Winny Aye:@Symbolika1
Everything felt well put in your last draft for chapter 6. I think it is well told. This chapter is for Xuan , so i like how you put him first. And the the cave scene with XL to healing Jing. It's perfect.
1. Edited the pic above ! :D 2.Thx 3. I added a link yesterday to this thread - on our s1 thread with the covering chapter reference....4. HUGS :D <3
Chapter 7 – People Become Far Away and the Road Becomes Long:
The cold Winter left and the warm Spring arrived. Ma Zi’s second daughter was turning one and Xiao Liu went out to buy some snacks for the family banquet.
He forgot to bring money and was about to borrow some from Xuan when Jing walked over and paid for him.
Xiao Liu shoved the snacks in his arms “You paid for it, you eat it!” He turned and left but Xuan saw them and called out “Xiao Liu, Shi Qi.”
Xiao Liu had no choice but to walk into the wine shop. There was no one there and Xuan was drinking alone and playing with a chess board. Xiao Liu sat down and Jing followed and sat down as well.
Xuan asked “One match?” Xiao Liu recently learned chess from Xuan so he was itching to play.
“I’m not talking to you, I’m asking him.” Xuan pointed at Jing.
Xiao Liu was a lousy chess player, making moves slow and would even renege and take a move back. Xuan played a few times with him and vowed never to do it again.
Xiao Liu was insulted “You’re looking down on me!”
“I am looking down on you!” Xuan didn’t try to hide his disgust towards Xiao Liu’s chess playing but then very courteously asked Shi Qi “What of it? One match? I’ve heard you excel at all the artistic disciplines from painting, chess, books, and music.”
Jing lowered his head and asked Xiao Liu “Shall I play with him?”
“You’re the one playing, what does it have to do with me?” “I listen to you, if you say for me to play, I’ll play. If you say no, then I won’t.” Xiao Liu wanted to get angry but his lips curled upward and he didn’t say anything. Jing stared intently at Xiao Liu.
Xuan rapped the table a few times “Hey, hey….I know you two are close, but…..”
Xiao Liu angrily huffed “Who’s close with him?” while at the same time Jing said “We’re close, and it doesn’t concern you.” Both of them stared at Xuan, with Xiao Liu looking furious while Jing looked very calm.
Xuan laughed at Xiao Liu “Doesn’t matter if you guys are close or not, he listens to you. Have him play with me. I’ve heard of his famous reputation for so long but never had a chance.”
Xiao Liu’s eyes twirled “I want to play, too.” Xuan sighed “Fine, you place the pieces, he calls the moves.”
Xiao Liu picked up a piece and Jing would softly give a move and Xiao Liu would place the piece. Xuan smiled and followed suit. After some time, Xuan understood that Jing’s reputation wasn’t unwarranted.
People came to buy wine but Xuan wasn’t interested. He put a servant at the counter and told no one was to come bother him.
Piece after piece, Xuan slowly stopped laughing and stared at the chess board. People say its hard to meet a kindred spirit and to meet a true chess playing equal is a very happy occurrence. Xuan’s chess was taught by the Yellow Emperor and the people he practiced with were the great generals of the Xuan Yuan Kingdom. Nowadays when Xuan played chess he usually only put a third of an effort into it. Today he was putting 100% of his effort into this match. Xuan put a piece down and felt it was a good move.
He was excitedly waiting for Jing to make the counter and heard him say something to Xiao Liu. But Xiao Liu shook his head and pointed elsewhere “I think it should be placed here.” Jing smiled and didn’t object “Fine, then place it there.”
Xiao Liu happily placed the piece but Xuan hollered “I allow you to renege on a move. Make a different move!” Xiao Liu replied “I’ve decided, it’s going there.” Xuan pleaded with Jing “Please reconsider.”
Xiao Liu was impatient “You’re so annoying! When I want to renege on a move you won’t let me, and now I don’t want to renege you want me to.”
Xuan felt such pent up frustration, like his greatest excitement at putting on a new outfit only to find the mouse had eaten a hole in it. He placed his move and already knew in how many moves he would win. Jing said something and Xiao Liu placed a piece.
Xuan exhaled as the frustration was lifted, like seeing the hole being in a place that can’t be seen so the outfit was still good. Xuan thought and placed a piece. Jing said something to Xiao Liu but he shook his head “Your idea is bad, I want it there.”
“Fine, that’s a good place.” Jing still smiled and complimented Xiao Liu as if Xiao Liu’s chess skill was exemplary and every move was brilliant, as opposed to completely and utterly crap.
Xiao Liu happily placed the piece and Xuan felt like he found a second mouse eaten hole in his clothes. He said “I highly suggest you change your move.” Xiao Liu glared at him “No!”
Xuan countered and then Jing gave a move and then back and forth, and suddenly Xuan felt like the hole was once again out of sight and he was excited again.
Jing lowered his head but Xiao Liu shook his head and said “There.” “Okay.” Xiao Liu put the piece down and by now Xuan had given up and was only curious to see how Jing continued to transform the worst moves into a save. After an hour the chess match was over and Jing lost. Xuan won but didn’t feel happy whereas Jing lost and was smiling.
Xiao Liu asked Jing “Was it because of my moves that you lost?” “No, your moves were great, it was my moves that were bad.” Xiao Liu happily giggled while Xuan wearily clasped his head.
Xiao Liu saw that it was almost dark and laughed “Winner treats! Heard there was a new roasted meat restaurant in town. Let’s go try it.”
“Sure.” Jing answered so quickly that Xuan wondered if perhaps Jing did not know the word “no” when he was talking to Xiao Liu. Xuan pointed to himself “I didn’t say yes yet.” Jing looked at him “Loser will treat.” Xuan controlled his laugh and glanced at Xiao Liu “Sure!”
The three of them left the shop and walked down the street. It was Xiao Liu and Xuan bickering with each other while Jing listened quietly. Xiao Liu was happy so Jing’s eyes reflected that happiness.
Suddenly there was a holler to move out of the way. A carriage rumbled past with a window decorated oddly – with a golden arrow embroidered on it. Eight tall men followed behind the carriage, all carrying bows and arrows, giving off an imposing presence. Even the most brazen hooligans stood silently staring, everyone on the street quieting down to observe.
The second Jing saw the carriage the laughter disappeared from his eyes. He lowered his eyes and stood frozen in place. Xiao Liu asked “Who was that? That was awesome!” Xuan shot a glance at Jing and said nothing.
Xiao Liu asked “Why was there a bow and arrow embroidered on the window curtain?”
Xuan explained “That is the emblem of the Fang Feng family. The Fang Feng family are all archers, and legend has it their ancestor could shoot down the stars. Not every family member has the right to embroider the emblem, and the size also matters. Based on that, the person in that carriage must be an extraordinary archer.”
Xiao Liu whistled “No wonder everyone stopped and stared in fear.” Xiao Liu thought the Fang Feng name sounded familiar and looked at Jing. The way Jing looked suddenly made Xiao Liu remember the connection. He turned his head away and asked Xuan in a low voice “Was that the Tu Shan family future second daughter-in-law?”
Xuan replied “Probably.” There was the bow and arrow Fang Feng family emblem embroidered on the curtains, and on the corner of the carriage there was the nine-tailed fox emblem that represented the Tu Shan family. Other than the Tu Shan family second son’s fiancee Miss Fang Feng, there was no other possibility.
The carriage passed and people started moving again but the three of them remained standing there. Xiao Liu laughed at Jing “Since your fiancee is here, we won’t bother your reunion. Bye!” Xiao Liu dragged Xuan off, leaving Jing standing there watching them disappear around the corner.
Jing Ye rushed over to Jing “I finally found my lord, please come back. It’s been ten years and Miss Fang Feng must have a lot she wants to say to you.”
Jing eyes reflected his sadness but he wordlessly walked back.
Jing Ye said “All these years, without news of my lord, everyone wanted Miss Fang Feng to call off the engagement. But she stubbornly refused and has remained at Qing Qiu waiting for my lord. She behaves towards the Grand Madam like a granddaughter-in-law and helps ease her worries. My lord insists on staying in Qing Shui Town and not going back, the Grand Madam is very angry. Miss Fang Feng has been trying to speak up on your behalf and rushed here to see you.”
Jing still said nothing and Jing Ye felt very concerned. The second lord used to be a man of many words, but after being missing for 9 years, he returned a man who rarely says anything. Jing Ye asked around and heard that the second lord lived at Hui Chun Clinic for 6 years, but 3 years remains unaccounted for. The second lord never discussed it and when the Grand Madam wrote asking to find out, he claims he doesn’t remember anymore. He claims to have woken up with no memory and remained a disciple at the clinic. But Jing Ye and everyone else all believe that it was the eldest lord who did it. But if the second lord refuses to speak of it, then no one dared to do anything.
Jing Ye missed the old second lord. He was a great businessman, and in his personal time he was considerate and sweet. Not like now, where he barely seemed to care about anything. Thankfully he was alive and that was all that mattered. They arrived at the residence but Jing stopped outside. Jing Ye could understand since the second lord had never even seen his fiancee despite being engaged. They were like strangers.
Jing Ye whispered “Miss Fang Feng likes archery. My lord used to design weapons. She likes to travel and see the sights, my lord is an exquisite painter of sights, she likes to listen to songs from the North, my lord can play songs from the North on the flute for her. Oh right, she’s also a great chess player and even her older brothers can’t beat her. My lord can play….”
Jing walked in and the servants all came out. A young woman in a red dress robe walked out, she was tall and graceful, with fine features and red lips. She elegantly bowed while Jing kept his head lowered and courteously returned the bow.
Inside the restaurant, Xuan asked Xiao Liu “How did you come to take that one in?” Xiao Liu scoffed “I can’t believe you didn’t already investigate yourself.”
“I did investigate but you trained Chuan Zi and Ma Zi well and they didn’t reveal anything. After getting Chuan Zi drunk, all he said was that he was once gravely injured and you rescued him. What kind of injury he never explained.”
Xiao Liu laughed “It’s not Chuan Zi not wanting to explain, I handled it all myself so Chuan Zi saw nothing.”
“I can hear that his voice is scratchy, was it from that injury?”
“Why do we need to keep talking about him?”
“Because the Tu Shan family’s businesses blanket the entire vast wilderness, and he represents the future of the clan and that will determine whether the Tu Shan clan is my friend or foe.”
“Then you go get chummy with him, why ask me?”
“He listens to you.”
Xiao Liu laughed “You think playing chess and running his entire family business is the same? He listens to me, because I saved him, but he only listens to what he can listen to.”
Xuan sighed and gave up on his idea. Like Xiao Liu said, 6 years of gratitude can let Jing treat Xiao Liu well, but would never let Jing change the position of the Tu Shan clan for Xiao Liu.
Xiao Liu pressed “You hurry up and leave town. Xiang Liu can show up anytime.” Xuan raised a cup of wine with arrogance “You think Xiang Liu is powerful, but don’t think too lowly of me.” Xiao Liu said “Fine, Fine, you’re super powerful!”
Xuan smiled “One on one battle I can’t beat him, I can’t even come close.” Xuan pointed to his head “But I rely on this.”
Xiao Liu almost spit out his meat “That’s just relying on your connections and background.” “But at least I have that, and that takes time to develop connections.”
Xiao Liu said nothing and after some time asked “All these years, it’s been tough, huh?” Xuan glanced at Xiao Liu with some shock and casually replied “It’s been okay.”
The two finished eating and walked home. Xuan went back to the wine shop but Xiao Liu didn’t go back to the clinic. He walked to the river’s edge and stood there for some time before slowly walking into the river.
The Spring water still carried a Winter chill. Xiao Liu let the river carry him downstream until he was shivering deep into his bones. Right up until he almost smashed into a rock, he climbed on the rock and let the cold air further chill him. He said to himself “Do you see? This is what happens when you do what you want. You almost freeze to death.”
Xiao Liu jumped back into the river and swam upstream back to the clinic. He ran inside, took off his clothes, and burrowed under the blankets. He was still cold and tossed and turned but couldn’t sleep. He yelled at himself “Wen Xiao Liu! Don’t be so coddled! Life goes on no matter who leaves!”
These days, everyone was talking about Miss Fang Feng and the Tu Shan second lord. Xiao Liu decided not to leave the house but couldn’t even escape it at home. Tian Er said “I saw Miss Fang Feng, she’s so beautiful and delicate, needing a maid to escort her, but I hear she’s a crack archer and can kill a person from ten miles out. That second lord sure is lucky!”
Chuan Zi groused “Our Qing Shui Town isn’t a lofty place, why do those powerful families children decide to stay here?” Tian Er laughed “Who cares why? I heard Tu Shan clan wants to hurry up with the wedding. If anyone had such a wonderful fiancee he would want to marry her as soon as possible.”
Xiao Liu put his bowl down “I’m full, you guys eat. I’m going out for a walk.”
Symbolika1:Chapter 7 – People Become Far Away and the Road Becomes Long:
Draft * Global overview Part 1 :
Short analysis, considering the nuances of the characters, the symbolism, and the intricate emotional landscapes.
Passage 1: The Celebration and Chess Match
Setting and Celebration:
- The transition from winter to spring symbolizes not just a change in seasons but possibly a metaphorical renewal or transformation in the characters' lives. The birthday celebration becomes a microcosm of life's cyclical nature.
Quote: "The cold Winter left and the warm Spring arrived."
Chess Match Dynamics:
- Xuan's refusal to play chess with Xiao Liu in a traditional manner and his insistence on involving Jing establishes a subtle power dynamic. It hints at a hierarchical structure within their group, reflecting potential control and influence.
*Quote: "Xuan sighed 'Fine, you place the pieces, he calls the moves.'"
- The interaction between Xiao Liu, Jing, and Xuan reveals subtle nuances in their relationships. Xiao Liu's impatience and Xuan's disdain for his chess-playing skills highlight tension, while Jing's willingness to accommodate Xiao Liu suggests a deeper connection between them. The banter and negotiation during the chess match offer insights into power dynamics and the influence that characters hold over one another.
Related passage: "Xuan played a few times with him and vowed never to do it again."(TSJ)
Foreshadowing and Intrigue:
- The appearance of the Fang Feng family carriage introduces an element of mystery. The golden arrow and family emblems symbolize intricate connections, foreshadowing potential conflicts and alliances. The chess match may be a metaphor for the strategic maneuvers within the narrative.
Related Passage "A carriage rumbled past with a window decorated oddly – with a golden arrow embroidered on it."
Emotional Resonance:
- Xuan's frustration, Jing's adaptability, and Xiao Liu's impatience during the chess match showcase not just their skills but also their personalities. Xuan's dissatisfaction despite winning and Jing's smile in defeat reveal deeper layers of their characters.
Related passage: "Xuan won but didn’t feel happy whereas Jing lost and was smiling."
Passage 2: Tu Shan Family Carriage
Symbolism and Personal Connections:
- The carriage, adorned with emblems of the Fang Feng and Tu Shan families, becomes a symbol of complex relationships. The mention of Miss Fang Feng as Jing's future second daughter-in-law adds a personal connection, implying a deeper history and potential conflicts.
Related Passage: "On the corner of the carriage, there was the nine-tailed fox emblem that represented the Tu Shan family." + .... a golden arrow embroidered on it."
Unity and Disunity:
- The banter and negotiations after the chess match reveal both moments of unity and disunity among the characters. Jing and Xiao Liu share good time, while Xuan's disdain introduces discord. These moments foreshadow intricate dynamics in their relationships.
Related Passage: "The three of them left the shop and walked down the street, bickering with each other."
Passage 3: Jing's Past and Miss Fang Feng
Personal History and Concerns:
- Jing's reaction to the carriage suggests a deeper personal history. His silence and sadness hint at unresolved issues, creating a sense of intrigue. Jing's refusal to immediately return home implies a level of estrangement or discomfort.
Related Passage: "The second Jing saw the carriage, the laughter disappeared from his eyes."
Unity and Estrangement:
- Jing's silence outside the residence implies a sense of estrangement from his own engagement. The contrast between past and present dynamics is palpable, creating an emotional undercurrent that adds depth to his character.
Relevant passage: "They were like strangers."
Passage 4: Xuan's Interest and Xiao Liu's Concern
Political and Strategic Interest:
- Xuan's interest in the Tu Shan family suggests broader political and strategic considerations. The mention of determining whether the Tu Shan clan is a friend or foe hints at larger-scale power dynamics within the narrative.
Quote: "That will determine whether the Tu Shan clan is my friend or foe."
Jealousy and Protective Stance:
- Xiao Liu's reactions, especially his defensive response to Xuan's investigation, suggest a protective stance and potentially underlying jealousy or possessiveness. The complexity of Xiao Liu's emotions adds depth to his character.
Quote: CX: "He listens to you."Xiao Liu laughed “You think playing chess and running his entire family business is the same? He listens to me, because I saved him, but he only listens to what he can listen to.”
Passage 5: Xiao Liu's Emotional State
***Jealousy and Emotional Turmoil***:
- Xiao Liu's internal struggle and avoidance of discussions about the bride-to-be hint at jealousy. His self-admonishment and decision to go for a walk indicate emotional turmoil, possibly triggered by the societal admiration for Miss Fang Feng.
Ref. Quote: "Wen Xiao Liu! Don’t be so coddled! Life goes on no matter who leaves!"
Xiao Liu's apparent jealousy and his inner turmoil in Chapter 7 can be analyzed in the context of his complex emotions and the dynamics of his relationship with Tushan Jing/Yeshiqi.
Jealousy and Conflicting Emotions:
- Xiao Liu's jealousy might stem from a mix of conflicting emotions. While he genuinely cares for Tushan Jing/Yeshiqi's happiness, the idea of Jing being engaged or married to someone else may trigger feelings of possessiveness or a sense of loss.
Unresolved Feelings:
- Xiao Liu's precedent declaration that the girl who marries Jing would be happy might be an acknowledgment of Jing's positive qualities. However, Xiao Liu's inability to reconcile this with the current situation suggests unresolved feelings on his part.
(ep.3 recap)
A. Self-Doubt and Insecurity:
- Xiao Liu's self-admonishment and his shout at himself, "Wen Xiao Liu! Don’t be so coddled! Life goes on no matter who leaves!" indicate a level of self-doubt and insecurity. He may feel inadequate or uncertain about his own place in Jing's life.
Protectiveness and Sensitivity:
- Xiao Liu's avoidance of discussions about the bride-to-be and his decision to go for a walk may reflect a protective instinct. He might be shielding himself from potential emotional pain or discomfort.
Past Declarations and Present Realities:
- Xiao Liu's past declarations about Jing's future spouse being lucky could now be a source of internal conflict. The reality of Jing's engagement challenges Xiao Liu's previous assurances and highlights the complexity of their relationship.
Personal Struggle with Change:
- Xiao Liu's struggle to accept the changes in Jing's life, such as his engagement, could be a representation of his difficulty adapting to evolving dynamics. It may be a broader reflection of his resistance to change and the uncertainties it brings.
In summary, Xiao Liu's jealousy and inner turmoil in Chapter 7 reveal a character grappling with conflicting emotions, self-doubt, and the challenges of accepting changes in relationships.
*****His self-admonishment and walk indicate that future events related to Jing's engagement will have a profound impact on Xiao Liu.
Novel : "Wen Xiao Liu! Don’t be so coddled! Life goes on no matter who leaves!"
(in related ep.11 - Xiao liu by the river, splash her face with water angrily. This is the second she slap herself....she did it already in ep.6!
Overall Analysis:
Power Dynamics:
- The chess match symbolizes intricate power dynamics, showcasing how characters interact and assert influence. Xuan's involvement of Jing in the match reflects a larger structure of authority.
Symbols:
- Symbols like the chess pieces, family emblems, and the carriage serve as metaphors for deeper meanings, hinting at alliances, conflicts, and personal histories.
Psychology and Emotions:
- Characters' emotional responses, silent reactions, and inner thoughts provide insights into their psychology. Jealousy, protectiveness, and internal struggles add layers to their personalities.
Foreshadowing and Intrigue:
- Xiao Liu's defensive response and Xuan's insistence on investigating the Tu Shan family create intrigue around the political landscape. Xiao Liu's protectiveness hints at potential secrets or sensitive information related to Jing and the Tu Shan clan.
- Xuan's interest in the Tu Shan family indicates broader political and strategic considerations. The determination of whether the Tu Shan clan is a friend or foe foreshadows potential conflicts on a larger scale, suggesting that political intrigue will play a significant role.
Ref. Quote: "That will determine whether the Tu Shan clan is my friend or foe."
The overall foreshadows potential conflicts on a larger scale, suggesting that political intrigue will play a significant role.
- The passages create a sense of anticipation for future conflicts and developments. The mysterious elements, political considerations, and personal histories foreshadow a rich and complex narrative.
- The combination of emblems on the carriage hints at a complex web of relationships. The nine-tailed fox emblem representing the Tu Shan family and the Fang Feng family emblem create intrigue, leaving readers curious about the connections between these families.
*draft to be layered :) Part 1 global covering only...
Symbolika1:The mysterious element
........................................................................
*Like here lady FF receiving a mysterious missive...(ep.11 just after the passage of the carriage.
* And some ongoing secret investigation about the bug Xiao Liu planted on Cang Xuan...
*Later 31 min FF from the sky target CX:
And the moment her arrow is armed to shoot CX, the scene directly switch to XL who violently pushes Xiao Liu from very high into deep water:
CX simultaneously feel the shock , so hard - that the sword he holds to protect himself, just slip from his hand...
Xiao Liu is drowning further, loosing all consciousness...
but XLgives air "ref.as a pair of cold lips " to Xiao Liu before she completly colapse/die drowned -Simultaniously => CX is touché: by the FFYY arrow!.
the scene imidiatly again switch to (35:58) FF with the fluffy round ball:
Than back to the riverbank Xiao Liu is still strugling to catch her breath nose on the ground, while we see XL (36:31) getting back the flying messager back in his own hands!:
Next we transition to CX in bed => he is bleeding , deeply wounded and in great pain.(38:16)
=> Many suspicions , many questions arise from those scenes and novel passage...we should dig this in depth....... WHY ? MOTIVES? SECRET MEETING to dig out INFOs....? FFYY role?....This WHOLE PLANIFICATION started when? How deep is the manipulation// how many manipulators? ....
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