White Lotus 18
18 Roses
The last time Tang You had been so shocked was when she was eight years old.
She was so angry that she turned Jiang Chenting’s room upside down, only to turn around and find Jiang Shenting standing in the doorway, watching her quietly.
She had thought there couldn’t be anything worse than this, but it had happened——
Xiao Zexing pinched the bridge of her nose and smiled as Tang You looked at him, stunned. “No need to call me Second Uncle, we're not that many years apart. Just call me Zexing.”
Tang You did not speak.
She did not want to say anything.
She wanted to die on the spot, wanted to ride a crane towards the west1.
In Tang You’s imagination, Second Uncle, Xiao Zexing, should be similar in age to Xiao Weijing’s father, Xiao Zenian.
Xiao Zenian married young and had children early; although he has not yet entered the bald army because of his excellent genes, but a beer belly had surreptitiously formed due to the lack of exercise.
As Xiao Zenian's half-brother, Tang You had thought that Xiao Zexing should also be similar and have the appearance of a kindly elder.
She never could have expected that this Second Uncle would have a handsome face, long legs, a tall and upright figure, and not a single wrinkle at the corners of his eyes.
He didn’t look very much different from Xiao Weijing at all.
All of Tang You's three outlooks2 were completely reshaped.
Next to her, Zhao Manlan said a few more words, but Tang You did not fully register them. In her brain, “Second Uncle, Second Uncle, he’s actually Second Uncle”, “Ahhhhhhhhhhh” looped madly. She was in a trance; even when she sat down at the dining table, she was still immersed in an inexplicable shock.
There were not many people at dinner; apart from Elder Xiao, there was Xiao Zenian and his family, plus the single Xiao Zexing and a future Xiao family member, Tang You.
Tang You was arranged to sit between Xiao Weijing and Zhao Manlan, directly opposite Xiao Zexing.
As for Elder Xiao’s two wives, one went far away after their divorce, and the other had been living in a nursing home for years due to mental illness; as such, Tang You had not much impression of both grandmothers.
However, tonight’s dishes were more in line with Tang You's tastes than ever before.
There were slight differences between the Xiao family’s eating habits and hers. In the past, when Tang You came as a guest, she would usually till about 70–80% full and set down her chopsticks; this time, the dishes were quite to her taste, especially the few dishes laid out in front of her.
Xiao Zexing was sitting across from her; there was no rule about not talking while eating here, and he was discussing with Elder Xiao about something related to Mingjian. Tang You listened intently; it was nothing more than the matter of personnel changes.
This didn’t interest her, but Xiao Zexing’s voice kept her on tenterhooks.
Tang You never dared to think that she would have provoked such a big shot.
Next to her, Xiao Weijing remained silent. He had been late and had kept himself from looking at Tang You's face.
Xiao Zenian thought he should show some concern about his future daughter-in-law's life. After pondering for a long time, he finally found a suitable topic, “Youyou, have you still not decided where you want to work?”
Tang You put down her chopsticks and smiled ‘shyly’..“Uncle, I'm not doing well in my major, so I don't want to look for a job for the time being.”
Next to her, Xiao Weijing frowned almost imperceptibly.
What he hated most were girls who behaved like canaries.
They did nothing, and knew nothing apart from crying, pouting and whining.
Xiao Weijing set down his chopsticks and said brusquely, “The company is now conducting its autumn recruitment, you can go and try it out.”
Tang You smiled gently, “But I don't want to work.”
Xiao Weijing gripped his chopsticks, feeling like he was going to have a heart attack from anger because of her.
To prevent himself from being blinded by her beauty, Xiao Weijing did not look at her face; he said stiffly, “Then, what do you want? Huh?”
This tone carried an angry note; beside her, Zhao Manlan was quick to pick up on this and immediately rebuked him, “Weijing, you're being ridiculous! What's wrong with Youyou not wanting to work? I haven't worked ever since I got married, so? Are you going to despise your own mother too?”
“No, I'm just saying——”
“Alright, alright, don’t say anymore.”
Zhao Manlan interrupted him and made a gesture to hug Tang You, who took advantage of the opportunity and fell into her embrace, allowing Zhao Manlan to gently pat her back.
Zhao Manlan looked like she was protecting her calf, “Youyou can do whatever she wants to do, why are you talking so much?”
Xiao Weijing was so angry that he almost had a cardiac arrest.
On the other hand, Tang You lay in Zhao Manlan’s arms and was trying to make an aggrieved and sorrowful expression, when she was caught off guard and met Xiao Zexing’s eyes from across the table.
Xiao Zexing was holding his chopsticks, smiling lightly, and looking at her with some deeper layer of meaning.
Tang You was a little afraid to look him in the eye, and immediately lowered her head.
Zhao Manlan's embrace was very warm and fragrant; yet, she still felt uneasy.
At this moment, she had only one thought.
This Second Uncle was simply an old fox that had cultivated into a spirit; there was no way she could beat him at his game.
After dinner, Elder Xiao called for Xiao Weijing to talk to him alone; Xiao Zelian gave the excuse of having a headache and went off to rest; only Zhao Manlan, Xiao Zexing and Tang You were left— they sat together, drinking tea.
Seeing that Tang You was keeping silent, Zhao Manlan thought that the young girl was being shy, and took the initiative to mention with a smile, “Tang You, didn't you joke about introducing a girlfriend to your Second Uncle before? Now that your Second Uncle is here, you can ask him about the type of girls he likes.”
Xiao Zexing was playing with a 7×7 Rubik’s Cube, his slender fingers fiddling with the colour blocks; when he heard this, he raised his eyes at Youyou and smiled lazily, “There’s actually such a good thing?”
How could Tang You still remember what she had said casually when she was pretending to be a good girl? She braced herself and went along with Zhao Manlan’s words, saying with a smile, “Second Uncle——”
The two words felt odd as she said them.
Xiao Zexing's hands stopped.
Previously, Tang You had felt that his eyes were very similar to Xiao Weijing's, but looking at them now, it seemed like there were actually some differences.
Xiao Zexing's brows were higher, his eye sockets deeper, and his eyelashes thicker; when he gazed at her, his eyes were so charming that she had the illusion of being deeply loved by him.
His appearance was utterly incompatible with the image of an elder that Tang You’s brain made up. She squeezed her fingers and smiled as if nothing had happened, then continued to ask, “I wonder what requirements Second Uncle has for his future partner.”
Xiao Zexing smiled, “Nothing much; as long as I like her, it’s fine.”
Tang You respectfully used the polite pronoun, “This requirement of yours3 is too difficult.”
Zhao Manlan couldn't sense the undercurrent between them; she also shook her head, “When I was your age, Weijing was already crawling all over the floor.”
As soon as she finished, the Xiao Weijing who “crawled all over the floor” pushed the door and entered. His expression couldn’t be described as good, but wasn’t bad either.
He didn't look at Tang You, and sat stiffly beside Zhao Manlan, “Mom, why were you looking for me?”
Zhao Manlan did not say anything; she signalled with her eyes for the servants to begin.
They methodically adjusted the curtains, projector and lights, then brought a hard drive over.
Zhao Manlan retracted her smile and said to Xiao Weijing, “I asked you to come over today to let you see exactly what Wen Ling is like. You've been fooling around these days; Youyou is good-tempered and can put up with you, but I can't, so I have to teach you properly.”
At the mention of Wen Ling, Xiao Weijing frowned unwittingly.
He resisted looking at Youyou’s face; his intuition told him that Youyou had told tales behind his back again.
This knowledge lowered his goodwill towards her even more.
Xiao Weijing said unhappily, “Mom, I've already said that Wen Ling is just my friend.”
Zhao Manlan looked reflexively at Tang You.
Tang You lowered her head and didn't say anything.
Her fair little hands fiddled with the little flowers on her skirt.
What a pitiable child, she must be so sad right now that she’s silently holding back her tears.
Zhao Manlan did not continue to argue with Xiao Weijing as she was afraid that Tang You would be sad from hearing all these.
The Rubik’s Cube in Xiao Zexing’s hand had been successfully reset and was carelessly placed on the table.
Zhao Manlan withdrew her gaze, “I won't discuss this with you today. I just want you to see what really happened this evening.”
Xiao Weijing was somewhat irritated.
He didn't expect that Tang You, as the guilty party, would raise a complaint against the victim first, and put the blame on Wen Ling.
Zhao Manlan asked, “Just think about it, Youyou is such a thin and weak girl, and Wen Ling is so strong, how could she fall with a mere push from Youyou?”
Xiao Weijing reasoned, “Wen Ling had just had an appendectomy.”
“Then, do you know what Wen Ling did before Youyou pushed her away?”
Xiao Weijing was silent.
He only saw Tang You flinging Wen Ling away with great force, and Wen Ling crumpling to the ground in an unbelievably fragile manner.
He did not have the slightest doubt about what he saw and heard.
The servant at the side had already adjusted the recording to the right timeframe and said, “Madam.”
Zhao Manlan gestured for her to press the play button.
A total of two cameras were installed in the cafe to ensure that there were no blind spots. The video clearly showed Tang You sitting down alone to drink coffee and read; then, Wen Ling entered and said something; Tang You stood to leave, and Wen Ling pulled her arm on her own accord.
Tang You flung her arm away, and Wen Ling fell to the ground.
Xiao Weijing’s expression gradually cooled.
Zhao Manlan turned off the screen and studied his expression. “Do you still think Wen Ling is innocent?”
Xiao Weijing didn’t speak.
Reason had told him that, going by this surveillance video, Tang You was indeed innocent, but he also felt that Wen Ling could not have done such a thing—— Wen Ling's had such a carefree and straightforward character. Also, the two had been buddies for so many years, and Wen Ling was not interested in him, so how could she have taken the initiative to provoke Tang You?
But it's true that Tang You didn't do anything wrong either……
Xiao Weijing pursed her lips at the thought of the words he had used to reprimand her.
It felt as though there were countless little bugs biting at his heart, injecting a toxin called “regret”.
Xiao Weijing’s voice was stiff, “I'm sorry, Youyou.”
Tang You immediately lowered her lids, her voice choked, “It's okay, Brother Weijing, I won’t that it to heart.”
For some reason, what should have been extremely disgusting words didn’t seem to disgust Xiao Weijing as he listened to them now.
Zhao Manlan breathed a soft sigh of relief.
The lights turned back on; Xiao Weijing squinted, then finally noticed the wrapped gift box on the table. In order to cover up his embarrassment at having blamed Tang You unjustly, he coughed and asked, “Who brought this?”
Tang You said timidly, “Me.”
Xiao Weijing's expression softened slightly.
It seems like now, Tang You wasn’t just trying to please the elders; at least, she had brought him a gift today, and even wrapped it up so beautifully…
Xiao Weijing did not show the happiness that was in his heart; his expression remained cold, and he masked his joy by being nitpicky, “Why is the gift wrap so old-fashioned? Do you think you’re giving it to your elders?”
Tang You covered her mouth, a little surprised, then said meekly, “Ah? But this is indeed my gift for Second Uncle.”
Xiao Weijing: “……”
He looked at his fiancée's innocent face as she said, “Did you think it was for you?”
Xiao Weijing felt like he had been stabbed heavily in the chest.
Tang You didn’t look at him as he watched her sullenly; she reached out and pushed the box in Xiao Zexing’s direction, gentle and well-behaved, “I heard that you like to drink tea, Second Uncle, and specially picked this tea for you.”
Xiao Zexing laid his fingers on the gift box, rubbed the ribbon, and smiled, “Youyou is really sweet.”
Xiao Weijing did not want to watch this picture of an affectionate uncle-niece relationship any longer. A mouthful of air was stuck in his chest, neither going up nor down; he was so angry he was going crazy.
……A woman who didn’t know who she should please!
……Didn’t Tang You know who her future husband is?
This inexplicable anger lasted until Tang You left; even then, Xiao Weijing did not figure out the reason for it.
It was late in the night; Zhao Manlan sent Tang You out, while Xiao Zexing sat idly on the sofa, his slender fingers casually messing up the Rubik's Cube he had just solved, “Weijing, let's have a chat.”
Xiao Weijing endured the pain in his liver that resulted from his anger towards Tang You, “About the National Timber Reserve project?”
“No,” Xiao Zexing shook his head and smiled. “About Tang You.”
Xiao Weijing couldn’t really figure out what Second Uncle meant, “What about her?”
Without waiting for Xiao Zexing’s response, Xiao Weijing frowned again, “Second Uncle, I know the elders in the family all like her, and you also treat her like your own niece… but you should give me some time to foster my feelings.”
To date, Xiao Weijing still found it difficult to understand why the elders in the family all loved Tang You so much.
Even his Second Uncle was the same.
In the past, when had Second Uncle ever worried about daily trifles? Today, because Tang You came, he got the kitchen to make a few more dishes according to her taste.
Could it be that Tang You was born destined to be loved by her elders?
Xiao Zexing put down the Rubik's Cube, lit a cigarette, and when Xiao Weijing said “treat her like your own niece”, he flicked the ashes expressionlessly.
Xiao Weijing did not notice.
Through the faint smoke, Xiao Zexing said mildly, “Didn’t you say you’d raise the issue of breaking off the engagement to the old man tonight? Why didn’t you go?”
At the mention of this topic, Xiao Weijing hesitated. “To be honest, Second Uncle, I feel very torn now.”
“Torn about what?”
“About Tang You. Now that I've met her, I find that she's not quite the same as I’d imagined.” Xiao Weijing tried to use the right words to describe it appropriately, “I keep feeling like I can't help but want to get close to her, but—— I really don’t like her character.”
“Character is more important than appearance,” Xiao Zexing said decisively, throwing his cigarette in the ashtray and pulling out a tissue to wipe his hands. “Since you don't like it, then just break it off. After you bring it up, I will help you with the old man.”
After a two-second pause, he smiled again. “It's up to you to waste your own time, but don’t hold others up.”
As expected of Second Uncle.
Always doing things so swiftly and resolutely, without the slightest delay.
In addition to being grateful, Xiao Weijing had the vague feeling that something was wrong.
……But what was it?
He was stumped.
Tang You shut herself up in her small apartment for three whole days.
During this period, a certain TV station tried to sound out her interest in recording variety shows, but she politely declined; there were also various internet celebrity events and invitations for live broadcasts…
In the end, it was Miao Jiaxi who couldn’t bear seeing her look as if she was going to become one with her pillow forever, and dragged her out forcefully, not wanting to see her wasting away. “Youyou, you must pull yourself together! Even if it’s not for me, you must think about those crayfish, hot pot, dry-tossed noodles, spicy-numbing stir-fry pot and snail rice noodles!”
Tang You hugged her legs, unable to put her suffering into words.
She actually kissed her fiancé's second uncle ahhhhhhhhh!
Although she now knew that Xiao Zexing was actually only eight years older than her, but to Tang You, elders were elders after all……
When she thought about how close she came to sleeping with him, she felt like she couldn’t breathe again.
Miao Jiaxi was at a complete loss as to what to do with Tang You. It was only until Jiang Chenting came to pick her up that she finally managed to send Tang You out the door.
“Tangtang, are you unwell?”
Jiang Chenting's first reaction was to reach out to test the temperature of Tang You's forehead; but when he reached halfway, he saw that her eyes were downcast, looking sickly, he withdraw his hand again. “Have you taken your temperature?”
“I don't have a fever, I'm just not in a good mood,” Tang You’s spirits were low; she slumped listlessly in the passenger seat. “Is Father treating someone to dinner again this time?”
“No,” Jiang Shenting shook his head. “It’s Xiao Zexing’s who’s giving a treat.”
Tang You had developed a mental allergy to this name.
She nearly jumped up.
Fortunately, she was dragged back by the seat belt.
“Xiao Zexing?” Terrifying waves raged in Tang you’s heart. “Xiao Zexing is giving Father a treat?”
Tang You felt that this was even more inconceivable than seeing Guan Gong battle Qin Qiong4.
“Why are you so surprised?” Jiang Chenting was very puzzled. “Haven't you already met him?”
Tang You slumped back in her seat. “It’s nothing…”
It was just, a small, subtle discomfort.
Jiang Chenting was concentrating on driving; he said casually, “I rather admire Xiao Zexing… don't look at me like that, to be more precise, it’s respect.”
Tang You didn’t have a deep understanding of commerce; she asked weakly, “It's just an old man who is a little good-looking. What’s there to respect?”
Deceiving an ignorant young girl.
And cheating her of her first and second kiss.
Should she respect him for being an old fox?
Jiang Chenting laughed. “He’s only three years older than Xiao Weijing. Why are you calling him an old man?”
At this point, he observed Tang You's expression carefully. “You seem to have a strong opinion about him.”
“No,” denied Tang You. “It’s your illusion.”
After a while, she couldn't resist and asked, “Then what do you respect about him?”
“His ability, I guess.” Jiang Chenting knew that she didn't understand commerce; he thought about it, and briefly summarized, “Although Elder Xiao has not decided the next heir, to me, he is the only one who can sit in that position.”
Having said that, he smiled again, “But who can say for sure… After all, Xiao Zexing's mother is still in the nursing home.”
Tang You stared at a small grapefruit5 car ornament and spaced out.
She had heard about this.
Elder Xiao's first marriage lasted five years before it ended. After more than a decade, he remarried and married Xiao Zexing's mother.
The old man's marriage did not go well; after giving birth, his second wife developed schizophrenia and violent tendencies, which was why she had to live in a psychiatric sanatorium all year round.
In the eyes of outsiders, the old man seemed to favour his eldest son and grandson a little more.
But recently, it was obvious that Xiao Zexing’s words carried more weight.
Even though Xiao Zexing was the one hosting a dinner this time, unexpectedly, Xiao Weijing was not present.
He also did not invite Tang You’s most hated Jiang Tao’s and her daughter,s and only invited Jiang Chenting and Tang Xiao.
Xiao Zexing had chosen the venue of the dinner. It was a courtyard-style Chinese restaurant, with paintings of flowers and birds along the covered corridors, and little streams and rockery. There was a small table with a screen in the private room also had, and an ink painting of distant scenery hung on the wall. Tang You stared at the signature for a long time and carefully came to a conclusion.
If this was authentic, the owner of the restaurant must be something else.
The three men were having an animated conversation; Tang You finished studying the paintings on the wall, then began examining the roses in the vase on the low table next to it.
They were somewhat incompatible with the Chinese-style decorations, but still surprisingly harmonious.
Just like herself.
In such situations, Tang You only needed to act as a quiet vase.
“…Youyou, you should hurry and thank your Second Uncle.”
As her mind was wandering all over the place, she suddenly heard Tang Xiao call her name.
Tang You looked blankly at Xiao Zexing, “Second Uncle?”
She didn't hear what they had been discussing just now.
Jiang Chenting sat next to Tang You and while pouring milk into her cup, he prompted surreptitiously in a low voice, “Father just promised to transfer 23% of Qixing’s shares to you.”
Tang You froze.
Milky white milk poured slowly into the transparent glass, filling it all the way up.
Pushing out the air in the glass little by little.
Jian Chenting said in a very low voice, “It was Second Uncle’s suggestion.”
He also followed Tang You’s suit and started calling him Second Uncle.
Tang You looked reflexively at Xiao Zexing. He was wearing a black suit and a light grey shirt today, and a diagonal pinstripe tie done in a Windsor knot, rigorous and proper.
Tang You bowed slightly, “Thank you, Second Uncle.”
Xiao Zexing's dimples flashed, “You're welcome.”
Beside him, Tang Xiao’s expression didn’t seem very good.
He had already appeased Jiang Tao with the promise to transfer part of Qixing’s shares to Tang Nan. After all, he thought since it was something left behind by Su Yuan, it would be inappropriate to give it all to Tang Nan; it would be fairer to split it between the two daughters.
He didn’t expect that Xiao Zexing would come to talk about the shares allocation that was originally held by Su Yuan. After touching on it lightly, Tang Xiao dared not play any tricks, and could only say that all the shares would be transferred to Tang You in the next two days according to Su Yuan’s instructions on her deathbed.
This move was as if a knife had cut off a piece of his heart, and it hurt so much that Tang Xiao’s inner heart was dripping blood.
He had thought that Xiao Zexing was here to discuss his daughter’s marriage, but unexpectedly, he did not mention a word about Xiao Weijing, and instead, collected Qixing back for Tang You.
Halfway through drinking, Tang Xiao randomly found an excuse and hurriedly called Jiang Shenting out; he wanted to question this stepson carefully what was the meaning behind Xiao Zexing’s actions.
Once the two people went away;
Only Tang You and Xiao Zexing were left.
In the large room, even the oxygen suddenly became thinner.
The silence lasted for a full minute.
Tang You drained the milk that Jiang Shenting poured for her in one gulp.
Xiao Zexing's gaze fell on the cup in front of her and smiled, “You still like drinking milk?”
This was the first time the two were talking alone after his identity was exposed.
Tang You’s head was lowered as she stared down, “Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle.”
“Didn't sleep well last night? Your complexion doesn’t look so good.”
Tang You replied mechanically, “Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle.”
Xiao Zexing sighed and lightly tapped his knuckles on the table, “Youyou, besides this sentence, don't you have anything else you want to say to me?”
Tang You lifted her eyes to look at him, then immediately avoided his gaze and said, “……I'm not interested in dyeing Xiao Weijing’s hair with you6.”
She added, “From now on, you will be my most respected Second Uncle.”
“Is that so?” Xiao Zexing asked mildly, “Then, what about that kiss?”
Tang You justified forcefully, “That was Second Uncle showing love for your kin!”
At this point, the private room’s door opened, and Tang Xiao walked in, followed by Jiang Chenting.
Tang You instinctively resumed her silent quail posture.
Xiao Zexing’s gaze lingered on her for two seconds before moving away.
After Jiang Chenting’s careful analysis, Tang Xiao was now in a good mood. He deliberately put the issue of transferring of Qixing to Tang You out of his mind and chatted smilingly with Xiao Zexing.
In a short while, the topic of Xiao Zexing’s private life was broached again.
Tang Xiao asked happily, “Mr. Xiao is still single to date. Is it because you haven’t met anyone you fancy? What kind of person does Mr. Xiao like? Why don't you tell me, so I can help give you some advice.”
This question was similar to what Zhao Manlan asked Xiao Zexing a few days ago.
Tang You thought absently that Xiao Zexing would definitely answer “As long as I like her, it’s fine” again——
Xiao Zexing replied leisurely, “I like one who has a little tear-shaped mole at the corner of her eye, and who likes to scratch people, like a kitten.”
Tang You stiffened.
She raised her eyes.
Xiao Zexing did not look at her; he took out a tissue, wiped his fingertips carefully, folded it twice, and threw it into the trashcan.
Tang Xiao did not understand what he meant, but still continued to flatter him, “Mr. Xiao's taste is really out of the ordinary…”
Jiang Chenting, who was in the midst of pouring wine for Xiao Zexing, paused slightly. He sat up straight, swept his gaze over Tang You’s face, and lowered his eyelashes.
Before leaving, Tang Xiao patted Xiao Zexing on the shoulder, smiling, “When Youyou and Xiao Weijing get married, we will really become family. If you don’t dislike it, you can call me Big Brother from now on, and I will call you Little Brother…”
“You don't need to be so polite,” Xiao Zexing pushed away his hand calmly and smiled. “In terms of qualifications and experience, you are my senior, so I should call you Uncle.”
Tang Xiao was flattered by these words and felt like he was walking on air.
Mr. Xiao is really well versed in the ways of the world, no wonder both the higher-ups and the employees of Mingjian have all become so submissive and docile towards him…
Hmm? But this seniority doesn’t seem quite right.
———————————————
The author has something to say:
An explanation of Second Uncle’s persona——
It’s boring to always be writing about the same type of personality, so in the past year, I have written about the gloomy and paranoid Qi Beiyang, the poisonous-Tangued boss Ji Linchuan, and the Flower of Gaoling, Wei Heyuan.
Second Uncle Xiao Zexing is my first attempt at the scheming old fox type who looks kind and good-natured on the surface.
It was also the first time I tried to write a less straightforward, and slightly provocative character.
I am quite particular about fairness; if my daughters have not had their first time yet, I will also let the male leads keep their first time for my daughters.
Otherwise, it is too unfair to my daughters.
So, Second Uncle is a person who never had a girlfriend before, nor is he one who would fool around with other girls.
In reality, there are very few high-quality, rich and single Uncles who have never dated in their life, so I’ve stated in the synopsis, “do not pursue reality”.
(P.S.: In reality, please try to stay away from some “Uncles” who only want to date sweet young things. The experience gap is a major obstacle, and no one can guarantee that they are really dating with the intention to marry, or just want to sleep and not take responsibility.)
Life is not so good these days, so everyone just reads sweet and fluffy stories, smiles and passes your time, how nice is that. =v=
Everyone has small shortcomings. I rarely write to create flawless personas, it is normal for everyone to have different opinions or views. Please communicate with each other well~ I love you!
Translator’s Notes:
Jiang Chenting’s name was wrongly translated as Jiang Shenting, I’m really sorry about that! It will be Jiang Chenting from this chapter on, thank you for your understanding <3
Footnotes:
1 ride a crane towards the west: 驾鹤西游jia he xi you; a Chinese idiom, used as a euphemism referring to death.
2 three outlooks: 三观 san guan; generally, the three outlooks of one’s life (to the Chinese), were their world view, values, and outlook on life. In this case, Tang You was so shocked that the foundations of all her beliefs in every aspect was shaken.
3 Tang You has switched the pronoun for ‘you’ from the generic one 你ni, to the formal one 您 nin.
4 Guan Gong & Qin Qiong: Guan Gong, better known as Guan Yu was a Chinese military general in the Three Kingdoms period. He is still worshipped by many Chinese people today. In religious devotion, he is reverentially called the "Emperor Guan" (Guān Dì) or "Lord Guan" (Guān Gōng). Qin Qiong was a Chinese general who lived in the early Tang dynasty. He continues to be worshipped in China as a door god today. The phrase comes from the name of a comic dialogue performance. The idea is that the two are hundreds of years apart, and it is impossible for them to meet.
5 : Tang You’s name is the same character as the one for grapefruit (柚)
6 : Most likely an allusion to the Chinese expression of “wearing a green cap” meaning someone has been cuckolded. So Tang You is saying here that she’s not interested in making Xiao Weijing a cuckold by having a relationship with Xiao Zexing.
