#that's feng xin's job (affectionate)

[thatswhatsushesaid]

i was today years old when i discovered that mu qing has dedicated haters

some of you guys have never been "the friend who tells you what you need to hear no matter how much you don't want to hear it" and it shows

[ao3feed-fengqing]

双面绣 Shuang Mian Xiu (or: The Mirror of Me And You)

by Doodsxd Feng Xin had never paid much attention to how he looked. He always thought that if Mu Qing got dirty, maybe he would look more human. More touchable. He thought that dark colors would diffuse the halo that was constantly around him, even when he was like this: wearing undyed linens, gray-ish looking bags under his eyes, his hair a little frizzy from training and cleaning all day. The choker had the opposite effect. It had Mu Qing looking ethereal, untouchable: the type of beauty to be gawked at and worshiped, but never tainted. And even after a day’s worth of labor, his hair still smelled faintly of cherry blossoms. Time was frozen, even as Xie Lian put his arms around Mu Qing, ever the tactile affectionate type. “Doesn’t he look beautiful, A-Xin?” Feng Xin didn’t need to think about it. He just nodded. “V-very beautiful.” Mu Qing’s eyes were wide, the tops of his cheeks pink, the pale glow from the moonlight tinting his skin slightly blue, reflecting on the round pendant hanging from his throat by velvety black fabric and— —to this day, he’s yet to witness anything more beautiful. Words: 79815, Chapters: 2/2, Language: English Fandoms: 天官赐福 - 墨香铜臭 | Tiān Guān Cì Fú - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù, 天官赐福 | Heaven Official's Blessing (Cartoon), 天官赐福 | Heaven Official's Blessing (Webcomic) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Rape/Non-Con, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Underage Categories: M/M Characters: Feng Xin (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Mu Qing (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Xie Lian (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Hua Cheng (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Pei Ming (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Feng Xin's Parents (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Cuocuo (Tian Guan Ci Fu) Relationships: Feng Xin/Mu Qing (Tian Guan Ci Fu) Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Temporary Character Death, Miscommunication, Fluff, Romance, Drama, Angst, Humor, Happy Ending, Friendship, Trauma, Soft Feng Xin (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Chinese Mythology & Folklore, Poetry, Bullying, Symbolism, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Magic, Demisexuality, Gender Roles, Self-Esteem Issues, Jealousy, Platonic Cuddling, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Tension, Elemental Magic, Family Feels, Misunderstandings, lack of knowledge about different sexualities, Guilt, Panic Attacks, Character Development, Cheesy, OOC behavior, Self-Indulgent, Self-Sacrifice, Self-Reflection, Pre-Canon, Post-Canon, Oral Sex, Hand Jobs, Consensual Sex, Ju Yang References, Péi Míng is a good friend, Communication Issues, Feels, Feng Xin and Mu Qing are Idiots in Love (Tian Guan Ci Fu), POV Feng Xin (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Feng Xin is a good dad, Mu Qing is Bad at Communicating (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Team Bonding, Off-screen Relationship(s), Hua Cheng is a Menace (Tian Guan Ci Fu), Getting Together, Fantasizing, Role-Playing Game, Tenderness, Reconciliation, Folklore, Mentions of Myth & Folklore, Banter, Not Beta Read via https://ift.tt/4JMiqvw

[threejadesoflan]

❝ ruoye! ❞ the exclamation would be scolding if it weren’t cloaked in mirth. the scrap immortal - now unofficially heavenly emperor until the upper court decides jun wu’s successor - shakes his head fondly as the length of silk seemingly forgets its job of stabilizing a sapling against a stick while xie lian gently plants it.

at first, elation filled his chest, as there were only two people in the world that would cause ruoye to behave in such a fashion, but there was no echo of silver chimes.

it couldn’t be him. 

once more, his heart was crushed.

the silk band whipped through the air until it loosely draped around mu qing’s shoulders, greeting him affectionately with a brush against his cheek. it always amused xie lian to see how his treasure greeted his old friend since its repair.

brushing dirt from worn white robes and adjusting his bamboo hat as he rose to his feet, his lips formed an easy smile. however, it didn’t fully reach his eyes. 

every day was hard, but the visits from his friends made sure he wouldn’t sink into despair during his solitude.

❝ mu qing! ❞ for a moment, he almost offered assistance with the gardening, but the words died on his tongue. it was something he wanted to do himself, for hua cheng.

❝ would you like some tea? i traded for a suitable blend the other day. ❞

It’s a weird little thing, Ruoye. Xie Lian just had it when he ascended the second time and is weirdly cagey about how he got it, and it shows its personality very openly compared to Mu Qing’s own zhanmadao, Feng Xin’s Fengshen, or even Xie Lian’s own Fang Xin, when he used it. Plus, that personality is so child-like despite it all, kind of like the missing Crimson Rain’s E-Ming when it’s not being used to terrorise Heavenly Officials.

Mu Qing kind of wishes he were being terrorised by the cursed scimitar right now. It would mean Dianxia’s heart could be mended. He deserves that much, and Mu Qing is powerless to do anything for his old friend. What is that Supreme bastard thinking and doing, waiting so long to return? He and Feng Xin have sent out deputies to search for traces of him, and he knows the Palace of Ling Wen has an alert associated with the Ghost King, but none of them have had any success. Not that Xie Lian needs to know that.

“Yes, yes,” he tells Ruoye, rolling his eyes, “You’re a good boy.” Absently, he runs a finger over the seam where he recently stitched the sentient bandage back together; it’s still flawless, of course. He then turns to its master, just in time to watch the hope fade from his eyes. It shouldn’t sting. Mu Qing has no right to feel a sting at that. He’s done much wrong towards Xie Lian in the past centuries, while Crimson Rain has given him everything Mu Qing and Feng Xin didn’t; understanding, patience, and a safe space to be vulnerable. It’s natural that he would hope to see Crimson Rain and be disappointed to see the General of the Southwest who mocked and hindered him instead.

Mu Qing’s instinct is to turn and leave. He’s not wanted here. But he pushes on- Xie Lian had said he wanted to be his friend, and he wouldn’t lie about that after their heart to heart. Besides, even if he’s not Crimson Rain, Xie Lian cannot be alone right now. And Feng Xin is off god knows where on a mission, so it falls to Mu Qing. “Tea..?” That sounds wonderful, actually- Xie Lian was always good at picking out blends, even for Mu Qing’s picky palate. However, Xie Lian also has the ability to turn anything edible or potable into toxic sludge. Would he mess up boiling water and pouring it over tea leaves?

Yes. Yes, he would.

“Why don’t I brew the tea,” Mu Qing says, “While you wash at least your hands. You’re covered in dirt and grime.” It comes out stiff and cold, as always, and he doesn’t bother to elaborate. At least this time the dirt and grime is from gardening and not from roaming homelessly or fighting an insane, hateful fellow immortal. He suspects the entire Heavenly Court is going to be feeling the aftershocks for some time, not just His Highness. I just wish I could bring you the same joy he does, he thinks as he measures out the leaves. I’m sorry that it’s just me.

[uoongs]

[translation] MXTX Interview - TGCF questions

this is rlly for everyone to love hc more TT // split by general/book1, book 3 spoilers, and book 5 spoilers via headings (though all are minor spoilers imo, except for the one in bk 5?)

there’s another question that pertains to TGCF’s comments, which I found interesting but have left out for now because it’s very very long. it’s half translated, so maybe i’ll finish it later

CW: domestic violence, Q.21 suicidal thoughts

the mdzs parts were prev translated here by @bigbadredpanda

original interview here

reposts and translations OK, but pls give credit!! twt @/uooongs, tumblr @uoongs, ig @/duoj1ao

GENERAL / BOOK 1 REFERENCES

Q14. TGCF characters’ heights?

Xie Lian 178cm (but can perfectly seem like 180), Hua Chen 190 (first appearance as a cute fresh youth was 185cm), Jun Wu 191, Feng Xin 188, Mu Qing 188, Mo Shui 189, Shi Wudu 187, Shi Qinxuan 186 (woman form 176), Pei Ming 188, Ling Wen 180, Quan Yizhen 184 (but has a very tall presence), Yin Yu 186 (but miraculously no matter how tall he is it’s hard to notice this person).

PS: Yu Shi [rain master?]’s cow is 150 without standing up

Q17. What was XL doing after his second time getting banished to the human realm? What was HC doing? Why couldn’t he find XL? HC previously swore to not let XL know he’s protecting him, so why did he decide to meet XL again after 800 years?

XL tried doing other jobs, but all didn’t go too well, and would bring sadness/strife to others, so could only collect trash by himself.

HC was looking for him while also working on his skills + earning money, expanding his power, and worked hard to become the strongest dude!

Really, it was because XL’s luck was so terrible and stuck to him so closely that he couldn’t meet HC. Actually, many times they almost saw each other, like in Banyue, and also when XL was Fangxin head priest, but both times they just missed each other. Finally XL ascended by himself and CEO Hua couldn’t contain himself and rushed over.

T/N:

strongest dude: the word here used is “jiahuo” 家伙 which is an informal, sometimes affectionate way of calling someone, kind of like “brat” ? but without the parental figure tone

CEO Hua: 花总 “hua zong” the zong here is used as a suffix of respect, usually used for business partners/ ppl holding business positions

Q18. When they first met again, why did HC not let XL touch him?

Because he loved and respected him. He was scared he’d get too excited and do something wrong. Later, the reason was that sometimes if he thought he made a mistake, like not protecting Dianxia well, he would not let himself touch his idol. Even if he wanted to a lot, he wouldn’t let himself touch, because it’s his own punishment for himself.

Q19. What did XL like doing as a kid? Did he whine like a kid?

He liked going on swings, calligraphy, drawing, reading books most people wouldn’t read, building and knocking over golden toy block houses. Whined a lot, and would insist on sleeping with his parents. So when he stopped whining like that the king didn’t find him as cute.

T/N: the “whine” here is the best English equivalent as far as I know, but perhaps you’re more familiar with the term “aegyo”? lol. Original word is 撒娇 “sa jiao”

Q20. Where did HC’s name and San Lang come from?

Why Hua Cheng, only he himself would know, since names are based on intuition and he didn’t tell me anything. San Lang was firstly because he was actually the third child at home, secondly because he fell during the third lap during the Offering to the Gods parade, thirdly because BLABLABLABLA many reasons to guess. Being the third seme of the novels is also an interesting Easter egg, but that wasn’t the main reason. Just as why Lan Wangji is Lan Er-Gege, or why Qiu Chi is called Si Shao, one can find many fitting explanations in the novel.

T/N:

BLABLABLABLA is actually what appeared in MXTX’s response lol

Qiu Chi 秋迟 is the name of a character (not sure MC or ML) for her next novel, and Si Shao 四少 means fourth, or fourth child/youth ?

“Offering to the Gods ceremony” translation is taken from Sakhyulations translation! https://www.sakhyulations.com/novel/heaven-officials-blessing/chapter-1/ bless them uwu

Q22. Why did HC not have confidence in his looks?

Because he was always told he was ugly, a monster, etc as a kid, so there was a deep “I’m ugly” impression of himself. Later he started suspecting that “maybe I’m kind of good looking”. But before the person he likes the most, he would still instinctively be self-deprecating, and sometimes will wonder if he’s an ugly person.

Q24. Why did XL give himself the surname “Hua”? 

Because he likes flowers, and used to be called the Flower Crown Martial God. Also, in the initial character sketch, when XL was banished he became a flower god, in charge of flowers’ blooming and wilting.

T/N: The word for “wilt”, amazingly, is 花谢 “hua xie” which is HC’s surname + XL’s surname (!!!). Also is the fake name XL used in Banyue, and the surname he gave to HC in the amnesia extra.

Q27. When will edits be made on TGCF?

Edits have already started, and when they’re done they will all be added with an announcement. Because it’s a long process, and because JJ has inconvenient limits on edits, Iwon’t know when. Not sure if it’ll be before or after the fourth novel. Also will depend on novel adaptations (of prev novels) and how the fourth book goes.

Q28. Will there be more extras for TGCF?

I’ve been wanting to write a human realm commoner storybook, a collection of short fairytales.

BOOK 3 SPOILERS

Q15. Where was Hualian’s first time? Does Hua Chen know that Xie Lian made the first move in kissing him in Qiandeng temple?

Huangji temple in Taicang mountain! HC didn’t know at first, but later Huahua teased it out + closely interrogated it out of XL.

Q16. What was the last mural and the lying down sculpture of XL in Wanshengku (hundred thousand-gods temple)?

It was that you know. That.

T/N: papapapapapa

Q21. Why did HC always have bandages on his face as a child? Why did he fall from the building? Why was he always getting bullied but still physically very strong/healthy?

He was always beaten up because his right eye is red. Others thought it was scary, and his face had a lot of scars that had to be covered;

One day he was beaten up so much that he wanted to kill himself, and also he’s a very bratty and petty kid, so when he heard there’s going to be a Offering to the Gods ceremony -- which if went wrong will bring strife to the whole country -- he especially chose that day to ruin the ceremony. As in, “if I’m unlucky and having a hard time, I want this entire country to die with me”. But he ended up climbing up there saw his wife and was shook, so he forgot to kill himself. But because he wanted to see more clearly, wanted to be closer so badly, he accidently fell off. 

He is just very tenaciously surviving! He’s strong like XL, won’t die even after getting beaten up hundreds of times, and forever will be able to hold onto a last breath and crawl back up again to return, against fate.

Q23. What did Mu Qing say when he drove HC away?

MQ just speaks like that...like, you brat are not even useful to Taizi Dianxia, you’ll only weigh him down, the army doesn’t need trash like you, don’t think you actually have talent! etc. Also because in the army the youths’ death rate is actually quite high, so MQ didn’t think he was doing anything wrong in driving HC away.

BOOK 5 SPOILERS

Q25. So is Shi Qinxuan a human now? Will his hands and leg ever recover? If he reincarnated, would he still have a hard life? Is Shi Wudu really gone? What did Mo Shui take the water master’s head for? What did he say to Shi Qinxuan on Moshui island at the end?

SQX is human. He can’t recover, and he doesn’t want to. Heavenly Officials won’t reincarnate. SWD is gone for good. The head was used for an oblation. He didn’t say anything in the end, because SQX was very out of it, so even if he said something SQX wouldn’t be able to understand.

T/N: To refer to SWD MXTX uses 15° (15 degrees) because phonetically it sounds like SWD’s name.