#qin mei ying

[baoshan-sanren]

best cdramas I’ve watched since the last one of these posts in 2022 (and some I’m still looking forward to seeing)

Heroes (watch on WeTV VIP | watch on bilibili) Adapted from the novel "Shuo Ying Xiong Shei Shi Ying Xiong" (说英雄谁是英雄) by Wen Rui An (温瑞安) starring Zeng ShunXi, Yang ChaoYue, Liu YuNing, Baron Chen and Meng ZiYi. I would’ve watched this thing for the cast only. Everyone is queer vibes. Not a flashy drama, but will emotionally shred you. The character development is totally worth it. Throughly entertaining, even when it punched you in the gut. 8/10

The Wind Blows From LongXi (watch on iQIYI VIP | watch on Viki) Adapted from novel "The Wind Rises in Longxi" (风起陇西) by Ma Bo Yong (马伯庸) starring Chen Kun and Bai Yu. I’ve been waiting for this drama for two years and it was worth every second of the wait. The cinematography in this thing is bonkers. The use of light and shadows, the muted colors, the indoor shots opening up into well-lit courtyards, the gritty sound mixing, the whole thing just blew my ass away. Chen Kun and Bai Yu are masters of their art. Fckn masterpiece. 11/10

Who Rules The World (watch on WeTV VIP | watch on Netflix) Adapted from the novel "Qie Shi Tian Xia" (且试天下) by Qing Ling Yue (倾泠月) starring Yang Yang, Zhao LuSi, and Xuan Lu. One of the rare romance dramas that really appealed to me. A well-balanced mix of court intrigue and martial world heroics. Unlimited blorbo potential. It’s hard to outshine Yang Yang (who gives major Mei Changsu vibes through like the first third of the drama) but Zhao LuSi and Xuan Lu together? Magnificent. Breathtaking. Brilliant. 8/10

The Legend of Hao Lan (watch on iQIYI VIP | watch on Viki | watch on tubi) starring Wu Jinyan and Nie Yuan. So this was like, The Story of Yanxi Palace cast, remixed. Was it great? Not really. Did I watch every episode? Yeah. I honestly think that Wu Jinyan could just make faces for 50+ sixty minute episodes, and I’d still watch every minute of it. Still, a fascinating take on the Warring States Period, and actually based on a woman who helped her son become the King of Qin, then ultimately the First Emperor of China. I think 99% of the budget went to costumes, and tbh, it was totally worth every penny. 7/10

(yeah, after all this, I rewatched Nirvana In Fire again)

The Silent Criminal (watch on Apple TV | watch on Bilibili | watch on iQIYI VIP | watch on Viki) starring Li Jiaming and Wen Sheng. So incredibly gay. Hilarious, yes, but predominantly gay. Murder, intrigue, suspense, pining; this little drama literally has everything. Did it impact my life and leave a long-lasting impression? Not really. But I was most throughly entertained. 7/10

My Heroic Husband (watch on Amazon Prime | watch on iQIYI VIP | watch on Viki) Adapted from the novel "Zhui Xu" (赘婿) by Fen Nu de Xiang Jiao (愤怒的香蕉). Starring Song Yi and Guo Qilin. Actually, the majority of Joy of Life cast is in this drama, including a cameo by Zhang Ruoyun in the very beginning. Cast aside tho, I fckn love this drama to pieces. Song Yi and Guo Qilin have amazing chemistry, and they’re so goddamn adorable together I can’t even stand it. The plot is far from complex but immensely satisfying. Excellent drama on a mediocre budget, one I plan to regularly rewatch. 8/10

Still waiting on: 

Immortality - based on danmei novel The Husky and His White Cat Shizun by 肉包不吃肉 starring Chen Feiyu and Luo Yunxi (you can think I’m a clown but you’d be wrong bc I’m a wholeass circus)

Winner Is King - based on the danmei novel Sha Po Lang by Priest starring Tan Jianci and Chen Zheyuan

Step By Step Lotus - based on historical novel Return to Ming Dynasty as Prince by 月关 starring Zhang Binbin and Luo Yunxi

Eternal Faith - based on danmei novel Heaven Official’s Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu starring Zhai Xiaowen and Zhang Linghe

Joy Of Life Season 2 - based on wuxia novel of the same name by 猫腻 starring Zhang Ruoyun and Li Qin

A League of Nobleman - based on danmei novel The Society of Four Leaves by Da Feng Gua Guo starring Song Weilong and Jing Boran

Flying Phoenix - based on danmei novel of the same name by 風弄 starring Dai Jingyao and Shu Yaxin

The Story of the Bat - based on danmei novel Bat by Feng Nong starring Mao Zijun and Zhang Yao

The Longest Promise - based on xianxia novel Zhu Yan by 沧月 starring Xiao Zhan, Ren Min, and Zhang Yunlong

Song of The Moon - based on wuxia novel 奔月 by 蜀客 starring Zhang Binbin and Xu Lu

Story of Kunning Palace - based on the the web novel 坤宁 by Shi Jing starring Bai Lu and Zhang Linghe 

Under the Microscope - based on the novel 显微镜下的大明 by 马伯庸 starring Zhang Ruoyun and Qi Wei

Till the End of the Moon - based on the web novel 黑月光拿稳BE剧本 by Teng Luo Wei Zhi starring Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu

[ayamisc]

C-Actress List

Unlike the C-Actors List where I had a clear idea of who my favorite actors are, let's just say I had a hard time choosing on which actress to include in the collage above!

Honestly, they are all kweens with a capital Q lol

I love them so much.

Long story short... well, I really just want to be like them.

I really wanted to include more but I figured it would be too much. I mean, I think eight is a lot of an answer for the "Who's your favorite C-Actress?" question lol

Anyway, the (slightly more complete) MyDramaList is here—

And of course, the slightly less complete Pinterest (with 12 people) is here—

And lastly, the actresses not featured in the Pinterest board above (and those who were featured) have their pictures posted, as organized by fashion, in my fashion board, also on Pinterest, here—

[shookethdev]

a o e i i er ai ei ao ou an en ang eng ong i ia iao ie iu ian in iang ing iong u ua uo uai ui uan un uang ueng ü üe üan ün a o e er ai ao ou an en ang eng yi ya yao ye you yan yin yang ying yong wu wa wo wai wei wan wen wang weng yu yue yuan yun b ba bo bai bei bao ban ben bang beng bi biao bie bian bin bing bu p pa po pai pei pao pou pan pen pang peng pi piao pie pian pin ping pu m ma mo me mai mei mao mou man men mang meng mi miao mie miu mian min ming mu f fa fo fei fou fan fen fang feng fu d da de dai dei dao dou dan den dang deng dong di diao die diu dian ding du duo dui duan dun t ta te tai tei tao tou tan tang teng tong ti tiao tie tian ting tu tuo tui tuan tun n na ne nai nei nao nou nan nen nang neng nong ni niao nie niu nian nin niang ning nu nuo nuan nü nüe l la le lai lei lao lou lan lang leng long li lia liao lie liu lian lin liang ling lu luo luan lun lü lüe g ga ge gai gei gao gou gan gen gang geng gong gu gua guo guai gui guan gun guang k ka ke kai kei kao kou kan ken kang keng kong ku kua kuo kuai kui kuan kun kuang h ha he hai hei hao hou han hen hang heng hong hu hua huo huai hui huan hun huang z za ze zi zai zei zao zou zan zen zang zeng zong zu zuo zui zuan zun c ca ce ci cai cao cou can cen cang ceng cong cu cuo cui cuan cun s sa se si sai sao sou san sen sang seng song su suo sui suan sun zh zha zhe zhi zhai zhei zhao zhou zhan zhen zhang zheng zhong zhu zhua zhuo zhuai zhui zhuan zhun zhuang ch cha che chi chai chao chou chan chen chang cheng chong chu chua chuo chuai chui chuan chun chuang sh sha she shi shai shei shao shou shan shen shang sheng shu shua shuo shuai shui shuan shun shuang r re ri rao rou ran ren rang reng rong ru rua ruo rui ruan run j ji jia jiao jie jiu jian jin jiang jing jiong ju jue juan jun q qi qia qiao qie qiu qian qin qiang qing qiong qu que quan qun x xi xia xiao xie xiu xian xin xiang xing xiong xu xue xuan xun

NAKU 🫵

[nemainofthewater]

Completed 'Surname' Polls

This is where I take several characters from different Chinese media (mostly cnovels and cdrama) and run a poll on which one is the 'best'. What does best mean? It's up to you! Whether you love them, are intrigued by their characters, love to hate them, or they're your '2 second blorbos whose personality you made up wholesale', these are all reasons for you to vote for your favs!

NB: the surnames are not exactly the same in all the cases, as often they will be a different character. I am, however, grouping them all together otherwise things got more complicated.

This post is for the polls which have finished running and can no longer be voted in (since I have realised that I'm quickly approaching the limit for hyperlinks in the original masterlist).

If you want to see the currently live polls, they can be found here

Finished polls: Cao/Wei/Guo/Chen/Ye/Qiao/Yu/Xue/Tang/Jiang/Su/Gao/Mei/Lin/Wu/Sun/Liu/Di/Zhang/Ying/Mo/Li/Song/Yan/Xiao/Pei/Hua/Xie/Mu/Qi/Shen/Lan/Fang/Luo /Huo/Xu/Wang/Ming/Fan/Yuan/Feng/Bai/Jin/Meng/Yun/Zhao/Wen/Zhou/Yang/Shang/Yue/Sheng/Ouyang/Lu/Ling/Hu/Gu/Ding

Shi/Hong/Zhu/Yi/Cheng/Zhan/Xia/Cui/Chu/Lei/Ma/Liang/Jing/Zhi/An/Nie/Hao/Qin/Han/Guan/Zhuge/Jia/Ning/Xiang/Huang/Fei/Ruan/Dong/He/Baili/Long/Duan/Zhen/Wan/Qiu/Dongfang/Du/Bi/Jiao/Zhong/

[dangermousie]

Heroes Death Derby

Well, we have eight eps left and it’s clear that most of our characters will drop like flies. So, here is my odds-of post on our future corpsicles...

The Chancellor, the two Jail Psychos and his Guard (with the awesome name of 13 Doom) - 100%

They are bad guys, they are 100% dead, the only question is who will do them in. I really hope their deaths are vvvv gruesome and that WXS finally achieves his dream of taking out the Chancellor. If I had my druthers, I’d love to have BCF to take out two jail psychos before his own inevitable demise but I will settle for any kind of murderation for those two.

Marquis Fang Ying Kan - 100%

Man is a rapist, a murderer of WXS’ father and has long conversations with skeletons. His brain is half rot and half rabid weasels. He’s 100% a goner. I’d love for Lei Chun to be the one to do him in, second runner-up to be SMZ because that would be a truly epic fight (and they in-canon mention that if those two fought, the outcome would not be clear) but I think it will be WXS.

Su Meng Zhen - 100%

Much as it pains me, the man has enough death flags on him to be a one-man parade. He’s been coughing blood and collapsing the entire drama, he’s already lived past the age the doctors thought he would and he needs peace and quiet but all he gets is shock and heartbreak. The only question I have is whether he will die like La Traviata, dramatically collapsing while beautifully spitting out blood or in battle. Whatever happens, please please don’t let him be killed by Bai Chou Fei or Lei Chun because I won’t be able to take it.

Bai Chou Fei - 100%

If I were a betting person, I’d bet he’s the one whose ashes WXS has in his saddlebag in the prologue. The moment he got tortured into evil and became the sexiest murder zombie to walk the earth, he signed his death warrant. I’d give even odds to him being slain in battle with WXS (for that extra gut-wrenching factor - what finally broke him was the believed loss of WXS, to now be killed by actually alive WXS after he irrevocably went evil because of that loss is in line with a drama from the man who directed GMP) or killing himself after achieving a brief moment of clarity and realizing what he’s done.

Di Fei Jing - 75%

You know he’s gonna take on the person who he thinks assaulted his sister and die. Gorgeous secondary characters in evil sect don’t have long lives. But there is a small chance he can be left to run the sect as the sole sane person in it.

Lei Chun - 70%

She went full on evil so normally I’d say she’s a goner except I think she has a decent chance to survive because living a long life all alone, after all the people who loved her have been killed and she can blame herself for that is in a way the most brutal punishment. Side note - sure sure SMZ killed her Dad but it was an accident; she should have taken a leaf from Li Qin’s character in The Wolf. That woman had to cope with the fact that her OTP killed her Dad, and deliberately at that, and quite reasonably went “well, but he’s hot! And he’s willing to compensate for my loss of relative by helping me make new ones!” What a waste to have SMZ at your beck and call and do nothing with the man!

Wen Rou - 60%

She’s sweet, she’s loving, she’s functional and she’s WXS’ last light in a dark world. I don’t fancy her survival odds. Not to mention that WXS in the prologue doesn’t really look like a man with a loved and loving wife at home. But it all depends on how truly old-school Heroes is. If it was an 00s drama, I’d say she’s definitely dead. As is, not the best odds for living but here is hoping.

Lei Mei - 50%

She can live or she can die taking a knife for BCF or similar. She clearly loves him (and if he still had his sanity, it actually could have been a really good eventual couple. BCF needs to discover it’s better to be loved devotedly than love unrequitedly.) She has morally-ambiguous girl dying for a main written all over her. But maybe not - maybe she will finally be like Sul Hwa in Chuno, who took the freedom and life lessons Dae Gil offered her and despite loving him, went on to a new life after his death.

Wang Xiao Shi - 5%

He’s in the prologue, miserable but alive. 5% only because this is totally the kind of narrative you can see him walking off and an arrow hitting his throat in the last two minutes.

Yang Wu Xie - 5%

He’s gonna go mourn on SMZ’s grave like Hachiko.

Anyway, two weeks and we will see how good I am at predictions :P

[eyenaku]

Ji ji fu ji ji

a o e i i er ai ei ao ou an en ang eng ong i ia iao ie iu ian in iang ing iong u ua uo uai ui uan un uang ueng ü üe üan ün a o e er ai ao ou an en ang eng yi ya yao ye you yan yin yang ying yong wu wa wo wai wei wan wen wang weng yu yue yuan yun b ba bo bai bei bao ban ben bang beng bi biao bie bian bin bing bu p pa po pai pei pao pou pan pen pang peng pi piao pie pian pin ping pu m ma mo me mai mei mao mou man men mang meng mi miao mie miu mian min ming mu f fa fo fei fou fan fen fang feng fu d da de dai dei dao dou dan den dang deng dong di diao die diu dian ding du duo dui duan dun t ta te tai tei tao tou tan tang teng tong ti tiao tie tian ting tu tuo tui tuan tun n na ne nai nei nao nou nan nen nang neng nong ni niao nie niu nian nin niang ning nu nuo nuan nü nüe l la le lai lei lao lou lan lang leng long li lia liao lie liu lian lin liang ling lu luo luan lun lü lüe g ga ge gai gei gao gou gan gen gang geng gong gu gua guo guai gui guan gun guang k ka ke kai kei kao kou kan ken kang keng kong ku kua kuo kuai kui kuan kun kuang h ha he hai hei hao hou han hen hang heng hong hu hua huo huai hui huan hun huang z za ze zi zai zei zao zou zan zen zang zeng zong zu zuo zui zuan zun c ca ce ci cai cao cou can cen cang ceng cong cu cuo cui cuan cun s sa se si sai sao sou san sen sang seng song su suo sui suan sun zh zha zhe zhi zhai zhei zhao zhou zhan zhen zhang zheng zhong zhu zhua zhuo zhuai zhui zhuan zhun zhuang ch cha che chi chai chao chou chan chen chang cheng chong chu chua chuo chuai chui chuan chun chuang sh sha she shi shai shei shao shou shan shen shang sheng shu shua shuo shuai shui shuan shun shuang r re ri rao rou ran ren rang reng rong ru rua ruo rui ruan run j ji jia jiao jie jiu jian jin jiang jing jiong ju jue juan jun q qi qia qiao qie qiu qian qin qiang qing qiong qu que quan qun x xi xia xiao xie xiu xian xin xiang xing xiong xu xue xuan xun

[5water-kohaku]

Now Meng Tian and Wang Li just need to remove their helmets.

[linghxr]

A Guide to Taiwanese Name Romanization

Have you ever wondered why there are so many Changs when the surname 常 is not actually that common? Have you ever struggled to figure out what sound “hs” is? Well don’t worry! Today we are going to go over some common practices in transliterating names from Taiwan. 

With some recent discussion I’ve seen about writing names from the Shang-Chi movie, I thought this was the perfect time to publishe this post. Please note that this information has been compiled from my observations--I’m sure it’s not completely extensive. And if you see any errors, please let me know!

According to Wikipedia, “the romanized name for most locations, persons and other proper nouns in Taiwan is based on the Wade–Giles derived romanized form, for example Kaohsiung, the Matsu Islands and Chiang Ching-kuo.” Wade-Giles differs from pinyin quite a bit, and to make things even more complicated, transliterated names don’t necessarily follow exact Wade-Giles conventions.

Well, Wikipedia mentioned Kaohsiung, so let’s start with some large cities you already know of!

[1] B → P 台北 Taibei → Taipei [2] G → K [3] D → T In pinyin, we have the “b”, “g”, and “d” set (voiceless, unaspirated) and the “p”, “k”, and “t” set (voiceless, aspirated). But in Wade-Giles, these sets of sounds are distinguished by using a following apostrophe for the aspirated sounds. However, in real life the apostrophe is often not used.

We need some more conventions to understand Kaohsiung. [4] ong → ung (sometimes) [5] X → Hs or Sh 高雄 Gaoxiong → Kaohsiung I wrote “sometimes” for rule #4 because I am pretty sure I have seen instances where it is not followed. This could be due to personal preference, historical reasons, or influence from other romanization styles.

Now some names you are equipped to read: 王心凌 Wang Xinling → Wang Hsin-ling 徐熙娣 Xu Xidi → Shu/Hsu Hsi-ti (I have seen both) 黄鸿升 Huang Hongsheng → Huang Hung-sheng 龙应台 Long Yingtai → Lung Ying-tai 宋芸樺 Song Yunhua → Sung Yun-hua

You might have learned pinyin “x” along with its friends “j” and “q”, so let’s look at them more closely. [6] J → Ch [7] Q → Ch 范玮琪 Fan Weiqi → Fan Wei-chi 江美琪 Jiang Meiqi → Chiang Mei-chi 郭静 Guo Jing → Kuo Ching 邓丽君 Deng Lijun → Teng Li-chun This is similar to the case for the first few conventions, where an apostrophe would distinguish the unaspirated sound (pinyin “j”) from the aspirated sound (pinyin “q”). But in practice these ultimately both end up as “ch”. I have some disappointing news.

[8] Zh → Ch Once again, the “zh” sound is the unaspirated correspondent of the “ch” sound. That’s right, the pinyin “zh”, “j”, and “q” sounds all end up being written as “ch”. This can lead to some...confusion. 卓文萱 Zhuo Wenxuan → Chuo Wen-hsuan 陈绮贞 Chen Qizhen → Chen Chi-chen 张信哲 Zhang Xinzhe → Chang Shin-che At least now you finally know where there are so many Changs. Chances are, if you meet a Chang, their surname is actually 张, not 常.

Time for our next set of rules. [10] C → Ts [11] Z → Ts [12] Si → Szu [13] Ci, Zi → Tzu Again we have the situation where “c” is aspirated and “z” is unaspirated, so the sounds end up being written the same. 曾沛慈 Zeng Peici → Tseng Pei-tzu 侯佩岑 Hou Peicen → Hou Pei-tsen 周子瑜 Zhou Ziyu → Chou Tzu-yu 黄路梓茵 Huang Lu Ziyin → Huang Lu Tzu-yin 王思平 Wang Siping → Wang Szu-ping

Fortunately this next convention can help clear up some of the confusion from above. [14] i → ih (zhi, chi, shi) [15] e → eh (-ie, ye, -ue, yue) Sometimes an “h” will be added at the end. So this could help distinguish some sounds. Like you have qi → chi vs. zhi → chih. There could be other instances of adding “h”--these are just the ones I was able to identify. 曾之乔 Zeng Zhiqiao → Tseng Chih-chiao 施柏宇 Shi Boyu → Shih Po-yu 谢金燕 Xie Jinyan → Hsieh Jin-yan 叶舒华 Ye Shuhua → Yeh Shu-hua 吕雪凤 Lü Xuefeng → Lü Hsueh-feng

Continuing on, a lot of the conventions below are not as consistently used in my experience, so keep that in mind. Nevertheless, it is useful to be familiar with these conventions when you do encounter them.

[16] R → J (sometimes) Seeing “j” instead of “r” definitely confused me at first. Sometimes names will still use “r” though, so I guess it is up to one’s personal preferences. 任贤齐 Ren Xianqi → Jen Hsien-chi 任家萱 Ren Jiaxuan → Jen Chia-hsüan 张轩睿 Zhang Xuanrui → Chang Hsuan-jui

[17] e → o (ke, he, ge) I can see how it would easily lead to confusion between ke-kou, ge-gou, and he-hou, so it’s important to know. I’ve never seen this convention for pinyin syllables like “te” or “se” personally. 柯震东 Ke Zhendong → Ko Chen-tung 葛仲珊 Ge Zhongshan→ Ko Chung-shan

[18] ian → ien [19] Yan → Yen I’ve observed that rule 18 seems more common than 19 because I see “yan” used instead of “yen” a fair amount. I’m not really sure why this is. 柯佳嬿 Ke Jiayan → Ko Chia-yen 田馥甄 Tian Fuzhen → Tien Fu-chen 陈建州 Chen Jianzhou → Chen Chien-chou 吴宗宪 Wu Zongxian → Wu Tsung-hsien

[20] Yi → I (sometimes) I have seen this convention not followed pretty frequently, but two very famous names are often in line with it. 蔡英文 Cai Yingwen → Tsai Ing-wen 蔡依林 Cai Yilin → Tsai I-lin

[21] ui → uei I have seen this convention used a couple times, but “ui” seems to be much more common. 蔡立慧 Cai Lihui → Tsai Li-huei

[22] hua → hwa This is yet another convention that I don’t always see followed. But I know “hwa” is often used for 华 as in 中华, so it’s important to know. 霍建华 Huo Jianhua → Huo Chien-hwa

[23] uo → o This is another example of where one might get confused between the syllables luo vs. lou or ruo vs. rou. So be careful! 罗志祥 Luo Zhixiang → Lo Chih-hsiang 刘若英 Liu Ruoying → Liu Jo-ying 徐若瑄 Xu Ruoxuan → Hsu Jo-hsuan

[24] eng → ong (feng, meng) I think this rule is kinda cute because some people with Taiwanese accents pronounce meng and feng more like mong and fong :) 权怡凤 Quan Yifeng → Quan Yi-fong

[25] Qing → Tsing I am not familiar with the reasoning behind this spelling, but 国立清华大学 in English is National Tsing Hua University, so this spelling definitely has precedence. But I also see Ching too for this syllable. 吴青峰 Wu Qingfeng→ Wu Tsing-fong

[26] Li → Lee Nowadays a Chinese person from the Mainland would probably using the Li spelling, but in other areas, Lee remains more common. 李千那 Li Qianna → Lee Chien-na

[27] Qi → Chyi I have noticed this exception. However, I’ve only personally noticed it for this surname, so maybe it’s just a convention for 齐. 齐秦 Qi Qin → Chyi Chin 齐豫 Qi Yu → Chyi Yu

[28] in ←→ ing In Taiwanese Mandarin, these sounds can be merged, so sometimes I have noticed ling and lin, ping and pin, etc. being used in place of each other. I don’t know this for sure, but I suspect this is why singer A-Lin is not A-Ling (her Chinese name is 黄丽玲/Huang Liling).

[29] you → yu I personally haven’t noticed these with other syllables ending in “ou,” only with the “you” syllable. 刘冠佑 Liu Guanyou → Liu Kuan-yu 曹佑宁 Cao Youning → Tsao Yu-ning

There is a lot of variation with these transliterated names. There are generally exceptions galore, so keep in mind that all this is general! Everyone has their own personal preferences. If you just look up some famous Taiwanese politicians, you will see a million spellings that don’t fit the 28 conventions above. Sometimes people might even mix Mandarin and another Chinese language while transliterating their name.

Anyway, if any of you know why 李安 is romanized as Ang Lee, please let me know because it’s driving me crazy.

Note: The romanized names I looked while writing this post at were split between two formats, capitalizing the syllable after the hyphen and not capitalizing this syllable. I chose to not capitalize for all the names for the sake of consistency. I’m guessing it’s a matter of preference.

[stiltonbasket]

OMG Wen Ning and Qin Su in age reversal au!! Can you give a little snippet about them? and totally rooting for JC and WQ (in this house we support wen siblings x happiness)

Thank you for always bringing amazing ideas Stilton! ❤️

"Qionglin."

Wen Ning stops with an arrow still nocked to his bowstring, wondering if he might have imagined the sound of his uncle's voice. Wen Ruohan rarely visits the training fields these days, since his cultivation has long since passed the point of requiring practice to maintain it; but the person standing at the gate is definitely his uncle, dressed in a light padded vest and trousers instead of his red court robes and holding a bow and quiver of his own.

"Shufu," Wen Ning says, putting his hands together in a shallow bow as Wen Ruohan comes over to stand beside him. "Would you like to have the field to yourself, Uncle? I can take the disciples out hunting if you'd rather be left alone."

“No, nephew. I would speak with you, now that I have the time.”

“What about?” asks Wen Ning. He hopes it’s not about Qing-mei’s engagement again; the only suitor he could possibly entertain for his sister is Yunmeng Jiang’s Wei Wuxian, his own sworn brother, and Ying-ge might very well be married to Lan Wangji before the year is out.

But then he alights on a worse possibility, and bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from wincing.

“Did Chao’er get into trouble again?”

“That brat, get into trouble? With Xiao-Qing looming over his shoulder all day like a bird hunting a locust? Not a chance.”

Wen Ning frowns.

“Then what is it?”

“You’re nearly old enough to succeed me as Wen-zongzhu,” Wen Ruohan informs him, just as Wen Ning reaches for his water bottle and takes an enormous gulp. “You’ll be twenty-five on your next birthday, A-Lin. It’s high time you found a wife.”

Wen Ning tries to swallow and sucks his mouthful of water straight down into his lungs. “What?” he hacks, while his uncle lifts his eyes to the heavens as if pleading with them for patience. “But, but--”

“But nothing! You’re a grown man, and you ought to have a family of your own by the time you become sect leader. Now go out and find a suitable girl, or I’ll have Xiao-Qing find one for you.”

“Um. Ah, th-then, can’t I just leave it to her? I trust my meimei’s judgment, so--”

“No, you may not!” Wen Ruohan roars, before glancing back at the line of targets on the other side of the training field. “Hmm. I hear that girls like archers, so maybe you can get somewhere with that bow of yours. What do you think?”

Wen Ning packs up his archery equipment and flees.

“I just remembered that I have somewhere to be,” he shouts, hurtling back towards the gate that leads into the palace proper. “Don’t wait up, uncle! I’ll be home after dinner.”

“Wen Qionglin! Come back here! I haven’t finished with you, boy!”

coda:

“Does Ning-xiong still think you’re going to marry me?” Wei Wuxian wonders aloud, over the bowl of half-peeled lotus seeds occupying the patch of floor between himself and Wen Qing. “He does know you come down here to spy on my brother, right?”

“I’m not spying,” Wen Qing sniffs. “I’m exploring my future options, because shufu wants me to marry Lan Xichen, and I’d go crazy if I had to watch you and Lan-zongzhu flirting in the Cloud Recesses all day. But my uncle wants dage to get married first, so he won’t have time to worry about me until that’s all settled.”

“Oh, Ning-xiong’s getting married? Who to?”

“Qin Su shot an arrow through Da-ge’s guan and nailed him to a tree the last time he visited Laoling,” she says conversationally. “He’d like a shooting partner who could keep up with him, don’t you think?”

“But I thought Qin-guniang was betrothed to Jin Zixuan.”

Wen Qing pops another lotus seed into her mouth and crushes it into pulp.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.”

[dear-indies]

I am in need of suggestions for Chinese actresses, in her 20s to 30s please!

Fan Bing Bing (1981) Chinese.

Gemma Chan (1982) Chinese.

Wan Qian (1982) Chinese.

Ali Wong (1982) Chinese / Vietnamese.

Du Juan (1982) Chinese.

Li Jun Li (1983) Chinese.

Tiffany Tang (1983) Chinese.

Rulu Jiang (1983) Chinese.

Zhu Zhu (1984) Chinese.

Lu Zi Zhen (1984) Chinese.

Ellen Wong (1984/1985) Chinese Cambodian.

Jessica Matten (1985) Saulteaux and Cree Descent, Chinese, Ukrainian, French, and British.

Xin Zhi Lei (1986) Chinese.

Jiang Shuying (1986) Chinese.

Yang Mi (1986) Chinese.

Zhang Zhixi (1987) Chinese.

Zhao Liying (1987) Chinese.

Victoria Song (1987) Chinese.

Kim Wuan (1987) Chinese and Vietnamese.

Madina Mehmet (1987) Uyghur Chinese.

Ni Ni (1988) Chinese.

Zhang Xinyu (1988) Chinese.

Janel Parrish (1988) Chinese / Irish, English, German.

Jing Tian (1988) Chinese.

Sherry Cola (1989) Chinese.

Phillipa Soo (1990) Chinese / English, Scottish, Irish.

Kim Chiu (1990) Chinese / Filipino.

Li Qin (1990) Chinese.

Li Yi Tong (1990) Chinese.

Peng Xiao Ran (1990) Chinese.

Lulu Xuan (1991) Chinese.

Malese Jow (1991) Chinese / English, Scottish, Cherokee.

Amanda Zhou (1991) Chinese.

Daisy Dai (1991) Uyghur Chinese.

Yang Zi (1992) Chinese.

Shannon Dang (1992) Chinese.

Jessica Henwick (1992) Chinese Singaporean / English.

Gulnazar (1992) Uyghur Chinese.

Hai Ling (1992) Chinese.

Dilraba Dilmurat (1992) Uyghur Chinese.

Olivia Liang (1993) Chinese.

Sun Yi (1993) Chinese.

Natasha Liu Bordizzo (1994) Chinese / Italian.

Ju Jing Yi (1994) Chinese.

Jessica Sula (1994) Afro-Trinidadian, Chinese / Estonian, German.

Bai Lu (1994) Chinese.

Xu Lu (1994) Chinese.

Jessie Mei Li (1995) Chinese - gender non-conforming woman she/they.

Wu Jia Yi (1995) Chinese.

Xu Jia Qi (!1995) Chinese.

Lin Yun (1996) Chinese.

Thanaerng Kanyawee Songmuang (1996) Thai Chinese.

Leah Lewis (1996) Chinese.

Chelsea Zhang (1996) Chinese.

Chase Sui Wonders (1996) Chinese.

Dai Lu Wa (1997) Chinese.

Zhang Nan (1997) Chinese.

Shen Yue (1997) Chinese.

Thaddea Graham (1997) Chinese.

Song Zuer (1998) Chinese.

Yang Chao Yue (1998) Chinese.

Zhou Ye (1998) Chinese.

Brianne Tju (1988) Chinese / Indonesian.

Annie Sun (1998) Chinese.

Zhao Lusi (1998) Chinese.

Lauren Tsai (1998) Chinese.

Ying Sayun (?) Atayal Taiwanese and Chinese.

and here are some Hongkonger faceclaims since they're vastly underused and underrepresented:

Melissa O'Neil (1988) Hongkonger / Irish.

JuJu Chan Szeto (1989) Hongkonger.

Ramona Young (1998) Hongkonger.

Same with Taiwanese:

Constance Wu (1982) Taiwanese.

Katrina Law (1985) Taiwanese / German and Italian.

Ivy Shao (1989) Taiwanese.

Naomi Watanabe (1989) Taiwanese / Japanese.

Rima Zeidan (1990) Taiwanese and Lebanese.

Ying Sayun (?) Atayal Taiwanese and Chinese.

Hey anon, I didn't know where to start so here are some actresses with resources at the time of posting!

[trilliastra]

the adventures of detective wei wuxian and his husband

[Established relationship. POV outsider for the most part.]

-

1.

Jiang Cheng will never get used to seeing Lan Wangji in distress. Instead of his usual stoic expression, the man looks almost in pain himself, holding Wei Wuxian's hand tightly.

“He's an idiot.” Jiang Cheng comments, trying to hide his own worry. “He ran into the building like he's the fucking Superman.” And he saved a kid, Jiang Cheng thinks.

Lan Wangji barely looks up, already used to Jiang Cheng's own way of coping with Wei Wuxian's dangerous lifestyle. They've had many fights before as Lan Wangji often misunderstood brotherly banter with insulting.

Jiang Cheng doesn't know exactly what happened, but one day they met for dinner and Lan Wangji stopped glaring at him every time he nagged at Wei Wuxian, so he guesses they are fine now. Well, as fine as they can ever be.

“Hmn.” The other man assents, he brushes a hand over Wei Wuxian's cheek softly. “I'll lock him in the basement.” He says.

Jiang Cheng lets out a snort, surprised at Lan Wangji's attempt at a joke. “He'd find a way out.”

“Hmn.” They share a look of understanding. This is who Wei Wuxian is: impulsive, selfless, good.

“He's gonna be fine.” Jiang Cheng whispers, reaching out to take Wei Wuxian's other hand.

“Yes.” Lan Wangji takes a deep breath, rests his head against Wei Wuxian's chest. Jiang Cheng pretends not to see the tears. “He will.”

–

2.

Yang Hao rolls his eyes as Wei Wuxian laughs loudly. It should take more than just a quick brain and guts to become a detective.

It's ten past two, he hasn't slept in two days and his stomach is starting to hurt. Things would move much faster if only Wei Wuxian could get to the fucking point.

“And that's how we found they run an underground casino.” He keeps rambling, all exaggerated gestures and a lot of confidence. Yang Hao sighs – some people are so damn lucky to just stumble upon the right person at the right time.

To his left Li Qin is sighing dreamily, as Wei Wuxian keeps talking about how he is this close to solving the case if only he could have another day or two. He will get those days, Yang Hao is sure, because their boss loves him.

Thirty minutes later – or maybe two hours, he lost track of time by the time Wei Wuxian started on his brilliant plan to catch their guy – they are finally free to eat their lunch and Yang Hao all but runs away from the conference room before Wei Wuxian can catch up with him. The guy is adamant they must become friends, Yang Hao has no idea how Wei Wuxian hasn't noticed that he'd rather strangle himself before that happens.

He almost made it to his desk before his name is being called by that annoyingly happy voice. “Yang Hao!” He tries not to groan. “I forgot my lunch, do you want to go to granny’s restaurant at the corner together?” Wei Wuxian smiles, placing his hand on Yang Hao's shoulder.

“I have a date.” He lies, desperate to get the fuck away from him.

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian's smile falters for a moment, but he's soon back to his cheerful self. “That's great, man!” He pulls his hand back before shaking it in front of Yang Hao's face, the wedding ring shining in the light. “I wish I could say the same.” Wei Wuxian sighs, almost sad.

Yang Hao turns around to hide his grimace. Wei Wuxian talks, a lot, it's no secret that he's married, and happily so. It's sickening how much he talks about his partner. Yang Hao has never met her in person, but he imagines a saint of a woman to put up with all – that.

Or maybe she's just as bad as him. Yang Hao shudders.

“That's too bad.” He answers when he realizes Wei Wuxian is waiting for him to say something. “Next time, then?” He asks, just to be polite.

Wei Wuxian's smile grows and he is about to reply when Li Qin call his name. “Senior Wei! There's someone here to see you.” She gestures at a man dressed in a suit, long hair tied up. He's vaguely familiar and Yang Hao frowns, hoping this isn't related to their case. He can't put up with Wei Wuxian for another hour, especially without food.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian calls, surprised. He all but runs towards the man and when they are close enough he leans in and – kisses him. What.

“You forgot your lunch.” He can hear the other man say, holding Wei Wuxian's waist. “We are going out.” He states and Wei Wuxian all but melts against him.

Yang Hao blinks, trying to process all the information. So Wei Wuxian's partner isn't a woman. And he is a Lan. As in the Lan Clan. As in Lan Wangji, the cold, intimidating, lawyer.

“Oh, Lan Zhan.” He looks up, still confused, as Wei Wuxian praises his husband. “You're too good to me.” His voice is so saccharine, Yang Hao wants to jump off the window, but Lan Wangji only smiles, albeit shyly, and takes Wei Wuxian's hand, pulling him towards the door.

“Aren't they the cutest?” Li Qin asks, happily.

Yang Hao groans and vows to apply for a transfer as soon as he can.

–

3.

“I'll call you later, mom.” Mei Xiang stops just outside the building, puts her phone back in her purse and reaches out for the compact mirror. She checks her lipstick again and takes a deep, nervous breath. I can do it, she tells herself.

She's been preparing for this since before she got into university. She is smart, qualified, and bold, just the perfect combination for a great lawyer. She can do it.

The Lan Clan is a legend and being employed at Cloud Recesses is a dream come true. She doesn't have an office and for now she's just another assistant, but Mei Xiang knows it's just a matter of time. She's ready to work her way up. Sleepless nights? She got that covered in university. Food? Cereal bars and dried fruits are her best friends.

Mei Xiang introduces herself to her colleagues with a smile and proceeds to get acquainted with her small desk in the corner of the large room. They are all working on some big case already and her direct supervisor says they will assign her a task as soon as Lan Xichen arrives.

Her desk is close to Lan Wangji's office, she notices. The open door allows her to watch him working, scribbling furiously as he checks one book or the other, occasionally he looks up to discuss something with Luo Qingyang, one of the senior lawyers. Mei Xiang sighs, that is one handsome man.

She can see the shining ring on his left hand and shakes her head. She participated in many lectures given by either Lan Wangji or his brother, and she's always admired the way he carried himself, his unwavering belief on doing what's right.

Mei Xiang smiles sweetly when he looks up and notices her watching him. She isn't one to defend adultery, but she knows how these things work for the traditional families – marriage of convenience is still common and she doubts Lan Wangji would ever go against his family on this matter.

Mei Xiang runs a hand through her hair, watching Lan Wangji look through his books. Her parents met through work, love can happen anytime, anywhere. If it happens it happens, she thinks, delighted, when he looks up again.

“Hello, Senior Wei.” Mei Xiang hears Luo Qingyang say as she leaves Lan Wangji's office. A man dressed in casual jeans and combat boots reaches out for her hand with a smile.

“Mianmian, you look absolutely dashing. How is your baby?” He asks, enthusiastic.

Mei Xiang frowns. She doesn't recognize him, and she thought she knew everyone who worked at Cloud Recesses – she made a very thorough research.

She watches as Luo Qingyang shows him something on her phone, probably a picture of her baby, and the man coos, always smiling, as he grabs his own phone and hands it to her.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji calls, coming out of his office.

“Lan Zhan!” The man practically yells, which makes Mei Xiang startle, no one in the room looks up and she wonders if this is such an usual occurrence that they just don’t care anymore. “I was showing her that video of Sizhui playing with the rabbits!” He turns to Luo Qingyang. “Isn't he the cutest?”

“Yes,” she laughs, “after my little Mianmian.” She adds, making the other man laugh.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji stresses, holding out his hand.

“I'm coming, I'm coming.” The man laughs, waving goodbye at Luo Qingyang and taking Lan Wangji's hand as they walk together into the office. “I missed you, too.” She hears him say, leaning in to kiss Lan Wangji passionately before the doors are even fully closed.

“Damn,” she whispers, impressed.

Half an hour later, Lan Wangji's husband comes out of his office looking properly debauched, with the biggest smile she's ever seen. That doesn't look like a marriage out of convenience, so definitely, nothing is going to happen. Oh well, she thinks before straightening up her back and getting ready to conquer the world, his loss.

–

4.

After thirty years, she still loves the Monday morning rush. Since her daughter took over the kitchen, she started to love it even more.

Mei Hui loves talking to them and listening to their stories, serving good food that makes them forget about their problems for a few minutes. Over the years, she's had many regular customers, and one of her favorites is Wei Wuxian.

He's a whirlwind, loud and dangerous, but smart and genuinely kind. She's granny to him and her heart fills with joy every time he walks through the door.

He loves her lotus root soup – she long stopped taking offense when he says his sister's is better, she understands the power of love that makes any food taste like heaven – especially when a case has gone wrong. Mei Hui has spent many nights by his side as he eats the soup and cries.

Pork ribs are reserved for the amazing days – his words, not hers. Almost eight years ago, he ordered it for the first time, his grin so wide it took her breath away. It was also the first time she heard Lan Wangji's name.

Oh, those boys. She likes to think her late husband used to look at her like Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji look at each other.

She was invited to their wedding but couldn't make it due to an appendicitis – her health isn't what it used to be fifteen years ago – but Wei Wuxian showed her the pictures the next week, patting her back gently as she sniffed, deeply touched by his consideration.

But her favorite customer of all has to be the little boy. Lan Sizhui, Lan Yuan, oh, how she adores him. Mei Hui looks at the flowers and smiles as she reads the card again. It’s impossible not to love him.

Happy birthday, granny, it says, and she has to sit down to try and contain her glee. “Dad helped me write it.” Lan Sizhui had explained, earlier this morning, as he hugged her leg. Wei Wuxian was laughing, holding Lan Wangji's hand as they waited for their son. She asked if the boy wasn't going to be late for school and Wei Wuxian laughed, amused, as Lan Wangji frowned for a moment, but answered that it was fine, it was for a good cause. Oh, those boys.

Mei Hui loves Monday mornings, even more when she gets to see her favorite boys smiling, and so – so happy. As they should be.

–

5.

He is bleeding. Fuck, Lan Wangji is bleeding.

Su She watches Lan Xichen hold his suit jacket over his brother's wound and tries not to panic. This wasn't part of the plan, that – Xue Yang wasn't even supposed to have a gun! And that good-for-nothing just left in the middle of the chaos without looking back.

Xue Yang was supposed to take the papers while Su She distracted Lan Wangji, no one would get hurt, much less shot. Not that Lan Wangji didn't deserve it, the arrogant bastard, but Su She doesn't want to go to jail when he's this close to getting rich. Lan Wangji better live to watch Su She ruin everything that he owns.

“Wangji.” He hears Lan Xichen yell, shaking his brother to keep him awake. He hears someone saying help is coming and someone else says they called Lan Wangji’s husband.

Su She almost rolls his eyes as the other employees start running around like headless chickens, crying and praying for Lan Wangji's recover. Half of them hate the man just as much as Su She and the other half just want him to live so they can continue to make googly eyes at him. Pathetic.

“Lan Zhan!”

Great, this time Su She does roll his eyes as Wei Wuxian yells desperately, kneeling in front of his husband and taking his hand.

“Lan Zhan, please don't leave me.” He cries.

They are so ridiculous, flaunting their superior love story in front of everyone's faces. Every time they are around each other, it's like watching a fucking drama – nothing is ever going to be more staged than this. Well, he thinks, perhaps Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli's wedding, but Su She couldn't care less about them.

“Never –” Lan Wangji coughs just as the paramedics arrive. It takes Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng – and when did that other fucker get here – to separate Wei Wuxian from his husband.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian's screams get more and more desperate and Su She decides it's time to leave. Any more of this disgusting shit and he's going to throw up.

–

He should've known Xue Yang was going to open his giant mouth eventually. The guy has always been a coward.

“ – you have the right to remain silent,” Wei Wuxian recites as two police officers drag Su She towards the car.

“He should've died.” He says, looking into the other man's eyes. When Wei Wuxian attacks him Su She only laughs.

–

+ 1

“It's snowing!” They get woken up by Lan Yuan jumping on their bed, laughing and screaming in delight. Lan Wangji smiles as he hears Wei Wuxian groan and burrow himself further under the covers. “Dad! Papa!”

“Yes.” Lan Wangji answers, sitting up and pulling Lan Yuan onto his lap. “Have you brushed your teeth?”

“Yes!” He quickly answers, eyes shining with glee. “And I dressed myself, see?” He opens his arms and kicks his legs in the air. He's wearing mismatched socks, Lan Wangji notices, smiling.

“So you did.” He praises, running a hand through the boy's hair. “We can play in the snow after breakfast.”

“Noooo.” Wei Wuxian whines. He got home late last night, again. “It's Saturday, we should stay in bed all day.”

Lan Yuan ignores him, turning to Lan Wangji again. “Can we make cookies too?”

“Sure.” He answers easily, dropping Lan Yuan on Wei Wuxian's back. His husband groans and their son laughs when he gets pulled into a hug.

“And hot chocolate?” Lan Yuan asks.

“One or the other.” Lan Wangji replies, heading to the bathroom.

“Cookies!” He hears his son reply in between laughter.

“Chocolate chip!” Wei Wuxian laughs with him.

By the time he comes out of the bathroom both Wei Wuxian and Lan Yuan are asleep again, holding each other and snoring softly. Lan Wangji shakes his head, amused, and walks back to the bed. He throws an arm over them and smiles, they can stay in bed longer, it's Saturday after all.

[psqqa]

Nirvana in Fire Character Reference Sheet Roughly in the Order Those Characters Are Introduced

For @howdydowdy, as promised, and for anyone else who, like me, is terrible at names and needs some kind of “Who?? Ohhh right. That guy.” reminder.

Basically, my Nirvana in Fire Journey started with me watching half the first episode, being wildly confused, realizing I was in over my head re: names and thus deciding to go back to the beginning and watch it again But Taking Notes This Time. I watched the whole show with a notebook and pen at my side. I figured I may as well spare you all the labour by typing it up. 

As more information was revealed, I often added it to a character’s initial note, but by and large I’m leaving those extra notes out so you can experience the joy and confusion and anguish of New Information yourself. The exception to this is generally a person’s name, title, and position. E.g. Duke Qing’s name, Bai Ye, isn’t mentioned until a number of episodes after he’s first mentioned, if I recall correctly, but knowing that the person named “Bai Ye” is the same person called “Duke Qing” is exactly why I took these notes for myself in the first place.

Basically this isn’t intended to be a character guide that lays out exactly who a person is, their relationships to the other characters, and their place in the story, but rather something you can look at whenever someone mentions a name that jogs your memory just enough for you to be able to place to person. Which is why the notes tend to be either the context in which the person was introduced or the relationship through which they’re introduced.

Some names and notes are inherently spoilers, but hopefully by virtue of the fact that this is broadly in the order a character is first mentioned/introduced, you can avoid spoilers simply by not scrolling down too far. For those persons where their name or an alter ego comes in significantly after their initial introduction and is a spoiler, they are listed a second time starting with the “new information” and with the note in italics indicating their original entry (there aren’t a lot of these, don’t worry).

I will readily admit that some of my handwritten notes are just a name and then a blank space because apparently I just never actually added a note for them. I haven’t bothered adding those people here. Yes it’s because I’ve forgotten entirely who they are, but I’m pretty sure that means you’ll be okay if you immediately forget who they are too. (That being said, I get the sense there are actually relevant people missing from this list. As the show carried on and introductions became less frequent, remembering them became less difficult.)

The List

Lin Xie –> Commander of the Chiyan Army

Lin Shu –> “Xiao-Shu” –> Lin Xie’s son –> Mei Changsu --> Chief of the Jiangzuo Alliance --> Su Zhe

Lin Chen –> Young Master of Langya Hall –> NOTE: The “Lin” of Lin Chen and the “Lin” of Lin Xie & Lin Shu are both written and pronounced differently. These people are not related.

Northern Yan’s 6th Prince –> Now Northern Yan’s Crown Prince

Minister Xu –> Da Liang’s envoy to Northern Yan

Prince Yu –> Xiao Jinghuan –> 5th Prince of Da Liang

Xiao Xuan –> Emperor of Da Liang

Empress Yan --> Prince Yu’s adoptive mother

Consort Yue --> Crown Prince’s mother

Grand Empress (Dowager) --> Emperor’s grandmother

Xiao Jingxuan --> Crown Prince of Da Liang --> metonym is “Eastern Palace”

Zhuo Dingfeng --> Master of Tianquan Manor

Zhuo Qingyao --> Eldest son of Zhuo Dingfeng --> guy on the horse and later the guy helping the old couple on the boat and later also the guy who calls Xie Yu “father-in-law” (I am telling you this specifically because I am not bad at faces but this guy added so much confusion to my life that was cleared up the moment I realized these people were the same person. And also because my mother is terrible at faces and for like 15 episodes every time he showed up in another random place I would say “that’s horse and boat guy” and she would say “wait what? really???” So I’m assuming at least one other person will share in this struggle)

Xie Yu --> Marquis of Ning

Qin Banruo --> Prince Yu’s strategist

Duke Qing --> Prime Minister --> Bai Ye

Ji Ying --> member of Double Sword Sect

Li Gang --> member of Jiangzuo Alliance

Fei Liu --> Mei Changsu’s bodyguard

Yan Yujin --> Son of Empress Yan’s brother

Xiao Jingrui --> Eldest son of Xie Yu

Mu Nihuang --> Commander of the army in Yunnan --> Princess of Yunnan’s House of Mu 

Xie Bi --> Second son of Xie Yu & Xiao Jingrui’s younger brother

Mu Qing --> Mu Nihuang’s younger brother

Xia Dong --> An officer of the Xuanjing Bureau

Nie Feng --> Xia Dong’s late husband --> Vanguard General of the Chiyan Army under Lin Xie

Meng Zhi --> Commander of the Imperial Guards

Xuan Bu --> From Da Yu --> stronger than Meng Zhi

Gao Zhan --> Emperor’s chief eunuch 

Fei Changshi --> Prince Yu’s guy out looking for Mei Changsu

Prince Jing --> Xiao Jingyan --> 7th Prince of Da Liang

Concubine Jing --> Mother of Prince Jing

“Xiao-Xin” --> Attendant to Concubine Jing

Grand Princess Liyang --> Xie Yu’s wife & Emperor’s sister

Eunuch Zheng --> Eunuch who is mean to Tingsheng

Prince Qi --> late Crown Prince of Da Liang --> Xiao Jingyu

Tingsheng --> servant boy caught reading

“Lao-Wei” --> Mu Qing’s subordinate of some kind

Wei Zheng --> member of Chiyan Army at Battle of Meiling (and survived)

Sima Lei --> member of Royal Guard --> Consort Yue’s preferred suitor for Mu Nihuang

Liao Tingjie --> Son of the Marquis of Zhongsu --> Empress Yan’s preferred suitor Mu Nihuang

Baili Qi --> Mu Nihuang suitor from Northern Yan --> A favourite of the 4th Prince of Northern Yan

Lady/Madam Zhuo --> Zhuo Dingfeng’s wife

Xie Qi --> Zhuo Qingyao’s wife & Xie Yu’s daughter & Jingrui’s sister

Consort Hui --> bullied by the Empress

Young Lady Zhen (I think is what my handwriting says) --> servant being sneaky at late dowager empress’s palace

“Wu-momo” --> older servant with the Bad Wine

Consort Chen --> now dead --> son was a rebel

3rd Prince of Da Liang --> Xiao Jingting --> Prince Ning --> disabled

6th Prince of Da Liang --> no ambition 

9th Prince of Da Liang --> too young to fight for throne 

Former Crown Princess --> late Prince Qi’s late wife

“Qi-momo” --> Grand Princess Liyang’s senior attendant

Gong Yu --> window lady who works with Mr. Shisan --> a musician

Mr. Shisan --> member of Jiangzuo Alliance --> connection to Lin family

Minister Lou --> Lou Zhijing --> Minister of Trade/Finance/Revenue/other words that mean “money” --> Knows about the corpse well --> Crown Prince’s faction

Zhang Jing --> Owner of corpse well house (Lan Mansion) at the time the corpses ended up in the well

Shi Jun --> Servant at corpse well house at relevant time --> has record book

Magistrate Gao --> Gao Sheng --> The Capital Magistrate

Princess Xuanji --> ruler of a previous dynasty --> founded the “Hong Court”

Minister Qi --> Qi Min--> Minister of Justice --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister He --> He Jingzhong --> Minister of Personnel --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister of Public Works --> Prince Yu’s faction

Minister Chen --> Chen Yuanzhi --> Minister of Rites --> Crown Prince’s faction

Minister of Defence --> Li Lin --> Crown Prince’s faction

Bai Xun --> Duke Qing’s brother

Lie Zhanying --> Staff Officer under Prince Jing

Qi Meng --> One of Prince Jing’s men --> fights Fei Liu and commits Great Offence

“General Bian” --> One of Prince Jing’s men

Shen Zhui --> Acting Minister of Finance

Princess Qing He --> Shen Zhui’s mother

Cai Quan --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> Did well-received report on the Bing case 

Han Zhiyi --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Zhang Jianzhen --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Wei Yuan --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Yuan Shiying --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Qin Yue --> Works at Ministry of Justice --> worked on Bing case

Tong Lu --> Vegetable cart guy --> brother of one of the corpse well girls 

Qiu Zhe --> Son of Count (Duke?) Wen Yuan

He Wenxin --> Son of Minister He --> dislikes Qiu Zhe 

Grand Prince Ji --> Emperor’s youngest brother --> Owns hot springs

Yang Liuxin --> A dancer

Hong Xinzhao --> Has “understanding girls”

Xinliu & Xinyang --> Brothel sisters --> their younger brother was murdered by Qiu Zhe

Princess Consort --> Lanjin --> Prince Yu’s wife

Zhou Xuanqing --> renowned scholar

Li Chong --> former Imperial Tutor --> former teacher to Lin Shu

“Brother Zhao” --> Canal transport guy --> Jiangzuo Alliance

Lin Xiangru --> famous literary envoy

Marquis Yan --> Yan Que --> Yan Yujin’s father & Empress Yan’s brother

Lin Yueyao --> Prince Qi’s mother --> Consort Chen

Zhen Ping --> Jiangzuo Alliance --> sword challenger

Xia Qiu --> An officer of the Xuanjing Bureau

Xia Chun --> The most senior of the officers of the Xuanjing Bureau

Prince Jingli --> Consort Hui’s son

Yuwen Xuan --> Prince Ling --> A prince of Southern Chu

Yuwen Nian --> “Niannian” --> A princess of Southern Chu --> student of Yue Xiuze

Yuwen Lin --> King of Southern Chu --> Yuwen Nian’s father

Ouyang Chi - Head of CApital Patrols

Xia Jiang --> Head of the Xuanjing Bureau

Li Chongxin --> Schoolteacher assassinated by Zhuo Dingfeng 

Jun Niang --> former member of “Hong Court” under Princess Xuanji

“Miss Liu” --> Granddaughter of former Chief Secretariat Liu Cheng

Wei Qi --> The general at Jiaxing Pass --> was Xie Yu’s lieutenant for years

Su Tianshu --> Chief of Yaowang Valley --> 7th on the Langya Rich List

Su Xuan --> Su Tianshu’s adopted son --> Wei Zheng

Yun Piaomiao --> Su Xuan’s wife 

Concubine Xiang --> Prince Yu’s birth mother

Zhu Yue --> Head of the Review Court --> Prince Yu’s brother-in-law

Cheng Zhiji --> Elder Master of Feng Hall --> 75 years old

Princess Linglong --> A princess of the Hua Kingdom --> Princess Xuanji’s sister --> Concubine Xiang

Grand Princess Jinyang --> Lin Shu’s mother & Lin Xie’s wife --> Emperor’s sister

Yao Zhu --> Official Fan’s servant who knows The Secret

Official Fan --> Harbouring Xia Jiang

[bookofjin]

Rise of Sixteen States: 301

Li Te declares himself Great General who Garrisons the North.

Elsewhere around this time, Zhang Gui is appointed Inspector of Liangzhou while Liu Yuan gets a new job.

26 January 301 – 13 February 302

(Jin's 1st Year of Yongning)

1st Year of Yongning, Spring, 1st Month, yichou [3 February], the King of Zhao, Lun, usurped the throne.

3rd Month [26 March – 24 April], the General who Pacifies the East, the King of Qi, Jiong, rose with troops to thereby punish Lun, transmitting a call to arms to the provinces and commanderies, and garrisoning at Yandi.

The Great General who Conquers the North, the King of Chengdu, Ying; the Great General who Conquers the West, the King of Hejian, Yong; the King of Changshan, Ai; the Inspector of Yu province, Li Yi; the Inspector of Yan province, Wang Yan; the Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the South, the Duke of Xinye, Xin; all rose with troops to obey him.

Summer, 4th Month, guihai [1 June], executed the King of Zhao, Lun and others of Lun's faction.

(Li Te)

1st Year of Yongning, Spring, 1st Month [26 January – 24 February], Zhao Xin feared the Imperial Court would chastise him. He dispatched the Senior Clerk Fei Yuan, the Grand Warden of Qianwei, Li Bi and the Controller-Protector Chang Jun to supervise more than ten thousand people to block the northern road, staying at Shiting in Mianzhu. Te covertly collected and gathered, and obtained more than 7 000 people (HYGZ08: more than 700 people). At night he assaulted Yuan's army. Yuan's army's greatly dispersed. Following that, he let lose fire and burnt them, the dead were eight or nine out of ten.

He advanced to attack Chengdu. Xin heard the troops had arrived, he was frightened and afraid and did not know what to do. The Palace Gentleman Chang Mei together Fei Yuan, Li, Bi, Zhang Zheng and others at night cut the gate bar, fled and set out. The civil and military officials altogether scattered. Xin on his own, together with his wife and children, sailed a small boat along the river until Guangdu, and was killed by his subordinate Zhu Zhu.

Xin, courtesy name Heshu, was originally a native of Anhan in Baxi. In his grandfather's generation they accompanied Zhang Lu to move inside, and had his family in Zhao. The King of Zhao, Lun, appreciated him. He was successively Prefect of Chang#'an, Grand Warden of Tianmen and Wuling, and came to preside over the province. His son Bing was in Luo, and also was executed.

Te and Liu arrived at Chengdu, they set the troops loose for a great plunder, murdered the Army-Protectors of the Western Yi, Jiang Fa and Gong Ni, and killed Xin's Senior Clerk (HYGZ: Prefect of Chengdu) Yuan Qia, and the wardens and chiefs set up by Xin. He dispatched his Serrated Gates Wang Lu and Li Ji to go to Luoyang and lay out the circumstances of Xin's crimes.

Earlier, the Inspector of Liang# province, Luo Shang, heard that Xin had rebelled, and petitioned:

Xin is not an outstanding talent, and also the people of Shu do not desire to make chaos, they certainly have nothing in common. The affair in the end will have no success. [We] can plan for the day of his defeat and destruction, and wait.

Emperor Hui following that designated Shang General who Pacifies the West, Acting with the Tally, Nominal Colonel who Protects the Western Yi, and Inspector of Yi province, looking after 1 000 tally guard troops, 2 000 Liang# province troops, and also matched with the Chief Commandant of Shangyong's right-principled section 1 500 people, for a combined 4 500 people. Moved the Grand Warden of Zitong,Xu Jian of Leling, to be Shu commandery, the General who Spreads Fervent, Xin Ran to be Grand Warden of Guanghan. Shang also petitioned to request the Commander of the Serrated Gates, Wang Dun, to enter Shu with 7 000 troops.

Te and others Shang was coming, and was very afraid. He sent his younger brother Xiang# to receive and welcome him on the road, and also offer as tribute precious things. Shang was very pleased, and used Xiang# as Cavalry Controller. Te and Liu then used cattle and wine and alcohol to entertain Shang at Mianzhu.

Wang Dun advised Shang, saying:

Te and others are robbing and plundering thieves from the frontier of Longshang. [We] ought when [we] meet to kill him, and the army will have no later worries.

(HYGZ08: Xin Ran had originally been employed by the King of Zhao, Lun, he was not depended on in turn and had been summoned to return back [?]. He wished to use chastising Xin to gain merit for himself, and also talked to him.) Shang did not accept. Ran previously had been familiar with Te, and following that spoke to him, saying:

When old acquaintances happen on each other, if it is not auspicious, it must be inauspicious.

Te was deeply wary and fearful for himself.

3rdMonth [26 March – 24 April], Shang arrived at the provincial seat. The Qiang of Minshan rebelled at Tianshi Mountain in Du'an. He dispatched Wang Dun to chastise them. [He? They?] killed several thousand people, and greatly took away women and youths as live captives. Dun galloped on a single horse, and was killed by the Qiang.

Soon after there was a tally sent down to Qin and Yong provinces, and all the drifting people who had entered Hanchuan had sent down to them where they were summoning them to return back. The Steering Clerks Feng Gai and Zhang Chang acted as Assistant Officials of Qin and Yong provinces, and supervising relocating back the drifting people. Those who were moved were more than ten thousand families.

But Te's older brother Fu, who was used to remaining behind at their home village, as pretext said he was welcoming his family, and then when he arrived in Shu spoke to Te, saying:

The Central States just now are in chaos, and are not fit to return back to.

Te considered it to be so, and therefore had thoughts of ruling and occupying Ba and Shu.

The Imperial Court for his merit in chastising Zhao Xin, designated Te General who Spreads Domination, ennobled Marquis of Changle district, and Liu as General who Arouses Domination and Marquis of Wuyang.

A letter with the imperial seal was sent down to Yi province, to list and classify those among the drifting people of the Six Commanderies who chastised Xin in cooperation and together with Te, wanting to add to them rewards for their merit. It happened that Xin Ran, since he had been summoned out of turn, did not look into responding to the summons, and also wished to use the wiping out of Xin to gain merit for himself. He therefore slept on the court's instructions, and did not actually send them up. The multitudes all resented it.

Luo Shang dispatched an Assistant Officer to urge on dispatching the drifting people, marking off the 7th Month for going up the roads. Te and others firmly requested, seeking to extend it until the autumn harvest. The drifting people were scattered around in Liang# and Yi, and had been hired by people to work. When they heard the provinces and commanderies were pressuring to dispatch them, everyone were anxious and resentful, and did not know what to do.

Again, when they knew Te and his brothers again and again had requested and sought a delay, everyone were moved and relied on them. Moreover the rains were about to come down, and the year's grain were not yet ripe. The drifting people had nothing to provide for them on the march, and thereupon went with each other to Te.

Te dispatched Yan Shi of Tianshui to frequently go to Shang to seek to loosen the guidance and argue it was opportune to delay until autumn. He also dispatched goods and gifts to Shang and Gai. They allowed it. Reaching autumn, he again sought to extend it until winter. Xin Ran and Li Bi considered it impossible, and certainly wished to relocate them.

Shi made the Separate Carriage Du Tao explain the gains and harms of forcing a relocation. Tao also wished to let go of and disperse the people for one year. Xin Ran and Li Bi considered it impossible, and Shang followed them. Tao delivered his Flowering Talent wood board and set out to return to his family, knowing the reasons for his plans and strategies not being acted on.

At the time there was a white nimbus, the head was in a well village, the tail was in the eastern mountains, and it trailed over the greater city. The Assistant Officer Within the Seat, Ma Xiu of Baxi asked Yan Shi about it, saying:

What omen is this?

Shi said:

The divination tells that below it there is a vapour of ten thousand corpses. Its very closeness to the city is not an auspicious response. Can a Heavenly affliction be disobeyed? If the [General] who Pacifies the West is able to let go of the dispersed people, the calamity will dissolve itself.

Xin Ran was by nature greedy and brutal, he wished to kill the drifting people's heads and leaders, acquire their wealth and goods. He therefore circulated incitements to send them out and dispatch them. He also ordered the Grand Warden of Zitong, Zhang Yan, to arrange for barriers at the various strategic places, and search out and exhort treasure and goods. Ran and Li Bi again declared to Shang:

The drifting people previously during of Xin's chaos very much were unjustly confiscating. [We] ought to take the opportunity with the relocating to build barriers to take away and seize it.

Autumn, 7th Month [21 August – 18 September], Shang sent a document to Zitong, for them there to hold close the barriers.

8th Month [19 September – 18 October], the barriers were all walled up. Li Te dispatched Yan Shi to go to Luo Shang, seeking to stretch out the date. When Shi had arrived, he saw Ran was keeping watch over and palisading the thoroughfares and strategic places, planning to ambush the drifting people. He sighed, and said:

When there are no bandits but there are walls, an enemy must be protecting them. Now he is yet speeding it up, chaos is about to be created.

He also knew that Ran and Li Bi's opinion could not be turn around, and therefore bid farewell to Shang to return back to Mianzhu. Shang spoke to Shi, saying:

You Sir are about to report to the various drifting people my thoughts, [I] am now accepting tolerance.

Shi said:

You, Enlightened Excellency, has been misled by perfidious advise, and [I] fear will have no tolerance and reason. Those who are weak but cannot be taken lightly are the hundred families, and now [you] press them unreasonably. The multitudes' anger is difficult to transgress, [I] fear there will be a disaster of no small depth.

Shang said:

However, I do no deceive you Sir. Sir should go.

Shi arrived at Mianzhu, and talked to Te, saying:

Even though Shuo stated this, he cannot necessarily be trusted, why so? Shang's authority to punish is not established, Ran and others each hold close strong troops, and in a single morning [can] make a mishap. They also are not someone Shang is able to control. [We] really ought to be prepared.

Te accepted it.

9th Month [19 October – 16 November], [Shang?] dispatched an army to Mianzhu, spreading word they were planting wheat, but in truth preparing for them to disperse and flee.

Te sent to Ran seeking extension for himself. Ran was greatly angered, he dispatched people to distribute placards and make public at the crossroads, putting a bounty of a hundred bolts for the heads of Te and Liu. Te saw it, and was greatly afraid. He thoroughly took them and brought them back. Together with Xiang# he changed their bounty to state:

[He who] is able to send off the Six Commanderies' great families, Yan, Zhao, Ren, Yang, Li, and Shangguan, and the marquises and kings of the Di Sou, Liang, Dou, Fu Wei, Dong, Fei, and others, for each heads a hundred bolts.

The drifting people were already unhappy about relocating, and all went to revert to Te. They galloped their horses and collected their quivers, and with a single voice assembled like clouds. Between a ten-day and a month the multitudes exceeded 20 000. Liu also gathered a multitude of several thousands.

Winter, 10th Month [17 November – 16 December], Te and Liu therefore guarded Chizu, and made two camps. Te resided in the eastern camp, and Liu in the eastern camp.

Ran and Bi planned with each other, saying:

Marquis Luo is greedy but makes no decisions, and from day to day the drifting people get to extend their perfidious schemes. Li Te and his brothers all have outstanding talent, we are about to be made captives by nobodies. We ought to make a decisive scheme, and not be satisfied again with asking about it.

They therefore dispatched the Chief Commandant of Guanghan, Zeng Yuan, the Serrated Gates Zhang Xian, and others to covertly lead 30 000 infantry and cavalry to assault Te's camp. Luo Shang heard about it, and likewise dispatched the Controller-Protector Tian Zuo and Serrated Gates Liu Bing to assist Yuan. Te habitually knew about it, he therefore repaired his armour and readied the troops, and warned them strictly to wait for it. Yuan and others arrived. Te calmly laid down and did not move. He waited for half of their multitudes to enter, and then issued out from the ambush to strike them, the killed and wounded were a considerable multitude. Zuo was also defeated.

He murdered Tian Zuo, Zeng Yuan, and Zhang Xian, and transmitted their heads to be shown to Shang and Ran. Shang spoke to his generals and aides, saying:

These miscreants had completely left, but Guanghan did not heed my words and so expanded the thieves' power. Now what should we do about it!

Hence the drifting people of the Six Commanderies pushed forward Te to be their ruler. Te instructed Controller of Private Troops of the Six Commanderies, Li Han, the Prefect of Shanggui, Ren Zang, the Prefect of Shichang, Yan Shi, the Remonstrant Grandee Li Pan, the Prefect of Chencang, Li Wu, the Prefect of Yinping, Li Yuan, the Chief Commandant Commanding Troops Yang Bao, and others to send up a letter, requesting to rely on the old affairs of Liang Tong serving Dou Rong, and push forward Te as Acting Great General who Garrisons the North, to carry on the authority to ennoble and designate, and his younger broth Liu to be Acting General who Garrisons the East, to assist in quelling and governing.

Te and others advanced the troops to attack Ran at Guanghan. Ran's multitudes set out to fight, Te routed them every time. Shang dispatched the Grand Warden of Qianwei, Li Bi, and Senior Clerk Fei Yuan to led a multitude and save Ran, but they dreaded Te and did not dare to advance. Ran put the blame on the Prefect of Mianzhu, Qi Bao of Nan commandery, and beheaded him. Then he broke through the encirclement and ran to Deyang (JS: Jiangyang).

Te entered to occupy Guanghan, and used Li Chao as Grand Warden. He advanced the troops to attack Shang at Chengdu. [Shang] wrote a note of denouncement and accusation to Yan Shi. Shi replied, saying:

Xin Ran pour out swindles. Du Jing [textual error for Zhang Xian?] set forth in madness. Zeng Yuan is a small upstart. Tian Zuo's blood and spirit is not in order. Li Shuping has not the spirit of someone commanding regiments. To chastise exhausted and poor Qiang can be said to be their strong point.

Shi previously was discussing with the Beneath the Tally and Du Jingwen [I.e Du Tao] the propriety of halting and migrating. People hold close their mulberry trees and catalpa trees, who do not wish for them? Moreover, formerly when they began to arrive, following the grain to work for hire, a single family would be divided in five. Then they were faced with torrential rain. They begged to wait for the winter harvest, and yet they were not heard. Certainly a destitute deer will defy a tiger.

Moreover [I] fear with the great excesses of the measures, the dispersed people will not willingly extend their necks and accept the blade, and perhaps the troubles will be later. Had [you] listened to Yan's words, and released them to make arrangements, it would not have gone past the 9th Month before they were fully assembled, on the 10th Month advanced on the road, and by now reached their home villages. Why would it have to be like this?

[You] courteously listened but did investigate, and empathized with others' excessive words. Now Xin Ran is an absconded slave, Shuping excels at hiding, [your] branches are divided and [your] might unravelled, affairs are gradually catching up with yourself. It is what is spoken of as not being aware of bending the smoke-hole and keeping distant the firewood, and having your guests be burnt by them.

(JS: Yan Shi conveyed a letter to Shang, calling him to account for his trust in and usage of slanderous plots, and wish for chastising the drifting people. He also put forth how Te and his brothers had established merit on behalf of the kingly house by soothing the lands of Yi.)

Shang looked at the letter, and understood Te and others were about to have great aspirations, he walled up the city and strengthen the defences, and sought help from Liang# and Ning provinces.

Te declared himself Envoy Holding the Tally, Great Commander-in-Chief, Great General who Garrisons the North (HYGZ: and [Inspector of] Yi province), to carry on the authority to ennoble and designate alone, relying on the former affairs of Dou Rong in Hexi. Liu became Great General who Garrisons the East. Their older brother Fu became General of Agile Cavalry, their younger brother Xiang# General of Valiant Cavalry, Te's oldest son Shi became General of Martial Domination, his second son Dang became General of the Garrison Army, his youngest son Xiong became General of the Van, Li Han became Colonel of the Western Yi, Han's sons Guo and Li, Ren Hui, Li Gong, Shangguan Jing, Li Pan, Fei Tuo (HYGZ: Fei Ta) and others became generals and leaders, Ren Zang of Tianshui, Shangguan Dun, Yang Bao, HYGZ: Yang Fa, Yang Gui, Wang Da, Qu Xin and others became claws and teeth, Li Yuan of Yinping, Li Bo of Wudu, Xi Bin of Lüeyang, Yan Cheng, Shangguan Qi, Li Tao, Wang Huai and others became staff members, Yan Shi became master of plans, He Ju and Zhao Su became belly and heart.

At the time Luo Shang was greedy and ruthless, and was a worry of the hundred families. Yet Te gave the people of Shu a moderate law in three chapters, gave alms and relieved debt, was courteous to the worthy and raised up the blocked, and his army and government were respectful. The hundred families made a song about it:

Li Te is still allowable, Luo Shang kills us.

Shang led his people to fully cross the Pi River and southward, blocking a long circumference and building camps hemming the river, from Du'an until Qianwei, 700 li. Te and others guarded Guanghan.

Yongning era (301 – 302)

(Liu Yuan)

The King of Chengdu, Ying, was headquartered at Ye. Beginning of Yongning [301 – 302], he petitioned for Liu Yuan to act as General who Soothes the Boreal and Overseer of the Army Affairs of the Five Sections.

(Murong Hui)

Middle of Yongning [301 – 302], Yan was on the brink of great floods. Murong Hui opened the granaries to relieve and provide, and You region obtained help. The Son of Heaven heard and praised him, and as commendation bestowed award clothes.

(Zhang Gui)

Zhang Gui considered the time was on the brink of many difficulties, and secretly plotted to guard and occupy Hexi, and pursue the former affairs of Dou Rong. He cast the diving slips and got Contentment and Surview. He therefore threw the slips and joyfully said:

The omens of a hegemon.

He then sought to become [Inspector] of Liang province. The excellencies and dignitaries also recommended Gui as talented and capable of steering far-away lands.

Beginning of Yongning [301 – 302], he set out to be Holding the Tally, Colonel who Protects the Qiang, and Inspector of Liang province.

At that time the Xianbei turn to rebellion, and robbed and stole everywhere. When Gui arrived in the province he promptly chastised and routed them, the cut off heads numbered more than ten thousand. Thereupon his domination was evident in the western provinces, and is reforms acted on in Heyou. He gave lessons in farming mulberry trees, and pulled up the worthy and talented.

He used Song Pei, Yin Chong, Fan Yuan and Yin Dan as thighs and forearms, and masters of planning. He summoned the head sons, 500 people, and established schools to teach them. He started to set up Libationers of Revering Culture, their ranks were treated as Separate Carriages. Spring and autumn they acted out the rites of district archery meetings.

The Overseer of the Private Writers, Mou Shizheng, and the Junior Treasurer Zhi Yu at night observed the star constellations. They talked to each other and said:

Under Heaven is just now in chaos, of states that are avoiding the difficulties there is just the lands of Liang, and that is all. Zhang of Liang province's virtue and capacity are not ordinary, he is likely that person.

[potahun]

“Wo Men De Ge” Archery competition /translation

Translation of some of the archery bits in this special edition of Ep.11 of Season 1, because it was hilarious at the time and this week’s episode in S2 made me a nostalgic bastard on main again. Starts from approx. 1:52 onwards and ends around 14:39.

MC Lin Hai welcomes Na Ying back, who makes her entrance by singing a song from Fei Yuqing. Lin Hai notes that Ayanga isn’t there yet (he was on the plane), so he would pair up with Fei Yuqing in Ayanga’s stead. 

The order of performance in the Episode is to be decided via one round of archery and one round of draws.

MC: So let’s do it like this. The youngest ones here are our Shen Shen and our Yi Qiao. Therefore, you two have the right to decide. You can pick your opponents. 

ZS: I’ve already decided about my opponent. I believe everyone here knows the theory of Tian Ji’s strategy for horse-racing. The weakest *designates himself* should pick the strongest....teacher Hua Jian.

ZHJ: !! *sings while shaking ZS’s hand* You look deeply at me~

ZS: *sings in the same tune* Last time you overtook me by a whole lap~ (at kart racing)

MC (to ZS): So your picking teacher Hua Jian today, is it for revenge?

ZS: I’m....helping everyone to get rid of the strongest first. *laughs*

ZHJ: He fell for it.

MC: Then, Yi Qiao, he took your master away. What about you?

YQ: I think...how about teacher Keqin? 

LKQ: *waves hi*

YQ: I think he’s pretty strong too, so I want to have a match.

LKQ: I’m good at a lot of sports....except archery.

MC: Then, the next one will be interesting: Xiao Zhan. You pick. Do you want to go against me or Xiao Ge? Your pick.

XZ: Then I’ll pick....Teacher Fei. (FYQ: Ey. Alright.)

NY (to XZ): Yes. Elder brother (Fei Yuqing), he’s got hyperopia.  (FYQ: Aayy *laughs* XZ: !!!!!!!!) He won’t be able to do it. It’ll all be blurry -- he’ll just see a pile of circles. No problem! He won’t shoot accurately. 

MC: Alright. Then, Na Jie, I’ll accompany you. Alright? 

First group up: Zhou Hua Jian vs Zhou Shen (Zhou-Zhou shooting)

Everyone shouts encouragements from the back of the room, while Zhou Hua Jian prepares to shoot. His first arrow scores a 5.

ZS: Wooow~

YQ: Not bad!

MC, singing: Aaaaahh Fifth Ring~ (Everyone laughs)  (T/N: It’s a famous song about Beijing’s ring roads that was a bit of a gag, called the 5th Ring Road Song)

ZHJ, pretending to be dissatisfied: The wind is too strong! Can someone turn off the aircon? 

Meanwhile, Zhou Shen struggles to even nock the arrow. 

ZS, laughing: Aiya...my arrow keeps on falling... (LKQ, watching him from behind: *snorts* Aiyo ya.)

After much struggle, Zhou Shen shoots a 0. Li Keqin stands up:

LKQ: OK OK! OK! OK! It’s better than I imagined! It’s better than your driving!!

Zhou Shen turns around to laugh back at him. Meanwhile, Zhou Hua Jian shoots his 2nd arrow...which also turns out to be a 0. 

NY: Ohh, which one is that?

ZHJ: No, no. That fell outside the target.

LKQ, standing up again: Zhou Shen! You can do it!

ZS, shouting towards the back of the room:  I THINK I CHOSE THE RIGHT PERSON. *cackles soundlessly*

ZHJ: You insult me! *laughs*

ZS: I’ve never participated in such a fair competition!! (ZHJ bursts out laughing)

FYQ: This arrow is an important one. 

LKQ (to ZS): A bit higher! A bit higher!

Zhou Shen shoots a 5. Much wow-ing and clapping ensues.

ZHJ, giving him a high-five: Whoaaa!! You’re too much, you! You’re too much! (ZS laughs)

XZ: Whoa, fate changed with just one arrow...!

ZS (to the back of the room): THE SCORES ARE VERY EVENLY MATCHED. *laughs impishly*

ZHJ: Alright alright. I’ve been too generous! I can’t let you win anymore.

ZS, leaning towards him: You certainly talk big. *cackles impishly* 

ZHJ, preparing to shoot: Whooa. OK! Here I go.

ZS, teasing him: It’s off, it’s off. A bit lower. It’s off, it’s off, it’s off...

Zhou Hua Jian shoots another 0 (it actually turns out Zhou Shen was right, it was way too high). 

ZHJ, laughing (to ZS): No matter where you shoot, you’ve won now. (ZS makes a face) What’s that expression for?? 

ZS: If I shoot above yours, I’ve lost. (ZHJ laughs)

Zhou Shen finally shoots his 3rd arrow. It’s a 3. Zhou Shen won against Zhou Hua Jian by 3 points.

ZS (to the others): Who would have thought I’d win on the account of the person I picked? *laughs*

Second group: Li Keqin vs Jiang Yi Qiao.

LKQ (to the others): I’ll tell you, I saw it earlier on TV, everything else is unimportant -- the most important thing is the mouth. *does a big-lipped fish expression*

ZHJ: Alright then, let’s have a look at how his mouth is doing.

Li Keqin actually does the thing with his mouth and shoots a very stable 7. Xiao Zhan proceeds to imitate the pose in an attempt to learn. Meanwhile, Jiang Yi Qiao is struggling.

YQ: Hold on, I’m shaking a little....

LKQ, laughing: Your mouth has to be like this. *does the fish lips again*

Yi Qiao tries it, shoots 3 arrows back-to-back and gets 0, 2, and 0 points respectively. Zhou Hua Jian and Zhou Shen are both dying at the back of the room.

ZHJ, standing up: You guys should check! *points at Yi Qiao’s last arrow on the wall* I’m sure a fly just died over there.

Meanwhile, Li Keqin shoots a 5 and a 4. Qin Shen Shen leads for the moment being, with 24 vs 7 points. 

ZS, clapping and welcoming LKQ back: Awesome, awesome, awesome.

LKQ: Ehhh, it’s all thanks to youuu.

Third Group: Lin Hai (standing in for Ayanga) vs. Na Ying.

Na Ying goes first.

NY: Eh. *winces as she shoots a 0 point on the wall* Eh...

XZ: It’s okay, it’s okay!

ZHJ, pointing at XZ: Yeah, it’s okay, there’s him going behind you, there’s still him.

ZS: It’s okay, there’s still Xiao Zhan!

XZ: What if they all go off-track? *laughs*

Na Ying shoots her other arrows and they’re all 0s. 

ZHJ, laughing: Hey, they’re all way up there!

Na Ying’s arrows:

LKQ: Great aim. All 3 arrows are around the same area... (ZHJ: If you move the whole target upwards, she’d be smack in the middle. )

For some reason, Na Ying nocks another arrow and slowly turns it towards MC Lin Hai.

ZHJ, from the back of the room: Na Jie, don’t direct your arrow at him.

MC, finally noticing the danger: Eh?! *jumps back and laughs nervously* Um...uh?

NY, smiling sweetly but in a vaguely threatening manner: Hehe. What I mean to say is...you’re up against someone old, so....

MC, reassuring but backing up slowly: No, no, no, I’ve got it. I’ve got it.

NY, still vaguely threatening: You get me, right...?

MC, with his arrow nocked (to NY): I know. *turns his head towards her* I’ll just shoot while looking at you.

MC Lin Hai shoots a 10 (full score) while looking at Na Ying. The whole room loses it, Zhou Hua Jian most of all. 

MC, half-collapsed and laughing (to NY): I...I was really looking at you just now! I just--

NY, in equal disbelief: My God!! You’re playing this hand against me...? That’s really too good!! Seriously...what’s the expression again, this is like playing the pig to eat the tiger!! Aiyoo.... (MC: I didn’t...!)

XZ: Is that a 10?? (ZS: Yeah it is.) *has a mental breakdown*

NY (to XZ): He went straight for that yellow eye! (XZ: He’s too good!)

MC Lin Hai shoots a 3 this time and takes a few timid steps backwards, backing away from Na Ying.

NY: That’s still very good. That’s still very good...

ZS, yelling into his hands: Lin Hai, have mercy! (XZ: Have mercy!!)

MC (to the others): I’m just building some foundation for Xiao Ge.

FYQ, with utmost comfort: First place confirmed~ (The others laugh)

MC Lin Hai’s last arrow is a 5. Fei Yuqing claps for him, while Na Ying makes a small salute, fist against palm. MC Lin Hai returns the salute.

NY (to MC): That was really cool. (MC Lin Hai bows)

Last group: Xiao Zhan vs Fei Yuqing

Before they start, Lin Hai realises that Xiao Zhan has some prior experience with archery because he did it in the Untamed/CQL. Na Ying proceeds to add to Fei Yuqing that he probably won’t win, because Xiao Zhan has the basics down. Xiao Zhan protests he was only playing around at the time. 

His first arrow is nonetheless an 8. Everyone cheers. 

FYQ, smiling: It’s starting.

Xiao Zhan gets a 6 in the meantime. Fei Yuqing casually gets ready to shoot; he’s not even holding his arrow the standard way.

LKQ, quietly: Xiao Ge is probably gonna be really good.

MC: Xiao Ge, you can do it!

Fei Yuqing lets off his arrow and shoots a 10, while the whole room collectively loses it. 

Everyone: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LKQ, excitedly (to ZHJ): I JUST SAID THAT! I JUST SAID THAT!

ZHJ (back to LKQ): YOU JUST SAID THAT!! 

ZS, looking like his soul’s been sucked out: Wooho ho ho.....A 10.......!

Fei Yuqing proceeds to engage in his own brand of celebratory dance:

FYQ (to the others): Hey, this wasn’t a fluke...! *does a cute silent giggle*

XZ, feeling pressured again: Na Jie...!!

Xiao Zhan shoots his last arrow and gets a 4. 

NY: Good. Good. Good, good. (to FYQ) We’re already at this stage, actually, so you can just use your usual state of mind.

While Fei Yuqing prepares to shoot his 2nd arrow, Na Ying starts to sing one of his old songs to distract him, and he ends up getting a 0.

FYQ: Aiya. (the others fall down laughing behind him) Who sang that? Who sang that?

ZHJ (to NY): It’s definitely you who distracted him!

FYQ: Who sang “Nan Ping Wan Zhong”? *turns back around and prepares to shoot* I can’t let my guard down...

NY: Come on, I’ll do another song. “Yi Jian Mei |One Trim of Plum Blossom”. *starts singing with Zhou Shen*

Fei Yuqing gets a 0 again. Everyone collapses in laughter, while Fei Yuqing laughs helplessly. Xiao Zhan bows to him. 

MC (to NY): The song you’re singing, are you sure it’s not “One Arrow’s Gone?” (T/N: Also “Yi Jian Mei”, but with a different intonation)

Fei Yuqing finally returns to the table, laughing:

FYQ (to NY): The more you sing, the further away from the centre I get! 

NY, apologetic and laughing at the same time: Elder brother...Elder brother, I’m sorry...! Elder brother, let me tell you, I’m part of those who are a little mean in variety shows.

FYQ, singing the tune of a famous song: You’ve wounded me~ (NY, singing together with him: And yet just laugh it off~!)

[shijiegongzi]

All the Chinese Dramas/Movies I’ve Watched or Started (85 Listed Here)

Painted Skin 1 (Hua Pi 1) (movie)

Painted Skin 2 (Hua Pi 2) (movie)

She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan 2008 (Legend of the Condor Heroes)

Shen Diao Xia Lv 2006 (Return of the Condor Heroes)

Xiao Ao Jiang Hu 2013 (The Smiling, Proud Wanderer)

Tai Zi Fei Sheng Zhi Ji (Go Princess Go)

Huan Cheng (Ice Fantasy)

Hua Qian Gu (Journey of the Flower)

San Sheng San Shi Shi Li Tao Hua (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms)

Chu Qiao Zhuan (Princess Agents)

Shuang Shi Chong Fei (The Eternal Love)

Legend of Fu Yao

Yan Xi Gong Lve (Yanxi Palace)

Ruyi Zhuan (Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace)

Zhen Hun (Guardian)

Zhifou Zhifou Yin Shi Lv Fei Hong Shou (Story of Minglan)

Xu Ni Fu Sheng Ruo Meng (Granting You a Dreamlike Life)

Bian Cheng Lang Zi (Border Town Prodigal)

Xia Zhi Mo Zhi (Rush to the Dead Summer)

Shuang Shi Chong Fei 2 (The Eternal Love 2)

She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan 2017 (Legend of the Condor Heroes)

Xiang Mi Chen Chen Jin Ru Shuang (Ashes of Love)

Dong Gong (Goodbye My Princess)

Mei Zhe Wu Jiang (Bloody Romance)

Legend of Yunxi

Dugu Tianxia (Legend of Dugu)

Xiao Nv Hua Bu  Qi (I Will Never Let You Go)

Qin Shi Li Ren Ming Yue Xin (King’s Woman)

Huan Le Song (Ode to Joy)

Huan Le Song 2 (Ode to Joy 2)

Qin Ai De, Re Ai De (Go Go Squid)

Ying Xiong 2002 (Hero) (movie)

Shi Mian Mai Fu (House of Flying Daggers) (movie)

Zhi Wo Men Dan Chun De Xiao Mei Hao (A Love So Beautiful)

Bai Fa (Princess Silver)

Zhen Huan Zhuan (Empresses in the Palace)

Bubu Jing Xin (Scarlet Heart, Chinese version)

Zhi Wo Men Nuan Nuan de Xiao Shi Guang (Put Your Head on my Shoulder)

Bai She: Yuan Qi (White Snake) (animated movie)

Chen Qing Ling (The Untamed, live action)

Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, donghua)

Jing Ying Lv Shi (The Best Partner)

Qing Yun Zhi (Noble Aspirations aka Legend of Chusen)

Qing Yu Nian (Joy of Life)

Meng Hui Da Qing (Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty)

Legend of Hao Lan

Jiang Ye (Ever Night)

Fa Yi Qin Ming (Medical Examiner Dr. Qin) (2016 version with Zhang Ruoyun)

Wu Xin Fa Shi (Wu Xin: The Monster Killer)

Gu Hua (Talking Bones)

Xin Ling Fa Shi (The Listener)

Jiu Zhou Tian Kong Cheng 2016 (Novoland Castle in the Sky)

Wu Dong Qian Kun (Martial Universe)

Wo Zhi Dao Ni De Mi Mi (I Know Your Secret)

Da Song Bei Dou Si (Plough Department of Song Dynasty)

Ai Qing Jin Hua Lun 2018 (Evolution of Our Love)

Da Wang Bu Rong Yi (King is Not Easy)

Qing Ping Yue/Gu Cheng Bi (Serenade of Peaceful Joy/Held in the Lonely Castle)

Lang Ya Bang (Nirvana in Fire)

Xia Tan Jian Buzhi (Ancient Detective)

Gu Jin Da Zhan Qin Yong Qing (Fight and Love with a Terracotta Warrior)(movie)

Shen Tan (Detective L)

Min Guo Qi Tan (My Roommate is a Detective)

He Shen (Tientsin Mystic)

Zui Ye Wu Jian (Evil Nights)

Jue Ji Lin Jie Tian Xia (LORD Critical World)

Xiong An Xian Cheng (The Truth)

Wei Zhuang Zhe (The Disguiser)

Chuan Shuo Zhong de Chen Qianqian (Romance of Tiger and Rose)

Ru GUo Wo Niu You Ai Qing (When a Snail Falls in Love)

Xi You Ji 2019 (Tian Zhen Pai version) (Journey to the West)

Dian Xia Gong Lue (To Get Her)

Hong Lou Meng (Xiao Xi Gu version) (Dream of the Red Chamber)

Ming Xing Da Zhen Tan (Who’s the Murderer)

Hong Lou Meng 1987 (Dream of the Red Chamber)

Xiao Huan Xi (Little Reunion)

Fei Ren Zai (Non-human) (animated series)

Da Song Shao Nian Zhi (Young Blood)

Lang Ya Bang 2 (Nirvana in Fire 2)

Hei An Zhe (Death Notify: The Darker)

Hen Ji (Trace)

Jin Yi Zhi Xia (Under the Power)

Wai Ke Feng Yun (Surgeons)

Shao Nu Da Ren (Maiden Holmes)

Ren Zha Fan Pai Zi Jiu Xi Tong (Scum Villain Self-saving System)

[5water-kohaku]