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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you my knight?” The silver-haired youth looked at the blonde girl before him and asked, his cheeks flushed red. This was their first encounter when he was only ten years of age.... more>>

“Are you my bride?” He held her in his arms, embraced the girl who had accompanied him for ten years straight. He was sixteen years of age.

“Are you my king?” He knelt before the throne, smiling foolishly as he looked at the girl holding the sword victoriously. At this moment, he looked like the boy he was when they first met.

“I’m fine without having eyes for you. The entirety of Camelot is for your taking.” Smiling soft and gently, he gave his eyes to the girl who lost her eyes due to the curse of the red dragon. He doesn’t regret it, he thinks. He was twenty years of age.

“So… Arthur… Artoria Pendragon, are you willing… are you willing to spend the rest of your life with me?” His voice was soft and clear as he reached out to touch her hand.

This was their legend. <<less

“The palace doors are like an endless abyss, once through the barrier between that life and this, I can be nothing more but a stranger.”... more>>

A shy teen's life is forever changed when he finds himself in a different world one day; a world similar to his own except for the existence of True Qi and the Martial Path.

However, before that he has to deal with his impending castration and life as a fake eunuch in the 1000 year old empire of Grand Xia!

Watch as Ning Chen battle the Mongol Horde, fight through the depths of Hell and take on God himself with the aid of the mysterious Heavenly Scrolls as the awe-inspiring Marquis of Grand Xia.

Will this shy teen remain as innocent and carefree as before or will the hardships of war forever scar him and perhaps cost him his very life? <<less

Time flies, and it is already the third day. I sat in one of the pavilions of Champs élysées in the middle of the lake. The scenery was so beautiful. I gazed at the graceful dancers as I poured my wine, and a faint smile came into my eyes.... more>>

I have known the Emperor for a long time now, but I have never seen him like this before, holding his forehead with a grave face. What the hell is going on?

“Imperial Uncle, This Emperor is very familiar with you. Don’t be dismal. It’s just a woman. There are many herbs in the world. Uncle, don’t you think so?”

Feng Yin, this fifth prince yesterday, was now the Emperor of Jing, pretended to have a heavy face. When Ziqing glanced at the other princes, they seemed to be all the same to him, except for Feng Yin, who was holding a sake in his hand. He did not speak.

I smiled, raised my cup and drank it, “It’s natural, Xiaoyin doesn’t have to worry about me.”

“If Ziqing has a woman he likes, This Emperor promises to help Uncle.” Feng Yin said. The mirth in his eyes could not be hidden.

…Uh, if it develops like this, it will be troublesome.

“Nephew…” I gritted my teeth with a difficult expression on my face, “To tell you the truth, Imperial Uncle actually likes men!” <<less

Sun Tu who came from the modern era possesses a system of warehouses. From here begins a period of exciting, tragic and unpredictable tale of... more>> life and death. Here, not only is there corrupt officials and emperors but also brave and loyal officials and generals. In this world, where even the Heroes of the Water Margin exist, how will Sun Tu get along with them? For all these answers, do read Bringing a Warehouse to the Song Dynasty! <<less

Loosely based on the history of Song Dynasty, To Rule in a Turbulent World tells the story of You Miao—the dandy son of a merchant who climbed his way to the very top from rock bottom. We witness the history of a nation, from prosperity to decline, to a new order.... more>>

Peace, war, internal strife; You Miao has lived through it all—but not without his loyal Quanrong s*ave-turned-husband, Li Zhifeng. Theirs is a story of undying devotion that combats racial boundaries in a time when the ethnic tribes of the north clashed with the Han empire. Together, they ruled the world! (Behind the scenes, of course.)

The epic continues its song, and as tides rise and fall, the most beautiful moonlight of the great desert is yet to come… <<less

After being reborn she worked hard to stalk and marry her husband, abuse and punish her other scumbag husband, and embark on a journey to reach the pinnacle of life!... more>>

—

For the egregious crime of treason everyone in the Xiao House were sentenced to death.

At the execution grounds while waiting to be beheaded, she stared at the youth sprawled on the ground in front of her. He had run over so hurriedly he tripped over his own feet, displaying an undignified sight. It made her smile thinking how s*upid this person was. She had completely used and taken advantage of him from the day he forced her to marry him. Yet despite all the abuse she heaped on him, he still wanted to save her.

She opened her eyes again only to find it was the day before their wedding.

That devious scoundrel… to make her his wife through underhanded methods…

The memory of it still left a bad taste in her mouth.

She was going to grab this second chance and live it up!

Extort all debts owed to her!

Buff herself up and shine like a diamond!

But how was she to know that the husband she once hated was actually really loyal and gentle, soft and easy, and so incredibly sweet and delicious to eat! The shutters that blinded her eyes in the previous life were cast aside. She realized she didn’t know how to cherish the good things in life. So in this new one she was going to make sure to pamper and spoil the hell out of that husband of hers. <<less

Transmigrated as a widow and live a noble life?... more>>

That’s nice. Just teach the children, drink some wine, listen to operas, and even sneak a few little wolf dogs when you’re free.

Gee, don’t be too unrestrained.

Lu Jinxi’s golden abacus rattled loudly, but who would have guessed that human’s calculations were not as good as heaven’s calculations?

At first glance, the man in the picture was a painted skin demon. He wished he could tear her apart and swallow her whole. He finally ran out of tricks and asked her to remarry. The crippled concubine-born son was actually the former crown prince who was secretive and coveted the mother.

What’s even more terrifying was…

The deceased husband who had died in the battlefield for six years came back from the dead. <<less

Do you see that person with hair loss because they’re stuck possessing a new body?... more>>

It’s me.

A civil servant, I possessed the minor villain who died after being exploited.

To make matters worse, while I was living and avoiding the main characters, the male lead set my house on fire.

I got a job as a government official in the lower half of the Imperial city to cover my collapsed family’s insurance…

“Miss Blaine, I’m sorry but it will be difficult for me to accept your resignation letter.”

“Wh-what? Why!”

“You’ve been promoted to become His Majesty’s exclusive secretary.”

This is crazy, I’ve become the villain’s secretary.

***

“Working in the Imperial city is a dream job, and among them, working as my secretary is what everyone desires.”

Um, well, that’s true.

“So why is my secretary so impatient to resign?”

Why, because if I’m with you, my life will diminish more each minute and if I get unlucky, I’ll die!

“I need a secretary like you. Say what you want, but it’ll be impossible.”

The Emperor grinned, and I blurted out immediately.

“I don’t like this.” <<less