Category: Didn’t Love You Enough

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Chapter 69 – Relatives and Friends

Over the next few days, Lin Da Li’s family often visited Lin Da Zhuang’s family. After a while of this, everyone in Lin Jia Village noticed that Lin Da Zhuang and Lin Da Li’s families have reconciled.

After that, Lin Chun Er also brought her husband over to visit. Lin Chun Er’s husband thought of himself as an exceptional literary talent, and often brought literary works for Lin Jia Wen to comment on. Lin Jia Wen got a headache from reading those unintelligible articles, so he kindly mentioned a few words, but unexpectedly, Lin Chun Er’s husband found his words galling, thinking that this tangge* was intentionally disparaging his talent.

[*T/N: 堂哥 tangge – older male patrilineal cousin]

After visiting a couple of times, Lin Chun Er’s husband refused to come with her to visit anymore. In his opinion, this Lin Jia Wen’s literary knowledge was not very good, and that it was probably just due to luck that he managed to pass the county level imperial exam.

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

Just look at that Lin Jia Wen’s reckless appearance. He didn’t look like a scholar at all. How could that country bumpkin compare to someone of his level of scholarly bearing, ah… Thinking like this, Lin Chun Er’s husband was full of confidence for the preliminary round of imperial examinations in the coming year.

The fact that he hasn’t even become a tongsheng* yet must be due to bad luck. Maybe he needed to go to the temple to pray and burn some incense…

[*T/N: 童生 tongsheng – candidate who has not yet passed the county level imperial exam]

On the other hand, Zhou Hai’s mother was feeling apprehensive, and she said to Zhou Mu: “Say… the marriage between our Da Hai and Li Er… there won’t be any changes, right…?”

“How could there be any, ah… Do you not trust Da Zhuang and his family’s moral quality…?” Zhou Mu was not worried at all.

“That’s right…” Zhou Hai’s mother, Han Xiao Yi, felt relieved after thinking about it. “Zhang Hui Niang really is lucky, ah. All of her children are so outstanding.”

“Our family’s Da Hai is not bad either. Recently, Da Hai has been working hard. The bear that he hunted and brought back two days ago got a lot of money for its hide… This year, the harvest in the field is also good. After the New Year, let’s tidy up the house. When they get marry next year, we should live in a new house.” Zhou Mu said, making plans for the coming year. Since his son was working so hard, then as his parents, they should naturally offer a hand.

Zhou Hai’s heart has not been calm these days. He just got engaged with Lin Li’er, and he was very happy. Lin Li Er was a very energetic and assertive girl. Although some people in the village thought of her as shrewish, too bold and vigorous, Da Hai did not agree. Lin Li Er was the girl that had liked since he was a child. It was precisely her straightforwardness and handsome grace that he liked.

After Lin Jia Bao entered the palace, Lin Li Er cried in front of him for a long time. Lin Li Er told him that Lin Jia Bao took the initiative to enter the palace because of her. Lin Jia Bao was obviously younger than her, but he asked to enter the palace because he was afraid of affecting her marriage with Zhou Hai.

Zhou Hai has always been full of gratitude towards Lin Jia Bao, and this time he was surprised to hear that Lin Jia Bao became His Royal Highness’s xiaoshi. In his heart, he prayed for the heavens to ensure that Lin Jia Bao could live well in the palace. Zhou Hai knew that in this way, the Lin family’s life would definitely get better and better. Zhou Hai thought that he would also work hard, and when Lin Li Er married him, he would also work hard to make her life even happier.

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Lin Jia Bao was very excited when he got the letter from home. His brother wrote about all the things that happened at home. His second older sister and Da Hai gege were going to get married in the coming year. He was very happy for them. Lin Jia Bao read the letter over and over again, and then carefully placed the letter in a box for safekeeping.

[*T/N: 哥哥 gege – older brother, can be used as a term of endearment or respect for any older male, doesn’t have to be blood related. In modern day, it can also have the connotation of “boyfriend.” Not too sure about ancient times though.]

“Second Sister is going to marry Da Hai gege next year.” Lin Jia Bao said with a smile.

“Da Hai gege…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah, Da Hai gege is a very good person. When I was young, Da Hai gege brought my second sister and me up the mountains to pick wild fruits. It was so fun.” Lin Jia Bao reminisced about his childhood. He, his second sister, and Da Hai gege were similar in age, so they grew up playing together.

“In the future, don’t call him Da Hai gege anymore. It should be Second Brother-in-law…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng corrected Jia Bao. He didn’t like hearing Jia Bao calling Da Hai by such an affectionate appellation. It made him feel unhappy.

“I know. Da Hai gege has been saying he wanted to be my Second Brother-in-law ever since he was a child. Sometimes, my second sister would be very fierce towards him, but Da Hai gege would not get angry.” Lin Jia Bao said with a grin.

“My darling can be fierce to his husband, and this husband also would not get angry.” Hearing Jia Bao praise that Da Hai gege, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng felt jealousy well up in his heart.

“I don’t know how to be fierce to other people, ah…” Lin Jia Bao curled his hands into paws, pretending to be a little tiger. “Rawr…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng suddenly pressed Jia Bao down onto the bed. He caressed and kissed Jia Bao all over. “Darling… my darling…” His precious treasure was so adorable and loveable…

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Chapter 68 – Relatives and Friends

Ke Mei Li acted as she did not perceive Zhang Hui Niang’s anger, and she cried even harder. “Dasao*, I’m kneeling for you. I’m begging you and Older Brother, please don’t be angry with me and Da Li.” As she said this, Ke Mei Li knelt in front of the gate to the courtyard and refused to get up no matter how Zhang Hui Niang tried to pull her up. “Dasao, if you don’t forgive me, I won’t get up.”

[*T/N: 大嫂 dasao can mean “older brother’s wife,” “sister-in-law,” or “elder sister” as a respectful appellation for an older married woman]

Lin Da Li also knelt down. More and more villagers came over to watch the show.

Lin Da Zhuang came out and looked at the spectacle right outside of his front door. “All of you come in, ba…”

Ke Mei Li and Lin Da Li knelt down again after entering the house, and Ke Mei Li started to howl again. “Dage, Dasao! Please forgive us. Back then, we were blinded by money…”

“Dage, I know that I am wrong. I know that I was exempted from the family rules and discipline. You guys must be angry in your hearts. Dage, how about you hit me? If beating me will disperse your anger, then beat me fiercely, ba…”

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

Lin Da Li took out the wooden stick that he had brought with him. He hit himself hard on the head twice and then handed the wooden stick over to Lin Da Zhuang.

Lin Da Zhuang sighed as he watched the blood dripping from his brother’s forehead. “Why are you doing this…?”

Off to one side, Ke Mei Li also cried, “Our family’s Chun Er is having a hard time. Although things look glamorous on the outside, she is still a chongxi* bride. Her days are… And our family doesn’t have much money, and Chun Er doesn’t have any maternal brothers to rely on…”

[*T/N: chongxi bride – a bride taken into the family in hopes of bringing in good luck, because a wedding is considered an auspicious event. In this case, the Wang family had Chun Er marry into the family in hopes of curing their son who was sick in bed.]

“Dage, lately I have been thinking a lot about the bitter days we used to have. At that time, our parents passed away, and I was still young. It was dage who raised me, ah… For my sake, dage has suffered a lot. I was really seduced by the devil, I really shouldn’t have…” Lin Da Li cried as he spoke.

Lin Da Zhuang listened to his younger brother’s, Lin Da Li’s, words and he could not help feeling somewhat emotional as he reminisced about the past.

“Dage, in the end we are brothers born from the same parents. Even if our parents are buried underground, they certainly wouldn’t want to see us brothers at odds with each other, ah…” Lin Da Li saw Lin Da Zhuang softening somewhat and knelt down again. “Dage, for the sake of our parents, forgive me this one time, ba.”

Lin Da Zhuang didn’t know what to do. He glanced at Zhang Hui Niang and saw that she was maintaining her silence. He sighed, “The two of you, get up first.”

Zhang Hui Niang knew in her heart that even though Lin Da Zhuang said that he would cut off relations with Lin Da Li, he still cared about familial affection, and he still cared for the younger brother that he had raised.

“Get up quickly, Dage has forgiven us…” In response to Lin Da Zhuang’s words, Ke Mei Li immediately put away her crying face and showed a smiling expression. “Dage, Dasao, about the matter before, we were really wrong. Fortunately, your family’s Jia Bao, ah, has a good home in the palace. In the future when you have glory, splendor, wealth, and rank, you must not forget about us, ah…”

Lin Da Li saw Zhang Hui Niang’s expression darken again and quickly nudged Ke Mei Li, “This woman… what are you talking about!”

Lin Da Li winked at Ke Mei Li, “Haha, Dage, Dasao, don’t mind, ah! Your sister-in-law is this type of virtuous person.”

Ke Mei Li also knew how to read the atmosphere, and immediately changed the subject. “Where’s Jia Wen? Why don’t we see…?”

“Jia Wen is studying in his room…” Lin Da Zhuang replied.

“He’s studying, ah… then it’s better not to disturb him. Jia Wen is really hardworking. Our Chun Er’s husband is also someone who likes literature. In the future they can meet and discuss essays or something, haha…” Ke Mei Li said while chuckling.

“Then what about the little grandson? Can we see him? This is the first child of our family’s youngest generation…” Lin Da Li said.

“That’s right, that’s right! Dasao, take a look. I specially went to the county’s best silverware store for this. It’s solid gold.” Ke Mei Li smiled and handed Zhang Hui Niang the longevity lock that she had brought with her.

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One does not hit a smiling person in the face. Zhang Hui Niang could only accept it. She had Xiu Er go and ask Wu-shi to carry the baby out. Originally, she was afraid of disturbing the child, so she had Wu-shi and the others stay in the room without coming out.

In a short while, Wu-shi came out carrying her baby. He was bundled in red and looked like a candlestick. Ke Mei Li started praising as soon as Bo Ge Er showed up.

“What a handsome child, ah… Dasao, you guys raised him really well, ah. Look at how robust and sturdy this child is, ah…”

Bo Ge Ee gurgled happily as if he could tell that someone was praising him.

“Dage, Dasao, ah, your family is different from before, why don’t you buy a few servants to serve you? Then you can save on some labor and live comfortably, ah… Our family has two maids that serve us pretty well. How about I send them over tomorrow…”

“No need, no need, there isn’t much to do in the house. We don’t need any servants.” Zhang Hui Niang did not feel that their family was any different from before.

In the evening, Lin Da Zhuang and them finally saw off Lin Da Li and Ke Mei Li who had been kissing up to them all day.

[T/N: Ugh, I’m hoping that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng will do something about Lin Da Li’s family in the future, so that they don’t keep leeching off of Jia Bao’s family. Or maybe Lin Da Li’s family will actually turn over a new leaf, but my hopes are not high on that front. >_<]

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Chapter 67 – Relatives and Friends

“Don’t worry, I will definitely bring you along…” Lin Chun Er said to her younger sister.

How could Lin Chun Er not understand Lin Xia Er’s thoughts, but it wasn’t a big deal. If her younger sister could marry well, it would also help her out, so she was happy to support her younger sister.

“Ah! I almost forgot the main reason why I came. Mother, you guys prepare some gifts and go to uncle’s house again, ba.” Lin Chun Er said to Ke Mei Li.

“Why do we have to go again, ah? It’s just passing the county level imperial exam. We don’t even know if he will pass the exam next year. There are so many old xiucais who can’t become a juren*. Why do we have to keep throwing ourselves at them? I’m not going.” The one that Ke Mei Li loathed the most was Zhang Hui Niang.

[*T/N: 秀才 xiucai refers to a scholar who has passed the county level imperial exam, and 举人 juren is a successful candidate in the imperial provincial exam.]

People said Zhang Hui Niang had a bitter fate [and would ruin those around her], but Lin Da Zhuang has always treated her well. Even when Zhang Hui Niang gave birth to a ger, Lin Da Zhuang and them have always cherished him.

As for Ke Mei Li, Lin Da Li did not treat her favorably after she gave birth to daughters twice in a row. Later on, Zhang Hui Niang was so lucky as to give birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins. Then the people in the village started praising her for being blessed.

Ke Mei Li snorted derisively in her heart. So what if their son passed the county level imperial exam? It was expensive to invest in studies, so Lin Da Zhuang’s family was not as well off as their family.

Ke Mei Li felt that right now their Lin family had land and a shop. Their eldest daughter would also supplement they from time to time. And right now, their young son was studying at the county’s private school. Maybe in the future he would pass the county level imperial exam or achieve even greater merits. In short, their days now were quite comfortable.

The previous two times, they had kindly sent gifts at the request of their eldest daughter, but both times the gifts were returned. Honestly, they were giving the other party face*, but the other party did not want it! Ke Mei Li did not feel the need to keep flinging herself at Zhang Hui Niang’s ice-cold wall, so she simply stopped going.

[*T/N: The Chinese concept of “face” encompasses respect, politeness, prestige, honor, influence, etc, so it’s important to a lot of Chinese people regardless of social status and wealth.]

“Mother, it’s different this time. That Lin Jia Bao became the crown prince’s xiaoshi in the palace. His Royal Highness even sent someone to attend the one-month celebration of uncle’s grandson!” Lin Chun Er told Ke Mei Li and her younger sister about Lin Jia Bao’s affairs.

“His Royal Highness! Is that true?” Ke Mei Li and Lin Xia Er exclaimed. Both of them could not believe it.

Since their family moved to the county, they seldom went back to Lin Jia Village, so they were not as informed as Lin Chun Er.

“Rumor has it that His Royal Highness is the God of War incarnate, brave beyond comparison…” Lin Xia Er has heard many stories from restaurant patrons in the city, and among them were stories praising His Royal Highness’s great achievements.

“It’s absolutely true. The county district magistrate personally went to attend the one-month celebration, and even the prefectural magistrate sent someone to present a gift.” Lin Chun Er said with great jealousy. What great face that must be!

“Oh! That’s really unexpected. That Zhang Hui Niang must be prideful up to the high heavens.” Ke Mei Li thought angrily. “Alas… if only Xia Er was two years older back then. That Lin Jia Bao wouldn’t even get the chance to enter the palace… our Xia Er is much prettier than that Lin Jia Bao. How could he compare?”

Lin Xia Er was also regretful and annoyed. Her small face was twisted beyond recognition.

“Anyway, you and Father must go back to Lin Jia Village tomorrow. Be sure to beg until you get uncle and his family’s forgiveness. If the two families resume contact, I will have more face in the Wang residence in the future, which will be good for our family, for Little Brother, and for Younger Sister.” Lin Chun Er exhorted, and instructed carefully and insistently. “You and Father should go and be vulnerable.”

Ke Mei Li thought about how she would have to go to Zhang Hui Niang again and have to bow and grovel, and she was very unwilling and dissatisfied. But she had no choice but to lower her head in a nod. What her eldest daughter had said made a lot of sense.

“That ger looks so gentle and quiet on the outside, didn’t I expect him to be so scheming. We don’t even know what methods he used to make His Royal Highness look upon him favorably…”

In the evening, Lin Da Li came back and listened to Ke Mei Li’s retelling of their eldest daughter’s words, and he was in complete agreement. “This relationship of ours must not be broken no matter what!”

Thus, this all led to the scene that Zhang Hui Niang and Lin Xiu Er witnessed.

Zhang Hui Niang thought about how if it weren’t for them, then her precious son would have never entered the palace in the first place. Then he would have never become the crown prince’s xiaoshi. So she said impolitely, “What did you guys come here for? We’re already said that our two families won’t have contact any more. Our family doesn’t welcome you guys!”

[T/N: Ugh, so shameless. If the two families reconcile, I’m gonna throw hands here.]

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As selected by VIP Choice, today’s bonus update goes to DLYE. This one is for you Pacman__Bruja! ^-^

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Chapter 66 – Relatives and Friends (21.1)

Although Lin Da Zhuang’s family had closed their doors to guests, it was still difficult to completely get rid of all of them.

In just the past few days, Zhang Hui Niang has received multiple flower-viewing invitations from the aristocratic families in the city proper of Xu Province. Amongst all the invitations were ones from the madams of the prefectural magistrate and county head magistrate. They had even arranged for a horse carriage to come pick her up and drop her off.

It was hard for Zhang Hui Niang to refuse the invitations of these madams [due to their status], so she could only bring her youngest daughter, Lin Xiu Er, to attend with her. Fortunately, these madams had also invited Madam Qin and Lin Jin Er, so Zhang Hui Niang felt a lot more at ease with them around.

Upon arriving home that day, Zhang Hui Niang and Lin Xiu Er heard a hubbub going on in front of their house, and there were even a good deal of people gathered to watch the show.

When they got closer, they saw that it was Ke Mei Li and Lin Da Li. Ke Mei Li was crying out loud at the entrance to their courtyard: “Dage*, we were wrong. Dage, please forgive us. Da Li and I know that we are wrong. We came here sincerely to ask for your forgiveness. Dage, we’re begging you, ah…”

[*T/N: 大哥 da ge = “big brother / elder brother.” She’s calling for Lin Da Zhuang, who is Lin Da Li’s elder brother. The standard term of address for the older brother of your husband is “大伯 da bo,” but you might be invited to call him “大哥 da ge” if your relationship with him is good, which is what Ke Mei Li is trying to imply here by calling him “大哥 da ge.”]

Official Registrar Wang learned from the country district magistrate that Lin Jia Bao became the crown prince’s xiaoshi, and he suddenly felt like his own prestige was also elevated. Regardless of how you look at it, they were still considered in-laws to the Lin family.

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

Upon returning home, Official Registrar Wang spread the news to his family members. Lin Chun Er gritted her teeth in agony when she heard this news. How could this Lin Jia Bao be so lucky…?

Official Registrar Wang said to his daughter-in-law: “Chun Er, ah… when your cousin’s son had his one-month celebration, why did you not go to congratulate them?!”

Lin Chun Er murmured: “I have not been feeling well these past few days, therefore… I did not go.”

Madam Wang also asked: “Did you send someone to give them a present?”

“I did [send someone], I bought some [presents] myself.”

Lin Chun Er did not dare to say that she did not give any gifts at all. Her monthly allowance was not high. Official Registrar Wang’s family was not as wealthy as she had thought. The family mainly depended on the salary of her father-in-law. Although her husband could be considered literati, it was just effete language without substance, and he did not do anything productive at all. Her mother-in-law was in charge of the household and was very tight with money.

Previously, Lin Chun Er had used the money that she had saved to send gifts to Lin Da Zhuang’s family several times in order to repair their bonds, which would be helpful to herself. But each time, her gifts would be returned. This made Lin Chun Er feel that her uncle’s family was not tactful, so gradually she started to dismiss them.

But who would have thought that Lin Jia Bao would be so lucky that he could even make His Royal Highness send someone to present a gift for his nephew’s one-month celebration? This one act made Lin Da Zhuang’s family very impressive in the eyes of others… The more that Lin Chun Er thought about it, the more jealous she felt…

Madam said with dissatisfaction to her daughter-in-law: “Chun Er, it’s not that I want to criticize you, but your cousin’s son having a one-month celebration is such a great event, why did you not tell me about it? If you had told me, our family would have prepared a present. Like this, right now, it’s so discourteous. You, child, are really not sensible…”

“Mother-in-law, I know I was wrong.”

Lin Chun Er did not dare to refute, thinking to herself that she must reconcile with Lin Da Zhuang’s family no matter what, so that she could live better and more prominently in the Wang family in the future.

The next day, Lin Chun Er returned to her maternal family.

In the past two years, Lin Da Li and Ke Mei Li found their days to be unsatisfactory in the Lin Jia Village. The people in the village did not pay much attention to them, but Lin Da Li’s family felt that they were worthy people, so they somewhat looked down on the other people in the village.

A year ago, Lin Da Li and them felt that living in the village was boring, so the entire family moved to Pei County. In the country town, they opened up a grocery store. Business was not good but not bad either.

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“Chun Er, why are you back?” When Lin Chun Er came, Lin Da Li just so happened to be delivering goods, and Ke Mei Li was left in the shop to direct the shop assistants in sorting out the merchandise.

Ke Mei Li’s second daughter, Lin Xia Er, was also in the store that day. She hurriedly poured tea for her sister and said fawningly: “Big Sister, drink some tea. The clothes you’re wearing today are really beautiful, ah. It suits your complexion so well!”

Lin Xia Er took after their mother, Ke Mei Li. Her beauty is evident even at her young age. When she grew up, she would definitely become a beauty.

Lin Chun Er was enjoying the compliments and envy of her younger sister. Her younger sister Lin Xia Er looked like their mother and she knew how to speak sweet words. When they used to live together, she was treated much better than Lin Chun Er.

“I have some leftover materials from making this dress. Next time, I’ll have someone send them to you. It should be enough to make a skirt.”

Lin Xia Er thanked her elder sister sweetly. She knew that the good life she had at home now was due to her elder sister.

Lin Xia Er was envious of her sister for being able to marry into an official’s family, but with her beauty, she would be able to marry a better family than her sister in the future.

“Big Sister, the next time the county head magistrate’s wife has a flower-viewing party, can you also bring me along?”

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Chapter 65 – One-Month Celebration

Zhang Hui Niang hadn’t figured it out yet, and asked with some doubts: “Who is this Lin-xiaozhu?”

Hu Si Zhan said gently and politely: “You must be Mrs. Lin. Lin-xiaozhu is your second son, Lin Jia Bao. He is now His Royal Highness’s xiaoshi.”

After hearing what Hu Si Zhan said, her emotional state became a mess and she fainted. “Jia Bao, he… Jia Bao…”

Upon seeing this, Lin Jin Er hurriedly stepped forward to support Zhang Hui Niang, “Mother, Mother… What happened to you…?”

Many people gathered around Zhang Hui Niang, and everyone in the Lin family called out to her anxiously.

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

Zhang Hui Niang regained conscious slowly. “How could Jia Bao…? Jia Bao’s father*, didn’t you say that Jia Bao is living well in the palace, how could he become His Royal Highness’s…”

[*T/N: 家宝他爹啊 “Jia Bao’s father” – in Chinese families, sometimes members refer to each other by their role in the family instead of their names.]

Lin Da Zhuang did not speak, and felt uncomfortable in his heart. “Jia Bao’s mother, Jia Bao is really doing well…”

Hu Si Zhan said to Zhang Hui Niang: “Mrs. Lin, please rest assured. Lin-xiaozhu is now the crown prince’s most beloved person. When Lin-xiaozhu found out that he has a little nephew, he was very happy. He carefully selected a gift and wrote a letter for his family. His Royal Highness ordered everything to be delivered for the one-month celebration. We traveled day and night and did not dare to stop during this journey in order to make it on time.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Hu-daren. Please have a seat. County Head Magistrate Du, please also have a seat.” Lin Jia Wen exchanged pleasantries with Hu-daren, and then invited him and County Head Magistrate Du to sit at the main table.

It was the auspicious hour, and Bo Ge Er’s baptism has begun. The granny in charge of the baptism was very happy today.

The granny picked up a wooden club and stirred the water inside a basin. She spoke: “One stir, two stir, three stir, the older brother leads the younger brother. Seventy, eighty, naughty child, mischievous child, all crying and sobbing!”

[T/N: I don’t really understand what this granny is saying, and if there is any particular significance to her words since I’m not familiar with this type of baptism. I’m just translating the raws to the best of my abilities. Sorry if it’s confusing, because I’m confused too.]

Only then did she begin to bathe Bo Ge Er. Bo Ge Er was cold and began to cry, but this was considered a very propitious thing. It was called “ringing basin.”

While washing the baby, the granny chanted a congratulatory message, “First wash the hair, and become aristocracy. Then wash the waist, each generation will be better than the previous generation. Wash the eggs, and become county head magistrate. Wash the gully, and become senior provincial government official.”

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

After that, she used ginger slices as support for a ball of mugwort leaves and placed it on Bo Ge Er’s forehead. Then burned it symbolically.

Following that, she gave Bo Ge Er’s head a combing and said something like, “Three combs, two mats, grow up and wear a red hat*. Stroke the eyebrows on the left, stroke the temples on the right, and find a perfect wife. Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, and be eloquent in social situations.”

[*T/N: Red hat most likely refers to the hat that government officials wear.]

Then the granny rolled an egg on the baby’s face and said something like, “Roll an egg on the face, the face will become smooth like egg skin, white with a touch of red, and very lovable.”

After the washing, she bundled up the baby well, and used a green onion to lightly hit the baby three times. “First hit for brilliance, second hit for efficaciousness.”

Then she had someone throw the green onion up on the roof. She picked up a scale and made a few gestures, and said: “Although small, a steelyard weight may tip a hundred pounds*.”

[*T/N: This is a Chinese idiom meaning “apparently insignificant details can have a large impact” or “for want of a nail the battle was lost.”]

The granny then picked up a lock and made three gestures, and said: “When he grows up, his head, feet, and hands will be firm and secure.” Then she placed Bo Ge Er in a tea tray and tucked the gold and silver locks that the Lin family had prepared in advance by the baby’s sides. “Left is gold, right is silver, won’t be wasteful, rewards subordinates.”

Finally, she used a small mirror to shine up towards the baby’s buttocks and said: “Use a treasured mirror to shine on the buttocks, so that baby can poop well during the day.”

Like that, the baptism was considered complete.

[T/N: Omg, finally. >_<]

Bo Ge Er was a lovable child. Wu-shi fed him well during her one-month confinement period with plenty of milk. Bo Ge Er was raised fair and fat. His whole body was chubby, much bigger than when he was just born. He cried for a while during the baptism, and then slowly stopped crying.

He looked around curiously with his pair of round eyes. Wu-shi held her son in her arms. Inside, she was still shocked by the news that she had just heard. It seemed like the life of the Lin family was destined to not be peaceful in the future.

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In the evening, everyone from the Lin family saw Hu-daren and County Head Magistrate Du out the door. When Hu Si Zhan left, he mentioned that he would come back in the next three days and asked the Lin family to write a letter so that he could present it to the crown prince when he reported back after the completion of this assignment.

After that, Lin Da Zhuang and the others in his family used gentle words to persuade the lingering villagers who were trying to curry favor with them to leave.

Lin Da Zhuang and Lin Jia Wen told everyone what had happened when they went to Beijing. Unexpectedly, Jia Bao would have such a change in the palace, and everyone in the Lin family was surprised by the turn of events.

Lin Jia Bao’s letter spoke of his life in the palace and the kindness of His Royal Highness to him. Everyone felt relieved after reading it.

“I hope His Royal Highness can always treat our Jia Bao well…” Zhang Hui Niang said.

Everyone in the Lin family nodded as one. Lin Jia Cai showed Lin Jia Wen the tally for the gift list he made today. “Brother, what do we do about these gifts? These gifts are worth more than two thousand taels of silver!”

Tonight, the carriages for the one-month celebration gifts were endless. When Lin Jia Wen took a look, he said that all the reputable families in Xu Province had sent people to bring congratulatory gifts.

Wu Qiao Lan’s thoughts came true. In the following days, the Lin family could not be peaceful anymore. Everyday, there would people that they didn’t recognize coming to visit with presents in hand. The people of the Lin family also sent several groups of people over. They continuously enquired solicitously about their well being and tried to curry favor with them. Everyone in the Lin family was fed up with the endless disturbances, and finally they had no better option but to close their doors and decline to see guests.

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Chapter 64 – One-Month Celebration

Shi Qi Shan quickly discussed what he had learned today with his confidant. In the evening, he and his wife also talked about the Lin family.

The prefectural magistrate’s wife, Mrs. Shi, came from an influential family. After hearing the news, she quickly analyzed the situation with her husband. She felt that they could stand to get closer to this Lin family.

In her head, she sort through all of her interpersonal relationships and recalled that she previously had some friendly relations with the Qin family that Lin-xiaozhu’s biological sister had married into. And she had also invited Mrs. Qin to attend several gatherings of upper-class women’s families in Xu Province. In the future, they could start to create relations with the Lin family from this angle.

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Shi Qi Shan discussed with his wife for a long time, and finally decided on what to give as a present on the day of the one-month celebration.

The following day, Shi Qi Shan invited the county head magistrate of Pei County, Du Xiang Heng, to talk with him about the Lin family.

When County Head Magistrate Du heard the news, he was also overjoyed. After all, a noble person had originated from their county. He also knew about the Lin family. The eldest child of the Lin family passed the county level imperial exam, and he had once praised him for it.

Shi Qi Shan said to County Head Magistrate Du: “This Lin family is under your jurisdiction. You should watch over them more often.”

County Head Magistrate Du didn’t need the prefectural magistrate to tell him twice. He promptly agreed.

Upon returning, County Head Magistrate Du immediately invited his old teacher to discuss with him. He planned to go in person to Lin Jia Wen’s son’s one-month celebration and present a gift.

Within a day, news that a noble person originated from Pei County spread among the upper-class families in Xu Province. All those families secretly planned to make friends with the Lin family.

In the blink of an eye, Bo Ge Er’s one-month celebration day arrived. The Lin family specially invited a chef from the village who specialized in making noodles, and had six round tables set up for guests. Then they invited all the people from the village that they were familiar with to come celebrate the event.

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Early in the morning, Zhou Hai’s family came over to help out. The Qin family also arrived early. Mrs. Qin greeted Zhang Hui Niang in a cordial manner, and Lin Jin Er helped her mother welcome the incoming guests together.

Taking the chance before the start of the festivities, Wu-shi’s mother talked to her daughter in her room.

[T/N: Reminder, Wu-shi (Wu Qiao Lan) is Lin Jia Wen’s wife and Bo Ge Er’s mother.]

Upon seeing Wu Qiao Lan’s ruddy complexion, she knew that her daughter was well taken care of during her one-month confinement period.

“Seeing that you are living your days well, Mother is also happy for you. Your mother-in-law treats you well. In the future, you must be filial to them.”

“Mother, I will…” Wu Qiao Lan replied.

Wu Qiao Lan was very happy right now. Her mother-in-law and father-in-law were kind. Her husband treated her very well and he also had ambitions to improve himself. Now, she also gave birth to a son. Everything was going well.

“Is Jia Wen working hard? Your father said, Jia Wen’s scholarly knowledge is already very good. His chances of passing the provincial level imperial examination this time are very promising. You have to urge him well in his studies, and remember not to let him become complacent and lazy.” Wu Qiao Lan’s mother said to her daughter.

“Mother, please don’t worry… Husband is very hard working. He studies till late every day…” Wu Qiao Lan replied with a smile.

Today, the Lin family received a lot of gifts, and Lin Jia Cai helped out by recording all of the gifts down on a list. Lin Jia Cai was ten years old this year. He started his education two years ago, and he has already finished studying the Three Character Classic* and The Book of Family Names*. His talent for studying and reading was not as high as his elder brother, Lin Jia Wen, but he was an assiduous learner.

[*T/N: 三字经 Three Character Classic is a 13th century reading primer consisting of Confucian tenets in lines of 3 characters. (In present day, it is also slang for “swearword.” Lol.) 百家姓 The Book of Family Names is an anonymous Song dynasty reading primer that listed 438 surnames.]

Lin Jia Cai was gradually becoming more and more sensible. He knew that the family’s current goods days were thanks to his elder brother’s hard work, and his second brother’s efforts in the palace.

His family was exempted from the land tax because his elder brother studied hard and became a candidate for the county level imperial exam. And this year, his elder brother had even passed the county level imperial exam. And because of this, his entire family would be exempted from military service and corvee.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Lin Jia Cai also wanted to study hard like his elder brother, and give his family even better days in the future with his own efforts.

“Elder Brother, this Landlord Jin sent a hundred taels of silver as congratulations.” Lin Jia Cai said to his elder brother, Lin Jia Wen.

There were carriages coming into the courtyard one after another to present all sorts of gifts. Lin Jia Wen didn’t even recognize many of the gift givers, and he gradually realized that something was wrong.

A team of bailiffs (of feudal yamen) arrived outside the Lin family courtyard. With gifts in their hands, they sang as they walked: “Here comes Xu Province’s prefectural magistrate’s congratulatory gifts!”

The people in the village were all watching the excitement. They were surprised to hear that the prefectural magistrate had also sent a congratulatory gift. They were thinking how honored this Lin-xiucai* must be to even receive a present from the prefectural magistrate.

[*T/N: 秀才 xiu cai means “a person who has passed the county level imperial exam,” which is referring to Lin Jia Wen.]

A while after came another horse carriage.

“County magistrate… it’s the county magistrate.”

A few sharp-eyed villagers have already recognized the county magistrate.

Official* Lin Yu Quan hurried forward to greet him.

[*T/N: I am translating it as simply “official” but the precise term is 里正 li zheng, which was a title that came into use during the Spring and Autumn Period (from 770 to 476 BC). 里正 li zheng is a basic level, grassroots, official position and is mainly responsible for managing household registration and paying taxes.]

“County Head Magistrate Du, for you to come visit, it is a supreme honor for our Lin Village. County Head Magistrate Du, please [come in]…”

County Head Magistrate Du did not step forward, but instead let the young person beside him go first, “Hu-daren, please, you first…”

Only then did everyone notice the young person beside the county head magistrate. That person’s attire was impressive and exquisite, and it could be seen at a glance that it was no ordinary person.

Hearing the commotion outside, the Lin family came out.

Lin Da Zhuang and Lin Jia Wen stepped forward to greet them. Lin Jia Wen bowed (with his hands held in front) to County Head Magistrate Du, “For the county head magistrate to come to this student’s home… your presence brings light to our Lin family’s humble dwelling…” Lin Jia Wen turned his attention to that young person, and asked County Head Magistrate Du: “Who might this daren be…?”

Hu Si Zhan introduced himself to everyone, “Lin-laoye*, there is no need for you all to be so courteous. I am the crown prince’s sheren. By His Royal Highness’s command, I have come today to present a one-month celebration gift to Lin-xiaozhi’s nephew.”

[*T/N: 老爷 lao ye – a respectful term of address for the oldest male in the family, in this case that would be Lin Da Zhuang. It can also mean “lord” or “master.”]

What Hu Si Zhan said was like a thunderclap that exploded in the hearts of everyone in the Lin Village. The people of Lin Village discussed spiritedly. His Royal Highness, ah… this was a character only ever heard of in operas. Where else could they hear of such a noble person, ah…

Everyone in the Lin Village congratulated the Lin family. Amongst them were some who had also sent their children into the palace. Those people admired and envied the Lin family’s good luck even more, and wondered how come their child didn’t catch the attention of some noble person.

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Chapter 63 – One-Month Celebration* (20.1)

[*T/N: In Chinese culture, there is a celebration when babies reach one month of age. Infant mortality used to be high back in the day, so if a baby reaches one-month old they are considered out of the immediate danger period and more likely to survive and live. Thus it is an occasion worthy of celebration.]

Zhang Hui Niang was busy dying red eggs* in the kitchen with an elated mood. Her eldest daughter-in-law gave birth to a big healthy boy, and Jia Bao’s days in the palace were also very good. This year, the family got more land and the harvest was good, thus increasing the family’s income by a lot. These were all happy things. Just thinking about them put a smile on her face.

[*T/N: In ancient China, people celebrated birthdays with red eggs (usually in southern China) and longevity noodles (usually in northern China). Birthday cakes were a western import that did not come in until later. Most people celebrate birthday with cakes nowadays, but some people – usually the older generation – still celebrate with more traditional foods.]

Lin Da Zhuang saw how happy Zhang Hui Niang was and he didn’t know how to bring up Lin Jia Bao’s affairs.

“Oh, that’s right, when you went to Beijing a few days ago, Zhou Hai’s family came to ask me if I could let Zhou Hai and Li Er get engaged first. In my opinion, Li Er is already fifteen this year. It’s about time for her to get engaged.” Zhang Hui Niang said to Lin Da Zhuang.

“Let’s settle the engagement early. You can talk to Zhou Hai’s family tomorrow. It would be best to have it done before Bo Ge Er’s one-month celebration.”

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

Bo Ge Er was Lin Jia Wen’s nickname for his son. His full name was Lin Guang Bo. This implied that he would be very erudite in the future. Lin Jia Wen hoped that his son would surpass him in the future.

Lin Da Zhuang didn’t know when the notice about Lin Jia Bao’s new status as the crown prince’s xiaoshi would be announced. He definitely would not be able to keep his calm at that time. If Li Er’s engagement could be settled earlier, then he would feel more at ease. As for the dragon and phoenix twins, they were still young, so they could only save that matter for later.

“That seems a bit rushed…” Zhang Hui Niang said.

“Settling an engagement does not require a lot of work in the first place. Besides, Bo Ge Er’s one-month celebration needs to be handled well this time. After this, we will be busy helping Jia Wen prepare for next year’s triennial provincial imperial exam. And we’ll also be busy with the Lunar New Year stuff. There are simply too many things to handle. If we delay the engagement, it will get delayed until next year. It’s better to settle it early, ba.” Lin Da Zhuang said.

Zhang Hui Niang thought about it and found his words reasonable, so she said, “Then tomorrow I will pay the Zhou family a visit.”

The next day, Zhang Hui Niang went to Zhou Hai’s house. Zhou Hai’s family also wanted to get the engagement settled earlier. With the Lin family’s economical status getting better and better, many people were keeping an eye on them… Zhou Hai’s mother knew that her son liked Lin Li Er since he was a child, and that he had his heart set on her. If something happened and Lin Li Er got engaged to someone else, then it would be too late to cry. Better to settle the engagement now, otherwise the situation might change adversely if the situation was dragged out.

Zhang Hui Niang was also very satisfied with Zhou Hai. The Lin family was indebted to the Zhou family. Back in the day when she and Da Zhuang had some difficulties, it was thanks to the Zhou family’s financial assistance that saw them out of a tough spot.

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Zhou Hai was not only good with farm work, but he had also learned how to hunt from his father Zhou Mu, so their family’s quality of life was pretty good, and they would often have sumptuous meals of wild animal meat. Sometimes, when their luck was good, they could also get some animal pelts, which could be sold for a lot of money. Zhou Hai’s character was honest and stable. Lin Li Er would not endure hardships after marrying into his family.

The Lin family and Zhou family negotiated and agreed to have Zhou Hai and Lin Li Er get married after the autumn harvest the following year. The Zhou family moved quickly, and within a few days they invited a matchmaker to propose an engagement.

Ever since Lin Li Er’s engagement was decided on, she rarely went out and often stayed in her room to embroider her wedding dress. The red brocade was included in the gift brought back from the capital this time, and the embroidered wedding gown was especially beautiful.

Sheren* Hu Si Zhan, the crown prince’s subordinate, brought along a few imperial bodyguards. He received the crown prince’s order to go to Lin Jia Village to give Lin-xiaozhu’s little nephew a one-month celebration gift. The group did not dare to tarry along the way. They hurried on the road and finally arrived in Xu Province two days before the celebration.

[*T/N: 舍人 she ren – ancient office title / rich and important person]

After arriving in Xu Province, Hu Si Zhan first paid a visit to the residence of Shi Qi Shan, the prefectural magistrate of Xu Province.

Shi Qi Shan was surprised when he heard the servant report that His Royal Highness’s sheren had come to visit, but he did not dare to slight the man, so he went to greet him personally.

“Hu-daren, what brings your honorable self to my home?” Shi Qi Shan invited Hu Si Zhan to sit in the main hall. Shi Qi Shan has met Hu Si Zhan once before when he was debriefing in Beijing. It was reasonable to say that the two did not have any interactions. Shi Qi Shan was unable to guess the reason for Hu Si Zhan’s visit. “Could it be that His Royal Highness has an order for me?”

Although Shi Qi Shan was a fifth-tier official, and Hu Si Zhan was a sixth-tier official as the crown prince’s sheren, Shi Qi Shan did not dare to slight him at all. He was very polite to Hu Si Shan. After all, he was one of the crown prince’s close subordinates…

“Shi-daren is too polite. I came here to congratulate you.” Hu Si Zhan said.

Shi Qi Shan heard that it was something good, and immediately relaxed. “May I ask Hu-daren to explain to me what is this congratulatory thing?”

“Under Shi-daren’s governance, the people of Xu Province live and work in peace and contentment. Shi-daren’s contributions cannot go unnoticed. And this time there is great news. Among the people who were sent to the palace from Xu Province this time, one of them became a noble… Today, I came here for this matter.” Hu Si Zhan said to Shi Qi Shan.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

“Oh… this is indeed really good news. May I ask which person has entered the emperor’s sights?” the abacus in Shi Qi Shan’s heart started clicking and clacking away when he heard this news from Hu Si Zhan. There has never been a nobleman that originated from Xu Province before…

“It’s not the emperor but the crown prince. The crown prince’s Lin-xiaozhu is from Pei County. Lin-xiaozhu is a ger. Right now he is very much loved by the crown prince. This time, I have come here to deliver a one-month celebratory gift to Lin-xiaozhu’s nephew.” Hu Si Zhan explained.

“So it’s His Royal Highness, ah… that’s a really great blessing!”

Compared to being favored by the emperor, of course it was more promising to be a xiaoshi to the crown prince. The emperor has passed his middle age years, and he also had many princes and princesses, whereas, His Royal Highness was still young and had no heirs yet. If Lin-xiaozhu gave birth to a son for the crown prince in the future, when the crown prince claims the throne that would be really noble beyond words, and will benefit the family…

Shi Qi Shan warmly invited Hu Si Zhan and his party of men to stay at his residence. Hu Si Zhan declined and returned to the Xu Province’s relay station. Hu Si Zhan thought about how this news would spread within the next few days. Then the order that the crown prince gave him would soon be realized.

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Chapter 62 – Qin Family

Over the next few days, Lin Da Zhuang wanted to talk to Zhang Hui Niang about Lin Jia Bao, but every time he tried, he couldn’t get the words past his lips.

Afterwards, when he was discussing with Lin Jia Wen, he said: “Why don’t we wait for your wife to give birth first? Your mother has been busy lately, if we tell her she’ll feel ill at ease.”

“En, we’ll do as Dad says. It will soon be the autumn harvest. The family has more land this year, and the newly purchased land will have to be taken care of. The family will be busy for a while. I am afraid that there will not be enough manpower. It seems that we will need to hire two people.” Lin Jia Wen thought about it and agreed with his dad’s idea.

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“En, indeed, we need to hire some people. This time, let’s hire a few more people, ba. Jia Wen, don’t go to the fields this time. Study well, ba.” Lin Da Zhuang said.

“Understood, Dad. I will definitely study well.”

The crown prince had gifted him many good quality essentials of calligraphy and scholarship*, and also a lot of useful books. Lin Jia Wen vowed that he must pass the provincial level imperial examination. For his family, and for Jia Bao, he must prepare well for the triennial provincial imperial exam.

[*T/N: The essentials of calligraphy and scholarship are brush, ink, paper, and ink stone. These four things are known as the Four Treasures of the Study.]

In the following days, Lin Jia Wen worked ever harder at studying and reviewing the exam materials. It was to the point that he even neglected to eat and sleep. His teaching of Lin Jia Cai also got stricter. Wu-shi, his wife, would occasionally persuade him to pay attention to his health. She thought that the talents her husband met in the capital must have stimulated him.

In October, Wu-shi safely gave birth to a baby boy. The Lin family was very happy, and then Zhang Hui Niang became very busy with her daughter-in-law’s one-month confinement* and taking care of her little grandson.

[*T/N: one-month confinement – it is a practice that some people in the modern day still practice. The Chinese believe that the mother’s body is very susceptible after birth, so she must stay indoors for one month to recuperate. She should not be exposed to outside elements (like the wind and rain) and she can’t even wash her hair or bathe (because cold water is believed to be bad for the body’s health). The part about not bathing probably persisted from ancient times when it was hard for the common populace to be able to bathe with hot water. Modern people mostly ignore this part of the one-month confinement.]

As for Lin Da Zhuang, he was busy with the autumn harvest. He thought he should wait for a while longer, wait for his grandson to become one-month old, before telling Zhang Hui Niang about Jia Bao.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng soon got the news that Lin Jia Wen’s wife gave birth to a baby boy. If he told his darling this good news, his darling would definitely be very happy.

Back then, not all of the cavalry that escorted Lin Da Zhuan and company back home had returned to the capital. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng had ordered two people to stay behind in Xu Province specifically for gathering news and reporting them to him.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Lin Jia Bao was really happy when he got the news, and then he remembered that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng had said that he could send things back home, so he chose a few things from all numerous rewards conferred to him.

Every time Lin Jia Bao and Xuan Yuan Han Cheng went to pay respects to the empress, he would receive some rewards. Everyone knew that he was the crown prince’s current favorite. Sometimes when he met other imperial concubines within Yong Shou Palace, he would also receive rewards. In addition, ever since Xuan Yuan Han Cheng got Lin Jia Bao, he would often gather a lot of good things for him. The men under the crown prince also knew of the existence of a xiaoshi who held a big piece of the crown prince’s heart and they would also present gifts as a sign of filial respect.

Lin Jia Bao fiddled with a jade pendant carved in the shape of a pony. This year was the year of the horse, so Lin Jia Bao had a lot of horse-themed pendants and decorations in his possession.

When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng came in, Lin Jia Bao was swaying among a table of jade pendants, not knowing which one to choose.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng hugged Lin Jia Bao from behind and asked, “Have you chosen yet?”

“Husband, do you think this jade pendant is good? There is a pattern of a galloping pony on it. It just so happens that my little nephew is born in the year of the horse.” Lin Jia Bao picked up one of the pendants and showed it to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng.

“En, it’s good. I remember there is a small decoration of a colored glass horse. That is also not bad.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng remembered that it was one of the gifts that his men had presented. He thought it was not bad and gave it to Lin Jia Bao.

“That, ah… that was given to me by Husband. I think… I think I want to keep it…” Lin Jia Bao said with reluctance.

He liked that colored glass pony very much. Lin Jia Bao didn’t have much in the way of toys ever since he was a child. It was only after he became Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s xiaoshi that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng would often give him these interesting playthings. Lin Jia Bao liked it very much and he cherished it very much. He would be very careful whenever he handled it.

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“My dear treasure… my darling…” When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng heard this, he kissed Jia Bao hard. “Tomorrow, have Yuan Qing go to Qiu-momo to get the key to the inner warehouse. You can pick something good from there. You can’t be stingy with the present you give to your little nephew.”

Lin Jia Bao shook his head, “No need, I have a lot of rewards that are great, there’s no need to go to the warehouse to pick one.”

Lin Jia Bao was embarrassed to go to his husband’s warehouse to pick out a gift for his little nephew’s one-month celebration. When he thought about it, he felt that it was still better to use one of his rewards as a gift.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng understood what Lin Jia Bao was thinking and smiled without saying anything. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng thought that his darling was still young. In the future he wanted to bestow his baby with the title of cejun*. In this way, the management of the East Palace can be passed into Jia Bao’s hands justifiably.

[*T/N: 侧君 ce jun – most likely a made up title since there were no male concubines in the imperial harem in ancient times. Individually the words mean “side” and “lord.” I’m not certain what is the equivalent for a female concubine, but anything with 君 jun in the title is usually a very well-respected position.]

“Husband, will the things I send arrive in time for my little nephew’s one-month celebration?” Lin Jia Bao looked at Xuan Yuan Han Cheng expectantly.

“Of course, baby. I guarantee that it will arrive in time for your little nephew’s one-month celebration.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng promised.

He got news from Xu Province, and he knew the current situation of Lin Da Zhuang’s family. He appreciated their low-key and non-exaggerated way of handling things. But Lin Jia Bao was already his person. This was not a shameful thing. And he didn’t like to hide it.

So he would just take advantage of this opportunity and tell the whole of China during Lin Jia Wen’s child’s one-month celebration. Let the Lin family have a good reputation in Xu Province. After all, Lin Jia Bao would not be just a xiaoshi in the future. The Lin family should also adapt to their change in status earlier…

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Chapter 61 – Qin Family

Mrs. Qin wondered how could Qin Kai Xing have brought back so many things this time. When she saw the gift list sandwiched amongst the items, she was even more dumbfounded.

The gift list clearly indicated that top-quality biluochun* and a fine tea service was for Old Master Qin, a set of pearl head ornaments was for Mrs. Qin, and a delicate ruby beaded hairpin was for Lin Jin Er. Even the three little children had designated gifts.

[*T/N: biluochun a.k.a. pi lo chun is a type of green tea grown in the Dongting Mountain region near Lake Tai in Jiangsu.]

Qin Zi Cong received a transparent jade pendant. The dragon and phoenix twins received longevity locks of gold inlaid with jade*. There were also some tonics such as ginseng and bird’s nest.

[*T/N: longevity locks – ornaments in the shape of a lock that is supposed to represent long life]

The prices of these things were not low, and they could not be bought without thousands of taels of silver.

The gifts were also tailored to the receiver. Old Master Qin was someone who loved tea. The top-quality biluochun was a tribute tea, and it could not be bought with mere money. How could Qin Kai Xing get such a good product? Old Master Qin wondered about this with suspicion. He knew how many silver taels his son had brought with him to Beijing, and even if the goods he brought along had sold well, it was still far from enough to afford these gifts.

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“That’s right, ah. Son, which noble person gave [us] these gifts?” Mrs. Qin was also very curious. She had once attended a gathering hosted by the prefectural magistrate’s wife, and she had seen that the pearls worn by the prefectural magistrate’s wife were not as big and round as hers.

Qin Kai Xing first dismissed the servant girl that was serving tea. Then he slightly lowered his voice and said, “These are all gifts from His Royal Highness…”

Old Master Qin, Mrs. Qin, and Lin Jin Er were all surprised when they heard that.

“His Royal Highness… how come you have a relationship with His Royal Highness?”

“It’s all because of Jia Bao,” Qin Kai Xing said softly.

“Jia Bao! What happened to Jia Bao?” Lin Jin Er asked nervously.

“Jia Bao is now the crown prince’s xiaoshi. His Royal Highness is very affectionate with Jia Bao. He not only sent meeting gifts, he also sent a small team of cavalry to escort us back. Father-in-law didn’t want to be too ostentatious, so he only had them escort us up to Xu Province.”

Lin Jin Er was shocked to hear that her younger brother had became the crown prince’s xiaoshi, she was not happy like her mother-in-law. Instead, she was deeply worried at heart.

Qin Kai Xing spoke about his experience in Beijing, and then he took out the Qi family’s name card and gave it to Old Master Qin.

Holding on to that name card, Old Master Qin was extremely excited.

“This is really a great opportunity…”

“Father-in-law said that he hopes we won’t disclose anything before the provincial capital makes the announcement.”

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“Yes, our in-law is quite right. We must be strict about restraining the tongues of all the servants who followed along this time.” Old Master Qin nodded in agreement and instructed.

“All the shop assistants and servants who went along this time are all family. I will restrain them well.” Qin Kai Xing said.

That night, Lin Jin Er tossed and turned restlessly in bed. In the end, she couldn’t help it and gave her husband, Qin Kai Xing, a little push.

“Husband, Jia Bao, is he really doing well?”

“Jia Bao is really doing well. His Royal Highness likes him very much! Don’t worry too much. When I have the opportunity to go to the capital again in the future, I will bring you to see him.” Qin Kai Xing said comfortingly to his wife.

Lin Jin Er kep asking about Jia Bao’s situation as soon as they returned to their bedroom, but after receiving Qin Kai Xing’s repeated assurance, she still did not feel relieved.

Lin Jia Bao’s entry into the palace had hit her hard. Lin Jin Er had originally planned to have Jia Bao also marry into the Qin household as a companion when he was older.

She knew Lin Jia Bao’s temperament the best. He was so well behaved and sensible. Compared to becoming someone else’s concubine or dying alone [it was better for him to marry into the Qin family].

As the eldest sister in the family, Lin Jin Er would naturally protect her younger brother. The people in the Qin family were easy to get along with, and their family background was also quite superior.

She has now given birth to two sons and one daughter, so she had a firm foothold in the Qin family. In the future, she would conceive a few more children. If her brother married into the Qin family, regardless of whether or not he gave birth to any children in the future, her children would also be filial to him. That way, Jia Bao would not be helpless in the future.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Lin Jin Er had already thought through everything, but before she could discuss things over with Zhang Hui Niang, Jia Bao entered the palace. And now, he has even become the crown prince’s xiaoshi. The imperial family wasn’t some ordinary family, ah. That harem must have a lot of invisible swords and shadows…

Lin Jin Er heard from Qin Kai Xing that her father hadn’t talked to her mother about Jia Bao yet. How sad would her mother be when she found out? She’s always treasured Jia Bao the most, alas…

Mrs. Qin was also talking to Old Master Qin about Lin Jia Bao, “This time, the Lin family is really incredible, ah… In the future, at the worst, Jia Bao will still be nobility.”

Old Master Qin laughed and said, “I think it will be more than that. Kai Xing said that His Royal Highness dotes on Jia Bao very much! This time, due to our in-law relationship with the Lin family, our Qin family will also benefit greatly, ah. And then in the future we will also cooperate with the Qi family, we would be the first in the county, no… in the entire Xu Province!”

“Wow… this is all thanks to husband choosing good in-laws.”

Mrs. Qin was completely convinced about Lin Jin Er’s foretold fortune from back then*. She was thinking to herself what a good daughter-in-law Lin Jin Er was. She really helped their Qin family prosper.

[*T/N: If you recall, potential marriage partners get their fortune told to see if they’re compatible with each other. And the fortuneteller had said that Lin Jin Er’s marriage into the Qin family would benefit the Qin family greatly. Mrs. Qin originally had some reservations because of Lin Jin Er’s poor background until she heard this fortune telling. It was Old Master Qin who pushed for the marriage, because he wanted to repay the Lin family for their help and he thought that Lin Jin Er was a good person.]

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Chapter 60 – Qin Family

Lin Da Zhuang and his party finally arrived in Xu Province. Lin Da Zhuang, Lin Jia Wen, and Qin Kai Xing thanked the cavalry for guarding them along the throughout the journey. Lin Da Zhuang and the others politely declined the cavalry’s offer to escort them back to Pei County. It would be too ostentatious to go back like this.

They separated from the cavalry in front of Pei County. Then Lin Da Zhuang, Lin Jia Wen, Qin Kai Xing, and their shop assistants and servants brought the five carriages into Pei County.

The guards guarding the city saw that they had brought back five large carriages and said fawningly to Qin Kai Xing: “Young Master Qin, where did you get rich and come back from?”

Qin Kai Xing also replied heartily: “These are goods brought back from the capital. Everyone, remember to come visit our shop, ah…”

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

“Haha, then Young Master Qin has to give us a discount. The woman* at home just so happens to be making a ruckus about wanting new clothes.”

[*T/N: 婆娘 po niang – a derogatory way of saying woman. And the guard is referring to his wife.]

“But of course…”

After arriving at the Qin family house, Qin Kai Xing again ordered his shop assistants and family servants to help unload the goods. Then he reloaded a large carriage full with the earthenware he had bought from the capital and the meeting gifts from His Royal Highness.

After that, Qin Kai Xing personally escorted his father-in-law and eldest brother-in-law back to Lin Jia Village. It was late when they arrived at Lin Jia Village, and it was already time for every family to have dinner. There were no people out on the village roads and no one noticed their arrival.

The Lin family was also having dinner at that time, and they were just talking about how it was about time for their father and eldest brother to come back.

When they saw Lin Da Zhuang and the others coming back, the family was very excited, and Zhang Hui Niang whipped up a few more dishes.

They also invited Qin Kai Xing to have dinner together with them. It would be impolite to refuse, so Qin Kai Xing accepted the invitation and the whole family had a lively dinner.

During the meal, everyone rushed to ask about Jia Bao’s situation. Lin Da Zhuang thought for a while and then said: “Eat first, Jia Bao is living very well. Kai Xing, you have to eat more. This time, we really troubled you.”

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Everyone was relieved to hear that Jia Bao was doing well. One after another, they all persuaded Qin Kai Xing to eat more.

Lin Da Zhuang wanted to find the right time to talk to Zhang Hui Niang first.

After dinner, the family saw Qin Kai Xing out the door. After that, everyone was busy sorting out the presents that Lin Da Zhuang and the others had brought back.

“This Kai Xing has bought too much. How much does this all cost? No matter how rich you are, you can’t just squander it like this!” Zhang Hui Niang looked at the exquisite gifts and felt that this son-in-law of hers was spending too much money.

Lin Da Zhuang opened his mouth but the words got trapped in his throat.

“Kai Xing is a good person. The goods that we brought to he capital this time sold very well. If he didn’t give some presents to you, his elder, then it would not be appropriate.”

The things that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng gifted were naturally of excellent quality. The ginseng and bird’s nest were all top grade products. Zhang Hui Niang did not know the true value of these things, but she was already distressed to the max.

Among the gifts were also a set of pearl head ornaments and a pair of white jade bracelets designated for Zhang Hui Niang. The luster of the smooth pearls on the head ornaments instantly captured the hearts of all the females in the Lin family.

Although Zhang Hui Niang was lamenting about how much money her son-in-law spent, she still liked the gift very much.

[T/N: That’s so typical of Asian parents. Lmao.]

This son-in-law of hers was really attentive.

“It’s so beautiful! This must be very expensive. Da Zhuang, ah, why didn’t you stop son-in-law from buying this? I won’t have any occasion to use such expensive head ornaments! Isn’t this a waste of money?”

In his heart, Lin Da Zhuang was saying, that was His Royal Highness who bought this, how could he possibly stop the crown prince, ah…

Apart from Zhang Hui Niang, Lin Jia Wen’s wife, Wu-shi, and Lin Li Er and Lin Xiu Er also received beautiful and exquisite hairpins with all kinds of precious stones. They all exclaimed in admiration when they received their gifts.

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

Wu-shi gently and carefully held on to the pearl hairpin she received. She really loved it. Lin Xiu Er inserted her pearl hairpin into her hair right then and there, and elatedly demanded compliments from everyone.

Lin Jia Wen said to their mother: “It would be too eye-catching to wear this outside. Xiu Er is still young, so mother should help her put it away first. If you lose it, it won’t be good.”

Lin Da Zhuang said, “All right, lets take care of these things slowly in the future. Jia Wen and I are tired and want to rest early.”

Zhang Hui Niang looked at her husband and son’s tired faces, and quickly went to boil some hot water so that they could wash up and retire to bed early.

In the evening, Qin Kai Xing returned to the Qin family’s house. Just after he finished bathing and changing his clothes, one of the servants told him that the old master and mistress wanted to see him and ask him a few things.

Qin Kai Xing walked into the main hall and saw his parents and Jin Er all sitting and waiting for him.

Old Master Qin asked his son: “Kai Xing, did the trip to Beijing go well this time? The things that you brought back this time… what is going on?”

That afternoon, Mrs. Qin and her daughter-in-law, Lin Jin Er, were sorting out the earthenware that her son had brought back from Beijing. The stuff that they were organizing at the beginning was the special products that Qin Kai Xing had brought back from Beijing. When Mrs. Qin and Lin Jin Er saw these, they didn’t think much of it. But when they reached the meeting gifts sent by His Royal Highness, they felt that something was off about the items.

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