#influence how nhs is read and miscontructed

[lautakwah]

i think what really sets me off is that poetry, literature, and calligraphy were not only masculine pastimes to have (+ the scholar class was male-only, famously), nie huaisang focusing so much on them is reminiscent of chinese dynastic succession struggles. in the past, unambitious siblings would throw themselves into the arts, poetry, music, etc, while eschewing politics and power plays so their siblings who DID have ambitions for the throne wouldnt kill them. having martial and military power made you a threat, and with how the cultivation world at the time looked geopolitically, it was crucial for him not to attract too much attention (esp with what type of cultivation qinghe nie is known for). it's such a small detail but makes perfect sense, especially taking into account how he is meant to be a frivolous second young master and not the heir like his brother (where such a sentiment would be much more frowned upon). there is sm nuance to his character but western fans see his fans and how he has no idea how to pick up a sword and go "ok hes the effeminate limp wristed artist lol"