Category: Didn’t Love You Enough

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Chapter 59 – Promise

The next day, bright and early in the morning, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng woke up. He kept his movements soft and quiet as he pressed a kiss to Lin Jia Bao’s forehead and got out of bed.

While changing clothes, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng saw that Yuan Fu seemed to want to say something to him but was hesitating. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng waves his hand and said softly, “Go out and talk.”

Last night, Jia Bao suddenly woke up with a start in the middle of the night. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng has always been a light sleeper. He could feel movement at his side and promptly woke at once to placate his darling.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng felt very distressed to see his baby in a state of panicked fright. He knew that this was a manifestation of his baby’s insecurity, but he could only slowly use actions to improve his baby’s anxiety.

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On the way to morning court, Yuan Fu told His Royal Highness that Xu Xue Ying had hanged herself lest night. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng stopped when he heard this. It looked like Xu Xue Ying still walked the same path as the previous life.

“Tell everyone in Ping Le Courtyard to keep their mouths shut tightly and don’t let this news reach Jia Bao’s ears.”

His baby has never experienced this kind of thing before, and he was so softhearted and kind. He definitely would not be able to sleep well if he heard about this.

“Understood.”

Although Yuan Fu severely restrained the palace servants so that the news would not reach Lin Jia Bao’s ears, the news still spread slowly in the East Palace.

At that time, many people in the palace saw Lin Jia Bao coming out of Xu Xue Ying’s restricted courtyard, and then Xu Xue Ying killed herself that night.

Everyone could not help but raise eyebrows and cast sidelong glances. In their hearts, they all thought that this Lin-xiaozhu was quite formidable. Wordlessly and silently, he forced Xu Xue Ying – a woman who was once deeply doted on by the crown prince – to death…

One day, Yu-shi visited Song-shi’s courtyard to have tea with her. Song-shi’s temperament was honest and quiet. Yu-shi was lively and talkative. And their courtyards were right next to each other, so Yu-shi often came over to chat and gossip with Song-shi.

“I’m afraid that this ger xiaoshi’s tricks are at a higher level than Xu Xue Ying’s. Ever since His Royal Highness got him, he has not taken a step outside of Ping Le Courtyard.” Yu-shi saw Song-shi minding her own business and tasting the tea and refreshments, so she added: “Do you think we should go and pay him a visit?”

“That isn’t too appropriate, ba. Ping Le Courtyard is connected to the inner study room. It is a forbidden area and we are not allowed to enter.” Song-shi didn’t dare. It was because that personal palace maid* went to the inner study room and angered His Royal Highness that she* became confined. “There will always be chances to see him in the future, ba.”

[*T/N: The raws was a little unclear, but I think this may be referring to Xu Xue Ying and her personal palace maid, Bi Zhu. The other concubines don’t know the truth of what went down, so they think the reason that Xu Xue Ying was confined was because her personal maid, Bi Zhu, went into the inner study room, which was forbidden to them. The real reason was that Xu Xue Ying and Bi Zhu did a lot of bad things, like causing the other concubines’ miscarriages and slipping XYHC impotency medicine.]

“Aren’t you curious?”

Yu-shi herself was very curious. She had long wanted to see the rumored incomparably beautiful ger. But the cowering Song-shi refused to go with her, so she could only think up ways to see him in the future.

Yu Qin has already stepped out of the shadow of losing her son. Right now, she was grinding her hands into fists and thinking of giving birth to another son for His Royal Highness.

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So hateful, ah! That ger was really so hateful. Unexpectedly, his tricks were even better than Xu Xue Ying’s. In the past, when Xu Xue Ying was favored, they could still get the crown prince for a few days. And now… she could only see His Royal Highness when he visited her daughter…

“By the way, I heard that Kang’er is sick again.” Both Yu-shi and Song-shi’s daughters had poor health, so the two would often exchange experiences of how they took care of their daughters.

“Yeah, a fever burned up suddenly, and it scared me at the time… Fortunately, the fever has gone away…”Song-shi still had lingering fears when she thought about it just now.

On that day, Xu Xue Ying’s words successfully persuaded Kang’er, so Kang’er forced Hong Wei, the little palace maid at her side, to go and bring Lin Jia Bao into Xu Xue Ying’s courtyard.

In the evening, she sent Hong Wei to go see what was up wit that freak. Hong Wei sneakily peeped around outside Xu Xue Ying’s courtyard. Coincidentally she saw the moment the palace people were carrying out Xu Xue Ying’s corpse. And she also heard the palace people talking about how formidable Lin-xiaozhu was. She got so scared.

After Hong Wei went back, she told the little master Kang’er what she had seen and heard. Kang’er was already five years old and she already understood what was death. She was so frightened that she got a fever that very night.

Hong Wei herself was also scared to death. If it were discovered that she was the one who led Lin-xiaozhu into Xu Xue Ying’s courtyard, her little life would be forfeited… Hong Wei scared herself so much with her own thoughts that she, too, soon fell ill.

The nanny that took care of Kang’er didn’t think much of it. She simply thought that Hong Wei got sick from taking care of the ill little master. So she temporarily moved Hong Wei elsewhere.

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Chapter 58 – Promise 

After pulling Xuan Yuan Han Cheng up, Lin Jia Bao slightly stood on his tiptoes and kissed him.

Of course, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was not going to let a chance like this slip by. He must take advantage of the opportunity whenever his baby willingly delivered himself into his arms. So he took his baby’s kiss and deepened it.

Lin Jia Bao took the initiative to wrap his arms around Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s neck, and obediently let Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kiss him.

Reluctantly, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng pulled away from his baby’s sweet lips. The emotions in his eyes deepened all the more upon seeing the lips that were kissed until glossy and moist by him.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng held Lin Jia Bao so tightly that he could feel his body heat seeping through his clothes. Lin Jia Bao seemed to have been scorched by the heat. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates as he stared at Xuan Yuan Han Cheng in surprise.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was amused by his darling’s expression, “Baby, you have to believe in yourself. You don’t have to grow up to draw my attention. I am already deeply captivated by you. But I will wait for you to grow up. When you’re all grown up, I’m going to swallow you whole.”

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Lin Jia Bao’s face burned red under Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s burning hot gaze. He lowered his head in embarrassment.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng refused to let him go. He continued to embrace his baby, and kissed him on the forehead, brows, and cheeks. He kissed all the way down to Lin Jia Bao’s neck and then he reached out to open up Jia Bao’s collar.

“Nn… Husband, you… Husband, how many women do you have? I’ve never seen any of them before.” Lin Jia Bao hesitated before asking the same the question that his father, Lin Da Zhuang, had asked him when they last saw each other.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was completely immersed in the act of sucking on Lin Jia Bao’s clavicle. Hearing Lin Jia Bao’s question, he raised his head, looked at his baby, and said, “Besides Xu-shi, there are two more concubines, Song-shi and Yu-shi, and there are also two daughters. If the chance comes up, you will see them in the future.”

“Xu-shi said…” Lin Jia Bao remembered what Xu Xue Ying had said to him before.

“I’ve already sent Xu-shi to the cold palace. She committed an unforgiveable wrong. She has no one to blame but herself.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng interrupted Lin Jia Bao’s words and said sternly: “You don’t have to worry about Song-shi and Yu-shi. The past cannot be changed, but whether it’s in the present or in the future, I will not touch them or anyone else.”

Lin Jia Bao did not reply. His husband’s words weaved a beautiful dream for him. That dream was so beautiful that he didn’t care about the authenticity of the dream at all.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng took Jia Bao into his arms. He knew his baby was still deeply worried, but it didn’t matter. He had a lifetime to prove his words.

“Oh, that’s right, what about the crown princess? Is her illness very bad?” Lin Jia Bao thought of the most important woman by his husband’s side.

“Baby, you don’t have to worry about her at all. As early as when I was on the expedition, the crown princess has already ‘died of illness.’ Because of various reasons, I couldn’t disclose this information to the outside world, and instead, claimed that she was ill in bed and could not see anyone.”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng thought it would be okay for his baby to know the truth about the crown princess’s death, so he told him.

Lin Jia Bao nodded to indicate that he understood. “En, I will keep it secret.”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng looked at Jia Bao, whose brows were stretched out, and kissed him on the cheek, “Baby, are you reassured now?”

Lin Jia Bao smiled lightly.

“Baby, smile again.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng loved to see the smiling face of his darling.

Lin Jia Bao obediently gave Xuan Yuan Han Cheng a big smile. That bright and beautiful smiling face made Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s spirit shake for a second. Those deep dimples were so charming and adorable.

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“Your husband’s wish is to see the smiling face of my baby everyday.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said: “So my baby should be happy everyday.”

Wrapped up against his husband’s broad chest, Lin Jia Bao giggled upon hearing Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s words. His heart felt so sweet, it was as if he had eaten a lot of honey.

Shu Ya and Shu Qing stood outside the bedroom, and they were relieved when they heard Lin-xiaozhu’s laughter coming from the room. Lin-xiaozhu’s complexion was very bad when he came back not too long ago, and they were very worried.

“His Royal Highness really has a way with Lin-xiaozhu. In just a short while, he was able to coax the little master…” Shu Qin said.

Shu Ya said: “The little master’s thoughts are simple and pure. He is also well behaved and obedient. He’s actually very easy to coax.”

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Chapter 57 – Promise

When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng returned to Ping Le Courtyard, Shu Ya stepped forward to report to His Royal Highness, “Your Royal Highness, Lin-xiaozhu has shut himself in the bedroom and will not let us in.”

After hearing this, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng walked quickly into the bedroom and found Lin Jia Bao on the bed, only to see him covered with a quilt.

“Jia Bao… Baby…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng stretched out his hand to pull down the quilt, but helplessly, his baby was holding on to the quilt and refused to let go.

“Baby, let go of the quilt. What are we going to do if you suffocate under there? Talk to your husband. Don’t suppress it in your heart. Do you still remember what you promised your husband?”

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Xuan Yuan Han Cheng continued to tug on the quilt covering Lin Jia Bao’s face. Having heard his words, Jia Bao’s grip loosened on the quilt. “Good baby…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng pulled off the quilt.

What came into view was his darling’s tear-stained face, which made him feel very distressed.

“Baby, don’t cry…”

Lin Jia Bao was very heartbroken and sad.

Being pampered and cherished by His Royal Highness these days have gradually made him lose himself. He somewhat forgot that he was only the crown prince’s xiaoshi. But the crown prince already had a crown princess and other concubines before him.

Because Lin Jia Bao had not seen the crown prince’s other women, he chose to escape the truth by ignoring it. Hearing Xu Xue Ying’s words completely sobered him up. His Royal Highness was the crown prince. He wasn’t someone’s husband. He had to wake up from his sweet dream.

Just the thought of His Royal Highness treating other people the way he treated him made Lin Jia Bao feel so bad. It was like a stone was crushing his heart.

Lin Jia Bao felt like he’s become a bad person. Clearly he was the newest one [in the crown prince’s harem], but he wanted to dominate the crown prince alone and have the crown prince be his husband only. This was a breech of rules. He really mustn’t do this.

His Royal Highness was the future emperor. It was impossible for him to only have Lin Jia Bao [in his harem]. It looked like he was doomed to share a husband with other people.

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Lin Jia Bao was also a little worried. He was [untalented] like this. Would His Royal Highness really continue to like him in the future? He was really scared…

“Your Royal Highness, I will properly learn the four arts* and also poetry,” Lin Jia Bao promised Xuan Yuan Han Cheng while crying.

[*T/N: The four arts are the accomplishments of a well-educated person and they include guqin, Go, calligraphy, and painting.]

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng picked up his treasured one and had him lie against his chest. He gently helped him wiped away his tears, “Dear baby, you don’t have to learn these. Even without learning these things you are still my* darling.”

[*T/N: He uses the word “husband” here for the first person pronoun. Whenever he does that I translate it as “[your] husband” as long as it flows well in English. If it doesn’t flow very well, I try to add a little note so that you’ll know the nuance going on.]

Lin Jia Bao thought for a while and then said something that made Xuan Yuan Han Cheng not know whether to laugh or cry.

“Jia Bao is still young right now. I haven’t completely matured yet. I will definitely grow up well in the future and be better than I am now. So Your Royal Highness you can’t not want me. You haven’t seen how I will look when I grow up!”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng thought his words were both funny and pitiful. He didn’t know what Xu Xue Ying said to Jia Bao, which caused Jia Bao to have such an idea, fearing that he would not want him.

“Baby, you have to believe your husband. Your husband will definitely want you.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng helped Lin Jia Bao up and had him sit on the edge of the bed.

Under Lin Jia Bao’s gaze, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng slowly knelt down on one knee, “I, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng, swear that in the future I will only have you. I will only be your husband.”

Lin Jia Bao was frightened by Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s actions. He immediately stood up and tried to help Xuan Yuan Han Cheng up while crying, “Wu wu*… Your Royal Highness, don’t kneel… wu wu wu… Husband, get up, ah… wu wu wu.”

[*T/N: 呜呜 wu wu – Chinese onomatopoeia for crying sounds]

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng didn’t get up. He only held on to Lin Jia Bao’s hand and stared at Lin Jia Bao with a steady gaze filled with love, “Baby, believe me*…”

[*T/N: Here XYHC is using the very neutral first person pronoun (我 wo) that everyone uses nowadays, but for a crown prince in ancient times, it implies that he is talking to LJB as just a simple man, without any titles.]

“Wu wu… but… I’m not good…” Seeing that His Royal Highness would not get up and continuing to kneel on one knee, Lin Jia Bao cried even harder.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng still knelt resolutely, and insisted: “Baby, believe me! Baby, don’t worry, don’t doubt. I will have you feel [and experience] it. You are the most important treasure of my life.”

“I… I believe you, husband, I believe you…”

Lin Jia Bao felt his heart being filled to the brim. Both his vision and his heart were filled with his husband’s loving gaze and the promise he made to him. Lin Jia Bao was so touched. Even if His Royal Highness really got tired of him in the future, he would not regret it.

[T/N: Aww, Lin Jia Bao, my sweet baby, wu wu…]

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Chapter 56 – Promise

Xu Xue Ying still wanted to say something to Lin Jia Bao, but she stopped all of a sudden and looked straight behind Lin Jia Bao.

“Your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness… Xue Ying can finally see you.”

“Xue Ying has been looking forward to seeing you everyday, Xue Ying really misses you!” Xu Xue Ying pushed Lin Jia Bao away and ran in front of Xuan Yuan Han Cheng.

Lin Jia Bao was pushed out of the blue and he staggered for a few steps. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng hurried to support his baby, ignoring Xu Xue Ying’s emotional words.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng saw that there was something amiss about Lin Jia Bao’s expression. He took him into his arms, thought for a while, and said to Jia Bao, “Baby, you go back with Yuan Qing and the others first.”

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Xuan Yuan Han Cheng could feel his baby stiffen in his arms for a split second, so he wrapped him tightly in his arms again, and said into his ear: “Darling, your husband, I, will be return to Ping Le Courtyard in a short while.”

Lin Jia Bao’s expression was somewhat wooden as he followed Yuan Qing and them back to Ping Le Courtyard.

Xu Xue Ying just saw the crown prince whispering to Lin Jia Bao, and his expression was so focused and gentle. Xu Xue Ying couldn’t believe her eyes. Even when she was most favored, His Royal Highness had never been so gentle to her. This Lin An Zhu looked incompetent and ordinary. How could he be worthy?!

Xu Xue Ying looked at Lin Jia Bao’s retreating back. Jealousy and resentfulness exuded from her eyes. Xuan Yuan Han Cheng caught the vicious look in Xu Xue Ying’s eyes. It looked like Xu Xue Ying could not stay in the East Palace anymore. She has been confined, and she was still able to trick his darling into this place. From this, it could be seen that she had quite a few tricks up her sleeves.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng thought about how his baby’s expression just now had looked very bad. He had to go back as soon as possible and explain clearly to his treasure. It would be no good for his darling to misunderstand him.

Seeing His Royal Highness watching her, Xu Xue Ying hastily changed her expression.

“Your Royal Highness… Your Royal Highness, back then, it was not Xue Ying’s intention for Bi Zhu to offend you. Xue Ying missed Your Royal Highness day and night. When [I] heard the news of Your Royal Highness’s expedition, Xue Ying also prayed daily for the heavens to bless Your Royal Highness to come back safely. Please understand, ah, Your Royal Highness…”

As Xu Xue Ying spoke, her voice became choked. She cried silently as if she had suffered a lot of grievances. At the same time, she did not forget to show off her beautiful profile with tears clinging to her eyelashes in front of His Royal Highness.

“You don’t have to pretend anymore, Xu-shi*. I already know. Exactly how did Yu-shi’s child pass away… You must be clear about the truth in your heart…” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said coldly.

[*T/N: 氏 shi – an honorific suffix attached to a married woman’s maiden name.]

“It wasn’t me… I didn’t… Your Royal Highness, you’re really accusing me wrongly. How can I hurt Your Royal Highness’s children? Someone must have framed me. It must be Yu-shi or the crown princess! Your Royal Highness, you can’t believe them. You must see clearly the downy feathers of autumn*, and return justice to Xue Ying, ah…”

[*T/N: 明察秋毫 “see clearly the downy feathers of autumn” – an idiom from Mencius meaning to be perceptive of even the finest detail]

Xu Xue Ying instantly panicked after hearing the crown prince’s words. However, she immediately calmed down once she remembered that Bi Zhu was already dead. The dead could not testify. And all other trails [that could lead back to her] have already been taken care of.

Xu Xue Ying cried even more heartbrokenly, “They really want to force me to death… Xue Ying is really wronged… Your Royal Highness must believe me…”

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“You’ve been wrong?! …Ha ha, do you want to confront Bi Zhu [in court]?” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said coldly.

“Bi Zhu died a long time ago.”

Xu Xue Ying looked at the cold expression on His Royal Highness.

“No… No… Bi Zhu, she…”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng didn’t bother to look at Xu Xue Ying’s hypocritical expressions anymore. He turned around and say to Yuan Fu, “Move Xu-shi to Bei Han Palace tomorrow.”

Xu Xue Ying screamed when she heard the three words Bei Han Palace.

Bei Han Palace was a veritable cold palace*, not just in name only, but also in reality.

[*T/N: 冷宫 cold palace – you’re probably familiar with this one already, but it’s a place to which a monarch banishes a wife or concubine who falls from favor, figuratively, the doghouse]

If Xu Xue Ying went there, her ending would be to either go crazy, or to die alone after suffering. Even if she died, she didn’t want to go there.

“No… I was framed… Your Royal Highness… Your Royal Highness!”

Regardless of Xu Xue Ying’s bitter pleading, or how she quibbled and refused to admit that she did not harm Yu-shi’s child, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng did not care. He hurriedly left the small courtyard where Xu Xue Ying was imprisoned.

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Chapter 55 – A Sense of Loss

When Lin Jia Bao entered, he saw a very beautiful woman playing the guqin. That woman was so very beautiful. Lin Jia Bao has never seen such a beautiful person before. The sound of the guqin was mournful and it made the listener feel very sad after hearing it.

“Excuse me, who are you?”

“So you’re Lin An Zhu, the person that His Royal Highness is currently doting on?” Xu Xue Ying looked at this person who was said to be very much loved by the crown prince right now, and she couldn’t believe it.

This Lin An Zhu was simply too average. At best, you could say that he had a delicate and pretty appearance that was likeable. In terms of looks, she was leagues above him. And there were many more people within the palace who looked better than him.

Xu Xue Ying really could not tell at all, just what was it that His Royal Highness liked about him?

“I am the concubine of His Royal Highness, and I was once deeply loved by His Royal Highness,” Xu Xue Ying looked at Lin Jia Bao and said sadly, “His Royal Highness was really good to me at that time, but because of a misunderstanding, I committed a small crime, and I have been confined ever since.”

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Lin Jia Bao heard this beautiful woman say that she was the concubine of His Royal Highness, and that the crown prince had also once loved her very much. He felt stuffy in his heart…

Xu Xue Ying looked at Lin Jia Bao’s expression, and her words became more and more sad, “I haven’t seen His Royal Highness for more than a year. I really miss His Royal Highness.” As she spoke, Xu Xue Ying shed tears. The sparkling and translucent teardrops slipped down one by one. “Lin-xiaozhu, can you help me talk to His Royal Highness, have His Royal Highness come see me and listen to my explanation?”

It was the first time that Lin Jia Bao saw a person looking so beautiful while they cried, and he couldn’t bear to see her keep crying.

“Lin-xiaozhi, I beg you, help me please.” Xu Xue Ying grabbed onto Lin Jia Bao and did not let go. Her attitude was very humble and her eyes were full of pleading.

“I…” Lin Jia Bao faced Xu Xue Ying’s tears and didn’t know what to do…

At the same time, over at Ping Le Courtyard, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was furious.

“Yuan Qing, how do you serve your master? Who allowed you to leave the little master’s side without authorization! When the little master comes back, go to the Department of Cautionary Punishment yourself to receive punishment.”

“Yes.”

Yuan Qing did not dare to utter a word. He went to the Royal Snack Kitchen to fetch the dim sum. When he returned he saw the food box left behind on the stone table, but he couldn’t see hide or hair of Lin-xiaozhu. He looked all around in the imperial garden, but still couldn’t find the little master. He felt that something was wrong, so he hurried back to report.

“Have the head of the imperial guard lead people in a search of the palace. Start looking from the palace of the crown princess in the East Palace.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said. He felt extremely anxious in his heart.

“Your Royal Highness, mobilizing the imperial guard for this… isn’t this… too conspicuous…?” Yuan Fu asked.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng thought for a bit and remembered that he was still a prince at the moment, so he forced himself to calm down. There were two secret guards following Lin Jia Bao around. Nothing bad should happen to him.

Just as Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was thinking this, one of the secret guards who was with Lin Jia Bao came back to report that Lin-xiaozhu was in Xu Xue Ying’s courtyard at this time.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng frowned. He thought that Xu Xue Ying has already been confined, so how could a moth still fly out?

Over on Lin Jia Bao’s side, Xu Xue Ying was currently recounting how the crown prince had once loved her. She talked about how they played the guqin together, and the days when they recited poetry together.

Lin Jia Bao felt sour in his heart after hearing this.

This was the first time he saw one of the crown prince’s women. Lin Jia Bao was very disappointed [with himself] when faced with such a woman of outstanding looks and talents. Compared with her, he felt like he was severely lacking in many aspects. There was no need to speak of the four arts – zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting – the accomplishments of a well-educated person, he could not even read and write properly yet.

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Lin Jia Bao didn’t know how many of such women were still around the crown prince, but he was certain that he must be the one with the worst knowledge and talent among them.

There were also times when Lin Jia Bao felt that His Royal Highness was very kind to him. In fact, His Royal Highness was so kind that he made Lin Jia Bao feel scared. Right now, his days were like a passing dream, he didn’t know how long they would last, and he was really afraid that His Royal Highness would not like him in the future.

Lin Jia Bao thought about how one day he would be like the woman in front of him now. He would spend his days without seeing His Royal Highness, and try to pass the time by reminiscing about the past.

When such thoughts entered his head, it felt so painful, like his heart was being stabbed with a knife…

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Chapter 54 – A Sense of Loss

In the end, Lin Jia Bao went into the inner study room. The guards stationed outside the study respectfully saluted him and invited him in.

“Your Royal Highness… Lin-xiaozhu is here!” When Yuan Fu saw Lin-xiaozhu enter the study, he announced his arrival.

“My darling is here. Quick, come over here.” When Xuan Yuan Han Cheng saw Lin Jia Bao, he put down his brush and waved him over.

“Your Royal Highness, please try the dim sum I made.” Lin Jia Bao brought the food box over and opened it to take out a large plate of dim sum.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng pulled Jia Bao onto his lap. Then he cupped Lin Jia Bao’s hands and examined them carefully. “Did you get any injuries? Are you tired?”

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“No, I’m not tired at all.” Lin Jia Bao was a bit embarrassed to be sitting on Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s lap.

Upon seeing this, Yuan Fu left after pouring tea for the little master.

“This is yinzhen. It has a sweet aftertaste. Try it baby, and see if you like it.”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng brought the teacup over to feed his darling. The sweet scent of the tea wafted up. Holding on to Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s hand around the cup, Lin Jia Bao took a shallow sip of the tea.

Lin Jia Bao tasted the tea. “Sweet, it’s good.”

“It’s good as long as you like it.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said.

“Husband, try the dim sum I made. It won’t taste good when it’s cold.” Lin Jia Bao picked up a milk cake for Xuan Yuan Han Cheng. “The milk cake is delicious. It’s my favorite.”

Milk cake was the first dessert that Lin Jia Bao learned to make in the palace, and it was also his favorite. The rich milk taste left a lingering aftertaste on the taste buds.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng kissed Lin Jia Bao and then complimented, “En, it’s delicious! It’s the best dim sum I’ve ever eaten. Darling is awesome!”

“Husband likes it. I will make it for Husband again in the future.” Lin Jia Bao was very happy that Xuan Yuan Han Cheng liked his craft.

The afternoon passed with Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and Lin Jia Bao feeding each other snacks.

Over the next few days, Lin Jia Bao would go to the Royal Snack Kitchen to make dim sum whenever he had free time. Within the Yong Shou Palace, the Royal Snack Kitchen was relatively safe. As long as his treasured one was happy, then Xuan Yuan Han Cheng would let him go as often as he wanted.

On this day, Lin Jia Bao finished making a snack and came out of the kitchen with a smile on his face. Today, he learned how to make a new hibiscus cake from Lin-momo, and he purposely made more than usual. He wanted to let everyone in Ping Le Courtyard have a taste of this dessert when he got back…

Thinking about this, Lin Jia Bao suddenly came to a stop, “Ah, I forgot about the other food box.”

“Little Master, look at my [poor] memory, it’s that I took one box less.” Yuan Qing said.

Lin Jia Bao turned around to go back, but Yuan Qing quickly stopped him.

“Lin-xiaozhu doesn’t need to go. Let this little one go back and get it.” Yuan Qing saw that the Imperial Garden was just in front of them. He accompanied Lin Jia Bao to a stone bench in the Imperial Garden to sit down, and put the food box on the stone table. Then he said to him: “Lin-xiaozhu, please sit here and wait for this little one. This little one runs fast. I will be back real soon.”

“En, I’ll wait here for you, go quickly.” Lin Jia Bao said.

Not long after Yuan Qing left, a little palace maid came running in from the other side. “Are you* Lin-xiaozhu?”

[*T/N: 您 nin – respectful form of you]

“I am.” Lin Jia Bao replied.

“Lin-xiaozhu, I beg you… please help our master. Please go and see our master. Our master, she, is on the verge of death.” Hong Wei knelt down before Lin Jia Bao and begged. While observing their surroundings in a flustered state, the maid pleaded tearfully to Lin Jia Bao. “I beg you…”

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Lin Jia Bao had never experienced such a thing before, and the little palace maid looked to be even younger than him. She was crying really pitifully. “Don’t cry, who is your master? What’s the matter? How about you get up first.”

“Lin-xiaozhu, I beg you, please come with me to see our master, please…” Hong Wei knelt and refused to get up. She just continued to beg him.

Lin Jia Bao didn’t know what to do with this crying girl. He could only go along with her.

Hong Wei brought him to the outside of a small courtyard. There was a small hole dug into the corner. The little palace maid got down on the ground and crawled in. “Lin-xiaozhu, please follow me.”

The hole was very small. They were only able to get through because both of their figures were small. When they entered the courtyard, the mournful sound of a guqin* could be heard.

[*T/N: 古琴 guqin – often translated as the Chinese zither]

“Lin-xiaozhu, please go it. Our master is right inside.”

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Chapter 53 – A Sense of Loss 

The next day, with Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s consent, Lin Jia Bao took Yuan Qing with him and went straight to the Royal Snack Kitchen after his afternoon nap. Now he could often eat the snacks from the Royal Snack Kitchen in Ping Le Courtyard, but he still couldn’t help missing the days when he used to work in the Royal Snack Kitchen.

The scenery outside the Royal Snack Kitchen was still the same as it was a month ago. It was Lin Jia Bao himself who has gone through earth-shaking changes.

Upon stepping into the Royal Snack Kitchen, he could smell the sweet aroma in the air, which was so nostalgic. Lin Jia Bao took a deep breath and looked for Lin-momo and the others, but he didn’t see them. He only saw two new faces in the kitchen.

“An Zhu, it’s you! Did you come back to see us?” Yu Ling trotted over as soon as she saw An Zhu. She spoke with a very happy and excited tone.

“Yeah, I miss everyone, so I came back to see you guys. Yu Ling, where are Lin-momo and the others? There are new people in the Royal Snack Kitchen now?” Lin Jia Bao was also very happy to see Yu Ling.

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

“Aiya, An Zhu, you’re dressed so good-looking now. I almost couldn’t recognize you. I heard that His Royal Highness is super enchanted by you.” Yu Ling said with a smile and gave him a salute. “Greetings to Lin-xiaozhu!”

The other two people in the kitchen also came over to greet Lin Jia Bao.

Lin Jia Bao was also all smiles as he helped Yu Ling up. Embarrassedly, he said: “Heehee… Yu Ling, don’t make fun of me.”

“Haha, An Zhu, you haven’t changed at all. Lin-momo and Yu Shuang went to deliver snacks to Her Majesty. They will be back in a while.”

“Oh, then I will wait for Lin-momo and Yu Shuang to come back. By the way, where is Yu Long-jiejie*? Why haven’t I seen her?” Lin Jia Bao asked.

[*T/N: jiejie – “older sister,” can be used to address any female that is older than you]

After hearing Lin Jia Bao’s question, Yu Ling’s eyes flashed unnaturally, “Yu Long… she has a cold. You also know that our Royal Snack Kitchen is a place for making food. It will be bad to work here while you’re sick [and contaminate the food]. So Lin-momo moved her to another palace, and she will come back when she recovers from her illness.” However, Yu Ling knew that Yu Long would not be able to come back to the Royal Snack Kitchen ever again.

“Oh, so that’s what happened…” Lin Jia Bao didn’t think too much after hearing her explanation.

At this time, Lin-momo and Yu Shuang came back and they were both very happy to see Lin Jia Bao.

“Lin-xiaozhu, why are you here?” Lin-momo said happily, “Let me take a look at you… en, looks like you gained some meat on you and your complexion is also good.”

“Lin-xiaozhu has grown a little bit taller, too.” Yu Shuang added.

“That’s right, that’s right, he used to come up to me here, but now it’s a little bit higher.” Yu Ling gestured to herself like a measuring stick.

“Haha! Yeah…” Hearing that he grew a little taller, Lin Jia Bao was also very pleased with himself and smiled happily. Then he said to Lin-momo: “Momo, let me make some snacks. I want to make them for His Royal Highness.”

“Sure, would you like me to help you? Do you still remember how to make the snacks?” Lin-momo asked.

“No need, momo, I can do it by myself. I haven’t forgotten how to make them.” Lin Jia Bao said. Then he went to clean his hands and started preparations.

Lin Jia Bao busied about all afternoon, making several kinds of snacks. He returned to Ping Le Courtyard with Yuan Qing in high spirits. Yuan Qing carried the food box, “Lin-xiaozhu’s craftsmanship is so good. His Royal Highness will definitely like it.” Just now, he was fortunate enough to taste some of the desserts that the little master made himself. The taste was indeed a cut above the rest.

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“Next time I will make more so that you and Shu Ya and them can all have a taste.” Lin Jia Bao said to Yuan Qing.

“That would really be a blessing for us inferior ones…” Yuan Qing was really happy to have a master like Lin-xiaozhu, who thought about the little* ones.

[*T/N: little as in status, not in stature or age]

When Lin Jia Bao returned to Ping Le Courtyard, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was still working in the inner study, and Lin Jia Bao did not dare to interrupt him, but freshly made dim sum was the most delicious, and it would not taste good once it went cold.

Seeing Lin-xiaozhu’s hesitation, Yuan Qing ran out, and returned to him after a while, and reported, “Yuan Fu-gonggong said that Lin-xiaozhu can go to the study room to see His Royal Highness.”

“It’s better not to go. The inner study is a very important place. I can’t go there.” Lin Jia Bao was hesitant.

“You don’t need to worry about this. Yuan Fu-gonggong already said this before, His Royal Highness has decreed that Lin-xiaozhu can go see His Royal Highness at any time.” Yuan Qing thought that His Royal Highness’s love for Lin-xiaozhu was truly one of a kind.

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Chapter 52 – Return Trip

“No need, I can just come by to see it often.” This way, other people could also see such a beautiful flower. Lin Jia Bao didn’t want to take it for himself. Instead, he wanted more people to see it.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng understood what Lin Jia Bao was thinking, and loved him even more. He took his darling’s little hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss it.

“Husband… I…” Lin Jia Bao stood on tiptoes to whisper in Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s ear.

“Hmm… baby, what do you want to tell your husband?” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng asked his baby with an encouraging gaze.

“I want to go back to the Royal Snack Kitchen to look around, can I?” Lin Jia Bao summoned up the courage to ask Xuan Yuan Han Cheng. He wanted to go back to the Royal Snack Kitchen to have a look, and he missed Lin-momo and the others very much.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng saw the look of hope and expectation in Lin Jia Bao’s eyes. He thought for a bit and then said, “Okay, have Yuan Qing accompany you back tomorrow afternoon.” He was quite relieved that the Royal Snack Kitchen was in the Yong Shou Palace.

“Wow! I’m so happy! I’m going to make dim sum for Husband tomorrow.” Lin Jia Bao cheered happily. He couldn’t wait to have Xuan Yuan Han Cheng try his craft.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng looked at how happy Lin Jia Bao was. His baby was really easy to satisfy. A little thing could make him happy for a long time, and it would positively influence Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s mood too. No matter how hard he worked, and how much he was troubled over matters with Prince Li and the Xue family, once he saw his darling, his mood would immediately turn for the better. Jia Bao was really such a treasure…

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

“You’re so good. Then your husband will be waiting to eat the sweets made by my darling. Don’t tire yourself out, baby, just making a little bit is enough.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said.

“Understood. I won’t tire myself out.” Lin Jia Bao promised.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng looked at Jia Bao’s well-behaved look, “Baby, let’s go back for a nap, okay?”

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng called for a sedan chair. Then he sat together with Jia Bao on the sedan chair and they returned to Ping Le Courtyard.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was now in love with taking afternoon naps with his baby. They would put down the gauze curtains on the bed, and the two of them would lie on the bed and talk about trivial things in low voices. Most of the time it was Jia Bao who would talk about entertaining anecdotes of his childhood, and Xuan Yuan Han Cheng loved to listen. Like this, the two would talk until they doze off.

Every time Xuan Yuan Han Cheng would always wake up first. Then he would look at his baby’s sleeping face, and his heart would feel exceptionally soft and contented.

Lin Jia Bao also liked to take afternoon naps with his husband. Every time he woke up within his husband’s arms, his husband’s embrace was very warm, giving him a feeling of being cared for.

In the imperial garden, after Xuan Yuan Han Change and the others left, a small figure emerged from the flowers.

“So this is the freak that is beside my father…” Kang’er said to herself. Just now, when Kang’er saw her father in the imperial garden, she was very happy and wanted to come forward, but the momo that was with her stopped her and told her not to disturb His Royal Highness.

Kang’er was very unhappy. She didn’t understand what it meant to disturb, she only knew that her father liked her the most. Kang’er broke free from the momo’s arms, relied on her small size, and got into the flowers. Then she slowly approached Lin Jia Bao and the others.

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All of Xuan Yuan Han Cheng’s attention was on Jia Bao, and he didn’t even notice that she was hiding among the flowers. Kang’er looked at her father being so gentle, kissing and hugging Lin Jia Bao. Seeing her father smiling at Lin Jia Bao, she was very jealous. Her father had never smiled at her so tenderly. Finally, she saw them sitting on the sedan chair and leaving together. She was very angry. She had never sat in the majestic sedan chair before.

“Little Master, there you are. The momo was looking for you… It’s time for your afternoon nap. Go back with me quickly.” A little palace maid came running out of breath.

“I don’t need you to manage me, go away! Go away!” Kang’er ran away from her, “Don’t follow me, otherwise I will tell momo that you scolded me, and have her beat you! Humph!” Kang’er said in a spoiled manner.

The little palace maid, Hong Wei, felt a little scared when she heard Kang’er’s words. She remembered how the little master had wrongly accused her last time and caused her to be punished by the momo. She did not dare to go forward, so she had no choice but to stay where she was…

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Chapter 51 – Return Trip

Lin Da Zhuang was very grateful when he heard this, and he stood up and said, “Zuo-daren, please convey our thanks to His Royal Highness when you go back.”

After Zuo Jing Xian left, Lin Da Zhuang’s mood improved a lot. It seemed that His Royal Highness really attached great importance to Jia Bao, so now they can rest assured.

The next day, Qin Kai Xing’s party of people set off early with three horse carriages. Lin Da Zhuang, Lin Jia Wen, and Qin Kai Xing occupied one horse carriage, another horse carriage was filled with goods that they purchased in the capital, and the last carriage was filled with specialty products from the capital to be gifted as souvenirs to relatives and friends when they return.

The carriages came to a halt once they reached the outskirts of the capital.

“Why did you stop?” Qin Kai Xing asked.

“Young Master, it’s the daren from yesterday.” The person driving the horse carriage said.

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

Hearing the answer, Qin Kai Xing and the other two men got out of the carriage quickly. Once they got out they saw Zuo Jing Xian waiting there. Behind him were two horse carriages and a small group of cavalry.

Lin Da Zhuang and them stepped forward to give salutes. “Zuo-daren.”

“Lin-laoye is too polite. His Royal Highness knows that you are leaving Beijing today, so he specially sent me here to see you off.” Zuo Jing Xian returned their salutes, and then pointed to the two horse carriages and small group of cavalry. “This is a meeting gift* from His Royal Highness to the family of Lin-xiaozhu.”

[*T/N: 见面礼 – “meeting gift” is a gift given to somebody when meeting them for the first time. Usually meant as a sign of sincerity.]

Zuo Jing Xian handed over a gift list to Lin Da Zhuang and said: “His Royal Highness gave the order. Lin-laoye, your journey is long, so this small team of cavalry is specially sent to escort you.”

Lin Da Zhuang accepted the gift list and processed the fact that His Royal Highness sent soldiers to escort them, but he didn’t know what to do. “This… His Royal Highness is too polite.”

Lin Jia Wen and Qin Kai Xing stepped forward to thank Zuo-daren when they saw this. In their hearts they were also a little surprised. After all, Jia Bao was only a xiaoshi of His Royal Highness, yet His Royal Highness treated them so considerately.

Since it was an order from the crown prince, it was not good for Lin Da Zhuang and the others to refuse. They could only bid farewell to Zuo Jing Xian and continue on the road while escorted by the cavalry.

After they got back onto their carriage, the three of them discussed in low voices. Lin Da Zhuang said, “It seems that what the crown prince did is a bit too much…”

Lin Jia Wen and Qin Kai Xing nodded in agreement. Lin Jia Wen opened the gift list and looked at it carefully. He found that what His Royal Highness called a meeting gift was very excessive.

There are many varieties of top-quality tea, ginseng bird’s nest, silk satin, gold, silver, and jade ornaments, and so on. The gift list also indicated which gifts were for which person. Everyone in the family has corresponding gifts.

Qin Kai Xing saw that everyone in the Qin family also had a share, and not one person was overlooked, “It seems like His Royal Highness has already thoroughly investigated us.”

Both Lin Da Zhuang and Lin Jia Wen were lost in thought.

“Bringing these things back is a bit ostentatious. Alas! I wonder how Mother will react when she finds out that Jia Bao has become His Royal Highness’s xiaoshi.” Lin Jia Wen thought about how their mother had always treasured Jia Bao.

“I’ll talk to your mother about this when I go back. If people in the village asks, let’s just say that they’re specialty goods from the capital that Kai Xing has gifted us.” Then Lin Da Zhuang said to Qin Kai Xing, “Kai Xing, ah, only let your family know about this matter and don’t spread it about.”

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Qin Kai Xing understood that his father-in-law did not want to act ostentatiously and show off, so he nodded and said, “Father-in-law, please rest assured, “I will restrict the servants that came with us this time, and make sure that they don’t breathe a word about this matter.”

“But there will be news in the provincial capital later.” Lin Jia Wen said worriedly. At that time, the village and county would surely explode [with the news]… Just thinking about it was a headache…

“Oh dear… Let’s just keep it a secret for now…” Lin Da Zhuang couldn’t think of any other way.

In the imperial garden, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng was strolling with Lin Jia Bao. Hearing that the chrysanthemums in the imperial garden were in full bloom, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng took Jia Bao with him to enjoy the chrysanthemums.

More than a dozen pots of chrysanthemum bloom wantonly, especially the two golden chrysanthemums in the middle were particularly eye-catching. Lin Jia Bao liked the bright golden color and the curling filaments.

Xuan Yuan Han Cheng took Lin Jia Bao’s little hand, “Do you like it? How about I have someone send these two pots to Ping Le Courtyard later?”

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Chapter 50 – Return Trip

The clothes that Lin Jia Bao wore yesterday could be said to be very top-quality, and the embroidery craftsmanship was even more outstanding. It must have been from a top garment workshop. The accessories on Lin Jia Bao’s body were all excellent, and one could tell at a glance that they were very valuable pieces.

Lin Jia Wen also thought of his brother’s current way of speaking and mannerisms, and his graceful movements during the meal. He also knew that his younger brother was really no longer the same as before…

If you said his younger brother was previously a lump of unpolished rough jade, then the younger brother now was like a beautiful jade that has been carefully carved. He hoped his younger brother would be able to attract the love and care of His Royal Highness for the rest of his life.

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

“I hope that His Royal Highness will always be good to our family’s Jia Bao…” Lin Da Zhuang voiced everyone’s inner thoughts.

Lin Jia Bao, this child, knew how to be grateful, as long as you show him just a bit of kindness, he would remember it forever. If His Royal Highness got tired of him in the future, then Jia Bao… Lin Da Zhuang dared not think about it.

At this time, Qin Kai Xing’s shop assistants came to report that someone wanted to see the three of them.

Qin Kai Xing and the others were very puzzled. They didn’t know anyone in Beijing, so they had a servant welcome that person into the main hall*.

[*T/N: 堂屋 tang wu – the central room of a traditional Chinese house]

When Lin Da Zhuang and the other two came to the main hall, thye only saw a young man sitting there. When the young man saw the three of them, he stood up and said to them: “Lin-laoye, Lin-gongzi, Qin-gongzi, I am shaozhanshi* Zuo Jing Xian of the East Palace. I ask that you excuse me for presumptuously paying you a visit.”

[T/N: 老爷 lao ye – calling someone lord respectfully. Direct translation is “old father.” Seniority is a big thing in Chinese culture, so depending on context it’s actually respectful to call someone old.]

[T/N: 公子 gong zi – strictly speaking, it refers to the son of an official or the son of some nobility, but I often see it used as an honorific for young men in historical stories, regardless of their status]

[*T/N: 少詹事 shao zhan shi – the title of a government position in ancient China. There is no translation of this in English, so I left it in pinyin.]

Lin Jia Wen hurriedly saluted after hearing the young man introduce himself as the shaozhanshi of the East Palace. “Zuo-daren is too polite, please take a seat.” Shaozhanshi was a fourth-rank government official.

[T/N: 大人 da ren – title of respect toward superiors, literal translation is “big person”]

Qin Kai Xing also took the tea set from the servant and personally brought it over. “Zuo-daren, please have tea. Does Zuo-daren have some matter of importance for his visit here?”

Zuo Jing Xian said mildly: “There isn’t anything particularly important. I heard that Lin-xiaozhu’s family is here, so I came to visit. If the three of you have any needs when you’re in the capital, you can come find me at my house.”

Translations by Vanilla Muse.

“Thanks to Zuo-daren for your kindness. We are ready to return tomorrow morning. There is nothing to trouble daren with.” Lin Jia Wen replied.

“You’re returning tomorrow already?” Zuo Jing Xian thought for a while. “Then is everything properly ready [to go]?”

“Everything has been properly arranged.” Qin Kai Xing replied.

Zuo Jin Xian looked at Qin Kai Xing, “Qin-gongzi is really young and promising. I heard that you bought goods from Beijing to bring back. Have you purchased everything [that you want]?”

“Thank you for your concern, daren, everything is done.” Qin Kai Xing replied.

“Qin-gongzi’s family is in the cloth business. Have you ever thought about coming to Beijing to expand your business and opening a branch in Beijing?” Zuo Jing Xian asked.

“My family’s ancestral business is in Pei County. It is a business that has been passed down from generation to generation. I also have the intention to expand the business, but the capital is too far away, and I only want to expand in Xu Province first.” Qin Kai Xing replied to Zuo Jing Xian.

“Qin-gongzi is humble, knowing to expand steadily and surely in Xu Province is very good, but that does not conflict with opening a branch in the capital. His Royal Highness has many people, including the Qi family who has a large number of businesses. The Qi family also has some fabric shops and clothing manufacturing stores. When the time comes, you can cooperate a bit.” Zuo Jing Xian said and handed a business card* to Qin Kai Xing.

[*T/N: 名贴 ming tie – “name strip” or “name sticker(?)”]

Qin Kai Xing excitedly took the business card with both hands. “This is really… really thank you so much.”

Qin Kai Xing actually already knew about the Qi family that Zuo Jing Xian spoke of. The Qi family was very famous in the Xuan Yuan Empire. The Qi family had many businesses and was a genuinely very rich merchant. To be able to get the business card of the Qi family was something that he didn’t even dare to dream of.

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“This is His Royal Highness’s idea. Hope that you can stay in the capital or come to the capital frequently so that you will have the opportunity to meet the little master. Lin-xiaozhu often misses his family.” Zuo Jin Xian said to Lin Jia Wen. “Lin-gongzi is going to take the triennial provincial imperial exam next year. Hope that Lin-gongzi can prepare well. After becoming juren* you can come to the Imperial Academy in Beijing to study. If the whole family can come that would be even better. I will arrange everything for all of you.”

[*T/N: 举人 ju ren – graduate / successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination]

After hearing this, Lin Jia Wen said to Zuo Jing Xian: “I must live up to His Royal Highness’s expectations. I will review my homework and prepare for the coming year.”

The Imperial Academy was the most holy place for scholars to study. He would definitely work hard.

“Lin-gongzi is Lin-xiaozhu’s maternal relative. If you have a bright future, then it will be of help to Lin-xiaozhu in the future.” Zuo Jing Xian said to them, “Lin-laoye, please rest assured, Lin-xiaozhu is the crown prince’s closely treasured person. His days are comfortable and happy. In the future, if you miss the little master, you can also write a letter and send it to my house, and I will convey it for you.”

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