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

Li Ke Lin (also Li Colin), a Chinese office worker, woke up to find himself suddenly no longer Li Ke Lin but instead Colin Lee,... more>> son of multi-billionaire in America. Having taken over the body of Colin Lee and carefully imitated his manners and bearings, his next goal is to inherit his father’s wealth. However, when his father lists the condition of marrying a woman who feels repulsed by Colin Lee’s (not Li Colin’s) dalliances, and whose very nature is the complete opposite of Colin Lee (not Li Colin), what must he do to gain her affection?! <<less

Over two thousand years ago on a deep night, Xu Fu* set sail to the eastern seas in a treasure ship to search for immortality, but few people knew that at the same time, a group of black-turban soldiers secretly entered the vast and dense Nanbao forest…... more>>

A millennium later, the dark legend continues to slowly grow in the shadows.

Xú Fú 徐福: Qin dynasty court necromancer and was tasked by Qin Shi Huang to the look for the elixir of life between 219 BC and 210 BC. He never returned after departing on his second mission in 210 BC. <<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

Ecclesia, the daughter of Count Cambell, is renowned as the "Horse-loving Lady." Her dream is to breed the strongest and fastest horse in the empire,... more>> abandoning her noble status to pursue a life dedicated to horses, despite being a noble lady. Ecclesia captures the attention of Acrod, the incredibly handsome and future Duke of the empire, as she passionately pursues her dream of horse breeding. Set in an empire, the story is consisted with elements of horse racing, romance, politics, and war. <<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

"Just you wait. I'll become a nightmare and visit your nights."... more>>

The empire’s margrave, the Valiant Brown Lion, the owner of the famed sword, Ascaron.
And the lord of the territory, ‘Genevu’, located at the empire’s borders and in the Atlas Mountains, which touched the skies.

‘Marquis Balt Haustein Friedrich Morenheitz.’

In order to save the lives of a woman and two children he had never seen before, he had to cut the legs of his beloved horse and pierced a sword into its throat.

"Bring the children's father. I will hold him accountable for the price of the horse's life."
"I don’t have a husband."

Blue eyes, resembling the still spring waters of the deep mountains, stared back at Balt.

"If there's anything I can do to repay you with a woman's body… I'll do it."
"Anything?"

Filled only with confusion and instinctual desire, Balt embraces Claire, a widow and a mother of three.

But that night, he realises that he is her first man.

"Why did you lie to me? Explain yourself immediately."
"Just leave me alone. Because there isn’t anything I want."
"What are you actually afraid of?"

The east wind, carrying the cold air of Atlas, blew through Genevu as spring arrived.

"Am I unable to make you the Marchioness? Or perhaps, I’ll actually make it happen?"

An icy, blue-eyed woman, whom he was unable to abandon, and unwilling to forsake. Before these two, an unfathomable and cruel fate unfolds. <<less

Hey, my luck is pretty good… I have transmigrated into the body of a rich young master! ... more>>

What’s this? A brat who told him not to look down on others… WHAT?! Did you say that he’s someone of discipline and determination? Why does that sound so familiar?

What’s that? A cripple who came from a fallen clan whose fiancee just broke off the engagement?! Wait a f*cking minute…

Huh?! I’m responsible for his broken engagement? His supposed fiancee seems to be looking at me with a…

Am I the villain of this story?! No, no, no. This won’t do. I’ll suppress them all before they get the chance to mature. I’m not going to commit the same mistakes as those losers in the novels I read in the past! <<less

The worlds enemy that spread terror to everything in the horizon, the "real demon king" was defeated by someone.
The name and existence of that one hero is still unknown.
Now that the age of terror was over, it was necessary to determine who that person was.... more>>

At the worlds largest city――the Yellow Capital, the strongest were gathering.
The one that gained victory there would be determined to be the hero.
A new era was about to begin, an important game to create idols of heroes.

For twenty five years, being subject to torment by the demon king, a reality that was far away to the extremes.
An era where all races sought strength in the face of one threat, perhaps it produced a threat not less than the Demon King.

At the time the tale they sought came to a sudden end, only the Shura that desired a place to battle remained.

――At present, the names of the Shura were fifteen.

The Willow sword Soujirou
Ars the Starry
Kia of the worlds words
Saianop of the inexhaustible flow
Gently singing Nastique
Horizons roar Melle
Noise cut Shalk
Rosklei the absolute
Silent Uhaku
Magic Two
Winter's Ruknoka
Obsidian Linalis
Box of destitute wisdom Mestel Exil
Repulsive Troa
Reverse Logic Hiroto <<less

Following the collapse of the Republic of Zeon’s autonomy, the Earth Federation government declared an end to all wars. However, the absolute control exerted by... more>> the Earth Federation government has caused the system to decay. Government brass abused their privileges and forcefully deported illegal residents into outer space in a practice known as “manhunting”. The year is Universal Century 0105. In order to break the decayed system of the Federation, the secret society “Mufti” begins its operations… <<less

By chance, the poor examinee Zhang Ping encountered Assistant Minister of Rites, Lan Jue – the two became attached since then.... more>>

Zhang Ping, who likes to solve cases, solved numerous mu*ders, with the erudite Lan Jue providing him with much help.

The prelude revolves around Zhang Ping’s flamboyant life from a poor scholar to a Prime Minister. Knowledgeable on the ways of officials, Lan Jue, who’d always only cared about saving his own skin, found his manner and life gradually changing soundlessly… <<less

After his Empress Mother was deposed, she passed away, and his maternal Uncle made one mistake after another.... more>>

Lu Mingyu had always kept a low profile, counting down the days to when he could go to his fiefdom, wishing to stay away from the Capital.

However, his cautious behavior only earned him disrespect and humiliation, even to the point where he was sent to someone else’s bed with a drugged cup of wine.

After that night, when Lu Mingyu met the interested gaze of General Fuyuan, Yan Yunge, many years of sadness and hatred welled up inside his heart.

At that moment, Lu Mingyu finally realized that the consequence of not competing was to become a pawn in others’ hands.

So, he had to fight.

After several years of feigning courtesy and conformity, he was steadfastly determined to take revenge.

Then, the young Princes failed one by one, while the Emperor’s eldest son, whom none of the Ministers had ever taken seriously, finally ascended the throne.

After taking power, Lu Mingyu was determined to remove the General from his position.

After making the General drink a cup of poisoned wine, the Emperor thought back to the few good moments they shared in the past, and regret filled his heart as he realized the consequences of his actions.

However, the Emperor soon heard the news that the General hadn’t died, but had lost his memory instead.

Before Lu Mingyu could decide how to deal with the situation, he felt an unusual movement inside his belly….. <<less

Yoon Sung-il, a Korean young man.... more>>

The pleasant day after discharge.

“Lieutenant?”

When I opened my eyes, I was told I was a soldier again.

And not just soldier.

The horrors of the war that came before him.

For yourself and for your people.

The coming era of madness, World War II must be prevented.

To do that, first, let’s get rid of the Nazis.

I don’t need Nazis in my Germany. <<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 the land of the bastards, fictional stories are less exciting than real stories.... more>>

In the land of the bastards, wolves in sheep’s clothing roam the home yard.

But at least, friend, in the land of the bastards, true fighters will never betray. <<less

For high-schooler Yoko Nakajima, life has been fairly ordinary–that is until Keiki, a young man with golden hair, tells Yoko they must return to their kingdom. Once confronted by this mysterious being and whisked away to an unearthly realm, Yoko is left with only a magical sword; a gem; and a million questions about her destiny, the world she’s trapped in, and the world she desperately wants to return to.... more>>

—–

Books in the Twelve Kingdoms series with the kingdom covered in parenthesis and volumes numbering based on re-release edition:

Arc 1: Tsuki no Kage, Kage no Umi – Volume 1-2

(Kei Kingdom)

Arc 2: Kaze no Umi, Meikyū no Kishi – Volume 3

(Tai Kingdom)

Arc 3: Higashi no Watatsumi, Nishi no Sōkai – Volume 4

(En Kingdom)

Arc 4: Kaze no Banri, Reimei no Sora – Volume 5-6

(Kei Kingdom)

Arc 5: Tonan no Tsubasa – Volume 7

(Kyou Kingdom)

Arc Extra : Mashou no Ko (Demon Child) – Volume 0

(Taiki Story in Modern World)

Arc 6: Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora – Volume 8

(Tai & Kei Kingdoms)

Arc 7: Kasho no Yume – Volume 9

(Anthology: Tai, Hou, Kei, Sai & Sou Kingdoms)

Arc 8: Hisho no Tori – Volume 10

(Anthology: Kei, Ryu, and other Kingdoms)

Arc 9: Hakugin no Oka, Kuro no Tsuki – Volume 11-14

(Tai Kingdom) <<less

Born into an age of turmoil, God died. But did the truth die as well?... more>>

A man who would sleep until he naturally awoke. A man who counted money until his hands cramped. By a random stroke of fate, a despicable, cunning rascal who loves to fight and chase girls becomes the successor to the departed soul of a great necromancer who once challenged the gods.

Like a little fish in a big river, Rogge aimlessly seeks his fate. He gets involved with the fairy race, God’s realm, the dwarf country, and other dimensions, as well as in politics, war, and trade. Within his adventures, he finds lucky encounters left and right as his achievements spiral upwards to ever greater heights. <<less

Leon is the kingdom's most worthless Court Magician. One day, his repeated absences are punished and he is sent to the battlefield, but with the... more>> quick wits he was hiding he saved the Third Princess Sicily? Then, along with the reformer princess, and steeling his own resolve, Leon becomes a specialized officer determined to control events from the shadows. <<less

*The Four Great Female Constables – Book 3/4 (story of the second senior sister)... more>>

In this life, the biggest ‘unresolved case’ that Gong Wuhuan handled involved Gong Changxiao.

She was certain she had killed him but why is this man still alive?

When the man stared at her with that greedy look, he was like a cat staring at a fish.

And what made it most unbearable was that he kept calling her…….wife.

“Wife, you can’t kill your husband, do you understand? Otherwise, who will help to warm your bed and watch over you at night?”

Suddenly, she thrust out the sword……..it didn’t kill him.

“Wife, don’t fight anymore because Husband is afraid that my martial arts is too powerful and may hurt you by mistake. My heart will hurt.”

She shot out a concealed weapon…..it missed.

“Wife, you must not castrate your husband’s second brother. Without him, you won’t have happiness.

Pa! She slapped his face fiercely, hitting right on target. She was stunned.

She saw him stroking his face with enjoyment. “As Husband expected, Wife’s hands are so soft.”

Instantly, Gong Wuhuan’s heart sank to the bottom and she had a hunch.

It’s afraid this man will be haunting her like a lingering ghostly soul that refuses to scatter until her death! <<less

One generation's God King, Tang San, roams the cosmos with a trace of divine consciousness, searching for the world where his wife was reborn. Guided... more>> by his divine consciousness, he arrives to a place known as the Daemon Continent. However, to his astonishment, he discovers that in this world, humans are nothing but s*aves and cattle. <<less

Hai Lian: If I lined up all of Fang Tinglan’s lies, they would wrap all the way around the coastlines.... more>>

Fang Tinglan: “I love you” doesn’t count.

Hai Lian: That’s included too.

Fang Tinglan: …

A tale of pirates, assassins, military coups, and loving while fighting unfolds. <<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

From the boundless expanses of Lake Chao to where it meets the army of the Chi Bi.... more>>

From the childhood promise sealed with a knot of hair to the 40-year old lingering dream of home in Jiangdong.

From a singular kite hovering in the sky, to the sound of the qin echoing over a hundred li, across the river lit by the scorching sunset...

East flows the mighty river, sweeping away the heroes of time past...

I dream of Gongjin in his day, with his new bride, the Lord Qiao's younger daughter, dashing and debonair.

Ah, this life is a dream, let me drink to the moon floating in the river... <<less

The world is shrouded in radioactive dust, descendants of ancient gods hunt mankind as mutant creatures run rampant all while bizarre existences emerge from unknown depths. ... more>>

The alliance of humanity has long ago fallen apart, suffering, poverty and death nibble away like maggots at the remaining human souls.

Li Mu awakens from the distant past and discovers that he too possesses the power of the ancient gods.

Before him, there are two paths: one is to soar high above the heavens, overlooking the changes of the world among other ancient gods, and the other is to light the forge, strike the hammer of battle and completely change the world. <<less