. . shēngsǐ . .

十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘。

[yiyiren]

  —  生死 ; History has a cruel brush. It will write down the names on Death's list of those who lose the war. The winners bow to golden halls where dragons fear their blades, and soon they too shall step onto death's bridge where no path leads back. I wished for my love to be a coward, so that we could live together until our hair was grey and the world didn't change too much, but was ours no more. My love, history will not remember our names, as we are but bamboo in the wind, and the dead will be dead. So why didn't we live as cowards for a while? Hidden from history.

薏苡仁 ; telling stories of original characters rooted in fictional chinese dynasties. roleplays explore themes of adventure, everyday challenges, corruption, nobility, family disputes & more. alternative modern verses and open to fantasy / supernatural themes.

indie, fandomless semi-selective multimuse. please read my rules first. questions are always welcome. low to medium activity. put together by Roh (they/them ; 30+)

                  𝐋𝐀𝐖   ·   𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐍   ·   𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒   ·   𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄   ·   𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐒

                                       十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘 ; 苏轼                                        𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 { 𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙝𝙪𝙖 }

[yiyiren]

       @tiehua  — ; 谢智伟 . . . & Xiāng Jǐngyán

The Xiè's second estate served as a military stronghold that was used in the midst of war to manoeuvre, but was also used as a center point for all their camps and many garrisons. It also showcased the nation's vast mixture of nature. Grassland lay before the front door while lower mountains and woods offered a secure backing no enemy would easily use and, at many points, held secret tunnels. Unlike the ancestral home, it was only around a century old. However, nobody from the capital would ever find it comfortable, as it was a constant reminder of the military presence at their borders, but to Zhìwěi, it was home.

The halls only used by him carried a sense of familiarity and comfort. From clothing to books and even a few aged pípas that seemed to have been left standing in the middle of attempts to repair them. There were only a few servants who kept everything tidy and managed everyday necessities but rushed once the master returned. At least here, his new student was given spacious quarters made of a large bedroom with a study and a bathing area. One could tell they likely were intended for the noble family, but weren't used in a long time. Servants only whispered about the order as they carried in a large amount of military lanterns, which were designed to not only burn longer but also withstand wind. One of Jùnlǐng's inventions to improve military operations.

He chose one of the female lower-ranking military officers to show Jǐngyán around, who was given a few days to rest and get accustomed to the location while the Grand General had to handle a few matters. He didn't specify to her that the taking down of the rebellion failed. The evening before the next day, he had let her know to choose comfortable clothing, as he wanted to take her on a small trip through the mountains. Unlike the ones around the capital, they were not too difficult and offered a nicer view over the landscape. He hoped to make up for the previous week of tough training.

Zhìwěi wore clothes usually seen during the nobility's hunting season but showed large signs of being worn and fixed on several occasions. A bag clung to his shoulder and a shorter blade. The straw hat made an odd contrast to the look. He carried a second one, which he placed on her head. “The sun is out today. Better be careful. If you are ready, then we are good to go. One of the farmers is heading to the mountains and will take us along. I thought a small carriage ride on the back of it would be enjoyable.”

[tiehua]

A hint of embarrassment warmed the cheeks of Zhū Chényí as he praised her background. Likely, they were words said without any real meaning. Yet, they still managed to cause a stir in her belly. Chānlóng Academy had been a target in her father's perspective. Not that he had said as much but Chényí was learned enough to know better. An exiled school, sure, but forgotten? Hardly. Well-respected masters continued to teach there and the students that graduated from it were still regarded with high esteem in the courts. If anything, they seemed all the more appealing. The capital's spawn were a dime a dozen in the scholarly population. Most of them learned similar philosophies and did not seem to possess the talents of developing original thoughts. These were not where one would pick a great leader—only great followers..

Her brows furrowed, questioning the tone he seemed to have taken with her rather suddenly. Even a bachelor with as handsome a face as his was not one she would endure just anything over. If he was mistaking her for some overtly privileged and spoiled nobleman's daughter, she would strive to correct it. It was true that from a great distance, she had grown some admiration for the gentleman. Whispers of his brilliance indeed reached even ears of the capital. Yet, standing before her then, she found her own emotions toiling within. Were rumors of his grace and thoughtfulness only that?—Rumors? He, at least, lived up to his fame in appearances.

Head cocked to the side, she finally answered, “Kuàng Lǎoshǐ, I have just the one handmaiden on any given day. Although, I asked that she return home after delivering me here. I take my studies very seriously and would not ask for special exceptions. I intend to be treated like any other student.” Surely, her master would have highlighted this about her as a pupil. “I should hope to learn from more than one master here. It is, after all, a unique privilege that I am allowed to attend.” Her words were those she had dutifully rehearsed under the guidance of her dear father. If she could sway favor with the teacher in question, she might yet sink some influence of her family into the roots of the place. ‘Build a good reputation of the Zhū family. We shall see the rise of the academy once again..’ Master Qiú was not the only one she sought closeness, too. “In fact, Kuàng Lǎoshǐ, you are highly regarded for your studies in architecture. I even heard that a number of buildings raised by Sòng Dàrén for disaster prevention were largely efforts in collaboration with yourself. I had hoped there might be room to learn from you as well. After all, education is a lifelong endeavor. One I hope to fulfill. I would ask they carve that I was a student somewhere on my grave.”

送给 · · · Kuàng Zǐ'áng

[yiyiren]

         — ; 朱辰怡 . . . 鄺子昂

Maybe they mirrored each other in their suspicions because those words all sounded well-versed, but he had heard them many times before. Just because the academy was under the rule of a family in exile did not mean they accepted anyone. Many sons of good names were rejected due to their reputation. The Kuàng family honored the promise of education and was not wasting it on those unwilling to make sacrifices for it. The philosophy that studying was a privilege that was earned by more than just money continued to be one of the academy's principles even all those generations later. Zǐ’áng rose from his seat, hands crossed behind his back as he stepped to a map painted on fine fabric hanging on the wall.

“One of my students challenged me the other day about how I dared to lecture him about understanding the depths of the economic situation of this nation regarding foreign investments, such as merchants considering settling here, when I have, in fact, not once in my life left this prefecture. Who would question the knowledge of a library just because it is stagnant? What matters is the level of knowledge that continues to flow in, never relying only on what is already there but being open to not only new pieces but also the further development of the familiar texts. Not only from well-established masters but everyone with a broad mindset.” He turned around and seated himself in the corner where he usually would hold conversations with the teachers, something his uncle now slowly handed over to him.

“Zhū Xiǎojiě has come to those halls as a student; there will be no reason for her to worry about not receiving the education she is interested in.” He poured her a cup of tea. “Sòng Dàrén is always quite generous. I merely offered some advice, but I am afraid I do not give lessons in architecture. One could say it is a personal interest of mine, though I would not dare claim to possess the experience necessary to teach. I would, however, be willing to share my personal notes on the subject and show Zhū Xiǎojiě our workshops, which she is more than welcome to use any time. We firmly believe that learning should not be limited to lectures and homework but should be accessible at any given hour. You see, so far from the capital, we have stepped away from only traditional methods to memorize and copy texts alone. We find far more efficiency in active partaking. Thanks to many former graduates, we also have connections to open doors for some of those results to take shape.”

[teabasket]

Zhu Yu 逐玉 (2026) ; dir. Zeng Qing Jie

[fateguardian]

Dressed in his best smile, with hands pressed together in a respectful greeting, He Qingyu assumed innocent demeanour. It looked like it was working, as the unsolicited act of kindness was about to get him onboard. "This lady is right, I pose no threat. I do not carry much either. I can be as silent as cicadas in winter." His initial plan was to become a said cicada, stowed away somewhere in between the cargo, unnoticed throughout the travel. Hence unassuming robes he's been clad in. Other than a coin pouch, spirit money and a perfume sachet hidden in his lapels, the man had nothing on him.

"You wil not regret it. My name is Fú Xǐquè, the bringer of luck and happiness." Lucky Magpie as an undercover name was a bit on the nose even for him.

[yiyiren]

         — ; 藍雀儿 . . . Fú Xǐquè

Jiānghú folks and those who worked in such a trade met all kinds of folks and odd figures, nobody would really frown about a name at that point. Who did not meet that one musician who thought of themselves as outstanding while having a name that made even the madam of an established household sneeze?

Her crew was still not too happy about the matter. Some glares may have brought uneasiness to most men's stomachs, but Què’er seemed unaffected. “If he causes trouble, throw him overboard. The river swallows what it is offered.” She carried an authority in her voice that made it difficult to tell if she was joking or not, but the crew seemed satisfied enough, and once the mate took the payment, everyone went back to work. The woman stepped over to observe the rest of their cargo being boarded. There were quite a few luxury goods this time around, so there was an additional level of anxiety to ensure all went smoothly.

[tiehua]

“A handsome teahouse owner, you say?” Her head cocked to the side as if to take a measurement of his words. A short hum was all that came from her before she neither confirmed or denied his own self-description. Still, his vanity gave way for a smile to grow. Who could say such things about themselves so easily? “Is that why those young scholars visit you, too, because you're a handsome fellow? I hear scholars tend to be the most experimental of men. All the things they read.” Brows raised, though no judgment was passed for it. “You don't think their fancy academies help them know better than the rest of us then? Well, tell me what your big plan is. You want to get rid of the one with the key to the city. How are you gonna do it? — Do you need help?”

A finger pointed flickered upward at her—her own, as she looked at him with blankness, surprised that her help was being enlisted after all that interrogation he had initiated. “Wǒ?” A little tsk through her teeth. “Eh? ... You feed the children around here?” There was no way to believe it until she saw it with her own eyes. “Boss, there's so much more to you than meets the eye.” Another teasing lean-in, as she took the bowls from him and placed them out at the end of a table. The thought occurred to her then that perhaps it was why he was so well acquainted with the Lady Niè—because he, too, shared a similar heart. Though, he said it himself, didn't he? He had a father who was a butcher. There was wondering of what connection he might have had to these unknown children. Were they orphans like her? “How often do you take care of them?” There was no harm in asking.

送给 · · · Wéi Shǒuqiān

[yiyiren]

         — ; 韋守谦 . . . & Qiáo Yùlán.

“There is nothing wrong with some adventure and exploration if one is to ask me, but I shall not trouble you with details. You may find more enjoyment engaging with such topics with those handsome young scholars.” His voice carried teasing, paired with a lazy smile. Shǒuqiān never really had a preference for either side, and lone nights in the jiānghú might have invited some experiments, but these days he simply indulged in the company of interesting people. Nobody would necessarily pick a tea house owner as a first choice for a lifelong partner. “I will tell you if you actually decide to come and work for me.” The man grinned before focusing on the task ahead.

“I am afraid I am not as noble as Madam Niè. Maybe if I had her funding, but in this world, one must make a living. They come every night, and I get them a meal in exchange for gossip. The especially skilled kids also know to get information that's worth an extra coin, or I ask them for favors like trying out a new rhyme for a change.” All went hand in hand, but he gave Yùlán a brief glance, suggesting there was indeed more than just the tea house. “You snatched one of my best. Anyway, when they get older, I do try to put in a good word here and there with shops or the crafters to help them find work. Many simply vanish, and that is the sad truth. If there's ever one, you may ask Ěrlù. There are a few who slip off to the underground.”

[teabasket]

Mo Li 莫离 (2026) ; dir. Lam Yuk Fan, Leung Sing Kuen

[yiyiren]

6. what’s your “comfort trope” that you always fall back on?

25. what’s your guilty pleasure genre to write in rp?

      @tiantangs  — ; 𝗨𝗡𝗨𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗨𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

#6 I don't think I have one. I definitely have patterns that I do more often than others, but I do not think I have something I specifically do for comfort.

#25 I would say slice of life with a plot. It doesn't always have to be super intense or full of a lot of stuff happening, just those little challenges and tensions. Working through some minor difficulties, like having a fight and trying to make it up, the challenges of different working classes, especially those who aren't too well off, or trying to ignore some bias toward them from others while just getting by. Something small they are forced to work through while their normal life goes on. I find those can be really enjoyable and fun, where you do not need to think too much and just go with it. It also works regardless of the genre or period; it just looks a bit different depending. It's not the most exciting trope story-wise, but they can be really enjoyable to do in between.

[yiyiren]

what’s a piece of advice you’d give to your past self as a roleplayer? what’s the most unhinged late-night idea you’ve ever actually written?

      @ashencranes  — ; 𝗨𝗡𝗨𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗨𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

#1 RP is like high school: you meet people, and for a while, you hang out together and do things, but eventually, you all graduate and move on to something different. That's just how it goes, no reason to sweat over it.

#2 Mh, my former RP partner wanted to retire because IRL and RP did not fit together anymore, so we decided to give the characters a wrap-up with a wedding. They were both crime characters, and there was always that quiet threat in the background because we didn't want them to ever have a happy ending two years prior when we started to write them. I decided to uphold it, and my muse was shot at the wedding. That's how we wrapped up the RP. It felt actually kind of satisfying overall because how often do you get to really wrap up a story and do it in a way that's definitely memorable, like the tragic ends in shows we still all remember? Not sure if this qualifies as unhinged, though.

[cryptinspo]

–  𝗨𝗡𝗨𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟  𝗠𝗨𝗡  𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦  !   a  list  of  questions  for  the  muns  that  are  rarely  asked

what’s a small writing quirk you have that no one would notice unless you told them?

have you ever accidentally given a muse a trait from yourself without realizing it?

what’s the weirdest real-life inspiration you’ve ever used for a muse or scene?

do you write your drafts in order or jump around?

what’s a song you’ve overplayed while writing but still love?

what’s your “comfort trope” that you always fall back on?

do you ever write replies in your head while away from your device?

what’s a piece of advice you’d give to your past self as a roleplayer?

what’s the most unhinged late-night idea you’ve ever actually written?

do you have a go-to “warm up” activity before writing?

what’s your biggest muse-killer?

have you ever completely rewritten a reply before posting it?

do you tend to write long or short replies without thinking about it?

what’s a detail you always try to slip into your writing?

do you prefer writing in silence or with background noise?

what’s the most emotionally intense thread you’ve ever written?

do you keep old drafts/threads or delete them?

what’s your weirdest ritual for getting into the zone?

have you ever made a playlist for a single scene?

what’s the most surprising compliment you’ve gotten about your writing?

do you have a muse you’ve never shown publicly?

what’s a piece of media that permanently changed how you write?

do you keep “secret” headcanons just for yourself?

have you ever written a reply you didn’t like but posted anyway?

what’s your guilty pleasure genre to write in rp?

[tiehua]

“I had a renowned physician of the plains make this blend for you. It helps with nausea on journeys on waterways. I will send the recipe to your division; you may use it. Luò Jiāngjūn needs to drink this cup before we leave the port in half a shíchén.” Què’ér placed the tray on the table. She turned around and returned a moment later with a large yet beautifully painted pot for pénjǐng trees. “For all else, I ask Your Excellency to please use this for eventual uncomfortable reactions. There is a bucket of water over there to rinse it. I advise avoiding reading. I understand the general's work pile, but reading usually worsens the stomach.” Fánqīng was the gentle and elegant of the two sisters, Què’ér was practical, even in her way of showing care and support.

The first incident had been plenty of embarrassment enough. By his second voyage, Luò Yíhán had prepared better to save himself from the same predicament. Ginger root, peppermint leaves and chamomile flowers had all been carefully ground and pressed into pills for him to take as he made his next journey. And though it helped, he still found himself sitting on a crate, staring at the horizon and trying to coach himself through the churning of his stomach. All before the boat had even taken off. “Thank you, Lán Gūniáng. My men and I will make good use the prescription.” Truly, so few of them had been exposed to travel by waterways. Recent months required it of them, as he had endeavored to further advance the soldiers of Fēng Qíwèi, branching out their skills.

Yíhán quickly finished the concoction before nodding to the rest of her instruction. He admired the younger Lán sibling, who seemed to cross paths with him with each travel now. Had it been arranged so? She had offered her aid multiple times then, and he had grown quite comfortable with her presence. “I apologize for always being a handful each time we meet,” he said, a little coyly, as a hand flung to the back of his head. “You have nursed all of us back to health at this point. Surely, I must find a way to repay you. Perhaps when we are at the next port, I shall properly take you to a teahouse for a meal. If you're not too busy.” The latter was said more to protect his own feelings, perhaps.

送给 · · · Lán Què'er

[tiehua]

A group of servants carried in a large, golden cage with two colorful birds for the Emperor. It was not rare that Shìzhēn was sending a gift at more random occurrences, with a letter delivered, never using it as a way to show off himself. Notes never came with any requests and often remained rather short unlike most others who seemed eager to please with the hopes of favors.

This younger brother apologizes he still finds his heart too weak to watch the death of animals and refrains from attending the anual hunt, but he hopes His Majesty may find joy in these splendid birds he purchased very recently. If repeated often enough, they may repeat any sentence wished. In matters the Ministers still fail to understand, they may listen to these birds and stop wasting His Majesty's time.

The Emperor's eyes peered with suspicion at the birds that had been delivered before transforming into an entirely pleasant expression. He held the letter a comfortable reading distance away; it only furthered his satisfaction. “What sort of brother sends a pair of birds?” he asked the eunuch standing immediately behind him, though his face was all too telling that he indeed held a level of excitement for the two creatures. Tsk, tsk, tsk.. He did his best to call the attention of the avians. “Call me ‘Tiānzǐ,’ ah? Tiānzǐ, Tiānzǐ, Tiānzǐ..” The birds chirped back but with nothing similar of a sound.

“Fine. I shall be patient and teach you to say it eventually,” he kissed his teeth with his smile still lingering. “Somebody get me some bird feed,” he ordered carelessly into the air, sticking a finger in between the bars only to get lightly pecked. The ruler retracted his finger immediately and looked at his new companions with a little more terror in his eyes. “Feisty, huh? — Kind of fun..” The latter, he mostly whispered to himself. “In fact, zhège dìdì.. Invite him into the Palace when he's next available. I will ask him to consult with me on these guys.” Attention captivated again..

送至 ．．． Lǚ Shìzhēn

[cnladies]

LIU XIENING 刘些宁 | Photoshoot (November 2025)

Liu Xiening: more photos here Photoshoot: more photos here

[ashencranes]

The invitation to the Hunts from the Emperor of Dà Yǒng was an important event that took place every five years. Ever since the alliance between the two lands, the Huā family has made sure to send the eldest son to participate in the event, send their regards and fulfil their duties to prove their allegiance. There had been a gap in these hunts, as one had fallen during the mourning of the previous emperor, so the next one was highly anticipated. Not only was the hunting itself a place to connect, revisit and strengthen alliances that had already been built, but in this case, it was yet another chance to see the still-fresh Emperor and truly understand the oncoming years from a political standpoint.

Due to the freshness of this invitation, the Huā family sent not only the crown prince but also his brother to ensure that both of them could truly see and understand the outlook of Emperor Yǒngruì. As they set on their journey to take part in the Hunts, they not only sent the brothers, but also gifts that they were to offer their hosts, both as a tribute and also as a sign of their respect and wishes of ensuring that their alliance flourishes into the future.

As they arrived, Bùwéi had chosen to avoid the greetings, already sifting through the city, bothering one of their hosts to be his guide. The audacious behaviour left Jìmíng with a growing headache and gritted teeth as he already understood the implications of this avoidance. Yet, what was done was done, and he understood he had to move forward. Standing by a beautifully carved arbour, he waited for the Emperor, and when he arrived, Jìmíng took a long bow out of respect.

"Your Majesty, it is a great joy to finally see you after so long. It is an auspicious occasion, and I extend my thanks for your gracious invitation. My brother..." He sighed and lightly shook his head. "I wish I could say his absence is due to sudden bad health, unfortunately, he simply fell victim to the majestic beauty of the land and turned into a child running around. I will ensure he greets you properly... after he reflects on his behaviour."

The prince followed the emperor, keeping beside him only half a step back so as not to make it harder to speak but to ensure respect was shown. "I am certain that we will rest and be comfortable beyond what we are used to in our humble home. Thank you for your generosity." They walked slowly, making sure to exchange all the pleasantries custom deemed necessary. "I take it that after such a time, this year's Hunt will have more guests than usual?"

[yiyiren]

— ; 永乐帝 . . . & Crown Prince Hua Jiming.

“The Second Prince is a man of the military. One should not blame him for finding little joy in it. I find similar behavior among our Generals when forced to attend banquets with my other officials.”

He leaned in and poured the other man a cup of tea, with an encouraging hand movement toward the pastries. “The other guests are unlikely to arrive for the next few days. I took the liberty this year, though, to extend the invite to Jūnglíng. They are quite far southwest from us, with another neighboring nation separating us, and are known to be somewhat private. I heard you have made attempts in recent years to establish trade with them. Their Crown Prince himself agreed to attend the Hunt. I was told he is even quite private within his own Kingdom.”

This served as a smoother entry to a more serious discussion. “Matters of our borders give me much thought as of late. We have honoured our alliance for almost a generation now, and I intend to continue so. I hope my following words may be seen as the advice from one ruler to another.” He placed the teacup down. “My court demands I name a new Empress. I have the luxury of having them wait a little longer, as late Empress Xiàomíng and Noble Consort Shū both blessed me with sons to secure the line. The truth of peace is not only military might but also the continuation of the line, so that our people can rest in peace. Your father, too, was blessed with two capable heirs; naturally, many wonder why it is that both of his sons have long since entered the age of marriage, yet there are no princess consorts to secure the line.”

With each passing year, it became a quiet threat to the state. There were many lingering and waiting to expand at all costs. If they did not at least seal the matter of marriage, one could see the peace on a thin line. Naturally, as an ally, Dà Yǒng would not let others invade, but one desired to avoid unnecessary wars.

“Our hunt always served as a stage to further weave alliances. Thus, I hope that maybe so, we can assist in the matter and one of the marriageable princesses of the guests could find favor in the eyes of Your Royal Highness, to consider bringing them up to his royal father.” Marriage served the people; it was an imperial duty owed to its citizens. When did a Prince or a Princess ever have a say in it?

Eventually, there was a softening smile: “Imperial Father once intended for my fifth sister to marry far away. I instead sent Princess Tíngmào. The Elder Princess and Fifth Princess alike have been a great support for me. I do not like the thought of parting with her, however. If Your Royal Highness finds no liking for any of the guests attending, then I am also willing to seal our alliance beyond the signed agreement, with a tie of blood. Between a Prince of your Kingdom and the Princess Níngjìng.”

With such an alliance, they'd naturally gain a whole new level of protection, one that was not to be lightly dismissed considering the sheer wealth and size of Dà Yǒng, which held a strong military presence and harboured a coast. “Of course, I would never make such offers without the permission of His Majesty the King, but as his representative, the Crown Prince holds every right to consider. Etiquette will be upheld, and an official envoy would be sent to discuss matters with your royal father.” Héng hoped it was obvious that the offer could be rejected. Naturally, he did not specify and encouraged that a marriage between his sister and the second prince would be very acceptable in his eyes. One was not so full of himself as to ignore the matter that marrying the first prince would mean opening a door of power, making a sister a future queen. “Your Highness does not have to give an answer now. My sister will attend tonight's small banquet I arranged for you. I hope, of course, maybe so, Prince Buwei will also join us.”

[niziui]

marriage was hardly on her mind, not when every day life was mundane and spent more in the shop than in her home. one of the rare occasions in neither place, and she's nothing more than fascinated to see how he lives. "i'm sure you will manage to be disappointed either way," she offers in a gentle tone. harsh words dulled by her usual softness, grounded in reality and the circumstances of their situations. she nods her head slowly, both sides not without reason. his desire for independence of sorts, and a potential wife's protests to a husband gallivanting about with company — especially if the company was another woman. "no, there probably won't be. let's appreciate the time we have left together then," suyan jokes, a grin tugging at her lips. "you would like someone who respects and trusts your way of living. i don't think that's so impossible to find. you won't believe it, but some women actually prefer to see less of their husbands."

[yiyiren]

         — ; 鄺子昂 . . . & Xu Suyan

“Why do you make it sound like we won't meet again? The academy enjoys purchasing from you and will continue to do so. I have no intentions of having that change at all. I guess I just will have fewer excuses to linger as long as I do now, where I am a little too eager to accept each offer for tea.” His voice was easygoing as his eyes held a hint of mischief, indicating he would always find reasons to visit. Zǐ’áng had always been like that, following his family's expectations yet still somewhat stubborn about doing what he wanted. At least, to some extent. “It is I we are talking about. I am quite selfish, and I'd like a wife who wants less of me to have some peace and quiet to enjoy her own things, but I also want us to desire to be together, especially as we get older. It would be weird raising kids if we felt so distant. I am willing to meet in the middle. What about you? I have a hard time accepting the excuse that you never considered it just because you run the shop.” He leaned in, not hiding his curiosity as he looked at Suyan. “Anyone you secretly admire?”

[xiaolanhua]

Pursuit of Jade ‧ 逐玉 ‧ 2026 dir. Zeng Qing Jie ‧ Ep. 27

[yiyiren]

— @tiehua

[yiyiren]

         @tiehua — ; 朱辰怡 . . . 鄺子昂

Was this the attempt of the imperial family to get their hands on Chānglóng Academy after all this time?! Why would this capital lady desire to find herself stuck in the South? A matriarch who left to spend time away would be looked down at! “Zhū Xiǎojiě has an outstanding academic upbringing; the Capital's two academies are both infamous and well respected.” He wanted to reject and send her on her way back! But there was this large placard over the entrance of his office: 'Open doors to knowledge'.

“It is true, Master Qiú is currently teaching at our humble grounds. His workshop takes around four months to complete. If Zhū Xiǎojiě desires to study under him, we would be honoured to host you. However, we only have a few more presentable courtyards for short-term attendees hailing from a noble upbringing. I am afraid only three of your servants would be able to remain by your side, but if you brought any more, we can arrange for them to find housing in the village.”