#zhen heng

[koremakaria]

Award for Best Brother Goes to Jiang Zhan

Yes, it is true that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed but the man has a good heart and he cares so deeply for his little sister

The calm carriage ride is about to take a sudden turn .. haha. Jiang Zhan just discovered that the precious scented satchel that Yu Jin treasures is nearly identical to the one his sister made for him and being not the brightest mind ... our gege is so very confused.

Poor gege .... he just couldn't understand why his good friend would have something from his little mei mei. What good reason could there be for such a thing? Please quick ... someone tell him.

And Zhen Heng is like ... bro ... don't look at me. I DoNOT want to start anything

LOL Yu Jin ... please do not count your chickens before they hatch. He was not subtle about the scented satchel so what's coming is on you ...

The moment of realization and the no hesitation to commit violence are so delicious!!

Our past brotherhood bond ... gone

Our easy commeradery ... long forgotten

How DARE you!!!! AND with my precious little SISTER!!!

And the whole time Yu Jin is wounded but Jiang Zhan did not give a damn since he's so protective of his sister. Jiang Zhan is the best brother and it is so beautiful to watch.

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: The Blossoming Love (2025)

Gifs of Intro of cdrama "The Blossoming Love"

【ENG SUB】 The Blossoming Love EP01 | Zhang Binbin / Sun Zhenni / Wang Duo | 千朵桃花一世开 | YOUKU

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW3VeTL2nXI

[another-kiraidesunosekai]

Personal Impression: Fangs of Fortune.

After watching the first episode, I already knew how this story would end.

It would end with tears like a river.

I knew many will die, even the lead character. I knew. Even so, I keep on watching it, every single episode, not even skipped any scene nor fast forward it.

Because of one reason ....

HIM.

Neo Hou is so gorgeous as the great demon!! >.<

I really like his make up and styling in this series. He really look like a 34.000 years old demon. His aura, demeanor, and his voice, really really resembles an old and presumptuous and flippant demon. Neo really did a great job for this role! BRAVO!

The story pace was quite slow though. Not only the story, but the dialogue, the movement, were also slow. I really have to hold out the urge to press the FF button. XD

And, although it came from the same director as My Journey to You, but the action scene movement isn't as thrilling as the previous one. Also, somehow they work too hard to give the heart warming feeling and the slightly comedy at the early episodes. Everyone always shed tears, even from the first episode. It feels like a rehearsal for the sad ending. XD

Everyone is trying too hard to ease each other pain that it looked unnatural for me.

BUT!!!

I do love this family.

A family consist of demons, a goddess, an human, a young mountain god, and an half human-half god.

I wish they would be together till the end and on. Doing adventure and demon hunting together.

Then again, it's Chinese drama land. We often get different kind of ending than we wanted, even if it was adapted from a novel and has an happy ending. I really don't understand with this kind of "satisfaction" to have a sad end, rather than an happy ending where everyone would smile and be happy. XD

Zhao Yuanzhao (Neo Hou) was actually a pitiful character. He was responsible of killing Zhou Yichen's brother and father, he has also killed Wen Xiao's mentor, the previous baizu goddess, and he was the reason for the death of Ying Lei's grandfather, the previous mountain god. All that because he was the vassal of malicious energy, and he can't control it (also can't control his own conscious). He also break up his friendship with Li Lun, the tree demon, which he accidentally hurt in a fight to protect the human. I could say, Zhao Yuanzhou's entire life is fill with misunderstanding.

I remember reading a comment saying, "In the first episode, Zhao Yuanzhou wanted to die because of what he has done, and in the final episode, he died when he wanted to live."

Damn. That hurts. Especially with the scene when Zhao Yuanzhou had to slapped himself before he sacrifice himself. He wanted to live with his loved ones, with his friends, but he has to make the biggest sacrifice. The death he has been wishing for. :((

Someone also said that Zhao Yuanzhou was like a sun for Li Lun as the sunflower. Li Lun only look at his sun, Zhao Yuanzhou, but the sun is actually owned by the people. That's touching, and it makes sense. But I still think Li Lun is like a brat which his favorite person was taken away by some other interest. XD

The sadness kind of traumatized me, even though I still able to made jokes when I watched it till the last episode, like "One down." XD

The characters were kind of pitiful, and it's always the demon side who suffers the most.

I'm quite happy that this series still have "connections" with real world, like the love between Miss Qi and Ran Yi was touching. They only wanted to be together, but their differences got in the way. "Whether you are a human or a demon, you are both my path and destination." It's like saying "I love you" in Fangs of Fortune's way. X3

When A Heng fights to protect his unconscious sister, Zhen Mei said he can't save his sister, and A Heng said, "I can't ... but I must." He know he won't stand a chance against Zhen Mei, but he still has to fight to protect his sister. That's a real power.

When Wen Xiao was poisoned and likely dying, she said that she doesn't want to die, and she still has lot of things she wanted to do. This is a natural reactions when we know that we only have little time left to live. Wen Xiao doesn't pretend to be strong by saying kind words like it's a sacrifice that she gladly will do as the baize goddess. The same thing with Ying Lei when he's dying, he said that he's scared and he doesn't want to leave ... my heart really broken for him. Ying Lei is my second favorite because of his cheerful nature. :((

I really like they still put that natural reactions and emotions as a common human would felt. (Note, Ying Lei's words were an adlib by the actor. Superb!)

There were several unforgettable moments in this series, including the death scenes. But, there's one that engraved in my mind. That one moment when Li Lun confronted Zhao Yichen who was about to turned into a demon. At first Li Lun was being all above Yichen, then it was the opposite. Yichen succeed to put some conscious into the stunned Li Lun. Li Lun wanted Yichen to be depressed and become a demon like him, yet Yichen stay righteous just like Zhao Yuanzhou had said about him. Yichen even said he becomes to understand Zhao Yuanzhou, rather than to Li Lun. That's like a totally defeat for Li Lun.

And lastly, Zhao Yuanzhou words to Wen Xiao, that when he died, he will become the rain and comes down to stay by her side.

Zhao Yuanzhou, do you know, because of that words, every time the rain came down now, I always said, "Da Yao, it's raining." TwT

Oh, well ... for me, it's quite good series. Although I still dislike the end, and even the special episode didn't do any good ....

Just remember, that it's a dream, and when you wake up, everyone actually living a happy life together, just like in the ending scene dance. XD

Neo Hou really did a great job in portraying a thousand years old demon. X3

[aptericia]

THANK YOU YOU'RE THE BEST

You are very welcome!! Just for fun, here’s my masterlist of Thunderbolt Fantasy birthdays:

January 20 - Diao Ming

February 22 - Lang Wu-Yao

February 23 - Xie Yingluo

March 7 - Xiao Kuang-Juan

May 20 - Azibelpher

June 1 - Dan Fei & Lie Mei

June 4 - Zhou Xun-Yin/Ling Mo-Yan

June 19 - Zhao Jun-Lin

June 25 - Juan Can-Yun & Huo Shi Ming Huang

July 2 - Wan Jun-Po

July 10 - Sha Wu-Sheng

July 20 - Shou Yun-Xiao

July 23 - Yi Piaomiao

August 8 - Dan Heng

August 19 - Lian Qi

September 23 - Shang Bu-Huan

September 24 - Xing Hai

October 3 - Di Kong/Lou Zhen-Jie

October 19 - Tian Gong Gui Jiang

November 5 - Can Xiong

November 9 - Mu Tian-Ming & Chao Feng

December 6 - Mie Tian-Hai

December 10 - Gui Duo Tian Gong

[wisteriashouse]

in this life and the next.

pairing: jing yuan x xian zhen (oc)

genre: romance; commission

word count: 10.5k

a/n: king yuan stan @meaningofaeons

“Jing Yuan, you cannot be serious about this.”

“Now, now, this is hardly the decorum of an aspiring general.” Jing Yuan doesn’t need to look up to know who it is that has just entered his office without declaration or permission, but does so anyway — just to see the displeased frown on her face. Despite her sudden arrival, his staff at the Seat of Divine Foresight don’t look too surprised to see her. They’re probably a tad too used to her coming and going. “What do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Lady Fu?”

Fu Xuan ignores him, as expected. “The personal shuttle of the Yaoqing’s Brigadier General has arrived at Cloudford.” No polite niceties or beating around the bush. She cuts straight to the point like a well sharpened sword. Jing Yuan smiles from his seat, and slowly sets down the report in his hands.

So, she’s here.

“Does the esteemed Master Diviner find issue with me recruiting more talents to join the Luofu’s Cloud Knights?”

“Enough of your jokes.” The Master Diviner crosses her arms over her chest, eyes narrowed. Although her countenance appears annoyed, Jing Yuan has known her for long enough to recognise that it only belies her deep seated concern for him. How touching. “You know that I don’t have any problems with that. It is who you are recruiting that I have concerns with. And I have advised on this matter countless times now — advice that I see you have very clearly ignored! Are my words a passing breeze to your ears, hm?”

Jing Yuan can’t help the laugh that escapes him. “Then, I suppose the great Master Diviner has scried a tragic fate for me, following this decision.”

“Why would I? It’s not like you would have heeded my warnings regardless.” Fu Xuan lets out a huff and turns away. After a moment, she speaks. “Jing Yuan, you and I both know that the Vidyadhara see their longevity differently from the other long life species of the Xinazhou. The molting rebirth that they undergo is not just an extension of their lives, but a whole new cycle. Her incarnations might share the name ‘Void Cleaver’, but they are about the same person as much as Dan Heng and previous Imbibitor Lunae are.”

Jing Yuan raises an eyebrow. That was a harsh blow, and both of them know it. Regardless, he smiles. “Yet, all of them have found their way back to that same pseudonym. If attachments to simple titles can linger, who is to say that the possibilities are limited?”

She shoots him a glare, and Jing Yuan muses to himself idly that he and Fu Xuan are now eye to eye, even though he remains seated. She cuts an intimidating figure, regardless. “Brigadier General Xian and the Void Cleaver Xiahui are not the same people,” she spells it out for him sharply. “Jing Yuan, you—”

“I know.”

Fu Xuan falters momentarily, her frown deepening. “You do?” She clearly didn’t expect him to relent so easily.

“Of course. The Yaoqing’s Brigadier General is not my comrade of old, as much as I would like to believe otherwise.” Jing Yuan glances at one of the display cabinets in his office as he speaks. Fu Xuan follows his gaze, sees the pair of large dao sitting inside a display of crystal glass. The steel chains are still attached to their blades, and although it has been centuries since they were last touched by their owner, the weapons still bear signs of careful maintenance. “Worry not, Lady Fu. I might be getting on in years, but I haven’t gone senile just yet. You will still have to be patient for now, I’m afraid.”

“Do not make it sound as though I am coveting your position. The changing of seats is merely a natural progression of things.” Fu Xuan looks at him. It has indeed been a long time since the General has held this seat — he is one of the few who has made it past the half millennium mark. But while his mind does not appear to have dulled even a little, there is a… tiredness about him that Fu Xuan cannot help but observe. “Then, why did you request to have her transferred here?”

He shrugs. “The Yaoqing have experience dealing with this particular group of borisin before — the ones that the Divination Commission have calculated to be heading towards the Luofu.”

“And I do not remember writing in my report that we required any assistance. The Luofu’s Cloud Knights should be more than sufficient to deal with them.”

“The Lady General of the Yaoqing has mentioned that this group is particularly tricky — they have more advanced technology and use underhanded means. Brigadier General Xian Zhen has led many campaigns against them, and so General Feixiao thinks that she might be an asset to us in the upcoming battle.”

Fu Xuan stares at him. Not for the first time, Jing Yuan feels as though the third eye on her forehead is boring straight through his chest like the piercing tip of a spear, right into his soul. Fortunately for him, while reading minds is well within the realm of her abilities, the Divination Master requires the Matrix of Prescience to do so, and Jing Yuan’s thoughts remain privy to only himself for now. 

“And I suppose she will return to the Yaoqing after this borisin matter is dealt with.”

“That is what is intended, yes.”

She lets out a defeated sigh. “Well, if even the Yaoqing’s general has agreed… I suppose it will not hurt to have an additional pair of fighting hands.”

“You suppose correctly.”

Fu Xuan glares at him. The General smiles at her in response, but Fu Xuan cannot help but feel as though he looks a tad too self-satisfied for her liking. She is sure that he is not being completely honest with her, but while she is loath to admit it, Fu Xuan has complete faith that he will not allow his personal agendas to undermine that of the Luofu. And if all that has been taken into account by the general, then she is in no position to continue to disagree.

Yet, that look… Fu Xuan wants to wipe it off his face!

Instead, she huffs out a breath and turns to leave. “Well, I’ve said my piece. As for the rest, do as you please.” She is almost at the lowest stair of the dais when the General suddenly speaks from behind her once more.

“Thank you for your concern, Fu Xuan.”

She turns around to see Jing Yuan looking at her with what almost seems to be a… genuine smile on his face. And for some reason, it makes it difficult to meet his gaze. “If you are grateful, then you should hurry up and retire,” she mutters. With that, she makes her way out of the Seat of Divine Foresight, leaving Jing Yuan behind her.

After the Divination Master leaves the room, Jing Yuan finally allows himself to let out a breath and sag back into his seat. As expected, Fu Xuan is blunt but perceptive. Even earlier, he does not think he managed to convince her entirely — it is said that the first step to convincing others is to first learn how to convince one’s own self, after all. 

And Xiahui, well… the strings of fate between them have been interwoven too thickly to be severed by something as paltry as molting rebirth. Dan Heng, try as he might to run, had never truly been able to wholly escape his predecessor’s eclipsing shadow. No, their lives have burned too brightly to simply be swept under a rug.

He looks at the chain dao sitting silently in their display cabinet, still awaiting their owner’s return. For so long, Jing Yuan had thought that she’d perished for good — his last glimpse of her the blood soaked back of a frenzied demon cutting down the borisin hordes closing in on her — before she had vanished from the battlefield, leaving behind only her old weapons and the rumours of a mara-stricken fate. And yet now, that old name has resurfaced once more, like a soul escaped from the Hall of Karma to haunt the living.

Void Cleaver. While she had not been part of the Xianzhou’s legendary High Cloud Quintet, Xiahui had been a formidable warrior in her own right. Jing Yuan had favoured the path with the least trouble and casualties, but Xiahui had always been one to charge headfirst into battle without fear of injury or death. The two always had a good rapport, and over time, stronger emotions had begun to develop between them.

Yet although he had already been aware of his own feelings, he’d failed to make them known. Why had he hesitated, and decided to wait? Perhaps, just like his master, he’d once thought that happy days flowed before them like a never ending stream. But life often has its ways of proving people wrong.

“General.” One of his secretaries, Yong Hai, approaches his table, scrolls nearly spilling from his arms. If paper could suffocate, they probably would. “Outside… the Yaoqing’s Brigadier General has arrived at the Exalting Sanctum. She wishes to greet you personally.”

He pulls his gaze away from the dao. What use are these realisations now? Jing Yuan shakes his head, before glancing up at his secretary with a slight smile. “Mm, escort her in. Oh, and fetch some Verdant Jade Lotus Tea. We should treat an honoured guest who has travelled far with suitable consideration.”

“Yes, General.” Yong Hai hurries away. Jing Yuan takes a quiet breath to calm himself. It’s been a… while, since he’d last felt trepidation. After centuries of living, the sensations of fears, sadness and happiness have all dulled with time. But to know that he will be seeing her again soon… that it makes Jing Yuan anticipate something once more.

The doors to the Seat of Divine Foresight swing open, and Jing Yuan feels as though he has just seen a ghost. The woman who had just arrived looks just like the Xiahui he remembers, and he must remind himself that this is a stranger wearing his old friend’s face. As she approaches, Jing Yuan looks her over carefully. Her dark hair falls over one eye — had she lost it in battle? Her attire is much more sophisticated than the clothes Xiahui used to favour, though this might be because of their meeting here today. 

She stops in front of him, clasping her fist before bowing her head low. “It is my honour to meet the Luofu’s Arbiter-General. I am Xian Zhen, Brigadier General of the Xianzhou Yaoqing.”

He had expected it, of course, but to hear himself being addressed so formally from such a familiar face… well, the faster Jing Yuan teaches himself that they are not the same person, the more quickly he will be able to move on. One sided nostalgia can only lead so far.

“No need for such formalities. We are to become comrades in arms soon, after all.” Jing Yuan rises to his feet to receive her. Xiahui— no, Xian Zhen’s eyes follow him with the sharpness of a hawk. Well, it looks like while some things change, other things remain familiar regardless. “Calling me General is enough. Have you settled your living quarters and such with Qingzu?”

She nods, quick and curt. “Yes, General. I came only to give my greetings, everything else has been more than satisfactory so far. There is no need to trouble someone as important as yourself with such paltry matters.”

Jing Yuan smiles slightly. “As a general, I take care of the men under me. And if I am unable to deal with paltry matters, how will I deal with greater ones? Do not worry, Lady Xian.”

She hesitates for a moment before she bows again. “Then, I thank the General for his generosity.”

There are centuries of history between the two of them, but how quickly it is that they have already run out of things to say to one another. There was another time, when he and Xiahui would spend hours after sparring chatting about everything under the sun and around it, but he supposes those days are long past now. It would be best if he remembers to think of the two as separate people now. Having brought Xiahui’s incarnation here was already an indulgence on his part — one that he should be careful not to take too far.

However, when he looks up to dismiss her, Jing Yuan is surprised to see Xian Zhen looking at the glass display cabinet — the one that houses Xiahui’s weapons. “Lady Xian?”

“Oh! Apologies, did you say something, General?”

“No. You simply seemed very lost in thought, staring at those weapons. So I called out to you.” Xian Zhen glances at the display case once more, and a look of deep interest crosses her face.

“Are those a pair of prized weapons, General? I use similar dao myself, so I noticed that their make is of excellent quality. It is difficult to find a craftsman who can make a chain that is both flexible and strong, even on the Zhuming.” There is a certain spark to her gaze when she talks about the weapons, one that was absent when she was speaking to him earlier. Jing Yuan cannot help but wonder if he is looking at his old friend once more. “Ah, but of course the General would have many rare treasures.”

Jing Yuan shifts his gaze over to the chain dao lying quiet and silent in their case. Weapons are not meant to be displayed like this. For what purpose are weapons crafted, if not to live out their purposes? That is what the craftsman who had created those blades had said, at least.

Old friendships become scattered to the winds, and enemies are either captured or dead. Only memories remain…

“They are treasures, indeed.” Jing Yuan nods mildly, looking at Xian Zhen once more. He momentarily considers what he’s about to say next. “And if you would ever like to use them, you can take them.”

Xian Zhen’s eye widens abruptly at his words, and Jing Yuan holds back a smile. “S-surely, I couldn’t simply take one of the General’s weapons like that!” 

Yes, he much prefers to see her true personality over the formal countenance she had been showing him earlier. He should endeavour to surprise her more often. “I must say I much prefer methods that do not resort to arms. If violence is inevitable, I have my glaive. Besides, an old friend of mine used to say that a sword not in use is merely a stick. I am sure that these weapons will serve a far greater purpose in your hands.”

She stares at the weapons one more time, as though in disbelief, before she bows, even deeper this time. “I cannot thank you enough, General.”

JIng Yuan laughs. “No gratitude required.” He is simply returning them to their owner, after all. “You can thank me by putting them to good use instead.”

“I swear by the heavens that I will.”

“Now, now, that’s not at all necessary…”

Xian Zhen, not Xiahui. Yet, there is that same hard flint in their eyes, the same animated expressions when talking about weapons. 

If his relationship with her predecessor had been anything to go by, well… Jing Yuan thinks that he could come to like Xian Zhen as much as he once did Xiahui.

“Cannon to C4.”

Yanqing squints even closer at the board, as though doing so will help him see a path to victory. There isn’t one — Jing Yuan has made sure to block off every possible escape route for Yanqing’s king, trapping it within the confines of its palace. But Jing Yuan lets him continue to study the starchess board regardless, perhaps the young man will find a new way through and surprise him.

“General,” Yanqing says at last, looking utterly worn out already, “I beg of you, no more starchess. How about we take a break from this and spar a little instead?”

“A warrior must be well skilled in all matters regarding warfare, which includes battle strategy as well,” Jing Yuan comments idly with a smile. “And to be well skilled, one must first practice, no?”

“But there is no way I could beat the General at starchess…”

“Then are you saying that you could beat me at sparring?”

“No! Well, no, but…”

The weather is perfect today, and there is a gentle breeze stirring the leaves in his courtyard. It’s too beautiful of a day to be cooped up inside the Seat of Divine Foresight — which is why Jing Yuan has decided to skip out on work for today and allow himself some rest. All pressing matters that need to be finished have been taken care of, so there is no reason that he can’t lounge around for a bit.

And besides…

“General!”

It never fails to summon her.

“General! What do you think you are doing?” Xian Zhen storms across the courtyard, the fine silk of her robes billowing behind her like mist. Opposite him, Yanqing gulps quietly, and very carefully sets down the starchess piece in his hand, as though afraid that the resulting sound might alert the raging beast to his presence. Very good survival instincts, his protege has.

As for Jing Yuan himself, well… today, he feels like tempting fate. “Good morning, my dear Lady Xian. The weather is beautiful today, don’t you think? How about a round of starchess? After I finish this match with Yanqing, of course.”

After the Luofu’s triumph over the borisin space-pirates (a resounding success, of course), Lady Xian had not returned to the Yaoqing as she had originally intended to, but instead chosen to accept a permanent position at the Seat of Divine Foresight as one of Jing Yuan’s battle advisors. A decision, Lady Xian claims, to have regretted every single day since.

“The General did not use to be this way,” she would lament to her colleagues at the Seat of Divine Foresight. “He was always an upstanding and responsible man! What happened to him?” Fu Xuan would simply shrug and tell her that Jing Yuan had always been this way — how do you think he got the nickname ‘Dozing General’, hm?

“We do not have time for starchess match, General. Not when you suddenly disappeared from your office after lunch time, and did not return after! I searched half of the Luofu for you, but no one had seen you!”

Jing Yuan turns a beatific smile upon her. “Ah, but where else would I be besides my own home?”

Lady Xian looks like she wants to strangle him, but tamps down her irritability impressively quick. Jing Yuan follows her line of sight to the young man sitting behind him, head lowered and eyes very determinedly not looking up, and has to hold back a laugh. “Perhaps at your office, where you are supposed to be at the moment.” She turns to Yanqing, her voice suddenly calm. “Yanqing, would you give me a moment with your General? I need to sc— I mean, speak to him about some matters.”

That is more than enough of an excuse for Yanqing to agree. The boy mumbles an excuse about being late for training with some friends, bows hurriedly to the General before scampering off. At least he has the decency to shoot an apologetic look over his shoulder as he leaves.

The second that Yanqing disappears from sight, Lady Xian rounds on him. “General, you are supposed to be at the office. It worries us when you do not inform us where you are.” She deposits an armful of scrolls on the table in front of him. “You still have this much work to finish, and the day is almost over now. Please finish these as quickly as possible. I will help you, if need be—”

“But Lady Xian,” the General selects one of the scrolls and unfurls it. “This report to the Realm Keeping Commission is only due in two weeks. I hardly think that this is very urgent, is it?”

Xian Zhen frowns, leaning in close to read the contents of the scroll. But it is just as the General says — while the bi-monthly report that the Realm Keeping Commission requires is vital, it is not urgently due. She stares at the scroll, before turning to Jing Yuan. It takes some effort from him to hold back a laugh from the clearly flabbergasted look on her face. “But these were on your table… you never leave work at your desk unless it is urgent.”

So it is just as Jing Yuan had thought — she had noticed that habit about him. To test that theory out, he’d made sure to leave his spare work out on his table before heading out to wander the Luofu without informing any of his subordinates. It hadn’t taken long, before the fish he’d been hoping to catch had taken the bait. 

The confirmation that she notices him more than she cares to let on pleases him more than it probably should. If Lady Fu Xuan were here, she would probably be giving him a look — that look that says ‘I told you so’. 

“Is that so?” Jing Yuan says instead, leaning forward so that he can prop up one chin on his hand. Xian falters a little, gripping the scrolls in her hands more tightly. Their eyes meet, and Jing Yuan thinks that even though parts of her have changed, her eyes (or well, eye, now) have always remained the same — clear and honest — as ever. “Hmm, well. Old habits die hard, but repetition does make things awfully boring after hundreds of years, no?”

She opens her mouth as though to argue, and closes it once more without saying a word. There’s a distinct pink tinge spreading over her cheeks. Before Jing Yuan can say anything else, however, Xian straightens up, folding her arms across her chest.”Well, as the General, it is your responsibility to be on top of all matters concerning the Luofu. Whether that be days, or even weeks in advance.”

Xian is very clearly flustered, as much as she tries to hide it with her brusque words. He holds back a smile. “It seems that even after all this time, I still have much more to improve on as a General. Forgive my negligence of my duties, Lady Xian.”

“I am not criticising you for negligence,” she starts to say, struggling to find words before she lets out a huff. This time, Jing Yuan is unable to help the laugh that escapes him. He remembers the days that he used to joke around Xiahui like this, part of him secretly hoping to get a rise out of his comrade.

Now, Lady Xian crosses her arms across her chest and shoots him a very pointed look. It’s become familiar to him, after their years of working together, and oddly refreshing. As though clouds that have long hung in the sky are finally starting to clear.

In a better mood now, for no apparent reason, Jing Yuan gets to his feet and dusts off his trousers with one hand. “Now, since my subordinate has come all this distance to find me, I suppose that I have no choice but to return to work.” Xian begins to nod approvingly. “After a quick nap, of course. The afternoon is a far too tiring and sleepy time for productivity.”

“No,” Xian pushes the scrolls into his hands and grabs him by one of his sleeves. That causes him to raise an eyebrow in surprise, although he tamps it down quickly. He likes this thoughtless intimacy, and if she is made aware of it she would retreat a polite distance. “You will return to the Seat of Divine Foresight now and complete the work that you left out on the table. I have no wish to race around the Luofu to hunt you down once again.”

Jing Yuan can see her patience with him beginning to wear thin, and decides that this will be his final push. He leans in close, slow and deliberate, relishing the way her breath hitches through parted lips and how he can see himself reflected in her wide eye. “If the Lady Xian insists… then perhaps I could be convinced to shift my nap to after I finish my work.”

She takes a step back. He follows, more sedately but still unrelenting. “W-what… what convincing do you need?”

“Well…” He pretends to deliberate this very carefully, and the suppressed panic on Lady Xian’s face almost makes him laugh. “I could be convinced if the Lady Xian agrees to stroke my hair as I nap, after.”

He can almost count the expressions that flit across her face — the disbelief, followed by shock, before that is quickly replaced by flustered indignance. Her cheeks remind him of the ripe peaches in the gardens of his childhood home. He wonders if she would be just as sweet. 

Immediately, Lady Xian spins on her heel and begins marching towards the exit. “Do not follow me!” she barks at him as he trails after her, amused. “You should be ashamed of yourself! This is unbecoming behaviour, ill-fitting for a renowned General. Not to mention unprofessional, and—”

“I thought the Lady Xian wanted me to return to the Seat of Divine Foresight to finish my work. How will she oversee me and make sure I carry out my due diligence if she does not accompany me?”

She comes to stop, abruptly wheeling around only to notice that Jing Yuan is only a few steps behind her, still with that unflappable smile on his face. A scowl flashes briefly across her face before she turns away again, resuming her stride. Jing Yuan, as expected, follows.

“I shall accompany you to the Seat of Divine Foresight, only to ensure that you do not slack off again before finishing your work.”

“The work is expected to take a considerable amount of time. As a show of my gratitude, how about I treat you to dinner tonight?”

“Do not think that my forgiveness can so easily bought, General—”

“Not even for Qingzu’s handmade Crystal Prawn Dumplings?”

He catches the pause in her step right before she continues marching down the street. “Perhaps I can have a bite or two before I leave.” She still isn’t looking at him, but Jing Yuan can see the corner of her mouth curl up, pleased.

The other residents of the Luofu catch sight of the General and Void Cleaver as they walk side by side on the bustling streets, and those that he is more acquainted with incline their heads in greeting or even wave. The evening air is cool, the sky is clear, and the night is peaceful. Even though Jing Yuan knows all this has been manufactured by the climate engineers, he can’t help but feel as though this moment is wonderfully dazzling in his eyes.

There is a sense of simple happiness, and something that Jing Yuan identifies as nostalgia, welling up within him. Not so long ago, he and Xiahui would walk down the same streets after hours of intensive sparring, sharing sweets and desserts from the roadside stalls. Yet, there are fundamental differences in this moment and the experiences that have long passed — the most prominent among them being the woman in front of him right now. 

His old comrade had never reacted this way to his teasing remarks back then, no matter how hard he had tried to get her to notice him. She had never turned up her nose like this, never crossed her arms and stormed away while trying to hide her expression. Yet more differences between her past and current incarnations… and Jing Yuan is surprised to realise that it’s been a long time since he’s last drawn a comparison between the two. As he walks behind her, Jing Yuan silently resolves in his heart that he will not compare the two any longer — they are not the same person.

Perhaps it is time to let ‘what ifs’ and possibilities remain in where they belong — in the past. The one walking beside him is no longer Xiahui, and if he thinks about it, Jing Yuan is no longer the naive, playful boy that he once was all those years ago. 

And perhaps, his present self also prefers the Lady Xian who responds to his teasing with such lively indignance. 

“An urgent report from Lady Fu!”

Jing Yuan doesn’t look up from the other urgent reports piling on his table. “Lady Xian, do me a favour and read its contents to me.”

On any other day, Xian would scold him for trying to rope her into doing pointless tasks, but today is different. Tensions are running high at the Seat of Divine Foresight, the threat of the Cancer of All Worlds on board the Luofu looming above all of their heads. The revival of the Ambrosial Arbor is a terrible omen to bear witness to, its branches burning fiercely over all of the Luofu. 

Not to mention the sudden uprising of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. They are small in number, but their groups are widespread over the Luofu, making it difficult for the Cloud Knights to focus their efforts. 

The crew of the Astral Express had left with the Master Diviner a while ago to support the Cloud Knights against the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. This report must be the results of their work. Xian Zhen unfurls the scroll hurriedly, her eyes scanning through the short and straightforward words.

“Lady Fu Xuan and the Astral Express crew have taken care of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus at the Alchemy Commision. But there have been reports of the Disciples using some sort of pellet-infused smoke that causes the long-life species to become mara-stricken.” Xian Zhen huffs at that. “To deliberately trigger a mara-stricken state in others… how callous! General, I will tell the Cloud Knights to broadcast a warning to the public before coming with you to deal with the Stellaron Hunters.”

But to Xian Zhen’s surprise, the General remains silent. His brow is furrowed, eyes narrowed as he looks at the report in her hand. And there is a strange look to him, one that Xian Zhen has never seen before on his face.

Despite the long lifespans of their species, Xian Zhen knows that few truly make it far along the path of life without falling victim to mara or to death, such as her previous incarnations did. Jing Yuan has lived a long, long time — and yet, somehow, he has never shown any signs of the same mental wear that drove his master to insanity. At least, not until now. 

Xian Zhen frowns, taking a step forward in concern. “Jing Yuan? Are you alright?”

The General nods slowly. “I am fine. It is just that… I once lost a dear friend to something similar.” He looks at Xian Zhen and smiles, before getting to his feet. “It seems that the time to act is now nigh. Lady Xian, you will remain at the Seat of Divine Foresight to give orders in my place. I will be proceeding to deal with the Stellaron Hunters.”

Xian Zhen stares at him, before she shakes her head. “General, what are you talking about? Of course I will come with you — Qingzu will be more than enough to manage the coordination of the Cloud Knight troops.” 

“No,” Jing Yuan’s response is sharp, and Xian Zhen frowns. He must see the look on her face, because he lets out a quiet sigh and reaches out to grip her shoulder. “You will not go to the front lines, Xian Zhen. Listen to my orders and support the Cloud Knights.”

She refuses to back down. Xian Zhen cannot help but feel as though he is keeping something from her — he has sparred with her himself, he knows her strength and capabilities. Why should she be relegated to a support role when her skills would be better suited to the battlefield?

“I have the strength to protect the Luofu. There is no reason I shouldn’t use it.” She allows her dao to manifest in her hands — the very same ones that the General had given to her the first day she had arrived at the Luofu. “General, I am a Brigadier General. Some time might have passed since then, but I have trained under the Lady General of the Yaoqing herself. What reason do you have, that I should not join in the fight? With a Lord Ravager as our foe, do you not need all the support you can get?”

“Because—” Jing Yuan exhales sharply before he takes a step back. Perhaps he should have prepared a better, more believable excuse. But the report of the people induced into a mara-stricken state, the news of the pellet-infused smoke… he cannot help but feel as though history is repeating itself right in front of his eyes.

It happened decades ago, but Jing Yuan’s memories of that battle are as clear as ever. He remembers the glazed, empty look in her the last time their blades clashed, his desperate pleas for her to return to herself — despite knowing that all of it would be futile. Their battle had been drawn out and bloody, Xiahui holding nothing back with each strike. In the end, she had vanished into the chaos of the battlefield — just like his master had — not to be seen again for hundreds of years. 

And now, he cannot help but feel as though the same thing is about to happen again. 

Xian Zhen is still looking at him, growing impatience and frustration on her face. He understands — it makes no sense to keep a warrior as fine as she, and a Brigadier General at that, out of the fight. It’s just that…

Perhaps Xian Zhen has grown dear to him, just as Fu Xuan had warned him all those years ago when her shuttle had first arrived at the Luofu. It is clouding his judgement, and he cannot shake the irrational fear in him that the same fate is to befall her again.

It seems that even after resolving to see them as different people, Jing Yuan still cannot completely let go of Xiahui — and the tragic fate that had befallen her.

Finally, he lets out a deep sigh. There is no time for him to properly resolve his internal matters, and if he continues to allow those thoughts to plague his mind, the mara will start to creep in on him — and Jing Yuan cannot allow that to happen. “Alright then. Let’s go.”

Xian Zhen looks surprised by his sudden agreement, but is smart enough not to question further. She nods and starts to stride towards the door. “Understood, General.”

At the entrance to the Ambrosial Arbor, Xian Zhen stares in awe at the great sight of the Lunarescent Depths parted. The power of her people, and the Vidyadhara’s High Elder… it is unmistakable, then. The forced rebirth of the previous High Elder had not allowed his power to fully pass on to the Lady Bailu.

But all those are concerns for later. Right now, they have more pressing matters to worry about — such as the revived Ambrosial Arbor in front of them, and an impending confrontation with the Lord Ravager behind it all, Phantylia. “Lady Fu, Lady Xian.” The General’s voice carries with it some foreboding that Xian Zhen doesn’t quite like the sound of.

Fu Xuan and Xian Zhen exchange concerned glances before the Master Diviner steps forward. “Here, General.”

Jing Yuan must be able to see the disquietude in her eyes, because he gives the two of them a slight, private smile before resuming his orders. “The two of you will remain here — I’m counting on you to lead the Cloud Knights in defense of this passage. With the matter of the Stellaron Hunters still unresolved… we must prevent any further incidents from occurring.”

That all sounds well and good, except for one very large detail that the General has neglected to point out. Fu Xuan frowns, crossing her arms over her chest as she steps forward to confront him. “Jing Yuan… General, are you planning to face Phantylia alone?”

He just smiles — that infuriating wordless half smile — the one that Xian Zhen has been on the receiving end of far too many times now. It’s the same smile that he gives whenever he has been caught red handed at something, or when he has something on his mind that he would rather not say. This seems to be an instance of both.

“Well, I would say so.” The General glances over his shoulder at the Astral Express crew that is gathered off to the side, but Xian doesn’t even need to follow his gaze to know that he is looking at one of them more than the others — the reincarnation of the previous Vidyadhara High Elder and High Traitor to the Xian Zhou, Imbibitor Lunae. 

She had heard the stories, even when she had still been aboard the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Who hadn’t? It had still been relatively fresh, by the time she herself had undergone molting rebirth and hatched, and she had taken special interest in matters related to other Vidyadharas such as herself. 

Dan Feng’s story had stunned her then. He had once been a shining beacon to the Xianzhou, one of the most powerful Vidyadharas to have ever existed in her people’s history, and part of the High Cloud Quintet. To go against the very principles of everything the Xianzhou, as followers of the Reignbow Arbiter, stood for by attempting to pursue immortality using the powers of the Plagues Author… It's no surprise that the Ten Lords Commission had wanted him utterly destroyed. 

Xian Zhen looks at her general again, but he has turned away from the reincarnation of the previous High Elder and is smiling that enigmatic half-smile once more. It does not bring her any reassurance. Are there perhaps some unresolved feelings… still lingering in him? 

“Do not worry for me,” Jing Yuan tells them calmly, addressing both of them and the Cloud Knights present before the Arbor. He jerks a finger at the group behind him. “I’ll be counting on a few friends for support.”

The Cloud Knights, however, instantly protest. “General!” One of them steps forward. His fingers are white knuckled with fear as he grips his glaive, but his voice is firm all the same. “Do not cast us aside! We are willing to go with you!”

Bravery begets bravery, because the other Cloud Knights begin to speak up as well. “Yes, General! We might not be the mightiest force, but it is our duty as Cloud Knights to protect the Xianzhou! How can we allow outworlders to face the danger while we stay behind the lines? With your permission, sir, allow me to lead the way.”

Despite the severity of the situation, Xian has to hold back a smile. It is good to see that the men are so determined and loyal — Jing Yuan is truly a General worth following with their lives. But Jing Yuan shakes his head firmly and holds up a hand. That is command enough to make them all fall silent.

“I understand your sentiment, soldiers… but the adversary ahead of us is not an Abomination of Abundance. They are a Lord Ravager of the Antimatter Legion! To cross this line would bring you into conflict between the Reignbow Arbiter and the Ruin Author, and you have a more important duty than this.” He eyes all of them with an expression that looks almost like pride, and Xian is sure that one of the Cloud Knights is going to start tearing up. “Cloud Knights, attention!”

“Ha!” The resounding shout from the gathered Cloud Knights echo in the gorge. Jing Yuan smiles. “After I enter the Ambrosial Arbor, if the seawater returns to its original state, you must withdraw immediately and seal off the delve once more.” He turns to Fu Xuan as he says this. “The Master Diviner will lead you, and the Void Cleaver will support you with her strength. Understood?”

“Objection.” Xian Zhen steps forward, and Jing Yuan turns to look at her as she approaches. She holds out her hands, and her chained dao form in her hands, a reassuring weight. A reminder of the power she wields, and her ability to protect those she deems precious to her. “I will accompany the General.”

Lady Fu nods her agreement. “General, I lack battle prowess — it makes sense for me to lead the reinforcements. But Lady Xian is a renowned martial master, I am sure that she will be able to support you in the fight against Phantylia.”

In response, Jing Yuan simply smiles and holds out his hand — the devastator glaive, Starfall Reverie manifests in his palm. It is said that the hand that holds the blade matters more, but Xian Zhen knows just how powerful it is, having been made by one of the most legendary craftsmen in Xianzhou history (as much as they try to bury his name). 

“Lady Xian will remain and guard the Master Diviner.” Although he is smiling, his tone is firm — immovable as rock. “It would be unwise to put our strongest warriors into one group, as it would leave the other undefended.” He turns to Xian Zhen. “I would be able to fight Phantylia better with my mind at ease, knowing that you are here to defend them with.”

There is something that he is hiding, Xian Zhen is sure of it. She had picked up on it the day that they had argued in the Seat of Divine Foresight, and she is getting the same uneasy feeling now. Perhaps it is the way that Jing Yuan is looking at her, as though she is a wisp of smoke about to dissipate any moment in a strong wind. 

She wants to question him right this moment, but with the Cloud Knights watching expectantly and the threat of Phantylia still looming over all their heads, she relents. “Then, it shall be as you say.” Xian Zhen says, inclining her head. She hopes that she doesn’t end up regretting this decision.

At that, Jing Yuan’s smile softens — equal parts pleased and relieved. Why? He turns to the Master Diviner. “Lady Fu, if I am unable to return, I entrust you with the important task of relaying the full account to the other Xianzhou ships.”

There is a saying among Xianzhou natives, that to think bad thoughts is to invite bad luck. Yet, Xian Zhen can’t help but imagine such a future: one where the General doesn’t return. She thinks back to the afternoons shaking him awake where he has dozed off at the Seat of Foresight, the numerous times she has spent under the ginkgo tree of his residence playing countless games of starchess, him watching from the side as she coaches Yanqing through his sword drills. All those seemingly simple, lazy days — and somehow, they have become more precious than anything to her.

And she will be damned if she allows them to vanish like this. 

Lady Fu’s eyes narrow, and she crosses her arms over her chest. “... I trust that you will be here to re-issue the order in person,” Xian Zhen is sure that she is not the only one who hears the quiet in the Master Diviner’s voice, “but whatever the outcome, I will do as you command and honour the mission.”

Jing Yuan’s smile widens. “Ha, spoken like a true general. Perhaps my time for retirement is truly approaching.”

“You will retire playing starchess and petting cats, General,” Xian Zhen tells him forcefully. Not lying still in a casket and buried where the afternoon sunlight doesn’t shine. Jing Yuan looks surprised by her sudden burst of emotions, before his expression softens.

“That is what I hope for, too.” Jing Yuan calls over his shoulder as he walks past them, the Astral Express crew following behind him. “Rest assured that I will do everything in my power to make sure that happens, Lady Xian.”

She will not be able to rest assured until she has seen Phantylia defeated and her general alive and well, but for now, Xian Zhen watches him walk into Scalegorge Waterscape with a strange sense of foreboding in her chest.

Xian Zhen is clearing the last abomination in the area when the sky lights up in a myriad of gold and green. For a moment, nothing happens, until the ground suddenly rumbles as though there is a beast shaking underneath the ground — just as the earthquakes of ancient times did to the lands. A second later, it is followed by an ear splitting clap of thunder that almost makes the ground rumble another time.

She instantly looks in the direction of the Amborsial Arbor. The General!

Flicking the abomination’s blood from her blade, Xian Zhen races over to the edge of Scalegorge Waterscape. It looks like a fierce battle is going on, from the massive sounds and the — Xian Zhen’s eye widens, is that a massive dragon made out of water soaring through the air? — chaos. Is the General alright?

There is an unbearable frustration within her, one where she feels as though she could be doing more but is forced to restrain herself. She grips the handles of her dao, doing her best to stay calm. The general will be alright. He will be alright. He commanded her not to—

“Go.”

The Master Diviner approaches, her eyes trained on the chaos of the battlefield. She does not seem troubled at first glance, but Xian Zhen can see the concern in her eyes. For all her talks about succeeding Jing Yuan as general of the Luofu, she can tell that the Fu Xuan would not want to gain the position this way. 

“The rest of us will be more than able to handle matters here,” Fu Xuan tells her, more sharply this time. “Go.”

Xian Zhen doesn’t need to be told again. “You have my gratitude!” she calls over her shoulder as she breaks into a sprint.

She hurtles down the stairs to the Ambrosial Arbor, the seas surging on either side. Although she knows that Jing Yuan trusts in the Astral Express crew, she cannot bring herself to leave his safety solely to their own hands.

And perhaps she was right, because when she arrives at the battlefield, Xian Zhen is horrified to see Jing Yuan suspended in the air with Phantylia’s powers as the Astral Express crew stare up at her, unable to do a thing against the might of a Lord Ravager. She is a beautiful, horrendous sight to behold — revelling in the stolen power of the Abundance. 

“I wonder,” Phantylia’s voice rings out across the Arbor, deep and rich and alluring and oh so repulsive, “if the transformation of a Xianzhou general into a Voidranger would cast the Luofu back into chaos?”

Xian Zhen’s heart drops into her chest. “No!”

She races towards the battlefield, summoning her weapons into her hands. Phantylia continues to mock Jing Yuan, leaning in close. She can see the glow of Destruction’s power crackling all around him. “Destruction works in fascinating ways… don’t you think so?”

No, this cannot be how it ends. That lazy, infuriatingly insolent, annoying strong yet kind man… Xian Zhen cannot imagine him a mindless puppet of the Ruin Author, thoughtlessly bringing destruction. It cannot be! She summons all her power into her blades, ready to make a desperate lunge straight at Phantylia when—

— it shatters. The cage of Phantylia’s power connecting the Lord Ravager to Jing Yuan trembles like a candle flame flickering in the wind, before it suddenly shatters into a thousand pieces. Xian Zhen stares as Jing Yuan thrashes in Phantylia’s hold, and it must be doing something, because Phantylia recoils from him, gripping at her own head. He is wresting control from her, Xian Zhen realises in shock. Only Jing Yuan would be audacious enough to attempt such a move… and have the mental strength required to pull it off.

Her general raises his hand high — a clear sign to someone to do something — and in the next second Dan Heng, Imbibitor Lunae’s incarnation leaps high into the air, the waters surging to meet him. The Lightning Lord looms behind Phantylia like a vengeful spirit, glaive raised, and the weapon strikes Phantylia down in one fell swoop — just as Dan Heng’s spear sinks into Jing Yuan’s back.

Phantylia falls, the body created of the Ambrosial Arbor’s power rapidly decaying before it crumbles like chaff in the wind. But with it falls her general, and Xian Zhen races forward to catch him before he can hit the ground.

He wouldn’t have — the Astral Express’ Dan Heng has moved to catch him as well. But when he sees her, he respectfully takes a step back, allowing her this reassurance that her general is still alive.

And he is, for most part. Coughing a little and looking the worse Xian Zhen has ever seen him, but alive. Xian Zhen gives thanks to Lan a thousand times over for that.

“Not bad, General of the Hunt…” Phantylia’s voice lingers like a whisper of the wind through the trees. “But all I lost was a body stolen on a whim. As for you… how much longer can you last?” Xian Zhen stiffens. As illogical as she knows it to be, every cell in her body is screaming at her to put an end to this threat right now, Lord Ravager or not. “The destruction of the Xianzhou… is nigh.”

She gets to her feet sharply, ready to retort, but Jing Yuan holds up a hand. Slowly, he rises to his feet — again — and stands in front of the group, his eyes blazing with a quiet but deadly fire. “Begone, pawn of Destruction.” There is a distinctively mocking note in his tone, alongside nothing but pure disdain. No fear, no worry. “Go back and tell the Legion… that the vengeance of the Hunt will soon fall upon them.”

Phantylia’s laugh echoes, dissipating fast. “I look forward to seeing that, general…”

Everything goes silent. For a moment, no one says anything… until Jing Yuan begins to cough once again. “As cool as that sounded, I must admit that I am quite spent.”

The archer girl with the pink hair — March 7th, if she remembers correctly — whirls around to look at him, a panicked expression on her face. “General! Are you… okay?”

He gives a tired laugh in response, shrugging his shoulders. “I am still alive,” he glances at Dan Heng. “And it would seem that the two of us can still coordinate our efforts.”

Dan Heng meets his gaze for a moment, an inscrutable expression crossing his face, before he glances away wordlessly. Jing Yuan just smiles, as though it was expected. He lets out a long sigh. “Phantylia… truly a fearsome enemy. If she hadn’t attempted to turn me into a pawn of Destruction, I’m afraid that victory would have been far from certain.”

“Perhaps you could have warned me prior that your plan to defeat Phantylia involved being turned into a stick of tanghulu!” Xian Zhen says sharply. Jing Yuan looks at her, before he laughs, shoulders shaking with the effort. The laughter quickly turns into coughing, and Xian Zhen hurries to sit him down.

“Apologies, Lady Xian. I’ll be sure to inform you the next time I plan to be skewered.”

“That’s not the point!”

The Trailblazer with the grey hair finally speaks up. “Then… is that thing dead?”

Jing Yuan coughs and shakes his head. “It’ll take more than that to destroy an Emanator of Destruction. Still…”

The older man with the cane — Welt, she thinks — nods. “Phantylia won’t be stirring up trouble any time soon. Don’t worry about her infecting the Arbor again. Just that sealing the Stellaron is going to take some time…”

“Leave that to the Master Diviner,” Jing Yuan chuckles. He leans back, and Xian Zhen hurries to catch him. Now that his back is against her knee, she can feel just how ragged his breathing is. “As for me… I’m afraid that I won’t be of much use for a long… long time…”

Xian Zhen feels as though everything goes still the second she feels Jing Yuan sag against her. March 7th similarly leans forward in alarm. “General? Hey, General, keep those eyes open! Now’s not the time to fall asleep!” She reaches out to shake him by the shoulder, but Xian Zhen yanks her hand away.

“Do not touch him — you might worsen any injuries that he has,” she tells the girl sharply. March flinches and takes a step back, but Xian Zhen is too busy contacting Fu Xuan for reinforcements and medical help. Her heart pounds in her chest, the beat of a frantic, unstopping war drum. The general’s eyes are closed, his head drooping against his chest. He looks peaceful, almost as though he is dozing off once again in the afternoon sunshine and all Xian Zhen needs to do is shake him by the shoulder to wake him and start scolding him for slacking off at work at—

“Lady Xian! Lady Xian, we need to move him to the starskiff. Let the medical officers do their work.”

A small hand grips her wrist, gently but firmly tugging her away. Xian Zhen watches in what almost feels like a daze as the medics gently lift the General onto a stretcher and carry him away. Fu Xuan takes one look at her, before coming to a decision. She pushes Xian Zhen forward.

“Accompany him,” Fu Xuan says. Her expression is one of understanding, sympathetic. “I will tend to the other matters regarding the incident.”

Once again, Lady Fu does not need to say it twice.

Jing Yuan wakes up much, much later than he intended to.

Which is two weeks and six days after the incident at the Ambrosial Arbor. When his eyes open, he is quite surprised to see an unfamiliar ceiling instead of the stormy skies of Scalegorge Waterscape, before everything rushes back to him. The fight at the roots of the Ambrosial Arbor, his coordinated strike with Phantylia, and then falling…

And then, someone catching him in their arms. A familiar eye, overlapping in his memories. With an exhale, Jing Yuan begins to sit up, a groan escaping him. Aeons, does it hurt—

“What are you doing?” Ah, a familiar voice as well. Jing Yuan turns his head to see Lady Xian marching through the door, and the second that she sees that he is trying to get up, she races over to force him back into a prone position. He follows willingly, because the stab wound at his back does hurt quite a bit, but mostly because of the expression on her face. She looks… tired. Worried. As though she hasn’t slept at all since that day at the Arbor.

“Is—”

“All is fine.” Xian Zhen moves to retrieve some medical supplies back in their cabinets. She does not look at him for a while. “Lady Fu Xuan has done an investigation with the Cloud Knights — Phantylia has left the Luofu, and from her calculations, she will not be able to return for a long time. She has also taken over matters pertaining to the General position for the time being, and she told me to make sure that you get the proper rest that you desire.”

Jing Yuan cracks a weak smile at that. “I’m surprised that she hasn’t already proclaimed herself General of the Luofu.”

Xian Zhen’s shoulders stiffen at that, and Jing Yuan immediately knows that was the wrong thing to say. She isn’t in the mood for jokes, clearly. After a while, she continues. “I’ve been left in charge of your care for the period of your recovery. The Vidyadhara Healder Lady tended to you, after we reached the Exalting Sanctum. She managed to stabilise you, but was worried that any more intense healing might put you in critical condition. You’ve been asleep for almost three weeks now.”

She falls silent, obviously waiting for some sort of response to that. It is not often that he finds himself unsure of what to say. “It is good that I have awoken, then.”

“The Astral Express crew, too, is doing fine. They seem worried about you.”

“Thank you, Lady Xian,” Jing Yuan says honestly.

She doesn’t speak for a while, picking up a basin and some clean gauze before she moves to unwrap his bandages. Jing Yuan is tempted to make a joke about her seeing him shirtless, to break the tension, but refrains from doing so. It doesn’t take an observant man to see just how upset she is — with every bandage she peels back, with every wince that escapes him, Jing Yuan sees her visibly flinch or furrow her brow. There’s something on edge about her, as though she is a precarious tower that could collapse with a single push.

Her expression is tight, but Xian Zhen’s hands are gentle as she works. He sucks in a breath as she peels back the old bandages from his body, and she hesitates, before reaching for the basin. Working slowly, she cleans the edges of the wound on his back, before applying medicinal salve and wrapping him with fresh bandages. It’s then that Jing Yuan decides to speak.

“Are you alright, Xian Zhen? Were you injured in any way?” She presses her lips tightly together for a while, and for a moment, Jing Yuan starts to wonder if he’s said something wrong, before she suddenly glares at him. So fiercely, in fact, Jing Yuan feels as though he is looking a snarling tiger in the eye. “Xian Zhen—”

“Me, injured?” She laughs, and Jing Yuan is horrified to hear how choked it is. “You were battling a Lord Ravager of the Antimatter Legion while I— what was I doing? Cleaning up flies of the Abundance! Those abominations were hardly a challenge for me. I could have been of more use to you, if you allowed me to come with you!”

Oh, Jing Yuan thinks to himself. She is really upset with him. And that isn’t the end of it, because she continues ranting. “You’ve been asleep for days. And did you know that before you got better, you got worse? Three times the Dragon Lady had to restart your heart with an electrical pulse, and the whole Seat of Divine Foresight was terrified that we might lose you for good. You had a terrible fever for five whole days that just wouldn’t break.” She takes a deep breath. “And what do you think you were doing, gambling everything on whether Phantylia would try to turn you into a Voidranger? Are you insane? Do you think you are invincible? And, and—”

Jing Yuan remains silent and lets her vent everything out. She deserves it, surely, with all the stress and worry that she has suffered on his behalf for the past three weeks. Her ranting continues for another good few minutes before she finally slumps back into a chair by his bedside. She looks exhausted, but it also seems like a great weight has been lifted from her shoulders.

“I apologise for my outburst,” she says from her chair, after a while. Jing Yuan watches as Xian Zhen rubs her eye, gets up, and begins to return the medical supplies to their cabinets. “It was improper of me to address my superior that way. I will receive any punishment you intend after you regain your health—”

“I am sorry, Xian Zhen.”

Xian Zhen’s shoulders stiffen, before she lets out a huff and turns around. “As you should be.” She marches back over to his bedside, throwing herself into the chair without much regard for decorum. “You’ll be making it up to me for a century, with how stressed I’ve been these past few weeks.”

He cocks his head. “Two centuries, perhaps. How dare I make a Brigadier General play nurse to a humble patient such as myself?”

Xian Zhen looks at him. After a moment, she rises to her feet and picks up a pillow from the adjacent bed…before promptly attempting to suffocate him with it. “Perhaps you require another near-death encounter to get rid of that awful humour of yours?”

Jing Yuan play-struggles against the pillow, laughing. The wound at his back aches, but he forces it down when he sees the slight smile on Xian Zhen’s face. After a while, Xian Zhen relents and tosses the pillow to the side.

“Well then, will taking you to dinner everyday suffice as a proper apology?” Jing Yuan asks. “Perhaps tea, as well, if you’re amenable?”

Xian Zhen crosses her arms over her chest. “That is not what I meant,” she says, but after a while she huffs. “I am not… disagreeable to it, however.”

Jing Yuan smiles. There is a warmth rising up in his chest, that he is reluctant to put a name to. As for now… “I will make the necessary preparations for it, then.”

“No, you will not.” Xian Zhen gets up to lean over him, fluffing up the soft pillows behind him and forcing him to lie down comfortably. He follows along without question. “What you will focus on for the time being is resting properly and making sure that you recover well. That is the best way you can begin making it up to me.”

“Then, I will have to take that seriously as well.”

She jabs a finger at him. “I am being serious about this. No general related tasks until you are sufficiently recovered — that is something that only the Healder Lady will decide. Understood?”

Jing Yuan’s only response is a beatific smile. “How nostalgic it feels, to be scolded by you this way. Although I seem to remember that you were always telling me to do more work and slack off less…” Xian Zhen turns a baleful look onto him.

“Stop running your mouth pointlessly and go to sleep. Or I’ll come up with a different way for you to make it up to me, and you won’t like it.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

For all of his teasing and bravado, Jing Yuan really does feel quite exhausted. Holding back a yawn, he eases back into the pillows. Xian Zhen, seeing his eyes begin to droop, reaches up to pull the covers more snugly over him. The comforting weight of the blankets and the rhythmic sway of the tree branches outside his window… it doesn’t take long before his eyes have shut, his breathing evening out.

Just before Jing Yuan falls asleep, he thinks he feels a warm hand wrap gently around his.

[tarosophical-tarot]

The I Ching gua arrived at today is Heng: Long Lasting (Zhen•Thunder, Xun•Wind) the long term sharing of commitments, the firm above, the gentle below.

Moon in Sagittarius indicates an uncanny ability to foretell the outcome of where events are leading you, an intuitive receptivity to grasp concepts and symbols. This sits opposite Mars in Cancer, where an inner aggression/energy needs to be brought to the surface, analysed and integrated into the personality, to be consciously directed to a constructive end. Once this emotive is "freed" - we become more adept at dealing with situations (hence Moon in Sagittarius).

Spirit is found in the "grounding" influence of Taurus/Venus, a sense of security found in surrounding yourself with those things you find to be aesthetic - which is opposed by Scorpio (in Scorpio we see what we don't need, what we are able to let go).

This "balance" allows for the free spirit of Moon in Sagittarius to express itself, to escape from the mundane through inner contemplation (meditation as a way of decluttering the mind).

Part of Fortune supports this concept, advising today to do what gives you self-respect, nurture your ideas and fulfil your goals.

Al-Na'am, the Lunar Mansion for today signals success in pursuing this direction.

It indicates we must reign in or let go of unruly passion, albeit angers or aggression (Mars in Cancer) if we are to progress. The opposing Mansion Al-Hanah tells of Venus, to understand and allow for the power and flow of our energies.

In this way, we arrive at Via (Change) the endless cycle of flux and movement: our thoughts become more powerful when infused by the Will.

Time to check the direction you are going in is correct, that all your energies are aligned correctly.

Think of The Moon and how it affects the tides, the water doesn't compete with the gravity of The Moon, it waxes and wains in sympatico.

This gives forth the image of King of Swords, a mentally disciplined mind, thinking things through (the inner energies of Mars in Cancer) and breaking them down in order to make a selection between an ever widening variety of choices.

Allowing then, for Al-Na'am to take part. The firm above, the gentle below of Heng.

Via/Change - Moon in Cancer, thus highlights a restless wandering that is withdrawal into sanctuary, due to being attuned to subtle undercurrents and changes in the environment.

Part of Fortune in Capricorn supports doing whatever gives you self-respect, that which allows you to achieve your goals, but in opposition advises of not being selfish in this ,of being aware of the needs of others in doing this.

[yellowelectroslime]

🌻⋆.ೃ࿔*:･Fandom list⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🌻

My current fav characters (in no particular order)

-Argenti (Honkai Star Rail)

-Sampo (Honkai Star Rail)

-Welt Yang (Honkai Star Rail)

-Dan Heng (Honkai star rail)

-Sunday (Honkai Star Rail)

-Thoma (Genshin Impact)

-Yoimiya (Genshin Impact)

-Capitano (Genshin Impact)

-Nicole Demera (Zenless Zone Zero)

-Von Lycaon (Zenless Zone zero)

-Alexandrina Sebastiane (Zenless Zone Zero)

-Billy Kid (Zenless Zone Zero)

-Ne zha (Ne Zha 2019 and 2025)

-Ao Bing (Ne zha 2019 and 2025)

-Alexis Ness (Blue Lock)

-Michael Kaiser (Blue Lock)

-Natsuki Seba (Sakamoto days)

-Nagumo Yoichi (Sakamoto days)

🌻Anime/Manga

Bleach

Blue lock

Chainsaw man

Demon slayer

Dungeon Meshi

Gokurakugai

Haikyuu!!

Jujutsu Kaisen

Kengan Ashura/Omega

Sakamoto days

Sk8

Toilet bound hanako-kun

Tokyo Revengers

Windbreaker

Wonder egg priority

🌻Video games:

Danganronpa V3

Genshin Impact

Honkai Star Rail

Valorant (maybe)

Zenless Zone Zero

🌻Manhua/Donghua (basically just chinese manga/anime):

Ao Bing Zhuan

Fog Hill of Five Elements

Lan Xi Zhen

Luo Xiao Hei

Ne Zha 2019 and 2025

🌻Studio Ghibli movies:

Howl’s Moving Castle

My neighbor Totoro

Kiki’s delivery service

Spirited away

Ponyo

Princess Mononoke

[welcometothejianghu]

Psych-Hunter (or, as we have taken to calling it, House Haunters), is a very silly show. It has all the doofy charm of a USA Network shoestring-budget wacky buddy detectives series. It has some great aesthetic ideas, and then it just wanders off and gets real invested in the most damp-toast heterosexual romance ever. All of the teenagers are in their thirties. The main character jingles everywhere he walks, like a belled cat. I choose to interpret the setting as Dragon City, 1929. How do you say "Characters Welcome" in Chinese? It's that.

Anyway, I want to look at pictures of the actors when they're not in their weird steampunk outfits, so you're going to join me.

Neo Hou/Hou Minghao/Mr. Tuff Paws - Jiang Shuo (and I'm only going to do a few pictures of him, because he's Kind Of A Big Deal, and knowing what he looks like out of costume is no great accomplishment (even if it's genuinely impressive how quickly he can go from Didi to Rough Trade))

Liu Dong Qin - Qin Yi Heng/Dr. Qin, Medicine Woman (Does he get extras because I think he's hot? Listen: yes.)

Zhu Xu Dan/Bambi Zhu - Yuan Mu Qing, who looks so much better without the hideous bangs they use to pretend she's like twelve years old or whatever she's supposed to be

Zong Feng Yan - General Yuan Zhen/Moustache Dad

Xiao Xu - Bai Kai/Moustache Cop

[deepbluewithyellow]

I really can't tell whether Yu Qi (Zhang Wanyi) is jealous or gay panicks whenever Zhen Heng tries to woo Jiang Si :))

[drmikewatts]

Soft Computing. Volume 29, Issue 3, February 2025

1) Some new construction methods of similarity measure on picture fuzzy sets

Author(s): Minxia Luo, Jianlei Gao, Wenling Li

Pages: 1273 - 1287

2) Arithmetic optimization algorithm with cosine transform-based two-dimensional composite chaotic mapping

Author(s): Yi-Xuan Li, Jie-Sheng Wang, Xin-Ru Ma

Pages: 1289 - 1329

3) A new approach data processing: density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering using game-theory

Author(s): Uranus Kazemi, Seyfollah Soleimani

Pages: 1331 - 1346

4) Predictor–corrector approach for the numerical solution of fuzzy fractional differential equations and linear multiterm fuzzy fractional equations

Author(s): Wadhah Al-Sadi, Zhouchao Wei, Tariq Q. S. Abdullah

Pages: 1347 - 1368

5) Variable selection of multiple types of data: a PLS approach

Author(s): Boao Kong, Huiwen Wang, Shan Lu

Pages: 1369 - 1387

6) Using past sample means in exponential ratio and regression type estimators under a simple random sampling

Author(s): Eda Gizem Koçyiğit

Pages: 1389 - 1406

7) Chatgpt and operations research: evaluation on the shortest path problem

Author(s): Martina Luzzi, Francesca Guerriero, Marco Garofalo

Pages: 1407 - 1418

8) Leveraging variant of CAE with sparse convolutional embedding and two-stage application-driven data augmentation for image clustering

Author(s): Yanming Liu, Jinglei Liu

Pages: 1419 - 1435

9) Efficient COVID-19 detection using data mining algorithms: a comparison of basic and hybrid approaches

Author(s): Mohammad Saidi, Mohammad Gheibi, Kourosh Behzadian

Pages: 1437 - 1451

10) Low-rank decomposition optimization and its application in fabric defects

Author(s): Zhixiang Chen, Wenya Shi, Hao Liu

Pages: 1453 - 1472

11) Revolutionizing signature scheme: the enhanced Edward Elgamal extreme performance accumulate signature approach for IoT and blockchain applications

Author(s): R. Anusha, R. Saravanan

Pages: 1473 - 1496

12) A secure quantum homomorphic encryption ciphertext retrieval scheme

Author(s): Zhen-Wen Cheng, Xiu-Bo Chen, Ya-Lan Wang

Pages: 1497 - 1509

13) Decomposition matheuristics for last mile delivery using public transportation systems

Author(s): Minakshi Punam Mandal, Claudia Archetti

Pages: 1511 - 1539

14) Efficient reconfigurable architecture to extract image features for face recognition using local binary pattern

Author(s): Sumangala Bhavikatti, Satish Bhairannawar

Pages: 1541 - 1552

15) A hybrid genetic search based approach for the generalized vehicle routing problem

Author(s): Vittorio Latorre

Pages: 1553 - 1566

16) A community-based simulated annealing approach with a new structure-based neighborhood search to identify influential nodes in social networks

Author(s): Farzaneh Rajaee Abyaneh, Nasrollah Moghadam Charkari, Mehdy Roayaei

Pages: 1567 - 1585

17) Using deep forest regression and multi-layer state transition algorithm to soft measuring modeling with small sample data

Author(s): Heng Xia, Jian Tang, Wen Yu

Pages: 1587 - 1603

18) Context-aware coverage path planning for a swarm of UAVs using mobile ground stations for battery-swapping

Author(s): Lorenzo Porcelli, Massimo Ficco, Francesco Palmieri

Pages: 1605 - 1625

19) On goal programming approach for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective transportation problems with an application to tourism industry

Author(s): Abhishek Chauhan, Sumati Mahajan

Pages: 1627 - 1657

20) Paw decompositions of diamond and some edge cycle graphs

Author(s): Murugan Esakkimuthu, Sivaprakash Gunniya Rameshbabu

Pages: 1659 - 1665

21) A micro-level approach for modeling rumor propagation in online social networks

Author(s): Ebrahim Sahafizadeh, Saeed Talatian Azad

Pages: 1667 - 1675

22) k-InfNode: ranking top-k influential nodes in complex networks with random walk

Author(s): Ahmadi Hasan, Ahmad Kamal, Pawan Kumar

Pages: 1677 - 1690

23) Lacunary statistical soft convergence in soft topology

Author(s): Erdal Bayram, Melisa Dervişoğlu

Pages: 1691 - 1701

24) Enhanced TOPSIS-CoCoSo framework for multi-attribute decision-making with triangular fuzzy neutrosophic sets: “effect evaluation of intelligent technology empowering physical education teaching” case

Author(s): Jie Xiao, Yu Zhang

Pages: 1703 - 1717

25) A deep learning approach to analyse stress by using voice and body posture

Author(s): Sumita GuptaSapna GambhirHoang Pham

Pages: 1719 - 1745

26) A feature extraction method for rotating machinery fault diagnosis based on a multiscale entropy fusion strategy and GA-RL-LDA model

Author(s): Na Lu, Zhongliang Li, Peng Wang

Pages: 1747 - 1765

27) An efficient collocation algorithm for third order non-linear Emden–Fowler equation

Author(s): Mohammad Prawesh Alam, Arshad Khan

Pages: 1767 - 1788

28) Forest fire rescue framework to jointly optimize firefighting force configuration and facility layout: a case study of digital-twin simulation optimization

Author(s): HongGuang Zhang Sheng, Wen Ma, YuXuan Tao

Pages: 1789 - 1810

29) A game-theoretic exploration with surplus profit-sharing in a three-channel supply chain, featuring e-commerce dynamics

Author(s): Maryam Vatanara, Masoud Rabbani, Jafar Heydari

Pages: 1811 - 1827

30) Enhancing neural network predictions with finetuned numeric embeddings for stock trend forecasting

Author(s): Avinash Trivedi, S. Sangeetha

Pages: 1829 - 1844

31) Comprehensive multimodal approach for Parkinson’s disease classification using artificial intelligence: insights and model explainability

Author(s): Hossam Magdy Balaha, Asmaa El-Sayed Hassan, Magdy Hassan Balaha

Pages: 1845 - 1877

32) Threats to medical diagnosis systems: analyzing targeted adversarial attacks in deep learning-based COVID-19 diagnosis

Author(s): Sheikh Burhan Ul Haque, Aasim Zafar, Khushnaseeb Roshan

Pages: 1879 - 1896

33) Label-specific multi-label text classification based on dynamic graph convolutional networks

Author(s): Yaoyao Yan, Fang‘ai Liu, Xuqiang Zhuang

Pages: 1897 - 1909

34) Prediction of discharge coefficient of submerged gates using a stacking ensemble model

Author(s): Mohamed Hosny, Fahmy S. Abdelhaleem, Amir Ibrahim

Pages: 1911 - 1929

35) Improving recurrent deterministic policy gradient strategy in autonomous driving

Author(s): Yee-Ming Ooi, Che-Cheng Chang

Pages: 1931 - 1946

[kdram-chjh]

Cdrama: The Blossoming Love (2025)

Gifs of Ending of cdrama "The Blossoming Love"

【ENG SUB】 The Blossoming Love EP01 | Zhang Binbin / Sun Zhenni / Wang Duo | 千朵桃花一世开 | YOUKU

Watch this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW3VeTL2nXI

[dan-fei]

NOTICE: S4 stuff will be tagged as 'tbf s4 spoilers' for tag blocking/anti-spoiler purposes!!!!

Tbf Map

I Boycott The PoweredByFandom Wiki -- Please Use Miraheze for all your Thunderbolt Fantasy Wiki needs!

Please visit the official Thunderbolt Fantasy website

Blog tags below

-------------------------

✨ danjuan✨

Main Tag Unknown Merchandise Portraits Character Bios Personal Faves Character Birthdays Misc Weapons Wallpapers Backgrounds Posters Countdowns Doll Display Artworks Pili Does A Funny Full References Icons Behind The Scenes Manga Panels Mobile Game Besnacking Mealody of the Eat

Season 1

Dan Fei/Tan Hi Dan Heng Can Xiong Mei Tian Hai/best10guy Lin Xue Ya/Rin Setsu A Shang Bu Huan/Sho Fu Kan Lie Mei Diao Ming Shou Yun Xiao Juan Can Yun/Ken San Un Xing Hai Lian Qi Sha Wu Sheng/Setsu Mu Sho

The Sword Of Life And Death

Wei (Impostor Shang)

Season 2

Xie Ying Luo Lang Wu Yao/Rofu Yo Xiao Kuang Juan/Sho Kyo Ken Lou Zhen Jie Zhao Jun Lin

Bewitching Melody Of The West

Mu Tian Ming/Mutsu Tenmei Chao Feng/Cho Fuu Tian Gong Gui Jiang

Season 3

Wan Jun Po Yi Piao Miao Azibelpher Bai Lian

Season 4

Ba Wang Yu Hua Wu Zong

Other

Luan Niangzi

[darkdevasofdestruction]

I'm into legend of the phoenix too! I'm happy you're taking request :') so...I would like to request hcs for fu heng, pan an and yin zhen finding out that reader is trying to take revenge from the crown prince :') I'm definitely addicted to this game xD

I don’t know who you are, but I love you so much for requesting for this fandom omg!! I never expected anyone to be into it tbh x And honestly, you got  Yin Zhen, who’s my babe, Fu Heng, who’s my friend’s babe, and then Pan An, that celestial cutiepie, for whom I fought and grinded so much in Royal Chaos to get, but I got so fast in LOTP xD

Also, I hope I won’t spoil anything from the story x I’m on chapter 100, almost done with it, and since you literally requested the first 3 confidants you get in the game, and the first half of the story, idk what chapter are you on <3

Hope you like it!! <3

---

FU HENG

As much as he is shy, he’s still a very perceptive warrior that wants to protect you with all that he’s got, so of course, he’ll keep close to you as often as he can, going as far as to question you and the reason you just can’t seem to get out of trouble.

He knows very well that most of the women of the palace are cruel harpies who’d do anything in their power to trample over others, just to get higher in rank.

So, one day, you explain to him your goal of getting revenge on the Crown Prince, letting the reason behind a bit vague, knowing very well that he wouldn’t believe something so insane.

But with a bit of proof and knowledge of the past, present and future outcomes, he’ll get persuaded that yes, you truly were reborn from your own ashes, and you just want to live a peaceful life, knowing that your tormentor, who’s also the one who ultimately killed the Emperor in a past life, was dead and could do you, and the Kingdom, no more harm.

You can imagine how incredibly pained he was when you told him about the assassination of the Emperor from your past life, which made him be even more on guard, but not even a triple amount of guards and incredible vigilance could protect him from his shattered heart, once the feast happened and his nightmares became reality.

It was just as you said, assassins were going to try to kill the Emperor, but he never expected them to swarm the place and to be so powerful.

So he wasn’t there to protect the Emperor.

But you were. 

And now, he held your bleeding, unconscious form in his arms, running to take you to the imperial physician, while all the other guards were making sure the Emperor was under no more threat, and escorted back to the Palace of Mental Cultivation.

He starts praying very hard and making offerings to the Gods so they will take mercy on you and keep you alive, all while never leaving your side and holding your hand in his.

That’s when he vowed that he will help you out with any plan and execution needed, just so the Crown Prince will finally be eliminated from the picture, and you’d be in no more mortal danger like that.

As soon as you wake up, he lets out a sigh of relief and confesses all his feelings for you, kissing your face, not even caring how embarrassed he was, how his heart was racing, or his face was red.

He just wanted you to be okay, by his side, and smiling.

PAN AN

Pan An isn’t really a man of the palace, but a constable, so of course, he always feels the need to protect others and make sure there is peace and balance in the city, no matter what.

He just can’t stand injustices.

It doesn’t take him long after you tell him about how truly vile the Crown Prince actually is, behind that royal facade of smoke and mirrors, so he starts looking into matters very carefully.

With some insight from your childhood friend, Murong Chong, you get some leads, and since you already had some pointers from your past life, you knew who the Crown Prince’s allies were, and what to do to avoid trouble, even while playing his ally.

When he heard about the numerous attempts on your life, including the Empress trying to poison you, he almost went livid, but since he has to keep his calm and collected composure, he started praising how shrewd and intelligent you are, being able to play the double agent role.

But he’s also very curious about your actual reason, knowing that keeping the peace in the Kingdom couldn’t be the only thing.

So you explain, making sure he keeps an open-mind, and despite all the skepticism, it kinda makes sense, and connecting all the dots, putting all the evidence together, and showing him there was actually another woman who was reborn, just like you, in the Hard Labour Camp, he accepts things as they are.

It’s a little sad that Pan An can’t always be in the palace and make sure you’re okay, that no more attempts on your or the Emperor’s lives are made, since he has his own job, but worry not, your cause is his priority and he’ll actually work with Murong to bring about more evidence of the Prince’s treacheries and won’t stop until he sees both him and his mother convicted for their atrocious crimes.

It’s a long journey, but when that happens, he swears to himself that he will ask you to marry him, since he can’t bear the thought of being away from you and not knowing you were protected all the time.

There is no greater force in the world, not even the earthly calamities or the Emperor himself, that could stop Pan An from loving you.

YIN ZHEN

This guy...OH, this guy is a true piece of work, I’m telling you.

He suspects something all the time, no matter how much he’s smitten with you, he still can’t help himself and will tease, mock, taunt and pressure you to hell and back, just to get you talking, or at least sketch some adorable reactions, since you seem to master them.

Of course, Yin Zhen is the 4th Prince, and the next best contestant to the throne, after that Crown Prince that everyone hates so much ( at least from the line of princes, that is ), so when he found out you want to bring him down, you better believe you’ve got yourself an ally for life.

Although he will claim it’s a mutual alliance, he still loves your presence around him, and won’t hesitate to tell you, even if you think he’s making fun of you...Again.

It won’t take long for him to find out that in a previous life, the Crown Prince gave you poison to drink and that’s how you died - Allegedly - So even if that’s true, or you’re just dreaming and need a reason to get rid of that guy, he’ll make sure that’s how his elder brother will fall.

Sure, you don’t believe him all the time, Yin Zhen is as mysterious as the dark side of the moon, so you automatically doubt him sometimes, but when he got himself in the crossfire, going as far as to forge things to incriminate him, just to get punished by the Emperor, it was enough proof for you that he’s all in with your alliance and will go at all lengths to kill that guy.

It’s kinda endearing how he can be so sharp, cold and determined, while also being able to be so soft, gentle and loving with you.

That makes you even more determined to catch that bastard, so you tell Yin Zhen exactly what happened, while bringing him some osmanthus cakes and rose tea, and this at least makes him understand why you’re so afraid of princes and love in general.

He won’t show it, but Yin Zhen is beyond angry and will make sure to hold you while you watch that jerk drink poison and struggle to breathe at least one more time, clinging desperately to his consciousness for one more second.

And when that happens, Eunuch Gui is there, at the jail the Crown Prince was kept in, holding him while you and Yin Zhen smirked triumphantly, pouring the poison in his mouth, watching with satisfaction as he was twitching on the ground, in complete agony, trying to live, like a fish on land.

It was then that Yin Zhen turned to you, a wave of calmness and peace obviously having splashed you, and he cups his face, kissing you passionately, and telling you how much he loves you, and that he will be there to support you no matter what.

He doesn’t care if he’s the Emperor or not, as long as he has you by his side, and you’re happy, he’s content with being just a Prince, very in love with you, and being able to drink wine outside, in the beautiful plum and cherry garden, by the lotus pond.

[irris30]

Gu Tingye visits the Dukes household to thank Qi Heng for leading men to put out the fire at his manor. He isn’t here to fight, just sincerely grateful.

Qi Heng and Gu Tingye have passed on from their grudges.

He Zhen was waiting behind a screen with a short sword 🗡 worried about her husband with General Gu.

Qi Heng is seeing his wife with new eyes having moved past his youthful love 💕 with Sheng Minglan.

[eyenaku]

Ji ji fu ji ji

a o e i i er ai ei ao ou an en ang eng ong i ia iao ie iu ian in iang ing iong u ua uo uai ui uan un uang ueng ü üe üan ün a o e er ai ao ou an en ang eng yi ya yao ye you yan yin yang ying yong wu wa wo wai wei wan wen wang weng yu yue yuan yun b ba bo bai bei bao ban ben bang beng bi biao bie bian bin bing bu p pa po pai pei pao pou pan pen pang peng pi piao pie pian pin ping pu m ma mo me mai mei mao mou man men mang meng mi miao mie miu mian min ming mu f fa fo fei fou fan fen fang feng fu d da de dai dei dao dou dan den dang deng dong di diao die diu dian ding du duo dui duan dun t ta te tai tei tao tou tan tang teng tong ti tiao tie tian ting tu tuo tui tuan tun n na ne nai nei nao nou nan nen nang neng nong ni niao nie niu nian nin niang ning nu nuo nuan nü nüe l la le lai lei lao lou lan lang leng long li lia liao lie liu lian lin liang ling lu luo luan lun lü lüe g ga ge gai gei gao gou gan gen gang geng gong gu gua guo guai gui guan gun guang k ka ke kai kei kao kou kan ken kang keng kong ku kua kuo kuai kui kuan kun kuang h ha he hai hei hao hou han hen hang heng hong hu hua huo huai hui huan hun huang z za ze zi zai zei zao zou zan zen zang zeng zong zu zuo zui zuan zun c ca ce ci cai cao cou can cen cang ceng cong cu cuo cui cuan cun s sa se si sai sao sou san sen sang seng song su suo sui suan sun zh zha zhe zhi zhai zhei zhao zhou zhan zhen zhang zheng zhong zhu zhua zhuo zhuai zhui zhuan zhun zhuang ch cha che chi chai chao chou chan chen chang cheng chong chu chua chuo chuai chui chuan chun chuang sh sha she shi shai shei shao shou shan shen shang sheng shu shua shuo shuai shui shuan shun shuang r re ri rao rou ran ren rang reng rong ru rua ruo rui ruan run j ji jia jiao jie jiu jian jin jiang jing jiong ju jue juan jun q qi qia qiao qie qiu qian qin qiang qing qiong qu que quan qun x xi xia xiao xie xiu xian xin xiang xing xiong xu xue xuan xun

[bookofjin]

Administrative geography of Western Han (34,115)

According to Ban Gu's Book of Han.

Places names on the map:

You 幽州

Bohai勃海郡

Yangxin陽信

Dongguang東光

Fucheng阜城

Qiantong千童

Zhonghe重合

Ding定

Gaole高樂

Linle臨樂

Zhongping重平

Tiaoshi脩市

Zhangxiang章鄉

Puling蒲領

Ji冀州

Guangping廣平國

Quzhou曲周

Nanqu南曲

Xindu信都國

Xindu信都

Li歷

Fuliu扶柳

Biyang辟陽

Nangong南宮

Xiabo下博

Wuyi武邑

Guanjin觀津

Gaodi高隄

Guangchuan廣川

Lexiang樂鄉

Pingdi平隄

Tao桃

Xiliang西梁

Changcheng昌成

Dongchang東昌

Xiu脩

Hejian 河間國

Gonggao弓高

Wei魏郡

Guantao館陶

Qingyuan清淵

Wei魏

Yuancheng元城

Yin'an陰安

Ping'en平恩

Julu鉅鹿郡

Nanluan南䜌

Linping臨平

Shi貰

Qiao郻

Xinshi新巿

Tangyang堂陽

Lixiang歷鄉

Lexin樂信

Qinghe清河郡

Qingyang清陽

Dongwucheng東武城

Yimu繹幕

Ling靈

Cuo厝

Shu鄃

Beiqiu貝丘

Xincheng信成

Souti𢘿題

Dongyang東陽

Xinxiang信鄉

Liao繚

Zaoqiang棗彊

Fuyang復陽

Yan 兗州

Dong東郡

Liaocheng聊城

Dunqiu頓丘

Fagan發干

Fan范

Chiping茬平

Dongwuyang東武陽

Boping博平

Li黎

Qing清

Dong'e東阿

Lihu離狐

Linyi臨邑

Xuchang須昌

Shouliang壽良

Lechang樂昌

Yangping陽平

Linqiu廩丘

Chenliu陳留郡

Cheng'an成安

Ningling寧陵

Xiangyi襄邑

Yan傿

Shanyang山陽郡

Changyi昌邑

Nanpingyang南平陽

Chengwu成武

Huling湖陵

Dongmin東緍

Fangyu方與

Tuo橐

Juye鉅野

Shanfu單父

Bo薄

Duguan都關

Chengdu城都

Huang黃

Yuanqi爰戚

Gaocheng郜成

Pingle平樂

Xiaqiu瑕丘

Xiyang西陽

Jiyin濟陰郡

Dingtao定陶

Yuanqu冤句

Lüdu呂都

Jiami葭密

Chengyang成陽

Juancheng鄄城

Gouyang句陽

Du秺

Chengshi乘氏

Chengyang 城陽國

Ju莒

Yangdu陽都

Dong'an東安

Lü慮

Huaiyang淮陽國

Zhe柘

Dongping東平國

Wuyan無鹽

Rencheng任城

Dongpinglu東平陸

Fucheng富城

Zhang章

Kangfu亢父

Fan樊

Taishan泰山郡

Fenggao奉高

Bo博

Chi茬

Lu盧

Feicheng肥成

Yiqiu蛇丘

Gang剛

Chai柴

Gai蓋

Liangfu梁父

Dongpingyang東平陽

Nanwuyang南武陽

Laiwu萊蕪

Juping鉅平

Ying嬴

Mou牟

Mengyin蒙陰

Hua華

Ningyang寧陽

Shengqiu乘丘

Fuyang富陽

Taoshan桃山

Taoxiang桃鄉

Qing青州

Zichuan甾川國

Ju劇

Dong'anping東安平

Louxiang樓鄉

Jiaodong 膠東國

Jimo即墨

Xiami下密

Zhuangwu壯武

Yuzhi郁秩

Ting挺

Guanyang觀陽

Zoulu鄒盧

Gaomi高密國

Gaomi高密

Chang'an昌安

Shiquan石泉

Yi'an夷安

Chengxiang成鄉

Pingyuan平原郡

Pingyuan平原

Ge鬲

Gaotang高唐

Zhongqiu重丘

Pingchang平昌

Yu羽

Ban般

Leling樂陵

Zhu'e祝阿

Yuan瑗

Eyang阿陽

Tayin漯陰

Li朸

Fuping富平

Ande安悳

Louxu樓虛

Long'e龍頟

An安

Qiancheng千乘郡

Qiancheng千乘

Dongzou東鄒

Shiwo溼沃

Ping'an平安

Bochang博昌

Liaocheng蓼城

Jianxin建信

Di狄

Langhuai琅槐

Le'an樂安

Beiyang被陽

Gaochang高昌

Gaowan高宛

Yanxiang延鄉

Ji'nan濟南郡

Dongpingling東平陵

Zouping鄒平

Tai臺

Liangzou梁鄒

Tugu土鼓

Yuling於陵

Yangqiu陽丘

Panyang般陽

Jian菅

Zhaoyang朝陽

Licheng歷城

You猇

Zhu著

Yicheng宜成

Qi齊郡

Linzi臨淄

Changguo昌國

Li利

Xi'an西安

Juding鉅定

Guang廣

Guangrao廣饒

Linqu臨朐

Taixiang臺鄉

Beihai北海郡

Yingling營陵

Jukui劇魁

Anqiu安丘

Chunyu淳于

Yi益

Pingshou平壽

Ju劇

Duchang都昌

Pingwang平望

Liuquan柳泉

Shouguang壽光

Lewang樂望

Rao饒

Zhen斟

Sangdu桑犢

Pingcheng平城

Mixiang密鄉

Chengxiang成鄉

Jiaoyang膠陽

Donglai東萊郡

Ye掖

Chui腄

Pingdu平度

Huang黃

Linqu臨朐

Qucheng曲成

Mouping牟平

Dongmou東牟

Jian㡉

Yuli育犁

Changyang昌陽

Buye不夜

Dangli當利

Luxiang盧鄉

Yangle陽樂

Yangshi陽石

Xuxiang徐鄉

Yu豫州

Liang梁國

Dang碭

Zi甾

Shuqiu杼秋

Meng蒙

Yishi已氏

Yu虞

Xiayi下邑

Suiyang睢陽

Lu魯國

Lu魯

Bian卞

Wenyang汶陽

Pi蕃

Zou騶

Xue薛

Pei沛郡

Xiao蕭

Guangqi廣戚

Feng豐

Gongqiu公丘

Jingqiu敬丘

Pei沛

Jianping建平

Li栗

Fuyang扶陽

Qixiang祈鄉

Xu 徐州

Chu楚國

Pengcheng彭城

Liu留

Wu梧

Fuyang傅陽

Lü呂

Wuyuan武原

Langye琅邪郡

Dongwu東武

Buji不其

Haiqu海曲

Ganyu贛榆

Zhuxu朱虛

Zhu諸

Wucheng梧成

Lingmen靈門

Gumu姑幕

Linyuan臨原

Langye琅邪

Fei祓

Ju柜

Ping缾

Fu邞

Qianzou黔陬

Jijin計斤

Dao稻

Gaoyu皋虞

Pingchang平昌

Changguang長廣

Heng橫

Dongguan東莞

Weiqi魏其

Chang昌

Zixiang茲鄉

Ji箕

Bi椑

Gaoguang高廣

Gaoxiang高鄉

Li麗

Xinshan新山

Gaoyang高陽

Kunshan昆山

Zhequan折泉

Fangshan房山

Anqiu安丘

Donghai東海郡

Tan郯

Lanling蘭陵

Xiangfei襄賁

Xiapi下邳

Liangcheng良成

Pingqu平曲

Qi戚

Qu朐

Kaiyang開陽

Bi費

Licheng利成

Haiqu海曲

Zeng繒

Nancheng南成

Jiqiu即丘

Zhuqi祝其

Linyi臨沂

Houqiu厚丘

Rongqiu容丘

Dong'an東安

Hexiang合鄉

Zheng承

Jianyang建陽

Quyang曲陽

Siwu司吾

Duyang都陽

Yinping陰平

Wuxiang郚鄉

Xinyang新陽

Jianling建陵

Changlu昌慮

Not located

Dong東郡

Panguan畔觀

Limiao利苗

Shanyang山陽郡

Zhongxiang中鄉

Zheng鄭

Zixiang甾鄉

Lixiang栗鄉

Quxiang曲鄉

Jiaodong 膠東國

Changwu昌武

Pingyuan平原郡

Heyang合陽

Qiancheng千乘郡

Fan'an繁安

Taishan泰山郡

Shi式

Qi齊郡

Zhaonan昭南

Beixiang北鄉

Pingguang平廣

Beihai北海郡

Zhi瓡

Pingdi平的

Yangshi羊石

Ledu樂都

Shixiang石鄉

Shangxiang上鄉

Xincheng新成

Langye琅邪郡

Xushui虛水

Yujia雩假

Yun雲

Rou柔

Jilai即來

Wuxiang武鄉

Yixiang伊鄉

Canfeng參封

Boshi博石

Shenxiang慎鄉

Siwang駟望

Gaoling高陵

Lin'an臨安

Shishan石山

Donghai東海郡

Lanqi蘭祺

Shanxiang山鄉

Jianxiang建鄉

Yuxiang于鄉

Pingqu平曲

Wuyang武陽

Duping都平

County locations and ancient rivers, lakes, and shorelines from The Historical Atlas of China.

I have intentionally stuck to the Hanshu where it differs from the Historical Atlas.