#liang qiao

[popfishjr]

[zhoudadudugongjin]

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: When Fate Plays Matchmaker (2024)

Gifs of Ending of cdrama "When Fate Plays Matchmaker"

MULTISUB 【俏红娘 When Fate Plays Matchmaker】 EP01：震惊 相亲居然遇上白月光 crush | 魏天浩 / 赵星卉 | 古装 爱情 | 优酷 YOUKU

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WzX59evH0k

[trisshawkeye]

Sun Shangxiang wants what she can't have.

Sun Shangxiang/Xiao Qiao (one-sided), Red Cliff, M, 7.1k words

--

My Yuletide assignment this year! At this point I've written fic for most of the major players in Red Cliff now...

[mtonino]

Tutti i premi di Cannes 77

Menzione speciale per la Camera d'or - MONGREL by WEI LIANG CHIANG & YOU QIAO YIN

Caméra d’or miglior opera prima - ARMAND by HALFDAN ULLMANN TØNDEL.

Miglior Sceneggiatura - CORALIE FARGEAT pour THE SUBSTANCE.

Miglior attrice - ADRIANA PAZ, ZOE SALDAÑA, KARLA SOFÍA GASCÓN, SELENA GOMEZ in EMILIA PÉREZ de JACQUES AUDIARD.

Miglior attore - JESSE PLEMONS in KINDS OF KINDNESS by YÓRGOS LÁNTHIMOS.

Premio speciale alla sceneggiatura - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG by MOHAMMAD RASOULOF.

Miglior Regia - MIGUEL GOMES for GRAND TOUR.

Premio della Giuria - EMILIA PÉREZ by JACQUES AUDIARD.

Gran Premio della Giuria - ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT by PAYAL KAPADIA.

Palma d’Oro - ANORA by SEAN BAKER

[mademoiselle-red]

One of my favorite scenes from the 1994 TV adaptation of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the one in which Zhuge Liang shows up at Zhou Yu’s funeral with the 3rd century equivalent of a slide deck and proceeds to give a power point presentation about the highlights of Zhou Yu’s career to a stunned audience comprised of Xiao Qiao (Zhou Yu’s wife), Zhou Yu’s children, Sun Yuan, and rest of the Wu court.

As a someone who gives power point presentations for a living, I must say this is definitely the right way to honor your rival at his funeral.

[lahjiep]

AAKSJDHKJHJK

THRE'S A HIKARU NO GO CROSSOVER IN THE LINK CLICK LIVE ACTION DRAMA??? QIAO LING went to interview Shi Guang and Yu Liang?????

[rainbowsky]

Hello Rainbowsky,

Is it true that someone really booked 26 screenings of One and Only. Or is it a rumour?

And if it’s true, 26 screenings mean it is dedicated to WYB’s 26th birthday.

So, WYB, Chongqing, very rich and anonymous identity does not it points to one person? => XZ

What do you think?

Hi Anon! 😊

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

It's true that there were such bookings made in Chongqing (GG's hometown, and where his family lives).

It's not proved who is behind the bookings, but the number is an interesting coincidence given that DD is turning 26 soon. We know that GG and DD often signal their birthdays this way.

And whoever it was bought all the expensive high end theaters where tickets are difficult to sell, and left the affordable ones for passersby, which was thoughtful - like a rabbit we all know.

(source)

The same thing was done for Born to Fly. 30 screenings were bought out. A friend told me that a box office analyst even took note of it, saying that the film was doing better in Chongqing than anywhere else in the country. 😅

Other celebrities have been buying screenings - a long list of them, some of them including (source):

Kara Wai - Hu Jun - Wang Chuanjun - Victoria Song Qian - Yin Zheng - Wu Lei - Yu Shi - Ni Hongjie - Qiao Shan - Wang Shengnan - Meng Hetang - director Su Liang - Wang Yitai - Dong Sicheng - Jia Ling - Jia Bing - Liu Xiaoshi - Huang Yi

And there are likely more who've booked screenings, but they're all open about it, and post openly about their support for DD and their best wishes for the success of the film. And no one is booking a large number of screenings like this.

30 screenings, 26 screenings - this is an extravagant expense, and done anonymously. That points to GG AFAIAC. He doesn't do half measures. He drops bombs, as we all know. He's not subtle.

Yes, it's a gift but I think it's also a flex. He's showing that he supports DD in a big way, and will spare no expense.

Those who know, know.

DD said Leos love to be praised. This is definite praise. It's sweet to picture DD's smug spoiled smile when he finds out about things like this. He knows he's loved, and he knows that others know it too. That's something that would definitely please him.

Of course, this is total CPN. We have no way of verifying.

[happyendhouse]

Meet a BAD Romance of the Three Kingdoms!

Starring:

Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang having (deadly) fun

Lu Su, Lü Meng and Xiao Qiao freaking out 0_o

[web-novel-polls]

Popular Danmei Character Tournament

CWs: death mention, alcohol mention

Shen Qiao from Thousand Autumns

Submission: You ever see the sweetest guy who you need to squeeze real hard? That’s how it feels to read this book 

Not exactly innocent but a Good Person who never bends his belief in people and his own ideals despite how many times he’s betrayed

He does not get paid enough for the shit he goes through

Zhou Zishu from Faraway Wanderers and Lord Seventh / Qi Ye

The MC of Faraway Wanderers / Word of Honor

In Lord Seventh, he works under the Crown Prince Helian Yi as the leader of Tian Chuang

Leaves Tian Chuang, a secret organization under the Crown Prince, after his junior brother (Liang/Qin Jiuxiao) dies, and gets wasted as a beggar until he’s tasked with a young boy named Zhang Chengling’s safety

[dtriad]

[source: 吃柚子皮不吐柚子 @ Bilibili]

OP matched characters to the 24 solar terms:

立春——徐庶 Xu Shu

雨水——貂蝉 Diaochan

惊蛰——杨修 Yang Xiu

春分——刘备 Liu Bei

清明——诸葛亮 Zhuge Liang

谷雨——小乔 Xiao Qiao

立夏——鲁肃 Lu Su

小满——曹操 Cao Cao

芒种——郭嘉 Guo Jia

夏至——姜维 Jiang Wei

小暑——孙尚香 Sun Shangxiang

大暑——钟会 Zhong Hui

立秋——关羽 Guan Yu

处暑——孙策 Sun Ce

白露——周瑜 Zhou Yu

秋分——孙权 Sun Quan

寒露——陆逊 Lu Xun

霜降——袁绍 Yuan Shao

立冬——赵云 Zhao Yun

小雪——曹植 Cao Zhi

大雪——曹丕 Cao Pi

冬至——甘宁 Gan Ning

小寒——司马昭 Sima Zhao

大寒——司马师 Sima Shi

[popfishjr]

AU in which Zhou Gongjin Gets Over It™️

TWO MONTHS

Zhou Gongjin spent too much of his time thinking about that egotistical asshole strategist.

His close confidant, Lu Su, panicked when Zhou Yu revealed his intentions of killing the bastard.

"Gongjin, pray tell, why would you do such a thing in such times of need?"

Gongjin raised an eyebrow. "Hm?" He said, as if the reason was obvious. "A scheming traitor like him can't possibly be left alive, Zijing."

"How... how is Kongming a traitor in your eyes?"

Gongjin smiled, eyes narrowed. "Consider this, if our battle against the Cao army is victorious, Kongming would occupy Jing Province. Vice versa, if we are defeated, he would take the opportunity to seize our very own Jiangdong."

Gongjin turned to face Zijing, challenging him to say that he's wrong. Zijing said nothing, only sighed in disbelief. Good enough.

THREE MONTHS

It was getting ridiculous. Whenever Zhuge Liang was in the room, Zhou Yu would be looking at him with what his fellow generals would call ‘The Glare™️’ . Zhuge Kongming wasn’t fazed, though. Not even after multiple well-disguised assassination attempts from the Grand Commander himself.

Gongjin wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug, knowing look off the strategist's face. Perhaps he’ll even frame his annoying feather fan on his wall when he finally gets him to die under his hand.

FOUR MONTHS

“Grand Commander, Zhuge Liang has successfully brought back 100,000 arrows.”

Zhou Yu wanted to smash his head against a wooden pillar. This was insanity. He had been so sure he could humiliate and then execute the strategist for failing the task he swore to accomplish. He had given him a ten day limit, but Zhuge Liang shot that down immediately.

“Just give me three days and no more,” he had said, ever calmly fanning his feather fan. Zhou Yu could’ve sworn he saw a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Now, Gongjin was pacing around his room in frustration and disbelief. This Zhuge Liang was smarter than he had anticipated. Zhou Yu just couldn’t allow that.

If this continues, everyone’s going to run to the fan-waving tactician instead of their own Grand Commander, tumbling head-over-heels to beg for his wit and schemes. Gongjin winced at the thought. That would be humiliation beyond measure.

"Gongjin," Lu Su stood awkwardly in a corner. "I heavily advise you to fix your relationship with Kongming."

"I'm not in the mood for this conversation."

"Gongjin!" Lu Su snapped. "Kongming is able to serve as a valuable asset to defeat Cao Cao's attack!"

"You doubt my ability to defeat Cao Cao?" Zhou Yu shot a glare at Lu Su. "I can manage without Zhuge Liang perfectly fine."

Lu Su was silent for a moment. "Gongjin, may I ask a question?"

"Go on."

"Promise me you won't be angered."

Zhou Yu narrowed his eyes. "...Proceed with your question."

"Is the future of Jiangdong the genuine cause of your desire to kill Kongming, or is it because you're jealous of his intelligence?"

Zhou Yu froze. "How dare-" he took in a deep breath and pictured Xiao Qiao playing a piece, and exhaled.

"Out," he pointed to the exit. "Now."

SIX MONTHS

Gongjin had been drinking tea and chatting with Zhuge Liang lately and he hates him more than ever.

“Know yourself and the enemy,” Sun Tzu had whispered in Gongjin’s ear in his dreams. Oh, how well Gongjin was going to know him. It was inevitable to him that he would find a weakness sooner or later. And when he did, he wasn’t planning on holding back.

Within three weeks, Gongjin had invited Zhuge Liang for a chat approximately ten times. He had every one of the strategist's mannerisms and body language memorised. He was surprisingly easy to read, once Gongjin figured out the fun fact that he tended to subconciously channel his emotions into his fan-fanning.

He was also surprised to learn something new each time he spent time with Zhuge Liang. The strategist broke the boundaries of Gongjin’s area of observable knowledge, gifting and expanding his mind with unexplored areas of wisdom, waiting to be comprehended.

Zhuge Liang was always corteous and kind once Gongjin got to know him. Some part of that angered Gongjin. Did Zhuge Liang look down on him so much that he wasn’t worth insulting and getting angry over? Or was Gongjin overthinking? Zhuge Liang was a well of knowledge and wisdom, and he was offering Gongjin the bucket. By god was he thirsty.

SEVEN MONTHS

“Grand Commander.”

“Grand Commander.”

Zhou Yu inhaled sharply, abruptly sitting up and wiping the drool off his face. He turned to see Lü Meng kneeling by his bedside.

“What is it?”

“It is already two in the afternoon.”

“What?” Gongjin got up from his bed, only to hear a clatter as “Mastering the Art of War” fell from his lap to the floor.

Lü Meng stood up and sighed. “Grand Commander, I strongly urge you to burn the book, as you usually do. I’m certain you can already recite its contents without hesistancy.”

Gongjin shook his head. “Such an eye-opening book should be spared from flames.”

Lü Meng frowned. “What makes this one so special? Isn’t the author your rival and sworn enemy?”

Gongjin clenched his jaw and stared out the window. “I suppose so, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy his works.”

Lü Meng narrowed his eyes.

EIGHT MONTHS

Zhou Gongjin spent too much of his time thinking about Zhuge Liang. How could anyone be so gracefully smart? Gongjin often caught himself wishing he knew Kongming as children. He could’ve easily asked for his knowledge as friends then. But, wouldn’t that be too shameful now? Asking for his knowledge would be equivalent to admitting defeat, and General Zhou never admits defeat.

NINE MONTHS

Lü Meng wrapped a bandage around Gongjin’s wound as he lay, torso bare, on his bed.

“All done,” Lü Meng stood up. “All you need is rest from now on.”

Gongjin shook his head. “I have some business I need to see to.” He attempted to sit up, grunting with effort as he strained his muscles to push himself upright. Lü Meng wanted to slap some sense into him.

“W- Well, at least put some clothes on first."

Right after Lü Meng finished his sentence, he heard Kongming’s voice come from beyond the entrance. He was talking to one of Gongjin’s assistants outside.

“May you please inform Grand Commander Zhou that I’m here to s-” Kongming’s eyes met Gongjin’s from outside the entrance. He froze, pupils darting from Gongjin to Lü Meng, who was also looking at him. No one spoke for a moment, and Kongming’s face abruptly turned bright red.

“Ah, I see, I-” he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Grand Commander, I’ll return at a more appropriate time.”

Kongming bowed quickly bowed and left.

Zhou Yu frowned. “He could’ve come talk to me, why did he leave?”

Lü Meng paused, but then let out a small chuckle and shook his head. “Kongming probably wanted you to rest as well.”

TEN MONTHS

Zhou Gongjin spent too much of his time thinking about Kongming.

That night, they shared drinks and got terribly drunk over their past regrets and sorrows that even geniuses like them couldn’t fix. He had noticed Kongming’s clenched fist, his eyes glistening with tears. Setting down his ninth cup of wine, Gongjin reached over and held his fist in his own two hands. Kongming’s hand was cold against his warm ones.

“Your hands are cold as the Yangtze River on a winters night.” Gongjin unfurled his fingers and carressed his palm.

Kongming shook his head in despair. “My blood isn’t enough for my body like my services aren’t enough for the world.”

“You’re more than enough for me,” Gongjin quickly chimed in. “Besides, a bright person like you shouldn’t say such negative words about yourself.”

The strategist looked for all the world like a white rabbit vulnerable to an arrow.

“I’m confused.”

“Hm?” Gongjin stopped tracing circles on Kongming’s hand. The strategist that pissed him half to death with his genius? Confused?

“Don’t you see me as a rival to your wit, General? Or an enemy, as others might say.” Kongming said, staring down at the general holding his hand. “Why are you suddenly treating me so well?”

Gongjin shifted awkwardly, choosing to down his tenth cup of wine. Why did ‘others’ matter?

“Your wit is as sharp as 100, 000 arrows, do you really not know why?”

“Do I?”

Gongjin wanted to laugh. He was certainly drunk enough to do so, but he felt like he was going to have a heart palpitation, so he didn’t. Fuck, the strategist’s game never stops, does it? He knew Kongming wanted him to say it.

“You’re far cleverer than me. I had grown jealous of the way your mind works. I can’t seem to figure you out.”

“I knew that.”

Gongjin tightened his grip on Kongming’s hand. “Don't make this worse, strategist."

Kongming's eyes were still damp from tears, but he gave a small smile at that.

"It's been ten months, Kongming. I've learned that jealousy doesn't serve me,"

"Oh?" Kongming raised an amused eyebrow.

"Besides, you're not a mighty general like me anyways."

That finally did it. Kongming shook Gongjin's hands off in mock offense, his laughter seemed to change his tears into happy ones.

Kongming stopped only when Gongjin quickly took hold of his hand again, as if he were afraid that he'd lose him.

Kongming paused. "There's something else you want to tell me." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

Gongjin was staring at the ground in-between him and the strategist. His eyes darted around anxiously. He had to admit, sometimes he had to remind himself that Zhuge Liang couldn't actually read his mind. Gongjin wondered what would happen if he could. Would he laugh, humiliating him for his shameful thoughts? He couldn't even figure out how Kong ming would react after ten months of knowing him. A strike of panic stabbed the General when Kongming removed his hand, only to wrap both his hands over Gongjin's

"A general's hands shouldn't be shaky, Gongjin." Kongming gave his trembling hands a squeeze. "It isn't recomendable in combat."

Gongjin let out an uncertain breath.

"As... As I've said, I've known you for ten months, and... I had looked down on you, and I know I treated you poorly and I sincerely apologise," his words became rushed. "I'm very thankful that you have managed to put all that in the past, very thankful, and uh, you know, we've been spending more time together as friends lately, and I've gotten to know you so much better these past few weeks, and- and my view on you has changed drastically and I really admire you as a person-"

The torrent of words gushed out of Gongjin's mouth. All the alcohol he drank had broke the dam down.

"And if I'm being completely honest with you, Kongming, think I may be really really drunk and that's probably the only reason I'm able to get these words out but I've really come to like you more than rivals usually do, I think? And- and more than friends do as well, perhaps. Wait actually what if I'm just being weird and regular friends actually all feel like this towar-"

All the questions were blown from Gongjin's head when Kongming tugged him by his lapels and their lips met, like spark meeting the explosive. Kongming's lips were softer than he'd ever imagined, which was funny, considering the words that escaped it could be as sharp as knives if Kongming wanted them to be. Gongjin's breath caught in his throat when he ran a hand through his hair. Good to know all that combing and rice water baths were worth it. He returned the kiss, and revelled in the way it felt like returning home. The silent words of "more than friends" could be heard in the way the strategist leaned into his body, like they were puzzle pieces meant to be.

TEN MONTHS, ONE DAY

"Grand Commander."

"Grand Commander."

Zhou Yu groaned as he sat up, kicking the blankets off. His head throbbed as he turned to see Lü Meng standing by his bedside once again.

"What, is it two in the afternoon again?" Gongjin rubbed his aching temples, chuckling at the recollection.

The general bit his lip. "It's three."

"Huh?" Gongjin scrambled to get off the bed, but Lü Meng immediately stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?"

The general looked past Gongjin's shoulder, and he turned to follow his gaze.

"Oh god," his eyes widened at the sight of the famed strategist Zhuge Kongming sleeping soundly right beside him. His hair was loose in places, falling over his face. Wrinkles covered his clothes, and there was a pile of blanket on his legs that Gongjin had kicked off earlier.

“What happened last night?”

“You invited him over, Grand Commander.”

“I- I did… I-” Gongjin groaned and shook his head, which hammered with pain whenever he tried to recollect his memories. “I shouldn’t have drank so much.”

Kongming stirred in his sleep, snuggling closer to Gongjin, who stood up immediately.

“Uh,” He gave Lü Meng an embarrassed look. “I’ll have a change of clothes. Wait for me outside.”

TEN MONTHS, TWO WEEKS

Zhou Yu couldn’t put his finger on why, but his chats with the strategist felt different than usual, lately. Was it because the regular glint of mischief was no longer present in his eyes? Or that it was replaced with a barely detectable glint of sadness and confusion instead? And why was Gongjin afraid of asking “why”?

Every meeting with Kongming felt as if he expected him to say or do something, but what did he want him to do? He wished Kongming would just say it. But who knew, during their next chat over Gongjin’s tea, he actually did.

“Gongjin,” Kongming’s hand balled into a loose fist around the handle of his fan.

“You’re anxious.”

Kongming gave a wry smile. “You know me well.”

“What is it you wish to say?”

“I was wondering if you… if you remember what happened that night.”

Gongjin frowned. “What night?”

“Two weeks ago?” The way Kongming said it like he was pleading hurt Gongjin’s heart. “We were in your room, both of us drunk. That is probably the reason you don’t remember it too well…”

Kongming rambled on, trying desperately to jog his memory. Gongjin had to stop himself from chuckling— Kongming didn’t even mention to him the highlight of that night. That’s alright. He could add that part in himself.

He leaned in for a small kiss, which successfully stemmed the strategist’s flow of words. His face reddened. “Ah.”

“Oh? Who knew one day the general would finally catch the mighty strategist off-guar-” but Gongjin’s words were cut off with an annoyed look from Kongming, who then pressed his lips onto his defiantly, perhaps with a bit too much force as they tumbled over each other again.

[zhoudadudugongjin]

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: The Autumn Ballad (2022)

His mum's really cute. 😅😆 #徐正曦 #乔欣 #嫣语赋#theautumnballad #shorts

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W53K9LKY-Es

[craftercat]

JTS01, Biography of Gaozu (Part 1)

(My first translation, so I may well have got things wrong. When I finish translating Gaozu's biography I'll put it together and post it on my Wordpress)

The Exalted Founder (gaozu), Divine Great Sage Great Glorious Filial (shenyao dasheng daguang xiao) August Emperor's surname was Li, taboo Yuan. His ancestors hailed from Didao of Longxi, Prince Wuzhao of Liang Gao's seventh-generation descendant (Prince Wuzhao of Liang was a ruler in the Sixteen Kingdoms period).

高祖神堯大聖大光孝皇帝姓李氏，諱淵。其先隴西狄道人，涼武昭王暠七代孫也。

Gao begot Xin. Xin begot Chong'er, (who) served in the government of (Northern) Wei as Governor of Hongnong Prefecture. Chong'er begot Xi, who was Brigadier-General of Jinmen, who led outstanding men to pacify Wuchuan, thus his family was there. In Yifeng (an era name of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Gaozu's grandson), was posthumously honoured as Widespread August Emperor. Xi begot Tianxi, who served in the government of (Northern) Wei as Master of Banners. In Datong (Western Wei era name) was bestowed as Sikong. In Yifeng, was honoured as Glorious August Emperor.

暠生歆。歆生重耳，仕魏為弘農太守。重耳生熙，為金門鎮將，領豪傑鎮武川，因家焉。儀鳳中，追尊宣皇帝。熙生天錫，仕魏為幢主。大統中，贈司空。儀鳳中，追尊光皇帝.

The Imperial Ancestor's taboo (was) Hu, (was) Later Wei (Western Wei?)'s Supervisor, conferred as Duke of Longxi Commandery, accompanied Emperor Wen of Zhou (Yuwen Tai) with Grand Protector Li Bi, Minister of War Dugu Xin, etc. because of merits in participating as a subordinate was conferred, (they) were at the time known as the "Eight Pillars of the State", (Hu) was bestowed the surname of Daye.

皇祖諱虎，後魏左僕射，封隴西郡公，與周文帝及太保李弼、大司馬獨孤信等以功參佐命，當時稱為“八柱國家”，仍賜姓大野氏。

When Zhou received abdication (Emperor Wen of Sui came to the throne), (Hu) was posthumously conferred the title of Duke of Tang, posthumous name Xiang. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor, their old surname (Li) was restored. At the beginning of Wude (Gaozu's era name), was posthumously honoured as Revered August Emperor, temple name Grand Founder (taizu), tomb in Yongkang.

周受禪，追封唐國公，諡曰襄。至隋文帝作相，還復本姓。武德初，追尊景皇帝，廟號太祖，陵曰永康。

The Imperial Deceased Father's taboo was Bing, was in charge of (Northern) Zhou's An Province, General-In-Chief of the (Eight) Pillars, inherited the title of Duke of Tang, posthumous name Ren. At the beginning of Wude, was posthumously honoured as Fundamental August Emperor, temple name Generational Ancestor (shizu), tomb in Xingning.

皇考諱昞，周安州總管、柱國大將軍，襲唐國公，諡曰仁。武德初，追尊元皇帝，廟號世祖，陵曰興寧。

Gaozu was born in the first year of Tianhe (one of Yuwen Yong's era names) in Chang'an, inherited the title of Duke of Tang at seven years old (by East Asian age reckoning). Growing up, he was outstanding and magnanimous, headstrong and sincere, generous, benevolent, and forgiving to the public. No matter if noble or lowly, all obtained his friendship. Sui accepted (Zhou)'s abdication, supplied one thousand cows personally. Emperor Wen's Empress Dugu was his maternal aunt, because of this was especially beloved (by Emperor Wen?), accumulated and conveyed as Regional Inspector of the three provinces of Qiao, Long and Qi.

高祖以周天和元年生於長安，七歲襲唐國公。及長，倜儻豁達，任性真率，寬仁容眾，無貴賤鹹得其歡心。隋受禪，補千牛備身。文帝獨孤皇后，即高祖從母也，由是特見親愛，累轉譙、隴、岐三州刺史。

There was a man called Shi Shiliang with skill in physiognomy, called Gaozu and said:

"Your Honour's skeletal frame is extraordinary. You’re destined to ascend as sovereign over men. I implore you to cherish your well-being and not to forget my humble counsel."

Gaozu because of this was slightly conceited. At the beginning of Daye (Emperor Yang of Sui's era name), became Governor of the two commanderies of Xingyang and Loufan, recruited as lesser supervisor of the inner palace.

有史世良者，善相人，謂高祖曰：“公骨法非常，必為人主，願自愛，勿忘鄙言。”高祖頗以自負。大業初，為滎陽、樓煩二郡太守，征為殿內少監。

Ninth year (of Daye), promoted to lesser officer in the Commander of Palace Guards. In the Liaodong Campaign (Emperor Yang of Sui's expeditions in Goguryeo), supervised transportation to Huaiyuan County. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, an imperial decree called forth Gaozu to swiftly advance to the Honghua Commandery, concurrently charging him with the military governance west of the pass.

遼東之役，督運於懷遠鎮。及楊玄感反，詔高祖馳驛鎮弘化郡，兼知關右諸軍事.

Gaozu experienced many tests at home and abroad, and was simple and virtuous, he made many friendships with outstanding figures, and was close to numerous. At this time Emperor Yang was very suspicious of him, many suspected and feared him. An imperial decree summoned Gaozu to travel to (Emperor Yang)'s location, but did not go due to suffering from illness. At that time (Gaozu)'s niece Lady Wang was in (Emperor Yang)'s harem, the emperor asked her:

"Why is your maternal uncle late?"

Lady Wang responded that it was due to sickness, the emperor said:

"Could he die?"

高祖曆試中外，素樹恩德，及是結納豪傑，眾多款附。時煬帝多所猜忌，人懷疑懼。會有詔征高祖詣行在所，遇疾未謁。時甥王氏在後宮，帝問曰：“汝舅何遲？”王氏以疾對，帝曰：“可得死否？”

Gaozu heard this and it increased his fear, so drank excessively, became deeply immersed in drinking and bribery, so as to pass off his traces as this. In the eleventh year, Emperor Yang journeyed to the Fenyang Palace and commanded Gaozu to venture into Shanxi and Hedong for scrutinizing and apprehending officials. The troops arrived in Longmen, the traitors commanded by Mu Duan'er were several thousand men and assailed the city.

高祖聞之益懼，因縱酒沉湎，納賄以混其跡焉。十一年，煬帝幸汾陽宮，命高祖往山西、河東黜陟討捕。師次龍門，賊帥母端兒帥眾數千薄於城下。

Gaozu, at the head of scarcely more than ten horsemen, charged upon them. Of the seventy arrows he loosed, each met its mark and brought them down, precipitating a grand disarray amongst the rebel ranks. In the twelfth year (of Daye), was promoted to Right Strong Guard General.

高祖從十余騎擊之，所射七十發，皆應弦而倒，賊乃大潰。十二年，遷右驍衛將軍。

[mademoiselle-red]

Chen Shou’s subtle Shu-Han nationalism while writing the Records of the Three Kingdoms under the employment (and censorship) of the Jin Dynasty is really touching 😭😭😭

People give Luo Guanzhong and his historical fiction a lot of due credit for influencing the cultural popularity of Shu-Han, but who influenced Luo Guanzhong?

First, there’s the deification of Guan Yu in Chinese folk religion, who remains to this day one of the most popular Taoist deities. By the time Luo Guanzhong was born, Guan Yu was already a very popular a god of fortune in the Chinese pantheon. What does money have to do with Guan Yu the general? Not much. But somehow people decided he will make you wealthy if you pray to him, so he’s got a lot of fans.

And then there is the religious worship of Zhuge Liang that not only survived but thrived beyond the Shu Kingdom. The semi-fantastical depiction of Liang Liang in the novel starts to make sense when you realize that “Zhuge Liang” is sort of an honorary member of the Chinese pantheon. He isn’t the god of anything, but he can be prayed to for good luck and protection.

And finally, the most authoritative voice on the history of the three kingdoms was and is still Chen Shou, the writer of the Records of the Three Kingdoms, the only official history of the period. He was a Shu-Han man, born and raised. His teacher and mentor Qiao Zhou had worked directly under Zhuge Liang, and Chen Shou was employed in Liu Shan’s court until he was transferred to the Wei Kingdom and then Jin Dynasty after Liu Shan surrendered. In the Records of the Three Kingdoms, the Wei Kingdom is depicted as the “rightful” dynasty and given the most detailed historical records and descriptions because the Jin Dynasty officially derives their political legitimacy from “receiving” the royal position from the Wei Kingdom (which “received” theirs from the Han). However, whenever possible, Chen Shou chose to use language that implied the legitimacy of the Shu-Han, depicted the country (and especially Zhuge Liang) in a generally favorable light, and saved some key documents from the country following the large loss (and perhaps systematic destruction) of historical records following Liu Shan’s surrender. And by doing so, he ensured that his native country would be remembered fondly for all posterity.