#concubine lane

[thecaptain-and-thecook]

Where to see Ipoh's Exciting Street Art

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] We spent two days exploring the vibrant street art of Ipoh, which is located 200km north of Kuala Lumpur in the Malaysian state of Perak. Ipoh is popular with domestic and international tourists and is known for its cuisine, heritage, and creative street art. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] Street Art [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] I fell in love with…

[hoshigray]

based on this old req ask!! sorry it took a while, but glad i got to it :3

⊹ 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: true form! Sukuna x fem concubine! reader - SFW yet a tiny bit suggestive; proceed with caution - bullying/mistreatment - fluff! - kissing - hickeys + biting - pet names ([little] dove, good girl, pet, woman) - sukuna lowkey treasures you, aww - implied scratching - mention of assault/abuse.

⊹ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 2.4k

“…Speak.”

“Huh?”

“You heard me.” The four crimson-eyed narrows his gaze, and you gulp thickly. “What’s occupying your thoughts?”

When your cursed giant of a husband asks–more like commands– you to speak your mind, you’re expected to comply, of course, however, the thing that clouds your mind isn’t something that the King of Curses should concern himself with; it’s a matter for you to deal with.

It’s a matter you must bear alone…because it’s about you.

“Ugh, it’s you. Get out of my sight.”

“You! How dare you come in between me and Lord Sukuna?! Are you that desperate? Unbelievable.”

“Ignominous wench. Know your place, you lower-class concubine.”

No man with many mistresses in a palace can say he has no favorite—it’s impossible. You, a lower-ranked concubine amongst the many that serve for Ryōmen Sukuna, are his most valuable mistress. He never said it himself, using his actions to speak for himself. You are the one who mostly beds him when he seeks company, the one who attends to his walks around the palace gardens, the one he speaks to as acquaintances, and -in the rare times when he feels like it- will send you a gift or request you be with him during his audiences. 

You also don’t say anything, not wanting to overstep boundaries or speak for your master. And yet, your heart can’t deny the feelings you experience when the tall behemoth chooses to spend time with you, whether for private services or trespassing your personal chambers to nap on your lap as he wishes. Down to your very soul, you knew you were his most favorite.

“Greedy whore; can’t keep your hands off him for a second, huh? You have no right.”

“What? You can’t possibly think you are his favorite; you might as well change from a concubine to a clown.”

But, it is not a sentiment shared amongst the other women under Sukuna’s wing. Some women have been servicing the master longer than you have, some of whom come from affluent names and take their jobs seriously with pride. So, you can’t find it in your heart to blame them for despising you—a lowborn who effortlessly gains the lord’s favor? You were a sight to their eyes; no wonder they had to step in and demand you to stay in your lane. 

You honestly can’t argue with their philosophy; you’d probably be doing the same had you been in their positions instead. Nonetheless, you’re much of a concubine like the rest, and Sukuna finding comfort in your presence is a fact only a fool would discredit. And a fool you were not. To question your work ethic only made you silently agitated, your stomach knotting itself in dread.

“Dove.”

And nearly has you forget where you are right now, straddling Sukuna on his massive frame. His lower hands hold you by the thighs, the tongue of his stomach teasing your elbow with an inquiring lick, and his upper right hand brushing your cheek to remind you of the current moment. He’s still awaiting your answer, and it would be foolish not to respect his time—especially on the tiny occurrence he’s asking worrying about you. 

“My apologies, Lord Sukuna,” you smile and lean to his hand, his palm easily gulfing the size of your face. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Hmph, so now you lie?” His thumb grazes your skin. “If it were nothing, I wouldn’t have asked.”

“Yes, you are right, my Lord,” your hand rubs on his upper abdomen; the pleasant rumble from his stomach is a purr. “But you don’t have to worry; I don’t wish to bother you with my troubles.”

Maroon eyes scan your expression before he holds your chin and brings his face closer to yours. His upper left hand ever-so-slowly slid your hadajuban down along your kimono. “What makes you think you can say your troubles will bother me? That’s for me to decide, which is why I ask.”

“My Lord, please—“

“Woman,” a quick twitch on your chin silences you–a warning. “I won’t ask again. Speak to me, or I’ll leave because I won’t waste my time here when you’re thinking of something or someone else—“

“N-No,” you’re quick to reassure, your hands finding his chest. “Forgive my reluctance, my King,” you sigh deeply as the giant returns to his relaxed state, and you finally tell him of your growing concern. He listens to every word, not forming a reaction until you’ve spoken till the very last point. Then, he speaks.

“Tch, those insolent women,” he sucks his teeth, and the grip on your thighs gets tighter. “And you, how can you let the words of others dictate your value to me; they aren’t me, so they don’t speak for me when it comes to you.”

That’s why I said it wasn’t a matter for you to worry about… “Forgive me, Sukuna,” your eyes widen; you forgot to address his title and spoke informally. You avoided his gaze after seeing his grin and hearing his snigger. A speck of humiliation coincides with the heat of your cheeks; you’re sure he’d feel it, too, as his fore and middle fingers brush your cheek. “It’s just….I don’t ridicule them for seeing me as a threat, as we are all meant to serve you. Regardless, I…pardon my selfishness, but it’s not fair that I should back down and reject your wishes simply because they don’t like it. Again, our purpose in this palace is to serve you, and all the other mistresses have just as much a right to want to be of use to you. Yet,” you chew your lip before saying the following words. “…I wish to be in your favor for as long as possible.”

The sole-slitted salmon eyebrow rises, examining your figure at his pace as the silence makes you uneasy. Then, with no warning in Sukuna fashion, strong cursed hands have you maneuvered, taking his place with your back to the futon. It takes a second to process until you find your master propped above you, his broad frame shadowing yours. Your breath hitches as he brings his face closer. 

“Would you be fine if I go accompany someone else?” Your warmth shifts cold when he asks. 

“No, my Lord.”

“And why is that?”

“Because…you’re here with me now.”

“Right, because I’m not interested in being with anyone else right now. Whoever I see is for me to decide, and if I wish to see you the most,” he bends closer, and the tip of his nose meets yours. He whispers, “then that’s for me to criticize. Those who think otherwise are not worth my time, right?” You nod; he is pleased. He inches near, “So, I don’t want you thinking about this or anyone else, not while I’m here. Understood?”

“Yes, Master Sukuna…”

“Good girl,” his lips meet yours for a soft kiss, your whimper prompting him to peck more. Instinctually, your legs spread for him to come between, and your hands come to cup his face as you return his kisses with merit. 

Moans are exchanged as the kiss becomes more indecent; Sukuna shoves his tongue inside once you open your mouth for him, and you happily accept him with compliant whines and swirls of your own wet muscle for him to tease and nibble. Your lower half begins to buck subtly without your knowledge, reciprocated with humps from Sukuna. 

Sucking on your tongue has you wailing, feeding more to the cursed man’s ego. You wrap your legs around him, the tongue of his stomach venturing out to lick your first layer of robe that serves as an irritating barrier. It pushes the flap to the side, finally greeting the skin of your tummy with laggard laps.

You break the kiss, and he snickers, bringing his lips to your neck and collar to suck on and bite. You sob softly, the sound only humoring the giant. “Mine,” he nibbles on your neck again. “My little dove…”

His lower right hand glides from your leg and ventures to your hadajuban, sliding between the flaps to touch and grope the flesh of your inner thigh.

You almost sink into the sensation of being touched so delicately, yet engulfed by his massiveness. Then, something hits you, and Sukuna is shocked by the sudden push of his chest. “Wait, my Lord,” you start before he can interrogate. “Pardon me, but I…have a request I would like you to hear before we continue. May I?”

He doesn’t reply; you’re wary of moving a limb. But after a brief silence, he says, “Go on.”

You wish to exhale in relief, but you save it for later. “May I please mark you?” 

Of course, the man tilts back with a scowl. “Mark me?”

“Marking, like how you bite and leave hickeys on my skin.”

“And give me a good reason why I’d let you mark me?”

You were treading towards a different wave, a boundary that isn’t typically meant to be stepped over when dealing with Sukuna. And yet you still plead your case: “You leave your marks on me to remind me that I am yours and yours alone, yes?” He huffs in confirmation. “I wish to do the same to you and—“

“Who said I belonged to you?”

“I don’t want to do it to make it appear like that.” Another huff from him. “The other mistresses have yet to ever leave such prints on you as they wouldn’t dare. And yet those same people come to me and chastise me for spending my leisure with you. So, I wish to leave my mark on you to establish my standing, that I shouldn’t be belittled just for gaining most of your favor.” 

Sukuna scoffs. “So you want to use me to show off?”

You nod. “Only if you allow it, my Lord.”

There was another brief silence between you two; four red eyes honed on yours. “One condition,” he begins. “To leave your mark on me entails you are irrefutably mine, meaning you are my thing to play and destroy and no one else’s. Mark anyone else, and you better hope I lean to leaving more permanent bites and features rather than having you dead and staining the garden.” 

A promise you know better than to push aside. “I expect nothing less from my master if I were stupid enough to ever forget that.” You nod while stroking his cheek with your palm. “Until you cast me away, I am solely yours.”

He grins, kissing and faintly chewing your palm. “Fine, scratch and mark away, pet.” His lips come to yours once more, and you have no desire to stop him this time.

SLAP!!

“Fucking bitch, how dare you?!”

“You really have no shame; what the hell is wrong with you?”

The next day was much more intriguing, especially your subsequent encounter with two other concubines. Including the stinging feeling on your cheek, the altercation became more physical. The scales were tipped, and they had enough, voicing their vexation on this fine day outside the engawa strip. 

One grabbed you by the kimono, her teeth gritted with anger. “What a third-rate whore. What kind of concubine doesn’t bother concealing their hickeys? “

The other woman clicks her teeth. “Do you think we want to know your business as you stride these hallways? Are you trying to get killed?”

Usually, after your nights with Sukuna, you’d ensure every mark possibly present to the naked eye was concealed. However, today was different; the hickeys of your neck were visible for everyone to see. 

“I’m sorry,” but you weren’t; just saying words for show. “I must have forgotten.”

They did not like your answer. The one yanking your clothing struck your cheek again. “Forgotten, my ass!” 

“Don’t you dare act smart with us,” The other woman yanks you by the ear, but you don’t make a sound. “Trash like you should relearn some basic manners and etiquette.” 

And who said you were the ones to teach me said lessons? “With all due respect, Tenth and Twelfth Mistress,” the women glare at the mention of their titles from your voice. “I don’t see myself taking your advice when you two aren’t even placed in the top five standings.” 

A hand is raised to strike again. “Why you—“

“Swing that hand, and you will lose it.”

Three pairs of eyes move to the colossal figure coming from the hallway’s darkness. Sukuna, the observer to the entire entourage, tailed with subordinate Uraume right behind him. Your eyes flicker to the trembling hand gripping your clothes; anyone would be a fool not to be scared of the tall man staring daggers at them.

Sukuna bares his teeth. “One second to let go of them, or your hands will be sliced off.” They obeyed halfway into that statement, moving to the side of the wall to fetal bow as thunderous steps came near.

“Forgive us, Lord Sukuna!” Apologies fly out instantly, and heads burrowed in shame in the back of their palms. Seeing such agitation towards you transition to utter fear in seconds—how interesting.

The pink-haired curse stops before you, yet his eyes are locked on the two bowing. “Lift your heads.” The women do as they’re told, their expressions displaying nothing short of horror. Sukuna wore his casual attire, a black yukata robe with his chest proudly peaking out, all four arms crossed to shield his torso. 

However, what contrasts the most is what catches your eyes and the other concubines. The window of his chest showcases a mark that contrasts the color of his skin, situated right below the collarbone of his right pectoral—a hickey out for you three to see. Unknown to the women, there were more markings that were shielded from his clothing—scratches from your nails exist on his back and tiny bite marks on his hidden shoulders. But those were facts only meant for you to know.

“For how many times you hit this one,” his arms unscrew from each other for his left hands to bring you close to him. “Will be the how many scars I’ll leave on those faces of yours.” The shudder of the women is noticed. “Know your place.”

And with that, Sukuna doesn’t allow you to dismiss yourself from the scene. He leads you with him, walking further down the engawa hall. Uraume follows you both, giving the women a short look as they stride. 

You don’t say anything; just strolling to where your master will take you. Because you know he will be there wherever you go—away from the women or anyone to strike you, for only his hands were meant to touch you. 

© 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐲2024 – reblogs and comments are appreciated wholeheartedly ☆ header edit done by me + dividers by @/animatedglittergraphics-n-more.

[bangtanhoneys]

BTS & Grace: BTS Songs

SEOKJIN - EPIPHANY

The piano stared at him. 

Well, he stared at the piano in the most accusing stare he could produce. It had been awhile since he played anything, and the last time had been a bit of fun before he had to go and do his military duty. Now that he was out and now in production for his first solo album, his skills seemed to have vanished. 

“What’s the piano done?” Grace asked, putting the iced coffee on the table of the practice studio and kicking off her shoes. 

“Hmm? Oh, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to play,” Seokjin admitted as his long fingers hit the keys in what he thought was the correct pattern, but it didn’t sound right. 

Grace said nothing as she sat on the piano bench and glanced at the music score set out, realising he had been trying to play Epiphany. A special song to both of them if the tattoo on her ribs was any indication. 

“So you’ve forgotten how to play, or are you not confident?” She asked, glancing up at her partner for many, many, years. 

“I’m confident! I’m World Wide Handsome! I’m always confident!”

The stare he got in return had Seokjin deflating as he sat on the chair that was next to the piano. “Okay, I’m nervous. That’s probably the right word.”

Grace knew a little of what Seokjin was feeling. He was the last one to bring out an album, and there were very high expectations from everyone: from himself, from the fans, from the boys, from the company. He hadn’t exactly had time to hone his skills again after coming out of the military, as he had jumped face-first into other projects, but as Grace knew, trying to do an album that fully displayed all your skills was a hard thing to do.

She didn’t fully know how to play the piano; her skills were more in her voice and dancing rather than an instrument. But, for Seokjin, she could try.

“Let’s sing it first,” she said as she got comfortable.

The first notes of Epiphany started, and Grace didn’t look at Seokjin, keeping her eyes fully focused on the keys and the notes. And it was if by instinct that the lyrics flowed from Seokjin without any trouble. She knew the more he sang it, the more he would feel comfortable, the more he would be inclined to touch the piano, the more other lyrics would come to him for his future album. 

He just had to have his little epiphany first. 

YOONGI - DAECHWITA

Grace still didn’t know how she managed to find herself on the set of Yoongi’s new music video but here she was, sitting in the director’s tent as she watched the camera be set up for the cameo of Jungkook and Jin who would ‘perform’ behind Yoongi. 

The energy on set was unmatched and she could see props being carried around, costumes being adjusted and Yoongi being run through what was the next couple of scenes. For Grace, she was here as moral support. She didn’t have to do anything other than watch, drink tea, offer a suggestion every now and then and laugh at the beard they had managed to stick to Jin’s chin. 

It did look good to be fair, if he could grow one properly. 

Next to Grace was one of her favourite directors and long time BTS collaborator, Lumpens. His eye for detail and hidden meanings was well known amongst the fandom and Grace wondered what hidden details he would manage to slip into this movie video. 

A historic battle between Suga and AgustD, his two personas - modern and old. 

Daechwita was becoming one of Grace’s favourite songs to hit the gym with. 

“Are you sure you don’t want a cameo?” 

Grace glanced over and shook her head as Yoongi stood next to the monitors, watching as the crowd was being set up along the lane. “I’m good, thanks. Jungkook and Jin are pretty much going to steal the show at this point and you’ve done most of the work. Plus, it’s not like I can slip in un-noticed.”

“You could be the concubine,” Lumpens teased.

The snort of laughter was almost missed as Grace gasped in mocked outrage. “Concubine? Here I thought I would have the higher role of queen, thank you very much.”

Yoongi’s shoulders shook with laughter as he left the area, hurrying over to tell his hyung and maknae what had just happened.

“Concubine,” Grace muttered to herself as she huffed and crossed her arms. Little did she know, less than a year later, she would be performing said song on stage and modernly dressed as a concubine but hidden by a fan until revealed later on in her verse. 

But for now, as she watched the scene revealing Jin and Jungkook, she couldn’t help but mutter again, “Concubine,” with a pout. 

J-HOPE - BOY MEETS EVIL 

The video was never meant to see the light of day, after it was deemed by the company to be too sexy, but with Grace’s solo career about to start and Hobi now about to be discharged, Big Hit Entertainment finally released the full version of Boy Meets Evil with Grace in it. 

It caused a storm on social media after many watched the video, now fully understanding why they had seen the behind the scenes video but not the actual thing. 

“Here’s my dance partner,” Hobi told the camera with a big grin on his face, as if he didn’t know what exactly was about to happen. 

“We’ve gone full sexy for this one,” Grace sighed as her lips were touched up with bright red and her hair that had been newly dyed red with black highlights was fluffed up. She was dressed similar to Hobi, but in black leather pants and a loose white blouse, bright red heels on her feet. 

While her vocals were in Boy Meets Evil, but in the background and somewhat disguised, Grace’s character was heavily influenced in the WINGS album and story. Her video for her solo song, Dangerous Woman, would be the introduction to Hobi’s video which is why the team thought it would be a good idea to film a version of Boy Meets Evil with Grace in it. 

The choreography had been confirmed only two days ago with Grace’s moves to match Hobi’s and there was one move which Grace knew would cause a ruckus, when Hobi would bend his knees to the floor, she would be laid on his back with her chest to the ceiling and her hand reaching up.

It was daring, perfect for the themes but maybe it was too daring. 

“Sexy is fun though. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen dark red Grace. Danger has come back,” Hobi teased which brought a small laugh out of Grace. It wasn’t that was unused to being sexy, she had to do it for Skool Luv Affair and Dark & Wild but this was sexy to the extreme. The dance routine for Blood, Sweat and Tears was proof of that.

NAMJOON - PERSONA

The final selection of different recordings of Namjoon’s solo and the introduction to the new album played over the speakers in the recording studio with PDogg and Hiss Noise at the deck as they twiddled with a couple of buttons and sliders. So far, it was sounding good with the samples of Intro: Skool Luv Affair but it was clear they were missing something as Namjoon had dragged Grace into the studio with him for the last recording day. 

“I think it sounds great, what’s missing?” Grace asked when the song was finished playing.

“There’s just something missing,” PDogg shrugged as he played the song again and got to the part of the song that was clearly troubling him. It was the third verse after the chorus and Grace frowned, not sure what could be missing that was needed to give the extra jump. 

“Maybe you need a bit of a high pitched ‘woh’,” she suggested. “Every after line of Joon’s, just add that in so it adds that emphasis on what he’s saying.”

Clearly, from the look on the three men’s faces, that had been the perfect suggestion as Grace then found herself in the booth with headphones on and a sheet of lyrics in front of her. She’d be in there for another three hours as they played around with different tones, different sounds, going high, going low but it was always over the same part.

“My name is R,” played in Grace’s ears as she waited for the parts where she thought she could add that bit of extra something to the third verse and after doing it for the final time, the producers plus Namjoon were satisfied.

“Ah thank you Gigi,” Namjoon beamed as he all but slumped into the chair.

“I’ve never done so many woh in my life,” she sighed but at least the song was done and marked for completion. She just had to go and finish her own now. 

JIMIN - LIE

WINGS was a major project, and it had Grace being pulled each way. She was in discussions over costumes, doing research with Namjoon to figure out the major points of what was the 'story’ behind the album, and while all that was going on, she was in discussions over her ‘character’ and her own solo song for the album.

Which is why Jimin felt bad when he came to the small office that had been her old office from her secretary days and now turned into a small studio. One wall was covered in images that helped with inspiration, and the computer on the desk was currently playing the instrumental version of Blood, Sweat and Tears while printing out various pages of something in English.

“Noona?” Jimin asked, poking his head around the doorway after gently knocking on the frame. 

Grace glanced up from where she was highlighting something and arched an eyebrow, knowing full well Jimin should be in recording right now. “Everything okay?” she asked, putting down the highlighter and swinging her chair around. 

“PDogg has a special request,” the young man sighed.

She snorted and grinned, shaking her head. “I bet he does. What do you need?”

“There are these parts in the song where we need ‘a haunting female vocal,’ his words not mine and he’s tried to replicate what he wants and I’ve tried but we can’t quite make it work,” Jimin pulled out his phone and pressed play on what had been recorded in the session.

The vocals were the opener to what would then be LIE, Jimin’s solo song, and the vocals would haunt the rest of the song. PDogg had tried to pull off an almost operatic ‘yeah’ in some parts, but with the way Jimin winced, it clearly didn’t work.

“Okay, let me see what he wants me to do, and let’s see if it works. I’ve got an hour spare before I’m dragged to another meeting with Namjoon,” she sighed as she grabbed her WINGS notebook and her cardigan, swinging it on just before Jimin flung his arms around her.

“Ah noona, you’re the best. I’m going to owe you one if this works.”

What Grace managed to produce in an hour was kept on the final edition of the track. Many would compliment the way it made perfect sense to have her do those parts to accompany what her ‘character’ represented throughout the whole album and BTS universe. 

TAEHYUNG - INNER CHILD

“You want me to sing the whole song with you?”

Grace was a bit astonished when she had been pulled into another meeting with the producers and the team behind Map of the Soul 7.

“Well, sort of. We’re going to mix your vocals in with Taehyung’s and this is at his request because he feels like he can’t do the song justice without your vocals alongside him,” PDogg shrugged.

“But his version is amazing and he’s a talented singer without me and anyone else backing his vocals up,” Grace tried to argue but she knew better than to argue with Taehyung over what he wanted. It was his solo song on the album and while she had provided vocals for nearly everyone else, Taehyung was one of the few who asked. But if wanted Grace on this song, doing what she used to do best, then that’s exactly what she would do. 

The next day, in the recording studio, Taehyung was already in the booth and waiting.

“You’re here early,” Grace chuckled as she shrugged off her coat and set her tea down on a table off to the side.

“It’s not often I get to sing fully with my noona,” he grinned. 

With headphones on and a sheet of paper handed over to her where Taehyung had underlined the lyrics where he wanted to hear her voice as well as notes on where her backing vocals were needed, Grace settled herself on the chair in the booth next to Taehyung.

And in the final edit of the track, you could tell it was a female’s voice but they had mixed it in a way that you couldn’t quite tell it was Grace’s. Hidden but there and for those who knew Grace’s vocals well, they could easily hear her by the time verse three rolled around as she clearly sang with Taehyung. 

JUNGKOOK - SHOT GLASS OF TEARS

They were known for being able to sing a rough guide of a song and make it something magical. Any song Namjoon, Yoongi, J-Hope, PDogg, PDBang or anyone sent to them - let them just sing it and the song made itself. With Jungkook’s perfect pitch and Grace’s adaptability from English to Korean, they made a good team.

When it came to Golden and the final song of the album, there was only one person Jungkook wanted to do his background vocals for him. It wasn’t like any of the other producers argued with him either, he was all the way in Korea and they were in America and so Jungkook sent out the special request to his noona. 

The answer, as expected, was a resounding yes.

Grace, personally, thought that she didn’t need to do much as she sat there with the headphones on and listened to what was being called the last rough cut. She could hear Jungkook’s own background vocals blending in and she glanced at the sheet where there had been notes on what she needed to do.

“I’m proud of you,” she said suddenly as Jungkook joined her in the booth to act as a vocal director for her. He blinked and turned bashful, knowing this album was completely unexpected of him with its suggestive lyrics and cursing but he was an adult now and Grace was starting to see that. 

She reached over and gently pinched his cheek, causing him to frown at her. “Come on,” she laughed and pulled the microphone closer. “Tell me where you want noona to do what she needs to do.”

[guzhuangheaven]

This might not be a relevant question, but the internet has not been very helpful, so I'm willing to try my luck here. What are the treasures given to the Empress (most prominently seen in Ruyi, I suppose)? I know the edict and seal are two of them, but there seem to be more carried behind her whenever she uses the sedan and also some plaques of gold? At this point, any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

The treasures given to the Empress includes:

jinbao 金宝 - the Empress’ seal. Others from the rank of fei and up also have their own seal but they are called 印 yin and not 宝 which literally means treasure. 

jince 金冊 - proclamation book. When titles are bestowed, the proclamation is recorded on golden tablets as a record, and in the Qing dynasty, these proclamation books are written in Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and Tibetan. This is why the proclamation ceremony are called cefeng. When the Step Empress was disgraced, Qianlong recalled both her Empress’ seal and the jince from her promotions to ranks of fei, gui fei, huang gui fei, and huang hou. 

These are the items that Li Yu tried to return to Ruyi in the drama at the end but she refused to take them back.

Ruyi also gets given a bunch of other stuff which makes up her guard of honour/procession later:

Which is basically all the stuff these people are carrying here:

The procession/guard of honour is basically just a show of status and the number of people/items they carry vary according to rank but generally includes various combinations of things like umbrella, fans, incense burners, gold vases, incense boxes, spittoons, basins, stools, gold cross-legged chairs, etc - i.e. to prove you have enough servants to just carry these things you may or may not need for a stroll down the lane. 

They definitely had more stuff when going out on longer trips. Here's a Chinese reference that lists things in full if you want muddle through some machine translation.

The name for the procession vary according to rank too:

仪驾 yijia - ceremonial procession of the emperor, empress, empress dowager

仪仗 yizhang - ceremonial procession for imperial noble consort and noble consort

采仗 caizhang - ceremonial procession for imperial concubine (pin) and consort 

(By the way, we must have gotten at least 5 asks over the years about the procession of honour and just been putting off answering any of them because the details are too complicated and requires too much brain power to detail. Here’s your short answer to anyone who ever asked this.) 

[wangxianficrecs]

Follower Recs

~*~

I'd like to make a rec or two for WIP week!

The first is this one, a SVSSS crossover where BingQui raised WWX, and it's a fix-it from the point after WWX breaks the Wens out of Qiongqi pass. The author said they only had a couple scenes left before it was complete, and despite it's unfinished state, it's still a pretty complete read!

回家/Huí jiā

by Exaigon

T, WIP, 68k, Wangxian & Bingqiu

Summary: Wei Wuxian makes his way back to the parents who raised him. Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe are inordinately pleased by this, and aren't willing to entertain the cultivation world's silly thoughts about their son being evil and needing to be killed.

~*~

Next is a Royalty AU with Royal Lans and Concubine WWX playing identity shenanigans on everyone but LWJ. Political intrigue! Mystery! Angst! Silly outsider POVs! The first two parts of the story are complete, but the third is not, but what is there is very good!

The Concubine Mo Chronicles

by Enigmatree

T, Series, WIP, 99k, Wangxian

Summary: An AU where the Lan Xichen is the Emperor; Lan Wangji is the Crown Prince; the Jin, Jiang, and Nie are Dukedoms; and even 13 years dead, Wei Wuxian is still the most feared man in all of China. Newly resurrected, Wei Wuxian would love nothing more than to cultivate a core and go become a rogue cultivator. Except, there's something very suspicious going on in the Imperial Palace, and while Wei Wuxian might not be able to help Lan Wangji in solving it, the unassuming and soft-spoken "Prince-Concubine Mo" sure can.

~*~

And finally, one of my new faves. An Addams Family AU! A locked fic though! Each individual chapter is it's own story that are all loosely connected, but it's still very funny!!

The Altogether Ooky WangXian Family

by FluffyHippogriff

T, WIP, 64k, Wangxian

Summary: This was a perfectly normal town, once upon a time. Perfectly normal people with perfectly normal hobbies and perfectly normal jobs leading perfectly normal lives. And then the perfectly abnormal family at 0001 Cemetery Lane enrolled their oldest child in school, unleashing countless "horrors" upon their fellow citizens. [Chapters are individual stories, with loose sitcom-esque overarching narrative]

~*~

(Please REBLOG as a signal boost for these hard-working authors if you like – or think others might like – these stories.)

[aebiil]

Concubine Lane, Ipoh, Perak

[cookie-swirl]

Throw back on one of my adventures. This is a place in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. There is a lot to see historical wise and when it comes to arts and craft. One of the place that I've posted here is called "Concubine Lane." It's formerly known as "Mistress Lane" as it used to be a red light district. Now its just a historical site and there's a lot of shops there that sells China wares and Chinese tea. There's so much to look around here at Ipoh.

[eyesview]

Old place

Concubine Lane, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia 🇲🇾

November 2022

[lilgraceandi]

Kampar trip 7-9 September,23

We drove up right after picking Grace up from school and picking up Lisa. Half way up Lisa took over the wheel and drove to her friend’s place. She was going to Kota Kinabalu the following day.

We arrived in Kampar at about 6.30pm and checked in to Kampar Boutique Hotel. Then we met up with Xin Yun and Cheryl for dinner, where we enjoyed very appetising clay pot dishes like clay pot eggplant, tofu and chicken.

The following morning, we picked Cheryl up from UTAR after her lecture in the morning and headed for Ipoh. Xin Yun couldn’t join us because she had a test.

We took the trunk road to Ipoh, chatting and munching grapes on the way. When we arrived, we had a hard time getting a parking lot. I think we only found one after 30 minutes. The first thing we did was stroll along Concubine Lane, which was lined with little dessert stalls and souvenir shops. Then we were delighted to find a BookXcess bookstore and bought some books. For lunch we walked to Nam Heong, a crowded but fast-serving coffee shop which sold noodles and egg tarts. Then we bought bread at another shop, because it was quite cheap.

After that, we bought some local biscuits a few doors from Ho Yan Hor Museum which we could only visit at 3.30pm. So we drove to Chang Jiang Coffee Shop for white coffee and headed back again to the museum. It was a very inspiring and eye-opening visit. We learnt about the enterprising businessman Ho Kai Cheong who started Ho Yan Hor, selling herbal tea to the community. A committed Christian, his business thrived and expanded throughout Malaysia and abroad. Today his eldest son helms the company under the Hovid brand.

At the end of the tour, we tasted all four varieties of herbal tea and bought some too. We drove back to Kampar in the rain, dropped by Xin Yun’s place and had dinner together. The portions were so big we couldn’t finish the food. All the dishes were good except the squid which was rubbery.

On the last day, Leslie suggested we visit the Kinta Tin Mining Museum so that we at least do some sightseeing here. When we arrived, serendipitously there was a kids’ day museum event. Grace had been pining to do some art and craft throughout our trip and her wish came true!! The museum curators who are also artists, explained the history and process of tin mining followed by the story of the elephant Larut, from which the tin mining town of Larut got its name. After that, they made elephant origami and their own unique thermoplastic elephant keychain. They stencilled, coloured and baked the plastic. They did the artwork for about two hours. These artists are really passionate about their work.

We drove back to Muar only after 2pm. It rained almost all the way and traffic was heavy, so we only arrived home at about 9.30pm.

[lunalovegood00]

Pt 2 eps reviews of LOD:

Ep33: Jialuo was so amazing!! Their relationship was so good in this episode. Hope it will blossom more but I fear next ep it will be a storm 😮‍💨 that vicious bitch needs to go down! I wonder how jinniang and his son faring? I know his mom was kind of nasty but it was so sad the son, real son of the duke got the brunt of it too.

Ep34: I can't lie even though it was so ridiculous, the scene when Yuwen Hu provoked Yuwen Yu by revealing the paternity of previous pregnancy was really pretty. Dammn Yuwen Hu for telling that YWY. I agree with what banruo said since she mentioned that he also slept with other concubines. Although at that time, I dislike what she had to do.

Ep37: ughh ofc mantuo will be the one who gonna crack the new relationship of Yang Jian and Jialuo. Dongqu shld be professional and not impatient. What she did will only make Jialuo look bad. I know she wanted to show his dissatisfaction bcs of what mantuo tried to do with Yang Jian but she actually didn't know how to deal with vicious mantuo. This Lihua thing... I'm afraid mantuo will find it out. ZHENG RONG! YOU ARE THE BEST! Why Banruo didn't look like she's gonna burst??

Ep38: I REALLY LOVE ZHENG RONG! EXACTLY GIVE HIM A EARFUL! Yang Jian you stupid naive man!!! If he didn't see through her stupid memory lane talk, then idk what to say other than PTOOIH!! I thought she was the one who said they both hv to move on with their lives and wish his marriage well. Why she brought up the past??? I really like what Chunshi said to Yang Jian, exactly it's time for him to know Mantuo's true nature!!! The one who knew about the whole situation was obviously Prince Fucheng skskksksks. Ughh YUWEN HU GESHU YOU CRUEL BASTARDS. Useless for you to be sad when you might cause her death. Poor Li Cheng, he was so happy to see Yang Jian. At least, Yang Jian got to know what actually happened and maybe he can tell this to Jialuo. MANTUO KYS!! Yup Officer Wang said exactly what she did. She never admit her wrongful behaviour. I hate that she got officer Wang by her side, her luck. Officer Wang will just end up die miserably I think if mantuo done with her.

Ep39: pfftt she actually blurted her true vicious thought in front of Yang Jian. AT LAST!! He knew her true natures and washed his hands off her. So this scene beside the lake was the one played in the intro. Yang Jian and Jialuo, relationship favorability +99%! We cheers! That nurse, ughhhhh this must be for the drama plot. I even said before that i suspect mantuo wld do something about Lihua ughhhhh. I hope that butler mentions about this to Jialuo so she can be prepared. Ughh Yang Jian should just ask the truth about the child to Jialuo.. COMMUNICATION!!! this must be for the plot, again.

Ep40: it was so crazy that Yuwen Hu can do whatever he wanted to the Emperor. Anyway, I'm so glad to see Yang Jian has a near-friend relationship with Prince Fucheng. I didn't mention this before, I'm so glad A'Yong decided to move on by going to another place, far away from Jialuo. Thank goodness he was still not obtuse and admire him for that decision. Also, Yang Jian can watch it live how vicious Mantuo was and I hope he will tell Jialuo about her plan. Well... Whatever it was, the blame was on Yuwen Hu and Yuwen Yu too. Yuwen Hu, especially coz he planned with Geshu to kill the fetus in her womb earlier. He didn't deserve to be sad but he deserved to suffer! Geshu too!!

[mibeau]

[Travel] Let's Cafe Hopping in Ipoh, Perak!

Laid-back and authentic atmosphere, a hidden gem!

Ipoh -- often overshadowed by Penang & Melaka, is home to the famous Ipoh White Coffee, and is known for its hipster cafes and makan spots. Great ambiences, aesthetic or nostalgic interiors with good food and affordable prices. The city offers a scenic backdrop of lush greenery, including mountain ranges and limestone hills. The colourful murals and art installations throughout the city, add to its charm and creativity. 

Great for a cafe-hopping weekend!

Only about a two-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, Here is your must-visit in Ipoh:

1. Nifayyi Warung & Cafe - Haven for socialising and relaxation

Adorned with rustic, chic interior design and lush greenery, Nifayyi offers an exceptional dining experience centred around our beloved local street foods and cuisines. With the ambience, big food portions and coffee options, you will be amazed by the price points! (Especially if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur.)

The first floor can be packed at various hours, if you prefer to chill and be more secluded, head to the second floor.

In addition to their amazing decor and many Instagrammable spots, they also provide Surau and clean toilets. [Do check out the old lift near the toilet!]

Address: No. 77, Jalan Kamaruddin Isa, Taman Fair Park, 31400 Ipoh, Perak.

Operation Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12 noon - 11:30 pm

Whatsapp | Instagram | Website

2. Chakori Cafe - Delish Desserts

Influenced by the Taiwanese/Japanese style of Boho-Chic cafes, you will be tempted to enter Chakori Cafe as you’re strolling along Jalan Market. It features industrial design elements such as cemented brick walls, wooden panelling and warm lighting.

While they do have Mains(served after 11 a.m.), their specialty is desserts like gelatos, waffles and cakes. For drinks, try their matcha latte(more bitter than sweet), genmaicha and many interesting smoothies.

The area further to the back of the café has a chilling vibe with aesthetic plants and wood furniture. However, on less crowded days, the AC is off, so it can be a little bit uncomfortable due to the humidity.

Address: 35, Jalan Market,30000 Ipoh, Perak. (close by the Concubine Lane!)

Operating hours: Weekdays, 10:30am–10:30pm; Weekends, 11am–11:30pm

[Closed on Tuesdays]

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3. De Cafe & Rest House - Coffee, Pastries & The Back Alley

If you’re looking for a snug spot to savour your coffee and unwind, De Cafe & Rest House ensures a memorable experience. Only a two-minute walk from Concubine Lane, this place has a secret photo spot in its back alley. And the cafe’s extensive menu is something to eagerly anticipate!

The alley’s wooden footpath and soft sunlight peeking through the vines growing along the walls. The raw, unfinished industrial interior and nostalgic feel, exude serene elements that are charming to visitors.

Their coffee will awaken your senses, their pastries are mouth-watering and their savoury dishes are hearty with elaborate flavours and texture. Don’t forget their bestselling fluffy Mille Crepes to complete sitting on a sweet note.

Address: 35, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.

Opening hours: Tue – Sat, 9am–6pm; Sundays, 9am–5pm [Closed on Mondays]

Facebook | Instagram

4. Coffee Camp 612 - Camper Dreamer

Overlooking the Ipoh Kinta Riverfront, sunk into their camping chairs and sipped on the rich aroma of their coffee blends. This compact sanctuary is filled with live plants and camping-inspired decorations.

Although, the coffee may lean slightly towards the sweet side, which could be NOT a preference for those who generally enjoy a more bitter coffee.

While it might not offer the kind of tranquillity and serenity that allow you to engage with nature from a more adventurous perspective. There are small cages that house a range of reptiles and arachnids, including the bearded dragon and tarantulas. You might even get to interact with them when the staff is free.

Address: Lot A-25, No. A-9, Kinta River Walk, Lebuhraya Istana, Taman Istana, Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hours: Everyday, 5:00pm – 10:30pm [Closed on Mondays]

Facebook | Instagram

Ipoh is worth exploring!

Relatively a small city, it is fun to cafe-hopping, but note the closing days as they can be varied. Many only perceive it as a convenient stop-over due to its well-connected routes to other major cities in Malaysia. Ipoh charms those who appreciate a more relaxed and culturally immersive travel experience. To name a few places to visit, check out the Concubine Lane, Sunday Flea Market and Kinta Nature Park.

So, plan your itinerary, come over soon!

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*All photos used are credited to their respective owners. A special mention to Travel With Sun for the inspiration!

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Join me on Telegram & Instagram for quick updates! Ciao ~

[taiblogcomics]

Small Soldiers

Hey there, unfastened meatbelts. Still riding that birthday high! Let's come down a bit by having to focus on Countdown for a bit. That's sure to kill any joy we might have stored up~

Here's the cover:

Uh-huh. Just gonna say it: this cover sucks. It's boring as hell. The Ray Palmer Multiverse Crew are menaced by some beige spearmen. It's just… not good. My feelings for it are as beige as the vague enemies threatening them. At least Ryan Choi got to be on the cover for at least one issue. Don't even have the mood to waffle on about it more to fill up space! "Atomic Warfare" is a pretty stupid tagline, though.

The recap goes like this: Jason Todd, Donna Troy, Ryan Choi, and Bob the Monitor are searching the multiverse for Ray Palmer. Pied Piper and Trickster are searching for a place to hide while chained together. Mary Marvel is searching for a mentor in magical arts. Karate Kid and Una are searching for why they're still in the past. Jimmy Olsen is searching for his calling as a superhero. And the cops were searching for Holly Robinson, until she hid in a women's shelter with Harley Quinn and ended up in an Amazons Attack! tie-in. And we're searching for the end of all this!

So yeah, one thing I don't think I mentioned last issue was that after shrinking into the subatomic universe, the Multiverse Crew (which is how I will be referring to Bob and his companions from now on) were immediately surrounded by primitive-looking warriors. You know, standard microverse stuff. Anyways, they're surrounded and their captors aren't happy to see them. I'm never happy to see any group containing Jason Todd either, so I can relate. They especially don't cotton to someone else wearing Ray Palmer's duds, so they attack.

Meanwhile, in Metropolis, Lois Lane is interviewing a local newsstand vendor who was defending himself from some ruffians. Big score, I'm sure, those physical newsstands. Anyways, his livelihood was rescued by a new hero doing some flashy moves. He called himself Mister Action, and Lois rightly quips that it's true all the good names are taken. I also love this bit where Mr. Action's scenes are drawn in a more realistic style, which makes him look more impressive than his goofy costume actually does. Speaking of actually, Jimmy finally turns up, apologising for being late. He's certainly not Mr. Action, you see, he had to get film for his camera. Even Lois points out that in 2007 he's switched to digital.

Mary Marvel, on the other hand, is watching a stage magic show on a cruise ship. And as much as David Copperfield could teach her, it's actually Zatana's show. She's a much better choice, frankly. While over at the Athenian Women's Shelter, I guess all those crowds protesting have gone away. While wandering, Holly overhears Harley turning away a woman and child, telling them to go to a local community shelter instead. When the woman leaves sadly, Holly asks what the hell, and Harley just says it's shelter policy, told to her by Athena herself. Holly is a little more questioning.

Hey, do you remember when this series started with Darkseid doing a planning with his action figure collection? Well, it's been almost a dozen issues, let's get back to that! Darkseid is inspecting his latest platoon of Parademons (who look more like the Weaponers of Qward here), and his concubine asks what troubles him. He notes she's perceptive, and that his sons will never show the loyalty and discipline that lowly Parademons do. The concubine is surprised the Great Darkseid can be so introspective, and he agrees that the wider troops of Apokalips would be surprised too. He then vaporises her, and requests Desaad remove his next concubine's vocal cords.

I'm not mad about this one, because Darkseid is A) a known evil character, and 2) not murdering a pre-existing or even named character. I might include her on the list just for effect, but it's not the main point. However, while this is going down, a figure in a red and white spacesuit is slinking around. They're looking for evidence of Lightray's murder (nicely tying my comment back to the plot), and quickly knock out a guard that catches them. They decide that if they really want to get to the bottom of the case, they ought to go back to the scene of the actual crime. Makes sense, I suppose!

Enough setup for future plot points, though. We're in the middle of a current one. The fight with the microscopic cave people continues, notably popping off further when Bob mentions Ray Palmer by name. It only wraps up when Jason gets the leader on the ground and holds a knife to his face. He's noticed how they don't like references to Ray, and threatens to stab the guy in the face if he doesn't fess up as to why. The guy actually can tell Jason means it, and he's… impressed. He didn't think they had such fierce warriors in the worlds beyond!

The hostilities cease, and they get along great now. See, these guys were only defending the warrior honour of Ray Palmer. However, they also note the last time they saw Ray, he seemed… changed. Despondant. They admit the world has been rough on Ray lately, and ask where he might've gone. The cave guy leader tells them what he told Ray: only powerful magicks could undo the doom upon him. At this point, they're pretty willing to believe anything, so they simply ask the location of these magicks, which he says is a world beyond even this one.

Over in Gotham City, Pied Piper and Trickster manage to make it to the Iceberg Lounge to beg Penguin for help. He's not happy to see them. He's not exactly going straight like Riddler, but he's keeping his long beaky nose clean running this joint. Plus, between the crime they committed, and the whisperings of Salvation Run's premise beginning to circulate, they're more trouble than they're worth. Trickster literally begs on bended knee, and Penguin puts them up in his wine cellar. But of course, who should have a camera feed into the wine cellar but Oracle? And she closes out the comic by calling in the Question (Renee Montoya) to collect them. C'mon, she was in this book's vastly superior predecessor, 52. Surely she can save this!

Hey, did you think there weren't enough plot points going on in this story already? Why don't we swing back to Darkseid and see what he's doing, huh~? Don't worry, this is only to introduce yet another character into the mix, and they'll tie back into one of the other storylines soon enough. And if you've been paying attention (and I don't blame you if you haven't!), you might be able to guess which one! Otherwise, this issue is basically the standard formula for the series: slightly advance one of the stories while hemming and hawing about the rest. And probably one of them (usually Karate Kid's) doesn't even feature in the issue! Repeat for 40 more issues!

[thisisbjoeblog]

Personal Trip 101: Ipoh Family Day – Day 1 Concubine Lane & Quick Shopping

The view from the hotel room simply shows how serene & calm Ipoh outside the city center can be. Quite a number of the houses are still based on single-storey designs with a huge surrounding space that can easily accommodate at least 5 cars and this used to be the style of houses we used to have in the Klang Valley in the 1980s. Continue reading Personal Trip 101: Ipoh Family Day – Day 1…

[aebiil]

Another shot of Concubine Lane, Ipoh, Perak

[maceingeweihter]

i found myself being tempted by a woman recently. and...i have this one date rule to see someone naked. of course, i have no real business anymore inside of the Prostitution industry. i realized, that i was chasing a fulfilled Bible Oracle (prophecy) . and even before then, each of these women have a soul. an Essence that must return to God. 100% at judgement Day. “not interested really.” “which prophet?” (Hoe-sae)

Hosea. he married a hooker to compare what Israel had become. it was completed when the Jews were put into Exodus during the time of Kings. With that completed, my shopping is over with prostitutes. “will you keep going to Chaturbate?” no promises. Solomon did have several concubines. to me, it’s always better to harm as few people as possible. if i don’t open my physical eyes, i won’t be guilty of Lust “are you going to be married soon?” i’ve had dreams. but, i can’t tell if any of them are my wedding. gave many people a chance. “no one is interested?” i only want nicer women in my life. at least for marrying and living with. it’s fun to think of a woman it the most imaginative ways. sexual and platonic. (some times, i think sluts really lost the ability to play the part of the sex trophy. a slave only purpose for being trafficked and dominated.) “doesn’t your God condemn sexual sin?” according to the Law, God is perfect. it’s forunate, when the Word walked in the human body, he didn’t condemn  to death an adulteress women. in modern time, i would have been guilty for watching a porn tape of the same Sin. Adultery. happens to be a death penalty.  not to judge Mary Magdalene, but if she were sleeping with the bad Jews (Magick Jews) she could have reached body counts of thousands over a career inside the Pyramid. “you’re not guilty?” once i believed in Christ, my Sin (sin meter) was removed. i no longer (technically) create sin. some technical thing about the word “tresspass” “won’t you end up a crazy cult guy with young wives. you know...sharing them in orgies?” was thinking of the only problem for a true Christian, with multiple wives,...”not spending enough time with people.” could see it going bad if any lover became too lonely. not everyone is into women, but they are definitely much prettier. always. men are only useful when they are dying. so, women are useful in seduction. so goes the argument for “effort is attractive.” s-ex is the highway better to have a lower body and not in the carpool lane. 

[hobbymartnet]

Concubine Lane Ipoh Old Town 二奶巷 | 4D3N Ipoh Malaysia Walk Tour Video 3