GAIDEN 4
Side stories of Saiunkoku Monogatari... more>>

Contains:
鈴蘭の咲く頃に ("Suzuran no Saku Koro ni": In the Lily of the Valley Season, originally published June 2007 in The Beans vol 9)

空 の青、風の呼ぶ声 ("Sora no Ao, Kaze no Yobu Koe": Blue of the Sky, the Voice of Wind Calling, originally published August 2008 in The Beans vol 11)

千一夜[書き下ろし] ("Sen-ichiya [Kakioroshi]": Thousand and One Nights [You Write, Lowering], new material)

千 一夜そのあとに[書き下ろしショート] ("Sen一ichi Sono Ato ni [Kakioroshi Shooto]": 1001 Night After That [You Write, Lowering & Short Circuiting], omake) <<less

The destitute young miss of the Ling family was weak, had lowly qualifications, was ugly and frequently bullied. In the end, she was pushed into... more>> the freezing river by her so-called love rival. However, when she opened her eyes once again, her gaze was cold yet captivating! Everything had changed drastically! When her ugly looks faded, she became a peerless beauty. When she displayed her graceful bearing and talent, it was blinding and earth-shattering!
I'm a foodie and I'm proud of it. I have a venomous tongue to infuriate people to death, but I won’t compensate with my life.
All the handsome men would give their all just to make her smile, which provoked his desire to dominate and possess her. However, in the end, was it him who dominated her… <<less

Boundless gold sea of sand, snow-white Tian Shan camel. I am clothed in a green silk dress, eyes bright, with a faint smile. The prayers of a thousand mountains and a million water drops are not for company today, but for a reunion in the next life…... more>>

She is the wolf girl’s daughter, Huo Qu Bing’s precious treasure, the green silk dress in the desert, and the Ju Gong Zi of Chang An city.

He is the deep, far-sighted Han Zhao Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty.

He is the clever and mysterious Meng fox.

When each of them unintentionally give away a pearl embroidered shoe in youthful ignorance, what kind of love-hate-passion-vengeance “Song in the Clouds” will be stirred into existence? <<less

Princess Shunde captured a jiaoren demon and wanted to find someone to tame it. The princess has three wishes: that the demon utters human words, that the demon's tail turns into legs, and that his heart will never be rebellious.... more>>

Everyone knows that the East Demon Island, the West Demon Mountain, the South Demon Valley, and the North Demon Terrace are the only four places in the world that permit people with the ability to control demons. And the Demon Valley in the south has the strongest Demon Controlling Master in the world.

She was the most powerful demon master in the Demon Valley, but her heart was enchanted by a demon. <<less

“Yo, Rice Pot next door. You ate so much of my rice, how are you going to repay me?”... more>>

“Money? I do not want money. I want you.”

饭桶    [Rice Pot/Container/Bucket]: – refers to a person who eats a lot (of rice).  Sometimes, the term may take on a negative connotation when used to describe a person is only capable of eating and not anything else. <<less

In the year 1989, the Japanese government passed the Media Betterment Act, allowing a group of soldiers known as the Media Betterment Committee (MBC) to destroy and censor any "problematic" media under the guise of protecting public morals. As a response, regional governments established the Library Defense Force (LDF), whose members take up arms and put their lives on the line to protect freedom of expression. At the top of the Kanto branch of the LDF stands the Library Task Force (LTF): an elite squad consisting of only the most exceptional fighters.... more>>

As a high schooler, Iku Kasahara experienced the terror of censorship first-hand when she refused to surrender the newest volume of her favorite series to MBC agents. She only came out unscathed thanks to a lone member of the LDF, who protected her and her beloved book. Now in her 20s and still unable to forget the man who saved her, Kasahara joins the LDF in the hope of becoming just like her prince.

But LDF training turns out to be far more rigorous than she could have imagined, and her instructor, LTF member Atsushi Doujou, seems fixated on making her life a living hell. Given her struggles, Kasahara is shocked when she is selected as one of the two new LTF recruits as a result of Doujou's recommendation. As Kasahara does all she can to become worthy of the LTF and unravel her enigmatic superior's motivations, she wages war—both on the battlefield and in her personal life.

Vol 1 – Toshokan Sensou (図書館戦争) (Library War)
Vol 2 – Toshokan Nairan (図書館内乱) (Library Infighting)
Vol 3 – Toshokan Kiki (図書館危機) (Library Crisis)
Vol 4 – Toshokan Kakumei (図書館革命) (Library Revolution) <<less

Lu Liangwei wakes up to find herself transmigrated as a supporting character in the novel she had been reading a few days ago. According to... more>> the novel, this character has everything—beauty, wealth, status—except brains. Before Liangwei had taken over, she even went as far as to hang herself for the male protagonist that she loved: the Crown Prince as well as her sister's lover. Now that she has become a "brand new" person, it is time for her to turn her life around with charm and wit! She will get everyone to fall in love with her, even the Crown Prince's uncle—the Emperor! Who needs a prince when you can become the Empress herself? <<less

Our two leads of vastly different personalities have to battle through misunderstandings, the uncertainties of growing up as well as the greatest barrier that is... more>> the unspoken expectations they have of each other. Would their love remain resolute in trying circumstances or would it mellow with time? There is a saying the first cut is the deepest; will that be the case here? <<less

Ah……..she was married to a Marquis, yet he only had intent to treat her as a concubine not as his first wife, a princess (princess refers to a person’s first wife, it is a position of power among the wives and in the household). Now she overheard that he only married her for appearances sake?... more>>

It was just great! Not only was she forced to marry, she also lost her freedom. Since her husband was also unwilling to marry, they might as well not bother with each other…….

His newly wedded wife was so very strange!

A night before the wedding he caught her peeking shamelessly. She also demanded that the favor he owed her for having saved his life, two years prior in the desert was to not touch her?

Usually a wife would be sharing a husband with three or four other women. Thus they would be full of worry and trepidation, serving their husband to the best of their ability attempting to become the favourite and obtain the valued Princess position. Yet she actually tried to distance herself from him as much as possible. How was this a relationship?

Though it did not matter to him, for he long had the intention to separate himself from her, he was only marrying her because of the Imperial Edict after all. If he didn’t seize this golden opportunity then he was too dumb to deserve it.

Let her regret it!

She was very proficient in the art of Qi Huang. Even though this princess’ beauty wasn’t too outstanding, it wasn’t bad and her temperament was unquestionable. This Prime Minister’s Daughter even had a touch of feminine charisma. Her varying facial features made him forget about the other beautiful concubine completely and made him want to……..only care for her!?

Although he swore to the moon that he would not touch her, however tonight the night sky was cloudy……… <<less

Having a strong sense of justice is really very vexing.... more>>

Always lending money to others, and never having anything left for savings.

Helping her neighbors, she was left saddled with a debt of 10 million TWD!

The only way is to sell the B & B, which she’d put her heart and soul into.

But the buyer showed disdain for her beloved B & B.

She had no choice but to sneak into his company, to find some leverage.

Then she would use that as a bargaining chip, forcing him to buy the B & B —

Before coming into contact with him, she thought he was an unscrupulous businessman who was a mental nutcase.

Growing closer, she discovered that he is actually very kind, and also very concerned about her……

She thought, he must never find out she is there to spy.

Sneaking into enemy territory and failing to steal anything confidential.

But ended up losing something more valuable instead…… <<less

One day, after five years of living in the shadow of the popular actor—Mo Boyuan, Dr. Jiang suddenly decided that she had enough! ... more>>

Mo Boyuan: Why are you kicking up a fuss?

Jiang Tingxu: I’m not. Let’s divorce!

Mo Boyuan: Divorce? In your dreams!

Jiang Tingxu's identity was later exposed and overwhelming insults began pouring in.

Fan of King Mo: This woman isn’t good enough for my King Mo!

The great Movie King Mo streamed live on the internet: Heh, the woman you claimed isn’t good enough for me is an all-rounded top scorer and was recommended to Peking University at 16. You’re wrong. She’s TOO GOOD for me and I’m out of her league! Also, she’s the little brat that I’ve been pampering and adoring for 20 years. I won’t tolerate anyone who lays a finger on her! <<less

She is the God of war. She is Shura. She is the soul of a hundred thousand fierce army. She is boned, and she must... more>> not frown. Her mother was killed when she went out to fight for her country. She vowed to revenge, but suddenly found that there was a conspiracy hidden in it. He is a knight, he is a doctor, he is a spy, gentle as jade, loyal. He approached her with purpose, but healed her scars, and fell in love with her unconsciously. Li Qingtong held the dagger against him: "Who are you! Don't say I killed you! " Si Youyu's evil spirit smiled: "Do you want to be a widow when you treat your husband like this?" <<less

When she got married five years ago, she knew that her husband had an old lover. Tilting her chin, he said to her, "You're just... more>> a surrogate. Don't think of anything else except money." She thought that as long she tried her best to please him, he would eventually be touched and fall in love with her. However, she came to realize later that a man would not fall in love with someone just because they were touched by a woman's actions. After five years of marriage, her husband's first love has returned, and their marriage is on the verge of divorce. He even has even asked her to get rid of her baby... <<less

“If I could meet ‘that person’ who I thought I would never see again…”... more>>

A girl who left behind her beloved dog and went on a journey, a woman who hates Christmas for a certain reason, a man who couldn’t celebrate his daughter’s wedding, an elderly woman who has been waiting for her beloved for over 70 years…

People with various emotions find themselves lost in this cafe. Surely, that person was waiting there.

This is the story of a mysterious cafe hidden deep in the mountains, connecting two different worlds. <<less

Beautiful bones. Rare in this world.... more>>

Those with bone do not have skin. Those with skin do not have bone.

Most people’s eyes are shallow, seeing only the skin-deep appearance and not the ‘bones,’ the appearance of the inside.”

The “bones” and “skin” are metaphorical and taken from an ancient text in which these are actually referring to inner and outer beauty, respectively. Most people are shallow and only see outward beauty and fail to acknowledge inner beauty.

The female lead, Shi Yi, has memories of her past life in which her heart belonged to Zhousheng Chen. That life ended in tragedy for them, and in this life, her only goal and desire is to find him again… and one day, she does. He does not look the same, but she knows that beneath the outer appearance, it is him. He, however, does not remember her. <<less

Embarrassing!  She wanted to curse.  He’s a stalker!... more>>

Now, what is he up to?!

Remembering the “wolf” on the train, Xiang Ti was so ashamed.  She just wanted to dig a hole and hide!

Admittedly, this man was the most outstanding and attractive she’d ever encountered.

But her plan in life did not include marriage.  She wants to focus on a career and live life like the modern woman.

Her whole image exuded the “don’t offend me” message, however —

This man did not heed the warning and pursued her persistently!

Although there were not many suitors before her “stalker”, but she was still dissatisfied with this “wolf”.

Even if he used his eyes to worship her, and generously praised her beauty, she is not happy!

Because she didn’t want to fall in love with any man.

But when he smiles, why can’t she stop thinking about him?!

Why is this happening, when she is never one to be seduced by the “male beauty” before?!

But he’s proven to be a sly fox.  How is she supposed to resist?! <<less

This is a story that follows the courtship between a stone from Hell and a god from Heaven that begins in the underworld and spans... more>> for three lifetimes in the mortal realm. <<less

As Heaven’s daughter, she owns and personally runs a magical shop. ... more>>

This shop can leap through time and space and traverse many worlds. In the darkness of night, a glazed dragon-phoenix lamp will guide the fated ones to this shop called the OmniStore, and at this shop, the fated ones will have their wishes granted, but of course, not without a price.

The premise is, only if you can afford to pay the price.

You, do you want to enter this shop?

Any wish you have can be fulfilled, yeah! You can be the mightiest one on the entire universe, you can look askance at the world beneath your feet, you can be so superior that you rise beyond and dominate all life!

Her adorable pets, a dragon and a phoenix, have said. “Our shop is really not a rip-off. We are not just showing off to impress or be superior to others, neither are we putting up a show of hypocrisy. We are just here to put the worlds that have deviated off course back on track.”

However, such an intangible form of boasting is, in fact, the deadliest.

Dear guest, do you need us to gain superiority? Do you need us to help you fly and soar? <<less

A story about a general with insomnia, and a girl who is looking for husband to keep her tea house.

Father: "Qianqian, he may be a quadriplegic but as long as you agree to marry him, our company will be saved!" ... more>>

Mother: "Plus, your younger sister would be able to get the best treatment for her heart condition."

Fiance: "If you did it, you would be able to help me get more resources while keeping yourself pure and clean!"

Everyone around sympathise with Jing Qian's misery. She was a young girl and now her future was ruined as she would be married to a quadriplegic. Not only did she have to write songs for her younger sister to shape her sister as a genius musician, but she was also forced to get resources for her fiance who was an actor. Even after doing all these, she was still betrayed by the two of them as a bright, green light glowed from the top of her head.

*OH! When Jing Qian opened her eyes again after the rebirth, she realized that she was now this sad, little girl. As she was a frightening villain in her previous life, she decided to have some fun with her new life now.

She became a celebrity, a genius doctor, an entrepreneur that owns a winery and a cosmeceuticals company...... she was having so much fun! Her life was glowing so brightly that it blinded the pair of dogs that betrayed her.

However..... after getting rid of the 'green-tea fiance of hers, she was now stuck with a 'white lotus husband who was always around her, pretending to be sick.

"I've already treated you and completed my task here. What else do you want?! Let go! I want a divorce!"

"Dear, I still feel uncomfortable here."

When she looked at the man who wasn't even being sincere while pretending to be a sick person, hang onto her like a huge pendant, Jing Qian burst out in anger;

"Zhan Lichuan! Did you throw away your image as a cold, arrogant man?!" <<less

Book 1:... more>>

The start of another one of Tang Qi Gong Zi’s tale of a past life and present life.

If persistentness in the end will still be in vain, who would use up this life to entirety, only to watch over an untouchable love?

If a persistant attraction of more than two thousand years, is to be put down right now, to be cut off, would there be tears to be poured?

Even if honored with the status of a God, Dong Hua would still perish like features.

Even as the female monarch of Qing Qiu, Feng Jiu would still fade away in time.

Although what is unknown, is that when wind and clouds are gone, when he is still walking through never ending years and ages, and occasionally brushing past her, this once legacy making God, would he still be able to remember, from his former days, that little red fox with a patch of snowy white fur on her forehead that had once rested between his sleeves.

That commanding Queen of Qing Qiu of ancient times from the deity clan, whether she can still remember he plucked a strand of Fuling flowers for her in the bygone era.

Book 2:

Two thousand years of obsessions, but in exchange for many missed opportunities in love.

If ultimately we have no chance to be together, so why let us meet each other in this life, a glance a million years?

In the middle of a foggy dream, one walks through whose shadow, destroys whose yearning, and buries whose current life and past life?

“Emperor (Di) and concubine (Ji) who are floating ups and downs in the dream land, what do you really want?”

“All I seek in this lifetime, is merely that he can see my shadow in his eyes.”

There is a saying that the feeling is deep but the fate is shallow. She is the one with deep feeling but her fate with Dong Hua is shallow.

There is a word called unfortunate. She is unfortunate so she met him. He is also unfortunate so he missed her.

“He is very good. Just that he and I have no fate to be together.”

“So what if the Mandate of Heaven says we are destinated to be together or not destinated to be together? As the King, I have never fear the Mandate of Heaven and also do not need any handout from the Mandate of Heaven.”

How does the Mandate of Heaven determine our predestined relationship? One person’s doubt, everyone get caught in a vortex. <<less

Kaori notices a small inconsistency in her colleague, Sae, when she returns from her summer vacation…….... more>>

Conversational drama mystery. There are emoticons. (If you are not good with emoticons, please note) <<less

Kasane; the most intelligent, beautiful, celebrated oiran in Yoshiwara; kept a “secret” which she could not share with anybody since the day she first accepted... more>> a client. This secret is kept in order to protect her memories with Tetsu, an unforgettable and treasured person to her. One day, a young samurai named Kei comes to her as a client. Kasane falls for Kei, who is both gentle and strong. However, at the same time, when she sees Tetsu’s face when she looks at Kei, Kasane’s faint love is stirred up immensely– <<less

"There was nothing Su Kexin wanted more than to marry an ordinary man. So, who could explain her sudden ascension as a CEO's wife? He... more>> promised her a lifetime of happiness, flooded her with endless affection, and treated her like priceless treasure. She thought that perhaps, this was her happily-ever-after. Yet, he threw a stack of papers in front of her one day and said, "Su Kexin, lets divorce." She finally understood how it felt like to fall from high above and crashing onto ground zero. Five years later, she returned and encountered him again. This time, however, there was a moe little bun of a child at her side. The little bun blinked at the man and said, "Mommy, this mister looks a lot like me." <<less