Resolved [CN] Help with phrase please

Discussion in 'Translator's Corner' started by nyamachi, Jul 15, 2020.

  1. nyamachi

    nyamachi [Chaos Twin :3] [Melo fanclub member]

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    “好算计,”周武帝勾唇赞许,只语气怎么听怎么瘆人,“笼络住这些举子和贡士,将他们安排到不起眼却又握有实权的位置上去,过个三五年,这满朝官员十之七八都将是沈忠良的门生,哪里还有什么天子门生?
    I'm having trouble translating the bolded phrase.

    For context, the emperor and his subordinate are discussing the Shen family's schemes to take control of the imperial court via recruiting imperial exam candidates into their faction.

    Here is my translation so far:
    "That's a good scheme." Emperor Zhou'wu's lips curved upwards as he offered praise but his tone sent chills down one's spine. "By drawing these candidates and talents to his side and arranging inconspicuous posts for them that hold real power, after three to five years, 70-80% of the Imperial Court's officials will be Shen Zhongliang's followers. 哪里还有什么天子门生?"

    The best I've been able to come up with is How could they be accused of being followers of the Emperor? but that doesn't seem to quite fit... I'd appreciate any suggestions!
     
  2. Little Potato

    Little Potato Sexiest Potato Alive [SpaceBar's Master]

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    天子门生 refers to candidates that have been handpicked by the emperor through the imperial examination.

    I feel like something below would fit the context better.

    "How could they still be considered as followers of the Emperor?"
     
  3. Nightow1

    Nightow1 Well-Known Member

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    "Would they still be subjects of the Emperor?"

    The change from "followers" to "subjects" is due to the rank of the Emperor, the other guy can be said to have "followers" but the "Emperor" does not, he has "subjects".
     
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  4. nonononononono

    nonononononono NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO

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    I will probably go for "students or scholars of the Emperor."
    bu since you have already translated 门生 as followers, so you probably need to keep it consistent.
     
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  5. nyamachi

    nyamachi [Chaos Twin :3] [Melo fanclub member]

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    Thank you, this phrasing fits much better!

    Both of you make a good point re followers vs subjects vs students or scholars. 门生 are students/scholars that have offered their services to a lord. I've also seen 门生 translated as retainers or even disciples if the lord was a great general and others wanted to train under him. Hmmm... I'll think about it.

    Thank you for answering <3 :blobsnow: