Hi everyone! Since there has not been much progress on this novel over the past year, I decided to pick it up again and continue the translation, as I am also quite curious about the ending myself (´∀｀)
A quick recap of where the story left off: After defeating the Third Prince Qi Lianshuo and becoming the Crown Prince, Qi Mingyue is planning to leave the palace to save someone for Yan Qing, as only his Tianyin skill can expel Gu poison. Furthermore, he received information about a person named Lan Jin, and Qi Xutian is giving some explanation about him, which was where the last chapter ended.
“After that, trouble arose at Yunhao Manor, and since Lan Jin has not appeared, there are now rumors that the Grand Assembly may be postponed. Is that how it is?” Qi Mingyue chimed in, his slightly lowered eyes full of contemplation. Yunhao Manor was within the borders of Cang He. Whether Lan Jin chose this place to select a master simply because it was his close friend’s territory, or if there was a deeper reason, should be something that inevitably called for careful thought.
“Although it is rumored to be postponed, there are still countless people from across the land heading to Cang He, and quite a few from the Jianghu have gathered within Yunhao Manor. Among them, there may even be people from other countries. Once Lan Jin makes his appearance, there will surely be an interesting show to watch.” Qi Xutian’s expression showed clear interest as a faint, subtle smile appeared on his thin lips. If others were to see that smile, it would likely send a chill down their spine. But to Qi Mingyue, it simply indicated that this matter was indeed interesting, otherwise his Imperial father would not show such an expression. “Could it be that Father Emperor has also sent people to Yunhao Manor?”
“What does Ming’er think?” Qi Xutian did not answer, still smiling as he stood up and lifted Qi Mingyue out, drying off the water from his body. Taking a robe, Qi Xutian was about to dress him when Qi Mingyue stopped his movements and took the robe himself. “Mingyue can manage on his own. It is winter, so one must be more careful. Father Emperor should dress quickly as well to avoid catching a cold.” In his opinion, it would be strange if his Imperial father had not sent people there. After fastening the belt of his robe, he took a dry cloth, and reached over to wipe Qi Xutian’s hair.
Qi Xutian smiled slightly upon seeing that Qi Mingyue had dressed himself, but his delight grew even more when Qi Mingyue reached out to dry his hair. “Ming’er knows how to take care of his Father Emperor now,” he spoke, yet took the cloth from Qi Mingyue’s hands, gently drying the other’s hair first. Only after he had finished with drying Qi Mingyue’s hair did Qi Xutian casually wipe his own dripping hair. Then he lifted Qi Mingyue up, saying. “It is inconvenient for Ming’er to walk, so let your Father Emperor carry you back.”
“Presumably, once I grow accustomed to it, it will be fine. Mingyue’s body should not be so delicate. Now that I am of age, Father Emperor should no longer hold me so casually before others. Please be sure not to forget.” He still remembered when he returned to the palace last time, the astonished looks from the ministers when they saw his Imperial father carrying him. Now thinking about it, for the sake of his Imperial father’s dignity and reputation, they truly should not display any intimate gestures in public. In the past, such embraces did not seem out of place because he was still young, but if they continued to do so in the future, it would undoubtedly invite criticism.
“That would be a pity. If your Father Emperor cannot hold Ming’er in his arms all the time, it feels like something is missing, and that would be truly hard to bear.” Qi Xutian teased as he spoke, carrying Qi Mingyue back to the room. He laid him gently on the bed, carefully smoothed out the other’s hair, and dried the still-damp hair before finally reclining by Qi Mingyue’s side.
Qi Mingyue leaned against the bed frame, tugging at his already dry strands of hair. He leaned over and placed a light kiss on Qi Xutian’s lips, then lifted the other's wet hair. Noticing the water marks staining Qi Xutian's clothes, he could not help but frown slightly. “Father Emperor takes such good care of Mingyue, yet why doesn’t he know how to care for himself?” As he spoke, he channeled his internal energy, holding the half-dried hair in his palm and slowly drying it.
With his eyes partly closed, Qi Xutian’s lips curved into a faint smile as he rested his hand on the young man’s waist. The sensation beneath his palm was no longer the frail slenderness of a child but had already begun to show the resilience and firmness of a grown man. Since his Ming’er’s return to the palace, he had noticed that while his Ming’er’s appearance had not changed significantly, the unique aura and demeanor that belonged to his Ming’er had gradually become more defined with age. His Ming’er’s smile remained as gentle as flowing water, but the cold clarity in the moonlike eyes now carried an even more captivating allure. Every word and action stirred his heart more than ever, making him look forward even more to the day his Ming’er would fully mature. Now his Ming’er no longer needed his constant care, and would surely become someone who was no weaker than him in the future. Who knew what kind of demeanor his Ming’er would have by then? The thought of others witnessing his Ming’er’s graceful bearing unexpectedly gave rise to an unusual sense of possessiveness and unease. Thinking again about his Ming’er’s impending departure from the palace, Qi Xutian could not help but furrow his brows.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 70 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“Ming’er, remember, you must return to the palace before next month. By no means may you delay on the road. Your Father Emperor would be waiting for you to take care of him.” Qi Xutian lightly pecked the other’s lips before raising a smile again and continuing, “Without Ming’er, no one will accompany your Father Emperor for meals, and at night, your Father Emperor will have to sleep alone. Your Father Emperor will be lonely.”Letting go of the long hair in his hands, now already dry, Qi Mingyue casually played with another strand around his fingertip, lowering his eyes with a slight smile. “There are many concubines in the harem waiting for Father Emperor’s favor, no shortage of both men and women. Father Emperor can just choose anyone to accompany him.” Though the words were spoken in jest, the mere thought that his Imperial father might truly dote upon a consort in the harem one day…… caused a flicker of coldness to pass through his eyes, and the strand of hair entwined around his fingers had already been drawn tight against his skin.
“But your Father Emperor is only interested in Ming’er. I do not have eyes for anyone else. Tell me, what should I do?” How could Qi Xutian not fail to notice the young man’s subtle movements at his side. Reaching out, he loosened the strand of hair wound around the finger, then drew the slightly reddened fingertip into his mouth, placing a soft kiss on it. His lips were already curved into a smile, not exposing the meaning behind the other’s words, just pulling Qi Mingyue’s body into his embrace and stroking the other’s back as he released a satisfied sigh.
Lying beside him and smelling the familiar scent of his Imperial father, Qi Mingyue felt an overwhelming reluctance in his heart. “Father Emperor, wait for Mingyue to return.” Fortunately, according to what Yan Qing had said, the journey was not too long. A roundtrip could be made within a month.
“That is only natural. Since your Father Emperor cannot stop Ming’er from going, I can only wait in the sleeping quarters for Ming’er’s return. It seems Yan Qing’s face counts for quite a lot. He intended to harm you
This happened in chapter 56, where Qi Mingyue first met Yan Qing.
1 , yet you are still willing to go with him to save someone. Your Father Emperor did not know his Ming’er had such a soft heart……” Turning his head, he met those smiling eyes, and seeing his Ming’er’s raised eyebrows with a hint of cunning, Qi Xutian suddenly remembered that Yan Qing had asked his Ming’er to save someone afflicted with Gu poison. It seemed his Ming’er wasn’t softhearted but had another motive. His eyes gradually turned cold, recalling the torment the Gu poison had caused his Ming’er, and a surge of killing intent rose in his heart. “Gu poison again…… Who knows what interesting matters may be hidden this time. Unfortunately, your Father Emperor won’t be by your side. Ming’er must be cautious in all things.”
“Since someone has come seeking help, and it concerns Gu poison, then going is unavoidable. Father Emperor should know that Mingyue is by no means someone who can be manipulated at will. As for that Gu poison, Mingyue dares not forget it. There are many who are skilled in Gu, but not so many that Mingyue would encounter it twice. Having experienced it once, I must examine it carefully this time. If the two are in any way connected, then it would truly be something interesting.” Saying it was interesting, Qi Mingyue’s face showed a deep smile, as if he were genuinely intrigued. But how could Qi Xutian not understand? Though the Gu poison incident from years ago had been resolved, the person behind it had already provoked his Ming’er’s wrath. By granting the Han family’s father and son the method of using Gu, that person had indirectly led An Ruolan to place the Lianxin Gu upon his Ming’er, which ultimately led to An Ruolan’s death. Although his Ming’er no longer spoke of it, Qi Xutian knew well enough that his Ming’er’s pride would never allow him to tolerate being schemed against in a way that caused his birth mother to die by a sword. Though it was an accident, the fact remained that his life had once been held in another’s hands. That alone was something a person as confident and proud as his Ming’er could never accept.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 70 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“It seems Ming’er’s journey this time will not be dull. Your Father Emperor is also curious, who is Yan Qing asking you to save?”“Mingyue has not yet had the chance to ask, but from what he said, it seems to be someone from his family, someone very important to him. When he mentioned that person, Yan Qing seemed different from his usual self.” Thinking of Yan Qing’s expression that day, Qi Mingyue could not help but speculate that the person must be the most important existence in Yan Qing’s heart. Otherwise, it would not make the charming and captivating Young Master Yan Qing show such a sorrowful expression.
Someone from his family…… Thinking of Yan Qing’s background, a sharp glint flashed in Qi Xutian’s eyes. If he remembered correctly, Yan Qing’s family…… Lowering his gaze to conceal the look in his eyes, Qi Xutian slowly curved his lips into a smile. Seeing his Ming’er’s puzzled expression, he spoke with a smile, “Your Father Emperor is certain that Ming’er’s trip will be very fruitful.”
Naturally, Qi Mingyue did not miss the implication in Qi Xutian’s words. Looking attentively into the other’s smiling eyes, he asked puzzled, “What does Father Emperor mean? Could it be you already know who Yan Qing wants to save?” He had not asked clearly that day, yet who knows how, his Imperial father knew more about it. Judging by Qi Xutian’s expression, the other had guessed something but didn’t want to let him know.
Caressing his hair, Qi Xutian pressed a kiss to the crease between Qi Mingyue’s furrowed brows. “Ming’er, why trouble yourself over it? When you set off, ask Yan Qing, and everything will become clear. Your Father Emperor will order Liu Yi to prepare a carriage. You may depart tomorrow, so you can go early and return early as well.”
“A carriage? If we need to hurry, riding a horse would be faster.” Although he hadn’t tried it in this life, he used to be a skilled horseman, often competing at the racetrack and rarely defeated. Having learned martial arts in this life, he didn’t think it would be difficult to regain his old skills.
Upon hearing this, Qi Xutian’s smiling mouth curved with a hint of ambiguity. He moved his hand to Mingyue’s buttocks, gently stroking a few times. “Ming’er must have forgotten, the next few days you cannot ride a horse. If you get hurt again, your Father Emperor will be heartbroken.” Qi Xutian’s fingertips brushed between his Ming’er’s thighs a few times. Seeing the unwilling edge in his narrowed eyes, Qi Xutian immediately guessed what the other was thinking. “Before Ming’er can stand shoulder to shoulder with his Father Emperor, it is best not to have any other schemes. After all, Ming’er is still young. Wanting to make a move on your Father Emperor is too early.” He laughed, then tightened his arms around the young man beside him, and kissed the other a few more times on the lips.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 70 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Helplessly closing his eyes, Qi Mingyue had to admit that to press a powerful figure like his Imperial father beneath him was far from easy. Even if he was different from others, this body he now possessed was only fifteen years old. Wanting to do anything to his Imperial father was simply a fool’s dream. Though he felt unwilling, what rose more strongly within him was expectation and excitement. Thinking about the day he could taste his Imperial father…… Qi Mingyue’s thin lips couldn’t help but curve into a slight smile.***
The next afternoon, after summoning Wu Yao to accompany him, Qi Mingyue sent someone to notify Yan Qing, arranging to set off together outside the palace. Sitting in the carriage prepared by Head Steward Liu, Qi Mingyue ran his hand over the layers of soft padding beneath him and shook his head helplessly. He could not tell whether it was a special instruction from his Imperial father or Head Steward Liu being overly diligent, but the entire interior of the carriage was surrounded by soft pelts and exquisite cushions. It made him feel like a delicate and fragile woman. It was only a slight discomfort, yet the cushion on the seat was layered several times, covered with a long-haired animal pelt. Once he sat down, it felt as though his whole body was about to sink in. Such excessive protection left him not knowing whether to laugh or cry.Perhaps not wanting them to be too close, Qi Xutian ordered the carriage to be very spacious inside. Even sitting opposite each other, there was a long narrow table in between, leaving no sense of being cramped. When Yan Qing got on the carriage and saw the arrangement inside, he could not help but be amazed.
“This carriage must have been prepared by the Supreme Lord. Even the arrangements inside are so meticulous. To Yan Qing’s eyes, these animal pelts are all very valuable. Ordinary families probably have never seen such things, yet the Supreme Lord has laid down so many of them so casually. It seems Ziyao
Cheng Ziyao is Qi Mingyue’s ‘original’ name. He used this name when he met Yan Qing as an alias.
2 truly holds an important place in the Supreme Lord’s heart. No wonder that once Ziyao agreed to my request, the Supreme Lord immediately allowed us to depart. Yan Qing had assumed the Supreme Lord would not agree so easily.” Serving under him for many years, how could Yan Qing not know the Supreme Lord’s methods? Although he hadn’t seen him many times, each encounter made him feel a few degrees of awe. For reasons he himself could not explain, despite not being a timid person and having seen no small number of great scenes, whenever he faced the Supreme Lord he would be overwhelmed by that imposing presence. Obedience to the other’s orders seemed to become the most natural thing in the world, leaving no room to think of anything else.
Glancing at Cheng Ziyao sitting in front of him, Yan Qing lowered his eyes. Only this person could make the Supreme Lord show that expression. Such a burning gaze, was something he had never seen in the Supreme Lord’s eyes before. Even in furious rage filled with killing intent, the other’s eyes only had cold bloodlust, never such fiery passion. Yet because of this person before him, he had the privilege of witnessing a different side of the Supreme Lord. So, Ziyao truly was the Lord’s male concubine? After hesitating, he asked, “Perhaps Yan Qing shouldn’t ask, but someone like Ziyao doesn’t seem like someone who would be content as a concubine. Why do you stay by the Supreme Lord’s side as a concubine?”
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 70 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“A concubine?” Qi Mingyue raised the small teacup on the table, took a light sip, and raised his eyebrows with a smile yet not a smile, asking, “Why does Yan Qing always think Ziyao is a male concubine at the Supreme Lord’s side and not something else?”“In the past, the Supreme Lord had many concubines at his side, both men and women. Though none could compare to Ziyao in appearance, they were nevertheless much favored by the Supreme Lord and often kept by his side. Seeing the Supreme Lord suddenly appear and place such importance on Ziyao, Yan Qing thought Ziyao was also one of the concubines. Could it be that Yan Qing spoke out of turn?” If Cheng Ziyao weren’t a concubine, could he be someone the Supreme Lord truly cared for? He shook his head inwardly, he could not imagine such a man would ever fall in love with someone. Yet after casting another glance at Qi Mingyue, doubt crept into his heart once more. If it were someone like Cheng Ziyao, perhaps it was not impossible that he had already bound the Supreme Lord’s heart.
Hearing Yan Qing’s words, Qi Mingyue knew that his Imperial father must have had many so-called ‘concubines’ in the past. Although it was already in the past, an indescribable feeling still arose in his heart, making him unconsciously frown slightly. Holding the small teacup, he forgot to drink, remaining silent for a moment.
Seeing him like this, Yan Qing felt he might have asked something he shouldn’t have, feeling a bit apologetic, yet his expression still carried a smile. Refilling his cup with tea, he spoke with a smile, “Ziyao bore no grudge and was willing to accompany me to rescue an old friend. For that, Yan Qing offers his sincere thanks.”
“No need to thank me. Ziyao is just curious, who is this old friend that makes Yan Qing so concerned in his heart?” Qi Mingyue came back to his senses, remembering what his Imperial father said the day before. Clearly, there were things he didn’t know, and this was a good time to ask.
Hearing his question, the smile in Yan Qing’s eyes instantly faded. Looking at the light green color of the tea in his cup, he sighed, his gaze drifting to the curtain, watching the street view gradually receding under the carriage wheels. He opened his mouth yet not a single word came out.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 70 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
After a long while, Qi Mingyue heard a voice as if coming from afar, still as enchanting as a melodious whisper yet tinged with faint melancholy. “He…… is called Yan Zhen
The name 炎瑱 can be read as either Yán Tiàn or Yán Zhèn. For now, I have chosen Yán Zhèn, as it seems more common for a name, but this may change later if Yán Tiàn turns out to be more suitable for the plot.
3 .”
“It seems he must be very important to Yan Qing.” Otherwise, Yan Qing wouldn’t have risk his life, and coerced Qi Mingyue in desperation to save Yan Zhen. Knowing Yan Qing’s character, he wouldn’t act that way unless forced into a corner.
Yan Qing nodded, his gaze becoming somewhat distant, as if covered by a thin mist, revealing a subtle and almost imperceptible pain. “Yan Zhen is indeed a very important person, not for any other reason, but simply because he is Yan Qing’s brother from the same mother.”
Just a brother? Qi Mingyue concealed his thoughts, casually continuing to ask, “May I ask where Yan Qing’s residence is?” Since the person to be saved was Yan Qing’s brother, this must be the journey to his home.
Somewhat pained, Yan Qing lowered his eyes and answered softly.
“Yunhao Manor.”
This is the new chapter ヽ(^◇^*)/, hopefully it was readable. I am not sure yet about characters speaking in the third person, but I feel that if I omit it, part of the author’s intention and the Ancient Chinese atmosphere will be lost.
I have managed to be quite consistent with updating His Majesty’s Hostage, so I hope to do the same for The Elegant Dancing Years (´∀｀；)
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