#and yun makes me think of a prince

[yun-fangz]

Hiya! Who in (sub!)Ateez do you think would be most to least likely to be into petplay? :) The hybrid bear Jongho reblog made me think about that 😵‍💫

AHH. Apologies for the late response!!

IMO, i think mostly all of them may be into it but just at different levels. Not all would like it all the time whereas some of them live and breathe being your cute little pet. i've categorized it mostly by type (you'll see) but i hope you enjoy 🥂

MDNI +18 CONTENT AHEAD!

NOT PROOFREAD!

Most

Seonghwa

San

Wooyoung

Jongho

Yunho

Mingi

Yeosang

Hongjoong

Least

I think these three being at the top makes the most sense, they’re already so freaky this would absolutely not be an issue. These are three kitties who love to lay around you and paw at you anytime of the day. Collars with bells, cute fluffy ears, the little tail plugs, you name it and they’ll want it. Call them your pretty kitty too and watch how fast the three of them can come undone. I think Seonghwa would love it the most, wearing his pretty kitty ears and tail all around the house. He would follow you from room to room, jingling along and purring happily waiting for you to finally settle down so he can lay all over you and love you. San would be a bit more nonchalant, leaving himself to his own devices, unless he was feeling needy himself. You’d know by the way he paws at you randomly and looks at you with eyes blown wide. I beg of you, give this kitty some attention. Wooyoung is a coin flip. Some days you’ll find him being the nicest kitty ever, wanting to be doted on and taken care of but the next, you’ll have to bend him over and remind this pretty kitty where his place is; under you.

Jongho…. God. He wouldn’t initially think he’d be into it but as soon as you called him your little cub.. he was a goner. Absolutely loves being your good little cub and being taken care of by you. As soon as that name slips out of your mouth, its like all semblance of the universe slips right outside his pretty head. He becomes so pliant, letting you do whatever you wanted as long a he was able to paw at you whenever he wanted. He wouldn’t like wearing ears 24/7 like the others… he doesn’t like feeling like a furry (furries I’m sorry) . However when he’s really deep into it and has them on, scratch the hair behind the cute little ear and see how his eyes roll to the back of his head as he whines.

Yunho, Mingi, and Yeosang, wah, these pretty puppies. They just love to know they're your cute and sweet pups. As soon as the name pup comes from your mouth, these boys are automatically on their knees, eager to please and be a good pup. God, if they had real tails they'd be wagging 24/7 around you, just so happy to even be in your presence. Yunho, a sweet pup, but such a slut. He can be cheeky and a bit too much but he loves the way you put him back into his place. rough him up a bit, he can take it. Mingi is just so sweet, never acts out and is always obedient. Even if he was bad, he's just so sensitive you wouldn't even be able to properly punish him when he looks up at you with those big glassy eyes, poor baby :(. Ahh and Yeosang... He just loves to be taken care of like the prince he is. pampered 24/7 so he has no real reason to act out of line or be punished, but don't sugar him too much! you don't want this sweet puppy to become spoiled~

Last but not least, Hongjoong. it's very rare to get him to let go of the reigns, but when you do, it doesn't matter what name you call him tbh. Kitty, Pup, Kit, you name it and he's a goner. When he subs he'll be the most obedient pet ever, he just wants to be taken care of in return. please treat him kindly :<. He won't go the full 9 like the others as he doesn't enjoy it as often, but he doesn't need any of that to be your lovely pet.

(a/n) im not used to writing sub!hongjoong so i apologize a little for the smaller response! i need to do my research it seems :,).

© 2024 yun-fangz All Rights Reserved.

[yourlocallyneysimp]

Dancing With Them

A/n: I can’t dance at all. 🙂

Characters: Lyney, Venti, Kazuha, Albedo, Aether, Xingqiu, Ayato, Thoma

+Bonus: Nilou, Yun Jin, Ayaka, Barbara, Columbina, Eula, Lynette

Lyney:

Lyney is a professional dancer and he performs all of the time, so as his s/o, it’s natural to him that he would try to teach you how to dance as well. No matter how many mistakes you make or how much you mess up, he still offers his hand each time with a small smile on his face. <3

Venti:

Venti doesn’t really know how to dance either, so it’s just a freestyle. Venti would use the wind to make it more fun and exciting and would even lift you up into the air for fun which results you both falling onto the ground laughing. It’s overall pretty exciting to dance with Venti and sometimes you wish that moments like these could last forever. 

Kazuha:

Kazuha likes to dance with you under the moonlight and when it’s slightly breezy outside.

It’s really cute since no matter how many times you step on his foot, he still holds you close and never lets go. 

Albedo:

Albedo is a prince okay. Ok, so, I feel like he would have some experience in dancing. If one day Albedo is in a odd mood, he would lift you up from your seat and start twirling you around his room. It’s fun at first until you notice that the star that was previously on his neck is missing. 

Aether:

Instead of Aether asking you for a dance, you take his hand into your own and start going around the room. You mostly do this when he’s not in a good mood or when he’s drowning himself in his depressing thoughts. Even though it’s a small gesture, he still appreciates it and it makes him feel better. 

Xingqiu:

Xingqiu probably took lessons to learn how to dance since he’s from a rich family, but he most likely didn’t stick to it since he chose books over exercise. Even though he told you this fact, it was sort of hard to believe since he literally does a flip in the air when he’s fighting.

Sometimes when Xingqiu finishes reading a good book, he would take your hand and start twirling you around the room talking about how amazing the book was. 💙

Ayato:

Ayato treats you like a princess and will kiss your hand when he asks for you to dance with him. He already took lessons since he has to eventually dance with his future wife- *COUGH* (you) so he made sure to perfect every step.

You don’t even know it, but he’s been teaching you how to dance for a while now. Until the day he proposes and the day of your wedding, he will make sure you know each and every step. 

Thoma:

This is canon in my head and I can’t stop thinking about it. Thoma WILL dance with you whenever he’s cleaning or when the Kamisato’s are out doing errands. It’s something you both do in secret.

When Ayaka eventually catches you both, she can’t help but smile at the heaetwarming moment. 

--------

Bonus!!

Nilou:

Dancing with Nilou will be a lot of fun and you can’t tell me otherwise. Whether you're both dancing in water or in the desert or even on stage- it’s still something you both enjoy. 

Yun Jin:

Dancing and singing with Yun Jin is definitely a learning experience since you learn a lot about opera and you both teach each other new dancing moves. 

Ayaka:

Ayaka thought that dancing with you would be embarrassing at first since she can’t really dance herself (lie), but when you both step into the water and start twirling each other around while laughing, she can’t help but treasure the moment.

She hopes that she could dance like this with you forever. This thought causes her to have dreams about you both eventually getting married. <3

Barbara:

You and Barbara are both idols and you both enjoy performing on stage together. Singing with each other brings joy to the both of you and it’s something that makes all the bad thoughts and stress in Barbara’s head go away. 

Columbina:

Columbina was shocked when you suddenly took her hand and started twirling her around. Columbina is a singer, not a dancer. It was cute seeing her shocked for the first time, but that expression quickly turns into a look of happiness as she starts matching your every step. You taking her hand was just a reminder of why she loves you! <3

Eula:

Eula is a professional dancer, so to be honest, you already lost. Eula would give you dancing lessons on a daily basis if you ask her and will teach you while trying to seem professional at the same time. (Even though she's embarrassed. Plus points if you compliment her dancing skills!)

Lynette:

Lynette met you during one of her and her brother’s performances. Even though her brother enjoyed performing, she didn’t really like the experience. Whenever the performances were over, she would watch as everyone else was dancing with their partner or friends.

When you came over to her and asked her to dance for the first time, that was the day that she felt human emotions for the first time.

She fell in love. 🌹💞

[k-odyssey]

zhang ruo yun is a fine actor, but i find him particularly compelling when he's vibrating from rage. there's something raw in his defiant eyes and his posture. he's at least half the reason i'm watching joy of life.

so i'm now 6 episodes into the 2nd season. fan xian has finally earned the right to be alive again after his fake death, with the help of a foreign princess and much theatrics. back in the imperial palace, he tells on the second prince and princess royal, which earns him nothing good and traps his sister in a disadvantageous match. and he is livid. because innocent lives are at the mercy of the powerful, who are left unchecked.

honestly, there is no better ad for democracy as a concept (although i am very aware democracy doesn't mean you instantly fix every power imbalance). there is no question that the system as it is doesn't work. and no one is happy in it. even the princes are in constant competition and deeply unsatisfied with their lives. either because they're trying to get ahead in the succession line, or because being the chosen one, constantly watched, and having to watch your back, takes its toll on a person. but it's actually fascinating as a study! and we keep getting insights into characters that make them more fleshed out and human.

i think i said this for joy of life 1 too, but it's always a small miracle to me when such a big cast of characters can be maintained and no one feels superfluous to the story. every single person helps the plot move forward or shows us what fan xian fights for/against.

this drama negociates tonal shifts like no other. i'm thinking of the whole storyline around moon embracing pavilion as an example. it's in turn funny, tragic and enraging, but never in a jarring way.

tl;dr

i love fan xian as played by zhang ruo yun. if i could i'd stay home to binge the whole thing.

[silver-ink-iron-words]

T_T

This is so touching!

I was going to wait until tomorrow to post this. But then I was like, I've already made them wait long enough, and what's the harm of posting two things in one day?

Felt it'd be nice to have Part 6 be a little less plot-driven. You'll see what I mean

-------

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

QPR, Part 6

“[Hero], come on!” the villain called, from where they laid sprawled on the couch. “You said it wouldn’t take that long!”

“Hold on just a sec.” The hero’s voice floated from the kitchen. “They’ll be done soon.”

The villain scowled and flopped back on the pillows. “You never see Do-yun making Ha-rin wait around forever.”

“That’s because tv shows have this magical trick called the jump cut.” There was the sound of an oven door closing. “We'll just let them bake, and then they’ll be so good you won’t even remember the wait.”

The villain groaned.

Then they heard the sound of running water, and burst up, rushing into the kitchen. “Are you doing my dishes?!”

The hero jerked their head up like they’d been caught vandalizing. “I was just going to do a few while we waited.”

“Okay, one, you do not need to do my chores on k-drama night. And two, how long is the baking going to take?!”

The hero glanced to their phone on the counter. “’Bout fifty more minutes.”

The villain gaped. “That’s most of an episode!”

“Well I didn’t want us to have to pause the show during a big scene. This way we can – Jesus your hands are freezing!”

The villain had come up behind the hero to hug them, pressing their hands on the hero’s stomach.

“Come watch tv dear,” they said into the hero’s shoulder. “I’m cold without you.”

The hero shook their head, but also cracked a small grin. “You’re evil.”

The villain matched their expression and pressed their hands more. “Of course I am. It’s the only way I can get you to cuddle me.”

In the end, the brownies were, in fact, good enough to make the villain forget why they were annoyed in the first place.

---

“Oh my god,” the hero said.

The villain fidgeted. “Do you like it?”

“Like it?” The hero looked up. “[Villain], it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

The hero was holding a small fluffy teddy bear, its fur the black, grey, white, and purple of the asexual flag.

The villain beamed. “Really?”

The hero nodded gleefully. “He needs a name.”

“I think the tag says its name is ‘Fuzzy’ or something. You could – ”

“Ferdinand,” the hero decided, assessing the stuffed animal. “Ferdinand Bearnsby. The next Prince of Denmark.”

The villain wrapped the hero in a hug. “I’m so glad you like it.”

---

“So is [Villain], like, a law-abiding citizen now?” the hero’s friend asked.

“Uh, sort of?” The hero gazed around at the restaurant’s outdoor seating area. “They still break minor laws, but I think they’ve really toned it down to stress me out less.”

“Hey, that’s great.”

The hero swirled their iced tea with their straw. “Yeah, I guess.”

The friend quirked an eyebrow. “You don’t agree?”

The hero sighed. “Okay, so don’t ever tell [Villain] this, but I think their ‘devil may care’ attitude is maybe, kinda . . . a little bit cool?”

The friend grinned. “Oh really?”

In return, the hero’s smile was sheepish. “It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I secretly wish that they’d behave more like their old villainous self sometimes.”

“Hm, well I suppose that – ”

Something enormous crashed into the street, making all the dishes clatter. The hero and their friend both whipped their heads around to see the cause of the noise.

“[Villain]!”

“Oh hi [Hero]!” The fifty-foot tall mech waved at the two of them. “Fancy meeting you here. How did you know it was me?”

“[Villain], why are you in a giant robot?!”

“Isn’t it cool?” The villain spun around, their heavy feet cracking the pavement and the machine's hinges screeching with every movement. “I finally figured out how to get the power system working.”

“This is illegal.”

The villain laughed. “Ah okay, I see the issue. But, fear not my darling, for I have” – they pulled out a sheet of paper that looked miniscule in their enormous metal hands – “a permit!”

Soon after, the mech continued walking down the street, while the hero followed them, shouting at the top of their lungs.

The friend watched them go, and then chuckled. Those two maniacs were perfect for each other.

---

A-spec stories taglist:

@feline17ff , @piept , @doublericenobeans , @vioqueenofmushrooms , @pigeonwhumps , @thelazywitchphotographer , @taramacgay

[dangermousie]

Ye Yun's attempt to take his girl away from the wedding she's forced to goes as well as it is to be expected. Because this is a prequel we know he will fail as we watch and somehow it makes it more horrible.

Also, I think we are supposed to like the noble prince dude but I fucking hate him. At least the rest of the royals don't pretend they are anything but power hungry self absorbed monsters. But he's all "so sorry bro, sure your clan got exterminated for no reason and we are marrying your fiancee to my brother against her will for political reasons, but it pains me soooo much to go along with it which I will do anyway, now let me fight you to prevent you from stopping the wedding." And the thing that makes it so much grosser is that even in his useless "I am sorry bro" - it's all about how he feels bad ruining Yun's happiness, nothing about the fact that all those fuckers are forcing a woman who he knows would rather kill herself than get married to that prince to marry. She is not even a person to him. What they are inflicting on her is a complete and utter violation of her entire life and body and soul and he does not give a hoot, it does not even occur to him. "Sorry I set up your girl to get marital raped, and not because of her because she's a piece of furniture but because you, a man, I do have some empathy with" is his whole deal.

I love that she was gonna kill herself at a wedding as giant fuck you. Honestly, knew it would never happen since Wu Xin would then not exist but it would have served them right.

But then she sees Yun and realized he came and decides to live for a little bit longer...

I honestly hate majority of characters in this and am soooooo sorry Ye Yun never does burn the place to the ground.

[dangerpronebuddie]

Kiss Me Once Cause You Know I Had A Long Night 20/?

20. Hand kisses

Summary:

Buck joined them and Jee swatted at Eddie's shoulder. "Pwince Bu!"

Buck ducked his head with a laugh. "I'm moving up in the world. Last week, I was a peasant."

Jee swatted Eddie's shoulder again. "Kiss hand," she said before pointing at Buck.

(Last one of the year! And go to chapter one to see the incredible cover @ronordmann made for me!!!) 😍🥰

Eddie entered the loft to find it an absolute pigsty. Crayons and coloring books littered the kitchen island. Pillows from Buck's bed and the maroon throw pillows from his new couch blocked the stairs. Half a roll of toilet paper lay near the balcony. An impressive finger painting covered the bottom few feet of the glass doors.

Giggles echoed from beneath the stairs. Eddie walked further into the chaos and peaked around the blocked staircase.

He didn't think it was possible for him to get baby fever.

Eddie had seen Buck with kids tons of times. The PTA absolutely loved him. Eddie understood the draw. Watching him with Chris was enough to make him blissfully dizzy. A toddler? Eddie was wondering if he could try the baby trapping route again. (Not that it worked the first time.)

Buck sat on the couch with Jee, both dressed in tiaras and pink feather boas. Jee poured imaginary tea into some cups and handed one to Buck, who clinked his cup against hers before taking an exaggerated sip.

Buck looked up and met Eddie's eye, his already wide grin becoming luminescent.

"Look who it is, your Majesty," Buck said happily.

Jee whipped her head around and beamed. "Eds!" She jumped off the couch and toddled over to Eddie. Eddie crouched and scooped her up in a hug.

"Good morning, your Majesty," he grinned, bouncing her on his hip.

Buck joined them and Jee swatted at Eddie's shoulder. "Pwince Bu!"

Buck ducked his head with a laugh. "I'm moving up in the world. Last week, I was a peasant."

Jee swatted Eddie's shoulder again. "Kiss hand," she said before pointing at Buck.

A blush painted Buck's cheeks. "Uh... protocol. She made me do it to Prince Chimney when he dropped her off."

Eddie couldn't help but laugh at the image that created. "Do you know how insufferable he's going to be for the next week?"

"It's already started, believe me," Buck grumbled.

Jee squirmed in Eddie's arms and he set her down. She pointed at Buck again.

"I'd hate to break protocol," Eddie said.

"You might end up in the Tower of Lofton," Buck grinned.

Eddie groaned at the awful pun. "How did you ever become a prince?"

"Must be my looks," Buck preened.

Before Eddie could come up with a comeback, Jee tugged on his hand.

"Terribly sorry, your Majesty," he said with an exaggerated bow. He looked at Buck and knelt, extending his hand.

The blush climbed higher up Buck's face. He took Eddie's hand.

"Your Highness," Eddie said with a slight bow of his head before pressing a kiss to Buck's knuckles.

Jee nodded once in satisfaction, a gesture Eddie was certain he'd seen both Maddie and Chimney do at some point.

Buck took Eddie's hand and pulled him to his feet. Buck looked into his eyes. Eddie felt a blush of his own creeping up onto his face.

"Pwince Bu! Eds!" Jee swatted at Eddie's thigh, breaking them from their staring contest. "Tea get cold."

Buck huffed a laugh and ducked his head. He looked at Eddie through his lashes. "Care to join us for our tea party?"

"I'd love to," Eddie smiled. Buck tugged him to the couch, his thumb sweeping across Eddie's knuckles. Their fingers remained laced together until Chim and Maddie came for Queen Jee-Yun.

[jupiter-86]

Finished vol. 3 of Stars of Chaos (Sha Po Lang) today!!!!!!!!

This story continues to get better and better with each book-- it was pretty damn hard to put down. Sometimes I was literally saying "OH MY GOD" to myself while reading.

Thoughts and ramblings under the cut (there will be spoilers)

First of all, the reveal of how Chang Geng was given the wu'ergu as a child... dear god that was so disturbing and horrifying... just 100% nightmare fuel.

I loved how Gu Yun reacted to this though, his absolute compassion and heartbreak and love for Chang Geng despite him being possessed with the evil god. Actually I loved Gu Yun even more in this book overall. I can't believe I wasn't all about him in book 1 what was I thinking???

Chang Geng continues to be such a fascinating character. I can never get tired of his scheming tbh, and the way he can be scary and sneering or placid and heroic (and sweet to Gu Yun)... I just love all the facets of his character. Also, his deteriorating mental and emotional state in this book has been heartbreaking to watch. Somebody help my boy!!!!

Chang Geng and Gu Yun together in this book just stole every scene. I mean what else is new but oh, in this book??? Their romance has ramped up to 11 and it's riveting and complex-- sometimes sexy as hell, sometimes heartbreaking and sweet, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, but always they just love each other so much. I especially love how Gu Yun promised to never abandon Chang Geng if he goes mad-- instead he'll break his legs and lock him up and Chang Geng is into it lol.

And sidenote, Chang Geng being so horny and kinky and Gu Yun's fairly vanilla tastes being scandalized is so freaking funny omg.

The plot, too, has got me so so bad!!! Not so much with the Westerners/war part but with the court maneuvering and gathering of power that Chang Geng is doing. I'm so stressed out!!!!!! But also so invested like never before-- like I love the scheming and the manipulations and I do think Chang Geng would make a better ruler than Li Feng, but also can this really be a good thing if he succeeds? There's the wu'ergu to begin with, the little crown prince who'd need to die for him to rule, and Gu Yun's loyalty...

In this book we've seen Gu Yun dream of retirement and take better care of himself because he wants a future with Chang Geng, meanwhile Chang Geng is helping the nation while laying groundwork for usurping the throne... but is the throne actually his goal or not???? Sometimes I'm not 100% sure???

And honestly I don't even know what I want to happen at this point when it comes to the plot. I think I like Gu Yun's retirement idea better than Chang Geng's apparent eye for the throne, at least in theory, but a part of me also wants to see Chang Geng succeed and step on everyone and sit on that throne...ahhhh I'm so conflicted...

I feel like I need to reread the last few chapters because I know there were layers there-- both with Chang Geng's plans and motivations and in Gu Yun's reaction to it. That flute scene alone omg.

All I know for sure is I'm scared and I'm ready for more lol.

Another thing: Shen Yi. Shen Yi is a real one on so many levels and I love him. The way he figured out that Gu Yun and Chang Geng had sex pretty much instantly was hilarious. Also, I really hate that his shitty family is trying to force him into marriage; I do not want him trapped like that for political bullshit. I hope he gets out of it!!! The only person I could see him marrying rn is the doctor girl, Chen Qingxu. But maybe I'm seeing things?

Also, what is up with the plague??? I really want to see the rest of their current investigation. Them going behind enemy lines in disguise was so much fun!

TL;DR I loved it and can't wait for book 4!!!!!

[mj220991]

Because of Changfengdu, i feel like i need to make a list or introductions of the author's novel (墨书白)

The ML's usually crazily devoted and the FL is crazily competent. I will write some of her historical ones first. (English is not my 1st language, so sorry if there's some mistake)

I'll tag @dangermousie and @mercipourleslivres, maybe you guys can enjoy some of this!

长公主 (The Grand Princess)

This one is a double rebirth story of a princess and her estranged husband. They both died (at age 50's) thinking they killed each other. They born in a time before they married. In their new life they started as friends.

Our FL is Li Rong, is a prideful princess and in the 1 st life married our ML Pei Wen Xuan because he's the most handsome XD. The emotional part of this novel feels so delicate and raw. The longings, remorse, regret, especially from the ML really hook me up. The bloody drama also not only come from the main couple but basically everyone. There's no such a thing as npc chara, everyone have their own purpose. I know many people said Li Rong don't deserve Pei Wen Xuan ( nahh do we read the same novel?) Both are at faults. This one is not for the faint heart. Last time i heard they will adapt this into a drama with Zhao Jinmai and Wang Anyu, i don't want them to touch this.

山河枕 (Mountain river pillow aka the eldest wife is my wife)

This one is a rebirth story. Our FL Chuyu already married the 2nd ML in her 1st life. But her love was wasted and her husband didn't treat her right. After being reborn, she choose to married her supposed to be husband, Wei Jun (the eldest son of a border general). You know what happened to the generals who lives in the border right? Right, scapegoat of the politics in the capital.

Short story, the wei general and his 6 son died (including Chu Yu husband) as a traitor in battlefield leaving the youngest son Wei Yun bring his father and brothers coffin. The real story begin here as Chu yu keep helping Wei Yun to keep the Wei family legacy.

Poor Wei Yun, is all that i can say :p.

From the news i see Song Qian and Ding Yuxi name, please just no :(.

论撩世家子的技巧 (the trick to teasing a noble family son)

This is not the famous one but WORTH READING. Oh and this a crossdressing novel. Our FL Wei Lan is a reborn, but not from your usual world. She came from a matriarcal world, when women is the leader in society and men task is in the backyard. When she came to the her new world, the 1st thing she do is change identity with his brother. Yes you hear me right, Wei lan become the brother and her brother Wei Hua become the sister. Our ML is Xie Zichen, also a reborn. He died being betrayed by the prince that he supported.

This novel is hilarious in the beginning as Wei Lan feels like douchebag,and feels that women is far superior than men. She FLIRT a lot. Because her thoughtfulness, all of these men of course being tempted. Our ML too think like that but reverse. But don't worry there's chara development from everyone, i cried a lot and too be honest my fav chara is one of the FL suitor who end up died.

I change my mind, i'll write her Xianxia and modern too here XD.

琢玉 (Carven Jade)

One of my fav danmei together with Yuwu. Our Gong is Fu ChangLing and Shou is Qin Yan (ma babies). This is a rebirth story. In the 1st life Fu Changling killed Qin Yan out of revenge and hate thinking that he is the one who killed his family and bring demise to the cultuvation world, little did he know that Qin Yan did all of that for him.

After being reborn Fcl did everything to keep Qin Yan safe and sound. I love how devoted they are to each other. All the support characters also great. I really love the parents story too.

剑寻千山 (sword of searching mountain)

This is a broken reunion story. Our FL Qin wanwan and our ML Xie Changji were married. The FL didn't know that our ML cultivated the heart of sword way ( the way of being indifferent, throw away feelings and other desires), she think the ML doesn't love her.

Our ML lives with sadness and trauma for hundred years. Our FL sects also meet a demise around this time and it so so sad. This novels feels emotionally heavy.

Xie ChangJi is up there for me for Crazyily masochist obsessed devoted ML. This one is not my fav but have some really good part. All the support chara also awesome.

余生有涯 (rest of my life)

TW : R&pe, Suicid*

This is a modern setting novel but being the heaviest of the bunch. Definitely not for everyone. This is a realistic novel about our FL Ye Sibei who is getting r*pe after office drinking party. Usually her husband pick her up, but he didn't do it on that day.

This is very hard to read for me, only 39 chapters with knife in it. Felt very real, the one that didn't felt real was her husband Qin Nan (definitely doesn't exist). Do not recomend ro read this when you're feeling down. But very uplifting.

[romance-of-three-memes]

We know very, very little about what the three best known children of Sun Jian felt about one another and even less about their ~5 other siblings in that regard (I use the ~ because I'm not convinced that we're really sure how many daughters Sun Jian had, though at least three seems likely) but I do wonder sometimes. Sometimes I like to think that Lady Sun/Sun Ren/Sun Shangxiang and Sun Quan were close during childhood, but never really as close as either of them was to their oldest brother Sun Ce (there's something about a sibling that's frequently absent because they're significantly older and became an adult when their younger siblings are still young children that often makes them favorable to said younger siblings, because they're Cool and Grown Up, and also not around as much to get on your nerves or showcase their less than endearing traits), and after Ce dies they just sort of drift apart, because they realize Ce was kind of what was binding them together in the first place. They never really had that much in common (aside from the Sun family temper) or were particularly dedicated to trying to salvage the relationship, so in a way it was kind of like losing two siblings, only one's still around to remind you of that frequently, and that sucks in its own unique way compared to someone that's cold in their grave who you can idealize.

And if we step away from the historical fiction and back into the actual history, if Lady Sun didn't dislike Sun Quan already, then I *somehow* get the feeling she did after he pawned her off as a bargaining chip to Liu Bei, because if you read what little we do know about her as a historical figure, you'll see that she was deeply unhappy about the whole thing and clearly wouldn't have gone if she'd really had a choice... To the point where she made it a problem for people who were uninvolved like Zhao Yun and you know, tried to take Liu Shan back to Wu with her (my best guess is she did it out of spite for everyone involved with marrying her off because imagine 'oh hey guys I'm back! Yeah haha I brought my step-son, aka the crown prince of Shu, you know, those people we have a shaky alliance with that you traded me to? What, is that going to cause problems for you or something? :) ), so that was shitty of her, but you also have to think about the people who forced her into that situation to begin with.

[weishenmewwx]

Stars of Chaos 杀破狼

Vol 2, Notes 4, pages 90 - 144.

Ten more pictures with notes about the novel! More text that may have been edited out of the print version!

Half of the sentence is gone!!!!!

"...and Chang Geng at that time had not even known what luxury and riches were, but had unexpectedly and resolutely left the marquis's residence; he would rather wander the wide 江湖 Jiang Hu than return to being a 'frog in a well' rich prince."

"Frog in a well" is 井底之蛙, which means "very limited worldview" since frogs in wells can't see more than their tiny patch of sky.

There is no mention of bloodlust in the version I read. It was just "In previous years, Gu Yun still frequently muttered about beating up this person or beating up that person..."

Yah. Priest has LOTS of plot. Constant bouncing between what happens in the imperial court vs in the outside-the-official-government world.

"粘". Priest even put that word in " ". It can mean sticky, adhesive. Not like a clingy girlfriend, more like magnets or glue.

It's very romantic right here, anyway. :)

Text, plus my bad handwriting: "Who knows what my brothers and comrades will think when they hear the news! What do you think, Marshal!?" meaning "What do you feel in your heart?! Do you really think this is fair?"

停 can mean "parked" or "landed," which I think makes more sense here since "stored" has the implication that the hawks are packed away, but, in this case, the hawks were flying just a little bit ago and now they are "landed," or "parked."

There some additional sentences in the version used for translation, I guess.

The Chinese from the version I read: 我若说出傅志诚私运紫流金谋反一事...

My bad translation: If I speak about Fu Zhicheng's smuggling Violet Gold conspiracy this one matter...

My interpretation: "the treason of smuggling violet gold," since he is referring to one matter, not two.

But it would not be weird if Priest later edited it into two matters of treason, one of smuggling and another of rebellion.

Chang Geng is elegant and graceful. He does not hunker. He settles.

炼丹 ”Make pills of immortality"

This "alchemy", Chinese version, is not to turn whatever into gold, but instead to find ways to extend your life; like how my mom puts turmeric in absolutely everything and reminds me to eat more blueberries and tomatoes and goji berries and...

OK! That's it for these ten photos! More later :)

My DanMei Literary Adventure Masterpost

Stars of Chaos - All Notes Links

[giggly-squiggily]

REQUESTS- Omg omg omg omg omg-

Ahem- can i request lee yuki and ler kakeru?

Have a nice day/night!

Heyo! So I'm not entirely back to a three-fics-per-week schedule yet, but I finished this request before I have to head to class and figured "Eh- it's Monday! Why not? :3" I've gotcha covered, anon! Have a great day aswell!

Cloud 9 (Taglist)

@baby-tickles2022, @cupcake-spice13,

“Yun-Yun, think fast!”

Yuki turned to look, finding only air.

“Not fast enough!” Kakeru was by his ear, jabbing two fingers into his waist, earning a mouse-like squeak.

“K-Kakeru! What the hell?” Yuki glared, cheeks reddening as his friend laughed, doubling over with a cheeky grin. “Why do you always do that?”

“Sorry Yun-Yun, it’s just too easy to tickle!” Kakeru reached out, jabbing his friend again repeatedly just to make him squirm. “And you squeak! Like a little mouse!”

“Ehehehe! Stop it!” Yuki wiggled out of the way, putting distance between them. Kakeru had been rather touchy recently. Granted, he was always doing stuff like this; throwing an arm over Yuki’s shoulders when he walked by or jabbing him in the hip as they passed each other in the hall.

That particular gesture was what landed him here, at the mercy of Kakeru’s fingers.

“Aww, why? I haven’t heard you laugh today!” Kakeru walked forward, fingers wiggling as his smile grew sinister. “Come here, Yun-Yun…”

Yuki debated his options. He could stay and fight; he was stronger than Kakeru, much to the other’s displeasure. Hell, he could even tickle him back. Kakeru might not have as many tickle spots, but the ones he does prove to be rather effective.

Or he could run. Running was always an option. Yuki briefly shifted his attention to the door.

“Gotcha!” Kakeru was upon him in seconds, blocking the pale boy’s exit with a hug-pounce. Yuki struggled to escape, trying to use the least harmful martial art move he had in his arsenal. Just a flip and-

“Ah! Aheahhahahhahaa! K-Kahahahhakeru!”

Well, he tried.

“There it is! There’s those laughs I love so much!” Kakeru cried gleefully as his fingers attacked Yuki’s ribs, easing the other boy slowly to the floor as he giggled breathlessly. “Come on, Pres! Give me a squeak!” He moved one hand to Yuki’s belly while the other wiggled into his armpit, making him arch. “You know you want to!”

“Kahahahhahakeru! Noohoohoohho, stahahhahahap thahhhahhahhat!” Yuki tried grabbing his hands, but every move only gave Kakeru more spots to go for. Reaching for a wrist opened his armpits for more prods, and twisting to slap his hands away only made his waist more accessible. It wasn’t long before he was flat on his back, feet kicking against the classroom floor as he squirmed and giggled like a child. “Nohohohoohoohohoho!”

“Aww, aren’t you cute~” Kakeru cooed, shifting up so he could lean over his friend. “A real prince you are, laughing and smiling like that! No wonder you have all those fangirls! Imagine if they saw you like this; laughing and smiling without a care in the world? It’d be the talk of the town.” He leaned in so his lips were level with Yuki’s ear, something mean touching his tone. “Imagine if Machi saw this~”

“Shuhuhuhuhuhuht your mohohohoohoouth! Geahhahahahha, yohohohoohu jehehehehheherk!” Yuki was torn between slapping him away and covering his burning face with his hands. God, why did Kakeru have to tease? And in that voice too? “Gehehehehhet ohohohohohff mehehe-EHHHHEHEHE!”

“Bad spot?” Kakeru asked, sweeping a hand up to get Yuki’s neck. The pale haired student squealed and thrashed about, scrunched up as he tried batting away Kakeru’s hand, currently massaging small circles into his skin. “Oo, we’re finally getting those squeaks I was looking for! See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?”

“KAHAHAHAHKERU PLEHAHAHAHAHAHSE!” Yuki pleaded, feeling himself reach his limits. His chest was starting to burn from how hard he was laughing, and his eyes were blurry with tears. “IIHIHIHIHM DOHOHOHOOHNE, NOW STAHHHAHAP!”

Kakeru retracted his hand upon hearing this, leaving Yuki to gasp against the cool aluminum floors. “Oh man, that was amazing!” The brunette cheered through a fit of giggles, reaching out and gently ruffling Yuki’s messy bangs. “Dude, you’re so squeaky when I tickle you there! Why’d I wait this long to check?” “Shuhuush…you ahahahss.” Yuki groaned, covering his face with a hand as Kakeru wheezed. Even in his embarrassment, he couldn’t help but laugh. Hanging out with Kakeru like this was enjoyable- even at the expense of his pride.

“Aww, you love me!” The other boy cooed, skittering his fingers over Yuki’s belly and making him jump with a halfhearted glare. Standing up, he offered a hand. “Are you gonna lay there the rest of the day or are you gonna join me for steam buns? My treat!”

“Steam buns sound nice.” Yuki took his hand. For a brief moment, he debated whether he should yank him down and get vengeance. But then his stomach growled and the craving for free food won out. “Thank you.”

“Heh, of course!” Kakeru tossed an arm around his neck good naturally, guiding them out the door. “That’s what friends do.”

Thanks for reading!

[smilingangel582]

Like a mouse?

Heeyoo... long time no see. I did get questions about bl stories I like watching. So, I'll write one soon guys! I proooomise!

Again, Yuki Sohma is my baby. I like him, he's my mouse! Squeaky cutie!

So enjoyyy and also warning spoilers alert!

Student Council duties are in utmost priority. He missed a lot of free time with Tohru Honda and the rest of the Sohma family. Kyo constantly tackled him to duels, which are futile and worthy in competing, yet the other would not stop being so degrading.

Yuki wanted to have a day off, at least today. Hence, Machi agreed to sort out the duties in the clash of drama club practice and basketball practice. This is something he already fixed and it's their duty to initiate while he could relax in the room letting his head sink.

The door opened, Yuki had no energy to lift his head, but he he let out a muffled question, "You guys back already?"

"Nope, just me Yun-Yun".

A groan slipped from the rat's lips. He lifted his head to see Kakeru grinning like a mischievous Cheshire cat.

"Manabe... what is it?"

Scoffing, he placed the two cups of coffee on the desk in front of him. "Rude also... I came here to accompany you ice princess"

Ice princess?

Yuki blinked in irritation "um what?"

Kakeru shrugged. "First of all, you're cold as ice... It's hard to think you ever lighten up except being polite to fangirls, kouhais, and senpais (upper-classmen and underclassmen)..." he stated rather scientifically."Then my second analysis, you are pretty cute and effeminate like a princess... so that ends my observatory report,"

Yuki's left eyebrow twitch, but then he felt light in heart, though he answered a little rigidly, "Honestly Manabe, sometimes I wonder how serious you can be,"

Kakeru gave a smirk "Well Yun-Yun, I'm serious when I need to be... buuut..."

Kakeru leaned forward to get a good look at Yuki's face as if he wanted to study something. Yuki stepped back from leaning against the desk when this happened "w-what?"

"I never seen you laugh before... not the fake princely and elegant chuckles you give... the real deal, dear friend"

Yuki sighed, resting his elbow on the desk as his palm rested on his chin, unable to understand the latter. "Are you always this incohesive?"

Kakeru huffed. "You better watch it, pal. I'm gonna make you laugh till you squeal like a girl!"

Yuki felt a shudder now "I'd rather not participate in such-"

"Look at this!"

Yuki stared at the odd face Kakeru made, smudging his cheeks, rolling his eyes. It was genuinely hilarious, but Yuki had his pride to hold. He shook his head. "If you think that's gonna make anyone laugh, then you already lost"

Kakeru was hyped, excited for a challenge. "I see... so you're that stubborn type,"

Kakeru almost broke Yuki with the impersonations of Nao and Machi... Yuki had to giggle at the final one where he mimicked Nao losing his mind, squatting so low to exaggerate his height.

"Ah gotcha! You giggled!"

Yuki's light smile dropped now "I did not..."

"To think I managed to make you titter is a great achievement, still... I guess I should use my trump card now..."

Yuki had no time to react. He may be stronger, but Yuki wasn't on guard when Kakeru tackled him to the ground.

"Hey w-what the?"

"Tickle attack!"

Yuki suddenly felt the touch of fingers at his sides. He snapped his lips shut with a gasp. Kakeru was now interested. "Oh? What was tha5 Yun-yun? Are you struggling with something to say?

Yuki shook his head, feeling the fingers crawl up to his armpits, which he tried to hide. In all honesty, he felt himself break a little, "G-gah! Ma...manabe s-stohop!"

Kakeru heard it. "Another adorable giggle... wait, wait, wait... you can make noise like that??? So cute!"

So much for strength in martial arts. He was too weak to flip their positions. Yuki yelped when Kakeru slid his fingers down to his ribs, but just stayed there digging into the ribs as if he feeling them. "What ahare you doing, idiot?"

"Oh? Hold on... hold on. " Kakeru's taunting tone infuriated Yuki, he whined under his lips, striving to hide his sensitive ribs."Yuki~ I think... I....found... -IT!"

With that, Kakeru prodded the back of his ribs mercilessly, and Yuki broke immediately into sweet lovely giggles. "Nohohoho! Mahahaha...Mahahanaabeee! Stohohop, ihihit!"

"Finally breaking that resolve of yours... You sure have a cute smile..." but when Kakeru wiggled his fingers properly Yuki squeaked loudly and curled to the side.

Kakeru was shocked. "W-wait... did you just squeak?"

Yuki blushed immediately more form embarrassment "Ahahahaha stohop! Mahaha...AHAHA GAHAHAD KAHAHAKERUUU!"

Kakeru almost wavered when Yuke yelled his name. He felt a flutter of happiness when Yuki begged like a child, giggling and squeaking so endearingly.

"Like a mouse? Oh, you are cuter than that!" Kakeru cooed now firmly gripping his hips, getting kore effective sqeals and squeaks.

"YOHOHOHOU WIHIHIN! STAHAHAHAP IHIHIT, PLEHEHEHEASE!" Yuki began to get wild and squirmy, Kakeru knew he had to limit it

"YOHOHOHO WIHIHIN!!!!"

Kakeru, after an eternity, let Yuki go, who curled up to more begging and giggles.

The mouse turned to him with a glared, but the residual giggles trembled from his lips.

'Whahhat wahas that fohor?"

"I felt like breaking your walls... sorry ... you were too cute,"

Kakeru mumbled when a warm smile, Yuki flushed red, seeing Kakeru slightly and equally shy. Yuki growled. "Cut it out, I'm not cute..."

Unless Yuki misunderstood Kakeru's current mood, he didn't know what happened to Kakeru now. Looking now, he noticed the other guy latching his fingers to his sides. Yuki let out a startled squeak, making Kakeru snicker. "Quit it!"

"Aren't you adorable-!"

"AHHHRGH!"

The suddent shriek was from behind as Kakeru had his wrists tugging at Yuki's above his head. The situation from the outside looked weird to Nao, Kimi, and Machi, who stared with surprise.

Yuki blushed harder. "Ihits not what you guys think!" Kakeru got off and laughed nervously."Chibi! Hey, we were just playing-"

"I HAD IT! IM SURROUNDED BY IMBECILES!"

Yuki didn't know how to explain the situation. Yet he looked at Kakeru and then smiled fondly. Maybe he could lighten his ice barriers once in a while with him.

[web-novel-polls]

Baihe Character Mini-Tournament

Round 1 will open Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at noon CST and will remain open until October 18th.

Qi Yan vs. Bo Qingbo vs. Li Shiyi

Xiang Tiange vs. Nagsi Jiya

Yun An vs. Lin Wanyue vs. Nangong Jingnu

Yu Rubing vs. Li Xian vs. Li Yanru

Tag: #baihe character tournament

List of Characters below the cut

Jing Wei Qing Shang / Clear and Muddy Loss of Love

Qi Yan from JWQS

Prince of the Chengli tribe AKA Qiyan Agula

Submission: 

she 💗💗 character of all time

Raised as a man due to politics & then pretended to be a frail scholar to get revenge on the Wei Kingdom that destroyed her tribe, which led her to become Princess Nangong Jingnu’s fuma. 

A Horse Girl™ with a rap sheet a mile long 😍 /light-hearted

Nangong Jingnu from JWQS

Submission:

I love her dearly

The only legal child of the Emperor; Zhenzhen Princess 

Li Yanru / the Masked Person from JWQS

No propaganda submitted

the eldest princess from the previous dynasty

Gave Qi Yan top surgery?

Nagsi Jiya from JWQS

No propaganda submitted

The Youngest Princess of the Tuba tribe who was originally offered to be Qi Yan’s wife. After the destruction & conquest of the plains, Nagsi Jiya decided to marry Emperor Nangong Rang as a consort for power. Overall? Sounds like a girl boss

Wiki Trivia: “She is the first character to encourage and engage in a full-fledged homosexual relationship in the novel (where both parties know that they are both women, as Nangong Jingnu is under the impression that she is in a heterosexual relationship).”

Other

Yun An from Matrilocal Marriage/RUZHUI

Propaganda:

She's a massive lesbian duh

Volunteered to go back in time to get over a breakup

Tried to get a meal and ended up marrying into the excessively rich Lin family 

Explained Dragon Ball Z in ancient China???

Lin Wanyue from Female General and Eldest Princess

No propaganda submitted

“In this life of mine, I’m so glad that I could have you as my wife…” - Lin Wanyue to Li Xian (source)

The Female General who took on her brother’s identity - Lin Feixing - to get revenge against the Huns that destroyed her village and killed her family. 

Li Xian from Female General and Eldest Princess

No propaganda submitted

The Eldest Princess who’s trying to keep herself and her sickly brother, Crown Prince Li Zhu, alive during a fight for the throne

"If you go fight against the enemy now, that is the best way to protect me." - Ch. 25, Li Xian

"The highest level of using people is to let that person remain completely unaware that you are using them. You must make them feel that everything they do is their own decision. Do not always think about steering, but understand how to influence." - Ch. 33, Li Xian

Li Shiyi from Wen Guan/Reading the Remnants 

No propaganda submitted

Li Shiyi is tasked with guiding the dead to reincarnation and letting go of their pasts.

Yu Rubing from She is the Protagonist

Submission: 

Staying silly :3

She was transmigrated into the protagonist while the villainess Tang Han Qiu was finally reborn with free will. Yu Rubing rebels against the system she hates & shamelessly supports Tang Han Qiu in doing whatever the hell she wants (<-has not read it)

Dealer’s Choice

Bo Qingbo from The General’s Manor Young Concubine Survival Report

She is so special to me. Upon reincarnating as a newly-married concubine staying at a (female) General’s estate, she just. Assumes she was married to the general (who is their husband’s main wife). 

Xiang Tiange from The General’s Manor Young Concubine Survival Report

Badass general who girl bossed so hard that her husband (Prince Yixing) hired a fake concubine (Bo Qingbo) to get rid of her

[masterofrecords]

The Ravages of Time episode 2

Oh this is… a fun one. For you, not for me, because “The Book of Later Han” doesn’t exist in an English translation. There are some excerpts out of order included in the Zizhi tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), but the relevant chapters from that have also not been translated into English, as far as I can tell. So. Uh.

I did my best with the notes available on ctext and my own knowledge; this translation is obviously less reliable than actual professional translation (like Liu Bei’s biography excerpt I will post for episode 3), but hopefully it will still provide some context. Again, I just want to impress that as far as I can tell, some parts of this excerpt have never been translated into English, and so my ability to compare notes was limited.

That said, the Dong Zhuo entry in Rafe de Crespigny’s “A Biographical Dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23-220 AD)” is at least partially based on “The Book of Later Han” and has been invaluable in helping me make sense of the donghua card, as has been the baidu article on Dong Zhuo that is written in much simpler language than a Han dynasty chronicle.

I’m going to suffer similarly on episode 13, I believe – the ones before are either only referenced from historical records (and seem to be modern Chinese, though I haven’t yet had the chance to take a proper look), or have translations available. Zhao Yun’s biography, however, has not been translated from what I’ve seen.

Episode 2

[From historical records on Dong Zhuo] Dong Zhuo, courtesy name Zhongying, was born in Lintao county in Longxi Commandery. He had a fierce and resourceful character, in his youth spent time among the Qiang [1] and befriended many distinguished people [2]. After he returned home, many followed him, and Dong Zhuo had a lot of livestock slaughtered for a grand feast with them. His guests were impressed, and upon return, gathered a thousand heads of cattle to give him, acknowledging him as a great swordsman. After the Emperor’s death, General-in-Chief He Jin and his subordinate officer Yuan Shao conspired to kill the eunuchs, but the Empress Dowager resisted, so He Jin ordered Dong Zhuo to bring the troops to the capital to threaten her. When Dong Zhuo arrived, his foot and horse troops only numbered three thousand. That was too little, and in order to , Dong Zhuo for four or five days had the troops exit the camp every night, only to make a big show of them entering the next morning so Luoyang would think his army was getting reinforcements. Dong Zhuo than took control of He Jin and his younger sworn brother Miao’s troops [3]. He also convinced Lü Bu to kill the imperial guard Ding Yuan [4]. Dong Zhuo’s army grew significantly. Dong Zhuo gathered the officials in front of the Palace and threatened the Empress Dowager into deposing the Emperor Shao [5]. He said: “The Emperor is in mourning and has no heart, he is not fit to be the Emperor. Remove him to be the Prince of Hongnong.” – excerpt from “The Book of Later Han” – Biography of Dong Zhuo

[1] Qiang – ethnic group from northwestern Sichuan

[2] distinguished people – not necessarily nobles, from what I understand, but usually people in power, could refer to rebel leaders or tribal chiefs, for example. I ran into a bit of a cursed loop with this word – one of the sentences used to showcase the usage of it on baidu was… the very same sentence from “The Later Book of Han” I was trying to figure out.

[3] This abridged version kinda… skips the moment He Jin and He Miao die. He Jin was killed by the eunuchs, while He Miao was killed by He Jin’s faction for sympathizing with the eunuchs. Politics.

[4] Lü Bu was Ding Yuan’s protege, but looks like that’s not mentioned in Dong Zhuo’s biography.

[5] Emperor Shao – Liu Bian

Once more, read more for 2000-years-old spoilers!

Liu Bian is depicted as a child here, but it is likely he was 17 when Dong Zhuo came. Admittedly, "The Book of Later Han" contradicts itself on this in different chapters - he could be 13.

As you can see from the above excerpt, Yuan Shao was... very much there when it happened. In fact, he and Dong Zhuo had a discussion about deposing Liu Bian in favor of Liu Xie - and Yuan Shao was against it. In the end, Yuan Shao left the city and Dong Zhuo had to be persuaded not declaring him a wanted man.

A massacre did happen, but that was before Liu Bian was deposed, it seems.

You might be wondering about Lü Bu's weapon - I certainly was. It is a ji (戟) - sometimes translated as a spear or a halberd. This is how historical ji typically look like:

This, however, is how Lü Bu is often depicted.

It seems to be a later modification? It's actually a bit confusing, in all honesty, but it's definitely used in modern martial arts. Regardless, the donghua continues the tradition of depicting the Sky Piercer this way.

In general, Lü Bu is quite a legendary character, in part thanks to his depiction in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". There are a lot of legends about him that we might or might not see later in the donghua, so I'll save them for now. I'll just say that his horse - Red Hare - is almost equally famous, to the point where it was said "Among men, Lü Bu; Among steeds, Red Hare."

I'm not sure if the numbers of murdered ministers and other officials has any basis; if they do, I haven't been able to find any indication of that. Dong Zhuo did use his power to have some officials executed; and there was a massacre beforehand where along with the eunuchs, many young men in the palace were killed, but the massacre depicted in the donghua seems to be greatly exaggerated.

The Sima family was indeed caught in Luoyang at the time of these events. It also seems to be true that Sima Lang was at some point arrested. His escape, however, was far less dramatic - he bribed his way out.

As for the first encounter with the legendary trio of sworn brothers - I'll leave that for the next time, when I will present to you the excerpt from Liu Bei's biography.

[joylinda-hawks]

Your Highness. My house was destroyed. You have no reason to keep me or this sword here. WOH, episode 30, part 2. ZZS stands in front of the prince and after a long silence begins to speak. He greets the prince and states that his house has been destroyed and the prince has no basis to stop ZZS and his sword. In response, the prince cuts Bai Yi's ZZS bonds. ZZS is a little surprised, and the prince admires Bai Yi. The prince claims that the sword is sharp and should be returned to its owner. Then he tells ZZS to follow him because he has good wine. ZZS looks at the writing on the ceiling and thinks it's a mockery. After a while, he follows the prince. The prince places his sword on the table and turns to see if ZZS is coming. The prince taps wine on a clay jug. As he walks, ZZS continues to stare at the inscription. The prince quietly opens the jug and pours wine into goblets. He explains that the wine is from the Qing Luan vineyard and smiles at ZZS. ZZS continues to stand in silence, perhaps thinking about his old friends. The prince claims that the guilt has decreased over the years. The prince offers a glass of wine. When ZZS doesn't accept it, the prince says that they once promised each other something. That in 10 years they will meet in the same group, in the same garden. And then they will open the wine and drink it. ZZS smiles sadly and asks, not expecting an answer, if he is in the same group. He adds that no one remained of it. ZZS explains that Yun Xing went to the border, Qing Luan committed suicide, Prince Qi was poisoned by Prince Jin, and Jiu Xiao died at the Battle of Lucheng. When ZZS says this, he turns to the prince and looks him straight in the eyes. The prince looks down. ZZS adds that of all those who were in this garden, they were the only ones left. Moral purity. This inscription in the prince's chamber is pure hypocrisy. The prince has not an ounce of morality in him and his conduct is not pure. ZZH knows this and thinks this inscription is one big joke. ZZS thought that he would never have to see this sign and meet the prince again. ZZS understands that his life has come full circle. He left this place a few months ago and now he has returned against his will. The prince is still a hypocritical tyrant who believes that he is the chosen one and will soon sit on the imperial throne. ZZS is only a means that was intended to help the prince achieve his goal. ZZS, speaking about his deceased friends, wanted to make the prince reflect. But the prince did not want to understand this. ZZS decided to take up the game started by the prince, but intended to end it on his own terms. ZZH is majestically beautiful here. No one can deprive him of his dignity and principles. He does not create a grotesque figure of ZZS, but gently plays with feelings. His ZZS is excellent.

[cskdramatalkks]

today’s episode of alchemy of souls enraged me. like in episode 6 we got a good return to s1 levels of plot and progression. ep 7 was okay all things considered and then today’s episode was a flaming trashpile when it came to plot but more importantly character development and actions. 

like, for a crown prince that we praised all of s1 for not being a massive douche they really decided to spin it all on its head from even last episode. he and jang wook were largely okay, and then all of the sudden this mf decides that he’s going to side with jin mu for what?? everything about his character development so far says he isn’t totally on board with jin mu’s schemes and killing people and all the other shenanigans but today? nah. we’re going to ruin a perfectly good character who has a brain and is nice to watch and turn him into an absolute douche canoe. (turtle notwithstanding.) 

and then yun ok? girl. please sit tf down. season 1 was okay because you largely stayed in your lane. but the whole unrequited infatuation with jang wook going so far as to attempt to harm / expose the literal love of his life that he mourned for 3 years after she stabbed him through the heart? the point of this was?? we were doing so well when it came to women not sabotaging each other and then this happened. 

yul’s about half on brand and with his moral dilemma it sort of makes sense if you’re stretching. i’m still a tad confused about the murder naksu side of things, i think that was more related to the parasite? maybe?? but he desperately pleading with mama jin to not expose things and let the two live for a short while actually checks. 

naksu’s actions are the one that i’ll actually defend this time through. as maddening as it is to watch as a viewer master lee was correct in his assertion that jang wook finding out would cause the biggest moral dilemma of all time. the funny part about having two characters (wook and naksu) who don’t have motivations of their own is that things with the leaving for north fortress and not telling the love of your life that you’re their dead fiance because you know you’re going to die soon is very on brand. naksu thinks that she’s sparing wook the pain of finding out she’s alive only to have her ripped away again and would rather push him away than hurt him in that way again. (did someone say avoidant attachment). honestly, i’ll accept jang wook not realizing because the dude thinks that she’s dead and his judgement is definitely clouded when it comes to anything naksu related. 

but overall, the plot is stretched real thin right now. we’re fabricating problems off of out of character actions while also making me want to punch every single person on the screen in the face. (not you jang wook you’re doing great sweetie)

i really hope this takes a better turn because the hong sister have approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to fix this trainwreck of what should and could have been a really phenomenal ending to a great drama