#Tears of Tianchao

[redbeanbunsworld]

Chapter 2 Release Date

I'm not trolling nor am I joking. The date for Chapter 2 has been confirmed. First week of may, keep on the lookout for the update. There will be a bunch of new things added in the prologue and Chapter 1 as well, adding about 10,000 words for the former, and another 70,0000 words for Chapter 2, which brings it to the total of 100,000+ words (without code). I'm really serious. You'll see it then, everyone Chapter 1 Extra content

I have more content in Chapter that I would like to specify.

There is a whole new interaction with the Emperor of Tianchao, Ji Yuan. There are also two death flags with him in that interaction.

More interaction and lines with Lin. Who doesn't love the spicy cinnamon roll?

Extended fight scene with Ji Qiangxin and more details to understand the situation better.

More details on cameo of Fu Xiuying.

Meeting with stranger in Heaven's Delight Street.

More information on the political dynamics of Tianchao, Zhongguog, and the rebel army, as well as many underlying issues within the economics of Tianchao.

Conversation with Huangdi's right hand man.

Explore more details on Xiaowei Yang's past.

Chapter 2 (70,000+/- words)

Section 1 is mostly getting comfortable (or not) with Wu Shen, an official introduction to the charming, crappy information broker. If you're into rude pricks who have a knack in acting innocent, godspeed to you.

Section 2 needs no explanation. Good luck to those who want to piss Ji Qiangxin off further. I mean, if you are into getting killed by a pretty guy who has a nasty expression (which I am), you have your different ways of going about it. Or if you are trying to creep him out or make him uncomfortable, you have your disturbing way of doing it. Honestly, do what you want.

Section 3 is being introduced to a hot-headed captain who would likely cry from a punch. Make of that sentence what you will. Also, if you want to die from infection, be my guest.

Section 4 is back to our favorite prince who would choke you to death at any chance (totally not something he would do, hahahahaha). This time, you can be a loyal dog, as he puts it, and risk being killed by the Emperor of Tianchao, or you can join his equally insane cause. Not many good choices---or you can die, I suppose, if that helps.

Section 5 depends on whatever you did above. Just know, you will miss a lot of interactions that could have been available in either route you choose.

Section 6...try not to die, unless you're into that.

Status: Beta testing

The game is undergoing beta testing with a trusted group of readers. Chapter 1 + prologue is cleared, and Chapter 2 is about it begin. 

New RO and Stat System

There is a new RO in the roster, so be sure to check out the description for info on her. Luo Ying is a courtesan of HongTiane. She is bold and fierce, slightly hysterical with her ambitions that even Ji Qiangxin finds her unnerving. As beautiful as a swan, yet as deadly as a cat, she is force to behold in Tianchao.

Luo Ying (she/her)

Known as: Scorpion Courtesan; Lady Misfortune

"So you are the Xiaowei. I don't know what I expected, but aren't you a bit too stupid to be one? I heard that that Xiaowei Mao was smart, but if so, how come you don't know me?"

Uncouth, violent, and rude. Hostile towards anyone, and unforgiving to enemies, she relishes in seeing them in pain. Despite all this, she is a vulnerable spirit. Easily flustered, a classic tsundere, and a bit heartless with words, she easily falls for candid people and lets her guard down when faced with such pure, unfiltered, person.

Stat System has completely changed

Before:

Charming = Intimidating

Impulsive = cautious

Sarcastic = Genuine

Friendly = Stoic

Compassionate = Cruel

Timid = Brave 

Easygoing = stubborn

In overhaul:

Charming = Intimidating 

Impulsive = Cautious 

Warm = Cold   

White Lotus = Black Belly

Cordial = Frigid

[bunsnovels]

Tears of Tianchao Novel

Tianchao is where eternal spring resides, and where blood and war prevail.

Taken from his home nation of Tianchao and raised into a powerful commander and government official of one of twelve Xiaoweis, Yang Zihun is ferocious Xiaowei of Spear, a cunning and exemplary image of a soldier, a loyal dog of an emperor. Ten years of being in the nation of Zhongguog, Zihun had been sent to his long forgotten home nation of Tianchao after ten years, but with one simple mission: Kill the Holder of the Mark Heibao, the ferocious and brutal rebel prince of Tianchao who started the DaiZai-Yige, the intranational civil blood war.

After a powerful force pulsed bloodlust sent Zihun to chase and to attack the rebel prince of Tianchao, he is forced into a situation where he must contend with court politics of a hostile emperor who'd rather seen him dead, a brutal prince who would cut his throat from a mere sign of betrayal, and the dark past haunting him from his childhood. While even then, he gets pulled into the bloody corruption under the bleeding moon of Tianchao, and his goals begin to shift to a more sinister and darker path.

================================================

This is the novel format of the IF fiction that I am writing. Please don't take it as the same as the IF, as they are different, and although they follow the same story, this is still a novel and is fundamentally different from an IF. In case you are interested in the novel format and the entire story inspiration of Tears of Tianchao IF, you can read the novel on webnovel (and I do not endorse their writer program).

[redbeanbunsworld]

Random

Since everyone probably heard Karma's a Bitch, I'll just say, you're going to be the one to say that soon enough. :) You know, they say karma comes in all shapes and sizes, and your karma will be a cute midget with a knife. Then again, I said karma for a reason, so make of that as you will

(Being an asshole has it's reprecussions, just saying.)

[redbeanbunsworld]

Beta Testers (Chapter 1 and 2)

Hello everyone! I'm back and here with some news. I am currently looking for some beta testers for Tears of Tianchao. If you are willing, go to the forms and fill in the information.

Keep in mind that I will be collecting both Tumblr usernames and Discord usernames in the form.

If you have any interest in joining the beta testing team, we are more than happy to expand the team!

[redbeanbunsworld]

What if mc suffers a heavy injury and would be in a coma for about a week and when they wake up they see the RO in the room and then they would have a conversation and mc says this "Thank you for worrying about me but it's fine...I suffer worst than this"and just say that with a sad smile?(If it's a spoiler you don't need to answer this)

I will answer this, since it isn't a spoiler. However, like I said, personality dynamics change how ROs talk and behave with MC. For this ask, I'll go with a cold and impulsive MC.

Guys, be honest—are the drabbles too long? I'll shorten them down immensely if they are. I'll actually write it short here and link you guys to a Google Docs where the full drabbles are available. (it's 100% anonymous, no worries.)

Also, these are the last full length drabbles that I'll write in reaction requests. :3 I have to leave some for the actual game~ (I gave extra attention since I had a promise to fulfill.)

Prompt

"Thank you for worrying about me, but it's fine..." I smile, biting down inside my lip. "I suffer worse than this."

Ji Qiangxin

"Don't be so angry all of a sudden," I mumble with a sigh. "I'm not saying this to make you worry less, but I'm telling you not to worry because I know what I'm doing—ah!"

In a flash, his hands grip my wrist, holding my cheeks to look right into his eyes, and truly, I've never seen that kind of expression before from him. Like a desperate puppy that was kicked by its owner just to crawl right back without a second thought, and I don't know how to look away if he gives me that look.

"Angry? Is that how you understand my feelings? Do you even understand how I felt when you would not wake up? And the first thing you tell me is keep my worries at bay, as if my concern is as easy to come and go?"

Wu Shen

His entire face stiffens, lips pressed in a tight line. “I don’t honestly know what the fuck that has to do with my worry. Seriously.” He snatches the cloth from my hand and scrunches into his upper garments. “You know, you could’ve died, and now, you’re telling me that you had worse. Like, yeah, that makes me feel a whole lot less worried.”

I sigh and frown. “You’re worrying over nothing.”

“You’re an idiot. Really!” 

Ji Shenglian

“No!” She shouts into my shoulder, ringing my ear. “I don’t care! You almost died! You…you.” The arms that could barely keep me warm tightens like a noose around my neck. “I was so worried, so worried that you died! I thought you were going to die!”

I tap her shoulders, because if she holds me any tighter, I might as well die from it! 

“Shenglian…let, let go just a bit.”

Dammit!

“No!”

Fu Xiuying

“Xiuying,” I call out whilst reaching for her skirt—and grab ahold. She turns her head to me, and puffs her cheeks, but I honestly don’t care about this right now. “I’m grateful for your concern, but I’m fine.”

Her cheeks swell like a ball, and I quickly add with a smile. “I’ve been through worse.”

“That nonchalance is charming, but not right now,” she states so bluntly that even I’m a bit surprised. “I didn’t tend by your bedside to hear such cold and uncaring words.”

Mo Ge

“I’m clearly not dead, so what are you worrying about?”

He pulls his fingers into his robes, and if he does it any further, he would cut himself. I take his hand and squeeze it. “Thank you for worrying for me, but I’m fine…” I consider my next words and smile. “I’ve suffer—been through worse.”

I flinch to something on my hand, as more drops, like a feathery knock to my attention, tap in an incessant sequence. Clear liquid pools on my skin and fall faster as they slide past to the ground. 

[redbeanbunsworld]

What are the ros favorite place to kiss and be kissed

<333 I love your questions, guys. They make me so happy to read and write.

Ji Qiangxin

Despite a cold exterior, Qiangxin loves kissing MC's hands and wrist. He would take them by the wrist and kiss along the fingers downwards. He also absolutely loves being kissed on his forehead and cheek.

Wu Shen

He will never stop kissing MC on their nose and corner of their lips as he caresses their cheek and look in their eyes. He melts when kissed on his lips.

Fu Xiuying

She enjoys kissing MC by their neck and jaw, but she also enjoys kissing them along their thighs if given the chance. An innocent kiss on her nose will make her heart skip a beat.

Ji Shenglian

Everywhere. She will kiss MC everywhere possible. As for where she wants kisses? Everywhere. It just has to be MC.

Mo Ge

For Mo Ge, he treasures MC's lips and eyes most, unhesitant to kiss the corner of their eyes, between their eyes, and offer himself to MC with a deep kiss to their lips. He also wants to be kissed on his lips, but maybe with more passion, since he is a bit shy to being rough.

Luo Ying

The nape and ears are not safe from Luo Ying, who will nibble on their before kissing them. As for the catty Luo Ying, a kiss on her chest and collarbone will send her in a frenzy and protest against MC just to be miffed if they stop.

[redbeanbunsworld]

How would the RO's react if their baby says mama/papa/other to mc first?

Actually, none of the ROs would mind (save for Luo Ying and Wu Shen).

Ji Qiangxin

He will be ecstatic to hear their child calling MC "papa" before him, since seeing both his love and his child happy makes him happiest. But he will tease MC and say that the "husband" in their relationship is now MC,

Wu Shen

He will act miffed since he always wanted to be called "papa" first. Still, he will be emotional and make sure to treat MC with steamed buns for all the hard work as MC has finally been ordained as the parent first, jokingly, of course.

Fu Xiuying

She will not mind either way. However, if you're curious to know how she would feel if she is called "mama" first, she will actually tear up, because she is the same one who didn't really want a child, but after being called "mama" so affectionately, she is grateful for her child.

Ji Shenglian

She will be too excited to care about anything else, maybe dressing her wife, MC, in beautiful clothes alongside her child, and prepare a feast to celebrate the occassion. She honestly couldn't care less, and the thought won't even cross her mind.

Mo Ge

He will honestly cry if he hears their child calling MC first, and thank MC for being in his life and will promise a happy life to them. To him, the child calling MC first means that everything that he went through was not for nought and that he is finally with the person he loves most.

Luo Ying

Luo Ying will be miffed and jealous and will throw a brief pity party, sometimes whining how she is the one who always tries to play and feed the child, but in the end, she will affectionately hold her husband and child. She just loves her child too much and wishes she could be called "mama."

[redbeanbunsworld]

What were the ROs immediate, first gut reactions to realising they have romantic feelings for MC? Can't imagine all of them are happy about it lmao - what an unforeseen complication 😩

That's true. Not all of them will be very happy about. There is one character with whom you need a pretty high friendship stat alongside the love stat.

There are honestly multiple reactions, but here is one of them.

(BIG NEWS: the poll for Luo Ying is done. Welcome a new RO.)

Ji Qiangxin

He will honestly be so shocked by the revelation of his own feelings and will try his absolute best to hide them. For Qiangxin, MC has to be friends with him before romancing, so to preserve the friendship, he will try to hide them away. Still...he is a bit sensitive to any subtle touch or smile from MC. He will be a blushing mess, but of course, his expression will look a lot scarier because he's nervous.

Wu Shen

Being very much self-aware, he will know immediately how he feels, and he doesn't really think about the repercussions of his actions. He just knows he feels something and will act upon it. Be prepared for a bunch of "Do you need help with that?" "Want me to cook you something?" "Let me give you a massage."

Fu Xiuying

"No...oh, shit."

Ji Shenglian

For Ji Shenglian, she will only realize far into her feelings. The moment she realizes her feelings, just expect it to be love. She will end up buying a beautiful present for MC and sticking by MC 24/7, far more clingy than before.

Mo Ge

He has always felt something for MC. To him, there is no one comparable to MC. But he heavily suppresses his feelings to the point that he believes that he no longer has them. Once he comes to terms with his feelings, he will cry and drink alcohol just for the night.

Luo Ying

She will honestly be more catty and flustered around MC. Anything the MC says that is too nice or even seemingly normal, she will take it personally and lash out with cheeks flushed. It can even be a normal, "I came to see you to discuss—"

"Shut up! Don't say you came to see me!"

"...I just wanted to discuss the paper you sent out."

[redbeanbunsworld]

Mc patching up the RO's and when they patch up their cheek mc hands stay a little longer than necessary and the RO's can see mc eyes that has a look of longing on it and they have a good long moment of silence before mc getting up and turns around "You should be alright now...I should go back" and mc is about to walk away(Thank you for answering this<3)

Damn. This does actually happen to three ROs.

You guys live for angst and knives to the heart, don't you?

If this is in perspective that they are not romanced and MC has a crush/is in love with them, and maybe a few of the ROs has something for MC, but for most ROs, obviously, they are already friends by this stage.

Ji Qiangxin

Although he is a bit dumb to these things himself, the tender hand on his cheek that lingers over his wound will not go unnoticed. He will be a bit aversed to it, as he prefers not to get involved emotionally with people.

The hand over his cheek feels so hot, like I had scorched it against fire. I don't want to look away from him. He is looking at me with a gaze that is no longer so emotionless or callous, and he has been for a while now. His eyes sharpen. "Xiaowei Mao." Shoot. I withdraw my hand, my nails digging into my skin. "You should be alright now. I..." a sigh trembles from my lips. "I should get going."

He will honestly feel a bit worried for MC, regardless of FMC or MMC, and it will bug him for a good while, and attempt to drop hints that he wants to discuss what's going on. This is as good as a confession.

Wu Shen

He is very quick to pick up on things, and he is fast in calling it out too. As soon as he notices the longing in MC's gaze and the hand that refuses to let go, he will grab MC's wrist.

"What are you trying to play at?" he blurts, the hand on my wrist in a tight grasp. "Do you like me or something?" My breath catches in my throat. I have to get out of here. With a tug, my wrist releases, and I immediately stand and turn around. "You should be alright now. I should get going."

This situation will actually annoy him a lot. Not because MC has feelings for him, but because they left. He wouldn't mind if MC felt that way for him, and he honestly dislikes that they would not explain anything.

Fu Xiuying

She would honestly not take it seriously and think it's MC's lust for her or something like that. The thought of romance rarely crosses her mind. MC can stare at her in the most loving way, and she will pass it off as infatuation and nothing else.

When has she looked so lovely? She smiles and tugs at my hair, twirling the bit around her. "If given such passionate gaze, others would turn away in fluster." I feel my heart skip a beat, and I immedately withdraw my hand. "You should be alright now. I should get going." I ignore her widened eyes and her voice calling out to me. I can't stay here anymore.

Fu Xiuying will feel a bit bummed from the sudden reaction, since she was not expecting something like that in the least. She would think MC lost interest in her, but will make sure that her thought process is correct.

Ji Shenglian

She won't know what is wrong with MC at first, and will think that they are mad at her for being careles and getting hurt. She often doubts herself a lot and has a pretty low self-esteem, so finds it unlikely for someone like MC to have feelings for her.

Our gazes linger for a long while. To look at such wide and brilliant eyes, I feel like I can stay in this moment forever. The way she turns her head to the side, eyebrows furrowed.

"This princess apologizes for disturbing Xiaowei." My cheeks flush, and I pull my hand away. "Ahem, you should be alright now. I should get going." "Wait!" I feel her hand tug at my sleeve, her face pale. "This...I apologize." "It...is alright, princess." I pull her hand away and turn on my heel. "Please be careful not to injure yourself."

This will make her a bit sad, as she thinks she disappointed the MC. But she will realize sooner or later what it meant, or maybe she forget about it?

Mo Ge

This guy is not the quickest on these things, but even if MC doesn't look at him with such gaze, he will. And he will feel embarassed and pathetic, because he thinks he projected his feelings on MC, which is why he believes he saw longing in their eyes.

I cup his cheek in my hand, fingertips burning against his cheek, just shy of his ear and along his jaw. It's been a while since I last saw him, but he's already...like this. And in a way, I've dearly missed those soft eyes that looked at me in tenderness. His lashes lower, and I feel a tingle in my hand where his fingers reach to mine. "Ah!" I pull my hand away, and get up. "You should be alright now. I should get going." I can't look at him...or else he will know.

This will honestly break his sensitive little heart, and he will be very distant from MC after this, just to save himself the heartache.

[redbeanbunsworld]

This can be applied to MC and ROs, if they say "I'm the peak of grace" or something similar and turns and walks into a tree, how would they react(insert question mark but my keyboard isn't cooperating)

Lmao wtf. This is an amazing question. You guys are so creative with questions asks~ (I might even add it in the story, cause seriously, this is hilarious)

I'll write this in perspective of not being romanced.

Ji Qiangxin

He would never say something like that but would comment something along the lines of, "Clumsy and dumb" depending on choices, but if MC were to flip their head to the side, and say, "I'm the peak of grace," and walk right into a tree—he will be so shocked that you'd actually scare him. He would honestly stay away from MC cause he's worried that he might get into a trouble just being around MC, maybe even putting salt around his desk before MC goes to see him/talk with him. (It's not too serious, no worries.)

Wu Shen

He would say this and this would happen to him. Without a doubt. How could someone so proud and willingly stupid not do this? Aside from that, if MC does something like this, he will say MC a "what a fucking idiot, but honestly, I would, too," Maybe he might buy MC a steamed bun to commemorate their bizarre situation.

Fu Xiuying

The true peak of grace and elegance. Maybe they have a conversation about how Xiuying is so very famous for such title, and along the way, MC can say that they are the epitome of grace. Of course, if you bump into a tree along the way, just expect a backhanded compliment from her, something like, "The Xiaowei most surely has a strong head."

Ji Shenglian

Just boast about yourself once, and Shenglian will be adament to see if you can prove it. But she doesn't even need to try with MC bumping into a tree. That will send her into a long session of laughter, maybe reenacting the scene from time to time.

Mo Ge

Honestly, he would not be surprised by anything MC does. Not because he knows them super well or anything (arguably), but because nothing fazes him anymore. He's grown up with MC since childhood, so he's seen all the stages. If MC bumps into after a pretentious "I'm the peak of grace," he will just let out a sigh and help them out, maybe send off a painting later to them just to be funny.

[redbeanbunsworld]

Mc getting close to the RO's and RO's thinking it's a kiss so they closed their eyes but mc only gave a barely a peck and says "Awwww I'm sorry dear but do you think that was a kiss? I'm sorry but teasing you like this is fun" (I love teasing RO's<3)

Ooh~ you ask some really cheeky questions. I love them, because man...who doesn't love a mischievous MC who loves getting under the skin of their lovers? This is the actual dynamic with the novel Tears of Tianchao main couple, and it makes me soooooo giddy while writing it.

Anyway...!

Ji Qiangxin

Cheeky and flirting never go well with this stoic, sensitive prince. He loves physical affection, both ways, and is never expecting his love to be rejected or teased even. With eyes closed and heart beating, he will turn as red as an apple. "I'm sorry, but teasing you like this is fun" will seal the last nail to the coffin, and he will retaliate just to spare his dignity, maybe leave a few love bites. Just don't expect him to be able to look you in the eyes for the next few days.

Wu Shen

Who are you to tease the biggest menace of all? The moment you tease him this way, and hit with a casual, cheeky "I'm sorry, but teasing you like this is fun," he will pinch your cheek till it's red and kiss the very spot. He doesn't take 'kindly' to teasing, in the sense that it makes him competitive. He will cover your eyes and pretend to do the very same, only to pull your nose next. He will let you live it down, and if the whole teasing continues, expect the game to continue till you quit because he never will.

Fu Xiuying

She likes teasing, both ways. It's actually an understatement to say "like" when it's so obvious how she operates around teasing and will eagerly wait to be teased. If you ever have the courage to tease her, just be prepared not to leave her room for a few hours. Don't worry, she will compensate it well.

Ji Shenglian

Poor, sweet princess, she just wants love. A real puppy who just wants your attention every single day and second, she will close her eyes and turn red. So eager and excited for a simple kiss---or so she thought. She dislikes teasing immensely and will actually tear up if you tease her too much. She lives for the simple romance. Yet, if you do this to her, Shenglian will be so distraught that she will sob about it for a while, only pacified if you comfort her.

Mo Ge

A bit awkward yet lovely, Imperial Secretary doesn't participate in a lot of personal interactions with others, aside from his Crown Prince and the emperor who loves him as his own. He honestly doesn't mind anything you do to him, a little too relaxed and wholly loving; he will just give an awkward smile and pat your head if you tease him that way.

[redbeanbunsworld]

Drunk mc that turns very red if the RO's gave them the slightest touch or kiss and mc shys away and cover their face "D-don't do that..." How would the RO's react to that mhmmm?

;3

ARGHHH. I really want to write a drabble for this prompt, but I can't! This will appear in the actual game, so I'd REALLY be spoiling the game if I do give a full drabble for this. I will just write a brief summary of how each RO would react <3

(Maybe I'll give a teeny taste~)

Ji Qiangxin

Unable to keep his hands to himself with MC, he will 100% blush and will honestly tease the MC more cause he finds them adorable, hold their hand, caressing their neck and ears, regardless of protests. But just a single look or poke from the MC will send him away and running in fluster, because he knows if he goes further, it'd go all the way.

Wu Shen

Honestly, he will fall down laughing and probably bully the MC about it, but he will never shy away from trying to kiss the anywhere he can get to - a single peck is all he needs. If you try and retort, he will bite their nose, just to see the rest of their face as red as a tomato. Wu Shen doesn't really participate in those activities and rarely thinks of them, so it won't cross his mind unless MC is wanting more...

Ji Shenglian

Despite liking sweet fruit wine, Shenglian will be dead drunk with you. She can barely even function with a single shot of white wine. If she accidentally touches you while being this drunk, she's just going to whine and try to grab the MC and will not stop until she snuggles into MC. Nothing much will happen, aside from a dead asleep Shenglian and an embarassed MC.

Fu Xiuying

She arguably has the best alcohol tolerance out of all the ROs, given her love for alcohol. While drinking, she becomes quite averse to touching since she becomes a bit too sensitive, both emotionally and physically, but if she accidentally touches the MC by chance is met with that type of reaction, Xiuying will becomes so flustered that both become a blushing mess by their respective corners. However, things don't always go that way, and perhaps they might finds themselves in a dichotomous situation where they are tangled.

Mo Ge

He doesn't like drinking and tries to avoid social gatherings purely because of the involvement of alcohol. But for some reason, if MC convinces him to drink with them, he will not drink but spend time with them instead. If MC becomes so drunk that they turn red, he will touch them out of concern, and if met with this type reaction, he sighs in worry and will try to force them to take a break. If MC acts too cute, however, he will have a hard time keeping his hands to himself but will try his absolute best to retain dignity.

[redbeanbunsworld]

How would the RO's react if Mc suddenly appears and give them a beautiful wrapped gift "Happy birthday I heard that today was your birthday so I'm sorry if it isn't that good but I pour all my heart into this so I hope you enjoy it" and when the RO's open it's actually what they wanted on their birthday?👀✨(Also thank you for answering this ask<3)

Awww. The festive season is all over the air, isn't it? Gift giving ❤️

Jokes aside, I suppose I can give a scenario for it, and maybe a drabble, hehe. Anyway, for the following, I will be using the gentle and sweet personality since it fits well~

I'll write a drabble for each one lol.

(GODDAMN, THIS TOOK FOREVER! Anyway, I'm happy with how it turned out <3)

Ji Qiangxin

"Ji Qiangxin," I call out as I walk into the room with my hands behind my back

"What is it?"

He turns towards me, a long scroll in one hand a brush in the other but eyes clearly on mine. As if he noticed something's behind me, he peers to the side.

A string of smoke follows the incense burner on his table, and the sound of rolling paper fills the silence.

I immediately sit down, and a confused frown is thrown right at me.

For some reason, I'm a bit nervous now. If I only had that it was his birthday just a bit earlier, than I wouldn't have had to just choose something so quickly and would've been able to give it more thought. Oh, Heibao, what am I going to do...

"Oi,"

"Huh?" I look up.

"Why were you calling me? Is something bothering you?"

He's so close all of a sudden! Did I blank out or something?

His face draws a frown, and he goes down on one knee, staring at me from below where I'm sitting.

"Tell me what's bothering you."

My face grows a bit hot. "I..." I sigh. "It's nothing. I-I just wanted to give you something."

His eyebrows pinch inwards. "Is it a gift?"

"Mm."

"For my birthday?"

He just outted me that fast...I try to smile. Well, it's fine, I suppose.

"Mhm. Happy birthday." I take my hands out from behind, and hold out a small box wrapped in a thin paper handpainted with crabapple flowers. "I heard that today was your birthday, so I'm sorry if it isn't that good.

His eyes widen. "You..."

"I poured all my heart into this, so I hope you like it!"

I jut my hands and close my eyes, and as I peek, his hands stretch forward to grab ahold of it.

I'm so nervous. I feel like hiding in a corner.

He pulls at the ribbon tied around the box, and the paper wrapping comes loose with it, With a push of his hand, he puts the wrapping to the side, and pries open the wooden box.

"You bought incense for me?"

I nod my head as he picks it from the box. "It's a new cherry blossom incense." I feel my ears tingle in heat. "It just reminded me of you since you always smell like flowers-"

My body jerks forward and a strong pair of arms envelop me whole, and the smell of cherry blossom tickles my nose, as well as the ink black hair tangled into me. When I slightly move, the hug becomes tighter, like I would run away.

Honestly, this man. I smile.

"What am I to do with you?" Qiangxin's voice whispers in my ears, like a little bell against a soft breeze. "Thank you for this...I will cerish it."

Wu Shen

"Uhm...Wu Shen, I have something to tell you."

I lean my back against the wall, my body inclined on the bed, a hand to the back.

"You called, my love?" He swings his head towards me as he dangles his arm, riding his chair forwards and backwards. "I'm all ears, or maybe you need me for something else other than listening?"

I clear my throat as a cheeky look surfaces across his face. "You're a tease."

"Well, I wouldn't be the Peddler if I were not, wouldn't you say, my love?" He accentuates each letter in that little pet name that he's grown fond of, and honestly, it does make me smile.

I sit up from the bed and bob my head to the side to match his inclined body. "Happy birthday, Wu Shen."

The smile disappears, replaced by a series of quick blinking. "It's my birthday?"

You can't be serious with me. I give a wry smile. "I love it when you joke with me."

His eyes become wide and he launches forward to his feet. "Really? It's my birthday?"

"Wu Shen..." I honestly don't know what else I expected from him, someone who can't even rememeber what he ate a second ago. I shake my head a offer a smile from my heart. "Yes, it's your birthday. And..."

I pull my hand from the back and shake the box in my hand. "I got something for you."

"Huh? How do you know my birthday better than myself?"

"I..." I stare for a good second and laugh. "I don't know how to answer that."

He scurries towards me like a raccoon with his hands folded to his back, and with the quick grab of the box, he squats in front of me.

"Let's see..." he purrs, shooting his usual charismatic smile. "I wonder what my lovely, cute Xiaowei got for me."

As he tears apart the wrapping, I suddenly feel a little guilty. I didn't get this gift with a lot of thought, more like a sudden emergency gift that...

He drops the wooden lid to the side and goes quiet.

Too quiet.

I swallow and avert my eyes. "I'm sorry if it isn't much. I stll tried to pour my heart into it, so I hope you like it...and honestly it's okay if you don't."

"There is absolutely no ways that I would dislike this. Aren't these the new stones that were for sale at that artisan crafts store?" He stares me and smiles, and I feel like all my worry dissipates. "How'd you know that I wanted this?"

"...you make it kinda obvious that you like gambling and board games."

A brilliant smile and swaying his body side-to-side like a puppy, we hold our gazes, his fingers through my hair as he leans towards me with our noses to each other.

Ji Shenglian

I pull my fingers through her inky black hair, running along the strands like water and following through with a fine-tooth comb. Section by section, I separate her hair into three parts, and take the right side into my hand.

"What kind of hairstyle are you doing for the night, Xiaowei Yang?"

Her beautiful voice chides me, and in the reflection of the mirror, her lychee eyes form a half moon, a fire reflected in them as the flickers of candlelight ushers the night.

"Since when do you call me by my title," I whisper as I braid her long hair.

Today is her birthday, and in a few hours, it will pass. I glance at her reflection and smile. "Are you feeling alright, Meimei?"

A sudden pout crosses her lips. "Stop caling me that! Brother already teases me enough."

"Haha, sorry." I rest my chin atop her head and look at her through the mirror. "If I stop, will you smile?"

As if my words are enough, the corners of her lips lift into a harp. "Why would I refuse you?"

"Then, that makes me happy," I chirp as I do the last bits of her hair.

Just as she moves, I take my hands to her shoulders. "Hold on for a second. I have something for you."

"Hmm, do you?" she hums.

I pull out a long box from my inner pocket. While she stares at me with her inquisitive, endearing eyes, I take her soft hand into mine and place trinket.

"Happy birthday, Shenglian."

Like a thousand brilliant stars at the dead of night, her black eyes stare and a well of tears slide down her cheek. Before I could say a word, she tears open the paper, and fumbles open the wooden lid.

Fingers glide across the metal pin.

"The blue lotus fits you, so does the silver hairpin."

A crest of a blue lotus glimmers under candlelight, and small diamonds dangle from the crest like a teardrop.

Not a second later, I feel her arms around me and her cries echo through the night, tears welling into my shoulder.

Fu Xiuying

"Today is an auspicious day, once more."

Xiuying holds a cup in her hand, and like a crane, brings to her lips in a slow yet graceful swoop, her other sleeve like a veil. Red eyeliner along her lashes—she stares at me.

I lift my cup and jut forward in respect to her. "Indeed it is."

We gaze at each other under the glow of Heaven's Delight. As far as dangerous, there is no place better than here to find something to warm the bellies and throat.

Across the table and in the solace of this private room, Xiuying leans her head against her hand, where she stares out the open window as fireworks light the sky.

"Since Xiaowei Yang is from Tianchao, you most surely know of the Jin Ying Festival, where people send off cherry blossoms and crabapples along Hudie River to welcome summer." She gives me a side glance and offers a graceful smile. "Of course, you do."

"Isn't it more auspicious for Lady Xiuying, given her date of birth?"

"My, don't you know that well." She laughs with her hand over her lips. "I should have been suspcious when you invited me for a drink. Why am I not surprised by this at all?"

I pour another cup of wine for each of us, and hold out mine with my hand on my wrist. "Another year of blessings to you, Lady Xiuying."

She sits up straight and takes the cup with the clang and a quick gulp. As she fixes her sleeve, I place a box on the table, watching her curious gaze flicker to mine, and slide it towards her.

"It is not much, but take it from my whole heart and may it prove good to Lady Xiuying."

Lips slightly apart, and a pink shade fluttered across her face, I thought that she would be embarassed, or even flustered—and that gaze a little bright like gemstones does little to help my own warm cheeks.

She looks down, cheeks set by her long lashes, and reaches her hand forward to slide the box her way. Each moment is like a drop of water that trembles and waits too long and uncertain, and my heart feels like it's about to burst forth.

As the strings come undone, the paper rustling to her lithe fingers and the pop of the lid, a firework goes off and sets a bright orange light in her eyes.

Where the festive sounds cheer outside, between us in this moment alone, a quietness overtakes us, and the shivers that curled her finger inwards are all mesmerizing, just as the whafts of sweet rose perfume.

She picks the ceramic bottle and pops off the lid. To the deep breath and smile, she only has a serene look that I've never seen before—where her hands reach for mine and rests in the crevice of my palm.

"I am not for sentimentality nor muddle-headed speech, but perhaps the good alcohol and company makes me appreciate you all the more, Xiaowei Yang, a bit too much than it warrants comfort."

Mo Ge

"It's been a while since we both sat by this stream."

With his hand in mine, fingers intertwined like vines, he leaned his head against my shoulder. In the night, the breeze blows its cold temper along the water banks, and like the past, we would find ourselves in each other's embrace.

Just like the past.

"It has been a while. The last time was eleven years ago."

"I remember that day, like a single hasn't passed, and in a way, it still tears me apart like a knife."

I left him on his birthday...on the very same day, I disappeared from his life and left him by the banks of the stream. And for that, he still carries around that box of mandarin peels.

I wonder, would he have waited ten more years for me, holding to some hope that I would return, or would he have simply wanted to live alone?

The thought itself is depressing.

I take my hand and hold his cheek. "Gege, happy birthday. Let's be together till we die, and hopefully, we are together on that day, too."

He wraps his fingers around my wrist and slides it up to my hand, clasping it between his cheek and palm.

"I also have something for you."

"I want to stay like this a while longer," he mumbles and clasps my hand tighter.

"Alright, but are you sure you don't want to see the gift I got for you?"

"Mm...." he grumbles and sighs. Pushing himself off and looking at me, he smiles and puts his forehead to mine. "What is it?"

I pull out a box from my inner pocket, poking his nose between us, and smile. "Here you go, Guoshi."

He rubs his nose and laughs as he takes the box. As strings come undone, I feel my heart drumming in my ears, like the doors to my heart eager to open.

"It isn't much, but I thought of you when I chose it."

"Huh, is this a small lantern? It isn't even the Qian Xian festival."

"You always used to play with since you were a kid and till you were seventeen, Gege." I laugh. "Unless you're saying that you changed way too much."

A grin stretches his cheeks as dimples form two spots of joy. With our eyes to each other, he leans forward and I close my eyes to feel his lips against mine.

As we part, he whispers. "Thank you for coming back to me."

[redbeanbunsworld]

Can you give Ji Shenglian fluffy facts when she is with gentle f!mc? 🥺 SO THAT I CAN AT LEAST PREPARE FOR THE ANGST😭😭😭

LMAO. I was wondering what made you think that there would be angst.😂😂 Then again, I alluded to it way too much, so it makes sense.

Here are so some fluffy facts about our favorite, cute princess, who is a bit sensitive and cries a little too much when she hears sad stories.

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Ji Shenglian is the opposite of her brother. Although emotional and full of vigor, she has trouble understanding her emotions and herself, which makes it difficult for her to bond with others and ultimately make her feel lonely. As much as her relationship with her brother is good, she is a bit dense, and her black-and-white thinking causes serious strains even in her closest relationships. With a gentle and understanding person by her side, she feels more accepted and sees things that she never noticed before.

She had a close relationship with both her father and mother, especially her mother, and the memory of tenderness and love remains a pillar of her happiness.

With a gentle FMC, there are equal exchanges of love. In those moments, Ji Shenglian loses her distrust of people and feels wholly safe.

When romancing Ji Shenglian, she will tend to prepare food or clothes for FMC and share how beautiful she thinks FMC is.

She will tend to the baby chick-turned-chicken in the future with the gentle FMC, making and buying little clothes for the loveable pet.

Ji Shenglian will frequent in sending crabapple flowers and red paper lipstick for MC because she loves the color red and tell FMC that she wants to see the red on their lips.

When with gentle FMC after an intimate encounter, Ji Shenglian will usually cry in her arms and thank FMC for being in her life.

Ji Shenglian will take gentle FMC to her favorite spot in Heaven’s Delight for dinner as frequently as possible to listen to entertainers just to see the smile on FMC's face.

If gentle towards Ji Shenglian in the first meeting, she will be extremely friendly and loveable towards FMC.

She will be the first one to make the move with gentle FMC.

The difference between fierce FMC and gentle FMC is how Shenglian reacts to and behaves towards MC. With gentle FMC, she is more confident and straightforward, while more shy and flustered with fierce FMC.

[redbeanbunsworld]

Different Personality Types!

I will list the different personality types that will be locked in from Chapter 3!

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Merry-go-lucky, charming prick who cares little about the world. You are bright and snappy, eyes always towards the future, but this does make you slightly inconsiderate and even insensitive of others, impulsive with regards to your feelings and your decisions.

Stoic and considered rude by most because of your sharp tongue and apathetic behavior. Maybe calling you childish and a bit of a coward is accurate. This makes you a dislikable to others. You are a rational and cruel person who hesitates too much.

Selfless person amongst people. Carefree charmer whose heart is like pure gold. With others’ best interests in mind, you are one of the most dazzling people in the eyes of those who meet you—but this generosity has a cost. You are kind to the point that you are a pushover and impulsive enough not to consider your own well-being. You are so selflessly selfish that those who care about you start to worry about you. 

A slightly awkward, methodical person—that’s what you are. Despite your tendency to be upfront to the point of threats, you are a genuine and a friendly person in most cases. You cannot stand injustice, standing against those who do wrong, and giving compassion to those who struggle. When someone befriends you, they know you are easygoing and kind.

Fearsome, calculating, and a person that people would not dare to give a second glance. Whether you mean no harm or do seek harm, there is no difference. Every word you say and twist of your hand instill fear in others. However, as much as the rest is questionable or true, you are most genuine and honesty is true. You hold morals highly, and nothing can change that. 

[redbeanbunsworld]

Cover Change

I realized that it may have been time for a cover change of the IF. There are actually two main color palettes for Tears of Tianchao, which follows the two main themes: royalty and evil (purple and black) and red and black (power/blood and evil). If you read into a lot of the color descriptions that are in the script, there are lot of mentions of the color red and purple, also black is the main color of Tianchao. Anyway, love you all <3