Written by Kana (she/her/25+) The purpose of this blog is to serve as my parking space for lyric translations from mandarin to english, with inclusion of Pīnyīn and other notes.
The Sword and The Brocade | 锦心似玉 jǐn xīn sì yù (original posted on my rp blog)
Listen here: Yisa Yu | Youtube MV
桃花妆 炉火煮茶香
táohuā zhuāng lú huǒ zhǔ chá xiāng
[put on] Peach blossom rouge. Stove is boiling the tea to fragrance
素心织锦绣时光
sù xīn zhī jǐnxiù shíguāng
A pure heart weaves a most brilliant Age
月色静静淌 纸短情意长
yuè sè jìng jìng tǎng zhǐ duǎn qíngyì zhǎng
Moonlight ebbs soundlessly ; The letter is brief but the emotions are deeply felt
只盼人一双
zhǐ pàn rén yīshuāng
[I] Only long for us to be a pair
v2
秋风凉 登高凭栏望
qiūfēng liáng dēnggāo pínglán wàng
[the] Autumn’s breeze is cool, [I] scale the heights to look out from the parapet
青山日暮雁成行
qīngshān rìmù yàn chéngháng
Lush mountains, the sunset, the geese forming a line
白马千关闯 是谁的念想
báimǎ qiān guān chuǎng shì shéi de niàn xiǎng
The white horse charges through a thousand ordeals ; Whose thoughts are
入梦归故乡
rùmèng guī gùxiāng
To go back to the old home of [my] dreams
c1
终难忘 用你温暖手掌
zhōng nánwàng yòng nǐ wēnnuǎn shǒu zhǎng
In the end, I still cannot forget using your warm and gentle hands
握紧我 去长风破浪
wò jǐn wǒ qù cháng fēng pòlàng
Holding me tightly onwards to ambition and difficult trials
未曾想 前路漫长 青丝成霜
wèicéng xiǎng qián lù màncháng qīngsī chéng shuāng
I never thought of how long our journey was, or my hair turning to frost like snow
我仍在你身旁
wǒ réng zài nǐ shēn páng
I am still by your side
c2
心滚烫 似这般俩相望
xīn gǔntàng shì zhè bān liǎng xiāng wàng
The heart is aflame with the way we look at each other
情深处 再无需隐藏
qíng shēn chù zài wúxū yǐncáng
We no longer need to hide our love
任世间 多少聚散 多少无常
rèn shìjiān duōshǎo jù sàn duō shào wúcháng
Let the world play in its separations and uncertainties
携手到天荒
xiéshǒu dào tiān huāng
We will be together until the heavens become desolate
v2 c1 c2
c1 c2
任世间 多少聚散 多少无常
rèn shìjiān duōshǎo jù sàn duō shào wúcháng
Let the world play in its separations and uncertainties
携手到天荒
xiéshǒu dào tiān huāng
We will be together until the heavens become desolate
It’s with a rather heavy heart that I (Calis, aka asaraltu) have to write this callout in the first place against Elie (aka oh-my-hashirama), someone I thought a friend before all this. As some mutuals on some of my other blogs might have been aware, in the past two years that I’ve been active in the Naruto RPC, I’ve never felt the need to write a callout before. I come from a background where I was forced to write callouts for the same reasons I’m writing this one: because of toxic, abusive individuals who drove innocent, sometimes susceptible people over the brink because of their damaging words and/or behavior. I was one of those people years ago, as I dealt with far too many toxic, abusive people in my past. People I initially thought of as close friends and RP partners, until problematic patterns revealed themselves and I was either forced to cut ties or write callouts as I am now.
Most of my callouts were written as a last resort, because of several people involved with a problematic individual and not myself alone. Like those callouts of years ago, this one is written because of how negatively Elie has affected me and the people mentioned here, as well as those who weren’t added or may just be aware that they’re not alone.
If you have experiences to contribute, feel free to reblog this post with them, on two conditions:
Please respect Elie’s pronouns, as the latest we’ve been informed is that they use they/them pronouns. While text receipts have been altered to change this, screenshots cannot be altered and you may see she/her used due to how old some are, but there isn’t an excuse to misgender anyone or heckle them over changes.
Do not send anon hate, harassment, doxx, or otherwise encourage witch-hunts towards Elie or anyone they know. This callout is between us and Elie and we don’t condone anyone who does this.
Otherwise, let’s continue on towards the callout itself.
我的小時候 吵鬧任性的時候
wǒ de xiǎoshíhòu chǎonào rènxìng de shíhòu
When I was young, when I was willful and whined
我的外婆 總會唱歌哄我
wǒ de wàipó zǒng huì chànggē hōng wǒ
My grandma always sang to me to comfort me
夏天的午後 老老的歌安慰我
xiàtiān de wǔhòu lǎolǎo de gē ānwèi wǒ
On a summer afternoon, my granny’s song consoled me
那首歌 好像這樣唱的
nà shǒu gē hǎoxiàng zhèyàng chàng de
I think the song went like this:
天黑黑 欲落雨 天黑黑 黑黑
ti oh oh, bei lok ho, ti oh oh, oh oh
The sky is dark, rain comes soon ; The sky is dark, dark
離開小時候 有了自己的生活
líkāi xiǎoshíhòu yǒule zìjǐ de shēnghuó
As childhood went by, I had my own life
新鮮的歌 新鮮的念頭
xīnxiān de gē xīnxiān de niàntou
New songs, new ideas
任性和衝動 無法控制的時候
rènxìng hé chōngdòng wúfǎ kòngzhì de shíhòu
When I could not curb my willful heart and impulses
我忘記 還有這樣的歌
wǒ wàngjì hái yǒu zhèyàng de gē
I had forgotten about that song
天黑黑 欲落雨 天黑黑 黑黑
ti oh oh, bei lok ho, ti oh oh, oh oh
The sky is dark, rain comes soon ; The sky is dark, dark
我愛上讓我奮不顧身的一個人
wǒ ài shàng ràng wǒ fènbùgùshēn de yīgèrén
I fell in love, risking my everything for one person
我以為這就是我所追求的世界
wǒ yǐwéi zhè jiùshì wǒ suǒ zhuīqiú de shìjiè
I thought that this was the kind of world I could strive for
然而橫衝直撞 被誤解被騙
rán'ér héngchōngzhízhuàng bèi wùjiě bèi piàn
But I dashed ahead without heed ; I was misunderstood and cheated
是否成人的世界背後 總有殘缺
shìfǒu chéngrén de shìjiè bèihòu zǒng yǒu cánquē
Behind the vibrancy of adulthood, is there always such brokenness?
我走在每天必須面對的分岔路
wǒ zǒu zài měitiān bìxū miàn duì de fēn chàlù
Everyday, I must walk ahead and choose each of my paths wisely
我懷念過去單純美好的小幸福
wǒ huáiniàn guòqù dānchún měihǎo de xiǎo xìngfú
I miss the past where it was much simpler and there was joy in every little thing
愛總是讓人哭 讓人覺得不滿足
ài zǒng shì ràng rén kū ràng rén juédé bù mǎnzú
Love kept making me cry, making me feel unsatisfied and small
天空很大卻看不清楚 好孤獨
tiānkōng hěn dà què kàn bù qīngchǔ hǎo gūdú
The sky is so vast but I can’t see all of it properly ; I feel so lonely
天黑的時候 我又想起那首歌
tiān hēi de shíhòu wǒ yòu xiǎngqǐ nà shǒu gē
Whenever it gets dark, I remember that song again
突然期待 下起安靜的雨
túrán qídài xià qǐ ānjìng de yǔ
Suddenly, I yearn for the quiet drizzling of rain
原來外婆的道理 早就唱給我聽
yuánlái wàipó de dàolǐ zǎo jiù chàng gěi wǒ tīng
Actually, in that song, grandma taught me a principal quite early on
下起雨 也要勇敢前進
xià qǐ yǔ yě yào yǒnggǎn qiánjìn
I must advance bravely even if the rain falls
我相信 一切都會平息
wǒ xiāngxìn yīqiè doūhuì píngxí
I believe that everything will be peaceful again
我現在 好想回家去
wǒ xiànzài hǎo xiǎng huí jiā qù
I really wish to go back [to a] home now
The Story of Ming Lan | 知否知否应是绿肥红瘦 zhī fǒu zhī fǒu yīng shì lǜ féi hóng shòu
Listen here: Hu Xia & Yu Kewei
一朝花開傍柳
yī zhāo huā kāi bàng liǔ
On morning, flowers bloomed beside the willow tree
尋香誤覓亭侯
xún xiāng wù mì tíng hóu
Naturally seeking out the fragrance, yet mistakenly found the marquis’ pavilion
縱飲朝霞半日暉
zòng yǐn zhāo xiá bàn rì huī
Drinking to my heart’s content as clouds bath red in the sun’s shine, and half a day has gone by
風雨著不透
fēng yǔzhe bù tòu
Yet even wind and rain cannot see through (us?)
一任宮長驍瘦
yī rèn gōng zhǎng xiāo shòu
Once appointment has been received, everything becomes bleak and desolate
台高冰淚難流
tái gāo bīng lèi nán liú
The higher I rise, tears and emotions start to freeze up
錦書送罷驀回首
jǐn shū sòng bà mò huí shǒu
Our vows remain yet we must part, but when we meet again
無餘歲可偷
wú yú suì kě tōu
No more shall our remaining years be stolen away
昨夜雨疏風驟
zuó yè yǔ shū fēng zhòu
Last night, the rain was light but the winds came suddenly
濃睡不消殘酒
nóng shuì bù xiāo cán jiǔ
Immersed in deep sleep, but the bitter wine still did not dissipate
試問卷簾人卻道海棠依舊
shì wèn juàn lián rén què dào hǎi táng yī jiù
I would like to question the people who were involved, but old habits die hard
知否 知否
zhī fǒu zhī fǒu
Do you know? Do you know?
應是綠肥紅瘦
yīng shì lǜ féi hóng shòu
If it should be green, fat, red, or thin?
A/N: I definitely struggled with this translation somewhat in these lines:
縱飲朝霞半日暉
zòng yǐn zhāo xiá bàn rì huī
Drinking to my heart’s content as clouds bath red in the sun’s shine, and half a day has gone past
風雨著不透
fēng yǔzhe bù tòu
Yet even wind and rain cannot see through (us?)
The Monkey King, Sun Wukong | 就是孙悟空 jiù shì sūn wù kōng
Journey To The West; Sun Wukong Three Trials against the White Bone Spirit | 西游记之孙悟空三打白骨精 xī yóu jì zhī sūn wù kōng sān dǎ bái gǔ jīng
Aaron Kwok 郭富城 guō fù chéng | Listen | Movie MV
来无声去也像一阵风
lái wú shēng qù yě xiàng yī zhèn fēng
Comes without sound, goes like a gust of wind
翻筋斗翻过千里洞
fān gēn dǒu fān guò qiān lǐ dòng
One somersault over the Thousand-Mile Cave
来无影去无踪的狂风
lái wú yǐng qù wú zōng de kuáng fēng
The gale that comes without a shadow, goes without a trace
我就是我就是孙悟空
wǒ jiù shì wǒ jiù shì sūn wù kōng
I am who I am; Sun Wukong
五百年我在仰望长空
wǔ bǎi nián wǒ zài yǎng wàng cháng kōng
I have gazed at the immense skies with hope for five hundred years
翻天覆地把天宫震动
fān tiān fù dì bǎ tiān gōng zhèn dòng
I turned the skies and earth on their heels, shaking the heavenly court
不妥协不解释的悟空
bù tuǒ xié bù jiě shì de wù kōng
Wukong, who neither compromises nor explains himself
踏着命运上路不怕没人懂
tà zhe mìng yùn shàng lù bù pà méi rén dǒng
The world will know that he is fated for this journey
孙悟空 法力变化无穷
sūn wù kōng fǎ lì biàn huà wú qióng
Sun Wukong, power infinite and endlessly changing
孙悟空 反转整个的天空
sūn wù kōng fǎn zhuǎn zhěng gè de tiān kōng
Sun Wukong, inverting the whole firmament
天变地 地变海 山摇地动
tiān biàn dì dì biàn hǎi shān yáo dì dòng
Sky becomes the land; Lands become the seas; Mountains shake and the earth trembles
孙悟空 火眼金睛转动
sūn wù kōng huǒ yǎn jīn jīng zhuǎn dòng
Sun Wukong, fiery eyes lit with gold are swirling
孙悟空 看透真假的面容
sūn wù kōng kàn tòu zhēn jiǎ de miàn róng
Sun Wukong sees beyond the facade, revealing truth and falsity
黑与白 魔与道 真与伪
hēi yǔ bái mó yǔ dào zhēn yǔ wěi
Black or white; Evil or moral; Real or fake
无所遁形中 伏妖的英雄
wú suǒ dùn xíng zhōng fú yāo de yīng xióng
Nothing can hide its trace (from him); Demon-subduing hero
Hey Ho 孙悟空 花果山有个水帘洞
sūn wù kōng huā guǒ shān yǒu gè shuǐ lián dòng
Sun Wukong; the Mountain of Flower and Fruit has a waterfall cave
Hey Ho 孙悟空 飞奔天庭闹了天宫
sūn wù kōng fēi bēn tiān tíng nào le tiāngōng
Sun Wukong; dashing to the skies to wreck havoc in the heavenly court
两眼发光 看透四方
liǎng yǎn fā guāng kàn tòu sì fāng
Both eyes glow with light see through all corners of the world
我行我素 孙悟空
wǒ xíng wǒ sù sūn wù kōng
I walk my own path without reservations: Sun Wukong
Bow to the Monkey King
孙悟空 金箍棒在舞动
sūn wù kōng jīn gū bàng zài wǔdòng
Sun Wukong; Golden cudgel is dancing
孙悟空 降魔除妖的英雄
sūn wù kōng jiàng mó chú yāo de yīng xióng
Sun Wukong; A hero who subdues evil and wipes out demons
惊天地 呼风雨 动人心
jīng tiān dì hū fēng yǔ dòng rén xīn
Shock the world; Directing the wind and rain; Touching the hearts of mankind
尽在不言中 就是孙悟空
jǐn zài bù yán zhōng jiù shì sūn wù kōng
No more words are needed; It is Sun Wukong
A/N: This is a dance song, so the lyrics won’t tell the story in a chronological order. It’s Wukong’s biographical recount that focuses more on R&B than anything else, because it doesn’t actually have any of the movie content in the lyrics.
The only dilemma I have regarding the lyrics is 翻筋斗 fān jīn dǒu (somersault) but Aaron sang it as fān gēn dǒu (similar meaning, 跟 gēn = heel or follow) so did Aaron sing it wrong and everyone just closed an eye? Or were the lyrics wrong? Who knows.
风吹凉 一杯茶
fēng chuī liáng ; yī bēi chá
The winds cool a cup of tea
夕阳跑赢了老马
xī yáng pǎo yíng le lǎo mǎ
The setting sun prevails in the race against an old horse
回头看 雪染白长头发
huí tóu kàn ; xuě rǎn bái zhǎng tóu fǎ
Looking back, the falling snow dyed long tresses white
少年被 风催大
shào nián bèi ; fēng cuī dà
A young soul is hastened by the winds to grow up
容颜未改心有疤
róng yán wèi gǎi xīn yǒu bā
Facial features remain the same, yet the heart bears scars
我爱你 爱让我放下
wǒ ài nǐ ; ài ràng wǒ fàng xià
I love you ; Love allows me to let you go
一只手 握不住流沙
yī zhī shǒu ; wò bù zhù liú shā
One palm cannot contain the quicksand
两双眼 留不住落花
liǎng shuāng yǎn ; liú bù zhù luò huā
Two eyes cannot stay the falling petals
风吹草 云落下 你心如野马
fēng chuī cǎo ; yún luò xià ; nǐ xīn rú yě mǎ
Wind blows over the grass as clouds settle ; your heart like a wild stallion
等下 时光请等一下
děng xià ; shí guāng qǐng děng yī xià
Wait, Time, please wait a moment
千只雀 追不上流霞
qiān zhī què ; zhuī bù shàng liú xiá
A thousand sparrows cannot catch up to the drifting, rosy clouds
万只蝶 抵不过霜打
wàn zhī dié ; dǐ bù guò shuāng dǎ
Ten thousand butterflies cannot resist the biting frost
水滴石 风在刮 我声音沙哑
shuǐ dī shí ; fēng zài guā ; wǒ shēng yīn shā yǎ
Water drips upon the stone, the wind is rushing ; my voice is losing
放下 容我将你放下
fàng xià ; róng wǒ jiāng nǐ fàng xià
Let go, allow me to let you go
天地江湖日月
tiān dì jiāng hú rì yuè
Heaven and Earth, lands and rivers, sun and moon
不留不念 不说话
bù liú bù niàn ; bù shuō huà
They do not halt, do not miss, do not speak
繁华世界弱水
fán huá shì jiè ruò shuǐ
The feeble waters of this flourishing world
三千一瓢 怎盛下
sān qiān yī piáo ; zěn chéng xià
How can one ladle contain three thousand
一个人 走不到天涯
yī gè rén ; zǒu bù dào tiān yá
One person cannot walk to the ends of the Earth
两场雪 封不住嫩芽
liǎng chǎng xuě ; fēng bù zhù nèn yá
Two rounds of snowstorm cannot bar the young seedlings
月升起 云落下 你笑颜如花
yuè shēng qǐ ; yún luò xià ; nǐ xiào yán rú huā
Moon rise as clouds settle ; Your smiling face like flower petals
等下 时光请等一下
děng xià ; shí guāng qǐng děng yī xià
Wait, Time, please wait a moment
千个字 说不出情话
qiān gè zì ; shuō bù chū qíng huà
A thousand words cannot speak my heartfelt confessions
万封信 写不完牵挂
wàn fēng xìn ; xiě bù wán qiān guà
Ten thousand letters cannot pen my yearning
山走远 风在刮 我心乱如麻
shān zǒu yuǎn ; fēng zài guā ; wǒ xīn luàn rú má
Mountains grow faint in the distance, the winds are still rushing ; My heart is a mess
放下 容我将你放下
fàng xià ; róng wǒ jiāng nǐ fàng xià
Let go, allow me to let you go
忘了你 爱让我放下
wàng le nǐ ; ài ràng wǒ fàng xià
Forgetting you, allow me to let this love go
A/N: I’ve been wanting to translate this song for awhile now. When this song is put in context of the way I see Madara, it speaks to me on a different level. Specifically, his loss of his last brother, Uchiha Izuna.
For example, this phrase 一只手 yī zhī shǒu One palm / One hand reminds me of the idiom 一手遮天 which means One hand to cover Heaven. Hence, no matter how formidable and godlike Madara becomes, he will never be able to get back what he had lost-- what time has taken from him. And Madara has lost many things.
Nirvana in Fire | 琅琊榜
Chapter Eleven | 第十一章
Xiao Jingning | 萧景宁
1st Edition: An English translation brought to you by the princeõreo team. Full credits at the end of the translated novel. No part(s) of this translation may be published on other websites without the explicit written approval of @chiyanjun
- Access other chapters via the Content Page
Leader’s note: This translation is independent and separate from other translations. Certain terms and pinyin “romanisation” will differ from commonly seen usage. Any comments or grievances to be sent to @chiyanjun via IM, thank you and enjoy.
When Xiao Jingning walked into Meng Bai restaurant, she wore an elegant scholar’s robe the shade of the morning skies, belted with an elaborate silk waistband, and on her feet she wore a pair of boots embroidered with gold thread and precious jewels. She held a folding fan in her hands and occasionally partially obscured her face with it. At a glance, it seemed she was a dashing, unrestrained young scholar. However, everyone else could tell she was a girl dressed as a boy.
However, the capital was a place filled to the brim with nobility, and the quirks of the nobility were aplenty. Judging from this girl’s bearing, it could be deduced that she was of high status. Therefore, although everyone had seen through her disguise, they continued to affect ignorance, so as to not provoke her. Even the restaurant’s waiter continued to call in guests in his normal manner, not revealing at all that he had already recognised her as a female customer.
Xiao Jingning didn’t spare the noise and excitement coming from the hall below a glance, immediately requesting the private ‘Rain’ room from the waiter. Therefore, when she was taken to the second level, She happened to find herself suddenly face to face with Yan Yujin and his fellow companions.
“Jingning…!” With great effort, he suppressed his cry of startlement, and Xiao Jingrui immediately rushed forward and pull her to his own table. In a low, harsh voice he asked: “How did you manage to sneak out here? This is too inappropriate!”
“How is it inappropriate?” Xiao Jingning glared, but because she was scared to reveal her feminine voice, she dared not raise her voice. “You guys are always outside! This is only my first time out alone!”
“How can you compare yourself to us? You are the Princess! How can you appear in taverns and tea houses?!”
“So what if I’m a Princess? Are Princesses meant to die of boredom in the Palace? Anyway I came out along with Mother.”
Yan Yujin was shocked as he looked around furtively; whispering, “I haven’t seen her? Where is her Majesty?”
Xiao Jingning awarded him with a look of total disdain, “Stupid, how could Mother be here? She accepted an invite from Aunt Liyang and went to Cousin Rui’s house. I begged her forever before she agreed to take me with her. Currently, they’re just chatting and don’t need me to keep them company. I told them I was returning to the Palace first and snuck away on the way back when I found the opportunity. It was so hard!”
“How can this do?” Xiao Jingrui became even more agitated. “You never told her Majesty this! Quick, let's go, I’ll escort you home.”
“I want to play for a while more!” Princess Jingning stubbornly cried, “I took such care to disguise myself and I’ve not caused any trouble. I’ll just wander around a little and I’ll go home by myself. Nihuang-jiejie can go on the battlefields, but I would be breaking the rules just by strolling through the streets?”
“How can you compare yourself with Duchess Nihuang?” Yan Yujin shot back. “Anyway, as long as you’re not afraid of getting reprimanded by her Majesty, we wouldn’t care about your hardships one bit.”
Xiao Jingning swallowed nervously, it seemed that she was still somewhat unsure of herself. In order to force herself to calm down, she turned her eyes to Mei Changsu and asked, “This is…”
“Our friend, Sir Su. Su Zhe.” Yan Yujin introduced.
“Su Zhe…” Xiao Jingning tilted her head as she thought about that name, then suddenly lept up and shouted with a high pitched voice, “So you are Su Zhe?! I heard you have a bodyguard who lasted more than a hundred moves against Imperial Commander Meng and did not lose. Where is he? Can I meet him?”
Xiao Jingrui and Mei Changsu could not stop her in time and quickly looked around, only to see that the patrons on the second level of the tavern, shocked by the words, were all staring in their direction.
Someone being able to last a hundred moves without losing against Meng Zhi was itself a big news. Moreover, this person was a bodyguard, naturally it made people more curious to know the master behind him.
“Don’t shout like that!” Xiao Jingrui said urgently, “You don’t know anything about martial arts. You have no idea what it means to last a hundred moves against Commander Meng. What nonsense are you going on about?”
“It’s true I don’t know,” Princess Jingning answered challengingly, “but Nihuang-jiejie does. She was at your place, and after hearing this from cousin Bi, she was rather surprised. She even said this bodyguard’s master must be an extraordinary person and that she must meet them.”
At this time, Xiao Jingrui realized his own mistake. He should have immediately taken Jingning from the place instead of attempting to silence her. But now, the more he tried to counter her, the more she talked. While she hadn’t spoken in a loud voice, there were no lack of keen eared and sharp eyed martial artistes in the tavern. People were sure to have heard it. A skillful bodyguard fronted him, and then high praise from the Duchess backed him up, it seemed that after today’s commotion, the name Su Zhe will undoubtedly become famous in the Capital...
Since he had made the mistake once, then he most definitely would not make the same mistake again. So, with Xiao Jingrui dragging Jingning, the four of them quickly left the tavern under the curious gaze of the patrons. Threading through the bustling crowds on the streets, they ducked into a relatively quiet alleyway.
“Why did you drag me out?” Princess Jingning said unhappily, “Even if you are my cousin, you hold no power over me.”
“Your Highness,” Xiao Jingrui’s voice became aggravated, “You and I are ruler and subject, of course I have no authority over you. But since you’ve left the Palace and bumped into me, it’s inappropriate to pretend that we don’t know each other, right? Moreover, regarding the situation just now, how could you publicise it like that infront of everyone. Do you know that it’ll cause trouble for Brother Su?”
“I didn’t even do it on purpose. I was just caught by a moment of surprise, that’s all.” Princess Jingning snorted, “How inconvenient could it even be? My royal self will cover for that Su Zhe. He is just a commoner, do you think that I myself can’t even protect him? He is not even angry at the moment, why are you so provoked?”
Mei Changsu’s lips thinned for a slight moment, maintaining his politeness. He knew that it was useless to get worked up over the situation. He only had himself to blame: why didn’t he take his leave sooner? So that he could avoid the hot headed princess? With the commotion from her outburst, and how fast rumours spread in the capital, it would likely take less than two days before this “news” scatter over the four corners of the city; Someone ordered his bodyguard to challenge Meng Zhi, and thereafter obtained Duchess Nihuang’s esteem. It would definitely draw numerous curious eyes.
Changsu pushed that notion to the back of his mind temporarily as there was a more pressing issue at hand.
Just when Princess Jingning’s voice settled down, so did Xiao Jingrui’s disposition sink. Evidently, he was rather enraged by the Princess’ tone. But even so, she was still a Princess. Her manner displayed her birthright prominently. If Changsu let the ticking time bomb that was Jingrui go, a complaint of the Princess’ might just let fly another type of rumour: The good sir Xiao, usually of docile and fair temperament, unexpectedly clashed with the Princess in defense of Su Zhe.
And so before Xiao Jingrui could speak a word, Mei Changsu rushed to pull on Jingrui’s arm and quickly said, “Jingrui, I’m tired, let’s go home first.”
Xiao Jingrui stared blankly, but with one look at Mei Changsu’s eyes immediately understood his intentions and was obliged to restrain himself. He turned to Yan Yujin and said, “Yujin, I am going to accompany brother Su back to the manor. As for the Princess, I’ll have to implore you to send her home--”
His words broke off midway. Only now did Jingrui suddenly realise that the friend standing next to him had remained silent all this time. From Yujin’s disposition, Jingrui guessed that something was wrong. The face that wore a smile everyday was now pulled tightly with a pout. Piercing eyes bored into Jingrui, an obvious show of displeasure splayed across his features.
But as much as Xiao Jingrui tried to decipher the whys, he still could not understand just when or how exactly did he anger this prestigious noble who has the country’s uncle for a father. And so he could only voice the question, “What’s going on with you?”
Ah, finally, Yujin had been waiting for such a question. His nostrils flared at once and he accused loudly, “None of you are telling me anything!”
“Not telling you what?”
“This business with Fei Liu exchanging blows with Imperial Commander Meng! I’ve been with you all day today and you didn’t tell me about it!”
“Uh, about that…” Xiao Jingrui scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “...Since it is old news, and we have had such a good day, it completely slipped our minds that we should have told you about it.”
“You all simply don’t care a lick about me!” Yan Yujin still did not ease his gritted teeth, stomping his feet with a wounded air. “Heavens, Fei Liu going head to head with Meng Zhi! Such a commotion and I missed seeing it! It is as though--as though my time spent in the capital has been a waste!”
“Say, Yujin,” Jingrui could only force out a smile, “Even if we did tell you the news today, you wouldn’t have been able to see it anyway.”
“That’s why I’m angry!” Yan Yujin cried. “Meng Zhi in combat is already a rare sight! Furthermore, this time it was against Fei Liu…”
“That bodyguard is named Fei Liu?” asked a curious Princess Jingning.
“Why do you want to know?” Jingrui retorted with great displeasure, for his anger against her had not yet cooled.
Princess Jingning ignored him in favour of directing her queries to Mei Changsu. “Hey, er, what’s your name again...? Su Zhe, is your bodyguard around or not? Quickly, summon him here so I can take a look at him!”
“Your Highness,” Mei Changsu said, insipid, “Though Fei Liu calls me Master, we are brothers in heart-- he goes where he wills and I subject him not to my whims. I am afraid we must disappoint the Princess in this regard.”
“Oh?” Princess Jingning lifted a single elegant eyebrow and sneered, “Since your arrogance is remarkable, then his ego must be sizeable as well; Could it be that would dare refuse a summon from my royal person to enter the palace?”
Mei Changsu held back an agitated Xiao Jingrui, and with a low voice he said, “Don’t mind her, I have my way of persuading her to go back.” Then he lifted his head and smiled sweetly at the princess, “Could we walk and speak?” he asked with a gentle voice.
Upon hearing such a request from Mei Changsu, Princess Jingning could not help the spark of alarm that welled up inside her, “What do you want to say? Can’t we just discuss whatever it is right here?”
Mei Changsu merely smiled and walked slowly along her side, wordless. Princess Jingning’s curiousity led her to follow his steps without hesitation.
“Princess, you are of the royal bloodline with such command within palace walls, how can strangers glimpse at your royal person so easily? Even if your Highness wishes to summon him, and Fei Liu is also willing to enter, I am afraid that this royal summon of yours will not be able to pass the castle gates.” Mei Changsu’s sour note to the Princess was quickly followed by a low whisper, “Worshiping the gods to atone for your wrongdoings is not an excuse with a long shelf life. Please let this one advise your Highness an early return back to the royal carriage before this escapade of yours becomes known, and you punished by her Majesty.”
Princess Jingning paled at his words. With lips trembling, it was a while before she blurted out her next question, “How did you know my excuse to come out was because I wanted to pray?”
“Perhaps… It is because, like you, I have heard the same story before…” Mei Changsu rolled his eyes slightly, looking as though he wanted to laugh. “I doubt that this is your first time worshiping the gods, Princess, and I assume that you would not want this to be your last either. Xiao Jingrui is an intelligent man. If I recite that old story to him once, he will surely understand the whole situation immediately. Does your Highness wish for me to speak with him?”
Princess Jingning stared at his lazy smile and pleased disposition, cold fear settling into her heart.
“Princess, you went to Meng Bai restaurant to see somebody, isn’t it?” Mei Changsu paid no heed to how her features paled, and continued his words in a relaxed manner, “You spoke so loudly all of a sudden… perhaps you wanted to warn somebody that Jingrui and company were not lechers harassing you, so that he would not hastily come out to rescue you, am I right? If, at the same time, you could make us leave you here alone - as was your motive - then all the more better, isn’t it?”
Princess Jingning sucked in a deep breath, fingers clutching together tightly as her pale face turned blue.
Approximately one year ago, Xiao Jingning chanced upon an elderly attendant within the palace. As fate would have it, the attendant told a story surrounding a Princess from the previous generation.
This is that story: A Princess had fallen in love with an imperial guard, but the Emperor opposed their wish to marry. This imperial guard dug a secret passage below the temple located outside the palace walls. It led to a remote and secluded place in the city. The Princess sought an excuse to leave the palace and headed for the temple, then quickly claimed that she was struck with an excruciating migraine. Following that she also claimed that a deity had blocked her path, accusing her of clashing against the Heavenly Decrees, and wanted her to set up a barricade immediately. Alone, she must burn incense and pray for two hours in restitution.
Her servants did not dare to hesitate, quickly erecting a secure and elaborate wall to surround the altar. Once the Princess entered behind the wall, she quickly took advantage of the situation and escaped through the secret passage underneath the altar. Covertly, the Princess fled to the ends of the earth with the imperial guard.
At first, Xiao Jingning did not pay too much mind to the story. But one day she had passed the temple by chance, and was inspired to follow the myth. Who would have thought that there was really a secret passage underneath the altar? It led her to shed away the layers of royalty for the first time in her life, tasting absolute freedom. It was also the time where she met a young bodyguard who chased away some people who were harassing her.
Both of them knew the disparity between their ranks; a union between them was impossible, but they could not control the feelings they had for each other. In order to leave the palace and meet up with him, Xiao Jingning managed to fake a devastating illness with the help of her trusted handmaiden, claiming that the deity had returned in her dreams, telling her that she had to pray at the temple for four hours each time she went out of the palace, and only then would the deity forgive her previous wrongdoing. The Emperor saw that his beloved daughter mysteriously fell ill, yet miraculously healed, so he would rather believe the existence of the deity than allow his suspicions to hurt his daughter.
Henceforth, even though a Princess like her seldom had chances to go out, she was still able to ride on the wave of the excuse and stop her carriage in front of the temple. Under the cover made by her trusted handmaidens, she would go behind the wall and disappear for four hours. This time, she thought that the process would continue to be as smooth as before, so she let her aide inform the bodyguard to meet her at their usual place. She then sneaked out without her usual entourage and left the Marquis of Ning’s manor. As she used the altar’s secret passageway to escape, she didn’t think that she would knock into Xiao Jingrui as soon as she stepped into Meng Bai tavern. In her panic, she could not help but think of every way to act out and remind her lover who was waiting in the private room. She was afraid that he would be discovered by them.
At first, she thought her plan to be flawless. As long as she could provoke Xiao Jingrui to leave, then get rid of Yan Yujin, she could meet her lover for a while. But even a thousand strategies did not predict that the seemingly normal-looking and mild-mannered gentleman would be the one who revealed her cards. Jingning herself was surprised that she had absolutely no clue as to how Mei Changsu knew so much.
“Have you thought it through now, Princess?” Mei Changsu said softly, “It’s not my place to care about your personal matters and I don’t plan on talking about them with anyone, either. I just hope that you will go home a bit earlier today, so as not to provoke any trouble with your actions.”
Princess Jingning’s mind was racing and her pearly white teeth were biting so tightly on her lower lip that there were already bruises. After a moment in which she was not able to make up her mind, she asked quietly, “You really won’t tell anyone?”
Mei Changsu said comfortingly: “My Princess, you are known to be fair and virtuous, how could I tarnish your reputation without a second thought? If it weren’t for you repeatedly pushing me into provoking young master Xiao, I originally didn’t plan on saying much. If you see me again after today, just act as if you do not know me, and I too won’t make even the slightest move that might be unfavourable to you.”
Suddenly, there was chill in Princess Jingning’s eyes and she said coldly, “You didn’t even bring up any conditions, I’m finding it hard to believe in your words.”
Mei Changsu blinked slowly and seemed to briefly consider it. He then chuckled, “If you don’t believe me, Princess, then I will name a condition. After today, no matter in which situation, no matter what you hear me say, you have to smoothly agree and support it. Is this condition within your abilities?”
“Simply that?”
“Simply that.”
“Humph,” Princess Jingning snorted proudly, “You are but a commoner, when will you ever again get the chance to be in the same room as me, the Princess? Are you not wasting a great opportunity?”
“You’re right,” Mei Changsu admitted easily, “but which condition I raise is my business, your Highness only need to say if you agree to it or not.”
Princess Jingning pressed her lips together tightly, and had to almost force out her next few words, “Okay, I agree.”
“You don’t have to be offended, Princess,” Mei Changsu said sympathetically, “You are such a brilliant woman, even the heavens seem to favour you, yet you do not have free reign over your own marriage... though the heart is genuine, it can only lead to sadness in this world. The condition I brought up merely exists in name, whether you abide by it in the future or not, I will still keep my promise and won’t say a word of this matter. I won’t hurt him. But for your and his sake, heed my advice: Don’t meet him again. Apart from adding to the pain, what else could it achieve?”
Jingning, who was nearly brought to tears by his words, blinked heavily. The status of her lover was too low, there was no hope for them to stay together in this life. Even if she were to tearfully plead with the Empress at her own peril, her efforts would be in vain and only bring death to her loved one. Each of Mei Changsu’s words made her heart despair, yet they held an undeniable truth.
Yan Yujin and Xiao Jingrui looked at the pair from afar. Though they were not able to hear anything, it was clear to them that Princess Jingning’s expressions changed like the tides, until she looked very much like she was crying. They couldn’t help but be immensely surprised, and both quickly went over, asking, “What is going on?”
“I’ve told you both before, I’m very good at talking about the great principles,” Mei Changsu told them with a beaming smile, “Just now, I’ve explained to the Princess the principles of filial piety and etiquette, which moved her so much that she is now in this state…“
“You’re talking nonsense again!” Yan Yujin raised his eyebrows, “That can’t be possible!”
“If you don’t believe me, then let’s just forget it.” Mei Changsu then bowed his head to Princess Jingning, looking gently into her eyes and said softly, “Please think carefully about what I just said, Princess. Hurry home now. Don’t worry, neither Yujin nor Jingrui will accompany you. Be careful on your way back.”
“What?” Yan Yujin was shocked, “How can it be all right for her to walk back alone?”
“Since the Princess agreed to go home, she will definitely go home. If you two accompany her, it will look as if we don’t trust her word and need to shepherd her back. If I was the Princess, I wouldn’t like to be treated like that either. Is it possible for you to listen to me just this once for today, let us part ways with the Princess at the end of the alley in front of us and it will be fine.”
Princess Jingning had actually been worried about how to get rid of Yan Yujin and Xiao Jingrui. If she stealthily went back to the exit of the secret path, even if Mei Changsu didn’t say anything, her secret would still be exposed. As she listening to his thorough considerations, she could not help but feel a deep sense of gratitude in her heart. Hurriedly, she spoke, “That’s right. I will go directly back home, the both of you don’t need to worry. Mister Su, thank you for explaining to me the importance of filial piety, I will definitely be more obedient to my royal mother from now onwards. I won’t disappoint her with my stubborn ways again.”
Yan Yujin was completely taken by surprise. “Eh? You really did talk about the ways of filial piety?”
“What need is there to be so surprised?” Mei Changsu side eyed him. “Since time immemorial, the doctrines of the wise are the ones that can better touch and enter the heart. I will also preach to you another day. All right, there’s no need for more words now, let us all leave to go to our own destinations.”
As Xiao Jingrui glanced at Princess Jingning, his brows knit together. Mei Changsu knew that Jingrui was upset with the Princess’ conduct for the day, but because he valued the friendship between them, he was still worried for her safety. So Mei Changsu pulled on his arm and leaned over, whispering, “Don’t worry, I will definitely have Fei Liu follow her.”
Only after hearing these words could Xiao Jingrui finally relaxed and didn’t express any more objections. The four of them followed Mei Changsu’s suggestion and split up at the end of the alley. The Princess disappeared first in a sea of people, Yan Yujin went then back to his father’s manor and Xiao Jingrui, after calling for a comfortable sedan ride, went together with his Brother Su back to his family’s residence.
Once they arrived at the entrance of the manor and halted the carriage, a servant had saw them coming and went inside to announce their arrival. Soon after, Xie Bi came hurriedly to receive them. After one glance, he voiced loudly, “Why are you only back now? There’s someone here to meet you two and you’ve kept them waiting for so long!”
The Translation Team && Credits - unlinked names are Discord IDs
Coordinator && Overall Editor: princeõreo
Team Orange: Eikryona, dearwhimsy, Leilyue, freakmoister [When Xiao Jingning walked into Meng Bai restaurant] to [“Jingrui, I’m tired, let’s go home first.”]
Team Purple: princeõreo, Sharrix3, qwertyuiop678, orangememory [Xiao Jingrui stared blankly] to [no clue as to how Mei Changsu knew so much.]
Team Blue: Merlin, gelierzucker, tomirwinsglasses, katekatharos [“Have you thought it through now, Princess?”] to [and you’ve kept them waiting for so long!”]
Resources used: Google Documents, Forms, and Spreadsheet, Baike Baidu, quanben-xiaoshuo, lang ya hall Discord
琵琶声声错蛮绮
pí pá shēng shēng cuò mán qǐ
The sound of the Pipa comes out quite beautifully
红尘梦里
hóng chén mèng lǐ
The mortal world is an illusion
凌云可与天下弈
líng yún kě yǔ tiān xià yì
High aspirations will let me move against the world
生死皆为棋
shēng sǐ jiē wèi qí
The matters of life and death is akin to a chess game
无奈断痕终难续
wú nài duàn hén zhōng nán xù
Helpless and broken, it is difficult to continue
故人长忆
gù rén zhǎng yì
The people of yore always remember
横空坐观云伏低
héng kōng zuò guān yún fú dī
I watch from above as the clouds settle down
浩渺雾岚起
hào miǎo wù lán qǐ
A far-reaching fog starts to haze up
阴谋诡辨中翻覆
yīn móu guǐ biàn zhōng fān fù
Overturning conspiracies and fallacy
何人堪与并书
hé rén kān yǔ bìng shū
Who is worthy of writing this legacy with me?
金戈战影中沉浮
jīn gē zhàn yǐng zhōng chén fú
Rising and falling between the ranks and war
何人曾与同沐终是殊途
hé rén céng yǔ tóng mù zhōng shì shū tú
Those who were allied in the past will remain together in the end
百川皆归魂梦去
bǎi chuān jiē guī hún mèng qù
Returning to the past seems an accomplishment only feasible in dreams
细数此残局
xì shù cǐ cán jú
Carefully count the number of devastating tragedies,
贪嗔本心易移 如是而已
tān chēn běn xīn yì yí ; rú shì ér yǐ
How easily swayed a greedy and hateful heart is
战鼓鸣动猎猎旗
zhàn gǔ míng dòng liè liè qí
War drums are a chanting ; The banner flag flutters
八方来敌
bā fāng lái dí
Enemies hail from all eight directions
倾覆前尘本无意
qīng fù qián chén běn wú yì
Originally only wanted to overturn the past
奈何不由己
nài hé bù yóu jǐ
But now I can’t help myself
真假皆化作虚无
zhēn jiǎ jiē huà zuò xū wú
The matter of truth and falsity melt into nothingness
沧溟千堆不溯
cāng míng qiān duī bù sù
Can’t even recall the thousands of changes that happened
爱与恨孰为错付
ài yǔ hèn shú wèi cuò fù
The price of love and hate is always wrongly paid
参商永隔两处终入尘土
shēn shāng yǒng gé liǎng chù zhōng rù chén tǔ
Orion and Antares at two ends of the world will return to dust in the end
恍惚南柯见穹碧
huǎng hū nán kē jiàn qióng bì
Splendid dream ends, disappointed ; dazed eyes search the azure skies
苍野飞一骑
cāng yě fēi yī jì
One rider flies across the grey fields
匆匆红尘东去
cōng cōng hóng chén dōng qù
The mortal world rushes to its end
似无留意 如是而已
shì wú liú yì rú shì ér yǐ
It seems to not have the intention of staying
A/N: This has got to be the HARDEST song to translate among the ones before it... I had this sitting in my drafts for a week *cries* I don’t know how to explain why it’s more difficult.
You know the way Yoda speaks? In this song, there are many lines that sound reversed, and actually make sense either way. Some lyrics also pull one or two words from idioms and phrases and expect me to know the whole meaning T_T I’m glad it’s done! Thanks so much to the people at the langya hall Discord server, their opinions really made me learned a lot :D
This song is incredibly depressing. In many paragraphs, the singer is feeling hopeless or at a loss what else he could do, because righteous deeds are hard to fulfill, but immoral / evil deeds are so easily done by the heart (of others or his own even). The main meaning of this song is that, everything good or bad will turn to dust in the end with time.
变幻 风云几卷
biàn huàn ; fēng yún jǐ juǎn
How much of the world’s calamities can be chronicled?
乱世起惊澜
luàn shì qǐ jīng lán
The chaos brings forth fear and shock
血仍殷 何人心念
xuè réng yān ; hé rén xīn niàn
The blood is flowing, but the people have forgotten
烈火清平愿
liè huǒ qīng píng yuàn
Strong fire razes life’s hope to the ground
慧剑 借别红颜
huì jiàn ; jiè bié hóng yán
To use the sword of wisdom, I must separate myself from my loved ones
无意续余年
wú yì xù yú nián
I have no wish to prolong my life
帝阙巍 豪气仍在
dì quē wēi ; háo qì réng zài
The emperor’s palace is still towering, pride is still abound
冰心誓破长夜天
bīng xīn shì pò cháng yè tiān
Unsullied oaths split the night sky
昔年朱弓 壁上空悬
xī nián zhū gōng ; bì shàng kōng xuán
The red bow of yore hangs empty on the wall
征途望断 铁甲犹寒
zhēng tú wàng duàn ; tiě jiǎ yóu hán
A long march without the end in sight ; steel armor still bears injustice
明眸在心 青山难掩
míng móu zài xīn ; qīng shān nán yǎn
My heart’s convictions cannot be hidden by the universe
江山如画 是我心言
jiāng shān rú huà ; shì wǒ xīn yán
The world must be beautiful again, I believe
关山横槊 谁可补天
guān shān héng shuò ; shéi kě bǔ tiān
The mountain lays across like a fallen spear ; Who can mend the heavens?
碧血长枪 昨日少年
bì xuè cháng qiāng ; zuó rì shào nián
It is he, the youth of yesteryear, who bears a matyr’s blood and held the long spear
孤影归途 不见烽烟
gū yǐng guī tú ; bù jiàn fēng yān
The lone shadow returns home ; No more beacons of war in sight
一笔千秋 后人心间
yī bǐ qiān qiū ; hòu rén xīn jiān
History is written for the next generations to behold
风起 ; 云散
fēng qǐ ; yún sàn
Wind rises and scatters the clouds
A/N: I used a lot of the meanings and research from dr myri’s post, as I do not agree with much of the public translations on the internet. Give it a read!
风正萧萧天未破晓 夜太凉
fēng zhèng xiāo xiāo tiān wèi pò xiǎo ; yè tài liáng
The wind is rustling before the break of dawn, the night is too cold
人离散 梦难想
rén lí sàn ; mèng nán xiǎng
The people are dispersed, dreams become unfathomable
但每个胸口却更烫
dàn měi gè xiōng kǒu què gèng tàng
But every chest burns hotter
人间用多少沧桑
rén jiān yòng duō shǎo cāng sāng
The shfiting of the world’s events
换多少人的疯狂
huàn duō shǎo rén de fēng kuáng
has traded for (much of) the people’s sanity
乱世早晚会赶上
luàn shì zǎo wǎn huì gǎn shàng
The chaos of the era will catch up sooner or later
已来不及感伤
yǐ lái bu jí gǎn shāng
And it would be too late to feel the consequences
让黑暗黑到吞没所有希望
ràng hēi'àn hēi dào tūn mò suǒ yǒu xī wàng
Let the darkness blacken until it engulfs all hope
才能找到血液里的光
cái néng zhǎo dào xiě yè lǐ de guāng
Then shall light be found in the blood
那么孤单 又那么不息而倔强
nà me gū dān ; yòu nà me bù xī ér jué jiàng
It is so lonely, yet so utterly endless and relentless
让黑暗黑到失去所有方向
ràng hēi'àn hēi dào shī qù suǒ yǒu fāng xiàng
Let the darkness blacken until all directions are lost
才能感到谁还在身旁
cái néng gǎn dào shéi hái zài shēn páng
Then shall we feel who still remains by our side
还一起等待那一个
hái yī qǐ děng dài nà yī gè
And together we can wait for that
遥远却痛快的天亮
yáo yuǎn què tòng kuài de tiān liàng
Far off but satiating break of dawn
生死飘渺爱恨断肠谁来管
shēng sǐ piāo miǎo ài hèn duàn cháng shéi lái guǎn
Life and death so incomprehensible ; Love and hate so poignant ; Who is governing?
琴声乱 剑光寒
qín shēng luàn ; jiàn guāng hán
Sounds of the zither become distorted ; The sword’s light becomes chilling
但总算我们还有伴
dàn zǒng suàn wǒ men hái yǒu bàn
But at least we still have each other
人间用多少沧桑
rén jiān yòng duō shǎo cāng sāng
The shifting of the world’s events
笑多少执迷疯狂
xiào duō shǎo zhí mí fēng kuáng
Have laughed at too many’s obsession and madness
乱世把我们赶上
luàn shì bǎ wǒ men gǎn shàng
The consequences of the chaotic era has caught up to us
就还它一点光
jiù huán tā yī diǎn guāng
So let’s return the world a little bit of light
A/N: What I find really interesting about this song is that the author makes 人间 ‘mortal world’ very real in these lyrics. As if The World itself is a tyrant / cruel emperor that is using the skill ‘The hand of Fate’ to drive its citizens crazy. A powerful entity is watching us and laughing at us as we tumble through life...
Simply put, people lose themselves while the world advances, be it going up their career ladder or sacrificing their morals for the bigger picture. Only in times of intense suffering then we can know who is true to us, unfortunately. Though the light at the end of the tunnel is far, far away, we know that upon reaching it, we will be stronger and wiser.
Love Is More Than A Word | 识汝不识丁 shi rǔ bù shí dīng
Listen Here: ver 韓磊 Han Lei | ver 晏紫东 Yan Zidong | ver 蒋梓乐 Jiang Zile
一夜風雨飄落情多少
yī yè fēng yǔ piāo luò qíng duō shǎo
How deep are the feelings that flow in a night of stormy rain?
只知當時正青春年少
zhǐ zhī dāng shí zhèng qīng chūn nián shào
I only remember the times when we were young
你回眸一笑
nǐ huí móu yī xiào
You smiled back at me once
心已上九霄
xīn yǐ shàng jiǔ xiāo
and my heart already soars to the ninth heaven
不問前程只問你
bù wèn qián chéng zhǐ wèn nǐ
I ask not of the future, but only of you
如此多驕
rú cǐ duō jiāo
And how noble you are
醒也好 醉也好
xǐng yě hǎo ; zuì yě hǎo
Whether in wakefulness or while drunk
兩情相悅又豈在
liǎng qíng xiāng yuè yòu qǐ zài
Our mutual love is inadvertently still
盛世伴飄搖
shèng shì bàn piāo yáo
Being swayed by the flourishing world
喜也好 怒也好
xǐ yě hǎo ; nù yě hǎo
Whether with joy or grievance
紅衣丹砂長街宴
hóng yī dān shā zhǎng jiē yàn
The red gown is donned, the cinnabar banquet commences, and the streets are filled with feasts
叩拜一生徹夜聊
kòu bài yī shēng chè yè liáo
Talking through the night ; We knelt to the ceremony and promised our lives to each other
紛紛擾擾是紅塵喧囂
fēn fēn rǎo rǎo shì hóng chén xuān xiāo
Chaos is the pursuit of the world
夢裡夢外明月總相照
mèng li mèng wài míng yuè zǒng xiāng zhào
Beyond our dreams, the moon will always illuminate one another
守你到花開
shǒu nǐ dào huā kāi
I will guard you until the flower blooms
陪你垂暮照
péi nǐ chuí mù zhào
I will sleep by your side at the end of time
一席美談醉今朝
yī xí měi tán zuì jīn zhāo
A beautiful story weaved by drunkenness this day
美談醉今朝
měi tán zuì jīn zhāo
A/N: Ah.... the beauty of the classical Mandarin language... it lacks alot of “and”s and verbs. Everything seriously sounds nicer and cleaner in Chinese.
For example: 紅衣丹砂長街宴 literally is Red Shirt Cinnabar Long Street Feasting
To transform that into English that is both beautiful, concise, and sensible, was really hard. I went for a “formal speech feel”, because if not beautiful then it should at least sound Really Important™ xD
Now... that last line 一席美談醉今朝 causes me alot of headache, but I went for a translation that fits better to Gu She | Xian Zhi’s art show. The cinnabar banquet required all guests to wear red to conceal the fact that it was an actual wedding. It was not known publicly to be a wedding, just an art gallery. If not, why do you think his master Sir Yi Chiu and his wife wasn’t as elated as parents hearing news of their son getting married? Wife was more shocked that Gu She revealed that he is Xian Zhi, instead of exclaiming “He’s marrying the magistrate!?” So, I conclude, very little people knew it was a wedding. But when people are drunk, they’d speak all sorts of stuff like “This looks like we’re all marrying each other hahahha” etc.
Listen Here: ver 刘涛 Liu Tao | ver 蕭憶情 倫桑 Male | ver Live | Video
西風夜渡寒山雨
xī fēng yè dù hán shān yǔ
Western winds sail through cold mountain rain in the night
家國依稀殘夢裡
jiā guó yī xī cán mèng li
The remains of home and country passing vaguely in dreams
思君不見倍思君
sī jūn bù jiàn bèi sī jūn
Missing you but not seeing you, twice does the yearning grow
別離難忍忍別離
bié lí nán rěn rěn bié lí
Separation is hard to endure, but still I must tolerate
狼煙烽火何時休
láng yān fēng huǒ hé shí xiū
When will the flames of war rest
成王敗寇盡東流
chéng wáng bài kòu jǐn dōng liú
The concept of win and loss eventually flows into nothingness
蠟炬已殘淚難幹
là jù yǐ cán lèi nán gàn
The torch wanes, yet tears cannot dry
江山未老紅顏舊
jiāng shān wèi lǎo hóng yán jiù
The land is still young but she is not
忍別離 不忍卻又別離
rěn bié lí ; bù rěn què yòu bié lí
Separation must be endured ; Even if I don’t want to bear it, we must still part
托鴻雁南去
tuō hóng yàn nán qù
I plead the birds to bring my message south
不知此心何寄
bù zhī cǐ xīn hé jì
But how do I send my heart with them?
紅顏舊
hóng yán jiù
The beauty is growing old
任憑斗轉星移
rèn píng dǒu zhuǎn xīng yí
Despite the turning of the tides of battle, and the shifting of the stars
唯不變此情悠悠
wéi bù biàn cǐ qíng yōu yōu
This love in my heart will forever remain unchanged
A/N: I’ve searched for various translations for this song, but there is few that I can agree with, especially with regards to the last paragraph. Though the lyrics are not explicit in their meaning, but we know (from watching countless martial arts series) that birds flying = some message is being sent. Relating this to Nihuang and Lin Shu battling at opposite ends of Da Liang, I’d reckon they (or she) did send each other letters.
Additionally, there is no 飞 “fly” in the lyric, so I’m pretty sure it has less to do with the action of flight among birds, and more to do with messages being sent, hence why my translations will be different than others.
I mean come on, you don’t need to 托 “plead” birds to fly, right?
A heart of loyalty will never be extinguished | 赤子之心永生不灭 chì zǐ zhī xīn yǒng shēng bù miè
Nirvana in Fire | 琅琊榜 láng yá bǎng (originally posted on my RP blog)
Listen here: W.K. Walker
男 male:
梅岭飞雪火焚天
Méi lǐng fēi xuě huǒ fén tiān
At the plum blossom ridge (Meiling), snow storms and fire burns the sky
埋葬赤焰 七万冤
Mái zàng chì yàn ; qī wàn yuān
Burying the Chiyan (army), all seventy thousand injustice
地狱之门走一圈
Dì yù zhī mén zǒu yī quān
A round trip returning from the gates of Hell
化名梅郎江湖远
Huà míng méi láng jiāng hú yuǎn
Taking on the title of Plum Blossom Gentleman, he hides in the pugilistic world
合 together:
琅琊榜上的传言
Láng yá bǎng shàng de chuán yán
The Langya Hall of Fame bears a rumour
麒麟才子百难见
qí lín cái zǐ bǎi nàn jiàn
The Divine Talent escapes the eyes of a hundred
帝都金陵生硝烟
dì dū jīnlíng shēng xiāo yān
The emperor of Jinling is alarmed
揭开尘封十二年
jiē kāi chén fēng shí'èr nián
Twelve years worth of dust will be uncovered
合 together:
换了容颜 谁还记得谁
huàn le róng yán ; shuí hái jì de shuí
Physical features changed, who still remembers who?
男 male:
换江山从前 换不回
huàn jiāng shān cóng qián ; huàn bù huí
(wanting to) Right the land’s past, but what happened can’t be undone
合 together:
爱恨难绝对
ài hèn nán jué duì
Love and hate cannot be determined with certainty
一腔热血还沸
yī qiāng rè xuè hái fèi
A chest of blood still boiling hot
今生为赤焰 心不悔
jīn shēng wèi chì yàn ; xīn bù huǐ
Dedicating this life for the Chiyan (army), heart bearing no regrets
女 female:
隐藏过去 人心都算计
yǐn cáng guò qù ; rén xīn dōu suàn jì
Hiding his past, the heart schemes
火寒之毒 难磨心中信念
huǒ hán zhī dú ; nán mó xīn zhōng xìn niàn
Poison of the Bitter Flame cannot touch his heart’s conviction
用余生力气 洗雪赤焰冤屈
yòng yú shēng lì qì ; xǐ xuě chì yàn yuān qū
Using the rest of his life and strength to wash away the injustice dealt to the Chiyan (army)
合 together:
留一颗赤心 永生不灭
liú yī kē chìxīn ; yǒng shēng bù miè
All that will be left is a loyal heart that will live on forever
男 male:
他来时素颜白衣
tā lái shí sù yán bái yī
He came first in mourning robes of white
一身病骨掀风雨
yī shēn bìng gǔ xiān fēng yǔ
Body filled with sickness shoulders the wind and rain
他去时遥望 狼烟
tā qù shí yáo wàng ; láng yān
When he went out, he was looking into the distant smokes of war
跃马 扬鞭笑苍天
yuè mǎ ; yáng biān xiào cāng tiān
Riding his horse and laughing to the sky
合 together:
江左一隔江湖远
jiāng zuǒ yī gé jiāng hú yuǎn
The Jiangzuo Alliance is renowned
琅琊榜首谁比肩
láng yá bǎng shǒu shuí bǐ jiān
Who can compare with he who ranks first in the Langya Hall of Fame?
生死离别 一瞬间
shēng sǐ lí bié ; yī shùn jiān
It is just a thin veil between life and death
赤焰之魂永不灭
chì yàn zhī hún yǒng bù miè
The soul of the Loyal will never be extinguished
合 together:
世间太多劫 谁在步步深陷
shìjiān tài duō jié ; shuí zài bù bù shēn xiàn
The world has robbed him of much ; still his steps go on deeper
满腹机诡只为忠魂昭雪
mǎn fù jī guǐ zhǐ wèi zhōng hún zhāo xuě
All his deeds and schemes are for exonerating the Chiyan (army)
用毕生所学 平定北境狼烟
yòng bì shēng suǒ xué ; píng dìng běi jìng láng yān
He used all that he has learned to suppress the Northern invasion
还大梁安定好几年
huán dà liáng ān dìng hǎo jǐ nián
Returning a few more years of stability to his home country (da liang)
女 female:
翻云覆雨间 默默隐忍一切
fān yún fù yǔ jiān ; mò mò yǐn rěn yī qiè
Amidst the rolling clouds and stormy skies ; quietly tolerating everything by himself
儿女情长 转眼生死离别
Ér nǚ qíng cháng ; zhuǎn yǎn shēngsǐ líbié
Pair of lovers seperated by death in the blink of an eye
用最后心血 还天下晴天
yòng zuì hòu xīn xuè ; huàn tiān xià qíng tiān
Using the last of his breath to give the lands under heaven another day of peace
合 together:
留一颗赤心 永生不灭
All that’s left of him is a loyal heart that will live on forever
A/N: This piece was extremely tiring to translate, because it uses many expressions that more often than not, pulls single words from various phrases. I wanted to give the full imagery of the chinese language, so instead of using the meaning of the phrase, I opted to give literal translations for expressions like:
翻云覆雨 rolling clouds and stormy skies - A single word could have translated this: chaos. You can see why I didn’t wanna use just one word, because it loses the imagery even though it’d provide the reader with sound meaning at onc glance.
Chinese use weather like 风 (wind) and 雨 (rain) in a lot of expressions to denote chaos, trouble, turbulent times. This is probably due to the fact that the Chinese language was first seen before it was spoken. While English uses countless adjectives and play on words / irony, Mandarin uses more metaphors as descriptors. Word riddles are more interesting and varied in mandarin =D
Also, this song truly sings like how the story plays out! Let me see if I can do some light recap so that we can relive the heartbreak that is Nirvana in Fire.
1st Paragraph: Episode one opened with the Meiling war without much context, and someone who should have died is actually still alive and recuperating at the Langya Hall. Oh! And his face changed too!
2nd Paragraph: The Langya’s myth is heard across the lands, about this Divine Talent (he who has him will have the world!). Even the Emperor knows of Mei Changsu due to his sons preparing large gifts and travelling towards Lang province. He quizzes the air, are my lands that easy to “have”? yes, yes it is.
3rd to 5th: Mei Changsu met his old friends like the duo-surnamed son of Marquis Xie, Jingrui, prince of Jing, Jingyan, and the Duchess / General / Marquis of Yunnan, Nihuang yes she has three official titles, but none of them can recognise that he is Lin Shu. And we also get to know more of why he is back in the capital as he meets Grand General Mengzhi. Cue the Crown Prince thinking Mei Changsu is on his side.
Nirvana in Fire | 琅琊榜 láng yá bǎng (originally posted on my RP blog)
Listen here: ver 王凯 Wang Kai | ver 慕寒 五色石南叶
青砖黛瓦 故景如旧
qīng zhuān dài wǎ ; gù jǐng rú jiù
Azure bricked, umber black tiles ; The scenery seemed as of yore
草木无情 不解凡忧
cǎo mù wú qíng ; bù jiě fán yōu
Grass and timber do not have emotions ; Not knowing any worries
当时烽火骤焚尽几多残留
dāng shí fēng huǒ zhòu fén jǐn jǐ duō cán liú
The flames of war then incinerated all and left little behind
一袭白衣祭故人 陈情此时休
yī xí bái yī jì gù rén ; chén qíng cǐ shí xiū
A robe of white in respect for the deceased ; Heartfelt affections laid to rest
霁月清风 琅琊榜首
jì yuè qīng fēng ; láng yá bǎng shǒu
Fair and clear is he who ranks first on the Langya Hall of Fame
谁记昔年 策马风流
shuí jì xī nián ; cè mǎ fēng liú
Is there any who remembers the past times of riding and frolicking upon the hills?
十载倏忽过 几回魂梦旧游
shí zài shū hū guò ; jǐ huí hún mèng jiù yóu
Ten years flew by in a flash, many times did memories and dreams travels to the past
又多少冤魂织就 那缓带轻裘
yòu duō shǎo yuān hún zhī jiù nà huǎn dài qīng qiú
And still how many wrongful deaths weave through his coat of fur?
尔虞我诈斗 无论缘由
ěr yú wǒ zhà dòu ; wú lùn yuán yóu
A cycle of anticipation and deception battles on even without reason
本唤作成王败寇
běn huàn zuò chéng wáng bài kòu
It has always been this way ; ‘to the victor go the spoils’
这风雨一路 他只影独走
zhè fēngyǔ yī lù ; tā zhī yǐng dú zǒu
This path of wind and rain ; Only his shadow follows him as he walks alone
抛却欢喜悲凉感受
pāo què huān xǐ bēi liáng gǎn shòu
Throwing away all feelings whether joy or sorrow
尘埃落定后 提缰回首
chén'āi luò dìng hòu ; tí jiāng huí shǒu
After the dust settled, he looked back
万千过往烙心头
wàn qiān guò wǎng lào xīn tóu
Heart ached with the force of ten thousand as he remembered the past
暗香幽幽 江山皆没入一眸
àn xiāng yōu yōu ; jiāng shān jiē méi rù yī móu
The fragrance, the landscape ; he took it all in
朱墙宫深 人心难嗅
zhū qiáng gōng shēn ; rén xīn nán xiù
Deep in the palace’s vermillion walls, it is difficult to percieve the human heart
黑白纵横 杀伐无由
hēi bái zòng héng ; shā fá wú yóu
Like a game of chess ; killings were done without care for consequence
权倾谈笑变 妙计敛藏于袖
quán qīng tán xiào biàn ; miào jì liǎn cáng yú xiù
Power changing hands as casual as conversation, but wit and strategy is still hidden in sleeves
负手算尽天下事 当饮一樽酒
fù shǒu suàn jìn tiān xià shì ; dāng yǐn yī zūn jiǔ
A wicked hand calculates all things under heaven as if he was just drinking wine
病骨一身 未雨绸缪
bìng gǔ yī shēn ; wèi yǔ chóu miào
Body riddled with sickness to the bones ; he prepared for a rainy day
心中算谋 几人看透
xīn zhōng suàn móu ; jǐ rén kàn tòu
The schemes buried deep in his heart ; few could see through
纵年寿难永 无愧一生所求
zòng nián shòu nán yǒng ; wú kuì yī shēng suǒ qiú
Even though his life cannot continue ; no regrets for only wanting a single accomplishment
此去踏关山千重 将前尘挥袖
cǐ qù tà guān shān qiān zhòng ; jiāng qián chén huī xiù
With a heavy heart, he departed ; willing his past to become dust
泣血书千轴 悲歌唱彻
qì xuè shū qiān zhóu ; bēi gē chàng chè
Books written with blood numbered in the thousands ; songs sang thoroughly of grief
战骨碎尽志不休
zhàn gǔ suì jǐn zhì bù xiū
War bones broken shall not rest
且待赤焰归 整军再从头
qiě dài chì yàn guī ; zhěng jūn zài cóngtóu
Just wait for the Chiyan to return again ; Entire armies will start once more!
守我山河家国依旧
shǒu wǒ shān hé jiā guó yī jiù
To protect our mountains, rivers, and home country like before
横长枪换却离愁
héng cháng qiāng huàn què lí chóu
The long spear traded losses
倾余生风骨同守
qīng yú shēng fēng gǔ tóng shǒu
Dedicating his whole life to uphold integrity
此血仍殷
cǐ xuè réng yān
This blood is still thriving
此身豪情仍未收
cǐ shēn háoqíng réng wèi shōu
Pride of ambition is still not reined in
情义千秋
qíng yì qiān qiū
Friendship and brotherhood endures several Autumns
在梅岭雪间长留
zài méi lǐng xuě jiān zhǎng liú
At the snow covered plum blossom ridge (Meiling) shall it stay
A/N: This song is beautiful and illustrates the character of Lin Shu | Mei Changsu very well. An interesting thing about certain lines is that, when you first hear it without looking at any lyrics, the meaning of them might be completely different but still plausible and will still make sense when related to the context of the show.
For example:
心中算谋 几人看透
xīn zhōng suàn móu ; jǐ rén kàn tòu
看透 has the same general pronunciation as 砍头 which translates to 'chop head’. Meaning, an execution. So, the line could have been heard as ‘The schemes buried deep in his heart ; how many were executed (because of them)?’ and it’d still make sense!! Especially considering how deaths are just a number (*side eyes* the Chiyan Army case... 70 thousand...)
Next example:
在梅岭雪间长留
zài méi lǐng xuě jiān zhǎng liú
I’ll just pick out the two words 长留. Considering that this song’s official (?) English title is Loyal Blood Runs Forever Red, instead of 留 ‘stay’, the last line could have been heard as 流 ‘running’ or ‘flow’ and it’d still make sense :D really interesting and it was also the first meaning I thought of without looking at the lyrics yet.