#chinese web novels

[dyinggirldied]

Making a meme about these two recent favorites of mine

[danmeiblr]

Finally, a Danmei Blog for Lesser-Known Danmei, Some of Which Are Not Even Translated Yet

Hello, hello, I’m Miya, a voracious danmei reader that gobbles novels every night like it’s her daily sustenance. I’ve been reading danmei since late 2018, and like most people in English danmei spaces, I was introduced to it through MXTX’s Mo Dao Zu Shi / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. Since then, I’ve read many other danmei, like all the other popular ones—Little Mushroom, The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know, etc.

Anyways, I have read almost all of the novels the English fandoms are currently obsessed with. Because of this, I often can’t relate to the excitement you guys still have over them because those novels feel like ages ago to me. I’ve long moved on from them and found other novels I love more. (I also read the bulk of those popular novels during my depression era, and I don’t wanna bring up memories of that)

So yeah, I sometimes feel like an outsider in English danmei spaces because nobody wants to talk about the novels I wanna talk about because nobody even knows about them 😭😭😭

Thus, this blog was born.

Mainly, I will be liveblogging the danmei I’m reading. I used to post them on my main @miyamiwu, but I’ve recently transferred my liveblogs from there to here. Just a fair warning: my liveblogs won’t be spoiler-free. I also don’t use spoiler tags because, well, nobody even knows the novels I’m blogging about so nobody would care if it’s a “spoiler” 😭😭😭

Aside from this, I will also post:

reviews of some of the great novels I come across

recommendation lists (you can also ask me for recs!)

rough English translations of the scenes I’m reacting to (otherwise, I won’t make sense)

general thoughts on danmei genres and tropes

translation ramblings

Basically, anything and everything about danmei.

Some stuff about me:

I run the @lizonkanovels website and used to post MTLations

I am studying Mandarin, but I’m nowhere near fluent in it. (I’ve also been too busy with college that my studies have been put on-hold.)

I loooove talking about the intricacies of translation and even took a class on translation theory before. You will see this reflected in some of my posts.

My favorite genres/tropes: whodunit, unlimited flow, horror, broken mirror, and 甜宠 (lit. sweet love/pampering, fluffy novels basically).

Current favorite danmei: Fourth Perspective by Mo Chen Huan

Also a fan of the 188男团 series by Shui Qian Cheng. My favorites in the series are Years of Intoxication and Blazing Armor

Well, that’s pretty much it. If you’re interested in discovering new danmei to read or just learning more about danmei, feel free to follow me~

You can also check out what novels I’ve posted about on my Danmei Directory:

https://danmeiblr.tumblr.com/directory

(If you’re on the mobile app and can’t access the link above, just copy it and paste it directly on your browser.)

[miyamiwu]

Essential Elements of an Unlimited/Infinite Flow Story

As someone attempting to write my own Unli Flow, I thought I’d take note of the different elements so I can have a guide I can always refer back to.

I’ve explained what Unli Flow means many times before, but in case you missed it: Unlimited/Infinite Flow is a genre in Chinese web novels that feature characters entering multiple “instances” where they have to complete a challenge and/or solve a mystery. Failure in doing so would lead to consequences, most often death.

There’s also this definition by AshuraYami from the NovelUpdates Forum:

Unlimited Flow/Infinite Flow is a genre originating from the CN novel Terror Infinity. The genre mainly revolves on world hopping involving fictional works (anime, comics, movies, games and novels) and/or original worlds created by the author. Infinite Flow, as it’s ‘infinite’ namesake suggests, can accommodate all other genres, be it fantasy, sci-fi, horror, romance, etc. Representative works are Terror Infinity (origin of genre), Reincarnation Paradise (most chapters and word count), The Ultimate Evolution (promoter of data flow, an infinite flow derivative that is more game-like litRPG) and Thriller Paradise (most famous horror infinite flow).

With the definition out of the way, let’s goooo

[This post will also serve as a rec list of sorts, since I’ll be giving examples of each element from different danmei novels.]

----------

1. The Authority

The entity/system in charge of the Unlimited Flow system as a whole. Most stories just chalk it up to the Unli Flow being some kind of otherworldly being/extremely advanced AI that just likes to mess with people.

Examples of The Authority

(based on what I remember, at least… Also, beware of spoilers)

The Earth is Online: The Universe

Mist: I forgot what it’s called, but that high tech system in charge of all the Time Traveling stuff...

High Energy QR Code: That black and white cube thing

Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show was Actually—?!: … The TV station...

From left to right: Tang Mo from The Earth is Online and Wu Jin and Wei Shi from Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show was Actually—?!

[Spoilers End]

From having read numerous Unli Flow stories, I conclude that crucial to a great, not just good, Unli Flow story is a well-defined Authority. The explanation behind the Authority’s existence and motives is the foundation to the entire story.

You can have a very fancy building (cool instances, well-developed characters, an exciting enemies to lovers couple, etc.), but if the foundation is flimsy, the building’s value would plummet in your eyes. You can still appreciate the building, of course, but you will never be content with it.

Examples of some novels that are good in almost everything else except The Authority (in my opinion): [spoilery]

Supernatural Movie Actor App: It was too profound with not enough groundwork laid for it, resulting in The Authority feeling detached from the main story.

I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend: The Authority was not exactly bad; it was just inadequate. The justification of the Unli Flow existing became unconvincing because of this.

Escape the Infinite Chamber: THE AUTHORITY IS SO FUCKING RIDICULOUS THAT IT’S ABYSMAL. And the entire thing was explained in just one scene and from one extra??? SO MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING AND THAT’S THE ONLY EXPLANATION WE GET??? HORRENDOUS!

[Spoilers End]

From left to right: Book covers of I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend and Supernatural Movie Actor App

2. Instances

Also known as “copy.” The other world/dimension where players have to face the different challenges.

The Authority may be the foundation, but the Instances are the defining aspect of the Unlimited Flow.

A lot of novels, however, are quite perfunctory when it comes to instances, just using it to further the main couple or as a mere stepping stone to the overarching plot. Or, if they’re not being perfunctory, then the Instances are just plain boring.

The first instance, especially, tend to be the most boring. Authors often use this to dump all the information about how their unli flow works. This usually gets better by the time the 2nd or 3rd instance comes around....

Upon successful completion of an Instance, players will then be rewarded with either points, special abilities, magic items, etc.

Examples of novels with GREAT instances (based on logic, thrill, horror, etc. Again, all in my own opinion):

I Became a God in a Horror Game: The horror is present all throughout. I can still remember the fear I felt while reading about the statues in the first Instance. Each instance/arc also emotionally impacts you, an effect that most Unli Flow writers don’t really aim for or just generally tend to fail at. (This is also my favorite unli flow novel at the moment~)

The Earth is Online: (same author as Fourth Perspective, which I’ve posted a lot about before) What I love about Mo Chen Huan, the author, is how they write intelligent MC’s but without making them seem too OP. And this is because she actually shows us the MC’s thought process, inviting us to think along with them and figure out how to solve the challenge, and not just make her characters say “aha!” This is what makes the Instances in TEIO great and memorable.

High Energy QR Code: The story could make use of more showing than telling, but I actually love the Instances in this novel. You know how good stories are often described as a well-made tapestry in that every little thread contributes to the big beautiful picture? That’s how each Instance reads in this novel. (Absolutely love the Instance about the town where everybody lies.)

Fu Wendou, the male lead of The Earth is Online

3. NPCs

A gaming term which stands for “Non-Player Character.” Refers to characters who live within Instances and act in such ways that further the plot or challenge presented by the Instance. They may go against players or assist them. May or may not have a will of their own.

Examples of NPCs:

Xu Beijin, the protagonist of Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game

Lu Chu, the protagonist of Insider.

The iconic Mosaic from The Earth is Online

The male leads from Escape the Infinite Chamber, I Became a God in a Horror Game, Killing God with Junk Cards, etc. (Most danmei ML are special!NPCs 😩)

From left to right: Book covers of Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game and Killing God with Junk Cards

4. Player Hall

A space outside of instances where different players can gather and exchange information. Most of the time, this is in a space still separate from the real world. Players are often prohibited from using their powers in this space.

In some novels, Players have no choice but to live here, completely cutting them off from the real world. In this case, accommodation quality will depend on the Player’s level or points.

5. Personal System

The Personal System issues challenges to the player and keeps track of their current attributes, physical and mental states, etc.. It also calculates rewards and punishments for the player. First and foremost in service to The Authority. (If they aren’t, then they’re most likely the Love Interest in disguise. If not, the Player had somehow swayed it to their side).

6. System Store

The points earned from the different Instances serve as the Players’ currency, and they can use it to buy things from the System Store. The Store may sell weapons, medicine, magical items, or even special abilities. Basically, any item that can help the Player during Instances. Of course, it may also sell non-magical items, like food and everyday items, at a much lower price than special items.

7. Player’s Goal/Wish

In some novels, the Goal is simply to clear all the Instances and leave the Unli Flow for good. But in others, the Unli Flow allows Players to exchange their points for a Wish. The more difficult the Wish, the more points are needed, and the more Instances are needed to be cleared.

Examples of a Goal/Wish:

Supernatural Movie Actor App: Xie Chi wants to give his second personality a body of his own.

I Became a God in a Horror Game: If I’m remembering it correctly… Bai Liu just wants to have lots of money.

I Upended Yet Another Campus Urban Legend: Lin Yi wants to learn the truth about his parents.

Thriller Tour Group: Wei Xun wants to find the truth about his family’s disappearance… and his Wish is to uhh… feel pain?

After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle: Chi Nan’s Wish is to regain his vision, stop crying and get his memories back.

Death Spiral: To uhh… figure out what the voice in the Elevator is trying to tell them? To regain their memories? [The actual Wish is a big spoiler, so I won’t mention it here.]

From left to right: Book covers of After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle, Thriller Tour Group, and Death Spiral

Aaaand there you have it! I was hoping to list 10 elements, but I can only think up to 7 😔

Although I said this post is a rec list of sorts, the quality of the novels I mentioned actually varies. I’m just listing whatever novel would be good as an example (and also what I can remember and have more or less completed, since many of the Unli Flow novels I’m reading are currently on-hold).

[thatbookscent]

When reading a Chinese web novel:

OH it's a quick and easy read! It's only 156 chapters with footnotes.

People who don't understand:

[persefone88]

Chinese Web Novel Recommendations Hour

Shareing some of the web novels I have enjoyed.

She is a moving corpse, with no heartbeat, no breathing, no pulse, and no body temperature. Every day, she is thinking about how to prevent corrosion, moisturize, rejuvenate, whiten, and maintain the vitality of her body.

Doing sauna, soaking in hot springs to activate blood circulation, drinking angelica red date chicken soup to replenish qi, eating vegetables and fruits to replenish water, exercising daily to prevent osteoporosis, using her mind at all times to prevent rigid thinking, she is determined to be a good corpse that is healthy, environmentally friendly and pollution-free.

[save-the-data]

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days | S01E01

Chinese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

Native Title: #路过我年少时光的蓝色

Genres: #LGBTQ+

Tags: #Web Series #Deaf Supporting Character #Adapted from a Novel

Cast: #Guo Jia Le #Zhang Xuan Yu #Xiao Zi Zhuo #Yao Xing Hao #Hu Ze Ming

[duhdumb89]

A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 48

The food spread over Shen huang gui fei's dining table was rank. There were plates of fatty, slimy meat, a bowl of strange fried noodles, greasy barbecue, and stinky mutton and camel dishes. The servants had to open every window and door so the sour smells didn't linger in her palace.

"Huabao," Shen huang gui fei said, cringing as her daughter slurped down a cup of sour yak milk, "Wouldn't you like something else to eat? His Majesty and I had lunch yesterday, and the food was so lovely. Should I send for some?"

Shaking her head, Huabao said, "Maybe later. This is all I've wanted since I returned! Ah! Thankfully, Royal Grandmother let me borrow her chef. A-niang, you don't want to try?"

Huabao placed a piece of slimy mystery meat on Shen huang gui fei's plate, a bright smile on her face.

Shen huang gui fei turned away from the sight with a strained laugh, "What about birds nest's soup? Jingse will make a fresh batch for you,"

Huabao wrinkled her nose before turning to the handmaid she'd dragged back to the palace, Tuya. Tuya was short, squat, and dark. In any other circumstance, Shen huang gui fei would have never let her set foot in Zhongcuigong.

"Are there any more of the sweet milk curds?"

"No, First Princess," replied Tuya.

"I'll just have Royal Grandmother's chef make more," said Huabao, returning to her meal.

Who was this girl sitting across from her? This wild thing? This stranger who nodded her head quietly as The Empress Dowager promised her a crop of maids to bring with her into her new household?

As the days passed, the distance between Shen huang gui fei and her child grew. Gone was the daughter who clutched her skirts and hung on her every word. Now, there was a woman who often stank of the stables and didn't care to even look at the portrait of her future husband. Huabao barely cared a lick about her marriage at all. Whenever Shen huang gui fei tried to guide Huabao about running her new household, the girl found an excuse to run away. Not to mention that her attitude during any of the pre-marriage ceremonies bordered on apathy. Huabao turned her nose up at the embroidery and calligraphy they had so much fun with, instead opting to run off, race horses, and shoot arrows with her brothers.

With each wall Huabao was determined to put up between them, Shen huang gui fei grew angrier. Her daughter would have never ended up like this if it wasn't for The Empress. Her daughter would still be her little girl and His Majesty's precious pearl if The Empress hadn't sunk her claws into her. Shen huang gui fei was sure that the bitch had something up her sleeve for Huabao's wedding. Why wouldn't she? Her maternal cousins were married to His Majesty's favored brother, she had two sons, and soon, she would have a direct connection to the Fuca clan.

If The Empress struck now, everything Shen huang gui fei had worked so hard for would go up in flames. Shen huang gui fei wasn't going to wait around and let that happen.

✺

Shen huang gui fei had never paid much attention to to Bai gonggong. He had been Fung gonggong's deputy eunuch for as long as she had been in the Forbidden City. Fung gonggong had always been the bigger fish, but he was, unfortunately, unswayable. As old as he was, he had no family to support or possibly hold hostage. He was an eunuch in all senses of the word, so a beautiful woman was as good as dirt to him, and he worshipped no one but the man under whom he rose to power: The Late Emperor. His Majesty was a close second, but the eunuch did everything in his old master's name. No concubine could push him to one side or the other, as he would defer to The Empress or The Empress Dowager as the rules permitted. Trying to bother with him was a waste of time and energy.

Bai gonggong, however, from what Jingse could gather, was nothing of the sort. He was easy to ignore and, for the right price, could get a servant where they needed to go. None of the concubines paid him notice, but he managed to collect a tidy sum from the other eunuchs and maids to switch departments or to keep secrets secret. It was rumored that the only reason he became Fung gonggong's deputy was because he was the cause of the front runner's violent end with a wild horse.

"Your Highness," he said, gesturing to the painted porcelain pots that his eunuchs held behind him, "I scoured the Storage House to find the finest gift for First Princess's wedding,"

The pots were fine. Certainly, nothing that Shen huang gui fei found to be up to her standards, but that wasn't the real reason she called him here anyway. If her intuition was correct then Bai gonggong wouldn't be opposed to helping Shen huang gui fei with her little problem.

"That one there," she said, pointing to a yellow and blue gourd-shaped pot, "Bring it closer,"

Before the eunuch holding her choice could even lift his head, Bai gonggong snatched it away and brought it to Shen huang gui fei.

Obedient. Good.

"Did you pick this one yourself, gonggong?" She asked, pretending to inspect the craftsmanship.

"Of course, Your Highness,"

A liar as well. Very good.

"You have a very good eye, gonggong,"

"This slave doesn't deserve your praise, Your Highness,"

"I'll take this one," Shen huang gui fei said, handing the pot to A'Fang, before nodding at Jingse, "Give Bai gonggong his reward,"

Bai gonggong's eyes glittered at the sight of the silver tael in Jingse's hand.

"Your Highness is too kind," he said, not hesitating to take the money. He bowed low, "We'll take our leave,"

"Stay a moment, gonggong. There's a task I'd like you to help me with," said Shen huang gui fei.

"I'm only a lowly deputy, Your Highness," Bai gonggong replied, "Perhaps Fung gonggong would be better suited to serve you?"

As deferential as the words were, there was no mistaking the way his grip tightened on the reward in his hands.

"No, you'll do just fine,"

Bai gonggong eagerly shooed the other eunuchs away.

"How may I serve you, Your Highness?"

✺

As the candles burned high and bright, a trickle of sweat slid down An pin's temple and nestled itself in the fabric of her collar. It was the height of summer now and she usually wouldn't subject herself to being steamed like a piece of fish, but she hunkered down in Dafuge for a reason. Cao taiyi had finally become worth An pin's while.

"Your Highness," Weiwei hissed as she hurried back from the courtyard facing windows, "Limei is here,"

Immediately, An pin began to poke at her thighs with a sharp pin to help the tears fall from her eyes. By the time Limei walked through the doors, An pin would have worked herself up into a respectable crying fit.

From what Weiwei could gather, Limei had been Guang pin's dowry maid and her closest confidant. Since Guang pin's death, the girl haunted the Forbidden City like a pale ghost, skulking from her new post at the Ice House to the Dafuge to pray for Guang pin's soul and back again.

The door creaked open.

"Meimei," An pin blubbered, "Meimei, I'm so sorry,"

"Your Highness?"

An pin pretended to be startled and whirled around.

"Your Highness An pin!" Limei said, dropping to her knees to bow.

An pin sniffled and rubbed the tears from her cheeks, "Rise,"

Limei glanced at Guang pin's memorial tablet, "Are you here to speak with my mistress?"

An pin nodded before gazing at the shrine, "Do you come here very often, Limei?"

Limei's eyes opened wide, as if she couldn't believe that An pin knew her name at all before nodding her head, "Yes, Your Highness. We never went a day without seeing each other...before, so it's become a habit,"

An pin sighed, "I came here because my heart is heavy. I was hoping meimei could ease my sorrows,"

"I didn't know that you and Guang pin were close, Your Highness," replied Limei.

Shaking her head, An pin pressed a hand to her heart, "We weren't. But I wish I could back and change things,"

Her voice dropped to a low whisper, "Maybe then I could have protected her,"

Limei reared back as if she had been struck, her pale face somehow going even whiter.

"What?" She croaked out?

An pin shook her head and scrambled to her feet, making a point to stumble even as Weiwei buoyed her.

"Nothing," An pin whispered, "I won't keep you from your conversation,"

An pin began ambling to the door.

"Your Highness, wait!" Limei said, running in front of her, "What did you say just then? What did you mean?"

Limei clawed at An pin's sleeve desperately. An pin snatched her arm away.

Weiwei pushed Limei to the side, "How dare you put your hands on An pin?! Get out of the way!"

An pin squeezed out more tears and brought her handkerchief to her mouth to muffle her sobs. It was a good performance but unfortunately, Limei looked defeated. She stood there quietly, not bothering to come after An pin again. What a waste!

However, just as An pin thought the whole endeavor wasn't worth her while, Limei sprung back to life. She planted herself in front of the door and kneeled.

"Your Highness, I beg you! I beg you! Please tell me! Please tell me so I can honor my mistress!"

Each cry was punctuated with a dull 'clunk' as Limei bashed her head into the ground.

Ah! Finally!

"Weiwei, help her up," said An pin.

Weiwei did as she was told.

Limei lifted her head as a thin stream of blood dribbled down her face. An pin pressed her handkerchief to it.

"You shouldn't hurt yourself like this, Limei,"

Limei shook her head, "This body is nothing. I'm only here to honor Guang pin's name,"

An pin released a theatric sigh, "If I tell you what I meant, do you promise to act sensibly?"

The girl nodded frantically, obviously lying.

Putting on a nervous tick and fiddling with her nail guards, An pin began, "When Wang Rong was alive, she was my dearest friend after we entered the palace together. We grew close for a time, but as His Majesty acquired more and more women and her favor wasn't so everlasting, she grew bitter and angry. Especially at your mistress,"

An pin paused for dramatic effect.

"One night, I thought to drop in and have dinner with Wang Rong. I didn't bother to announce myself because it was so late. She was talking to her maids and I heard her say... I...I didn't do anything about it because I couldn't imagine she would do something so drastic. And I couldn't imagine that Shen huang gui fei would help her,"

Limei's lips wobbled but no sound emerged.

"I didn't think of it again. After meimei's death, so many things happened. But a few months ago, she came to me in a dream and begged me to find the truth. She wanted me to know that it wasn't just the childbed that...that the labor didn't take her,"

"I began asking around," An pin continued, "I even sent a physician around to ask Guang pin's servants about her food and drink,"

"That was you? You sent that doctor?" Limei said before biting her lip, "What...what did he find?"

An pin blinked away a new set of tears, "Do you remember when a gift from Wang Rong came for your mistress? Herbs to keep her beauty?"

Limei, thankfully, caught on quickly to what An pin was implying.

"But, we sent it to the Imperial Hospital," Limei said, her voice shaking, "They said it was safe,"

"Do you know if they tested the entire jar or just the top?" An pin said, pulling a lie out of thin air.

Limei shook her head and pursed her lips, "I-I don't know,"

"That night, Wang Rong told her maids that she knew you sent the medicine for inspection and was glad she listened to Shen huang gui fei about filling the top of herbs with something harmless,"

"It was poison? She poisoned Guang pin?" 

"In a way. Guang pin was taking bu gu zhi. If you and I were to take it, even for years at a time, it wouldn't harm us. But for a pregnant woman, it's fatal,"

Limei crumpled to the ground and stared at An pin, in a dazed silence.

For an uncomfortable stretch of time, the girl sat there, slumped at An pin's feet without a single blink. An pin fought the scowl that was desperate to be on her face. This wasn't the response she expected. She was hoping for righteous anger or woeful tears! Not this corpse.

Instead of slapping her, An pin said softly, "Limei? Are you alright?"

"Why,"

An pin paused.

"Why?"

Limei spoke again, "Why would Shen huang gui fei do this?"

An pin knelt on the ground before grabbing Limei's hand, "The back palace is a glittering slate of beauty that masks the evil of the mind. I thought we were close but after finding out the truth. I don't know what to think,"

"Do you think she did it so she could finally have a prince?" Weiwei asked, skillfully inserting herself into the conversation.

"I," An pin said, her lips quivering, "I can't believe that. Shen huang gui fei couldn't have know that meimei would even give birth to sons,"

"Your Highness, didn't you think it was strange that out of the blue, everyone was banned from visiting Guang pin, except for Shen huang gui fei? Could it be that she wanted Guang pin to think that no one but her cared for her?"

An pin shook her head, "I don't know what to think, Weiwei. I don't want to keep thinking of these things in such a holy place,"

She swayed to the side to make a point.

"Your Highness, you've gone pale. I'll take you back to Chuxiugong,"

An pin nodded, but before she let Weiwei lead her away, she kneeled to grab Limei's hands again.

"Don't lose your head over this Limei. Wang Rong and Shen huang gui fei may have wronged your mistress, but she was only the bottom rung in the ladder of this cruel place. If you truly want to honor Guang pin, you'll live a good, long life with her memory in your heart,"

Limei sagged to the ground as if her shoulders weighed a thousand pounds.

"I will, Your Highness. Thank you for your grace,"

"Your Highness," Weiwei said as they began their trek back to Chuxiugong, "Do you think she'll be able to do anything without your help? What if this was a waste?"

An pin shrugged, "I have faith in her. Though, if it amounts to nothing, I still have plenty of things in store for Shen huang gui fei,"

✺

Jiayi was broke. Absolutely emptied out. She would probably have to sell one of the gifts Xiang pin gave her to be able to send something back to Wei Jiayi's family. As perilous as the situation was, Jiayi didn't feel anything but the outrageous amount of butterflies in her stomach. Before Xiang pin had laid down for her afternoon nap, Jiayi asked permission to drop by the clothing house and pick up some fabric for a dress. It was only half a lie. She did pick out some fabric–a few bundles of rich black silk–but it wasn't for a dress.

It was for Prince Han's gift.

Jiayi had thought long and hard about what she could possibly give to someone like him and the idea finally came to her as she watched Xiang pin 'ooh' and 'ahh' over a brocade pajama set that The Emperor had sent her before declaring that she would sew a set for him as a gift in return. The thought nailed itself to the flesh of Jiayi's brain.

She and Prince Han were together. Those were the sort of gifts people gave to one another, right? Before she could lose her courage, Jiayi had spent the money and bought the fabric. The sight of it folded innocently in the basket on her arm made her heart race. She wouldn't just give Prince Han the pajamas, obviously. That would be too much! She would paint him something with her Hubi. Maybe when she asked Sang'er to give her Prince Han's measurements, she'd ask if Prince Han had any favorite poems or sutras so she could paint something to hang on his wall. Jiayi was so lost in her thoughts that she almost missed the sight of Shen huang gui fei's and First Princess's raised chairs. She moved herself to the side and kneeled as the entourage passed by.

Since First Princess's return, Shen huang gui fei's time revolved entirely around the wedding. While things had been quiet, they all knew better than to count Shen huang gui fei out. They were as vigilant as they could be. Jiayi rose to her feet as the servants passed her by. She paused as a familiar yet unfamiliar face brought up the rear of Shen huang gui fei's line of maids. She had seen the maid's face before, somewhere, but never as a servant of Zhongcuigong. Before she could bring a face to the name, a eunuch stopped in front of her.

"Wei guniang?"

Jiayi clutched her basket tightly. She had never seen this eunuch before, "Yes?"

"Fung gonggong has asked for you,"

Jiayi's throat dried up in an instant. She croaked out a laugh, "I'm sorry gonggong, but I have to return to my mistress–,"

"Her Highness Xiang pin has already been informed," he replied, "This way. Quickly," 

[dyinggirldied]

He is a little mushroom! A little law-abidding mushroom 🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫

[miyamiwu]

My biggest gripe with 80% of novels in the unlimited flow genre is how the story always starts right away with the protagonist just going along with the first instance. Little to no realistic reaction from the main character trying to process the bizarre experience of being pulled into another world and being forced to do tasks lest they suffer a punishment. It’s always like “Oh, I’m in an unlimited flow. Guess I’ll roll with it.”

The genre is so established in China that authors don’t bother anymore on proper story exposition. They just wanna get down and write “that trope” and start on the different instances.

Despite this, the genre is still one of my favorites. But goddamn is it difficult to find a good novel in this genre that I haven’t already read yet. It also takes a lot of patience. I could pick up a novel that doesn’t seem like much from the summary and the exposition, but after hundreds of chapters it finally steps up!

[persefone88]

Chinese Web Novel Recommendations Hour

Where I share some of my favourite chinese web novels.

Warning that not everything is fully translated yet.

[save-the-data]

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days | S01E02

Chinese Drama - 2024, 12 episodes

Native Title: #路过我年少时光的蓝色

Genres: #LGBTQ+

Tags: #Web Series #Deaf Supporting Character #Adapted from a Novel

Cast: #Guo Jia Le #Zhang Xuan Yu #Xiao Zi Zhuo #Yao Xing Hao #Hu Ze Ming

[novelease]

Discovering a New Life Through Ancient Struggles

In a twist of fate, I found myself transformed from a modern-day court clerk named Yao Yiyi into the life of Sheng Minglan, a young girl born into a complicated world filled with intrigue and peril. Initially, my new reality felt like a dreadful imprisonment — an ordinary life abruptly stolen away due to a tragic mudslide that claimed my previous existence. Suddenly, I was a five-year-old girl in an ancient setting, grappling with loss as my mother had just died in childbirth.

At first, despair weighed heavily on my heart. I dreaded becoming like Jia Yingchun from Dream of the Red Chamber, a tragic figure lost in the complexities of family politics, with no maternal guidance to help me navigate the dark waters of the past. I was simply a neglected daughter, unwanted by my father, feeling acutely aware of my precarious position as a concubine’s child.

However, everything changed when my grandmother took notice of me. Bringing me to live with her, she began to nurture and care for me. As I adapted to this new life, I discovered how to mirror the innocence of childhood while strategically leveraging my more mature understanding. This duality endeared me to my grandmother, deepening our bond despite occasional friction with my siblings.

Under her protection, I began to grasp the nuanced “rules” of being a concubine’s daughter in ancient times. The delicate dance within the mansion taught me about not just survival, but about navigating the complex relationships that ruled our lives. I was neither the most favored nor completely shunned, existing in a space of societal ambiguity, where every action had consequences.

In this new life, I learned resilience and wisdom through everyday interactions. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth, sharpening my instincts and understanding of those around me. As I became more adept at reading the intentions of others, I wove myself into the fabric of this historical narrative, seeking to thrive amidst familial conflicts.

I invite you to join me on this journey through the captivating tapestry of ancient life depicted in It Should Be Lush Green And Sparse Red. Experience the highs and lows alongside me as I navigate through the intricate world of traditional values, familial bonds, and the struggle for self-identity.

For more on this engaging story, visit Novelease.

[duhdumb89]

A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 53

The pajamas were finished.

Jiayi had haggled with gugu at the clothing house to get a nice piece of black brocade to edge the pants and the sleeves. It was easier than she thought to sew them in place. The fabric was a bit thicker and fiddly, but she got it together. It was a very handsome set, in her opinion. Prince Han would be more than happy with it.

There was nothing more to it.

Fung gonggong was buried and Bai gonggong  had been executed.

The sun rose and set.

The birds sang.

The Forbidden City moved on, and Jiayi moved with it.

Like a New Year's firecracker, the feelings that had exploded with the news of Fung gonggong's death had turned to dust and ash. In the end, there was no guilt, sadness, or even relief. There was nothing.

Around her, the world was unchanged. Behind the double doors, Xiang pin was taking her afternoon nap. She could hear the murmur of a few other servants out in the courtyard, sweeping and chatting. Molan and Pie'er were embroidering quietly on the other side of the table, and Ping'er was dozing quietly on the ground by the bedroom doors, Thunder snuffling in her lap.

Smoothing the silky clothes, Jiayi folded the pajamas and tucked them into the basket on her lap. The reality of it slithered around in Jiayi's mind. How much blood had she spilled to live this simple life? How much more would it take to keep it?

And why did the idea of it not horrify her more?

Before she could answer the question, Thunder erupted into furious barks. He leaped from Ping'er's lap and trotted to the front door.

"Ah! Sixth Prince is back for lunch," said Molan.

Jiayi rushed to pick up Thunder, hoping she would quiet down and not disturb Xiang pin.

"Hush, you!" Jiayi said.

In all her defiance, Thunder continued to bark, only settling down when Sixth Prince stepped through the door.

"I'm starving," he whined, "I want hotpot for lunch,"

Jiayi guided him to the recently vacated table where Molan had already left a basin of water and a cloth for Sixth Prince to wash up.

"I apologize, Sixth Prince. Xiang pin said you've had hotpot too many times this week. Would you like some fish instead? Or dumplings? I can call for a nice spread,"

Sixth Prince huffed and scrubbed his face and hands. He leaned back to peer at Xiang pin's closed bedroom door.

"Just go get it for me," he whispered, "A-niang is napping. She wouldn't even know!"

"I absolutely would,"

Xiang pin's slightly sleepy voice cut through the room. Ping'er hurried to slide the doors open for their mistress.

Sixth Prince froze as his cheeks blushed red, "A-niang! You're awake!"

Xiang pin took a seat next to Sixth Prince and shared the basin and cloth to freshen up, "The only way I could sleep through Thunder's barking is if I was dead,"

Always happy to be included, Thunder shrieked and wiggled her way out of Jiayi's arms to paw at Xiang pin's feet.

Xiang pin clicked her tongue, "Who do you think you are trying to turn my girls against me? You've eaten so much hotpot this week there's bone broth coming out of your ears!"

Sixth Prince moaned in annoyance, nearly toppling off his chair with how far he leaned back.

"Little brat," Xiang pin hissed as she pinched his cheeks, "All you eat is lamb hotpot anyways! You'll become just as fat as Thunder with the way you're going,"

Sixth Prince shrugged, "I think I'd look good fat. And if lamb's the problem, let's do shrimp hotpot!"

When Thunder barked enthusiastically, Sixth Prince hoisted her into his arms, "See? Thunder wants hotpot, too,"

"Thunder would eat her tail if she could," Xiang pin groused, "She's just one big roll!"

The room erupted into laughter.

"Your Highness," Jiayi said once she had conquered her giggles, "How about braised chicken and vegetables? And then we can save the hotpot for a special occasion,"

"Like Prince Han's birthday!" Said Ping'er.

Xiang pin clapped her hands, "Yes! Be a good boy and wait for Prince Han's banquet,"

"That's so far away!" He protested.

"It gives you more time to think of a present," Xiang pin said with a shrug. She nodded at Bolin, "Go fetch lunch. Braised chicken and vegetables,"

Sixth Prince groaned, "I'll starve!"

"I'd hope so! Aiyo, every time I turn my head, you're sprouting another inch. If I send for another set of clothes for you, the embroidery maids will riot. No! Eat your chicken and starve,"

As Sixth Prince began to quibble with Xiang pin, the room came back to life with noise and color. The floors squeaked as the servants went to and fro to finish their tasks and chatter flowed around them like water.

This is why Fung gonggong's end bothered her so little. How could it not be worth it when this is what it got her? All the strife and worry faded to nothingness as she watched their little lives play out before her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to live out the rest of her days like this. After doing so much to have it, why wouldn't she fight to keep it?

✺

The characters on the document on the desk were beginning to blur in front of The Emperor's eyes.

"Your Majesty,"

The Emperor blinked to clear the fuzziness from his sight. Zhang Wei was standing opposite the desk, holding a covered tray.

"From Shen huang gui fei," the eunuch continued.

The Emperor fought back a sigh. He was in no mood but gave a nod.

Zhang Wei placed the tray on a nearby table, lifted the cover and presented the golden plate to The Emperor.

"Bai tang gao*, Your Majesty,"

The Emperor stared at the glistening white, diamond shaped cakes topped with pale pink camellia buds.

"Shen huang gui fei is also asking if you plan to visit Zhongcuigong tonight,"

He then understood the motive behind her gift.

The Emperor shook his head, "Faithfulness and longevity," he said with a laugh.

Taking a bite of a cake, he shook his head again. Too sweet. There was always a misstep with Shen huang gui fei these days. The flower was a poor choice as well. Bai gonggong's investigation was thorough–her actions made it clear who she was faithful to. Not to his legal wife and, therefore, not to him. How could she claim such a thing after her small-mindedness ended with the murder of his father's most beloved eunuch?

He knew that as a concubine, there would always be bitterness in Shen huang gui fei's heart, but she was becoming unruly. The Emperor had spent many years pampering her and promoted her to a status that someone from her family background rarely had. She had privileges and a lifestyle that women worldwide would kill to have.

And this is how she decided to behave.

He washed the cloying taste of sugar from his mouth with a mouthful of tea. There wouldn't be a point in scolding her. Shen huang gui fei would deny, argue, and find someone else to blame. There was no chance for punishment either. The news of it would be a blight on Huabao and her marriage. It would sour his relationship with the Fuca clan if they thought they were given the daughter of a criminal.

In any case, the Gods had taken care of her retribution in his stead. As much good fate as The Emperor had, it didn't always trickle down to his children. If Shen huang gui fei were smart, she would take Yiru contracting the cough right before Bai gonggong's crime as a sign to stop her nonsense. Unfortunately, The Emperor wasn't sure Shen huang gui fei was up to the task.

He pushed the plate to the side and returned to his work.

"I'll stay here," he said.

There was nothing but the sound of flipping pages and the song of the crickets outside until Zhang Wei interrupted him, again.

"Another gift for you, Your Majesty,"

The Emperor didn't look up from his work, "Put it on the side table,"

"I'm not sure she'll fit, Your Majesty,"

"Send her away. She can come back in the morning,"

"Are you sure you don't want to see me now, Your Majesty?"

The voice that came through the door quenched a thirst that The Emperor didn't know he had. It was familiar. He yearned for it daily.

"Your Majesty," the voice sang sweetly again, "Don't you want to see me?"

The Emperor heard the doors swing open, and the soft hush of dainty footsteps grow louder. It was like a Tang dynasty goddess glided into the room wrapped in yellow and gold silks. Even with her face covered with a round fan, The Emperor knew who she was.

"This concubine wishes The Emperor peace,"

"Lower your fan," he said.

"Why should I?" The Goddess said, shaking her gilded mountain hair**, "You wanted to send me away,"

The Emperor laughed and went to help Huifen off the ground. As she came to her feet, she tilted the fan, revealing the face of a bygone beauty that he had only ever seen in a 9th-century scroll. A glittering, lotus shaped huadian† brought out the charming red she had powdered her face and lips with.

"I've never seen this costume before," he said.

Huifen giggled and spun around, and the stamped shawl around her arms fluttered in the wind, "I thought after seeing so many Qing dynasty beauties that a Tang dynasty darling would be more exciting,"

Yes, watching Huifen's milky breasts dance under her blouse and skirt was far more exciting than ruminating over Shen huang gui fei's blunders.

The Emperor tugged her into his arms, inhaling the soft scent of the rose powder Huifen tended to dust her neck with.

"You like this sort of dress? I'll have an entire wardrobe made up for you and just you,"

The Emperor would strip every other woman in the palace naked and clothe Huifen in pearls and jade if she only asked.

But she would never ask.

Whenever he went to play outside the palace walls and found himself in a brothel, there was a game he liked to play. He'd dress like a wealthy nobleman, giving out silver taels like they grew on trees. Each time, a cunning girl would latch onto him, declaring her love and devotion, aiming to be his kept woman or, better yet, his concubine. When he was sure the girl had already planned how to decorate her courtyard, he would tearfully confess the "truth" of the money being stolen or borrowed or some rubbish. The look on their faces...so typical.

The truth he rustled up for Huifen, had been, in his opinion, the best lie yet. He was a disgraced merchant who lost most of his money on bad investments. He came to spend what little he had left at the brothel and when his pockets were empty, he was going to kill himself.

Instead of the screaming, crying tantrums his confessions usually incited, Huifen had laughed! Not only did she laugh, but she also asked him how he planned to die. Wrong footed, he blurted out that he aimed to poison himself. Huifen then said that if he gave her what was left of his money and let her sell his fine clothes, she'd have them use the best wine for his last drink and play a lovely song on the guzheng for him to leave to.

A soft, sweet-scented hand pulled him from his memories. Huifen stared up at him, her painted eyebrows furrowed.

"You look so tired, Your Majesty," she said as she stroked his beard, "Shall Zhang Wei and I ready you for bed?"

The Emperor sighed, "If I only I could be so lucky to slip into bed with you, but there is always work to be done,"

Huifen pouted, the strangely dark stain on her lips glistening, "I suppose I'll have to spend my night with the thought of you, Your Majesty. I shouldn't keep you from your work,"

The Emperor tightened his hands around her slender waist, "You are the strangest concubine. I lament over the hard work I have left and you don't even offer to keep me company. Huifen, do you even love me?"

Huifen rolled her eyes, "Aiya, I love you very much, but all the love in the world can't make watching you read military strategy or whatever it is interesting. I'm a woman, Your Majesty, not a God,"

"You're a brat!" he replied.

Huifen gasped, "Your Majesty! How could you?!"

She dramatically pulled herself from his arms. "I came all this way to dazzle you with this costume, and you treat me so poorly. Ah! I'm going back to Chengqiangong to cry in my jiejie's arms,"

The Emperor laughed at the dramatics of it all. Huifen joined in, coming back to press a quick kiss to his lips.

"Maybe we'll get more use out of this outfit when I serve you tomorrow night, Your Majesty,"

"You're so sure I'll flip your tag?"

Huifen looked up at him from beneath her full and feathered lashes, "Just a guess, Your Majesty. I'll take my leave,"

One of his life's ultimate cruelties was watching Huifen leave. At least he could comfort himself with the thought of spending the night with her soon. Returning to his desk, The Emperor caught sight of Shen huang gui fei's bai tang go. It almost made him laugh. Had his Noble Imperial Concubine had the opportunity to distract him, she would've jumped at the chance. Nothing was ever enough for her.

He pointed his chin at the cakes, "The little eunuchs can have those,"

"Your Majesty is too kind," Zhang Wei replied, handing them off to another servant.

Yes. He was.

✺

Morning greetings were so dull. Nothing The Empress had to say had anything to do with An pin at all. Very few things kept her interested these days. Her work on Shen huang gui fei was slow going and without an earnest bosom buddy, she mostly spent her days wandering around from garden to garden with her shadow, Wang chang zai. An pin was so bored that she almost contemplated letting her be alone with Cao taiyi.

Only almost.

The explosion of glee that she felt when Yiru had fallen sick had already faded away. Shen huang gui fei didn't much worse for wear so An pin couldn't even take much joy from that. Yiru was holding on from what Cao taiyi was saying, and the other one was still perfectly fine. What was Limei doing in that palace? An pin had given her everything she needed to encourage her to act, and there was still nothing.

How had Shen huang gui fei been able to do this? With just a few perfectly put words, she could convince anyone that what she wanted was what they wanted to do all their life. Her hands never had to get dirty. An pin swallowed a sigh. She hoped that The Empress would run out of things to say soon so she could back to her palace and wallow. 

An pin had just sat, up, waiting for the signal to leave when Lian fei spoke, "Your Highness, I have something to announce. I'm two months pregnant,"

How nice.

"What wonderful news, meimei!" The Empress replied, "The Imperial Hospital confirmed?"

Lian fei nodded.

"It's a shame you won't be able to come to Mulan, but it's lovely to see you finally be blessed with pregnancy. The Empress Dowager will be pleased,"

"Yes," said Shen huang gui fei, "Now that His Majesty's daughters are starting married life, another princess would go perfectly,"

Everyone knew that was as good as cursing the pregnancy but all Lian fei could do was thank her for the well wishes. Judging by the tightness in Shen huang gui fei's jaw, her jiejie wasn't pleased with the news. Not many in the room were. The main hall was stuffed to the brim with the new young girls that Xiang pin had been pawning off to The Emperor, and they were viciously jealous that an old hat had gotten pregnant before any of them.

"Congratulations, meimei," De gui fei said.

That set off an avalanche of well wishes, sincere or not.

"His Majesty will be overjoyed by this," said The Empress, "Prince or Princess, another child so soon after Yiru and Yizhong is a cause for celebration,"

"May I tell him, Your Highness?" Lian fei asked.

Before The Empress could reply, Shen huang gui fei said, "You should bring Xiang meimei with you to make sure His Majesty doesn't miss out on this joyous occasion,"

An pin had to hide her snicker behind her fan. Goodness, Shen huang gui fei had to be fuming to be so blunt. Usually an insult like that would've been wrapped in silk.

Ever the diplomat, The Empress jumped in, "I'm sure Xiang meimei has her plans for the day. Lian fei, why don't we wait at Yianxindian for His Majesty to return from court? You can tell him then,"

"Thank you, Your Highness," Lian fei beamed.

Again, An pin was readying herself to leave when The Empress said, "Shen huang gui fei, it's very kind of you to think of Lian fei, but I think it's best you spent your energy on making sure that Yizhong doesn't follow in his brother's footsteps,"

The air in the room vanished. An pin was baffled. Since when did The Empress speak like that to anyone, let alone Shen huang gui you fei? An pin looked around the room. More than a few mouths were ajar in the face of the callous remark, while many others were eagerly waiting for Shen huang gui fei's response.

She stared at The Empress, her face stony and impassive, before giving a brittle smile.

"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness,"

"You're so welcome, meimei," said The Empress.

The Empress stood, "Let's hurry along, Lian fei,"

An pin and her fellow concubines kneeled to send her away with respect. When An pin glanced at Shen huang gui fei during the chorus, her lips were shut tight. 

_________ * A type of Chinese pastry made from rice flour and white sugar. ** Tang dynasty noblewoman hairstyle, E Ji † Traditional ornamental forehead makeup

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[yandrness]

I love my yanderes insane, feral, cold, murderous, psychotic, apathetic, trigger happy – you name it. The reddest red flag on the field. But the condition to me liking that is that they have this tiny, tiny, TINY little permanent spot for their S/O that absolutely no one is allowed to touch, not even themselves.

I don’t want abusive assholes who claim they love S/O but do nothing but physically assault them. Ew no. I want an insane man who is softly, crazily, utterly obsessed over this significant other and loves them till it makes them physically nauseous. They try in their own way to love their S/O and sometimes they don’t even know it’s love, but they want everything that is their S/O – their tears, their blood, their sadness, their happiness. They will swallow and devour anything they can see. 

And as it turns out, their S/O’s smile and happiness is more intoxicating than anything else (like poison, like fungus, it latches into their insides and consumes them with a need for more more more MORE-).

[miyamiwu]

On the You Yao (Are You OK) Novel

Writing propaganda on You Yao really reminded me of how much I love the novel and the donghua adaptation. The donghua is already very good on its own, but I also greatly recommend reading the original novel. The donghua changed a lot of stuff (and they were good, reasonable changes—no complaints about that), so the novel, although still similar in essence, just hits quite differently.

The novel’s prose is simple and direct. Not many descriptions on backgrounds and what the characters are feeling. The author shows it all through dialogues and actions. It’s almost like reading a chat fic, but with longer paragraphs. So when you start reading it, you expect it to be just another fun, light read, but then… while still being as simple and direct, it suddenly drops bombs straight into your heart, and it’s like—oh. oh.

Like, on one hand, you get funny exchanges like this:

“In the past, fighting relied on blades, then it relied on firearms. Do you know what it relies on now?” Lou Zhu straightened up and solemnly said, “What?” Lin Kai said, “Public opinion.”

But then, seemingly out of nowhere, you get lines like this that just makes you pause and think:

“I was not afraid of death at all. I was just afraid of him, afraid that he’s still waiting for me to go back home.”

---

Reading You Yao is an experience, so you should definitely check it out.

[foxghost]

I'm writing and I'm writing and it never seems to end? And then it occurred to me that I should maybe go check the word count on that outline and

the outline has 8000 words in it