#established shiguang!!!

[doublxpresso]

☀️ Morning

1/8 > 2

[stan-joe]

hey link click fans just to make your day worse I'm pretty sure the entire last few episodes happened on lu guang's birthday

[ajwinter-is-a-nerd]

Link Click: A Gay Romance

I finally caught up and wanted to post this before episode 12 comes out.

🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨 Season 2 episodes 7-11

Below is further reasoning of their established relationship.

I know we’ve kind of moved passed this part, like oh it was Cheng Xiaoshi that was in Lu Guang’s body. But… is it a terminator type of thing? Or would at some point, Lu Guang have to mirror what happened in this show?!

(Considering that’s the lore we’ve been given up to this point, it would make sense).

BUT no matter what lore, the matter of the fact is, in no matter what situation, Lu Guang was ready to take the hit to keep Cheng Xiaoshi safe.

Even if he wasn’t the one that threw all these cool moves, he was still the one who got on the boat.

And finally, the biggest aspect that stood out from this show is that Cheng Xiaoshi, during the roll on the ground, only saw Lu Guang as Lu Guang.

And the moment of blurry realization…

Whoever you believe was in full control at that time, Cheng Xiaoshi believed he was looking up at Lu Guang in this moment.

I want to dive into my whole interpretation of the moments of emotion, but I think it’s more powerful to leave the image without my additional dictation of emotion.

Just a couple of dudes, holding each other’s gazes while laying together on the cement.

….

OKAY ONE LAST POINT.

Look at the differences in the reflection in the eyes. Part of it can be attributed to their positions OR it can be attributed to attraction/excitement. Often in animation (mainly leaning on anime here, tbh) the character’s eyes will have more reflection drawn into them when they are excited to see something they adore.

Therefore, Cheng Xiaoshi looking at Lu Guang = moon eyes

Cheng Xiaoshi looking at himself through Lu Guang = normal amount of excitement for fulfilling a plan

Okay, okay, I’m done for real now.

Hope you enjoyed my possibly nonsensical gay rant.

[ghostofthepresent]

Why I think Shiguang can be canonically read as romantic

(I will only be using the donghua for reference, so no Studio Lan retweeting those fanarts (lmao) nor those especially gay manhwa panels (lmao x2) nor even the songs ("chase you to the end of the world, just to say your name once more" my beloved).

It's important to start off by saying that I'm aware Director Li said they ended up not making Lu Guang a girl because they didn't want romance to be seen as a must in Shiguang's relationship by the audience (and because he feels that "bros can have a good heart-to-heart connection with each other"). In my opinion that was a great move since it allows more freedom with how they write them than they'd have otherwise. I also think viewing Shiguang as queerplatonic is a great read too and it doesn't diminish their love for each other nor the importance of their relationship at all.

With that said, despite Director Li's words, there's been things that had me going 🤨 as someone who likes to adhere to canon relationships and read into the writer's intentions, so I wanted to share why I personally see them as romantic.

EPISODE 2

We've all seen this coming, right? Most obvious parallel ever, and in the second episode no less. We all know the similarities between both relationships, so I will just touch on those I consider the most important ones.

Lin Zhen and Yu Xia have gone to college together, and since then decided to start a business of their own - named after a mix of their names. They've been shown as being really close and having no romantic relationships. Lin Zhen also says that Yu Xia's happiness is her own, and then it's shown to us that she's gone through years of unhappiness just for Yu Xia. I believe you can replace their names with Lu Guang's and Cheng Xiaoshi's in your head without me writing all this again. And I'm not even going to get into the most obvious parallels like the special noodle recipe for each pair.

I think it's safe to say that Lin Zhen and Yu Xia are implied to be romantic. From that "one noodle" scene, to the close shot of Lin Zhen grabbing her hand, etc.

Now, I want to get into a writer's point of view and pose two questions:

1. What's the purpose of this episode, when even those which seem episodic connect to the overarching plot of season 1 (even the missing kid's case, as it leads to the involvement with the police)?

2. If we answer the previous question with the conclusion that it's meant to show us the nature/development of Cheng Xiaoshi's and Lu Guang's relationship, what does that say about it?

"Partner" in Link Click

Continuing with episode 2, what really got me thinking about the romantic intentions in their writing was the constant mention of marriage and anything in relation to it.

(may I remind everyone that the driver's comment was said when Cheng Xiaoshi was complaining about Lu Guang lmao)

They're telling us through "show don't tell" (for example, when Lin Zhen kept on eating the noodle despite knowing they'd kiss) and, also, connotations. They are presented to us as business partners, but then the entire episode goes on to tell us that there's more to them by tying their relationship to things percived as romantic. So what they want to really tell us is that beyond simple business partners, they're life-long partners.

And then, after establishing this kind of connotation to the word partner, Cheng Xiaoshi says this to Lu Guang in the next episode:

This doesn't stop at them. While it's the most obvious example, I think partnership in Link Click is intended to be seen as romantic, or at the very least dancing somewhere close to it. Let's go even further and take a look at our fully canon, heterosexual relationships and see briefly how their story is written:

1. Dong Yi and Xu Shanshan: both of them chose the comfort of each other's presence over moving on with their respective futures. Dong Yi had so much faith in their relationship and their love that he couldn't choose a life/future that didn't have Xu Shanshan - choosing to not go back to his family home nor go to that interview, and instead waiting for Xu Shanshan to define their relationship.

2. Liu Siwen and Ouyang: Siwen spent his entire life training with the purpose of getting his father-in-law's respect and marry Ouyang, going every year over and over to fight him. His perseverance and his undying love for her allowed Siwen to do the (seemingly) impossible.

3. Chen Bin and his wife: they're a tragedy. His wife understood Chen Bin the best, enduring feeling lonely because she loved him and wanted a future with him. But their relationship was cut short, so they promised each other to be together in a future life to make up for the time they wouldn't be in this one.

With this + the pictures I attached, it seems like Link Click has set this theme of "love is a life with you" for its romantic relationships, a partner that will fight to stay because they can't see a future that doesn't have their beloved. Going back to episode two, this applies even to the noodle ladies. When Yu Xia remembered what actually matters to her, she went back home - to the start, to her hometown. And, most importantly, to Lin Zhen.

So why is Shiguang romantic? Why aren't they queerplatonic, or just best friends, or bros or whatever else? Because besides what I said at the start of the previous paragraph, Shiguang's relationship mirrors a lot of the romantic ones. Each story and author writes romance and other kinds of relationships differently, portraying them in the way they perceive "this is what this kind of love is like". And beyond life-long partners, I think that the key elements of romantic relationships in Link Click are the ones I highlighted in bold above in the 3 canon relationships part - which Shiguang shares, too.

(I didn't mention this before with the het couples, but I find it a little amusing that season 2 happened because a man wanted to go to the past and get his wife back (still fuck you Qian Jin) and then we find out Lu Guang did go back to the past and got his boyfriend partner back lmao).

"Friend" vs "Partner"

So where is the boundary between platonic and romantic? What marks the difference between a (best) friend and a partner?

There is, for example, Liu Xiao and Li Tianchen's relationship. They aren't shown to have any kind of romantic undertones and there's even the very real possibility of manipulation on Liu Xiao's side. They're also never labeled as nor call each other partners, but instead Li Tianchen says he "met a new friend" and Liu Xiao says he's "going to meet an old friend" years later. So we could say for now that they have a somewhat close relationship (we see Li Tianchen go against Qian Jin to give the phone to Liu Xiao), but never cross that "friend" label.

We can even bring Qiao Ling and the boys' relationship. She's never labeled as a partner despite taking part in the side job and, more importantly, being super close to both of them. She is very important and a cherished friend to Shiguang, so why not call her partner too? I think it's intentional. Since she's been given a familial role already (calling Cheng Xiaoshi her brother when talking to Li Tianxi), she can't fill a partner role. I wonder why? because it's supposed to be a synonym for a romantic relationship. who said that.

So even best friends (Qiao Ling, arguably what Liu Xiao is to Li Tianchen) don't enter this close space that is being a partner. It's different, it's beyond platonic. Or at least that's what they've been showing us for the past two seasons.

I could go soo much more into this honestly, because I do think the little hints thrown here (the music videos) and there (tiny seemingly inconsequential details) are worth to be looked at too, but I wanted to get into the core reason that makes me go "woah so they're In Love fr". I hope I expressed myself well ^^

tldr; the series shows us a divide between having a (best) friend and a partner, giving "partners" romantic connotations.

[shuakepilled]

the last episode of link click I feel truely established the dynamics of shiguang and literally swapped their roles in one way because from season 1 up until the last episode of season 2, we were under the impression that lu guang is the less impulsive or one that does not make drastic decisions and is always calculated, except all those rules and logic falls apart when it comes to cheng xiaoshi, he truely loves him so much. xiaoshi on the other hand is very expressive and also quite impulsive as we have seen since season one but when he thought lu guang had died, he did think about diving into a photo but immediately stopped himself from doing so after lu guang's words , this happenes not once but a couple more times, it rlly shows how interesting they are as a dynamic, one who would respect the principles of the other even if it meant the one they love would die and the other won willing to break the rules to save the one who dies.

while it may seem that cheng xiaoshi would never do what lu guang did that is changing time for some reason I do feel if cxs would be pushed to a corner he could also do the same thing as lu guang, I can't determine the likelyhood of that after seeing what happens through the season but anyways the shiguang angst is truely just crazy... also the fact that lu guang knows that death can't be changed but he still wanted to save xiaoshi (and the camera pans out to him smiling... thats gay as hell alr) is honestly something that is a stepping stone to lu guangs development as a character, his mysteriousness is slowly getting cleared up and I'm honestly excited for what season 3 has in store for us because ik it's gna make me just go batshit crazy atp

[imaginarylungfish]

Link Click fic recs

i am obsessed with shiguang, alright? (favorites in purple.)

sfw

I'll Always Find You: cute 800 word fic about shiguang finding each other in every lifetime

Right Here I Belong: cute 1.3K fic with shiguang cuddles

I Lower My Head, Thinking of Home: 2.5K fic connecting shiguang's story to the myth of chang'e and houyi

Each Season Feels So Warm When I'm Here With You: 3K established relationship domestic fluff

Rationality: 3K love confession fic

Love Me Like This: 9K very well written fic about shiguang realizing their feelings for each other. characterizations are spot on and we get some friend group scenes which i love

The Hardest Thing About Love (is Noodles): 11K lu guang-centric fic of shiguang realizing their feelings for each other

nsfw

Love's the Death of Peace of Mind: 5K silly fic about cheng xiaoshi walking around shirtless and lu guang feeling some type of way about it

Wouldn't Mind Being Yours: 12K fic with a cool premise for how Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi's powers could connect them even more

Falling in Love at the Photo Shop: 29K beautifully-written fic of cheng xiaoshi realizing he is in love with lu guang and lu guang is in love with him

[roseofcards90]

hello what is link click :o

Link Click (also known as shiguang dailiren or “time agents”) is a Chinese donghua! It's about these two guys with powers who help people with their past regrets by jumping into photos and videos. They cannot, however, change the past or end result since what has already happened cannot be undone (although I've only watched season 1 so far so maybe this changes in season 2 but yeah they establish that they cannot overwrite death or any major events that happen, or at least, they aren't supposed to change it).

All the while there's also time travel shenanigans and an overall mystery happening as well! :D I highly recommend it!!!

[rysmaonthemic]

Shiguang dai li ren/Link Click thoughts

Spoiler season 2

I needed to take a deep breath after watching the last episode of season 2. Too many questions, too many theories: my head was and is at full speed. The whole season was hell of a ride, September 22th has to be a national holiday for Shuguang dai li ren fans 😭 (yes I’m a drama queen)

Establishing strict rules that should never be crossed otherwise terrible consequences would occur, the cliffhanger of saison 1 open the door to a large amount of questions. Thus, season 2 begins with a promise of trials and tribulations.

Through out the episodes we are the witness of massive ups and downs with a frenetic rhythm: it’s an absolute emotional roller coster for the viewers 😭. The unbearable tension reached its peak when we found out Lu guang is from the futur and he’s trying to change the past at all cost.

At the last minutes of episode 12 when we see the blood on his shirt, I don’t think it’s after being stab in S1 (he wouldn’t be so calm) it means it’s directly after Cheng Xiaoshi death in his real timeline ( bro didn���t even try to live 00.3s without CSX😭)

Despite of everything LG taught us, he broke the rules. We were aware of the rules through LG statement but now that we know he is an unreliable character maybe those rules aren’t completely true? For example the 12 hours rules (if so why would he lie to CSX?)

LG was also a time traveler: since when did he has the power?

He either had it before the new timeline - I don’t think so- or he gain it when CSX die in his arms. (Which imply futur-LG no longer has CSX power in the new time line). I think it’s the second solution.

We see LG going back to the past, is it the only time he did so? If not, how many time did he uses it?

To my mind he only used it one time. The way he feels guilty when he did it shows that it’s not something he is used to do.

What’s in the picture ?

I think he went back in time either at his first encounter with CSX or at the overseas trip : either way the LG we have known since S1 has to be LG from the futur.

We will learn more this overseas trip in s3 for sure (as well as CSX and LG past, I imagine a lot of flash back in s3)

Qiao Ling acquired Li Tianxi’s ability then how is she gonna use it ?How would she confront LG about it?

I think she would be chocked with a lot of empathy and understanding toward LG. She might combine her ability with LG in order to prevent CSX death…

Liu Xiao is clearly a new threat alongside Li Tianchen : Does he has power too? Is he kind of a time line agent or something ?😩 Will he combine his supposed power with Li Tianchen ? Now that he lost his sister and left his phone on the bench I think he has nothing to lose.

Moreover, how will CSX react to his non-death news ?

I feel like LG wouldn’t admit his act directly to CSX and CSX is going to found out through someone else. Will he be :

- Furious at LG (he prevent him from saving the village whereas CSX was deeply affected by it)

- Enraged at LG but accept his destiny

- Mad at LG but try to help LG to save himself

Whatever the answer above, I think CSX will be extremely angry at LG and his impulsivity might put him even more in danger.

LG is clearly willing to do everything and anything for CSX’s sake. However, all the event in S2 (twins etc + him being stab) is unknown to him bc it didn’t happen in his original time line. Lu Guang said something like “event seems to be changing ”

What if, at the very end, he goes back (one last time) to a past where he didn’t even meet CSX? If saving him means to never met him in the first place I think he would.

(Without LG in CSX’s life everything we saw wouldn’t happen ..?) (it’s super sad tho💀)

Whatever the end of it, LG might sacrifice himself for the life of CSX.

All in all, Lu guang is gay, we must protect CSX, QL is an adorable bad ass and we’re all going to suffer.

One last straw: LG keeps the date of CSX death as his phone password the same way Edouard Elric kept the date of his mother death on his watch. They both keep it as a reminder of their goal and the lost of their love ones 😃🔫

PS: I need to watch S1 again as well as S2

[heatwa-ves]

Need to establish that I do notttt ship shiguang. in the slightest. Everything in link click is platonic except li tianxi/qiao ling is yuri 2 meeee there's a cut scene where they kiss it's true my uncle works at link click

[stray-tori]

i sadly binged link click so i didnt rly have time to let anything truly sink in and use my brain for connections and all that but

belated thinking about how bodily limitations not being relevant when Cheng Xiaoshi possesses someone (the glasses) and how that clues you about blond guy being paralyzed not ruling him out as the perpetrator BUT ALSO that there’s potentially another supernatural entity at play and GAHHH I just love that.

[doublxpresso]

☀️ Morning (full comic)

[bookofjin]

Annals of Yanhe 1

[From WS004. Feng Hong of Northern Yan is called by his courtesy name Wentong to avoid the name of Emperor Xiaowen of Wei.]

[Yanhe 1, 17 February 432 – 5 February 433]

1st Year of Yanhe [“Extended Harmony”], Spring, 1st Month, bingwu [17 February], venerated the Foster Empress Dowager as the August Empress Dowager. Installed the August Empress, Ms. Helian. Installed imperial son Huang as August Heir-Apparent. Paid visit to the Grand Temple. A great amnesty, and changed the inaugural.

On jisi [11 March], a decree said:

We, though insignificant personally, obtained serving the Ancestral Temple, ponder revealing the vast foundation and broadly purify the nine undertakings. Coming across the last cycle, Under Heaven split apart and crumbled. Truly employing frequent campaigns, netting sometimes tranquil rest, from the Shiguang era until today, in the space of nine years, the military chariot ten times has been lifted up. The crowd of leaders, civil and martial, shouldering halberds and wearing armour, combed by wind and washed by rain, stamping shoes on spear-points and blades, equally toiled with Us.

Relying on the assistance of gods and honoured, generals and soldiers proclaimed merit. Employing the able to destroy and break the strong foot-boys, [they] overcame and annihilated the great loathsome. Troops did not do the utmost in martial ability, and the two robbers were fully wiped out. The leaders did not disobey the regulations, and the distant region so was tranquil.

Increasingly so the time's airs are harmonious and in accord, auspicious omens also come down widely in the commanderies and states, they are not possible to fully record. How are We, a single person, alone responding to this safekeeping? These are also caused by the crowd of princes' unity and cooperation. The excellencies and ministers following this examined the meetings of the various Heavenly People, and requested to establish assisting deputies.

In all cases the acts of celebrating and rewarding are the means by which to praise and venerate past deeds, the banner to display the worthy hence the blessings without limits for perpetuity. Should for Kings, Dukes, Generals and below, widely increase feudal rank and salary, unfold the state's hereditary families, restore discarded officials, lift up the capable and unconfined, get rid of and eliminate bothersome elaborations, alter and settle ordinances and regulations, and make an effort to follow light restrictions, eliminating the old and stripping off the new, so as to set right a united government.

The crowd of minsters will deeply ponder bringing about achievements, rectifying themselves on the Way of Straightness, establishing merit and establishing service, not anyone to be idle and neglectful, and declare to Us their thoughts on it.

2nd Month, bingzi [18 March], travelled to favour the Southern Palace.

3rd Month, dingwei [18 April], retroactively conferred on the Lady Ms. He to be August Empress.

On renshen [13 May], the King of Xiqin, Tuyuhun Mugui, sent off Helian Ding to the Imperial City.

Summer, 5th Month [14 June – 13 July], a great inspection of the multitudinous followers in the southern suburbs, wanting to chastise Feng Wentong.

Liu Yilong dispatched envoys to court with tribute.

6th Month, gengyin [30 July], the Chariot Drove to attack Helong. Decreed the Supervisor of the Left of the Masters of Writing, An Yuan, and others to station south of the desert, so as to prepare against the Ruanruan.

On xinmao [31 July], the Concurrent Cavalier in Regular Attendance, Deng Ying, was sent to Liu Yilong.

Autumn, 7th Month, jiwei [28 August], the Chariot Drove to arrive at Ru River.

On gengshen [29 August], dispatched the General who Calms the East, the Duke of Xuancheng, Xi Jin, to issue out the population of You province and the Dingling of Miyun, more than 10 000 people, to transport siege equipment, set out on the southern road, all together assemble at Helong.

The Emperor arrived in Liaoxi. Wentong dispatched his Attendant Imperial Clerk, Cui Pin to offer and present oxen and alcohol.

On jisi [7 September], the Chariot Drove to arrive at Helong, and overlooked its walls. Wentong's Grand Warden of Shicheng, Li Chong, Grand Warden of Jiande, Wang Rong, and more than ten commanderies came to surrender. Issued out their population, 30 000 people, to dig out encircling moats so as to defend them.

This Month [12 August – 10 September], erected the Eastern Palace.

8th Month, jiaxu [12 September], Wentong sent several ten thousand people to set out from the city and challenge to battle. The Duke of Changli, Yuan Qiu, with the Duke of Hejian, Yuan Qi, struck and routed him. The dead were more than 10 000 people. Wentong's Master of Writing, Gao Shao, led more than 10 000 families to guard Qianghu Stronghold [?].

On jimao [17 September], the Chariot Drove to chastise Shao.

On xinsi [19 September], beheaded him.

Decreed General who Pacifies the East, He Duoluo to attack Wentong's Grand Warden of Daifang, Murong Xuan, at Hou Stronghold; The Great General who Consoles the Army, the King of Yongchang, Jian, to attack Jiande; the Great General of Agile Cavalry, the King of Leping, Pi, to attack Jiyang. All took them. The people who had been captured alive were distributed and bestowed on the generals and soldiers each proportionally.

9th Month, yimao [23 October], the Chariot Drove to return west. Moved the population of Yingqiu, Chengzhou, Liaodong, Lelang, Daifang, and Xuantu commanderies, 30 000 families, to You province, and opened granaries so as to aid them.

Winter, 10th Month, guiyou [10 November], the Chariot Drove to arrive at Ru River.

Tuyuhun Mugui dispatched envoys to court with tribute.

11th Month, yisi [12 December], the Chariot Drove to arrive form the attack on Helong.

12th Month, jichou [25 January], Feng Wentong's Duke of Changle, Chong, and his mother [and?] younger brother Lang, and Lang's younger brother Miao used Liaoxi to belong to the interior. Wentong dispatched general Feng Yu to besiege Liaoxi.

Before this, commenced summoning the worthy and good, but in the provinces and commanderies there was much pressure to dispatch them. A decree said:

We eliminated the pretenders and pacified the brutal, campaigning and chastising for several years. Thinking to obtain the gallant and worthy, joining together splendour and governing the Way, for that reason decreed the provinces and commanderies to seek out and praise the hidden and unattached, to advance and lift up the worthy and capable.

The lordly masters of ancient times, nourished aspirations for a crossbeam gate, their virtue completing legacy and achievements, their talents were indulged [by?] their generation. Some of a harmonious look and elegant step, after instructed three times then they arrived. Some fussed and rushed, fearful and fretful, carrying the cauldron and then freed themselves. Though they followed [?] rather dissimilarly, they aided the times as one.

The various summoned people all will be presented the notification with courtesy, trusting them to advance or withdraw, what is there about pressuring to dispatch them! These Inspectors, wardens and stewards circulating praise [but] neglecting the purpose, how then to brilliantly increase, therefore are the means by which to make clear Our lack of virtue.

From now and afterwards, each will order the hamlets and villages to push forward and advance, the wardens and stewards are only circulate Our humble heart's thoughts of seeking the worthy. On arrival, at that time, since they are lifted up out of order, follow their talents in civil and military matters, and rely on them with government affairs. Should clarify and circulate the directive, so that all cause it to be heard and known.

This Year, Tufa Rutan's son Baozhou abandoned Juqu Mengxun and came running. Used Baozhou as Duke of Zhangye.

[ajwinter-is-a-nerd]

LCWEEK 2023 - DAY FOUR

Seeing In Monochrome

A Shiguang FanFiction

Prompt: Monochrome

Summary: Lu Guang writes a love note for Cheng Xiaoshi.

Rating: General Audiences

Since before I could remember, my world has always been painted blue.

I’ve weaved through the river of time; watched memories of families through an indigo lens; lived alone in cities surrounded by shades of midnight blue.

It never hurt or felt lonely. It simply was. How could I miss a rainbow if all I knew was blue?

I never believed in soulmates. I thought they were corny, a mythical concept based in fan fiction. Until I met you, and suddenly, I saw purple.

The world as I knew it suddenly began to shift. Your warmth trickled into my vision, my heart, my soul. The first time our fingers touched I finally saw pink.

Little by little, you showed me the rainbow. With a smile, you revealed how the warmth of a flame on a gas top stove flickers orange, how the sun that lights up a goofy smile burns yellow.

There were bad days, and there always will be. On days where my blue seeps too deep. Or on days when your red burns too hot. Or days where we’re caught in gray.

But even on the darkest days, I am no longer trapped in blue. Dawn pours streaks of coral and peach across a horizon of cerulean.

I never found particular interest in anyone or anything, I was comfortable living in isolation. It’s meeting you, Cheng Xiaoshi, that taught me how beautiful life can be. You’re my love, my soulmate, my rainbow.

-

“Oh my god, Lu Guang!” Qiao Ling giggled, re-reading the last line of Lu Guang’s love note.

“Hey!” Lu Guang stomped over to the counter, ripping the letter away from her lingering fingers. “It’s not done yet.”

“Aweh, I just didn’t know you could say such pretty things!” Qiao Ling feigned a pout.

Sighing, Lu Guang crumpled up the paper into a ball.

“Lu Guang, I didn’t mean-,” Qiao Ling’s head dipped to the side as her face fell.

“It was shit anyway.” Lu Guang rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head.

“I think he’d really like it.” Qiao Ling mumbled as she stared down at her fiddling fingers.

“Drop it.” Lu Guang warned.

-

Soft sobs echoed through the room. Fighting the suffocating veil of sleep, Lu Guang forced his eyelids open. The moon coloured the walls in sapphire, the shades of night deepening the shadows within their room.

The sobs continued, stabbing Lu Guang in the chest.

“Cheng Xiaoshi?” Lu Guang sat up in the empty bed.

Patting the sheet beside him, Cheng Xiaoshi’s side was cold to the touch. How long had he been up?

“Cheng Xiaoshi, are you okay?” Lu Guang rubbed his eyes, sparks of red and yellow dancing under his fist.

The bed shifted with a lurch as Cheng Xiaoshi leaped up the bunk bed.

“Wha?” Lu Guang couldn’t finish his word, the heel of his palm still pressed against his face.

Cheng Xiaoshi’s face was covered in tears, but his pearl teeth were bright under the moon.

“Lu Guang!” Cheng Xiaoshi jumped under the covers, scooting closer until he’d completely latched onto Lu Guang.

“What is going on?” Lu Guang ran his thumb along his lover’s cheek, drying away tears.

“Well,” the tone was far more joyous than Lu Guang had expected, “I was taking out the garbage like you asked me to, right?”

Lu Guang squinted his eyes, reality nearly close enough to touch. “Did you take the garbage out?”

Opening his mouth to continue his story, Cheng Xiaoshi paused. “Um, well, almost…”

Rolling his eyes, Lu Guang nodded to Cheng Xiaoshi to continue.

“Well, I was picking it up and right at the top I saw a paper with your handwriting on it. Considering you always write down the im-import-antstuff for me, and I-I didn’t remember seeing that paper, I picked it up right away.” Cheng Xiaoshi’s chest trembled, tears cascading down his face.

Blushing, Lu Guang pushed his face into his pillow. “You read it?” His exclamation was muffled by the pillow.

Cheng Xiaoshi’s wet face nuzzled into the crease of Lu Guang’s neck. Cheng Xiaoshi’s kisses were hot, clashing with the cold tears against his skin.

“I love you, Lu Guang.” Cheng Xiaoshi muttered between kisses, squeezing Lu Guang as tight as he could.

“Shut up.” Lu Guang burrowed his face deeper into the pillow.

“You’re so adorable.” Cheng Xiaoshi giggled, the tears now salty lines that pinched at his smile.

“Idiot.”

“An idiot for you!” Cheng Xiaoshi sang while attempting to slide his cheek into the divot of the pillow against Lu Guang’s.

Groaning at the cheesy line, Lu Guang tilted his face out of the trench he’d created, allowing Cheng Xiaoshi access to his face, an action he regretted immediately as Cheng Xiaoshi made it his mission to kiss every square inch.

Pausing, Cheng Xiaoshi hovered over Lu Guang’s face. His lashes were thick as they fluttered in confusion. Silvery blue eyes sparkled with the midnight stars. Lu Guang was breathtaking.

“You brought colors into my world too.” Cheng Xiaoshi whispered before brushing his lips against Lu Guang’s.

For Cheng Xiaoshi, colors always passed him by. He was always so eager to see the next shade. Lu, with his endless layers of blue, taught him to slow down. Together, they appreciated each new shade.

Cheng Xiaoshi brought excitement and thrill. Lu Guang brought stability and direction.

Allowing himself a smirk, Lu Guang tugged Cheng Xiaoshi closer, his warmth spilling across his skin.

[bookofjin]

Annals of the Shiguang era

From the Annals of Emperor Taiwu of Wei, 424 - 427. The Emperor campaigns against the Ruanruan, orders reforms to the writing system. The Wei armies attack Helian Chang, capturing Chang’an in 426 and Chang’s capital Tongwan in 427.

The Generational Founder [shizu], the Grand Martial [taiwu] August Emperor, taboo Tao, was Taizong, August Emperor Mingyuan's oldest son, his mother was called Worthy Maid Du. 5th Year of Tianci [408 AD], he was born in the Eastern Palace, his body's appearance was extraordinarily unusual. Taizu marvelled and was pleased with him, saying:

The one to complete my legacy is surely this child.

7th Year of Taichang, 4th Month [7 May – 5 June], he was ennobled King of Taiping. 5th Month [6 June – 4 July], he was overseeing the state. Taizong was ill, and instructed the Emperor to overall administer the hundred measures. He was intelligent, clear, and had great measures, his thoughts open minded in this way.

[Taichang 8, 28 January 423 – 15 February 424]

8th Year, 11th Month, renshen [27 December 423], he was enthroned as August Emperor. A great amnesty Under Heaven.

12th Month [17 January – 15 February], posthumously venerated the August Late Mother as the Circumspect [mi] August Empress. Advanced the Minister over the Masses, Zhangsun Song's feudal title to be King of Beiping, the Minister of Work, Xi Jin, to be King of Yicheng, the Duke of Lantian, Zhangsun Han, to be King of Pingyang. For the remainder he universally increased their feudal rank each proportionally. Hence he removed restrictions and prohibitions, opened the granaries and treasuries, and relieved the poor and destitute. The drifting people from South of the He who led each other to belong to the interior were a considerable multitude.

[Shiguang 1, 16 February 424 – 3 February 425]

1st Year of Shiguang [“First Brilliance”], Spring, 1st Month, bingyin [19 February], the King of Anding, Mi, passed away.

Summer, 4th Month, jiachen [27 May], an eastern tour. Favoured Daning.

Autumn, 7th Month [11 August – 8 September], the Chariot Drove to return to the palace.

8th Month [9 September – 8 October], the Ruanruan led 60 000 cavalry to enter Yunzhong. They killed and plundered the magistrates and people, and attacked and captured Shengle Palace. The Count of Zheyang, Yu Puwen led the light cavalry to chastise them. The caitiffs therefore withdrew and left. Decreed the King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han, and others to strike the detached leader of the Ruanruan. They routed him, killed several thousand people, and captured more than 10 000 horses. This is told in the Account of the Ruanruan.

9th Month [9 October – 6 November], a great inspection of the multitudinous followers. Arranged the troops at the eastern suburbs. Apportioned and divided the multitude armies, 50 000 cavalry, perhaps for a northern chastisement.

Winter, 12th Month [6 January – 3 February], dispatched the King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han, and others to chastise the Ruanruan. The Chariot Drove to stay at Zuo Mountain. The Ruanruan escaped north, the various armies pursued them, greatly captured and turned back.

This Year, Liu Yifu was deposed and killed by his subjects, Xu Xianzhi and others. They installed Yifu's younger brother Yilong.

[Shiguang 2, 4 February 425 – 23 January 426]

2nd Year, Spring, 1st Month, jimao [26 February], the Chariot Drove to arrive from the northern attack. Used their diverse livestock to distribute and bestow on the generals and soldiers each proportionally.

2nd Month [6 March – 3 April], Murong Kexilin rebelled in Beiping, he attacked and routed the commandery seat. The Grand Warden and the defence generals struck and defeated him.

3rd Month, bingchen [4 April], venerating the foster mother, Ms. Dou, as Foster Empress Dowager.

On dingsi [5 April], used the King of Beiping, Zhangsun Song, as Grand Commandant, the King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han, as Minister over the Masses, the King of Yicheng, Xi Jin, as Minister of Works.

On gengshen [8 April], laid out the old Old Palace to be the Wangshou [“Ten thousand Long life] Palace, and erected the Yong'an [“Eternal Calm”] and Anle [“Calm Happiness”] Halls. Presided at the Wangguan [“Expectant Observation”] and Jiuhua [“Nine Illustrious”] Halls [?].

Began to make more than a thousand new characters, a decree said:

In ancient times there was Emperor Xuan [the Yellow Emperor], he created regulations and made things. He then instructed Cangjie to follow the tracks of birds and beasts so as to establish the written characters. Since this and later, at times along the way changes were made, for that reason the seal script, the clerical script, the draft script, and the regular script have all come down to the [present] generation.

As such, passing through successive long and distant [ages], the transmitted teachings are much lacking in their genuineness. For that reason the present body of writing are faulty and erroneous, and the aggregate interpretations are not satisfactory. Not the means by which to show the path to coming generations. When Master Kong said, if names are not correct, affairs are not successful, he spoke of this.

Now regulate and settle the written characters, those employed be the [present] generation, promulgate and send them down to distant and near, forever to be model for the regular script.

Summer, 4th Month [4 May – 1 June], decreed the Dragon Prancing General, Bu Dui, and the Supervisor of Iternuncios, Hu Jin to be envoys to Liu Yilong.

5th Month [2 June – 1 July], decreed every ten families Under Heaven to send out one great ox, to transport unhusked grain above the frontier

Autumn, 9th Month [28 September – 27 October], the Yong'an and Anle halls were completed.

On dingmao [12 October], a great banquet so as to inaugurate them.

Winter, 10th Month [28 October – 25 November], arranged the troops in the western suburbs.

On guimao [17 November], the Chariot Drove on a northern attack. The King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han, and others cut across the desert to pursue them. The Ruanruan fled north. The affair is written of in the Account of the Ruanruan.

This Year, Helian Bent Beggar died, his son Chang was usurpingly installed.

[Shiguang 3, 24 January 426 – 11 February 427]

3rd Year, Spring, 1st Month, renshen [14 February], the Chariot Drove to arrive from the northern attack. Distributed the army provisions as bestowals to the generals and soldiers, to those who had travelled and those who had stayed each proportionally.

Qifu Chipan dispatched envoys to court with tribute, requesting to chastise Helian Chang.

2nd Month [24 March – 22 April], erected a Great School to the east of the city. Sacrificed to Master Kong, using Yan Yuan as the assessor.

Summer, 5th Month, xinmao [3 July], the Duke of Zhongshan, Yuan Zuan, was advanced in feudal rank to be King, the Duke of Nan'an, Yuan Su, was restored to his previous feudal rank of King of Changshan.

6th Month [21 July – 18 August], favoured the old palace in Yunzhong and paid respects to the mounds and temples. Went west to arrive in Wuyuan, and hunted at Yin Mountain. Went east to arrive at Hedou Mountain.

Autumn, 7th Month [19 August – 17 September], built a Horse Shooting Terrace at Changchuan. The Emperor personally climbed the terrace to observe the running horses. The Kings, Dukes, and the lords and chiefs of the various states galloped and shot. Those who hit were bestowed gold, brocades, tabby silk, and silk floss, each proportionally.

8th Month [18 September – 16 October], the Chariot Drove to return to the palace. Liu Yilong dispatched envoys to court with tribute.

The Emperor considered that since the Bent Beggar had died, his various sons would attack each other.

9th Month [17 October – 15 November], dispatched the Minister of Works, Xi Jin, to lead the General of Righteous Troops, Feng Li, and the Inspector of Yong province, Yan Pu, to assault Puban; and the General of Song Troops, Zhou Ji, to lead the Inspector of Luo province, Yu Lidi, and assault Shancheng.

Winter, 10th Month, dingsi [26 November], the Chariot Drove on a western attack, favoured Yunzhong, and approached Junzi Ford. It happened that the sky was brutally cold, and there was several days with continuous ice.

11th Month, wuyin [17 December], the Emperor led 20 000 light cavalry to assault Helian Chang.

On renwu [21 December], arrived beneath his walls, moved more than ten thousand of his households, and turned back.  This is told in the Biography of Chang.

Arrived at Zuo Mountain. Distributed the prisoners and captured [animals] as bestowals to the generals and soldiers, each proportionally.

Xi Jin had not yet arrived at Puban, when Chang's defence general Helian Yisheng abandoned he city and ran west. Chang's younger brother Zhuxing defended Chang'an. Yisheng again together with Zhuxing ran from Chang'an to Anding. Xi Jin thereupon entered Puban.

12th Month [13 January – 11 February], decreed Jin to go west and occupy Chang'an. The Di and Qiang of Qin and Yong all rebelled against Chang and went to Jin to surrender. The King of the Wudu Di, Yang Xuan, and Juqu Mengxun and others all dispatched envoys to adhere to the interior.

[Shiguang 4, 12 February 427 – 1 February 428]

4th Year, Spring, 1st Month, yiyou [22 February], the Chariot Drove arrived from the western attack. Bestowed on civil and military officials who had stayed at the tribunal live mouths, tabby silk and silk, horses and cow, each proportionally. Of the accompanying people many had died on the road, those who had been able to arrived to the capital were just six or seven out of ten.

On jihai [8 March], travelled to favour You province. Helian Chang dispatched his younger brother, the Duke of Pingyuan, Ding, to lead 20 000 multitudes towards Chang'an. Emperor heard about it, therefore dispatched to go to Yin Mountain and cut wood, and greatly constructed attack equipment.

2nd Month [14 March – 11 April], the Chariot Drove to return to the palace.

3rd Month, bingzi [14 April], dispatched the King of Gaoliang, Li, to garrison Chang'an. Decreed the Bearer of the Golden Mace, Huan Dai, to construct a bridge at Junzi Ford.

On dingchou [15 April], the King of Guangping, Lian, passed away.

Summer, 4th Month, dingwei [15 May], decreed Outer Staff Cavalier Regular Attendant, Bu Dui, Supervisor of Iternuncios, Hu Jin, and others as envoys to Liu Yilong.

This Month [12 May – 9 June], arranged the troops held military exercises. Allotted the various armies. The Minister over the Masses, Zhangsun Han, the Commandant of Justice, Zhangsun Daosheng, the Lineage Corrector E Qing, with 30 000 cavalry to be the vanguard. The King of Changshan, Su, the Grand Coachman Qiu Dui, and General Yuan Taipi with 30 000 foot soldiers to  be rear support. The King of Nanyang, Fuzhen, the Bearer of the Golden Mace, Huan Dai, and General Yao Huangmei with 30 000 foot soldiers as the section to attack the city with receptacles and instruments. General He Duoluo with 3 000 elite cavalry to be the van scouts.

5th Month [10 June – 9 July], the Chariot Drove west to chastise Helian Chang.

On xinsi [18 June], crossed at Junzi Ford. The chieftain of the Sancheng Hu, Que and his sons [?] led each other to adhere to the interior. The Emperor stayed at Balin Mountain, built a walled enclosure, resided in the supply wagons, and used 30 000 light cavalry to travel in front.

On wuxu [5 July], arrived at Hei River. The Emperor personally prayed to Heaven and reported to the spirits of the founders and ancestors, and then took an oath with the multitudes.

6th Month, jiachen [11 July], Chang guided the multitudes to set out from the city. Greatly routed him. The affair is in the Biography of Chang.

Chang with his general and subordinates beneath his banner, several hundred cavalry, fled south-west, and ran to Shanggui. The various armies exploited the victory to pursue until the arrived north of the city. The dead were more than 10 000 people. Among the columns they killed Chang's younger brother, the Duke of Henan, Man, and his older brother's son Mengxun.

At sunset, Chang's Supervisor of the Masters of Writing heard they had arrived to take the city, and at night wanted Chang's mother to set out and flee.

On yisi [12 July], the Chariot Drove to enter the city. He took prisoners Chang's lords and younger brothers, and their various mothers, elder and younger sisters, wives and concubines, and palace people, numbering tent thousand. The offices and armouries' precious treasure, chariots, banners, receptacles and things were not possible to fully count. Seized Chang's Masters of Writing, Wang Mai, Xue Chao, and others, and Sima Dezong's general Mao Xiuzhi, several thousand soldiers of Qin and Ying. Captured more than 300 000 horses, and several tens of millions cattle and sheep. Used Chang's palace people and living mouths, gold and silver, precious playthings, cloth and silks to distribute and offer to the generals and soldiers, each proportionally.

Chang's younger brother, the Duke of Pingyuan, Ding, resisted the Minister of Works, Xi Jin, at Chang'an City. E Qing led 5 000 cavalry to chastise him. He fled west to Shanggui.

On xinyou [28 July], distributed the host. Kept the King of Changshan, Su, and the Bearer of the Golden Mace, Huan Dai, to garrison Tongwan.

Autumn, 7th Month, jimao [15 August], built an altar at Zuo Peak an enjoyed horse galloping and shooting. Bestowed on those who hit gold, brocades, tabby silk, and silk floss, each proportionally.

The Ruanruan robbed Yunzhong. They heard about routing Helian Chang, and in fear then turned back and fled.

8th Month, renzi [17 September], the Chariot Drove to arrive from the western attack. Drank to the arrival and recorded the achievements. Reported to the ancestral temple. Distributed the army provisions so as to bestow to the hundred companions who had stayed at the tribunal, each proportionally.

9th Month, dingyou [1 November], the population of Anding took over the city to revert in surrender.

11th Month [5 December – 2 January], used the King of the Di, Yang Xuan, as Commander-in-Chief of All Army Affairs of Jing, Liang#, Yi, and Ning provinces, Provisional Great General who Conquers the South, Inspector of Liang# province, and King of Nanqin.

12th Month [3 January – 1 February], travelled to favour Zhongshan. The wardens and stewards who were dismissed for greed and corruption numbered tens of people.

On guimao [6 January], the Chariot Drove to return the palace. Restored to the places passed through half of the land taxes.

[bookofjin]

Biography of Zhang Pu

[From WS033]

Zhang Pu, courtesy name Xuanze, was a native of Xiuwu in Henei. Originally named Mo, he later changed to Pu. He was a descendant of Han's Grand Commandant Yan. His father Pan was Murong Chui's Imperial Clerk Palace Assistant and Master of Writing of the Troops Section, and was praised for his purity and squareness.

Pu as young had his father's manners, he was quite studied in the writings and histories, and was recognized for his uprightness and prudence. He became Murong Bao's Grand Warden of Yangping and Hejian commanderies, and Assistant of the Left to the Masters of Writing. When Taizu settled Zhongshan, many of those in Bao's hierarchy of officials and ministers were demoted in grade and salary, but he had habitually heard about Pu's fame, and continued to designate him as Assistant of the Left to the Masters of Writing.

Middle of Tianxing [398 – 404], since Pu was pure, prudent, square and proper, moved him to Grandee of the Eastern Section. Later he was designated Grandee of the Grand Centre. When Taizong was enthroned, he became Great Official of the Inner Capital, and bestowed feudal rank of Count of Taichang. He assisted and judged in numerous lawsuits, when privately visited he did not act, and was marked as just and proper.

At the beginning of Taichang [416 – 423], Zhai Mengque of the Dingling chased and pressured the magistrates and people to enter Baijian Mountain, planning to make a great rebellion. Decreed Pu, the Inspector of Ji province, Zhangsun Daosheng and others to go and chastise him. Daosheng and others wished to directly use a great number of troops to strike him. Pu said:

The good people who are accompanying Mengque are not happy with the chaos, yet are there, all were pressured by his fell power and forced to submit to him, that is all. Now suppose we straight-away use a great army to approach him, the magistrates and people, though they wish to go back to goodness, there are no opportunities in their way.

Also they will fear execution and extermination, and surely combine their strength and resist the official army. Afterwards they will enter the mountains and rely on hindrances, and deceive and confuse ignorant people. This is possibly a calamity not easy to to plan against.

It is not as good as first dispatching messengers to explain to them, to make the people who do not have the same plans as Mengque not be implicated, then the people will surely be joyful, and all together surrender.

Daosheng very much considered it to be so, and set it forth as memorial to make it known. Taizong decreed Pu's army to be in front to console and explain. He therefore took the submission of several thousand families, and returned to where they originally belonged, and Pu always calmed and collected them. Mengque and his intimate partisans, more than a hundred people, ran and escaped. Pu, Daosheng, and others pursued, cut off Mengque's head, and sent it off to the Imperial City.

Later when Liu Yu robbed and stole at the He border, used Pu as Commander of the Palace Gentlemen of the South and Colonel of the Southern Man, [to be] subservient to the Great General who Pacifies the South, Zhangsun Song, and go and attend on him. Yu entered Chang'an, they therefore turned back.

Later he changed to be Count of Shouzhang. He and the Duke of Anping, Shusun Jian, and others, brought along troops to cross east from Pingyuan. They patrolled and took the submission of Liu Yifu's various commanderies in Qing and Yan. A decree added to him General of Chen Troops and Inspector of Ji province. Again he and Jian attacked Qing province, they did not overcome it and turned back.

When Shizu was enthroned, since Pu was pure and poor, his wife and children's clothes and food were not provided for. He therefore set out to be Inspector of Xiang province. He supported the weak, and pressed down the strong, he advanced the good and demoted the bad, his teachings and reforms were great acts. 3rd Year of Shiguang [426 AD], he passed on in the province, aged 72.

The magistrates and population were anguished and sad about it. Pu was classified among the planners, but again and again set out to be a general. At the imperial court he debated openly, he often was declared foremost. He was conferred General who Pacifies the East and Duke of Guangping, hist posthumous title was Civil and Respectful [wengong].

His son Zhao had aspirations and integrity. Middle of Tianxing [398 – 404], as the son of a merited subject, he became a student of the Grand School. When Taizong was enthroned, he became Interior Master of Books. Later he inherited his father's feudal rank. Middle of Shenrui [414 – 416], he accompanied on campaigned against the Ruanruan, and due to his merit he advanced in feudal rank to Marquis of Xiuwu, concurrently General who Pacifies the Distant.

2nd Year of Yanhe [433 AD], he set out to be Inspector of You province, Opening Office, concurrently General who Soothes the East. At the time in You province the grain had not ripened for years, the provincial granaries were empty and depleted, much of the population had a famished look. Zhao spoke to the population and magistrates, saying:

Why are our non-virtuous yet getting along with their times?

He therefore made wealthy people passed on and aid the poor and needy, the families with chariots and horses to purchase grain and transport it [from] outside the region. The poor and weak he recommended to consider farming mulberry trees. That year there there was a great harvest. Men and women praised and lauded him. He was at the post for three years and passed on.

His son Chang inherited the feudal rank, he passed on early.

Chang's younger brother Lingfu in the 8th Year of Zhenjun [447 AD], filled the vacancy of Broad Scholar of the Palace Writers. Middle of Heping [460 – 465], a commoner of Xianyang commandery, Zhao Chang, assembled a faction to make rebellion, the hundred families were disturbed and agitated. Decreed Lingfu to proclaim the intention to comfort and explain. The population therefore returned to their professions.

Beginning of Tian'an [466 – 467], he moved to Attendant Gentleman of the Palace Writers, and was bestowed feudal rank of Count of Changguo. Middle of Yanxing [471 – 476], he was sent to Nanyu province to observe and examine the manners and customs.

4th Year of Taihe [480 AD], he appointed General who Establishes Power and Grand Warden of Guangping. He moved to be Left Assistant to the Masters of Writing and Great Central Corrector of Si province. Later he was appointed General who Garrisons the Distant and Inspector of Qi province. 16th Year [492 AD], he transferred to Inspector of Guang province, concurrently General who Sets up Loyalty. He passed on.

[bookofjin]

History of the Rouran, Part 2

[From WS103. When I posted the previous part, I had missed that WS103 is one of scrolls that has been reconstructed from the Beishi and other sources. As received the accounts in WS103 and BS98 are near identical escept for some different naming convention and editing differences. I suppose though that much of the BS text must have come from the original WS version.]

When Buluzhen was established, he entrusted government affairs to Shuli. Earlier, Chiluohou of the Gaoche had rebelled against his chief leader, and guided Shelun to rout the various section groups. Shelun favoured him, and used him as a noble. Buluzhen and Shelun's son Sheba together came to Chiluohou's house, and debauched his lesser wife.

The wife told about Buluzhen. Chiluohou wished to raise up Datan as the ruler, and presented Datan with a golden horse bit as a pledge. Buluzhen heard about it. He returned home sent 8 000 cavalry to go and surround Chilouhou. Chilouhou burnt his precious treasures, cut his own throat and died. Buluzhen thereupon hid from [?] Datan. Datan sent out the army to seize Buluzhen and Sheba. He strangled and killed them, and then established himself.

Datan was the son of Shelun's uncle, the third of the brothers, Puhun. He had previously controlled a separate section, headquartered at the western border. He was able to obtain the multitudes' hearts, the people of state pushed him forward and supported him. His title was Mouhanheshenggai Kehan. The Wei say Arranging Victory.

When Helü, father and son, had arrived at Long, Feng Ba enfeoffed him as Marquis of Shanggu. Buluzhen heard about it. He returned home sent 8 000 cavalry to go and surround Chilouhou. He burnt his precious treasures, cut his own throat and died. Buluzhen thereupon hid from [?] Datan. Datan sent out the army to seize Buluzhen and Sheba. He strangled and killed them, and then established himself.

Datan was the son of Shelun's uncle, the third of the brothers, Puhun. He had previously controlled a separate section, headquartered at the western border. He was able to obtain the multitudes' hearts, the people of state pushed him forward and supported him. His title was Mouhanheshenggai Kehan. The Wei say Arranging Victory. When Helü, father and son, had arrived at Long, Feng Ba enfeoffed him as Marquis of Shanggu.

Datan led the multitudes moved south to violate the the frontier. Taizong personally chastised him. Datan was afraid, and then escaped and ran. Dispatched the Marquis of Shanyang, Xi Jin, and others to pursue him. There happened to be cold and snow. The officers and multitudes who froze to death or lost fingers were two or three out of ten.

When Taizon expired, and Shizu was enthroned [in 423 AD], Datan heard and was greatly joyful. In the 1st Year of Shiguang [424 AD], he therefore robbed Yunzhong. Shizu personally chastised him, after three days and two nights he arrived in Yunzhong. Datan's cavalry surrounded Shizu more than fifty-fold [?]. The cavalry pressured and the horse heads were next to each other like a wall. The officers and men were greatly scared. The colour of Shizu's face was similar to himself, the multitudes' feeling were therefore calmed.

Before this, Datan's younger brother Dana had disputed the state with Shelun. He was defeated and came in flight. Datan used Dana's son Yuzhijin as a section leader. The army soldiers shot Yuzhijin and killed him. Datan was afraid, and therefore turned back.

2nd Year [425 AD], Shizu greatly raised up to conquer him, and from east to west advanced side by side on five roads. The King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han, and others was going towards the Black Desert, the Duke of Ruyin, Zhangsun Daosheng towards between the White and Black Deserts, the Chariot Drove towards the central road, the Duke of Dongping, E Qing, was next to the west, towards Li Park, the King of Xuancheng, Xi Jin, General An Yuan and others the western road towards Erhan Mountain.

The various armies arrived south of the desert, and rested the supply wagons. The light cavalry took fifteen days' provisions, and traversed the desert to chastise them. Datan's section groups were terrified and surprised, and ran north.

1st Year of Shenjia, 8th Month [26 August – 24 September 428 AD], Datan dispatched his son to command more than 10 000 cavalry to enter the frontier. They killed and plundered the border people, and then left. The adherent state of the Gaoche pursued, struck and routed them. [He?] turned back from Guangning to pursue them but did not catch up.

2nd Year, 4th Month [19 May – 17 June 429 AD], Shizu drilled troops in the southern suburbs, and was about to assault Datan. The nobles, ministers and great subjects all did not wish to travel. The soil technicians Zhang Yuan and Xu Bian used astronomy to censure and halt Shizu. Shizu followed Cui Hao's plan and moved. It happened that messengers from south of the Jiang returned, and claimed Liu Yilong wished to violate Henan. They spoke to the moving people, saying:

You urgently report to the ruler of Wei. Return our land of Henan, and [we] will immediately stop [our] troops. If not so, [you will] reach the end of our generals and soldiers' strength.

Shizu heard and greatly laughed. He told the nobles and ministers, saying:

The softshell turtle, young and immature, is aiding himself with no leisure. How is he able to do so? He has almost made [himself] able to come [?] Suppose we do not first wipe out the Ruanruan, [but] readily furthermore sit and wait for the bandits to arrive, belly and back will receive the enemy, this not the best plan. I will act and decide.

Hence the Chariot Drove to set out on the eastern road towards Hei Mountain. The King of Pingyang, Zhangsun Han followed the western road towards Da'e Mountain. They met together at the thieves' courtyard.

5th Month [18 June – 16 July], they stayed south of the Sandy Desert. They rested the supply wagons, went light to assault them, and arrived at Li River. Datan's multitudes ran west. His younger brother Pili had previously directed the eastern groups, he wanted to go to Datan, but came across Han's army. Han let loose the cavalry to strike him, and killed several hundred of his great men.

His younger brother Pili had previously directed the eastern groups, he wanted to go to Datan, but came across Han's army. Han let loose the cavalry to strike him, and killed several hundred of his great men. Datan heard about it and shook in terror, he commanded his relatives and partisans to burn down the huts and houses, and leave no trace of their flight west, so that there was no knowledge of where they had gone.

Hence the state's groups scattered in four directions, and ran away to hide in the mountains and valleys. The livestock and property were spread out in the wilderness, no person gathered or looked after. Shizu moved west along the Li River, and went beyond the Han general Dou Xian's old ramparts.

6th Month [17 July – 15 August], the Chariot Drove to stay at the Mianyuan River, 3 700 li distant from Pingcheng. Divided the army to seek out and chastise. To the east they reached the wide ocean, to the west they continued to Zhangye, to the north they crossed Yanran Mountain, from east to west more than 5 000 li, from south to nor 3 000 li. The various sections of the Gaoche killed Datan's kindred. From beginning to end [those who] returned in surrender were more than 300 000. They took prisoner and captured more than 1 000 000 captives and arms and horses [?].

8th Month [14 September – 13 October], Shizu heard the eastern section of the Gaoche had garrisoned Yini Slope, the people and livestock were a considerable multitude, more than 1 000 li distant from the official army. Thereupon he dispatched the Supervisor of the Left, An Yuan, and others to go and chastise them. When he reached Yini Slope, the various sections of the Gaoche who looked at the army and surrendered were several hundred thousand.

Datan's section groups weakened and declined, because of that he took ill and died. His son Wuti was established. His title was Chilian Kehan. The Wei say Godly and Sagely.

4th Year [431 AD], he dispatched envoys to court with presents. Before this, the northern borderland scouting cavalry had captured Wuti's southern division patrols, more than 20 people. Shizu bestowed on them clothes and dress, and dispatched them home. Wuti, high and low, felt the virtue, that was the reason for the court tribute from him. Shizu was very hospitable to his envoys and then dispatched them.

3rd Year of Yanhe, 2nd Month [24 February – 25 March 434 AD], used Wuti to wed the Princess of Xihai. Also dispatched envoys to accept Wuti's younger sister as a Lady. Again advanced [her] to be Radiant Decorous of the Left. Wuti dispatched his older brother Tulugui and several hundred of his left and right to come to court, and present 2 000 horses. Shizu was greatly pleased, and distributed bestowal to great extent.

Arriving at the 2nd Year of Taiyan [436 AD], he then broke the peace and violated the frontier.

4th Year [438 AD], the Chariot Drove to favour Wuyuan, and thereupon campaigned against him. The King of Leping, Pi, and the Duke of Hedong, He Duoluo, supervised 15 generals to set out on the eastern road. The King of Yongchang, Jian, and the King of Yidu, Mu Shou, supervised 15 generals to set out on the western road. The Chariot Drove to set out on the central road.

Arriving at Junji Mountain, split the central road to then become two roads. The King of Chenliu, Chong followed the Great Marsh towards Zhuoye Mountain. The Chariot Drove following north of Junji towards Tian Mountain. To the west they climbed the White Mound, and carved a rock to record the acts. They did not see the Ruanruan and turned back. At the time there was great drought north of the desert, there was no water or grass, and many of the army horses died.

5th Year [439 AD], the Chariot Drove west to attack Juqu Mujian. The King of Yidu, Mu Shou, assisted Jingmu to stay and defend. The King of Changle, Xi Jing, and King Yao [?] of Jianning, Chong, with 20 000 people headquartered south of the desert, to thereby prepare against the Ruanruan. Wuti in the end violated the frontier. Shou habitually did not make preparations. The thieves reaches Qijie Mountain. The Capital District was greatly scared, and strove to flee inside the city.

The Minister of Works, Zhangsun Daosheng resisted them at Tutui Mountain. Of Wuti's robbers, he kept his elder brother Qiliegui with the various armies of the Northern Headquarters to defend each other [?]. Jing, Chong, and others routed Qiliegui to the north of Yin mountain, and captured him. Qiliegui sighed and said:

Juqu destroyed us.

They captured his senior uncle Tawuwuluhu and 500 of his generals and leaders, the cut off heads tallied more than 100 000. Wuti heard and escaped and ran. Daosheng pursued him, he arrived south of the desert and turned back.

4th Year of Zhenjun [443 AD], the Chariot Drove to favour south of the desert. They divided along four roads: The King of Changle, Fan, and the King of Jianning, Chong, each commanded 15 generals and set out on the eastern road. The King of Leping commanded 15 generals and set out on the western road. The Chariot Drove to set out on the central road. The King of Zhongshan, Chen, led 15 generals as the rear support of the central road. The Chariot Drove to arrive in the Luhun Valley, and was about to meet with the thieves. Wuti escaped and ran. They pursued to reach the Egen He, struck and routed him. The Chariot Drove to arrive at the Stone River and turned back.

5th Year [444 AD], again favoured south of the desert, wishing to assault Wuti. Wuti escaped far away, therefore turned back.