 bu zhi ru he xia bi I don’t know how to start moving my pen

写完你的 story xie wan ni de story and finish writing your story

愈是想要靠近 yu shi xiang yao kao jin The closer I want to get to you

愈痛苦的悲剧 yu tong ku de bei ju the more painful and tragic it is

[All] 爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

[Luhan] 我阻止自己 焦急地呼唤你 wo zu zhi zi ji jiao ji de hu huan ni I stop myself from anxiously calling out for you

[All] 怕眼里月光 babe pa yan li yue guang babe Afraid that the moonlight in my eyes, babe

[Chen] 会淋湿你的翅膀 hui lin shi ni de chi bang will soak your wings

[Luhan] 雨过天晴是你的伪装 yu guo tian qing shi ni de wei zhuang Clear skies after the rain is your pretense

总是对我微笑是你的坚强 zong shi dui wo wei xiao shi ni de jian qiang always smiling at me is your strength

而脆弱的是你白色的肩膀 er cui ruo de shi ni bai se de jian bang And your white fragile shoulders

轻轻颤抖着悲伤 II’m telling you qing qing chan dou zhe bei shang I’m telling you gently shaking with sadness, I’m telling you

[Chen] 我的心是敞开的窗 wo de xin shi chang kai de chuang My heart is an open window

你可以放下所有的安躺 ni ke yi fang xia suo you de an tang you can put down everything and lie down in peace

拥抱直到天亮 跟着月幕下那光 你继续 yong bao zhi dao tian liang gen zhe yue mu xia na guang ni ji xu Hug till the sun comes up, following the light from the moon, you continue to wander

追寻明天的流浪 yeah zhui xun ming tian de liu lang yeah looking for tomorrow yeah

[All] 触摸不到的你 无法拥在臂弯里 chu mo bu dao de ni wu fa yong zai bi wan li You who I can’t touch, who I can’t pull into my arms

即使闭上眼睛 ji shi bi shang yan jing Even if I close my eyes

再也梦不到的神秘 zai ye meng bu dao de shen mi I can’t dream of that mysteriousness

不知如何下笔 bu zhi ru he xia bi I don’t know how to start moving my pen

写完你的 story xie wan ni de story and finish writing your story

愈是想要靠近 yu shi xiang yao kao jin The closer I want to get to you

愈痛苦的悲剧 yu tong ku de bei ju the more painful and tragic it is

[All] 爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

[Chen] Tonight

[All] 爱难以抗拒 ai nan yi kang ju Love is hard to reject

stop, stop, stop, stop, yeah

[Chen] Tonight

[Luhan] 我阻止自己 焦急地呼唤你 wo zu zhi zi ji jiao ji de hu huan ni I stop myself from anxiously calling out for you

[All] 怕眼里月光 babe pa yan li yue guang babe Afraid that the moonlight in my eyes, babe

[Chen] 会淋湿你的翅膀 hui lin shi ni de chi bang will soak your wings

[Luhan] 会淋湿你的翅膀 hui lin shi ni de chi bang will soak your wings

Credits: http://colorcodedlyrics.com/2014/05/exo-m-moonlight

https://alwaysdreaminghigh.com/2014/06/02/lyrics-exo-m-moonlight-simplified-chinese-pinyin-and-english-translation/

[pcyeona-blog]

EXO – Walk On Memories (기억을 걷는 밤) 'The War' ROMANIZATION eoneu nal bich-eulo nege dah-eun mogsoli ib majchudeus mollae neoleul kkaeun sogsag-im-e salmyeosi yeollideon kkum-eul dam-eun ne nunbich nal gidalin deus-i neon miso jieossji Yeah neoui gyeot-e sappunhi anj-a insal geonne aleumdawossdeon geu ttaelo dol-agalyeo hae eoneusae huimihaejyeo ganeun gieog-eul ttala oneul bam neol delyeogalge hayahge bichnan byeoldeul-i gadeug ssod-ajin seolleneun i gil-eul hamkke geol-eoga ne nundongja-e seonmyeonghi bichin jamdeun i sesang-i nuntteugi jeon-e amudo mollae Do it do it do it do it do it do it bamsae geol-eobwa Do it do it do it do it do it do it balgeol-eum dahneun gosmada hwanhi pyeolchyeojin geu gil ttala neowa geodgo sip-eun aleumdaun bam neol geuliwohamyeo bonaen sigan-ui teoneol jina dasi naege neoege dol-agal gihoel jungeoya yeojeonhi neon gieog sog geudaelo salangseuleon mogsoli saebyeog gat-eun ne nunbichdo neoui jag-eun sondeung-e saljjag ibmajchum hae saeloun yeohaeng-eul dasi sijaghalyeo hae meolli seonmyeonghi deullyeooneun seon-yul-eul ttala oneul bam neol delyeogalge hayahge bichnan byeoldeul-i gadeug ssod-ajin seolleneun i gil-eul hamkke geol-eoga ne nundongja-e seonmyeonghi bichin jamdeun i sesang-i nuntteugi jeon-e amudo mollae Do it do it do it do it do it do it bamsae geol-eobwa Do it do it do it do it do it do it balgeol-eum dahneun gosmada hwanhi pyeolchyeojin geu gil ttala neowa geodgo sip-eun aleumdaun bam jeomjeom gakkawojineun i gil kkeut-e aju olaen gidoga dah-eun geuttae kkumkkwoon naeil-i uli ap-e hwanhage balg-aol teni nunbusin geumbich haes-sal-i gadeug ssod-ajyeo hwanhage bichnan neo aleumdawoseo nae nundongja-e seonmyeonghi dam-a jamdeun i sesang-i nuntteugi jeon-e ije nun-eul tteo Do it do it do it do it do it do it ij-ji mal-ajwo Do it do it do it do it do it do it eonjenga neoui yeop-eseo balgeol-eum majchwo geu gil ttala hamkke geodgo sip-eun aleumdaun bam PINYIN ye mu xia na wei guang ti wo qing qing sa xiang ni fang fu yi wen qian qian xi ni de chun jiang ni huan xing na yi yan chen feng de mei meng qing qing de kai qi ni wei wei de yi xiao duo zou wo de hu xi Yeah jing jing de zai ni shen bian pei ni liao dao ru shui meng jing ban de fen wei rang wo hao xiang zai hui wei yan zhe lu gan wang mo hu xiao lian shi shei zai hu zhao jin ye wo jue dui bu fang diao gen zhe wo man bu zai mu ye ting liu de di fang xing guang zhui man bu dao ni xue bai ru hua jiao jie de lei guang ni ai de jue jiang chen chen shui de shi jie su xing qian ao xiang wei yi de mi mi Do it do it do it do it do it do it shen me dou you ni Do it do it do it do it do it do it xiang he ni yi lu dou ji nian yi shuang shuang yin ji wu xian yan xu ke xia yan tu hui yi zui zui mei de ye xiang ni hen jiu zhong yu chuan yue shi jian fei dao ni shen chu chong xin gei wo yi ge ji hui neng gou zai ba ni bao zhu zai jian mian ji yi zhong mei li nv hai ke ai tiao pi de yu diao he ni chen xi ban de guang cai peng qi hai zi ban xiao xiao shou bei qing qing yi wen wei yi de xin yuan shi he ni ta shang xin lv cheng miao zhun le gu fang zi shang de shen ying ke hua shang ji hao jin ye wo jue dui bu fang diao gen zhe wo man bu zai mu ye ting liu de di fang xing guang zhui man bu dao ni xue bai ru hua jiao jie de lei guang ni ai de jue jiang chen chen shui de shi jie su xing qian ao xiang wei yi de mi mi Do it do it do it do it do it do it shen me dou you ni Do it do it do it do it do it do it xiang he ni yi lu dou ji nian yi shuang shuang yin ji wu xian yan xu ke xia yan tu hui yi zui zui mei di ye gan jue liang tiao xian zheng zai man man jiao hui qi dao le duo shao sui yue yi ge shun jian zeng meng jian de ming tian kuai neng shi xian shan yao zhe jiang lin zai yan qian qian zhe ni yi lu de yang guang ying zhao zai shen shang sa luo jin se guang mang ni de ai zhan fang (ni he wo de ai zhan fang Yeah) chun jie de mu yang yin zai wo xin shang chen chen shui de shi jie su xing qian ao xiang (fei xiang ) zheng kai ni shuang yan Do it do it do it do it do it do it qian wan bie yi wang Do it do it do it do it do it do it jiang he ni meng wai zai xiang jian lian cheng yi ke xin yan xu hui yi zou wan na tiao xiao jing zui zui mei de ye KOREAN 어느 날 빛으로 네게 닿은 목소리 입 맞추듯 몰래 너를 깨운 속삭임에 살며시 열리던 꿈을 담은 네 눈빛 날 기다린 듯이 넌 미소 지었지 Yeah 너의 곁에 사뿐히 앉아 인살 건네 아름다웠던 그 때로 돌아가려 해 어느새 희미해져 가는 기억을 따라 오늘 밤 널 데려갈게 하얗게 빛난 별들이 가득 쏟아진 설레는 이 길을 함께 걸어가 네 눈동자에 선명히 비친 잠든 이 세상이 눈뜨기 전에 아무도 몰래 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 밤새 걸어봐 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 발걸음 닿는 곳마다 환히 펼쳐진 그 길 따라 너와 걷고 싶은 아름다운 밤 널 그리워하며 보낸 시간의 터널 지나 다시 내게 너에게 돌아갈 기횔 준거야 여전히 넌 기억 속 그대로 사랑스런 목소리 새벽 같은 네 눈빛도 너의 작은 손등에 살짝 입맞춤 해 새로운 여행을 다시 시작하려 해 멀리 선명히 들려오는 선율을 따라 오늘 밤 널 데려갈게 하얗게 빛난 별들이 가득 쏟아진 설레는 이 길을 함께 걸어가 네 눈동자에 선명히 비친 잠든 이 세상이 눈뜨기 전에 아무도 몰래 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 밤새 걸어봐 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 발걸음 닿는 곳마다 환히 펼쳐진 그 길 따라 너와 걷고 싶은 아름다운 밤 점점 가까워지는 이 길 끝에 아주 오랜 기도가 닿은 그때 꿈꿔온 내일이 우리 앞에 환하게 밝아올 테니 눈부신 금빛 햇살이 가득 쏟아져 환하게 빛난 너 아름다워서 내 눈동자에 선명히 담아 잠든 이 세상이 눈뜨기 전에 이제 눈을 떠 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 잊지 말아줘 Do it do it do it do it do it do it 언젠가 너의 옆에서 발걸음 맞춰 그 길 따라 함께 걷고 싶은 아름다운 밤 ENGLISH TRANSLATION One day the voice touching you with light Like a kiss, a secret whisper that awakens you Your eyes with a dream that opened gently You smile as you wait for me. Sit down by your side and give him a killer. I was going back to that time when I was beautiful. Following the fading memory I’ll take you to you tonight. Pouring stars filled with white stars Walking along this road together It’s clear in your eyes Before the world that was asleep Do not let anyone do it Walk all night Do it do it do it do it do it Everywhere you walk I want to walk with you along the way A beautiful night I miss you and pass the tunnel of time I gave it back to you again. Still in your memory A lovely voice Your eyes look like dawn Kiss your little little one. I want to start a new trip again. Follow a melodious melody I’ll take you to you tonight. Pouring stars filled with white stars Walking along this road together It’s clear in your eyes Before the world that was asleep Do not let anyone do it Walk all night Do it do it do it do it do it Everywhere you walk I want to walk with you along the way A beautiful night At the end of this road getting closer When a very long prayer arrives Our dream is tomorrow before us I’ll brighten up. Dazzling golden sunshine pours You shine brightly. Take it clear in my eyes Before the world that was asleep Now I open my eyes Do it do it do it do it do it Do not forget it Do it do it do it do it One day, step on your side. I want to walk along the way A beautiful night

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-7 Cage of a Trapped Beast (困獸之籠)

Chapter 14-6

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Several days had passed since the palace coup. Ning Ji piled all the evidence of Gao Zhuo's crimes onto my desk.

Gao Zhuo, for the sake of his own power, had allowed the aristocratic families to dominate, controlled the succession of the throne, and obstructed Ning Ji's reforms… his crimes were indeed countless.

He even went so far as to condone the conflict between the aristocratic families and Ning Ji's faction to eliminate his opponents, leading to the Ding Chao Tai disaster.

Each and every accusation was irrefutable.

Ning Ji: Princess, you contributed greatly. Without your assistance, it would have been very difficult to achieve this victory.

Ning Ji: A centipede may be dead, but it doesn't stiffen. According to the law... Gao Zhuo must be executed, of course. However, His Majesty wishes to leave the final decision to you, Princess.

Ning Ji: And naturally, His Majesty will also fulfill all the promises he made to you... Princess? Princess?

Princess: Continue, I'm listening.

Ning Ji noticed my distraction and stopped speaking.

Ning Ji: I have been occupied with official duties these past few days, so I won't disturb you further, Princess. Please take your time reviewing Gao Zhuo's crimes.

With a knowing look, Ning Ji untied the token from his waist, placed it on the stack of documents, and turned to leave.

Princess: It's a pass to the Heavenly Prison...

I looked in the direction Ning Ji had departed. He was always perceptive, so it wasn't surprising that he had noticed my odd behavior.

But how did he guess that I still had questions for Gao Zhuo?

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The Heavenly Prison was cold and damp. Using Ning Ji's token, I made my way to its deepest depths.

Heavily guarded and devoid of sunlight, a dim and flickering candle illuminated the cell at the very end.

Gao Zhuo sat inside, his clothes only slightly dusty, his hair disheveled, but he didn't look like a defeated prisoner.

The narrow passage amplified my footsteps. He looked up, his eyes widening slightly.

Princess: Didn't expect me to come?

Gao Zhuo: I did. But I didn't think you would actually come.

Gao Zhuo sat with his back straight, gesturing to the straw mat in front of him with a wry smile.

Gao Zhuo: Unfortunately, I can't offer you a good cup of tea here.

For some reason, I wanted to be closer to him. At the very least, I shouldn't be separated by these bars, unable to clearly see his expression.

I stepped into the cell. Gao Zhuo reacted quickly, tossing a simple but clean felt blanket at my feet.

I quietly accepted it, placing it beneath me, finally sitting face to face with him.

Princess: I came here to ask for clarification on something.

Gao Zhuo: Alright.

Princess: During the palace coup, if I hadn't appeared, you would have killed Wang Jue. With the emperor dead, you had already prepared a young successor...

Princess: By then, even if Chen Qi arrived, it would have been too late. Instead, you would have captured him, eliminating any future threat.

Gao Zhuo sat cross-legged, his hands clasped in front of him. His lips were tightly pursed, simply listening.

Princess: From what you and Chen Qi said, Wang Jue's deception didn't fool you.

Gao Zhuo: I wasn't entirely certain. Stationing troops at that crucial location was a gamble on my part.

Princess: Why didn't you act decisively?

Princess: I clearly had no leverage. In that case, why didn't you kill me as well?

Gao Zhuo pursed his lips, his face slightly pale.

Gao Zhuo: I would also like to ask, why didn't you let Chen Qi kill me then?

Gao Zhuo: My confession has already been signed and sealed. It should be on your desk by now.

Princess: I didn't say that to keep you alive for interrogation.

My gaze fell on Gao Zhuo's injured hand.

Princess: I just didn't want you to die.

Gao Zhuo's eyelashes trembled slightly. In the dead silence, our breaths mingled, clearly audible.

After a moment of stunned silence, Gao Zhuo let out a long, soft sigh.

Gao Zhuo: I knew all along that your appearance was likely due to the trap I had set for myself.

Gao Zhuo: I knew you wanted to protect Wang Jue because you wanted Nancang. I willingly stepped into this trap, and I have no regrets.

Princess: Gao Zhuo, were you truly acting for the good of Nancang, or for yourself?

Gao Zhuo: You have been a princess for so long that you see Nancang as your own vassal state. Wang Jue is the same, and so is Ning Wu.

Gao Zhuo: They would rather live comfortably under Dacheng's wing, continuously exploited, than fight to take Nancang's fate into their own hands.

Princess: How can you be sure that Ning Ji and Wang Jue are not loyal to me? Perhaps their vision for Nancang is no different from yours.

Gao Zhuo: If I were in control of Nancang, I would have given you those things anyway.

At this point, Gao Zhuo looked up at me, his eyes as cold as ice.

Gao Zhuo: Princess, I have lost today, and I am willing to accept defeat.

Gao Zhuo: However... Ning Ji believes in ruling by law, but he doesn't understand that the human heart is difficult to discern. Wang Jue holds a grudge against the aristocratic families, but he doesn't understand that without them, Nancang would be at the mercy of others.

Gao Zhuo: Trusting others in a struggle is like handing them a dagger, which will eventually be turned against you.

Princess: If you don't trust anyone, why did you trust me then? Why didn't you strike?

Gao Zhuo didn't answer. He simply brushed the candle flame on the table with his sleeve.

The Heavenly Prison was plunged into darkness. Only a small hole high on the wall allowed a sliver of cold moonlight to spill in.

Gao Zhuo: Princess, I never trusted you. At that moment, I simply... wanted to see you.

His words made it impossible for me to ignore the question that was stirring within me, about to break free.

Princess: Lord Gao, have we met before?

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Chapter 14-8

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-6 Not Even One Reed is Formed (未成一簧)

Chapter 14-5

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Minister: Who? Who has come to our rescue?!

The detained officials erupted in commotion, their excited cries echoing through the hall. Gao Zhuo looked at me and quickly understood.

Gao Zhuo: I see... So it was him you were waiting for.

The thunder of hooves filled the air, a trail of lit torches stretching from the palace gates, and a majestic black banner with the image of a tiger fluttered in the wind, planted firmly amidst the ranks.

It was the standard of the Black Cloud Cavalry.

Many in the hall hadn't yet grasped what was happening outside.

Cold, sharp blades pressed against the officials' necks, the emperor trapped with no way out, the situation seemingly hopeless.

Until the night began to fade, and the first light of dawn crept in. As the darkness receded, the Imperial Guards in the hall grew restless.

Imperial Soldier A: Is it really Chen Qi? If it's the Black Cloud Cavalry, then we...

Imperial Soldier B: No way, the emperor killed Chen Xiu. Chen Qi and the Black Cloud Cavalry abandoned the emperor long ago. We saw them being driven away at the city gates that day...

Imperial Soldier A: But listen to the sounds outside...

The two whispered to each other for a moment before the Commander of the Imperial Army silenced them with a look.

Commander of Imperial Army: Chen Xiu is dead, Chen Qi is far away at the royal mausoleum, and the palace is surrounded by Imperial Guards. What are you afraid of?

The two shrank back, not daring to speak. As if to prove that everything was under control, the Commander walked towards the closed hall doors.

Creak—

The heavy doors slowly swung open, a beam of pale dawn piercing the dim hall.

Within the hall, some were resigned to their fate, others filled with regret, but only Gao Zhuo's face underwent a drastic change.

Commander of Imperial Army: Lord Gao, that's...

His unfinished words were cut short. A cold light flashed through the air, striking the man between his eyebrows with tremendous force.

The Commander instantly lost all signs of life, collapsing to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

Only the arrow embedded in his forehead remained, its feathers still quivering in the air.

Chen Qi: This general, Chen Qi, has arrived to rescue His Majesty, though I am late!

The detained officials in the hall were first incredulous, then several black-clad figures, fierce and unmatched in their valor, stormed into the hall.

Throughout Nancang, who else could it be but the Black Cloud Cavalry?

Everyone was invigorated, erupting in cheers.

Ministers: General Chen! General Chen!

In an instant, the tide had turned.

The rebels in the hall instantly crumbled like a pile of loose sand, ready to scatter like frightened birds.

Gao Zhuo, decisive as ever, snatched a sword from someone's waist and slashed at one of the fleeing soldiers. He was calm and collected, the sword rising and falling, blood splattering.

Gao Zhuo: The emperor has isolated himself from Heaven and cannot hold onto the mandate. These rebels are stubbornly clinging to their misguided ways. Kill them without mercy!

Intimidated by Gao Zhuo's authority, the rebels in the hall rallied, picking up their weapons.

Imperial Soldier A: Lord Gao, our forces are scattered throughout Bai Yu Jing. I'm afraid we won't be able to hold the palace for long...

But Gao Zhuo didn't panic. He wiped the blood from his sword with his sleeve, his expression indifferent.

Gao Zhuo: Defend the hall. Reinforcements are on their way.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, the hall doors, which had just been closed with the combined effort of the Imperial Guards, were once again flung open.

Chen Qi led the charge, the Black Cloud Cavalry close behind. He was bathed in blood, his bright armor gleaming menacingly in the candlelight.

Like a war god from the Asura realm.

Chen Qi: It's a shame, Lord Gao, that you didn't even get to sit on the throne you so desperately desired, not even for a moment.

Gao Zhuo wasn't flustered. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Gao Zhuo: I had men stationed along the route you would have to take from the royal mausoleum back to the palace.

Gao Zhuo: You dealt with them all?

Chen Qi raised his right hand. In his bloodstained grip, he held a shattered ghost mask.

Chen Qi: Is this what you're referring to, Lord Gao?

Chen Qi: They were indeed formidable, inflicting significant casualties on my Black Cloud Cavalry.

Chen Qi: However, they couldn't stop this general.

Even Gao Zhuo's composure finally faltered.

He twirled the sword in his hand, holding it horizontally in front of him.

Princess: Chen Qi, don't kill him!

Naturally, Chen Qi accepted the challenge. He looked at me and nodded solemnly.

I felt as if I heard his unspoken words: "Trust me."

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Chapter 14-7

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-5 A Familiar Stranger (相識未識)

Chapter 14-4

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Before I left, Li Rui gave me a pair of incredibly strong wrist guards, and it was only because of them that I dared to stand in front of Wang Jue.

But clearly, no one present expected Gao Zhuo to react this way because of me.

The Imperial Guard who'd attacked was dumbfounded. He knelt on the ground, pleading for forgiveness, but Gao Zhuo ignored him, simply releasing me, his expression returning to normal.

Princess: "For someone like him?" Gao... Lord Gao, don't forget, this realm originally belonged to the Wang clan.

Gao Zhuo let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Gao Zhuo: Yet the emperor is incompetent and incapable of ruling. I would rather betray the emperor than betray the people of this land.

Princess: So you're doing this for the people of Nan Cang?

Gao Zhuo: Of course not in your eyes. To you, I'm nothing more than a treacherous official abusing his power... am I right?

For a fleeting moment, I felt like this conversation had happened somewhere before.

But before I could fully grasp that strange, familiar feeling, Gao Zhuo turned his head to look at Wang Jue, his eyes filled with disdain.

Gao Zhuo: I once suspected that the Wang branch I helped install wasn't as foolish as the late emperor. And that this emperor hadn't truly lost his mind, that he was still as intelligent as he was in his youth.

Gao Zhuo: That to avoid suspicion and protect himself, he had to endure humiliation and deliberately feign stupidity under my watch...

Gao Zhuo: It seems that suspicion was not unfounded.

Wang Jue looked at him silently, neither confirming nor denying.

Gao Zhuo: Do you want to save his life?

I was so focused on whether Gao Zhuo would lash out again that I didn't realize he was asking me.

Princess: Yes. Now that the Chen family has broken with the emperor, he has no one to rely on.

Princess: A beast without its fangs can no longer hunt and will eventually starve to death.

Gao Zhuo listened, one hand gripping the wrist of his injured arm, seemingly trying to suppress the pain.

His fingers dug deep into his flesh, yet his expression remained calm and indifferent.

Gao Zhuo: What will you offer me in exchange for his life?

Gao Zhuo: A few words from you aren't enough to make me spare him.

Princess: I came to Nan Cang because there's something I want here. And the reason Lord Gao is willing to sit down and talk now is because I have something you want.

Princess: Each takes what they need, a win-win situation for both sides. How about it?

I thought Gao Zhuo would at least agree, but instead, he just stared at me in silence.

Gao Zhuo: You wouldn't know what I want.

Princess: It's nothing more than power and status. Overthrowing the rightful order, forcing the emperor to abdicate, isn't it all for these things?

Gao Zhuo's expression remained unchanged. I didn't know if my words had missed the mark or if he simply wasn't listening.

All I knew was that I had to stall for time, even if it was just a minute or a second, as long as Chen Qi could arrive in time...

I looked at Wang Jue, whose life hung in the balance, my own voice unconsciously growing hoarse.

Princess: Have you made up your mind? Must you kill Wang Jue and bear the infamy of regicide?

Gao Zhuo: I don't care.

Gao Zhuo: My reputation, the criticism of the people... these things hold no meaning for me. Using them as bargaining chips, you will lose.

Despite the critical moment, despite my lack of any leverage against him, his tone remained gentle and persuasive, not at all anxious.

Fleeting memories flickered, threatening to surface.

Gao Zhuo: Sympathy for the weak will not lead to a good outcome. You are still so soft-hearted.

I looked at him again, and Gao Zhuo was also gazing at my face, his eyes distant, as if reminiscing about the past. Yet we had no past, and I didn't understand why he wore such an expression.

Princess: Why?

I couldn't help but ask, and although I quickly stopped myself, Gao Zhuo still heard. He swiftly masked his expression.

Gao Zhuo: Why what?

My thoughts were like a stirred pool of water, chaotic and turbulent. I didn't even know what I should ask him.

Seeing my silence, Gao Zhuo suddenly let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Gao Zhuo: Princess, after all this time... has the person you're waiting for still not arrived?

As soon as he finished speaking, a faint tremor rippled through the night sky outside the hall, which had fallen silent.

Faint, yet undeniable.

A moment later, a man rushed through the main doors, panic-stricken.

Officer: Lord... Lord Gao! Someone has stormed the palace!

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Chapter 14-6

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-4 Coup D'état in Nancang (南滄政變)

Chapter 14-3

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Outside the hall, the clash of swords echoed, the sounds of fighting drawing relentlessly closer. The thud of blades tearing through flesh, though muffled, was terrifying.

Several eunuchs shielded the three of us inside, all holding their breath.

Gradually, however, the sounds from outside grew fainter.

After a period of silence, one eunuch cautiously edged towards the door. Still no sound.

He pressed his ear against the door, seemingly relieved, but then—

Crash! The doors were flung open by something solid, and a thick, pungent wave of blood washed over the hall.

Attendant: Ugh—ah!

The cold gleam of a blade sliced through the night as the hall doors swung wide, black-clad rebels raising their swords.

The eunuch's expression remained frozen, but a splash of crimson splattered against the dark night sky.

In the shifting light and shadow, a figure appeared, their robes embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns. Blood-stained rebels, humble and respectful, flanked the newcomer.

I couldn't help but look up at him.

Sword-like brows, eyes sharp as blades. He wore a long, purple robe, its sleeves billowing in the night wind.

Outside, the storm raged, dark clouds swirling. He was almost entirely swallowed by the night.

His eyes swept over everyone in the hall. Though he carried no sword and wore no armor, he still exuded an overwhelming aura of power.

Gao Zhuo: Seize them.

The rebels behind him surged into the hall, apprehending us one by one.

Ning Ji and I were roughly shoved to the ground, the weight on our shoulders and backs making it nearly impossible to lift our heads.

Imperial Guard: ...Huh?

One of the rebels beside me looked me over curiously and addressed Gao Zhuo.

Imperial Guard: Why is there a woman here? Lord Gao! What should we do with her?

Gao Zhuo pondered for a moment before approaching and leaning down. His robes were luxurious, their silken edges carrying a chilling coldness that touched my skin.

A hand forced my head up to face him.

Gao Zhuo: ...

Gao Zhuo: What are you doing here?

He recognized me.

He knew what I looked like, and he knew I shouldn't be here.

Upon seeing my face, Gao Zhuo froze, his eyes betraying an undeniable surprise.

Princess: Do you recognize me, Lord Gao?

Gao Zhuo seemed to snap back to his senses. He straightened up, putting distance between us, his expression now hidden from my view.

Gao Zhuo: Untie her.

Irritation laced his voice, but I couldn't fathom the reason.

Imperial Guard: But Chancellor, this woman's origins are unknown. She's clearly suspicious and should be executed on the spot—

Gao Zhuo didn't say another word, his icy glare silencing the Imperial Guard.

The two hurriedly untied me, but Gao Zhuo didn't deal with me immediately.

Gao Zhuo: You've arrived just in time. It would be a shame to miss such an important spectator.

Gao Zhuo took a silk scroll from a subordinate and abruptly unfurled it before Wang Jue. One end hit the floor with a thud, the scroll rolling open.

Wang Jue: "This King suffers from many ailments, and within, fears being unable to manage the myriad affairs of state, and without, fears inevitable criticism. Now desires to abdicate"—

Wang Jue: What is the meaning of this?

Gao Zhuo nodded slightly, and a subordinate presented a thick stack of documents, placing them on the desk.

Gao Zhuo: These are the cumulative medical records from the Imperial Hospital concerning Your Majesty. Your Majesty is indeed weak and sickly, and it is difficult for you to bear the weight of the throne. This is plain for all the officials to see.

Wang Jue didn't react.

Wang Jue: I don't understand, and I won't stamp it.

Gao Zhuo paced slowly around the hall.

Gao Zhuo: I know you were afflicted with illness in your youth, which has made you dull-witted, but you can hear clearly and recognize characters. How can you not understand?

Wang Jue: I simply don't want to stamp it. Do I need a reason?

Before Wang Jue could finish speaking, there was another commotion at the entrance to the hall.

The rebels escorted a dozen or so people inside. They were pale and unarmed. Looking closely, most were officials from Ning Ji's faction.

Seeing Wang Jue, they erupted into chaos. Some cursed Gao Zhuo, some trembled uncontrollably, and some remained silent.

Gao Zhuo sat in an armchair brought by a subordinate, looking down at them all.

He extended his index finger and drew a line in the air. Immediately, an Imperial Guard understood and brought over a nearby incense burner.

Gao Zhuo: If Your Majesty refuses to use the seal, every time this incense stick burns down a segment, I will kill one person.

Wang Jue didn't react, as if Gao Zhuo's words were like the smoke, dissipating as soon as they passed.

But the burning incense wouldn't wait. As a segment burned down, Gao Zhuo gave the order, and a splash of crimson splattered onto the silk scroll, staining it.

A heavy thud followed, and the person who had been on their knees lay motionless. Their screams echoed through the hall, but Wang Jue, looking at the fallen figure, remained unmoved.

Wang Jue: This isn't our first encounter, Lord Chancellor. Do you truly not know what kind of person I am?

He propped his chin on one hand, sitting calmly on the throne.

Wang Jue: Even if I am dull-witted, I know who should hold the reins of Nancang.

Wang Jue: Even if blood flows in this hall today, as long as I live, Nancang will not fall into your hands.

Gao Zhuo looked at Wang Jue appraisingly.

This young man, who had always feigned madness and stupidity in his presence, finally bared his fangs in the face of death, like a cornered animal.

Gao Zhuo: If Your Majesty had shown such backbone earlier, I might have held you in higher regard.

An Imperial Guard, at Gao Zhuo's behest, approached Wang Jue.

Gao Zhuo: Are you willing to gamble your own life against me?

The sword pointed directly at Wang Jue, and a slight commotion rippled through the hall. The closer the blade came, the more tense and suffocating the atmosphere became.

Wang Jue refused to yield. Just as the sword was about to fall, I rushed forward.

Gao Zhuo: Careful!

The situation was chaotic, but I could still hear the urgency in his voice. The next moment, I was pulled into Gao Zhuo's arms—

His hand grasped the sharp blade, blood gushing down his arm, soaking into his robe, turning the purple even darker.

My eyes met Gao Zhuo's. He frowned, his gaze filled with a heavy, lingering sorrow and a barely contained rage.

Gao Zhuo: For someone like him, you're willing to throw your life away?

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Chapter 14-5

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-3 Unpredictable Wind and Rain (風雨不測)

Chapter 14-2

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Instead of directly answering my question, Ning Ji pointed to the unfinished Go game beside him and gestured for me to take a seat.

Following me, Ning Ji sat down opposite me and picked up a white stone.

Ningji: As you can see, Princess, the white stones are now cornered. One wrong move, and it's a bottomless abyss.

Princess: You're saying that the white stones are you and Wang Jue, and the black stones are the Gao family?

Ningji: The Gao family has everything—the support of the noble families, the backing of the scholars, and even the prestige among the common people.

Ningji: But for me… my power is granted by the ruler. Without the ruler, it ceases to exist.

Ningji: The balance of power will not last forever, and Gao Zhuo won't allow it. In the long run, it's just waiting to be defeated. We will lose one day.

Princess: So, you need Chen Qi.

Ningji: Indeed. Without their support, we might as well surrender.

Ningji: For us, this is the only bargaining chip, the only way to break the deadlock.

Princess: The Black Cloud Cavalry is unparalleled in valor, even capable of contending with the Red Robe Army. Isn't the Minister being a bit too "cautious"?

Ning Ji chuckled, but placed this crucial stone on the corner of the board. At first glance, it seemed like a wasted move.

Ningji: Princess, look at this game again. If you were playing the black stones, where would you place your stone?

Princess: ...Here. Placing it here would block the white stones' flow with just one move…

I was about to place the stone, but suddenly realized something was amiss.

Looking up, Ning Ji was no longer looking at the board, but at me with a smile.

Ningji: What do you think?

Princess: So… it's to make Gao Zhuo "move" first, to better attack his weaknesses.

Ningji: Indeed. By revealing a weakness, you can make a clever opponent overlook the hidden details.

Princess: You seem to have not explained… why this plan was completely kept from me.

Wang Jue, knowing my anger hadn't subsided, stood up and bowed deeply to me.

Wangjue: This plan is like pulling a whisker from a tiger's mouth. Initially, only I, the Minister, and General Chen Xiu knew about it.

Wangjue: We were worried that if you and Chen Qi knew the truth, Gao Zhuo's spies would find clues, and… we were even more worried that you would be in danger.

Princess: When did Chen Qi find out?

Ningji: After General Chen Xiu woke up, he learned of Chen Qi's reaction and felt bad, so naturally, he...

Recalling Chen Qi's devastated appearance, I couldn't bear it either, let alone his own brother.

I lowered my eyes to observe the Go game. The outcome of this match was still unclear.

Princess: At this point, what are your chances of winning?

Ning Ji could no longer remain indifferent. He didn't answer my question.

Ningji: I was confined to the palace two days ago by the commander of the Imperial Guard under the pretext of changing defenses. I'm afraid Gao Zhuo will act soon.

Wang Jue also stepped forward, grabbed my arm, and pulled me towards the back hall.

Wangjue: Auntie, the Minister and I are in a life-or-death situation with Gao Zhuo now. Escaping is useless. But you're not.

Wangjue: You should leave through the secret passage quickly. I'll send someone to escort you. Chen Qi must be on his way as well. Don't worry about us.

I stopped in my tracks, causing Wang Jue to stumble and look at me in confusion.

Princess: I'm not leaving.

Princess: I might have something Gao Zhuo wants. If I stay, your chances of winning will be greater.

Wang Jue wanted to say something more, but then, as if he had made up his mind, he nodded solemnly and didn't insist further.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew into the hall, interrupting my words and rattling the window lattice.

Following the wind was the panicked and trembling announcement of the palace attendant.

Attendant: Your Majesty, Your Majesty… all the palace gates have been closed!

Ning Ji abruptly stood up, and Wang Jue's expression grew even more somber. He raised his hand.

Wangjue: Defend the main hall.

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Chapter 14-4

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-2 Within a Short Period of Time (須臾之間)

Chapter 14-1

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No matter how I racked my brain, I couldn't recall ever meeting Gao Zhuo.

Princess: I've never met him.

I answered with certainty, and Li Rui fell silent along with me.

Princess: But for him to gather information about me like this, to monitor me… there must be something he needs from me.

Princess: If he doesn't get this "something," he won't do anything to me.

Li Rui's eyes curved into a smile. I knew he was trying to reassure me.

But beneath that calm and carefree façade, there was inevitably a hint of gravity and worry.

Princess: Fortunately, it seems Gao Zhuo doesn't know about the existence of Jiaren Fang. That's at least a bit of good news.

Li Rui: You've only been in Nancang for a short time, yet you've already found two Fangzhu. The Empress entrusting Jiaren Fang to you early on was indeed a wise decision.

Princess: Right now, there are two Fangzhu available, "Zhuming" in charge of the gambling house and "Qingyang" in charge of maritime transport.

Princess: But these two areas happen to be where we have little leverage against Gao Zhuo.

Li Rui: What about the Guiye Army?

Princess: After the last palace coup, they no longer have the element of surprise. Any mobilization now would definitely be detected by Gao Zhuo.

Li Rui: After Chen Qi left the city, the Imperial Guards almost all went over to Gao Zhuo's side. You still want to enter the palace?

Princess: I think I've guessed their plan, but Gao Zhuo won't make a move until Chen Qi is far away.

Li Rui gazed at me for a while, then sighed softly. He took out a uniquely shaped jade token from his sleeve and placed it in my hand.

Li Rui: I know I can't stop you. If not for my current position, I would definitely go with you.

Li Rui: There are a few hidden agents placed in the palace by Baixiao Pavilion many years ago. They won't be exposed unless absolutely necessary. If you need help, this jade token can protect you.

Princess: If Gao Zhuo makes a move, will you be…

Li Rui shook his head with a smile.

Li Rui: Baixiao Pavilion has always remained neutral and doesn't participate in worldly affairs or political disputes. Yuyan Tower is definitely safe, don't worry about me.

Li Rui clasped my hand, the warmth of his palm making the cold jade token feel hot.

Li Rui: Be careful.

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The young attendant pushed open a crack in the door, candlelight spilling out in a thin line.

Attendant: Princess, this is the end of the secret passage. Once you exit, you'll be in the back room of the main hall, which you should be familiar with.

I nodded to him. As expected, the palace guards were heavily fortified and airtight. Thankfully, Li Rui had left me this "back door" beforehand.

Pushing open the door of the secret passage, the main hall was empty and silent.

I walked all the way to the front hall, only to see Wang Jue and Ning Ji engrossed in something at their desks, neither of them raising their heads.

Wangjue: More and more unruly! How dare you... without my permission...

Wang Jue, hearing the sound, was about to lash out, but abruptly stopped when he saw me.

Wangjue: Auntie, why are you here? ... Where did you come from?

Princess: The secret passage.

Wang Jue glanced at Ning Ji with a guilty look.

Princess: I should have known. With the frequent palace coups and years of internal strife in Nancang, there had to be an escape route in the palace.

Princess: What I didn't expect was that this secret passage not only connected the inside and outside of the palace, but also had an exit under the moat.

Ning Ji put down his brush and approached me.

I took out Chen Xiu's jade pendant and tossed it lightly onto the wooden desk, right under Wang Jue's gaze.

Princess: Tell me, is he still alive?

Wang Jue and Ning Ji looked at each other for a few seconds, both nodding in agreement.

Ningji: Yes, he was indeed injured in that day's palace coup, but his life is not in danger.

Wang Jue also nodded repeatedly.

Perhaps the many days we had spent together had allowed me to understand him to a certain degree. From his eyes, I could indeed see enough sincerity and honesty.

Wangjue: Auntie, do you believe us?

Wang Jue spread his hands with a helpless look.

Wangjue: All of this was indeed our plan—General Chen's "death" was also part of it.

Princess: That day, Chen Qi and I searched the moat and its surroundings thoroughly. Did he also leave through the secret passage?

Wangjue: Yes.

Princess: And the rest, those soldiers, the conflict between you and Chen Qi, were all just a smokescreen?

Wangjue: Yes.

Princess: Then Chen Xiu... where is he?

Wangjue: General Chen is recuperating at the temporary palace. It's filled with my people and the Minister's. It's very safe, not a single whisper has been leaked.

Confirming that Chen Xiu was safe, I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my heart.

But then, a surge of anger followed.

Princess: Now tell me, what exactly is your plan?

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Chapter 14-3

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 14-1 Suddenly, It Becomes Clear (豁然確斯)

Chapter 13-7

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Li Rui and I sat in the carriage, the wheels rolling and rolling, quickly leaving the city gate behind.

All the hustle and bustle was left behind us. I slowly opened my palm. A jade pendant lay quietly in my hand.

Li Rui: This is an unfamiliar object.

Princess: The last time I saw this jade pendant, it was on Chen Xiu.

Li Rui: Did Chen Qi just give it to you?

*flashback*

Chen Qi approached me with a cold and hard expression, as if to intimidate me into leaving here quickly.

But then, a cool and smooth touch slipped into my palm.

Chenqi: Trust me.

His voice was faint and fleeting. I looked into his eyes, firm and sincere...

His hand enveloped mine, tightened, then released.

Chen Qi's peripheral vision swept over the surrounding gazes, seemingly deliberately raising his voice.

Chenqi: I don't seek fame or fortune, I only ask that the Black Cloud Cavalry, these brothers who live and die with my Chen family, have a way to survive.

Chenqi: My mind is made up, there's no need to persuade me further!

I clutched the jade pendant tightly in my hand, trying not to let anyone else notice.

*flashback over*

I rubbed the jade pendant with my fingertips, cold and hard.

Princess: Chen Qi's actions these days have been very different from the past, I already had some doubts in my heart.

Princess: Moreover, Chen Xiu's whereabouts have been unknown...

Li Rui: I also had doubts about Chen Xiu's death, there are indeed many suspicious points.

Princess: Ning Ji and Wang Jue must know something.

Li Rui gently raised his hand, signaling me to calm down.

Li Rui: But before that, there's one more thing I need to tell you. Let's go back to Yuyan Tower first.

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Upon entering the room, Li Rui turned the gold-plated censer beside the desk, and a small hidden compartment in the wall slowly opened.

Li Rui took out a thick stack of papers from it, all written in tiny, elegant calligraphy, with red notes from the Baixiao Pavilion.

I picked up a random one and read it, exchanging a smile with Li Rui.

Princess: It seems that the "Pavilion Master" has been quite busy preparing these days.

Li Rui: These are all intelligence gathered by Baixiao Pavilion in Nancang over the years. I've had people verify them, they're accurate and reliable.

Though the papers seemed disorganized, they had actually been arranged by Li Rui according to names and identities.

Li Rui offered me the main seat, carefully laying down a thick and soft cushion, while he himself settled into an armchair on the side.

Li Rui: Speaking of the situation in Nancang, we naturally can't avoid Gao Zhuo. Take a look first.

I readily agreed. But the more I read, the more puzzled I became.

Princess: Why are there so many things related to me in this intelligence on Gao Zhuo...?

This intelligence was as detailed as a spider web, and from it, I could almost piece together how Gao Zhuo had gone from obscurity to holding immense power in the court, step by step.

It was filled with Gao Zhuo's victories—the bones of the losers were countless, piled up layer upon layer, all becoming the stepping stones for him to ascend to the throne.

In addition, after becoming the de facto ruler of the noble families, Gao Zhuo began searching for a woman.

But the woman's identity was a mystery, and Gao Zhuo seemed to have never found her exact whereabouts.

And not long after I arrived in Nancang, Gao Zhuo began to gather intelligence about me. Or rather, to monitor me.

Li Rui: It's very strange, isn't it?

Li Rui: Gao Zhuo has been scheming for many years, gathering the power of the noble families, plotting to seize the throne, probably to prevent Nancang from being controlled by Dacheng any longer.

Li Rui: With his demonstrated intelligence and methods, whether he started with Li Zhan or Han You, he could have made Nancang independent from Dacheng.

Li Rui: But oddly enough, he's most interested in you.

Li Rui lifted a small teacup, gently pushing aside the floating leaves on the tea. But he didn't drink, just held the cup, and after a while, he said:

Li Rui: After you arrived in Nancang, have you met him anywhere?

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Chapter 14-2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 13-7 Black Clouds Remove their Armor (黑雲卸甲)

Chapter 13-6

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Fighting back tears of relief and disbelief, I abruptly pushed Li Rui away.

He frowned slightly, his hands hovering in the air for a moment before finally falling to his sides.

Li Rui: You probably have a lot of questions for me.

Princess: Yes. But I already have the answers in my heart. I just... want to confirm them with you.

Princess: You already knew about the Wu Family Village massacre, didn't you?

Li Rui calmly raised his eyes and nodded in confirmation.

I had always been investigating the Wu Family Village incident in secret. Yet, he wasn't surprised at all... It seemed that none of the information I had gathered had escaped his notice.

A wave of indescribable anger surged through me, but it was interrupted by another voice.

Yulan Building Landlord: My Lord, someone just reported that there's been a sudden change in Bai Yu Jing.

Li Rui and I both turned our attention to the landlord, whose expression remained calm, but whose words struck like a thunderclap.

Yulan Building Landlord: I heard that young General Chen confirmed Chen Xiu's death, requested to relinquish his armor, and is going to guard the royal mausoleum.

Princess: Chenxiu...!

My legs went weak, and Li Rui instinctively reached out to steady me.

Yulan Building Landlord: His Majesty initially disagreed, but then something happened, and he suddenly changed his mind.

Yulan Building Landlord: Accusing Chen Qi of disrespect and insubordination, he stripped him and the Black Cloud Cavalry of their armor, seized their military talismans... and expelled them from the city.

Princess: With Chen Qi gone, the palace guards are leaderless and even more vulnerable. Wang Jue is acting too recklessly!

Li Rui's brows furrowed, his expression a mixture of distress and doubt – this seemed to be beyond his expectations.

Yulan Building Landlord: My Lord, Princess. General Chen and the Black Cloud Cavalry have already reached the city gates.

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Beneath the city gates, the Black Cloud Cavalry stood in neat formation, dressed in plain clothes, without armor or weapons.

Yet their battle flag still fluttered and billowed in the wind.

The crowd moved in an orderly fashion through the gates, with Chen Qi, alone on horseback, bringing up the rear.

Commoners, scholars… people from all walks of life, having heard the news, crowded around the gate, making it impassable.

Princess: Chen Qi, Chen Qi!

The young man sat tall on his horse, his expression haughty and proud, even in simple cloth. He still exuded an air of defiance.

He followed the sound of my voice and found me, his startled eyes meeting mine.

Chenqi: Princess, what are you doing here...?

Chen Qi dismounted, ignoring the stares of the crowd, and walked straight towards me, lowering his voice.

Chenqi: There are too many eyes here, spies everywhere. Besides, there are people searching for you in secret. You should go back.

Princess: Chen Xiu... is he really—

Chen Qi clenched his fists, biting his lower lip, and finally just nodded with difficulty.

Princess: If you leave like this, won't his sacrifice be in vain...?

Princess: The Imperial Guard has no leader. If Gao Zhuo makes his move, the palace and His Majesty will be in danger.

Chen Qi's gaze dimmed, and he asked, as if to confirm something:

Chenqi: You... came here for His Majesty?

Princess: I came for Chen Xiu, and for you.

Chen Qi's eyes flashed with grief and indignation, his voice rising in volume.

Chenqi: The Chen family has served the Nancang Emperor with loyalty for generations, but... look at what happened to my brother!

Chenqi: We searched everywhere for my brother, but did His Majesty ever say a word, offer any assistance?

Chenqi: When it comes to this matter, he's not even as concerned as Gao Zhuo.

Hearing him speak of Gao Zhuo so openly, I suddenly realized – he must have been in contact with Gao Zhuo in secret.

I involuntarily stumbled back, putting some distance between us.

Princess: The Gao faction is manipulating power, and they are the main cause of the political turmoil in Nancang.

Princess: The two factions are in the midst of a fierce struggle. The Chen family, being both a noble family and close to the Emperor, is caught in the middle... I understand your predicament.

Chen Qi stood still, his face filled with grief, his eyes red.

Since returning to Nancang, I don't think I've ever seen him smile like he used to.

Chenqi: The Chen family has always been loyal and righteous... but we never thought we would be casting pearls before swine, that even heroes would have no place to use their talents.

Chenqi: The Emperor is incompetent and foolish. It's truly disheartening!

He fought back his grief and anger, but each word was spoken with heartfelt pain. The Black Cloud Cavalry, hearing his words, were also filled with anger, raising their empty fists.

Black Cloud Riders: The Emperor is incompetent and foolish! Truly disheartening!

People around us whispered and murmured, but I couldn't take my eyes off Chen Qi's face.

Princess: You once said that nothing would change when you returned to Nancang.

The corners of Chen Qi's eyes drooped slightly, tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Chenqi: I... was wrong. Perhaps people do change.

Chenqi: If one day, I truly become enemies with His Majesty, will you still stand by my side?

Princess: I never imagined that you would ever stand against me. Not even for a moment.

I gazed at him, a bitter smile gracing my lips. But soon, that last trace of expression vanished, leaving only an icy coldness.

Chenqi: Princess, do you have anything else to say to me?

I slowly shook my head.

Chenqi: Take care of yourself.

After saying that, Chen Qi mounted his horse and nodded to the Black Cloud Cavalry.

The crowd received the order to depart and filed out.

Suddenly, I felt a chill down my spine and turned abruptly, but there was nothing behind me.

Looking towards the city gate, the Black Cloud Cavalry had disappeared over the horizon, but the onlookers still lingered.

I felt a sense of unease – my instincts were not wrong.

Just now, for a fleeting moment, I felt a probing, icy gaze, like that of a wild beast, fixed on me.

Whose gaze was it? And was all of this... what he wanted?

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Chapter 14-1

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[aishangotome]

Chapter 13-6 I Wish to Fulfill your Desire to Return (願遂君歸)

Chapter 13-5

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The Yuyan Building during the day, not yet filled with the lingering scent of wine, had few people drinking and seeking pleasure, and was quieter than at night.

Standing under the eaves, I hesitated.

Princess: So this is what it feels like to be apprehensive about returning home...

The landlord seemed to have anticipated my sudden visit and silently led the way for me.

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I followed him to a hidden place, a simple and elegant room with a view overlooking the entire Yuyan Building.

If no one had led the way, even if I had been here many times, I would never have thought that there was such a hidden world here.

There was a huge gold-threaded screen in the room, dividing the entire room in half, like an insurmountable dividing line.

Princess: That is...

Behind the screen, stood a blurred figure.

Yuyan Building Landlord: He is the person the princess really wants to find --- the Pavilion Master of Baixiao Pavilion.

The landlord quickly left the room, and an almost frivolous and relaxed voice came from behind the screen.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Princess, I apologize for not welcoming you sooner.

It was a completely unfamiliar tone, but strangely with a long-lost sense of familiarity.

The vague guess in my heart surfaced, my heartbeat became rapid, my breathing short, but my feet couldn't move.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: ...

A burning gaze penetrated the screen and fell on every inch of me.

Princess: I have heard that the Pavilion Master has great supernatural powers, but is this how you make friends?

Princess: Not a cup of hot tea, and not even the Pavilion Master himself comes out to meet guests.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Unfortunately, I caught a cold the other day, I hope the princess will forgive me.

His figure was sealed in the shimmering gold screen, like a figure in a meticulous painting.

The gold threads on the screen didn't seem to be outlining landscapes, but his silhouette.

I couldn't help but blink, wanting to see him clearly, so I approached.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: ---Princess.

The figure retreated slightly, his tone gentle --- but rejecting.

Complex emotions surged, accumulating in my chest. It seemed that something was struggling, eager to come out.

Princess: I can't see the Pavilion Master's face through this screen.

I stubbornly approached him, my footsteps unceasing. Until in the reflection of the sunlight, my shadow and his almost overlapped.

Princess: Or does the Pavilion Master... not want to see me?

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Princess, you have come all the way, managing the plague, guarding Lingzhou. How could I not admire you?

A pair of slender hands gently rested on the screen, wandering inch by inch along the verses on the screen.

His fingertips suddenly stopped at the end of the sentence, his melancholy swirling.

Princess: Love gathers two affections, thoughts of separation hurt two hearts. Is the Pavilion Master feeling sentimental, thinking of something?

He withdrew his hand as if waking up from a dream and coughed lightly.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Why has the princess come here?

Princess: I heard that Baixiao Pavilion is the number one pavilion in the world, it gathers all the talented people in the world, it has eyes and ears everywhere, and it is omnipotent. Is this true?

Baixiao Pavilion Master: That's an exaggeration. However, Baixiao Pavilion can indeed do its best for the princess.

Princess: Then, please ask the Pavilion Master to help me find someone.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Who?

Princess: My second brother.

The person behind the screen held his breath, his voice trembling slightly, but he remained calm.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: The princess's second brother was revealed to have rebelled and died in Shengning long ago. Why does the princess still care about a ghost?

I took a step forward and touched the shadow behind the screen with my palm.

Princess: If you can't find my second brother, please ask the Pavilion Master to help me find another person.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: Who?

Princess: Not the second prince of Dacheng, nor my second brother.

Princess: The person I'm looking for is named Li Rui. Please also ask the Pavilion Master to convey a message for me.

The person behind the screen sank into silence.

I tried to grasp the light and shadow separated by a piece of paper, illusory as fog, seemingly near yet far.

After a while, his voice was hoarse and deep.

Baixiao Pavilion Master: What message?

Princess: Please ask him, as winter turns to spring, has the snow in Shengning Palace completely melted away?

*flashback*

Li Rui: Whether it's the snowman or me, I have you by my side.

He glanced at me, the corners of his mouth lifting in a gentle curve.

Li Rui: Is that what you meant?

I actually hadn't thought that much about it, and I was a little embarrassed to have Second Brother put it into words, so I coughed.

Princess: I just don't know how long they can last. Will they melt tomorrow?

Li Rui: Then let them melt together.

*flashback over*

Princess: I wonder if those two little snowmen melted together, just like he wished?

A timely spring breeze rustled the beaded curtain in the room.

The sunlight filtering through it constantly shifted and changed, scattering across the floor like shimmering waves on water.

His hand reached out again, stopping just short of my palm, separated by a screen as thin as a cicada's wing. But the only answer I received was silence.

I took two steps back, about to turn and leave.

Li Rui: ...Don't go.

The screen suddenly toppled to the ground. In the next second, a familiar scent enveloped me like a tidal wave.

An immense force grasped my wrist, pulling me abruptly into a firm and powerful embrace.

Li Rui's arms wrapped tightly around me, holding me captive with a possessiveness that both captivated and frightened me, like a bottomless whirlpool.

I could barely breathe. Yet within this almost overbearing embrace, I sensed a slight tremor running through him.

Li Rui: Don't go anywhere. Because... I'm right here, by your side.

Princess: Li Rui...

I murmured his name, and then a gentle, restrained kiss fell upon my hair.

Our heartbeats suddenly intensified, pounding like a drum.

I could no longer distinguish whether the overflowing emotions in my chest came from him or from me.

Entwined by the warmth of our bodies, a hidden desire bloomed unrestrainedly in my heart.

I clung to him, greedily seeking his familiar scent, afraid that this was all a dream.

Li Rui: I didn't... want to appear before you like this.

His voice held a mixture of comfort and resignation.

Li Rui's hand gently stroked my back, as if he had never left my side during those long, difficult days. Despite the passage of time, nothing had changed.

Li Rui: It doesn't matter now. I always lose to you... Y/N, I'm back.

Finally, spring had arrived in Shengning, a place that had always been frozen and snow-covered in my memories.

Time flew by like a fleeting horse, the sun and moon flowed like a stream, but thankfully, my beloved remained the same.

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Chapter 13-7

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[aishangotome]

Chapter 13-5 Doubts about Baixiao Pavilion (百曉疑竇)

Chapter 13-4

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Two days later. Qinghun had not yet returned. I was sitting alone in the room when a figure gracefully landed by the window.

Zhong Wu Xiang leaned against the window and looked at me, his burning red eyes warming the cold night.

Zhongwu Xiang: Princess, there are so many people in your heart right now.

Princess: Don't joke, you know I'm worried about Chen Qi.

Zhongwu Xiang: Chen Xiu's whereabouts are unknown, and Chen Qi has closed his door to visitors... Is this making you so upset?

Zhong Wu Xiang came in front of me, so close that I could feel his breath.

Zhongwu Xiang: If you want to see him, I'll take you there.

Princess: ...No, I believe he has a reason for not seeing me, and I still have other things to do.

Zhongwu Xiang: Then let's go.

Zhong Wu Xiang extended his hand to me, seeming to know exactly where I was going. I smiled and patted his palm.

Princess: What, do you think I need the "National Teacher" to back me up?

Zhongwu Xiang: How could the Emperor need the National Teacher to back them up? It's just that the mortal world is boring, and Nancang is even more boring...

Zhongwu Xiang: I came back for you, you have to spend some time with me.

Princess: I will have time when I finish these things.

Zhong Wu Xiang knew that I was just casually agreeing, but he just smiled, with a helpless indulgence.

Zhongwu Xiang: What the princess wants to do will naturally go smoothly, there is no need to worry.

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Nancang bordered the sea, and wherever I went, there was a damp smell in the wind.

In the spacious hall, only Ning Ji and Wangjue stood side by side, seemingly having been waiting for me for a long time.

After the open and honest conversation, they no longer bothered to pretend to be anyone. Ning Ji tilted his head slightly, as if trying to figure out my expression.

Ningji: Princess, are you here to condemn me?

Princess: Minister Ning, with your flawless planning and ability to predict things like a god, I'm afraid you already have a way to deal with this, right?

Ning Ji had a faint smile on his face and a distant gaze as he bowed to me.

Ningji: "Flawless planning", I don't deny it. As for "predicting things like a god"... what the princess wants to ask about should be this, right?

Princess: Let's not beat around the bush.

Princess: This palace change was within your expectations, as was the collapse of the Tide Viewing Platform --- or rather, this was all part of your plan.

Wangjue's eyes flickered with urgency.

Wangjue: Auntie, the Tide Viewing Platform was originally created by Gao Zhuo to attack me...

Ning Ji slowly shook his head at him, stopping him from saying anything further.

Ningji: Gao Zhuo used human lives as bait to make the monarch lose the trust of the people, so that he could justifiably replace him with another obedient puppet.

Ningji: He wanted a bloodless coup, but what I wanted was to use his plan against him.

Princess: At the height of the party struggle, Chen Qi happened to return to the capital with the Black Cloud Cavalry, which forced the Gao faction to take risks.

Ning Ji's eyes showed approval as he nodded in response.

Ningji: Gao Zhuo had a high reputation among the aristocratic families. Although the common people also complained about the aristocratic families, they believed that all suffering was caused by the incompetence of the monarch.

Ningji: If we can pin this case on Gao Zhuo, it would be a way to pull the rug out from under him.

Ningji: It's a pity that he's slippery, no matter how I investigate the case, there's no real evidence...

Princess: What you're talking about, Minister, are hundreds of lives, not just a few lines in a file.

Ningji: The path to the highest position in the mortal world is full of thorns, paved with the flesh and bones of countless people.

Ningji: Princess, you are a nine-day phoenix born in blood, don't you understand such a simple truth?

Princess: I beg to differ.

We looked at each other in silence. In the end, it was Wangjue who broke the deadlock.

Wangjue: Auntie, I know you're still angry with me, and I don't expect you to forgive me.

Wangjue: But now, we are not your enemies.

Princess: You and I are connected by blood, even if you are honest with me, I may still not help you.

Wangjue: But what if I don't agree with the Chen family? Will you still help me, Auntie?

Princess: That's what I want to ask you.

Princess: The Chen brothers are loyal, but you are suspicious of them. This is not the act of a wise ruler.

A bitter smile disappeared in a flash, and his gaze finally became firm.

Wangjue: The Chen brothers are just like the National Teacher, they are defending Nancang, not for me.

Wangjue: Take precautions, be cautious from the beginning. I have been walking on thin ice since I was a child, and I will never forget such words of warning.

Princess: Even if they turn against you, how can you win? Unless...

Princess: In your plan, you can win this game without the Black Cloud Cavalry.

Wangjue stopped playing word games with me and nodded to me with a half-smile.

Wangjue: If you were in danger in Nancang, Auntie, the people of Lingzhou would naturally come to your aid. But I really didn't expect you to be so well prepared.

Princess: You are constrained by the Gao family in Baiyujing, and you even need the National Teacher to help you leave the palace. How can you know so much about me and Lingzhou, which are thousands of miles away?

Princess: I guess someone must have given you information about me.

Wangjue: All kinds of events are hidden in a deep pavilion, and everything in the world is known.

Wangjue: Baixiao Pavilion lives up to its name, knowing everything. We got a lot of our information from there.

Princess: Him again.

Wangjue: Again? Could it be that you have already had contact with this Pavilion Master, Auntie?

Before I could answer, a green figure gracefully landed behind me, as light as a feather.

Qinghun: Princess. There are clues about the Yuyan Tower.

I took the letter that Qinghun handed me, and it felt heavy in my palm.

Qinghun frowned slightly and stared at me intently. He breathed carefully, so lightly that he almost disappeared.

Qinghun: That landlord is from Nancang, and he did build this Yuyan Tower himself, but... he has another master.

I clenched the letter in my hand, my expectations and doubts intertwined, resonating with my increasingly rapid heartbeat in my chest.

Princess: Is it the Pavilion Master of Baixiao Pavilion?

Qinghun: Yes.

Wangjue, who was standing aside, was lost in thought, and suddenly his eyes focused on me as if he had figured something out.

Wangjue: Auntie, this Yuyan Tower was originally just a place for poetry and music gatherings, nothing special.

Wangjue: But a few months ago, it suddenly became famous and has since gathered many talented people. The landlord has also taken on a mysterious aura.

Princess: A few months ago...

Qinghun bowed slightly and whispered in my ear.

Qinghun: Princess, it was shortly after the Shengning Palace change.

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Chapter 13-6

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