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princess-of-the-corner · 2 years ago

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Land of Dragons (I'll Make a Man out of You)

Before you can access this world, you must complete the “Asteroid Sweep” Gummi Route, represented by a closed door blocking the path.

The Gummi Routes in this game are far more elaborate than the first, even if you still only have 2-dimensional movement under player control and on-rails movement for progress, there are now multiple camera angles, and each Route only goes one way.

There’s also a brief cutscene of your Gummi Ship getting launched out of the garage before you start every route and into the gateway.

Instead of Heartless-piloted Gummi Ships, you fight special Heartless and Nobodies designed for space combat. Instead of just flying at you, they’ll fire off various projectiles at you.

Asteroid Sweep has you fighting on and around special asteroids, the camera angles changing to face each group of enemies (even if your Gummi Ship always faces the same direction).

You also have to dodge space debris.

At the end of the Route, you fly through a key-hole shaped portal, and are scored and graded on your performance.

Replaying the route allows you to try out special missions.

There’s also a treasure list for every Gummi Route that shows what treasures special enemies will drop, encouraging replaying the routes to get a better score.

Once Asteroid Sweep is cleared, the door opens with a flash of light, and it is now surrounded by asteroids.

In addition, the path from Hollow Bastion now fully connects to the next world, the Land of Dragons.

We pan over Shan-Yu (Mulan) and his pet falcon Hayabusa (Mulan), in a destroyed village, as Fa Mulan (Mulan) looks on from a bamboo grove and a shadowy figure encourages her to “whup public enemy number one!”

Mulan points out to the shadowy figure, who is obviously Mushu to anyone who’s seen the movie, that she hasn’t even joined the army yet, and she has to take her father’s place to preserve the Fa family honor.

She’s more concerned with not getting discover than she is with becoming famous.

Sora, Donald, and Goofy arrive, with Sora and Donald mistaking Mushu’s shadow for a Heartless and charging in to attack, while Goofy, ever the voice of reason, tries to talk them out of making assumptions.

They realize their mistake when Mulan shields the tiny dragon spirit casting the shadow, and quickly recognize Mushu who in turn recognizes Sora, Donald, and Goofy (in that order) on account of having been a Summon in the first game.

(As the Summons were cut in KH1’s Manga adaptation, Sora, Donald, and Goofy react with confusion when Mushu recognizes them, and Mushu takes out a copy of the KH1 Manga to try and prove that he’s met them before, only to react in disbelief when he realizes he wasn’t included in the Manga at all.)

Mushu even claims that he helped the trio out of a lot of tight spots, even though he was unlocked towards the end of KH1 on account of his Summon Gem being dropped by Maleficent’s dragon form.

Sora asks who Mulan is, and she accidentally gives her real name, backpedals, and is reminded by Mushu that her pseudonym is “Ping”.

(Notably, the writers did NOT have her use her family name alongside her pseudonym. And that is the closest you’re going to get to a juvenile joke on the topic in this recap.)

“Mulan Ping?” Donald questions.

“Just… Ping,” Mulan corrects with a forced deep voice, “I am Ping, son of Fa Zhou.”

When asked how she knows Mushu, Mulan explains that Mushu is one of her family’s guardians, much to the trio’s surprise.

Mushu ropes them along into his and Mulan’s plan by pointing out that the three of them are “up to [their] eyeballs in debt to Ping here”, much to Mulan’s annoyance, but the trio are happy to help either way.

So now they have to help “Ping” get to the training camp to join the Imperial Army to defeat the Huns.

Mulan asks if they could come, since it would be easier for her to fit in if she’s with guys like them.

That clues Goofy into the fact Mulan’s pretending to be a boy (and WOW I just realized how transphobic that logic is holy shit), much to Sora’s and Donald’s shock.

Mulan’s relieved that her disguise is convincing, at the very least, and drops the Ping voice, whereas Mushu just thinks that Sora and Donald are gullible. Because this is a Japanese Disney Game from 2006, and those aren’t exactly famous for being supportive of trans rights.

(In the Manga, Sora did not realize Mulan was a woman until he accidentally walked in on her bathing, because Japan.)

PING HAS JOINED THE PARTY!

In the name of maintaining Mulan’s cover, she is exclusively referred to as Ping by the characters, including in the game menus.

In addition, you are FORCED to have “Ping” in the party, and she automatically replaces Goofy on account of being a physical fighter.

I’d recommend switching out Donald so you still have access to Valor Form.

Speaking of, you can now change out your party at ANY TIME via the Pause Menu or the new second page of the Command Menu. While you can’t use the Pause Menu to change your party mid battle, you CAN use the Command Menu to do so.

Note: When you use a Drive Form to borrow a party member’s abilities, whichever Party Member you’ve benched will NOT join the Active Party to replace them. That slot in your party is essentially deleted until you drop the Drive Form.

“Ping” wields the “Sword of the Ancestors”, a weapon exclusive to her that can’t be dequipped. Her starting abilities are as follows:

Vertical Swing: Clumsily swings her sword diagonally downward.

V-Swing Tumble: Tries to swing sword downward, but trips and falls.

Upper Thrust: Swings up while lightly jumping forward.

Draw: draws in nearby items and orbs.

Item Boost: increases effects of healing items used in the field by 50%.

The Bamboo Grove connects to the Encampment.

Here, the party meets Yao (Mulan), Chien Po (Mulan), and Ling (Mulan), and Sora and Donald get into a fight with them while Goofy and Ping try to break up the fight, and Mushu almost blows “Ping’s” cover.

Captain Li Shang (Mulan) arrives and gets everyone back in line.

He does not find it weird that a clearly foreign boy, a duck, and a dog are signing up. I must wonder how strange his day has been for this to not even click as unusual.

Then, the Heartless attack, and Yao, Chien Po, and Ling run off (either to fight other Heartless off screen or hide, it’s not really all that clear since none of them are armed) while Sora, “Ping”, and Donald or Goofy fight off the Heartless.

In this battle, and many others in this world, there’s a special gimmick: Morale. The Morale Gauge represents the party’s morale, and it depletes with time. The only way to refill it is by collecting the Morale Prizes dropped by defeated enemies. If the Morale Gauge runs out, it’s Game Over.

After the Heartless are beaten the party properly introduce themselves, and Shang decides to give them the rundown: Shan Yu is going to be coming through the mountain pass with his forces, and Sora, “Ping”, Donald, and Goofy will be the advance party to scout out the mountain for Shang’s troops. So Shan Yu has some missions for the party to complete. As well as an Encampment Map that unlocks the mini-map for the surrounding area.

The missions are as follows:

The Surprise Attack: Sora, “Ping”, and Donald or Goofy must defeat 15 Heartless at the Checkpoint before the Morale Gauge runs out.

The Ambush: Sora, “Ping”, and Donald or Goofy must protect the checkpoint while keeping the Morale Gauge up. Instead of a timer depleting the Morale Gauge, new Heartless known as Assault Riders spawn during this battle and can literally beat the party’s Morale right out of Sora.

The Search: Heartless are hiding inside the Imperial Army’s camp. Sora, “Ping”, and Donald or Goofy must work together to find and destroy them all. Note that the tents can become collateral damage to Sora’s Fire Magic and stay destroyed for the remainder of your visit if you incinerate them.

Completing these tasks rewards the Party with an AP Boost.

Captain Shang is impressed with the party, and even notes that “Ping” has made a little progress, but still isn’t really impressed with “him”.

That said, he does give “Ping” one more assignment, and one more chance to prove “himself”.

He’s giving them an important mission as one more test for Ping: Secure the path over the summit so the company can pass. He has authorized them to be allowed through the Checkpoint to access the summit.

The Morale Gauge is not attached to random encounters, only the story battles.

Regardless, after passing through the Checkpoint and arriving by the Mountain Trail, Hayabusa flies overhead, and the party is immediately jumped by Heartless, with rocks obstructing their path.

The Morale Gauge depletes with time, but can be refilled with the usual methods, and Sora can clear out the rocks in his path with the “Rockshatter” Reaction Command. Additionally, the Heartless can beat the Morale out of Sora, further depleting your time.

You can collect the Treasures on the Mountain Trail at your leisure after reaching the peak, as the Morale Gauge will vanish after the mission is complete.

Yao, Chien Po, and Ling are impressed by “Ping” after the party cleared the path for the rest of the army.

Donald and Goofy sing “Ping’s” praises when Captain Shang and his two guards reach the end of the pass, and the Captain allows “Ping” to join the army. Even if he’s still skeptical of “his” capabilities.

In the village, Mushu reveals that he saw Shan-Yu go into a cavern just outside the village. Sora wants to tell the captain, but Mushu suggests that they go and defeat Shan-Yu themselves so that “Ping” can bring honor to her family. Because going AWOL has NEVER backfired before, and is TOTALLY the smart thing to do when your superior officer is skeptical of your value as a member of the army.

Regardless, Sora receives the Village Area Map, which unlocks the minimap for areas associated with the mountain.

The Village contains both the Save Point and allows the player to access Kupo’s Moogle Shop from the hologram projection of a Moogle. Moogle Shops are holographic user interfaces the Moogles started using to conduct business remotely because people just kept touching the little pom-poms sticking out of their heads, which greatly annoyed them. The Holographic Moogles hold a balloon labeled “SHOP” and are projected from a blue crystal on the ground.

Unlike the in person Moogle shops in Twilight Town and Hollow Bastion, the Holographic Moogle Shop is a one-stop shop that carries the Workshop, Item Shop, Armor Shop, Accessory Shop, Weapons Shop, and Materials Shop. Items from previously visited shops become available at shops in large towns.

Kupo’s Shop adds the Blizzard Armlet and Thunder Trinket to the Armor Shop interface.

Upon diving deep enough into the cave, the trio find that it’s actually a pretty small cavern with a dead-end, and Shan-Yu is nowhere to be seen.

Donald and Goofy turn to leave, leaving Sora and “Ping” alone with Mushu.

As soon as Donald and Goofy are out of the chamber, however, the ground shakes, and an invisible barrier raises, trapping Sora and “Ping” inside as Donald and Goofy can only watch.

Shan-Yu sees that his trap works, and exits through the mouth of the cave as Heartless emerge from the darkness to claim Sora’s and “Ping’s” hearts.

In order to break down the barrier, Sora and “Ping” must destroy all of the Heartless. As Goofy is not in the party, Sora is locked out of Valor Form.

As soon a the last wave of Heartless is wiped out, the party is rewarded with a Bonus Level that teaches Sora Slide Dash while “Ping’s” maximum HP increases and she learns Hyper Healing.

Slide Dash is just Sliding Dash form previous games, with a grammatically incorrect name, and it allows Sora to slide to distant enemy to attack them.

Hyper Healing allows “Ping” to recover her HP more quickly.

Regardless, Sora credits his survival to “Ping”, and the barrier drops.

Mushu suggests that they report this to the Captain, as even IF Shan-Yu wasn’t in the cavern (everyone was a bit too distracted by the Heartless to notice that he was), surviving a Heartless ambush AND rescuing one of her comrades is BOUND to earn “Ping” brownie points with the military. (Examining the shrine reveals that it was built as a symbol of peace.)

Excited to finally prove Ping’s worth, the party exits the cave, only to find that the village has been burned to the ground.

Captain Shang is badly hurt, but is still able to reveal that Shan-Yu and his army headed to the summit after razing the village.

The party volunteers to face him there, with Goofy privately noting that it is partially their fault for going AWOL and getting the Keyblade Wielder caught in an ambush.

As it was Mushu’s idea, he feels that it’s his fault, but Sora points out that it was Shan-Yu and his legion of Heartless who destroyed the village, not Mushu.

Sora tells the Captain that he and his friends will handle Shan-Yu and his army, if Captain Shang can track down the villagers and make sure that they’re safe.

Our heroes have nowhere left to go but up.

(Don’t worry, the Moogle Shop survived. Presumably because it’s a hologram.)

In order to reach the Summit, the party must pass through the Ridge, where Sora can use the “Ride the Wind” reaction command to ride a small tornado and fire himself high into the air to collect a Puzzle Piece.

Additionally, some carriages carrying fireworks are strewn about, and can be destroyed to trigger explosions.

At the Summit, Sora, “Ping”, Donald, and Goofy watch as Hayabusa perches on Shan-Yu’s shoulder, and the Hun’s army of adorable Rapid Thrusters appears rises over the peak behind him.

Shan-Yu gives the attack order, and the least-intimidating legion of soul-sucking demons you’ll ever see follow swiftly behind him.

Ahem, regardless of how silly the army looks, all of Sora’s party members are removed from the party, leaving him alone against the Rapid Thrusters and the occasional Siege Tower.

He can use the “Speed Trap” reaction command to take out several at once. The “Aero Blade” Reaction command can be used against the Siege Towers.

After one minute, the battle ends.

Shan-Yu charges into battle with a second legion of adorable helicopter fish creatures.

Yao, Chien Po, and Ling start setting up a firecracker rocket to try and fire at Shan-Yu, but “Ping” gets an idea, grabs the rocket, uses Mushu to light it, accidentally fires him WITH the rocket, and shoots a higher peak. The resulting avalanche buries Shan-Yu and his minions, but Captain Shang just so happened to choose now to recover from his injuries and rejoin the battle.

“Ping” pushes him out of the way of the avalanche and earns his respect.

Just in time for Mushu to arrive and blow Mulan’s cover.

Shang is FAR more concerned with the fact that Mulan’s a girl than he is with the fact that a tiny talking dragon just emerged from the snow, and while the penalty for impersonating an imperial officer is death, he chooses to spare her life as gratitude for saving his life.

He also expels Sora, Donald, and Goofy from the military for being Mulan’s accomplices.

Regardless, the rest of the Imperial Army (which is like, half a dozen guys because this is pre-PS4 Kingdom Hearts) leaves with Shang, though his guards are trudging instead of marching.

Mushu laments blowing Mulan’s cover.

The screen fades to black, and when it fades back in, Mulan is no longer disguised as “Ping” and is now in her civilian clothing.

She thanks the trio for helping her, and apologizes for getting them in trouble.

Sora says it’s fine, but also wants to know what she’s going to do now.

She’s going to be heading home, and Mushu points out that her father will probably be furious with her.

Sora, Donald, and Goofy offer to take their own share of the blame, and the group heads out.

MULAN HAS ASSUMED HER TRUE FORM AND CAN NOW PROPERLY HARNESS HER TRUE POWER!

She has gained 8 AP, and is now a high-speed fighter who specifies in aerial combos. She is, much like Sora, a glass canon, reliant on ending battles quickly before her opponents have the chance to land a hit. You can also now remove her from your party if you so which.

Her abilities have also evolved:

H-Swing Combo: Attacks with sword and foot sweeps while twisting/spinning her body, then thrusts with sword immediately afterward.

V-Sing Combo: Attacks twice with vertical sword swings, then strikes with her palm.

Spinning V-Slash: Jumps, turns her body to the side, and swings the sword while repeatedly rotating.

Spinning H-Slash: Jumps and attacks with sword while spinning sideways.

Mushu Fire: Mush breaths fire on nearby enemies at the cost of 10 of Mulan’s MP.

Flametongue: Mulan rushes in and attacks enemies in midair while engulfed in Mushu’s fire with a cost of 10 MP.

She has also learned the following support abilities:

Fire Boost: Increases damage done with fire-based attacks by 20%.

Auto Limit: Automatically sets the Reaction Command to Limit, if Limit is usable.

Limits, in this game, are special team attacks Sora can perform with his Party Members, at the cost of completely depleting his MP. You can also select them from the second page of the Command Menu, if you don’t have Auto Limit equipped.

Mulan’s Limit is Dragonblaze. It begins with “Red Rocket” which causes Mushu to jump into the air and rain fire on the battlefield. After this, the Attack Command becomes Flametongue (Sora leaps towards enemies while surrounded in flame) and the Reaction Command Heat Lance (Mulan fires a series of fireballs from her hand) becomes available. After either has been used five times, or the use count of Flametongue subtracted by the use of Heat Lance equals five, both the Attack and Reaction Commands will become Red Meteor (Mushu spits out a volley of fireballs above that land on the ground around the trio, damaging all surrounding enemies and ending the Limit. During the Limit, Sora can freely fly, moving up and down with the right analog stick. For the entirety of the Limit, the “Limits” command in the Command Menu has been converted to the “Stop” command, which cancels the Limit early.

Upon exiting the Summit into the preceding map, Hayabusa flies over the trio and swoops down to where Shan-Yu was buried, and the Hun warlord bursts from the snow with a lore, summoning more of those completely nonthreatening Heartless from before to aid him.

Sora and Mulan are shocked to see that he survived the avalanche, while Mulan realizes that he’s headed for the Imperial City, the capitol of China. The race is on.

You can still talk to your party members in the Village, even though it’s been destroyed and the Holo Moogle is the only other NPC in the area.

The Imperial City can be accessed via the Checkpoint at the foot of the mountain, and the wooden gate that was closed at the start of this world’ story is now wide open.

Upon arrival, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Mulan race passed a bunch of generic soldiers who all reuse the model Shang’s guards use, and Mulan calls out to warn him.

Shang doesn’t believe her at first, until Donald points out Shan-Yu’s bird, and Shan-Yu himself appears on one of the palace’s towers.

Shang orders his men to protect the palace, and Yao, Chien Po, and Ling charge ahead.

The rest of his soldiers however, are not only trudging, but emanating darkness.

Shang, not realizing what’s about to happen, scolds them for dragging their feet, only for their hearts to be swallowed by darkness before his eyes, the horrors of war having finally gotten to him. Sora and Mulan step in to guard him from the Heartless, with Sora telling him to save the Emperor (Mulan) while they handle the Heartless.

Donald makes it an order, and Shang reluctantly leaves them alone to handle his transformed troops.

It’s now Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Mulan versus what was once the Chinese Imperial Army, now having been transformed into enemies of their homeland against their will. Sora and his friends must grant them the final mercy and free their hearts from the darkness. After the last Heartless has been felled, you can progress to the Palace Gate, where Shan-Yu is threatening the Emperor. To his credit, the Emperor manages to maintain a surprising level of calm against the guy who, in this canon, turned his own soldiers into soul devouring demons and then proceeded to do the same to every soldier and civilian who fell to his dark legion, enslaving their hearts in order to make them his loyal minions (Seriously, he might actually be MORE evil than his counterpart from the movie). Mulan, while visibly terrified, still stands her ground alongside Sora, Donald, and Goofy.

Shang jumps in from above and takes the Emperor into the palace, while Chien Po and Ling lock Shan-Yu out.

The genocidal warlord attempts to give chase, but Donald, Mulan, Sora, and Goofy bar his way.

“It ends now,” Mulan warns, having swallowed her fear.

“Right now!” Sora adds as he brandishes his Keyblade.

BOSS TIME!

Shan-Yu is aided by both Hayabusa and his army of Heartless.

Shan-Yu himself is fast-yet weak, being an early game boss.

In addition to having a few attacks similar to Mulan, he can also create shockwaves. His sword combos can be interrupted with a Reaction Command “Press”, which much be triggered rapidly as Sora and Shan-Yu lock blades. Push Shan-Yu back far enough, and the Reaction Command will become “Takedown” with Sora flipping around Shan-Yu’s sword to attack him with the Keyblade.

Hayabusa will also occasionally dive bomb and peck at Sora, and may also grab a party member in his talons and lift them into the air. (This was foreshadowed by some optional NPC dialogue in the Village after the Cave Trap, where one of the soldiers mentions that some of their troops were captured by a falcon.)

Additionally, the Morale System from the earlier missions returns, here representing the health of the gates. Shan-Yu, Hayabusa, and the infinitely spawning Heartless can attack the gates to damage them. Sora can repair the gates by destroying the Heartless and collecting the Morale Prizes they drop.

Finally, if Sora runs out of HP, there is a chance that, instead of a Game Over, you’ll get a white screen with two options:

“Don’t give up!”

“It’s all over…”

Selecting the latter will take you to a normal Game Over screen.

Selecting the former, however, introduces one of the coolest mechanics in this game:

YOU CAN NOW PLAY AS HIS MAJESTY KING MICKEY MOUSE!

The King wields the Kingdom Key D and has three moves: Jumping (Sonic the Headgehog Style), casting Pearl (a light spell that consumes 18 of his MP), Attacking with his Keyblade for Physical Combos, or using the “D-Charge” Reaction Command to fill his Drive Gauge. “D-Charge” fills the Drive Gauge faster when Mickey is in MP Recharge.

HIS Drive Gauge will also fill from attacking enemies.

Once the King has filled three Drive Gauges, “D-Charge” becomes “Healing Light”, which fully refills Sora’s HP, MP, and Drive Gauge.

If the King runs out of HP before he can fully charge “Healing Light”, he’ll instead use a potion to revive Sora, restoring Sora to half his HP, while his MP and Drive Gauge remain as they were before he was defeated.

His stats are locked at 60 HP and 100 MP. He will never get any stronger or weaker.

Additionally, while the King’s combos are powerful, he lacks the Combo Finishers necessary to defeat a Boss, meaning he can, at most, reduce said bosses to 1 HP. Also, none of Sora’s Party Member’s are active while the King is on the field.

And as a final drawback, every time the King is summoned PERMANENTLY reduces his chances of rescuing Sora in the future.

However, there are only 10 (technically 11) bosses that the King can rescue Sora from, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Additionally, during this battle, Shan-Yu won’t Summon Heartless to attack the Gate while Mickey is active, instead focusing entirely on Mickey.

Defeating Shan-Yu earns the party the following Bonus Level/Victory Bonus:

Sora gets +5 Max HP and learns Aerial Sweep (Sora unleashes a powerful sweeping attack on midair targets).

Donald gets +3 Max HP.

Goofy learns Goofy Turbo (Goofy rides his shield into enemies to deal damage).

Mulan gains + 20 Max HP.

After the battle, Shan-Yu drops dead.

Mushu celebrates Mulan’s win before giving himself all the credit.

Later, a bunch of nondescript 2D sprites gather above the palace as the Emperor summarizes what he’s heard of Fa Mulan.

He starts by listing off her criminal offences (to the point that Sora interjects to say that they get the point), before thanking her for saving all of China, acknowledging that he’s in her debt. Cue the iconic scene from the film, but with a crowd of nondescript 2D sprites.

Our heroes briefly celebrate their win, and the Emperor has Shang present Mulan with Shan-Yu’s sword, so the world will know what she’s done for China.

Shang thanks Mulan and the others for their help, the Emperor puts on his shipping goggles, and Sora semi-jokingly asks for her autograph.

Mushu notes that now they HAVE to let him go back to being a guardian, and Goofy comments on the fact that he told them he already WAS a guardian. Mushu gets really sheepish as Sora realizes that Mushu tricked them, and the dragon weakly attempts to protect himself as the Keyblade Wielder gives chase.

Suddenly, Shan-Yu’s sword starts glowing and floats out of a very confused Mulan’s hands.

Sora hears the shimmer, and stops chasing Mushu so he can point his Keyblade at the ground.

A crown symbol surrounds him on the ground, and the camera pans up as energy whooshes around him, turning the world into that weird sky dimension from before. A beam of light fires out of Shan-Yu’s sword, creating a keyhole in the sky.

Sora jumps back and points his Keyblade at the keyhole, and fires a beam of light into it, opening the Gate in a burst of light.

The Emperor bids farewell, and Sora promises to come back to visit.

Shang promises that they will always be welcome, and Sora puts on his shipping goggles again as he waves.

Mulan bids the trio farewell as they walk off.

Sora obtains the Hidden Dragon Keychain! Its ability is MP Rage (restores MP relative to damage taken).

Back on the World Map, a third Disney World has appeared, but it’s blocked by another Gummi Route.

Plus, there’s still that other Disney World we skipped over earlier.

Why don’t we check it out first?

Like, we knew Mulan was badass but yeah she's badass

#submission

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akatsuki-shin · 4 years ago

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REVIEW: 山河令 Shān Hé Lìng (Word of Honor)

Note(s):

(Very) long post ahead

Contains spoiler

This is my personal review and does not represent the entire audience.

This review is written by someone who has read the original novel, hence there will be reference and comparison between the two works

Summary:

After the sudden passing of his beloved master, young leader of the famous Four Season Manor, Zhou Zishu, brought his brothers and loyal followers to serve the Prince of Jin whose family had been the master of his predecessors, creating a secret organization of capable spies and assassins known as "Tian Chuang".

His decision later proved to be the downfall of his sect, however, for they were quickly swallowed into ruthless political conflicts and battle for power within the royal families, causing his brothers and followers to die unjustly one after another.

Ten years later, Zhou Zishu, now the sole survivor of the Four Season Manor, resigned from his position as the leader of Tian Chuang. In exchange for freedom, he bestowed upon himself the fatal punishment that is the "Nails of Seven Apertures for Three Autumns", a torture device created by Zhou Zishu himself that would gradually numb one's five senses and ultimately took their life within three years.

After several months passed, the now free Zhou Zishu had disguised himself as a wandering vagrant, enjoying his remaining time sightseeing, drinking, and sunbathing to his heart's content.

As fate would have it, however, his unshackled days abruptly ended when he saved a young boy, the only surviving descendant of the Mirror Lake Sect, one of the renowned Five Lakes Alliance, that was destroyed overnight by the mysterious ghosts of Mount Qingya. He was soon pulled into a conflict of the pugilist world dating back to twenty years ago, revolving around a legendary "Glazed Armor" said to hold the key to a secret armory filled with the secret techniques of martial sects from all over the world.

To further complicate matters, he somehow caught the interest of a strange young man of mysterious origin, Wen Kexing, who pursued him relentlessly with unknown motive.

---------

Before we get into it, I feel that it is worth to mention some of the major differences between the novel and live action because they do affect my impression and judgment over several points in the drama.

While there are always bound to be differences between an adaptation and its original works, most of these differences seem to have been made to avoid censorship, also in order for the drama to be able to become a "stand-alone" story (since the original work is a sequel to another novel).

1. Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing

In the drama, they are later revealed to have once been martial brothers of the Four Season Manor due to the fact that Zhou Zishu's master saved Wen Kexing's parents when they were pursued by both the righteous sects of the jianghu and the ghosts of Mount Qingya over the key of the Glazed Armor.

In the original story, they were strangers to each other that have no relationship whatsoever prior to their coincidental meeting at Jiangnan.

2. Prince of Jin and Tian Chuang

Word of Honor is based on the novel "Faraway Wanderers" by Priest, which is a sequel to her previous novel "Lord Seventh".

Originally, the master that Zhou Zishu and his Tian Chuang served should be the Emperor himself, Helian Yi, an important character from Lord Seventh - in which Zhou Zishu also made a major appearance. After Zhou Zishu punished himself with the nails and left Tian Chuang, Helian Yi and the Tian Chuang never pursued him. The story follows Zhou Zishu's journey in the jianghu and he never once went back to the capital city where Helian Yi was.

In the live action, Zhou Zishu and Tian Chuang served the Prince of Jin, a royal family tangled in internal strife for power. From what I understand, Prince Jin seems to have an ambition to overthrow the ruling Emperor to become one himself. After Zhou Zishu left, he kept an eye on him and later managed to capture Zhou Zishu, briefly bringing him back to the Jin as a prisoner.

3. The Scorpions

In Word of Honor, the Scorpion King Xie-er was portrayed as the adopted son of Zhao Jing, the main villain of the story. All the plots he devised, most of them were made with Zhao Jing's interest in his mind. There were also four remarkable assassins working under him (I don't remember their names, but you know who I mean, right?).

Originally, the Scorpions are an independent assassin group. Their relationship with Zhao Jing is that of client and service provider. The Scorpion King had his own plan to benefit himself and his organization with only his own interest in mind. There were no particular members of the Scorpions featured in the story other than him. Specifically, the Phantom Musician Qin Song was an independent assassin hired to kill Zhang Chengling, and he was believed to be dead after being defeated by Zhou Zishu on his very first attempt.

4. The Ten Ghosts of Qingya

Although the novel did mention the existence of the Top Ten Ghosts, only 4 (four) of them actually appeared in the story:

Xue Fang the Hanged Ghost (who was secretly killed by Wen Kexing in the beginning of the story, both in the novel and drama)

The Long-tongued Ghost who was also killed by Wen Kexing when he and Zhou Zishu were trapped underground in the graveyard (Zhao Family's Funeral Home in the drama)

Sun Ding the Delighted Mourning Ghost, one of the strongest ghosts who wanted to overthrow Wen Kexing's position as Ghost Valley Master; he was later killed by the Scorpions

Lao Meng (I forgot his title), also one of the strongest ghosts who wanted to overthrow Wen Kexing, but he was more lowkey and calm; he worked together with the Scorpions to first kill Sun Ding (his rival) and later to kill Wen Kexing when the jianghu heroes came to attack the Ghost Valley (although he didn't know that the Scorpion King had his own plan, hence meeting his demise during the war)

Wu Chang and his two henchmen, the Tragicomic Ghost, the Laughing Ghost, etc do not exist in the novel.

Additionally, Liu Qianqiao is also not part of the ghosts in the novel. She did have an affair with Yu Qiufeng and was manipulated by him until she died horribly in the hands of the two old couple (whose names I also forget).

5. The Ending

I think this is probably the biggest difference between the novel and the live action.

Originally, Zhou Zishu's nail wounds were removed and healed completely by Wu Xi AFTER the final battle at Mount Fengya (yes, the mountain's name is slightly different). He, Wen Kexing, Zhang Chengling, Jing Beiyuan, and Wu Xi lived temporarily at the top of Mount Changming because they need cold temperature for the healing method to work.

Wen Kexing did not sacrifice his life to restore Zhou Zishu's meridian and they did not become immortal.

Also, the Scorpion King was killed by Zhang Chengling and Gao Xiaolian after he got his hand chopped of by Zhou Zishu for trying to murder the already dying Wen Kexing (after he took his revenge on Mo Huaiyang).

There are of course, still many more differences, including when and where Cao Weining died, but the five things I mentioned above are probably the biggest ones because they directly impacted the entire plot.

---------

STORY: 8/10

Despite the changes and adjustments, the main plot of SHL amazingly remains loyal to the original story. The things they could not show, they would include it in the characters' dialog or tried to incorporate it in another way. Some examples:

Cao Weining and Gu Xiang's reincarnation story was included in Cao Weining's dialog (his dream and his wish to grow up together with her in their next life)

Wen Kexing's confession about wanting to build a grave for his parents from the Extra Chapter (where he cried and caused Zhou Zishu to let him top out of sympathy) was included in Wen Kexing's dialog when he got drunk and hugged Zhou Zishu after he defeated Zhao Jing (prior to Cao Weining and Gu Xiang's marriage)

In fact, I feel that most of the adjustments made to the story were able to deliver much better emotional aspects and intensity of the characters and important scenes.

Although more than half of the Ten Ghosts were made up solely for the drama, their existence was able to better portray Wen Kexing's image as the supreme leader of the Ghost Valley and why they all fear him.

Although many interactions between Zhou Zishu, Zhang Chengling, and Wen Kexing were either added or changed from the novel, here we could see them as a real, close family which is so much more heartwarming than the original.

Zhao Jing's pretense, evil deeds, and downfall were all arranged neatly from the beginning. If I hadn't read the novel, I probably would've been (pleasantly) surprised when it was revealed that he was the one plotting everything behind the scene.

The romance and relationship development of the main pairing (Wen Kexing/Zhou Zishu, although it was masked as brotherhood as always) and side pairing (Cao Weining/Gu Xiang) were especially well done. It allows me, as the audience, to get to know them, sympathize with them, and ultimately rooting for them (despite already knowing how Cao Weining and Gu Xiang would end up).

Gu Xiang's anguish and fury after Cao Weining died were shown so clearly. Her final fighting scene until her death was particularly moving.

Explanations and plot twists were spread evenly so there was no info dump. The plot development was enjoyable to follow from the beginning, even if the ending felt a bit rushed.

This was a bit difficult to describe, but even if sometimes I feel like "hmm, this character did not do this in the novel", when I was following the drama from the first to the last episode, everything flows smoothly and does not feel out of place. So I realized that even if what the characters did was sometimes different from the original story, it is still loyal to the plot and circumstances of the drama, which is why their adjusted words and actions still felt natural to see.

Also, when reading the novel before, I have one critic about the Glazed Armor and the armory itself being the center of everyone's fight, but in the end they didn't seem to have much importance, especially because the armory was never found and opened. At the very least, although it was due to ending change and pretty much rushed, in SHL the Glazed Armor was actually used and the armory was shown.

Though there were indeed a few things that I do not quite agree(?) with:

Tian Chuang is supposed to be a secret organization that does their job secretly, but why is it that they always light so many lanterns when launching their attack?

The bond shared between Zhou Zishu and Prince Jin was pretty clear, but I don't think it's detailed and deep enough for Prince Jin to consider Zhou Zishu his soulmate. Furthermore, from the beginning we've never been told about Zhou Zishu's family, but in the last few episodes suddenly there were talks about his father being branded a traitor because of some secret hidden in the armory. While the story makes sense, to put new information out of the blue when the plot was about to end feels somewhat strange.

Lastly, I understand that danmei adaptations always face a lot of restrictions, as in they were not allowed to have a blatant happy ending - so most either resort to tragedy or open ending (cmiiw). However, I still feel that Wen Kexing faking his death without telling Zhou Zishu was......kind of silly.

After their life was spared by Ye Baiyi, Zhou Zishu had already warned him not to act without telling him again. When he wanted to fake his death, Wen Kexing told almost everyone except Zhou Zishu, the reason being they shouldn't make Zhou Zishu fight since he was in the middle of recovery.

Zhou Zishu is a rational person, I strongly believe that he would understand if Wen Kexing explained clearly. Him not telling Zhou Zishu led to:

Zhou Zishu actually ended up fighting to save him

Zhou Zishu thinking his soulmate is truly gone and proceeded to choose a suicidal move in order to avenge his (fake) death

Honestly, while I still enjoy following this drama until the end, I feel that the cause of Zhou Zishu dying when he could've been saved by Wu Xi, and Wen Kexing ended up sacrificing his life to save Zhou Zishu, was a bit ridiculous because really, Wen Kexing brought it upon himself.

In regards to this, even if I'm happy the two of them ended up living happily ever after as immortals on the mountain, it makes Jing Beiyuan and Wu Xi's existence almost pointless. They were literally included in the story of Faraway Wanderers to save Zhou Zishu's life from the nails. But here, other than providing shelter after the Four Season Manor was burnt down by Duan Pengju, I don't see any reason why they should be there.

CHARACTERS: 9/10

Perfect casts and perfect character portrayals, both from visual aspects and acting. Some may or may not necessarily look 100% similar to their novel description, but they managed to bring out the characters to life so well.

I've said before that most adjustments made to the drama were able to deliver much better emotional aspects and intensity, and this is especially true for the characters.

Honestly, when reading the novel, other than the few main characters, others did not leave a lot of impressions on me. I don't even remember what Zhao Jing was like when he was revealed as the true villain. Gao Chong's introduction was pretty good, but then we didn't hear much about him until he was finally declared dead. Shen Shen appeared only for one chapter and the next time I heard of him, he's already dead, too.

I love the novel, but really do have so many complaints about the characters in there. Fortunately, all of these flaws had been fixed in the drama, and boy they did it so well.

Some that I found amazingly written and shown:

Wen Kexing's emotional instability and his protectiveness whenever Zhou Zishu got hurt (good job, Gong Jun)

Zhou Zishu's rich emotions to those he hold dear (good job, Zhang Zhehan)

Zhang Chengling's character being more detailed and "alive", especially his diligence, growth, and occasional mischief; he was no longer just a useless dumb kid who can't do anything

Cao Weining and Gu Xiang's dynamic is so lovely

Zhao Jing's change from the seemingly weak guy to an ambitious, manipulative mastermind

Gao Chong, Shen Shen, and many other side characters were given enough screen time + sufficient important scenes so they weren't easily forgotten

Special shoutout and kudos to the actor who played Duan Pengju. I heard he was actually the Assistant Director, but because they didn't have much budget, he was casted to play this character and he did great 🥺 Thank you for helping the team to save hundred thousands yuan!

I don't really have any complaints about the character except when Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing have just delivered Zhang Chengling to Zhao Jing, Zhou Zishu clearly didn't want to mention his name (Zhou Xu), but Wen Kexing went ahead and introduced the both of them. Somehow I feel that Wen Kexing's character wouldn't disregard Zhou Zishu's opinion so lightly.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS: 9/10

Although this drama did not have much budget to start with, literally the only complaints I have about it is so minor, like:

A few scene transitions don't look smooth

Repeated use of sets, e.g. Gao Chong/Zhao Jing's residence is the same as Prince Jin's Palace, the Secret Armory Interior is the same as Tian Chuang's prison - but this has been mentioned in an interview with the Director(?) that they indeed use similar sets for multiple scenes to save budget

Other than that, I only ever have good things to say about this drama.

The fighting scenes should be given million kudos. Save for the flying and gliding part (which still looks kinda awkward, but better than some other Chinese dramas I've seen), the actions were just so cool and intense??? From the angle, the slow motion, to the techniques that are unique and different for each character. They even perfectly showed Zhang Chengling's awkward yet correct implementation of Zhou Zishu's teaching.

Costume designs are top notch. The visual of the seven nails on Zhou Zishu's body looks so real. His disguise was also very well done, I almost couldn't tell it's the same actor.

Some CGI and animations could've done better, but overall everything looks nice. I'm especially amazed at the visual of Longyuan Palace.

OVERALL SCORE: 8.7/10

At this point, I don't even know how to end this post other than saying please watch it, guys. It's a really well done job despite their limitations and restrictions. I've watched several Wuxia/Xianxia dramas before this and Word of Honor surprisingly exceeded every single one of my expectations. I enjoyed watching it so much, and I believe you guys will like it, too.

An additional kudos from me personally, because you can tell how the team creating this drama knows and appreciates the original author's works. It's a pleasant surprise when they incorporated a few things from Priest's other novel:

From Sha Po Lang: Zhi Liujin (the fuels used for the puppets in Longyuan Palace) and the Mechanical Birds used by Tian Chuang + Ping An Manor to deliver letters

From Silent Reading: The puppy that young Zhou Zishu and Zhen Yan played with, it was named after the cat owned by the main character of Silent Reading (also, fun fact, the name of Silent Reading's main character is "Wenzhou")

From Lord Seventh: Wen Kexing faking his death was exactly the same as how Wu Xi fooled the Emperor in order to "kidnap" Jing Beiyuan out of the capital.

Conclusion: Please watch it, guys.

#Word of Honor #Shan He Ling #SHL #Tian Ya Ke #Faraway Wanderer #Zhou Zishu #Wen Kexing #WenZhou #Review #Danmei #Priest

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bookofjin · 4 years ago

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Annals of Chuping 1 (190)

[From Yuan Hong’s Houhanji 28]

Annals of Emperor Xiaoxian [“Filial and Offering”], Part 1

1st Year of Chuping [“Beginning Peace”]

[23 February 190 – 11 February 191]

Spring, 1st Month, xinhai [4 March], a great amnesty Under Heaven.

Palace Attendant Zhou Bi and Colonel of the City Gates Wu Qiong, argued to Dong Zhuo, saying:

In all cases the affairs of deposing and installing are great, and not attained by regular people. Yuan Shao did not comprehend the greater structure, and fearful and afraid set out and ran without having other aspirations. Now with the urgency of a bounty, circumstances are certain to make him change.

The Yuan clan have planted kindness for four generations, the students and former functionaries from their gates are everywhere Under Heaven. Suppose they gather the prominent and outstanding so as to assemble a crowd of followers. The gallant and bold will follow them and rise up, and East of the Mountains will not be possessed by Your Excellency. It is not as good as forgiving him, and designate him the Warden of a single commandery. Then Shao will delight in avoiding punishment, and there is certain to be no worries.

Zhuo considered it to be so, and therefore used Shao as Grand Warden of Bohai.

On guichou [6 March], Zhuo killed the King of Hongnong.

Zhuo sent the Prefect of the Gentlemen of the Palace, Li Ru, to advance with poisoned wine to the King, saying:

Ingesting the drugs can expel the foulness.

The King said:

I am not ill. In truth [you] wish to kill me this way.

He was not willing, they forced him. And so the King was together with Concubine Tang and the palace people to drink the drugs. The King himself sang, saying:

Heaven's Way is easy, and destiny why so hard.

Forsook the ten thousand vehicles, and withdrew to guard the border.

A traitorous subject is coercing, and fate will not be delayed.

Going away [I am] about to leave you, and depart for the hidden darkness.

Concubine Tang rose up and danced, she sang, saying:

August Heaven collapses, and Sovereign Earth crumbles.

Somebody is Emperor or King, and fate is cut short and swept away.

The dead and living have different paths, and following this [will] turn aside.

Dismayed, I am alone and solitary, and within the heart is sorrow.

Following that she wept, and those sitting there all grieved. The King spoke to Concubine Tang, saying:

You are the former consort of a king, and in the circumstances will not become the wife of a functionary or commoner. Take care of yourself, from that [I] bid farewell with you.

Thereupon he drank the drugs and died. The Emperor heard about it, he came down from his seat and thoroughly grieved.

At that time, the Inspector of Ji province, Han Fu, the Inspector of Yu province, Kong Zhou, the Inspector of Yan province, Liu Dai, the Grand Warden of Chenliu, Zhang Miao, the Grand Warden of Bohai, Yuan Shao, the Grand Warden of Donghai, Qiao Mao, the Grand Warden of Shanyang, Yuan Yi, the Grand Warden of Henan, Wang Kuang, the Chancellor of Jibei, Bao Xin, the General of the Rear, Yuan Shu, the Consultant Gentleman Cao Cao, and others all rose up with righteous troops, wanting to execute Zhuo. Their multitudes each numbered several tens of thousand people, and they pushed forward Shao as master of the oath. Shao titled himself General of Chariots and Cavalry. Cao was Acting General who Exerts the Martial.

The Grand Warden of Changsha, Sun Jian, likewise raised troops to execute Zhuo, and by the time he arrived in Nanyang, his multitude numbered several tens of thousand people. Zhuo used Jian as General who Routs the Miscreants, hoping he would be agreeable and restrained. Jian denounced Zhuo as being past his prime, and advanced to station at Yangdui. Zhuo was greatly angered, and dispatched Hu Zhen and Lü Bu to strike Jian. They fought at Jianping, and Jian greatly routed them.

Zhuo, since the troops East of the Mountains were abundant, wished to move the capital to Within the Passes. He summoned the Excellencies and Dignitaries to discuss it, saying:

Gaozu's capital was Within the Passes for eleven generations. Later during Han's middle flourishing, the eastern capital was Luoyang. From Guangwu until now there then has been twelve generations. Leaning on the the Stone-Wrapped Chamber Prophecies, [we] ought to again return the capital to Chang'an.

Among the hundred officials there were none who dared to respond. The Minister over the Masses, Yang Biao, said:

Moving the capital and changing the regulations are the great affairs of Under Heaven, and always must follow the heart of the people and ensue from what is proper for the times. Formerly Pangeng made the fifth move, and the people of Yin where altogether resentful. For that reason he composed three chapters to shed light on and explain it.

In the past when Wang Mang usurped and rebelled, he disarrayed and made chaos of the Five Constants. And in the disarray of Gengshi and the Red Eyebrows, they burnt down down Chang'an and harmed and wounded the hundred families. The population drifted away and absconded, and out of a hundred not one remained. When Guangwu accepted the instructions, he altered the capital to Luoyang, and this was appropriate for it.

Just now [we] have established and installed a sagely ruler, brilliantly raising high Han's benediction. But then for no reason to give up the ancestral temples and palace halls, abandon the former emperors' parks and mounds, the hundred families will be frightened and alarmed and not figure out these intentions. There will surely be boiling gruel and an assembly of ants, and so cause disturbance and chaos. The Stone-Wrapped Chamber Prophecies is a book of bewitching perversity, how can [we] trust and make use of it?

Zhuo changed colour and said:

Excellency Yang wishes to obstruct the strategies of the House of State? East of the Mountains, the Yellow Head-scarves make chaos, and is where thieves are rising up. Chang'an's strategic points of Yao and Han are firm, they are the important defences of the state.

Also from Right of Long [one] obtains timber, the work is not difficult. And below the Southern Mountains of Duling there are Emperor Xiaowu's old place for kilns to make brickwork, in one morning and one evening it can be managed. The palace houses and official storehouses, how are they not sufficient to talk about! The hundred families and small people, how is it sufficient to discus with them! Suppose there are [those who] go forward and come back, [we] will use our great troops to spur them on, how will they get to be by themselves?

The hundred companions all lost colour. The Grand Commandant, Huang Wan, said:

This is a great affair. Excellency Yang' speech, might it not be [you] could think about it?

The Minister of Work, Xun Shuang said:

How is the Chancellor of State enjoying moving the capital? Now East of the Mountains, troops are rising up, it is not possible to corral them in in a single day. But West of the Passes is still quiet, and for that reason we will move there to plan, as in the circumstances of Qin and Han. Stand firm and fight, without stop, and misfortune is certain to be what comes back. I will not do that.

Zhuo caused to have the ministers memorialise to dismiss the two Excellencies.

2nd Month, dinghai [probably a mistake for yihai, 28 March], the Grand Commandant, Huang Wan, and the Minister over the Masses, Yang Biao, were retired by bamboo slips.

Earlier, Zhuo made use of the opinions of Wu Qiong and Zhou Bi and selected the famous scholars of Under Heaven. When Fu and others had set out, they all raised up troops to plot against Zhuo. Zhuo considered that Qiong and Bi had sold him out, and in his heart was angry with them. Reaching the discussion on moving west, Qiong and Bi firmly admonished. Zhuo, greatly angered, said:

You Lords said [we] must draw out and employ good scholars. Zhuo followed the two lords' scheme, and did not dare to disobey the heart of Under Heaven. When the various lords arrived at their offices, they raised up troops and plotted, how can Zhuo count on [you]?

Thereupon he beheaded Qiong and Bi.

Biao and Wan were fearful and afraid, and hastened to Zhuo to apologize, saying:

It was because of small people's fondness for the old, not a wish to obstruct the affairs of state. [We] request to consider [our] shortcomings as accepting punishment.

Zhuo was not fully furious with them at the time [?], and when he killed Qiong and Bi, he had come to regret it, so for that reason the petitioned for Biao and Wan to be Brilliantly Blessed Grandees.

Zhuo used the Governor of Henan, Zhu Jun, as Grand Coachman, to be considered as deputy for himself. Jun was not willing to accept, and because of that advanced to say:

The state ought not to move, it is certainly undeserving of Under Heaven's expectations, and will complete the rift with East of the Mountains. Your Subject does not see that it is possible.

There was a minister who said:

The summons to audience was for you Lord to accept the designations, but you Lord resisted it. [We] did not ask about the affairs of moving, but you Lord put it forth. Why so?

Jun said:

To be deputy for the Chancellor of State is extremely weighty and is not something Your Subject is capable of. That moving the capital not be planned is what is pressing for Your Subject. To decline what he is not capable of, and advance what is urgent for him is what is proper for a subject.

There was a minister who said:

The affairs of moving the capital, earlier there were no plans for that, and even if there are, they have not yet been exposed. How did [you] gain knowledge of it?

Jun said:

The Chancellor of State, Dong Zhuo, arranged to make Your Subject talk about it.

The ministers were not able to bend [him] and so the great subjects of the court, and the Gentleman of the Masters of Writing, Hua Xin, and others all commended him.

Owing to that, they desisted and did not make him deputy to Zhuo. Zhuo increasingly hated him, and he feared he would certainly be destroyed by Zhuo, he therefore ran to Jing province. The Intendant of the Brilliantly Blessed, Zhao Qian, became Grand Coachman. Wang Yun became Minister over the Masses and caretaker Prefect of the Masters of Writing.

On dinghai [9 April], the Son of Heaven transferred the capital to Chang'an. Zhuo stayed behind to station at Luoyang, he thoroughly burned the palace houses, and moved the people to Chang'an.

On renchen [14 April], a white nimbus passed through the sun.

3rd Month, jisi [21 May, possibly an error for yisi, 24 April], the Chariot Drove to arrive at Chang'an. During the chaos of the Red Eyebrows, the palace houses had burnt down completely, and there was only the Exalted Temple and the Jingzhao office buildings. Thereupon they went and made the capital there.

On wuwu [10 May], Zhuo killed the Grand Tutor, Yuan Wei, and his three sons.

At that time, Yuan Shao was stationed in Henei. The Grand Warden of Chenliu, Zhang Miao, the Inspector of Yan province, Liu Dai, the Grand Warden of Dong commandery, Qiao Mao, and the Grand Warden of Shanyang, Yuan Yi, stationed at Suanzao. The General of the Rear, Yuan Shu, stationed at Nanyang.

The Inspector of Ji province, Han Fu, held a great assembly at Suanzao, wanting to make an oath. The various provinces and commanderies in turn pushed forward and yielded to each other, nobody was willing to be the one in front. The Board of Merit Official of Guangling, Zang Hong, climbed the altar holding the blood, and said:

The House of Han is ill-fortuned and the kingly guide-ropes have lost control. The traitorous subject Dong Zhuo exploits feuds to indulge in harm. Calamity is inflicted on the most venerable, cruelty flows to the hundred families. There is great fear for the loss and destruction of the altars of soil and grain, and the shearing away and overturning of the Four Seas.

The Inspector of Yan province, Liu Dai, the Inspector of Yu province, Kong Zhou, the Grand Warden of Chenliu, Zhang Miao, the Grand Warden of Dong commandery, Qiao Mao, the Grand Warden of Guangling, Chao, and others, have brought together and joined righteous troops, and together hurry to the state's difficulties.

All of us in the same oath must unite our hearts and join our strength, so as to cause a subject be steadfast, and that perished heads and lost principals are certain to not cause division. [If] there are those who pull out from this oath, they will tumble to their fate without having offspring. August Heaven and Sovereign Earth, the founders, ancestors and luminous spirits, will truly all oversee it.

The spirit of Hong's speech was sorrowful but strong, with weeping tears flowing down. Of those who heard his words, even among the squads of footsoldiers, the servants and cooks, there were none who were not excited and brought up.

Zhuo's troops were strong, and Shao and the others did not dare to be the first to advance. Cao Cao said:

[We] raised up righteous troops to punish violence and chaos, and now the multitudes have already joined together. How can you Lords be doubtful afterwards? [When we] caused Dong Zhuo to hear about the troops of East the Mountains rising up, [if he] had relied on the veneration for the kingly house, occupied the defiles of the Two Zhou, and turned to preside over Under Heaven, then even though he was without the Way in how he acted, it still would be enough to troublesome.

But now he burns down the palace houses and forcibly moves the Son of Heaven. Within the Seas shake and stir, and do not understand where to resort to. This is the time when Heaven destroys him. With a single battle Under Heaven will be settled, [we] cannot neglect it.

He guided his army to go west and fight at Xingyang. Cao's troops were greatly defeated.

At that time, the Inspector of Qing province, Jiao He, also raised troops to chastise Zhuo, [but] He and the various generals when they travelled west, did not make protective defences for the common people. When they started to cross the He, the Yellow Head-scarves had already entered their region. Qing province was flourishing and wealthy, and the army strong, [but] He looked at the robbers and ran north, not once catching the wind and dust, or mixing with the banners and drums. He excelled at divining with stalks and trusted ghosts and gods. When one enters to see his [kind of] person, Pure Talk impinge the sky. When one sets out to observe his government, rewards and penalties are in smashed disorder. The province thereupon is barren and bleak, and thoroughly becomes hills and wasteland.

Soon after, He became ill and passed on. Yuan Shao sent Zang Hong to take charge of Qing province. He consoled He's people and multitudes, and the thieves and bandits ran off and fled. Shao admired his ability, and moved him to be Grand Warden of Dong commandery.

Summer, 4th Month [22 May – 20 June], used the Great Minister of Horse, Liu Yu, as Grand Tutor.

The Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Wang Yun, memorialised, saying:

Grand Scribe Wang Li explains the Classic of Filial Piety' Six Secret Affairs. Make the Imperial Court act on them, to dispel and hold off calamity and evil. He has increasingly the body of a sage.

A decree said:

[We] have heard a king must study virtuously. [We] have not heard that Master Kong made the Classic of Filial Piety to be [like] this, and then held off evil.

Yun firmly memorialised his request, saying:

Li's studies are deep and substantial, these are the confidential mysteries of a sagely person. Act on them without reduction.

The Emperor therefore followed it. Often on auspicious days, Wang Yun, together with Wang Li, would enter to make the Emperor recite one section of the Classic of Filial Piety, and use canes and two bamboo mats to delineate the Nine Palaces on top of them [?]. On subsequent days, [he?] at times then set out from and entered them. When Yun came to harm, he then did not again act it out.

Yuan Hong says: The gods in truth are perceptive, bright, principled and straight, they comply with people and then act. For a king who esteems virtue, to abundantly make offerings to be used as banquets for Heaven and Earth can be said to be the utmost. Suppose in all regards the affairs of the Six Secrets was not the Way of a sagely person, and for a regular fellow it is in the same way still not possible, then how is it with the fates of emperors and kings!

5th Month [21 June – 19 July], the Minister of Works, Xun Shuang, passed away.

Shuang, courtesy name Ciming, was the son of the Prefect of Langling, Shu. Aged twelve, Grand Commandant Du Qiao taught him. He was recommended as Filial and Upright, and Worthy and Good. During the partisan affairs, he was proscribed and forbidden, and went in seclusion by the sea. He again went south to hide at the banks of the Han. When the partisan affair was loosened, nominations and instructions arrived criss-crossed, there was summons to be [Scholar] of the Way and Broad Scholar. In all cases he did not go.

At the beginning of Emperor Xian's reign, Dong Zhuo endorsed Shuang as Chancellor of Pingyuan. He had not yet arrived at his post, when he was summoned to be Intendant of the Brilliantly Blessed. After being in his office building for three days, he moved to Minister of Works. At that time, those who were loyal and proper had a brave forbearance, and those who held close the Way were deeply silent. Shuang had dispersed calamity at the court of Dong Zhuo, and also in the space of a ten day ranked at the pinnacle of subjects, a lordly person would use this to deride him.

Earlier, Shuang and his brothers, eight people, were titled as the “Eight Dragons”, and Shuang most of all was praised as a Ruist and for his refinement. His older brother's son Yu's fame carried weight in his generation.

6th Month, xinwei [22 July], the Brilliantly Blessed Grandee Zhong Fu became Minister of Works.

Zhuo opened up the various mounds of Luoyang and the graves and tombs of the great subjects. He destroyed the bells and bell frames that were within Luoyang city, and melted them down as coins. In all cases they did not complete the engravings. Furthermore he melted the Five zhu coins, the engravings and the outer rim were impossible to hold on to. Hence money became cheap and things expensive. One hu of grain reached several millions.

The Grand Warden of Liaodong, Gongsun Du, titled himself as Shepherd of Ping province, and erected a Temple of Shizu of Han.

When the Chanyu, Qiangqu, had been killed by the people of his state, his son Yufuluo should have been installed, [but] the people of the state installed Xubu as Chanyu, and Yufuluo went to the imperial palace to lodge a complaint. It happened that Emperor Ling collapsed, and the kingly house was in chaos. Yufuluo brought along several thousand cavalry, and, together with the White Waves thieves, he robbed the region of Ji province. The hundred families had all made tall walls and emptied the countryside, so there was little to obtain by plunder and robbery. He wished to return home to his state, but the people of state did not accept it, and he thereupon halted in Hedong.

#hhj26

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irisflammea · 4 years ago

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成化十四年 Book Cannon moments Part 5 (Tang Fan tries to find A-Dong a man but she beats him to it)

-From Chapter 157, for #tsomdwinterinvestigation day 6 prompt : Matchmaking)-

A-Dong (Dong-er) was finally 16 years old this year and finally reached the age of marriage.

She is a pretty girl who has a hearty personality, generous, open minded and friendly. She is also very strong and in Tang fan’s mind no one is stronger than her (she can take hits from Sui Zhou, kick doors down, carry Tang Fan etc.)

Because of the Tang family’s reputation (Tang Fan being a cabinet minister now), there had been countless of people coming to introduce their family members as marriage candidates. Most of the suitors came from military backgrounds.

In Tang Fan’s eyes no one is good enough for his adopted sister, Tang Dong. While filtering through candidates, Tang Yu and Tang Fan found that some may have had a good character, but have a bad family. The prospective mother in law might be good tempered but her son does not have any ambition. Needless to say, they were not able to find a good candidate.

Ideally, Tang Fan just wanted a partner with a good personality and family dynamic. They did not need to be of high rank or wealthy. A-Dong has collected enough money from helping out at Tang Yu’s make up store so she shouldn’t lead a bad life. She also has a wealthy sister and a minister for a brother. No one should be able to bully her.

Tang Fan was set on finding the perfect partner for his sister. But things never go according to plan and so, before he could pick his ideal brother-in-law, A-Dong fell in love.

Yang Rui was a man that worked at a pastry shop that Tang Fan often went to. He has worked there for 3 years and was a kind and honest man.

He was so honest that during the days that Tang Fan would buy mung bean cakes from the store, he would tell the minister that the mung bean cakes were made last night and that if he wanted fresh ones, he would have to wait for them. To all of his customers, he would give them the same sentiments.

To Tang Fan, this kind of a person would be great to be friends with. But as a brother-in-law, he wouldn’t be happy.

if the man was too honest, he might get bullied and so would A-Dong. If he he’s too honest and loses his money, will he ask A-Dong to use her dowry to support him? Tang Fan could think of at least 18 reasons why A-Dong should not marry him. But his sister was stubborn.

When talking to A-Dong about Yang Rui, Tang fan expressed every sentiment of his displeasure on the match. But A-Dong always knew how to appease her big brother’s heart.

“I like Yang Rui because of his kindness. It doesn’t matter to me if a man is rich or not, or even if he was famous or not. The most important thing is for him to have a broad mind.” She explained to him. “Yang Rui is like you, soft in the outside but strong in the inside. Although he doesn’t even come close to you, his best quality is that he was a tolerant heart like you, dage. This is what I value the most.”

Tang Fan was touched by her praise. He was originally filled with dissatisfaction with Yang Rui, but after hearing this, he could not help but feel endeared.

They walked arm in arm together reminiscing about the past. A-Dong was only a young girl when she met Tang Fan. How time has passed!

“I’ve always envied you and Sui-dage!” A-Dong smiled warmly.

“... its about him again. Don’t worry about him! I’m talking about Yang Rui!”

“Because I envy you both for being a lifelong couple. I also want to have such a person! Don’t you think that Yang Rui can also be the one for me?”

Tang Fan sneered. “If he doesn’t want to be, I’ll castrate him!”

A-Dong became happy. “So you agree?”

Tang Fan stilled and said lamely. “I will still have to meet him and test him.”

To test for Yang Rui’s qualification, Tang Fan met Yang Rui and asked Sui Zhou to stay by his side during their meeting.

“Use your intimidation as the commander of the Jin Yiwei to stun him severely. Make his legs weak with fright!” Tang Fan said to Sui Zhou.

“...” I thought you said that I was the Hedong Lion*! Sui Zhou thought.

(* “the lioness form hedong roars” an idiom that referes to a shewish wife or henpecked husband; referenced to an earlier scene which I will post about next!)

Masterpost

#成化十四年 #the sleuth of ming dynasty #tsomdwinterinvestigation #the fourteenth year of chenghua #cheng hua shi si nian #A-dong is best girl #tang fan #my baby girl dong-er

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extraordinarilyextreme · 4 years ago

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finally watched Guardian (2018) and i need to talk

Warning: contains MASSIVE SPOILERS, probably too much music/song analysis, my poor translations from Chinese to English, and some references to the original novel (disclaimer: my novel-reading was mostly jumping around because i have a problem where I’m not fluent enough to read the original Chinese novel and I don’t usually like English translations)

1. the freakin opening theme: We Won’t Be Falling by Chen Xueran... (also I see you Tina Guo on the cello thank you queen)

the amount of chills i get every time an episode starts,,, fantastic! marvelous! the lyrics are very VERY apt to the story of Guardian, esp this drama adaptation

(“We are the one/We will be holding on/For the promise we held for life/For the people we love are leaving” ... “And the story will keep on going”)

1.1. the promise? may i direct you to novel chapter 75?

Shen Wei: “Sometimes I think if one day you can remember everything, then I will be able to say to you: look, I did it, I did all that I had promised you; not one bit did I miss, not one word did I go back on.”

they promise to keep the peace, to protect both Haixing and Dixing; and in the show, it’s a promise they keep with their lives

2. Zhu Yilong plays THREE characters and is able to differentiate them perfectly with particular microexpressions

-Ye Zun (literally, “Respect the Night”; “Lord/Master of the Night” would be a better title) sets off my fight-or-flight instincts even though i think his name tries a little too hard to be edgy; the way he sneers, the smiles that don’t reach his eyes, also that infamous tongue flick when Zhao Yunlan sees through the act... i think it’s both great and sad that Yunlan could differentiate the twins because, why, Shen Wei would never be so openly flirtatious (and wear a deep-cut shirt like that lol)... the delivery of “Xiao Yunlan” disturbed me so much—wonderful, stellar acting

-Black Cloaked Envoy: does his best to bend the rules where he can for the Dixingren because he’s just so fundamentally GOOD; he’s empathetic despite how stern and strict he seems to be, and how much he claims to enforce the clearly-cut laws... he’s an absolute babie ten thousand years ago (Yunlan, doesn’t it hurt your conscience to flirt with such a babie?)

-Shen Wei: in the novel, his name (both surname and first name) are given to him by Kun Lun’s incarnations—there’s a lot of power in naming something, in naming someone; he’s good-natured and gentle, always polite... he pushes up the glasses [that he doesn’t need] a lot, perhaps because he’s used to pushing up his mask as the Envoy

2.1. i find it very striking that Shen Wei dies without his glasses; he doesn’t die as the Envoy, he doesn’t die as the Professor; he dies as a person, as the person who loves Yunlan the most and has loved Yunlan for ten thousand years

2.2. the other notable moments we see Shen Wei without his glasses are where he apologizes to Yunlan [and Yunlan apologizes at the same time because they’re pining idiots] for not noticing the camera in his office, where he sets aside all his pride as Envoy and Professor and kneels in the rain for the man he loves (lwj kneeling after visiting the Burial Mounds, yea?), and of course after he slices up an orange [cuz food = love] only to find Yunlan asleep and drapes his jacket over the silly silly man... anyway, Yunlan is indeed the only person Shen Wei is comfortable enough to reveal everything to, all defenses and masks (literal and figurative) lowered

2.3. that last instance (ep 26) is when Shen Wei pulls out his necklace and reminisces as he gazes fondly at Yunlan; the song that plays during this is 《乱心曲》or “Chaotic Heart Song”... may I direct you to novel chapter 65 where Yunlan finds all the paintings and pictures his Xiao Wei has kept from the centuries?

“邓林之阴初见昆仑君，惊鸿一瞥，乱我心曲。” which translates to “In the shade of the woods I first saw Kunlun-jun; a glimpse of his grace wrought chaos in my heart’s song”

2.4. but also let’s not forget the [in]famous cut wrist scene of ep 23, where our dear Shen Wei, without glasses, as a person who loves Yunlan—not the aloof Envoy or the well-spoken Professor—is reduced to two words: “Worth it.” Yunlan is worth everything to him; this goes without question, without a second thought. Kun Lun (Yunlan) told him not to regret whatever decisions he’ll make, and Ye Zun scolds and laughs at his brother for giving up his life for a human/Haixingren, but of course Shen Wei doesn’t regret dying to protect Yunlan, dying to protect Haixing. (also, peep the behind-the-scenes where Shen Wei grabs Yunlan’s hand for a moment as he blocks the attack from Ye Zun)

2.5. on this same train of thought, Da Qing brings up a line from ten thousand years ago where Shen Wei claimed he would never kill unless it was for the world... and, well, he kills for Yunlan doesn’t he?

3. Bai Yu plays our charismatic Chief Zhao Yunlan/Kun Lun and hoo boy does he do an excellent job; the found family vibes of the SIU are spectacular and the way he flirts with tries to recruit Professor Shen is endearing and touching

3.1. there’s another piece from the OST called 《一点真心》, translated to “A Little Sincerity” though I would use “A Bit of a Sincere Heart” because it too references the novel

Kun Lun’s confession to Xiao Wei: “我富有天下名山大川，想起来也没什么稀奇的，不过就是一堆烂石头野河水，浑身上下，大概也就只有这几分真心能上秤卖上两斤，你要？拿去。” [I’m rich with famed mountains and endless rivers under heaven, but none of it feels rare when I think about it. It’s all just a pile of broken stones and uncultivated streams. From head to toe, there is probably only this bit of my sincere heart that is worth anything weighed on a scale. You want it? Take it.]

Zhao Yunlan’s confession to Shen Wei: “我别的东西也有，只是你可能大多都看不上，只有这一点真心……你要是不接着，那就算了吧。” [I have other things, only you probably would not think much of them. There’s only this bit of my sincere heart... If you don’t want to catch it, then forget it.)

And Shen Wei’s reply to Yunlan’s confession is of course “我接住了。” [I’ve caught it.]

3.2. the novel is a happy ending because Xiao Guo’s important role actually plays a part (i literally don’t understand why the show couldn’t do that after they built up so many expectations about his good character/merit/inability to be corrupted but ANYWAY)... Shen Wei, Xiao Wei, the little Ghost King has a soul and wow isn’t that just beautiful after everything he did to become worthy/deserving of Kun Lun’s attention and love

4. the Zhang Ruonnan and Wang Yike (death-touch Dixingren) case in ep 3 is an obvious parallel to the “brotherly” relationship of WeiLan... Shen Wei’s line of “Many tragedies were destined from the start” references the show of course but also the paradoxical precognition that marks the drama version of WeiLan; in both of their “first meetings”, one of them was always already in love with the other—Yunlan, as Kun Lun, knew he would have to return to his own time at some point and thus doom this impressionable young Envoy to ten thousand years of waiting and Shen Wei (honestly in a Code Geass Lelouch kinda style) knew he would have to die to defeat his brother

4.1. the importance of “touch” in this case alludes to novel WeiLan, where of course Shen Wei watched over all of Kun Lun’s incarnations but wasn’t allowed to get close to him because hungry ghosts would inevitably devour the essence of the people around them; similarly Yike was terrified of touching Ruonnan all this time... but Ruonnan accepted her (just like how novel Kun Lun lets this intriguing little Ghost King trail after him)

4.2. speaking of Shen Wei’s grand plans and the idea of “knowing”, Yunlan reminds him that “You are not a weapon/blade, you are a person.” and wow once again, only Yunlan can pull the humanity from Shen Wei, who has carefully crafted his disguise and personality to fit what people expect of the Envoy and the Professor... but alas, Shen Wei fulfills his promise by in fact making himself a weapon; he poisons himself to become a bomb that will take down his brother

4.3. as many qualms and complaints as I have with Chinese censorship, much in the case of WangXian, i think i prefer the drama version of WeiLan to the novel version; the plot of the Guardian novel is a lot better in my opinion (with references to mythology and legends, as opposed to, what, aliens?? mutants from X-Men? quirks in My Hero Academia??) and yea the relationship of Kun Lun with Xiao Wei is built up a lot better and makes more sense than the time-travel of Yunlan masquerading as Kun Lun with Shen Wei... but there’s an unadulterated, unconditional kind of love that runs through the drama, whereas the novel had some darker (though probably more realistic) vibes of near-possessiveness and ulterior motives... Kun Lun/Yunlan in the novel can be, well, cruel, which is not necessarily out of character; it’s just seems a little wrong to me that you could threaten your partner in a relationship (if you keep things from me again, i really will turn against you + had i known xyz would happen, i really should have killed you)... plus i’m always a sucker for love without an “i love you”, a love that’s conveyed entirely through actions and gazes

5. Yunlan asks Zhou Weiwei (the mirror case) where her jacket was bought because he “wants to get one for [his] girlfriend” and lo and behold, what similarly-styled and colored coat does our Shen Wei show up in a few episodes later? (also the fact that Shen Wei dies wearing this jade-ish-blue-ish coat)

6. boyfriend jacket during the Moutain-River Awl case... boyfriend jacket!!!! Shen Wei claims he doesn’t need it and well he still wears it anyway because Yunlan’s love is unstoppable

6.1. the way Shen Wei grabs Yunlan’s elbow before running down the hill

6.2. Shen Wei being so freaking fine-tuned to Yunlan’s discomfort/pain as always that he drinks wine for him (and passes out immediately—heroics/bde of yllz! wwx and the alcohol tolerance of our dear lwj)

6.2.1. when Minister Gao brings up Yunlan’s dad and the Chief’s hands tighten... and of course nothing can go by Shen Wei, so he changes the topic of the conversation; also the way he leans forward as if to shield Yunlan

6.2.2. Yunlan is similarly Aware of his boyfriend’s boundaries; cue him politely excusing themselves from the dinner with Vice-Minister Guo when Shen Wei (of all people!) fumbles with his chopsticks

6.2.3. Yunlan also blocks Shen Wei from Minister Gao’s sight (subconsciously?) after that wedding showdown... even though he’s unhappy that Shen Wei has kept the identity of the Envoy from him, he trusts the other man enough to recognize there must be a reason; thus he doesn’t want other people to pry into the possibility that Shen Wei is a Dixingren

6.3. also, also that Shen Wei lets Yunlan have his way and use him as a pillow in the car once again (he also adjusts the actual pillow beneath Yunlan’s head to make it more comfortable)

6.3.1 the other Shen-Wei-is-Yunlan’s-pillow scene is when the professor picks up the poor hurting Chief off the road and in the taxi ride home... apparently this was an improvised scene from Bai Yu who just wanted to mess with Long-ge and our great Zhu Yilong just stayed in character and ran with it

6.3.2. the other notable improvised scene is the cute “Black Cloaked gege~ please be careful~ there’s someone is waiting for you at home~” [sorry that i don’t remember the exact line] but once again our great leading actors just stay perfectly in character

6.4. after Shen Wei wakes up from a night of being drunk (lol) Yunlan has left a note for him “I’ve gone back first, stay in touch. -Zhao” and what’s that on the corner of the note? why it’s a winky face

7. when Yunlan grabs the fake Zhang Danni’s wrist to confirm his suspicions, Shen Wei narrows his eyes... (lol is our Black Cloaked gege jealous)

8. when Yunlan claims he can swallow the painkillers dry, Shen Wei clenches his jaw in his anger at this idiot of a man for not taking better care of himself... you’ll find that a lot of Shen Wei’s anger is directed toward his husband being a self-sacrificial fool

8.1. after Yunlan uses the Hallows again and his nose begins to bleed, Zhu Yilong in all his acting glory has Shen Wei furious to the point that his lips tremble (cue Shen Wei angrily shoving a handkerchief into his husband’s face) [i really want to know if they ever broke character during this scene due to their proximity lol]

8.1.1. Shen Wei all but invades Yunlan’s personal space (he really does stand there between Yunlan’s legs guys) and he’s so careful even though he’s angry as he tries to stop the nosebleed; he’s aware the force might tip Yunlan backwards, so he immediately rests his hands on Yunlan’s thighs/knees to steady him

9. Yunlan has claimed that he doesn’t do things for the sake of gaining anything in return and yet every time he’s wanted things from dear Shen Wei... “take off your mask and smile for me”, “join the SID”... the sexual tension is Unreal during these scenes lol, you can see Shen Wei swallow visibly in anticipation + babie Shen Wei of ten thousand years prior all but chokes on his words when he promises to do ANYTHING Kun Lun wants him to do (honey where is your mind GOING???)

9.1. Bai Yu does have a bruise on his knee after the scene where Yunlan asks Shen Wei for something... dunno if it’s the actor’s bruise or the character’s bruise, but if it’s the character’s bruise—how did he get it? what exactly did WeiLan do that evening lol

9.2. also peep the fact that Yunlan almost always has a lollipop in his mouth when talking to Shen Wei... oral fixation much? (also the whole sequence where he tries to explain how to eat a lollipop to babie Shen Wei, wow the amount of homoerotic tension)

9.3. babie Shen Wei’s ears and cheeks are SO RED when Yunlan snatches the mask off his face

10. Yunlan’s hairstyle changes after Shen Wei joins the SIU (joins his family), much like how a bride would change her hairstyle after marriage in China ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (random note but CQL WangXian does this too when lwj puts his hair down/styled over the front of his shoulders when wwx wakes up 16 years later)

11. the first time we see Shen Wei spit up blood, there’s an echo of “Xiao Wei” faintly and Shen Wei mutters to himself “Xiao Lan” before looking up and saying louder “Zhao Yunlan” (nicknames/pet names/names only your family or lover can call you... this trope is good)

11.1. i also think a lot about how in the novel Kun Lun muses before he dies that it’s a shame he won’t see this Little Beauty [Xiao Wei] grow up to be a Great Beauty

12. Shen Wei’s funny little eyebrow raise when Yunlan accidentally reveals he broke into the professor’s apartment once ( “riiiiiiiiight i definitely believe you”)

12.1. though the ep 23 scene is angsty, the fact Yunlan says “It’s the middle of the night, were you hungry?” seems to imply their relationship is a lot closer than just neighbors... they’re probably used to sharing an apartment/room at this point :)

13. when Yunlan is hurt, Zhu Hong looks to him but he only has eyes for Shen Wei

13.1. after Yunlan is blinded, Zhu Hong is the one cradling him but he calls for Shen Wei first and reaches for his hand; Shen Wei of course responds immediately “it’s me”

13.1.1. both times after Yunlan gets his eyesight back, the first thing he sees is the person who loves him the most

14. Shen Wei warms up the congee in the morning with his magic after he watches over Yunlan when his stomach pain acts up (domestic use of magic? yes please)

15. the bomb defusing scene in the hospital (video game -> reality case) really is framed like a wedding proposal... also the way that Shen Wei smirks lol he’s so proud of his husband

16. after his Envoy identity is revealed, Shen Wei all but abuses his Black Cloaked Envoy voice to stop his stupid husband from doing stupid things that will hurt himself and every time Yunlan is properly sh00k by it

16.1. we really go from Chief Zhao remarking in the Mountain-River Awl case that he’s used to ordering people around, not receiving orders to married bickering with Shen Wei to then agreeing to everything Shen Wei tells him to do

17. the fact that “Shen Wei, ah, Shen Wei... You are such a good person, how could I bear to let you go?” is an actual line from the censored DRAMA astounds me, nevermind that Shen Wei just made breakfast for his man and Yunlan is basically pouting up at him from the bed

17.1. the way Yunlan’s dad warns him to stay away from Shen Wei and Yunlan responds with something like “he’s sincerely good to me, I want to be with him”... “be with him”???? [inhales deeply] yea this is definitely a “brotherly relationship”

18. Yunlan’s “WOW” after the Envoy kills the monsters in the cave of the Mountain-River Awl case is hilarious and i dont understand how such a noise is physically possible,,, it sounds like a growl?????

18.1. Zhu Yilong was asked to mimic it during an interview (which he did not do and only half-heartedly gave a “wow”) and then Bai Yu did it again

19. also i inevitably got attached to the side ship of Lao Chu and Xiao Guo... they have so much skinship for a censored “brotherly relationship” lmao

the amount of face-touching and hand-holding that they do is unreal... they’re more canon than WeiLan in the drama adaptation methinks

20. 《时间飞行》or “Flying Across Time” sounds like Yunlan’s reply to Shen Wei’s《只是太在意》or “Just Cared Too Much”

20.1. the lyrics of both these songs really cements this idea that both of WeiLan believe the other to be too good... Kun Lun was a god in the novel, and Xiao Wei was just a soulless little Ghost King... and then we have the incorrigible Chief Zhao pining after the beautiful and kind Professor Shen... i just have a lot of feelings about them becoming better people for each other, that their love really does make each other stronger

21. my favorite two pieces from the OST are Shen Wei’s theme (arranged by Kun Luo) and Kun Lun’s theme (arranged by Chen Xueran)

head’s up: it’s been like four years since i last even glanced at music theory so a lot of this might just make no sense to an actual professional

-Shen Wei: written in 4/4 time, Ab Major, melody is primarily carried by piano + strings; the piano almost sticks exclusively to triplets whereas the strings are in steady whole, quarter, and eighth notes—which creates in interesting impressionistic effect, kind of like hazy smoke or the ripples across the surface of a lake; every single measure uses decrescendo, so the first triplet is always the loudest and the three that follow get progressively softer (mimicking an echo)... the piece ends on the seventh note of the scale, which is usually a pretty awkward place to end and yet it doesn’t feel wrong it all; the piece uses a ritardando in the last three measures, and we simply drift off with that last G... i think it’s a beautifully written piece that perfectly portrays such a complex character as Shen Wei, someone who loved with everything he had, and was just so overwhelmingly good... and then he simply disappears as if the dream has ended. it makes me think of how he guarded over Kun Lun/Zhao Yunlan for thousands of years in the novel, never ever ever daring to meet him... and yet the other man always felt like he was waiting for someone

-Kun Lun: written in 3/4 time, a minor, there’s no real complex shift in the melody although there’s brief modulation into E major (dominant/fifth note); it’s a fairly somber piece, especially when the strings join in... it’s a steady waltz, and it finishes with the scale (second to last major is g, last major is a), like a circle coming back around [like their love story perhaps?]... there’s a finality to it, a completeness, a wholeness, which makes sense in the drama-verse because the moment Yunlan takes up the name of Kun Lun is when his love story with Shen Wei all fits together. the piece feels a little lonely in its minor key and all, a little sad, indeed as if you were standing at the top of a mountain surrounded by clouds and mist... the constant meter also reminds me of like the steady drip of water, the perpetual and inevitable passage of the days and time

-i don’t really understand how because the keys of the two pieces don’t fit together easily, but somehow it doesn’t feel wrong to play the pieces back to back; the melodies of both seem to call upon each other despite the differences in key and time signature, so it actually feels right. a circle without a beginning or an ending, wouldn’t you want your love to be so infinite?

-when yunlan finds shen wei in their bubble outside of time, when shen wei is about to leave him, shen wei is wearing the outfit of their first meeting. and the lyrics go “Across time, I am in the same place”... surely, they will find each other again.

#guardian #cdrama ramblings #zhenhun #镇魂 guardian

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headcannonballs · 4 years ago

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My biggest issue with the various portrayals of Lv Meng in media (and there have been plenty of those) is that virtually none of them get the most basic (and defining) character trait of him correct - he loves manipulating people. Absolutely loves it, thrives on it in fact. If he is on the good side he is definitely a guile hero, and not an action hero. And if he is a villain, he should be a magnificent manipulative bastard. Like he has more in common with Gandalf and Saruman than Aragorn and Boromir.

This is someone whose first ever recorded deed is to sneak into the army when underage and when caught, guilt trips his mother into letting him be. Whose follow up to murdering someone (and yes he definitely planned it seeing how he did it in a single blow and even had an escape route planned) was to get enough people to speak on his behalf so that he got a promotion out of it.

A lot of people get stuck on the fact that he had to be ordered by Sun Quan to read books, and so think that he was a ruffian and a muscle-over-brain kind of guy. But Lv Meng has never been that (plus his sickly disposition didn't really allow it). If you are picking a Disney character he resembles, it is Aladdin and not Hercules. He needed to read books to become more learned and refined, not because he wasn't already smart.

Lv Meng's most famous military manuevers all had an element of trickery in it, not only because it works but also because it is what he excels at. To cancel out the trickery is to miss out on who Lv Meng is altogether.

Lv Meng is someone who thinks that making up appearances at last minute is just as viable as hardwork to earn a promotion. Who may offer tactics to his direct supervisor, but loves to go talk directly to Sun Quan behind their back and earn even more brownie points. Who can tell a bald-faced lie to coax a surrender, and then immediately laugh in their face once the surrender is assured.

Lv Meng is like Machiavelli's the Prince - he is pragmatic. He is never evil, because being evil is unhelpful and would make enemies out of everyone else (much like what happened to Dong Zhuo), but he is never nice just for the sake of being good either. Instead Lv Meng uses niceness like a weapon, putting on a veneer of faux affability to ensure he always reaches his goals. For every nice thing he seems to have done, he always has a pragmatic reason behind it. That is also why he had no qualms doing not so nice things either. All that matters is if it is beneficial to do so.

Really, with all the fuss that people make about Romance Zhuge Liang and DW Sima Yi, you would think that more adaptations would jump on the bandwagon to hype up a similar type of person in Wu. And rather than Zhou Yu or Lu Xun, Lv Meng is your guy for it.

#Lv Meng #Lu Meng #three kingdoms #dynasty warriors #three kingdoms 2010 #shadow by zhang yimou #which probably had the closest portrayal #but got everything else wrong #and then people thought that tian zhan was Lu Xun #I mean wtf?

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yuzhousky · 4 years ago

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How do you think Jing Yu's recent interview about Reba?? He keeps saying that Reba is pretty. Moreover, he even said that he & Song Ling's similarity is both like Zhou Feng (Reba). So, JY like Reba in real life?? I feel so heart-breaking 😣💔 I think he is different in Love Designer. Not same with previous drama. He looks more happy & smile a lot.

Okay first of all, the interview was taken on 31 May but only until 4 July was it released. It was during the film promotion and JY was asked about the film and his character Song Lin a lot, so it's totally normal to mention the lead female (he said Zhou Feng - the female character's name in the film, not Dilraba!). The whole film is about the romantic love between Song Lin and Zhou Feng, what else do you expect him to answer? At that time the film achievement wasn't up to everyone's expectation, he also needed to make the interview more appealing to the public (but sadly Tencent didn't upload the interview earlier). What's more, Dilraba has always been famous for her beauty, 10 out of 10 people who work with her will praise her for that, I don't think it's a big matter here. She has never been highly appreciated in terms of her acting skills, her outer beauty is the most outstanding aspect which is also the easiest way to praise for sure.

Weibo also did an interview with Dilraba and they also mentioned JY in it, she also praised JY for his professionalism and being good at livening up the atmosphere. Please understand that this is just for the sake of the film, there's nothing better than directly aiming at the romantic relationship between the main characters.

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zhoudadudugongjin · 8 days ago

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Cao Ren you will always be famous for drunkenly gyrating at Zhou Yu across the battlefield and promising to turn him into your personal chambermaid.

This is the real yaoi that c-ent doesn't want you to see.

#zhou yu #cao ren #rot3k #romance of the three kingdoms #2010

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lonelycloudscholar · 4 years ago

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If you are not worthy of your place, you will have more than a house of good, and you will have more to celebrate.

The saying goes: If you don't deserve a place, you will have a lot of things.

One must have noble character to afford money, power, and reputation for these newspapers. Otherwise, they will surely be subjected to disaster.

[Zhou Yi] There is a cloud: ′′ Deity is thin, wisdom is small and big, strength is small and heavy, little is less than a thread."

In ′′ Chogen's ′′ it also says: ′′ The rich and reputation, from moral, such as the flowers in the mountains, is the one who is the one who is the one who is the one who is the one , like a bottle of flower, its root is not planted, it can stand and wait."

If morality is not worthy, it is difficult to be rich and rich for long, after all, man's virtue determines the fate of man.

To enjoy the newspaper, you must first fix your own morality. Xuude is the best way to change his life.

zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ zhǎng jiǔ

Fan Zhong-yang once said: The congenital worry and worry, the day after tomorrow will be happy!

The supreme realm of morality is to restore the body, the family, rule the country, and benefit the world. Only those who are mindful of the world will have a rich and honorable lasting.

Fan Zhong-yan during the Northern Dynasty period, was a famous literary, but he spent his whole life walking for the people

When he was an official in Taizhou, he saw the local sea turtles in disparage for years, often the sea water inversion accidents occurred, leaving the people displaced and

Fan Zhong-yan Xinsheng was intolerant, so the emperor built a wing to protect the people's peace. After playing, Fan Zhong-dang himself took the battle, leading the local people, and repaired the whale day and night.

However, halfway through the construction, the tsunami was encountered, and hundreds of people were killed and injured. Then, let the Imperial Court opponents, seized the handle, and one after another said that this was a warning from the sea gods, that they could no longer repair the moss.

Regarding the issue of ′′ fixing and not repairing there is a heated discussion within the Imperial Court, but the common people can't afford to wait. Fan Zhong-Yan, who is anxious, stood on the work site and waited, watching the sea water slowly fails to A slight step back.

In order to give back to the people a peaceful home, he insisted on forgetting his life and finally waited for the decision to fix it. After the tsunami was completed, there was no flooding again. Later, the local people were grateful for Fan Zhong-yan, and even more, they named the sea turtle ′′ Fan Gong-y

For this reason, Fan Zhong-Zhong-Fan received a gift, and bought a house in Suzhou, and asked Mr. Feng Shui to take a look at it. It turned out to be a feng shui treasure land. Fan Zhong-Zhong listened to it, and didn't Good luck to the people of the Lebanese people.

This moment, Fan Zhong-shuan, who was the heart of the people, was the family of the family, and was the official's bureau, all donated to the Fan family. When he died, he did not even have a decent coffin.

Since then, it has left the style of ′′ faithfulness to the world ′′ and became the Fan family training, so that the children and grandchildren, Sun Jianji, and the family can carry the year of the year!

It was Fan Zhong-yang who was in the world's spirit, passed on to the world, and let me wait for the future generations to study, work, and be human.

In ′′ Zhou Yi :"it says, ′′ The house of the good will have more celebration".

Those who upgrade their own morals, will receive the honor and wealth of riches, like wild flowers in the mountains, and the mountains are flourishing and flourishing. Not only do they have their own newspapers, they will also have descendants and descendants of Yu Qing

shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù shī qù

The idiom, ′′ Cheng-Ya, what can we lose is a good interpretation of Han Xin's life.

As we all know, Han Xin, is a famous founding meritor in the West Han, with unique leadership skills, never defeated in his life. It can be said that without Han Xin, there would be no Dahan Dynasty.

He was originally a man under Xiang Yu, and spent two years around Xiang Yu, and was only a guard. Because he could not be used again, he turned to Liu Bang. He was seen by the people who were looking at him and highly recommended to Liu Bang, and since then he was in war. The sandfield, by the good of the king, ascends to heaven.

Even Liu Bang sighs, ′′ Even a million army will win, and the attack will be taken, and it is not as good as Han Xin!"

After Han Xin assumed the office of the great general, the first gun was ′′ Ming Xiu's martial path, the darkest of the way ". Han Xin, who won the win. After that, it was even more unpackable. Within a few short years, Liu Bang took down half a mountain.

Everything came too smoothly, Han Xin became the capable general of Liu Bang's men, no one disobedient, he began to be proud and self-righteous.

Just when the Qi country was destroyed, Han Xin was greedy for merit, and he still took over the Qi Guo, which had already fallen, by surprise, to coerce Liu Bang and seal himself as king Qi. There was no way Liu Bang could only do the same.

At this time, Han Xin is like the sky. Even more, while Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were in the middle of the war, when he needed the support of Han Xin, he only kept his mouth up, and clearly asked Liu Bang for a seal.

Han Xin, who looks like the future, has done such injustice, again and again, and again, and again, challenge authority. Liu Bang has already hated him in his heart, but he also taboos his ability, and finally, he still doesn't know what to do. Kill Han Xin.

The Han Xin of the Lord of Gao-Zheng, can be said to have all the wealth of reputation status. But as a subject, they do not know how to converge themselves, avoid interests, and eventually fall into a different and three communities.

[Left Chuan] There is a saying, ′′ Many injustice will be taken from themselves, and a child will be treated ".

No matter how big you are, if you don't have a fear of morality, you will eventually go to destruction, it is only a matter of time.

In ancient times, no one wants to take a good reputation, build a business, and enjoy a wealthy reputation, but this kind of reputation is not unchanged and never broken in those who have no virtue.

Those who have been killed by a few, or those who are trying to find a position of power, will eventually become nothing.

And those who are truly virtuous do not care about their personal success or failure, honor and disgrace, but are in a hurry for the people to think about what the people think and do the truth for the people, and in the end they will gain a rich reputation.

miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng miè wáng

Mencius :"Dodosuke, help".

If you don't get the support of the people, even if you stand tall and have more, you will eventually lose it.

In the end of the East Han year, Minister Dong Zhuo, Kwon-yan, held the power of the world, it can be said that the scenery was infinite, and he was eventually killed

He had no ancestors to protect, noble people to help each other. He was completely dependent on his personal efforts, and he was decisive and decisive all the way, and he established the Xilang army and became

However, at that time, the Imperial Court, the Horse Palace, the foreign relatives, the dictatorship, and the party of the palace, led the military to Beijing in order to save the Holy Driving, and after resolving the rebel party, Dong Zhuo became a vassal of power under one person and above

Once man has supreme power, he no longer wants to be subjected to man.

Therefore, Dong Zhuo forced the little Emperor Liu to argue the lower position, re-enacted Liu Association to offer emperor to Han, and truly implemented the heavens to make the priests, plus the army in his hands, and Dong Zhuo was even more fearless and did whatever he wanted, and he was willing to kill indiscriminately. Hands to cover the heavens.

Dong Zhuo, who is unshakable, not only does he allow his own men to rob people and women, but if any opponents appear, they are all considered to be disorganized and tortured, causing the people to complain and be hard to say.

In the end, the people were forced to endure it, and the-way priests fought against Dong Zhuo, and died at the hands of his son, Pub. When the news of Dong Zhuo's death came out, the people of the whole country celebrated with joy, it was seen that the people were just angry with Dong Zhuo.

It's just called, ′′ The people who get the heart of the world."

Dong Zhuo, who has lost the heart of the people, was pointed out by Wanfu His life was an infinite scenery, but this kind of reputation, which was derived from violence, was always a deed of morality.

Many times, how far a man can go is not in how much he has achieved, nor in how strong his ability is, but in how thick he is.

In life, your virtue, also determines your destiny, you can be without talent, but not deed. No man will seek disaster, and what you gain by power will be lost in the end by virtue.

To be born, to be expensive is to have virtue, only to be upright and good to people, can do virtue in the world.

Write at the end

It is said in the Book of Grain: ′′ The shallow waters do not swim, the great fish do not swim, and the shallow of the trees do not flash, and the thin of the earth does not produce great

Meaning, if the water is not deep, how can it attract big fish? If the trees are not lush, how can there be great darts to inhabit here? If our earth is not rich, how can there be great yields?

On the contrary, how can we carry things if our moral deeds are not heavy? You must know that giving will be rewarded, contentment will be happy, understanding gratitude life will become more and more smooth.

On the contrary, if virtue is not worthy, for what others have, we often go to envy, to compare, to discuss, to evaluate, and there will be disaster.

Remember, man is doing, heaven is watching, and no one can escape. For whatever cause you sow, you will get fruit, and the house of good will have more to celebrate, and the house of bad will have more.

◎ Disclaimer: Part of the content, images are from the internet, if there is infringement please contact us in time to delete

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sifeng · 5 years ago

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Love Triangles

I was thinking the other day, about what determines the second male/female and what determines the main male/female lead. And then I was thinking about which romantic dramas don’t involve love triangles and I... couldn’t think of any. So today I will analyze one, love triangle tropes, and two why dramas always include love triangles.

The love triangle in A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)

Types of Love Triangles

There are three main types of love triangles:

A - when the male/female lead has loved both persons in the love triangle

B - when both members of the love triangle have their moments with the male/female lead

C - when its obvious that one member of the love triangle is seen only as a “friend” or “sister” or “brother” (aka has no chance)

Some dramas feature love triangle B and love triangle C at the same time, here are some examples:

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)

Love triangle B: Xu Feng (旭凤) - Jin Mi (锦觅) - Run Yu (润玉）

Love triangle C: Sui He (穗禾) - Xu Feng (旭凤) - Jin Mi (锦觅)

Blossom in Heart (海棠经雨胭脂透)

Love triangle B: Lang Yuexuan (朗月轩) - Gu Haitang (顾海棠) - Lang Yueming (朗月明)

Love triangle C: Long Mohua (龙莫婳) - Lang Yuexuan (朗月轩) - Gu Haitang (顾海棠)

Legend of Yunxi (芸汐传)

Love triangle B: Long Feiye (龙非夜) - Han Yunxi (韩芸汐) - Gu Qishao (顾七少)

Love triangle C: Baili Mingxiang (百里茗香) - Long Feiye (龙非夜) - Han Yunxi (韩芸汐)

Some feature both love triangle A and love triangle C as well:

Put Your Head on My Shoulder (致我们暖暖的小时光)

Love triangle A: Gu Weiyi (顾未易) - Situ Mo (司徒末) - Fu Pei (傅沛)

Love triangle C: Xie Yuyin (谢雨吟) - Gu Weiyi (顾未易) - Situ Mo (司徒末)

Princess Agents (楚乔传)

Love triangle A: Yuwen Yue (宇文玥) - Chu Qiao (楚乔) - Yan Xun (燕洵)

Love triangle C: Yuan Chun (元淳) - Yan Xun (燕洵) - Chu Qiao (楚乔)

The Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略)

Love triangle A: Qian Long (乾隆) - Wei Yingluo (魏璎珞) - Fucha Fuheng (富察傅恒)

Love triangle C: Chun Fei (纯妃) - Fucha Fuheng (富察傅恒) - Wei Yingluo (魏璎珞)

Rookie Agent Rouge (胭脂)

Love triangle A: Zhou Yuhao (周宇浩) - Lan Yanzhi (蓝胭脂) - Song Mian (宋勉)

Love triangle C: Feng Manna (冯曼娜) - Zhou Yuhao (周宇浩) - Lan Yanzhi (蓝胭脂)

As you can see through these seven shows, commonly the main love triangle is composed of two guys one girl, while the secondary “love triangle C” is composed of two girls and one guy.

The love triangle in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre (倚天屠龙记) and one of the few love triangles not to follow the two guys fighting for one girl triangle.

Characteristics of Love Triangles

Almost always, the two members vying for the affection in the triangle are foils to each other. Examples:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)

Jiang Chen (江辰) - mature, cold and extremely smart

Wu Bosong (吴柏松) - careless, kind and bad grades

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)

Xu Feng (旭凤) - arrogant and proud

Run Yu (润玉) - quiet and calm

Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre (倚天屠龙记)

Zhao Min (赵敏) - clever, manipulative

Zhou Zhiruo (周芷若) - “innocent, selfless” (I mean she technically is worse than Zhao Min, but that’s not the mask she puts on)

In school dramas you typically have the smart guy and the dumb girl pairing that eventually wins out:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)

Jiang Chen (江辰) and Chen Xiaoxi (陈晓希)

When We Were Young (人不彪悍枉少年)

Hua Biao (花彪) and Yang Xi (杨夕)

With You (最好的我们)

Yu Huai (余淮) and Geng Geng (耿耿)

Le Coup de Foudre (我只喜欢你)

Yan Mo (言默) and Zhao Qiaoyi (赵乔一)

The love triangle in Meteor Garden 2019 (流星花园) - can you guess (if you’ve never watched this show) who the winning couple is?

You may also have the celebrity/popular/rich kid with a poor/hardworking person pairing:

Meteor Garden (流星花园) - Daoming Si (道明寺) and Shan Cai (杉菜)

Accidentally in Love (惹上冷殿下) - Situ Feng (司徒枫) and Chen Qingqing (陈青青)

My Little Princess (亲爱的, 公主病) - Lin Xingchen (林星辰) and Jiang Nianyu (江念雨)

Boss and Me (杉杉来了) - Feng Teng (封腾) and Xue Shanshan (薛杉杉)

Blossom in Heart (海棠经雨胭脂透) - Lang Yuexuan (朗月轩) and Gu Haitang (顾海棠)

In most dramas you also have the “cold” second/main male lead:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好) - Jiang Chen (江辰)

Princess Agents (楚乔传) - Yuwen Yue (宇文玥）

Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - Gu Jian (顾剑)

Often there’s also the “childhood friend” aspect, and while that particular trope usually looses out there are some exceptions:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好) - Jiang Chen (江辰) - main lead

When We Were Young (人不彪悍枉少年) - Li Yu (李漁) - second lead

Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天屠龙记) - Zhou Zhiruo (周芷若） - second lead

Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - Gu Jian (顾剑) - second lead

Put Your Head on My Shoulder (致我们暖暖的小时光) - Fu Pei (傅沛) - second lead

In some dramas, almost any male character that appears is in love with the female lead:

Princess Agents (楚乔传) - female lead gets the love of:

Yuwen Yue (宇文玥)

Yan Xun (燕洵)

Yuan Song (元嵩)

Xiao Ce (萧策)

Journey of Flower (花千骨) - female lead gets the love of:

Bai Zihua (白子画)

Dongfang Yuqing (东方彧卿)

Meng Xuanlang (孟玄朗)

Startling With Each Step (步步惊心)

Yin Zhen (胤禛)

Yin Si (胤禩)

Yin Ti (胤禵)

Yin E (胤䄉)

The male leads in Startling With Each Step/Scarlet Heart were lucky! They all got something with the female lead:

Male lead: Yin Zhen (胤禛) - is the true love/soulmate

Second male lead: Yin Si (胤禩) - gets her love in the first half

Third male lead: Yin Ti (胤禵) - gets to marry her

So What Differentiates the First and Second Male Leads?

The love triangle in Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - can you guess (if you’ve never watched this show) who the winning couple is?

Typically the female lead just likes one of them and you can’t really give a reason for why the first male lead is better than the second one. However, some dramas do a good job of creating a jerk second male lead that makes the decision sufficiently easier for our female lead:

Princess Agents (楚乔传)

Second male lead Yan Xun (燕洵) kind of goes insane after his entire family is slaughtered and becomes obsessed over revenge. He looses all the qualities our female lead fell in love with him for.

Put Your Head on My Shoulder (致我们暖暖的小时光)

Second male lead Fu Pei (傅沛) is a literal jerk. He takes our female lead’s love for granted and constantly abandons her when she needs help.

Bloody Romance (媚者无疆)

Second male lead Gong Zi (公子) treats people like chess pieces instead of real humans, and is willing to kill or manipulate anyone. Our female lead, being kind and unwilling to kill anyone, obviously would never fall for him.

My Little Princess (亲爱的，公主病)

Second male lead Zheng Chuyao (郑楚曜) is childish and immature. He is unwilling to confess his love for the female lead and constantly embarrasses her instead.

However, in most other cases, there is never a clear difference between who wins out in a love triangle. One similarity most share is that the first one to speak with the female lead wins out:

Bloody Romance (媚者无疆)

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)

Accidentally in Love (惹上冷殿下)

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)

Blossom in Heart (海棠经雨胭脂透）

My Little Princess (亲爱的，公主病)

Love O2O (微微一笑很倾城）

The Princess Weiyoung (锦绣未央)

The Story of Minglan (知否知否应是绿肥红瘦)

Lucky’s First Love (世界欠我一个初恋)

The love triangle in Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) - can you guess (if you’ve never watched this show) who the winning couple is?

Usually, the second male lead is the type of person who will forever watch over the female lead, caring for them are a subtle way. They are kinder, calmer, and perhaps more down to earth and human:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好) - Wu Bosong (吴柏松)

Meteor Garden (流星花园) - Hua Zelei (花泽类)

Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - Gu Jian (顾剑)

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) - Run Yu (润玉)

Accidentally in Love (惹上冷殿下) - Gu Nanxi (顾南锡)

When We Were Young (人不彪悍枉少年) - Li Yu (李漁)

Legend of Yunxi (芸汐传) - Gu Qishao (顾七少)

In cases of the above, the male lead is usually more cold or immature:

A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好) - Jiang Chen (江辰)

Meteor Garden (流星花园) - Daoming Si (道明寺)

Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - Li Chengyin (李承鄞)

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)

Accidentally in Love (惹上冷殿下) - Situ Feng (司徒枫)

When We Were Young (人不彪悍枉少年)

Legend of Yunxi (芸汐传) - Long Feiye (龙非夜)

With second female leads, the similarities are rather obvious. They think they “deserve” the love of the male lead because they either grew up together or they have the same social standing:

Goodbye My Princess (东宫) - Zhao Sese (赵瑟瑟）

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) - Sui He (穗禾)

Legend of Yunxi (芸汐传) - Baili Mingxiang (百里茗香)

Love O2O (微微一笑很倾城) - Meng Yiran (孟逸然)

Blossom in Heart (海棠经雨胭脂透) - Long Mohua (龙莫婳)

Boss and Me (杉杉来了) - Yuan Lishu (元丽抒)

While the male lead often sees his excess admirers as “sisters” the female lead simply friend zones them.

Often, the male lead is also somewhat of a foil to the female lead:

Boss and Me (杉杉来了)

Xue Shanshan (薛杉杉) is innocent, a little stupid and cute

Feng Teng (封腾) is mature, intelligent and cold

Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)

Jin Mi (锦觅) is unaware of love and a little stupid

Xu Feng (旭凤) is fully aware of his feelings and smarter

Goodbye My Princess (东宫)

Qu Xiaofeng (曲小枫) is innocent, kind and longs to go home

Li Chengyin (李承鄞) is cold, cruel and willing to do anything to keep Xiaofeng by his side

If you really just want to tell who’s the male lead, I’ll tell you an easy way to find out: he’s going to be played by the guy who’s more famous.

The love triangle in Startling With Each Step (步步惊心) - can you guess who’s the first, second, and third male leads are?

So Why do Dramas Love Love Triangles?

Not to say TV shows have lazy writing or anything, but I feel like love triangles are an easy way to make both male and female leads realize their feelings. For instance, in Boss and Me, when our female lead (Shan Shan), sees our male lead (Feng Teng) dancing with another girl, she gets jealous. That makes her realize her feelings. Love triangles can also stretch out a TV show longer. A show that might only have 24 episodes can probably be stretched to more than 30 just due to love triangles.

On a level of characterization, when a character has many admirers, we, as watchers, can infer various things about them. Either they are one, amazingly beautiful or successful, or two, amazingly unique. For example, Chu Qiao in Princess Agents is strong and intelligent and for that reason, almost every guy she comes in contact with falls head over heels for her. This can show you that she is one of a kind in this world. Very few women in Princess Agents are as straightforward of their power, and so she really is unique. Xiaofeng in Goodbye My Princess has admirers because she is kind, innocent and selfless. Her bright and cheerful personality contrasts heavily with the political and dark atmosphere of the palace. So, when a character is entangled in many love triangles, you can infer there’s something special about them, and use that hypothesis to further infer something about the world in which the television show takes place.

Love triangles can also lead to more character development. In trying to get girl (or very rarely guy), the admirers must rise to become a better version of themselves. For example, in Meteor Garden, Daoming Si goes from being bratty and immature to being (relatively more) mature and understanding. In A Love So Beautiful, Jiang Chen goes from being a guy that’s cold and pushes people away to a guy who is more open about his feelings and love.

So, while in some shows, love triangles exist purely to elongate the show, in other shows we can use love triangles as a way to investigate the society we are plunged into at the start of the show.

Notes:

Would you say Go Go Squid (亲爱的, 热爱的) has a love triangle. That weird press lady likes the male lead, but she has like four scenes in total.

Here’s another thought I had about love: the ability of a character to admit their feelings often reflects upon how they’ve lived up til that point. Characters that do not understand their feelings could either have grown up isolated, never been in a relationship or have been fed a pill by their mother that takes away their ability to love. Characters who confess more easily were probably raised with loving parents in a loving household with loving friends surrounding them. Characters that understand their feelings at once know themselves well, and they can understand love. They either were raised in a loving family, or have been in love before. Love is a strange concept, sometimes we can’t handle it, and a lot of times we can’t understand it. TV shows feature humans (or at least things that look like humans) and so they deal with that aforementioned problem too.

#love triangles #this has been sitting in my drafts for so long #it sucks im sorry #cdramas #cdrama analysis #ashes of love #meteor garden

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the-archlich · 5 years ago

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So uh... Thoughts on the 17 new characters? (Xu Shu, Lady Mi, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Lady Bian, Wang Lang, Gao Shun, Ji Ling, Zhang Hong, Zhang Zhao, Yan Yu, Li Yue, Zhou Tai, Cheng Pu, Liu Yao, Yan Baihu, Chen Gong)

First, people I assume are factional leaders, because those are really the only ones that matter in a game like this:

Li Jue - Including him seemed inevitable for scenarios in a certain frame of time. He controlled Han’s emperor and the capital for several years, and a lot of warlords leaned on him for some legitimacy. While not a major warlord, or even especially influential, he was still a factor. For a scenario set between 192-198, he’s worth including

Liu Yao - One of the best choices they could make. The southern regions are badly underpopulated in TW, and Liu Yao was one of the most important southern warlords. He was Sun Ce’s chief obstacle and, for a time, one of Yuan Shu’s biggest concerns. He was also an interesting person. I think he’s a historically relevant figure who adds something that the game badly needs. An excellent choice.

Wang Lang - Another great choice. He was initially sent to Kuaiji by Tao Qian, who appears to have had hopes of extending his control into the southeast before Yuan Shu got driven into Shouchun and ruined that plan. While nominally subordinate to first Tao Qian and Liu Yao, he was effectively independent. He offered stubborn resistance to Sun Ce at first and, after arranging a favorable surrender, went north to become one of the keystones of Wei. A good choice.

Yan Baihu - the leader of a tribal confederacy in the hills of Wu commandery, he was a persistent enemy to Sun Ce. He led several revolts against Sun Ce, often with some aid from northern actors like Cao Cao and Yuan Shu. For this type of game and this particular scenario, I think he’s a good inclusion. Although it is a bit weird to have him without Xu Gong.

As far as the officers go, I don’t really care. I don’t feel like making them special provides a whole lot to a game like this. For anyone you could pick, there are another 15 who would have been as good or better. Something has to be really egregious to make an impact.

Chen Gong - Depends on what is covered in this scenario. He was a key part of Lu Bu’s army from 194 on, so if that factors into any of this, I suppose he’s an acceptable choice. Not really a major figure of the time, but whatever.

Cheng Pu - Always solid. He was a key supporter of Sun Jian and was Sun Ce’s most accomplished commander. Under Sun Quan he helped command the key campaigns at Chibi/Wulin and at Jiangling, along with Zhou Yu. I can’t complain about him getting some publicity.

Gao Shun - Much as with Chen Gong, it depends on how much emphasis is on Lu Bu’s group in this one. He was a key part of that, so if we’re looking to expand Lu Bu’s circle he’s the natural choice.

Ji Ling - The first one of these I really object to. The only thing he’s known for (in history and even in fiction) is a battle that didn’t happen. He led an expedition against Liu Bei in 197, but Lu Bu brokered peace between them. That’s the end of it. Nothing actually happened there. I’m all for expanding Yuan Shu’s group, but generals like Qiao Rui and Zhang Xun would be far better. They were the generals he actually relied on (even if none of them were especially accomplished).

Xu Shu - This man is an irrelevant figure. I don’t know why he keeps coming up. He has an interesting personal history, but as far as his career goes there’s nothing to it. Any resources spent on him are a waste.

Yan Yu - He’s probably one of the most famous of Liu Zhang’s followers, though not for any particular reason I can think of. I’m assuming there’s some popular fictional story about him. I’d be more interested in expanding Yi with some additional warlords. And even if you’re just looking to give Liu Zhang more substance, I think there are better choices (like Zhao Wei). Seems like a very random choice.I was thinking of Yan Yan (and getting his named mixed up with the later official Yan Yu, who helped manage the country along with Jiang Wei in its final years). This Yan Yu is probably Yan Baihu’s brother, which makes more sense given the nature of this DLC. He was known as a brave man, though he was killed by Sun Ce during failed negotiations.

Zhang Hong - I’ve hired this man repeatedly and I’ll do it again. He was one of Sun Ce’s advisers, providing both tactical and military assistance. Later he was sent to the capital and acted as Sun Ce’s (then Sun Quan’s) primary ambassador to Cao Cao. He helped keep the peace between them and ensure Cao Cao’s backing for the Sun expeditions. He was later sent back south and welcomed back by Sun Quan (though some officers doubted his loyalty). He was an excellent scholar, a good administrator, a remarkable diplomat, and a reliable tactician. He’s a good person to give more brainpower to the Sun in their early years, before Sun Quan recruited all those good scholars.

Zhang Zhao - Much like Zhang Hong, he was both a military and political adviser (though he’s best known for the latter). He was one of Wu’s longest-serving ministers and an absolute pillar of the state. He always gave honest advice and never backed down; nor did he have any patience for Sun Quan’s bullshit. He was one of Wu’s most important figures, and he’s another good choice for smarting-up the Sun before Quan got all those nerds.

Zhou Tai - He’s as good a choice as any, I suppose. I like him and admire him. He was an exceptional warrior who served first under Sun Ce, then as a bodyguard to Sun Quan. In later years he became one of Sun Quan’s most trusted commanders. There are plenty of similar people who could also have been chosen, but this is fine.

The women have to be judged a bit differently, given the lack of records on them. I’m willing to let more slide with them because there’s just so much less to go on.

Lady Mi - I see the logic to this. Her family was very important in helping Liu Bei take Xu in 195, and in funding his army after he lost everything in 196. She’s an adequate enough choice, although I’ve always been much more fond of Lady Gan. No reason not to have them both, though.

Qiao sisters - It’s hard not to let the terrible DW versions of these characters influence my opinions. Given that this new scenario is about Sun Ce’s expansion in the south, they make sense. They were the daughters of a local leader in Lujiang, and by marrying them Sun Ce and Zhou Yu secured loyalty in that commandery. It’s impossible to say what influence, if any, they had beyond that. It’s fair enough to include them, given the circumstances. As always I think there are some better choices, but I can live with this if I set the DW baggage aside. That isn’t fair to them.

Lady Bian - I’m surprised she wasn’t already a special character, though I guess I shouldn’t be. I certainly have no objections to this.

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fuyonggu · 5 years ago

Text

Records of the Three Kingdoms 27: Biography of Hu Zhi

This Hu Zhi

胡質字文德，楚國壽春人也。少與蔣濟、朱績俱知名於江、淮間，仕州郡。蔣濟爲別駕，使見太祖。太祖問曰：「胡通達，長者也，寧有子孫不？」濟曰：「有子曰質，規模大略不及於父，至於精良綜事過之。」太祖即召質爲頓丘令。縣民郭政通於從妹，殺其夫程他，郡吏馮諒繫獄爲證。政與妹皆耐掠隱抵，諒不勝痛，自誣，當反其罪。質至官，察其情色，更詳其事，檢驗具服。

Hu Zhi, styled Wende, was a native of Shouchun county in the Chu princely fief (Jiujiang commandary). As a young man, he was equally famous in the region between the Yangzi and the Huai River as Jiang Ji and Zhu Ji (Shi Ji), and he served in the local commandary and province.

When Jiang Ji was appointed as Assistant Officer With Separate Carriage (for the province), he was sent to meet with Cao Cao. Cao Cao asked him, "Hu Tongda (Hu Min) was an excellent fellow. Surely he has some sons or grandsons?"

Jiang Ji replied, "He has a son named Hu Zhi. When it comes to coming up with grand plans and strategies, Hu Zhi is not the equal of his father. But when it comes to sheer excellence and the ability to weave events together, he surpasses his father."

Cao Cao thus summoned Hu Zhi to serve as Prefect of Dunqiu.

In Dunqiu, a native of the county, Guo Zheng, had illicit relations with his cousin and killed her husband Cheng Ta. A commandary official, Feng Liang, bound and imprisoned them and examined them. But Guo Zheng and his cousin so stoically endured the questioning and revealed nothing that Feng Liang, overcome by grief, felt that he was the one who in the wrong and was going to pardon them. Yet when Hu Zhi arrived at his post, he witnessed the lewd looks between the two of them and investigated further into their affairs, and so he brought things back into proper order.

〈案〈胡氏譜〉：通達名敏，以方正徵。〉

(According to the Registry of the Hu Clan, Hu Min's style name was Tongda. He was a just, proper, and correct fellow.)

入爲丞相東曹議令史，州請爲治中。將軍張遼與其護軍武周有隙。遼見刺史溫恢求請質，質辭以疾。遼出謂質曰：「僕委意於君，何以相辜如此？」質曰：「古人之交也，取多知其不貪，奔北知其不怯，聞流言而不信，故可終也。武伯南身爲雅士，往者將軍稱之不容於口，今以睚眦之恨，乃成嫌隙。況質才薄，豈能終好？是以不願也。」遼感言，復與周平。

Hu Zhi came to the capital to serve as a Consultant-Clerk in the Eastern Bureau of the Prime Minister's staff. His home province then requested him to serve as an Internal Director.

At this time, the general Zhang Liao was on bad terms with his Protector-General, Wu Zhou. Thus when Zhang Liao came to see the Inspector, Huan Hui, he asked to have Hu Zhi come serve on his staff. But Hu Zhi declined, citing illness. Zhang Liao then came to see him and said, "Sir, I had placed all my hopes in you. Will you leave me to stew like this?"

Hu Zhi replied, "The ancients understood their companions very well. Though someone obtained much, people knew he was not greedy; though someone fled north, people knew he was no coward; though rumors and loose talk spread, people knew not to trust them. Thus their friendships endured. As for me, I know well that Wu Bonan (Wu Zhou) is a refined gentleman. Yet recently, General, I have heard that you have not been able to put up with him. If I indulge you and continue to let you bare the fangs and glares of hatred, that would only seal the enmity between you. Besides, I am a man of meager talents, so how could I do you any good? That is why I was not willing to join you."

Zhang Liao was moved by his words, and he patched things up with Wu Zhou.

〈虞預《晉書》曰：周字伯南，沛國竹邑人。位至光祿大夫。子陔，字元夏。陔及二弟韶、茂，皆總角見稱，並有器望，雖鄉人諸父，未能覺其多少。時同郡劉公榮，名知人，嘗造周。周謂曰：「卿有知人之明，欲使三兒見卿，卿爲目高下，以效郭、許之聽可乎？」公榮乃自詣陔兄弟，與共言語，觀其舉動。出語周曰：「君三子皆國士也。元夏器量最優，有輔佐之風，展力仕宦，可爲亞公。叔夏、季夏，不減常伯、納言也。」陔少出仕宦，歷職內外，泰始初爲吏部尚書，遷左僕射、右光祿大夫、開府儀同三司，卒於官。陔以在魏已爲大臣，本非佐命之數，懷遜讓，不得已而居位，故在官職，無所荷任，夙夜思恭而已。終始全潔，當世以爲美談。韶歷二官吏部郎。山濤啟事稱韶清白有誠，終於散騎常侍。茂至侍中、尚書。潁川荀愷，宣帝外孫，世祖姑子，自負貴戚，要與茂交。茂拒而不荅，由是見怒。元康元年，楊駿被誅。愷時爲尚書僕射，以茂駿之姨弟，陷爲駿黨，遂枉見殺，衆咸冤痛之。〉

(Regarding Wu Zhou, Yu Yu's version of the Book of Jin contains this biography of him and his sons: "Wu Zhou, styled Bonan, was a native of Zhuyi county in the Pei princely fief. He rose in office as high as Household Counselor. His son was Wu Gai, styled Yuanxia. Wu Gai and his younger brothers Wu Shao and Wu Mao were all intelligent and clever and received acclaim. They all showed great promise, but none of the elders of their town were able to properly analyze their potential.

At that time, there was a native of the same commandary, a certain Liu Gongrong, who was famous for being able to appraise people. On one occasion, he came to visit Wu Zhou. Wu Zhou said to him, 'Sir, you're well-known for your wisdom in appraising people, so I wish to present my three sons to you. Will you not look them up and down and see how well they might live up to the examples of Guo and Xu?'

Liu Gongrong then went to visit Wu Gai and his brothers; he spoke with them and observed their posture and movements. After leaving them, he told Wu Zhou, 'Your three sons are all good gentlemen of state. Yuanxia has the most outstanding potential; he is suited to serve as a regent of the state, and if he develops his strength and serves in office, he may be called an elder statesman. As for Shuxia and Jixia, they shall be no less than Constant Companions (Palace Attendants) or Receivers of Words (Masters of Writing).'

Wu Gai went out to take up office while he was still young, and he served in successive posts both within the court and without. By the beginning of the Taishi reign era (~265), he had become Personnel Director of the Masters of Writing. He later became Deputy Director of the Left and Household Counselor of the Right, and he was granted the privilege of a Separate Office with equal ceremonial to the Three Excellencies. He passed away in office. Wu Gai had already become a great minister even during the Cao-Wei dynasty, but he had never really wished to hold such high posts. He often cherished the thought of resigning his offices, but was unable to do so and thus was compelled to serve. Thus, although he held many posts, he could never bear the responsibilities of his offices; day and night, he did no more than ponder respect. From beginning to end, he remained absolutely pure, and the people of his time all spoke highly of him.

Wu Shao served in two offices as a Gentleman in the Personnel Bureau. At that time, Shan Tao was in charge of recruiting and appointing many people. He commended Wu Shao as a pure, honest, and earnest man, so in the end Wu Shao became a Cavalier In Regular Attendance.

Wu Mao rose in office as high as a Palace Attendant and a Master of Writing. Xun Kai of Yingchuan commandary, who was Sima Yi's grandson by a daughter and Sima Yan's cousin, considered himself to possess a fine lineage. He sought to make connections with Wu Mao, but Wu Mao rebuffed him and would not respond. Xun Kai thus held a grudge against him. In the first year of Yuankang (291), during the coup against Yang Jun, Xun Kai was serving as Deputy Director of the Masters of Writing. Since Wu Mao was Yang Jun's brother-in-law, Xun Kai slandered him as being one of Yang Jun's partisans, and he had him beaten to death. Everyone believed he was innocent and felt grief for him.")

太祖辟爲丞相屬。黃初中，徙吏部郎，爲常山太守，遷任東莞。士盧顯爲人所殺，質曰：「此士無讎而有少妻，所以死乎！」悉見其比居年少，書吏李若見問而色動，遂窮詰情狀。若即自首，罪人斯得。每軍功賞賜，皆散之於衆，無入家者。在郡九年，吏民便安，將士用命。

Cao Cao recruited Hu Zhi to serve as a direct subordinate on the Prime Minister's staff.

During the Huangchu reign era (220-226), Hu Zhi was transferred to serve as a Gentleman of the Personnel Bureau. He was then appointed as Administrator of Changshan, then transferred to be Administrator of Dongguan.

A local gentry figure, Lu Xian, was killed by someone. Hu Zhi mused, "This fellow had no enemies. It was because of his young wife that he was killed!" So he looked around for young people living nearby. When he questioned the clerk Li Ruo, Li Ruo seemed to display lewd movements. Hu Zhi thus fully put him to the question, and Li Ruo confessed to the crime. The guilty man was thus apprehended.

Whenever Hu Zhi achieved some military accomplishment and was distributing rewards, he always spread the rewards out among his soldiers and never kept any for his own family. Hu Zhi served in Dongguan for nine years. The officials and the people there knew peace, and the generals and officers were useful and obeyed his orders.

遷荊州刺史，加振威將軍，賜爵關內侯。吳大將朱然圍樊城，質輕軍赴之。議者皆以爲賊盛不可迫，質曰：「樊城卑下，兵少，故當進軍爲之外援；不然，危矣。」遂勒兵臨圍，城中乃安。遷征東將軍，假節都督青、徐諸軍。廣農積糓，有兼年之儲，置東征臺，且佃且守。又通渠諸郡，利舟楫，嚴設備以待敵。海邊無事。

Hu Zhi was then transferred to be Inspector of Jingzhou; he was further appointed as General Who Spreads Awe and as a Marquis Within The Passes. When the great Wu general Zhu Ran besieged Fancheng, Hu Zhi led light troops to come reinforce the city. People all told Hu Zhi that the enemy army was so numerous that he could not actually threaten them. But Hu Zhi replied, "It is precisely because Fancheng is a meager city with a small garrison that I must advance my forces to bring it relief. Otherwise, it will be in danger." So he ordered his troops to approach the enemy siege lines, and those within the city thus settled down.

Hu Zhi was promoted to General Who Conquers The East, Credential Holder, and Commander of military affairs in Qingzhou and Xuzhou. He expanded farming efforts there and accumulated grain, such that there were local stores of several years of grain. He also established a Bureau of Eastern Conquest, where the soldiers alternated between farming and guarding. Hu Zhi also carved out a canal through several commandaries in order to improve boat traffic, and he prepared strict defenses to hold off any enemies. The sea coast saw no trouble.

性沈實內察，不以其節檢物，所在見思。嘉平二年薨，家無餘財，惟有賜衣書篋而已。軍師以聞，追進封陽陵亭侯，邑百戶，謚曰貞侯。子威嗣。六年，詔書褒述質清行，賜其家錢糓。語在〈徐邈傳〉。威，咸熈中官至徐州刺史，有殊績，歷三郡守，所在有名。卒於安定。

Hu Zhi was a man of profound substance and introspection, and he did not abuse his authority, so he was seen as a considerate man.

Hu Zhi passed away in the second year of Jiaping (250). His home had no excess wealth; he left behind only a chest of clothing and books. When the Directing-Instructor (Sima Yi?) heard of his death, he posthumously promoted Hu Zhi to Marquis of Yangling District, with a fief of a hundred households, and granted him the posthumous title Marquis Zhen ("the Faithful"). His son Hu Wei succeeded him.

In the sixth year of Jiaping (254), an edict was issued praising Hu Zhi for his life of pure conduct, and his family was granted money and grain. This is further mentioned in the Biography of Xu Miao.

As for Hu Wei, by the Xianxi reign era (264-265) he had risen in office to be Inspector of Xuzhou. He had had an outstanding career, having served as Administrator in three commandaries, and he enjoyed a good reputation. He passed away in Anding commandary.

〈《晉陽秋》曰：... 〉

[Pei Songzhi includes a passage from Sun Sheng's Annals of Jin which recounts the life of Hu Zhi's son Hu Wei, but the material is identical to Hu Wei's biography in the Book of Jin other than noting the source.]

#Records of the Three Kingdoms #Sanguozhi #Three Kingdoms #Sanguo

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