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National Treasure, Teasing (2)
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Of the rulers in history, many loved beauties. But no ruler’s fondness towards beauty could surpass the throne. If one can only choose one of the two, then usually it was always the beauty that got abandoned. Not only so, the beauty would even more often than not get chastised as the source of calamity, or a country-ruining demon, and their ending, the more miserable, the better.[1]
Prior to Gong mama leaving the capital and heading to Qi’an Fu, she’d asked Li Hong Yuan a similar question before, because she didn’t feel the other princes had the capability to compete with him for the throne. And how did he respond?
———Not even able to protect their own woman, that is their incompetence. ——–This prince will have her held up to the highest position, letting everyone in the world know, with her present, the country will be stable, the world at peace. Without her, the country unstable, the people in misery. ———With her here, the ruler will listen to loyal advice, take in all kinds of talk. Without her, obstinate and stubborn, deciding alone without consultation on the laws and policies of the imperial court.
(T/N: Pretty much what happened in his past life after Jing Wan died; though to the commoners he was a really good Emperor, so that’s something, he only killed a bunch of nobles and officials, and their entire family too ofc.)
Of course, these weren’t really Li Hong Yuan’s original words, but according to Gong mama’s understanding, it was precisely like so. At the time, because she still hadn’t met Jing Wan, she felt indescribably complicated inside. This was clearly wanting to have that Miss Luo elevated onto the position of ‘National Treasure’. That way, no one would even dare touch a hair of her.
She originally was still worried. If that Miss Luo really was a country-ruining demoness type, when the Qi Yuan dynasty changes Emperor once again, then that will probably be the time of the country’s destruction. However, fortunately, her new master was much much better than she’d anticipated, letting her thoroughly become partial to her own miss in a short time. Moreover, in these last two years, she became further clear that even if miss really was to be held up to such a high position by wangye, she’d still have that ability to ‘stabilize the country’. Not only because she can greatly influence wangye, but further because she herself possessed that kind of potential.
While Gong mama was somewhat lost in thoughts, Li Hong Yuan had walked back carrying a basket filled with flowers.
His movements composed, and his posture upright. Even when doing something not so fitting of his status, it didn’t decrease his noble air in the least either. Instead, it reduced a bit of that cold and detached feeling that had manifested because of that qinwang imperial gown he was wearing, letting the high and unreachable him appear within hand’s reach, enticing everyone to approach him.
Wherever this man goes, he can make the heaven and earth all lose color.
Jing Wan subconsciously stroked the buddhist beads on her wrist. That ‘ruler overlooking the world’ feeling appeared again. Every step he took was just like deliberately stepping on her heart.
And this time, not only Jing Wan, even Sun Yi Lin who was close by felt it too. Because he often faced Le Cheng Emperor, he was very clear of what was called the ‘unpredictability of a ruler’s might’.
If before was still a guess, then right now, Sun Yi Lin was a hundred percent certain, all of them were deceived by Jin Qinwang!
With him concealing this deeply, if one were to say he didn’t have any ulterior motives, even ghosts wouldn’t believe.
However, he’d clearly been hiding it perfectly well until now, so why did he suddenly let him discover? Perhaps him agreeing to such a marriage was actually just to rope in the Ding Duke Manor, or possibly just him for him, Li Hong Yuan, to make use of?
He originally disapproved of this marriage, and now that Li Hong Yuan exposed himself, he further disapproved of it. Setting aside first whether those terrible to the extreme reputations of his were real or fake, even if they were fake, this man’s mind was too deep, too terrifying, and not something anyone or anything is able influence. And in Sun Yi Lin’s eyes, those rumors nine times out of ten were real, because even if he really did those things, they’d still be of no consequence to him, so why would he wrong himself? Furthermore, only by actually acting out a fake play can one deceive everyone, no?
Thus, regardless of looking at it from whichever angle, his younger sister marrying him, all won’t end well.
Seeing Sun Yi Lin’s indefinitely changing expression, one probably could guess what he was thinking.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Li Hong Yuan coldly scoffed inside. He didn’t need the Ding Duke Manor at all. What he ‘needed’ was the Sun clan behind it, not to rope in, but rather to destroy and break apart. Moreover, really sorry, he’d long set about this task already. Even if Ding Duke Manor’s masters discover it now, it would still be too late.
Of the people present, probably only the stern face Gong mama was aware of Li Hong Yuan’s goal. But she really didn’t know what to say.
And if Jing Wan were to know that his purpose was all just to show her, his display all just ‘a male peacock spreading its dazzling tail feathers to seek a mate’, then don’t know whether she should be proud of herself for being able to conquer even this kind of man, or fall silent with nothing to say and then have this man slapped aside?
As Jing Wan was accepting the basket that Li Hong Yuan was handing over, truthfully speaking, her entire person was still somewhat absentminded. Just, her upbringing that was engraved into her bones allowed her to still seamlessly perform her courtesy. “Many thanks, wangye.” Her manners unhurried, neither servile nor overbearing.
Li Hong Yuan lightly smiled. This was precisely his Wan Wan. She didn’t have an exceptional appearance, didn’t have a strong background, and didn’t have various kinds of talents. But she was gentle and considerate, good at understanding others, calm and easygoing, generous and open-minded, resolute and unyielding, knows to be grateful, yet never blames the heavens nor others, kind yet also has clear and distinct likes and dislikes, liking is liking and disliking is disliking, never to be pretentious. This kind of her, how many people would not like, not cherish?
Wangye, can you not smile? Too against the rules! Jing Wan had to admit, she felt that she seemingly was inadvertently teased by this man again. Just, it really was unintentional……Jing Wan, you’re too naive!
Seeing the harmonious atmosphere between the two of them, Sun Yi Lin suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis. In that short amount of time, he really couldn’t figure out Li Hong Yuan’s real objective. He was worried that Li Hong Yuan would become interested in Jing Wan. In certain people’s eyes, Jing Wan probably can’t reach the standard of beauty in Li Hong Yuan’s eyes, but Sun Yi Lin didn’t feel that way. Face wasn’t the only standard for determining a person’s beauty. To only have a good face, and not have the bearing and cultivation to support that face, then everything will all be in vain.
Sun Yi Lin subconsciously wanted to separate the two of them, but Li Hong Yuan, like as if he’d eyes growing on his back, shifted a step to the side, turning to leave. All of the charming and gentle mood instantly dissipated, like everything was all a misconception.
“Sun Yi Lin, weren’t you inviting this prince for a drink? Where’s the wine? Right now, this prince is in a good mood.”
So everything you did just now was because of your good mood? Sun Yi Lin hoped it was just this.
Sun Yi Lin was eager to hurriedly have them separated far far away, “Wangye, this way.”
Li Hong Yuan looked to Sun Yi Lin with a like a smile yet not a smile, seemingly carrying a deeper meaning in his eyes.
And this expression of his, Jing Wan didn’t see, yet fell into Sun Yi Lin’s eyes. His heart jumped. Anything can happen after getting drunk.
Without needing Sun Yi Lin’s instructions, the servant girls in charge of bringing the wine and preparing the accompanying food all successively began moving. Everything was set up in a little pavilion in the courtyard.
“Big sister Jia, let’s go.” Looks like there aren’t anymore problems, and the excuse they found has already been accomplished as well. They can’t just continue to stay here.
“Little sister Wan, no need to hurry. Didn’t I previously say that I’ve always wanted to study how to grow flowers with fifth brother? But he’s not a good teacher. How about while we’re at it, you explain some more with me? No need to explain too much, can just talk about the characteristics of the flowers in fifth brother’s courtyard.” Sun Yi Jia coiled around Jing Wan’s arm.
Seeing her line of sight constantly flitting towards Li Hong Yuan and Sun Yi Lin, how could Jing Wan still not understand her intention.
Jing Wan thus candidly agreed.
From the moment they entered, Jing Wan already noticed, the breeds of flowers in Sun Yi Lin’s courtyard were numerous. Furthermore, she could tell, they were all grown with the utmost care, and very attentively taken care of.
Even if Sun Yi Jia’s mind wasn’t here, Jing Wan still didn’t work half-heartedly. Regardless of which flower she was introducing, she was all very attentive and diligent, using terms that Sun Yi Jia could understand as much as possible. Concise yet also comprehensive. Even if at first, Sun Yi Jia was somewhat distracted, she was still gradually drawn over, even asking a question or two from time to time. Jing Wan poured out everything she knew, and moreover, these questions weren’t the least bit difficult for her.
And on the other side, inside the pavilion, the moment Sun Yi Lin saw through the lies, he was already aware that this bit of cultivation of his, in Jin Qinwang’s eyes, afraid was not enough. “What does wangye think?”
Li Hong Yuan held the cup, taking a very shallow sip, carefully sampling the taste, “Not bad.” He raised his head and downed it in one gulp.
“Wangye is rather trusting of this lower official. Aren’t you worried about this lower official doing something to the wine?”
Li Hong Yuan faintly glanced at him, “Would you be that stupid?”
“In the past, naturally no, but right now isn’t the same anymore. Wangye’s threat is too big, if paying a small price can get rid of future troubles, what is there not to do?”
“Paying a small price? Sun Yi Lin, in your eyes, how big is this price? This prince will tell you, Ding Duke Manor, the entire Sun clan, the Empress, Li Hong Yi, as well as all the officials supporting him, all will be exterminated up to the ninth relation.” Li Hong Yuan nonchalantly stated such incomparably gory matters with a smile.
With a cold expression, Sun Yi Lin fixedly stared at Li Hong Yuan…….
“If you don’t believe, then why not try and see.”
[1] I think the most famous example of this is Noble Consort Yang (Yang Guifei) of the Tang dynasty. There are a few other ones but she’s the most famous historically, and fictionally I think the fox demon Daji (during the mythical Shang dynasty) takes the prize, interestingly enough the literature portraying Daji as a fox demon seems to originate from the Tang dynasty, makes me kinda wonder if it was during the same time period when Yang Guifei was around. I enjoy historical analysis quite a bit. In my opinion, it was tragic that Yang Guifei had to take all the blame and die because of the Emperor’s incompetence, but she wasn’t completely innocent either. Women that were able to climb into power in ancient times should never be underestimated. There’s also a famous poem about her ‘Song of Everlasting Regret‘ composed by Bai Juyi in year 806, 51years after her death, it’s quite a good read.
T/N: You have no idea how much I love translating the politic side of this novel, tbh the romance is pretty secondary to me in comparison to the politics. I enjoy the world building and politics side much more, even if there’s no romance in this novel I’d prob still love it. Most of my favorite novels have zero romance, or super minimal romance, and are pretty politics heavy, though this novel has a good balance between the two sides. I’ve also reached chapter 100 on patreon side, finally one sixth of the way through this novel. Btw it gets more BL in the next chapter lmaoooo.
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I am taking a chance writing this comment.
I’m a sucker for romance, I won’t lie. But I love how complex the main pair’s relationship is… And even more how complex every relationship is in this novel. It’s crazy despite all of his obsession, ML is always aware of the big picture. And it melts my heart that to him, a mere woman of small background is worth more than the throne. This is what won me over, it depicts accurately the bitter lives of women in this era… So well. The Royal harem is barely more terrifying than any noble’s courtyard. It’s the fact that one man puts one woman on top of the food chain that captivates me… And how the novel manages to let us see how amazing that is in contrast to the treatment of close to every other woman in this novel (ruan girl and princesses being the exception)… Again, I’m a sucker for romance.
However, I can recognize how intriguing the politics are. How despite everything, women play a huge part of them, no matter how covertly so. But they don’t seem to want power as much as a “safety net”, to comfortably live till their old days.
I’m still chilled by LHM and his disregards for his wangfei.
Anyway, despite all of his antics ML is competent and very much so aware of politics. He has it all under control, or seems to at all times. And the way he manipulates the scene benefits us as he shares his knowledge of the court doing so.
Despite all the pervertness he displays, I just find him so refreshing. And outstanding. I’m amazed at JW’s instincts.
Anyway I’m rambling. I’m not even sure where I’m going with this other than say I enjoy this novel very much.
Im not sure how I feel about second ML. I want to see his growth and he is another human character I appreciate as he doesn’t play into stereotypes and care deeply for his sister. I’m still haunted by his statement that he’ll only fall in love once in this lifetime. He seems all his political gains are with the purpose to protect his loved ones (sister and JW).
The Emperor! Omg. He seems foolish and temperamental but again I was surprised by the Empress’ analysis that she’d be sent to the cold palace should she stop helping in keeping balance in the harem… You keep saying he’s a maso but really hsi shrewd ways are just obscured by what we seen of his personality. He messes around a the time but people can only just take it and barely comment on it. It’s scary the power the Emperor holds and more undersranble so many vie for this title. Anyway, I’m way too scared of this page crashing again. I’ll ttyl
It’s all the comments that were lost just coming out all at once.
Magically this comment actually came through ahahahah thanks for the love!
Author really gives good fanservice, la XD XD
This is precisely why I like this novel so much. I especially like the conversations between the princes and their mothers, their take on court and on the Emperor is honestly quite fascinating. As you said, no women during this era is quite so innocent, and it’s not like I blame them, because you have to survive. It’s a shame the Imperial Noble Consort has already died, I’d really like to see how LHY and her would’ve interacted.
The closest other novel like this that I have read is Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir. Actually, even compared this novel, DSB has more elements that I like, especially the many concubines and concubine children the ML had, and how the concubines would back down but rise again and repeat the process. The interactions between him and the 3 princes, between all his concubines, between his cousins. Perhaps, if SYL was the ML, this novel might be similar to it, but I am glad it’s not because for some reason, I could never come to like it as much as TWBW.
Maybe because the side characters in DSB were too good that they made the fl and ml seem dull, but in here, both the leads and the side characters are equally compelling. It doesn’t seem like the side characters were simply made as decoration for the leads, it’s like they too have a life and character and conflicts that come along with those traits. And the political intrigue to top it off really creates a world rather than just a story. Even the side characters, who seem like they would have nothing to do with anything, can cause turbulence. That Concubine Huan, for example. Perhaps, LJY wouldn’t have ended up with Rui Wang if it wasn’t for the stress she has caused for LJY.
I don’t know, it’s just my own ramblings, but the way politics seeps into eeverything so effortlessly in this novel really fascinates me.
Omg I read your comment five times, that’s how happy it made me. You’ve pretty much said everything I like about this novel ahahhahah I like that every little nuance and action directly or indirectly affects something else in some way, and how each mini ‘arc’ in this stories ties into each other chapter after chapter. I’M SO GLAD THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT UNDERSTAND THE APPEAL OF POLITICAL INTRIGUE IN NOVELS AND WORLDBUILDING AHHHHH.
I’ve only read part of DSB, personally while the politics was good, I couldn’t continue because it stressed me too much, I don’t like too much angst. In TWBW although things happen, it never really stresses me, and it never feels bleak, also the sassy commentaries are great humor. I could probably write pages praising this author’s writing ability.
Aw, I’m glad it made you happy, I was debating on whether or not to post since it seemed like an essay, and it’s annoying to read it… //A//)
Honestly, same! When I first started reading this, I couldn’t help but be enthralled at the relationship between the Luo girls. Between JW and her concubine-born sisters, between those concubine sisters and JY, between JW and JY. It’s a delicate word of balance and crafty words, of family and duty. But nothing really pulled me until we started reading about JW’s ex-husband’s story. The amount of political intrigue used to keep them down, but not rebelling—it’s quite amazing. I almost wish the author would write a story from either his or his new wife’s perspective. Their life is so intricate and carefully crafted, I could never imagine the amount of pressure and fear their position warrant. That really became the trigger for this novel to become my favorite. I’m so glad I discovered you and this story, it’s been such a while since I read something like this from a female MC centered novel.
I just hated seeing all these side characters hurt because of the fl and ml’s careless remarks. Like the female cousin? Oh gosh, I felt so sorry for her, all because the fl gave her such careless advice… And for someone who always highlights the importance of being careful, the ml is so messy… I kinda dropped it too, it just caused me to rip out my hair.
Omg please don’t worry, I really love reading long comments. I spend a lot of time translating this novel so it always makes me happy to see people loving it as much as I do.
YES I LOVE READING COMPLEX CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS. Tbh I totally wouldn’t mind reading a spin off from any of the other TWBW character’s perspective, I think it really says a lot about this author’s abilities to write characters when any of the side characters could be a main character in their own story and still be interesting.
That last paragraph I thought you were referring to TWBW at first and was confused for sec. Then realized you were referring to DSB. I think that was another thing that bothered me about that novel, I really wanted to like the leads, but ultimately couldn’t, like I don’t really hate them, but they just didn’t appeal to me.
Her world building, her character developments, the storytelling, the hidden layers—-she’s an amazing writer. And yes, at this point, I’d even read something from the point of view of a beggar, that’s how good she is. Knowing her, she could make it work, especially with the way she makes use of public viewpoint of the nations and rumors of characters. I can totally see the kind of stories aunties in the markets or uncles in taverns could spin up from all those. Really, it’s an actual world, rather than just a story, and it’s a fact that keeps repeating due to how well this is written.
Oh, I’m sorry, I jumped too fast without mentioning it.. Tbh, I liked the concubines a lot more better, they were just more…? aware of their surroundings. I would totally read this from Concubine Mu or Liu’s perspective. Or maybe the male cousin. Literally anyone but the leads were good. But no matter how well the side characters are, the ml and fl just stressed me out and I dropped.
I wonder what will be the reaction of Li Hong Yuan when if ever he got to found out that current the Jin Wan is not the Wan Wan of his previous life. π€π€π€π€
She IS the EXACT SAME Jing Wan of his previous life, this has been explain idk how many times in previous chapters and by the author
Loll SYL feeling the foreboding danger of ‘cutting his sleeve’ πππ
Oh, and yes, I love the descriptive play of words in this novel. You’re doing such a great job ππ
Thanks Jen π
Jing Wan is slowly being “lured” inππ
I’ve giggled from beginning to end. Here’s Li Hong Yuan posturing like a gotdang peacock, Jing Wan getting dazzled, and Sun Yi Lin worried that Jing Wan would so muddleheaded that she’d get carried off by the peacock who’s truthfully a cunning fox through and through. Sun Yi Lin’s right to worry, but too late! Husbando has been grooming his waifu (which sounds really creepy because how long has Li Hong Yuan been helping his Jing Wan grow…?) for a while now. So sorry Sun Yi Lin. Hehe!
Thanks for the chapter, @Jen!
Well he technically hasn’t interfered in her life before she came to the capital, cause he worried that if he does anything she’ll grow up different from what he remembered, so he just let her grow up naturally. I think at most he just sent her bodyguards and secretly drop rare flower in her lap lmaooo
mmm rn i’m in a phase in my life where i need to read romance novels, it’s not always been like that, but nontheless I also enjoy politics and world building novels if they’re well-written even if there’s no romance.
Could you maybe give us some recommendations on this type of novels?
Thanks for the chapters ^^
My top two favorite novels are Nirvana in Fire and 12 Kingdoms.
NiF has good political intrigue, tbh this novel is really more like a bl/bromance type because there isn’t a female lead.
12K has one of the best isekai settings (instead of basing on medieval setting it’s a fantasy ancient china setting) and really good character development.
Ahhhh finally some fluffy scenes between Wan Wan and Hong Yuan. Canβt wait for the next chapters!
Thank you for the tidbits of history. I quite enjoy them.