#Cui Jiu

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: Are You the One (2024)

She is the only one he wants to marry 🥺 #柳舟记 #AreYouTheOne #ZhangWanyi #WangChuran #shorts

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q_mz35lS5l0

[greyjug]

The couple who kills together stays together

[queensqewed0722]

Is this some kind of ZWY character fetish? This “holding the FL’s hand to teach her the fine art of calligraphy” thing? He did this too in “Are You The One” as Cui Xingzhou/Cui Jiu. And he does the same thing in “The Rise of Ning”. Did he do the same in “Lost You Forever”? Does ZWY actually have great calligraphy skills in real life?

[iinariah]

If you don't mind me asking, who are your favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon)? And why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

HI OMG IM SO SORRY FOR THE VERY LATE REPLY, IVE BEEN VERY BUSY BUT SURE! And since I'm a multishipper, I'll just list my top 5 ships out of fandoms I've been in

FengCui: Feng Xiao x Cui Buqu (Wushuang/Peerless) - The reason I love this ship so much and is my top 1 out of all the shows and books ive read and watched is because I'm so in love with their dynamic, development, and interactions with each other. They first start of as rivals then gradually start to fall for each other with each case they work and time they spent togther. I also loved the fact that the author didn't use stereotypical tropes with the main cp. While its enemies to lovers, to me, it's enemies AND lovers because when they do get together, their dynamic didn't change and they still remained the same. And that's one of the reasons why I love this pair so much.

2. Cezhou: Shen Zechuan x Xiao Chiye (Qiang Jin Jiu/Ballad of Sword and Wine) - I honestly debated if this should be my top 1 but I ultimately decided this would be my top 2 mainly bc I prefer fengcui's dynamic more, But of course, that doesn't make this ship any less great and amazing! In my opinion, this is enemies to lovers with sexual tension done right. I used to hate the trope enemies to lovers because of experience and personal things... But this ship changed my perspective on it a lot. Even though they got together early in the novel, they're still the ship that has the most amazing development and growth I've seen in such as a long time.

3. Hualian: Xie Lian x Hua Cheng (Heaven Official's Blessing) - Ah yes... the classic. I had to put them at my top 3 because TGCF and hualian is what mainly got me into danmei and to this day, I still adore them with all my heart and I'll never ever forget how they made such a huge impact on me... They're like romeo and juliet but done right. They're also the couple that made my standards so unrealistic to the point that I think I'll never ever be able to find someone to love as much as how much they love each other... As much as they're unrealistic, they also made an impact on how I view love in general. I also relate to hua cheng when it comes to appearances because dawg... I am also so insecure of that as well... and when Hua Cheng is insecure about it and Xie Lian is just telling him that he's gorgeous and not ugly like he thinks he is just makes me want to cry because that validation and comforting words is what all of us insecure people need. Just having the reassurance that we're perfect just the way we are...

4. Lucathy: Lucas x Athanasia De Alger Obelia/Athy (Who Made Me a Princess) - I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! Athy is so precious to me and I will protect her at all cost! And I love how their relationship just naturally progresses on the time the spent together and isn't just immediate love at first sight. And I also love how lucas went from "I'm going to watch this bc this is entertaining" to "If you ever hurt her, I'll destroy all of obelia" and bro... LUCAS IS SO WHIPPED FOR ATHY ITS SO FUNNY AHAHAH (Also reminds me on how Xiao Chiye is so whipped for Shen Zechuan but that's another time). And not only that, but I love how Lucas got back from his quest, heard about how Athy got humiliated, bro was like: "Should I kill him?" like bro did not care if it was her father, if someone did shit to her, he would deal with them.

5. LoidYor: Loid Forger x Yor Forger (Spy x Family) - BRO I IMMEDIATELY FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS SHIP!! Assassin x Spy? OH HELL YEA! I've honestly been waiting for this kind of trope for such a long time lol. Not only that, but I low how yor is such a girlboss and protects her family even if it isn't real. I honestly really like their progression so far and I hope that they honestly become a family in the end... I have nothing really much to say about this ship because I haven't been keeping up with SXF but I really love them and they're trope because I haven't seen Assassin x Spy trope in fandoms I've been in.

So here are my ships! There are a lot more than these but I just decided to pick which ones that I really love the most and rank them by that. Anyways, thanks for reading this blog!

[movielosophy]

The Story of Pearl Girl | Cui Shi jiu

[yazzienomore]

WHY have I never thought of it before O.O

Feng Xiao: arrogant, the most beautiful, smart, using a fan, is a skilled fighter, a peacock, boss of a secret organization

Cui Buqu: sickly, the mastermind, is pictured as fox, unbreakable will, has no martial arts, also boss of a secret organization

MEANWHILE

Shen Zechuan: kinda sickly, knows how to fight, uses a fan, scheming smartass, stron-willed, his martial arts got damaged, pictured as a fox, extremely beautiful man

He's literally their love child fr 😭💖

Pics found on Pinterest, you can see original artists on them

[dragoncharming]

lemme get my runaway bride soundtrack!

[simply-whump]

Are You the One (柳舟记) - Whump List

Whumpee : Cui Xing Zhou played by Zhang Wan Yi

Synopsis : The clever and decisive Liu Mian Tang led the people of Yang Shan to punish the wicked, promote goodness, and uphold justice. However, she suffered serious injuries under the attack of various evil forces and was rescued by Cui Xing Zhou, the Prince of Huai Yang. When she woke up, she had no memory of Yang Shan, mistaking Cui Xing Zhou for her husband Cui Jiu. If their identities were finally exposed, could they face all of that honestly while enduring hardships? (MDL)

Genres : Historical, Romance, Drama

Warning! Possible spoilers below!

Cui Xing Zhou

Ep 1 : (01:40) Shot at by an arrow, catches it with his bare hand, hand bleeding

Ep 2 : (Flashback) (17:40) Catching an arrow with his bare hand, hand bleeding

Ep 3 : (25:10) Boiling water thrown at him (accident), treated

Ep 4 : None

Ep 5 : (02:45) Drunk, given water

Ep 6-9 : None

Ep 10 : (42:30) Pretends to be hit, concern for him

Ep 11-12 : None

Ep 13 : (07:24) Crying (single tear) — (24:30) Slapped

Ep 14 : None

Ep 15 : (29:25) Looking tired (Just went through a tough battle), passes out in his loved one’s arms, examined by a doctor

Ep 16-20 : None

Ep 21 : (20:05) Hit multiple times, shoulder badly bruised, medicine applied, wincing

Ep 22 : (12:15) Upset, drunk

Ep 23 : (11:55) Emotional moment, stabbed with a hairpin, pulls it out, bleeding, teary-eyed, heartbroken, collapses on his knees (Gif Set)

Ep 24 : None

Ep 25 : (42:15) Drunk

Ep 26-27 : None

Ep 28 : (05:35) Coughing — (36:30) Restrained

Ep 29 : (03:25) Jump of his horse to save someone, hits a tree, injures/brakes his leg, treated, in pain, told he might be limping for the rest of his life — (24:00) Stands up and falls, helped up — (32:30) Falls from a roof, concern for him, leg bleeding — (34:50) Walking with a cane, slight concern for him, in pain, helped to walk

Ep 30 : (10:00) Leg bandaged, sleeping, sleeping gas put into his room — (13:00) Leg injury treated while he is sleeping — (18:50) Walking with a cane, limping (for the whole episode), wincing in pain — (29:50) Hit on his injured leg, teary-eyed — (37:20) Helped to walk — (41:55) In pain, wincing

Ep 31 : (10:30) In a wheelchair (walks with a cane for the rest of the episode)

EP 32 : Still walks with a limp/cane in the first half of the episode

Ep 33-35 : None

Ep 36 : (34:00) Drunk

Ep 37 : None

Ep 38 : (26:30) Puts something in his eyes to make it look like he cried — (29:10) Eyes cleaned, slight concern for him, has a hard time opening his eyes (Semi-comedic)

Ep 39 : None

Ep 40 : (07:35) Imprisoned, chained, told to kneel, refuses — (15:45) Still in prison, helped to escape — (17:15) Fighting side by side with his loved one (no whump, I just love this moment)

>> Whump List

[tytangfei]

Cui jiu: I will arrange a marriage for my amnesiac fake wife since she's no longer politically useful

Husband candidate: *breathes*

Cui jiu: Actually, she already has a husband named ME

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: Are You the One (2024)

😍 Are you the one Cdrama #cdrama #chinesedrama #柳舟记 #AreYouTheOne #张晚意 #王楚然 #zhangwanyi #wangchuran

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sPdvt6mHDP8

[danmei-in-polls]

Submissions Open masterpost

blue for tournaments that haven't been updated in a while, and it's unclear when or if they will be ran

Characters:

Autism swag summit (new!)

Autistic headcanon bracket

Best regressor tournament

Bisexual swag competition (new!)

Character most screwed by writers

Characters who need to be put in the incinerator suggested: old palace master (svsss)

Characters with numbers in their names suggested: shen jiu, yue qingyuan, six balls (svsss), jing beiyuan (qi ye)

Cringefail biromantic poll

Disabled Characters Showdown confirmed: wen kexing (tian ya ke, shan he ling), zhou zishu (shan he ling) suggested: hua cheng (tgcf), zhou zishu (tian ya ke), cui buqu (wushuang), xiao xingchen (mdzs), xue xian (tqks)

Favorite disabled webnovel character suggested: see the list for "Disabled Characters Showdown" above

Favorite webnovel men

Feral MILFs

Fuckable faves

Guy followed around by a Voice

Guys you'd call mommy suggested: shen qingqiu (svsss)

Hidden webnovel character tournament (wn character tournament with voting based solely on ganda)

Hot moms in media

I'd call her sir (horny)

Lied on their resume tournament

Modern webnovel character

Most attractive fucked-up character

Most feral webnovel character (new!)

Most Meaningless Character Death

Pure Beef Bean (as opposed to smol bean)

Queer-coded characters

Revived revenge (characters who were murdered, came back to life, and took revenge)

Smartest webnovel character

Trans webnovel character

Transmigration destination protagonists' showdown confirmed: luo binghe (svsss), baili qingmiao (dvawtk)

Ultimate bottom

Ultimate top

Women with big dicks / BDE suggested: su xiyan (svsss)

Couples / ships:

Fucked-up ships

Toxic Old Men Yaoi

Webnovel rarepair

Groups:

Other:

Anything from any webnovel

Best book to movie adaptation (TV shows included)

Best gothic horror/gothic romance

Leverage teams tournament

Misogynistic Media Tournament

Queer shows and movies (i asked, censored bl goes!)

Webnovel monster (non-humanoid)

Not tournaments:

Are they queer? (similar to 'could x have saved them' blogs)

Are they queerplatonic?

Can they lift Thor's hammer? Could they wield Mjolnir? (different blog with same/similar theme)

Could aromanticism save them?

Could fatness have saved them?

Could lesbianism save them?

Could polyamory have saved them?

Could they assemble IKEA furniture?

Could transition have saved her? (for potential transfems)

Could transition have saved them?

Could transition save him?

Could being trans save them? Did transitioning save them? (different blog with same/similar theme) Are they trans? (different blog with same/similar theme)

Do you know this ADHD character?

Do you know this autistic character?

Do you know this baby?

Do you know this disabled LGBTQ+ character?

Do you know this stuttering character?

Do you ship this queer ship?

Have you read this webnovel?

Is your blorbo neurodivergent?

Is this character aroacespec?

Should they be emancipated? (freed from their parents)

Should they divorce?

The Babygirl Polls

Throuple or love triangle?

Webnovel tournaments suggestions

Would gay sex fix them? (temporarily closed)

Would being different gender affect their popularity?

Would it fix them?

Would you date this character?

Would you punt them into the sun?

[queensqewed0722]

Zhang Wanyi

Looks like I have another CDrama actor bias. I saw Zhang Wanyi for the first time in “Are You The One” and have been charmed instantly.

He has this face that can look bright and innocent one moment, then turn cold and ruthless in an instant. I think it’s a lot to do with his bow lips that can turn up into a boyish smile or twist into a cruel smirk.

In “Are You The One”, he alternates between the laidback and carefree merchant Ciu Jiu of Lingquan Town, who spends his time playing Go, and the calculating and manipulative Cui Xingzhou, Lord Huaiyang of Zhenzhou, a military genius who’s never lost a battle. Most of the time, he slips between one character to the other in the span of a few seconds. It’s amazing how the viewer can easily tell which one he is at the moment with just a slight change in his eyes or his overall expression.

Apparently, he was one of the male leads opposite Yang Zi in the hugely popular CDrama “Lost You Forever” for both seasons. I’m trying to watch that but I can’t seem to get invested enough in it to complete the first season, let alone two of them. However, I did see some of the clips of him playing Cang Xuan and he was indeed brilliant in the role. As with Cui Xingzhou, his Cang Xuan shifts easily from one emotion to the next, from one state of mind to the next, and you see ZWY let it all play out on the screen.

It’s also a bonus that he looks perfect in period costumes and seems to have been born to wear those silk robes and furred capes and battle armor. And he can ride horses very well too.

I’m about to finish “Are You The One” and might wait for his new drama with Jing Tian that’s coming out soon. He has another one that recently aired, “The Rise of Ning”, which he stars in opposite Ren Min as the titular Yi Ning. However, his character resembles Cui Xingzhou too much so I might put that off for much later.

Anyway, I hope to see more of ZWY in dramas and films. He seems to have not just the looks but the talent to become not just an idol celebrity, but a true, award-winning actor.

[web-novel-polls]

Danmei Character Tournament Divisions

The Danmei Character Tournament will be divided into two sections - one for extremely popular characters and one for less popular ones. Here's a list of all the characters that have been submitted thus far.

Popular Danmei Character Tournament

2ha - Chu Wanning, Shi Mei

MDZS - Jing Guangyao, Wen Ning

SVSSS - Liu Qingge, Luo Binghe, Mobei Jun, Shang Qinghua, Shen Jiu / Original Shen Qingqiu, Shen Qingqiu / Shen Yuan, Six Balls, Tianlang Jun, Yue Qingyuan, Zhuzhi-lang

TGCF - Quan Yizhen, Xie Lian

Less Popular Danmei Character Tournament

Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know - Yin Hanjiang, Wenren È

Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish - Li Yu

Little Mushroom - An Zhe

Peerless - Cui Buqu

Vicious Male Counterpart Isn’t Competing Anymore - Yan Hao

Polls to Decide Bracket Placement

Guardian - Shen Wei, Zhao Yunlan

Liu Yao - Yan Zhengming

Qiang Jin Jiu - Shen Zechuan, Xiao Chiye

Stains of Filth / Yuwu - Gu Mang

Thousand Autumns - Yan Wushi, Shen Qiao

Submissions will end Monday, May 29th, 2023. If there's a character you want to see, please submit them!

[maree-go-round]

Under the Heng Gate - Chapter 50

Chapter 50 : I’ll make you see Hanhai Commandery as your true home.

The weather had cleared, and the grain shop in the city opened its door as usual to welcome customers. After sending off a few patrons, the shopkeeper suddenly noticed a group of people escorting a carriage to the entrance.

He took a careful look, then instructed his assistants to clear away idle onlookers. Then, he stood respectfully and waited by the door

Moments later, Qiushuang, who frequently came to deliver messages, walked in.

As usual, Qiushuang was dressed in a round-collared robe, disguising herself in men's attire. Upon entering, she glanced at the shopkeeper, then turned her head, folded her hands, and stepped back two paces.

Qichi walked in under a veiled hat. Her sleeves lifted slightly to reveal a green jade token.

The shopkeeper immediately stepped forward. "Master."

Qichi nodded and slowly walked around the shop, inspecting the front and back. After completing her circuit, she returned and said, "Let me see the account books."

The shopkeeper hurriedly fetched it, presenting it with both hands.

Qichi took the books, flipping through them briefly before closing them. Handing them back, she suddenly asked, "What is your name?"

The shopkeeper was stunned, surprised. "Master has never asked for my name all these years. Why suddenly..."

Qiushuang interrupted him, "Since you've been asked, just answer."

The shopkeeper quickly replied, "My name is Xie Jiu."

Qichi noted his name and said, "You did well at the tea house the other day, and your previous work has been commendable. From now on, when I'm not here, I will entrust the businesses in northern lands to your care."

Xie Jiu couldn't help but feel puzzled. "But Master, you are clearly still in the northern lands. Why do you say such things?"

"No need to ask further," she replied. "Just do as I say."

He quickly responded, "Yes, I will remember."

Qichi has inspected several large shops along the way, and this one is the last one.

She glanced around the shop one more time, organizing her thoughts before speaking slowly, "The livelihood of the people in the northern lands is just beginning to improve. Most of them are still poor. From now on, if it is related to agricultural tools or medicinal supplies, allow them to buy on credit and grant an extra ten percent discount."

Xie Jiu lowered his head. "I will follow Master’s instructions."

"Everything should proceed as usual. Do what you need to do. If anything arises that is difficult to decide, send a message to me, and I will handle it personally."

"Yes."

Qichi paused at the door, unable to think of anything else to say. She then turned and left.

Once back in the carriage, Qiushuang followed her inside, unable to resist asking, "Master, have you truly made your decision?"

Qichi removed her veiled hat, leaned back in the carriage, and gently hummed in response.

Seeing her expression, Qiushuang said no more.

"Has he gone to the military camp?" Qichi asked suddenly.

Qiushuang replied, "Yes, the Grand Protector has taken Young Lord Cui to the camp."

She nodded. "That’s good, then."

　　　　　　　　　　　　　※

The carriage returned to the Protectorate.

The residence was busy with servants coming and going.

Qichi walked back to the main house, where the scene was equally busy.

Xinlu was carefully organizing the account books, stacking them neatly one by one and wrapping them up.

Sitting to the side was Li Yan, dressed in a snow-white silk robe, watching Xinlu's movements intently. When he saw Qichi enter, he glanced at her, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Qichi walked over, sat down beside him, and smiled. "Do you have something to say?"

Li Yan looked at her smiling face and finally spoke. "Aunt, are you truly happy?"

That faint smile remained on her face. "Why do you ask?"

Li Yan reached out and tugged at her sleeve. "Aunt, for all these years, you've never thought of yourself because of me. Now that you’ve finally reunited with Uncle, is there really no way out of this?"

As a member of the imperial family secretly involved in commerce, the sight of his aunt that night had made him realize the severity of the situation. He had been quietly worried for a long time.

Qichi patted the back of his hand. "Don't worry. At the very least, you still have a rich aunt. I've told you before, money is a good thing."

Li Yan frowned, unsure of what to say.

Qichi reassured him, "Alright, off you go now. You have the most to prepare. Go get ready and don't let yourself be delayed."

After speaking, she glanced at Qiushuang.

Qiushuang understood and stepped forward to help. "Young Lord, I’ll assist you in packing."

Li Yan had no choice but to get up. As he walked out, he turned back to glance at his aunt.

Qichi sat there, her gaze falling on a corner of the room, unmoving, lost in thought.

He touched the dagger at his waist.

This was given to him by his uncle, who had taught him to be a man and never hide behind women when facing challenges.

As he walked along the way, he called out to Qiushuang, "I must inform my teacher. If my aunt asks for me, please tell her to wait."

Qiushuang acknowledged, "Then, Young Lord, please be quick. Don’t miss the appointed time."

Li Yan agreed and continued to walk forward. However, instead of heading to the study where he usually took lessons, he turned and walked out.

The wind swept through the military camp as the sun began to set.

Fu Ting walked outside the training grounds. Luo Xiaoyi followed behind him, one hand rubbed at an injury that hadn’t fully healed, while the other gestured behind him, inviting the people behind to follow.

Cui Mingdu, accompanied by several officials, trailed after them.

Inside the training grounds, the soldiers were going through their drills, but there was little energy in their movements.

While others might not notice, Luo Xiaoyi knew it very well. The soldiers were merely putting on a show, an ordinary display with nothing impressive to see.

His elder brother had explained that this marquis’ heir was here in the northern lands under false pretenses, so there was no need to show him any real combat prowess. They had no reason to bring out the elite troops of Hanhai Commandery for someone from the Cui family, with whom they never had any contact with.

After surveying the grounds, Cui Mingdu turned to Fu Ting and offered his thanks. "I’ve already imposed upon the city by my presence. I am grateful that Grand Protector Fu has allowed me into the military camp to witness the soldiers' prowess."

Fu Ting gave him a glance and said, "The Protectorate is rather dull. I guess Young Lord Cui likely had no one to talk to, so why not come to the military camp?"

Hearing this, Cui Mingdu’s expression shifted slightly. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some hidden meaning behind the words and glanced at him.

Fu Ting's dark eyes swept over him briefly before turning away.

The Protectorate was under his control; nothing within its grounds could escape his notice.

Even under the trees after the rain, when Cui Mingdu had stood with Li Qichi for just a brief moment, he had already noticed. He hadn’t gone over to listen or expose them. After all, it was part of Li Qichi’s past, and it was only right that she handled it herself.

But that didn’t mean he was unaware.

Cui Mingdu looked out at the training grounds, offering polite praise. "No wonder these soldiers are strong enough to defend against the Turks."

He deliberately steered the conversation away.

Fu Ting didn’t respond.

Luo Xiaoyi rubbed his waist as he smiled and said, "You flatter us, Young Lord Cui."

He thought to himself, these stuffy scholarly types really know how to compliment even the most mundane things.

Suddenly, the sound of a horse's neigh broke the air. Fu Ting turned swiftly, his sharp gaze sweeping into the distance.

A rider had seemingly just arrived on horseback, tugging on the reins to slow the horse.

Fu Ting’s keen eyes recognized the rider immediately. Without waiting for a report from the guards, he strode over.

Luo Xiaoyi, noticing Fu Ting’s sudden departure, squinted in the direction he was headed. The young noble dressed in a snow-white silk robe—wasn't he the little princely heir? Why would he come all the way to the military camp?

Li Yan had been here once before, so he still remembered the way. But that last time, his uncle had accompanied him; this time, he had come alone, and it took quite some effort.

The military camp was heavily guarded, and before he could even get close, patrolling soldiers had stopped him for questioning. It wasn’t until one of his uncle’s personal guards recognized him that he was allowed to pass.

When he saw his uncle approaching from afar, Li Yan quickly dismounted.

Fu Ting stopped before him, looking him up and down. "What are you doing in the camp?"

Li Yan, still catching his breath from the ride, replied obediently, "I came specifically to find you, Uncle."

"Is something wrong?" Fu Ting asked.

Li Yan hesitated for a moment, glancing around.

Fu Ting turned and said, "Come to my tent."

Li Yan quickly followed.

Inside the tent, Fu Ting walked straight to the map stand before turning around and standing still. "Speak."

Li Yan's hand instinctively went to the dagger his uncle had given him at his waist. Summoning his courage, he asked, "Uncle, I want to ask if you despise my aunt."

Fu Ting frowned. "What?"

Li Yan lowered his head briefly before looking up again, his voice low. "I know merchants have always been looked down upon. My aunt is of noble birth, yet she chose this path. People must think she has degraded her status. I just don't know if you turned a cold shoulder to her because of this."

He only wanted to know if his uncle couldn’t tolerate his aunt because of this matter.

If that were truly the case, then there was no need for him to say anything more.

Fu Ting replied, "No."

The answer was firm, without a trace of hesitation.

Li Yan's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"

Fu Ting nodded.

As a man who had worked his way up to where he is today step by step, the last thing he cared about was social status.

What was wrong with being a merchant? At least they didn’t have to worry about making a living. He, on the other hand, had struggled through times when even food and clothes were hard to come by. How could he possibly look down on merchants?

As for the matters between him and Li Qichi, how could he explain those to this half-grown boy? All he said was, "If you came just to ask me this, then rest assured, you can go back now."

With that, he made his way to leave the tent.

Li Yan quickly called after him. "Uncle, wait! There’s more."

Fu Ting paused, turning to look at him.

Li Yan clenched his fists, steeling himself before blurting out the truth: "My aunt… she’s leaving."

She had already asked Xinlu to count the people she had brought from Guang Prefecture, packed up her belongings, and checked on the shops in the city. All the preparations were nearly complete.

She was ready to leave.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　※

Luo Xiaoyi was accompanying Cui Mingdu as they exited the training grounds when he suddenly noticed the large tent's curtain lift from a distance, and his third brother strode out.

Curious, Luo Xiaoyi saw Li Yan follow behind, standing there somewhat uneasy.

"Is that the princely heir of the Prince of Guang?" Cui Mingdu asked. He had seen him briefly in Gaolan Prefecture and had a slight impression of him. It was also because Li Yan’s features bore a slight resemblance to Qichi’s. Cui Mingdu wondered aloud, “He came here to find Grand Protector Fu. Could it be that the Princess of Qingliu has something to do?”

At the mention of his sister-in-law, Luo Xiaoyi laughed lightly, thinking that his third brother's relationship with his sister-in-law wasn't quite resolved yet. He didn't want another party getting involved, so he responded vaguely, "How could it be? The young lord has been practicing martial arts with me, so he’s likely here to see me."

With that, he walked toward them.

Upon arriving, he patted Li Yan’s shoulder and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Li Yan glanced around cautiously before leaning in to whisper something in his ear.

Hearing this, Luo Xiaoyi's expression changed dramatically. He quickly searched for his third brother, but all he heard was the long neigh of a warhorse. By then, the man had already galloped off on horseback and was quickly disappearing from sight.

Meanwhile, Qichi sat before her dressing table, adjusting her appearance before rising from her seat.

Xinlu approached and said, “Master, everything is ready. However, the young lord is still bidding farewell to his teacher, so there might be a slight delay.”

Qichi nodded. “Urge him to hurry. It's getting late, and we need to leave before the city gates close.”

Xinlu left to carry out the order.

Qichi stepped outside.

The corridors were quiet, with most of the servants having already completed their tasks and withdrawn.

She walked out of the rear courtyard, walking along the corridor. As she neared toward the residence gate, she abruptly stopped in her tracks.

In the fading light, a man stood at the end of the corridor.

She froze for a moment, not expecting him to return so suddenly.

Dressed in his tight military attire, Fu Ting stood tall and imposing just a few steps away from her. His eyes scanned her from head to toe.

Qichi’s hair was intricately styled, and she wore a flowing moon-white silk cloak, a clear sign that she was prepared to leave.

He had seen everything when he returned just now. The carriages were already prepared outside, and the attendants she had brought from Guang Prefecture awaited her with hands at their sides.

Li Yan hadn’t been lying, she was indeed leaving.

His voice was low and heavy as he spoke, "Were you planning to leave without saying goodbye?"

Qichi’s gaze shifted slightly. Realizing that he had already seen everything, she clasped her hands together gently and said, “I didn’t want you to think I was using my departure to pressure you."

Especially with Cui Mingdu still present, there was no need to make this matter public.

He stared at her. “So you were planning to leave quietly.”

Qichi’s lashes fluttered slightly as she lowered her gaze and responded in a faint voice, “If there was a slight possibility, I wouldn’t have chosen to leave. But we’ve reached this point because I’ve pushed too hard. Perhaps our fate as husband and wife is weak. I won’t force it anymore.”

Fu Ting’s expression darkened instantly. “Say that again.”

These words struck Qichi like a blow, and her heart seemed to shatter along with them. She lifted her head. “Our fate as husband and wife is weak. I won’t force it anymore.”

Fu Ting’s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression cold and stern, his dark eyes locked on her face.

She looked at him, pondering countless possibilities, but knowing none could be true. She walked forward to the residence gate.

As she walked past him, he remained still.

Once outside, she gracefully lifted the hem of her clothes and began to board the carriage. Just as her hand reached for the curtain, all the attendants lowered their heads in silence.

Suddenly, there was the sound of hurried footsteps behind her. A hand grabbed her arm.

She turned back, and her eyes met the man's face.

Standing on the carriage step, she was finally at eye level with him.

Fu Ting looked at her, then extended his arm and pulled her by the waist.

Startled, Qichi found herself hoisted onto his shoulder.

None of the attendants dared to look as he carried her directly back inside.

Qichi had never experienced such a situation before. With her body draped over his shoulder, she clung to his military attire. She wanted to struggle free herself, but his grip on her legs was unyielding. She was carried all the way back into the room.

He kicked the door shut behind them and pushed her down onto a chair.

As if the world were spinning around her, she sat down slightly out of breath, meeting his gaze.

"Our fate as husband and wife is weak?" He spat the words as if through gritted teeth. "Then with whom do you share a stronger fate?"

She couldn’t find the words. She stood, intending to leave.

Fu Ting grabbed her, sneering. “Leaving? You don’t want the debts I owe you anymore?”

“No, I don’t want anything anymore,” she replied with feigned indifference. As she turned to leave, her cloak slipped from her shoulders, but she didn’t care.

Fu Ting grabbed her hand with force.

He wrapped his arm around her waist from behind and pulled her close, he whispered in her ear, “Are you sure you don’t want anything?”

Her heart skipped a beat as his hand unfastened her belt.

Qichi held the Hu chair with both hands. Her back was exposed, and she shivered at the sudden coolness.

For a moment, her entire body suddenly tensed.

Fu Ting’s lips landed on her back.

Her face and body heated rapidly as his hands explored her.

She clung to the armrest of the Hu chair with both hands, biting her lip.

The buckle of the military belt behind her clicked open, and in the next moment, their bodies pressed together.

His hands and mouth were all tormenting her.

Her body was soft as water, allowing him to do as he pleased.

After some time, she tensed up to bear his entrance, and her fingers grasped the armrest tightly.

Suddenly, Fu Ting reached out, turning her face toward him. He leaned in, capturing her lips with his own.

Qichi froze for a moment, her heart racing wildly.

He kissed her fiercely, tracing every inch of her lips before his tongue slipped between her teeth.

A soft moan escaped her as her mind went blank.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　※

The room remained unlit, and the darkness outside deepened.

Fu Ting continued to hold her from behind, firm and unyielding.

Qichi’s body swayed like a willow as he turned her face toward him again and again to kiss her.

She was weak and powerless, forgetting why she had wanted to leave.

Until that moment when she thought she could not endure it any longer and almost collapsed, he held her tightly in his arms.

He turned her around to face him, holding her tightly with one hand, and lifting her chin with the other hand. He said in a low and hoarse voice, “One day, I’ll make you see Hanhai Commandery as your true home.”

Qichi's gaze slowly focused on his face, landing within those dark eyes. It seemed as if she had returned to her senses, yet also as if she had become more entranced than ever before. Her voice was soft and faint as she murmured, “I’ll wait…”

[izartn]

Read Golden Stage/Terrace and was left very meh. Not bad, not a subject of my devotion either. I prefer my stories either full on R Romantic or leaning towards the plot as in Qiang Jin Jiu, so although the story and charas were perfectly fine it was very much just an entertaining way to pass the time.

I was expecting... Less good behaviour from the protags honestly XD and not in terms of scheming; I liked how few fucks they gave towards a correct confucian behaviour lol. But it didn't felt like an enemies to lovers as it was sold, not even a rival to lovers. Lost opportunity to suddenly lovers fits. I liked that they almost had something as teens but Yan Xiaohan duty/role and Fu Shen relative immaturity at court games made that impossible. The Cui Yu incident as the memory Yan Xiaohan keeps to remind himself to not sink so low in the future was nice, as is the fact he is still pretty much amoral and doesn't have any loyalty to the emperor(s) except self-preservation.

In general I was very meh about Fu Shen and his fam, except his nephew and that throwaway line about how he remembers years later when he's in the throne that Yan Xiaohan once told him as a child that he only wanted FS and not the kingdom. I want to know more about that kid's life bc it sounds fascinating just from that smidge of info. He's assured as emperor despite the regency bc he knows that what his uncles want is each other more than the throne. Fascinating.

As I was saying; Yan Xiaohan on the other hand? Bastard son of an emperor with a concubine of that emp's father, raised in a temple for retired court women by a nun and a eunuch, who taught all he needed to make a life for himself and success on the court? Super interesting. And we don't know anything about their relationship except that his adoptive father made him swear to not marry a women and have children so as to not challenge any the ruling line (bc the emperor knew Xiaohan was his son). Like.

Of course I prefer Xiaohan XD

But anyways just a light read in comparison with other danmei and a dynamic that just isn't my kind of visceral romance, desire being very good for each other. Also the wonkers pseudo democracy too. That was weird XD good weird but like. Very much pfft at times. That Fu Shen is all on board bc he's just, so so tired of incompetent bosses, essentially, and also very much dislikes authority is funny too.

Anyways these are my thoughts. Worth giving it a read if you are interested by the premise (I usually despise forced marriage, except when done as in very all we here adults as in Golden Stage or full on going this is fucked up and not endgame so that's one thing it does well) but not my cup of tea.

SPOILERS QIANG JIN JIU

I'm still thinking of Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan. And there's no comparison with this novel sorry not sorry. Really liked Ce'an, bc he feels very... realistic as a warlord and also just fantasy enough for the story and romance to work? Both he and Shen Zechuan do. I really liked the way they're attracted to each other at the start despite the antagonism (genuine antagonism!!! their first time is genuine hate sex despite the attraction and burgeoning fondness) and the plotting bc they recognize on each other a yearning from freedom and to be themselves. Then they end the story chained in Qudu by their own volition and by love and mmm. Thematically tasty.

[shookethdev]

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NAKU 🫵