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Thankyou @Hannah for the Ko-fi!!
Translator – Xiao He Lian
Chapter 79
He was reluctant to suffer but it was husband’s turn.
Zhan Zhen put on the bamboo hat and stared at him and Xian Sheng said softly: “If husband loves me, I will naturally love husband.”
Zhan Zhen’s heart quickened and he came over and said, “Tell me the truth, are you deliberately sending me away?”
“Why do you think like that?”
“Eat a moat, grow one’s wisdom1Eat a moat, grow one’s wisdom chī yī qiàn,zhǎng yī zhì [a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit] One loss, one gain in wisdom. Refers to after setbacks, learning lessons, later becoming wiser/learning from mistakes. That’s what you did last time your brother came here.”
“It’s not going to happen. This temple is full of yours and the queen mother’s people. Wouldn’t it be useless for me to send you away?”
Xian Sheng was in a bad mood just now and he didn’t have any appetite. After coaxing Zhan Zhen with a few words, suddenly he was hungry.
In the past, he used to do things with caution and Zhan Zhen deserved to suspect him. But this time it’s really not, he was just hungry.
Zhan Zhen examined him for a moment, pinched his face and said, “Go back inside. Don’t freeze.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
When Xian Sheng is happy, he is really good at coaxing people. Zhan Zhen felt sweet in his heart. He put on a rain cape, got on his horse and went out.”
Xian Sheng felt a burst of warmth in his heart. He turned back to the room and sat down, looking out at the raindrops outside the window.
In such a heavy rain, the guards stood in the corridor, very close to each other, they were also very alert. The people under Zhan Zhen’s hands were like wolves and tigers, not even a single fly could get in.”
When Zhan Zhen came back, he was already sleeping on the couch. Zhan Zhen ordered someone to send some to the queen, changed his clothes, walked in lightly, looked at his tender and rosy face and felt satisfied for a while.
He poked Xian Sheng’s face, woke him up and said, “Eat it while it’s still hot.”
“Hmm…” Xian Sheng stared at him and his whole body felt soft and weak. He has been sleeping too well these past few days. He often slept as soon as he touched the pillow and was often in a trance.
Seeing this, Zhan Zhen stretched out his arms to pick him up, hugged him to the table, sat him on his lap and said, “Let husband feed you.”
Xian Sheng rubbed his eyes again, unable to resist the temptation of delicious food. He tried to rub off his sleepiness, but he still ended up squinting.
Zhan Zhen tore the sesame cake into small pieces, dipped his chopsticks in the soup, picked it up and fed it to his mouth. Xian Sheng sluggishly opened his mouth to eat.
“Truly a little finicky.” Zhan Zhen curved his lips, he was feeding patiently like feeding a cat. When the sesame cake was finished, Zhan Zhen handed over the empty chopsticks. Cheng Sheng opened his mouth and bit the empty chopstick and suddenly he woke up completely: “What are you doing?”
“Little sticky2Xiao Nian hu 小黏湖 – ZZ is calling him sticky “Zhan Zhen said: “Are you full? Recently, you have a big appetite, so I bought two for you.”
Xian Sheng thought for a while, touched his stomach and said, “I want more.”
“Hello, do you want to eat it yourself?”
Zhan Zhen raised his lips again, “You are so beautiful.”
Xian Sheng looked at him and wondered, “Why are you more beautiful than me?”
Zhan Zhen subconsciously collected his expression and said, “Serving you, I’m so happy, what’s wrong with that?”
Xian Sheng pursed his lips but his eyes revealed a little joy, and stiffly said: “Oh3哦 [ò].”
After eating he was full and he was not ready to eat dinner. He was full of energy, so he looked for a book to read, however Zhan Zhen was called by the queen,
He sat directly opposite his mother and poured himself a cup of tea, the empress suddenly said, “I said something to Xian Sheng today, and it seems to make her unhappy. “
“What did you tell ‘her’?”
“She didn’t tell you?”
She is not a parrot and a blabbermouth.
The queen laughed and aid: “It’s no wonder that Xian Yin spoiled her and made her the jewel in her palm4掌上明珠 [zhǎng shang míng zhū] a pearl in the palm;   a beloved daughter;   a bright pearl in the palm — one’s beloved daughter;   a dearly beloved daughter, she really has the aura of a royal princess.”
Zhan Zhen looked at her and the queen said softly, “Son, I know that you are someone who can’t rub the sand in your eyes. After your conflict, I know that you have completely accepted her.”
“Erchen doesn’t understand what you want to say.”
“Are you still hiding something from your mother?”
“Erchen doesn’t understand.”
“Your father saw early on that she has an issue”
“What did he see?”
“This matter is very important, Zhan Zhen. You might as well tell the mother about it. I can also help you tell your father that you should let her brother go back early as long nights are fraught with dreams5夜长梦多 [yè cháng mèng duō]A long night is fraught with dreams — undue delay may bring trouble;   A long delay may give rise to many a hitch;   A long delay means many hitches;   A long night brings many dreams.”
Zhan Zhen’s thoughts turned rapidly, playing dumb in front of father emperor may be useful, but in front of his mother, he is completely vulnerable. He raised his spirits and said: “Then thankyou, mother. The two countries have been fighting for years, by father’s actions, I’m afraid Sheng’er will make blind and disorderly conjectures and will exhaust him unwarrantedly.”
The queen looked at him for a while, Zhan Zhen’s attitude was very casual, no different from usual. She suddenly smiled: “Okay, you go back.”
“Then Erchen will leave6告退 [gào tuì] ask for leave to withdraw from a meeting”
Zhan Zhen turned and went out, suddenly his heart was perturbed, his face became grim… he showed his feet7“Showing your feet” means showing flaws and revealing the truth. The word “exposed horse’s feet” has appeared in the Tang Dynasty, and it was originally a game in ancient times. During festival celebrations, the painted unicorn skins are decorated on donkeys or horses to add to the joy. However, it is difficult to cover up the horse’s feet or donkey’s feet, and it is inevitable to show the horse’s or donkey’s feet when playing around.
Looking at the appearance of the, Dou momo hesitated and asked: “What did you manage to pry?”
“ This kid, he knows it’s useless to pretend to be stupid in front of me, so he just thinks single mindedly.  But now the crown prince of Shang is trapped and I took the initiative to mention that he is so concerned about Xian Sheng but it is strange that he is not even nervous at that moment.” The Queen stood up and said, “No wonder His Majesty wants to send someone to South Liang, even this palace can’t sleep.”
“Then… what kind of problem do you think he has?”
The queen didn’t say anything.
If the crown prince of Shang doesn’t believe Zhan Zhen, how can they trust Xian Sheng? Originally, they thought she was a weak woman, but now things are in doubt. How can they let her lie down in the crown prince’s quilt?
Knowing the person , knowing the face but not the heart8Knowing the person, knowing the face, but not knowing the meaning of the heart means that it is easy to know a person, but it is very difficult to understand a person’s heart.  Who knows if the prince will be stabbed by her suddenly.
She rubbed her forehead and her heart was uncertain.
Dou momo said, “Then the prayer ceremony at the end of the month…..”
“That is for the people to see.” The queen said: “The word is out and the Ministry of Rites is also preparing, the clothes are all made and naturally she should be there. When the people gather and the three armed forces escort her, she won’t be able to play tricks.”
“You don’t have to worry too much. According to the maidservants, the princess is a smart one. Smart people won’t do stupid things, not to mention her delicate body.  And also the Crown Prince is not mediocre, so it shouldn’t be a secret that could endanger Great Jin.”
“This palace also thinks so.” The queen sighed: “But she is hiding something, how can she make people feel at ease?”
Zhan Zhen really had a headache. On ordinary days his father and mother were not very harmonized but they were shrewd in major matters. He had no sense of propriety and attitude sells itself.
He didn’t dare to tell Xian Sheng, as always, he disturbed him for a while before going to bed, when he fell asleep, he began to stare at his delicate face.
Xian Sheng’s life is even weaker than a woman’s. He can’t imagine how he could manage to take it all with equanimity.
The attitude of the father and the queen made him clear of how dangerous Xian Sheng’s position was. He felt a sudden pain in his heart and he wished he had wings, so he could carry Xian Sheng and fly back to Great Liang and live a peaceful life.
He panicked a little, if things once revealed how he had to take care of Xiang Sheng.
His whole body was tight. He gently hugged the sleeping man in his arms and gently kissed his lips. After a moment, he let go of Xian Sheng, went out in the rain, came outside the temple and gave a long whistle.
On the second day, Xian Sheng and the queen returned to the mansion together under the escort of Zhan Zhen. After saying goodbye to the queen, Zhan Zhen went to the palace and Xian Sheng went back to the mansion to rest.
In the evening, Zhan Zhen came back followed by Jiang Qin.
“Blind! His Highness’s trick is really great. Making a big fuss to find people in advance. Everyone knows that Mu Liantian is missing, as a result we were able to arrest people in the suburbs. Now, the witnesses arranged by Mu Liantian in advance will be useless! Without proof they can only admit their guilt!
Gao Xuan said “Yesterday, the brothers who went looking for those people said that when they went door to door to find people, Commander Mu’s friends all turned green, even if they were informed in advance, they couldn’t stop His Highness’s masterstroke.
When they saw Xian Sheng standing at the door, they all fell silent in unison. Jiang Qin said: “Then I will go with Gao Xuan, you can accompany the crown princess.”
“Go on.”
Zhan Zhen walked towards him. When he was just about to reach out and hug him, he was pushed away: “Your clothes are all cold, so go take a shower first.”
Zhan Zhen took his hand and said, “I’ve done meritorious service today. Marquis Qi’s old troops pretending to be Qin Yi tried to assassinate the Queen, which is a capital crime but in view of the fact that they all went through life and death, my father just dismissed them all. Now they will be dispatched to fill in other armies, and the leader was relieved of his duty.”
“Assassinate the queen in the name of Liang” Xian Sheng whispered: “This is because they wish that my brother would die here.”
“Don’t worry.” Zhan Zhen said: “I promise, before Qingming, I definitely helped your brother leave Jin.”
“You go and take a bath. Don’t catch a cold.”
“The lady in the house9娘子 [niáng zi] a form of address for one’s wife, a polite form of address for a young woman is worried” Zhan Zhen gave him a kiss and said, “I’ll be right back.”
He let him soak in the bath and Xian Sheng went out to get some cold air. After coming back he(ZZ) put on his clothes and hugged Xian Sheng. He said softly: “I told you, during this time you have to take care of your body. After I send your brother back to South Liang, I will find a way to send you back as well.”
“How can I go back?”
“I have a way.”
He said so confidently that Xian Sheng couldn’t help but look at him: “Even if there is, are you really willing to let me go.”
“I thought about keeping you by my side. But I’m afraid that something will happen to your health if you keep worrying all day long. And it’s not as if I won’t see you anymore. You have to wait for me and you’re not allowed to find anyone else. Wait until I ascend the throne and I will pick you up.”
Xian Sheng’s eyes flashed, “You”
“Don’t be moved. I still have something to do.” Zhan Zhen wrapped his clothes again and said, “Good boy, I’ll accompany you later.”
He was very fast. He didn’t go through the door, but went through the window. Sheng came to the window and noticed that he was going to Qi sile. He(XS) was wondering if he would come back soon, when he(ZZ) came back holding a pile of books and said, “guess what this is?”
“Some pregnancy cases.” Zhan Zhen jumped in again and put the book on the table, “Let’s pretend to be pregnant and hide for a while but you have to pretend to be a little bit pregnant. You sleep first, I will study what the symptoms of pregnancy are.”
“…..” Xian Sheng was silent for a while and said, “I can’t sleep either, let’s take a look at it together.”
Zhan Zhen stretched out his hand and hugged him directly into his arms. The two studied the book for a while. Zhan Zhen suddenly wondered: “nausea and vomiting, baby, can you perform for me to see?”
Xian Sheng slapped him on the forehead. Zhan Zhen took his hand and said: ” Do you know Qi Ziyou?”
“Hmm, the son of Master Qi10Imperial Tutor.”
“His wife, who used to be the number one beauty in the capital, was found to be pregnant two days ago. Royal uncle said that when the Qingming Festival is over, he will invite them out, see if you can look at her and learn.”
Xian Sheng blushed and said, “This …… is quite embarrassing.”
“So you’re not embarrassed to pretend to be a girl and cheat on your husband?”
“Xian Sheng blushed even more, kicked him and gave him a bite on his face.
“You have to put on a good show, babes.”
The author has something to say Sheng Sheng     :
I want to act badly, what should I do?
Translator – Hey guys, a few points I need to point out. –> Before I mentioned the maid servant of the Empress as Madam Dou but I changed it to Dou momo, cuz I find it more appropriate. And also I use “Erchen” sometimes to make the conversations more formal and as written in the story itself. I translate it as “This son” sometimes but occasionally I find it inappropriate in the context so I left it as erchen. (I hope you don’t mind). And you already know I oscillate between Queen and Empress, which is also as I see fit although I know there is a slight difference in them.
P.S. – Next chapter will be released on Friday.
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1Eat a moat, grow one’s wisdom chī yī qiàn,zhǎng yī zhì [a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit] One loss, one gain in wisdom. Refers to after setbacks, learning lessons, later becoming wiser/learning from mistakes2Xiao Nian hu 小黏湖 – ZZ is calling him sticky3哦 [ò]4掌上明珠 [zhǎng shang míng zhū] a pearl in the palm;   a beloved daughter;   a bright pearl in the palm — one’s beloved daughter;   a dearly beloved daughter5夜长梦多 [yè cháng mèng duō]A long night is fraught with dreams — undue delay may bring trouble;   A long delay may give rise to many a hitch;   A long delay means many hitches;   A long night brings many dreams6告退 [gào tuì] ask for leave to withdraw from a meeting7“Showing your feet” means showing flaws and revealing the truth. The word “exposed horse’s feet” has appeared in the Tang Dynasty, and it was originally a game in ancient times. During festival celebrations, the painted unicorn skins are decorated on donkeys or horses to add to the joy. However, it is difficult to cover up the horse’s feet or donkey’s feet, and it is inevitable to show the horse’s or donkey’s feet when playing around8Knowing the person, knowing the face, but not knowing the meaning of the heart means that it is easy to know a person, but it is very difficult to understand a person’s heart9娘子 [niáng zi] a form of address for one’s wife, a polite form of address for a young woman10Imperial Tutor