#wang jue

[aishangotome]

Wang Jue (王珏)

LETTER Auntie! Auntie! Seeing is believing! Back in Nancang, I had already heard many "legends" about Auntie! So, the most magnificent, kindest, most beautiful, and wisest auntie in the entire world definitely wouldn't know that her nephew is in trouble and still stand idly by, right! Ah... Auntie probably doesn't know who I am yet! It's alright, I'm on my way to find Auntie right now. When I see Auntie, I'll introduce myself in detail. Auntie just needs to remember that I am your— One and only, best nephew in the whole world!

It was only the end of spring, but Nancang had already entered summer early. I moved out of the Chen residence and went to the Nancang royal palace with Wang Jue.

You: I am currently in the identity of the Chen family's young lady. If you forcibly keep me in the palace, others will gossip.

Wang Jue was engrossed in a nine-square sliding puzzle (Huarong Dao). It was clear that only the last two moves were needed to complete it, yet he hadn't moved them.

Wang Jue: I just want Auntie to stay here.

He muttered, scooting closer to sit right beside me.

You: If you want me to keep you company and chat more, you can call me into the palace anytime.

Wang Jue: But when Auntie isn't here, I'm the only one in the palace. The royal palace is too big, and I'm scared.

You: What about the other people in the palace?

Wang Jue lowered his head, fiddling with the puzzle pieces back and forth.

Wang Jue: They... don't care about me.

You: If you're afraid of being alone in the palace, I can stay. But if it's for selfish reasons, I'll have to consider it.

Wang Jue: What selfish motive does Auntie think I have?

You: For example... bringing me into the palace so I'm under your control.

Wang Jue: Control... So that's what Auntie thinks of me?

Wang Jue tossed the puzzle aside and sat up straight beside me.

Wang Jue: I'll give you this jade pendant.

He lowered his head and strenuously untied a jade pendant from his waist, pressing it into my hand.

Wang Jue: With this jade pendant, you can leave the palace anytime, anywhere. Does Auntie still think I have selfish motives now?

The entire jade pendant was carved with blooming jacaranda flowers of Nancang, much heavier than ordinary jade ornaments.

I held the jade pendant in my hand. The eyes of the person in front of me were clear, without a trace of guile. At this moment, the carriage suddenly jolted violently and stopped in the middle of the road.

Wang Jue: Auntie!

Before I knew what had happened, Wang Jue grabbed my arm.

Driver: Your Majesty, there are people blocking the road ahead!

I wanted to lift the carriage curtain to see what was going on, but Wang Jue tightly tugged on my sleeve, shaking his head desperately.

Wang Jue: No! Don't go out!

Citizen A: As the ruler of a nation, you ignore state affairs! You abandon the people to flee disaster! What face do you have to return to Nancang! What use is this useless person to Nancang?

Citizen B: Corrupt officials fill the court, wildly plundering and extorting wealth, the people live in misery, and villages are deserted. Who knows the suffering of the people, who cares!

The shouting outside the carriage was noisy. Some people even pounded on the carriage along the way, making the entire carriage shake violently, almost tipping over.

You: This is obstructing the imperial carriage and speaking disrespectfully. What are you trying to do?

I lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. The front of the carriage was crowded with people, some even bringing their entire families, old and young. They all held petitions, crying and wailing, making it seem like they were lodging a formal complaint to the emperor.

Wang Jue: I don't want to see them! Are they going to kill me!

Seeing that I had lifted the carriage curtain, Wang Jue became even more terrified, covering his head with his hands and shrinking behind me. I quickly comforted him.

You: The guards are here. It's alright.

Wang Jue: Guards... no, they all listen to the Gao family. They won't save me.

Wang Jue's hands were clenched tightly, all color drained from them.

I took his hand and turned his palm over. His fingernails had dug bloody lines into his skin.

I turned and hugged him, patting his back soothingly.

You: I'm talking about the guards the Chen family brought. Don't worry, I'm here. It will be safe once we return to the palace.

Wang Jue trembled lightly in my arms. After the guards suppressed the riot, the carriage began to move again. Once the noise of the disturbance faded away, he gradually stopped shaking.

You: Are you feeling better?

Wang Jue: Does Auntie also think I'm useless?

His voice was hoarse, brushing against my neck, like an abandoned puppy picked up from the roadside.

You: The turmoil in Nancang needs to be eradicated at its root. You didn't abandon Nancang. The people don't know the truth yet. They are not wrong, and neither are you.

Wang Jue suddenly raised his head, tears welling up in his eyes.

Wang Jue: Auntie really thinks so?

You: Yes.

Wang Jue: That's great! With Auntie here, I'm not afraid of anything!

Wang Jue lunged at me, and before I could dodge, he embraced me.

His nearly adult body easily enveloped me entirely. Such close proximity made the so-called familial affection seem precarious.

I suddenly realized that I had always thought that as the elder, I held absolute initiative, but Wang Jue seemed able to take it back at any time, whenever he wanted.

You: ...We'll be entering the palace soon. You and I can't be too close.

I reached out and pressed my hand against his chest, pushing him back, but Wang Jue hugged me even tighter.

Wang Jue: But the first time I saw Auntie, I felt especially close. Now that I can't be close to Auntie, I'm not used to it.

His smile was bright, and my complex thoughts tangled into a knot of yarn.

Ever since Wang Jue and I rushed back from Lingzhou all the way until now, I have been observing him. Past experience made me feel that Wang Jue wasn't as innocent as he appeared.

But his superb acting had no flaws. As time went on, I almost doubted if my own judgment was wrong.

Wang Jue: Auntie, look! This is the palace I prepared for you!

Wang Jue pushed open the door to the bedchamber. The layout wasn't as grand as the style of Dacheng, but rather quite simple and elegant.

Nancang's characteristic lattice windows framed the lotus pond in the backyard like a painting. The lotus flowers were in full bloom, the lotus leaves fluttered, and the entire bedchamber was surrounded by a moist, gentle air, peaceful and pleasant.

You: (The room is even more spacious than the princess residence I lived in before, and even the garden outside the window is so exquisite. This is clearly not an ordinary bedchamber.)

Wang Jue: I lived here for a while when I was little. I wonder if Auntie will get used to living here.

You: This is your own bedchamber?

Wang Jue: Yes.

You: You're giving me your bedchamber to live in. Where will you live?

I turned my gaze away from the window and looked at Wang Jue. Wang Jue was stunned for a moment, and then tears quickly welled up in the corners of his eyes.

Wang Jue: It's too big here. I'm afraid of sleeping alone at night. If Auntie accompanies me, I'll dare to sleep here.

He didn't answer my question directly. I couldn't tell if he really didn't understand or if he was pretending...

You: What, sticking to me during the day isn't enough? You have to be with me at night too?

Wang Jue's hand also rested on the windowsill. He looked absentminded, but he had trapped me in the corner formed by the windowsill and the wall.

Wang Jue: But... in this world, I only have Auntie as family. I can only cling to Auntie.

There wasn't much coquetry in these words, but rather a sense of oppression that didn't match Wang Jue's age. My smile seemed a bit forced.

Even when Wang Jue showed a flaw, it was like a puppet being precisely controlled.

His flaws were also part of his act, able to accurately calculate how I would react because of them.

-

The next morning, I inquired with a palace maid, asking where Wang Jue slept. The palace maid told me.

Palace Maid: His Majesty usually resides in the side hall.

You: Take me there. I want to find him to have breakfast together.

Upon hearing this, the palace maid looked troubled.

Palace Maid: But this servant is not sure if His Majesty will be awake at this hour.

The palace maid led me through winding paths in the palace before finally arriving at the side hall. As soon as we entered the courtyard, she stopped at the door.

Palace Maid: His Majesty has instructed that no one is to approach the side hall. He will come out himself when it's time.

You: When it's time? What time is that? Doesn't he have court in the morning?

Palace Maid: His Majesty wakes up around shenshi (3-5 PM) and attends court at xushi (7-9 PM).

You: That late? You just let him sleep in like that?

Palace Maid: You may not know, Miss, but His Majesty had a high fever when he was young, which left some after-effects. He isn't sleeping in; rather, he has hypersomnia and often can't wake up during the day.

You: That serious!

Palace Maid: The imperial physicians in the palace are worried about His Majesty's health, but every time they take his pulse, there's no major problem. They just prescribed a few doses of medicine to treat the symptoms, but it hasn't had much effect.

You: Is that so...

I pretended to agree on the surface, but inwardly I was slightly pensive. Wang Jue's hypersomnia wasn't obvious when we were in Lingzhou. Whether this matter was true remained to be investigated.

You: Since His Majesty can't wake up, we don't need to force him. Let's go.

I had just turned around when a series of hurried footsteps came from behind me.

Wang Jue: Auntie!

Wang Jue's voice suddenly came from behind the palace wall. The palace maid and I turned around together and saw Wang Jue running out of the side hall, flying towards me.

I pressed down on his shoulder with one hand, stopping him an arm's length away. Wang Jue waved his arms in the air a few times, then lowered them.

He lowered his eyebrows with a bit of disappointment but quickly smiled at me.

Wang Jue: Why did Auntie come to find me?

You: You're awake now?

Wang Jue: I woke up as soon as I heard Auntie's voice.

He probably heard me asking the palace maid about him... I just smiled at him gently.

You: Since you're awake, let's have breakfast together.

Wang Jue: Okay!

I released his shoulder, and Wang Jue moved closer to my side, his smile becoming much more cheerful.

Breakfast was arranged in the lotus pavilion by the pond. Wang Jue tore apart a lotus seedpod, arranging all the lotus seeds inside on the table at equal intervals, counting them one by one.

The surrounding attendants were accustomed to his behavior and served dishes on the table in an orderly manner.

Damp mugwort glutinous rice balls, mottled-colored glutinous rice, and charred vegetables were placed on the table. Looking at the rough and simple dishes, my expression gradually became serious.

You: What's going on with these dishes? Is this the standard of the imperial kitchen?

Palace Maid: Please forgive us, Miss. His Majesty doesn't eat much on ordinary days, so the imperial kitchen was a bit rushed in their preparation today.

You: Doesn't eat much? A grown person can't possibly go all day without eating anything, right?

Wang Jue quickly picked up a mugwort glutinous rice ball, took a bite, and swallowed it with difficulty. The sticky, cold rice ball was hard to get down, but he still forced himself to eat a mouthful.

Wang Jue: Don't worry, Auntie. They give me late-night snacks.

Upon hearing this, I immediately took out a handkerchief from my sleeve and pressed it to the corner of my eye. The palace maid beside me panicked at the sight.

Palace Maid: Miss, what's wrong?

You: I'm heartbroken. How can eating only late-night snacks be enough? Xiao Jue is still growing! How can he endure such hardship! Who is neglecting their duties? What about the palace punishments? Are they just for show?

I blinked hard, squeezing out a few perfectly timed tears. The palace maids all knelt on the ground.

Palace Maid: Please forgive us, Miss. This servant will immediately inform the imperial kitchen to make changes.

I dried the tears from the corner of my eyes.

You: Very well. Then go redo it now. We'll wait here.

The surrounding attendants all said "Yes" and left the lotus pavilion one after another. Once they were all gone, I put down the handkerchief.

You: This is truly eye-opening. Do they treat you like this normally?

Wang Jue: They all listen to the Gao family.

Wang Jue put down his chopsticks, picked up the handkerchief I had placed on the table, brought it close to my eyes, and gently wiped away the remaining tears from the corner of my eye.

Wang Jue: Even when Father was alive, no one treated me with such care. Auntie is the first person who has been good to me.

You: Some rules must be established. Consider today my care for a junior as an elder.

Wang Jue: But Auntie's eyes are all red from crying...

You: Compared to you, I'm nothing. I still have much to learn from you.

This probing remark had a hidden meaning. Wang Jue's gaze towards me sharpened, but in the blink of an eye, his eyes returned to their previous innocence.

Wang Jue: Hmm? What else does Auntie want to learn?

The close distance was enough to capture all subtle expressions. I stared intently into Wang Jue's eyes but couldn't find a trace of anything amiss.

You: I also want to learn... to deceive others without any guilt.

Wang Jue's fingertips, lightly resting on my cheek, twitched slightly, but his eyes remained impeccably blank.

Wang Jue: Why does Auntie want to learn those things?

You: I want to know if those people have no feelings whatsoever.

Noticing the coldness in my gaze, Wang Jue blankly withdrew his hand. His sleeve brushed the table, and the neatly arranged lotus seeds were scattered, falling off the edge of the table onto the ground.

Wang Jue looked at the disordered lotus seeds, his eyes dimming as he lowered his gaze.

Wang Jue: It's all Auntie's fault. I forgot which number I counted to...

You: If you're willing, I can help you count them again.

Wang Jue: Okay!

Wang Jue beamed, as if nothing had just happened. Playing dumb was his best tactic, and he always managed to get away unscathed.

Breakfast was arranged in the lotus pavilion by the pond. Wang Jue tore apart a lotus seedpod, arranging all the lotus seeds inside on the table at equal intervals, counting them one by one.

The surrounding attendants were accustomed to his behavior and served dishes on the table in an orderly manner.

Damp mugwort glutinous rice balls, mottled-colored glutinous rice, and charred vegetables were placed on the table. Looking at the rough and simple dishes, my expression gradually became serious.

You: What's going on with these dishes? Is this the standard of the imperial kitchen?

Palace Maid: Please forgive us, Miss. His Majesty doesn't eat much on ordinary days, so the imperial kitchen was a bit rushed in their preparation today.

You: Doesn't eat much? A grown person can't possibly go all day without eating anything, right?

Wang Jue quickly picked up a mugwort glutinous rice ball, took a bite, and swallowed it with difficulty. The sticky, cold rice ball was hard to get down, but he still forced himself to eat a mouthful.

Wang Jue: Don't worry, Auntie. They give me late-night snacks.

Upon hearing this, I immediately took out a handkerchief from my sleeve and pressed it to the corner of my eye. The palace maid beside me panicked at the sight.

Palace Maid: Miss, what's wrong?

You: I'm heartbroken. How can eating only late-night snacks be enough? Xiao Jue is still growing! How can he endure such hardship! Who is neglecting their duties? What about the palace punishments? Are they just for show?

I blinked hard, squeezing out a few perfectly timed tears. The palace maids all knelt on the ground.

Palace Maid: Please forgive us, Miss. This servant will immediately inform the imperial kitchen to make changes.

I dried the tears from the corner of my eyes.

You: Very well. Then go redo it now. We'll wait here.

The surrounding attendants all said "Yes" and left the lotus pavilion one after another. Once they were all gone, I put down the handkerchief.

You: This is truly eye-opening. Do they treat you like this normally?

Wang Jue: They all listen to the Gao family.

Wang Jue put down his chopsticks, picked up the handkerchief I had placed on the table, brought it close to my eyes, and gently wiped away the remaining tears from the corner of my eye.

Wang Jue: Even when Father was alive, no one treated me with such care. Auntie is the first person who has been good to me.

You: Some rules must be established. Consider today my care for a junior as an elder.

Wang Jue: But Auntie's eyes are all red from crying...

You: Compared to you, I'm nothing. I still have much to learn from you.

This probing remark had a hidden meaning. Wang Jue's gaze towards me sharpened, but in the blink of an eye, his eyes returned to their previous innocence.

Wang Jue: Hmm? What else does Auntie want to learn?

The close distance was enough to capture all subtle expressions. I stared intently into Wang Jue's eyes but couldn't find a trace of anything amiss.

You: I also want to learn... to deceive others without any guilt.

Wang Jue's fingertips, lightly resting on my cheek, twitched slightly, but his eyes remained impeccably blank.

Wang Jue: Why does Auntie want to learn those things?

You: I want to know if those people have no feelings whatsoever.

Noticing the coldness in my gaze, Wang Jue blankly withdrew his hand. His sleeve brushed the table, and the neatly arranged lotus seeds were scattered, falling off the edge of the table onto the ground.

Wang Jue looked at the disordered lotus seeds, his eyes dimming as he lowered his gaze.

Wang Jue: It's all Auntie's fault. I forgot which number I counted to...

You: If you're willing, I can help you count them again.

Wang Jue: Okay!

Wang Jue beamed, as if nothing had just happened. Playing dumb was his best tactic, and he always managed to get away unscathed.

LETTER Auntie: Now that Auntie is by my side, I'm finally not all alone anymore. I don't know why, but that icy cold, hard-to-swallow glutinous rice ball... I still remember the taste of it even now. Maybe it's because it was the first time someone was truly kind to me, the first time someone genuinely cared about "Wang Jue" as a person. Auntie, do you remember how many lotus seeds we counted together? One thousand three hundred and thirteen. It's such a pity, I always thought to myself then, if there was just one more, would I be able to be with Auntie for all of my life too? (Note: 1314 in Chinese homophone for "all my life") But Auntie, please don't worry, I'm not a willful person. When Auntie is able to return to Dacheng, I will definitely not stop you. I just selfishly hope that day can be a little further away, so that Auntie can stay with me for a little longer. Your Xiao Jue

After breakfast, I returned to my room to handle some affairs. After leaving Lingzhou, I received several secret letters from Jiaren Fang, containing quite a bit of intelligence about Nancang.

Wang Jue insisted on keeping me company. Not even half an incense stick's time had passed before he was dozing off, his head propped up by one hand.

I examined the intelligence reports one by one. One piece of information caught my attention.

You: (Although the Prince is far from the political center, he has always paid attention to the movements of the Nancang royal family, secretly removing many obstacles for Wang Jue.)

You: (Wang Jue's father... So, Wang Jue becoming foolish after a high fever in his childhood and being sent to the side hall for recuperation was also arranged by the Prince.)

You: (Was it to make the Gao family lower their guard?)

With a clear "thump," Wang Jue's forehead hit the table. I put away the intelligence. Wang Jue woke up, rubbing his forehead with one hand.

Wang Jue: That hurt...

Looking at his sleepy appearance, I played along with my plan.

You: You should go get some sleep. You don't have to force yourself to keep me company.

Wang Jue: No, I'm not sleepy.

You: Quickly go lie down on the bed for a while. If you don't listen, I'll chase you off to sleep.

Wang Jue: Okay, I'll listen to Auntie.

Wang Jue staggered to the bedside and sat down, then suddenly stood up again.

Wang Jue: No! This is Auntie's bed. I can't sleep here.

I got up and walked over to him, pressing down on one of Wang Jue's shoulders. Wang Jue blinked, and as he looked up at me, I used force to push him onto the bed.

Wang Jue: Auntie!

Wang Jue was startled by me and struggled to get up. I added my other hand to his shoulder, pressing him back down.

You: You're used to having your days and nights reversed. You woke up so early today. Go to sleep. I don't mind.

Wang Jue: With Auntie by my side, I'm not sleepy.

I leaned down to look into his eyes.

You: No, if you don't get enough sleep, you won't grow taller.

Hearing these words, Wang Jue's struggles gradually ceased.

You: Good, go to sleep now.

I released my hands and stood up. I had just taken a step when a hand tugged on my skirt.

I turned around. A trace of sinister in Wang Jue's eyes hadn't been completely concealed. He blinked, looking at me pitifully.

Wang Jue: Where is Auntie going? Aren't you going to stay with me?

You: I'm going to have the imperial kitchen prepare some snacks for you. How about sweet fermented rice balls?

Wang Jue: Okay! I want them to be sweeter.

Wang Jue contentedly let go of my skirt. I patted his head and got up to leave.

-

I asked a palace maid to inform the imperial kitchen to prepare snacks for Wang Jue, recalling the route to the side hall.

When Wang Jue wasn't there, there were no guards in the side hall. I quietly approached the hall. The main door was tightly closed, secured with a heavy copper lock.

You: The pattern on this lock...

I took out the jade pendant Wang Jue had given me. The pattern on the copper lock was the same as on the jade pendant. Could it be...

I turned the jade pendant over and examined it thoroughly. There was a small crack on the pendant. I forcefully pried at the crack.

With a soft "click," the jade pendant split into two halves, revealing a small copper key embedded in the middle.

I unlocked the side hall and walked in. The furnishings inside were quite ordinary, no different from a common household in Nancang.

Only a large Phoebe zhennan wooden cabinet placed against the wall looked somewhat like a respectable piece of furniture.

I looked up at this abrupt cabinet that reached the palace ceiling and tried to pull open its door. It didn't open the first time. A strange rumbling sound came from inside the cabinet, as if a heavy object was pressing against the door from behind.

You: Hmm? Is there some heavy object stuck behind the door?

I placed one foot on the bottom edge of the cabinet, used the leverage, and pulled the ring handle outward with force. "Click," the cabinet door finally opened, and the things inside poured out at the same time.

I jumped aside, dodging as a cabinet full of books surged out, piling up on the ground like a small mountain.

You: "Natural Arithmetic," "The Beauty of Arithmetic," "Three Hundred Years of Ancient and Modern Calculation"... Wow, all books related to arithmetic. Is this person a hamster? So good at hoarding!

I flipped through the books on the ground. Every book and every page had Wang Jue's notes, the handwriting vigorous and strong, completely unlike the way he had pretended before.

I walked along the wall, raised my hand, and tapped the surface. One section of the wall sounded different. Could there be a secret room inside?

Palace Maid A: His Majesty has woken up and says he's looking for the Chen family's young lady.

Palace Maid B: The Chen family's young lady was just in the bedchamber. I don't know where she went now.

Sounds came from outside the side hall. There wasn't much time left. I put all the books back into the cabinet, restored the scene, and left the side hall.

-

I went to the imperial kitchen by a detour and asked the imperial chef to prepare a bowl of osmanthus syrup. I personally carried the tray to the bedchamber.

Wang Jue had just woken up and was sitting sleepily on the couch. I sat down by the bed and handed him the tray.

You: If it's not sweet enough, add some more syrup.

Wang Jue scooped two large spoonfuls of osmanthus syrup into the fermented rice balls. He had just taken a bite with the spoon when his eyes turned red.

You: What's wrong?

Wang Jue: I've grown up so much, and no one has ever brought me snacks before. Auntie is the first!

Remembering the attitude of the people in the palace towards Wang Jue, I patted his head.

You: I can't stay in the Nancang palace forever. You have to learn to survive here on your own.

Wang Jue wiped the corner of his eye.

Wang Jue: Can't Auntie stay here forever?

You: I will eventually return to Dacheng... It's just that I can't go back yet.

Seeming to notice my low mood, Wang Jue was quiet for a moment, then scooped up a spoonful of sweet soup and brought it to my lips.

Wang Jue: Auntie, you eat too!

It had always been me taking care of Wang Jue's emotions. This was the first time he was taking care of mine. I was stunned for a moment, then ate the spoonful of sweet soup.

You: It's so sweet...

Wang Jue grinned at me.

Wang Jue: After eating this sweet soup, stay here until Auntie can return to Dacheng.

You: Since when do you make demands like this?

Wang Jue: I don't care. I just want Auntie to stay with me!

Wang Jue started his usual tantrum. Every subtle expression of his reminded me that it was all carefully designed acting for me.

People who let down their guard and develop pity are most likely to court death. And what brings death, besides misfortune, is also secrets.

Yet Wang Jue had personally handed me the jade pendant carrying a secret, as if waiting for me to fall into the intricate web he had woven.

To catch someone, you must catch them in the act. I knew this well. Calculating the time, I left the bedchamber with a lantern at midnight.

The low-hanging clouds were brewing a storm, and the humid air made it hard to breathe.

I arrived at the side hall once more. The center of the main hall was still and lifeless. The wall of the secret room hadn't closed completely, and a sliver of light shone through the gap.

I pressed my hand against the wall. The wall rotated, and I successfully entered the secret room.

Wang Jue was sitting on the wooden steps, one hand holding an inkstone, the other a writing brush, calculating something on the wall.

The wall, towering to the vaulted ceiling, was covered with layers upon layers of paper, an unknown accumulation.

Hearing the sound from behind, Wang Jue shuddered, then turned to look at me.

Wang Jue: Auntie... how did you get here?

You: So, the reason you live in this side hall is to tinker with these things.

Wang Jue: I was just drawing.

You: Drawing?

I sneered and tore off a sheet of paper from the wall.

You: Part of the calculations on this aren't recorded in any books. Are these theorems you deduced yourself?

Wang Jue: Auntie, I...

You: Are you still planning to act for me?

I interrupted him mercilessly. Wang Jue was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head. The candlelight flickered, and in the dim light, I couldn't see his expression.

After a long while, Wang Jue released his hands. The writing brush and inkstone fell from mid-air, splattering ink and completely blackening the unused white paper.

He looked at me, the clear innocence gone from his expression.

Wang Jue: Everyone who knew my true face is no longer in this world. How could I dare to tell Auntie such a terrifying thing?

A muffled rumble of thunder came from outside the secret room.

I stared at Wang Jue's face. It was clearly the same innocent and pure face as before, but his indifferent, emotionless gaze sent a chill down my spine.

You: No longer in this world? Do you mean... everyone who knows your secret has to die?

Wang Jue didn't answer immediately but stepped down from the ladder, approaching me step by step.

Wang Jue: Auntie is different from them. As long as Auntie stays by my side, this secret won't be known by outsiders.

He reached for my hand as usual, but I took a step back.

You: Why disguise yourself? Is it because of the Gao family?

Wang Jue's fingers curled slightly.

Wang Jue: Yes.

He stopped playing dumb and answered me directly.

Wang Jue: The Gao family doesn't like smart people. I've only survived until now by playing the fool. I've long forgotten the days when I didn't have to pretend.

Wang Jue: Everyone warned me that this was the only way to protect myself, to protect the royal family.

You: And as time went on, you accepted it yourself.

I followed his words and continued.

You: But you were unwilling to remain trapped in this facade forever, so you desperately hoped someone could shatter this false exterior.

You: So this was your plan all along. From beginning to end, you only wanted to use me.

Wang Jue didn't speak. Perhaps my reaction was too calm. He stared intently into my eyes, trying to find a trace of an answer within them.

Wang Jue: No.

I took out the jade pendant he had given me and held it in my hand.

You: Then why did you give me this key?

You: To let me discover the truth at the opportune moment, and then use the knowledge of the secret as a reason to trap me here, isn't that right?

Wang Jue: If Auntie doesn't want this, you can forget everything that just happened. Our days can still be as they were before.

You: Forget?

I looked at him in disbelief, almost laughing out loud.

You: Are other people's feelings just a bunch of cold numbers to you? You can remember one more point, and forget one less point?

Under my questioning, Wang Jue fell silent. I calmed my emotions and continued.

You: There are many ways you could have asked me to stay here and help govern Nancang, but this wasn't the only one.

You: We never established trust from the beginning to the end. I don't want to continue this cooperation.

After speaking, I turned around. This time, Wang Jue grabbed my hand. His hand had lost its warmth, as cold as a block of ice.

Wang Jue: I never said that the only reason I brought you back was to use you.

You: Then why was it?

Wang Jue returned to his usual innocent smile.

Wang Jue: Because I love you.

What a perfect, standard answer. Wang Jue was still smiling at me. The smile seemed so sentimental, but I felt a bleakness in my heart.

You: Stop acting.

Wang Jue: Auntie doesn't believe me? Or is it because we are aunt and nephew? I don't care about those things.

As if to prove something, Wang Jue suddenly moved closer to me. Just before our lips were about to touch, I raised my hand and pinched his chin, turning his head to the side.

You: Really, stop acting!

The person in front of me lowered his head, tears welling up between the strands of hair falling over his forehead.

I originally thought he would use tears again to gain my sympathy, but the next moment, Wang Jue seized my wrist.

Wang Jue: What do I have to do to make Auntie understand that everything I said is true?

Tears welled up in Wang Jue's eyes, but in the depths of his eyes was an unreachable darkness.

You: You're still hiding many things from me. How can I believe what you say?

You: How many people died to protect your secret? Did you kill them? Or did others? Why should I believe that I am the exception?

I stared into his eyes. During our gaze, Wang Jue shifted his gaze.

You: You don't dare to say, why?

Wang Jue fell silent. He stood there for a while, then turned to look at the wall behind him.

Wang Jue: Auntie, have you ever seen a math problem? The question is very simple: is the infinite decimal of nine equal to one?

Not knowing what he wanted to express, I subconsciously answered.

You: The infinite decimal of nine is of course not equal to one.

Wang Jue: But in my verification, there are many ways to prove that the infinite decimal of nine is equal to one.

He walked to the wall, picked up the paper and inkstone again, and circled those formulas on the wall.

I looked at those formulas. He was right. From a mathematical perspective, the infinite decimal of nine could be proven equal to one.

You: Since you've proven it countless times, why don't you believe the truth you calculated yourself?

Wang Jue: Numbers are the most loyal things in this world. I never doubted the answers I calculated, but that was before.

Wang Jue turned to look at me.

Wang Jue: The former me thought that everything in this world had precise solutions, and these solutions didn't need to involve emotions.

Wang Jue: Until I found you.

A rare warmth appeared in his eyes.

Wang Jue: The days I spent with Auntie in Nancang were very happy. You would genuinely smile when you ate something delicious, and you would be sad when you encountered something sorrowful.

Wang Jue: You would protect me, bearing all my emotions.

Wang Jue: Every day I looked forward to the days I spent with you. Every day was new, full of surprises.

He lowered his head and looked at his hands.

Wang Jue: And when I was alone, all I faced was killing and blood, and those conspiracies that I could never get rid of.

Wang Jue: To me, Auntie is that complete number one, and no matter how I try to prove my feelings, I can't touch even a fraction of it.

Wang Jue: Just like the infinite decimal of nine, isn't it?

A look of struggle appeared on Wang Jue's face. I had never seen him with this expression before.

You: Why, why was that person me? There are many other people in this world who can also give you emotions.

Wang Jue: Only Auntie is good to me without asking for anything in return.

Wang Jue gently curved the corners of his lips, trying hard to compose his broken smile.

Wang Jue: When I couldn't give you anything, you were still willing to be good to me without asking for anything in return.

My heart trembled with each word. I gazed at the person before me, adorned in official robes, possessing everything, yet having nothing.

Wang Jue had been required to disguise himself since childhood. His acting skills could make him anyone, yet he didn't know who he was.

Underneath those distortions, he became that infinite decimal of nine, always missing that little bit to be a normal person.

You: You want to become someone with normal emotions, so you made me the object of your admiration.

Understanding the reason behind this, I suddenly felt a sense of relief.

You: But I'm not someone who will fall in love with whoever says they love me.

You: You keep saying you love me, but you don't know what true love is. Your love for me is just novelty. To you, I am not a scarce commodity.

Wang Jue: But I only want you.

Wang Jue replied without any hesitation.

Wang Jue: This is the closest I've ever been to love. Since Auntie says it's not like that, then teach me, let me understand, let me know what true love is.

Perhaps because I was familiar with Wang Jue's usual acting, I actually heard a bit of sincerity in these urgent words tinged with fear.

He was afraid of losing something, afraid that the slightest carelessness would turn him into a wrong answer.

But feelings aren't math problems. I don't care about those minute gains and losses, and I really didn't want to waste any more energy distinguishing between truth and falsehood.

-

The sound of the rain in Nancang was fine and dense. After returning to the bedchamber from the secret room, I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

Wang Jue's dark eyes seemed to swallow the night, replaying themselves in my mind again and again.

I lit a candle and leaned against the headboard.

You: Why am I still staying here, gambling on whether he is truly sincere...

The jumbled thoughts gave me a headache. At this moment, deep within the palace, I was in the most passive state.

I got out of bed and took out my cloak from my luggage. A round object fell out and landed on the floor. It was the jade pendant Wang Jue had given me.

The warm, smooth jade pendant wasn't cold. I clutched it in my hand and left the royal palace in the rainy night.

LETTER Auntie: I have finally reached this point with Auntie. I had anticipated many kinds of reactions from Auntie, but this one is the only one I did not foresee. Between Auntie and me, there are too many misunderstandings and barriers. Perhaps it is precisely because of this that every time I want to reach you, I fail. That is why I chose to present the most genuine Wang Jue to Auntie. I think only in this way can I obtain even the slightest probability of truly standing alongside Auntie. Regardless of whether Auntie will still choose to believe me, I only want to tell Auntie that my feelings for you have never been a calculation. I will let Auntie know that the infinite decimal of nine can be equal to one. Wang Jue

The streets of Nancang were as bustling as ever, only the occasional passing groups of guards made the streets slightly more noisy.

Guard A: Where is she?

Guard B: Haven't found her. His Majesty said she left on horseback and should have reached the nearest post station by now, but no one has seen her.

Guard A: Strange. The port has been sealed off for a long time, and they also say no one has left.

I sat in a shop by the roadside, quietly drinking tea. The guards didn't notice me and soon left.

Before leaving the palace, to confuse Wang Jue's judgment, I deliberately led away a horse brought from Lingzhou, creating the illusion that I had left on horseback.

In reality, I found an inn outside the palace walls to stay in and dealt with many affairs of Jiaren Fang. Today was the seventh day.

Woof! Woof woof woof!

The barking of a small dog attracted my attention.

Shopkeeper: Hey, after feeding it a few times, this little guy has become a regular.

A dirty little white dog chased its tail around the shopkeeper's legs. The shopkeeper waved it away several times, and the little white dog squatted at the shop's entrance, wagging its tail obediently.

For some reason, I suddenly remembered the first time I met Wang Jue, and that feeling of pity mixed with affection welled up in my heart.

I could almost see him now, alone within the palace walls, eagerly waiting for someone to return.

You: It's all an illusion...

I shook my head, focusing my attention on the secret letters received by Jiaren Fang.

You: (The Prince has long sent assassins to follow Wang Jue. Anyone who knew Wang Jue's secret was eliminated.)

You: (The assassins have now been killed in the Nancang civil strife, their bodies abandoned in the wilderness. Details are unknown.)

No wonder I've survived until now...

I pulled a map from the secret letters. A location was clearly marked on it.

Nancang was drenched in rain, one downpour following another. Deep within the remote mountains, I located the body disposal site mentioned in the secret letter.

You: This… there’s no body here…

Before me stood a tomb made entirely of white marble, well-maintained, except the tombstone was blank, deliberately left without a name.

I crouched down in front of the tombstone. Suddenly, the Soul Resonance Stone vibrated, its ethereal sound echoing through the mountain forest.

I ignored it. After a while, the vibrations stopped, but it wasn't long before it started again.

It must be Wang Jue… He’s contacted me countless times through the Soul Resonance Stone these past few days, and I’ve ignored every single one.

You: Without a name on the tombstone, identifying this assassin won’t be easy. It seems I’ll have to have Jiaren Fang continue the investigation…

Wang Jue: Auntie, are you never going to see me again?

The familiar voice came from behind. My body stiffened, and I turned to see Wang Jue standing not far behind me.

The sound of the Soul Resonance Stone ceased abruptly. Wang Jue took a step forward.

Wang Jue: Seventy-two times. You didn’t answer even once. I didn’t expect Auntie to despise me so much.

Wang Jue was soaked to the bone, strands of wet hair clinging to his bloodless face. I stood up from in front of the tombstone.

You: How did you know I was here?

Wang Jue: I had people search all the post stations near Nancang. If you hadn’t passed through those stations, Auntie definitely wouldn’t have left the city. My calculations couldn’t be wrong.

You: So, what? You wouldn’t have turned all of Nancang upside down, would you?

I tried to sound lighthearted as I teased him, but Wang Jue nodded.

Wang Jue: Yes.

I looked at the muddy hem of his clothes, momentarily stunned.

Wang Jue: I guessed Auntie had already investigated this far, so I wanted to try my luck.

You: How exactly did this person die? Since you could find me here, you shouldn’t be completely unaware of it, right?

Wang Jue: Auntie wants to know?

You: It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to tell me. I’ll find out sooner or later.

Wang Jue: He was an assassin my father sent to follow me. Anyone who knew my secrets died by his hand. He himself didn’t want to do it, but he couldn’t disobey my father’s orders.

Wang Jue: I promised to take care of his family, but he had to exchange his life for it. It was a relief for both him and me.

Wang Jue confessed everything to me honestly.

Wang Jue: I killed him.

The damp chill seeped into my nostrils. He and I stood silently in the rain for a long time. Suddenly, Wang Jue lowered his head and let out a few dry laughs.

Wang Jue: What’s done can be hidden for a while, but how long can it be hidden in the end? I never wanted you to see such a wretched side of me.

Wang Jue: Whatever kind of me Auntie likes, I can become that kind of me. I want to be liked by you, even if it’s not the real me.

Wang Jue: In your heart, I just need to be that silly, good nephew, not someone with blood on his hands.

Wang Jue raised his hands, rain washing over his palms. He pressed his hands to his face, covering it.

Wang Jue: That mask has already become one with the original me. As long as the Gao family’s threat isn’t eliminated, I won’t be able to take off this mask for even a day.

You: Is it really because of the Gao family’s threat?

I walked closer to him, wanting to take his hands away from his face, but Wang Jue resisted.

You: You’re afraid to show your true self, yet you yearn for someone to see it.

You: Isn’t that why you brought me to your side and showed me your vulnerabilities? You’re waiting for someone to see you, the real you.

Wang Jue no longer struggled. I pulled his hands away, seeing that his eyes were already red-rimmed. And this time, it wasn't an act.

Wang Jue: So I don’t want her to leave me.

He let me hold his hands, as if surrendering himself for execution.

Wang Jue: In this world, only Auntie knows my secret, and only you can pass judgment on me.

-

The winding mountain path was muddy and slippery from the rain. After walking back to the secret chamber in the side hall of the palace, Wang Jue was so exhausted that he collapsed to the ground.

I quickly reached out to support his arm, but I couldn’t hold him up. We both slid down the wall and fell to a sitting position on the floor.

You: Your body is so cold. How long were you out in the rain?

I took out my handkerchief to wipe away the rain dripping down his face, but Wang Jue grasped my hand.

Wang Jue: Auntie, don’t go…

Perhaps it was because his body was cold from the rain, or perhaps he couldn’t control his emotions, but the hand gripping mine trembled incessantly.

Only in this cold, enclosed, yet absolutely safe space could he fully release his emotions.

I patted Wang Jue’s arm, wanting him to relax. Just as I was about to get up, Wang Jue grabbed my shoulders with both hands and pinned me against the wall.

Wang Jue: Don’t go!

You: I wasn’t trying to leave. It’s too dark here. I want to light a candle.

Wang Jue: Don’t light it!

I had no choice but to withdraw my hand and stay with him in the darkness.

Wang Jue’s hands dropped down, loosely encircling me but not daring to embrace me tightly. Unable to see anything in the dark, I reached out and touched his cheek.

You: Have you been eating properly these past few days? It feels like you’ve lost weight.

Wang Jue: I can’t eat anything…

Wang Jue’s chin rested on my shoulder, his damp hair brushing against my skin, causing a slight itch. I moved my head away a little.

You: You’re still growing. You need to eat more.

Wang Jue: Auntie already knows what kind of person I am. Are you still treating me like a child?

You: You’re no different from those children who can’t bear to be separated, uh…!

Wang Jue suddenly pulled me close, and I bumped heavily against his shoulder. He pressed against my back, his fingers tracing down my spine.

You: What are you doing!

The coldness of his rain-soaked clothes clearly transmitted through his fingers, making me shiver. I reached out to grab his hand.

But Wang Jue’s fingers had already slipped to my waist, taking the jade pendant I wore there. He clenched the pendant in his palm, the force almost crushing it.

You: Even if you take this pendant, you still won’t be able to keep me if I want to leave.

In the dim light, Wang Jue stared at me with wide eyes. After a long while, he seemed to give up and placed the jade pendant back in my palm.

Wang Jue: If leaving me will make Auntie feel at ease, I won’t force Auntie to stay here.

Wang Jue released my hand, as if adopting an attitude of letting me go freely.

Finally finding a moment of relief, I got up and fumbled in the dark chamber until I found the candlestick and lit it.

The candlelight flickered in the darkness. Unaccustomed to the sudden brightness, I squinted for a long time before I could finally see my surroundings clearly.

The walls that had previously been covered densely by Wang Jue were now bare. The papers that had been pasted there had all been torn off and piled up in a corner.

You: Those calculations you painstakingly worked out? You just threw them away like that?

Wang Jue slowly shook his head.

Wang Jue: My proof is meaningless. The infinite decimals of nine can never become one.

Wang Jue stood alone before the empty wall. He had even personally destroyed the numerical world he had painstakingly built, leaving himself nowhere to take refuge.

You: Your proof was never wrong. The infinite decimals of nine are indeed equal to one.

I found a brush, ink, and paper in the corner of the secret chamber, went over to him, and wrote the formula on the ground. Wang Jue stared at me blankly.

Wang Jue: Auntie has a new solution?

You: I ask you, what is the number between the decimals of nine and one?

Wang Jue: The decimals of one.

You: What about between the infinite decimals of nine and one? Would it be the infinite decimals of one?

Wang Jue: No… Nine continues infinitely. The number in between it and one will never exist.

Speaking to this point, Wang Jue stopped. He seemed to suddenly realize something, and his eyes gradually became clear.

Wang Jue: If there is no number between these two numbers…

You: If no existing number can be found between two numbers, then they are equal.

I completed his unfinished sentence.

You: Even if a person’s emotions are incomplete, as long as they want to infinitely approach those with complete emotions, they will infinitely approach completeness. This is my solution.

I put down the brush and ink. Wang Jue looked at the numbers on the ground, not reacting for a long time.

You: Before leaving, this is what I wanted to say. As for this jade pendant, it should be returned to its rightful owner.

I placed the jade pendant down and got up to leave the secret chamber.

Before I could push open the door of the side hall, I heard a series of stumbling footsteps behind me. In the next instant, someone embraced me from behind.

You: Wang Jue?

I tried to struggle, thinking I could easily break free from his embrace, but one of Wang Jue's hands wrapped around my waist, effortlessly pulling me back until I was pressed against his body.

Our ragged breaths mingled. The rain-soaked, icy bodies warmed with friction, and the carefully suppressed emotions flared up once more.

I almost wanted to mock myself. Wang Jue was no longer a child. He didn't need to feign weakness to hold me captive. How had I grown so accustomed to the way he used to be...?

Wang Jue: If I said that I would learn to get closer to you, would you be willing to wait for me?

Wang Jue buried his head in my shoulder. I couldn't tell if it was rain or tears that dampened my collar.

Wang Jue: I might say the wrong things, do the wrong things. I want to learn to love, want to learn to love you. I learn slowly and clumsily, but I still want to get closer to you.

Wang Jue: So, please, don't leave me...

The act of trying to keep me had turned into a plea. The so-called love was no longer a game of strategy. Whether his heart was broken or incomplete, he had given it to me, all to await an uncertain answer.

The heavy rain stopped. At this moment, there was no need for loud words.

I slowly turned around, transforming the embrace from behind into a mutual holding.

LETTER Y/N: Looking back on my life, it seems I've always lived by wading through blood and stepping over corpses, cautiously maintaining vigilance just to survive until now. For me, the word "love" used to be like the most distant fairy tale, and also like the greatest mockery. But then I met you. Beyond just the word "love," you also taught me and let me experience many emotions I had never known before. These novel feelings made me realize just how ice-cold the world was in which I had managed to survive. I don't know when in the future I will truly understand and learn everything that Auntie has given me. But I will strive to get closer to you, and I will always show you my true self. I only ask you, please don't push me away. Let me get closer, even closer to you. Wang Jue

----

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Wang Jue Gender: Male Birthday: November 11th

At ten, he knew the myriad aspects of the world, his brilliance concealed. Through countless trials of prosperity and decline, he discerned the vast ocean.

-

As the youngest royal descendant of Nancang, Wang Jue received much favor from a young age.

However, Wang Jue was precocious and was not spoiled into a pampered and overbearing character. He devoted all his curiosity to absorbing knowledge, especially excelling in mathematics. Because of this, he surpassed the other royal descendants in his early years, even exceeding the most intelligent Crown Prince Wang Heng, arousing the vigilance of the influential Gao family. The decline of royal power was already a foregone conclusion.

The Gao family of Nancang held immense power, virtually controlling everything, and the weakening of the monarchy was an irreversible trend.

Furthermore, the suspicious death of Crown Prince Wang Heng added insult to injury to Nancang's current situation, further plunging the royal family into the Gao family's control.

Having an overly outstanding child was not a good thing in such a situation. To protect himself, a prince who idly stayed away from the power struggles orchestrated a scheme to have Wang Jue feign illness and publicly announced that Wang Jue's high fever had damaged his mind and that he needed to recuperate in seclusion. The still young Wang Jue understood his father's intentions and took the initiative to play the fool and feign weakness to avoid attention and dispel the Gao family's suspicion.

At that time, Wang Jue did not yet know that this was the beginning of his life's misfortune.

-

To avoid the Gao family's surveillance, Wang Jue mostly stayed within the palace. He refused all his tutors' lessons, sleeping during the day and reading at night, living nocturnally and becoming self-taught.

The deep palace was boring. He thoroughly read the palace's collection of books, which gave him a preliminary understanding of the world, past and present, yet he had never truly set foot in this vast world.

And in his own little world, Wang Jue built a "stage," playing another "Wang Jue" in front of everyone.

This "Wang Jue" was weak, timid, useless, and would shed a few tears at the slightest provocation. The Gao family enjoyed the spectacle, and he, taking pleasure in their "pleasure," diligently honed his acting skills, experiencing a stable yet absurd childhood.

During the long nights, gazing at the starry sky, he would occasionally fantasize about the world outside.

Was there another person in this world also confined to one place? Would that person also be looking at the same starry sky as him?

He experienced intelligence too early, and he also experienced loneliness too early.

The connected sky was vast and boundless, each star with its predetermined orbit, seemingly never to meet.

-

Nancang, being both a coastal island and abundant in rivers and hills, had complex terrain, often requiring surveying for mapmaking. However, Nancang favored selecting officials based on literary skills, and there were not many people skilled in mathematics. Therefore, the surveying and mapping of Nancang progressed slowly, facing repeated delays.

The Ministry of War's Bureau of Cartography cleared out a courtyard specifically for drawing maps. The courtyard was separated from Wang Jue's sleeping quarters by only a wall.

During his aimless strolls, Wang Jue often saw the large sand table set up in the courtyard. The more complex the calculations, the more interested he became. One day, taking advantage of the Bureau of Cartography's rest day, he performed calculations on the sand table, just to relieve boredom.

Within a single day, all the numerical annotations on the sand table were completed. Before Wang Jue could erase the markings, he was unfortunately seen by the Bureau's Director. The Director was greatly shocked and secretly noted down those numbers. He ordered everyone to recalculate Wang Jue's results, and all the numbers were accurate.

The Director immediately thought Wang Jue was a prodigy who had been overlooked and informed the prince. However, after learning of this, the prince, to prevent future trouble, sent assassins to secretly kill the Director.

This was the first time Wang Jue experienced the consequences of not concealing his abilities. His identity and situation could implicate innocent people, even causing their deaths. Taking this as a lesson, Wang Jue, using the excuse of wanting to recuperate in the deep mountains and forests, proactively proposed to the prince that he leave the palace.

-

Calculating destiny is harder than calculating numbers.

During his time away from the palace, Wang Jue distanced himself from those numbers and began to calculate his own destiny.

Although he seemed to have left the royal power struggles, the waves of those power grabs would chase after people. The spray would eventually reach every royal descendant. Instead of passively waiting, it was better to plan ahead to cope with any eventuality.

Thus, Wang Jue secretly studied statecraft, preparing everything for the day he could seize power.

He grew day by day, and that day still arrived, though no one had anticipated that the internal strife would come so quickly.

Nancang, already firmly controlled by the aristocratic families, was torn apart, and members of the royal family perished one after another.

The Gao family only needed a puppet. By some twist of fate, or perhaps it was destiny, he survived the internal chaos in Nancang and became the sole heir to the Nancang royal family.

-

The monarch's throne became his only protective shell.

Wang Jue knew that he was merely a temporary puppet. If he didn't break this situation, the Gao family would continue to infiltrate the court. If things continued like this, he would become an isolated island. At that point, forget about preserving the Nancang royal family; he might even lose his own life.

And by then, the entire Nancang would change dynasties, completely falling into the hands of the Gao family.

This situation reminded Wang Jue of Dacheng. He had heard many things about the people and events of Dacheng. Dacheng's situation was similar to Nancang's, also facing a period of chaos.

In this turbulent world, there was someone else facing a similar predicament as him.

That person was the Princess of Dacheng.

Wanting to find her, perhaps they were similar people.

Such a desire stirred strangely within him. The stars shifted, and two celestial bodies aligned on the correct orbit, awaiting an unknown encounter.

----

CALL - Private Indulgence (私下任性)

Wang Jue: Auntie, I… sob… I've escaped the palace! There are so many people looking for me now! I don't know where to go!

Wang Jue: Okay, I'll speak slowly. I escaped the palace because the crucian carp in today's midday meal had a full ten more fish bones than yesterday's!

Wang Jue: And and, I was chased and pecked by the ducks in the lotus pond, and just now when I blinked, a lash fell out.

Wang Jue: I was so sad, so I ran away.

Wang Jue: Auntie, where are you? Only you can take me in right now.

Wang Jue: Hmm? You say my excuses are all too lame, and I should try another set?

Wang Jue: This is a game that only you and I can share. It seems we've played it too many times, and Auntie is too lazy to humor me anymore.

Wang Jue: If you're tired of it, Auntie can set new rules for the game.

Wang Jue: After all, only you, Auntie, know the real me, the entirety of me.

Wang Jue: Of course, Auntie can decide whether to indulge me or to keep me in check.

Wang Jue: It's just that in front of others, we have to wear 'masks' at all times, without the slightest relaxation.

Wang Jue: So....

Wang Jue: So, I want to be a little more willful in private. Would Auntie still be willing?

----

"TEXT MESSAGES"

Wang Jue: Auntie didn't call me to go to today's banquet with her. =_= You: They were all elderly ministers over fifty. I was afraid you'd feel restrained, so I didn't call you. Wang Jue: Oh… (QAQ) You: What are these strange symbols after your text…? Wang Jue: This is something called mood text that's popular in Nancang recently. Everyone's using it with their letters. Wang Jue: Do you like it, Auntie? You: How should I put it… It's not that I dislike it, but I don't think it can directly replace words… Wang Jue: Indeed, but mood text became popular in Nancang because it has its own cleverness. Wang Jue: If you only look at the words, there are actually many ambiguous ways of saying things that can cause the other person to misunderstand. Wang Jue: But adding mood text can clearly convey the meaning you want to express. You: For example…? Wang Jue: You are really special. =A= Wang Jue: You are really special. ^o^ Wang Jue: Look! Clearly, they are the same words, but adding different mood text completely changes the meaning expressed. You: It really is like that! Wang Jue: This sentence is also what I wanted to say to Auntie! The expression is definitely the second one! Wang Jue: But don't worry, Auntie. Even without adding these mood texts, I won't say anything that could make Auntie misunderstand. Wang Jue: I will always be honest with Auntie, so could Auntie also… Wang Jue: Believe me and try to rely on me a little more each day than the day before?

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YGL Masterlist | Matching Encounter Card

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[thepencilgirlsv]

✨happy 2nd LBFAD anniversary✨

shotout to all the lbfad-enjoyers who celebrate today!

[bellesdiaries]

Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀 (2022) Dongfang Qingcang - best in hair award

[xiaolanhua]

DYLAN WANG as DONGFANG QINGCANG Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀 (2022) – Ep. 9

[tls123]

LOVE BETWEEN FAIRY AND DEVIL / 1.08 — for @v-arbellanaris

[night-rider-lily]

I love these behind the scenes pictures so much.

[xiaohuayaos]

[zefile]

Hello?

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)

#虞书欣王鹤棣亲头发花絮 贴 贴#苍兰诀#虞书欣#王鹤棣 | Love Between Fairy and Devil | iQIYI Romance

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8IhLEKxQls

[aishangotome]

[Encounter] Wang Jue (王珏) - Jacaranda, Branches Full of Jade (蓝楹琼满枝)

Today, Wang Jue invited me to the palace. It seems his promise of "turning over a new leaf" from a few days ago should have yielded some results by now.

Wang Jue chose a secluded and deserted path to lead me through the royal palace. Along the way, there were pavilions and waterside gazebos, fragrant branches leaning against verdant foliage – everywhere was refined spring scenery.

He didn't tell me our destination, only asked me to accompany him.

Wang Jue: Isn't Auntie going to hold my hand?

The warm breath beside me drew a little closer with the gentle tone, as if certain I couldn't refuse.

Wang Jue: If Auntie doesn't hold my hand, I'm afraid I'll get lost and never see Auntie again…

I turned my head away. Getting closer, I suddenly realized Wang Jue seemed to have grown taller.

The gaze from above felt almost tangible, and I took an uneasy half-step back.

You: We're inside the Nancang Royal Palace. How could we get lost in our own home?

The footsteps beside me paused. Puzzled, I saw Wang Jue quickly walk ahead the next moment, then turn to face me.

The wind lifted his forehead hair, brushed over his increasingly defined features, but not a hint of coolness reached me.

Wang Jue: With Auntie here, I won't.

Wang Jue leaned down, as if wanting to take my hand, but in the end, he only smiled and gently rubbed my fingertip.

Wang Jue: As long as Auntie is here…

Wang Jue and I finally arrived at a corner of the royal palace that was filled with blooming jacaranda trees.

Jacarandas thrive in moist and warm climates and have tall canopies. The jacaranda grove in the courtyard leaned against a deserted palace, its crown covering the rooftops.

Wang Jue: Auntie, wait for me for a moment.

Wang Jue walked through the swirling, mauve-colored petals and disappeared from view. I waited for a while but still felt a little uneasy.

You: Xiao Jue? Wang Jue? Wang Jue?!

I called out several times, but no one answered. I stopped waiting and used light footwork to head towards the rooftop.

A refined and bright young man with a slender figure sat with his knees drawn up on the eave. Beneath him stretched a flower path formed by sand, pebbles, and clusters of vibrant blossoms.

Wang Jue: Auntie was worried about me.

Wang Jue's tone was certain. His mauve eyes were now filled with a clear smile, like a jacaranda blossom delicately holding dew.

This time, sitting there, he had finally waited for the person he had long yearned for.

Wang Jue: I like Auntie…

The hand reaching out was gently held. Wang Jue softly but firmly supported my body, giving me the safest point of leverage.

Wang Jue: I like Auntie worrying about me, like Auntie searching for me, like Auntie being here with me.

Wang Jue: It's as if I will always be your closest person.

The restraint around my waist tightened suddenly. In the dizzying shift, I closed my eyes, letting inertia push me into his embrace.

Wang Jue: Hah…

The sensation beneath me was soft and warm, and my eyelashes were gently brushed by his breath.

I opened my eyes and saw Wang Jue holding me amidst the falling flowers, smiling as he cushioned me beneath him.

You: Aren't you going to let go?

Wang Jue: It's been so long since I've seen Auntie. I've only held you for a moment, and Auntie already wants to push me away…

Wang Jue obediently moved his arms away, but his hands still hovered at my waist, maintaining a distance that allowed him to regain control at any time.

Wang Jue: Does Auntie not like the flowers here? Or does Auntie not like me?

You: You went to all this trouble to bring me here just to look at flowers?

I impatiently straightened my arm and placed it against his chest, deliberately ignoring the second half of his question under his intense gaze.

Seeming not to have received a satisfactory answer, Wang Jue supported himself with his hands behind him and leaned up slightly, drawing close to me again until I could feel his breath.

And my gaze fell from his eyes to his lips.

Wang Jue: Auntie noticed just now too, didn't you… I've grown taller.

In the extremely close distance, the resonance in his chest was even clearer, and Wang Jue's voice also lowered.

He had already noticed my momentary unease, and now he was no longer willing to hide it from me.

But in our relationship, one of us always had to take the initiative to conceal things for it to fit the "rules of the game."

You: Yes, you have indeed grown taller…

I changed the subject, deliberately speaking in a rambling manner.

You: How are your studies going? Do you eat properly every day? Is there someone you like? You child, you never even think to visit the Dacheng Royal Palace during the holidays to say hello…

Wang Jue: Yes.

Wang Jue lowered his head, his eyes filled with warmth, inch by inch erasing my attempt to conceal my feelings.

You: …Yes, what?

Wang Jue: I said there is someone I like. Doesn't Auntie know?

I couldn't help but hold my breath, raising my eyes to clearly see his eager anticipation. Was this another carefully prepared prank, or…?

Seeing my blank expression, Wang Jue tilted his head, smiling somewhat troubledly, yet also looking like he was plotting something.

Wang Jue: I like her very much, so much that even after being separated from her for many days, I think of her day and night.

Wang Jue: So much that after a long separation and reunion, I would bring her to see the scenery I like, and then couldn't help but want to be close to her… Does Auntie want to know who that person is?

He slowly leaned down towards me, the smile on his face fading along with the deliberately paused words. In the face of some startling emotion, I instinctively retorted.

You: I don't want to…

Wang Jue: But Auntie already knows.

Wang Jue: Knows that I have someone in my heart, and knows who I am devoted to.

Wang Jue looked steadily at me, the falling petals losing their color before his mauve eyes. He didn't say "love" again, but carefully and cherishly said "devoted."

As if sensing my slight panic, the person before me shrugged and smiled again nonchalantly.

Wang Jue: Besides growing taller, does Auntie have any other discoveries?

Wang Jue's gaze was so close that I couldn't avoid it, so I could only reach out and touch his face.

We had only spent a few months together. Even in a young person's most vigorous growth period, it was difficult to discern any obvious difference.

But as I traced Wang Jue's features one by one, I could still sense a hint of spirited sharpness in the curves that moved under my palm.

Wang Jue: Auntie.

I didn't know when, but Wang Jue was now looking intently at me with a serious expression. Only then did I realize that my act of touching him seemed to have lasted a little too long.

You: Not only have you grown taller, but you've also matured.

You: And… your acting skills are getting worse and worse.

I raised my eyebrows, deliberately drawing out my words, wanting to win back a round in this conversation that couldn't really be called a game.

Wang Jue: Acting skills? I only show my true feelings to Auntie; I'm not acting.

Wang Jue flatly denied it, effortlessly closing the distance I had tried to create.

You: Just now, deliberately hiding and waiting for me to look for you on the rooftop – was that also your true feelings?

Wang Jue: Yes, because I wanted to hug Auntie.

Wang Jue answered so quickly that I was speechless again. I simply started "bringing up old grievances" from when I first met Wang Jue, finally making him concede.

Wang Jue: Alright, alright, I admit that sometimes I was indeed acting.

Wang Jue: But… since Auntie has already noticed that I was acting before, why did you still cooperate with me?

You: .....!

Wang Jue: Accepting my embrace, going along with my answer about the person I like, and even now staying in my arms.

Wang Jue: Look… I didn't stop you from leaving.

He lowered his eyes, gesturing for me to look at his hands, which had never touched me from beginning to end. His expression was one of unprecedented calmness and certainty.

Wang Jue: Auntie likes this game too, doesn't she… this game that can only be played with me.

An indescribable tingling sensation spread through my limbs. I instinctively felt that a more dangerous and more honest side of Wang Jue was revealing itself to me.

And I couldn't just sit idly by.

You: Defeating someone in the game they are best at is the most interesting thing, isn't it?

You: Just like now, you are becoming less and less like yourself, or rather… is the current you the "real" you?

I met Wang Jue's gaze meaningfully, revealing something even he hadn't noticed.

You: Wang Jue, you have done what you promised me.

Wang Jue didn't speak, and after a long while, he smiled softly.

Wang Jue: Auntie, would you like to look at the scenery with me and listen to a somewhat boring story?

I followed his gaze forward. The nearby royal palace shone with gold and jade, while in the distance, the hazy curves of the Nancang River and mountains could faintly be seen.

Looking down from a high vantage point, as if everything was under control, this place was indeed a good place for solitary contemplation.

After an unknown amount of time, the person beside me spoke softly.

Wang Jue: …From childhood to adulthood, 'Wang Jue' has had very little.

Wang Jue: Things he was born with would disappear, books he read had to be returned, and things given to 'him' were originally not what 'he' wanted.

At this moment, Wang Jue was like an observer of himself, his tone objective, even a bit cold.

And his words, rather than a heartfelt outpouring, were more like an analysis and narration of himself stripped of all emotion.

Wang Jue: But this rooftop is the only place 'he' truly cherishes. It's a place where 'he' can briefly give up acting and truly be himself.

You: Won't everyone find it suspicious that 'he' comes here?

Wang Jue: 'He' would secretly come here by playing hide-and-seek with the palace servants, and afterwards deliberately return to the side hall looking disheveled, crying and saying that he got lost in the palace.

Wang Jue: He would also add one hundred and one ways he embarrassed himself… including but not limited to falling into the pond, bumping into trees, being pecked by birds and then running half the palace fighting with the birds.

Wang Jue: Everyone enjoyed seeing 'him', this fool, embarrass himself, so this "hide-and-seek" was a game that everyone enjoyed.

Wang Jue paused, his gaze returning from the distance to me once more.

Wang Jue: …It's also the game I'm best at.

I knew that at this moment, he had returned to the young man who, in his own words, endured everything just to gain a moment's respite.

If I could… I hoped he wouldn't have to be that 'Wang Jue'.

You: Wang Jue, I've taken your hand. You won't get lost again in the future.

I took Wang Jue's hand, responding to the missed hand-holding from just now and to every instance in the past when he hadn't received it.

The force with which his fingers tightened increased for a moment. The jade thumb ring on Wang Jue's hand lay between us, leaving a deep imprint.

Wang Jue: Now I have given you all of myself, and I ask for nothing in return.

Wang Jue: I will resolve all the problems in Nancang and will forever be your ally, using the full power of Nancang to help you.

The mauve eyes no longer held any tears, their clear depths reflecting a brilliance surpassing even the flower clusters and misty clouds.

Wang Jue: At that time, Nancang will no longer have any haze, and we will enjoy a true scene of gentle breeze and clear blue skies together.

Wang Jue's tone was more serious than ever before, even a bit obsessive.

Afterwards, he took off the thumb ring symbolizing the Nancang monarchy, took my hand, and slowly slipped it onto my finger.

--Clearly it didn't fit, clearly it was too loose, yet he insisted on holding my hand tightly, firmly fixing the ring on my finger.

I shook my head and placed the thumb ring back on Wang Jue's finger.

The person before me froze instantly, a look between laughter and tears on his face. All the pretense, the real and the fake, no longer needed to be acted out in this gesture of implied refusal.

He avoided my gaze, a somewhat wistful expression on his face.

You: The true gentle breeze and clear blue skies… I have already admired them.

I smiled and cupped Wang Jue's face, gazing intently into his mauve eyes, taking in all the astonishment, surprise, and the stirrings I hadn't had time to hide.

You: As for the rest, I believe it's only a matter of time.

You: I believe you can achieve your goals, just as you once traveled thousands of miles to seek me out and believe in me.

I wanted Wang Jue to know that the trust between us transcended boundless rivers and mountains, stronger than the hardest metal, never needing any external proof.

I waited patiently for Wang Jue's response, but in the end, I was only pulled tightly into his embrace and leaned backward.

You: .....Wang Jue!

Wang Jue: I want to give you something better.

You: I'm not saying the thumb ring is bad…

Wang Jue: I know, but you deserve the best.

I struggled slightly but was restrained by the arms that tightened around my waist again. His heartbeat grew faster and faster, almost out of control.

Wang Jue: …Don't move.

Wang Jue: Right now, I want more than just to hold you.

The breath above my head was suppressed yet intense. I dared not move again, passively feeling the sharp angles of his "growth" stirring throughout his body.

You: Wang Jue, let go of me first…

Wang Jue lowered his head at my words. I wanted to look at him, but I could only see his Adam's apple bob violently.

Wang Jue: …Tired. Stay with me for a while.

Wang Jue paid no attention, simply pressing the back of my head and pushing me into his embrace.

The thumb ring moved clumsily and erratically across my skin. The roof tiles beneath me were jagged, and I had nowhere to escape, so I could only lean closer to him in exchange for softer, warmer contact.

Wang Jue: Do you remember what I said just now… I like… Promise you, at least for now I won't call you Auntie anymore. In the future…

The skin behind my ear and down to my neck felt swollen and stinging. I thought that area must already be red.

Only when all the restlessness dissolved in the spring air did I close my eyes peacefully and lie down beside him.

...

Wang Jue: Y/N.

The touch on my lips was gentle and soft, like the weight of a falling jacaranda blossom, blocking the words I intended to use to correct his address.

Wang Jue: Those skilled in calculation often use clever and simple operations to arrive at an answer in a short time. And while the solutions vary endlessly, the answer remains the same.

Wang Jue: In the future, I want to use the method of exhaustive enumeration to solve the answer, taking a long time, eliminating all other possibilities…

Wang Jue: Walking towards the end of all answers, walking towards your side.

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.

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YGL Masterlist

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[redvelvetpanda]

Mountain and Moon Festival gift exchange!! XLH and DFQC out for a day of shopping!

For the wonderful @oliverboliverbutts!! I owe you two more questions and I will definitely finish this sketch later on!!!!

[bellesdiaries]

dongfang qingcang - episode 26 wearing full-fledged hearteyes for xiao lanhua

[xiaolanhua]

DYLAN WANG as DONGFANG QINGCANG Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀 (2022) – Ep. 28

[glorious-sunset]

Character Names in LBFAD – Meaning and Significance

What’s in a name? For the characters of LBFAD (Love Between Fairy and Devil), a whole lot of hidden meanings! These are not apparent to English viewers. Here are my translations and interpretations of these meanings.

DongFang Qing Cang - 东方青苍: “East, Cyan, Dark blue”

The surname “DongFang” means East, the direction of the rising sun. Both Dongfang Qingcang’s (DFQC) personal terrace at Silent Moon Palace and the replica Arbiter Hall he built for Xiao Lanhua (XLH) face East, and capture the most beautiful sunrises. DFQC (and previous generations of DongFangs) are well-respected by their people and enjoy the best locations and residences in Cangyan Sea.

The “Cang” in DFQC was named for his realm, “Cang” Yan Sea, as he was expected to be its leader and follow the path set for him by his father, and Lady Yan before him. Lady Yan chose to rid herself of emotions in order to wield Hellfire, and DFQC’s father forced the same decision onto him. The hanzi (mandarin character) for “Cang” in DFQC and Cangyan Sea means dark blue, and the darkness of this colour represents the darkness of the path he was expected to follow.

But “Cang” is not the only colour in DFQC’s name! The “Qing” in his name means lighter shades of blue/green, or cyan. And despite his prescribed mission to emotionlessly conquer the three realms, DFQC has many lighter, more peaceful shades to his character that reveal themselves as the series progresses. He forms a friendship and brotherhood with his enemy Changheng, who shares with him a love of playing music, art and cuju! And he rises above the cruel dictator of Shuiyuntian who almost annihilated his people, by sending his people to aid Shuiyuntian.

(The aurora borealis in Cangyan Sea is also cyan and dark blue :D DFQC might have been named for this as well as for Cangyan Sea!)

Xiao Lan Hua - 小兰花: “Little Orchid Flower”

We are first introduced to our female lead as “Xiao Lanhua”, which is not a name, but a description of what she believes her true form to be, a little orchid flower. But this was a disguise given to her by her parents and upheld by Siming. Her real name is Xiyun.

Xi Yun - 息芸: “Every breath”

The character for “Xi” in XLH’s true name is the same as the “Xi” in her realm, “Xishan”, and means breath (of life). Just like DFQC, she is named for her realm, as she was the intended leader of Xishan as its Goddess. The Xilan tribe of Xishan had powerful healing magics, and hers is the most powerful of all, with the ability to resurrect the dead with her blood, thus providing the breath of life. She uses this to great effect, resurrecting DFQC in ep. 26, everyone who died on the battlefield in ep. 31, and freeing the 100,000 sealed soldiers of the Moon Tribe.

The “Yun” in her name meaning every, combined with “Xi” can be interpreted as “every breath”. Sadly, XLH’s every breath is for one purpose and brings her closer to her one destiny. She is fated to sacrifice herself to save the three realms from Taisui. If this had happened, then like Lady Chidi before her, her sacrifice would soon have been forgotten.

Chi Di - 赤地: “Red/Barren Earth”

The “Chi” in Lady Chidi’s name means red, and paired with “Di” meaning earth, can also mean barren earth. She is the only official in Shuiyuntian seen wearing Red, as even the current God of War, Changheng, conforms to the same white and pale blue robes that other officials wear. Chidi is therefore a standout who asserts her individuality and does not conform to expectations. Her way of thinking outside the box, led to DFQC and his 100,000 Moon Tribe soldiers being completely blindsided by her sacrifice 30,000 years ago. It also led to her breaking heaven’s laws to resurrect Ronghao, to her later detriment.

Chidi wields powerful earth magics, as represented by her name. These are so powerful that she is able to seal the 100,000 soldiers of the Moon Tribe within the barren earth of Xuanxu realm. Her mighty Shuofeng sword is also swallowed by the barren earth and her magic cannot be reversed without her primordial spirit.

Xun Feng - 巽风: “Obedient wind”

The “Xun” in Xunfeng means to obey, and the “Feng” means wind. His name can be interpreted as either “obedient to the wind” or an “obedient wind”. Like the wind, Xunfeng lacks substance, confidence and ability, and is disrespected by his people during DFQC’s imprisonment. Many contenders try to steal his position as Moon Supreme, and he almost dies on the Wind Plain until DFQC arrives to save him.

But Xunfeng cares fiercely for his people. In his attempt to protect them, he collaborates with Ronghao without knowing his identity or motivations. He is thus “obedient to the wind” where Ronghao is an unknown and unseen entity, like the wind. Xunfeng is unable to discern that Ronghao is keeping Cangyan Sea in a constant state of civil unrest and tormenting the souls of deceased Moon Tribe members until much later, with DFQC’s help!

Shang Que - 觞阙: “Watchtower”

“Que” meaning watchtower is an apt description for DFQC’s lieutenant and right-hand man. Shangque has many talents suiting him to this role! These include his ability to be stealthy, gather information discreetly, undertake covert missions successfully, act as a powerful defensive force, and a healing one due to his skill with Chinese medicine. Like a watchtower, he kept watch for 30,000 years during DFQC’s absence on all events occurring within the three realms. His loyalty and love for DFQC, whom he views as a brother and whose return he awaited for 30,000 years, are astounding!

 “Shang” paired with “Que” can mean lacking sustenance. This is the state Shangque was in when orphaned as a young boy, and many tried to take advantage of him and his dragon body. If not for DFQC saving him, he would likely have perished from hunger or been murdered :(

Jie Li - 结黎: “Dark knot”

Jieli suffers from much internal torment which is like a dark knot inside her. From the moment she was born, she never knew or received love, and was raised by people who continually exploited her, physically harming her and threatening her life. That she is even capable of loving and caring for others is a miracle! Unlike Shangque, nobody like DFQC ever stepped in to save her and care for her.

Jieli cares deeply for both XLH and Shangque. Her life under threat, she makes some bad choices such as spilling a drop of Chidi’s blood onto the Bone Orchid. This is one of many dark and knotty situations she encounters. Although she soon decides she would rather die than hurt XLH, Dieyi poisons Shangque to force her obedience.

Yun Zhong - 云中: “Among the clouds”

Yunzhong literally lives among the clouds, but his head is also in the clouds. He is very narrow-minded and cannot think outside the box. When XLH does not fit within the eight-class system of Shuiyuntian, he immediately decides she is Moon Tribe (even before the Bone Orchid protects her) without considering other possibilities. He is so strict with Changheng that he would rather execute the most powerful asset to Shuiyuntian (and his brother!!) than tolerate the slightest disobedience! Throughout the series, he is intent on exterminating the Moon Tribe and almost does in ep. 31 on completely false pretences.

Chang Heng - 长珩: “Steadfast bird”

Like the golden bird brooches that the celestials wear to represent their tribe, Changheng is a model citizen of Shuiyuntian. He is steadfast and loyal to his duties and puts these above his personal desires. When trying to rescue XLH from Cangyan Sea in ep. 13, he is honest with her that he cannot break the rules of Shuiyuntian, and only hopes that Yunzhong will be reasonable and lenient towards her! Changheng is far more steadfast and loyal than the average celestial. He is the only one apart from Ronghao to visit Chidi’s grave on her death anniversary, honours his brotherhood with DFQC after returning to the immortal world, and after learning Ronghao’s secret identity, listens to his side of the story.

Dan Yin - 丹音: “Crimson tidings”

Twice, Danyin is the bearer of important news, relaying her visions from the Tianji mirror to the sacrifice of her own desires. First, she tells a wounded and imprisoned Changheng about his wedding to XLH in the mortal realm, causing him to start a mortal tribulation. Then, she tells Yunzhong and the High Council about XLH’s true identity as the Goddess, saving Changheng from execution and leading to his wedding with XLH.

Rong Hao - 容昊: “Vastly compromising”

Ronghao has “one tiny earthly desire”, that his beloved master can live. What he is prepared to do to achieve this includes burning the souls of dead celestials and Moon tribe, massacring the entire Xilan population including their women and children, forcing his master to endure 30,000 years of cruel mortal tribulations and using evil qi to keep her alive. His willingness to vastly compromise both himself and her leaves Lady Chidi aghast.

Die Yi - 蝶衣: “Butterfly costume”

Dieyi is a shape-shifter and the different forms she takes, butterfly or woman, are her costumes, which help her to be sneaky and nefarious.

Xie Wanqing - 谢惋卿: “Withering sigh”

Having forgotten her life as Lady Chidi, Xie Wanqing feels incomplete without knowing why, expressed by her sad sighs. Chidi is forced to endure countless mortal tribulations just like this one and die (wither) repeatedly. In each of these lives she is condemned to be murdered by the one she loves!

Xiao Run - 萧润: “Mournful wealth”

Both Xiao Run and his true self as Changheng come from positions of wealth and noble status. But both of them mourn the loss of freedom that comes from this – although Xiao Run is more of a carefree rebel! :D

Si Ming - 司命: “Arbiter of fate”

Using the power of her position as Arbiter of Fate, Siming has repeatedly defied heaven’s laws and changed fate! She resurrects Ronghao as an immortal, creating a new destiny leaf for him. She released the convicted dragon Chang Yuan and married him. And she instructs DFQC on how to also defy nature’s laws and change destiny! :D

Chang Yuan - 长渊 “Steadfast abyss”

He is the deep abyss that Siming falls into, as in choosing him, she accepts the fate of being imprisoned with him in the Ruins of Myriad Heavens for the rest of eternity. But at least he is steadfastly loyal to her.

Tai Sui - 太岁: “Very Ancient”

This most ancient of tricksters could not be defeated by numerous generations of Goddesses, who merely sealed him beneath Xishan. Over his very long life spanning hundreds of millenia, he has learned to tell whatever lies are needed to manipulate others and ensure his survival.

Here is a link to my article: Location Names in LBFAD – Meaning and Significance

All of my LBFAD articles can be viewed with the tag #lbfad reflections (hyperlinked) and the table of contents to these is here.

[deiaiko]

My Secret Santa gift for @yasrathecat. Hope you liked it <3

Prompts:

- AU where Yasratcha survives and while still struggling to move on from the past, the feeling of Christmas bring him joy even if he doesn't want to admit it and help him find new purposes in life, with happy ending, with a bit of romcom - Rak & Bam & Khun; fighting together or struggling but together in a cold snowy place, heartwarming feeling - Yama/Yas; snowball fight

[xiaohuayaos]

🤯<< Xiao Run