tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65890183807143595722024-02-08T04:39:48.997-06:00Startling Surprises at Every StepUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-80941694996898539902011-11-07T22:40:00.005-06:002011-11-07T22:45:53.604-06:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 8 (Part 7)<div><div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Chapter 8 (Part 7), Translated by Hoju!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?a10ck2cppjuec1y">http://www.mediafire.com/?a10ck2cppjuec1y</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Disclaimer</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. Very close to the Thirteenth-prince<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. Fell in love with Ruolan at first sight but unfortunately she does not return his love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Li Dequan:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"> The head eunuch who serves Kangxi directly. Seems to like Ruoxi and often secretly gives sound advices to her on how to survive in the Palace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Luwu:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> A courtesan who seem to have an unclear relationship with the Thirteenth-prince. Luwu is one of the higher ranking courtesans who have the right to choose her clients and can “sell their talents but not their bodies”. She befriends Ruoxi through the introduction of the Thirteenth-prince. <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Emperor Kangxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">The protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collared professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable and supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travels through time upon her death and take over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. Currently is employed as the head tea serving maid for Emperor Kangxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi, but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"> <b>Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </b>The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. Due to this, he has developed a great rapport with Ruoxi and they are close friends. Has an unexplained relationship with the beautiful courtesan Luwu. Very close to the Fourth-prince. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Wang Xi:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"> A junior eunuch who is under the tutelage of Li Dequan. One of the eunuch that is quite close to Ruoxi and refers to her as Jie-jie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Yunxiang:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"> A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Yutan: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"> A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi. Very close to Ruoxi and the two have a sister-like relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">An’da: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The Mongolians term for sworn brothers. Due to the intermarriages between Manchu and Mongolian royalty to preserve relations, this Mongolian term was adopted into the Qing Dynasty. In this case, Ruoxi calling Li Dequan “Brother” indicates her close relationship with the senior eunuch. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the imperial family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Imperial Father:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> What the children of the Emperor refer to their father as. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Shifu</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> – Means Master or teacher. Someone who one is under the tutelage of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Zha</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">: A response that means “yes”. Used by the eunuchs in reply to instructions or orders made by the Imperial family. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Zhen: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> A word that the Emperor refers himself as.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Chapter 8 (Part 7)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I give a smile but do not say anything. He continues to ask, “Which palace do you work at?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">My attention still fixed on the butterflies, I counter unmindfully, “And where are you from?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He protests, “I asked you first.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I ignore him and continue to watch the butterflies. They are flying, one in front of the other, taking turns catching and overtaking one another as they flutter off until they are far away. How nice it would be if I could fly away like that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He waits for a little while, but seeing that I am not paying attention to him, he has no choice but to respond first, “I am Aisin-Gioro Hongshi<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.” Startled, I quickly turn back and look him over carefully, thinking in my mind, <i>this is Yongzheng’s son whom he later demotes to commoner status. </i>After looking him over a few times, I lazily turn away again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“You’re not going to pay respect to me?” he asks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I turn my head back to look at him again as I muse, <i>not even that old yet and you already make clear distinction between master and servant. </i> I give a laugh. “I am not going to pay respect to you right now. I will wait until later, when you have grown up, and then I will pay respect to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He gawks at me and remarks, “Other palace maids all pay respect to me now. When I ask you questions, you also don’t reply. You don’t act like a palace maid.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I smile, my eyes still on him, and ask him, “Who brought you into the palace? How come you are by yourself?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He does not answer me and only continues his questioning. “Who are you?” Taken aback for a moment, I do not immediately reply. In his ringing, clear voice, he repeats, “Who are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I turn to look back at the lonely cluster of flowers in the glow of the setting sun and whisper to myself, “Who am I?” <i>Maertai Ruoxi? Zhang Xiao? A palace maid in the Qing dynasty? A white-collar woman of modern times?</i> For a while, my thoughts are in a chaotic tangle. “Indeed! Who am I? Even I do not know who I am.” With a lost smile, I look at him again and state, “I do not know who I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He seems slightly startled by my smile as he gapes at me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I am struck with alarm as I see his reaction, and I quickly pull myself together and put on a warm, friendly smile. Not wanting to scare a child because of my momentary lapse, I move to comfort him. A eunuch comes rushing over. “Oh! Good master, your servant has been looking for you. How did you run so far in just the blink of an eye?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">My gaze turns in his direction, and I see the Fourth-prince is following behind, approaching us with quick strides. I hurriedly rise and pay the ceremonial respects.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Fourth prince’s eyes look at Hongshi as he asks coolly, “What is going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Hongshi seems very afraid of him and answers meekly, “I talked to her for a little while.” He suddenly appears to remember something and loudly complains, “Father, she won’t pay respect to me, and when I ask her questions, she doesn’t answer. And she says she doesn’t know who she is.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">When I hear this, I wish I could pass out in a coma on the spot. <i>You little Hongshi! You just love tattling so much! No wonder people hate you!</i> I do not know how I should respond, so in the end, I can only choose to not respond and stand there silently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The Fourth-prince orders the eunuch beside him, “Take Hongshi back over to where Niangniang<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> is.” The eunuch answers submissively and quickly squats down and piggybacks Hongshi. Before Hongshi leaves, he looks at me as if he wants to say something, but seeing the cold expression on his father’s face, he does not dare make a sound and obediently leaves with the eunuch.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I had thought the Fourth-prince would leave with Hongshi, but he actually continues standing there motionless. Thinking that I probably will not be able to withdraw from here anyway, I decide to just stay and hear what he has to say. And so, I stand quietly with my head lowered, watching the setting sun stretch and pull the willow tree’s shadow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He was silent for a while before he says indifferently, “Next time, if you want to know more about my personal matters, you may simply ask me directly.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">My heart leaps, and I start to grumble silently about the Thirteenth-prince. I inquired with him about the Fourth-prince’s private matters, but he was not able to answer more than a few questions. Somehow, though, he still managed to make the Fourth-prince aware of everything. If I had known, I would not have asked him. Now what should I do?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Seeing that I do not show even the slightest reaction, he straightens the hem of his gown and seats himself on the rock I had been sitting on not long ago. Squinting his eyes slightly as he looks at the flowerbed ahead, he states in a flat tone, “My favourite tea is Taiping Houkui tea, favourite dessert is yu’kou pastry<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>, favourite colour is the blue of the sky after the rain, favourite style of chinaware is white porcelain embellished with flowers and butterflies that have been color-washed in paint. I like dogs, hate cats, hate eating spicy foods, dislike drinking too much wine…” He pauses briefly and thinks before continuing, “Thirteenth Brother has likely already told you all this. You had too many questions, though, and that is all I can recall at this moment. If there is anything else you want to know, ask now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Completely numb, I stand there dumbly in the spot. I really do not how to react to this. What was the meaning of this attitude of his? Should I fall onto my knees, declaring my crime and pleading for mercy? Or should I take advantage of this opportunity to get all my questions answered clearly?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">My thinking is actually very simple. I only know that, in the entire palace, there are only two people that I absolutely cannot offend: one is Kangxi, the other is the Fourth-prince. The old shifus had told me hundreds and thousands of times what Kangxi’s preferences and aversions are, but there is no way to find out the Fourth-prince’s likes and dislikes. I thought that since the Thirteenth-prince is close to him, he should know, so I had asked him. However, the Thirteenth-prince had replied to me in shock, “I’m a man. Why would I know stuff like that?” I had no choice but to shamelessly pout, “I don’t care! You are going to find these out for me no matter what.” And I had painstakingly instructed over and over again that he could only secretly go about finding these things out and must not let anyone know about it. The result? The result is that the Thirteenth-prince managed to help me create this situation now. Alas!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">As my thoughts reach this point, I suddenly feel that since the situation is already as it is, I might as well just throw caution to the wind and let it be. Things cannot get any worse anyway. So, in a wooden voice, I ask, “What is the color you hate the most?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He is taken aback briefly, likely because he had not thought I would actually ask. He tilts his head and looks me over for a moment, as if trying to see whether I had eaten a bear’s heart or a leopard’s gallbladder<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>, but then he turns his head back and gazes ahead. His voice flat as before, he answers, “Black.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I nod and continue, “What incense do you hate the most?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">His answer comes rapidly, “Cape jasmine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Your favourite flower?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Magnolia<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Your favourite fruit?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Grapes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What weather makes you the happiest?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Light sprinkling rain.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“What weather do you dislike the most?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“Scorching sun.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">…….<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I do not know what I am thinking. Probably I had read too many profiles or “stats” of modern idol actors and singers. The more I ask, the more naturally the questions come until I actually start asking questions like, the place he wants to visit the most, the happiest memory from his childhood, the most embarrassing situation he has been in, and so on. And he actually answers each question, one by one, as I ask them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">My brain feels as if it is stuffed, and I am not sure whether I have memorized it all or not. Finally, with nothing left to ask, I smack my lips together lightly and stop.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">By now, the sky is dusky. The two of us remained there in silence for a little while until I lower myself in ceremonial respect and say, “Maidservant has asked all that she wishes to know. If Lord Bei’le does not have any other matters, maidservant shall take her leave.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He rises, gazing down at me standing there with bent knees, and deliberates for a moment before saying in a calm voice, “Go then.” My mind feels numb as I straighten myself back up, turn around, and go.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" style="text-align: left;"> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; ">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"> Third son of Emperor Yongzheng. Born in the 43rd year of Kangxi (the year Zhang Xiao arrives in the Qing dynasty). In the 3rd year of Yongzheng, he was banished from the palace and became the adopted son of his uncle, the Eighth-prince. In the 4th year of Yongzheng, Emperor Yongzheng removed his name from the Imperial family records for “improper conduct and undisciplined behavior as a young person,” therefore removing his status as a member of the Imperial family. Hongshi died in the 5<sup>th</sup> year of Yongzheng. There is debate regarding whether his death was ordered by Emperor Yongzheng or was a result of depression in imprisonment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; "> Orig, </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; ">娘</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; ">娘- </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">A word of respect that is used when referring to an imperial concubine, or the Empress. In this case, the Fourth-prince is referring to his own wife. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">玉</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-bidi-font-family:細明體_HKSCS">蔻</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">糕</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">. I have searched long and hard for what exactly is this pastry but unfortunately, have not turned up any specifics. Nutmeg is known in Chinese as rou’kou </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">肉</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">蔻</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:細明體_HKSCS; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> or</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">玉</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">果</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> yu’guo, or, infrequently, yu’kou</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">玉</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-bidi-font-family: 細明體_HKSCS">蔻</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: 細明體_HKSCS;mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW"> (the name of the pastry). Yu’kou could also be a combination of</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"; mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">玉</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">桂</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3""> (Chinese cinnamon) and</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">肉</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">蔻</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:細明體_HKSCS; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold"> (nutmeg)<b>. </b>[Or, I could be completely off. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">J</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: 細明體_HKSCS;mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:細明體_HKSCS; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> Idiom that means one is extremely daring.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn5"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%208%20part%207.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">水</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-bidi-font-family:細明體_HKSCS">泽</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">木</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:細明體_HKSCS;mso-bidi-font-family: 細明體_HKSCS">兰</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: 細明體_HKSCS"> (pinyin: shui’ze mu’lan). The flower name the Fourth-prince gives in the novel is “shui’ze magnolia” where “shui’ze” means “marshy land.” However, there is no such flower as “shui’ze magnolia” in reality. Tong Hua wrote this in her Weibo: “Since 2005, there have been people who have asked what flower is the “shui’ze magnolia” that the Fourth-prince likes, but I never answered. In reality, there is no such flower in the world. It is a flower that I fabricated. The use of the magnolia flower [in the story] was taken from the poem, <i>Sorrow at Parting</i> [in pinyin, <i>Li Sao</i>; by Qu Yuan], but at the time, it still felt as if a certain mood was missing. Therefore, I embellished it by calling it ‘shui’ze magnolia,’ adding a cold, solitary feeling. It is when one merely says ‘orchid,’ it does not conjure up much in terms of love songs or deeper meanings, but if one says ‘a hidden orchid in a deep, peaceful valley,’ it immediately brings out the gracefulness of the recluse flower.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-90153649392790994082011-10-25T23:46:00.004-05:002011-10-25T23:53:15.657-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 8 (Part 4-6)<div><div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Chapter 8 (Part 4), Translated by Hoju!, Whitepaper and Plushie</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Chapter 8 (Part 5-6), Translated by Hoju!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?n5sv514k25sxn5s">http://www.mediafire.com/?n5sv514k25sxn5s</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 18px; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. Very close to the Thirteenth-prince<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. Fell in love with Ruolan at first sight but unfortunately she does not return his love. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Li Dequan:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333"> The head eunuch who serves Kangxi directly. Seems to like Ruoxi and often secretly gives sound advices to her on how to survive in the Palace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Luwu:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> A courtesan who seem to have an unclear relationship with the Thirteenth-prince. Luwu is one of the higher ranking courtesans who have the right to choose her clients and can “sell their talents but not their bodies”. She befriends Ruoxi through the introduction of the Thirteenth-prince. <b><span> </span></b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Emperor Kangxi. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">The protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collared professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable and supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travels through time upon her death and take over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. Currently is employed as the head tea serving maid for Emperor Kangxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi, but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><span> </span><b>Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </b>The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. Due to this, he has developed a great rapport with Ruoxi and they are close friends. Has an unexplained relationship with the beautiful courtesan Luwu. Very close to the Fourth-prince. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Wang Xi:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"> A junior eunuch who is under the tutelage of Li Dequan. One of the eunuch that is quite close to Ruoxi and refers to her as Jie-jie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Yunxiang:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"> A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Yutan: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><span> </span>A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi. Very close to Ruoxi and the two have a sister-like relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">An’da: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Mongolians term for sworn brothers. Due to the intermarriages between Manchu and Mongolian royalty to preserve relations, this Mongolian term was adopted into the Qing Dynasty. In this case, Ruoxi calling Li Dequan “Brother” indicates her close relationship with the senior eunuch.<span> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the imperial family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Imperial Father:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> What the children of the Emperor refer to their father as. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span> </span>A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Shifu</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> – Means Master, someone who one is under the tutelage of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Zha</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">: A response that means “yes”. Used by the eunuchs in reply to instructions or orders made by the Imperial family. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Zhen: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span> </span>A word that the Emperor refers himself as.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Chapter 8 (Part4 - 6)</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I was just reading the part, “<i>People of today recommend tea balls.<span> </span>This is wrong and borders on being uncouth.<span> </span>Even the higher quality types have still lost their true flavor. Furthermore, the tea balls must be dropped [into water] using a spoon.<span> </span>If the spoon is made of gold or silver, these materials are not natural, and copper will leave a metallic taste. The Northern people of old, therefore, would add curdled milk, while the Shu people added salt.<span> </span>These are all merely primitive ways to drink tea so should not be criticized,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i>” when Wang Xi calls quietly from outside the door, “Jie-jie, are you inside the house?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I sit up straight and ask in reply, “The lights are lit; of course there is someone here.<span> </span>What is the matter?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Wang Xi answers, “My shifu requests Jie-jie to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Hearing this, I hurriedly put aside the book to look in the mirror. I fix my hair and straighten my clothes before blowing out the lights. Pulling open the door, I step outside.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><span> </span>When Wang Xi sees me coming out, he quickly bends over in a ceremonial bow.<span> </span>As he turns around and begins walking, he explains, “His Imperial Majesty is addicted to working on that thing the Westerners taught him.<span> </span>My shifu probed several times whether dinner should be brought in, but his Imperial Majesty only answered ‘fine’ without thinking but made no other movements. It is already so late. Shifu said to ask Miss to think of a method to help.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">There is a slight smile on the corner of my lips as I muse silently, <i>indeed, capable people do more work</i>.<span> </span>I recall that night, more than half a year after I had first entered the palace, when I was on duty in the warm room. Kangxi was reading and marking official documents late into the night.<span> </span>It was not that Kangxi had not previously done this before, but in this case, Kangxi had stayed up late to process official documents for three or four nights in a row.<span> </span>Beside him, his eunuch, Li Dequan’s eyebrows were furrowed tightly together. He was worried about his master’s health, but did not dare to say anything hastily. He could only accompany Kangxi off to the side with a pained expression on his face.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">At the time, everything was still new and fresh to me. I was thinking that it truly was not easy to be this wise ruler of the ages, while at the same time, I was secretly looking over Kangxi.<span> </span>He was, after all, a man past the age of fifty, plus, after several nights in a row of being up late and then rising early in the morning to attend the imperial court, his face was showing signs of exhaustion and haggardness. I did not know whether my mind was possessed or some other reason, but my eyes suddenly started stinging with tears as I recalled that I used to frequently watch my father, a teacher of a middle school graduating class, working under the lamp, preparing lessons and marking homework deep into the night. Sometimes, when my mother got anxious, she would simply turn off the lamp and force my father to go to bed – Kangxi very likely does not have a wife like that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">While I was thinking this, I did not know what happened, but a sudden dizziness hit me and I opened my mouth and said, “It’s late. Rest first. Otherwise, you will exhaust yourself and that will interfere with things even more.”<span> </span>The words had just slipped out of my lips when, inside that quiet room, everyone stared at me with faces covered in shock. All at once, an atmosphere of alarm and dread settled over the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I, too, immediately recovered and reacted – <i>I’m in big trouble now! </i><span> </span>Hurriedly, I dropped to my knees.<span> </span>Li Dequan face was pulled taut and he was about to punish me when we heard Kangxi exhale a sigh and say smilingly, “Before Zhen’s Tenth Ge’ge left the palace, she also would always pester Zhen to rest.”<span> </span>He tilts his head to the side, lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head lightly and instructing Li Dequan, “Put away these documents.<span> </span>We will rest for today.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">When Li Dequan heard this, his face lit up with joy and he quickly answered in a loud voice, “Zha!”<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He then hurried over to help Kangxi get up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">As Kangxi walked past me, he looked down at where I was still kneeling on the ground and said, “You may rise.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I kowtowed and answered, “Thank you, Imperial Majesty,” before I straightened myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Kangxi looked me over before asking Li Dequan with a laugh, “Is this not the ‘Death Challenging Thirteenth’s Sister of the Maertai family?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Li Dequan replied, “Precisely.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Kangxi did not say any more and left the room directly after.<span> </span>Only then did I realize that my entire back was soaked in sweat.<span> </span>So I was actually that scared of death!<span> </span>I had thought to myself, I really should thank that Tenth Ge’ge whom I had never actually met before.<span> </span>It seemed Kangxi loved and cherished her very much. However, the moment I thought to the fact that even though he loved her that much, he still married her off to the far, barren North, I had felt a sliver of chill seep into my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">After that incident, Li Dequan seems to assume I’m a mascot of good fortune. If there happens to be similar situations, he would always get me to come up with ideas to help. Luckily, even though every time I’d always have to wreck my brains apart and take big risks, in the end I was able to make some use out of my ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">As I arrive in front of the Hall, Wang Xi stood to one side and says quietly, “Jie-jie, you can go in by yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I nod my head and gently step into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Just as I step into the room, I can see Li Dequan, who is standing off to one side behind Kangxi, giving me a nod. I nod back with a barely perceivable nod and lightly walk towards Kangxi, pretending to be coming to change the water to his tea. Picking up the tea cup, I quickly take a few glances at the geometry question that Kangxi is working on and then slowly back out. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I return to the tea preparation room. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">As I am brewing tea, I am thinking, the problem really is not that difficult.<span> </span>Kangxi simply added the auxiliary line in the wrong place.<span> </span>But that is what happens when doing geometric proofs: once your mind is stuck on a certain path, you always need some effort to recover and get out of that mindset. Actually, if he would just set it aside and not work on the problem right now, likely, when he looks at it again tomorrow, he will end up lamenting over why he was so foolish the day before, because simply modifying the position of the auxiliary line would have solved it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">It is fine for me to think this, but in any case, I cannot go up and tell him how to draw the auxiliary line and solve the problem.<span> </span>After all, people like the French Jesuits, Joachim Bouvet and Jean-Francois Gerbillon, or the Portuguese Jesuit, Tomas Pereira<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> have never taught me mathematics.<span> </span>If Kangxi asks how did I know how to solve it, how will I answer?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I walk back in carrying the tea and place it gently on the desk.<span> </span>I first compose myself before quietly addressing, “Imperial Majesty.”<span> </span>Kangxi does not lift his head and only answers with an unthinking, “hmm.”<span> </span>After pausing briefly, I carry on, “I am afraid those Westerners will not dare to explain geometry to your Imperial Majesty anymore.”<span> </span>Kangxi gives another “hmm,” but does not give any other response and continues to look at the problem.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">A short time passes before he suddenly whips his head up to look at me.<span> </span>Hurriedly, I bend myself over in a bow and say softly, “They taught these ideas to your Imperial Majesty primarily because they believe they are beneficial, but because of them, your Imperial Majesty has no time for even thoughts of food or drink. If you ruin your health, they will end up having to bear the responsibility for that crime.”<span> </span>I pause for a moment, but seeing that Kangxi does not show any response, I add, “Plus, didn’t those Westerners say that if you allow your mind to quiet down and rest, sometimes these geometric proofs may actually be easier to solve?”<span> </span>As I finish speaking, my heart grows anxious, and I close my hands to cold sweat in my palms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">After a little while, Kangxi drops his writing brush, stands up, stretches out his back, and chides, “Li Dequan, this mischief is your doing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Li Dequan quickly bends over and explains with an apologetic smile, “Your servant truly did it out of worry for your Imperial Majesty’s health.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">With a chuckle, Kangxi orders, “Fine.<span> </span>Ready the meal.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Li Dequan answers hurriedly, “Zha!”<span> </span>He strides swiftly out the door and gives instructions to Wang Xi.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Kangxi lowers his head to look at me.<span> </span>“You are getting more and more bold, letting Li Dequan order you about.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I drop to my knees quickly.<span> </span>“Maidservant was also worried about your Imperial Majesty’s health,” I say before kowtowing.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">“Rise,” Kangxi instructs.<span> </span>I stand up, and he continues, “You are very attentive.<span> </span>You only served off to the side those few times and yet you are able to remember their words.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Hastily, I explain, “It is only because, when I heard them at the time, those ideas were new and interesting so I paid more attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Kangxi pays no more heed to me. Walking out of the room, he says, “If people of the Great Qing Empire all had the same enthusiasm for new ideas, there would be no worries that the four corners would not come to pay respect.”<span> </span>By the time he finishes speaking, he is already out of the room.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I heave a sigh as I reflect, <i>easier said than done.<span> </span>For several thousand years, China has believed that it is a great land of vast resources and the center of the world. To change such a way of thinking to one that accepts new ideas, is not something that would happen simply because of an emperor’s desire. It is only after experiencing pain that cuts to the very core, and the near destruction of the country, when the Chinese can truly understand that we must actually learn from the outside world.<span> </span>It is not only because Kangxi addresses himself as “the lonely and few<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>” that he feels alone, but it is also because he understands too much and can see and think too far forward that he is lonely.<span> </span>It has always been the wise that are lonely, not to mention that he is also the emperor.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; "> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I am not supposed to be on duty today, but I suddenly remember that some new tea will be <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">arriving this afternoon.<span> </span>Worried that Yunxiang and Yutan may not put them away properly and damage their taste, I decide that I will go out to check on them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">While strolling along the tree-lined path, I see the Tenth and the Fourteenth-prince approaching me directly.<span> </span>I hurriedly turn, stand off to the side, and give them the ceremonial greeting.<span> </span>The Tenth-prince remarks gruffly, “There’s no one else here anyway.<span> </span>Why all the formalities?”<span> </span>The Fourteenth-prince only gives a cool “hmph” and does not say anything.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Straightening back up into a standing position, I smile at the Tenth-prince and inquire, “Are you returning to your manor?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He grins, “I’m leaving the palace, but I’m not going back to the manor yet.<span> </span>We’re going to Eighth Brother’s place.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I think for a moment before saying, “It has been quite a while since I have seen the Eighth-prince.<span> </span>Please send my greetings and auspicious wishes to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">The Tenth-prince does not even have time to respond when we hear the Fourteenth-prince, who has been standing to the side with a chilly expression, retort, “If you truly care about Eighth Brother, there is no need for those empty formalities of greetings and well wishes.<span> </span>If your heart is thinking about someone else, why bother doing these things just for people to see?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">The Tenth-prince and I are both taken aback, not knowing what the cause of these words was. We exchange a baffled glance with one another before staring at the Fourteenth-prince with looks of complete incomprehension.<span> </span>However the Fourteenth-prince is extremely impatient after he finishes speaking and snaps, “Tenth Brother, are you going or not?<span> </span>If you are not going yet, then I will leave first.”<span> </span>When he is done, he strides away without even waiting for a reply.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">The Tenth-prince throws another bewildered look at me, but then hurries after the Fourteenth-prince.<span> </span>With furrowed brows, I stare at their outlines that are already off to the distance, wondering, <i>when did I offend the Fourteenth-prince?<span> </span>Could it be because of the Thirteenth-prince again? But over these last few years, he already knows long ago that the Thirteenth-prince and I are very close. So why did he get so angry?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">As I continue walking, I unconsciously touch the jade bracelet around my wrist.<span> </span><i>Do I carry him in my heart or not?</i><span> </span>This is the question he asks me every year.<span> </span><i>How am I going to answer him this year?</i><span> </span><i>Or maybe I should say, he has asked this for three years already; will he ask again this year?<span> </span>Perhaps he has already grown weary of asking.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Completely absorbed in my thoughts, I suddenly walk right into someone.<span> </span>I am thrown off balance and nearly falls over, but fortunately, the other person stretches out a hand and supports me until I am firm on my feet again.<span> </span>Seeing that it is the Thirteenth-prince, I cannot help cursing, “You rascal!<span> </span>You saw me but didn’t say anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He snickers, “Seeing that you were so lost in thought, I wanted to see if you would really run into someone; and what better way give you a friendly reminder to be more careful.”<span> </span>He pauses, puts a fist under his chin, holds back a grin and says, “It’s no big deal if you want to throw yourself into my arms, but if other people see such a great beauty suddenly jump into my embrace, I’m afraid they’ll get the wrong idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I pull my lips into a little pout, and then jokingly glower at him, ignoring his words.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He asks me, “What were you thinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">With a smirk, I respond, “Not telling you.<span> </span>I still have important things to do.<span> </span>Not going to make any pointless talk with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He laughs, “Go then.<span> </span>Just don’t walk and think at the same time anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I do not answer and begin walking away.<span> </span>As I brush past his side, I suddenly jab my elbow into him.<span> </span>I hear him behind me let out an exaggerated “ouch!”<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Chortling, I walk away with speedy steps, and from behind me, the sound of laughter rings out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I have not gone far, though, when all of a sudden I hear the sound of running catching up to my rear.<span> </span>Quickly, I turn around to see the Thirteenth-prince coming towards me with large strides. With a puzzled look, I ask him, “What is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He rushes forward another couple of steps before coming to a standstill.<span> </span>“I have been meaning to ask you something, but there hasn’t been an appropriate time in the last while.<span> </span>I actually almost forgot about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I tell him, “Ask now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">Chuckling, he complies, “Why did you help Fourth Brother that time?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I stare blankly at him.<span> </span>My mind spins as I try to call something up, but I still do not know what he is talking about and can only respond by inquiring, “When did I ever help the Fourth-prince?<span> </span>Besides, what could the Fourth-prince possibly need my help with?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He smiles and shakes his head.<span> </span>“The incident with the tribute items. You spilled tea onto Tenth Brother.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I inhale sharply, my mind feeling as if a clap of thunder has gone off inside it.<span> </span>I finally understand now why the Fourteenth prince did not want to be around me. After a long time, like an eggplant struck by frost<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, I answer dully, “That was simply an unintentional mistake.<span> </span>Just a coincidence.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He laughs, “Regardless of whether it was intentional or not, I am here to thank you anyway; otherwise, I don’t know what else that mouth of Tenth Brother was going to say.<span> </span>It is not even that we are afraid of him, but to have to explain it to Imperial Father would have been troublesome.”<span> </span>When he finishes saying this, he waits a moment.<span> </span>Seeing that I do not show any response, he adds, “I’m going now.<span> </span>You go do your own thing as well.”<span> </span>I nod woodenly, turning and listlessly walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I do not really know what I am thinking.<span> </span>I am only aware that my one hand is stroking the bracelet while I am slowly walking.<span> </span>If even the Fourteenth-prince has gotten the wrong idea, did he misunderstand as well?<span> </span>Perhaps he will understand that the one I was really trying to help was the Tenth-prince, not the Fourth-prince.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">By the time I snap out of my thoughts with a start, I find that I made a turn in the wrong direction a long time ago and am very far away from the Palace of Heavenly Purity.<span> </span>I heave an inward sigh. Feeling that I no longer have the energy to care about tea and whatnots, I turn around and head back to my room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; "> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">The sun is gradually setting in the west.<span> </span>I sit on a rock, leaning against the willow tree beside it.<span> </span>My eyes are half-closed as I watch two butterflies dancing lightly over the cluster of flowers before me.<span> </span>The gladiolas, with the color of purple mixed with white, have already passed their full magnificence and are starting to wilt, providing a not so gratifying picture. However, because of these two butterflies that are fluttering together up and down in the light of the setting sun, as if they are infinitely in love, it gives observers the feeling that the sight before them is particularly beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">A childish but clear voice rings out from behind me.<span> </span>“What are you doing?<span> </span>Why aren’t you moving at all?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">I turn my head to the side to look.<span> </span>It turns out it is a six or seven year old little boy, chubby and very cute.<span> </span>Judging from his attire, his status should not be low.<span> </span>I point in front of me and say, “I’m watching butterflies.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri">He walks up beside me and glances at the butterflies.<span> </span>“What’s so good about watching butterflies?<span> </span>Catching butterflies is what’s fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Excerpt from Tian Yiheng’s <span style="font-family:"Microsoft Yi Baiti"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Microsoft Yi Baiti"">《</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">煮泉小品</span><span style="font-family:"Microsoft Yi Baiti";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Microsoft Yi Baiti"">》</span><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Jesuits who lived in the capital and worked for the emperor in various capacities.<span> </span>These three worked particularly closely with Kangxi, tutoring him in subjects such as mathematics and astronomy.<o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3""> </span><span>Orig.</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">称孤道寡 </span><span>(pinyin: cheng gu dao gua).<span> </span>In ancient times, kings and emperors used this to describe themselves.<span> </span>“Gu” means “lonely” while “gua’ means “few.”<span> </span>Prior to Qin Shihuang, kings addressed themselves as “gu” or “gua ren” (where “ren” means “person”).<span> </span>It is meant to describe the loneliness that comes with the throne. </span><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <div id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBXJ%20Chapter%208%20part4-6.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> An eggplant struck by frost is lifeless and withered.<span> </span>This is a common saying used to describe a person who is weary, unenergetic, lifeless, etc.<o:p></o:p></p> </div></div></span><p></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria, serif; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria, serif; "></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-42958981941980288732011-09-19T23:37:00.003-05:002011-09-19T23:42:01.448-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 8 (Part 3)<div><div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 8(Part 3)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Translated by wuxiagurl<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Please give wuxiagurl a good round of applause as she helps out with our live translations this week. =D</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?s65qb2fvatan8q4">http://www.mediafire.com/?s65qb2fvatan8q4</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Cambria, serif; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Cambria, serif; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Cambria, serif; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><br /></span></b></span></p></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; "><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. Very close to the Thirteenth-prince<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. Fell in love with Ruolan at first sight but unfortunately she does not return his love. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Li Dequan:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"> The head eunuch who serves Kangxi directly. Seems to like Ruoxi and often secretly gives sound advices to her on how to survive in the Palace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Luwu:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> A courtesan who seem to have an unclear relationship with the Thirteenth-prince. Luwu is one of the higher ranking courtesans who have the right to choose her clients and can “sell their talents but not their bodies”. She befriends Ruoxi through the introduction of the Thirteenth-prince. <b><span> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Emperor Kangxi. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collared professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable and supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travels through time upon her death and take over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. Currently is employed as the head tea serving maid for Emperor Kangxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi, but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><span> </span><b>Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </b>The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. Due to this, he has developed a great rapport with Ruoxi and they are close friends. Has an unexplained relationship with the beautiful courtesan Luwu. Very close to the Fourth-prince. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Wang Xi:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"> A junior eunuch who is under the tutelage of Li Dequan. One of the eunuch that is quite close to Ruoxi and refers to her as Jie-jie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Yunxiang:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"> A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Yutan: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><span> </span>A tea serving maid who works under Ruoxi. Very close to Ruoxi and the two have a sister-like relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria, serif; "><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria, serif; "><br /></span></p> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; "><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms</span></b></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">An’da: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Mongolians term for sworn brothers. Due to the intermarriages between Manchu and Mongolian royalty to preserve relations, this Mongolian term was adopted into the Qing Dynasty. In this case, Ruoxi calling Li Dequan “Brother” indicates her close relationship with the senior eunuch.<span> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the imperial family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin"><span> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Imperial Father:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> What the children of the Emperor refer to their father as. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"><span> </span>A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Shifu:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> Means Master, someone who one is under the tutelage of. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Zhen: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri"><span> </span>A word that the Emperor refers himself as.</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: center; "><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Chapter 8 (Part 3)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">While sitting in silence, Wang Xi enters. He approaches me, performs a ceremonial bow and says, “Jie-jie, shifu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> is calling you to see him. “ Yunxiang and Yutan, who are both listening in, stand up in panic when they hear this.<span> </span>I ignore them and stand up to follow Wang Xi to exit the side hall. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Wang Xi leads the way for only a short while when I see Li Dequan standing under a tree in front of us. After approaching closer, Wang Xi withdraws. I perform a ceremonial greeting and stands there silently. After a long time, Li Dequan clears his throat and says, “I thought that you’ve always been a careful person, so how come you’re so careless today?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I answer, “Please punish me, An’da<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He sighs and says “Next month’s wages will be completely deducted.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I hurriedly kneel and say, “Thank you, Li An’da.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He does not respond, only turning around to walk away, while whispering vaguely, “The palace cannot tolerate so many good intentions<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">After he leaves, I remain standing there silently. A hint of sadness mixed with fear gradually oozes out from my heart, creeping inch by inch throughout my whole body, slowly consuming my strength.<span> </span>I can feel that I cannot stand properly anymore and stagger for a few steps before ending up sitting on the ground. I hold my head with my hands while burrowing between my legs. I bite my lower lip hard as tears well up in my eyes, only to be finally forced back by me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">While I am burying my head and sitting there in rumination, I suddenly hear a voice overhead asking, “What’re you doing sitting there?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">From the voice, I can tell it is the Tenth-prince. I didn’t want to pay any attention to him so I continue to hold my head in silence. He kneels down by my side and says, “Hey! I haven’t blamed you for scalding me, yet you here are throwing a tantrum.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I continue to ignore him. He remains quiet for a moment, but suddenly feels something is wrong. He hurriedly lifts my head, with surprise showing on his face, he exclaims, “Why did you bite your lips till they’re bleeding? How did Li Dequan punish you?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I raise my head and suddenly spot that it was not only the Tenth-prince that stands beside me; the Fourth-prince, the Eighth-prince, the Ninth-prince, the Thirteenth-prince, and the Fourteenth-prince are all standing to one side. Surprised, I hurriedly wipe my lips with one hand while jumping up to perform a ceremonial greeting. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span> </span>The Tenth-prince, seeing that I am only busily performing the ceremonial greeting and not answering his question, says irritably, “I am going to find Li Dequan for an explanation.” As he finishes speaking and starts to leave, I quickly whisper, “Come back.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He halts his steps and says, “Then tell me yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As I gaze at him, the feelings in my heart are mixed. On one hand I’m irritated at his rashness but on the other, I am touched by his panicked concern. I stare at him for a little while before finally giving him a small glare, “I’m fined a month’s wages.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Tenth-prince slaps his thigh and cries, “Just for a mere month’s wage. Is that worth getting so angry over?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Pouting, I say, “Why not? Those silver ingots may not mean much to you, but I’ve been looking forward to those silvers. Besides, I have never been punished before. This loss of face is a bit difficult on my pride. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Laughingly he says, “Well, don’t be angry anymore. If there’s something you want, I’ll buy it for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hearing this, I smile but do not say another word. None of the princes speaks either. As usual, the Fourth-prince and the Eighth-prince remain in their respective trademark expressions: one eternally cold and impassive and the other eternally gentle and dignified. Meanwhile, the Ninth-prince looks at me darkly. When the Thirteenth-prince sees that I am looking at him, he smiles, winks at me, and makes a puzzled expression. I return his smile but then I see the Fourteenth-prince with knitted eyebrows looking sullenly at a random direction. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Looking around and noticing nobody wants </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">to speak; I smile </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;background:white">apologetically</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> <span lang="EN-US">and say, “If there’s </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">nothing else, your humble servant will leave now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Fourth-prince lightly dismisses me, saying, “You may go.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; "> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US">I curtsey and leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Last night I worked the night shift until dawn. Even though I slept in the morning, I still feel tied. Plus I did not dare to sleep too much in the morning; for fear that I will sleep even later tonight and feel worse the next day. I lay sideways on the couch; casually grabbing a book titled “<i>Essays on Brewing Spring Water</i>”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> by Tian Yiheng of the Ming Dynasty, and starts to read it intently under the lamp. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">These days, the books on my shelves are basically all on the topic of tea. I now fully regard this as a proper job. The food, living arrangements, wages, and benefits are excellent. However, there’s not enough freedom. The rules are very severe; any mistakes will be dealt with corporal punishment and even worse, the death penalty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But these past three years have allowed me to figure out some of the rules of the game, to find a sort of freedom while staying within the regulations. My attitude is as such: since I am doing this, I may as well do my best. Although I started the job without any experience or training, currently in the palace, if there’s anything that is tea related, I’m afraid no one would dare to disparage me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Means Master, someone one is under the tutelage of. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Orig. </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">谙达</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">. It is the term Mongolians used for sworn brothers. Due to the intermarriages between Manchu and Mongolian royalty to preserve relations, this Mongolian term was adopted into the Qing Dynasty. In this case, Ruoxi calling Li Dequan “Brother” indicates her close relationship with the senior eunuch.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Li Dequan knew Ruoxi’s good intention of saving the Tenth/Fourth prince, but is warning her that in the cutthroat environment of the Palace, she could easily lose her life if she interfered in the palace politics.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%203.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Orig. </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:SimSun; color:black">《煮泉小品》</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:SimSun;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tian Yiheng wrote a book endorsing the ‘natural’, simpler method of tea preparation that became popular during the Ming Dynasty. The tea was to be prepared as loose tea leaves rather than the tea balls that was previously popular. The tea was ideally to be dried in the sun rather than baking it in the fire to preserve the natural flavor.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-33166301073812119112011-09-13T22:45:00.006-05:002011-09-19T23:42:59.993-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 8 (Part 2)<div><div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 8(Part 2)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Translated by Hoju!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hey everyone. We are still scrambling to try to translate chapter 8, so unfortunately, updates will slow down quite a bit. Nevertheless we will try to keep our weekly updates to the best of our abilities. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good news is, the Bu Bu Jin Xin Drama is out on full force! Have you all been watching? =) </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?dalkucnifrmkuot">http://www.mediafire.com/?dalkucnifrmkuot</a></div></div></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. Very close to the Thirteenth-prince</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri">Luwu:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri"> A courtesan who seem to have an unclear relationship with the Thirteenth-prince. Luwu is one of the more high ranking courtesans who has the right to choose her clients. She befriends Ruoxi through the introduction of the Thirteenth-prince. <b><span> </span><span> </span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Kangxi.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi, but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><span> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. Due to this, he has developed a great rapport with Ruoxi and they are close friends. Has an unexplained relationship with the beautiful courtesan Luwu. Very close to the Fourth-prince</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><b>G</b></o:p></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">lossary of Terms</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif""><span> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">Imperial Father:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif""> What the children of the Emperor refer to their father as.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span> </span>A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN">Zhen: </span></b><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span> </span>A word that the Emperor refers himself as.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 8 (Part 2)</span></b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When I retreated to the other side of the curtain, I finally released the breath I had been holding, while at the same time inquired a eunuch next to me, “Who is inside?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>The junior eunuch lowered his voice to reply, “The Fourth, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth prince.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I thought, <i>other gatherings have never been this complete before.<span> </span>It seems Kangxi wants to ask for their opinions</i>.<span> </span>I hurried back to tell Yunxiang and Yutan to prepare tea. I have not even opened my mouth, however, when I heard Yutan laugh, “The tea is prepared already.<span> </span>Right after you left, Wang Xi came and told us the princes had arrived, so I quickly made all the preparations first.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I nodded approvingly at her before walking over to inspect everything.<span> </span>As I looked things over, Yutan quickly pipes up again, “We’ve remembered all the rules! The Fourth-prince likes Taiping Houkui tea<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>, the Eighth-prince likes Sun-Infused Snow Bud tea, the Ninth-prince likes Pre-Qingming Dragon Well<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>, the Tenth-prince does not have any particular preference, and the Thirteenth-prince likes…”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I quickly waved her off while laughing, “Enough, enough. As long as I know that you remember.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>Yunxiang smiled, “No wonder people in the palace say that Miss is detailed and attentive.<span> </span>The people who previously served the emperor directly only needed to remember his Imperial Majesty’s preferences.<span> </span>Now, though, Miss requires that we memorize all the prince’s preferences as well.”<span> </span>I arranged the tea bowls, all the while thought, <i>I have my own reasons, just that I cannot say what they are.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">Yunxiang held the tea tray and followed behind me.<span> </span>Right as we arrive outside the curtain, I heard Kangxi ask, “What are your opinions on the accounts submitted in court today by the Ministry of Rites<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span></span></span></a>?”</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I cannot help but halt in my tracks and mull silently, <i>Crown Prince had committed so many offenses, which one is it this time?</i><span> </span>Seeing I had suddenly stopped, the eunuch beside me holding the curtain open looked at me in surprise. I hastily stride in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I headed slowly over to the Fourth-prince and gently set his tea down on the table, then turned and headed over towards the Eighth-prince’s table.<span> </span>As I placed the tea down with my head lowered, I heard the Fourth-prince reply, “From what subject-son has seen, Second Brother is usually magnanimous to his subordinates.<span> </span>There are those shady people, though, who would embezzle money and property behind Second Brother’s back while acting in Second Brother’s name.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Kangxi nodded slightly while listening. I think to myself<i>, it seems this is about the Crown Prince taking without authorization for himself items of tribute to Kangxi.</i><span> </span>History records had noted that even though this greatly angered Kangxi, in the end, the Crown Prince was still not disciplined for it, and only the other people involved were punished.<span> </span>If that is the case, it looks like Kangxi’s emotional side will prevail this time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As I am setting down the Ninth-prince’s tea and the Fourth-prince has just finished what he was saying, the Tenth-prince pipes up, “Even if a lackey has the gall as great as the heavens, if no one is backing him, do you think he would dare take imperial tributes that were meant for Imperial Father?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I sighed inwardly, <i>This Tenth never seem to be able to restrain himself.<span> </span></i>I walked up beside the Tenth-prince’s table and turn around to pick up, from the tea tray that Yunxiang was holding, the tea that had been prepared for him.<span> </span>As I am about to set it onto the table, I heard him add, “Fourth Brother’s words are rather peculiar.<span> </span>But, Fourth Brother has always had a good relationship with Second Brother, so, with this whole situation, maybe Fourth Brother is also…”<span> </span>Before he could finish his thought, he let out a loud cry and leaped up from his seat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It turns out, when I was holding the saucer; I had accidentally spilled all the hot tea onto his shoulder.<span> </span>A junior eunuch, who had been attending off to the side, was already there helping to wipe him off and to check to see whether he has been scalded.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I kneeled on the floor crying, “Maidservant deserves death!<span> </span>Maidservant deserves death!”<span> </span>At the same time, I say in my mind, <i>it doesn’t matter if you offend the Crown Prince.<span> </span>He is going to be removed sooner or later anyway.<span> </span>But if you cross the Fourth prince, your end will be terrible.<span> </span></i>While I know the outcome is not reversible, I still cannot bear to have the entire progression play itself out right before my eyes.<span> </span>I sigh secretly; <i>if I can prevent even one little part, then that will be one little part that does not have to happen</i>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>Seeing it is me, the Tenth-prince couldn’t let out his anger, and he is also afraid that if the situation blows out of hand, I will suffer, so he can only say, “It is of no matter.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>The head chief of the eunuchs who directly serve Kangxi, Li Dequan, came over and rebuked, “Clumsy!<span> </span>Hurry and leave now!” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I quickly stood up and backed out.<span> </span>As I reach the curtain, I hear Kangxi say, “Zhen is tired today.<span> </span>All of you, be dismissed.”<span> </span>I mused secretly, <i>it seems a decision has been made</i>, and so with my mind at ease, I returned to the teahouse.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>I have been back for not very long when Yunxiang came in carrying the tea tray, and with an anxious expression, exclaimed, “What was going on with you today?<span> </span>You scared me to death.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span> </span></span>I sat there with my head down, not uttering a word.<span> </span>In my mind I thought, first, Kangxi is a virtuous and benevolent emperor, and so long as it is not a mistake regarding a matter of principle, he has always been kind and lenient to servants.<span> </span>Second, the person I scalded was the Tenth-prince, and no matter what, he will always plead for mercy for me.<span> </span>Therefore, although I was very tense, I reckoned that the worst that could happen was that I am taken out and made to suffer a round of beating by plank.<span> </span>At least there wouldn’t be any fear for my life.<span> </span>Furthermore, at that moment, I was so anxious that I did not have time to worry about the consequences.<span> </span>My only thought was to take care of the situation at hand first.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Also known as the Monkey King Tea. The Taiping “Monkey King” is a type of green tea and is considered to be one of the top 10 teas of China. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">The Qingming here is referring to the </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;color:black; background:white">Qingming Festival. Pre-Qingming Dragon well is Dragon well tea that is harvested right before the time of the Qingming Festival. The quality of the tea leaves tend to be the best right before the festival and decline as time passes, and since the window of time between the tea’s maturity and the Qingming festival is short, it also means the quantity of Dragon well tea that gets harvested before Qingming Festival is very limited; many end up harvested afterwards. Therefore, the tea is prized but also very expensive. </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%208%20part%202.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">礼部</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> ‘Li Bu.’<span> </span>In Qing feudal China, six government ministries (or ‘bu’ </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">部</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt">) reported directly to the emperor.<span> </span>The Ministry of Rites managed all state ceremonies and rituals, imperial examinations, receiving foreign emissaries, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-27174792704794933412011-09-06T18:26:00.000-05:002011-09-06T18:26:18.744-05:00Hiatus for Chapter 8Unfortunately, we still are not able to contact our translator for chapter 8. Because of the time restraint, we are unable to provide you with the next part today. Rest assured, we already have another translator for part 2 (please give thanks to the wonderful Hoju who is willing to take on this extra part), but as for when it will be released we cannot to say as of now. We will try to update as soon as possible and ask our readers to please understand our situation and be patient. Thank you and hope to see you soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-44478730402231570892011-08-30T18:06:00.001-05:002011-08-30T22:22:35.987-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 8 (Part 1) *UPDATED*<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 8 (Part 1)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Hoju</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As of right now, we are unable to contact our translator for chapter 8. Therefore what will happen is that we will have one of our other translators translate a part of chapter 8 for each week until we can get in touch with the original translator or have another translator take over. Hope everyone will be patient and understanding. Thank you.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Download link: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?j6w4ryr8jso3ubl">http://www.mediafire.com/?j6w4ryr8jso3ubl</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color: #0007f6; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Kangxi.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 8 (Part 1)</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is into early summer, and the flowers have all passed their time of blooming.<span> </span>Only various dark and light shades of green can be seen sprouting amongst one another.<span> </span>Although the weather is starting to get hotter, the nights still have a coolness that seeps into the bone.<span> </span>As I lean against the bridge railing, gazing into the water at the crescent moon that is undulating with the ripples, I murmur, “Having only just welcomed Spring but is now sending Spring off.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Spring comes, then spring goes.<span> </span>I have been in the palace for three years already.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The concubine selection event had not been as I expected where Kangxi would personally make the selections, but rather, the noble consort who had the highest status at the time, Lady Tunggiya<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, and other consorts of respected status had first created a shortlist of candidates, which they submitted to Kangxi.<span> </span>Kangxi had made his selections from this list.<span> </span>It was in this stage where I was left off the shortlist.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Afterwards, I had heard that when the various niangniang<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> were selecting their female attendants, there were actually two niangniang who specifically requested me – First prince’s mother, Consort Hui of the Nara clan, and Fourth and Fourteenth prince’s mother, Consort De of the Wuya clan.<span> </span>Caught in a dilemma, the head eunuch reported this to Noble Consort Lady Tunggiya, who, after much thought, assigned me to the Palace of Heavenly Purity<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> with the specific responsibility of serving tea to the emperor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Serving tea appears to be very simple work, but anything that involves the emperor in any way, even if very simple, will become very complicated.<span> </span>Even though I have known all along that tea drinking is an art in itself, I had never thought there would be so many rules.<span> </span>I had to learn everything one by one from the very top: distinguishing the different types of teas, discerning water quality, controlling water temperature, testing for poisons, using proper hand technique when pouring tea, using proper form when walking while carrying tea, as well as learning Kangxi’s own particular preferences and habits.<span> </span>Every one of these must be committed to memory.<span> </span>There is absolutely no room for error.<span> </span>It took me three entire months before the master in charge of teaching finally gave his nod of approval.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Since my placement in the Palace of Heavenly Purity was quite mysterious, all the eunuchs and palace maids, high or low position, dared not cross me and were amicable towards me.<span> </span>Furthermore, I have indeed been very cautious with everything I do and say and have carried myself in a humble and amiable manner, so the people around me accepted me very quickly.<span> </span>Now, I am already the head of the twelve palace maids in charge of serving tea and taking care of daily needs in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">As I reflect on the last three years, I cannot help sighing at the moon’s reflection in the water.<span> </span>I turn around and slowly head back to my dwelling.<span> </span>I still have to be on duty tomorrow!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I am in the side room directing Yunxiang and Yutan on the tea selection when the young eunuch, Wang Xi sprints in and hastily performs a ceremonial bow before hurriedly announcing, “His Imperial Majesty is done court now.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I laugh, “So court is done!<span> </span>Why are you flustered like a monkey?<span> </span>Be careful your shifu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> doesn’t see you and reprimand you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Catching his breath, he pants, “But this time, it is shifu who sent me over.<span> </span>He said to warn jie-jie<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> to be careful as you wait on His Imperial Majesty.<span> </span>In the court session today, someone brought forward allegations against the Crown Prince.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When I hear this, I quickly pull my laughter back in. “Thank your shifu for me.”<span> </span>He hurriedly gives another customary bow and rushes off again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Turning around, I instruct Yunxiang and Yutan, “You heard that?<span> </span>Today, be especially focused and careful while serving.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The two of them hurriedly answer yes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I mull silently, since Crown Prince Yinreng’s great uncle, Songgotu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> was jailed and had all his possessions confiscated by the state for plotting rebellion against the throne, while on the surface the Crown Prince was not affected by this, his position was no longer as secure as before.<span> </span>He is Kangxi’s favourite son, taught personally by Kangxi since he was young.<span> </span>However, perhaps for the very reason that he has been doted on since he was a child, in comparison to the other princes, Crown Prince does not have any outstanding qualities.<span> </span>Add on to that the fact that the other princes have been eyeing his position like a tiger its prey, his position as heir apparent to the throne is in jeopardy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Kangxi is caught in a struggle between his rational and emotional sides.<span> </span>On one hand, he already sees that Yinreng is not the appropriate person to succeed the throne.<span> </span>On the other hand, Yinreng was the only one of his children he had personally raised, and coupled with his love for his first wife, Empress Xiaochengren of the Heseri clan<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, Kangxi is now caught in the decision of whether to take away his status as Crown Prince or not.<span> </span>As I reach this thought, I cannot hold back a sigh.<span> </span>Kangxi is going to have to face this painful issue again today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I suddenly hear the voices giving the customary welcome for the imperial arrival and know that Kangxi has returned.<span> </span>Hastily, I say to Yunxiang, “Brew the tea.”<span> </span>The two of them quickly busy themselves in their work.<span> </span>As I go about readying the tea ware, I think silently, Kangxi’s mood is not very good today and probably does not want to see any bright colors, so I select a blue glazed tea set embellished with chrysanthemum petals.<span> </span>According to modern psychology, blue has the property of being calming and peaceful.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Carrying the tea tray, I walk slowly into the room.<span> </span>The chairs throughout the room are occupied, but all around, it is quiet.<span> </span>Looking straight ahead, I walk to the table, lightly set down the tea bowl, and then slowly back out with head lowered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--> <hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig.</span><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">佟佳氏</span><span lang="X-NONE">.<span> </span>The text states the name as ‘woman of the Tunggiya clan.’<span> </span>(In pinyin, the Tongjia clan.)<span> </span>In ancient China, women were often referred to in this way, only by their surname or clan name.</span></div></div><div id="ftn2"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">娘娘</span><span lang="X-NONE">.<span> </span>In the Qing court, this is how one would address the empress or imperial consorts.<span> </span>Often, it is preceded by the formal title of the person.</span></div></div><div id="ftn3"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span lang="ZH" style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">乾清</span><span lang="ZH" style="font-family: 新細明體; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH; mso-hansi-font-family: 新細明體;">宫</span><span lang="X-NONE">.<span> </span>A palace within the Forbidden City.<span> </span>During the Ming and early Qing dynasty (including during the reign of Kangxi), this was the residence of the emperor.<span> </span>Emperor Yongzheng did not wish to inhabit this palace and hence, it became the emperor’s audience hall henceforth.<span> </span>During Kangxi’s reign, those assigned to work in the Palace of Heavenly Purity would be attending to the emperor personally.</span><span lang="X-NONE"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn4"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 新細明體; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: 新細明體;">师</span><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">傅</span><span lang="X-NONE">.<span> </span>Teacher.</span></div></div><div id="ftn5"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘Older sister.’ This is the same as what Ruoxi calls Ruolan.<span> </span>However, in the context here, where there is no blood relation, it is a familiar address to someone older or of higher position.</span></div></div><div id="ftn6"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">索</span><span style="font-family: 新細明體; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: 新細明體;">额图</span><span> <span lang="X-NONE">(pinyin: Suoetu).<span> </span>A minister during Kangxi’s reign.<span> </span>Uncle to Kangxi’s official wife, Empress Xiaochengren, mother of Yinreng.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div id="ftn7"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">孝</span><span style="font-family: 新細明體; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: 新細明體;">诚</span><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3";">仁皇后赫舍里氏</span><span lang="X-NONE">.<span> </span>Kangxi’s first empress and official wife.<span> </span>She died at the young age of 20 while giving birth to Yinreng.<span> </span>Kangxi loved her very much and greatly missed her after she died.</span></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-39914693458824068872011-08-23T01:29:00.007-05:002011-08-24T00:16:29.148-05:00Chapter 7 Complete (With Parts 5-6)<div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 7 (Complete)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Translated by Cutzie</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left;"><b>EDIT</b>: <i>so the online version of chapter 7, parts 5-6 is now up under the cut. For the complete chapter 7, use the link below to download.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?r475xjd1p7361mi">http://www.mediafire.com/?r475xjd1p7361mi</a></div></div><div>
<br /></div>I've compiled the entire chapter 7, and re-edited it along with this week's updates (parts 5-6). Some translations were tweaked etc. <div>
<br /></div><div>Enjoy guys~ =D</div><div>
<br /></div><div>PS. It's very late on my end right now so I'll post the online version of chapter 7, parts 5-6 tomorrow. If you cannot wait, just click the link above! =P</div><div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /><a name='more'></a>
<br />
<br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Cambria, serif; ">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Kangxi.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> <b>Glossa</b></o:p></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">ry of Ter</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">ms</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria, serif; ">(In Alphabetical Order)</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;color:#333333">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN"><span> </span>A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Chapter 7 (Parts5-6)</b></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I stared at him, “What kind of books I’m reading, my father and sister can ask but it definitely not your place to speak!”<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Seeing how the Fourteenth-prince and I was glowering at each other, the Eighth-prince couldn’t help but to chuckle, shaking his head, “Stop glaring Fourteenth brother, you should go back now. This matter with Ruoxi, I will deal with it.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The Fourteenth-prince stared at me, and then looked back at the Eighth-prince. He started to say something but stopped. He turned to stare at me once more before flinging his sleeves back and left. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Facing the Fourteenth-prince, I did not feel any fear, but now that he has left leaving me alone with the Eighth-prince, I began to feel tense. I stood with my head lowered, playing with the ribbon on my cloak, unsure of what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The Eighth-prince looked at me and smilingly said, “The Crown Prince’s joke is actually very accurate. I feel that not only is your vigor the same as Thirteenth brother, but also your respect for the lower class as well as your free and inhibited character is the same as well.” He smiling he continued, “Don’t just keep standing there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I was about to sit down when he said, “Come sit over here. I have some things to discuss with you.” I became even more nervous, but since I cannot disobey, I slowly walked over and sat down next to him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He watched me sit down and sighed before facing forward again in silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The two of us sat silently for a while when he suddenly said, “Scared?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span> </span>Startled and not knowing what he meant, I looked at him in confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He turned to me, “The concubine selection, are you scared?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">After hearing that, the fear that already filled my body welled up. I quietly nodded, then lowered my head, frowning worriedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">After a while, he suddenly began to talk softly, as if to himself, “The first time I saw your sister was when she was fifteen.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I hurriedly swept my fears to the side and listened with rapt attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">“That year, your father had come to Beijing, and your sister had come along with him. It was springtime and the weather was exceptionally nice. The blue sky seemed like it had just been washed by water and the breeze was filled with the fragrance of flowers, blowing right through people’s hearts. I went with two servants to the outskirts for some horseback riding. From far, I could see a young lady riding her horse on a hill,” he stopped and smiled, “You’ve seen Ruolan ride; you should also know how beautiful and exquisite she is.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I recalled my sister’s elegance at the racecourse and unconsciously nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He continued, “Her riding that day was even better than at the racecourse. Her laughter was like silver bells, ringing through the wind. It was filled with so much happiness, that it makes anyone who has heard it filled with happiness as well, instilling the desire to laugh along with her.” He stopped for a bit before resuming, “I couldn’t believe what I saw. There were many beautiful ladies in the Forbidden City, but Ruolan was different.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I thought, <i>Jie-jie at that time was a young girl in love, believing that she and her lover would stay forever on cloud nine. Her happiness glowed from within. Of course the girls in the Forbidden City who have never experience true love before cannot compare. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He went on, “After I came back, I hurriedly went and inquired about your sister. I kept thinking about how I can get Imperial Father to grant her to me when my mother told me that Imperial Father decided to make the Maertai family’s eldest daughter my Ce’Fujin. At that time, I thought that my life had never been so happy before. The very next day after Imperial Father’s announcement, I went all over the capital in search of a gift. It took me more than six months to be able to find a Phoenix Blood bracelet. I had intended to give it to her on the day of our marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I looked down at the bracelet on my wrist and couldn’t help but raise it, asking, “Is this the one? That you wanted to give to Jie-jie?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He looked at the bracelet on my wrist, reached out to hold my hand, then said, “I waited night and day; finally, my wedding day had arrived. But when I lifted the wedding veil, I felt as if nothing was as I had imagined. The person that I’ve been missing for two years and the person sitting in front of me were like two complete different people. She never goes riding and rarely smiles. I kept asking myself, how did things become like this? Could it be that I have the wrong person? Later I sent someone to the Northwest to investigate, and, after many obstacles, I finally found the reason.”<span> </span>He smiled wryly, not saying anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I sighed heavily, <i>how Fate played us humans! </i>I was deep in thought for a while when my heart suddenly raced. I let out a small breath, and nervously asked, “How did that person die?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He was quiet for a minute then replied, “My sending someone to inquire about your sister alerted your father. He wanted to send that person away and therefore made him a frontline soldier<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%207%20full.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Malgun Gothic";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:KO;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. After that…” He stopped, not saying anything further.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I could only feel my heart still racing vigorously. <i>You did not kill him, but he did die because of you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I pulled at my wrist, wanting to take off the bracelet and give it back to him. He suddenly grabbed my hand, “Don’t take it off.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I looked down, staring at the bracelet, “This is for my sister.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He tightened his hold on my hand and whispered, “This is for the one I love.” He used his other hand to lift my chin up and, staring in my eyes, said, “Promise me, never to take this off.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I looked deep into his bottomless black eyes. There was gentleness in them that I have never seen before. At the same time, they were filled with so much sadness that it seemed as if it would overflow. I was unable to restrain the confusion in my heart, mixed with a strange bitterness, therefore slowly nodded. He saw that I’ve agreed and couldn’t help but beam. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He smilingly said, “Don’t be afraid. I will think of a way for Imperial Father to bestow you to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I stared at him, stunned. He smiled at me. I quickly shook my head, exclaiming, “Don’t!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He looked at me, his smile fading, his face turning pale, and suddenly asked, “You’re actually willing to be Imperial Father’s woman?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I’ve became panic-stricken, hurriedly shook my head. I’m not willing, I’m not willing to do anything. I only wanted to live well, to find someone who truly loves me, who will take care of me, and not just viewed me as a plaything. There’s no need to bestow me; I am a person, not a thing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">He stared at me for a while, suddenly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, reopened them, and, sighed, “I will not force you. As you will!” Saying that, he released me, called Li Fu to come in and instructed him to bring me back to Jie-jie’s place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I was at the door when he suddenly spoke out from behind, “After entering the palace, don’t dress up like how you did at Ol’ Ten’s birthday.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I couldn’t understand and turned around to look at him. He looked down and slowly said, “If you don’t want Imperial Father’s attention, then the plainer you look, the better.” I finally understood. I didn’t know whether to be happy or sad, and merely turned around to follow Li Fu. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">After returning to the room, Jie-jie saw that I looked pale and thought that the Eighth-prince had lectured me. She came to caress my face, then, sighed, and told Dongyun to help me prepare for bed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I lay in bed but couldn’t fall asleep. I thought about Jie-jie then thought about myself. I kept wondering whether or not Jie-jie knew of the Eighth-prince’s feelings for her. Then, I suddenly felt stupid. In fact, it was not difficult to see proof of the Eighth-prince’s feelings for Jie-jie. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">For example, the Eighth prince was surprised when he first saw me, but was disappointed when he found out that I don’t know how to ride. Jie-jie rarely went to pay respect to Di’Fujin but she didn’t directly made things difficult for Jie-jie. Another example is, on the surface, it looked as if Jie-jie wasn’t well-favored; the servants even gossiped about it in secret. However, from the food and clothing to everyday things, even the most snobbish eunuchs don’t dare to make any mistakes or treat Jie-jie<span> </span>unwell. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how clearly things were laid out in front of me. It was just that I never considered it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">But what about me? What was I? A substitute for Jie-jie? Why did I keep the bracelet? Why didn’t I give it back to him? Was it only because I was softhearted for a moment? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I just couldn’t sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->
<br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20Chapter%207%20full.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:KO;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> A frontline soldier heads a military formation and is often the first one into battle, therefore the most easily targeted and killed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-83868127348102321262011-08-16T20:58:00.001-05:002011-08-18T20:47:04.162-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 7 (Part 3 - 4)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 7 (Part 3-4)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Cutzie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Download link: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?48r25677iz38wqr">http://www.mediafire.com/?48r25677iz38wqr</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color: #0007f6; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Kangxi.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 7 (Part 3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">It was not night yet but I have already told Dongyun to do my hair, put on my new yellow jacket, and rushed Qiaohui to go change.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Qiaohui laughed, “My dear Miss, you still have to wait for the night to be able to view the lanterns and solve the riddles.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I ignored her and persisted. Qiaohui, finally submitting to my urgency, hurriedly go change, then, taking along two jackets, left the manor with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I had just gone several steps away from the front door when I heard someone called behind me, “Thirteenth sister!” I frowned, although this nickname of mine was well known throughout the Forbidden City, no one had actually dared to use it in front of me. Who could be this insolent? I turned around to see Thirteenth prince, in a light blue robe, looking like an ordinary scholar, along with a delicate male servant, walking slowly towards me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I was extremely happy to see him, smiled and asked, “How can there be such a coincidence?” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">He laughed, “If one has the intention, then of course there can be such coincidence.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I realized that he came specially to wait for me and immediately asked, “How do you know that I would come out to play today?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">He smiled, “Such a festive day, would you just sit and rot in your room?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The two of us walked side by side while Qiaohui followed from behind with the Thirteenth’s servant. We walked for a while, Thirteenth prince then said, “I invited Miss Lu to come and enjoy the festival with us.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I thought back, “She’s the girl from the courtyard that we went to last time?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">He nodded. I laughed and said, “Very good! I was just thinking that it would be boring with so few people. Not to mention that I haven’t got a chance to thank her for letting me borrowed her cloak last time.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Thirteenth prince heard my answered, suddenly stopped, smiled, turned back to his servant and said, “Did I not say so?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I also stopped, confused, and turned around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The young servant smiled, walked forward two steps, and, with both hand clasped, bowed and said, “Thirteenth Lord told me that you were not an ordinary girl, but I didn’t believe it. Today, after meeting, I see that what he said is definitely right.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I also smiled and said, “This must be Luwu jie-jie. I didn’t know that you would be coming today, or else I would have brought the cloak to give back to you.” As I was saying this, I remembered back to the decoration of the room and realized that, though she was a courtesan, she was still a proud individual, afraid to be look down upon, and therefore, did not make direct acquaintance with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The sky gradually darkened, the lanterns hanging on both sides of the street seemed endless, as if it was a sea of stars. More and more people filled the streets, with many extravagantly dressed women, drowned in noisy laughter. I tried to take in each and every new sight. Even if it’s just a girl passing by, I couldn’t help but turned around to have a second look. The other three laughed. Luwu teased, “You looked as if you have never been out on the streets before.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I shook my head, sighing, “Is that not the case? Every day I trapped in the manor, as if I am in jail.” She was stunned for a moment, then started to chuckle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I have never solved riddles before and therefore just stick to gazing at the lanterns. Thirteenth prince and Luwu also didn’t seem too interested so the four of us just walked along casually. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Thirteenth prince then led us to a small restaurant. The waiter, recognizing Thirteenth prince, hurriedly went to find us a seat near the window, saying, “When the lion dance starts, you can watch clearly from here, where it’s not crowded.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The four of us sat there, watching the people below and chatting with one another. Suddenly a voice called out, “Thirteenth brother is also here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">We turned around to see Fourteenth prince standing with a few young men behind us. The young men hurried to perform the ceremonial greetings to Thirteenth prince while Qiaohui and I stood to greet Fourteenth prince, creating a lively scene. However, both Thirteenth and Fourteenth prince did not wait for us to speak, but wave their hands, saying, “We are dressed in civilian clothes, don’t have keep so many customs.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The atmosphere suddenly became extremely quiet. Luwu was next to me, staring out the window while Qiaohui stood with her head down. I looked at Thirteenth prince then at Fourteenth prince. Though both of them were smiling, the meaning behind those smiles may be totally different. Thirteenth prince smiled lazily, looking as if nothing had happened. On the other hand, though Fourteenth prince’s smile was very refined, the corner of his mouth bought on a certain chill. He saw me looking at him and glared at me coldly. I pouted and lowered my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">As we were standing there, a thin young man with Fourteenth prince called out, “Is this not Miss Luwu?” Luwu at this time turned around to look at the speaker, her face pale, said nothing, and dropped her head. Fourteenth prince just then noticed that Luwu was a woman and stared at her intently. Luwu kept her head down, her expression indifferent. I reached under the table to lightly take her hand, she leaned her head to look at me, I smiled briefly at her before letting go. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">At this time, a short and pudgy boy, his face mocking, said, “To not be romantic is definitely a waste of youth. Thirteenth Lord is surrounded by beautiful ladies left and right. You’re truly fortunate.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">He barely finished talking; Thirteenth prince’s eyes had already hardened, haven’t got a chance to retort when Fourteenth prince let out a cough, and, his face serious, coldly said, “Chacha Lin, what nonsense are you saying?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Chacha Lin obviously does not understand how his attempt at flattery had annoyed Fourteenth prince and could only stand there dumbly. The people next to him had recognized me, wanted to warn him but was too late. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I secretly smiled. I was, after all, part of the royal family. It was alright for the princes to tease me, but definitely not outsiders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Thirteenth prince and Fourteenth prince were still standing, facing each other. I looked up and asked, “Are you here to view the lanterns or to gaze at people?” Finally, everyone sat down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The lion dance wasn’t bad, the dragon dance was also rather pretty, but of all the people on the scene, the only ones watching were just me and Qiaohui. The others seemed deep in thought, some secretly look at me, a few glanced at Luwu.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Finally, all that should be seen was seen, all that should be played was played; it had become late and was time for us to return to the manor. Fourteenth prince was the first to say, “I will take Ruoxi back.” I heard this and, taking advantage of when Fourteenth wasn’t looking, look at Thirteenth prince and shrugged. Thirteenth prince smiled. After that, Thirteenth prince left with Luwu and Fourteenth took me and Qiaohui, while the rest scattered off by themselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The night had become chilly; lucky Qiaohui had brought extra coats for me to wear. I walked side by side with Fourteenth prince while Qiaohui followed behind, all of us silent the entire way back to the manor. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">A young male servant opened the door, then, seeing me with Fourteenth prince, hurriedly bowed, and, smiling said, “Miss is finally back. Master Lan had sent people to ask several times.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince let him rise, “Is Eight brother in?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"> The servant quickly answered, “He’s at Di’Fu’jin’s place. Does Fourteenth Lord want your servant to go tell him you’re here?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince walked ahead, “Tell Eight brother I’m waiting for him in the study.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I was going back to Jie-jie’s when Fourteenth prince called out, his face serious, “Come with me to the study.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I thought for a minute, <i>why do I have to go to the study with him,</i> but still nodded. I told Qiaohui to go and let Jie-jie know, then followed Fourteenth prince to the study. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">We sat in the study for a bit when Li Fu opened the curtain and Eight prince, smiling, walked in. Seeing that I was also sitting there, a hint of surprise flashed across his face. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince didn’t bother with the greetings, stood up, and said hurriedly, “Eight brother, guess who I saw Ruoxi with today.” Eight prince, still smiling, glanced at Li Fu. Li Fu quickly left, closing the door behind him. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince sat down and, at the same time, asked, “Who?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince looked at me and said, “Don’t know when she and Thirteenth brother became so close that she and Thirteenth brother were in the same place.” He grunted then continued, “As if that wasn’t enough, she was also with a lady from the brothel.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The more I listened, the angrier I’ve become. Who was he to me, that he could control my actions? I retorted, “So what if I was with Thirteenth prince? So what if I was with a lady from the brothel?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince looked at me angrily and asked, “So what? Do you know how many how many young ladies and Ge’ge are in the Forbidden City, why must you hang out with a prostitute?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I’ve become even more angry, stood up to look at him, sneering, “I only know that Liu Rushi was a prostitute who jumped off a building to preserve her love<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>, that Liang Hongyu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> was a prostitute who beat a drum to fight against the Jins<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a>, that Li ShiShi was a prostitute who rather swallowed a hairpin to die than serve the Jins<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a>, that Lin SiNiang was a prostitute who risked her life to save the emperor, that Yuan Bao’er was a prostitute who gladly die…” I suddenly remembered that Yuan Bao’er was from the Ming Dynasty who protested against the Manchus, therefore abruptly stopped talking but continued to scowl at Fourteenth prince. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Fourteenth prince obviously didn’t expect that his two sentences would make me explode like that. He was still angry, but doesn’t know how to refute, could only glare at me, clenched his teeth, and nodded to Eight prince, “Eight brother, you hear? She’s really studious but what kind of nonsense books is she reading?”</div><div><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Liu Rushi was a famous prostitute who married Qian Qianyi and committed suicide upon his death </div></div><div id="ftn2"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Liang Hongyu was a prostitute during the Ming Dynasty, famous for her drums-playing skills. She and Han Shizhong met and fell in love, but, because of Han’s low rank, could not marry until he was made general. Hongyu was said to have a heart of steel and often followed her husband into battle. At Huangtian Lake, Han’s army of 8,000 was badly outnumbered against the Jin’s 100,000. Hongyu then devised a plan for her husband and a small number of men to lure the Jin’s warships away from their main force, where the rest of the Song’s armies would attack with flaming arrows. Hongyu climbed onto a mountain to have clear view of the battle and used her drum to guide the soldiers. One drumbeat was to signal the start of the attack, two meant to lure them deeper into ambush, and three let the hiding soldiers know to release the arrows. Thanks to Hongyu, the battle was won and the Jins suffered heavy losses.</div></div><div id="ftn3"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Referring to Korea</div></div><div id="ftn4"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/7.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Li ShiShi was a famous prostitute during the Northern Song Dynasty and was known to serve even the emperor. When the Dynasty fell, the king of Jin wanted to have her. Li ShiShi refused and tried to kill herself by stabbing her throat with a hairpin. This failed and she thus proceeded to swallow that hairpin to die.</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-34543215752533703712011-08-09T23:20:00.000-05:002011-08-09T23:20:42.478-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 7 (Part 1-2) and Link for BBJX Subbing Team<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Written by Tong Hua</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Chapter 6 Part (4-6)</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Translated by Cutzie</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">As everyone here are fans of Bu Bu Jing Xin, I'm assuming that you are excited for the drama as well. So I wanted to let everyone know that a new fansubbing team, Faeries, is planning to sub the show once it airs. They are the only subbing team I know (besides Viki) that are taking on this project. I will be joining them as a guest translator for the drama, mainly doing some editing and QC'ing. This is the link to their blog: <a href="http://dramafairyland.blogspot.com/">http://dramafairyland.blogspot.com/</a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope to see everyone there :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Download link (Chapter 7 part 1-2): <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?234656219lrmo4a">http://www.mediafire.com/?234656219lrmo4a</a></div></div><div><div id="ftn1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><a name='more'></a><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Disclaimer</span></b></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">demeanor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 7 (Parts 1-2)</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The Lunar New Year was approaching, filling everyone with anticipation. I, however, was getting more desolated by each day. After the New Year passed, there would be the Lantern Festival, and after that, the Concubine Selection would start. No matter how many times I counted, the truth was that there was barely a month left. I was not happy, therefore, about the impending holiday, and wished that it would never come. But there were many things in life that doesn’t go the way people wanted. So, as unwilling as I was, I still had to welcome the forty fourth year of Kangxi’s reign.<span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">In celebration of the New Year, the Palace had planned a lavishing party. For the past six months, I had already attended many kinds of Palace parties, big and small, so there wasn’t that sense of novelty as there was in the beginning. Not to mention that I was troubled at heart, and therefore was feeling rather lazy. That night, I allowed Dongyun to pack as she liked then followed Jie-jie and Eight prince to the Palace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">As my mood wasn’t very good, all the beautiful and exquisite decorations of our surrounding were lost on me. Tell me to curtsy, and I curtsied; tell me to rise, and I rised. Order me to sit, and I sat; just like a puppet to be control by everyone. At least this way, I was sure not to make any mistakes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">This party was unlike the one at Mid Autumn. Almost all the court officials and their wives were there, creating a livelier atmosphere. I thought that this was good, that no one would notice me in this crowd and I would be allowed to wallow in my own thoughts. However, what did the elders said? “In life, eight to nine times out of ten, things will not go as you wished.” Tenth prince and his wife was the prime example of this saying. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">First, Tenth prince stared at me, not minding that his Fujin was sitting right next to him, and looked at me from top to bottom. I had to endure two pairs of eyes, one full of fire, the other of ice. The combination of the two made me felt as if I was sitting on pins and needles, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer, raised my head, and glared fiercely at Tenth prince. He saw that I looked as if I wanted to eat someone and hastily looked away. Tenth Fujin, seeing that he was no longer looking at me, shot me a disdain glance, and also steered her gaze somewhere else. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The world was at last at peace. I sighed and settled back into my daze. After a little while, I once again felt as if someone was looking at me. My heart burned in anger. Old Tenth, would you stop! I looked up with what I imagined as my most evil glare, only to be greeted with Thirteenth prince’s smiling face. His friendly smile froze the moment he saw my face. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I quickly smiled back at him. My expression changed so quickly that it actually hurt my face. I laughed, looking at him helplessly, not sure if he understood. Regardless, he laughed along and held his cup toward me in a toast. I happily picked up my cup and return his toast from a distance.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Just as I finished drinking and was preparing to go back to my thoughts, I saw that the Eight prince had been looking at me, a faint smile on his face. I felt flustered and did not know how to react. I quickly pour myself another cup of wine and held it out in a toast to him. With a smile, he also picked up his cup and drank with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I put the cup down, thinking that I could finally rest now. But then my gaze fell upon Fourteenth prince who was staring at me thoughtfully. I didn’t know what he was thinking, or even bother to care, but merely made a face at him. He saw my ugly expression and shook his head slightly, his mouth curving in a small smile. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I also turned my head to smile, only to discover sitting right next to Fourteenth prince was Fourth prince, who had seemingly witnessed all that had occurred. Though his expression was calm, his eyes seemed to be gazing into me with some sort of intense pondering. I thought to myself that this was definitely someone I couldn’t offend or else it would be hard to survive later. Therefore, I smiled sweetly at him then quickly turned my head away, not daring to look up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">After the party was over and we returned to the mansion, I was extremely tired. My heart felt disturbed. It wasn’t wise for me to play around with government officials, not to mention these people has dragon blood in them<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">As soon as I followed Jie-jie back to the room, I immediately told the maid to help me wash my face, thinking that I could finally go to sleep. Jie-jie saw that I looked as if I haven’t seen my bed in three hundred years, laughed and said, “You’re not allowed to go to sleep so early tonight. You have to stay up and greet the New Year with me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I was stunned for a moment after hearing that. It had been many years since I’ve participated in New Year’s Eve celebration. However, as I was in the ancient times, I had to do as the ancients did. Jie-jie ordered the maids to bring the prepared fruit pastries out, pulled Qiaohui and Dongyun to sit and chat while waiting for the New Year. Qiaohui saw my sleepy state and quickly went to find a rope for me to play with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Jie-jie and Dongyun continued to chat while watching and laughing at Qiaohui and me playing jump rope. Suddenly the maid outside called out, “Beil’e, ji’xiang!” Qiaohui and Dongyun quickly got on their feet. Jie-jie and I looked at each other in surprise but also stood up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">We hadn’t had the time to go out before Eight prince entered the rom. Everyone hurriedly performed the ceremonial greetings. Eight prince smiled and allowed for us to rise. With their heads down, Qiaohui and Dongyun left the room. Eight prince saw Jie-jie and I standing there motionlessly, smiled and asked, “Do you not welcome me here to greet New Year together?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Jie-jie immediately laughed, “I just didn’t think that you’ll be coming, and therefore was just a bit surprised.” As she spoke, she went to help him sit down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince smiled, “Everybody, sit. It’s rare for us to be able to welcome the New Year together.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I quietly sat down and conveniently grabbed a few snacks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince and Jie-jie laughed and said a few words. But after a while, Jie-jie talked less and stayed quiet more, so the conversation eventually ceased. The three of us sat in silent, my head began to feel heavy and my eyelids as if they’re about to shut at any second. Jie-jie saw my sluggish condition, pulled me into her arms, and said, “Sleep for a while, when it’s time, I’ll wake you up.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I leaned on Jie-jie to sleep, drowsily I heard Jie-jie and Eight prince talking, the topic revolving around me. Although my eyes were closed, my mind was becoming more and more awake.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Jie-jie whispered, “I have a presumptuous request. Ruoxi grew up in the military compound and cannot compare to the young ladies in the Capital. I’m afraid that after she enters the Palace, she will cause some kind of trouble. I want to ask milord<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> to help, to have some knowledgeable servant in the Palace look after her.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">“That is not a presumptuous request. Even if you do not ask, I would have still done so.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Jie-jie’s hands stroked my head, I didn’t have to look up to feel her hesitation and sadness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince could also see her heart, “There’s something else you wish to say.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">“If Ruoxi can luckily escape the concubine selection and Imperial Father is willing to grant her a marriage, I felt that she and Thirteenth brother get along really well. As for Thirteenth prince’s side, he and Fourth brother’s relationship is good. If we can ask Crown Prince to talk to Fourth brother, and milord were to put in a few words, the situation can easily be arranged.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The corner of my eye became wet. Jie-jie had always been lukewarm to Eight prince, refused to even say an extra word to him. But, for my sake, she could even beg him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s still too early to discuss these matters.” After a while, perhaps seeing that Jie-jie looked sad, he added, “But don’t worry, I will not watch her suffer.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">“Thank you, milord.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span> </span>There were no more words coming from the two; they merely continued to sit in silent depression. Suddenly there were several loud firecracker bangs. I was caught off-guard, and, startled, sat up from my sister’s embrace. Jie-jie brushed back my hair for me, “It’s New Year.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Eight prince also looked at me and laughed, “Yes, it is.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I quickly stood up, “Good. Since everything is done, I want to go to bed.” I did not wait for them to respond and ran to my room, jump on my bed, and was soon deep asleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">___________</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">When I woke up the next day, I realized that my first New Year in the ancient times had gone by just like that. There was a bit of regret, but, thinking it over, if every New Year here can passed like this one, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Dongyun stood behind me, brushing my hair. I asked, “Did Eight Bei’le stayed here last night?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">Dongyun’s hands stopped, then sighing, she replied, “No, a bit after Ge’ge went back, Master also left.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">I silently looked in the mirror, not saying another word.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">___________</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">The festive atmosphere of New Year has yet to dissipate, but Lantern Festival was already here. Although there were still many worries in my heart, I was definitely interested in the Lantern Festival. On this day, every household must hang decorative lanterns, and, at night, there are lion dances, dragon dances, as well as lantern riddles<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> and fireworks. Normally, females rarely have a chance to go outside, but on that day, they’re allowed to go with another female companion, solving riddles and looking at lanterns. For that reason, this was the festival that every girl here anticipated for the most. In addition, many ancient poems have described the holiday, the beautiful meetings of men and women beneath the romantic moon. I hoped that the festival this year would be no exception.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> A term to describe royalty (i.e. children of the emperor)</span></div></div><div id="ftn2"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Referring to Eight prince. </span></div></div><div id="ftn3"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Solving riddles written on lanterns was a custom established since the Song Dynasty and continued on until today. The riddle usually has the challenger guessing a word, poem, or phrase, from the clues it gave.</span></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-84897327086990376712011-08-02T20:00:00.002-05:002011-08-02T20:05:07.997-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 6 (Part 4 - 6)<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Written by Tong Hua</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Chapter 6 Part (4-6)</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Translated by Cutzie</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I've already complied the parts of Chapter 6 into one file. The online version will continued where we left off but for those who are downloading the Pdf file, you should go to page 12</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Download link (Chapter 6 full): <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?o3iwh7mvl11ascj">http://www.mediafire.com/?o3iwh7mvl11ascj</a></div></div><div><div id="ftn1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><a name='more'></a><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Disclaimer</span></b></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">demeanor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 6 (Parts 4-6)</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I thought about Tenth prince’s marriage day, where Thirteenth prince had to face a whole world of red while his heart was mourning in white</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">. It must have been really hard to endure. My anger for his behavior before had completely disappeared, leaving only an endless amount of sympathy.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">The two of us sat there silently for a while before he turned to me, smiling, and asked, “If you’re not in love with Tenth brother then why do I see you singing for him? And why does everybody say you go crazy because of him?”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I leaned my head to look at him and asked, “When Qui Ran Ke first met Hong Fu Nu, what was she doing?</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">”</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He was startled by my sudden question, and pondered for a while before answering, “She was combing her hair.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I smiled, “Men and women can be like Qui Ran Ke and Hong Fu Nu, caring and supporting one another without any other purpose. It is not romance, but merely sincerity.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">His expression seemed to change at my words as he stared at me. I calmly looked back at him. After a few moments, he spoke, “Good! Good for the phrase, ‘not romance, but merely sincerity’!”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I felt happy, seeing that he understood my meaning. After all, in ancient times, friendship between the opposite sexes was still a relatively new idea. I was afraid most people would not be able to accept it, but he seemed to have no trouble doing so. The two of us couldn’t help grinning at one another.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I saw that the people ahead were getting ready to leave, therefore stood up, and said, “We should go back,”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He stood up with me, “How about a drink?” he suddenly asked.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I looked at him, surprised. He smiled warmly back at me. My heart was unable to restrain the sudden affection, “Why not?” I replied generously.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He looked at the horse and asked, “Would it be alright if the two of us to ride on one horse?”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I laughed, “It won’t be the first time.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">He let out two barks of laughter before jumping on the horse and pulling me to sit behind him. A loud, “Go!” and the two of us flew off.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">He led the horse through a small quiet alley before stopping in front of an exquisite courtyard. An elderly lady opened the gate and, upon seeing Thirteenth prince, dropped down in a curtsy.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“Thirteenth prince,” the lady greeted, smiling, “Why did you not send us a word before coming? The young miss is currently attending a customer. Let me notify her, tell her to quickly come here.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“There’s no need,” Thirteenth prince replied, “I’m only using your place tonight to have a drink with my friend. Just go prepare a table with some foods and wine.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">The lady took a sneak peek at me. Seeing that I was too looking at her, she quickly bowed her head and left.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Thirteenth prince seemed very familiar with the house as he confidently led me into an elegantly designed room. There were couple of simple wooden furniture in it, but the room itself was otherwise lacking decorations, save for a porcelain vase near the window containing a few bamboo stalks.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I looked around for a bit before sitting down with Thirteenth prince. I smiled at him.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">“Your lady confidant</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">?” I asked.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He smiled back, “I usually just come here to have a few drinks out of boredom. We do not necessarily talk much.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I nodded. The girl that lived here must be a higher level courtesan, a woman that would not attend to just any man.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before long, the elderly lady came in with two servant girls carrying foods and wine. They set the table and left. Thirteenth prince and I began eating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">A couple of drinks in, the two of us started to talk. From the rumors circulating the Palace to interesting stories of the past, from poetry about mountains and rivers to the philosophy of ancient kings. We unexpectedly discovered that we were both great admirers of Xi Kang and Ruan Ji</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">. Our conversations became more in-sync and we both lamented the fact that we had not met sooner. I, myself, got very excited.</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">Ancient China has been trapped for thousands of years under the net of Confucian belief, with its Five Bonds and Three Characters</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">, successfully repressing any individual thoughts. With monarchy as the central government, there was no chance for individualism to properly develop. On the other hand, Xi Kang, a man born in turbulent times, could be called a pleasant surprise, a streak of light across the dark sky, though short but beautiful. His masterpiece, “Severing Relationship Letter to Shan Tao,” an elaboration on human nature, demonstrated the real principle of equality</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">. His “Fei Shang Wu’er Bao Shou Khong” stated that Confucian rituals were merely a belief of a group of people, and therefore not necessary for everyone to follow. A person’s happiness would only be known to that person only. Therefore, a person should have to right to pursuit his own personal happiness. It can be said that Xi Kang’s philosophy coincided much with the modern ideas of freedom and individualism.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">Though I knew that Thirteenth prince was a rather unrestraint person, I would never expected him to hold Xi Kang’s beliefs with such high regard. He was, after all, of royal blood and therefore, at the top of the social hierarchy. The astonishing discovery that someone from this ancient time could understand my innermost thoughts was like an ecstasy, disabling my ability to stop talking. He too seemed very surprise, in this Confucian culture, to meet a woman like me, voicing my discontent, when few men actually dared to do so. There was one third of shock, one third of admiration, and one third of joy in him as we continued on our discussion.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“Actually,” I said, bringing the cup of wine to my lips, “there is one important reason why I like Xi Kang.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He thought I had an interesting theory to tell and listened with rapt attention.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I lowered my eyes and smiled secretly, “There are many handsome men throughout the history of China, such as Song Yu and Pan An, with their feminine beauty. But Xi Kang was different. The history books stated that he was seven feet eight inches tall, with a special grace. But how do people evaluate him?”</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Thirteenth prince replied, “Those who see him sighed, ‘Desolate and solemn, with such a pure character,’ or said, ‘So respectful in manner, so great in strength.’”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I clapped his shoulder, “Exactly! Xi Kang was healthy and masculine. He was a stable pine tree under the golden sun that could not be pressed down by snow or blow down by wind.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Thirteenth prince had probably never heard a woman spoke so blatantly about a man’s physique before. His eyes become wider with every word I said. After I finished talking, he stared at me and did not speak for a while.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“A true romantic scholar from the past,” he finally said.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I confessed that, at the beginning, my intentions in becoming friends with Thirteenth prince were selfish. Though, to other people, I was on Eighth prince’s side as my sister was his Ce Fujin, in history, it was Fourth prince and Thirteenth prince who came out victorious. I do not have the ability to change history but I could create an escape route for myself. But, after having this heart to heart discussion, I truly saw Thirteenth prince as my friend. Who else here would believe that all men were born equal? Who else would feel that even the emperor had no authority to force people to do what he wanted? Though it was only because of his admiration of Xi Kang that Thirteenth prince questioned the current cultural system, it was enough for me.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">By the time we finished drinking and Thirteenth prince bought me back to the mansion, the sky had turned dark. Though the horse was going at a normal speed and I had on the cloak Thirteenth prince had given me, it was still very cold. After he helped me dismount, I told him to leave first.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He thought for a while, “I should go explain to Eighth brother.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I smiled, “They won’t give me a hard time. My sister will not let them.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">He smiled back but ignored me and knocked on the door.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I saw that he was resolute and had no choice but to follow him. The door was quickly opened. The two guards was shocked to see Thirteenth prince standing next to me and hurriedly bowed.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“Rise,” Thirteenth prince said dismissively, “Go notify Bei’le that I am here.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">One of the guards went away immediately while the other quickly closed the door and led Thirteenth prince to the living room. I inclined my head to Thirteenth prince as a farewell then leave for my sister’s room myself.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">When I got back to the room, there was no sign of the other servants, only Qiao Hui.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Jie-jie saw me came in, her face pale, “You should have remembered what I've said. Last time was the only exception, there would be no re-occurrence.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I stood there, suddenly speechless. Going out with a friend was something I did often in the modern times. But we were in the past, where a small thing like this would render a big reaction from those around me. I could not help but sighed.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I continued to stand there in silence for I had nothing to say to her. There was a 300 years gap between us. Helpless, Jie-jie sadly looked at me.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">After a while, she wearily said, “Go on,”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">Her tired appearance wrenched my heart but I just didn’t think that I did anything wrong. In this place, I have already lost a lot of things; I didn’t wish to lose my right to make friends too, even if it meant upsetting my sister.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I silently went back to my room.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I woke up late the next morning, but could not make myself get out of bed. I stared at the roof, thinking back to last night. The memory of my conversations with Thirteenth prince lifted my mood and I wished I could ask him out for a drink right now.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I was immersed in my happy thoughts when a servant girl called out, “Xiao Jie, Bei’le has sent for you.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I sat up immediately, feeling a bit anxious. After getting ready, I quickly went with the eunuch waiting outside.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">When we arrived at the study room Li Fu was already there, opening the door and inviting me to go in. He stayed outside. The slamming of the door set off my barely calmed nerves.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Eighth prince was standing there in a long, pale blue robe. The porcelain urn next to him was nearly his height, and contained more than a dozen scrolls. He had no reaction upon my arrival and continued to stand elegantly looking out the window. The sunlight streaming in danced across his face, making it hard for me to see his expression.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I didn’t know what Thirteenth prince told him yesterday. I also didn’t know what he thought about the whole incident, and therefore did not dare to say anything but only stood dumbly by the door. After a long silence, he slowly turned towards me.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">With a small smile, he asked, “Where did you and Thirteenth brother go yesterday?”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I thought for a minute, “Did Thirteenth prince not tell you?” I asked.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“I’m asking you right now,” he replied.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I was utterly confused but thinking about it carefully, though our conversations yesterday were out of the norm, it was hardly something that I needed to hide.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I met his eyes confidently and answered, “Thirteenth prince took me out for a drink.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">My answer got no reaction from him. On his face was that same eternal smile, but his eyes, his eyes gazed deeply into mine as if he wanted to see right through to my soul. I looked back at him for a while but finally, feeling embarrassed, pretended to sit down as to turn away from him and those eyes of his.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">Just as I sat down, he whispered, “Come here,” I looked up at him. His gentle smile was still there as he said softly once more, “Come here.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I determined that he was being serious and gradually stood up. Head down, I slowly walked towards him, step by step. I stopped three steps away from him and looked down at the floor.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">His long sigh was almost inaudible. “Am I so scary?” he asked softly as he took two steps forward.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">I found that every time he was near me, I would feel an invisible pressure that would send my heart racing, my brain would become dizzy and incapable of coherent thoughts. He gently grabbed my hand and pulled it up. I reflectively drew back. He tightened his hold.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“Don’t move,” he said.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">He drew out from his sleeve a clear jade bracelet with a blood red line running down the center. He slowly pushed the bracelet onto my wrist, released my hand, went back to the table and sat down. With the distance between us, my mind cleared up and I was able to think clearly again. I began to wonder what was going on. Was I not called here to be lectured? As I was thinking, he spoke again, “Personal Ministry Yao Shilang is coming over. You should go back first.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I let out a “Yes,” and withdrew. Li Fu saw me walking out and came hurriedly to bow. I, being too busy in my thoughts, ignored him and left.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">When I came back, Jie-jie saw the vacant expression on my face and thought I had been lectured by Eighth prince. She smiled gently and said, “It is the established custom.” I did not answer. With my hands hidden in the sleeves, I silently went back to my room.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">That night, at dinner, Jie-jie saw the bracelet on my wrist.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">“Where did you get this?” she asked, taken back.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I was caught off guard and did not know how to answer when she suddenly nodded, “Thirteenth prince is really generous. This is an extremely rare phoenix blood jade bracelet. “</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">Jie-jie had misunderstood but, since I couldn’t explain anyway, let’s just let Thirteenth prince have this credit.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">She unexpectedly did not scold me but merely sighed, “Out of all the princes, Thirteenth prince is one of the best. He has a sense of justice the others doesn’t.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I lowered my head and smiled secretly, a feeling of satisfaction overcome my heart. My sister was indeed not an average person. With his mother being of common blood, other young ladies would only see Thirteenth prince’s lack of matriarchal support as equaling to an unstable future.</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">After the meal, while we were drinking tea, Jie-jie suddenly said, “There are some things that are just not within of our control. Therefore it is better not to think about them in the first place.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span">I froze with the cup of tea halfway to my lips. I did not know how to reply nor could I make any heads or tails out of that statement. I thought for a long time, “I will take care of myself.”</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> In Chinese culture, the color red symbolized happiness and is used on wedding gowns as well as wedding decorations. The color white, on the other hand, symbolized grieve and is often seen during funerals. </span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Qui Ran Ke and Hong Fu Nu are fictional characters set in the rise of the Tang Dynasty. They, along Li Jing, were sworn brothers and sister.</span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span>Orig. <span style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">红颜知己</span><span lang="X-NONE">, which basically means a lady soul mate, someone who you can tell anything to. Ruoxi is referring to the “young miss” that the elderly lady mentioned before.</span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Xi Kang was a Chinese author as well as Taoist philosopher that criticized Confucianism. He and Ruan Ji were musicians and two of the Seven Sages of Bamboo Groves.</span></div></div><div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Five Bonds and Three Characters are two central Confucian ideas. Five Bonds basically listed the main human relationships of the time: Ruler to Subject, Father to Son, Husband to Wife, etc, with the former being superior to the latter. Three Characters described the characters of humans.</span></div></div><div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> “Severing Relationship Letter to Shan Tao” was a letter Xi Kang wrote to Shan Tao, breaking up any relations they had, due to the fact that Shan Tao had recommended him to be his successor for a government post, an act that demonstrated Shan Tao’s little understanding of Xi Kang.</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></b></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-20133066489799339372011-07-26T19:59:00.000-05:002011-08-02T20:01:04.274-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 6 (Part 1-3) + Chapter 5 Full<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Written by Tong Hua</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Chapter 6 Part (1-3)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Translated by Yanfeng</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Download link (Chapter 5 full): <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?63gd7oo1nl3pgos">http://www.mediafire.com/?63gd7oo1nl3pgos</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Download link (Chapter 6 Part 1-3): <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?rir1r46gpmh8edr">http://www.mediafire.com/?rir1r46gpmh8edr</a></div><div><div id="ftn1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Disclaimer</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">demeanor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 6 (Parts 1-3)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was winter, yet there was no wind, and the sun was lovely, inspiring a feeling of rosy cheer, as if all of one’s bones were melting in the warm sunlight! Not to mention with an exciting horse show to look forward to, life was really looking up.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Crown Prince had, a few days ago, sent around an invite to all the princes, their wives, princesses and nobility of all rank, filled with a whole slew of words like “tournament” and “common sharing of a joyous occasion” etc., which I read simply as, “I’m bored, come and play with me!”</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The invitation specified that outstanding riders, of either gender, will be bestowed largess. I suspected none of the nobles would take the largess seriously, it was more in fun. Naturally, plenty of the nobles would take the event seriously, not because of the prize money, but for the chance to impress the Crown Prince and the various princes. If you can impress the future leaders of the court early, they’re more likely to think of you come the day they take power.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jie-jie did not want to attend, but I begged and cajoled for a long time until she finally agreed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Although not much of a rider myself, yet I conformed to what everyone else was wearing and donned a riding gear, which I thought, looking in satisfaction at the mirror, added a swashbuckling flavor to my appearance. Even Jie-jie complimented how I looked!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I stared at Jie-jie and at Ruoxi in the mirror and sighed silently to myself that the mother of these two must have been a real beauty. How sad that she lived such an ill-fated life!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The children of Manchurian nobles, men and women, were nearly all riders. This especially held true of the royal court’s descendants, who are well-practiced from early childhood. Hence, at the tournament, everyone who was anyone was out and about, in twos and threes, wheeling, galloping, and walking their horses. And the seats within the area, enclosed on three sides with tent-like material, were mostly empty.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">When Jie-jie and I entered, Thirteenth and Fourteenth prince, who were chit-chatting before, hurried over to pay their respects to Jie-jie. I thought Thirteenth prince looked like he was in high spirits and stole a few glances of him.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I was noticed immediately and he tilted his head and, with a smile-that-wasn’t-a-smile, raised an eyebrow at me. I hurriedly looked away, but saw that Fourteenth prince was watching us and, though it wasn’t anything, I still blushed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">There was a burst of cheers from outside the tented area, accompanied by a smattering of applause. We all glanced over with bated breath and I saw a pure white horse that appeared to be floating, nay weaving in a space that was neither heaven nor earth.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A lady in red sat on its back with perfect posture, a crimson cape flying in the wind behind her. Sporadically, she used her horse whip to take out the tiny flags that were scattered on the ground, and as she continued to hit a flag with every single stroke, the applause for her performance swelled! I had never seen so fabulous a horse-back performance in my life and I was mesmerized, clapping and cheering along with everyone else.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She finished her round, and trotted her horse slowly back out of sight, and yet the applause and cheers didn’t entirely die down. I was very excited and tugged at Jie-jie’s sleeve, exclaiming to her, “Now I know what ‘magnificent’ and ‘dashing’ really looks like! It was worth it coming today to get to feast my eyes on such skill!”</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jie-jie smiled and gently pulled away “If you’re so impressed, tomorrow we’ll start you on learning to ride as well.” I reflected on the performance with boundless admiration and sighed “Everyone has their strengths, it’s no good trying to force the issue.” Thirteenth and Fourteenth princes who were standing next to us heard this and spluttered into laughter.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was still immersed in the memory of that scene, when the lady in red riding gear and carrying a horse whip walked over to us. Immediately I had to rein in my turmoil, shock and embarrassment.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Her!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The heroine of my latest daydream turned out to be the Mingyu Ge-ge turned Tenth ‘Fujin’!</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I inwardly sighed, Thirteenth prince certainly has reasons to love her.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Which hero would not bow to such magnificent grace?</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She strolled over and casually looked over us. Thirteenth and Fourteenth prince bowed and paid their respects to her.</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I felt a surge of sympathy for Thirteenth prince. How the words “Tenth Sister-in-law” must claw at his throat!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She raised her chin and looked at me, saying “Still so little manners.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Which led to me realize that with her new status, I too owed her an obeisance. Yet upon reflection, since she didn’t bow to Jie-jie to pay <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her </i>respects, why would I pay her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> respects?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was just resolved to ignore her, when I remembered, with a pang, Thirteenth prince being there to see this. I struggled internally for another moment more and finally decided that it was better not to cause more trouble and grief, and reluctantly executed a perfunctory bow to her saying “Blessings to Fujin” She snorted but paid me no attention, making her way to a seat. I waited for her to seat herself and took a seat myself.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">There was a moment of awkward silence.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">At that moment, the Crown prince strolled in, followed by Fourth, Eighth, 9th and Tenth prince. We all hastily stood up to pay our respects. The Crown prince laughingly bid us rise, and as he sat addressed Tenth Fujin “Father has long praised the princesses of the Guoluoluo family as being the ones with the most Mongolian spirit of us all. Today I got to confirm that with my own eyes!”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tenth Fujin smiled “The Crown prince is too kind. That is Father’s way of praising my older sister, I daren’t steal her glory!”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">This was the first meeting with Tenth prince since the wedding and I felt a pang of uneasiness. Since walking in, he has kept his eyes fixed firmly on me, and I, heart pounding, did not dare to even glance his way.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the arena, a young man was performing, but even I, who dislike Mingyu, couldn’t deny that he wasn’t a half as skilled as our Tenth Fujin, and didn’t really pay him any attention. I was desultory watching when I heard Tenth Fujin speak up</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Maertai Ruoxi, why don’t you get up and perform since you’re all geared up?”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I sighed.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Here it comes</i>!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But in consideration of Thirteenth prince being present, I didn’t want to make things worse and so swallowed my pride and didn’t respond. Jie-jie shot me a look of approval.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But in a few seconds, Tenth Fujin started up again “I heard General Maertai’s daughters all grew up in the camps, so their horse-riding skills must be extraordinary. Why not grant us the treat of seeing that today?”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And I, entirely silently but viciously, thought-</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Shut up already! With your skills, even the average male noble here cannot compare, clearly you’re out to embarrass me in front of everyone!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I thought this to myself, I glanced at her, and then at Thirteenth prince and finally chose to maintain my silence.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jie-jie beamed her approval of my sudden tolerance.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately the Crown prince laughing took up “Maertai Ruoxi, why don’t you get up and do a round for us?”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hurriedly stood up but before I could open my mouth, I heard Tenth prince say “She can’t ride, the last time she rode with us, we had a servant lead the horse she was sitting on.” I silently thought-</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Tenth! Do you really think you’re saving me this way? More like killing me!</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And as expected, Tenth Fujin gave a cold laugh at this and said “I see the rumors of your family’s prowess are unfounded. I’ve heard that not only can every single person in Maertai’s camp ride and shoot, but that the majorities are superior equestrians! Too bad it’s all nonsense and seems like though there aren’t many heroes, there might be a zero or two.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She had barely finished her sentence when Jie-jie stood up, and with a gentle smile addressed the Crown prince</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Your humble servant</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is willing to stand up and take a turn around the arena. Only I haven’t brought a riding horse with me today, and would like to borrow Tenth Fujin’s horse.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I winced, of all the topics to pick on me about, Tenth Fujin certainly picked a bad one. Jie-jie’s one sensitive spot! I worried a little since I had no idea what Jie-jie’s riding skills were like, but there wasn’t anything I could do except stay silent and watch.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Crown prince nodded, and Jie-jie disappeared outside the arena. Anxiously I walked to the edge of the arena to get a better look.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a moment, the same white horse from before sprinted back into the arena, carrying Jie-jie on its back. Her speed of riding was about the same as Tenth Fujin’s in the last round, but Jie-jie shifted her position while in saddle, moving from regular to side-saddle, sometimes leaning forward and even supporting herself only with her hands on the pommel, sometimes flipping herself around, sometimes standing… Jie-jie was not so much a person riding a horse as she was a free spirit dancing on the back of the horse!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wave after yet-higher wave of cheering hit the crowd gathered outside the arena, and within, uniform calls of “Bravo!” could be heard! A few of the more equestrians amongst the princes, e.g., Tenth, Thirteenth and Fourteenth, were full of loud praises. Needless to say, I was going wild with vigorous applause!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the finale, Jie-jie stood on the horse and, from a large distance, starting galloping towards the grand-stand in the arena.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jie-jie was wearing a narrow sleeved, satin skirted coat. At her waist was tied a bow braid, her hair was in a simple bun held together by twelve pale, pearl pins. As she stood on the horse-at-full-gallop, her skirt and ribbons danced in the wind behind her, and she who already was graceful and beautiful, was, in that instance, the fey, earthly manifestation of the Ninth Fairy</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She got closer and closer to the grand stand and yet her speed did not decrease- I started to worry, and even the guards started to get uneasy and moved closer to the stand.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Closer she came. And closer yet. The atmosphere became tense, and gradually the whole area fell silent with everyone holding their breath.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">And suddenly, with a loud neigh, we saw the horse standing, perfectly still, not 10 steps away from the grand stand, with Jie-jie standing blithely on top.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We all held one more moment of silence, and then, both inside and outside the arena, a wave of thunderous applause hit the skies!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jie-jie leapt off the horse, tossed the reins to a guard standing nearby and strode onto the grand stand.</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once on the grand stand, she bowed to the Crown Prince “Your humble servant has been overly bold, please allow me to accept your punishment.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Crown Prince laughed “Such outstanding horse skills- fit for being rewarded, how could I punish you?”</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I sneaked a glance at Tenth Fujin, and although her face was dismayed, there was a look of admiration in her eyes.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Crown Prince allowed Jie-jie to rise, and at the same time commented to Eighth prince “Eighth brother, this Eighth Fujin of yours’ horse-skills exceeds your own!” Eighth prince elegantly smiled “It is indeed so.”</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I felt a pang in my heart, does he know the history behind my sister’s skills?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After two such stunning performances the audience didn’t have the heart for any of the other shows. Since retreating to her seat, Jie-jie looked lost in thought, barely concealing her heavy heart. Eighth prince’s head was bowed in a slight smile, and yet, to my eyes, the smile too was full of bitterness. I also felt the moment pressing down on me, and quietly slipped away from the stand.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wandered aimlessly thinking that just from Jie-jie’s skills you could tell that her teacher could only be better. Her love must have been a heroic, dashing person. By all rights they two should have been as a pair of magnificent eagles, in flight in the vast North-western dessert. And now, one slept forever underneath the earth, and the other locked always behind the doors of status and royalty. As my heart hurt, I heard a half-mocking voice behind me say “He already belongs to someone else, being depressed doesn’t change anything.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I turned and saw Thirteenth prince looking at me with a languid smile-that-wasn’t-quite-a-smile, leading a large black horse. I was miffed at the expression on his face, and though I knew how he must have misunderstood my expression, yet I couldn’t be bothered to correct him and instead steady said “Speak for yourself!” Then turned away and left.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He seemed a little stunned, thought about it for a moment and then unexpectedly laughing loudly, followed after me.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">His peculiar laugh made me stop. Still laughing he stopped too next to me and pointing at me said “Ahh… no wonder! I was thinking that you were uncommonly sweet-tempered in the stand! So it’s because… because you thought I was in love with her!” And having finished, burst into new peals of loud laughter!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">At first I was annoyed by his mysterious laughter, and his words left me at a bit of a loss, and yet, thinking upon it, the situation was quite ridiculous- I mistook him, and he mistook me? What’s not to laugh about? And joined him in his giggling.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We stood there like a pair of fools laughing for a long while and when that subsided stood there for awhile just smiling at each other. And in that smile, our small animosity fell away. I started walking and he too, still leading his horse, matched my pace.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I walked I thought-</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>how did things turn so topsy-turvy</i>? A smile tugged at my lips and I couldn’t resist saying “I’m not in love with Tenth prince either.” He started and stopped in his tracks. Looking at my serious expression, he again burst into laughter while I watched him with a smile. After he collected his composure, he sighed “Now we’re even!”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We strolled up a sloping hillside. I picked a flat area to sit, and, hugging my knees, gazed down at that, by now, far off arena. He sat next to me and following my eyes watched with me the vague shapes of humans and horses there. The black horse stopped with us, and pawed the earth.</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were silent for a long while, and finally I couldn’t resist asking “So what were you unhappy about that day?”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He gazed in the distance and didn’t answer me for another long while. I wait a few more heartbeats and then softly said “If it’s too difficult to talk about, then don’t.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He brooded for another moment and then said “It isn’t much. That day was my mother’s death anniversary.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I uttered a little cry, and looked at him sideways. I was at a loss for words, and couldn’t do anything but turn and glance again at the distance without saying anything.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another long moment of silence and then he forced a laugh “And many years before that, on that very same day, was the day mother married Father.”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">My heart contracted painfully at this. To think a woman’s life left with little more than that. Perhaps today, other than her son, no one remembers her beauty or joy at her marriage, nor that she died on the anniversary of that same day. And the one person who ought to remember all this, because he owns the wealth of the four seas</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, simply cannot remember the day he lifted the red, jade-like of the wedding veil. </span><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="X-NONE">Humble expression for ”I” in front of those of higher status than yourself</span></span></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="X-NONE">Ninth fairy is a fairy (female spirit from the heavens) who features in mythological stories as one of immense grace and beauty</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="X-NONE"> </span></span></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="X-NONE">Expression for “the whole world”</span></span></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-38774290340125008942011-07-20T01:15:00.003-05:002011-07-26T19:48:36.202-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 5 (Part 4-5)<div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 5 (Part 4-5)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Translated by Hoju!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?m637kvb6j4124xt">http://www.mediafire.com/?m637kvb6j4124xt</a></div></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth-prince’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. Arranged to marry the Tenth-prince by Kangxi. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. Likes Ruoxi but is forced to marry Mingyu Ge’ge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 5 (Part 4-5)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He counters tauntingly “Why are you here then?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I do not have a reply to this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am silent when suddenly I realize that I have not performed the ceremonial greeting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hurriedly dip my knees and say, “Thirteenth-prince ji’xiang.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He laughs coolly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The ones waiting to hear blessings of prosperity and happiness are in the reception hall.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since he has not said, “rise”, I can only stay unmoving in my half-crouch position.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After a little while, I finally hear him say, “You may rise.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I slowly stand up and wait quietly for him to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A long time passes, and still he has not moved.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At last, out of the blue, he says, “Today, you and I are two people with broken hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why don’t we keep each other company?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I look at him with a puzzled expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He hops off the railing and strides toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grabbing my hand, he begins to leave this place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His steps are long and brisk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unable to yank my hand away from him, I have no choice but to jog along next to him while demanding, “Let go!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He pulls me out of the manor from the side entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The servant standing watch at the door does not dare say anything after the prince throws a chilly glare at him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hear him whistle, and then “clop clop”, the sound of a horse’s hooves ring out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A shiny, black horse trots over and stops in front of us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I let out an “ah”, but before my startled cry is finished, I realize I am already sitting on the horse’s back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He, too, jumps onto the horse, wraps one arm around my waist, and uses the other hand to grab the reins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hear a shout of “jia<a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%204-5.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>”, and then the horse is already galloping away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Never before have I ridden such a swift horse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel as if I have mounted a cloud and am riding on the mist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am being jolted crazily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terrified, I can only shrink back against his chest as if my life depends on it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The wind that is howling towards us cuts painfully into my face like the points of knives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I twist my head around and press my face into his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After a period of galloping at breakneck speed, I feel as if my entire body has gone numb from the cold. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wonder, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">what does he want?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does he want me to freeze to death?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Could it be he likes Mingyu Ge’ge?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Otherwise, why would there be “two people with broken hearts”?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The horse gradually slows down and, at last, comes to a halt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He dismounts, and then turns to lift me down from the horse.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Standing on the ground now, I feel even colder, like the chill has sunk to my bones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hug myself tightly and clench my teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My whole body is trembling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He unties a wineskin from the saddle and pulls out the stopper. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With one hand supporting my head, he brings the wineskin next to my lips and instructs, “Take a drink.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still shivering, I swallow a mouthful and feel a pungent heat go straight down into my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He again orders, “Have one more.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I drink another gulp from the wineskin in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Slowly, that heat spreads to all my internal organs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I finally gain my sensations back, although I am still quivering uncontrollably.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ignoring me now, he turns and heads into the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I want to cry out and tell him to stop, but I realize I am so cold that no sound will come out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The sky is pitch black.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am standing here alone with only a horse beside me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Shudders continue to rack my body.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am terrified, and at the same time, I swear to myself never to provoke Mingyu Ge’ge again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am no match for this bully.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A short while passes, and then he returns, carrying a large stack of sticks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After fiddling around for a little bit, a large fire is started.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Seeing that there is a fire, I immediately seat myself next to it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He hands me the wineskin again, and I do not refuse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Taking hold of it, I down another mouthful and then hand it back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two of us sit here like this, warming ourselves beside the fire while drinking wine, back and forth, one gulp each.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie should definitely be worried about me by now, but as I sneak a peek at the bully’s face, illuminated by the light of the flickering fire, I do not have the courage to say anything.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I only hope that he keeps in mind that Mingyu Ge’ge’s marriage to the Tenth-prince was Kangxi’s idea and had nothing to do with me, and that he will not play any more tricks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Otherwise, I am afraid I may not see Yongzheng ascend to the throne before I die at the hands of this bully.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The two of us continue drinking, one swig from him, one mouthful from me, back and forth, until slowly, the wineskin is empty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He gets up, takes another wineskin from the horse’s back, and we carry on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I drink and drink away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Memories rise to the top of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I remember going drinking with friends in Lan Kwai Fong<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%204-5.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> in Hong Kong, or stealing the champagne at home when I was a child and getting drunk…<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And later, sometimes I would giggle and sometimes I simply stare at the fire, lost in thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And after that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After that, I do not even know what I did, but anyhow, when it is still dark, he shakes me awake.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I look groggily up at him and realize that I am sprawled entirely across his lap.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He puts out the fire, and lifts me up onto the horse.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There is another bout of fierce galloping.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again, I pull myself back against him with all my might, and again, I am so cold my whole body loses all its feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By the time we arrive at Eighth Bei’le’s Manor, the first glimmers of dawn are already starting to show.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He tosses me to the door, and says, “Great drinker!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ll find you next time to drink again.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With that, he rides away on the horse.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My head is spinning and my body is shaking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the same time, I am using my head to bang against the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Why do I not use my hand?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because my arm is frozen and not very useful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The door whips open, and I follow its momentum and tumble in headfirst.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A servant hurriedly rushes over to support me, and when he comes into contact with me, he exclaims, “Oh heavens!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why is your body like ice?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I was carried back to Jie-jie’s dwellings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jie-jie, her face flooded with anxiety, rushes over.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Someone helps undress me, someone brings in hot water, and someone bathes me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only when my body is, at last, not as cold as ice do they pull me out of the tub and put me on the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie asks many questions, but seeing my blank, silly expression, she gives up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I take advantage of the effects of the alcohol and fall into a deep sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When the maids rouse me, it is already dinnertime.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Besides my head feeling a little heavy, everything else feels fine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I cannot help secretly feeling glad that my alcohol tolerance has always been very good, never crying or shouting when I am drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I merely fall asleep with my head tilted at awkward angles.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I dress myself up neat and proper and enter the dining room, where I discover that Eighth prince is here as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Having just woken up with a hangover and, on top of that, not eaten since yesterday afternoon, my brain is still a little slow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hastily perform the ceremonial greeting but then, cannot be bothered with anything else and begin eating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I eat and eat for a while before I start to get my senses back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How am I going to explain my whereabouts last night?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am mulling this over in my mind when I hear Jie-jie ask, “Where did Thirteenth Brother take you yesterday?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I pause in surprise for a moment before blurting, “How did you know?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie replies, “An entire person disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How could I not know?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I think, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">that’s right. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All anyone needed to do was ask the servant standing watch at the door and everything would be clear</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, the question of what we did is not an easy one to handle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I recall all the preposterous things from last night, I cannot help feeling a little amused.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I was a young girl, every time I read a wuxia novel, I would imagine </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN">myself and a handsome hero with </span><span lang="EN-US">extraordinary martial art skills riding a single horse together, galloping out on the green pastures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He would stare lovingly at me, and I would gaze tenderly back at him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I did not expect that this beautiful dream would kind of come true yesterday, albeit in an altered form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Indeed, it was two people riding together on one horse. Everything else, though, was completely wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The more I realized how absurd and funny it was, the more I could not hold back the mirth on my face, yet I still needed to force myself to hold it in because the look on Jie-jie’s face was not pretty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Seeing my pained expression, Jie-jie snaps, “Don’t hold it back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just laugh!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When you’re done laughing, answer the questions properly!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I finally release all the laughter I had been holding in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just when I was laughing gleefully, I suddenly felt on my face two stares that did not have the least bit of warmth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Alarmed, I quickly rein in my laughter, pull my face into a serious look and glance towards the Eighth-prince.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The corners of his lips are still turned up in a smile, but there are traces of iciness in his eyes that cause me to shiver when he looks at me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I no longer am able to laugh, and hastily drop my head and eat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Now that I am not laughing, Jie-jie orders, “Answer now!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What sorts of things did you do last night?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I reply simply, “We went out drinking.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Puzzled, Jie-jie asks, “Why did Thirteenth Brother take you drinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I contemplate for a moment but decide that I should not be broadcasting someone else’s private matters, and so I answer, “Probably he saw that I was feeling a little down and felt sorry for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie shakes her head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“An unmarried girl does not return home the entire night.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you think there is not enough gossip about you already?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Only now do I start to react.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">oh no!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now the entire Forbidden City is going to want to have a good look at me.</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am only anxious for a little while, and then my thoughts suddenly shift<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They can look all they want.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who knows what is waiting for me in the future?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am just going to be happy and live in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who cares what they think of me?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I exhale in relief.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The look on my face returns to normal, and I continue to eat my dinner with my head down.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie waits for a moment, but seeing that I am just keeping my head lowered and scooping rice into my mouth, she says, “Fortunately, this time, Lord Bei’le found out about it early, and it also happened in Tenth Brother’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My Lord has already dealt with it appropriately.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Besides a few trusted servants, no one else knows about this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the time, we had wanted to send people to search for you, but if we sent too many, it would have attracted attention.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we only sent a few, it would not have been much use anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were thinking, since it was Thirteenth Brother who took you away, he would have to bring you back, so we only sent a trustworthy servant to keep watch at the door.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She pauses briefly, and then continues, “But remember, only this once!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There will be no next time!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I grumble silently, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">do you think I really wanted to be out there in the wind in the middle of the winter?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was forced by that bully!</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As my thoughts reach this point, though, I cannot help feeling I have crossed the line a little bit, and I hastily admit, “Alright.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the time, I was not very happy and wanted to vent, so when he took me away, I did not truly resist.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When dinner is finished, the Eighth- prince and Jie-jie smile and chat briefly before he leaves in a hurry.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I carefully observe Jie-jie’s expression.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was not the least bit unhappy, and in fact, she actually looked relieved.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I sigh inwardly and wonder, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">what was Jie-jie’s beloved like?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Such an exceptionally elegant, fine man that the Eighth-prince is, yet even he cannot make Jie-jie to forget that person!<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%204-5.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Similar to “giddy-up”<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%204-5.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> A district in Hong Kong known for its bars and dining scene. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-13730783657877599622011-07-13T22:24:00.001-05:002011-09-26T00:02:05.455-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 and 4 fullAs promised, here are the download links for the full Chapter 3 and 4. As for why we're only releasing parts when the whole chapter is done, that's because we want to pace it out so our translators will have time to finish <b>before</b> it gets to their chapter. That way, you won't have to wait several weeks and can be guaranteed of an update every Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Chapter 3 full: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?67n8jloylf777vk">http://www.mediafire.com/?67n8jloylf777vk</a><br />
<br />
Chapter 4 full: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?bvf47g4wo2uc9d4">http://www.mediafire.com/?bvf47g4wo2uc9d4</a><br />
<br />
See everyone next week for chapter 5 update!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-20804308787253374272011-07-12T22:48:00.004-05:002011-07-26T19:48:36.203-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 5 (Part 2-3)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 5 (Part 2-3)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Hoju!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?rattmubs36wgpi5">http://www.mediafire.com/?rattmubs36wgpi5</a></div><div><br />
</div></div><br />
<div><div id="ftn1"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color: #0007f6; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 5 (Parts 2-3)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A person with such unsurpassed grace and refinement. I simply cannot comprehend how Yongzheng would, how he could, how he could even have the heart to confer the name of ‘A’qi’na<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>’ on him. Perhaps this is actually the greatest expression of Yongzheng’s hate, far stronger and more resolute than just killing him!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Looking at him, my heart floods with thousands of emotions and a hundred sighs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I do not know how long I have been sitting here, but I am starting to get hungry. I look all around and see that on his desk there are two plates of refreshments. After hesitating many times, I finally decided to get some. Standing up, I walk over, arbitrarily choose one, and begin eating. He lifts his head, glances at me, and his lips curl up into a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I say to him, “If I don’t go back now, Jie-jie will definitely start to get worried.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The corner of his lips still carries a hint of a smile. He lowers his head in silence for a moment, and then raises it again. As he rubs his temples, he calls, “Li Fu.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Li Fu enters the room swiftly, bows, and waits for instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“Escort Second Miss back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Li Fu hurriedly retrieves my cloak and hat for me and waits on me as I put them on. When everything is readied, the two of us pull open the door and step out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The snow is still falling down, and there is still no one around. Li Fu is leading the way up ahead. I look around carefully. The route he chose consists solely of secluded pathways that normally would not see many people and even much less now, when even a bird cannot be seen. After many twists and turns, the path intersects another. With a bow, he tells me, “Follow this path and you will quickly see Mistress Lan’s dwelling. Your servant still needs to go back and wait for further instructions, so I shall not escort Miss any further.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Nodding, I reply, “Go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">He gives the ceremonial bow<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> and withdraws.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Over these last few days, I would unconsciously stare at my left hand and fall into a daze. I feel like I seem to understand what the Eighth-prince is thinking but at the same time, I don’t understand. While I was in high school, I had been in a serious and impassioned relationship before, but at the time, we were just a young boy and girl whose hearts were easy to understand. Now, though, I have absolutely no idea what he is thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Love? Not love? Playing around? Serious? Spur of the moment? Planned? I don’t know!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">To these men of the palace who are frequently absorbed with plotting and maneuvering, beautiful women are merely like scenery that you admire when you are happy or someone to have fun and banter with when you are bored. Even the straightforward and enthusiastic Tenth-prince felt he could have both Mingyu Ge’Ge and me. I really do not dare hold any hope or expectations for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When I started learning geometric proofs, I developed a habit. If I could not work out a problem at that moment, I would put it aside. Sometimes, after a period of time had passed, I would be able to solve it. So, this time, when I realize I cannot figure it out, I decide to simply give up on this extremely difficult problem. Time will tell me the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The issue facing me now is that the Tenth-prince’s wedding day will be in three days.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">For more than a month, since that day I went into the palace to see him, we have not seen each other, I only heard that Kangxi had given him his own manor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I have been constantly deliberating, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should I go to his wedding or not?</i> But my thoughts are: the more trouble I can avoid, the better. It would be best if I do not go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When Jie-jie hears me say I am not going, she answers indifferently, “Then do not go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">However, very shortly after, Qiaohui pulls me aside and advises, “Besides New Year and other holidays when Mistress must go to pay ceremonial respect to Di’fujin, Mistress usually does not ever go to pay respect. The other side is already not very pleased. If young Miss does not go to offer your congratulations to their ge’ge, I’m afraid that side will blame Mistress and say that we do not know proper etiquette.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So, I have no choice but to go to Jie-jie again and say that I want to go. Jie-jie’s tone still is indifferent but she immediately adds, “If you go, you absolutely must not cause any trouble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">I smile and guarantee I will not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It seems as if, in the blink of an eye, the Tenth-prince’s wedding day has arrived. I pick out a pink, lined jacket with a gold thread-edging to make myself look more festive and to conceal the dejection I felt in my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Eighth Bei’le had already gone ahead of us. A little while later, Jie-jie and I sit in a sedan chair together and head over. The wedding reception is being held in Tenth prince’s newly bestowed manor, and when we arrive, many resplendent carriages are already parked orderly in the front.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Even though this manor is not even comparable to the Eighth Bei’le Manor, in the eyes of this modern city dweller, it is already considered magnificent.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Lanterns and banners decorate everywhere along the way. Lights glimmer, and the smoke of incense winds its way up into the air. Music accompanied by drumbeat echoes out. Words cannot adequately describe the atmosphere of wealth and social status or the tone of good fortune and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Laughter, singing, talking. The entire hall feels like a sea of cheerfulness. Everyone is celebrating, but Jie-jie and I are very quiet as we sit off by ourselves. In this setting, the two of us look as if we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Although I have been keeping my eyes lowered, I know, from the moment I entered this hall, everyone here has been watching me, pretending their gazes are accidental when in reality they are absolutely intentional, in order to secretly assess me. As I sit here, I feel extremely uncomfortable and wish that I could stand up immediately and leave. However, I know that if I go now, the mocking would be even worse, so no matter what, I need to wait at least until the bride has arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> With an inward sigh, I tell myself, “It is already like this so I might as well play along.” I try pulling the corners of my mouth up and discover that I can still squeeze out a smile. I hurriedly put on a brilliant smile, raise my head, and look around leisurely. Slowly, my eyes meet with all sorts of curious gazes. What is funny is that I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but the instant they encounter my gaze, they quickly turn away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I sneer in my heart and make my smile even more beautiful and charming. Suddenly, my eyes lock with those of the Fourth-prince. Those cold, icy, dark eyes seem as if there is no substance in them, but I feel the smile on my face slip slightly. I feel as if the unhappiness and confusion in my heart are completely bare and on display, and there is nowhere to hide from his penetrating stare.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I suck in a little breath and force myself to smile. I even wink at him before beaming and meeting the next set of inquisitive eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A servant rushes in and announces, “The bride is nearly at the gates of the manor. Get ready to receive the sedan chair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Only now does everyone realize they have not seen the groom this whole time. My eyes sweep around the hall once and discover that the Eighth Bei’le is also not present. Jie-jie and I exchange a glance, both of us feeling a little anxious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I quickly slip over to the Fourteenth-prince and ask in a lowered voice, “What is going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Bewilderment is also on the Fourteenth-prince’s face. “Everything seemed normal when I saw Tenth Brother yesterday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I am starting to get nervous. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For goodness sake! Tenth, you had better not stir up any trouble at this crucial moment.</i> The Fourteenth-prince sees that my face has grown a little pale and hastily assures, “Don’t worry. Eighth Brother is here. No real issue should arise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I can only nod.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The noise in the hall is growing louder and louder, and my heart feels as if it is getting squeezed tighter and tighter. Just then, from outside the door, a voice can be heard crying, “Tenth prince, Tenth prince!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I look over and see the Tenth-prince, dressed in wedding attire, standing in the doorway beside the Eighth-prince before he is rushed out by the eunuchs, who lead him to the manor’s front gates.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A smile is on the Eighth-prince’s face as he gracefully enters the room while greeting people along the way. When he goes over to pay respect to the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince asks, “What was going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Eighth- prince chuckles, “Ol’ Tenth was complaining that his wedding robe does not fit. He was embarrassed and did not want to come out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When the crowd hears this, uproarious laughter breaks out in the hall. Immediately, someone shouts, “The Tenth-prince is afraid the bride will not like it and refuse to go into the nuptial chamber with him.” The laughter grows even louder.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His hands clasped behind his back and a faint smile on his lips, the Eighth prince stands behind the Crown Prince, all the while greeting the people in the hall with a friendly gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Seeing that his eyes are about to sweep over me, I quickly bow my head. This is the first time I have seen him since that day we walked in the snow together. I am not sure why, but I am a little afraid of seeing him. As my head is lowering, I catch a glimpse of the Fourth-prince amid the laughter of the people. His expression is still cool and he is looking outside the hall impassively.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After a while, the sound of beating drums and music echo up, and everyone flocks to the entrance of the hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I allow myself to fall to the back of the crowd. I can barely see the Tenth prince, who is holding a long, red ribbon, leading the bride, whose head is covered by the wedding veil, into the hall. Then, with the crowd’s gleeful laughter accompanying them, the two are sent into the nuptial chamber.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After watching to this point in the event, I heave a silent sigh. In a short while, the Tenth-prince will have to come out again and go to each table to toast the guests. I really do not know how he is going to be able to toast me. I gesture at Jie-jie, pointing towards the door. She nods.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Looking around, seeing that no one is paying attention, I quietly slip out of the reception hall. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">During the twelfth month<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a>, Beijing is very cold. But I feel that this cold is precisely what I need. Only it can ease that stifling feeling in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My hands are clasped together, one in the other, my shoulders is shrugged, and my back is hunched over, shivering, as I search for a quiet place to go. I am walking along when I hear a voice from in front of me say, “If you’re so scared of the cold, why are you out here strolling in the wind?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I lift my head. It turns out it is the Thirteenth-prince. He is sitting with his legs straddled on a railing and looking mockingly at me. Startled, I blurt out without thinking, “Why aren’t you drinking in the reception hall?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 10pt;">阿其那</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">. Folklore says that after Eighth prince lost the fight for the throne, Yongzheng gave him the name ‘A’qi’na’, which sounds like the Manchurian word for dog. However, experts now say that is a misconception. They believe that this may have been a name that Eighth prince gave to himself after he failed to obtain the throne and means “cold fish on a cutting board”, describing himself as a failed person who was now at the mercy of others, waiting to be slaughtered. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 10pt;">打千</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> ‘da qian’. Originally a form of Manchurian social etiquette. In the Qing dynasty, men used this when greeting or paying respect to someone of higher rank or authority. When performing this ceremonial salutation, the left foot steps forward and bends at the knee, the right leg bends slightly in the back, the right arm points straight downward, and the upper body bends forward slightly at the waist. It is like a cross between a bow and fully kneeling.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%205%20part%202-3.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> This is not referring to December. The Lunar or agricultural calendar (</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: 华文宋体; font-size: 10pt;">农历</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">) was used during ancient times. In general, the twelfth month would fall somewhere in January or February of the Gregorian calendar.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-25755663734907746092011-07-04T23:12:00.003-05:002011-07-26T19:49:02.383-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 4 (Part 7) + Chapter 5 (part 1)<div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 4 (Part 7): Translated by Cutzie</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 5 (Part 1): Translated by Hoju!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?3hcjt6znv8mszsb">http://www.mediafire.com/?3hcjt6znv8mszsb</a></div><div><br /></div></div><br /><div><div id="ftn1"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators. Hence, we apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition, reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 12pt; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 4 (Part 7)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">As soon as I went in, I found myself in a parlour. I could smell strong stenches of alcohol permeate through the room but there was no one there. I took a few glances at the archway on one side of the room before I walked through the beaded curtains, causing the beads to bump into one another, creating a pleasant sound.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Tenth-prince was lying sideways on the bed. With his eyes closed, he shouted, “I’ve said to leave me alone! Get out!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I immediately went forward and was about to speak when I realized that I didn’t know what to say. He suddenly opened his eyes, angry. When he saw me, that anger turned into surprise, and then sadness. He slowly sat up. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I sat down on one of the chairs, picked up a wine jug on the table and shook it before putting it down. There was still some wine inside. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I was silent for a minute, and then asked, “Are you planning to keep on drinking like this? Thinking that if you are drunk you wouldn’t have to marry Mingyu Ge’ge?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He didn’t speak for a while before he finally said, “I’m just a bit troubled.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Why?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">With his head down casted, he proceeded to put on his boots. “Can’t you tell?” he said, sounding frustrated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I did not feel as nervous as I did when I first entered the room and could calmly reply, “First of all, you do not like Mingyu Ge’ge yet you have to marry her. Second, you have some feelings for me, but cannot marry me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He stood up and came to sit by the table as well. He picked up the wine jug and poured himself a cup of wine before he stared blankly at it while holding it in his hand. After a while, he asked softly, “Would you be willing to be my Ce’fujin?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">For a moment, I was caught off guard, not having prepared for such a conversation. I had forgotten about that in the ancient times, having multiple wives was of the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He looked up at me longingly with renewed hope and earnestly said, “I’ll treat you really well, I’ll definitely…”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I quickly interrupted him, “I’m not willing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He clenched his teeth, looked at me, and nodded his head. Suddenly he lifted his wine cup and drank the wine in one shot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“I know! Even if I wanted you to be my Di’fujin, you might not have agreed. I had a glimmer of hope before, but now,” he laughed bitterly, “it’s impossible.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I picked up the wine cup to look at it. “If you already knew, then be sensible. Don’t make Bei’le worry or the Emperor angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He poured himself another cup of wine and drank it, “I’ve already succumbed to Imperial Father’s orders. Am I not allowed to even express my feelings?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I took the wine jug and poured myself a cup, “You have already accepted the big thing. Then why do these little things that will only ‘cause your family pain and your enemy joy’?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I took a swig and drinking perhaps too quickly, I choked on the wine. I used my handkerchief to cover my mouth and coughed it out. I was wiping my lips when he asked in a low voice, “Ruoxi, have you ever liked me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I looked up and saw in his eyes a mixture of longing, apprehension, and fear. I lowered my head, wrenched my handkerchief and after a moment, I answered quietly, “I had liked you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He let out a big breath, and then chucked lightly, “Ruoxi, I’m really happy. Do you know? In these past few days, I wanted to ask you that question, but was afraid of what your answer would be.” He took another drink. “Don’t worry. I’m going to live well from now on. I will think about how you had sung a song for me, had made me happy, and had been sad because of me, and I will be happy again.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He paused for a while, and then slowly continued, “Since I was young, everyone thought that I was stupid. I don’t study well or make much progress. But what they didn’t know was that I’ve really tried my best. It’s just that no matter how much effort I’ve put in, I still could never be comparable to Fourth brother, Eighth brother, or Fourteenth brother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They only need to read something once before they could memorize it by heart. I could read things three times and would still not remember. Whatever Imperial Father says they could quickly understand it; while I would rack my brains about it all day and still not get what he meant. I also have a bad temper, which gets me in trouble countless of times. People would laugh and make fun of me behind my back. Only Eighth brother would care for me and protect me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He paused again before asking forlornly, “Ruoxi, do you think I’m stupid?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I chuckled, “Of course! If you’re not stupid then how could I have bullied you all the time?” I deliberately paused, “But the reason I like to play with you is because you are stupid and because you show your feelings frankly. If you’re happy, you’re happy. If you’re not happy, then you’re not happy. If you like something, then you like it. If you hate something, then you hate it. You’re not like those hypocrites, who would smile on the outside but hold hatred in their hearts. That’s why, in front of you, I could laugh out loud if I’m happy and be angry if I’m not. Do you know? When I’m with you, I’m happy, truly happy.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He stared at me the entire time I was talking but turned away as soon as I finished and didn’t speak for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“I am also very happy,” he whispered throatily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In that moment, the two of us did not know what else to say and could only sit there quietly until I heard the Fourteenth-prince’s voice, “We should head back!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I stood up, poured two cups of wine and gave him one. I raised my cup as a toast to him, drank and then set the cup down on the table. He saw that I had finished the wine and downed his too.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I smiled and dropped down in a curtsy. “Ruoxi bids you farewell,” I said and lifted the beaded curtain to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US">Chapter 5 (Part 1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This winter’s first snowfall came silently and without warning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The sky was perfectly normal the day before, but the next morning, a world that seemed to be dusted in powder or carved from white jade is found.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ever since graduating from college and moving to Shenzhen for work, it has been more than three years since I have seen snow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Upon unexpectedly seeing this sparkling, jade-like scene before me, an indescribable feeling of surprise and exhilaration fills my heart, and in my excitement, I decide to go out for a walk.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Qiaohui, seeing that she could not convince me otherwise, lets me have my way and hurries off to find a cloak and snow hat for me. I chose a bright red cloak made of silk crape and lined with white rabbit fur. I also put on a matching snow hat before walking outside hurriedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Behind me, Qiaohui cries out, “Don’t come back too late.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Snow is still drifting down, and although it is not falling very hard, everything seems blurry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is hard to see beyond ten steps.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">There is no particular place I would like to go, so I allow myself to walk wherever I desire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is no one all around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I walk onward, a step treading lightly, another step treading heavily, while thinking that, although this is a big world, I am different from all of them. There is a feeling of loneliness, a feeling of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“I am alone in this space between the heavens and the earth</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just as I am walking along in my own world, I suddenly hear the sound of footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Someone catches up from behind and walks alongside me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I turn my head to the side.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is the Eighth-prince.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is wearing a black, marten fur cloak and a wide-brimmed, black, bamboo hat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I know I should perform the ceremonial greetings, but for some reason, I want to ignore him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, I look away from him and keep walking as before, wherever I please.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He does not speak, nor does he leave.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He merely continues to walk beside me in the snow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The snow is still falling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The whole world is in a quiet calm with only the sound of our footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel as if, in this vast world of whiteness, there is only him and me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even though neither of us speaks, that previous feeling of loneliness gradually disappears, and my heart becomes extremely tranquil and extremely calm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could keep on walking and walking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">All of a sudden, I step on a stone that was hidden by the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My foot slips out from beneath me, and I was about to fall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was sighing silently over my bad luck when a hand reaches out and supports me firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After steadying myself, I did not utter a sound and begin walking again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He does not speak either and only continues to hold onto my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I try several times to shake him off, but seeing that I am unable to pull my hand away, I let him be.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With my hand clasped in his, he walks for another while.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had not paid any attention to the surroundings, only following his lead, and hence had already lost my sense of direction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In addition, everywhere is blanketed in snow, so I do not even know where I am at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As we are walking, the Eighth-prince’s personal eunuch, Li Fu comes toward us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By the time I noticed him, he is already very near.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In a panic, I hurriedly try to pull my hand back, but he grasps it even tighter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I listen to him order, “Dismiss everyone who is in the study.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Li Fu bows and answers, “Yes,” before turning around and hurrying away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I try a few times again to pull my hand away, but still he clasps on firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Holding my hand, he continues strolling ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We walk a little while longer until I realize we have arrived at the study.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Only Li Fu is standing watch at the door to the courtyard, and upon seeing us coming, he hurriedly bows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Eighth-prince takes no notice of him and leads me straight into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Once we enter the room, he releases my hand, helps me take off my snow hat, and then stretches out his hand to help me untie my cloak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Alarmed, I quickly jump back a couple of steps and say, “I can do it myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He smiles and pays no heed to me as he removes his own cloak and hat and hangs them up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A fire burns in the room, making it nice and warm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I unfasten my cloak, but after hanging it up, I do not know what I should do so I have no choice but to remain standing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He pours a hot cup of tea and hands it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I automatically take it and let it warm my hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He walks over to the desk, sits down, picks up some documents, and starts reading.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With the tea cupped in my hands, I stand there stupidly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After quite some time passes, he raises his head and asks smilingly, “Do you really like standing?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I give a start and hastily find a chair situated the farthest away from him and sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Smiling, he shakes his head slightly but pays no attention to me and continues to read the documents with his head lowered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From time to time, he picks up the brush and writes something.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">And so, we sit there like that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some time in between, Li Fu came in quietly, changed out the tea twice, and added some more coals to the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His movements are practiced and nimble, and he had not even made a single sound before he had retreated out of the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">At first, I do not dare let my gaze turn in his direction and only stare at the ground right before me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Later, I discover that his concentration is on reading the documents, and he does not so much as raise his head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only then does my courage gradually increase, and I start to secretly assess him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is dressed in a light teal<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%204%20part%207%20+%20chapter%205%20part%201.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> gown.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His complexion is brilliant and smooth, his features defined, and a faint smile touches the corner of his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As he reads through the documents, his brow would occasionally crease slightly, but very quickly, it unfurls again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When he holds the brush to write, his gestures are elegant and immaculate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From my perspective, I cannot help but say “his elegance is like the dewy bamboo and cool breeze; his graceful bearing is like pearl and jade.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/BBJX%20chapter%204%20part%207%20+%20chapter%205%20part%201.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> Orig. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">青色</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Refer to footnote [10] in chapter 2.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have assumed the color is teal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-19863161347176732302011-06-28T01:52:00.002-05:002011-07-26T19:49:02.383-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 4 (Part 5-6)<div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 4 (Part 5-6) </div><div style="text-align: center; ">Translated by Cutzie</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?dt7zy3pnh8bq8k3">http://www.mediafire.com/?dt7zy3pnh8bq8k3</a></div><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Disclaimer</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Crown Prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinreng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The second son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently the Crown Prince and thus next in line for the throne.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 12pt; "><b>Chapter 4 (Part 5-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie was as forlorn as before, staring at me silently with that sad expression of hers. As I got thinner by each day, she did as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Sometimes, I would hear Qiaohui whisper, “Mistress, why don’t you try to persuade the young miss?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie would softly reply, “It’s no use persuading her. In time, she would understand and learn to accept her fate.” I thought to myself,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> no, no, that would never happen. I could never learn to understand how my fate could be decided solely by a word from someone else</i>. Since I was young, I learned that hard work would yield results. “Today’s flowers will bear tomorrow’s fruits,” was my motto. I could not accept the fact that my destiny now laid in the hands of someone else. I could not, and would not! I hated the Heavens! Why was I brought here? If I was born here from the beginning, perhaps I could have accepted my destiny more easily. But I had already lived in modern society for 25 years, and had been taught that my destiny should be controlled by my own hands. Now, they suddenly tell me that everything has already been decided, that all I could do is to accept it! Well, I cannot!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">It was late autumn. The leaves on the trees had begun to fall. I started to stand under those trees and watched the leaves flutter in the wind. Each one was like a dancer, floating to the left, then right, then up, then down before suddenly spinning like a young ballerina on a stage, possessing an illimitable charm. The leaves, in the end, were still no match for gravity and slowly drifted down, bringing with them that hopeless longing for the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Eighth and Fourteenth-prince stood next to me for a while,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and joined me in watching the dance of the leaves. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“They each bring with them a kind of sadness,” I said tenderly, “They do not wish to fall down but, in the end, could not fight against their fate.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourteenth-prince replied softly, “You are now ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">heart so broken, at the sight of flowers tears will shed. Pains of separation so searing, at the cry of birds the heart will pound</i>.<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/%E6%AD%A5%E6%AD%A5%E6%83%8A%E5%BF%83%20chapter%204%20part%205-6.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>’ Wait a couple of days until your mood gets better and you won’t think like that anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I did not speak, but merely continued to watch the leaves swirl in the wind.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Fourteenth waited for a minute then asked, “Ruoxi, you really like Tenth brother, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I raised my hand to catch some of the leaves floating by. “Yes, I really like him. He is lively, honest, and can cheer me up. Most importantly, he treats me really well.” I released the leaves back in the wind and watched it dance in the air, “But I do not like him the way other people think. I just see him as a very good friend of mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Then why are you upset with his marriage?” The Fourteenth-prince asked, surprised. “The people outside are all talking about how ‘13<sup>th</sup> sister’ went insane because of Tenth prince’s upcoming wedding.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I turned to look at him, “I’m upset not because of his marriage, but because of the fact that his marriage was forced. He does not want it,” I paused for a second then continued, “I’m upset because of why our destinies are controlled by someone else, of why we can’t decide our own fate.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourteenth-prince gasped, staring at me wide-eyed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Eighth-prince looked at me fixedly then spoke, his tone serious, “Those words are treason and heresy. You must never repeat them again!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The corner of my mouth lifted up in a scoff as I turned to leave. He caught up with me within two steps, grabbed my chin hard, his eyes boring deep into mine and asked harshly, “Did you hear me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I tried turning my head but found that his force was too great. There was no way I could break free or look away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He tightened his hold. “Did you hear me?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I would not answer. The pain kept on increasing until it felt like he was strangling me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Eighth brother!” the Fourteenth-prince cried.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Eighth-prince ignored him, “Did you hear me?” he asked again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I looked bitterly into his cold eyes as I unwillingly yelled, “Yes!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He stared at me and slowly released his hands before turning to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Are you crazy?” the Fourteenth-prince asked, incredulous, “this ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">someone else</i>’ is not just anyone, but the Heavenly Son of the Great Qing! Eighth brother is only looking out for you.” He quickly turned around to chase after Eighth prince.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I stayed where I was, looking up at the leaves dancing against the sky’s blue canvas. It was there Qiaohui found me. She took one look at me, sighed heavily, and then gently helped me up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Young Miss, the wind is picking up. Let us go back.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I slowly followed her in. Jie-jie leapt up as soon as she saw me. She took hold of my hands and helped me sit down.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Why are hands so cold?” she asked, scared.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">She told Qiaohui to quickly go and prepare some hot tea. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">She kept rubbing my hands, slowly transferring her heat onto my body, warming both my hands and heart. I saw her thin face and felt a stabbing pain. Frustration swelled up within me and I couldn’t help but to lean against her, crying.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Her arms went around me as she gently patted my back, murmuring softly, “It’s good to cry it out, just cry it out.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I cried for half a day, until my throat closed up and my tears ran dry. Still, I continued to hug Jie-jie, not wanting to get up. She, too, didn’t say anything and continued to caress my back. After a while, with my head still on her bosom, I reluctantly asked, “Is it because I hit her that Mingyu Ge’ge had to marry the Tenth prince?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie helped me up and used a handkerchief to wipe my tears, “Whether you hit her or not, she would still have to marry the Tenth prince.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie sighed, “We are all merely the Emperor’s pawns. Did you think that he made this decision just recently? In reality, the Imperial Consort perceived the Emperor’s plan and had merely waited for the right time to act out that show with him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US">I didn’t say anything after hearing that but just merely sighed. I had overestimated myself. I thought Mingyu had thought I liked the Tenth prince, and stole him in order to take revenge on me. But it was better this way. At least my guilt towards the Tenth-prince had decreased somewhat. These people of the court…! I suddenly shivered, feeling cold all over. I remembered what I had said earlier and quickly hugged my sister, fear mounting in my heart. I could not keep on saying those stuffs. Absolutely not! Or else, I could cause my sister’s death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As the leaves began to fall less and less, my mood had also gotten better; at least on the surface anyways. At the very least, I could joke with the maids once in a while. However, my appetite had still not increased. I could barely eat more than a few mouthful of rice. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I had thought about running away from the manor. If I was just a normal girl, then me running away would not draw too much attention. But I was a general’s daughter, the sister-in-law of the Eighth Bei’le, and a maid awaiting the concubine selection. Not to mention that this entire world belonged to the Aisin-Gioro Clan<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/%E6%AD%A5%E6%AD%A5%E6%83%8A%E5%BF%83%20chapter%204%20part%205-6.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, where could I go? Then there was also my sister. If I really left, I was afraid she would not be able to bear it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">One day, I was practicing my calligraphy when Qiaohui came in to announce that the Fourteenth-prince had arrived. I put down my brush and went out to see Fourteenth prince standing in the courtyard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I went forward to do my greetings, asking, “Why didn’t you come in?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Let’s take a walk around the garden,” he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I nodded. Qiaohui came and brought me an embroidered aqua-green brocade cloak and advised me not to stand directly in the wind. I quickly complied and followed the Fourteenth-prince out into the gardens.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Both of us were silent as we walked. After a while, I forced a laugh, “What’s wrong with you? We’ve been walking all this time but you have yet to say anything. You’re boring me to death.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourteenth-prince laughed hollowly, “Before I came, I had lots of things to tell you. But now that I am here, I suddenly don’t know what to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I stood still and looked at him, “I’m alright now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He also stopped walking and sighed, “You’re alright but Tenth brother is not.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I didn’t say anything but only continued to look at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">He sighed, “After the Mid-Autumn banquet, he had stopped coming to Court. Imperial Father had asked for him several times. Eighth brother has been saying that he’s not feeling well. If this continues, however, Imperial Father will send a Royal Physician to take a look.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I looked down at my shoes, “What would you like me to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Go visit him and then persuade him,” the Fourteenth-prince answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I was silent for a minute then I nodded in agreement, “When?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“After Court tomorrow, I’ll come to pick you up to take you to the palace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US">“Alright,” I answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I sat with Fourteenth on a horse carriage. Both of us were silent the entire way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">Seeing as Jie-jie did not ask about anything when I left, the Eighth prince must have already informed her of what’s going on. We rode in the carriage until we reached the outer palace gate. We got off the carriage and then transferred onto sedan chairs. After half a day, we finally stopped and a maid came to help me down. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourteenth-prince walked me into a courtyard, then stopped and pointed to the door facing us, “I won’t go in with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">I nodded and walked a couple of steps before he added, “I can only hold off the eunuchs for so long. Be sure to hurry.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US">“Alright,” I said before walking in the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/%E6%AD%A5%E6%AD%A5%E6%83%8A%E5%BF%83%20chapter%204%20part%205-6.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Two lines from the poem “Spring View” by Du Fu, used to depict a sense of forlorn depression. Translation provided by lulupony.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/trnaslations/%E6%AD%A5%E6%AD%A5%E6%83%8A%E5%BF%83%20chapter%204%20part%205-6.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Aisin-Gioro is the last name of the Imperial family. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-59309581225893872772011-06-23T01:59:00.003-05:002011-07-26T19:49:02.384-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 4 (Part 4)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 4 (Part 4): Translated by Cutzie</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?ojqf677m30v6sjp">http://www.mediafire.com/?ojqf677m30v6sjp</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="color: #0007f6; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ji’xiang: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally means auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> Chapter 4 (Part 4)</o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi cut him off, “Seventeen is still young?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince said urgently, “Fourth brother and Eighth brother both married a Ce Fujin first. If that’s the case, why don’t Father grant me a Ce Fujin first?” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kang Xi’s face hardened, “Nonsense! Is making Mingyu your Di’ Fujin insulting to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince, not knowing how to reply, hurriedly got on his knees. “I didn’t mean it like that! I just…I…I just wanted…”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eighth-prince stood up, smiling, and calmly said, “Imperial Father, I think that Tenth brother is caught off guard so he doesn’t know how to react. As soon as he calms down, I’m sure he would be more than ecstatic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince turned to stare at the Eighth-prince with wide opened eyes while his face turns slightly purple. There was a bit of anxiety in his expression, along a bit of anger, a bit of pain, but more than anything, a kind of helpless pleading.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eighth-prince looked back at him, still smiling, “Tenth brother, quickly thank Imperial Father for his kindness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince continued to stare at him. Though the Eighth-prince was still maintaining that calm demeanor, his eyes were gravelly dark, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Finally, that bit of pleading, of anxiety, of anger, of pain, all melted away from the Tenth-prince’s face, leaving only a look of indifference. He slowly turned around, knelt down, and kowtowed three times. The sound of his head hitting the ground rang clearly throughout the hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">He announced in a loud voice, “This humble son thanks Imperial Father!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eighth-prince slowly sat down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I felt as if those three kowtows were hitting against my very own heart. One hit, then another one, and another one, all pressing against me, making it difficult to breathe. I already knew beforehand that marriages during ancient times were decided solely by the parents, that it was hard to make one’s own decision. Yet only when seeing it played out right in front of me, did I felt its cruelty. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I glared at Mingyu angrily. She also stared back at me, looking a bit dreadful, a bit self-satisfied, a bit of unwillingness, and also a bit of hatred. Then slowly all of that dreadfulness, satisfaction, unwillingness, and hatred disappeared into a charming smile. Under my angry gaze, she got up and solemnly went out to give her thanks. Seeing her and the Tenth-prince kneeling side by side just made me want to shout. Why?! Why?! Is he not a prince?! Does he not have the highest, most honored status?! Yet, this status has eliminated his most precious possession – freedom! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I thought of my sister, then of the present situation where the date of the concubine selection was quickly approaching. Could this be the fate of everyone in the Forbidden City? The fear that I have been repressing this entire time began to surge forward. Who would I be given to? Looking at the concubines that are sitting next to Kangxi, who all could be taken as his daughters, my whole body trembled. Uncontrollably I kept wondering if I would become one of this old man’s side wives or another young man’s main wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I didn’t know what happened afterward or how I got out of the palace. All I remembered was that as soon as the carriage stopped in front of the manor, I rushed out and ran to the door, ignoring the shouts behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I just ran, ran as fast as I could, with all the strength in me. I felt the urgent need to find a place to hide, or else I, too, would, somehow, be unknowingly married to someone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">All the maids and servants behind chased after me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Ruoxi, Ruoxi!” Jie-jie called as she ran.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eighth-prince quickly commanded the guards to seize me. One of them jumped in front, blocking my path. I wanted to run around him but he grabbed my hand. I struggled to break free, only wanting to find a place to hide. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">From far away, I could hear the Eighth-prince’s voice, “Knock her out!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I felt a blow to my neck, and was soon unconscious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ever since the Mid-Autumn Festival, I’ve became more reserved, and more quiet. Qiaohui and Dongyun tried as they might but still couldn’t get me to talk as before. Every day, if I wasn’t practicing my calligraphy, I would be sitting somewhere, staring blankly into space. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">For the first time, I began to carefully contemplate my life here in the past and what my destiny would be. I kept asking myself, “Could I do nothing else but wait until everything falls upon me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">All the maids and servant in the mansions would give me weird looks. I knew that they all thought I went crazy because of the Tenth-prince but I didn’t care. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-74339121831979358362011-06-22T19:51:00.006-05:002011-07-26T19:49:02.384-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 4 (Part 3)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 4 (Part 3)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Hoju</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Download Link: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?w432eo71oa6k4e1">http://www.mediafire.com/?w432eo71oa6k4e1</a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 91%; margin-right: 2pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #0007f6;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></u><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.9pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 96%; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 0.2pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;">(In Alphabetical Order)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Dong Yun:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> One of Ruolan’s maids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 101%; margin-right: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.45pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 91%; margin-right: 22pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.8pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 8pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Eighth-prince (</span>Aisin-Gioro Yinsi)<span style="color: #333333;">:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A<span style="color: #333333;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 9.55pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Kangxi:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The current Emperor of China.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 30pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi. Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 96%; margin-right: 1pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Qiao Hui:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 97%; margin-right: 5pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ruolan, Maertai:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 98%; margin-right: 11pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 9pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.7pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b><span style="color: #333333;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi. Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanor.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 0.2pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; margin-left: 170pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Glossary of Terms</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 10.3pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; margin-left: 161pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;">(In Alphabetical Order)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 12.75pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 110%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Bei’le:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le. A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 9.1pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ce’fujin:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 10.3pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Di’fujin:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> A title. </span>Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 12.65pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 94%; margin-right: 21pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ge’ge:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an<span style="color: #333333;"> </span>unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 10.4pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Jie-jie:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Older sister in Chinese.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 99%; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ji’xiang:</b> A standard greeting one of lower status uses to greet people with higher status in court. The word literally mean auspicious and can be translated as, ‘I wish good fortunes, prosperity and happiness to you”.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chapter 4 (part 3)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was shocked and for a moment, did not know how to react. Then, with a jolt, I hurriedly jumped to my feet, stepped out from the tables, walked forward, and kneeled down. I kowtowed while saying in a clear voice, “Your Imperial Majesty ji’xiang.”</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi answered, “Rise to speak.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">As I stood up, I was searching my mind. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is this about</i>? Kangxi asked with a laugh, “This is the ‘Death Challenging Thirteenth Sister’?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">One of the imperial concubines sitting beside him smiled obsequiously, “I never expected that she is actually a cute and delicate young girl.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">With the eyes of the crowd fixed intently on me, all I felt was tremendous nervousness. Kangxi looked at me with a smile and asked, “Are you very nervous to see Zhen<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I knew that if I still did not say anything, it would definitely not be very good, so I had no choice but to respond with, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi seemed to find this quite amusing, and he added, “Why?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I contemplated for a moment before I replied, “This is the first time I can look upon Heaven’s countenance. Its augustness is boundless, and hence, it makes me nervous.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi gave a, “hmm” and then asked, “You find me very august?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I cried silently, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oh Heaven! Why won’t this end?</i> I carefully deliberated how I should answer. One bad answer and it would be game over.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Seeing that I did not immediately give a response, Kangxi smilingly continued to press, “Are you afraid of Zhen?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I thought to myself, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">only a tyrant wants everyone to fear him. Since the ancient times, what a wise ruler desires is for the people to genuinely respect and accept him.</i> I dared not hesitate any further and hurriedly replied, “No. Your Imperial Majesty is a sage- emperor of this age. Why would maidservant be frightened? But this is the first time maidservant has come to the palace, and I find the Son of Heaven<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> has an august aura. That is why I am slightly nervous.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi asked with a smile, “A sage-emperor? Why do you think Zhen is a sage-emperor?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I screamed with frustration mentally. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why? Because history has already made that judgment. </i>However, I did not dare directly recite all that, “ascended the throne at the age of Eighth, captured Oboi<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a>, suppressed the Revolt of the Three Feudatories<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a>, seized Taiwan<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a>, defeated Galdan Khan<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a>…” because these were all achievements that Kangxi in his later years gave to himself as a form of self-evaluation. I dared not steal his lines from his own script. I racked my brain desperately, and thoughts spun several times until what finally popped into mind was the poem, “Snow<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[7]</span></span></span></a>” that had been in my high school textbook. I thought it was rather fitting. I could not worry about anything else. Saving my own life was the most important thing. So, in a clear voice, I recited,<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Qin Shihuang<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[8]</span></b></span></span></a> and Han Wudi<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[9]</span></b></span></span></a> were lacking in literary grace,</i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And Tang Taizong<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[10]</span></b></span></span></a>and Song Taizu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[11]</span></b></span></span></a> had little poetry in their souls;</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> That proud son of Heaven, Genghis Khan5<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[12]</span></b></span></span></a>,</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Knew only shooting eagles, bow outstretched.</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> All are past and gone!</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> For truly great men</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Look to this age alone.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[13]</span></b></span></span></a>”</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">After Emperor Kangxi finished listening to this, he gave a nod and chuckled, “After growing accustomed to hearing ‘Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[14]</span></span></span></a>’, these words today are rather novel.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I groaned inwardly. How could I forget about ‘Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang’? But, it seems this had a rather good effect. My bootlicking did not do too badly after all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi remarked, “It seems it is not just ‘fighting fiercely’ that you know how to do!” Then he instructed the eunuch at his side, “Reward!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I hurriedly fell to my knees again, and then after receiving my reward, I stepped away. Upon returning to my seat, I realized that my palms were all clammy. I looked to see that the Crown Prince and Fourth prince were assessing me with their eyes, so I quickly dropped my head back down.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Following this bit of excitement, Kangxi appeared to be in great spirits. The imperial concubines and consorts accompanying him were also smiling and chatting affably.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">One after another, the princes went to toast Kangxi and say auspicious words.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">After Ninth prince returned to his seat, Tenth prince stepped forward. Raising his cup of wine, he said, “Imperial Father<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[15]</span></span></span></a>, all the auspicious words have been taken by my older brothers already. I don’t have any fancy words to say, and only wish Imperial Father good health.” With that, he threw his head back and drank his wine.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi shook his head. , “Cannot remember lines and quotes of literary works so can only use common sayings.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">A beautiful consort beside Kangxi smiled, “Even though it is a common saying, it nonetheless is true.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi nodded. He looked at Tenth prince, mulled over something for a moment, and then stated, “Seventeen years old already.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">The consort smiled and said. , “When Ninth prince was this age, he had already taken a fujin.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">She had just spoken this before all the princes had tuned in and were listening attentively. Tenth prince’s head was lowered, looking as if he was deep in thought.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi replied, “He has reached that age.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Still smiling obsequiously, the consort continued, “The day before yesterday, Jing Ge-Ge was mentioning to me that her younger daughter, Mingyu was at about the right age, and she was asking me to help mull over who could be an appropriate match. In my opinion, she and Tenth prince are quite well-suited.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">When Tenth prince heard this, he abruptly lifted his head up and stared at Kangxi, his entire face tense. Kangxi nodded. , “Well-suited indeed.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Kangxi pondered for a short while before looking at Tenth prince. , “Then let us appoint Guoluoluo Mingyu as Ol’ Tenth’s Di’fujin!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">Tenth prince’s face had grown flushed, and now, he cried hurriedly, “Imperial Father, your subject-son<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[16]</span></span></span></a> is still young…”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><hr size="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">朕</span><span lang="X-NONE">. Prior to the Qin dynasty, this word could be used by anyone and meant “I” or “me.” However, Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of unified China and founder of the Qin dynasty (259 – 210 BC), passed an edict in which only the Son of Heaven could address himself as ‘Zhen.’ From that time onward until the Qing dynasty, this was a form of self-address exclusive to the emperor. </span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: 宋体;">天家</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘tianjia’. Another way to refer to the emperor. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tian</i> means ‘heaven’ and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jia </i>means family. Everyone under the heavens is the Son of Heaven’s family.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Oboi (</span><span style="font-family: 新細明體;">鳌</span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic', sans-serif;">拜<span lang="X-NONE">, </span></span><span lang="X-NONE">pinyin: Aobai)</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'MS PGothic', sans-serif;"> </span><span lang="X-NONE">was a distinguished official of the Qing dynasty with outstanding military achievements, who served under three successive emperors. He was one of the four appointed regents to assist the young Kangxi until he reached the age of majority. Tension between Kangxi and Oboi rose due to Oboi’s significant power and influence in court. Kangxi seized power early. Oboi was arrested in 1669 (8<sup>th</sup> year of Kangxi) and ended up dying in prison.</span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Three generals, Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jingzhong each ruled over a relatively independent territory in southern China. These territories had been bestowed to them by the Qing court after the Manchus conquered China. In 1673, approximately only three decades after the Manchus had established the Qing dynasty, these three rebelled against the Qing government. In 1681 (20<sup>th</sup> year of Kangxi), Kangxi defeated the rebel army, and China was unified again.</span></div></div><div id="ftn5" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Between 1661 to 1683, Taiwan was ruled by the Zheng family and opposed the Manchu-ruled Qing government. After being defeated by the Qing navy in 1683 (22<sup>nd</sup> year of Kangxi), the ruler at the time, Zheng Keshuang surrendered. Taiwan was officially annexed into the Qing empire shortly after.</span></div></div><div id="ftn6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></b></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 宋体; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">噶尔丹</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> (pinyin: Ga’er’dan). Galdan Khan of the Dzungar-Oirate. His increasing power and expansion of territory in Mongolia was a threat to Beijing. He was defeated by the Qing army in 1696 (35<sup>th</sup> year of Kangxi).</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1></div><div id="ftn7" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">沁园春·雪</span><span lang="X-NONE">. A poem written by Chairman Mao Zedong in 1936. Note that the character, </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">雪</span><span lang="X-NONE">, meaning ‘snow’ is the actual name of the poem. This is ‘ci’ poetry, which is a form of poetry that follows one of hundreds of set patterns/tunes/rhythms. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">沁园春</span><span lang="X-NONE"> is the name of the pattern used for this particular poem.</span></div></div><div id="ftn8" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span lang="X-NONE">First emperor of unified China as the founder of the Qin (</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">秦</span><span lang="X-NONE">) dynasty (259-210 BC).<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn9" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span lang="X-NONE">Seventh emperor of Han (</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">汉</span><span lang="X-NONE">) dynasty (156-87 BC): remembered as one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, and known for the vast terrestrial expansions under his reign, effectively establishing China as the most powerful country at the time.</span></div></div><div id="ftn10" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> S</span><span lang="X-NONE">econd emperor of Tang (</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">唐</span><span lang="X-NONE">) dynasty (599-649 AD): officially recognized as co-founder of Tang dynasty with Emperor Gaozu. He was known for being extremely wise and able, and his reign was known as the Reign of Zhenguan (</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">贞观</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">之治</span><span lang="X-NONE">), a period of economic and military posperity and commonly regarded as one of the golden ages of China.</span></div></div><div id="ftn11" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> F</span><span lang="X-NONE">ounder of Song (</span><span style="font-family: 'MS PGothic', sans-serif;">宋</span><span lang="X-NONE">) dynasty (960-976 AD)</span></div></div><div id="ftn12" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span lang="X-NONE">Founder of the Mongol Empire, or the Yuan (</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">元</span><span lang="X-NONE">) dynasty as known in China (1162-1227)</span></div></div><div id="ftn13" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> </span><span lang="X-NONE">Excerpt from “Snow” (</span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">沁园春·雪</span><span lang="X-NONE">, 1936) by Mao Zedong. Translation by the Maoist Documentation Project.</span></div></div><div id="ftn14" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 新細明體;">尧</span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">舜禹</span><span style="font-family: 新細明體;">汤</span><span lang="X-NONE">. Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang are all legendary, venerated kings or rulers of the far-ancient times, upheld as examples for sovereigns to emulate, and hence, using “Yao Shun Yu Tang” to describe a ruler is a form of praise.</span><span lang="X-NONE"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="X-NONE">Yao and his successor Shun are sage-kings of Chinese mythology, said to have ruled in approximately in 22nd – 23rd century BCE, and are both known for their virtue, benevolence, and humanity. The people lived in unity and harmony under Yao, and he was well-loved. Shun was recognized for being filial. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="X-NONE">Yu was appointed by Shun to deal with flood control during the Great Flood of Chinese mythology, and he spent 13 years of his life on this. Yu was honored for his self-sacrifice and perseverance. Shun passed his throne on to Yu, who is said to have founded the Xia dynasty. Yu is said to have been wise, practical, frugal, and modeled what he preached.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="X-NONE">Tang overthrew the tyrant king, Jie, the last ruler of Xia, and established the Shang dynasty in 16<sup>th</sup> century BCE. He lowered taxes, encouraged production of goods, and expanded the territory of Shang’s rule and influence.</span><span lang="X-NONE"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn15" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">皇阿</span><span style="font-family: 新細明體;">玛 </span><span lang="X-NONE">‘</span><span lang="X-NONE">Huang A’Ma’.</span><span lang="X-NONE"> How princes and princesses would address their father, the emperor, in the Qing dynasty. ‘Huang’ means royal or imperial and ‘a’ma’ is the Manchurian word for father.</span><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 新細明體;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn16" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Documents/BBJX/BBJX%204-3.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig.</span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">儿臣</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘Er’chen’. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">儿</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘er’ means “son” or “child” and</span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">臣</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘chen’ means “subject” or “official”. Children of the emperor would use this to refer to himself/herself when speaking to the emperor. In addition, the emperor, his siblings, as well as his children would also use this form of self-address in front of the empress dowager. I will use subject-son and subject-daughter for the translation.</span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-4848096778996048362011-06-15T01:04:00.005-05:002011-07-26T19:49:02.385-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 4 (Part 1-2)<div style="text-align: center; ">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 4 (Part 1): Translated by Yitiantulong and Lulupony</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Chapter 4 (Part 2) Translated by Hoju!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please give thanks to Yitiantulong, Lulupony and Hoju!. They are the ones who has translated Chapter 4 Parts 1-2. Please also give thanks to the wonderful Cutzie who's been helping with the editing all this time! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll also be posting the compilation of all the parts of Chapter 3 within the next few days.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy everyone! </div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?f99csib94x0708w">http://www.mediafire.com/?f99csib94x0708w</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b>Disclaimer</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. During the Tenth’s Birthday banquet, Ruoxi and Mingyu gets into a fight, resulting in quite a spectacle. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> Chapter 4 (Part1-2)</o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">The days passed one after another, and I was beginning to feel that life was getting extremely dull. Everywhere I turned there were only a few things that I was allowed to do. Jie-jie was still giving me the cold shoulder and all the places I could go within the Eighth Bei’le’s Manor I had already gone to countless times. I started to intensely miss the alcohol, the partying, the “unsavory” company and general debauchery back in Shen Zhen</span></span><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">. Yet here, such pleasures were reserved entirely for men.</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I sat on a rock while facing the lake, bored out of my mind.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">“Ai!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">“Ai!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">“Ai!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">……</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">Suddenly I heard the Fourteenth-prince’s voice from behind me: “I win!”</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I turned around and saw the Ninth, Tenth and the Fourteenth prince all standing behind me. I hastily got up to give my greetings. The Tenth prince loudly said, “Why do you keep sighing? Your few sighs have lost me twenty taels of silver!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Ninth-prince chimed in, “Not to mention twenty taels of my silver!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I cast a puzzled glance at the Fourteenth-prince, who is grinning from ear-to-ear. He laughed, “We laid a bet on exactly how many times you were going to sigh. Ninth brother wagered less than twenty, Tenth brother said less than forty and I bet you would sigh over forty times.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I thought about it for a bit and asked, “Did I really sigh that many times?”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">All three of them chorused, “Yes!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I gave a bit of a pout but said nothing.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Tenth-prince asked, “Why were you sighing?”</span><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span lang="EN-US">Just as I wanted to <span class="apple-style-span">answer him, the Fourteenth-prince interjected, “Wait, don’t tell us, let us guess. The wager is still twenty taels of siler.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I laughed, “Gambling addicts!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Fourteenth-prince nudged the Ninth-prince. “Ninth brother, you guess first.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Ninth-prince waved his hands saying “I can’t guess. You two guess.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Tenth-prince looked at me carefully and then said, “Boredom.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Fourteenth-prince laughed, “Looks like today I’m only going to win forty taels. My guess is also boredom.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I made a face and shook my head. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It’s not boredom.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The two princes gave me a blank stare before looking curiously at me. The Tenth-prince asked, “Then what is it?”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I very seriously answered, “It is extreme, extreme, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">extreme</i> boredom.” Then all four of us all laughed together.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Fourteenth prince said, “Well, stop being bored. It’s nearly the Mid-Autumn Festival</span><a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"> and the Palace will soon be holding a banquet.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I mentally checked the date. “Why, it is nearly mid-autumn!” I continued to ask, “Are you all here to see the Eighth Bei’le?”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Tenth prince answered, “Yes, but that garrulous old Assistant Minister Yao is in the study right now, and I’d rather not meet him. That’s why we’re taking a walk here in the garden.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I thought about it for a bit before saying, “When you go in later, can I come in with you to pay my greetings to the Eighth Bei’le as well?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The Fourteenth-prince raised his brow. “There is no such thing as unmerited favor. You're up to something.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I threw him an evil look without saying anything.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span lang="EN-US"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">When we entered the study, the Eighth prince saw me walking in alongside the other princes. However, he didn’t show any particular interest, but only smiled gently as he allowed me to sit.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I smiled, “Standing is fine. I’ll be very short. Just wanted to say a few words and then I’ll leave.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">He leaned against the back of the chair, and absently played with his snuff bottle. With a hint of a smile on his face he said, “What you want, I can’t help you with. ‘Only the person who tied the knot can undo the knot</span><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span">’.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I stared at him for a moment, before finally bowing despondently. “Then Ruoxi will take her leave now.”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">He smiled, “Go now!”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I turned to leave the study. As I walked, I thought how I had hoped that the Eighth-prince would be able to come to my rescue, but I was wrong, so all that was left was to utilize my own best efforts!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">When I returned to the house, Jie-jie was still in the prayer hall reciting her scriptures. I paced inside the house, thinking of what to say to her. As I was thinking, Jie-jie returned and saw me pacing. She ignores me and went to lie on the couch.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I hurried over, and after a moment of silence, I quietly said, “When mother passed away, I had just been born. Ever since I was little, father’s called me a troublemaker and step-mother has disliked my mischievousness. As for our other step-siblings, although I do get along with some of them, they are after all not my full siblings. There’s only Jie-jie. We are born from the womb of the same mother and thus Jie-jie has always taken so many pains with me. If I have done anything wrong, and Jie-jie beats me or scolds me, I would listen. But to have Jie-jie ignoring me… I…I ”</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">As I spoke, I thought back on my true parents, whom I will never see again; because I was also genuinely hurt by Jie-jie giving me the cold shoulder these last few days, tears started to surge out and I was sobbing so hard I couldn’t finish my sentence.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Jie-jie wept too as she listened to me. She leaned over and hugged me to her. We stayed like that and cried for a long while before Qiaohui and Dongyun finally persuaded us to stop.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie used a silk handkerchief to dab away my tears while chastising gently, “You are going to have to change your fierce temper, otherwise, you may lose this little life of yours, and you won’t even know how it happened.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She paused briefly before adding, “Do you think that Mingyu Ge’ge of the Guoluoluo family is easy to pick on?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This time, if Lord Bei’le had not taken the responsibility of this onto himself, you would not have been let off easily by either Di’fujin or those of the E’fu<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn4" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Manor.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After hearing this and seeing how upset Jie-jie was, I could only nod my head and promise her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt;padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ever since the day we hugged and cried, Jie-jie’s anger had completely dissipated, and she was even more gentle and caring toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Mid-Autumn Festival was quickly approaching, but because Di’fujin was feeling unwell, the festival celebrations in the manor were left to Jie-jie to organize.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every day, Jie-jie was so busy that she did not have time to rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Now that the matter that had been troubling my heart was resolved, my mood improved considerably, and I could be a rich idler again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The best thing was, since that time I complained to the Tenth and Fourteenth-prince about being bored, the two of them would often send over novel toys or gadgets to me, curing quite a bit of my monotony.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plus, I was always speculating what they would be sending over the next time, making all the servant girls excited along with me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The sound of noisy laughter could constantly be heard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It seemed like, in the blink of an eye, Mid-Autumn Festival was nearly upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The manor was filled with an atmosphere of jubilation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since I was going to the Palace to attend the celebration banquet, everyday, Jie-jie would tell me the rules again and again: where to go to the lavatory, where to sit, where to mingle, where the feast would commence, where to go to for a rest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She made me memorize and recite these, over and over again, for fear that my etiquette that day would be improper.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">On the afternoon of the fifteenth, the Eighth Bei’le and Jie-jie were dressed-up and I was ready as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each of us was in our own sedan chair, and in a single procession, we headed to the Forbidden City<a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When I was in university, one of the options I chose to take was a course on the history of scroll paintings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Palace Museum<a style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> often had art exhibitions that I used to frequent, but I was only familiar with a few places near the Painting and Calligraphy Gallery.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Palace Museum was just too big.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had never strolled through all of it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Today, I was about to appreciate this palace at its finest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To say I was not excited would be a lie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Passing through door after door, propriety after propriety, and row after row of guards, my head was spinning, and my nerves were so extremely high-strung out of fear that I would make one wrong move. So scared I was that I could not even be bothered with looking around at my surroundings. Only now did I silently appreciate that Jie-jie had trained me well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Finally, I had the opportunity to sit down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My legs were feeling a little weak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After recuperating for a bit, I took in everything around me: tens of thousands of hanging lanterns glowed bright as the day; incense burners released the scent of rare sandalwood incense; </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">flower buds were arranged in vases; silvery light reflected off swirling snow; and gems dazzled the eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">I sighed inwardly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What a sight worthy of the imperial household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Television dramas of modern times simply could not portray even one ten-thousandth of this.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">All the consorts and imperial concubines, princes, fujin, and ge’ge gradually arrived, and each took their seat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After waiting again for a short while, a group of eunuchs walked in with quick steps and stood in position.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From far away, a voice announced, “His Imperial Majesty has arrived.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone rose and stood still.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Another moment passed before a middle-aged man of medium build, wearing a yellow robe and a hat adorned with jade strolled into the gathering. His features are simple and unassuming, and a faint smile can be seen on his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">With the rustling sound of clothing, everyone present dropped to his or her knees.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I exclaim in my mind, an<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> incomparable emperor of the ages, Kangxi</i>!<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">Even though everywhere across the floor, there were kneeling people, not a single loud breath could be heard. When Kangxi was seated, the eunuch beside him cried, “Rise!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The people rose to their feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">Kangxi’s smiled as his eyes swept over the people below him and said, “Please sit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is not often we get to celebrate festivities.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone, let yourselves be a little more casual.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The gathering answered with a simultaneous, “zha!<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn7" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>” before everyone took his or her seat.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">That being said, though, from what I could see, all the appropriate etiquette and proprieties were still being strictly adhered to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could not help sighing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">, so this is awesome power of the Son of Heaven, about whom it is said</i>, “under the wide heaven, all is the king’s land<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn8" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">Only after three rounds of wine did the atmosphere at the banquet start to relax.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">A few of the younger princes started to amuse and joke with one another, raising their cups to toast each other, and amongst them, the Tenth prince’s voice rang out the loudest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Crown Prince, the Fourth prince, and the Eighth prince were also chatting smilingly and drinking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">I was letting my eyes wander around when I suddenly met Mingyu Ge’ge’s stare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was glowering at me hatefully.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At once, I flashed a dazzling smile at her, thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">you are going to be so mad you’ll just die</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Her glare became more and more nasty, but all of a sudden, it was as if she realized something.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The corners of her lips curled up, and she, too, sent a charming smile in my direction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Immediately, I felt a cold feeling flood my entire body, and with a shiver, I sighed inwardly, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">indeed, the smiling tiger is the most fearful</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">Food and drink, drinking and stopping, laughing and watching.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even though nobody paid any attention to me, I was still enjoying myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had the fortune of being at this grand gathering; how could I not let myself savor it to the fullest?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">Just when I was enjoying myself with my head down, I noticed that all around, it had grown quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I lifted my head and noticed that everyone’s eyes were on me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A eunuch was heard summoning, “Maertai Ruoxi, come forward and present yourself to His Imperial Majesty.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;color:black">深</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU; color:black">圳</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU;color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"> – A Major city in the Guan Dong province of China. </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Orig. </span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">中秋</span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU">节</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">. This festival falls on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of the eighth month of the Lunar calendar (or agricultural calendar </span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"儷黑 Pro";mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">农历</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; color:black">), which is</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> in September or early October of the Gregorian calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an ancient festival, dating back more than 2000 years ago, but it became especially popular and a major celebration since the Ming and Qing dynasties. It celebrates the end of the fall harvest season, when the food is at its most abundant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On this night, the moon is at its roundest and brightest for the year, and hence it is also known as the Moon Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Families celebrate by gathering and eating moon cake together among other things.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Orig. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:MingLiU;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;color:black">解铃还须系铃</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU;color:black">人</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: PMingLiU;color:black"> – literally, “to untie the bell, the person who tied the bell is needed.” It’s a</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> p<span class="apple-style-span">roverb that means it takes the person who created the situation to resolve the situation.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn4" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Orig. </span><span lang="ZH-TW" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language:ZH-TW">额驸</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Referring to </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Mingshang E’fu,</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Mingyu Ge-Ge’s father.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Refer to the footnotes Chapter 3, part 2 for more information on Mingyu Ge-Ge’s mother and father.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn5"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn5" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Orig. </span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">紫禁城</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> ‘Zijin Cheng’.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>‘Forbidden City’ is translated from this original Chinese name, although literally translated, it should be ‘Purple Forbidden City.’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was the imperial palace </span><span lang="EN-US">for both the Ming and Qing dynasties.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have differentiated this name from ‘Gugong’ (see footnote [5])<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn6"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn6" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> Orig. </span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">故</span><span lang="JA" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:华文宋体;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:华文宋体">宫</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> ‘Gugong’.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Literally, this is translated as ‘former palace’.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the name given in the modern times to the former imperial residence, and in English, it is now called the Palace Museum.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a modern person, Zhang Xiao’s memories would be of her visits to ‘Gugong’.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn7"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn7" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Orig. </span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family: SimSun;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN">喳</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: SimSun;mso-bidi-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN">.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"> In the Qing court, servants or someone of lower rank would say “zha” to a person of higher rank when answering yes to promise or agree to undertake an order.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn8"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn8" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%204%20part%201-2.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Orig. </span><span lang="JA" style="font-family:"ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3";mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">普天之下莫非王土</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3"">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This a line from the 205<sup>th</sup> poem in</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun; mso-bidi-font-family:SimSun;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN">诗经</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun">The Book of Odes</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun"> (also known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Book of Songs</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Translation credit: http://etext.virginia.edu/chinese/shijing/AnoShih.html</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div><p></p><div><div id="ftn8"> </div></div></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-14910753210625656472011-06-09T12:01:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:23.099-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 (Part 7 - 8)<div class="WordSection1"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">步步惊心</span><span style="color: #333333;">/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Written by Tong Hua</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Chapter 3 (Part 7-8)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">Translated by Hoju and Yanfeng</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Hello everyone. To compensate for all of you being so patient and understanding while waiting for chapter 3 to be complete, we have a double release today! We are now back on schedule and will have updates every week as promised. Enjoy!</div></div></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Download Link: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?q29s55os2dsjfb4">http://www.mediafire.com/?q29s55os2dsjfb4</a><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="WordSection2"><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 186.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Disclaimer</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.85pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 91%; margin-right: 2.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222;">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><u><span style="color: #0007f6;">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></u><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.9pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 96%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div class="WordSection3"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: .2pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">(In Alphabetical Order)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.2pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 165.0pt; text-autospace: none;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Dong Yun:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> One of Ruolan’s maids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 101%; margin-right: 11.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 91%; margin-right: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 8.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Eighth-prince (</span>Aisin-Gioro Yinsi)<span style="color: #333333;">:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A<span style="color: #333333;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 9.55pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Kangxi:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The current Emperor of China.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 30.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui. Not on good terms with Ruoxi. Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 96%; margin-right: 1.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Qiao Hui:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 97%; margin-right: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ruolan, Maertai:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.85pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 98%; margin-right: 11.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e):</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.7pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b><span style="color: #333333;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi. Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanor.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: .2pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; margin-left: 170.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Glossary of Terms</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; margin-left: 161.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #333333;">(In Alphabetical Order)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Bei’le:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le. A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 9.1pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ce’fujin:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Di’fujin:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> A title. </span>Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 94%; margin-right: 21.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; punctuation-wrap: simple; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Ge’ge:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an<span style="color: #333333;"> </span>unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.4pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 99%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Jie-jie:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"> Older sister in Chinese.</span></div><b><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span></b> <br />
<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chapter 3 (part 7-8)<o:p></o:p></span></h1><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think to myself, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the verdict is finally going to be announced</i>. My heart feels a little uneasy, not nervous because of what he would do to me but worried about how this will affect Jie-jie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Noticing my expression of apprehension, Tenth prince reprimands, “You know to be scared now?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth prince, however, restrains his grin and comforts, “Don’t worry. I will beg for forgiveness on your behalf.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I look at him in surprise, and he smiles back at me. In a quiet voice, I say, “Thank you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we walk in, Eighth prince is sitting at the table, writing. He only nods briefly at Tenth and Fourteenth prince, not even bothering to glance at me once, as he continues to write with his head lowered. Tenth and Fourteenth prince each take seat themselves. I, however, continues standing motionless in the middle with my head down as I think, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">here’s another person who is treating me like I am invisible</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quite some time passes. Tenth and Fourteenth prince have each finished an entire bowl<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> of tea before Eighth prince puts down his brush, seals what he has been writing, and instructs the eunuch by his side, “Bring this document directly to the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a>.” The eunuch puts away the item carefully and leaves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After taking a sip of tea, Eighth prince asks Tenth and Fourteenth prince, “What is your opinion regarding this morning’s discussion in which Chang Shou was accused of offering amnesty to and recruiting the Guangdong pirate, A’Baowei?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince declares hotly, “What opinion can you have? How can you be soft on those pirates who terrorize the seas? Unless you ‘kill one as a warning example to the hundred,’ the rest will only become even more savage and rampant.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eighth prince does not pay any attention to him, looking only towards Fourteenth prince. Mulling for a moment, Fourteenth prince replies, “Even though Imperial Father did not say anything, I believe he had already made up his mind beforehand and likely agrees with the actions Assistant Minister<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Chang took. Those two hundred thirty-seven pirates are all courageously fierce fighters and are extremely familiar with the surrounding waters. Each one is a true man. Negotiating surrender and enlisting them as our own soldiers will increase our naval strength, put apprehension into other pirates’ hearts, and also demonstrates the awesome, yet dignified manner of our great Qing, so that all may know that any capable person willing to serve the country will be given a chance by Imperial Father.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When he finishes speaking, Eighth prince nods. It appears that Fourteenth prince’s opinion on the matter is the same as his. “Then I will put in a document to the throne requesting leniency for Assistant Minister Chang.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever they say afterward, I do not hear at all. In my mind, all I can think is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">politics, maneuvering for power!</i> And then, I am just standing and standing…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The sky is dark already. A eunuch comes in and asks if dinner should be readied.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eighth prince chuckles, “We were so engrossed in discussion that we did not notice the hour! It’s so late already that if you leave now, it’s going to be a hassle. If you do not have any important matters to attend to, have dinner here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Both Tenth and Fourteenth prince smile and agree. Having received his instructions, the eunuch turns and leaves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eighth prince is looking at me, his fingers tapping the table and his face still smiling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The room is very quiet. Only the tapping sound on the table can be heard. I am still standing there with head lowered and motionless. Thanks to my strict school military training<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> in the past, I have been standing like this for more than four hours<a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Turning to look at Tenth and Fourteenth prince, Eighth prince tells them, “You two go first. I will be there shortly.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The two stood, and Fourteenth prince proceeds directly out of the house, but Tenth prince stammers, “We should all go together.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Smiling, Eighth prince turns his eyes towards him as he says, “You go first.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince casts a glance at me, but in the end, he leaves as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 77.45pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Eighth prince dismisses the eunuchs inside the room, then walks over in front of me and stands very still.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All I can feel is an invisible pressure weighing down on me, and it seems as if I cannot support myself on my own feet any longer. Lowering my head so I am staring at his shoes, my heart furiously beats, “thump thump,” and my thoughts swirl around in my head, yet I do not know what I actually am thinking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After what seems like half a day, he says quietly, “Lift up your head.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I really do not want to, but in the end, I do not have the courage to refuse and obediently, I raise my head up slowly. Neck, chin, then mouth, nose, until at last, I meet his eyes, deep like a lake, seeming as if they are very clear, yet the bottommost depths cannot be seen. I want to turn my eyes away, but for some reason, I do no move and can only continue to stare up at him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His expression is calm as he gazes at me with a hint of probing look in his eyes, as if he is trying to find something from my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not know how much time has passed, perhaps only one second, perhaps two hours, and then a faint smile gradually appears at the corner of his lips, slowly spreading to his face, until at last, even his eyes are filled with that smile. I, however, truly do feel as if I will not be able to stand anymore, and unconsciously, my hand covers my chest and I take a couple steps backwards. He breaks out into loud laughter. I think to myself, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his voice is so nice when he laughs! It is like a small electrical current darting through your heart, making your heart feel all tingly and weak.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Still laughing, he asks, "Where did all your vigor from the other night go?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
I didn't know what to say and just stand there foolishly.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He laughs again, and starts to leave. At the doorway, he turns with a smile, "Are you planning on just standing there?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hurriedly follow after. He instructs Eunuch Wan to send me back to my sister's, then turns and leaves.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My legs were a little stiff from standing for so long and I limp along as the eunuch held the lantern leading the way ahead.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I walk I ponder on what Eight prince's words meant. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is this the end of the matter?</i><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My thoughts are interrupted by the eunuch suddenly bowing and paying his respects, "Good fortune to Tenth prince, good fortune to Fourteenth prince!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince notices my sorrowful face and anxiously asks, "What's wrong?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Biting my tongue, I hesitate, and finally bow my head but say nothing.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince grabs my hand and quickly says, "Let's go find Eight Brother!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pull my hand free, look at him narrowly once, and then look ahead with unfocussed eyes; my face etches with infinite misery, slowly shaking my head.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Hahaha!" Fourteenth prince buckles over, holding his belly with loud laughter saying, "Gods!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince is confused by this sudden outburst, and glares at him with annoyance. And with a breath, I too join in the laughing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Tenth prince looks at me, then at Fourteenth prince, only then realizing that he had been made fun of, tosses his sleeve in a huff and leaves, saying "To think I actually wastes my time worrying about you!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth prince and I hurry to stop him.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I smiles and softly said "I wouldn't do it again, forgive me this once?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth prince also apologizes, and only then did Tenth prince calm down.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I turn my gaze on Fourteenth prince and ask, "Who was the one that said he would beg for forgiveness on my behalf?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Fourteenth prince, laughing, replies, "Eight brother is famous for being a gentleman, in all his interactions he is unfailingly graceful and kind. I knew that if you went in and was treats with politeness, as if nothing had happens, then I would have to beg for forgiveness for you." He pauses, then continues, "But I saw that you were made to stand a long time, so I thought 'Done!' and knew that no intervention from us is necessary."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
I was speechless and Tenth prince reprovingly says, "Why didn't you warn me about this?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth prince laughingly responds, "Why, so I could 'watch the show' of course!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince is all annoyed, "Why you...?! Fourteenth you!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fourteenth prince interrupts his tirade "Alright, now that we've seen her, and are reassured, isn't it time to go eat? Otherwise we might really anger Eight brother this time!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pipe in "I'm hungry too, you should go."<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I take two steps, think about it, and then turn to ask them, "What is the reaction from the Guoluoluo House?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tenth prince is about to say something but Fourteenth prince answers first, "No matter what, this matter is now considers closed, you needn’t worry about it anymore. Hurry back and have some of the maids massaged your leg!"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once back in the room, Jie-jie saw me enter, but was expressionless, only instructing the maid next to her, "Have the kitchen staff heat the dishes and send them over."<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The maid responds and left. But she nearly immediately returns with a smile "I met little fourth eunuch carrying a food basket just as I went out, and he said the food is for little miss. So I'm back to see if I should still instruct the kitchen to heat the food?"<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Behind her a small eunuch carrying a food container stood. Jie-jie eyes the eunuch and says, "Since there is food already prepared, don't worry about reheating the cold dishes."<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The maid receives the basket from the eunuch and excuses him, then serves me my meal.<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After standing for over four hours, I had long become ravenous and begin eating heartily!<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jie-jie sat on the kang and stares at me thoughtfully. Once I was done eating she evenly says, "Wash up and get some rest."<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sighs, it seems like her anger had not dissipates and yet I have no idea what to do about it, and so I could only obediently return to my room to sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">盅</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘zhong.’ Often seen in Chinese dramas, the ‘zhong’ consists of a saucer, a small bowl, and a lid. The lid allows tea to be infused directly in the bowl and then drank straight from the bowl by using the lid to hold back the tea leaves.</span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">吏部</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘Li Bu.’ In Qing feudal China, six government ministries (or ‘bu’ </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">部</span><span lang="X-NONE">) reported directly to the emperor. The Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs or ‘Li Bu’ was the highest of the six, with control of appointments and dismissals, examinations, promotions and demotions, organization, etc. of the entire country’s mandarins. </span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> Orig. </span><span style="font-family: 'MS Mincho';">侍郎</span><span lang="X-NONE"> ‘shilang.’ All of the six government ministries were organized in the same fashion. In each of the ministries, there were two ‘shilang’, who were second in command in the ministry.</span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> In present day China, military training is a subject, at times compulsory, in some schools and universities. </span></div></div><div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/BBJX%203.7%20(1).doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="X-NONE" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="X-NONE"> The original term in the novel was two </span><span style="font-family: 細明體_HKSCS;">时</span><span style="font-family: 'ヒラギノ明朝 ProN W3';">辰 </span><span lang="X-NONE">‘shi chen.’ In ancient China, a 24 hour day was broken up into twelve ‘shi chen,’ and therefore, one ‘shi chen’ is equivalent to two hours. When a specific number of hours is seen in this translated text, it will likely be converted from ‘shi chen.’</span></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-40729820483435267712011-06-09T03:13:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:23.100-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 (Part 6)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 3 (Part 6)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Plushie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?nzb5scpixq2w7fc">http://www.mediafire.com/?nzb5scpixq2w7fc</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#222222">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#0007F6">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</span></a></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";color:#333333">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:#333333">The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Chapter 3 (Part 6)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourth-prince and the Crown Prince stand silently on one side. Although they probably have seen a lot and have more experience than the other princes, this is most likely the first time they have observed such a spectacle as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">On the other side Mingyu Ge’ge slowly comes around. She then vehemently pushes away jie’jie who is next to her, while beginning to wail on the ground. Jie’jie staggers and falls to the ground. Seeing this, I break away from Qiaohui forcefully and charge towards her. Jie’jie cries sharply, “What are you trying to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Hearing this I abruptly stop in my tracks. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie’jie asks loudly, “What has happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Standing there wrapped in my cloak I let out an “hmph!” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Remaining silent, I only give Ming Ge’ge, who is sitting on the ground, a contemptuous stare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Jie-jie then softly says to Mingyu Ge’ge while pulling out a handkerchief to wipe Mingyu’s tears, “Don’t cry. You should be careful not to hurt yourself. If Ruoxi has been bullying you, tell me and I’ll reprimand her for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">She knocks jie’jie’s hands away, crying, “You are all bullying me, all of you…”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I snap at her loudly, “I dare you to try saying another word!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">She glares at me spitefully and I also glare back with the utmost maliciousness. Trying to compete with me to see who has </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">a </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">more <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">imposing manner?!</span></span>?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Eventually, she swallows her words and opens her mouth to cry again. I walk forward two steps yelling, “Don’t you dare cry!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Sitting on the ground she looks up at me with her mouth hanging open, looking dumbfounded. It is obvious that she has not seen anyone with such a forceful temperament.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">But it wasn’t just her who was stunned on the spot. Jie’jie, the Tenth-prince, the Thirteenth-prince and the Fourteenth-prince all look to be in shock. The Fourth-prince, the Eighth-prince and the Crown Prince are also watching at me quietly. The entire banquet ground is so silent that you could probably hear a pin dropping. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">At last the Crown Prince laughs lightly, “I can’t believe Thirteenth brother has a sister now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US">That’s when finally everyone begins to recover from the shock and starts to come around. Mingyu Ge’ge begins to cry again. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jie’jie gives me a glare before letting Qiaohui and Dongyun to lead me back while she busily tries to take care of Mingyu Ge’ge.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Dongyun is brewing some ginger soup for me to drink while Qiaohui helps me with my hot bath. Both of them remain silent while doing so. When ji’jie returns, she also ignores me. It looks like my performance tonight was really frightening. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">At first I thought that after jie’jie has finished being angry at me, everything will return to normal. However, it has already been five days and no matter how much I try to be humbling, or act all pitiful or even playing the fool and feign madness, jie’jie refuses to speak to me. All the maids in the household also do their chores quietly and leave quietly. Everyone is treating me like an invisible person. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Thinking that punishing myself by staying inside obviously can’t exchange for their forgiveness, therefore, I might as well stop forcing myself to stay in and go outside. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As I wander around, I feel that all the eunuchs, manservants and maids I meet are all looking at me strangely. They seem to be treating me more cautiously and with a bit more respect. I didn’t care very much of how they were acting and still continues to wander around in the gardens. Eventually I see the silhouettes of the Tenth-prince and the Fourteenth-prince in the distance and so I quickly chase after them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“Where are you guys going to play?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">They both turn around. Seeing that it’s me, they both stare blankly at me for a moment. I also cock my head to one side, and return their stares with a boorish manner. At last the Tenth-prince finally breaks out laughing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“What kind of mannerism is that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I grin widely, “The mannerism of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">breaking a broken bottle</i><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%206.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Tenth-prince brassily laughs and says, “I used to think that you were quite mean to me, but now I think you were actually treating me nicely.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The Fourteenth-prince also shakes his head and sighs, “When I first met you I thought you were a delicate and gentle beauty.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I ask, “What about now?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Instead of answering, he purses his lips and asks, “Do you know you are famous now?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I think to myself, “At the time, since all of the most distinguished young aristocrats from Beijing were probably present; there’s bound to be a few people who’d help advertise my deeds.” I tighten the corners of my mouth and say, “I can easily guess.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He laughs, “In these last few days, “Death Challenging Thirteenth Sister” has been the talk of everyone in the Forbidden City.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“Ah.” I exclaim. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He continues, “Even Imperial Father has been asking Thirteenth brother about when he had gotten a new sister.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I cover my mouth in disbelief, and stare at the Fourteenth-prince with wide open eyes. My gosh! Even Kangxi knows of me now! Seeing my reaction the Fourteenth-prince laughs even harder. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Just as the three of us are joking around, laughing, a young eunuch hurriedly runs up to us. Wiping the sweat on his forehead, he comes up to greet us. He then bows and says to me, “I finally found you! I’ve already went around the gardens several times looking for you. Lord Bei’le says he wants to see you. He is waiting for you in the study.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"><pre style="margin-bottom:7.5pt; line-height:16.5pt"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%206.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Orig. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: PMingLiU;color:black">破罐子破</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"PMingLiU","serif";mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU;color:black">摔</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:PMingLiU;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:PMingLiU;color:black">. Comes from the idiom</span></span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:MingLiU;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:MingLiU;color:black">破罐破摔</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:MingLiU;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;color:black">, which literally means to break a bottle already broken. The idiom is used to describe a person who already has some sort of shortcomings or has experienced some sort setback in life. However, instead of trying to overcome or improve on their shortcoming or setbacks, he/she continues on without any corrections. Thus the person progresses, as a person, in an even worse direction.</span><span style="font-family:MingLiU;mso-bidi-font-family:MingLiU;color:black"> </span><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> </span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-81462201314077102672011-05-31T01:16:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:23.100-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 (Part 5)<div style="text-align: center;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</div><div style="text-align: center;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</div><div style="text-align: center;">Written by Tong Hua</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chapter 3 (Part 5)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</div><div style="text-align: center;">Translated by Plushie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Download link:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?a15790q1u59yqn3">http://www.mediafire.com/?a15790q1u59yqn3</a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Disclaimer:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">This work is an amateur fan-translation of original work by Tong Hua as available in free online format in Mandarin Chinese at </span></b></span><a href="http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155">http://vip.book.sina.com.cn/book/catalog.php?book=80155</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">. The translation is done as good will, so that fellow fans who do not read Mandarin may enjoy this lovely work. We declare that we do not profit monetarily in any way from this work, and also do not pretend to be professional translators, hence apologize in advance for inadvertent translation errors. In addition reposting of the translation must be done with explicit permission of all translators as contactable via spcnet.</span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333"><span class="Apple-style-span">Characters Introduced So Far</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><span class="Apple-style-span">: The current Emperor of China.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Mingyu Ge’ge (Guoluoluo Mingyu): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Younger sister of the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin, Guoluoluo Minghui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not on good terms with Ruoxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Most likely the one who caused the original Ruoxi’s accident after an argument. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Chapter 3 (Part 5)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">She suddenly pushes her maid away, rushing over towards me to hit back. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Unfortunately, I have the psychological vigor of a twenty-five year old, but the physical body of a thirteen year old. So, what came after can only be described as being too disastrous to look at. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Have you ever seen a catfight? It’s basically clawing, pinching, scratching, pulling, and twisting in addition to hair tearing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Because we were wearing Manchu horse-hoof shoes<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%205.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; ">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, we ended up toppling over onto the ground during the scuffle. While on the ground we even utilized the art of biting. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">I only heard the young maid next to us crying, “Ge’ge! Ge’ge!” while trying to pry us apart. However, faced with two girls tangled on the ground, she didn’t know how to separate us. Finally I heard her scream, “Someone! Someone come help!” Eunuchs, servants and maids who heard the commotion began to rush over, shouting, “Stop fighting, stop fighting.” It’s unfortunate that their two precious mistresses on the ground are too engrossed in their fight to listen. None of the servants dared to use too much force, fearful that if any one of us gets hurt, it would be hard to account for us to the higher ups. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Since we were never that far from the Banquet grounds in the first place, as the commotion grew, it finally alarmed the Crown Prince, the Princes, Fu’jins and Ge’ges. The few younger princes ran faster than the others and were the first to arrive. The older princes and the Crown Prince followed closely behind them. The women came over last as they were seated further away and were walking slower than the others. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The Thirteenth-prince and Fourteenth-prince were the first to run over with the Eighth-prince and Ninth-prince close behind. The Tenth-prince looked a bit wobbly but he also ran over, unable to stand straight. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Being more reserved, both the Fourth-prince and the Crown Prince walked over slower than the others. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The fourteenth-price has yet to arrive at the scene but his voice already carried over, yelling, “What are you guys doing? Stop this right now!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The Thirteenth-prince also cried, “Stop fighting!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">But who was really listening to him? Mingyu Ge’ge and I continue! Seeing no other alternatives, the Thirteenth-prince and the Fourteenth-prince hasten over, prepared to forcefully pull us apart. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Suddenly, I hear “splash!”, while everyone exclaims in unison. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">It just so happened that the place where we were fighting was right next to the lake. Seeing how we were struggling on the ground in a tangle, we already had long lost our bearings of our whereabouts by the time we made a few rolls before falling into the lake. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">When I first fell in, I was a bit delighted. Thinking that I am someone who has participated in the breaststroke 200 m swim in University, while Mingyu, being such a precious and delicate Ge’ge, most definitely doesn’t know how to swim at all, I should have the upper hand here. However, I immediately found out how wrong my assumptions were.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Stepping on the horse-hoof shoes, wearing the beautiful, and palace styled clothing and carrying the heavy headdresses <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>on my head, in addition to someone else clutching my clothing tightly while thrashing about, there was no difference between me and someone who couldn’t swim at all. All I could do was hold my breath and wait for someone to rescue me. I thought that it wouldn’t take very long, not with so many people on shore, watching us. They’d be sure to not watch us drown. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">But time seemed to pass very slowly and my chest already started tightening up. I got more and more nervous as the time passed. Just when it seemed like I could not hold it any longer, I felt a person close behind my back, with his arms wrapped around me from under my armpits. The hands that were pulling on my clothes were pulled away and I slowly floated to the surface. As I broke the water surface, I took a deep breath and began to pant heavily. The person who saved me was quite surprised, most likely they did not think I actually knew how to hold my breath underwater and had kept my consciousness. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">After getting onto the shore, I realize the one hugging me is the Thirteenth-prince. Meanwhile, the Fourteenth-prince is carrying Mingyu Ge’ge to the shore. Her eyes are closed tightly and she has completely lost consciousness, with her body not moving at all. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Although my situation is a lot better than hers, my body has been drained of energy and I softly collapse on the ground and can only pant in the Thirteenth-prince’s arms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Tenth-prince rushes up, tugging on me and asks, “You alright?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">I weakly blinked at him. The dummy! He can see my eyes are still moving around, even if I was unwell, how bad could it be? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">On Mingyu Ge’ge’s side I can see them desperately pressing down on her stomach but still there was no reaction. The few Princes standing around all carried a serious face. I begin to get scared thinking, “She’s not going to die right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Just as I was thinking all of this, I see Mingyu finally coughing out a couple mouthfuls of water before slowly opening her eyes. My heart begins to relax at the sight of her revival. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">It is then that Jie-jie finally arrives at the scene. Seeing me on the ground, she quickly throws herself at my direction. She barely touches me with her hands but I notice they were shaking. I comfort her, “I’m alright, I’m alright!” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">It was only after making sure that I am truly alright that she finally stands up and rushes over to Mingyu Ge’ge’s side to inspect her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Qiaohui and Dongyun come over and take me from the Thirteenth-prince’s arms, helping me to my feet and also bringing a cloak to cover me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The Eighth-prince’s face was sullen; not a hint of a smile could be found. Mingyu Ge’ge’s young maid is standing next to the Eighth-prince with her face lowered, answering his questions. It is obvious she is most likely snitching on me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--> <hr align="left" width="33%" style="text-align: left;"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%205.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; ">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Manchu Horse-hoof shoes</span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"> – A specific type of shoes worn by Manchurian aristocratic women. It’s usually beautifully embroidered and has a special, elevated, wooden, hoof-like heel that is situated at the center of the bottom of the shoe.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">During the Qing Dynasty, in order to preserve their cultural identity and differentiate themselves from the Han Chinese, Manchurian women were forbidden to bind their feet like the Han Chinese women. Nevertheless, it is said that though they weren’t allowed to bind their feet, the aristocratic women would wear these horse-hoof shoes to emulate and create the illusion of tiny feet, since it is usually only the hoof-like heel part that peaks out from under their dresses. Also, due to the heightened heel and the need to balance oneself in a specific way when wearing these shoes, the Manchurian women can also imitate the way Han Chinese women with tiny feet would walk, which was considered desirable and pretty. However, there are others who argue that that the shoes are not to imitate the Han women’s tiny feet but a way to show off their cultural and ethnic differences instead.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Google </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><span class="Apple-style-span">Manchu Horse-hoof shoes for pictures. =)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-8754417675271936962011-05-04T02:35:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:23.101-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 (Part 4)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Written by Tong Hua</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 3 (Part 4)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Translated by Plushie</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Spot Translation by Lulupony</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Please give our wonderful Lulupony a big hug because she's the one who translated the birthday song in this section of the chapter as well as the footnotes pertaining to it. After my disastrous attempt in poetry translation, I'm sure you all appreciate that it is she who did the translations there. ^^"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Download Link:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?e1a7zw3npedi9zp">http://www.mediafire.com/?e1a7zw3npedi9zp</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></b></span></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Chapter 3 (Part 4)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I clear my throat and begin to sing softly:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">…..<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Smoke dances from the birthday</span></i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></b></span></span></i></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> incense, shadows rise from the birthday candles,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">The jade cup with wine of longevity increases years of life,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">The golden plate holds birthday pastries and peaches of longevity,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Blessings of fortune that flows endlessly like the currents of the East Sea, and of longevity comparable to the Southern Mountain as it stands erect with time,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Indigo deer, Ling’Chi, and Fortune Grass</span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[2]</span></b></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Together bless longevity to overflowing heights,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">The painting hall is bustling with festivity on this joyous day,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Firm and sturdy is the foundation of longevity,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Which is continuous and surging with joy,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">As the birthday banquet opens, smiles fill every face,</span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Who together celebrate this wondrous day</span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[3]</span></b></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Just as the last note fades, clapping sounds erupt from right outside the waterside pavilion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">“I was wondering where Tenth Brother had gone! Now we know you’ve set up a private performance here,” says the Fourteenth-prince, continuing to clap his hands while entering the pavilion. Behind him followed a smiling Thirteenth-prince. I greeted them promptly, but was a little embarrassed so I didn’t know what to say in reply.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Strangely, the Tenth-prince did not speak out to counter his brother’s teasing. Instead he stands up and replies, “Was getting a bit inebriated, so I decided to sit down for a bit. Let’s return to the banquet now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">The Fourteenth-prince however, paces around me in a circle while studying me up and down. “When are you going to sing for me as well?” </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><br /></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Getting a bit annoyed by his staring, I retort, “If the Fourteenth-prince does not mind, Ruoxi will be sure to sing a song when it is Fourteenth-prince’s birthday”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">He laughs and asks the Thirteenth-prince, “Thirteenth brother, do you want to request a performance too?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"> The Thirteenth-prince only smiles but does not respond. It is obvious that the thirteenth-prince’s personality is more carefree and unreserved than both of them, but he does not joke around with the Tenth-prince. Evidently the relationship between the Fourteenth-prince and the Tenth-prince is much closer, and therefore they are less uptight about joking around with each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Fourteenth-prince seems like he wanted to continue with his teasing, but seeing how my face was turning sour, the Tenth-prince quickly injects, “Fourteenth brother!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Ah! Look, Tenth-brother is getting anxious,” the Fourteenth-prince laughs, waving his hands. “Alright, alright, alright! Let’s go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">One after the other, the three leaves the waterside pavilion. I sat down thinking to myself, “What do they take me for?” Sitting there for a while, I finally decide that if I don’t head back soon, Qiaohui would start getting very worried. Getting up, I begin to walk back. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Even though I am seeing a <span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">show of peace and prosperity</i></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[4]</span></b></span></i></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"> playing in front of me, I only feel desolation in my heart. I feel all that is happening is being played on a grand stage and I am the audience. On it, a tragedy is being performed right in front of my eyes. If I don’t get emotionally attached, then it wouldn’t matter after the show is done.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">Nevertheless I am now completely mesmerized by the show, being able to feel and experience everything on stage. Even so, I am powerless to change anything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Slowly walking back while staring at the ground, I suddenly hear someone shout, “Do you have eyes? Ramming into people like this.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Surprised, I stopped suddenly in my tracks and looked up. It is Mingyu Ge’ge of the Guoluoluo family. She is standing pertly about ten steps in front of me with a young maidservant standing right behind her. Not in the mood to deal with her, I only wanted to walk past her quickly. She, however, takes two steps forward, blocking my way. Mockingly she says, “What a barbarian, having not a sense of propriety at all.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I take another step forward, attempting to go around her. However, she also shadows my step and again blocks my way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A bit irritated, I looked up to stare at her, curious to see what she wants. She haughtily continues to say, “I heard that you had damaged your brain in a fall”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I also smile and reply, “For some people, they don’t even need to take a fall and their brain is already wrecked.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The smile disappears from her face. She angrily retorts, “You are just a barbarian that had a mother to give birth to you but not one to raise you”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I gaze at her intently and respond with a smile, “Some people do have a mother to raise them, but they are still inferior to the barbarians!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">She begins to look a little upset and the more exasperated she got, the more I found it to be amusing. She is still very much a little girl, getting all riled up over only a few meaningless words. Thinking back to the past, to the way I had argued with my classmate who had sat beside me, I had used all kinds of vile and derogatory curses without restrain. While doing so I had also made sure I did it with a calm </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">smile; the calmer and sweeter the smile, the better the effect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Seeing that I am just calmly smiling at her, she abruptly blurts out, “You are just like your sister. Both of you are just cheap and worthless hoofs</span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> who don’t have an inkling of propriety! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I didn’t mind what she called me. Words like cheap (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jian</i>) are only just amateur vocabularies in my own swearing dictionary, but I could not allow her to say such things about jie-jie. Ever since I first opened my eyes in this world, jie-jie’s attentiveness, thoughtfulness, empathy, affection and care has all little by little seeped into my heart. She is the person I care about the most in this time period! My only family! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I glare at her coldly. “Where did you hear that from?’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Seeing that I am obviously affected, she looks pleased with herself. “It doesn’t matter where I heard it from. She is still a cheeeaap hooo—” she taunts, purposely elongating the words. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“Whack!” I hurl a slap towards her face, interrupting her words as they come out of her mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Her young maidservant rushes forward to assist her by the arms, crying, “Ge’ge.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meanwhile Mingyu looks at me in disbelief while holding her cheeks. I continue to glare at her and coldly ask, “Where did you hear it from?” </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">Original word used: </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">寿</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">(<i>shou</i>), which indicates birthdays, but also refer to longevity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">These are all various coveted natural remedies that supposedly extend life and nourish one’s vitality.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">The song derives from the Cantonese opera,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #333333;">Birthday Congrats from the Eight Immortals</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">(</span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">八仙</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">贺</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">寿</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">), which originates from a Southern-style opera in the Yuan Dynasty called</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">The Records of a Shepherd: Birthday Celebration</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">(</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">牧羊</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">记</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">·</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">庆</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">寿</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">).</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;">The opera narrates the tale of Su’Wu (140 – 60 BC), who was an esteemed minister during the Western Han dynasty and was abducted by the Huns while dispatched on a diplomatic trip. He refused to surrender and had to shepherd sheep for 19 years around the Northern Sea area (now Lake Baikal in Russia), before finally returning to the Han courts with dignity after much suffering. The song comes from the second act of the opera, where Su’Wu celebrates the birthday of his mother before he leaves.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 9pt;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">This translation mainly attempts to convey the meaning of the song, while the original has rhythm and rhyme. The individual meanings of the lyrics matter little as the overall message is a birthday blessing and a wish for longevity for the Tenth prince.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Orig. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">歌舞升</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">平</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">. Literally means</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> to celebrate peace by singing and dancing. However, it also has the connotation that the celebration serves to </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">present a false picture of peace and prosperity. It is there to pretend that everything is going well. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203%20part%204.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Orig. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">贱</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">蹄</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">子</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jian ti zi</i>) </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">贱</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">/</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">jian</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> means cheap, worthless, or lowly. In this specific instance however, the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jian</i> is being used as a swear word. </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">蹄</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">子</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">/<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tizi</i> literally means hoofs but in the past, it can also be used as a derogatory curse word towards women. Together, the words</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">贱</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">蹄</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">子</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jian ti zi)</i> is pretty much the equivalent of “b*tch” in English or along the same lines. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-63695765569725978132011-04-28T02:14:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:23.101-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 3 (Part 3)<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Written by Tong Hua</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 3 (Part 3)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Translated by Plushie</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><br /></div>Sorry for the absolute silence for a week!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I sincerely apologize for not updating last week. Unfortunately, things have made it hard for me to to finish translating. >.<" Please bear with me here. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a smaller update than usual, but I didn't want to keep everyone waiting. I should be able do another update later in the week once I have things settled on my end. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will be just posting the pdf file for now and will add the online version later.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all, for your patience!</div><div><br /></div><div>Download Link:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?aos3d9d0bcp9a9f">http://www.mediafire.com/?aos3d9d0bcp9a9f</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinzheng): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The fourteenth son of Emperor Kangxi. He is described as being quite handsome. Is currently around fourteen to fifteen years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Fourth-prince (Asin-Gioro Yinzhen)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and the future Emperor Yongzheng. Slightly pale and has an impassive demeanour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures. Has a deceased lover who was a soldier in her father’s army. The man was of Han descent and had taught Ruolan how to ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zhang Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Thirteenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yinxiang): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">The thirteenth son of the Emperor Kangxi.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Nicknamed “the Death Challenging Thirteenth” by his brothers. Has a more carefree and unrestrained demeanour. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color:#333333">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">An aristocratic title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">: An aristocratic title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";color:black">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"MS Mincho"; color:black">Fu’jin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"MS Mincho";color:black">: An aristocratic title.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>Fu’jin by itself just means wife in Manchurian. Can be further specified to Di’ fujin and Ce’fujin. </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank or status.<span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="color:#333333"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333">Older sister in Chinese. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#333333"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Chapter 3 (Part 3)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The sky is now completely dark. One by one the lanterns are being lit. Although they are not as bright as light bulbs, under their flickering dimness there is instead a beauty that can be likened to<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> appreciating flowers in the mist</i>.<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Everyone is gathered on the first floor while, Qiaohui and I are sitting on the second floor. I can hear delicate laughter coming from below. As I lean on the window sill, I also casually watch the maids and the manservants run about busily below while trying to make conversation with Qiaohui. Every now and then I would also throw some pieces of cake to the mandarin ducks on the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Qiaohui suddenly says in a low voice, “Ge’ge!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">“Hum?” I reply, turning around to look at her. Qiaohui has her head bowed and is now standing respectfully behind me. Confused by her formality, I turn to look out the window towards the opposite side. From there I see the Fourth-prince and the Eighth-prince standing side by side by a window on the opposite building. Under the flickering candlelight, their features are highlighted by dancing shadows. Without thinking, I stand up from my seat thinking, “Such jade-like, beautiful young men are standing so peacefully today next to each other. Yet one day, they will be on opposing sides, participating in a contest of life and death”. Therefore, although I am now facing a scene of beauty, a trace of sadness begins to surface from my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">All of a sudden, Qiaohui tugs on my sleeves from behind. It is then that realized I was staring too fascinatedly towards them. Quickly squeezing out a smile, I lower my body into a ceremonial greeting. The two men on the opposite end lift their hands at the same time in response. I slowly straighten myself and stand right next to Qiaohui.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">A manservant walks briskly towards the Eighth-prince and whispers something to him. The Eighth-prince then says a few words to the Fourth-prince to which the Fourth-prince answers by nodding his head. One following the other, the two men disappear into the house. After a little while, a maidservant comes to inform us that the banquet was about to start. I ask her, “I thought the Crown Prince has yet to arrive.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Smiling, she replies, “The Crown Prince has just sent a message to inform us that he has just finished dealing with some business. He will come after he has gone to change his clothes, so he asks everyone not to wait for him.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">I give her a nod then follow her down the stairs. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The two girls who are sharing a table with me are around my age. When I arrive, they are both engaged in pleasant conversation. Seeing me, they both give me a curtsey. After settling down, I notice that the table right in the middle at the very front is empty. I guessed that it must have been prepared for the Crown Prince. On the left side, in order, sits the Eighth-prince, the Ninth-prince, the Tenth-prince and then lastly the Fourteenth-prince. On the right side sits the Fourth-prince, the Eleventh-prince, the Twelfth-prince and then the Thirteenth-prince. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">A eunuch then enters, carrying a wooden plate draped with a piece of red satin. A theatrical programme lies on top<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. The eunuch first stops by the Fourth-prince’s table. The Fourth-prince does not bother to look at the programme but instead silently gives the eunuch some instructions. It is then when the eunuch promptly takes the plate to the Tenth-prince’s table.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">After hearing the eunuch say a few words, the Tenth-prince nods at him and proceeds to take a cursory look at the programme before picking up a brush to place a tick mark on the sheet. He then hands the programme back to the eunuch. The eunuch now returns to the Fourth-prince’s table and there, the Fourth-prince also places a tick mark on the page. The eunuch also takes the plate to the Eighth-prince to let him pick a play, but the Eighth-prince only waves his hand, signaling the eunuch to leave. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Within a short time, a song begins on stage. At this point in time, Beijing opera did not exist. Therefore it was Kunqu Opera<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> that was being performed on stage. It is a pity that in three hundred years’ time Kunqu Opera would no longer be popular. As a result, the ones that I know of are only the few famous ones such as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Western Mansion</i>” and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Peony Pavilion</i>”. Well, and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Magu Offering Felicitation</i>” which I had just learned from Dongyun last night. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">However, looking at the act being shown on stage, I am able to deduce that the performance being performed is “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Wu Song Slays the Tiger</i>”<a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn4" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. I think to myself, “This must be the play the Tenth-prince has requested seeing as the play is filled with raw excitement”. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Just as Wu Song raises his fist to beat the tiger as he rides it, a eunuch loudly announces,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"> “The Crown Prince has arrived!” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">In a matter of seconds, everyone on and below the stage are prostrating on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I look out from amongst the crowd and see an elegant man wearing a long, yellow damask robe approaching slowly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">It was only when the Crown Prince has settled into his seat did everyone finally rose from their positions. I also follow the crowd and return to my seat. A eunuch once again carries in the theater programme and bows in front of the Crown Prince’s table. The Crown Prince says, “Today is Tenth brother’s birthday. Let the birthday boy decide what to watch first!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">“I’ve already picked a play. We are now just waiting for Second brother to pick one,” the Tenth- prince responds while standing from his seat. Hearing this, the Crown Prince picks up the programme and peruse over it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">This time however, I really don’t know what is being sung on stage. On the other hand, the two girls beside me seem to be very enthralled by it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Meanwhile, although the older princes are engaged in occasional chatter and laughter, they are not consuming too much alcohol. The Tenth-prince and his younger brothers on the other hand, are downing wine like water. They are all standing in front of the Thirteenth-prince’s table asking him to drink. The Thirteenth-prince also does not decline any of their requests, and always empties his cup in one go. Afterwards, he loudly calls out, “We must salute tonight’s birthday boy with a couple more drinks!” All of them once again lift their cups towards the Tenth-prince. I keep thinking to myself that they are really playing with fire here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;mso-border-bottom-alt:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0cm;mso-padding-alt:0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">The show on stage once again changes to another opera piece, but I still do not understand what they are singing about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Quite satiated, I notice the Tenth-prince is standing from his seat to leave. Turning to see that jie-jie is busy watching the show while conversing with another fujin, I immediately get up to follow him. Qiaohui wants to follow as well but I tell her, “You can wait here. I’ll be back shortly.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Carrying a lantern, a young eunuch leads the way while the tenth prince stumbles behind</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> <span lang="EN-US">“Sure enough, his tolerance for drinks cannot match the Thirteenth-prince’s,” I muse silently. “While Thirteenth is still rather clear-headed he’s already quite inebriated.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Seeing the building ahead, I realized he is going in to relive himself. Quickly turning around I wait outside for a bit. After a while, he is accompanied out by the young eunuch. Seeing me standing there, the Tenth-prince hastily takes a few steps towards me and asks, “What are you standing here for?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">“I’m here to bring the birthday boy a gift,” I answer. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Observing that I am empty handed he asks, “Where’s the gift then?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">I take a glance at the young eunuch standing next to him. Understanding, he commands the eunuch, “You go on ahead first.” The young eunuch bows and leaves. I lead the way while the Tenth-prince follows behind me. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">He inquires again, “Where’s the gift?” I ignore his question and continue onwards towards a waterside pavilion. He follows me in. Since the pavilion is a fair distance from the stage, therefore, even though the stage is well lit, one can only indistinctively see the people standing on top.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Stopping, I point towards a long wooden bench attached to the railing and says, “Birthday boy, please seat yourself in the seat of honour.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">Even though he is puzzled and looks irritated, he walks over to the bench, leans on the railing and sits down. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt">I position myself in front of him and give him a serious and formal greeting. There are no lanterns in the waterside pavilion and everything is illuminated only by the light of the crescent moon hanging in the sky. It so happens that the Tenth-prince is sitting in the shadows so I couldn’t really see his face clearly. All I hear is him asking, “You gift can’t be just a ceremonial greeting can it?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style="mso-element:footnote-list"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn1" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:9.0pt">A Chinese idiom referring to the mysterious beauty of a flower shrouded in mist</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn2" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:9.0pt">During this time period, travelling theatrical troupes are fairly common. They could be hired on a prolonged basis or just for special events like the Tenth-prince’s birthday. Often the performance is not a preset one. These troupes are usually well versed in several different plays and operas. Therefore, a list of plays or operas is given to the patron who may choose which ones they would like to watch on the spot. More often than not, a play would not be performed in its entirety. Often patrons only choses certain acts of popular plays and mix and match that way. For example, if this this was a Shakespeare play troupe, a patron can just request to see the famous balcony scene from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Romeo and Juliet</i> and then right after request for the court scene where Portia battle wits with Shylock in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Merchant of Venice</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn3" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language: EN-CA">Developed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Kunqu opera is a very influential form of Chinese opera that gave birth to numerous of other opera types. The famous Beijing opera stems from Kunqu opera.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"> </span><span style="font-size:9.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-CA">Because of its influence, Kunqu opera is often referred to as the “teacher” or “mother” of a hundred operas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="mso-element:footnote" id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="mso-footnote-id:ftn4" href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Downloads/BUBUBUBU%20Chapter%203%20part%203.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-special-character:footnote"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:JA;mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:9.0pt">Wu Song is a fictional character from the novel “The Water Margin”, one of the 4 great classical Chinese novels of Chinese literature. “Wu Song slays the Tiger” is a specific episode where Wu Song heroically slays a man-eating tiger with only the strength of his bare hands.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-CA"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589018380714359572.post-9332319692081215342011-04-14T05:20:00.000-05:002011-07-26T19:49:38.827-05:00Bu Bu Jing Xin Chapter 2 (Part 7) + Chapter 3 (Parts 1-2)<span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">步步惊心/ Bu Bu Jing Xin</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Startling Surprises with Every Step</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Written by Tong Hua</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 2 Complete + Chapter 3 (Parts 1-2)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Brought to you by the Magnolia Translation Team</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Translated by Plushie</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 2, part 7 and Chapter 3, part 1-2 is released!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">I've also complied the various parts of chapter 2 into one file now that it is complete. Some very minor editing was also done to the chapter. The online versions will stay in their split format, but all of the links for the chapter 2 downloads will be changed to the complete version. For those who wants to jump right to where we last left off, you may want to skip straight to page 18 on the pdf file.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Download links:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Chapter 2 (Complete, w/ parts 1-7):</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?63nt242fwt4t8wt">http://www.mediafire.com/?63nt242fwt4t8wt</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span">Chapter 3 (Parts1-2):</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?bakso71sgsnwc4p">http://www.mediafire.com/?bakso71sgsnwc4p</a></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="ZH-CN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Read online under the cut.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Characters Introduced So Far<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Dong Yun</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Eighth-prince (</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Aisin-Gioro</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> Yinsi)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: </span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The eighth son of Emperor Kangxi. A</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">lso known as the Eighth Bei’le. Ruolan is his Ce’fujin (Second Wife). Is often seen smiling out of the corners of his mouth as well as conducting himself with a calm and gentle disposition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Kangxi</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: Current Emperor of China.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ninth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yintang)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The ninth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. Seems to have a more taciturn personality. Nicknamed “the venomous snake” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Qiao Hui</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: One of Ruolan’s maids. Qiao Hui used to serve Ruolan even before Ruolan’s marriage. When Ruolan married, Qiaohui accompanied Ruolan to Eighth-prince’s household. Seems to be concerned for her mistress especially regarding Ruolan and Eighth’s relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruolan, Maertai: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi’s older sister. The two are especially close as they are born from the same mother. She is also the Ce’fujin (Second Wife) of the Eighth-prince. Mild and gentle in nature, Ruolan likes to spend a better part of her days reciting Buddhist scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ruoxi, Maertai (Zhang Xiao): </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Protagonist of the story. Originally a modern day, white collar professional named Zheng Xiao. Under certain unexplainable, supernatural occurrence, Zhang Xiao’s spirit travelled through time upon her death and took over a young Manchurian girl’s body. Now stuck in ancient times, Ruoxi must navigate through an entirely foreign environment armed only with the little historical knowledge she remembers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Tenth-prince (Aisin-Gioro Yin’e)</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: The tenth son of Emperor Kangxi. Currently not given a peerage title. A bit of a simpleton. Likes to tease and bicker with Ruoxi. Nicknamed “the blockhead” by Ruoxi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333;">Glossary of Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">(In Alphabetical Order)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Bei’le: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Shortened from Duo’luo Bei’le.<b> </b>A peerage title that can be bestowed to those within the royal family. It is the third rank in the Qing peerage system for the imperial line.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ce’fujin: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">A title. Meaning second wife or ‘side’ wife in Manchurian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Di’fujin</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">: A title.<b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Meaning first wife or main wife in Manchurian.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Ge’ge: </span></b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A Manchurian word for young mistress, or lady. It is a title you would call an unmarried noblewoman (or before they are bestowed an official title by the Emperor) above a certain rank.<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie: </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;">Older sister in Chinese.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Chapter 2 (Part 7)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I thought I would have needed to bribe or threaten her; perhaps even set up<i> a feast at Hong Gate</i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> to coax the truth out. I didn’t think I would only have to insinuate a few meaningful words before Qiaohui came forward with everything. Although she insisted it was because she saw that my personality was no longer rash and wild as before and telling me should not cause problems; I can tell that her true purpose in telling me was so I could help persuade jie-jie from staying as she is.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Before she married, Mistress was very close to a soldier under Old Master’s command. This person taught Mistress all of her riding skills. Although he was Han<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a>, his horseback riding skill was exceptional and his skills were well known within the army. But afterwards, Mistress married the Eighth Bei’le. At first, even though Mistress didn’t smile very often, the marriage was quite normal.She even got pregnant after three months. No one expected that shortly afterwards, news would come from back north to tell of the soldier’s death. Mistress fainted when she heard the news. She held on for a few days but soon succumbed to sickness and lost the child. Mistress finally recovered but her body remained frail. From then on, she would recite Buddhist scriptures daily and began to treat everyone around her with indifference. Although Di’fujin came into the household two years after Mistress, she is now with a child, and yet Mistress is still…..”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I angrily ask Qiaohui, “Didn’t jie-jie try to reason with father?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiaohui smiled forcefully, answering, “Of course she did. Mistress kneeled outside Old Master’s study for three days and three nights, but Old Master had told her to not even dream about it. She had already been promised to the Eighth-prince and if she continued to go on about these wishful nonsenses then the entire family wouldn’t have to live anymore.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Does the Eighth Bei’le know about any of this?” I ask her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiaohui says confidently, “He doesn’t! Old Master dealt with the situation very secretly. Only Old Master, Mistress and I know of this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I however, remembered the Eighth-prince’s expression when he first found out that I didn’t know how to ride a horse. Somehow, I am afraid that father and Qiaohui have been wrong about the Eighth-prince’s ignorance of the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">That night went by quickly. In my dreams, I dreamt about the rolling plains, the western wind and horses, wild and unrestrained. By the time I got up in the morning, jie-jie was already at the prayer hall reciting her scriptures. As I looked at the small prayer hall and thought about the vast and wide world in my dream, I fell into a bout of melancholy. Randomly picking up a Song Dynasty poetry book, I head towards the gardens for a stroll.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">A pavilion sits on top of a small, compact hill, with three sides facing a forest of green bamboo. On the remaining side the pavilion is attached to a long walkway that meanders down the hill. I follow the walkway and enter the pavilion. With my back towards the walkway, I sit facing the bamboo. With one hand propping my head up, and the other one holding the poetry book, I flip to a random page and begin reciting —<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Returning to Chang Gate, ten thousand things are different<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Came together, why not return together?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Chinese parasol tree after frost, half dead<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">White headed mandarin duck loses its pair, flies in solitude<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Grass on the plains, dew begins to dry<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Old house, new grave, I wonder in between…..</span></i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Before I could finish the poem, I found that I was already completely lost in thought since the words of the poem reminded me of jie-jie’s situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Suddenly, the book in my hands was snatched from me. A happy voice cried out, “What are you looking at? What’s so engrossing that you didn’t even notice someone’s here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">In shock, I jump out of my stone seat to see the Tenth-prince looking at me. Thinking he had just succeeded in starling me, he looks very pleased with himself. But when he notices that I had held some tears in my eyes, looking glum and somewhat alarmed, his cheerful grin became awkwardly frozen in place. The Ninth-prince and another handsome teenager of about fourteen to fifteen years of age were standing beside the Tenth Prince. Both of them also appeared to look surprised as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I curtsy to them while re-adjusting my facial expression. By the time I had lifted my head up, my face had returned to its normal state. The Tenth-prince is still standing there looking dumbfounded. The Ninth-prince however, has already recollected his stunned expression and says to me, “This is the Fourteenth-prince.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Fourteenth-prince! The only general among all of Kangxi’s many sons. A figure I’ve wanted to meet for a long time. It is unfortunate that I am meeting him for the first time under such an awkward circumstance and am unable to be completely excited about it. I could only quietly give him another ceremonial greeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Everyone remained silent for a while. Seeing that the Tenth-prince has slightly returned to his usual self, I ask, “Why is the Tenth-prince here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“We were on our way to see Eighth brother but we happened to see you sitting here from a distance.We thought to come over here to see what you are doing.” He stopped for a moment, and takes a quick look at me before continuing, “Did someone upset you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I smile lightly, “My sister is the Ce’fujin of this household. Who dares to upset me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">He takes the rolled up book in his hands and taps the stone table a few times. Just when he is about to say something the Ninth-prince injects, “Let’s go. Eighth brother is probably waiting anxiously for us”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince takes a long glance at me before putting down the book on the table and sullenly walks past me. The Ninth-prince turns and follows him down the long walkway. The Fourteenth-prince however grins happily at me, walks to the table and takes a quick glance at the book sitting on top. Rather abruptly he asks, “How old are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Puzzled, I reply, “I’m thirteen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">He smiles and gives me a nod before also turning around to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I wait for a while until they have gone a fair distance before picking up the book on the table and heading back towards the house.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Although I feel saddened in my heart, I still have to take things one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The last few days have been hectic and stressful for jie-jie. The Eighth Bei’le had told her not to be too nervous about it, but there are after all at least a dozen princes coming, including the Crown Prince. How can anyone not get anxious? Not being able to really help her out, I was actually quite free. Feeling vexed, I didn’t feel like going anywhere and instead wanted to spend my days holing up in the house thinking about random nonsense. I would first sigh about jie-jie, and then contemplate about my own situation. What kind of road awaits me when I go to the Preparative Concubine Event? Even though I know the direction of history, my own life is controlled in someone else’s hands. I had no control over my own destiny at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dongyun brings in a bowl of snow fungus soup, smiling. “When you were sick you’d try to get out of the house all the time. No one could stop or dissuade you. And now that you are all better, you stay in bed all day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I pick up the soup to drink while getting up and sit by the table. Wasn’t there a saying that says to drown your sorrow in food?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dongyun watches me drink the soup while continuing, “Tomorrow night is the Tenth-prince’s birthday. Did the young miss prepare a present?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I stop suddenly. How could I have forgotten to prepare one? I began to ponder hard, “What should I give him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I thought on this for better part of the day but couldn’t come up with any good ideas. Perceiving that I was distressed over the matter, jie-jie chuckles at me. “I’ve already helped prepared a gift for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“How could that count?” I thought to myself. The Tenth-prince is the first friend I have made here. No matter how precious those gold and jewelries jie-jie has prepared are, it wouldn’t have really come from me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">However, distressed or not, it’s a good thing I have something to worry about. At least I am no longer that vexed anymore. In fact, I am beginning to look forward to tomorrow’s banquet. Thinking about all the famous historical figures that will be gathering in one place makes it sound just like an all-star line up!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><hr align="left" size="1" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: 新細明體; font-size: 9pt;">鸿</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">门</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS PGothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">宴</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> (<i>hong men yan</i>) – Literally means The Hong Gate Banquet/Feast. It is a very famous historical incident that is now widely used as the idiom, “The Feast at Hong Gate”. The story originates from around 206 BC during the fall of the Qin Dynasty. A simplified version of the story goes: Two rivals, Liu Bang (future creator of the Han Dynasty) and Xiang Yu were both attacking the Qin army separately. Although Liu’s army was only approx. 1/3 of Xiang’s army, Liu was the first to enter the Qin capital. Xiang had felt that glory should have been his and Liu had stolen it away from him. Also hearing a rumor that Liu is planning to declare himself King, Xiang intended to destroy Liu with his mightier army. Knowing it was a battle he would most likely lose, Liu persuaded Xiang’s uncle to help persuade Xiang not to attack. Instead, Xiang decided he would host a banquet at Hong Gate in which Liu decided to go to in order to pay his respects to Xiang. However, the banquet was hiding a murderous intent. Xiang’s advisor, Fan Zeng, who had perceived Liu as a future threat wanted Xiang to kill Liu during the feast. Therefore, the idiom now refers to a situation where behind an outwardly cheerful and nice façade lies a hidden trap or a devious intent. It can also describe a person’s actions being a veiled attack on another.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> Han meaning Han Chinese. There were still racial and ethnic divides, even though the Manchus, who ruled over China during this time, adopted heavily from Chinese culture after they took the throne. The Han Chinese was usually seen as less able when it comes to horseback riding.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> Royal marriages were usually matched or approved by the Emperor himself. To defy them can mean death to the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn4"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%202part%207.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> First of all, let me apologize for my pitiful attempt in translating the poem. >.< Sadly I didn’t even manage to capture 1/100<sup>th</sup> of its original beauty. =X Poetry is really not my forte.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText"></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;">The lines are from the Song Dynasty poem, </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">半死</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">桐</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> (<i>Ban Si Tong</i>) written by the poet He Zhu. The poem is a very touching poem in which the poet tries to convey his sadness and nostalgia for his deceased wife. The first line talks about his return to the city of Suzhou (Chang Gate is the name of western gate of the city) and how everything feels different and wrong now that his wife is gone. He then laments about how during the last time they were here, they came to the city together, but now they can no longer return as a pair again. The third line describes the appearance of the autumn frost and how pitiful and sad a Chinese parasol tree looks like covered with it on its withered leaves and bare branches. The poet is likening himself to a Chinese parasol tree in such a state; looking and feeling as if he is half dead. In the fourth line, He Zhu is saying he is like a mandarin duck which has lost its mate and can only wonder in solitude. (In Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are a symbol of marital affection and devotion. This is because the Chinese believes that they form a couple for life. This is somewhat true; as this species of duck is one where the males would reunite with the female they mated with; even after the eggs have hatched.) The white head is telling readers that the poet is already past 50 and old, thereby further emphasizing his desolate situation. The fifth line is alluding to his wife’s recent death – thus “the dew that has only begun to dry”. It also invokes an image of a grave, as wild grasses with drying dew are what you would usually see on a grave mound. The last line talks about how he wanders between their old residence and her new grave. He is unable to abandon one for the other and thus lingers between both. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br />
</u></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 25px;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Like Ruoxi, I think the poem is very fitting to describe Ruolan’s situation. Like the poet, she is also unable to let go of her lover who has passed away.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Chapter 3 (Parts 1-2)</b></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The next day, I got up very early and instructed Dongyun to dress me up beautifully. It wasn’t because I was trying to compete with the other girls for attention, but rather I thought it would be fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Clothing, jewelries and other accessories; I looked at them all one by one and rejected them one after another until the bed, the table and even the floor was covered with them. Dongyun and I had toiled from early in the morning until the afternoon before my “full body beautifying project” has finally been completed. Dongyun kept blinking at me, looking as if she is about to go crazy. The make-up tools here, compared to my huge bag of make-up tools back home, are quite simple in comparison. With Dongyun’s skillful hands and my relentless and hard efforts to explain to her the look I was going for, I finally manage to get the result I wanted with the tools available. After some serious efforts the result is surprisingly good. The fact that this Maertai Ruoxi is not bad looking to begin with helps too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">When Qiaohui saw me, she stared blankly for a while before sighing, “Second Miss has really transformed into a lady.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">With a gentle and implicit grace, I bashfully bow my head and gave her a shy smile. Qiaohui cries, “My gosh! Young Mistress, is it really you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I lift my head up again, and winked at her a few times, grinning. “What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiaohui laughs, “Now you are!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">As the sun slowly sinks in the West, the eunuch that jie-jie sent to retrieve us arrives, right as I finished preparing everything. With the eunuch leading the way, and two maidservants accompanying me, I walk all along the way with a soft and beautiful gait.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">It is already the beginning of autumn so although the mornings are still a bit on the hot side, the evenings are mild and comfortable. Jie-jie had picked an open space right next to the lake to hold the banquet and a stage has been set up right on top of the water. Several shrubs of sweet-osmanthus bloomed by the lake. Every time when a gentle breeze blew from the direction of the lake, a faintly discernible fragrance would float in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">When I arrive, I see jie-jie sitting on the upper gallery of a building next to the lake. She seems to be looking over the show itinerary. Upon seeing me, she also looked amazed. She did not say a word, but only looked at me up and down before finally giving a smilingly sigh. “You are more beautiful than the people in paintings!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I smile at her. “Now is jie-jie actually complimenting me, or complimenting yourself? After all we are about sixty percent alike in looks!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie laughingly scolds, “Now you are just being loquacious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“Have they arrived yet?” I inquire.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">“A servant has already informed me that Bei’le, the Ninth-prince and company will be coming together. They should be arriving soon.” She had scarcely finished her words before we saw a group of people walking towards us. Jie-jie quickly stands up, walking out of the warm room<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> to wait for them. I also follow her out of the room, stopping to stand right behind her. Jie-jie looks ahead and says to me, “The two princes with them are the Eleventh-prince and the Twelfth-prince”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">As she tells me this, they finish arriving. Jie-jie steps forward to give her greetings and I follow right after. After we straighten ourselves, I see the Eighth Bei’le, the Ninth-prince and the Tenth-prince all looking a bit stunned. In contrast, the Eleventh-prince and the Twelfth-prince, whom I have never met before, react normally besides giving me a few extra glances.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">After walking inside, everyone picks a seat and sits down. Only I remain standing next to jie-jie. The Eighth-prince smiles at me. “Tonight we are only planning to have fun. There is no need for so much propriety. You may sit.” It was only after that did I sit down next to my sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eleventh-prince says, “Last time when we drank, Thirteenth brother ran away. We must not let him get away this time!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Tenth-prince excitedly adds, “He’s the one I’m waiting for!”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Laughing, the Eighth-prince says, “There’s no way you can best that “Death-challenging Thirteenth” in drinking”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Everyone started laughing. I think to myself, “It looks like currently, due to the stability of the Crown Prince’s position, there isn’t much friction between the princes yet. Thus, their relationships still seem to be quite amiable”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Jie-jie smiles while listening to the conversation. When she sees a young eunuch sticking his head in the room from outside, she quickly gets up and says to the Eighth Bei’le, “The women have arrived. I’ll go settle them in”. The Eighth Bei’le nods at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Taking me, jie-jie leads me out of the room. I do not know what they are saying but I can hear the Tenth-prince’s loud chatter and then an entire room full of laughter erupting behind me. Listening to it, I sigh silently. If I had a choice, I would rather I didn’t know anything about their future and ignorantly laugh with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">There are two buildings, one situated in the north and the other in the south. The southern one is meant for the princes to take respite in and the northern one is for the women. Jie-jie still has many guests to entertain as hostess, so she lets Qiaohui accompany me to the northern side to relax until the show begins. As I enter the room, I notice two attractive fourteen to fifteen year old girls conversing cheerfully. They both look up when they hear us coming in. Seeing me, the girl wearing lake-green, palace-styled clothing looks at me in astonishment while checking me up and down. She then purses her lips together and gives me an unfriendly glare.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiaohui walks up and gives her a ceremonial greeting but the girl ignores Qiaohui and continues on with her conversation. The girl next to her, however, looks at Qiaohui apologetically and says, “There’s no need”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I think to myself, “Where did this animosity come from?” Walking up to the second floor, I found a seat next to a window to sit in. I turn to ask Qiaohui, “What just happened?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Looking wronged, she answers softly, “She has a grudge against Second Miss, but the one taking the enmity is me”. Seeing my lost expression, and understanding it to be my amnesia sickness, she explains, “Her name is Guoluoluo Mingyu but everyone calls her Mingyu Ge’ge. She is the sister of Di’fujin”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Thinking for a moment, I finally somewhat comprehend. Since the old Ruoxi tended to act rashly without any restraint, she most likely had thought her own sister was not well favoured and sought trouble with the one who she thought was her sister’s rival’s sibling. Unfortunately, her opponent’s mother is a He’shuo Princess<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> — Emperor Shunzhi’s<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> brother, Prince An Yuele’s<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> daughter and Kangxi’s first cousin. Mingyu’s father is the Mingshang E’fu<a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> and her sister is the Eighth-prince’s Di’fujin. With such a background, how could Ruoxi ever hope to seek any undue advantage?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Qiaohui continues beside my ear, “When young miss fell from the stairs, only she was at the scene of the accident. She had said young mistress slipped and fell. Secretly however, we all agree that there’s no way she didn’t take any part in your accident.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I give out a helpless sigh, not really certain of what to say about this. If it wasn’t for this girl, perhaps I would have really died. But I am still undecided if dying is better or coming back to life in a borrowed body is better. I suppose being able to come back to life one way or another is always good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I instruct Qiaohui to bring some refreshments for me. As I sit there eating, I am also observing outside quietly from the window. It is then did I notice a bunch of eunuchs and servants clustered around three figures, leading them towards the southern building.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">Among the three is the handsome Fourteenth-prince. Walking next to him is a prince around the same height, wearing sapphire-blue robes. He is also very striking but when compared to the Fourteenth-prince, this prince carries himself in a slightly more uninhibited manner. I assume that this is the “Death-challenging Thirteenth” they were joking about earlier. Walking in front of the Thirteenth-prince and the Fourteenth-prince is a man wearing a long, dark-blue robe. His face is slightly on the pale side and carries an impassive expression. Observing that he is actually allowed to walk in front of not just the Fourteenth-prince, but also th</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">e Thirteenth-prince, I am puzzled to guess the man’s identity. Suddenly, it hit me. Who else but besides the famous Fourth-prince? I immediately jump up in excitement. Using all my energy, I push my head out the window in order to take a better look at the future Emperor Yongzheng.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Eighth-prince emerges from the building to greet them. He first gives the Fourth-prince a formal greeting before moving to the side to let the Fourth-prince through. The Fourteenth-prince, who is trailing behind them all, suddenly stops and looks up towards me. Following his gaze, the Thirteenth-prince also looks at my direction, only to see a girl with half of her body sticking out of a window and her hands clasped around the frame. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;">I quickly pull my body back into the room, straighten myself and then smile stupidly at them. It is quite an awkward situation after all, being caught peeping.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 25px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 25px;">Both of them remained emotionless, but keeps watching me from afar. Standing by the window, I bend my body so I’d appear to be doing a curtsy to them. The Fourteenth-prince’s lips curls into a smile. He says a few words to the Thirteenth-prince, most likely informing him of who I am. Right after, the Thirteenth-prince also gives me a smile, before turning around with the Fourteenth-prince, and proceed to walk into the buildin</span></div><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br />
</span></span></div><hr align="left" size="1" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-align: left;" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">暖</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">阁</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> -</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"> a room partitioned from a bigger one, made to keep the heat in the house. Usually a small heater or furnace can be set up in the warm room as well. </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">和</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">硕</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">公</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">主</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">, <i>He Shuo Gong Zhu</i>. A title that can only be given to a daughter of an Emperor. The title He Shuo Gong Zhu is specifically given to princesses that are birthed by concubines. The daughters of the Empress are given the title, He Lun Gong Zhu (</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">固</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">伦</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">公</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">主</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">). To differentiate the different He’shuo Princesses that may exist, each one is also usually given an individual name along with the title. Not all princesses are necessary given the title of He Shuo Gong Zhu or He Lun Gong Zhu. Much like the peerage titles of Bei’le and Qin’wang (Prince), it has to be given out personally by the Emperor. To be given such a title, usually means the princess is well favoured by the Emperor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn3" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Emperor Kangxi’s father. Reigned from 1644 – 1661<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn4" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;">The “Prince An” is his title, Yue’le is his name. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div></div><div id="ftn5" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"><div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Greta/Desktop/Chapter%203.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 9pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">明尚</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">额</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">驸</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">, <i>Mingshang E’fu</i>. E’fu is a title given to the husbands of royal princesses. Because Mingyu’s mother is a He’shuo Princess, her husband would be given the title of He’shuo E’fu (</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">和</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">硕额驸</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">)</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">. To differentiate the different He’shuo E’fus that may exist, each one is usually given an individual name that would be attached to their titles. In this case, the name is Mingshang making Mingyu’s father the He’shuo Mingshang E’fu (</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">和</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">硕</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: 'MS Mincho'; font-size: 9pt;">明尚</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 9pt;">额</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="JA" style="color: black; font-family: PMingLiU, serif; font-size: 9pt;">驸</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">). </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7