Category: Didn’t Love You Enough

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 79 – Worshipping the Heavens (25.1)

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was working inside a big tent. It has been three days since he left Lin Jia Bao. His thoughts were already overflowing…

Three days ago, he said goodbye to his reluctant darling and went with his imperial father to worship the heavens. This was the first ceremonial worshipping event* in six years, and also the most important ceremonial event.

[*T/N: 祭祀 ji si – to offer sacrifices to the gods or ancestors]

In order to ensure good weather for crops along with peace and prosperity for the country this year, the emperor must cleanse himself and fast for three days. He then has to personally pray to the heavens for blessings and lead the cicil and military officials along in prayer.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng maintained daily correspondence with Lin Jia Bao. This was the first time he had been away from Jia Bao for so long since Jia Bao came to him. His hidden guard had couriered a letter from Lin Jia Bao to him, and the corners of Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s lips raised slightly as he read it.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

In the letter, Lin Jia Bao described his daily life in detail. In the morning, he went to give his greetings to the empress. After lunch, he would take a nap for a while. Then he would study with Master Qiu. Afterwards, he would practice calligraphy and painting on his own.

In the letter, Jia Bao candidly told Xuan Yuan Han Cheng that he missed him, saying that when Xuan Yuan Han Cheng came back, it would be just in time for the Lantern Festival.

He coquettishly said that he wanted to go to the Royal Snack Kitchen to make dim sum, and asked for Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s approval. Jia Bao also said that he wanted to make sticky rice dumplings for the Lantern Festival by himself, and asked Xuan Yuan Han Cheng what kind of filling would he like, etc. Even though it was just mundane daily things, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng never got tired of reading it over again and again…

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng picked up a brush to write a reply to Lin Jia Bao. In his letter, he also wrote about how much he missed Jia Bao. Concerning Jia Bao’s desire to visit the Royal Snack Kitchen, it was not impossible, but Yuan Qing must accompany him and he must also bring along imperial bodyguards. Moreover, he could only stay in the Royal Snack Kitchen for two hours at most. He urged his darling not to tire himself out. As for the sticky rice dumpling filling, he liked whatever filling that his darling liked. He asked for Jia Bao to patiently wait for his return. In just two more days, he would be able to make the return trip back to the palace and reunite with Jia Bao.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

After Xuan Yuan Han Cheng finished writing, he handed the letter to his hidden guard and told him to deliver it as quickly as possible. He also asked the hidden guard, “Has there been any headway with Zheng Rong?”

“When I came over here there was no new progress,” the hidden guard replied.

“Go back and tell Zheng Rong to give me the answer that I want as quickly as possible.” If too much time lapsed, then Prince Li would definitely sense that something was wrong.

“Understood.”

A few days ago, a hidden guard reported that they caught two people who came to make contact with the spies in the crown princess’s palace. Of the two, one of them ingested poison and killed himself. The other one was caught right before he could take poison. However, this person was Prince Li’s sishi*, and refused to speak all this time.

[*T/N: 死士 si shi – “death soldier,” a person willing to sacrifice his life for a cause]

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was a little disappointed that he could not get concrete evidence of Prince Li colluding with the crown princess.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng got up and walked out of the tent. He came to the big tent of his father, Emperor Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen, and talked to him about Prince Li. Emperor Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen listened carefully and then said, “I will send spies to Li City to gather intelligence on Prince Li.”

After that, Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen discussed with the crown prince about the sacrificing ceremony to the heavens tomorrow. Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen was very satisfied with this son of his. This time, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng offered to let the other princes come to the ceremony.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said that his younger brothers were all grown up, and they could all be involved in the events of the Xuan Yuan Dynasty. He also hoped that in the future his younger brothers could become helpful to the Xuan Yuan Empire, and work with him to make the Xuan Yuan Empire prosperous.

In the previous generation during the fight for the throne, Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen did not share any fraternal love with the other princes. What they had was only mutual vigilance against each other, and they would scheme and plot against one another.

It was a joyful and praiseworthy thing that the crown prince of the current generation could interact harmoniously with the other princes, with the elder being friendly and the younger ones being respectful.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

At this moment, a eunuch’s voice came from outside of the tent flap. It was Zhao Yong, the head servant that attended at the emperor’s side. When he entered the tent, an imperial bodyguard followed him inside. That imperial guard has his head lowered and was carefully carrying a salver.

Zhao Yong first stepped forward to greet the emperor and the crown prince. The imperial guard behind him also saluted. Zhao Yong then brought a bowl of soup to the table.

“Your Majesty, please have a late night snack. I have prepared wild mushroom soup for you tonight.”

When the imperial guard saw that His Royal Highness was also in the emperor’s tent, his eyes jumped. He hurriedly bowed his head and stepped back. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng glanced at him and felt that this imperial guard looked familiar, so he stopped him and asked, “What’s your name?”

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 78 – Lunar New Year’s Eve

The emperor announced the start of the family banquet.

When the musicians launched into play, the palace maids also began to dance. There were many different kinds of dishes at the family banquet, and the singing and dancing performances were also beautifully arranged. It was the first time that Lin Jia Bao participated in such a big banquet, and he secretly exclaimed in admiration.

Lin Jia Bao ate very carefully, paying attention to his movements. He kept reminding himself not to make a mistake; otherwise he would cause His Royal Highness to lose face…

Halfway through the meal, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng led Lin Jia Bao up to toast the emperor and the empress.

Emperor Xuan Yuan Zhao Shen saw the crown prince bringing that ger xiaoshi along to toast him. With a slight smile he drank their toast.

The empress saw how the crown prince was doting on Lin Jia Bao, and secretly thought to herself that she needed to find a day to give the crown prince a reminder. Although they said that he needed to focus his favor on Lin xiaoshi, his actions as of late have been going a bit overboard.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

The empress was still very satisfied with Lin Jia Bao. She thought he was well behaved and sensible, not arrogant, and has a simple and lovable temperament. The empress has seen countless people throughout her years. It was not easy for Lin xiaoshi to still maintain his pure and innocent nature after having spent two years in the palace and then becoming the crown prince’s xiaoshi.

But in the end, he was still a ger. The empress felt that she should still remind the crown prince not to get too immersed in this fake act.

After His Royal Highness finished giving a toast, the other princes and princess also stepped forward to give a toast. After them came the concubines.

After three rounds of drinking, the second prince Xuan Yuan Han Qi came over to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and said, “Imperial [Older] Brother, I toast to you…” Xuan Yuan Han Qi was already a little drunk. “Imperial Brother, you must take me with you next time you go on an expedition…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng smiled and drank with him, “Okay… okay… but you have to practice martial arts seriously…”

Xuan Yuan Han Qi patted his chest and promised loudly, “Imperial Brother, do not worry, I will definitely… I will definitely work hard…”

The third prince, the fourth prince, and the fifth prince also came to toast to His Royal Highness. The oldest of them was twelve years old and the youngest was only nine years old. Facing this crown prince older brother of theirs, he was both admirable and awe-inspiring.

“Toast to Imperial Brother…”

After the pervious generation’s fight for the imperial throne, their mother had taught them since childhood that they should respect their two elder brothers and keep to their roles, a.k.a. know their place. Towards this crown prince older brother who was extraordinary in martial arts, they worshiped and adored him very much.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

First, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng cordially asked them about their homework, and then he encouraged them: “Study well so that in the future you can help our Imperial Father share his responsibility and serve our empire.”

“Understood.”

The three imperial brothers were very excited to receive encouragement from His Royal Highness, and the three of them held their chests straight.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng decided that he would not be as vigilant about the three imperial brothers as he was in his previous life, and just let them be idle wangyes.

In this life, he was prepared to train these three imperial brothers well, and in the future, he would employ full use of their talents to make the Xuan Yuan Dynasty prosper.

There were too many things that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng wanted to accomplish in this world. But he also wanted to spend more time and longer periods of time with Jia Bao in the future. So in order to do that, he had to keep his body from being overworked and it was of course necessary to find more people to help him.

Afterwards, there were other people who came to give them a toast. Lin Jia Bao accompanied him and drank a few cups of wine. Fortunately, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng had foresight and instructed Yuan Qing to only pour fruit wine that was not easy to get drunk on for Jia Bao.

Even so, Lin Jia Bao’s alcohol tolerance was bad, and his little face was flushed red from all the wine, like a bright red apple.

Fireworks were set off at the end of the banquet, and the dazzling fireworks were an intoxicating sight to Lin Jia Bao.

Lin Jia Bao praised: “So beautiful…”

After the banquet, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and Lin Jia Bao rode back together in a sedan chair, and the fireworks continued to bloom along the way.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

On the ride back, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng looked at Lin Jia Bao, who was illuminated under the light of the multicolored fireworks. The look in Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s eyes was so gentle and soft that it seemed as if the emotions would ooze right out into reality.

“Darling, I adore you…”

Lin Jia Bao’s head was a little dizzy, and after hearing Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s words, he felt as if he was floating in the clouds. “I also adore Husband. Jia Bao really likes Husband a lot… like you, like you so much…”

“My darling…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kissed Lin Jia Bao tenderly. Nothing could make him feel happier than to be in mutual love with his darling baby.

Amidst Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s tender kisses, Lin Jia Bao fell asleep in his warm and cozy embrace…

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng placed a kiss on Lin Jia Bao’s forehead. Then he tugged Lin Jia Bao’s cloak tighter around him and held him close in his arms. His heart was extremely satisfied…

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 77 – Lunar New Year’s Eve

Out of nowhere, a gust of wind blew the window open, and a man in black flashed inside. Zhang Ji He was startled.

The man in black gave Zhang Ji He a medicine box and said, “His Royal Highness said your son will need this.”

Once he confirmed that Zhang Ji He has received the medicine box, the man in black jumped out the window and disappeared into the night without waiting for Zhang Ji He to say anything back.

Zhang Ji He excitedly held the medicine box and opened it. The ointment inside was crystal clear and it glowed with green light. As soon as he cracked the lid open, a wave of medicinal fragrance wafted up to his nose. Zhang Ji He thought that with this his son would have a good chance at recovery. He clenched the medicine box and inwardly made up his mind…

Half a month passed.

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong lost contact with the people that he had sent out to the capital, and he knew that something was wrong…

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Crown Prince Xuan Yuan Han Cheng must have found out about the impotency medicine, and the crown princess’s illness must have something to do with the crown prince.

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong summoned his confidants to discuss for a long time, and in the end Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong decided to take a preemptive gamble…

On the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, the Chinese New Year officially kicked off. The period between the small year* and the big year* was called the “busy year,” and the crown prince’s East Palace received many tributes from government officials and subordinates.

[*T/N: In this story the “small year” refers to the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month. Depending on the region, this date may vary, but the idea is that it is a specific date near the end of the twelfth lunar month when people start to get busy preparing for the New Year. The “big year” is the 15^th of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, from the 1^st to the 15^th of the first lunar month.]

The tribute items were mainly foodstuff and rare objects from various places. Qiu-momo sorted them out one by one and recorded the items in a book for His Royal Highness to review, and then they were put into the warehouse for storage.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng intentionally let Lin Jia Bao participate in the proceedings so that he would have an understanding of all of this. During the Spring Festival, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng also handed the job of rewarding the courtiers to Jia Bao. Like this, Lin Jia Bao’s status was imperceptibly increased as all the courtiers, both high and low, attached importance to Lin Jia Bao’s existence.

On the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, red lanterns were hung up in the palace, and the palace must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out. On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, couplets and imagines of door gods were hung on entrances. In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, red paper cuttings and the symbol for good fortune were also pasted around the palace.

Lin Jia Bao bestowed the good fortune symbol he had written to Yuan Qing, Shu Ya, and Shu Qin. From a palace servant waiting to be rewarded in the past, he has now become a noble person who could give rewards to others.

On New Year’s Eve, the imperial family banquet was held in the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Only the emperor, empress, princes, princesses and concubines of the harem attended the New Year’s Eve feast. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng naturally went with Lin Jia Bao.

Lin Jia Bao looked very festive in dark red embroidered clothes. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng held Jia Bao’s hand tightly: “Don’t be nervous, dear.”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng paid his respects to his imperial father and imperial mother together with Lin Jia Bao. After that, he very naturally and casually guided Lin Jia Bao to sit down, and had Jia Bao sit in the seat beside him.

For a moment, all eyes gathered on Lin Jia Bao. The place next to His Royal Highness naturally belonged to the crown princess. But now that the crown princess was ill, His Royal Highness actually let a ger xiaoshi sit beside him in such an overt manner. Everyone in the Hall of Preserving Harmony couldn’t help but look at him.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

This was also the first time that Lin Jia Bao was appearing in front of everyone in the harem so many people were watching him curiously. This ger was not as peerlessly beautiful as the rumors said he was, and the people were wondering how exactly did he win the favor of the crown prince…

The banquet seats were divided into an east side and a west side. The emperor and empress sat at the top. At the front of the east side was the crown prince Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, followed by the second prince Xuan Yuan Han Qi, then the third prince, the fourth prince and the fifth prince, and finally the princess.

At the front of the west side sat the emperor’s favorite imperial concubine. Behind her were the nobles and the crown prince’s concubines and other womenfolk. Because only the crown prince was presently married, the other four princes did not bring any female relatives along with them to participate in the banquet.

Yu-shi and Song-shi were sitting very near the back. Song-shi did not feel anything in particular about this arrangement, but Yu-shi was different.

Yu Qin twisted the handkerchief in her hand, jealous beyond compare. Why was that ger able to sit beside His Royal Highness…?

Both the emperor and the empress naturally saw the crown prince’s actions, but neither of them seemed to realize that this was a violation of the rules, and they chose to laugh without saying a word, as if this was a normal thing. It made everyone even more curious about this Lin-xiaozhu…

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 76 – Lunar New Year’s Eve (24.1)

Inside the Xue family mansion, Xue Rong, Xue Rong’s di son Xue Zhi Chao, Xue Gui, and Xue Song were gathered together.

The Xue family has been investigating the incident around Xue Zhi Qi’s death for a long time, but they still did not find any clues. Xue Gui was very not reconciled when he left the meeting. Xue Rong watched his younger brother Xue Gui’s departing back. In the blink of an eye, Xue Gui had seemed to age by several years. The loss of his heir was a really big blow to him.

Xue Rong sighed, “In the days to come, be sure to urge all the sons and nephews in the family to restrain themselves and not be ostentatious when they’re outside. I have a feeling that a storm is coming…”

“Father, are you saying…” Xue Zhi Chao also went silent.

“Zhi Chao, go and write a letter to His Royal Highness Prince Li. See if you can send two di grandsons to Li City…”

Prince Li’s territory was the Xue family’s last place of retreat.

Xue Rong knew that sooner or later the emperor was going to liquidate the Xue family. There was no emperor in existence that would tolerate the existence of a family that used to always go against him. Right now, the Xue family has lost most of its power and influence, the emperor’s power has been stabilized, and there was such an excellent heir apparent to the throne.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

Deep in his heart, Xue Rong knew that there was no hope for Prince Li. Moreover, Prince Li was not a di son of the previous emperor. As long as Prince Li did not make any mistakes and just remained an idle prince, the emperor would not be able to eradicate them all…

“Understood. Father, I will go right now to write a letter to His Royal Highness Prince Li.”

In Prince Li’s mansion, Prince Li Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong was reading the letter sent from the capital on a fast horse. He looked over the letter that Xue Rong and them had sent. They were asking to send their di grandsons to Li City.

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong sneered inside his heart, “This Xue Rong is becoming more and more timid…”

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong continued to read the letter. His brows furrowed when he got to the news written in the letter. Word has it that the crown prince was favoring a ger xiaoshi, while the crown princess was sick in bed and could not receive any visitors. It seemed that things were a little strange in the capital… Thinking of the secret between him and Xue Cai Yu…

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong had not contacted Xue Cai Yu for a long time. Recently, he was preparing to send some powdered drugs over, but the flowering season of the plant needed for that drug was very short. He had only just sent someone to go get the plant.

[T/N: Reminder, the powdered drug is the impotency medicine that Xue Cai Yu, the crown princess, was slipping to XYHC.]

Xuan Yuan Zhao Hong summoned his confidants and ordered them to go to the capital to make contact with the spies in the crown prince’s East Palace. He wanted to find out what happened to the crown princess. Was she really sick, or was she…

With the cause of Xue Zhi Qi’s death still unknown, the one in the most pain was his mother Zhao-shi.

The more she thought about it, the more unwilling she became. Thus, Zhao-shi summoned her trusted momo to discuss…

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Zhang Ying Xiang received his father’s orders. At first, he was obedient and did not go outside, but after a long time he couldn’t stand the boredom anymore. Zhang Ying Xiang saw that the past few days were calm. The Xue family had interrogated him twice, but didn’t send any more people after that.

Zhang Ying Xiang slipped out of the house quietly and went to the restaurant to drink tea. A few days passed and nothing happened. Zhang Ying Xiang gradually became less and less vigilant, and continued to have fun with some friends*.

[*T/N: The specific term used for friends here defines them as scoundrels and rogue, a.k.a. the bad crowd.]

That night, when Zhang Ying Xiang came out of a brothel, someone threw a sack over his head and beat him up as soon as he turned a street corner…

Zhang Ying Xiang could only perceive the darkness in front of his eyes, and then were dense sticks beating him. He cried out in pain. In particular, he could feel a rain of blows centered on his legs. Ultimately, he could only curl up and roll on the ground in pain.

When Xue Gui found out, he was enraged. He ran to question Zhao-shi, “Did you do that to Zhang Ying Xiang? I already told you that Zhi Qi’s death had nothing to do with the Zhang family…”

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

“So what if it has nothing to do with them? We clearly told him to follow our Zhi Qi. But when our Zhi Qi died, he was perfectly fine. They should already consider themselves lucky that I didn’t make them pay for my son’s life with his life…” Zhao-shi was practically going crazy.

“You’re simply unreasonable. If you’re like this… What will Zhang Ji He think if he finds out…”

Xue Gui thought about how Zhang Ji He has been with him for more than twenty years and knew many of his secrets. Zhao-shi has gone crazy. The other shu sons of the Xue family were all mediocre at best. Good thing he fathered an illegitimate child outside some years ago. And now, that child has grown up to be pretty good…

[T/N: shu son – son of a concubine]

Zhang Ji He stayed alone in the study with a heavy expression on his face. He recalled the scene of his son lying in bed and unable to move. Zhang Ying Xiang’s hamstrings were all broken. Thinking of his son who might not be able to walk well in the future, hatred roared in Zhang Ji He’s heart. His thoughts were full of turmoil.

Prev | Contents | Next

Uggh, I am so done with my internet. I’ve been trying to post this chapter for. The. Past. Two. Days. Every time I get home from work and sit down to post this, I find my internet isn’t working. The connection in my area has always been a bit spotty, but never this bad. I low-key suspect the construction down the street is causing this. I don’t know how, but ever since they started construction, my internet has been even more glitchy than usual. In light of that, I’m going to change my updating schedule a little. Instead of saying “I’m going to post this chapter on this day,” it’ll be more like “I’m going to post these four chapters by the end of this week.” So the total number of updates will still be the same. I’m just giving myself more flexibility for when I post the updates to accommodate my spotty connection.

---

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 75 – Laba

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng loved the way that Jia Bao was acting coquettish with him. “It’s good as long as my darling is happy. You’re already doing very well, baby…”

“All right, let’s have lunch first. Then, let’s take a nap together…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng put his arms around Lin Jia Bao and said, “I’m going to use the Laba Festival to have you meet people tonight. But you don’t have to think too much about it, understand?”

“En.” Lin Jia Bao leaned against Xuan Yuan Han Cheng obediently and together they went to have lunch.

Song-shi accepted the Laba congee and gave thanks for the imperial family’s grace.

[T/N: Reminder, Song-shi is Song Yi Yun, one of XYHC’s concubines and the mother of Kang’er.]

When she learned that the congee was sent from Ping Le Courtyard, her heart was a mixture of five flavors*. The eunuch who delivered the Laba congee informed her that there would be a family banquet in Chang Le Palace Hall that night. After listening to his words, she told the maid beside her to give him a reward and answered, “I got it. Go back and deliver my reply.”

[*T/N: The five flavors of life that the Chinese refer to are sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. It’s a metaphor that means life is made up of many different experiences: good, bad, and everything in between. But regardless of what you’re experiencing, life keeps going on.]

It seemed that His Royal Highness’s attitude towards this Lin xiaoshi really was different. Song-shi thought about how she’s older than the crown prince by two years. How was she supposed to compete with that young and beautiful person for favor? Alas…

Yu-shi was absolutely furious when she found out that the Laba congee was distributed from Ping Le Courtyard. It looked like this ger was not as stupid as he seemed. He was able to make His Royal Highness hand him the reins to the Laba Festival… it had to be said, in the previous years it was the crown princess who presided over the Laba Festival!

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

When Yu-shi heard that there would be a family banquet in Chang Le Palace Hall at night, she immediately had the palace maids dress her up, all the while thinking that she must push down Lin Jia Bao that night!

In the evening, when Xuan Yuan Han Cheng brought Lin Jia Bao to Chang Le Palace Hall, Yu-shi and Song-shi had already arrived with their daughters.

When they saw His Royal Highness they paid their respects one after another, “Your Royal Highness…”

“You may dispense with curtseying…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng led Lin Jia Bao to the seat of honor. “Today, it’s a family banquet for the East Palace, so you don’t need to stand on ceremony.”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng introduced everyone to Lin Jia Bao. There was Song-shi and the eldest daughter, Kang’er, as well as Yu-shi and the second daughter, An’er.

Kang’er lived up to her former liveliness and glanced at Lin Jia Bao timidly, her heart full of fear.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng first asked Song-shi and Yu-shi about the health of his two daughters, and then he announced the start of the banquet.

The palace maids ferried in exquisite plates of meat, vegetable, and fish one after another. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng held Lin Jia Bao’s hand under the table. His baby looked a little nervous.

Lin Jia Bao could feel Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s silent encouragement and slowly relaxed. Lin Jia Bao was studious in his dining etiquette lessons. Nowadays, the image that he presented when he was eating was very pleasing to the eye.

Lin Jia Bao had selected the dishes for tonight’s menu, so naturally he chose all of his and Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s favorite dishes. Lin Jia Bao was not a picky eater. He had a good appetite and ate with relish. When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng saw his darling eating like this, his appetite also increased greatly…

Yu-shi looked at Lin xiaoshi and secretly despised him in her heart. She thought he really was not cosmopolitan. Yu-shi ate a few mouthfuls and then her chopsticks stopped moving.

The steamed Reeves shad today was very fresh and delicious. It delighted Lin Jia Bao when he ate it. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng motioned for Shu Ya to serve his baby seconds. Shu Ya responded and brought another piece of fish meat to Lin-xiaozhu. She carefully deboned the fish before giving it to Lin-xiaozhu to enjoy.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

The fish meat was succulent and exquisite. Lin Jia Bao carefully savored the taste in his mouth.

Seeing Lin Jia Bao’s actions, Yu-shi covered her mouth and chuckled. “Looks like Lin-xiaozhu haven’t eaten much Reeves shad before. Ha ha…”

“Yeah…” Lin Jia Bao nodded truthfully.

Xu Province was a landlocked area, so fish was relatively expensive. The non-vegetarian dishes that he normally got to eat consisted of chicken, duck, and pork. As for things like fish, shrimp, and crab, he rarely got to eat those. It was only after he had entered the palace and became the crown prince’s xiaoshi that he was able to eat delicacies that he has never even heard of before.

When Yu-shi heard his response, she laughed incessantly. She was about to say something else when she saw the crown prince looking at her coldly. She instantly shut up.

Song-shi was like an invisible person from beginning to end. She watched as the crown prince safeguarded Lin xiaoshi and Yu-shi provoking him while not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth.

[*T/N: “not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth” describes a foolish and/or arrogant person who doesn’t know the limits of his or her abilities]

After the meal, Yu-shi still did her utmost to act coquettish and show off her beauty to the crown prince, “Your Royal Highness, you haven’t come to my place for a long time. Qin Qin misses Your Royal Highness very much…”

[T/N: Yu-shi’s name is Yu Qin. She’s calling herself Qin Qin to be cute.]

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was indifferent to Yu-shi’s performance. “Let’s stop here for today… Everybody disperse…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and Lin Jia Bao returned to Ping Le Courtyard. After the two washed their faces, rinsed their mouths, and then went to lie on the bed, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said, “All right, you’ve met the people that you wanted to meet. My baby must be tired today…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng hugged his darling close to his chest.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

“I’m not tired…” Lin Jia Bao said softly to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, “Can I not see them too often in the future?” He really did not like that Yu-shi. He didn’t like the way that Yu-shi looked at Xuan Yuan Han Cheng.

“Of course, darling. There won’t be many opportunities for you to see them in the future.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng knew that it must have been hard for Lin Jia Bao to have to face them.

“Am I really bad? I also don’t want my husband to meet them…” Lin Jia Bao said gloomily.

“Oh, my darling baby… I like it when you’re bad…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kissed Lin Jia Bao with joy. His baby was finally feeling possessive of him…

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 74 – Laba

Zhang Ji He woke up dazed and bewildered.

Whoa!

Wasn’t he just in the study room thinking of countermeasures for dealing with the Xue Zhi Qi situation?

Somehow, he seemed to have fallen asleep.

Where was this place? Zhang Ji He rubbed his eyes and found himself sitting on a reclining chair. He was in an elegantly furnished room, which was scented with the smell of sandalwood.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

When Zhang Ji He walked to the outer room he saw a young man dressed as a scholar sitting and steeping tea. His dignified and flowing movements were enchanting to watch. If it weren’t for the situation at this moment, Zhang Ji He would not be able to help applauding him in his heart.

“Zhang-daren*, you’re awake…” The young man raised his head and glanced at Zhang Ji He, his hands still moving slowly.

[*T/N: 大人 da ren – literal translation is “big person.” It is used as a title of respect toward superiors.]

“Who are you? Why am I here…” Zhang Ji He said vigilantly.

“This humble servant is Zheng Jia. I took the liberty of inviting Zhang-daren here. Please forgive me for being so bold.” Zheng Jia handed a cup of steeped tea to Zhang Ji He. “Please help yourself [to the tea].” Zheng Jia poured a second cup for himself and took a sip.

The name Zheng Jia sounded familiar to Zhang Ji He. Wait a minute… Wasn’t Zheng Jia the crown prince’s best adviser, nicknamed Zhu Ge* junior, and the third young master of the Zheng family?

[*T/N: Zhu Ge refers to Zhu Ge Liang, who was a military leader and prime minister of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He’s considered a sage and military genius.]

Zhang Ji He took a sip of tea and concealed the panic in his heart. His son’s words flashed in his mind: a young man with a stoic face and a pretty xiaoshi by his side. That… that couldn’t have been His Royal Highness, right…?

Zhang Ji He has also heard the news of the crown prince excessively doting on a xiaoshi. If it were His Royal Highness… then everything would make sense. With the crown prince’s personality, naturally he would not be afraid of the Xue family, and only His Royal Highness could have Xue Zhi Qi killed with none the wiser…

“This one is here to help Zhang-daren today. That Madam Xue wants your son to pay with his life…” Zheng Jia really had to take his hat off to His Royal Highness.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

His Royal Highness actually came up with the plan to kill Xue Zhi Qi to alienate Xue Gui and his confidant. Of course, Zheng Jia would never be able to guess that the origin of all this was due to Xue Zhi Qi catcalling Lin Jia Bao, and bringing disaster upon himself…

Seeing that Zhang Ji He was silent, Zheng Jia continued to speak: “This one admires loyal people the most… but that would also depend on who this person is loyal to… After the incident with Xue Zhi Qi, do you still think that Xue Gui will treat you as his confidant? To a confidant that he no longer trusts, but who also knows many of his secrets… I believe Zhang-daren already knows the fate that awaits him…”

Zheng Ji He drank all the tea in the teacup. He was a smart man. Over the years, he was able to stand out from among Xue Gui’s many subordinates and become Xue Gui’s confidant. Naturally, he had his brilliance. He also understood what Zheng Jia was saying. The worst-case scenario for him would be the Zhang family falling to the bottom and him losing his life…

But to have him betray Xue Gui and the Xue family… the consequences was not something that he and his Zhang family could bear…

“I understand Zhang-daren’s apprehensions, but the Xue family is already in decline. Sooner or later, His Royal Highness will…” After a meaningful pause, Zheng Jia went on: “Think about it, Zhang-daren. I believe you can give His Royal Highness a satisfying response.”

Zhang Ji He was about to say something, but suddenly his vision became dark and he lost consciousness. When he woke up again, he found himself back in the study, as if he had just had a dream and never left.

In the blink of an eye, time passed, and it was the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Laba Festival.

Laba congee* was naturally indispensible for the Laba festival.

[*T/N: Laba congee is a ceremonial rice porridge dish eaten during the Laba festival. It started out as a rice dish cooked with red beans, but has since developed into many variations, usually with nuts and dried fruit, but can also include meat and produce depending upon the region.]

A few days ago, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng assigned the task of hosting the Laba Festival and delivering Laba congee to Lin Jia Bao. And Qiu-momo would be providing assistance.

Lin Jia Bao accepted this task very happily and set about to do it very seriously. He doubled-checked with Qiu-momo all the palaces that needed Laba congee, including the crown prince’s East Palace, the crown prince’s subordinates, and all the important court ministers.

Lin Jia Bao also personally checked the ingredients for making Laba congee. The Laba congee in the palace was made more exquisitely. Lin Jia Bao remembered that back home they used to make the Laba congee with eight ingredients. But in the palace, red dates, lotus seeds, walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, longan, ginkgo, red beans, peanuts, etcetera were all added to the white rice… There were no less than twenty kinds of ingredients in total.

Bright and early on the day of the Laba Festival, Lin Jia Bao had the chefs cook the Laba congee in a large pot. After the Laba congee was cooked, Lin Jia Bao presided over the worshipping ceremony. Under Qiu-momo’s guidance, Lin Jia Bao successfully completely his tasks one by one.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

The next step was to deliver the Laba congee to the various palaces. First it was to the emperor and the empress, then to the princes and the emperor’s other concubines. Then there were the servants of the crown prince’s East Palace, and finally His Royal Highness’s subordinates, as well as some of the courtiers’ families. All of this had to be delivered before noon.

When Lin Jia Bao was all done, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng just came back from morning court.

“Darling, you did a great job! Thanks for your hard work, my baby…”

“It’s not hard. I just gave the commands. It’s all thanks to Qiu-momo helping me. I also have to trouble Qiu-momo for the small family banquet in the evening. I only chose the menu…” Lin Jia Bao said humbly to Qiu-momo.

“Lin-xiaozhu is too humble. It is what this old servant should do.” Qiu-momo bowed to the crown prince and then tactfully retreated.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kissed Lin Jia Bao as if no one else was present. “My baby doesn’t have to worry about these things. You just need to know how to make decisions. Qiu-momo and the rest will arrange things…”

“Understood. The tasks that you assign me, I just want to do them well…” Lin Jia Bao said somewhat coquettishly.

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 73 – Laba* (23.1)

[*T/N: Laba 腊八 – refers to the eighth day of the La Month (or Layue 臘月), which is the twelfth month of the Chinese calendar. People celebrate the Laba Festival on this day. Before the Qin dynasty, it was a celebration of the new harvest. Later it was used as a commemoration of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment at the age of 35.]

Inside Xue Gui’s house, the atmosphere was a heavy sheet of alarm and gloom. Who would have thought that a healthy and lively member of their family would leave the house in the bright morning and be found as a cold corpse come the dark of night?

Xue Gui received such a shock from the news that he collapsed upon a chair. His heartbeat hastened with the increasing instability of his emotional state.

“What exactly is going on?”

Under Xue Gui’s watchful gaze, the servant that had just returned replied in a trembling voice: “Today, the young master ate dinner with the young master of the Zhang family. Afterwards, they went to the Yihong Building to drink and party with female entertainers. Then the young master and the young master of the Zhang family rushed back on horseback. Along the road, I don’t know what happened but the young master was thrown off his horse. He landed on his head. This little one and the young master of the Zhang family hastened over to check and saw that the young master’s neck had snapped. The young master he… he wasn’t breathing.”

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

“How could this be! How could this be! Zhi Qi’s riding skills have always been very good… This shouldn’t be [happening] even if he drank a little wine…” Xue Gui believed that this was someone’s plot to harm his son. “Investigate… go and investigate this for me…”

When Xue Zhi Qi’s mother, Zhao-shi, heard the bad news, she hurried over. She simply could not believe it. “My son, ah… my son, ah… how could you leave [this world] before your mother?”

“Wu wu… my lord, you have to avenge our Zhi Qi. Our good child was led astray by that young master of the Zhang family…” Xue Zhi Qi was her only di son, and she was starting to lose her rationality in this situation. “Wu wu… that kid from the Zhang family is fine [and alive], but my son is dead…”

[T/N: Reminder, “wu wu” is Chinese onomatopoeia for crying. “Di” son means the son of the main wife.]

“I will get to the bottom of this matter. I will definitely get justice for Zhi Qi.” Xue Gui considered the possibility of Zhang Ying Xiang murdering his son, but Zhang Ying Xiang’s father was his confidant and has been by his side for decades. He has always treated the other man well, so it shouldn’t be the Zhang family’s doing…

“Wu wu… my lord, you must investigate carefully. If that boy from the Zhang family… you must make him pay with his life, ah… pay with his life…” Zhao-shi said fiercely. Her son was gone, so other people’s son shouldn’t expect to be let off easy either. It would be even better if they were buried with her son!

In the Zhang family’s study room, there was only the Zhang father and son pair. The atmosphere of the study was extremely solemn.

“Just what the heck is going on? Tell me everything that happened.”

Zhang Ying Xiang looked absolutely terrified, “Father, I really don’t know how this happened. Young Master Qi and I went to the restaurant to drink tea and dine as usual. Then we went to the Yihong Building to drink and party with female entertainers. We even got two of the popular women to accompany us. By the time we left, it was already very late, so we rushed home on our horses. But on our way back, I saw Young Master Qi fall off his horse. At that time, the horse was not startled by anything. Young Master Qi must’ve been muddled by too much liquor…”

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

“So you’re saying it was caused by intoxication? How is Young Master Qi’s alcohol tolerance normally?” Zhang Ji He asked his son.

Zhang Ying Xiang also found it very strange. “It stands to reason that Young Master Qi’s alcohol tolerance is not that bad, but it is true that Young Master Qi fell off his horse by himself. It was late at night, and there was no one else on the road except for us…”

Zhang Ji He continued to inquire, “Then, did anything special happen to you two today? Were there any disputes or grievances with other people?”

Zhang Ying Xiang thought for a while, “No, nothing special happened. Besides, who in the capital would dare to provoke Young Master Qi of the Xue family?”

Zhang Ji He asked again: “Son, think about it carefully. Was there really nothing out of the ordinary? Did you meet or see anyone?”

“No… Today there was only me and Young Master Qi, the two of us…” Zhang Ying Xiang scratched his head and tried to recall, “Hmm… who did we see… that’s right! Today when we were dining in the restaurant we saw a very pretty xiaoshi in the streets. Young Master Qi was very interested and even poked fun at the boy. Then the xiaoshi’s master glared at us once. After that there wasn’t anything else…?”

“Oh… do you recognize that person?” Zhang Ji He asked.

“I’ve never seen him before. It was a new face to me. The man is about my age and looked very cold. But they didn’t seem like anyone important. I even promised Young Master Qi to help him get the xiaoshi. But I have yet to send anyone out to make inquires before Young Master Qi fell from his horse. I don’t think there is any relevance between two, probably…” Zhang Ying Xiang said.

“Have you told the Xue family about this?” Zhang Ji He frowned. He felt that there was something off about this situation.

“No, I didn’t think about it at the time… If you didn’t keep asking me just now to think back, I wouldn’t even remember this incident…” Zhang Ying Xiang replied.

“All right, if you didn’t mention it from the start, then if the Xue family asks you again in the future don’t bring it up again either. No need to deliberately complicate the issue.” Zhang Ji He instructed his son, “Stay in the manor for the next few days and don’t go out anymore.”

“Understood.”

After his son left the study, Zhang Ji He pondered the case some more. The more he thought about it, the more that something felt off. A cold-faced young stranger with a xiaoshi… who could it be?

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Zhang Ying Xiang was still young, so he didn’t know that many people yet. He has yet to meet all the noble people in the capital. But the Xue family was a powerful one. Most people would not dare to mess with them…

Zhang Ji He paced within the study. Young Master Qi’s had a great impact on their Zhang family. When Young Master Qi got into an accident, only his son was present, so the first ones that the Xue family would suspect would be their Zhang family. But his son really didn’t know anything. Zhang Ji He has been with Xue Gui for decades, and he was very familiar with the other man’s temper. He’s afraid that the Xue family would take their anger out on the Zhang family, even though they were not at fault…

Alas… it seemed like his time as Xue Gui’s confidant has come to an end…

Prev | Contents | Next

Yay, with this I’m all caught up on the late updates. Enjoy your holidays everyone and happy reading~! 😊

---

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 72 – Yu-shi

“Master, we’ve arrived at Hongyan Building.” Yuan Fu announced from outside the horse carriage.

Yuan Fu helped Xuan Yuan Han Cheng get out of the carriage, who then turned around to help Lin Jia Bao get off the carriage.

Hongyan Building was also another business under one of his subordinates. Due to the booming business, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng felt more at ease choosing this restaurant. They arrived early before dinnertime, but the restaurant was already thirty percent full. Upon arriving at Hongyan Building, the imperial guards have already dispersed.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng brought his group to a private room on the third floor. This room had the best view in the entire restaurant. From the window, customers could see most of the streets in the western part of the city. The owner of the restaurant had specially prepared this for His Royal Highness.

Lin Jia Bao looked at the bustling pedestrians and hawkers on the street outside the window. Everything was so new and interesting…

Hongyan Building specialized in Jiangsu cuisine. There were several chefs specially invited from Jiangnan to come work at this restaurant and their cooking skills were all very good.

“It’s all Jiangsu cuisine here. Darling is from the south, so you will definitely like it.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said gently to Lin Jia Bao. “After we finish eating, I’ll take you around for a stroll…”

That night’s meal did not disappoint Xuan Yuan Han Cheng. His baby was so pleased with the food that his eyes were squinted into thin lines from happiness.

Lin Jia Bao really liked the dishes today. Although the dishes were not as exquisite as those in the palace, the taste was not inferior to what the imperial kitchen chefs produced.

The chef’s special for that night was especially good. It was named the Four Joys Meatballs. The dish consisted of huge meatballs. The meat was marbled and had good texture. Plated with green vegetables, the bright colors and tangy aroma of the dish was enough to make the viewer salivate with appetite. Lin Jia Bao ate the meatballs with gusto, one large mouthful after another, and even polished off two huge meatballs by himself.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was also very satisfied with his baby’s good appetite today, and ordered Yuan Fu to reward the chef.

After dinner, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng accompanied Lin Jia Bao to stroll slowly through the streets.

Lin Jia Bao looked at all the booths one by one, and when he saw something interesting, he would bend down to take a closer look.

Lin Jia Bao stopped in front of a vendor’s booth. This booth only sold tilting dolls. The tumblers of clay dolls were placed neatly and swayed together rhythmically.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

Lin Jia Bao was very happy upon seeing the dolls. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng motioned for Yuan Fu to pay, “If you like them, then pick a few…”

“I’ll just pick one…” Lin Jia Bao was not greedy. He bent over and lowered his head to choose.

Right above the booth selling tilting dolls was a restaurant. The window on the second floor of the restaurant was open and there were two heads sticking out and looking about. They whistle at the street below and roar with laughter. “This doll is really perky and round, ha ha ha ha…”

[T/N: The two unnamed people are catcalling. The word used for perky is often associated with butts.]

Lin Jia Bao was wearing plain attire today. When he bent over, it revealed the curve of his buttocks. Lin Jia Bao was concentrated on choosing a doll. He did not know that the people were talking about him, and thus was not affected by the noise from upstairs. In the end, he selected a tumbler clay doll in painted red clothes.

Seeing that his darling has made a selection, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng pulled his baby into his arms and took him away. Before leaving, he glanced coldly at the window on the second floor. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s gaze was frigid and sharp making the two people on the floor shut up immediately.

Only after Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and his group have walked off a certain distance did the two people come back to their senses. The two people were Xue Zhi Qi and Zhang Ying Xiang.

Xue Zhi Qi was part of the Xue family. His father, Xue Gui, was Xue Rong’s youngest brother, and he was Xue Gui’s di son*. Xue Zhi Qi grew up within the Xue family, and often used the reputation of the Xue family to tyrannize others outside. He also liked to gather together with other hedonistic sons of rich parents to bully people…

[*T/N: di son – a son from the main wife; contrast shu son, which is a son from a concubine]

“What the f*ck was he glaring at! What the f*ck…” Xue Zhi Qi said angrily. “And where the heck did he get that ger by his side…”

“It’s someone that I’ve never seen before, and based on his clothes, it doesn’t look like he is someone with a high status. I’m guessing he came to Beijing from somewhere else. Young Master Qi, son’t be angry. I’ll go make some inquires later.” Zhang Ying Xiang said obsequiously.

Zhang Ying Xiang’s father was Xue Gui’s confidant and subordinate, so he has always played the role of Xue Zhi Qi follower.

“Alas… there are too few gers in the capital’s brothels. The one just now looked good to me, and he’s at a good age. His butt is so perky. The taste must be very good… Ha ha.” As Xue Zhi Qi spoke, he began to fantasize.

“Ha ha, Young Master Qi has a good eye. If Young Master Qi likes, I’ll get someone to bring that ger to you for you to enjoy, ha ha ha…”

After the news that the crown prince heavily favored a ger spread, the trend of playing with gers has gradually became popular.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

The two men laughed while talking about vulgar things, but they did not know that their conversation was all heard by the secret guards sent by Xuan Yuan Han Cheng…

After returning to the palace, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng listened to the secret guard report to him the identities of the two men and the conversation that they had between them. His complexion was ashen as he listened.

On the outside, the secret guard was expressionless as he reported everything verbatim, but on the inside he was breaking out in cold sweat.

His Royal Highness’s expression was so scary…

“Those goddamn people from the Xue family… He dares…”

Xue Zhi Qi actually dared to covet his darling. He was really, really seeking death! Xuan Yuan Han Cheng gritted his teeth and said, “Have Zheng Rong come see me…”

“Understood.”

Zheng Rong came to the inner study and listened to His Royal Highness’s orders without changing his expression. He only responded with “understood” at the end.

The next day, news came that a member of the Xue family, Xue Zhi Qi, broke his neck when he crashed his horse while riding in the capital and died…

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 71 – Yu-shi

An’er was introverted and timid. She buried her face in Yu-shi’s chest and refused to make a sound.

Ever since she could remember, her mother has not liked her very much. This was especially so after she got a younger brother. Her younger brother’s health was even worse than hers, and her mother would guard by her younger brother’s bedside day and night. It was only later, after her younger brother was no longer here that her mother slowly became a little better to her…

Yu-shi was secretly anxious in her heart. She felt that this daughter of hers was really useless, and she did not inherit her cleverness at all. Her child really cut a sorry figure cowering and cringing like this. No dignity at all. Alas… she was really not as lovable as that slow-witted Song-shi’s daughter Kang’er.

After hearing Yu Qin’s words, Lin Jia Bao knew that this woman was also one of His Royal Highness’s concubines. His curiosity was immediately piqued, and he stuck his head out from behind Xuan Yuan Han Cheng to see.

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

Yu-shi finally got a good look at the rumored appearance of Lin-xiaoshi. She secretly compared him to herself, and after careful observation for a long time, she came to the conclusion that this ger wasn’t that good looking. It was very different from what she had heard in the rumors. He also didn’t seem to be that outstanding or shrewd of an opponent… His appearance could only be considered to be above average, nowhere near the level of a stunning beauty. She supposed that His Royal Highness must only find him intriguing because he was new to the harem…

In any case, she was a woman who has given birth to two children for His Royal Highness, so she deserved more credit than Xu Xue Ying. Yu Qin did not feel much threat from this little ger xiaoshi who had only been favored by His Royal Highness for a few months.

Yu Qin glanced at Lin Jia Bao with some contempt in her eyes, and then she said with a smile: “This must be the newcomer from our East Palace. I haven’t seen you before…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng introduced her to Lin Jia Bao: “This is Yu-shi. This is An’er, she is my second daughter.”

After Lin Jia Bao obediently greeted the two of them, he returned to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s side. He didn’t know how to face Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s concubine and daughter…

“Haha… we are all people who serve His Royal Highness, so we don’t have to be so polite to each other…” Yu-shi laughed when she saw Lin Jia Bao taking the initiative to greet her.

“All right. I will find time to visit An’er, so you people can go back first. Where is An’er’s nanny? Why don’t I see her?” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng asked.

“An’er’s nanny is not feeling too well today… so I let her rest for two days.” Yu-shi replied.

“If the nanny is no good then change her. Don’t let me find you bringing the child around by yourself out in the wind and chill! Hurry up and bring An’er back. Have the imperial physician come examine her and prescribe some tisane to prevent a cold…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said very sternly.

The wind speed and chill factor today was nothing to sneeze at. An’er’s health was worse than Kang’er’s health. She was extremely susceptible to chilly winds. And she didn’t have a nanny by her side to watch over her and help her wear extra layers.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Yu-shi was only concerned with soliciting favor from him, and she went as far as to disregard her daughter’s health to drag her outside. He reckoned that she was afraid that he would punish her, so she dragged her daughter out as an excuse. Truly abominable…

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng looked at Lin Jia Bao, who was leaning against him. His darling was still the best. After living through his past and present lives, he has long seen through the true colors of these women. Fortunately, he was able to have his darling accompany him in this lifetime…

“Understood.” Yu Qin did not dare to say anything else after hearing His Royal Highness’s stern tone.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng took Lin Jia Bao’s hand and personally helped him onto the carriage. Then he climbed in by himself.

Yuan Fu and Yuan Qing slowly steered the carriage away. Four imperial bodyguards followed behind. They all looked forward without glancing sideways.

Yu-shi was left behind to watch the departing carriage with extreme anger, and feeling unreconciled.

Inside the carriage, Lin Jia Bao leaned on Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s shoulder and asked, “Should I meet with all the concubines in the harem?”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng held Lin Jia Bao’s hand and said, “There are only two in total. Darling, if you want to meet them, then you can meet them. Husband will arrange for it. Baby, you just have to remember, they will not have any influence on us.”

“En… I will listen to Husband.”

Lin Jia Bao nodded. He had decided to trust Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, but it was inevitable that he would feel a little inadequate and inferior when he saw the other women in the harem. However, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s attitude and actions toward him gradually calmed his uneasy heart.

“So good… You are Husband’s darling treasure… I, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, swear that I will never let you down in this lifetime…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said as he kissed his darling’s tender and beautiful lips. He drew Lin Jia Bao’s lower lip into his mouth and sucked hard.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

A delicate moan overflowed from Lin Jia Bao’s mouth. His lips parted slightly and Xuan Yuan Han Cheng delved in to explore. He licked the boy’s pearly white teeth and intertwined their tongues together. Lin Jia Bao mimicked Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s movements and took the initiative to respond.

After a long time, their passionate make out session ended, and all that was left inside the carriage was the sound of two people’s heavy breathing. Still wishing to continue, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said, “What a troublesome tease my little darling is…”

Lin Jia Bao looked up at Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s words. When their gazes met, a bright red blush erupted across Lin Jia Bao’s face, and he looked away in embarrassment.

“Husband, can I look outside?”

“Of course you can…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng stroked the top of his darling’s head with a smile.

Lin Jia Bao lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out of the carriage. “I’ve never strolled through the streets before.”

Lin Jia Bao remembered that when he was young, he would clamor for his mother to take him out. But every time his mother took him out, people would always point and gossip about him. When he understood the reason for it, he never asked to go out again. Fortunately, there were many brothers and sisters at home, and they were very friendly to him, so he did not feel lonely.

“I will take you out often in the future…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng felt a little distressed when he heard this. He could imagine how his darling’s childhood was like.

“You don’t have to do it often… Husband is very busy…”

Lin Jia Bao was very happy when he heard his husband say this, but he didn’t have the desire to go out of the palace that often.

Prev | Contents | Next

Prev | Contents | Next

Chapter 70 – Yu-shi* (22.1)

[T/N: The title is 俞氏. Yu 俞 is a surname. Shi 氏 indicates a married woman.]

Lin Jia Bao was painting outdoors in Ping Le Courtyard. The weather was good today, so he asked Yuan Qing to help him bring the desk out into the courtyard.

Due to the incident with Xu Xue Ying, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng recently forbade Lin Jia Bao from going to the Royal Snack Kitchen. Even if he wanted to take a stroll through the Imperial Garden, he would need to have Xuan Yuan Han Cheng accompany him.

Last time, when Xuan Yuan Han Cheng learned that Lin Jia Bao had went missing he was extremely panicked. Even though it was only for a short while, he really could not bear the thought of losing his treasure once again. If possible, he really wanted to carry his darling around in his arms at all times.

Translations are by vmnovels [dot] com, if you’re reading this anywhere else, then it was stolen.

Being stuck inside Ping Le Courtyard, Lin Jia Bao was so bored that he was getting agitated, but due to his docile disposition, he would not quarrel with Xuan Yuan Han Cheng about wanting to go out.

Lin Jia Bao knew that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was doing this for his own good. It was because Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was worried for him that he would not let him go out, so it was best that he obediently practice his calligraphy and painting skills in Ping Le Courtyard.

There were several koi carps depicted vividly on the rice paper. Lin Jia Bao was very talented in painting. The pictures that he painted all carried a lively aura, which Master Qiu, his teacher, would praise effusively.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng had specially ordered some people to dig a small artificial pond in Ping Le Courtyard to raise a few koi fish for Jia Bao to paint and enjoy.

When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng entered the courtyard, he saw his baby painting earnestly under the shade of a tree, so he did not make any noises that might disrupt him, and only stood off to one side to watch him. In his eyes, his treasure was as beautiful as a painting.

When Lin Jia Bao painted, he was completely immersed in the activity, so he did not notice that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng had come to his side.

After Lin Jia Bao finished the painting, he put down the brush. When he turned around, he saw Xuan Yuan Han Cheng standing beside him, watching him tenderly. Lin Jia Bao bowed slightly to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, “Your Royal Highness, you’re back.”

Support the translator. Read this on vmnovels (dot) com

When Lin Jia Bao woke up from his afternoon nap and didn’t see Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, he knew that he must have gone off to deal with government affairs, so he did some painting to relieve his boredom.

“Is my baby feeling bored?” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng hugged Jia Bao and murmured in his ear. He knew that his baby must be bored to death these days.

“It’s okay, I like to paint…” Lin Jia Bao knew that His Royal Highness the crown prince was very busy and could not be by his side all the time.

“My baby draws really well…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said softly in Lin Jia Bao’s ear. “Today, Husband is going to take you out of the palace to stroll around. At night, we will have dinner outside…”

“Really?!” Lin Jia Bao was so happy that he bounced up and down.

“Of course. Have Shu Ya help you change your clothes and then we will leave.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kissed Lin Jia Bao’s smiling face.

Lin Jia Bao ran inside quickly and asked Shu Ya and Shu Qin to help him prepare. In a short while, he was changed into a set of plain-colored robes for going out of the palace. On his waist, he simply wore a single jade pendant for accessory.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng also changed into a set of low-key black-colored robes.

“Yuan Qing and Yuan Fu have been waiting by the carriage outside the courtyard. In the evening, we will eat at Hongyan Building, the best restaurant in the western side of the city. You will definitely like the food of that restaurant…”

Lin Jia Bao nodded happily. He had never eaten in a restaurant before, and moreover, he would get to dine with his husband…

[T/N: Pretty sure LJB ate at a restaurant when his dad and brother came to visit, but whatever…]

“Your Royal Highness… Your Royal Highness…”

When Lin Jia Bao arrived in front of the carriage, he heard a woman’s voice calling from behind. Looking back, he saw that it was a woman that he had never seen before. The woman was not tall. She was dressed in peachy pink robes and toting around a little girl that was dolled up really adorably. There were also two maids accompanying her.

Yu Qin had brought her daughter with her to wait outside of Ping Le Courtyard, and they’ve been waiting for quite some time already. Finally, her efforts paid off and she got to see His Royal Highness, but the crown prince was in a hurry. Before she could call out to him, His Royal Highness had already disappeared inside Ping Le Courtyard.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Yu Qin was not willing to give up. She had not seen His Royal Highness in a long time. So she continued to dither outside Ping Le Courtyard for a while. But when she saw her daughter getting tired, she could only make preparations to return in frustration.

Just as Yu Qin and her maids started walking back, she heard the sounf og horse hooves coming from behind. Looking back, she saw Yuan Fu and another eunuch from the crown prince’s palace preparing something. Yu Qin thought that His Royal Highness would definitely come out in a while, so she quietly waited some more.

After a while, she saw His Royal Highness leading a small youth out. Yu Qin knew that the small youth was Lin-xiaoshi, whom His Royal Highness now favored. She hurriedly dragged their daughter forward.

“Your Royal Highness… Your Royal Highness…”

Yu Qin had a petite but well-endowed figure. The peachy pink robes wrapped around her curvaceous body. Adding on to that was a gorgeous application of makeup that created an overall very lovely appearance.

“Yu-shi, why did you people come over here? Do you know what this place is? Who allowed you to come to Ping Le Courtyard?” Xuan Yan Han Cheng asked sternly, ignoring Yu-shi’s subtle message.

“Your Royal Highness…”

Yu Qin pushed their daughter, An’er, forward.

“This concubine knows that Ping Le Courtyard and the inner study are forbidden areas. But An’er has always missed you, so I brought her to walk around outside of Ping Le Courtyard, hoping that we might glimpse Your Royal Highness.”

When An’er felt Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s gaze on her, she shrunk back into Yu-shi’s arms, but Yu Qin insistently and relentlessly pushed her in front of the crown prince.

“This child, haven’t you always wanted to see your father, why don’t you pay your respects to your father…”

Prev | Contents | Next