In the winter of the thirtieth year of the Changlong era, the people of the Jin Dynasty were immersed in joy. After years of conflict with the neighboring Kingdom of Jinpo, the Great General not only defeated Jinpo but also captured their brave and skilled Second Prince on the battlefield. As a result, Jinpo had to cede cities and territories, bow down in submission, and acknowledge the sovereignty of the Jin Dynasty. This victory filled the entire Jin Dynasty with pride and confidence, making everyone walk with a sense of accomplishment.
For a time, the Great General became known among the common people as the Martial Deity Descended to Earth. His three sons were also believed to be the reincarnations of heavenly soldiers and generals. Due to the wisdom and martial prowess of the current Emperor, who was regarded as a rare and exceptional Enlightened Monarch seen once in a century, they deliberately descended to assist the Emperor, helping the Jin Dynasty thrive and prosper. People from all directions flocked to pay their respects.
Regardless of everything, it was undeniable that the Emperor was exceptionally wise, and the Hua Family1The Great General's family, of course was also formidable.
At this moment, several hundred li21 li is 0.311 miles. away from the capital city, at a relay station, the Station Master hung two red lanterns at the entrance gate to celebrate the great victory of the Jìn Dynasty. However, in recent days, heavy snow had been falling, and with no officials passing through this area, his intentions went unnoticed.
The Station Master held a plate of fried beans, squatting at the door and gazing absentmindedly at the accumulated snow in the courtyard. The cold wind blew his disheveled beard askew.
"Sigh." The Patrol Inspector walked up to the Station Master's side with a bitter face and said, "I wonder when those visitors staying here will depart."
It was said that the prisoners being escorted here were high-ranking officials who had committed crimes in the capital. Even before their arrival, someone had come to inform the relay station that they were of great importance and must not be taken lightly. As the Patrol Inspector of the relay station, he had to remain here every day to prevent any mishaps involving these high-ranking officials.
These high-ranking officials would be exiled this year but reinstated to their positions the next year. Some people sought revenge, while others sought protection for them. The unlucky ones were the underlings like him, who couldn't afford to offend anyone.
"They are already imprisoned, yet they still want to put on airs. I don't like serving them," the Station Master spat, tossing the bean husks from his mouth onto the snowy ground, "No peace at all."
As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed a carriage approaching from the end of the official road. Even from a distance, he could tell that it carried someone of great importance.
The Station Master quickly handed the plate of fried beans to the Patrol Inspector, patted his somewhat worn-out coat, and went forward with a smiling face.
The Patrol Inspector rolled his eyes; he says don't like serving people but will turn into a dog as soon as he sees an influential person.
The horses pulling the carriage were extraordinary. Even when traversing through the snow, their hooves remained steady and powerful. The armed guards surrounded the carriage, their eyes sharp and different from the stationed soldiers in the city. They seemed like seasoned warriors who had been on the battlefield and seen bloodshed.
The Patrol Inspector realized that these travelers held significant status, so he quickly placed the plate of fried beans on the windowsill and approached them, displaying a similar fawning smile.
On the second floor, a wooden door slowly opened, revealing a pair of eyes concealed in the darkness.
"The Hua Family has arrived."
"We can... begin."
As soon as the carriage stopped outside the relay station, the Station Master, with a full face of smiles, respectfully approached and greeted, "This official is the Station Master of this place. May I inquire from where the distinguished guests have come?"
"We have come from Qinghan Prefecture," the leading military officer said, presenting a clearance document, "We are escorting the family members of the Great General back to the capital."
"So, they are the family members of the Great General?!" The Station Master respectfully returned the document to the military officer and said, "Distinguished guests, please come in quickly."
The curtain of the foremost carriage moved slightly, and the Station Master lowered his head, not daring to directly gaze at the distinguished guests' countenance.
The edge of the curtain was lifted, and a pair of deer boots, almost untouched by dust, stepped out. The bright red cloak swayed on the carriage, faintly revealing a snow-colored embroidered red plum skirt within the cloak.
Hua Liuli stepped out of the carriage and looked at the dilapidated relay station ahead. After a moment of silence, she turned her head and sat back, saying, "I think it's better to continue the journey."
The Momo3"Mómo" in Chinese refers to a nanny or a caregiver who takes care of children. It is often used to refer to a female caregiver or nursemaid who looks after the upbringing and well-being of a child, especially in wealthy or noble families, who was accustomed to her picky temperament, calmly advised, "Xianzhu4"County Princess" in Chinese pinyin is "xiàn zhǔ" (县主). In ancient China, the title "County Princess" referred to a woman who held a position of authority and leadership as the ruler or lord of a county. She was typically a member of the imperial family or from a prominent noble lineage. The County Princess was responsible for overseeing the governance and welfare of the county under her jurisdiction., the next relay station is nearly a hundred li away. The road is covered in snow with no place left to take a bath. Please think twice."
Hua Liuli furrowed her beautiful brows. She thought about closing the curtains and leaving but turned her head to see the soldiers with red noses from the freezing wind. With a serious expression, she said, "We will rest here for the night and continue tomorrow."
The Momo immediately threw a few pieces of silver to the Station Master and said, "Prepare hot water."
"Alright." The Station Master smiled and agreed. He liked generous benefactors like her; they were much easier to deal with than the imprisoned officials upstairs.
"Younger sister, be careful," said Hua Changkong, who had just dismounted from his horse. He hurriedly approached his little sister, who had a tense expression and was about to jump down from the carriage. "Take it slow. The snow on the ground is so thick. Should I carry you inside?"
The Momo watched the scene with a calm expression. Behind every pampered Young Master or Miss, there were countless doting parents. The Hua family was good in every aspect, except for spoiling their only daughter excessively.
They were afraid she would get tired from walking a few steps, afraid she would catch a chill from a gust of wind, they even hesitated to speak harshly at her, fearing it would scare their daughter. This young lady, born into a prestigious military family, turned out to be delicate and picky.
"No need," Hua Liuli shook her head. She adjusted her cloak and held onto Hua Changkong's arm, walking through the gate of the relay station. This place was not affluent, so they couldn't spare much money for renovating the station. The lighting inside the rooms was also very dim. She was somewhat worried that the heavy snow might crush this decrepit relay station.
"Please have a seat, esteemed guests." The Station Master wiped the bench with his sleeve and looked up, smiling to please the two distinguished guests. However, he was stunned upon seeing them.
It turned out that the people from the Great General's family were so good-looking, especially this delicate and charming young lady who seemed like a celestial being.
Hua Liuli glanced at the dull-colored wooden bench and chose not to sit on it. She removed her cape's hood and looked up towards the staircase.
On the staircase, a thin, elderly man wearing shackles slowly descended. His hair and beard were white, giving him the appearance of being in his fifties or sixties. His face reflected bitterness and unwillingness. Although the yamen constables behind him were overseeing him, their respect for the old man was evident.
As the old man descended the stairs, the chains on his feet made a clanging sound.
Noticing the presence of others in the relay station, the old man paused for a moment, scanning them with his gaze before retracting it slowly.
Several yamen constables, unaware of the identities of the Hua siblings, still nodded respectfully towards them, so as not to offend important figures.
"What crime has this gentleman committed to be wearing such heavy shackles?" Hua Liuli shifted her gaze away from the old man and asked.
The leading yamen constable, observing the natural demeanor with which the Noble Young Lady made her inquiry, as if not considering the possibility of them refusing to answer, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "This official accused the Grand General of indulging in extravagant military spending and the border generals of being bloodthirsty, which angered the Emperor. As a result, he was sentenced to exile. If the Noble Young Lady desires, we can replace his shackles with a lighter pair..."
"No need," Hua Liuli quickly interjected, "I think it's fine this way. It would be even better if you could replace them with heavier shackles."
The yamen constable: "..."
The old man turned to look at Hua Liuli, his tone icy as he said, "At such a young age, your heart is already so malicious. Today, I, an unfortunate soul, have finally witnessed the fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world."
"It's alright. Not only will you witness more, but you will also grow accustomed to it," Hua Liuli smiled. "After all, people like you who stab soldiers in the back will not have a good ending."
For the border generals who sacrifice their lives to defend Great Jin, hearing such words from a civil official would undoubtedly leave them disheartened.
"As a loyal subject, I must be loyal to the court and plead for the people. Hua Yingting's constant military campaigns have exhausted the wealth of the common people..."
"The Great General guards the border for the sake of the people of Great Jin. He has achieved great victories over Jinpo. But in your words, it becomes extravagant military spending," Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow, "Are you out of your mind? Jinpo constantly provokes our borders. Should we just let them be arrogant? You live in the prosperous capital and naturally know nothing about the suffering caused by Jinpo's bandits looting and harassing our border. You speak of pleading for the people, but you don't consider the border residents as people. What does that make you..."
"This is called talking about benevolence, righteousness, and morality while harboring thieves and prostitutes, indulging in pleasure," Hua Changkong smiled slyly, taking over the conversation. "A hypocrite."
"You, you..." The old man was mocked by two young people, leaving him with a flushed and darkened face, struggling to catch his breath, "You ignorant youngsters, spouting nonsense."
"You, you old fool, your eyesight is failing, and you're completely confused," retorted the guards following the Hua siblings. Their Young Miss and Young Master personally didn't need to engage in this verbal exchange.
The commotion downstairs reached the upper floor. The person in the room wore a satisfied smile. He turned his head to look at the person who climbed in through the window and asked, "Has it been administered?"
"It has. Colorless and tasteless, fatal when ingested, ensuring that the cause of death cannot be detected."
The man chuckled, "After the impeachment of the civil official who criticized the Hua family, he quarreled with the descendants of the Hua family, then mysteriously met his demise. I wonder how the civil officials of Great Jin will react to this."
"When the flying birds are gone, a good bow is hidden. The Hua family has made such great military achievements. I'm afraid it's not the civil officials of Great Jin they would have to deal with, but..."
Throughout history, there have been numerous military generals who faced suspicion from the Imperial Ones, the Hua family will just be one of many.
Although scholars wield their pens skillfully, when it comes to the art of verbal insult, they are no match for soldiers who have been on the battlefield. After a few exchanges, the old civil official was left fuming and could only mutter about ignorant and reckless men.
"Is it time for dinner?" The cook came out carrying the prepared dishes and shrank back upon seeing the tense atmosphere in the hall.
"Dinner?" Hua Liuli glanced at the dishes the cook was carrying, which included meat and vegetables. It seemed that this impeached official who had spoken against her father was being treated quite well, much better than the soldiers guarding the borders.
She immediately covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, taking a step back with a pretentious expression. "Oh my, I have a terrible headache. Yuan Yi, I can't stand the smell of meat. Knock it over quickly."
"Yes, Xianzhu," a maid who followed behind Hua Liuli stepped forward without hesitation and kicked over the dishes. Her movements were smooth and graceful.
The food spilled onto the floor, filling the room with the aroma of the meal.
"That's more like it," Hua Liuli expressed her satisfaction and gave the cook a small silver coin, "Prepare another meal for this official. Remember, no trace of meat."
"Of course, honored guest," the cook took the silver coin and hurried back to the kitchen. When someone gives you money, you agree to anything.
The Station Master silently swept away the spilled food on the floor, dumping it outside in the snowy area, pretending not to notice this act of malicious retaliation.
"What do you mean by this?" The old man's hands trembled with anger.
"You're taking advantage of your position and being treacherous," Hua Liuli smiled sweetly, "You're wearing a criminal's mark, yet you still want to eat meat? The common people on the border can't even afford to eat meat twice a month. As an official, you should share their hardships and suffering."
The poor old civil official couldn't take it anymore and fainted from anger.
Upstairs, the man heard no sound for a while, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared, "What's going on? Lin Huizhi isn't dead yet?"
"That... that poisoned bowl was kicked over by a maid from the Hua family."
"What... did you say?"
They had gone through countless calculations and arranged numerous seemingly coincidental obstacles just to ensure their encounter at this relay station. And now he was being told that everything they had done beforehand was in vain?!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli: Don't reason with me. I've always been irrational and melodramatic.
Translator's Note:
Yue Xia Die Ying -- One of my favorite Chinese authors. I am very excited to translate this novel and see it to the end.
In the winter of the thirtieth year of the Changlong era, the people of the Jin Dynasty were immersed in joy. After years of conflict with the neighboring Kingdom of Jinpo, the Great General not only defeated Jinpo but also captured their brave and skilled Second Prince on the battlefield. As a result, Jinpo had to cede cities and territories, bow down in submission, and acknowledge the sovereignty of the Jin Dynasty. This victory filled the entire Jin Dynasty with pride and confidence, making everyone walk with a sense of accomplishment.
For a time, the Great General became known among the common people as the Martial Deity Descended to Earth. His three sons were also believed to be the reincarnations of heavenly soldiers and generals. Due to the wisdom and martial prowess of the current Emperor, who was regarded as a rare and exceptional Enlightened Monarch seen once in a century, they deliberately descended to assist the Emperor, helping the Jin Dynasty thrive and prosper. People from all directions flocked to pay their respects.
Regardless of everything, it was undeniable that the Emperor was exceptionally wise, and the Hua Family1The Great General's family, of course was also formidable.
At this moment, several hundred li21 li is 0.311 miles. away from the capital city, at a relay station, the Station Master hung two red lanterns at the entrance gate to celebrate the great victory of the Jìn Dynasty. However, in recent days, heavy snow had been falling, and with no officials passing through this area, his intentions went unnoticed.
The Station Master held a plate of fried beans, squatting at the door and gazing absentmindedly at the accumulated snow in the courtyard. The cold wind blew his disheveled beard askew.
"Sigh." The Patrol Inspector walked up to the Station Master's side with a bitter face and said, "I wonder when those visitors staying here will depart."
It was said that the prisoners being escorted here were high-ranking officials who had committed crimes in the capital. Even before their arrival, someone had come to inform the relay station that they were of great importance and must not be taken lightly. As the Patrol Inspector of the relay station, he had to remain here every day to prevent any mishaps involving these high-ranking officials.
These high-ranking officials would be exiled this year but reinstated to their positions the next year. Some people sought revenge, while others sought protection for them. The unlucky ones were the underlings like him, who couldn't afford to offend anyone.
"They are already imprisoned, yet they still want to put on airs. I don't like serving them," the Station Master spat, tossing the bean husks from his mouth onto the snowy ground, "No peace at all."
As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed a carriage approaching from the end of the official road. Even from a distance, he could tell that it carried someone of great importance.
The Station Master quickly handed the plate of fried beans to the Patrol Inspector, patted his somewhat worn-out coat, and went forward with a smiling face.
The Patrol Inspector rolled his eyes; he says don't like serving people but will turn into a dog as soon as he sees an influential person.
The horses pulling the carriage were extraordinary. Even when traversing through the snow, their hooves remained steady and powerful. The armed guards surrounded the carriage, their eyes sharp and different from the stationed soldiers in the city. They seemed like seasoned warriors who had been on the battlefield and seen bloodshed.
The Patrol Inspector realized that these travelers held significant status, so he quickly placed the plate of fried beans on the windowsill and approached them, displaying a similar fawning smile.
On the second floor, a wooden door slowly opened, revealing a pair of eyes concealed in the darkness.
"The Hua Family has arrived."
"We can... begin."
As soon as the carriage stopped outside the relay station, the Station Master, with a full face of smiles, respectfully approached and greeted, "This official is the Station Master of this place. May I inquire from where the distinguished guests have come?"
"We have come from Qinghan Prefecture," the leading military officer said, presenting a clearance document, "We are escorting the family members of the Great General back to the capital."
"So, they are the family members of the Great General?!" The Station Master respectfully returned the document to the military officer and said, "Distinguished guests, please come in quickly."
The curtain of the foremost carriage moved slightly, and the Station Master lowered his head, not daring to directly gaze at the distinguished guests' countenance.
The edge of the curtain was lifted, and a pair of deer boots, almost untouched by dust, stepped out. The bright red cloak swayed on the carriage, faintly revealing a snow-colored embroidered red plum skirt within the cloak.
Hua Liuli stepped out of the carriage and looked at the dilapidated relay station ahead. After a moment of silence, she turned her head and sat back, saying, "I think it's better to continue the journey."
The Momo3"Mómo" in Chinese refers to a nanny or a caregiver who takes care of children. It is often used to refer to a female caregiver or nursemaid who looks after the upbringing and well-being of a child, especially in wealthy or noble families, who was accustomed to her picky temperament, calmly advised, "Xianzhu4"County Princess" in Chinese pinyin is "xiàn zhǔ" (县主). In ancient China, the title "County Princess" referred to a woman who held a position of authority and leadership as the ruler or lord of a county. She was typically a member of the imperial family or from a prominent noble lineage. The County Princess was responsible for overseeing the governance and welfare of the county under her jurisdiction., the next relay station is nearly a hundred li away. The road is covered in snow with no place left to take a bath. Please think twice."
Hua Liuli furrowed her beautiful brows. She thought about closing the curtains and leaving but turned her head to see the soldiers with red noses from the freezing wind. With a serious expression, she said, "We will rest here for the night and continue tomorrow."
The Momo immediately threw a few pieces of silver to the Station Master and said, "Prepare hot water."
"Alright." The Station Master smiled and agreed. He liked generous benefactors like her; they were much easier to deal with than the imprisoned officials upstairs.
"Younger sister, be careful," said Hua Changkong, who had just dismounted from his horse. He hurriedly approached his little sister, who had a tense expression and was about to jump down from the carriage. "Take it slow. The snow on the ground is so thick. Should I carry you inside?"
The Momo watched the scene with a calm expression. Behind every pampered Young Master or Miss, there were countless doting parents. The Hua family was good in every aspect, except for spoiling their only daughter excessively.
They were afraid she would get tired from walking a few steps, afraid she would catch a chill from a gust of wind, they even hesitated to speak harshly at her, fearing it would scare their daughter. This young lady, born into a prestigious military family, turned out to be delicate and picky.
"No need," Hua Liuli shook her head. She adjusted her cloak and held onto Hua Changkong's arm, walking through the gate of the relay station. This place was not affluent, so they couldn't spare much money for renovating the station. The lighting inside the rooms was also very dim. She was somewhat worried that the heavy snow might crush this decrepit relay station.
"Please have a seat, esteemed guests." The Station Master wiped the bench with his sleeve and looked up, smiling to please the two distinguished guests. However, he was stunned upon seeing them.
It turned out that the people from the Great General's family were so good-looking, especially this delicate and charming young lady who seemed like a celestial being.
Hua Liuli glanced at the dull-colored wooden bench and chose not to sit on it. She removed her cape's hood and looked up towards the staircase.
On the staircase, a thin, elderly man wearing shackles slowly descended. His hair and beard were white, giving him the appearance of being in his fifties or sixties. His face reflected bitterness and unwillingness. Although the yamen constables behind him were overseeing him, their respect for the old man was evident.
As the old man descended the stairs, the chains on his feet made a clanging sound.
Noticing the presence of others in the relay station, the old man paused for a moment, scanning them with his gaze before retracting it slowly.
Several yamen constables, unaware of the identities of the Hua siblings, still nodded respectfully towards them, so as not to offend important figures.
"What crime has this gentleman committed to be wearing such heavy shackles?" Hua Liuli shifted her gaze away from the old man and asked.
The leading yamen constable, observing the natural demeanor with which the Noble Young Lady made her inquiry, as if not considering the possibility of them refusing to answer, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "This official accused the Grand General of indulging in extravagant military spending and the border generals of being bloodthirsty, which angered the Emperor. As a result, he was sentenced to exile. If the Noble Young Lady desires, we can replace his shackles with a lighter pair..."
"No need," Hua Liuli quickly interjected, "I think it's fine this way. It would be even better if you could replace them with heavier shackles."
The yamen constable: "..."
The old man turned to look at Hua Liuli, his tone icy as he said, "At such a young age, your heart is already so malicious. Today, I, an unfortunate soul, have finally witnessed the fickleness of human relationships and the coldness of the world."
"It's alright. Not only will you witness more, but you will also grow accustomed to it," Hua Liuli smiled. "After all, people like you who stab soldiers in the back will not have a good ending."
For the border generals who sacrifice their lives to defend Great Jin, hearing such words from a civil official would undoubtedly leave them disheartened.
"As a loyal subject, I must be loyal to the court and plead for the people. Hua Yingting's constant military campaigns have exhausted the wealth of the common people..."
"The Great General guards the border for the sake of the people of Great Jin. He has achieved great victories over Jinpo. But in your words, it becomes extravagant military spending," Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow, "Are you out of your mind? Jinpo constantly provokes our borders. Should we just let them be arrogant? You live in the prosperous capital and naturally know nothing about the suffering caused by Jinpo's bandits looting and harassing our border. You speak of pleading for the people, but you don't consider the border residents as people. What does that make you..."
"This is called talking about benevolence, righteousness, and morality while harboring thieves and prostitutes, indulging in pleasure," Hua Changkong smiled slyly, taking over the conversation. "A hypocrite."
"You, you..." The old man was mocked by two young people, leaving him with a flushed and darkened face, struggling to catch his breath, "You ignorant youngsters, spouting nonsense."
"You, you old fool, your eyesight is failing, and you're completely confused," retorted the guards following the Hua siblings. Their Young Miss and Young Master personally didn't need to engage in this verbal exchange.
The commotion downstairs reached the upper floor. The person in the room wore a satisfied smile. He turned his head to look at the person who climbed in through the window and asked, "Has it been administered?"
"It has. Colorless and tasteless, fatal when ingested, ensuring that the cause of death cannot be detected."
The man chuckled, "After the impeachment of the civil official who criticized the Hua family, he quarreled with the descendants of the Hua family, then mysteriously met his demise. I wonder how the civil officials of Great Jin will react to this."
"When the flying birds are gone, a good bow is hidden. The Hua family has made such great military achievements. I'm afraid it's not the civil officials of Great Jin they would have to deal with, but..."
Throughout history, there have been numerous military generals who faced suspicion from the Imperial Ones, the Hua family will just be one of many.
Although scholars wield their pens skillfully, when it comes to the art of verbal insult, they are no match for soldiers who have been on the battlefield. After a few exchanges, the old civil official was left fuming and could only mutter about ignorant and reckless men.
"Is it time for dinner?" The cook came out carrying the prepared dishes and shrank back upon seeing the tense atmosphere in the hall.
"Dinner?" Hua Liuli glanced at the dishes the cook was carrying, which included meat and vegetables. It seemed that this impeached official who had spoken against her father was being treated quite well, much better than the soldiers guarding the borders.
She immediately covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, taking a step back with a pretentious expression. "Oh my, I have a terrible headache. Yuan Yi, I can't stand the smell of meat. Knock it over quickly."
"Yes, Xianzhu," a maid who followed behind Hua Liuli stepped forward without hesitation and kicked over the dishes. Her movements were smooth and graceful.
The food spilled onto the floor, filling the room with the aroma of the meal.
"That's more like it," Hua Liuli expressed her satisfaction and gave the cook a small silver coin, "Prepare another meal for this official. Remember, no trace of meat."
"Of course, honored guest," the cook took the silver coin and hurried back to the kitchen. When someone gives you money, you agree to anything.
The Station Master silently swept away the spilled food on the floor, dumping it outside in the snowy area, pretending not to notice this act of malicious retaliation.
"What do you mean by this?" The old man's hands trembled with anger.
"You're taking advantage of your position and being treacherous," Hua Liuli smiled sweetly, "You're wearing a criminal's mark, yet you still want to eat meat? The common people on the border can't even afford to eat meat twice a month. As an official, you should share their hardships and suffering."
The poor old civil official couldn't take it anymore and fainted from anger.
Upstairs, the man heard no sound for a while, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared, "What's going on? Lin Huizhi isn't dead yet?"
"That... that poisoned bowl was kicked over by a maid from the Hua family."
"What... did you say?"
They had gone through countless calculations and arranged numerous seemingly coincidental obstacles just to ensure their encounter at this relay station. And now he was being told that everything they had done beforehand was in vain?!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli: Don't reason with me. I've always been irrational and melodramatic.
Translator's Note:
Yue Xia Die Ying -- One of my favorite Chinese authors. I am very excited to translate this novel and see it to the end.
