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Translator: Cheese
(edited 2020/04/18: “this prince” has been changed to its pinyin “gu” and some minor edits to vocabulary have been made, but there’s no change in overall structure or plot)
(edited 2020/12/26: fixed some formatting errors and changed “Mother Empress” and “Father Emperor” to “Emperor Father”)
“You’re living so miserably now, why did you leave Emperor Father? Is this the life you wanted?”
In fact, Song Yuan somewhat regretted bringing the child back home.
She didn’t do anything shameful, and the person the child spoke of, the one who tossed away her husband and abandoned her son, definitely wasn’t her, either. So why was she shaken by the child’s words?
The house Song Yuan lived in right now was given to her as a gift by Father Song when she was eighteen. The 3B2R1 was very spacious, and it also had a large balcony. She had just moved in not too long ago, and many necessities hadn’t been bought yet. On the way back, even though she was dumbfounded and doubting her life, she still didn’t forget to buy a towel and toothbrush for the child.
Just when they got home, before she could say a couple words to the child, his stomach let out a gugu sound.
Rong Ting was mortified. For him, the stomach making such a sound was extremely rude.
“Have you not eaten for a long time?” Song Yuan, accepting her fate, looked down and asked him.
“Gu had a morning meal2.”
“Little boy, why are you talking like that?” Song Yuan opened the fridge, took out a piece of bread, then looked back at him. “It’s very scholarly. Is everyone in your family like this?”
Rong Ting was now in a better mood. No longer as embarrassed, his tone when speaking to her was also a bit better. “How can Empress Mother speak so casually?”
Song Yuan: “…”
“It will take more than half an hour for takeout to be delivered, I’m afraid you’ll be too hungry. There’s only bread, eggs, and some ham at home, so I’ll just whip up a sandwich for you.”
The exchange between Rong Ting and Song Yuan wasn’t exactly an incomprehensible conversation3, but they couldn’t quite understand what the other was saying.
But he could discern that Empress Mother was personally cooking for him.
His heart was slightly warm.
Empress Mother, as the mother of a country, had never cooked for others (including Emperor Father). He was probably the first one.
For the moment, he forgave her for temporarily forgetting him.
From time to time, when she was in the mood, Song Yuan would cook. After all, takeout could be very greasy, and making a sandwich was all too easy for her. She fried both the egg and ham in the same pan and toasted the bread in the toaster. Of course, there was also her favorite mayonnaise4. Thinking that children liked ketchup, she added some of that, as well.
Rong Ting sat at the dining table. Looking at the food in front of him, he couldn’t help but frown.
It was food he had never seen before.
The key point was, was it edible?
Seeing Song Yuan eagerly looking at him, Rong Ting thought to himself, he absolutely could not fail to live up to his Empress Mother’s kind intent. So he picked up the sandwich and took an extremely elegant bite.
Of course, Song Yuan wouldn’t ask the child how the sandwich was.
Rong Ting thought, perhaps it was because this strange thing was made by Empress Mother herself that the taste was tolerable.
Song Yuan pointed to the glass of milk on the table. “Remember to drink the milk. Drink milk to grow up.”
Rong Ting was angry. “You dislike that gu is not tall enough?”
How should she say it? Song Yuan was a senior member of the good-looks club. She strongly felt that, if it weren’t for the fact that this child was very cute and very charming, she would never have brought him back to her house.
The child looked to be around 1 meter tall. He was obviously a kid, but he was so scholarly and looked like a little adult.
“And you are not as tall as me,” Song Yuan bickered with him. “Alright, alright, drinking milk is good for you. Drink it all, then go brush your teeth, wash your face, and take a bath. I really have to go to work tomorrow, I’m not deceiving you.”
Rong Ting stared at the cup of milk for a long time. Then he held the cup with both hands and took small sips of the milk.
Sweet, not bad.
“Empress Mother, why are there no maids in the palace?” Rong Ting had eaten and drunk to his heart’s content. His mood was good, so he was willing to chat with Song Yuan.
The decoration in this palace was very peculiar, but he had once overheard Emperor Father drunkenly say that the era that Empress Mother lived in was different from theirs, so it seemed to make sense.
But why was there no maid or eunuch?
Song Yuan was silent for a moment, and guessed that the child’s parents were fans of the ancient era. But even if the parents liked everything about the ancient era and were genuine fans, it should not affect the child. She really wondered, could this child smoothly communicate with his fellow classmates in kindergarten?
“Do you mean the housekeeping auntie?” It seemed like the child’s family’s situation was not bad. “I don’t need to hire a housekeeping auntie. I can do everything myself.”
Rong Ting stared at Song Yuan.
“What are you looking at me like that for?” Song Yuan asked him.
“Why?”
Rong Ting was extremely puzzled. “You’re living so miserably now, why did you leave Emperor Father? Is this the life you wanted?”
Song Yuan was bewildered, but still moved her chair and sat next to him. She told him very seriously: “Little boy, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’m really not your mom, but don’t worry, all the police aunties and uncles will help you find your family. You can also stay here with me until your mom and dad come pick you up.”
Rong Ting was not a child who couldn’t see reason. Piecing together Song Yuan’s words and behavior, he asked tentatively: “Empress Mother, you don’t remember Emperor Father?”
Without waiting for Song Yuan to respond, Rong Ting answered himself, “Not remembering should be right. You couldn’t even remember gu, so how can you remember other people?”
Even the precious biological son was forgotten, so how could she remember the husband who was ranked far below him?
Was he stupid? Asking Empress Mother such a question.
Song Yuan thought about it, planning to use another method and go along with the child’s words, “Then tell me your dad’s name. Maybe I’ll have an impression of it.”
Rong Ting heard this and became angry again. “You don’t remember even after seeing me, so how can you have an impression after hearing Emperor Father’s esteemed name5!”
If Empress Mother really did have an impression, then he would be angry. The old maid said, Empress Mother had held him when he was dressed in his swaddling clothes and told him she loved him the absolute most.
He stomped his foot and said: “What’s more, as that person’s son, how could Emperor Father’s esteemed name be spoken!”
Song Yuan: “…”
Does your entire family get in the act? You may be ancient era fanatics but even so, considering yourselves to be an emperor and empress at home, it’s truly extraordinary. I dare not provoke…
“Okay okay okay, then you can say your own name, right?”
Rong Ting’s cheeks puffed up as he gave her a cold look. “Even forgetting the name of one’s own son.”
Song Yuan’s temper was very good.
She had always loved children since she was very young. Of course, they were obedient children, but it was strange today. In the past, she would never have taken the initiative to approach such an awkward and tsundere6 child.
After saying this, Rong Ting was silent for a moment, “You must remember it, ok? Rong Ting.”
The name was both strange and pleasant to hear.
Song Yuan felt that, at this rate, she could find out his parent’s full names and contact information in a week, at most.
“Alright alright, go brush your teeth.” Song Yuan led the still-sulking Rong Ting to the bathroom. She squeezed out toothpaste on the newly bought children’s toothbrush and handed it to him.
Rong Ting used to brush his teeth during his time in the palace.
However, not many people in the palace had toothbrushes. He heard from the old maid that it took a lot of time for Empress Mother to make a toothbrush.
The toothbrush in his hand now was many times better-looking than the ones in the palace.
Rong Ting brushed his teeth, feeling that the sweet taste in his mouth was different from that in the palace. Empress Mother hid all the good stuff, and when he came to see her, she gave them to him to use.
Rong Ting looked at all the strange things in the room, but he also paid attention to his etiquette, not wanting to look ignorant in front of Empress Mother.
“Gugu7 , here’s the thing.” After Rong Ting brushed his teeth and washed his face, Song Yuan carried him to the shower and said very patiently: “You’re a boy, I’m a girl. It wouldn’t be convenient for me to bathe you, so can you bathe yourself?”
Regarding Song Yuan calling him in such a way, Rong Ting didn’t mind.
Song Yuan taught Rong Ting the basics of how to use the water heater. She felt that, even if the family was obsessed with everything about the ancient era, the modern era was so convenient, and the basic facilities would surely be available.
After telling Rong Ting which bottle was the shower gel and which bottle was the shampoo, she then left the bathroom, shutting the door on her way out.
Rong Ting stood under the shower. He was a clever boy, and many things were clear to him. After he took off his robes, he hesitated a moment. Just like his mother taught him, he turned on the switch. When the water suddenly rushed out of the shower head and drenched him, he failed to control his inner fear and shrieked.
Song Yuan heard his shout and rushed in.
Rong Ting was still spooked. When he saw her come in, his first reaction was to hug her waist. He was very brave and didn’t cry.
After he calmed down, he threw the pot8 with perfect form, “You left gu in here!”
Song Yuan could see that the little boy was a little embarrassed.
Nowadays many children over the age of five needed their parents to help bathe them. She had never been a mother, and she also had no experience helping relatives raise their children. She was also a little embarrassed. Children would naturally be easily frightened in an unfamiliar environment.
After bathing the child, Song Yuan’s clothes were soaked.
Convenience stores didn’t have children’s pajamas, so Song Yuan casually put one of her long T-shirts on his body.
The child was very against it. “How can gu wear women’s clothing!”
“Tomorrow, tomorrow after work I’ll take you out and buy you a set of pajamas. Right now is too late.” Song Yuan pointed to the blue underneath her eyes. “Be good and make do with it for now. I really want to sleep, I’m exhausted la.”
Rong Ting looked at her. After a while, he said very awkwardly: “Only this once. You’re not allowed to tell anyone else.”
By the time Song Yuan removed her makeup and took a bath, it was already past eleven.
She lay on the bed, recalling the things that happened this evening. It really felt like a dream.
Extremely tired and sleepy, she was ready to sleep. Fortunately, the child was very well-behaved and didn’t need her to say anything. He also said something she couldn’t understand. In summary, he and she could not sleep in the same bed–such a thing wasn’t appropriate. The child slept alone in the second bedroom. She went to take a look before returning to her room. The boy seemed to already be asleep, so she turned off the light.
Song Yuan didn’t know that, after she turned off the lights and shut the door, Rong Ting, who was lying in bed, opened his eyes.
In his mind, he had imagined many times what Empress Mother looked like. What she looked like when she laughed, what she looked like when she got angry. Everyone said that his identity was honorable, that very many people were envious when he was born and then became crown prince. But only he knew that he didn’t want to be crown prince. He only wanted to be Empress Mother’s child.
Author’s note:
Although Empress Mother hasn’t shown great love for him, Rong Ting, you have to forgive Empress Mother. Empress Mother just forgot.
[1] 三室两厅: shorthand for a type of house unit, composed of 3 (B)edrooms and 2 (R)ooms, which are usually designated as a living room and dining room
[2] 早膳: breakfast or morning meal, but it seems to be an older term. 早餐 is more commonly used in modern writing, from what I can tell
[3] 鸡同鸭讲: a conversation between two people who don’t speak the same language
[4] 沙拉酱: it’s either mayonnaise or salad dressing, and I can’t imagine putting vinaigrette or thousand island in my sandwich so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m assuming this is referring to mayo like Kewpie (which I’m told is delicious), rather than an American variety like Hellmann’s (not a fan, unless it’s in deviled eggs)
[5] 名讳: taboo or forbidden name, referring to the tradition of avoiding speaking and writing an emperor’s name. For the most part, names containing the same characters as the emperor’s were forbidden, and existing names with overlapping characters had to be changed. The same naming taboo is followed for similarly revered/exalted figures, as well as a clan’s ancestors
[6] 傲娇: coming off as unfriendly and blunt, but having a warm and tender heart
[7] Rong Ting uses “gu” (孤) or “this prince” to refer to himself, but Song Yuan thinks that it’s his nickname and calls him Gugu (咕咕)
[8] 甩锅: to blame someone else
Cheese: Guess who’s back on my bullsheit ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
Hi, I’m Cheese! To those of you who know me as one of the translators/proofreaders for Quick Transmigration: Male God, Come Here! (also hosted on Piper’s site), wassupppppppppp (n˘v˘•)¬ I decided to pick up this webnovel because apparently I don’t think I suffer enough.
If you’re here, then it’s likely that you came here after reading Fuyuneko Translation’s posts for the first 2 chapters (which were divided into 6 parts total). Updates to this series will probably be less frequent than when Fringe Manatee updated, but I’ll try to compensate by posting the entire chapter, instead. Please accept this humble translator’s offering.
That being said, I’ll do my best to stick to a minimum 1 chapter per week/2 weeks, which will probably be posted on Sundays? I’m posting early this time because ~Valentine’s Day~ but I work full time and I also translate chapters for MGCH, so I can’t update super often, unfortunately, at least not while I consider this a solo project.
I do my best translating this with a good balance of keeping to the raws while tweaking the more awkward sentences/word choices, but please be aware that all my translations are machine-translated, and some things can and will sound off to the experienced Chinese speaker/reader. (´Ａ｀。) If you find any typos, please do let me know in our Discord! I dunno if there will be a separate typos channel or whatever in the future, but we shall see.
OK THAT’S ENOUGH FOR NOW I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! (Don’t worry, future ramblings will be much less formal and much, much shorter lmao)
Tl;dr hello, Happy Valentine’s, thanks for reading!
Hello & thanks for picking up this fun and different transmigration novel.
Happy valentine’s day.
Tysm fr picking this novel😘😘
Thank you for the translation and continuing this story!!
Please take care of yourself and make sure not to overwork yourself with too many projects
Thank you for this novel!
— Thanks for the chapter~ ^^.
—– Thanks for picking this up~!!
thank you
Thanks for picking this up!
Thanks for picking this up!
Thank you 😊
Thanksbfor picking this up
Kewpie brand is really good, its smoother and less sour than regular American brands.
“Pick up dropped Chinese webnovels and continue MTL them XD” Ah, an angel. “The key point was, could it enter his mouth?” That’s hilarious.
“I dare not provoke”
Hahahahaha he is literally this modern world’s little ancestor. I think I’ve read too much historical chinese novels that I don’t find him rude with his formal speak. I can’t help but find him so adorable ah~~ this child, can’t even say his father’s name— kinda like that, keeps the plot going
Oohhhh thank you so much for picking this up~ Just found this novel today from NU ;c
Thank u so much
Thank you thank you thank youuuu for picking this up! >///< *gives good translator card* I'd be so bugged if this story isn't continued so tysm
Thanks for the translation