hami-gua

[hami-gua]

Bloodborne looking ass. Monster hunter has a chokehold on me ever since launch. And the update! Hello??? The Zoh Shia set? The mizutsune set? I must have them.

Bonus:

[hami-gua]

My latest cdrama obsession is Flourished Peony (I can't get it out of my head it's actually really sweet and a little more historically accurate). I have three possible groups, but I can't make up my mind about it (I originally had this in mind only for Xianzhou trio, but realized other trios have more possibilities). If you haven't watched the cdrama, highly recommend (or look up a summary if you don't want to watch it). And within the trio, one of them isn't a romantic interest (it'll be explained in the story dw).

[hami-gua]

亲爱的将军 第三篇 Dear Beloved General Ch.3

I wrote this before Christmas and never really had the time to post it. Very minimal Chinese in this chapter.

Please read to the end for any explanations, references, questions, etc.

<上 下>

By the time you had arrived at the palace, the sun was starting to set. You looked out the window as more and more the lamps passing by. Then, you see the doors of the gate pass by. I that brief glance, you took note of the taotie lions engraved upon the gate. With the moments that followed, you see many people running around with their backs turned towards you. All you can see were women wearing red yuanlings and hats with lowered flaps adorned with flowers and pearls — all who seemed to by walking to where you could only assume is the castle. The carriage suddenly stops and you find yourself staring at a corridor afar. Turning you head, you see the attendant drawing back the curtains as Jing Yuan says, “We’re home!”

            Getting up, he hops out of the carriage as you follow suit. When your feet lands on the ground, you are immediately met with a looming castle. A gentle tug snaps you out of your daze. You look over to see Jing Yuan looking at you with a smile.

            “Come on! Let’s go! Mother is eagerly awaiting us!”

            “How…” you trailed off, finding yourself at a loss for words. Jing Yuan only giggles at your current state of mind as he drags you to the doors where a woman dressed in gentle hues of blue and purple with a silver coronet surrounded by various flowers stood, chatting with the general.

            “娘！” [Mother!]  Jing Yuan called out excitedly. The woman turned towards him with a smile and with open arms as Jing Yuan let go of your wrist to run to her. And upon reaching her, he jumps into her arms to which is mother in turn wraps him up in a tight hug.

            “I am happy to see that you’ve returned safe,” his mother said as he relaxes into the embrace. You merely glanced at them awkwardly, fidgeting with your fingers while debating on what to do. As if sensing your predicament, Jing Yuan’s mother breaks free from the embrace and looks at you with a gentle gaze.

            “And who might you be?” She asks.

            “She is—” the general started but he is promptly cut off when Jing Yuan’s mother shoots him a look. He clears his throat and merely stands back as Jing Yuan excitedly chimes in, “Father and I found her alone and knocked in a field. Then father said we should bring her back and now she’s here!”

            Did he just… In his excitement, Jing Yuan forgot many important details which made his explanation come out very… peculiar.

            Jing Yuan’s mother merely cleared her throat and looked at him with a teasing smile, “I love your enthusiasm dear, but might we not explain others in a way that makes them sound like lost cats?”

            Hearing his mother say that, Jing Yuan’s eyes widen until they were as big as bowls. He looks at her and then to you, then back to her and back to you again.

            “I’m sorry!” He apologizes.

You only smile in return, “You’re fine. I’m honestly more surprised that you likened me to a cat.”

Hearing that, Jing Yuan’s face looked as if it had boiled through. From his neck up to his ears, his whole head was a bright red. Upon seeing his expression, both his mother and the general burst out into laughing fits. Jing Yuan looked at them unimpressed, face still flushed. You, on the other hand, bit your lips to prevent a laugh from escaping — even going as far as pinching yourself to ensure that the laugh never escapes.

After they had calmed down, his mother held out a hand and beckoned you closer as she asked, “What is your name?”

“Yu Ming,” you answered.

“Oh! That’s a rather beautiful name! And who gave you that name?”

“Jing Yuan did madam.”

Jing Yuan’s mother looked back at Jing Yuan in surprise before turning back towards you.

“What happened to your old name?”

“I don’t remember my old name, ma’am.”

His mother’s hand enclosed yours. You feel the warmth emanating from her palms as she says, “There’s no need to call me ma’am. That’s too formal. Call me Auntie Liu instead.”

You said not a word, merely nodding in reply. Auntie Liu smiles a little wider whilst patting your hand, “From now on, this place is your home for as long as you wish.”

Right as she finishes her sentence, you feel your heart swell with warmth. A… home. Something you feared you would never have. And as she leads you into the castle, you feel that fear dissipate with the settled sun.

·～。景 。～·

            Upon hearing that you have not eaten dinner yet, Auntie Liu was quick to have the maids warm up some food. And when the food is served, you began filling your bowl with various dishes and proceeded to scarf them down after. Both the general and Jing Yuan were launched into fretting over you, telling you to slow down — only for their words to go in one ear and out the other. Auntie Liu merely sat next to you, giggling at their feeble attempt to get you to eat slower. When you had finally calmed down, Auntie Liu passed you a cup of tea while gently patting your back.

            “You must eat slowly dear child. Eating too fast will upset your stomach. And you needn’t worry about not eating enough. There’ll still be food for you tomorrow.”

            You nod as you finish your cup of tea. Auntie Liu stands up to which you follow too. She leads you into a separate room that houses a canopy-like bed, a vanity and wardrobe.

            “This was our guest room, but since you are staying with us, I am making this area yours. Permanently.”

            You hesitantly take a step in. Auntie Liu smile and enters the room as well. Taking your hand, she gently leads you to the bed and helps you up, then helps you take your shoes off and places them neatly below your feet. Slowly, she helps you out of your outer wear and helps loosen your hair before helping you into bed. You laid down on the bed as your neck rests upon a curbed ornate porcelain pillow. Helping you pull the covers over you, Auntie Liu bids you good night and blows out the candles, leaving once the room is thrown into darkness. You lay there, thinking about all that has happened today. And as you drift off to sleep, you could hardly wait for tomorrow.

            When you awoke the next day, you were greeted by open doors and an aroma of fresh, warm, food. Instantly, you jump up and out of bed right as a figure walked into the room. You jump in surprise when you hear an unfamiliar voice around your age speak, “M-my lady! Please let me help you!”

            You turned to see a girl with fox ears and dulled bluish hair standing near the door, holding onto folded clothes of a light red with slight hues of pink, and another of a light-yellow nearing white. The girl hurries in front of you and hastily places the clothes on the unmade bed. Taking the light red one, she has you hold out your arm and slips it on. Then she wraps the light yellow one around you and secures it around your waist. Gently taking a hold of your shoulders, she leads you to sit in front of your vanity and has you sit. She then takes a comb and begins doing your hair, combing and tying off where she needs. And as she worked, you asked, “I haven’t gotten a change to know of your name.”

            As she wraps your hair into a bun and applying beeswax to your hair, she replies, “This one’s name is Yukong.”

            “Yukong…” you murmured, testing her name.

            “From today onwards, I am to serve you — as instructed by madam Liu.”

            Once Yukong was done, she helped you out from your seat and led you to where you could only assume is your study. As the two of you entered, you spot a table full of food. Quickly, you approach it and sat down.

            “Madam told me about how you ate yesterday. She had the kitchen staff prepare all of these for you.”

            “But… what if I can’t finish?”

            “Ah, no worries. Madam said to save them for later if you can’t finish them. She just wants you to eat as much as you can.”

            You sat there still, not touching your chopsticks nor the spoon. Yukong looked at you then at the table in confusion.

            “My lady?”

            “Hm?”

            “Is… there something wrong?”

            “Not really. I’m just waiting for you to sit so we can eat together.”

            Yukong only smiles as she says, “Us servant already ate. We eat separate from others.”

            Your mouth forms an ‘o’ as heat crawls up your spine in embarrassment.

            “S-sorry. I didn’t know.”

            “That is alright. Now why don’t you eat, my lady. Madam is thinking about starting your lessons today.”

            Getting all excited, you ate as much as you can, wanting to be ready for whatever Auntie Liu wanted to teach you. Watching you scarf down your food, Yukong finally understood what Jing Yuan meant when he ran into her earlier. And then on, you got another soul that frets over just how quickly you were eating.

            “My lady! Please remember what madam told you!”

            “Huh? Oh right! Oops. Hehe…”

Yuanling or rather yuanling pao is a robe with origins from the middle east. It started becoming popular in China around late Sui and lasted until about Song dynasty. This garment is worn by both men and women of all classes, with Song female officials wearing yuanling pao adorned with embroidery and pearls.

If I made a basic Song dynasty pdf (or something alike) to help you guys better understand the story, would you guys read it? Or would you want it in general?

[hami-gua]

圣诞节快乐！

啊啊啊！！！ 谢谢！

祝你圣诞节快乐！

[hami-gua]

I just need to know: Does anyone write their fics long hand? Like on paper?

and

Do you guys ever just write in print one second only to write in cursive the next? (for those who don't write in a mixture of both)

I so bored and feeling unwell 🥲

[hami-gua]

亲爱的将军 第二篇 Dear Beloved General Ch. 2

My brain went bye-lingual...

Warning: Not proof read, Chinese (translation provided)

It has been a week since Jing Yuan’s father has found you. The battle has ended, thus leading to everyone in the camp running around to help pack things for those who will be journeying back. You busied around the medical tent, having nothing to pack. And as you are putting away the rolls of bandages, a small figure pops into the tent. Creeping closer to you, his arms are held up high and when he got to you, his hands clap down on your shoulder — sending your heart leaping in terror while a scream is stuck in your throat. With furrowed brows and down-turned lips, you spin on your knees to face a grinning Jing Yuan.

            “Heh! I got you good, didn’t I?”

            “You had me thinking an enemy managed to sneak in undetected,” you huff.

            “Aww~ I didn’t mean to scare you that bad,” Jing Yuan teased.

            Yet when you look into his eyes, you do see sincere apologies hidden in those golden irises of his.

            “What are you here for? I doubt you came in her just to scare me.”

            His eyes glimmered neath the fabric filtered sunlight.

            “Right! I came here to tell you that you’ll be in the same carriage as I!”

            You blinked at him with confusion, “Do you not ride in the same carriage as your father?”

            Jing Yuan shook his head, “No. He says it’s unwise to do so. Something about being easily ambushed.”

            “But we’re all going in a line, no? That’s what I heard a maid say.”

            “I don’t know. Adult stuff is complicated.”

            You nodded, agreeing with him.

            “Did your father tell you when we are leaving?”

            He nods, the pale strands bobbing as he does so.

            “爹爹说我们会早吃晚饭。等太阳躲在山后，我们就出发。“ [Dad said we will eat dinner early. And when the sun hides behind the mountain, then we will leave.]

            Right on cue, a voice calls for dinner, making Jing Yuan jump to his feet and offers a hand to you. You take it and he hoists you up. He proceeds to drag you out of the tent and towards where food is being served. Letting go of your hand, he takes a bowl filled with soup and hands it to you. You take it with a smile as a ‘thank you’ tumbles from your lips — to which he shyly replies to you, his cheeks reddening despite the warm air.

            This didn’t go unnoticed by his father, who only sighs and smiles. He prays to the gods silently to allow your relationship to flourish.

·～。景  。～·

            As the sun sets behind the mountain, Jing Yuan climbs into the carriage. He turns and helps you up as well. His attendant follows behind the two of you, securing the silken flap as the both of you sat down. The carriage started moving and you peeked out the window, watching the tree move past.

            “How long is the way back going to be?” you asked.

            “If there’s no hitch, then maybe a day. If we have to stop for any reason, it might take two,” Jing Yuan answered honestly, while fumbling with a lock puzzle.

            A hum was your only response as you sat back and leaned against Jing Yuan. After a bit, you started nodding off before your eyes slipped shut and you drifted into slumber.

·～。景 。～·

            By the time you woke up, both Jing Yuan and his attendant are fast asleep. Jing Yuan’s head is leaning against yours; the puzzle lay forgotten on his lap. A blanket covers the two of you. The warmth radiating from him makes you snuggle closer to him, trying to escape from the cold bite of the midnight air. You began staring into space as you wonder about who you are. What your past life was like before slumber. The camellia flowers… Could I be? Fairies aren’t unheard of. You hear the chatters from the maids throughout the camp, talking about how the general’s wife is a fairy. You wanted to ask about it but decided against it since you didn’t want to anger the general should he find out.

            A sudden movement from beside you nearly sent you onto the ground in front of you — if it wasn’t for a hand latching onto your wrist. Hearing a groan, you turn to face Jing Yuan rubbing his eyes. As he yawns, he asks, “What time is it?”

            “I don’t know. Maybe a little past midnight,” you whispered, glancing at the sleeping attendant.

            Slowly blinking, his mind tries to catch up with the present. He takes notice of how dark it is. Just then, a gust drifts by, flowing through the window, causing you to shiver violently. Feeling your trembling form, his arms automatically wrap around you as he looks at you with concern.

            “Are you okay? Do you want to borrow my robe?”

            “No, I’m good now. The blanket is more than enough.”

            Without a word, he shrugs off his side of the blanket and proceeds to wrap you in it until you look like a swaddled newborn. Albeit more clumsily.

            “Uh… was wrapping me necessary?”

            “I figured it would be better. This way the wind has a lower chance of getting to you!”

            You clutched the blanket closer as you look at him with a smile.

            “Thank you. But aren’t you going to get cold?”

            He shook his head, “Nope. I’ll be fine.”

            He glances out the window before turning back towards you, “You should go back to sleep. We still have a while before we even reach the city.”

            You merely nod as you curl against Jing Yuan.

            “Are you sure you’re comfortable like this? My neck usually strains if I sleep like that for too long.”

            You sat there thinking until your eyes land on his lap. Taking the puzzle and placing it next to him, you lay your head on his lap. Your actions caused Jing Yuan’s face to light up red as he stuttered, “这这这 — 这不好吧?！“ {T-t-t-this isn’t ideal is it?!”

            You turned your head to look up at him.

            “那怎么样才好？“ [Then which away is better?”]

            “我坐过去一点，你就躺在座位上。“ [I’ll move over a bit, and you can lay on the seat.”

            “Getting caught off guard, Jing Yuan could only open and close his mouth before softly grumbling, “好吧。你赢了。快睡吧。”

            Smiling, you turn back towards the front as your eyes slip shut. Upon feeling your breathing slow to a lax and even state, Jing Yuan looks out towards the window and at the trees illuminated by the bright moonlight.

·～。景 。～·

            Shouts and calls stirs you awake. Blinking the sleepiness away, you were met with radiant sunlight in the carriage. The next thing you notice is the feeling of someone playing with your hair. A whine leaves your throat as the hand stops playing with your hair.

            “Good morning, sleepy head,” Jing Yuan chirped happily.

            “Good morning to you too.”

            You stretched while yawning, a smell drifts by, sending your stomach grumbling. You hear a snicker and whipped around to see Jing Yuan trying to stifle his laughter. His attendant having also heard your stomach smiled a little as she said, “Don’t worry. We’ll be stopping by an inn shortly.”

            You only nod, too hungry and embarrassed to speak. Just then, the carriage slows to a stop. The attendant tells the two of you to stay put as she draws the curtain to look outside. You sat there blinking with confusion as the attendant gestured the two of you to get off the carriage. When your feet touched the ground, you see a looming inn before you.

            “Whoa…”

            “Don’t just stand there, come on!” Jing Yuan called.

            “What about your dad?” You asked, quickening your pace to catch up to him.

            “He’s inside already. Come on, before your stomach rumbles again!”

            And with that, he walks right into the inn, leaving you to process what he said.

            “Huh? Hey wait!”

            Upon entering the inn, you are bombarded by the smell of various dishes. Seeking out Jing Yuan, you see him standing next to his father — who is busy conversing with the inn keeper. You quietly approach Jing Yuan, poking him when you are close to him. He turns slightly to see you hiding behind him, looking at the inn keeper wearily. Just as he was about to ask you what is wrong, the voice of the inn keeper startles the both of you.

            “Is this your son? My, he’s grown! How old is he now?”

            Jing Yuan straightens up and bows with his left hand over his right, “Answer auntie: I am currently 12 years old.”

            The inn keeper hums with approval, “Quite the humble one. Your son will you go onto achieve great things.”

            As she finishes saying that, her gaze turns towards you.

            “Ans who might you be, little one?”

            You Followed Jing Yuan’s example, though you placed your right hand over your left.

            “小的名玉茗，今年十一岁。” [Young one’s name is Yu Ming, 11 this year.]

            “What a unique girl. Well, I shall show you guys to your table. Tables. Feel free to call me if you need anything.”

·～。景 。～·

            “玉 — 玉茗，你慢点吃！没人跟你抢！“ [Yu—Yu Ming, slow down! No one’s competing with you!] Jing Yuan stammers as he panics at the speed in which you were inhaling your food.

            “是啊孩子。你看你，辣的都是哈斯哈的了, “ [He’s right, child. Look at you, spicy to the point of huffing.] the general said.

            You wipe your mouth with a handkerchief as you quickly chewed and swallowed.

            “抱歉将军，这道饭菜太好吃了！“ [Sorry general, these dishes are so delicious!]

            Jing Yuan poured half a cup of tea before sliding it towards you. You take the cup graciously and gulps it down as the general chuckles.

            “一见到你吃的这么开心，我也就安心了。“ [By seeing you eating so happily, my worries are put to rest.]

            Looking outside through the doors, he pulls out a pouch full of silver before getting up.

            “It’s almost noon. We should get going if we wish to reach home before dusk. The servants have already finished preparing everything, so best make them not wake.”

            Both you and Jing Yuan nod as the general calls to the inn keeper.

            “I’ll leave the silver on the table. Many thanks to your hospitality.”

            The inn keeper waved at you three with a smile, “There is no need to thank me. It’s what a business should do. Until your next visits!”

            With that, the three of you leave with a full stomach and a very happy heart.

During certain periods in China, men greet with their left hand over their right and women greet with their right over their left.

I've been playing Black Myth a lot as of late and I can't beat the Black Loong.

I just want his drops for the weapon I want... 😢

[hami-gua]

亲爱的将军 Dear Beloved General

I wrote this before getting Jing Yuan and after writing this, got him. I finally got the general!!!

This is chapter 1 of however many chapters (idk how long it's gonna be)

Jing Yuan x F! Reader

Warning: Not really proofread, Chinese (translation available)

The sun was piercing hot on this particular day. A lone girl slumbers amongst the grass, camellia flowers surrounding her. Footsteps crunch through the field as a young voice chatters away. It stops right before her, as the voice exclaims with surprise, “Look! It’s a girl! Where did she come from? Why is she alone?”

            A much deeper masculine voice speaks back, “I don’t know. We carry her back to the camp. It’s not good for her to stay out alone like this.”

            The younger one nods as the older one picks the girl up. After ensuring that she is comfortable, the older man says, “Let’s head back. Be the eyes will you, Jing Yuan?”

            The young boy, Jing Yuan, nods again and dashes ahead, remaining vigilant until they reach their destination. By the time they reached camp, it was already dark. Torches line the outskirts as a fire lights the middle. Soldiers bow to the two walking figures upon seeing them. When they reached the area, a maid approaches the two and inquired about the slumbering girl.

            “Take her to the medical tent. See to it that the doctors check over her, ensure that she is in good health.”

            “Yes sir,” the maid bows as she picks the girl up and carries her to the medical tent.

            Jing Yuan’s father turns towards Jing Yuan and says, “Come. We have much to strategize on.”

            He nods eagerly as he follows his father, but not before he glanced towards where the maid left. He could only hope in his young heart that the girl will be well and wonders if she may one day become his friend.

·。～ 景 ～ 。·

            By the time you had woken up, it is already well into the night. As you looked around the room dazed, a nurse had entered the tent with a fresh basin of water. Upon seeing you awake, she quickly placed down the basin and rushed over to your side as questions after questions tumbles out of her mouth — quickly overwhelming you. With a desperate need of water, you slowly placed a hand on the nurse’s arm, trying to get her attention. Sensing your hand, she stops talking as you croak out, “Water… I need water.”

            Right after you had said that, the nurse nods and calls for a maid. When a maid poked her head in, the nurse immediately ordered her to bring a cup of water and tell the doctor that you have awoken. The maid quickly bows and darts away. The nurse turns back towards you.

            “I’m just going to check over you once more to ensure you are alright.”

            You nod as her hands gently squeeze your arms and legs, gauging your reaction to check for internal pain. No sooner, the maid comes in with a cup of water followed by a doctor. The nurse looks up and stands back straight as the maid hands you the water, helping you drink. And after, she stands back, allowing the doctor space, waiting to be called upon once more.

            “大夫。“ [Doctor.]

            The doctor nods in greeting, “她如何了？“ [How is she?]

            “All seems to be well, just a little famished.”

            The doctor hums as he looked towards you. Pulling up a chair, as the nurse places a small cushion underneath your wrist, the doctor places three fingers on your pulse — checking over your health. After a bit of silence, the doctor spoke, “You are as healthy as can be. All you need is food, and your energy will be up to normal. From what the general has told me, you were found in a slumbering state. After checking over you, I surmise you haven’t been awake for quite some time.”

            And as if remembering something, the doctor asks you, “What is your name, child?”

            You blink at him dumbfounded, Name? You pondered for a bit. Surely you have a name. Yet every time you tried remembering your name, you kept drawing blanks. Giving up, you sighed through your nose as you looked up to the doctor only to say, “I… I don’t remember.”

            The doctor solemnly nods, “I was afraid that would be so. Do you perhaps remember what happened before slipping into slumber?”

            With your eyebrows knitted together, you tried to recall all that had occurred before your slumber. Fire and screaming surrounds you as you feel a force dragging you. A voice kept telling you to live. To see what they may never see once more. And before you knew it, your eyes slipped closed. Recounting what you had remembered, the doctor shares a look with the nurse.

            “A battle had taken place a few weeks ago with aftermath similar to what you had just described. Though I am not sure how you made it out, I am glad you did. War never is good for any child.”

            Just as the doctor finished speaking, the flap of the tent opens and in struts a tall man followed by a young boy, appearances very alike. A father and son, maybe, you had surmised. 32The doctor, nurse, and maid turn then bows at the man before standing back up straight.

            “General. The girl has awoken.”

            The general’s gaze turned towards you. Feeling intimidated, you shrink deeper into your blanket, silently hoping the bedding will just swallow you.

            “How are you feeling?”

            You stutter out an answer, “I-I’m feeling fine, sir.”

            The general nods with relief, “That is good. Doctor, is she well enough to eat?”

            “Of course, sir. Eating as of right now is recommended. Though it may mess with her eating time, it is best to eat something after not having eaten for a long time.”

            As if right on cue, your stomach growls loudly, catching the attention of the young boy. Tugging on the general’s sleeve, he quietly speaks to him. And when the general nods, the boy quickly leaves the tent. The general smiles lazily, “My son has left to get you something to eat. He won’t be long.”

            You merely nod as he returns to converse with the doctor. Your gaze flitters around the tent while eagerly waiting for the boy to return. Not long has passed until the boy eventually comes back carrying a tray full of food. The nurse helps you sit up as the general helped the boy set the tray on the bed. Once all was set, the general turns to the other adults.

            “Why don’t we take this chat outside and let the children talk in here?”

            The others agree and one by one shuffles out of the tent. The general turns and follows but not before telling the boy, “Make sure to help her if she needs it. And don’t overwhelm her with your excitement.”

            The boy huffs as he retorts, “I won’t “

            “Good. It best be that way.”

            And with a tired chuckle, the general leaves the tent. The boy looks at you and smiles as he introduces himself.

            “我名叫景元。你叫什么？” [My name is Jing Yuan. What is yours?]             You look at him as embarrassment hikes up your neck. With a soft hush voice, you murmur, “I don’t remember.”

            “Oh… Then… Would you like me to give you one?”

            “Give me one?”

            “Y-yeah! Think of it as a temporary name. Until you remember your real name.”

            You blink at him owlishly. Eyes wide with slightly heated cheeks.

              “What name will you give me?”

            Jing Yuan’s eyes wandered around your form until his eyes settle on a singular camellia flower resting amidst your hair.

            “How about Yu Ming?”

            Your gaze fell to the bowl of food, pondering the name, only to look back up to Jing Yuan with a smile while nodding happily.

            ”I like the sound of that. Yu Ming brings such an air of clarity.”

            “Then Yu Ming it is!”

            Just then, your stomach grumbles as you hurriedly clutch your stomach with embarrassment. Hearing your predicament, Jing Yuan ushers you to eat. While he fretted away, something about his personality warmed your heart. Picking up your chopsticks, you dug into your bowl as you listened to Jing Yuan talk about his journey and past moments. Once you had finished eating, you asked Jing Yuan, “Why are you at battle front? I thought the doctor said war isn’t good for children like us.”

            Jing Yuan averts his gaze as he played with his fingers.

            “I told my dad I want to become a general like him. He told me, ‘Being a general is no easy task. Being a general means being tainted by bloodshed to keep the innocents safe. We as warriors must learn to deal with death. To familiarize ourself with killing. We must be ready at any time to make sacrifices.’ So that’s why I’m here. But I never really went to an active battlefield. Father says I’m still too young to go. So all I have been doing is tending to armory and the wounded.”

            “Have… you’ve seen… a deceased soldier?” you asked carefully.

            Jing Yuan falls silent and with a subtle nod, you feel the weight of his future position.

            “Jing Yuan, it’s getting late. Both of you need rest,” The general’s voice called from outside the tent.

            Jing Yuan pouts in disappointment before replying, “Okay.”

            As he stands up, he looks at you before gently saying, “Thank you for letting me talk your ear off. You’re the first friend I’ve made!”

            “Friend?”

            Jing Yuan’s eyebrows raised as his lips slightly became downturned. His face closely resembling that of a sad kitten.

            “D-do you not want to be my friend? I-it’s okay if you don’t want to.”

            Your heart squeezed slightly upon hearing his tone.

            “No, that’s not what I mean! I meant, I never really had friends either until I met you.”

            “Oh… then how about we be best friends?”

            “Best… friends?”

            “Yeah! Like regular friends but higher! I’ll tell you things I don’t tell regular friends!”

            You nod enthusiastically.

            “Best friends it is then!”

            Jing Yuan smiles happily as he gives you a hug.

            “Jing Yuan!” The general called once again.

            “Coming!” He calls as he turns back to you, “I’ll get going now. Good night, Yu Ming!”

            You grin back at him, “Good night, Jing Yuan!”

            With that, he rushes out the tent almost running into the maid that entered. Clearing the bed of the tray, the maid helped you lack back in bed comfortably.

            To think that you’ve made a friend upon waking up. It sounds almost too good to be true.

                        And a best friend at that.

[hami-gua]

夏日的色彩 The Colors of Summer

This story is heavily inspired by an ad I saw on xhs. It's one of their best ones (in my opinion) so I decided to write it. I thought Sunday might be the most suited for this. Here's the link:

追逐夏日的颜色

Sunday x Gn! Reader

Warning: Not proofread (I wrote it right before bed)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!! Please read to the end for credits !!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         On a hot summer day, Sunday ducks into a retro looking bookstore to escape the mid-summer heat. The quaint shop housed shelves upon shelves of books, garnering his surprise as he never thought such a bookshop could house these many books. He scanned each shelf, each spine, before stopping at one that piqued his interest. And soon, he started reading book after book — finding it hard to just put one down. Amidst his reading, his ears started picking up commotions from a shelf away.

         “Sorry not interested,” a woman’s voice said.

         “You’re so annoying!” another much angrier woman grits.

         What is all that commotion? It’s so noisy. Sunday thought with irritation. The voices grew closer and closer and —

         “Hi!” a meek cheerful voice started, “Can I ask—”

         The person didn’t even get to finish when Sunday slammed his book shut and turned towards them only to angrily say, “Do you realize just how annoy…”

         He trailed off and his anger dissipated when his gaze locked with yours. The ever innocent, meek and cheerful you stood before him, clutching a notepad in one hand while holding a pen with your other. Time seemingly stopped and colors flourished as you smiled at him shyly.

         “S-sorry! I’m currently trying to write a book regarding the colors of summer. I need about a thousand or so people.”

Just then, the Trailblazer passed by the both of you, and as they passed, they gently told you, “Your orange soda is ready~”

“Okay, thank you!” you replied before turning your attention back to him, “So if I may, what are your summer colors?”

         Sunday was quickly snapped out of his stupor and averted his eyes while rubbing the back of his neck, “I haven’t thought it through yet. When I have, I’ll tell you.”

         You grinned happily as you cheerfully said, “Then you must tell me when you’ve made up your mind!”

         With that, you turned on your heel and with little skips, headed towards a table where your friend, March, and your drink sat. March busied herself by chatting with others while you asked which drink was yours. But upon receiving no answers, you picked up a random glass and took a sip from the straw. March turned to you see you drinking only to laugh and tease, “That’s my lemonade!”

         You quickly place the glass back down and apologized as you picked up the glass next to it. Right as you tasted the fizzy orange, you beamed and sat down. The whole ordeal didn’t go unnoticed by Sunday who turned to the store owner, Dan Heng, and asked, “Why are they so insistent on writing a book about the colors of summer?”

         Dan Heng could only sigh as he said, “Ever since they were 14, they no longer could see colors. So to remember what they look like, she can only ask others and imagine.”

         Your voice snaps Sunday out of his thoughts once more when you told March, “Let’s go to the coffee shop across the street and ask!”

         “Okay, okay. Let’s go!”

         March left the bookshop as you got up to follow only to turn around and face him.

         “When you made up your mind, please tell me.”

         You didn’t wait to hear a reply from him as March quickly snatched you away while Trailblazer slid to the door only to exclaim, “Good luck!”

         Sunday watched as your figure became smaller, deep in thought.

         Maybe I can ask in their place…

·。～ 周日 ～ 。·

         The next day, both you and March arrive at the bookstore once more to ask around. Only, when you looked through the window, you see the man from yesterday asking people only to be brushed away or yelled at. You felt touched but also a bit saddened to see him being treated in such a way.

         “It’s so hot!” March complained while holding up her small fan. She looked at you and the shop and back at you again before shoving you into the shop. When you stabilized yourself, you hear him asking a lady what her summer color is only to be turned away. Until you see a familiar face, Welt, say, “My colors of summer are the vibrant greens with speckles of pink. The very ones you’d find in flower fields.”

         With a snap of a book, a familiar lady, Himeko, refutes, “No, it should be the various shades of browns, like having a cup of coffee on a summer sunset.”

         As each person crowded around the man giving him their answer, you slowly begin to see the color they each described to him. And they all have colors. All but him. He’s still diligently writing down who said what before he looked up to see you staring at him, your mouth slightly agape and eyes wide. A blush crept up his neck and his ears as he too stared at you.

         “Yo. You still got any signal up there?” Dan Heng asked with a deadpanned expression, snapping Sunday out of his thought. He fumbles for a few seconds before walking up to you and handing you his notebook.

         “I collected a few notes. I hope you find these useful.”

         You graciously take it and sat down on a nearby table, flipping through the pages and copying them down onto your own notepad. When you flipped to the last page, you find a drawing of yourself holding a glass of beverage and taking a drink out of it. And next to the drawing was a writing: To the girl who drinks a soda that’s colored like the dawn of a new day. The glass of beverage too, had colors.

         “Are you done copying everything down?” March asked from beside you. You gasp with surprise while March’s eyes move to the notebook.

         “Hey this drawing is pretty good! Did you draw this?” March awes as she turns to Sunday, who’s face flushed a light red. He quickly snatched the notebook from March as he turns towards the door. But before he leaves, he turns towards you once more and softly says, “I hope you can finish your book soon. I’ll be happy to read it.”

         He pushes the door open and leaves yet he doesn’t make it far until he hears your voice shouting hurriedly behind him.

         “Wait! Sir! Wait!”

         Sunday halts and turns around to see you panting as you tried to pull yourself together. With a hand on your bag and eyes glimmering with will, you ask him, “Wh-what is your summer color?”

         Without a beat, Sunday replies, “The light silken blue of the skies with a gentle yellow of the afternoon sun.”

         “A-and your name?”

         He smiles.

         “Sunday.”

Credits

艺术菜花🥦

omi-resources

[hami-gua]

分离

Basically, a dive into Jing Yuan’s mind and heart. Take note, any and all characters might be ooc. Yes. I am running with the theory that Bailu is reincarnated Baiheng.

Chinese translation not provided (ending is the same as the starting sentence.)

Angst, hurt/no comfort

Of five, only one remembers the time they spent as friends.

            Mara, the bane of Xianzhou’s existence. A price they pay for seeking and achieving immortality.

            Immortality, a curse disguised as a blessing. Where with the ebb and flow of time, even the most precious memories wither. Live short enough, and they’ll be blessed with avoiding mara tainting them. Live long enough, and they’ll witness those around them become mara struck until the inevitable happens to them too.

            It can affect those at varied pace. But all prey that runs will eventually tire out. Not even he can out run such curse that existed long before his birth. He who once was part of a formidable group who called themselves: The High Cloud Quintet. He who is the general of Xianzhou Luofu. He who is known as ‘The Dozing General’.

            The first time he had met her, he only knew her as a sword champion of Luofu. Thinking back on it now, he must have annoyed her to no end with the questions he kept asking. Yet in the end, she still took him in as her student. Along with meeting her, he met the rest as well. The cold, ever steadfast high elder of Luofu. Who wields a spear and commands the form of a Long. Then there was the ever-arrogant blacksmith, who despite the arrogant air, has the best craft known to all. And finally, there was a member of the Nameless. Who feared not a thing and often brought goods from far beyond for them all to share. Together, they journeyed from destination to destination. Helping those who need it. And with each victory brought along more celebrations. Yet it would all come crumbling down when the one from the Nameless chose sacrifice.

            Following her death, Imbibitor Lunae sought her resurrection by means of using magic belonging to Vidyadharas. But the plan failed, causing turmoil at Scalegorge that led to the death of their blacksmith friend. And after his master quelled the backfired plan, the high elder would soon be sentenced to the shackling prison. With the Imbibitor Lunae’s sentencing, all that was left of the group was just him and his master. Thought that too, didn’t last long.

            Not long after, his master fell to a maddened state. A sign of mara. Yet there was no one there but him. Now, it was up to him to do what they all were used to doing. The duel doesn’t end with a victor. She was gone before his lightning lord even struck her. Not a trace left to be found.

            And just like that, the centuries pass by in a blur. The ambrosial arbor awakens once more. But this time, only two would send it to slumber once more. Seeing his friends interact with others sends a sharp pain through is heart. Every time he sees the Astral Express crew, he thinks of his Nameless friend. And seeing them all together makes his heart squeeze in pain, as he is reminded of his friends that he won’t be able to see again.

            His friends all went their separate ways, leaving him alone and remembering. To watch their figures becoming smaller and smaller as they depart for a new dawn. Dan Feng reincarnated into Dan Heng and became a member of the Nameless. Yingxing became tainted with mara and reincarnated into Blade, then joining the Stellaron Hunters. Jing Liu was caught and sent to a shackling prison not of Luofu. As for Baiheng, she reincarnated into a small Vidyadhara known as Bailu — becoming the new high elder of Xianzhou Luofu.

            He almost feels jealous whenever he sees Dan Heng and Blade living a new life. Almost. If it wasn’t the impending sadness overflowing in his heart. He’s resilient he knows. But even then, the most resilient will eventually succumb to mara.

            Hearing the clashes of metal against wood brings him back to the present. Blinking awake, his pale golden irises fall on the light blond haired boy training in the field before him. The longer he watches, the more he sees himself from a very distant past.

            Looks like the mara can wait. Until he’s done what his friends sacrificed themselves to do, he won’t be letting go. All his friends went separate ways. Though he supposes it’s time he went on his too. He’ll just have to glance back to their distant silhouettes every once in a while, until they are but ash drifting amongst the wind. Death is eternal for memories left unrecorded.

            With a sigh and a smile, he stretches before standing and walking towards the boy.

            Before he is a general, he is a native of Xianzhou Luofu.

            A boy named Jing Yuan.

            Farewell, High Cloud Quintet.

人有五名，可只有一个记得他们作为朋友度过的时光。

I didn’t realize until writing this that both Dan Heng and Bailu had their roles reversed. One was a former Nameless, one who journeyed with no bounds while the other was bound to his duty, never once set free.

I want Jing Yuan... But knowing my luck and the amount I have saved up... it's not going to happen... ;;-;;

Edit: I got him!!!

[hami-gua]

生生世世

Love between an immortal and mortal is forbidden by the heavenly law. By loving a mortal, the immortal pays a price. Dan Heng, rather, his past incarnations are no exceptions to this law.

This work contains both English and Chinese (translation provided). Apologies in advance if the Chinese dialogues aren't great. Something may be incorrect or inaccurate, all for the sake of the plot.

Reader has a given nickname and last name but not first name.

[This work is also on AO3 and more polished there, as it is in chapter format.]

Dan Heng x f! Reader

A man approaches the altar that held a glowing stone. Confused, he turned to another man beside him.

“What is this?”

“This is a stone that held your memories from your previous two lives.”

“And why do you insist that I use it?”

“I believe it’s time you find out yourself, Dan Heng.”

The man, Dan Heng, looked at his “partner” with an eyebrow raised. Trusting him, Dan Heng reaches out to the stone and picks it up. After a few seconds, he begins to feel an oncoming headache and steadies himself on the altar. Yet the effort is deemed futile as he soon blacks out.

The first time he met her in this life, was when he assumed a name, Yubie. She had been selling flowers, calling out to any and all souls that happened to pass by. A certain flower had caught Yubie’s attention. Being a minor god living in the moon palace, he had never seen such a flower before. And before he knew it, he had picked up the flower and began to inspect it.

“先生，您看上了这朵花了吗？“ [Sir, is this the flower you choose?]

Yubie, a tad embarrassed and shy, merely nodded. The girl only smiled back gently, the gentle dulled pinks and purples of her robe brushed against the cart as she reached for others of the same kind, bundling them and checking the pot they were held in.

“先生若有什么需求，可以叫我一声！“ [If sir has any needs, you only need to call me!]

“嗯，知道了。谢谢，姑娘。” [En. Understood. Thank you, young girl.]

“哎呀，应该的！” [Aiya, it’s what I should do!]

Yubie blushed as his eyes grazed through the other different flowers. His eyes lands on a peony, leading him to think about Jing Yuan. The general hardly ever visits the moon palace anymore, but when he does, it’s always a pleasant surprise. He’s due to visit soon, but Yubie couldn’t think of a gift to give. Picking up the flower, Yubie calls for the flower girl.

“就这两个，谢谢。“ [Just these two, thanks.] Yubie cleared his throat awkwardly, handing the two flowers to the girl.

“一颗银子。“ [One piece of silver.]

Yubie’s eyebrows raised in surprise, having not expected the price.

“一颗？为何要怎么少？“ [A piece? Why do you ask for that less?]

The girl replied back without even a thought, “因为不管有多少钱，想要有花就可以有花。再说了，卖花只是我的爱好。“ [Because it doesn’t matter how much money you have, if a flower is what you want, then you get a flower. Besides, selling flowers is just a hobby I have.]

“爱好？“ [Hobby?]

“嗯！“ [Yeah!]

“什么是爱好？“ [What’s a hobby?]

The girl’s jaws drop open. Never had she ever heard of someone not knowing what a hobby is.

“爱好就是喜欢做什么就做。比如，有些人喜欢看书，唱歌等。您呢？“ [A hobby is something you like to do. Like, some people like reading, others singing and so on. You?]

“我。。。我没有，“ [I… I don’t have one.] Yubie trailed off, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

“啊？！真假的？像您这样的人，没有爱好还挺乖的嘞！“ [Ah?! Really? Those like you not having a hobby is quite odd!]

“像我这样的人？“ [Those like me?]

“嗯！就是有钱的人。“ [Yeah! Like wealthy.]

“哦。。。“ [Oh…]

Learning of selling flowers as a hobby, he debated whether or not to ask about her true line of work. Deciding to just go for it, Yubie asks, “请问姑娘，您。。。是做什么的？“ [Young girl, what… do you do for a living?]

The girl looks at him for a split second before pulling out a find pressed silk threads that forms the shape of a flower. Orange blossoms to be exact.

“我是做各种各样的簪子。不过随着有些人的需求，其它头饰也可以。“ [I make all kinds of hair sticks. Though, through some customer’s needs, I can also make other head accessories.]

Yubie observes the hair stick, eyes glimmering at how well made it is. But their conversations is cut short when the distant bell tower chimes, signaling the time. The girl looks up and takes a note of the sun’s position with a gasp.

“抱歉先生，看来我该回家了,” [Sorry sir, it seems like I have to go home.] The girl quickly said as she rushes to pack everything up. Yubie could do nothing but awkwardly stand to the side, watching. As the girl began pulling the cart away, Yubie stops her.

“哪个，姑娘，您的名字。。。“ [Um，young girl. Your name…]

The girl turned towards him with a shy smile, “啊。。。我姓李，叫__。不过叫我棉棉就行啦！您呢？“ [Ah… Last name’s Li, first name __. But calling me Mian Mian will do! You?]

“雨别。“ [Yubie]

“雨别。。。好优雅。很适合您，” [Yubie… so elegant. It suits you.] the girl smiled, sending poor Yubie’s heart sputtering.

“实在是不好意思，雨先生。我真的得回家了。“ [So sorry, Yu sir. I really must get home.] The girl bowed before pulling her cart away as Yubie simply stood there, watching as her form got smaller and smaller. He too turns and leaves after.

————————————————————————————

The next time he sees her was when a village had been faced with a terrible fire. After saving her, he was told that the nation has been threatened by a foreign unknown source. Not a villager had a clue where they came from. But all describe the forces as wearing all black with specks of gold, almost like liquid gold.

“雨先生——“ [Yu sir—]

“雨别就行了。“ [Yubie will do.]

“雨别，他们是谁啊？我从没见过他们那样的人。“ [Yubie, who are they? I’ve never seen people like them before.]

Yubie was silent, unsure if he should tell her. Yet his consciousness ruled that if she doesn’t know, she’ll be more likely to run into trouble.

“他们不是人。“ [They aren’t human.]

The girl looked back at him, shocked.

“不是人？” [Not human?]

“按理说，他们原来是人。” [Logically speaking, they were human once.]

“原来。。。那发生了什么？他们现在为何不是人了呢？” [Originally… then what happened? Why aren’t they human now?]

“魔阴。” [Mara.]

“魔阴是什么？” [What’s mara.]

“一种能让人变成魔妖的病。” [A disease that turns humans into demonic beings.]

“怎么可怕！那我们该如何打败他们啊？” [That’s tarrying! Then how do we defeat them?]

Yubie smiles at her and reaches up to pat her head. The girl in turn didn’t seem to mind, rather, she leans into him. His arm then slowly lowers to her elbows as he tightened his hold around her.

“这是神仙们的战争。咱们就把这个留给他们吧。” [This is a battle for immortals and gods. We just leave these to them.]

The girl smiled, leaning further into Yubie. The two sat in silence, gazing out into the setting sun.

“雨别？“ [Yubie?]

“嗯？“ [Yeah?]

“你喜欢哪个神仙呀？“ [Who’s your favorite immortals and gods?]

Yubie sat there, unsure what to answer. Afraid that if he does, he’ll be giving his identity away.

“我不知道。喜欢的神仙们太多了，” [I don’t know. I like a lot of them.] He gave a half true answer, “你呢？“ [You?]

“饮月君！” [Imbibitor Lunae!]

Her answer took Yubie by surprise. Fighting an intense blush from rising, he looks at her, fully interested in her answer and yearns for a reason.

“你为何要选饮月君？“ [Why must you choose Imbibitor Lunae?] He asked, his heart beats erratically.

“他可是青龙。又聪明又疼人。再说，他是一条龙! 龙还挺可爱的呢。“ [He’s the green dragon. Smart and caring towards humans. And he’s a dragon! Dragons are quite cute.]

With every word she spoke, the redder Yubie’s face and ears became. After, the girl takes notice of his reddening ears and teasingly asks him, “诶呀，耳朵怎么都红啦？” [Aiya, why are your ears read?]

Yubie’s eyes began blinking rapidly as he quickly turns his head away from her. “难道。。。你。。。” [Could it be… you…] The girl trailed off, making Yubie panic as he started to believe that she’s going to figure out his true identity.

“你也很喜欢银月君！” [You also really like Imbibitor Lunae!]

Yubie breathed out a sigh of relief as he nodded shyly to her words. Safe for another day, he thought. And just like that, the two began telling each other of their past. Yubie, making his as vague as he can.

————————————————————————————————

The third time Yubie saw her, was also his last time seeing her. An intense battle had broken out within the nation. Phantylia and her forces made a move on the girl’s village. Anxiety gripped Yubie’s heart as he rushed there. Yet when he arrived, not a mara-struck soldier could be spotted. None that was living anyways.

Running through the street, he called out for any survivors. Not getting an answer, he sent his force to dig through rubble. He himself though, began running around, calling for the girl. Yet his call once again remains unanswered. It wasn’t until he was on the verge of giving up, did he see flowers scattered behind a particularly large rubble. Yubie’s heart picked up as he rushed behind it, only to have his hopes shattered when he saw the state the girl was in. Carefully, he picked her up and automatically felt the blood trickling onto his hand. Her chest had been pierced by a sword as her head had crashed onto something, leading her temple to bleed profusely.

Plip. Plop. Tears fell onto the girl’s cold skin as Yubie held onto her cold dead hands tightly. He cradles her close to him as he cried, his heart sinking in never-ending despair. ‘Is this what heart break feels like? I never got to tell her…‘

For all the light and hope she gave him, Yubie could only repay with a kiss to her forehead and a love confessed too late.

I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you soon enough.

The first time he met her in his next life was when he went by Dan Feng. She had entered the inn where he was at with attendants by her side. He was in the middle of a conversation with Yingxing when he heard a commotion at a table in the corner. It caught the pair’s attention as they both turned to see a man close to their age in appearance, harassing the girl. She continued drinking her tea as the man and her attendant argued.

“I’ll say, you need to properly teach your attendants!” The man snarled.

“Sir, do you not have manners?”

“You! How are you speaking to me huh?! I’m a young master! Young master!”

“Who cares if you’re a young master or not. You can’t even recognize her highness, so are you really a young master?”

“You!” The man raises a hand to hit the attendant.

Unable to watch or listen any further, Dan Feng gets out of his seat and walks towards the man.

“Enough!”

The man stops and glares at Dan Feng as the girl glances up from her cup.

“And who are you?!”

Dan Feng doesn’t answer him. Instead, he states, “You are aware that hitting any servant of a princess is strictly forbidden.”

The man scoffs once more before walking out of the inn. The attendant bows to him as he held her arms, telling her there was no need.

“感谢公子。“ [Thank you, childe.]

“不必。他刚才为何生气？” [No need. Why was he mad?]

The attendant looks at Dan Feng before looking at the girl then back to him again.

“Well…”

The attendant is cut off as the girl sets down her cup.

“他想追求我。我没同意。“ [He asked for my hand. I didn’t agree.]

The attendant looked at her shocked by her ease of language.

“公主！可不能怎么随意说出！万一。。。“ [Princess! You can’t just say that so casually! What if…]

The girl sighs as Yingxing approaches the group. She slowly stands with the help of her other attendants.

“It’s okay. At this time, long story short is the way to go. It saves time. Anyone can charge in at any given moment and attack.”

The girl faces Dan Feng properly before giving a slight bow, her head never once lowering.

“感谢公子帮了我。“ [Thank you for helping me, childe.]

“It is something I should do,” he bows back, head lowered.

The girl gives him a small smile before turning and leaving the inn with a small limp. Dan Feng watches her leave; a tug of familiarity was felt as Yingxing clears his throat.

“Why didn’t you ask for her name?”

Dan Feng shoots him a look, “人家是公主，不礼貌。“ [She’s a princess, it’s ill-mannered.]

Yingxing smirks in return, “人家是公主，我们是神。” [She’s a princess, we are gods.]

Dan Feng could only tsk as he whacks Yingxing’s arm while glancing around to ensure that no one heard.

“Are you trying to expose us?” He hissed.

A giggle from Yingxing was all Dan Feng got.

————————————————————————————————————

The next time he saw her was when he was invited to court. Or rather, Yingxing did and he decided to bring Dan Feng along. While Yingxing was locked in discussion with the emperor, Dan Feng wandered around the gardens as he heard a gentle zither playing. Following the sound, he finds the girl sitting at peace as her fingers plucked the silken strings. As if sensing him, she stops playing and turned towards his direction.

“何人？“ [Who is it?]

Dan Feng steps out from behind the bamboo trunk as he gracefully made his way towards her.

“Princess’ playing is rather elegant. It holds much clarity.”

The girl blushed before lowering her gaze to her zither as her hand gently runs up and down the strings.

“Why have you entered the palace today?”

“Ah, may princess forgive me. I came with a friend who is currently in a meeting with the emperor. I am not summoned; this I wander about.”

The girl merely smiles and invites him to tea as she played and chatted. And there it was, the feeling Dan Feng couldn’t shake off. That feeling of familiarity gnaws at his heart. Her eyes held that same mirth and her voice contains a much gentler lilt than he “remembers”. Sensing him spacing off, the girl asked, “Is there something wrong?”

Quickly trying to find an excuse, Dan Feng asked her, “Princess, what is your name?”

The girl smiled shyly before answering, “Li __. But those I know call me Mian Mian.”

’It’s that nickname again. Mian Mian.‘

“You asked for my name, so it is only fair I ask for yours.”

Dan Feng looks up at her with surprise, “Dan Feng.”

“Dan Feng… It’s an elegant name.”

“I — thank you, princess.”

The girl shifted, revealing a scarred leg. Her face briefly twists in pain noticed by Dan Feng. Seeing her leg, Dan Feng questioned her.

“What… happened to your leg.”

The girl places a hand on her leg, as if to cover it. She mulls over her words before saying, “It happened when I was young. An unwatched dog had gotten to me as I was playing. It bit me and wouldn’t let go until my sister had hit it with a branch while crying in fear. After investigating, my father found the dog belonged to a minister. The dog, turned out, bit more people. Mostly servants. So, every time they thought to tell, they were pressured by the minister to keep quiet. The minister wanted me gone so he could easily rise the ranks.”

“Why does he want you gone?”

“It probably has to do with me rejecting a marriage proposal.”

“With his son?”

The girl nodded.

“He wanted to ascend the ranks by having his son marry me. But I rejected the offer. His son is 15 years older, thus I can’t imagine the two of us spending a long life together.”

“Was your father upset at all?”

“No. He’s quite elated to be honest. Father was always eager to marry off his sons, but when it came to marrying off his daughters, he’s always the first to reject all suitors. At least, that’s what my brother tells me.”

“What became of the minister?”

“He was banished. Simple as that.”

“At least you’re safe now.”

The girl huffed, “This is a court. I only happen to live here. So how safe can it be?”

Dan Feng looked at her confused. Not fully grasping what she meant.

Months goes by. Dan Feng exchanges letter with the girl regularly. It went from mundane to adventurous, to rants. Until one day, he received a letter asking him to arrive at court for a celebration. Her birthday, he thought. A problem quickly presented itself: the girl’s birthday is coming up, and Dan Feng had no clue what to gift her. Perhaps a pearl will do. But that’s too plain. How about a bracelet? But she plays a zither, the bracelet will only get in the way.

’“This is a court. I only happen to live here. So how safe can it be?”‘

Her words echoed in his mind. The girl wears hair sticks a lot, so surely a hair stick concealing a small blade will easily go undetected. He nodded to himself. Yes. Surely this will work.

When the day of celebration came about, Dan Feng nervously fidgeted with the box that held the hair stick. Yingxing noticed his friend’s unusual behavior and gently nudged him. “Why are you so nervous?”

“What if she won’t like it?”

Yingxing rolled his eyes, “I don’t know if you’re aware, but she’s not known for her openness. For her to write to you regularly means she sees you as someone close. Someone trustworthy.”

Dan Feng looks at him deadpanned, “说人话。” [Speak human language.]

"Point is, she'll like it. It did come frome someone she trusts."

Dan Feng relaxes a bit as people filed into the castle then stopped before the girl to give her their well wishes. And before he knew it, he found himself standing before the girl. There she sat, in finely woven robes as Dan Feng knelt and held out the box with two hands.

“This is a hair stick I have made myself,” he states as a servant takes the box and presents it to the girl. She gingerly runs a finger over the hair stick, admiring the intricate etches.

“I hope the hair stick serves you well, in times of need of protection.”

“Thank you, Dan Feng.”

He bows before taking his leave as his heart yearns to glance at her once more. The feast commences, with servants bringing up various kinds of food. Throughout the night, Dan Feng kept glancing at her, only to look away when she looks towards him. Yingxing kept teasing him as his face flushed. It wasn’t until the banquet concludes does Dan Feng pulls Yingxing aside, ensuring they aren’t followed or eavesdropped on.

“What? Why are we in a secluded corner?” Yingxing asked confused.

“Yingxing… I think… I—” Dan Feng pauses, finding words to continue on.

“You what? Come on spit it out! We need to leave before we become seen as suspicious!”

“I think I fancy Mian Mian,” Dan Feng said quickly as his gaze falls in embarrassment.

Yingxing’s eyes widen with shock. In his life of knowing Dan Feng, never had his friend been so forward. Without a word, Yingxing dragged Dan Feng with him as the two made their way towards their carriage. Upon lifting the veil, he ushers Dan Feng on before entering the carriage himself. Sitting down, Yingxing hissed, “别忘了，我们是神仙。“ [Don’t forget, we are gods.]

Dan Feng only nods as his eyebrows furrow with confusion. Yingxing sighs through his nose and rolled his eyes at his friend’s expression.

“We are gods. Immortals. We can’t love mortals in a romantic sense even if we wanted to. You know the punishment that will befall us if we are caught in a romantic relationship with a mortal.”

“But I’m not immortal. I die and reform a new.”

“Yes to immortals, you perish easily. But to mortals, you are immortal in every sense. You retain your immortal name and your power after rebirth. That to a mortal still are signs of immortality.”

Dan Feng looks away, finding no words to refute Yingxing’s. He knows the punishment better than anyone, a past incarnation having gone through forced rebirth after slaying denizens of abundance and sealing Phantylia — had been found to harbor romantic feelings for a mortal. All Dan Feng learned was the mortal had already died, and did a favor for the other gods, this his sentencing was only forced rebirth instead of stripping his status along with it.

“Then… what do I do, Yingxing?”

Yingxing sat back in thought before answering, “What you do is up to you. You can choose to distance yourself or continue as her friend and bury your feelings for her.”

Dan Feng only nods, gaze seemingly absent.

——————————————————————————————————

Two months passed as Dan Feng finds himself walking through the snow-covered winter grounds with the girl. The two chat amongst themselves as they slowly made their way towards the library. Both mentioned a liking towards the history and romantic literature. Finding his own collections low, he wrote to the girl, asking if he could read a few selections in the library, to which she agreed.

“藏书楼到了！” [We’ve arrived at the library!]

Before them stood a tall rounded tower with blackened roof and red columns with white walls. A style very reminiscent of the earlier century. Walking up to the two tall doors, the girl pushes it open with a huff as it slowly creaks open. The hall is silent, save for the clacking of the girl’s clogs and brushing of brocaded silks. The two went separate ways, browsing different scrolls and books then finding a place to sit as they read. The days passed like this until the girl had asked him to meet in the garden of her palace for supper.

As Dan Feng walked to her gate, it opened showing a young maid who took one look at him before inviting him in and leading him to the part of the garden where the girl waited. As he sat down, the girl spoke, “Have you heard? The denizens of abundance are on the move.” He looked at her with surprise.

“How long have you known about the denizens of abundance?”

“Ever since I turned 15. There was no way for people to not notice them any longer.”

Dan Feng remains silent, letting the girl rant.

“For as long as I have known, we’ve always been at war with the abundance. It’s carried on for hundreds of years now. When will it ever end?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re a god, aren’t you?”

Her question stunned him. Not once did he mention anything about his association with the heavens, nor did he ever talk about what he does.

“How… how did you know?’

“Many things really. It’s not every day you see a middle-aged man locked in a deep conversation with a much younger man like they’ve known each other their whole life.”

“He’s not that old.”

“To you he’s not. But to me and many others, he is. And you never really told me what you do, yet you always seem to have money. You also are well read. More than your average wealthy person, and you know lots about art, as if you’ve spent centuries perfecting it. Not to mentions, you practically sleep where knowledge is kept. And don’t think I don’t see the look in your eyes when you gaze at the dragons at the library entrance.”

Dan Feng is silent for a moment before asking, “When did you find out?”

“Since the celebration on my birthday. No one is that brave enough to gift me a blade hidden in a hair stick. And again, to be able to afford pearls of that quality. If it wasn’t the threat of abundance, my father would definitely begin suspecting you.”

“And why does me being a god matter to you?” Dan Feng asked, his heart racing.

“Can’t you do something about it? Fight the abundance or a least gift us abilities to do so?”

“Even if I had the power, I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I don’t have the power to command many forces. I’m a minor god of the moon, not for battle. Even then, if I was a god of war, I will still need permissions from the rulers and anyone else I answer to.”

The girl falls silent.

“So you’re saying, you can only defend yourself?”

Dan Feng nods.

————————————————————————————————

The last time he saw her in this life was witnessing her be poisoned.

The day had started like any other, he met with her while in the company of Yingxing. The three had made their way to the market. After eating and drifting from vendor to vendor, they returned with a request to a banquet from the emperor. It was going well. All the food were served as normal while all guests watched dances and plays until everyone heard intense coughing.

“Someone fetch the doctor! Quick! The fourth princess has been poisoned!” a maid screamed.

All hell broke loose at once. People ran as if trying to escape as few turned to mara-struck soldiers. Dan Feng pushed past the havoc as he sees the emperor trying to cut his way through the denizens. By the time Dan Feng got to her, she was already weak.

“Mian Mian!” He called out to her while cradling her close to him. ‘No… it’s happening again. Just like last time.’

“Dan… Feng…”

“Shh. I’m here, you’ll be okay.”

“这话。。。是对我说的？还是。。。还是对你自己说的？“ [Your words… Is it said towards me? Or… or is it said towards yourself?]

“What do you mean?”

“I won’t make it,” her hand moved towards her mid-section, where the hair stick he had gifted her, is embedded deeply into.

“Why?”

“I was given a choice. Either turn into them, or die. It’s obvious which I chose.”

Dan Feng’s hand enclosed over hers as tears streamed down his face.

“你的手好暖啊。。。丹枫，你能陪着我吗？我好困啊。“ [Your hands are so warm… Dan Feng, can you stay with me? I’m so tired.] She whispered weakly.

He nodded as he clutched her cold hands. With each passing second, she grows weaker and weaker until her eyes closed and her breathing stills. It happened once again… I lost her again. He looked around, trying to catch sight of familiar locks of white. Yet, all he saw were the bodies of others. The servants, the emperor, ministers. But not a shadow of his friend in sight. Lifting the girl’s cold body in to a bridle carry Dan Feng carefully made his way through the palace as he finally sees his friend tending to those in need.

“Yingxing.”

Hearing his friend calling for him, Yingxing turns to see Dan Feng carrying the girl. Others who saw the pair bowed until their heads touched the stone, some even crying.

“Dan Feng…”

“I need your help getting her to the central palace.”

“Are you crazy? She’s never cultivated like I have. If you take her there, you’ll be punished!”

“And I’m willing to face that punishment.”

“Why?”

“Yingxing, I don’t think I can carry on another life without her.”

“And if she doesn’t remember who you are?”

“I’m a selfish man. You know that.”

Yingxing sighs heavily, “Okay. I’ll help you. But if anything happens along the way, I want you to go straight ahead. Don’ bother saving me. Do you understand?”

Dan Feng nods.

“Go. Flee. All of you. This place is no longer safe,” Yingxing commanded.

Heeding his words, everyone quickly fled, never looking back. The two quickly makes their way to the Hall of Worship. And just like what Yingxing suspected, denizens of abundance are hot on their trail. As they were reaching the gates, more mara-struck appears, cutting them off their path. Seeing as they have nowhere to go, Yingxing turns to Dan Feng, “Fly there. I’ll hold them off.”

Dan Feng holds Yingxing’s gaze as the denizens began closing in.

“Thank you, Yingxing.”

He gives a court nod to Dan Feng as he takes flight in the direction of the Hall of Worship. Yingxing locked eyes with a mara-struck soldier as he raises his sword, ready to face his imminent death.

By the time Dan Feng arrived, the sun was starting to set. Not letting anymore time go to waste, he teleports both himself and the girl to the central palace, collapsing onto his knees upon landing. By seeing the pair’s arrival, everyone rushed to them in shock.

“Quickly! Send a force to the capitol! They’re under attack by denizens! Please!” He begged.

Jing Yuan glanced at the empress as she gave a nod. He turns and leaves quickly, the doors slamming shut behind him.

“And why have you brought a deceased mortal? Where is Yingxing?” The empress asked, her voice steady.

Dan Feng looked down towards the girl before back up at the empress.

“I have come to ask you to grant her a new life. An immortal one.”

“And why should I fulfill your request.”

Dan Feng swallowed his unease. Yet he was spared when the empress sighed through her nose and said, “You are aware of the price?”

Dan Feng nods eagerly, “As long as she lives, I am willing to pay any price.”

“The rules say your existence and future is to cease. However, seeing as Li __’s father took great care of her as best he could, I will merely strip you of your status and have you undergo rebirth. Now, tell me where Yingxing is.”

“He stayed behind to ensure I made it to the Hall of Worship, your majesty.” The hall falls silent as the empress gracefully stands up and walks up to Dan Feng’s kneeling form. Two maids quickly approach and bowed before them.

“Stand.”

Doing as she commanded, Dan Feng stands, carrying the girl’s body.

“Hand her over to the maids. They will start the process. She will be born a new, as an infant from the petals of an orange blossom. As for you. Best make your way to Scalegorge then. The two of you shall meet once more on the 15th day of the seventh month two decades from now.”

Blinking slowly, Dan Heng began to come to his senses. Looking around, he realizes that he’s in his own room. The familiar light turquoise quilt covering him snuggly. Carefully, he sat up as the doors to his room opens and in walks Jing Yuan.

“You’re awake!”

“What happened?”

“Right after you took the memory gem, you passed out.”

A sudden headache attacked Dan Heng as he held his head and groaned.

“Mian Mian!”

“Easy there. You’ve just recovered.”

“Remind me why you want me to regain my memories.”

“Tomorrow is the 15th. Her majesty thought it would be best if you used the memory gem before then.”

Dan Heng pulls his quilt away from him and stands with the help of Jing Yuan. He slowly hobbles to his table where warm food awaits him at. Picking up his chopsticks, he slowly begins to eat while listening to Jing Yuan ramble about his day.

The next day, Dan Heng began preparing to meet the girl he’s dreamt about. What if she doesn’t like my anymore? He thought. He shook his head and smacked his face as he began to make his way to the destination Jing Yuan told him. When he arrives, he sees a feminine figure looking up at the moon. She is draped in light purple and pink silks. Sleeves long and skirts that trails. A gentle cyan pibo floats freely. Her hair adorned with many hair sticks that holds a looped bun. A fitting appearance for a fairy.

Walking up to her, Dan Heng cleared his throat — startling the poor girl. She spun around to face him, and when their eyes met, he saw the glimmers in her eyes. The longer they gazed at one another, the faster Dan Heng’s heart beats.

“棉棉。“ [Mian Mian.]

She smiles as she approached him and hugged him.

“丹恒。” [Dan Heng.]

He smiled, returning her hug. She whispered gently to him:

“谢谢。” [Thank you.]

As the moon reached high up in the sky, the two who waited two lives, shared a kiss of love and longing.

In certain times in history, emperors of China cherished their daughters, thus always choosing another girl from outside the court to be a "princess" and marry them off.

My rendition of 西王母 comes from my own understanding of what writings and media portray her as. She's caring and forgiving.

I am also today's years old when I learned that Queen Mother and Jade Emperor are only co-workers not married.

Pibo [披帛] is a type of shawl worn with hanfu. Most depictions of immortals and gods use pibo in a way to how halos are used in the west.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This work was originally supposed to be titled 三生三世, but upon learning that it isn't actually an old saying, so I looked it up and found the two possible origins.

Beginning and ending dividers: nicodefresas

Middle dividers: fanguro

[hami-gua]

赏明月 Enjoying the Bright Moon

Sorry for not posting for a while, I've hit writers block and haven't had inspo to write for a while (or one that I was satisfied with anyway). So this one is short, sorry for that.

Warning: Chinese poetry (no translation provided this time, please run it through a translator)

The moon is round and bigger than usual. People wander to and fro, as warm glows fills the bustling town. It is that time again. Every mid-autumn, people gather with friends and family, sharing a feast. As for those afar, they can only pray that the moon conveys their feelings to loved ones who couldn't be beside them.

A figure sits at a large round table filled with food as friends and family alike gather around, chatting and laughing away. He watches them, a lonely feeling gnawing at his heart. And as he gazes at the moon, that yearning intensifies while he muses about another soul -- hoping that they too are gazing up at the moon thinking of him.

Maybe when they return, he shall gift them a jade pendant. One just as pale, bright, and round as the moon.

海上生明月，天涯共此时。

情人怨遥夜，竟夕起相思。

灭烛怜光满，披衣觉露滋。

不堪盈手赠，还寝梦佳期。

~ 《望月怀远》 张九龄 · 唐

Jing Yuan, Blade, Dan Heng, Dan Feng, Yingxing, Zhongli, Xiao, Jiaoqiu, Luocha, Moze, Ga ming, along with your favs

中秋愉快！(belated)

Divider Credits: cafekitsune

[hami-gua]

子(Zi)衿(Jin) · His Collar

This fic came as inspo after listening to 相和歌 where they took the poem written by 郑风 and turned it into a song and dance. Honestly it could fit any hsr men but because the poem talks specifically about a green (more turquoise like green) collar and I thought the only character that would have that kind of collar would be Dan Heng. I would describe this poem as a poem of longing (cuz it actually is lol).

Dan Heng (implied imbibitor lunae) x Reader (female as per the poem)

Warning: Chinese (translated), shit translation, not reviewed, spelling errors and grammatical errors (idk so I just put here in case), attempt on classic poetry was made, redundant use of certain words.

Contains: Fluff, mild hurt/comfort

青青子衿(Qīngqīng zi jīn)，悠悠我心(yōuyōu wǒ xīn)。      [The green on his collar, my heart longs for.]

纵我不往(Zòng wǒ bù wǎng)，子宁不嗣音(zi níng bù sì yīn？)？  [If I never go (to him), will he not send a message?]

青青子佩(Qīngqīng zi pèi)，悠悠我思(yōuyōu wǒ sī )。      [The green that he wears, my thoughts linger to.]

纵我不往(Zòng wǒ bù wǎng)，子宁不来( zi níng bù lái)？     [If I never go, would he come to me?]

挑兮达兮(Tiāo xī dá xī)，在城阙兮(zài chéngquē xī)         [I wait and wait, by the city gate.]

一日不见(Yī rì bùjiàn)，如三月兮(rú sān yuè xī)。      [Days pass without a sight of him, as three months have passed.]

How long has it been since his departure? The lady could only wonder. The turquoise green of his collar glow as his robes woven of silk glimmer under sunlight. His voice, a gentle lull, always putting those who hear it at ease. His touch is gentle and careful but held with steadiness. A steadiness she longs for. The bells let out a low hum, breaking the lady out of her stupor.

         It’s been days since he last sent a letter. She wonders if he intends to send another, or if her letter has been lost along the way. The lady wonders if she should go to him, lest he doesn’t want to see her. Not yet at least. But she could only hope – that he misses her as much as she misses him.

         The turquoise green of his collar brightens against the long dark strands of his hair. The lady feels as if the man her mind flits off to have currently been busy. Endless worry floats about in her mind: wondering if he ate, if he slept, or if he’s been taking breaks. She hopes that all are going in his favor – for war is not so easily won nor so easily fought.

         Each day, the lady passes by the tops of the city’s gate. Stopping right above the doors to gaze out over the horizon, as if looking for a figure among many to arrive at the gate. But alas, each day was met with nothing but the land as the sun arches over the mountains and peaks between the valleys. And like that, three months have passed with no news of the war or the man.

         On the eighth day of the fourth month, the sound of galloping startled the civilians as many rushed to supposed safety. Until all was calmed when a voice from the guards cried out, “They have returned!” And upon hearing those words, the people cheered with jubilation – relieved at the thought of their loved ones returning. The lady stood there very still, trying to gather the information that was given. It wasn’t until her maid spoke did she finally realize what has happened.

         A proud and steady figure with turquoise green collar entered through the gates first, leading the rest of the soldiers. Cheers and cries broke out around him as he allowed his men to join their loved ones. His turquoise green eyes darted from one face to another, trying to find the one he loves. And at last, with a call of his name did he find the one he sought.

         “Dan Heng!”

He turned, only to see his love with her maid chasing her – begging her to slow down. Dan Heng only had a second to brace as the lady crashed right into him, with her arms embracing him tightly.

         “你回来了！你回来了！你终于回来了！” [You’re back! You’re back! You’re finally back!]

He smiled as he softly stroked her head, “嗯，我回来了。” [Mhm. I’m back.]

         The lady looked up at him, tears brimming her eyes. Dan Heng’s hand reached up and gently brushed those tears away as more fell. Unbothered, he brushed more away as the lady giggled. That prompted him to also giggle a little. With a kiss to her head and a gentle voice, he told her:

         “我们回家吧。” [Let’s go home.]

After writing I realized the kind of green 青 means. It's the kind of greenish blue you would see on oxidized bronze. I wonder if bronze is called 青铜 because of the oxidization.

[hami-gua]

Google translate is so freaking weird. Like why is it that when I type Chinese, Google has no idea what the hell that word means. But if I set it to detect, every Chinese character I type automatically gets detected as Japanese??? And Google suddenly knows what the fuck I've been translating???? Like surely Google knows how the word 'kanji' is written right? Like how 'hanzi' is written the same??? Why can't we have AI where it really matters cuz it be so fucking annoying trying to search up a word and suddenly translating websites go "Idk what that word means so I'll just rewrite it in English and present you how we write it in English". Like yeah no shit bitch, it's how I typed the word in the first place 😒

[hami-gua]

Fighting the Landlord Pt. 1

This is purely based off of my experiences playing this gambling game.

Warning: Chinese is used (as usual, translation provided), shit explanation of game, maybe confusing description of cards, gambling game (they're not gambling though, just playing the game).

"Just because your hand looks great doesn't mean the game will run smoothly."

It was peaceful in the Astral Express when a figure plops themselves down onto the long velvet seat. A deck of cards is held in their hands as they beckon for the trailblazer and March to sit. Without a word, trailblazer pulls up a chair and sits in front of the figure while March stares at them confused.

            “What are we doing?” She asked.

            Trailblazer shrugged and answered, “They wanted to show us a new game.”

            “Where’s Dan Heng? Did he not want to join?”

            “Nope,” the figure said, shuffling the cards.

            March sighed and she too pulled up a chair then sat down. She stared at the deck of cards as they were being shuffled. It’s smooth. She thought.

            “So…” the Trailblazer said, breaking the shuffling sound, “Explain the rules.”

            The figure smiled, “The game usually only has three players. The order of the cards goes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, 2, and the Jokers. There are small and big jokers. Usually distinguished by colors or the size of the art such as this one,” They paused as they held out two jokers. One with a bigger art and the other with smaller art with a paragraph underneath.

            “That sounds like a lot to memorize…” March deadpanned.

            “The memorization isn’t about the deck in your hands, it’s memorizing what your opponent and teammate placed.”

            “Just what kind of game is this?” Trailblazer asked.

            “A gambling one.”

            March’s eyes widened, “A gambling –”

            The figure quickly cuts her off, “There are points in this game. Three is the max. However, sometimes we change the rules if there are more than three players. In a case where are more than three players, we will use two decks of card and the game becomes a free for all.”

            The figure pauses as they pass out the deck of cards in a counter clock wise. When there are three more cards left, the figure places them down and looks at the two.

            “Who wants to call? I don’t want it.”

            “I don’t either.”

            Trailblazer stared at the cards, contemplating on if they should claim the cards or not. The figure sweat dropped, “You don’t have to –”

            “I’ll take it all!” The Trailblazer said, cutting the figure off.

            “Okay then. March, you and I are now teams. We have to work together to take down the landlord -- who in this case is Trailblazer.”

            “What? You didn’t tell me that part!” Trailblazer whined.

            March shook her head as the figure sighed.

            “It’s too late to turn back now. A decision is a decision. Anyways. Sort your cards and tell me when you all are ready.”

            And so the three of them began sorting their cards, each cautious about accidentally showing their cards. Then, upon finishing, March and Trailblazer simultaneously said, “Done!”

            “Great! Now who has three of hearts?”

            March raised her hand.

            “Because you have three of hearts, you go first.”

            “What card do I play?”

            “Any. You can place a single or a double. If you’re really lucky, a 顺子 (shunzi), when your cards are single but it climbs up such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 连对二 (lian duir) is similar to the previous one, just you have two of the same cards and it climbs up;  三代一 (san dai yi) is when you have three of the same card and you add a singular card to it; 三代一对儿 (san dai yi duir) follows the same rules as the previous one except you add two of the same card instead of a singular card; 飞机 (fei ji), is when you have three of same cards and addition to that, three of the next number; or 飞机带翅膀 (feiji dai chi bang) is basically the same as the forementioned play, but you add either singular or double as the side to act as wings for the plane. But because you are the starter for a trend, you can place a single. I recommend a small number card as you want to get rid of all your small decks. But beware, just because they are small doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. A cluster may prove useful.”

            March sighs, “This really is a lot to take in…”

            “Oops. I rambled…”

            March does as the figure suggested and placed her singular 3. After her, was Trailblazer’s turn. The figure looks towards them and says, “Now you have to up her. Place a card more than three, but only one card.”

            “Huh?”

            “It’s the rule of the game. You have to place a number higher than the previous player, but the number of cards must remain the same.”

            Trailblazer nods as they mere place down a 9. The figure smiles as they place down a queen. This prompted both March and Trailblazer to look at the card placed and back to their hand, wondering if they should play. March decides to pass and Trailblazer does too. The smile on the figure’s face grew wider as they placed cards from 3 to queen. March’s eyes almost fall from her sockets.

            “That’s… a lot…”

            “No fair! How am I supposed to win that?” Trailblazer whined.

            “It’s about luck~ Not just how smoothly your own deck runs, but also the game itself.”

            “I’ll pass.”

            “Me too.”

            The figure places double 4s. March places her double 6s while Trailblazer places their double jacks. The figure passes and so does March, leaving Trailblazer to place double 5s. The figure placed double kings and March passes. Trailblazer looks at their hand and places double aces, hoping to quell the figure.

            “Too bad,” They said as they placed a double 2.

            Trailblazer gritted their teeth and relented while the figure merely shrugs and said, “You guys would’ve lost anyway,” while putting down double jokers.

            “WHAAAAT?” March and Trailblazer both shout, “HOW?!”

The figure sank back into their seat a little, “Luck?”

            “Is that even legal?” March asked.

            “Yes. So aside from the others plays I’ve mentioned, your biggest defenses are bombs and missiles. To create a bomb, you need four of the same number. Such as like four 7s. Only two jokers can create missiles and nothing can beat that.”

            “But there’s three of us? How are we supposed to get bombs and uhh… what was it? Oh! Missiles?”

            Trailblazer and the figure shrugged, “Luck.”

Lmao the amount of shit luck I have playing this game 🥲. The funniest things are cutting my dad off when he thought he made a good move only for him to regret splitting any cards. I may not know how to play mahjong, but this game, I know like the back of my hand. I've never actually gambled with this game before. Well, except maybe pride.

Credits: poemale for the dividers

[hami-gua]

Have you heard the sad hamster meme symphony version?

I'm not kidding. Search it up on youtube. It's so good. I can definitely imagine this being played by an actual orchestra.

[hami-gua]

Lolll I got a new laptop so hopefully going to get back into writing. My old one would rev up like a plane engine and shit scared me so back I thought it was gonna kaboom in front of me 😭😭😭

[hami-gua]

Don't be shy, teach us said game 👀

I played a modified version of it called 斗地主 (dou dizhu—fight the landlord)

I recommend looking it up on wiki. They’ll explain it better than I 😅