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

"There are four sights most deserving of praise in the world; that of the snow, the moon, the wind, and the bloom. Yet their beauty only hides an invariable truth, that nothing gold can stay."... more>>

"These stories have been written countless times by the scholar’s brush. People come and people go, but the lament remains the same; no joy is greater than a promise made, no pain deeper than hope betrayed."

A collection of four independent tragedies on the themes of snow, moon, wind and bloom. Inspired by Ming Dynasty history; written and translated in the huaben style. <<less

In this world, There are Confucians, Daoists, Buddhists, Demons, and Arcanists.... more>>

Xu Qi'an, a police academy graduate, suddenly finds himself waking up in a prison, set to be exiled to the frontier three days later...

His initial goal was to protect himself in this world with no human rights and to be able to live a leisurely life as a rich man.

...

Many years later, Xu Qi’an looks back on the past, with long-dead enemies and friends, as well as the numerous bones he has left behind.

As the Yangtze River flows eastward, the waves wash away the heroes; right and wrong, success or failure will all turn into nothing but history.

However, just like the sun’s rays gleaming over the towering mountains, after each sunset, a new sun will rise. <<less

In the mansion of the Duke of Tang in Jinyang, a pair of twin brothers resided. The elder brother, Li Shimin, was physically robust and excelled in martial arts, while the younger, Li Xuanba, had been consuming medicines from the time he was born. It was often said that twins shared a mysterious telepathic link. Li Shimin, the second son of the Duke, confirmed these rumors to be true.... more>>

After several moments of shock caused by the astonishing words originating from Li Xuanba's mind, Li Shimin decided to confront his twin. "Xuan, do you know that each time you focus your mind, I can hear your thoughts? Can you possibly stop doing so? I prefer not to listen." Li Xuanba, known far and wide as the fragile son who was always under the weather retorted, "No. If you're dissatisfied, you can talk as well." Li Shimin, though physically healthy but mentally not as robust as Li Xuanba, tried with all his might to conjure a mental expression, only managing to squeeze out a single character after turning a shade of purple. "Ah!!!!!!!" This left Li Xuanba almost laughing himself into convulsions.

In his previous life, Li Xuanba worked as an editor for a historical marketing account. He had specialized in trolling Li Shimin to gain traffic. However, after overworking himself to death one night, he was reborn as the fragile twin brother of Li Shimin, a character from a historical fiction novel famous for a bravery akin to that of Xiang Yu, but in reality died of illness at the age of sixteen. Li Xuanba thought, "Oh ho, this is retribution." Regardless, he decided to go with the flow, even telling his brother, "Hey, if you want any spoilers, I'll tell you!" Li Shimin, exasperated, retorted, "I don't want to hear anything!!"

Years later, Li Shimin was adorned in dragon robes, his hands stained with fresh blood. Li Xuanba, frail as ever, was still alive. One day, after Li Xuanba fell onto the ground pretending to faint after an argument with Wei Zheng, Li Shimin hoisted his brother onto his back and set off running, just like when they were children. "Hahaha, brother, you should have seen how twisted old Wei's face was!" Li Xuanba laughed. "Shut up!" replied Li Shimin. "Congratulations, brother. You can finally say two words, hehe." Once again, Li Shimin displayed a grimace of annoyance, carrying his bothersome brother forward with each step.

Footnote:
This is a story that the author enjoys writing, filled with palace intrigue, sibling rivalry, and acts of patricide. It's an alternative history, filled with many unfounded rumors and private settings. The dialogs and appellations are more modernized instead of being authentic to the Tang Dynasty. The main characters are far from perfect: Li Shimin has his flaws as a feudal emperor; Li Xuanba is even less of a good person, his main priority being his own well-being. Updates are daily. If any changes, an announcement will be made.

Next up is the lengthy novel "Ren Xiaojun Liu Ying Ye of the Great Han Dynasty". Please add it to your favorites! In this story, Liu Ying awakens his memories from a past modern life at the age of five. He knows his "history". He remembers his father, Liu Bang, tried to depose him, and his mother, Lü Zhi, attempted to scare him to death. All these memories ignited his anger towards his cruel parents.

Decorative Tags: Court Nobility, Time Travel, Daily Life, Spoilers, Ensemble Cast

Search Keywords: Protagonist: Li Xuanba, Li Shimin | Side Characters: Many people from the Sui and Tang dynasties | Others:
One-line Summary: Li Shimin: Brother, I beg you to shut up!
Guiding Thought: Water can carry a boat; it can also capsize a boat. <<less

In a world where its inhabitants can destroy a city wall single-handedly, the empress has a kirin as her pet, and the imperial palace of Great Xia has a pool containing a dragon. There is also a Sword Mountain where spirit swords occasionally leave in search of a master .... more>>

Bootlicking the empress, Ren Baqian ascended to the apex of life. <<less

Once he died, Su Yan transmigrated into an ancient frail scholar and embarked on the road of a powerful official surrounded by attacks.... more>>

Every pen is a debt of love, every step of the way.

Pillow thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, and enjoy the boundless wind and moon. <<less

The story, which takes place in the fictional medieval empire of Saiunkoku, follows the adventures of Shūrei Kō, a descendant of a noble family that has fallen on hard times.... more>>

Her father works as a librarian in the Imperial palace, a post which offers prestige and respect, but little compensation. Shūrei teaches in the temple school and works odd jobs to make ends meet, but her dream is to pass the imperial examinations and take a post in government, a path forbidden to women.

Shūrei's plans come to an abrupt halt when the Emperor's Grand Advisor makes a startling offer, which is joining the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort, and teach the Emperor to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeds, the financial reward will be great.

The story details Shūrei's growing relationships with the Emperor and other members of the court, the intrigues that surround imperial politics, and her commitment to better herself and her country. <<less

Betrayed by his lover and abandoned by mankind, the race he saved, Rohen gave up all hopes in life.... more>>

Returning to the past, he laid down his sword and allowed the world to perish as he stood in the side. Just as man turned his back on him, he, too, will do the same.

This was his pledge.

But, his view changes little by little when he meets a girl wielding the same scars as him.

She changes him… heals his broken scar without notice.

***

Looking at Rohen, his body torn and mangled, she burst into tears and asked, “Why… why didn’t you run away?”

He heard her sweet voice. It calmed him. She protected him.

Rohen laughed. “Because you’re here.” <<less

My father joined the army and became a marquis, but his wife is not my mother, what should I do? The stepmother seems to be transmigrating. She is gentle and virtuous, but in fact she wants to kill me, what should I do? The grandmother is snobby and wants me to give up the position of the eldest son. What should I do? When preparing for the imperial examination, the relatives make trouble and want me to fail the examination. What should I do?... more>>

The above answers are all in the “Complete Explanation of the Negative Textbooks for the Imperial Examination”. This book covers family disputes, imperial examination difficulties, officialdom troubles, king and ministers. Suitable for people interested in a powerful villain minister.

With a book in hand, taking scientific exam, and the teaching will not give a full refund! Later, when the noble families taught their children to study, they would always take Xiao Jingduo as an example: “Read well, don’t go astray. Don’t learn from him. You can’t disgrace the words of the sages.”

The world’s evaluation of Xiao Jing Duo is mixed. What he is most criticized for is that he has no literati style. And he is willing to be the sword of the regent princess and work for the princess. Until later, Xiao Jing Duo married the princess regent.

Courtier: …………No wonder! <<less

The Jinyiwei: Formerly known as the “Ceremonial Luan Division ”, they had originally served as the Imperial Court’s honor guards, before gradually gaining Emperor’s trust. For one to assume the roles and responsibilities of the Jinyiwei, one would need to possess a certain type of background, the character of a faithful hound, a very good physique, and mastery of martial arts. Their uniform consists of flying fish clothing and they bear embroidered spring knives.... more>>

This is a story about the youngsters of the Brocade Imperial Guards or Jinyiwei.
It is also a tale about a small, feral cat and a large, wild leopard. <<less

Q: What is more tragic than serving a temperamental, wicked and merciless scum?... more>>

Answer: When you crossed over and become this scumbag.

Actually, this is a serious ancient essay – thus the author Jun said.

Kuang Xihan (Jian Xin): In vain, I respected you, love you, beared with you, and forgived you. In the end, it was such a plight.

Jiang Zhuo: Even though I am wrong in a thousand ways, I am only true, and I have never dared to deceived.

Kuang Xiqing: For this end I have only myself to blame, so when I lost the world, I have no complaints. When I lost her, I refuse to accept it. <<less

In the final years of the reign of Jiajing Emperor during the Ming Dynasty, Lu Yi of the Jingyiwei (male imperial secret officers) is commissioned to investigate the disappearance of funds that have been set aside for river repairs in Yangzhou. He is assisted by Yuan Jinxia of the Liushanmen. The two accidentally become involved in a conspiracy.... more>>

The talented female constable Yuan Jinxia gets into a disagreement with the hot-tempered Jinyiwei Lu Yi over a case that they are both involved in. Jinxia thought that she’d never encounter Lu Yi again in this lifetime, yet fate has its way of bringing two people back together. Government funds have been stolen and Jinxia receives orders to assist Lu Yi in his investigation.

They are unable to get along at first, but learn to work together through the hardships. Eventually, they develop feelings for each other to become lovers. However, things go awry when the truth about the past comes to light. Jinxia is the orphan of the Xia Yan case from many years ago and she bears the burdens of the bloodshed that destroyed her family. <<less

Year Eleven of Hongzhi.... more>>

This is a particularly beautiful morning day.

At this time, Zhu Houzhao has just reached adulthood.

At this time, Wang Shouren and Tang Baihu are sharpening their blades, readying for the imperial examination.

At this time, the cold winds have descended and a long winter ravages the land.

At this time, within Count Nanhe’s mansion, the master’s intellectually disabled son, Fang Jifan, his heir…. begins his shameless, recalcitrant journey to prodigality. <<less

The mighty official, Huo Jue, wields immense influence.... more>>

People who sent him money, jewels, and various rare items wanted to cross his threshold.

Of course, some also sent him women.

One day, someone happily presented him with a married woman, “It’s said that this woman was once engaged to the Lord. Later, when the Lord’s family fell into misfortune, she married someone else. Now she’s sent to the Lord. Lord can do as he pleases.”

Everyone thought that the woman who had abandoned Huo Jue would meet a bad end in his hands.

No one knew that ten years ago, a girl traveled thousands of miles alone just to tell her former fiancé, who had suffered palace punishment, “In this life, there is more than one path to take. It’s just a matter of choosing another path. It’s difficult, but you must keep going and live your own life.”

Her former fiancé said, “Okay.”

The girl cried and said, “Then I’ll go back and get married.”

Her former fiancé said, “Okay.”

Since then, she has been the cinnabar mole on his heart, unfathomable and untouchable.

It hurts when thinking of her, and pain by touching her. <<less

"It's my responsibility to be able to fulfill my duties this night in a good way. So all you have to do is to give... more>> yourself to me." Eunseol, who had wandered the battlefield living as a juvenile soldier, sets foot in the family as the daughter-in-law of Baek Empire's Imperial General, Ki Haewoon. No one expected to learn the truth that Baekwoon, the eldest son of Haewoon, has already become married. In addition, Haewoon declares that he will make her unborn child, who also doesn't exist yet, as the successor. And on a bright moonlit night, he came to visit her place! "Shh. Didn't I tell you not to cover yourself. The moon is illuminating, I was just wondering if I could see your opening. So I'll try opening it a bit with these fingers." "I am, father's.." "Which father-in-law in the world would like to see and open the hole of his daughter-in-law?" "Me... You said that I am your 'daughter-in-law,' right?" "Then I must be an immoral man." <<less

When you grow up, you’re mine.... more>>

~~~

Lu Feng, with her fiery character and short temper, only had one fatal weakness. That was the lukewarm and soft Xu Mu.

There were so many youths in the capital, yet she took fancy to none of them. She instead sought after her newly arrived neighbour’s sweetie and secretly planned to kidnap him home.

Until one day, the two became cousins…

Lu Feng: That fertilised water of our house cannot flow into someone else’s field!

Xu Mu: =v=

~~~

Xu Mu: What am I to you?

Lu Feng: You are my sweetest Candied Fruit!

~~~

In their previous life, Xu Mu and Lu Feng were married for only half a year when she died in battle.

Xu Mu couldn’t bear the news of her death and followed her three days later.

Who knew that after he died, time flowed backwards and returned him to their childhood. Xu Mu sat on his bed, dazed.

In this life, he must find his wife first and then vigorously tease her, only letting her “off” after he teased her enough for all she did in their last life!

Xu Mu: Last life I did not love you enough, I want to love again. Starting from childhood as childhood sweethearts to a pair of white-haired couple never letting go.

This contains a Matriarchy plus MPreg setting. Hence the men will have kids. The roles are reversed as well. Just so you know. <<less

"There are trees in the mountains and there are branches on the trees,... more>>

I adore you, oh! You do not know."

~From Song of the Yue Boatman

—

Hundreds of rivers converge, the thousand-mile rise of Taishan’s bluffs, and a myriad of waves surge in the Eastern Sea.

All beneath the heavens, is the extent of the ruler’s land. All within the territory of a state, are each the ruler’s subjects.

Beacons light up all over the Divine Land, danger lurks in every corner of the State of Yong.

After reuniting with Geng Shu, Jiang Heng begins to put all his effort into assisting the ruler of Yong State’s plans, but he unexpectedly falls into perilous situations time and time again. Geng Shu, who always accompanied Jiang Heng by his side, is acutely aware that the various mishaps all appear to be closely related to Jiang Heng’s past—was Jiang Heng really his own blood-related younger brother?

These two extraordinary young men wander throughout the country from state to state, experiencing trials, however, the truth obtained uncovered a cruel and unexpected past that couldn’t be erased. The lingering heroic spirits each possess their own unfulfilled long-cherished wishes. With the great Divine Land finally unified, how would they confront their own choices of the future?

The seven stars of the Northern Sky bore witness to the end of a stormy period of history; until the ruins once again transform into the richly ornamented tall towers of a manor.

When the blazing city lights languidly flicker, those people and events worth engraving into memory, will forever be preserved within every stroke of ink in a painting of this vast expanse of rivers and mountains. <<less

This is the story of a legendary queen who stood firmly in the imperial harem for 50 years and won the love of the Emperor.... more>> She is smarter than any Empress of the Ming Dynasty and a lot subtler than Wu Zetian. Presenting the story of the Ming Dynasty’s first six emperors after the establishment of the Dynasty. <<less

Fifty years have passed since the demon lord’s defeat.... more>>

Working as a lawyer in a country that honors law, justice, and order, Daniel Lockhart became the court-appointed attorney for the defendant of a certain incident.

The girl who proclaims herself the descendant of the hero has been arrested for mu*der charges. <<less

Lu Qingze, a people’s teacher, once transmigrated into a book and became an unfortunate imperial teacher.... more>>

Surrounded by wolves, either defect to the prime minister who has power over the government, or cultivate the young emperor into a generation of emperors through the ages.

Out of professional habit, Lu Qingze chose the latter.

No one is in awe of Lu Qingze, the emperor’s teacher who raised the young emperor with one hand. He has countless supporters of the imperial teacher. It is rumored that Lu Qingze has an ugly face, so he always wears a silver mask, lives in a secluded place, and rarely shows himself in front of others.

Only the young emperor knew what kind of pure and beautiful face lay beneath that mask.

After solving the trouble, Lu Qingze realized with hindsight that he raised the little cub to be a large wolf , and now the common enemy is gone, the little emperor started to move the people around him, and the next person who wants to fall to the ground is He; and now that the rabbits are dead, the dogs must be cooked! <<less

Due to an accidental transmigration and a strange combination of circumstances, a forensic expert had mistakenly ended up as the wandering son of a valued noble. With difficulties that others would not expect, he had gone from being a bogus countryside Buddhist monk to taking up the role of a rich family son. Besides, a similar constitution to Conan had also made his life sufferable.... more>>

It seems like a better choice to resume one’s old profession of performing post-mortem examinations and crack cases instead of being a silent good looking boy. <<less

Three years ago, in order to pacify the Western Jiang, he married the daughter of the military governor of Yongzhou as his empress, but this is when he met Huo Shi Ying, the most unparalleled woman in the world, the only female general of the Great Yan Dynasty. What she doesn’t know, and what nobody else knows, is that he has been paying full attention to her for twenty years, since he was six years old. The first time he heard her name was when by his mother the Empress and his elder sister, he then thought, a two-year-old toddler being taken to the border, how amazing.... more>>

More than ten years later, he once again saw her name on the battle report, these three characters Huo Shi Ying immediately drawing out a desolate picture in front of his eyes : flying smoke in the desert, galloping horses, soldiers in golden armors, a valiant woman drawing her sword, a strength lonely yet full of life, cruel but sweet, such a strong assault. Just because name gave him so many fantasies, his heart suddenly started beating.

Later, he quietly gave her a lot of opportunities. Her name appeared on the battle report again and again, bringing contributions again and again, making blood flow, ruthlessly killing. Countless times, he fantasized about what kind of woman she was exactly.

Later he learned that her nickname was An Sheng (meaning peace and quiet). How could he give her peace, he no longer had that ability, the moment he raised the empress’ veil on their wedding, there was a faint regret in his heart, until he finally met her for real, this moment’s monstrous regret could overturn the skies and lands.

No one knew, he had followed her for twenty years.

The road to love is long and difficult. She soars in the sky like an eagle, and the sky is her yoke ; he dives deep into the sea like a dragon, and the palace is his cage. One is the first female general of the Yan Dynasty, and the other is the Palace’s Emperor. How can these two people who are as strong as enduring get closer to each other and turn their love into marriage? <<less

It tells the love story of a woman who overcomes many trials to become a female official and a general who has weathered many hardships in his road to victory.... more>>

Despite being an illegitimate daughter, Mu Zhuohua breaks away from from the path of traditional women during her time as she escapes from her own wedding and enters the capital to seek a position as a female official. In her journey, she meets Liu Yan, a man known as the god of war.

He may have been defeated in battlefield but he does not waver in his resolve as he endures hardships to avenge his grievances. The two may have started out trying to use each other for their own purposes but they eventually join hands in their mission to better the nation, creating a world where women can also enter the court as officials. <<less

I knew Winry would not look back at me, but I only hoped that I could stand by him in the shadows.... more>>

But fate did not give even that little wish.

While heading for a conference in Asherat, Jazzka encounters an assassin who came through the window.

“The queen is pretty good.”

Strangely, the identity of the assassin who likes Jazzka is Gulshka Rashil, the commander in chief of Asherat.

Rashil, who meets again at the meeting, devises a scheme and promotes a strategic marriage with Jazzka… .

“I will marry you. Rashil.”

Jazzka who can’t understand Rashil, who cares for himself, opens her mind.

Rashil tried to use Jazzka, but gradually became serious.

Winry keeps getting out of control after losing Jazzka.

A trap that was caught regardless of will.

The end of the conflicting mind becomes a legend of the continent. <<less

Matsurika, a female officer in the Inner Palace, had a little special skill, and that was "a better memory" than others. One day, she accepted... more>> a request to become a practice partner for a marriage meeting of a certain son of a distinguished family.
However, the one who appeared was the Emperor, Hakuyou, who wanted to try having a marriage meeting?! And interested in Matsurika's special skill, Hakuyou even said, "For now, go and pass the civil exam"...?!
A Chinese-style Cinderella story between an emperor and a girl! <<less