Winny Aye:
Happy Purple Day To All..

Thank you <3!Replying:

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  1. Xiao Yao's Boldness and Vulnerability:

         Xiao Yao displays boldness in initiating physical intimacy with Jing. For example, she takes the lead in expressing her desire to learn the harp from him, ensuring they spend time together daily: "If you teach me how to play the harp(zither), you will see me every day."

       Despite her boldness, Xiao Yao also experiences moments of vulnerability. She worries about others' perceptions of Jing's injury and their relationship: "But... But I care about others being disgusted... I just don't want anyone to belittle you...I just want you to be happy."

  1. Jing's Sensitivity and Assertiveness:

    • Jing, despite his quiet demeanor, displays assertiveness in pursuing Xiao Yao. He eagerly agrees to teach her the harp and shows excitement at the prospect of spending time with her: "Jing smiled excitedly."
    • His sensitivity is evident in the way he reassures Xiao Yao of his love and acceptance, emphasizing that her opinion is the only one that matters to him: "Just only you be willing to take one look at me, no matter what kind of eyes others use to look at me, I cannot be harmed at all."
  2. Challenging Traditional Gender Roles:

    • The passage challenges traditional gender roles by portraying Xiao Yao as assertive and proactive in expressing her desires, while Jing is depicted as sensitive and passionate, despite his quiet demeanor.
    • Xiao Yao's boldness in initiating physical intimacy subverts traditional expectations of passive femininity, while Jing's sensitivity challenges the stereotype of masculine stoicism.
  3. Complexity of Gender Dynamics:

    • By portraying Xiao Yao and Jing with a blend of assertiveness, sensitivity, boldness, and vulnerability, the passage highlights the complexity of gender dynamics in relationships in a realistic way.
    • It suggests that individuals, regardless of gender, can possess a range of traits and behaviors that defy usuall norms, largely shown in romantic containt, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotional connection  in romantic relationships.

=> Through their interactions, Tong Hua c presents a nuanced portrayal of equality, where both partners exhibit traits typically associated with the opposite gender. Let's  delve into how Xiao Yao and Jing defy societal expectations, navigate their desires, and ultimately achieve a sense of equality in their relationship. 

Xiao Yao's Boldness and Jing's Sensitivity: 

One of the most striking aspects of Xiao Yao and Jing's relationshipin this intimate passage ,  is the reversal of traditional gender roles in terms of assertiveness and sensitivity. Xiao Yao, typically demonstrates boldness and initiative in initiating physical intimacy. For instance, she takes the lead in expressing her desires, as seen when she kisses Jing without reservation: Xiao Yao initiates physical intimacy with boldness: 

Xiao Yao shook her head and then bent down to kiss Jing's injury for once.

 This boldness challenges the stereotype of women as passive and submissive in romantic relationships. On the other hand, Jing exhibits sensitivity and emotional depth traditionally associated with femininity. Despite his quiet demeanor, Jing displays assertiveness and passion in pursuing Xiao Yao, contradicting the notion that men should be dominant and unemotional in relationships: Jing, despite his quiet demeanor, displays assertiveness and passion in pursuing Xiao Yao:

Jing's breathing seemed to become more rapid. His body leaned toward hers, and in that blink of an eye Xiao Yao even forgot what she had planned to say. Jing gently kissed the corner of her mouth. Xiao Yao closed her eyes, and didn't dare to move. Jing kissed the other corner of her mouth. Xiao Yao still did not dodge. Finally, he gently sucked Xiao Yao's lips. Jing's lips were warm, soft, and moist... 

And just before: Jing sat and leaned on the pallet. Xiao Yao knelt on his side, slowly feeling from his ankles upwards, kneading all the way to the knees.  

 He allows her to examine him closely, displaying vulnerability and trust in her abilities. In short:  he doesn't growl and pushes her away...

This overall  blend of their palette get me to the conclusion: that they are in  EQUALiTY in their CONTRAST.

Equality in Desire and Expression: The portrayal of Xiao Yao and Jing's desires and expressions further emphasizes the theme of gender equality in their relationship. Both characters experience moments of hesitation, vulnerability, and excitement, regardless of their gender. Xiao Yao's boldness is tempered by moments of vulnerability, reflecting her complexity as a character. Similarly, Jing's sensitivity and passion coexist with his assertiveness, highlighting the multidimensional nature of masculinity. 

Their equal participation in expressing desires challenges the notion that one gender should dominate or control the dynamics of intimacy. We saw how Xiao Yao initiated the physical intimacy with boldness, and   also experiences moments of  vulnerability.

Extract: Xiao Yao slowly and weakly fell on to bed. 

Navigating Societal Expectations:  Xiao Yao and Jing navigate societal expectations and norms surrounding gender roles. Their relationship defies traditional conventions, prompting them to confront external judgments and prejudices. Tong Hua skillfully portrays their struggles and triumphs in challenging societal norms, ultimately highlighting the importance of authenticity and mutual respect in achieving gender equality. By portraying Xiao Yao as assertive and Jing as sensitive, Tong Hua encourages readers to reconsider rigid gender stereotypes and embrace a more inclusive understanding of love and partnership. It challenges traditional gender roles by portraying Xiao Yao as assertive and Jing as sensitive and passionate.

Together, Jing and Xiao Yao form a balanced partnership, where they complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. Jing's gentleness and compassion complement Xiao Yao's boldness and determination, creating a harmonious relationship where they support and uplift each other.

 Through their interactions and experiences together, they learn from each other and evolve as individuals. Jing's influence helps Xiao Yao embrace her vulnerability and tap into her emotional depth, while Xiao Yao inspires Jing to assert himself and pursue his desires more confidently.  

Yes, gentleman for sure! But, my expression for Jing in this  beautifull passage would be :

 "The Sweet Guardian"-As throughout the excerpt, Jing demonstrates his sensitivity and concern for Xiao Yao well being, respons, vulnerability, and cheering her boldness, while containing his desires, seeking by doing so, in his heart the long term effect and result of their embrace. His actions reflect a protective and nurturing nature, akin to that of a guardian looking out for the well-being of his beloved. And overall because his kiss taste in such way, Xiao Yao's own words so...:D

 Xiao Yao's character in the passage embodies strength, resilience, and a pioneering spirit. Despite moments of all feminine vulnerability, she remains steadfast and assertive in pursuing her desires and caring for Jing. Her boldness in initiating physical intimacy, coupled with her unwavering determination to heal Jing's leg, showcases her as a luminary figure—a guiding light who fearlessly charts her own path and inspires others to do the same: The Unyielding Pionneer .

Finally, he gently sucked Xiao Yao's lips. Jing's lips were warm, soft, and moist. It reminded Xiao Yao of the guppies on a summer morning. When she was young, she used to bring dew-soaked guppies,  pursed it on her mouth, then gently suck out the nectar, mild sweetness seeping from her mouth to throat, from the throat flowing smoothly to the heart . Only this time She was a guppy flower that had been sucked by Jing. Jing sucked and used the tip of his tongue to lightly drag across Xiao Yao's lips, round again and again.  He then affectionately inserted the tip of his tongue into Xiao Yao's mouth.

her mouth filled with a smile. Jing couldn't resist sucking the corner of her mouth, thinking of absorbing that smile into his heart to preserve forever. Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Sweet."  

Before I close this notice, I 'd like to point out another thing that interested me....(relate to above extract). // When you read the novel, you have quite a lot of Xiao Yao's past and childhood SAD - tearing-mourning- terrorizing memories. This one is one of rare exeption.

Now here it's Jing's sweet kiss that trigger a happy flashback. Jing's kiss serves as a catalyst for invoking a rare and cherished happy memory from Xiao Yao's past. In the context of her character, this memory  underscores the profound and positive impact that Jing has on her  Through his affection and tenderness, Jing not only brings joy to Xiao Yao's present but also helps her rediscover moments of happiness from her past.  So rare, it have to be highlighted! This connection between Jing's kiss and Xiao Yao's childhood memory serves to deepen their bond as it underscores the healing and transformative nature of their relationship. 

It reinforces the idea that love and connection have the power to heal past wounds and bring light into even the darkest corners of one's life. Thus, this moment not only holds importance within the context of their relationship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the healing and transformative power of love. 

=>Only this time She was a guppy flower that had been sucked by Jing. She is blossoming.Just as a flower in bloom exudes beauty and radiance, Xiao Yao's blossoming signifies her own inner beauty and radiance shining through while feeling the "sweet". It reflects her newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance as she embraces the depth of her feelings for Jing.Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Sweet."  

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Conclusion: 

Tong Hua presents Xiao Yao and Jingin this passage as defying traditional gender roles and expectations. The gentleman burn of desire and is vulnerable/ The Lady is bold yet "Although she seemed to be the one initiating bravely, but when it reachd a certain level, she instead couldn't help but feel embarrassed, excited, and flustered".   Through their equal participation in expressing desires, through their navigating vulnerabilities, and challenging societal norms, they embody a vision of gender equality in romantic relationships.  Furthemore, readers  are invited to question and reevaluate conventional notions of masculinity and femininity, ultimately embracing a more inclusive and equitable understanding of love and partnership.

 Through Xiao Yao and Jing, Tong Hua demonstrates that true equality in relationships is achieved not through conformity to gender norms, but through authenticity, mutual respect, and the celebration of individual complexity and all it's nuances.

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 Winny Aye:
Xiao Yao hugged him, and put her face leant on his shoulder. Xiao Yao's demeanor was soft, gentle, and sincere. Even without saying a single word, but she had completely expressed her feelings in her heart. Jing hugged Xiao Yao, buried his face in her hair. Jing felt that the days were peaceful and beautiful. He didn't wish for anything else anymore. The two hugged each other in silence for a long time, so long that they forgot the time.
小夭抱住了他,脸贴在他肩头。 小夭的动作太柔情款款,纵使一字未说,可已经将一切都表达,璟揽住小夭,头埋在她发间,只觉岁月静好,别无所求。 两人静静相拥了很久,久得两人都忘记了时间。 
Xiao Yao hugged him, her face pressed against his shoulder. Xiao Yao's movements were all tender and affectionate, even though not a single word had been said, she had already expressed everything. Jing wrapped his arms around Xiao Yao and buried his head in her hair, only feeling that the years were quiet and there was nothing else he could ask for. The two of them quietly embraced each other for a long time, so long that both of them forgot the time. 


Made to enhance our TH thread - The  Qing Shui Town  part - 3 very simple banners:

1. Exterior.

2. Interior

3. Forest.

Chapter 14 Analysis part 2

Zhuan Xu Take On Tushan Hou and Tushan Jing

In this particular scene of the book,  we could come to see how Zhuan Xu views and attitudes according to what he said about the two Tushan brothers. I have no doubts about how smart Zhuan Xu could be. He definitely read the two men that is Hou and Jing quite well. But then his point of view is as his point of view which might not be true for everyone. I will try to explain it.
Despite knowing what Hou had done to Jing, and probably doubt that Hou was also allaying his royal uncle, his enemy, he still understood .and sympathized for what the guy was doing, and plight Hou was suffering. According to Zhuan Xu, he sympathized with Hou on the fact that the guy seemed to bullied or belittle by the society because of his status (as the maid's son). Even Tushan Clan did not accept Hou as he should be. Even Feng Long and Xing Yue did not accepted Hou by heart. They were polite to him because he is from Tushan family. Moreover, Zhuan Xu definetly admire (mixed with sympathy) Hou for the guy's ambitions and intelligence. 

At the same time, he could not fully understand Jing, especially in matter of not getting back at Hou. (I guess that this was something Zhuan Xu was missing big time as the plot develops futher). If Jing wanted to it's not hard to get rid of Hou. Definitely I guess that Zhuan Xu had no good impression of Jing for not having the heart to getting rid of enemy.
But he did promise not to let Jing get harmed because Jing's life is the one Xiao Yao had given as long as Jing did no wrong to Xiao Yao.

“For the sake of you being the one to help bring back this lifetime of Jing, I only wish that Jing would not do you any wrong. I'll keep an eye on Hou.."

But

 yepp...how much promises could be kept is a wonder.
Nevertheless, this particular scene is showing, despite his doubtful feelings toward Jing, the guy still have that ability of seeing each person's strength to useful for overall picture of good for the world regardless of any birth status. He had this feeling that any being should be able to represents their strength.  

A Nian's Plight

Reading up to chapter 14, I have never had any feeling that Xiao Yao was any fond of A Nian. But she was enduring A Nian's bully up till now. Even now Xiao Yao protected A Nian. In the context, it is said she was doing it all for the two people she care about, Grand Emperor and Zhuan Xu. But most of A Nian is one of her family member. In here, we can see how much Xiao Yao was family oriented. Especially not telling about A Nian's involvement with Xiang Liu, to her father and brother, shows she was protective of A Nian than angry, because she considered A Nian, her family member. 
In the scene of chapter 14, the fight between Xiao Yao and A Nian was fun and funny to read. A Nian was all bratty and angry. Xiao Yao was also using all her strength to tame A Nian.
One thing it was clearly stated, while A Nian was all in anger, jealousy and probably saw Xiao Yao something lower than her, was likely to steal the affection from Grand Emperor and Zhuan Xu, or felt like Xiao Yao was coming back to claim what she was having. With all Xiao Yao's parental status and her own mother, A Nian might be having all the insecurities about her birth status sounding lower than Xiao Yao.
As the two talked further, it also becomes that Xiao Yao was still hurting inside about her mother leaving her for war. And also another thing that maybe bothering her subconsciously is whether her mother evolved with another man. To be clear, it bothered her whether her mother commit adultary or not. Xiao Yao said it clear that she prefer family oriented woman than the country heroine. 

All in all, Xiao Yao was successful in taming A Nian. A Nian finally agreed to accept Xiao Yao. I have to say she accepted her  because with A Nian's bratty nature, if she did not reall accepted by heart, she would not be that calmed in the scene. 

Chapter 14

 Analysis Part 3


Being in the seawater for the whole night, Xiao Yao no longer stand fishy smelly in her dress. After washing and getting medicine from her servant girl, Shan Hu. She still got a sweet night sleep. I just can't help thinking that she felt so happy about her meeting with Jing earlier. 

But when she went to see him the next day, he was not at his staying residence, a disappointment to Xiao Yao that she could meet him he left Gao Xing. But he was not there know to leave with his friends to buy gifts. Xiao Yao also went around the market place there. Xiao Yao saw how the business was doing great there with regardless different species there, gods, human and demon. Xiao Yao was very proud of Grand Emperor.
As much as Xiao Yao was sick of sea but she still found the lady coral box selling at the market interesting. She thought about giving it her maid, Shan Hu, as she did not really needed it. 

Xing Yue's Interruption
Even before Xiao Yao could buy it she was interrupted by another woman, who determined that the box should be hers. Xiao Yao thought it was rude, but knew that she's no match in such unnecessary rudeness. She just let it go. But it happened Zhuan Xu heard her voice and she joined the team. There were Xing Yue, Feng Fang Yi Yang, Feng Long, Tushan Hou, Zhuan Xu and Tushan Jing. By the way Xiao Yao was wearing a hat with hood to cover the slapped that A Nian gave her. 

In this scene I love how Xiao Yao gives secretly peeking in to Jing was sweet.

“I feel bored. So I went out for a walk.” As she spoke, she secretly looked towards Jing for a moment. I saw that his blue-eyed eyes were filled with joy. Xiaoyao couldn't help but pursed her lips and smile.
 
Yes they were happy.

According to Xiao Yao there were 5 or 6 parts in facial features between Hou and Jing. It's only Hou looks tough and Jing looks soft. 

At the resturant, Feng Long started to take care of Xiao Yao about food. And Xing Yue started to teased which caused Feng Long to make Yi Yang took care of Jing. It made both Xiao Yao and Jing not so easy. Xiao Yao kept drinking liquor because of it.

The resturant scene is fun. It shows Zhuan Xu getting so much friendly with Xing Yue, Feng Long and the Tushan. And our YaoJing unease at having other look after them. 

And with decoration of the resturant countyard is beautiful with wiesteria. It is all pleasant scenery indeed. 

 

The Boat Trip and Xiao Yao's Trauma of Water

After having the meal Zhuan Xu took the group of friends for the boat trip. The context implied to it as young people wanted to have fun rather than feeling sad about parting soon.

After Feng Long claimed to go hunt the fish and Tushan Hou jumped into water too. 

Xing Yue and Yi Yang also jumped down. We could see Xing Yue flirting Zhuan Xu all along. And he went down into sea with her. Everyone was having fun. Xiao Yao felt sad about it. She could not dive down to the sea. She loved water and she was a good swimmer. Her trauma of being in the sea whole night haunted her. Of course she swore at Xiang Liu should die, for doing this to her. I took such an act as her getting abused by Xiang Liu. 

But anyway, Xiao Yao and Jing were now alone on the boat. Of course there was also a servant to drive the boat.

Xiao Yao's Jealousy and Jing's Commitment
Xiao Yao was clearly jealous of Jing being with Feng Fang Yi Yang. I would say she was. I like how she was satisfied that Jing was hurt to see Feng Long took care of her. It is womanly feeling low when seeing another woman seemed to have more authority.
Jing also felt unease with it. He knew there was no love between him and Yi Yang.

 And then Xiao Yao told him to back as Ye Shi Qi again. This might not be very wise saying. However, we could see she want her Shi Qi with her. 

Jing's life goal was to be with Xiao Yao honorably. This is one of the big reason why he could not give up Tushan title. 

This particular passage tells all of his feelings, situation and goal.

"The truth was that it was not only the survival of the entire family. But there were some things that he couldn't say. If the person in front of him was still Wen Xiao Liu, then he could be Ye Shi Qi. That was enough. They could hid and lived in a small village. They could live together for a lifetime. But she was Gao Xin's princess. When he saw the grand worshipig ceremony, he immediately understood. They couldn't go back to the way they were before. An eligible man to protect Xiao Yao by his side would definitely not be a shrink. If he wanted to be beside Xiao Yao for the rest of his life, he must cancel the marriage contract. He needed to be using Tushan's status walking majestically to Xiao Yao's side."

Xiao Yao and Jing wanted each other. But there are differenties that they had to pass through.

Poor Xiao Yao..she was made to swim the whole night by Xiang Liu...he had no authority to do this...I consider it as an abusive behavior. ....especially because she was not able to go into sea for a time being...and although it's something she loved.

Her tiredness


Before nearly her last strength. .she missed grand emperor. ..she really loved him as her father..


Poor Jing waiting for Xiao Yao whole night. ..

His commitment is unwavering. ...