Chapter 52
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The rain kept falling for seven or eight days without a sign of stopping. This year’s harvest would probably not be good; the national treasury was empty, the wealthy fell over themselves in their eagerness to store up on grain, the army was recruiting in the southwest, and the snow disaster in southern Sichuan was consuming money and food from everywhere else. As a result, the price of rice increased quietly. The price for ten volumes of white rice rose from twenty coins to forty, and even the coarse grain noodles eaten by the common people increased by five coins.
The Emperor was a wise monarch and tightened his belt together with the Empress. The imperial family, the aristocracy, and the court officials followed their example. Although they didn’t suffer any hardship, they didn’t dare take their extravagance too far. The ten taels of silver they spent for a meal was reduced to eight taels. Those who wanted to spend for two concubines only spent for one. Of their twenty-five home-kept entertainers, they cut off five. They added two gemstones fewer on their wives’ new golden hairpin. They applied a small patch to a visible spot of their court robes, to indicate that they stood with the Emperor during those hard times.
Crisis in the prince of Nanping’s mansion was impossible.
When it came to the ability of the courtiers to resist adversity, Ye Zhao, marquess of Xuanwu was at the top. She had been leading a war for many years, besieged many times; she had slept in the snow, gotten used to eating pig slop. Apart from her extravagant spending on weapons, it was difficult to find any luxurious hobby of hers. Although Xia Yujin was used to enjoying the pleasures of life, he was naturally smart, and he’d learned every delicate and difficult discipline outside of anything serious. In addition to learning how to listen to dice on his own, he was also an expert gambler on cock and cricket fights, a master at authenticating antiques, proficient in haggling, and didn’t pay too much attention to sophisticated appearances, so very few people could take advantage of him. As long as he didn’t specifically run into a new courtesan showing off her arts then invite his dissolute friends out to drink and watch her show every few days, living up to his reputation more than any other of the prodigal sons, he didn’t actually spend a lot.
So he felt that the recent increase of the price of food and wine was a little outrageous.
Xinghua House’s sweet wine-roasted chicken was a full thirty-three pieces more expensive than usual, the vegetables, twelve pieces more expensive, and their first-quality fine wine, fifty. He may not lack those two small taels of silver, he may be happy to eat those every time, and tipped more than the price of the meal, but it didn’t mean he liked being scammed. Moreover, cousin Xiyin had been scared of the dark these past few days, weak and timid. Ye Zhao had been patiently keeping her company, forcing Xia Yujin to stay alone in their room. He didn’t know when he would be able to accomplish his conquering wish. The fire was still consuming him, but he was reluctant to waste that dragon strength and spirit he’d done so much to cultivate on other people. Sadness rose in his heart after he entertained those thoughts, so he pulled up the owner right here and there and slapped the table, looking for an excuse to vent. “My man, you’ve got some nerves! Isn’t it enough to cheat everyone else every day? You dare cheat this lord too?”
“With all due respect, I will cheat anyone, but I would never dare cheat the city censor.” A frown appeared on Boss He’s, the owner of Xinghua House, fat face, as his fat body shook. “I heard that there were floods on the road and that they couldn’t have food come in from outside. Everyone said there would be major floods, so they all rushed to buy food and the prices have now gone through the ceiling. If the costs are high, it’s difficult for a lowly business such as mine to survive, so I can only increase my prices. Please be magnanimous, Your Highness, don’t make things difficult for me. I can have our newest member, Miss Yueya, sing to distract you?”
Xia Yujin glanced at the gloomy weather outside the window, feeling even more jittery. He had absolutely no interest in the soft tones of those Misses Yueya or Liuyua . “Hasn’t the court issued a decree to dispel those rumors?” he asked, frowning.
“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. The prices at the market will get better after a while.” Boss He’s mouth twitched. What passed as truth outside was that the rain had fallen even more intensely over the agricultural provinces in the past two months, and that most of the crops hadn’t yielded. Perhaps it would be as when the Emperor Taizu was in power: three consecutive years of famine and cannibalism. In the capital, at the feet of the Emperor, the news was still being suppressed, and the looting of grain from other provinces was even fiercer than elsewhere. He could still afford to buy more grain in case anything happened.
Xia Yujin waved his hand impatiently. “You’re saying what everyone’s saying, how annoying…”
It wasn’t long since the disaster had struck. Neither beggars nor refugees had appeared. It couldn’t be that bad, right?
If there really was a catastrophe, he’d be forced to live frugally for sure, considering his reputation as a spoiled and wasteful nephew right under the weasel’s nose. His brother was tasked with collecting the disaster relief fund. His mood, originally dark, was worsening, but he didn’t want to take it out on the virtuous Princess Consort, so he would frequently drag Xia Yujin out to vent his anger by yelling at him and grab his pocket money for the disaster victims’ relief fund. Moreover, business was difficult for pleasure houses and restaurants. Brothel madams would take the opportunity to have their girls redeemed by patrons and buy new hidden gems among the refugees, and after a few years, those young women’s singing and dancing would be presented. Xia Yujin, dispirited, leaned against the window, watching the rain drizzle. He was thinking of the state of the world, worrying about the nation and worrying about its people…
Unfortunately, he couldn’t intervene in the matters of the court, and his worrying was useless.
Forget it, so long as he glared Chief Lao Yang into working diligently, all was well. Worse came to worse, he would stop going out when the time came and hide at home, pretending to be frugal; then he would have Xuan’er sing, Meiniang dance, and his wife be his companion in drinking with beautiful women.
As for the rest, what did he care so much?
Seeing that Xia Yujin was about to go, Boss He very discreetly took the initiative to call for Miss Yueya to sing a few love songs to everyone. Hearing them only stoked the fire in Xia Yujin’s heart. He hatefully bit down on a few peanuts, as if he was biting into Ye Zhao’s flesh.
That day, all those who were out having fun were children of aristocratic families, of no ordinary status: the concubine-born son of the Grand Servant,[1] a Director’s nephew,[2] the Central Secretary’s younger cousin, and so on, all famous experts of romance in the capital, distinguished characters. They swept a look at Miss Yueya’s chest and another at the face of the prince of Nanping, chaotically trying to raise his spirits while also peering at the street to catch a glimpse of any woman out to buy some red paint.
Alert and observant, they all discussed the various beautiful women, narrating vulgar anecdotes to the point of arousal, drinking down pot after pot of expensive wine. Their sight made hazy by the drink, they suddenly saw a purple oiled fan and blue oiled umbrella slowly making their way through the rain. Under the umbrella was a fair and graceful figure — more precisely, a beautiful woman. From afar and through the curtain of the rain, though she was wearing a veiled hat which hid her face, her posture was elegant and full of charm — enough to make men’s eyes shine. When she walked closer, they felt even more acutely that the beauty of the world paled in comparison.
Those master lovers sobered on the spot. They all rubbed their hands, eager to give it a try.
“Just a look at those eyes, and she’s more beautiful than my seven concubines.”
“I’m going to talk to her and ask her who her family is. Then I’ll go propose.”
“The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady: for our prince a good mate she.[3] As long as I can say a few words to her and touch her small hand, I can die happily.”
“Brother Chen, you really are a pure lover.”
“Fatty, I’m first, don’t steal!”
“Stop fighting.” Xia Yujin had recognized the newcomer. Remembering the days-long humiliation and mocking he’d suffered from everyone last time on the pleasure boat, he added, very pleased with himself, “This is Ye Zhao cousin, she lives at my house.”
“Ye Zhao’s cousin?” They all looked at each other, remembering Ye Zhao’s fierceness, then once again at the delicate and soft young woman. It felt like getting whipped by her iron whip. Even the most lustful ones didn’t dare make any noise for a moment.
“A real beauty, isn’t she?” boasted Xia Yujin. “I’ve seen her up close — skin so delicate it breaks at the slightest touch.”
The row of perverts drooled.
“She’s General Liu’s niece,” Xia Yujin said, teasing. “She’s in the capital to ask my wife to find her a good match. Aiya, such an excellent girl. I really don’t know who we should matchmake her with.”
“Didn’t you speak to me about my beautiful woman’s portrait by Huang Yin last time? I’ll send it to you later!”
“For your chivalrous loyalty and noble character, Your Highness, I, simple Cai that I am, will brave any danger you instruct me to!”
“My aunt’s son’s brother-in-law married up to a princess. Let’s inter-marry again, shall we?”
“For her, I will renounce all the beautiful women in my backyard! From now on, my heart is all for my beloved. I hope for your help!”
“My friend…”
“My brother…”
“We’re related by marriage…”
“You’re my own uncle…”
It felt so good to have so many people clamoring for a woman from his family.
Watching that pack of scoundrels fawning over him, each more ingratiating than the others, Xia Yujin squinted and smiled so widely that his tail was threatening to start wagging.
Unexpectedly, while their pack of top lechers hadn’t taken any action yet, a group of brazen young troublemakers had run over, surrounding Liu Xiyin with their intentions written clear on their faces. Not only were their words all sorts of inappropriate, but their hands also tried to roam around. The beautiful Xiyin was gradually forced up against the wall, tearful and shivering, like a weak willow on a riverbank, at the mercy of the wind. Her maid hurriedly stepped forward to shield her, but the head of the oppressing thugs pushed her so hard she almost fell to the ground.
When the experts in Xinghua House saw those lowlives, they snapped into action, seeing red with anger, regardless of the strength of their opponents. They all rushed downstairs.
“Where do these lechers come from?” Director Xu’s nephew was yelling.
“Miss! I’m here to save you!” Director Zhang’s son gallantly and bravely called out, drawing out the fine bejeweled and jade-inlaid sword at his waist.
“Molesting an innocent woman, in broad daylight! Is there no imperial law?!” Righteous indignation filled the prodigal son of the Deputy Minister of Justice.
Blam— Fat Chen ran too fast and accidentally stepped on his friend’s robes. They rolled down the stairs together.
Although the mores of the Great Qin were relaxed and the rules for women going outside weren’t harsh, being associated with so many overly familiar men in the street didn’t make for a great reputation and was detrimental to good marriage opportunities.
Seeing that the situation was far from good, Xia Yujin quickly ran out, for fear that her private reputation would be damaged. He and Liu Xiyin may not be close, but after meeting her a few times, he felt that she had a delicate, lovely and touching disposition, which irresistibly made everyone well-inclined towards her. How could he let those bastards abuse her? Besides, she was his wife’s cousin. If anything happened, Ye Zhao would certainly be angry, even if she didn’t say anything outwardly. With her violent temper, she may take stock of the severity of the situation and break a few of that group of imprudent guys’ legs.
Fortunately, the spoiled young princes had indulged in wine and weren’t in very good condition. They ran slowly.
Xia Yujin cherished his own body because of his weak health. Besides, he had been restraining his dissolute mores recently, mucking around less, assiduously training at home, until his movements were a lot more agile. He gave a quick order to Xishuai and then, trampling over the lust dominating the crowd’s mind with both feet, he very loudly said some very frightening words: “Do you know who her cousin is? If you’re looking for trouble with the Living King of Hell, do as you please.”
Ye Zhao killed people like flies. Her reputation was imposing.
When the lechers heard this, they inevitably hesitated.
Xia Yujin seized the chance to go through the crowd, quickly running up to face some strong men, taller than the others. He swallowed his saliva and mustered up all his courage. “The city censor is here, you delinquents! Do you long for the city’s prison?”
“Your Highness, save me!” Liu Xiyin shouted at him with tears in her eyes.
A beautiful man, both a peace-violating prince of the second rank and city censor, married to the most terrifying of wives.
No one, after spending two days in the capital, didn’t know of Xia Yujin.
The thugs might not be educated, but they didn’t believe that sex was worth more than their lives. Seeing that there was a servant rushing in from afar, followed by members of the censorate, they took advantage of the fact that no one knew their names to turn around and flee. They disappeared in a flash.
When Xia Yujin saw that Liu Xiyin’s clothes were intact, her veiled hat still in place, and her virtue undamaged, he let out a long sigh. “You’re a girl, why didn’t you bring more people when you ran out like this?”
Blushing and lowering her head, Liu Xiyin, ashamed, replied, “The general’s birthday is approaching. I wanted to buy her a present in secret. I used to go out like this in the Northern Desert. No one dared to do anything to me thanks to my uncle’s reputation. Now that I’m here in the capital, I just wanted to go out for a moment, I was careless…”
Xia Yujin’s words were deep and earnest: “The North is the North and the capital is the capital.” Scoundrels didn’t have the same backgrounds here and there.
“You’re right, Your Highness.” Liu Xiyin’s voice was soft and weak, like a frightened bird.
Thinking he might have been too harsh, Xia Yujin touched his nose with embarrassment. “Next time you go out,” he said, having changed his tone, “take guards and several maids with you.”
“I will,” Liu Xiyin said in a very subdued voice, as though shy.
The spoiled good-for-nothings upstairs in Xinghua House saw that Xia Yujin had won the big prize. Reflecting that, as long as they didn’t cause trouble for the beautiful young woman, the Living King of Hell wouldn’t get angry for such a trifle, they quickly rushed down to fawn over her.
As they ran, one exclaimed, “That band of hoodlums! Mistreating a beautiful woman! Despicable, truly despicable.”
The one who was following behind was smarter and quickly introduced himself. “Don’t be afraid, miss, my uncle is the Minister of Justice. I’ll make sure to send those delinquents to prison so they can’t harm the people.”
Director Zhang’s son was not to be outdone: “The public morals have been degenerating recently. I’ll have my mother go to the Palace and inform Consort Rong, my aunt, of this. She’ll ask that the Emperor issue a strict decree and rectify this practice.”
Fat Chen was a slow runner. He climbed down the stairs, in spite of his knee, hurt in the pursuit, which slowed him down even further. Seeing that they had all finished their pleasant talk and afraid that he might lose the beauty’s favor, he anxiously shouted, “Miss, I’m Commandant of Justice Chen Tingwei’s only son, I’m immensely rich. I’m only eighteen, not yet married, strong and in good health! No unmentionable illness!”
Xia Yujin itched to drag these good-for-nothings outside and give them a good beating. Also worried that Ye Zhao’s cousin would get spooked, he wanted to say a few words of comfort to her first before settling the score at a more opportune moment. But, when he turned his head, he saw those eyes under the veiled hat, clear like the waters in autumn, staring back at him dazedly. Her eyes were so full of worship, so loving, as though she was looking at the fiercest man, the greatest hero in the world.
I keep forgetting how many days pass. Oops.
[1 ↑] Lit. 太仆 tài pū. As far as I can tell, this was the official in charge of Imperial animal husbandry (especially horses), but the position dates back to the earlier dynasties, which followed the “Three Lords, Nine Ministers” system and not the “Three Departments, Six Ministries” system, which has already been used in the story.
[2 ↑] Lit. 侄子 zhōng shū, the head of one of the four “bureaus/courts” that comprised each of the Six Ministries. Which bureau or even Ministry it is is not said.
[3 ↑] Excerpt from the poem《关雎》“Guan Ju” in the first chapter of the Book of Songs《诗经》.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
The rain kept falling for seven or eight days without a sign of stopping. This year’s harvest would probably not be good; the national treasury was empty, the wealthy fell over themselves in their eagerness to store up on grain, the army was recruiting in the southwest, and the snow disaster in southern Sichuan was consuming money and food from everywhere else. As a result, the price of rice increased quietly. The price for ten volumes of white rice rose from twenty coins to forty, and even the coarse grain noodles eaten by the common people increased by five coins.
The Emperor was a wise monarch and tightened his belt together with the Empress. The imperial family, the aristocracy, and the court officials followed their example. Although they didn’t suffer any hardship, they didn’t dare take their extravagance too far. The ten taels of silver they spent for a meal was reduced to eight taels. Those who wanted to spend for two concubines only spent for one. Of their twenty-five home-kept entertainers, they cut off five. They added two gemstones fewer on their wives’ new golden hairpin. They applied a small patch to a visible spot of their court robes, to indicate that they stood with the Emperor during those hard times.
Crisis in the prince of Nanping’s mansion was impossible.
When it came to the ability of the courtiers to resist adversity, Ye Zhao, marquess of Xuanwu was at the top. She had been leading a war for many years, besieged many times; she had slept in the snow, gotten used to eating pig slop. Apart from her extravagant spending on weapons, it was difficult to find any luxurious hobby of hers. Although Xia Yujin was used to enjoying the pleasures of life, he was naturally smart, and he’d learned every delicate and difficult discipline outside of anything serious. In addition to learning how to listen to dice on his own, he was also an expert gambler on cock and cricket fights, a master at authenticating antiques, proficient in haggling, and didn’t pay too much attention to sophisticated appearances, so very few people could take advantage of him. As long as he didn’t specifically run into a new courtesan showing off her arts then invite his dissolute friends out to drink and watch her show every few days, living up to his reputation more than any other of the prodigal sons, he didn’t actually spend a lot.
So he felt that the recent increase of the price of food and wine was a little outrageous.
Xinghua House’s sweet wine-roasted chicken was a full thirty-three pieces more expensive than usual, the vegetables, twelve pieces more expensive, and their first-quality fine wine, fifty. He may not lack those two small taels of silver, he may be happy to eat those every time, and tipped more than the price of the meal, but it didn’t mean he liked being scammed. Moreover, cousin Xiyin had been scared of the dark these past few days, weak and timid. Ye Zhao had been patiently keeping her company, forcing Xia Yujin to stay alone in their room. He didn’t know when he would be able to accomplish his conquering wish. The fire was still consuming him, but he was reluctant to waste that dragon strength and spirit he’d done so much to cultivate on other people. Sadness rose in his heart after he entertained those thoughts, so he pulled up the owner right here and there and slapped the table, looking for an excuse to vent. “My man, you’ve got some nerves! Isn’t it enough to cheat everyone else every day? You dare cheat this lord too?”
“With all due respect, I will cheat anyone, but I would never dare cheat the city censor.” A frown appeared on Boss He’s, the owner of Xinghua House, fat face, as his fat body shook. “I heard that there were floods on the road and that they couldn’t have food come in from outside. Everyone said there would be major floods, so they all rushed to buy food and the prices have now gone through the ceiling. If the costs are high, it’s difficult for a lowly business such as mine to survive, so I can only increase my prices. Please be magnanimous, Your Highness, don’t make things difficult for me. I can have our newest member, Miss Yueya, sing to distract you?”
Xia Yujin glanced at the gloomy weather outside the window, feeling even more jittery. He had absolutely no interest in the soft tones of those Misses Yueya or Liuyua . “Hasn’t the court issued a decree to dispel those rumors?” he asked, frowning.
“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. The prices at the market will get better after a while.” Boss He’s mouth twitched. What passed as truth outside was that the rain had fallen even more intensely over the agricultural provinces in the past two months, and that most of the crops hadn’t yielded. Perhaps it would be as when the Emperor Taizu was in power: three consecutive years of famine and cannibalism. In the capital, at the feet of the Emperor, the news was still being suppressed, and the looting of grain from other provinces was even fiercer than elsewhere. He could still afford to buy more grain in case anything happened.
Xia Yujin waved his hand impatiently. “You’re saying what everyone’s saying, how annoying…”
It wasn’t long since the disaster had struck. Neither beggars nor refugees had appeared. It couldn’t be that bad, right?
If there really was a catastrophe, he’d be forced to live frugally for sure, considering his reputation as a spoiled and wasteful nephew right under the weasel’s nose. His brother was tasked with collecting the disaster relief fund. His mood, originally dark, was worsening, but he didn’t want to take it out on the virtuous Princess Consort, so he would frequently drag Xia Yujin out to vent his anger by yelling at him and grab his pocket money for the disaster victims’ relief fund. Moreover, business was difficult for pleasure houses and restaurants. Brothel madams would take the opportunity to have their girls redeemed by patrons and buy new hidden gems among the refugees, and after a few years, those young women’s singing and dancing would be presented. Xia Yujin, dispirited, leaned against the window, watching the rain drizzle. He was thinking of the state of the world, worrying about the nation and worrying about its people…
Unfortunately, he couldn’t intervene in the matters of the court, and his worrying was useless.
Forget it, so long as he glared Chief Lao Yang into working diligently, all was well. Worse came to worse, he would stop going out when the time came and hide at home, pretending to be frugal; then he would have Xuan’er sing, Meiniang dance, and his wife be his companion in drinking with beautiful women.
As for the rest, what did he care so much?
Seeing that Xia Yujin was about to go, Boss He very discreetly took the initiative to call for Miss Yueya to sing a few love songs to everyone. Hearing them only stoked the fire in Xia Yujin’s heart. He hatefully bit down on a few peanuts, as if he was biting into Ye Zhao’s flesh.
That day, all those who were out having fun were children of aristocratic families, of no ordinary status: the concubine-born son of the Grand Servant,[1] a Director’s nephew,[2] the Central Secretary’s younger cousin, and so on, all famous experts of romance in the capital, distinguished characters. They swept a look at Miss Yueya’s chest and another at the face of the prince of Nanping, chaotically trying to raise his spirits while also peering at the street to catch a glimpse of any woman out to buy some red paint.
Alert and observant, they all discussed the various beautiful women, narrating vulgar anecdotes to the point of arousal, drinking down pot after pot of expensive wine. Their sight made hazy by the drink, they suddenly saw a purple oiled fan and blue oiled umbrella slowly making their way through the rain. Under the umbrella was a fair and graceful figure — more precisely, a beautiful woman. From afar and through the curtain of the rain, though she was wearing a veiled hat which hid her face, her posture was elegant and full of charm — enough to make men’s eyes shine. When she walked closer, they felt even more acutely that the beauty of the world paled in comparison.
Those master lovers sobered on the spot. They all rubbed their hands, eager to give it a try.
“Just a look at those eyes, and she’s more beautiful than my seven concubines.”
“I’m going to talk to her and ask her who her family is. Then I’ll go propose.”
“The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady: for our prince a good mate she.[3] As long as I can say a few words to her and touch her small hand, I can die happily.”
“Brother Chen, you really are a pure lover.”
“Fatty, I’m first, don’t steal!”
“Stop fighting.” Xia Yujin had recognized the newcomer. Remembering the days-long humiliation and mocking he’d suffered from everyone last time on the pleasure boat, he added, very pleased with himself, “This is Ye Zhao cousin, she lives at my house.”
“Ye Zhao’s cousin?” They all looked at each other, remembering Ye Zhao’s fierceness, then once again at the delicate and soft young woman. It felt like getting whipped by her iron whip. Even the most lustful ones didn’t dare make any noise for a moment.
“A real beauty, isn’t she?” boasted Xia Yujin. “I’ve seen her up close — skin so delicate it breaks at the slightest touch.”
The row of perverts drooled.
“She’s General Liu’s niece,” Xia Yujin said, teasing. “She’s in the capital to ask my wife to find her a good match. Aiya, such an excellent girl. I really don’t know who we should matchmake her with.”
“Didn’t you speak to me about my beautiful woman’s portrait by Huang Yin last time? I’ll send it to you later!”
“For your chivalrous loyalty and noble character, Your Highness, I, simple Cai that I am, will brave any danger you instruct me to!”
“My aunt’s son’s brother-in-law married up to a princess. Let’s inter-marry again, shall we?”
“For her, I will renounce all the beautiful women in my backyard! From now on, my heart is all for my beloved. I hope for your help!”
“My friend…”
“My brother…”
“We’re related by marriage…”
“You’re my own uncle…”
It felt so good to have so many people clamoring for a woman from his family.
Watching that pack of scoundrels fawning over him, each more ingratiating than the others, Xia Yujin squinted and smiled so widely that his tail was threatening to start wagging.
Unexpectedly, while their pack of top lechers hadn’t taken any action yet, a group of brazen young troublemakers had run over, surrounding Liu Xiyin with their intentions written clear on their faces. Not only were their words all sorts of inappropriate, but their hands also tried to roam around. The beautiful Xiyin was gradually forced up against the wall, tearful and shivering, like a weak willow on a riverbank, at the mercy of the wind. Her maid hurriedly stepped forward to shield her, but the head of the oppressing thugs pushed her so hard she almost fell to the ground.
When the experts in Xinghua House saw those lowlives, they snapped into action, seeing red with anger, regardless of the strength of their opponents. They all rushed downstairs.
“Where do these lechers come from?” Director Xu’s nephew was yelling.
“Miss! I’m here to save you!” Director Zhang’s son gallantly and bravely called out, drawing out the fine bejeweled and jade-inlaid sword at his waist.
“Molesting an innocent woman, in broad daylight! Is there no imperial law?!” Righteous indignation filled the prodigal son of the Deputy Minister of Justice.
Blam— Fat Chen ran too fast and accidentally stepped on his friend’s robes. They rolled down the stairs together.
Although the mores of the Great Qin were relaxed and the rules for women going outside weren’t harsh, being associated with so many overly familiar men in the street didn’t make for a great reputation and was detrimental to good marriage opportunities.
Seeing that the situation was far from good, Xia Yujin quickly ran out, for fear that her private reputation would be damaged. He and Liu Xiyin may not be close, but after meeting her a few times, he felt that she had a delicate, lovely and touching disposition, which irresistibly made everyone well-inclined towards her. How could he let those bastards abuse her? Besides, she was his wife’s cousin. If anything happened, Ye Zhao would certainly be angry, even if she didn’t say anything outwardly. With her violent temper, she may take stock of the severity of the situation and break a few of that group of imprudent guys’ legs.
Fortunately, the spoiled young princes had indulged in wine and weren’t in very good condition. They ran slowly.
Xia Yujin cherished his own body because of his weak health. Besides, he had been restraining his dissolute mores recently, mucking around less, assiduously training at home, until his movements were a lot more agile. He gave a quick order to Xishuai and then, trampling over the lust dominating the crowd’s mind with both feet, he very loudly said some very frightening words: “Do you know who her cousin is? If you’re looking for trouble with the Living King of Hell, do as you please.”
Ye Zhao killed people like flies. Her reputation was imposing.
When the lechers heard this, they inevitably hesitated.
Xia Yujin seized the chance to go through the crowd, quickly running up to face some strong men, taller than the others. He swallowed his saliva and mustered up all his courage. “The city censor is here, you delinquents! Do you long for the city’s prison?”
“Your Highness, save me!” Liu Xiyin shouted at him with tears in her eyes.
A beautiful man, both a peace-violating prince of the second rank and city censor, married to the most terrifying of wives.
No one, after spending two days in the capital, didn’t know of Xia Yujin.
The thugs might not be educated, but they didn’t believe that sex was worth more than their lives. Seeing that there was a servant rushing in from afar, followed by members of the censorate, they took advantage of the fact that no one knew their names to turn around and flee. They disappeared in a flash.
When Xia Yujin saw that Liu Xiyin’s clothes were intact, her veiled hat still in place, and her virtue undamaged, he let out a long sigh. “You’re a girl, why didn’t you bring more people when you ran out like this?”
Blushing and lowering her head, Liu Xiyin, ashamed, replied, “The general’s birthday is approaching. I wanted to buy her a present in secret. I used to go out like this in the Northern Desert. No one dared to do anything to me thanks to my uncle’s reputation. Now that I’m here in the capital, I just wanted to go out for a moment, I was careless…”
Xia Yujin’s words were deep and earnest: “The North is the North and the capital is the capital.” Scoundrels didn’t have the same backgrounds here and there.
“You’re right, Your Highness.” Liu Xiyin’s voice was soft and weak, like a frightened bird.
Thinking he might have been too harsh, Xia Yujin touched his nose with embarrassment. “Next time you go out,” he said, having changed his tone, “take guards and several maids with you.”
“I will,” Liu Xiyin said in a very subdued voice, as though shy.
The spoiled good-for-nothings upstairs in Xinghua House saw that Xia Yujin had won the big prize. Reflecting that, as long as they didn’t cause trouble for the beautiful young woman, the Living King of Hell wouldn’t get angry for such a trifle, they quickly rushed down to fawn over her.
As they ran, one exclaimed, “That band of hoodlums! Mistreating a beautiful woman! Despicable, truly despicable.”
The one who was following behind was smarter and quickly introduced himself. “Don’t be afraid, miss, my uncle is the Minister of Justice. I’ll make sure to send those delinquents to prison so they can’t harm the people.”
Director Zhang’s son was not to be outdone: “The public morals have been degenerating recently. I’ll have my mother go to the Palace and inform Consort Rong, my aunt, of this. She’ll ask that the Emperor issue a strict decree and rectify this practice.”
Fat Chen was a slow runner. He climbed down the stairs, in spite of his knee, hurt in the pursuit, which slowed him down even further. Seeing that they had all finished their pleasant talk and afraid that he might lose the beauty’s favor, he anxiously shouted, “Miss, I’m Commandant of Justice Chen Tingwei’s only son, I’m immensely rich. I’m only eighteen, not yet married, strong and in good health! No unmentionable illness!”
Xia Yujin itched to drag these good-for-nothings outside and give them a good beating. Also worried that Ye Zhao’s cousin would get spooked, he wanted to say a few words of comfort to her first before settling the score at a more opportune moment. But, when he turned his head, he saw those eyes under the veiled hat, clear like the waters in autumn, staring back at him dazedly. Her eyes were so full of worship, so loving, as though she was looking at the fiercest man, the greatest hero in the world.
I keep forgetting how many days pass. Oops.
[1 ↑] Lit. 太仆 tài pū. As far as I can tell, this was the official in charge of Imperial animal husbandry (especially horses), but the position dates back to the earlier dynasties, which followed the “Three Lords, Nine Ministers” system and not the “Three Departments, Six Ministries” system, which has already been used in the story.
[2 ↑] Lit. 侄子 zhōng shū, the head of one of the four “bureaus/courts” that comprised each of the Six Ministries. Which bureau or even Ministry it is is not said.
[3 ↑] Excerpt from the poem《关雎》“Guan Ju” in the first chapter of the Book of Songs《诗经》.
The rain kept falling for seven or eight days without a sign of stopping. This year's harvest would probably not be good; the national treasury was empty, the wealthy fell over themselves in their eagerness to store up on grain, the army was recruiting in the southwest, and the snow disaster in southern Sichuan was consuming money and food from everywhere else. As a result, the price of rice increased quietly. The price for ten volumes of white rice rose from twenty coins to forty, and even the coarse grain noodles eaten by the common people increased by five coins.The Emperor was a wise monarch and tightened his belt together with the Empress. The imperial family, the aristocracy, and the court officials followed their example. Although they didn't suffer any hardship, they didn't dare take their extravagance too far. The ten taels of silver they spent for a meal was reduced to eight taels. Those who wanted to spend for two concubines only spent for one. Of their twenty-five home-kept entertainers, they cut off five. They added two gemstones fewer on their wives' new golden hairpin. They applied a small patch to a visible spot of their court robes, to indicate that they stood with the Emperor during those hard times.Crisis in the prince of Nanping's mansion was impossible.When it came to the ability of the courtiers to resist adversity, Ye Zhao, marquess of Xuanwu was at the top. She had been leading a war for many years, besieged many times; she had slept in the snow, gotten used to eating pig slop. Apart from her extravagant spending on weapons, it was difficult to find any luxurious hobby of hers. Although Xia Yujin was used to enjoying the pleasures of life, he was naturally smart, and he'd learned every delicate and difficult discipline outside of anything serious. In addition to learning how to listen to dice on his own, he was also an expert gambler on cock and cricket fights, a master at authenticating antiques, proficient in haggling, and didn't pay too much attention to sophisticated appearances, so very few people could take advantage of him. As long as he didn't specifically run into a new courtesan showing off her arts then invite his dissolute friends out to drink and watch her show every few days, living up to his reputation more than any other of the prodigal sons, he didn't actually spend a lot.So he felt that the recent increase of the price of food and wine was a little outrageous.Xinghua House's sweet wine-roasted chicken was a full thirty-three pieces more expensive than usual, the vegetables, twelve pieces more expensive, and their first-quality fine wine, fifty. He may not lack those two small taels of silver, he may be happy to eat those every time, and tipped more than the price of the meal, but it didn't mean he liked being scammed. Moreover, cousin Xiyin had been scared of the dark these past few days, weak and timid. Ye Zhao had been patiently keeping her company, forcing Xia Yujin to stay alone in their room. He didn't know when he would be able to accomplish his conquering wish. The fire was still consuming him, but he was reluctant to waste that dragon strength and spirit he'd done so much to cultivate on other people. Sadness rose in his heart after he entertained those thoughts, so he pulled up the owner right here and there and slapped the table, looking for an excuse to vent. My man, you've got some nerves! Isn't it enough to cheat everyone else every day? You dare cheat this lord too?With all due respect, I will cheat anyone, but I would never dare cheat the city censor. A frown appeared on Boss He's, the owner of Xinghua House, fat face, as his fat body shook. I heard that there were floods on the road and that they couldn't have food come in from outside. Everyone said there would be major floods, so they all rushed to buy food and the prices have now gone through the ceiling. If the costs are high, it's difficult for a lowly business such as mine to survive, so I can only increase my prices. Please be magnanimous, Your Highness, don't make things difficult for me. I can have our newest member, Miss Yueya, sing to distract you?Xia Yujin glanced at the gloomy weather outside the window, feeling even more jittery. He had absolutely no interest in the soft tones of those Misses Yueya or Liuyua . Hasn't the court issued a decree to dispel those rumors? he asked, frowning.It's nothing, it's nothing. The prices at the market will get better after a while. Boss He's mouth twitched. What passed as truth outside was that the rain had fallen even more intensely over the agricultural provinces in the past two months, and that most of the crops hadn't yielded. Perhaps it would be as when the Emperor Taizu was in power: three consecutive years of famine and cannibalism. In the capital, at the feet of the Emperor, the news was still being suppressed, and the looting of grain from other provinces was even fiercer than elsewhere. He could still afford to buy more grain in case anything happened.Xia Yujin waved his hand impatiently. You're saying what everyone's saying, how annoyingIt wasn't long since the disaster had struck. Neither beggars nor refugees had appeared. It couldn't be that bad, right?If there really was a catastrophe, he'd be forced to live frugally for sure, considering his reputation as a spoiled and wasteful nephew right under the weasel's nose. His brother was tasked with collecting the disaster relief fund. His mood, originally dark, was worsening, but he didn't want to take it out on the virtuous Princess Consort, so he would frequently drag Xia Yujin out to vent his anger by yelling at him and grab his pocket money for the disaster victims' relief fund. Moreover, business was difficult for pleasure houses and restaurants. Brothel madams would take the opportunity to have their girls redeemed by patrons and buy new hidden gems among the refugees, and after a few years, those young women's singing and dancing would be presented. Xia Yujin, dispirited, leaned against the window, watching the rain drizzle. He was thinking of the state of the world, worrying about the nation and worrying about its peopleUnfortunately, he couldn't intervene in the matters of the court, and his worrying was useless.Forget it, so long as he glared Chief Lao Yang into working diligently, all was well. Worse came to worse, he would stop going out when the time came and hide at home, pretending to be frugal; then he would have Xuan'er sing, Meiniang dance, and his wife be his companion in drinking with beautiful women.As for the rest, what did he care so much?Seeing that Xia Yujin was about to go, Boss He very discreetly took the initiative to call for Miss Yueya to sing a few love songs to everyone. Hearing them only stoked the fire in Xia Yujin's heart. He hatefully bit down on a few peanuts, as if he was biting into Ye Zhao's flesh.That day, all those who were out having fun were children of aristocratic families, of no ordinary status: the concubine-born son of the Grand Servant,1a Director's nephew,2the Central Secretary's younger cousin, and so on, all famous experts of romance in the capital, distinguished characters. They swept a look at Miss Yueya's chest and another at the face of the prince of Nanping, chaotically trying to raise his spirits while also peering at the street to catch a glimpse of any woman out to buy some red paint.Alert and observant, they all discussed the various beautiful women, narrating vulgar anecdotes to the point of arousal, drinking down pot after pot of expensive wine. Their sight made hazy by the drink, they suddenly saw a purple oiled fan and blue oiled umbrella slowly making their way through the rain. Under the umbrella was a fair and graceful figure more precisely, a beautiful woman. From afar and through the curtain of the rain, though she was wearing a veiled hat which hid her face, her posture was elegant and full of charm enough to make men's eyes shine. When she walked closer, they felt even more acutely that the beauty of the world paled in comparison.Those master lovers sobered on the spot. They all rubbed their hands, eager to give it a try.Just a look at those eyes, and she's more beautiful than my seven concubines.I'm going to talk to her and ask her who her family is. Then I'll go propose.The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady: for our prince a good mate she.3As long as I can say a few words to her and touch her small hand, I can die happily.Brother Chen, you really are a pure lover.Fatty, I'm first, don't steal!Stop fighting. Xia Yujin had recognized the newcomer. Remembering the days-long humiliation and mocking he'd suffered from everyone last time on the pleasure boat, he added, very pleased with himself, This is Ye Zhao cousin, she lives at my house.Ye Zhao's cousin? They all looked at each other, remembering Ye Zhao's fierceness, then once again at the delicate and soft young woman. It felt like getting whipped by her iron whip. Even the most lustful ones didn't dare make any noise for a moment.A real beauty, isn't she? boasted Xia Yujin. I've seen her up close skin so delicate it breaks at the slightest touch.The row of perverts drooled.She's General Liu's niece, Xia Yujin said, teasing. She's in the capital to ask my wife to find her a good match.Aiya, such an excellent girl. I really don't know who we should matchmake her with.Didn't you speak to me about my beautiful woman's portrait by Huang Yin last time? I'll send it to you later!For your chivalrous loyalty and noble character, Your Highness, I, simple Cai that I am, will brave any danger you instruct me to!My aunt's son's brother-in-law married up to a princess. Let's inter-marry again, shall we?For her, I will renounce all the beautiful women in my backyard! From now on, my heart is all for my beloved. I hope for your help!My friendMy brotherWe're related by marriageYou're my own uncleIt felt so good to have so many people clamoring for a woman from his family.Watching that pack of scoundrels fawning over him, each more ingratiating than the others, Xia Yujin squinted and smiled so widely that his tail was threatening to start wagging.Unexpectedly, while their pack of top lechers hadn't taken any action yet, a group of brazen young troublemakers had run over, surrounding Liu Xiyin with their intentions written clear on their faces. Not only were their words all sorts of inappropriate, but their hands also tried to roam around. The beautiful Xiyin was gradually forced up against the wall, tearful and shivering, like a weak willow on a riverbank, at the mercy of the wind. Her maid hurriedly stepped forward to shield her, but the head of the oppressing thugs pushed her so hard she almost fell to the ground.When the experts in Xinghua House saw those lowlives, they snapped into action, seeing red with anger, regardless of the strength of their opponents. They all rushed downstairs.Where do these lechers come from? Director Xu's nephew was yelling.Miss! I'm here to save you! Director Zhang's son gallantly and bravely called out, drawing out the fine bejeweled and jade-inlaid sword at his waist.Molesting an innocent woman, in broad daylight! Is there no imperial law?! Righteous indignation filled the prodigal son of the Deputy Minister of Justice.Blam Fat Chen ran too fast and accidentally stepped on his friend's robes. They rolled down the stairs together.Although the mores of the Great Qin were relaxed and the rules for women going outside weren't harsh, being associated with so many overly familiar men in the street didn't make for a great reputation and was detrimental to good marriage opportunities.Seeing that the situation was far from good, Xia Yujin quickly ran out, for fear that her private reputation would be damaged. He and Liu Xiyin may not be close, but after meeting her a few times, he felt that she had a delicate, lovely and touching disposition, which irresistibly made everyone well-inclined towards her. How could he let those bastards abuse her? Besides, she was his wife's cousin. If anything happened, Ye Zhao would certainly be angry, even if she didn't say anything outwardly. With her violent temper, she may take stock of the severity of the situation and break a few of that group of imprudent guys' legs.Fortunately, the spoiled young princes had indulged in wine and weren't in very good condition. They ran slowly.Xia Yujin cherished his own body because of his weak health. Besides, he had been restraining his dissolute mores recently, mucking around less, assiduously training at home, until his movements were a lot more agile. He gave a quick order to Xishuai and then, trampling over the lust dominating the crowd's mind with both feet, he very loudly said some very frightening words: Do you know who her cousin is? If you're looking for trouble with the Living King of Hell, do as you please.Ye Zhao killed people like flies. Her reputation was imposing.When the lechers heard this, they inevitably hesitated.Xia Yujin seized the chance to go through the crowd, quickly running up to face some strong men, taller than the others. He swallowed his saliva and mustered up all his courage. The city censor is here, you delinquents! Do you long for the city's prison?Your Highness, save me! Liu Xiyin shouted at him with tears in her eyes.A beautiful man, both a peace-violating prince of the second rank and city censor, married to the most terrifying of wives.No one, after spending two days in the capital,didn'tknow of Xia Yujin.The thugs might not be educated, but they didn't believe that sex was worth more than their lives. Seeing that there was a servant rushing in from afar, followed by members of the censorate, they took advantage of the fact that no one knew their names to turn around and flee. They disappeared in a flash.When Xia Yujin saw that Liu Xiyin's clothes were intact, her veiled hat still in place, and her virtue undamaged, he let out a long sigh. You're a girl, why didn't you bring more people when you ran out like this?Blushing and lowering her head, Liu Xiyin, ashamed, replied, The general's birthday is approaching. I wanted to buy her a present in secret. I used to go out like this in the Northern Desert. No one dared to do anything to me thanks to my uncle's reputation. Now that I'm here in the capital, I just wanted to go out for a moment, I was carelessXia Yujin's words were deep and earnest: The North is the North and the capital is the capital. Scoundrels didn't have the same backgrounds here and there.You're right, Your Highness. Liu Xiyin's voice was soft and weak, like a frightened bird.Thinking he might have been too harsh, Xia Yujin touched his nose with embarrassment. Next time you go out, he said, having changed his tone, take guards and several maids with you.I will, Liu Xiyin said in a very subdued voice, as though shy.The spoiled good-for-nothings upstairs in Xinghua House saw that Xia Yujin had won the big prize. Reflecting that, as long as they didn't cause trouble for the beautiful young woman, the Living King of Hell wouldn't get angry for such a trifle, they quickly rushed down to fawn over her.As they ran, one exclaimed, That band of hoodlums! Mistreating a beautiful woman! Despicable, truly despicable.The one who was following behind was smarter and quickly introduced himself. Don't be afraid, miss, my uncle is the Minister of Justice. I'll make sure to send those delinquents to prison so they can't harm the people.Director Zhang's son was not to be outdone: The public morals have been degenerating recently. I'll have my mother go to the Palace and inform Consort Rong, my aunt, of this. She'll ask that the Emperor issue a strict decree and rectify this practice.Fat Chen was a slow runner. He climbed down the stairs, in spite of his knee, hurt in the pursuit, which slowed him down even further. Seeing that they had all finished their pleasant talk and afraid that he might lose the beauty's favor, he anxiously shouted, Miss, I'm Commandant of Justice Chen Tingwei's only son, I'm immensely rich. I'm only eighteen, not yet married, strong and in good health! No unmentionable illness!Xia Yujin itched to drag these good-for-nothings outside and give them a good beating. Also worried that Ye Zhao's cousin would get spooked, he wanted to say a few words of comfort to her first before settling the score at a more opportune moment. But, when he turned his head, he saw those eyes under the veiled hat, clear like the waters in autumn, staring back at him dazedly. Her eyes were so full of worship, so loving, as though she was looking at the fiercest man, the greatest hero in the world.I keep forgetting how many days pass. Oops.1 Lit. ti p. As far as I can tell, this was the official in charge of Imperial animal husbandry especially horses, but the position dates back to the earlier dynasties, which followed the Three Lords, Nine Ministers system and not the Three Departments, Six Ministries system, which has already been used in the story.2 Lit. zhng sh, the head of one of the four bureaus/courts that comprised each of the Six Ministries. Which bureau or even Ministry it is is not said.3 Excerpt from the poemGuan Ju in the first chapter of the Book of Songs.
