Mu TianChi was shocked for a moment. It wasn’t because Li Yu was bold enough to mention the nation. Instead it was because of the– last trial.
What did last mean?
Although Xiao Yu never mentioned himself why he remained by Mu TianChi’s side, through Liao Kong’s wise words, Mu TianChi already realized that Xiao Yu needed to pass the heavenly tribulations.
The last time when he was tested, Xiao Yu wasn’t successful because of the bandits.
Mu TianChi thought naturally, since this was the last trial, after the heavenly tribulations ended, would Xiao Yu leave him?
Currently he was already the Crown Prince, with both sons and a daughter. In the eyes of an outsider, his life was practically perfect. He was very afraid that this perfection would make the carp demon feel like he had stayed enough by Mu TianChi’s side and that it was now time to leave. Yet Mu TianChi had grown to care more and more about Xiao Yu by the day. There was no way he could accept Xiao Yu’s departure, unless he were dead.
Every time he mentioned this, Xiao Yu always stammered vaguely without elaboration. Therefore, Mu TianChi was willing to use any plans necessary to bind this fish to his side.
He knew that Xiao Yu was kind hearted, even willing to help Piao Xue and Liang-shi. There was no way for Mu TianChi to believe that fish had stayed by his side for this long only to gain power over his nation.
Xiao Yu was not like other people.
If Xiao Yu really wanted to discuss conditions with him, why not pick a time when he’d have trouble choosing. That way, no matter what reason, he’d have to agree. Instead, Xiao Yu picked a time where he had no worries and brought this up carelessly and hastily. If Mu TianChi was crafty and evil, he could easily deceive the other. Or he could simply decline, what can Xiao Yu do about that?
—was the clever Xiao Yu not aware of all this?
Actually Xiao Yu didn’t even need to ask, Mu TianChi had already planned to give Xiao Yu the power of a regent ruler after he ascended the throne. He knew that Xiao Yu often wanted to do a little something, and also had the ability to do it; yet the fish was restrained by the label of wangfei and Taizi-fei all this time. Also, the fish didn’t want to create a misunderstanding with him.
But how could that be possible? When the Imperial Physician was detoxing him of the poison, Mu TianChi was unconscious for a period of time. Coincidentally, in his sleep, he remembered some old events of the past.
His mutism, his Crown Prince position, even his life, were all closely connected to Xiao Yu’s assistance. If the title of regent was not enough and Xiao Yu wanted even more, when Mu TianChi could afford to give it, he definitely wouldn’t be stingy.
Instead of really wanting the nation, Xiao Yu’s tone sounded more like a tentative test.
Mu TianChi saw through the truth of this matter and felt that it was extremely likely that this test was related to the last heavenly tribulation.
Could it be that if he answered something, Xiao Yu would immediately turn and leave him?
This wasn’t impossible!
With the successful birth of Snow Bao, Mu TianChi felt more uneasy. He definitely can’t make a single mistake here. He’d rather not answer than give the wrong answer!
Mu TianChi said with a clenched jaw: “Let me consider it some more and then give you an answer.”
Li Yu, who had been waiting for the standard answer this whole time: ???
Huh? Didn’t the Crown Prince say he’d give Li Yu whatever he wanted just now?
Li Yu couldn’t help but pout. If men were reliable, then pigs could fly!
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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The nation wasn’t any casual thing. Some people can throw away their mother and father, sons and daughter for power over the nation. Some people can even give up their own lives. This was how important power over the nation was. And it was considered the Crown Prince’s family property. Who was he to ask the Crown Prince to share his family’s property?
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“I’m sorry, I…… shouldn’t have asked this. Just pretend I never mentioned it.” Li Yu said.
He wouldn’t dislike the Crown Prince because of this. In the end, he was the one who didn’t handle this situation well. He had already made it to the last main mission. How can completing it be this easy? After a slight disappointment, he’ll get over it.
And plus, the Crown Prince didn’t exactly refuse. He said he needed to consider it. If it were anyone else who asked, the Crown Prince definitely would have become hostile already.
They’ve only been together officially for a little over 2 years anyways. Perhaps in 2 more years, or perhaps when they were older, the Crown Prince would give the answer to his ‘consideration’?
The villain bosses were all gone now. As Taizi-fei, no one dared to target Li Yu anyways. Even if the amazing carp demon needed to transform once every day, it didn’t make that much difference!
Li Yu comforted himself in a timely manner. His mental state was very stable. Although he didn’t receive the answer he wanted, he was still affectionate and intimate with the Crown Prince.
Because of this, Mu TianChi became more confident that deliberately delaying and not speaking the truth was the correct plan.
Otherwise, perhaps this fish would just dust off and run off, leaving behind him and their sons and daughter.
Because of his response, he can feel that Xiao Yu was somewhat disappointed. However, no worries. He’d naturally make it up to Xiao Yu in other areas.
Unable to complete the main mission, Li Yu turned his complete focus on constructing the Women’s Association. Of course this was ancient times. This concept was slightly hard to understand. Li Yu changed the name slightly and called it a Woman’s Assistance Group. The first step he needed was to gain the Emperor’s support and build an office in the Imperial City. If the operation was successful, then the office can expand elsewhere.
Since he conducted the opinion poll, Li Yu became even more confident. The Crown Prince gave him a crafty idea. The concept of women remaining faithful to a deceased husband was a deep rooted ideology. If he wanted to change this mindset, it’s not enough to rely on the common people. It’s best to obtain the government officials support as well. Then it’d be more convincing.
Li Yu thought about this and felt it was very reasonable. However, how was he supposed to get government officials to answer the questionnaire as well?
The Crown Prince gave Taizi-fei an ambiguous smile and then glanced down at his own legs.
Li Yu’s face instantly flushed red: You already have sons and a daughter, why are you starting again!
Taizi-fei grumbled, but he still went over and sat down.
The Crown Prince embraced Taizi-fei, content and satisfied. Snow Bao’s one month banquet had just passed. It wasn’t good to suggest another banquet immediately. This was what was causing Li Yu issues. It was too hard to find a good excuse. Li Yu was just guessing what the Crown Prince would say. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince directly ordered the officials from the 6 ministries to all report to the Crown Prince’s estate.
Li Yu: ???
Alright, his hubby the Crown Prince had special privileges…
Because the Crown Prince personally oversaw this, the officials answered the questionnaires to their utmost. Li Yu didn’t really do anything and his task was completed.
At first he thought that there would be many amongst these government officials who would not approve of widows remarrying. However, the reality was exactly the opposite. Li Yu pondered carefully for a moment. This was probably because the government officials were wise and experienced and knew that there were no benefits for widows to remain faithful to the memory of their deceased husbands; it was only in respect to the government that’s all.
Li Yu organized everyone’s answers and wrote out a persuasive paper, listing his arguments one by one. He originally wanted the Crown Prince to put forth the suggestion for him in front of the Emperor. However, the Crown Prince said: since this is your idea, it’s better for you to speak directly with father.
Li Yu started to panic. Didn’t the Crown Prince say he was going to help! Did he want to help Li Yu into a pit of fire!
Plus, he was Taizi-fei, not a government official. Wouldn’t he get scolded for going to court?
However, Li Yu really did want to build the women’s association. It wasn’t just casual talk.
The Crown Prince went to court. Li Yu followed closely behind him.
He felt like the Imperial Censorate and some of the older government officials were practically stabbing holes inside him with their eye daggers.
Seeing Li Yu, the Emperor looked towards the Crown Prince with a face full of bewilderment.
Mu TianChi said with a curve to his lips: “Father, Taizi-fei has a report he wants to present to you. I feel like since he is a member of the royal family, he should have the qualifications to report directly to you.”
Which family’s young wife would randomly hand the Emperor a memo?
The Emperor was somewhat flabbergasted. However, he recalled the ideas that Li Yu had come up with in the West Frontier to exterminate the locust plague. The Emperor was someone who appreciated genius, therefore he permitted it in the end.
Li Yu handed the report that he compiled to the Emperor.
The Emperor looked through it and then said with a smile: “This was a continued tradition leftover from the previous dynasty. I do not have an official response to you right now, however, since you gathered this much information, I will consider it carefully. An assistance group does have certain merits. I will leave it to you to make arrangements. Just draft a detailed plan and give it to me……”
That’s it?
Li Yu was secretly delighted. Wasn’t he too lucky? He thought he needed a serious discussion of morality and ethics to successfully persuade the Emperor. Yet the Emperor approved it just like this!
Li Yu hastily gave thanks. All of the officials called out “Long live, your majesty”. Li Yu suddenly thought of something and figured it out.
Why didn’t the officials oppose this? It’s because the Emperor wasn’t the one who came up with this rule to have widows remain faithful. If an outdated practice can be abolished, then the Emperor’s reputation would rise. Why wouldn’t the Emperor accept this?
And plus, even if he didn’t accept in the beginning, after seeing the attitudes of all of the officials, the Emperor would also need to consider it prudently……
In other words, that’s why the Crown Prince wanted him to gather opinions from the government official!
Li Yu abruptly turned around and looked at the Crown Prince. Could it be, the Crown Prince was teaching him here?
The Crown Prince gave him a faint warm smile in return.
A hundred claws scratching in his heart, Li Yu can feel that the Crown Prince didn’t plan to restrict him at all. He was even intentionally guiding Li Yu. Since the Crown Prince still loved him, then why, in terms of sharing the nation, did he need to… cough cough consider it?
Li Yu really didn’t get it.
Later on, the Emperor gave an Imperial Decree, stating clearly: if one party of a married couple dies, the other party will gain freedom. Remaining faithful is a beautiful virtue, but choosing otherwise was no grounds for criticism either.
The Emperor’s Imperial Decree was the basis of Li Yu’s work.
Because there were too many things at the creation of the Assistance Group, Li Yu couldn’t split his attention. He needed to find a good place and good staff. When it really opened up, he also needed to worry if there’d be people coming to cause trouble……
Finally, the Assistance Group welcomed a woman who needed help. After her husband died, she suffered torment from her husband’s family. She finally couldn’t take it and wanted to leave. The elders of the husband’s family refused to let her go. The woman was desperate and responded intensely. She had tried to end her life several times, but was always rescued at the last minute. She heard about the newly created Assistance Group. This was her last resort.
Li Yu swiftly found Qin-shi, Xiao Luo and others and started working with this woman together. Then with the identity of Taizi-fei and the Emperor’s edict, they appeared in front of the family of this woman’s husband and convinced them using the carrot and stick method. The woman was finally able to leave peacefully.
Li Yu already was mentally prepared, but now he understood the importance of patience and attentiveness even better. After a period of time, the business of the Assistance Group began in earnest. Those requesting assistance grew more and more. The Emperor ordered well-trained female government officials to take over the task, allowing Li Yu to successfully withdraw to a secondary position, only occasionally assisting in providing ideas.
The reputation of the Assistance Group grew clamorous. Later on, even Liang-shi gathered the courage to come over with her servant……
Since there was a new road to walk, who’d be willing to stay inside a mud pit for the rest of their life?
The Crown Prince had said it before. Liang-shi’s situation was more complicated than normal women. Li Yu was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to convince the Emperor and dragged the Crown Prince over for help.
Fortunately, the Emperor had written the Imperial Decree himself previously, saying that people shouldn’t make things difficult for widows. Therefore, he also couldn’t continue to make things difficult for Liang-shi. Not to mention, this marriage was appointed by the Emperor. Although Liang-shi aimed to go against the Emperor’s order, wasn’t the source of Liang-shi’s pain and suffering because of the Emperor’s appointment?
The Emperor detested Mu TianXiao(6) internally. That’s why he had completely ignored Liang-shi. Since Liang-shi had no emotions for Mu TianXiao(6) already, the Crown Prince suggested that the Emperor permit Liang-shi to perform the divorce ceremony with Mu TianXiao(6)’s memorial tablet. Li Yu was completely speechless. The Crown Prince really considered all aspects in cleaning up and getting rid of the 6th Prince here.
Nevertheless, this was the most basic and most effective method as well!
The Crown Prince’s last suggestion really suited the Emperor’s thoughts. Therefore he approved it.
From then on, Liang-shi became free. Immediately afterwards, she kowtowed towards the Emperor, the Crown Prince, Li Yu and such people.
“No need to thank me.” The Crown Prince said: “If it weren’t for Xiao Yu’s persistence, this day might not have occurred.”
Liang-shi understood this and hastily kowtowed to Li Yu a few more times.
Li Yu snuck a few glances at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was also looking back at him.
Li Yu pondered internally. The Crown Prince even pushed all of the merits to him. This meant that he really harbored no apprehension towards Li Yu.
“TianChi, the thing we were talking about last time, can we discuss it again?” Li Yu asked.
Guessing what Li Yu wanted to say, Mu TianChi’s expression changed abruptly: “Goodbye!”
Translator’s Note:
Maybe I ranted too long but just I’m really glad that this novel’s protagonist actually takes a stand for what they believe in, rather than so many I’ve read that just pussyfoot around the subjects like “welp that sucks for them but not my problem”. That kind of attitude is too common irl and is detrimental to actual change and improvement that could happen in our own lives (and others).
+1!
I absolutely agree with you that it is very pleasant, reading a novel about love (and not about the struggle for the throne or strategy) to meet such a deep thoughtful message. Our MC is not a flat character of a love novel, he is a progressive and kind modern person
+1!
True!! Especially the fact that he didn’t just hope for change but actually worked towards it.
You might like “How a realist hero rebuilt the kingdom”, the manga, not the anime. They made the hero’s fiancées look younger and it’s reminded me how the anime made the girls in “My Hero Academia” skinnier in the show and younger in some part of the openings (like in “make my story”)
Anyway, “ How a realist hero rebuilt the kingdom“ Ian great! And how he handled slavery is very smart 😁
+1! absolutely agree with u
My little fish is growing up 😭
UwU I hope our fish family will live in peace!
Thank you for your translation 🤍💙💙
Ugh. “Oh no I can’t answer honestly I’m afraid you’ll leave me behind >.<” Bitch, talk to your damn husband. Communicate. Cause right now, you really look like a fickle bastard.
Im happy to see a novel that deals with the issues of women in ancient times – usually they just gloss over it or treat it as natural … im excited for the next update! Jing wang needs to talk about his worries though 😔 miscommunication is bad!
Thank You for the chapter (｡’▽’｡)♡
I really love Xiao Yu. He doesn’t stay silent and actually tries to change something he sees wrong as a modern man. I hope he will talk with TianChi because communication is the solution for their problem…
Thank you!
Gah I can feel the end nearing it feels so bittersweet I’m not ready for the ending!!!! 😭
I can feel the ending is near and I’m not ready to say goodbye to this story. This is a very beautiful novel. ❤
thanks for the chapter!
Thanks for the update 🤣❤️🐟
Xiao Yu: Can I have the nation? (Wanting to know if hubby will be mad)
Mu Tianchi: …Let me think about this. (Afraid fish will leave if he answered wrongly)Meanwhile,Mu Tianchi: *secretly helps Xiao Yu gain more authority*Xiao Yu: Hubby, you’re not mad (about the question)! Will you answer?Mu Tianchi: (Still can’t find the correct answer that will keep fish here.) *runs away*
Me: I want to hit fish for being too foolish and hit prince for being too smart
But sometimes.. I have to remind myself that the royal harem is actually really terrible. These women have to fight each other for this one man’s attention in order not to lose favour and face abuse. So I’ve become more lenient with how I feel about concubines and their actions, they’re not all great but I can appreciate people with ambitions to not just survive but thrive.
I appreciate that this story doesn’t just have women who are terrible and conniving. There are women who are truly loved and treated kindly.
Also, Xiao Yu using the power available to him to make others lives a little easier is one of the best things I’ve read in this genre. What a pleasure
I genuinely love the characters
LMAO 🤣 jing wang “goodbye!” 🤣🤣🤣???