The Yandere Came During the Night - Chapter 0 - Glossary
Names mentioned:
Female lead
-虞襄(yú xiāng)- Yu Xiang, the female lead
-莲子糕(lián
-沈襄(Shěn xiāng)- Shen Xiang, the female lead
Male lead
-虞品言(yú pǐn yán)- Yu Pin Yan, the male lead
–易风(yì fēng)- Yi Feng, Yu Pin Yan’s name in the officialdom.
-虞都统(yú dū tǒng)- Commander Yu, referring to Yu Pin Yan
-永乐侯 (Yǒng lè hóu)- Marquis Yongle, referring to Yu Pin Yan
Family members of the Yu family
-林氏(lín shì)- Lin shi, Yu Pin Yan’s mother
-虞思雨(yú sī yù)- Yu Si Yu, the female and male lead’s sister
-老太太(lǎotàitai)- Old Madam
-虞老侯爷(yú lǎo hóu yé)-Old Marquis Yu, Old Madam’s late husband.
–俊杰(jùn
-沈妙琪 / 虞妙琪 (Shén miào qí / yú miào qí) – the novel original FL and YPY’s biological sister
-虞品鸿 (Yú pǐn hóng) – Yu Pin Yan’s cousin, son of his shu’s paternal uncle
–虞俊伟(Yú jùn wěi)- Yu Jun Wei, Yu Pin Yan’s third uncle.
–卓氏(zhuó shì)-Zhuo Shi, Yu Pin Yan’s third aunt.
Yu Xiang’s biological family members
-沈元奇(Shěn yuán qí)- Shen Yuan Qi, Yu Xiang’s biological elder brother.
Servants of the Yu Manor
–馮嬤嬤 (Féng mó mo)- Male lead’s wet nurse
–馬嬤嬤 (Mǎ mó mo) –Old Madam’s personal maidservant
-翠喜(cuì xǐ)- Female lead’s first-ranked maidseruvant/main maidservant
-翠屏 (Cuì píng)- Female lead’s first-ranked maidservant/main maidservant
-桃紅 (táo hóng)- Female lead’s main maidservant
-柳綠 (liǔ lǜ)- Female lead’s main maidservant
-邱氏(qiū shì)- Qiu Shi, Yu Si Yu’s Momo
–青芽(qīng yá)- Qing Ya, Yu Si Yu’s maidservant
–金嬷嬷 (Jīn mó mo) – Jin Momo, Lin Shi’s personal maidservant
–晚秋 (Wǎnqiū) – Wan Qiu, Old Madam’s maidservant
-宝生 (Bǎo Shēng) – Shen Miao Qi / Yu Miao Qi’s main maidservant
–春梅(chūn méi)- Chun Mei, one of the tongfang that Yu Pin Yan was given
-冬水(dōng shuǐ)- Dong Shui, one of the tongfang that Yu Pin Yan was given
-降雪(jiàngxuě)- Jiang Xue, Yu Si Yu’s maidservant
-彩棋(cǎi qí)- Cai Qi, Shen Miao Qi’s name as a maidservant
Names relating to the Duke Jinngo Manor
-靖國公 (Jìng guó gōng) – Duke Jingguo
-靖國公府 (Jìng guó gōng fǔ) – Duke Jingguo manor
-杜氏 (Dù shì) – Duke Jingguo’s main wife
-常雅芙 (Cháng yǎ fú) – Yu Pin Yan’s prenatal betrothal, Duke Jingguo’s 2nd daughter/Duke Jingguo’s 2nd daughter, Yu Pin Yan’s ex-fiancée
-常琦(Cháng qí)- Chang Qi, Duke Jingguo’s legitimate son
-琦儿(qí ér)-Qi’er, referring to Chang Qi.
-常雅婷 (Cháng yǎ tíng) – Duke Jingguo’s legitimate eldest daughter
Names relating to the Xue family (the family Shen Yuan Qi was adopted)
-薛老爷(xuē lǎoye)- Old Master Xue.
-薛夫人(xuē fūren)- Madam Xue.
-薛少爷(xuē shàoye)- Young Master Xue, Old Master Xue’s son.
–薛佳宜(xuē jiā yí)- Xue Jia Yi, the eldest di daughter of the Xue family.
-佳音(jiā yīn)- Jia Yin, the younger di daughter of the Xue family.
Imperial family members
-承嗣 (Chéng sì) – The Crown Prince
-小球兒 (Xiǎo qiú er) – Ninth Princess
-九儿(jiǔ ér) – Jiu’er, the Ninth Princess.
-小九儿(Xiǎo jiǔ ér) – Little Jiu’er, the Ninth Princess.
–邓昭仪(Dèng zhāoyí)- Deng Zhaoyi, Deng Cai Ming’s aunt who is currently an imperial concubine.
–珍儿 (Zhēn er) – the Crown Princess’ pet name
-成康帝 (Chéng kāngdì) – Emperor Cheng Kang
-孙妃(Sūn fēi)-Consort Sun, daughter of the Sun family/ Sun Ming Jie’s aunt.
-承乾帝(chéng qián dì)- Emperor Chen Qian, Ninth Princess’ biological elder brother.
-九公主(jiǔ gōngzhǔ)- Ninth Princess, Yu Xiang’s best friend.
Servants of the imperial family
-方偉 (fāng wěi)- Commander of Crown Prince’s imperial bodyguard
-來順 (Lái shùn) – Crown Prince’s personal attendant
-金嬤嬤 (jīn mó mo)- Jin Momo, Ninth Princess’s Momo
–宋嬷嬷 (Sòng mó mo)- Song Momo, Crown Princess’ Momo
Yu Pin Yan’s subourdinates
-敖平(áo píng)- Ao Ping, Deputy Commander of the Dragon Scale Guards. He sided with the 4th Prince.
-傅凡星(fù fán xīng)- Fu Fan Xing, Yu Pin Yan’s attendant and trusted aide.
-张猛(zhāng měng)- Zhang Meng, Left general/general of the left army.
-林杰(lín jié)-Lin Jie, Right General/general of the right army.
–徐茂(xú mào)- Xu Mao, Vanguard General leading the left flank. (Chapter 123)
–方达(fāng dá)- Fang Da, a former subordinate of Yu Pin Yan.
Names mentioned in Chapter 137
-邵煊泽(Shào xuān zé)- Shao Xuan Ze, Yu Si Yu’s husband.
–邵煊辉(Shào xuān huī)- Shao Xuan Hui, Shao Xuan Ze’s elder brother.
-吴氏(Wú shì)- Wu Shi, Yu Si Yu’s eldest sister-in-law or Shao Xuan Huan’s wife.
–李芳国(Lǐ fāng guó)- a deceased lieutenant who saved Shao Xuan Ze’s life.
–李氏(Lǐ
–纤萝(Xian Luo)- Xian Luo, a famous Hua Dan.
Name of places
-荆馥小院(jīng fù xiǎo yuàn)- Jing Fu Courtyard,
–永乐侯府 (Yǒng lè hóu fǔ)- Marquis Yongle manor
-于文濤 (yú wén tāo) – Ministry of Revenue
-永乐宫(Yǒng
-坤宁宫(kūn níng gōng)-Kunning Palace, the place the Empress resides
-甘泉宫(Gānquán gōng)- Ganquan Palace, the place where there is a Buddhist Hall
–养心殿(yǎng xīn diàn)- Hall of the Nurtured Heart, the place the Emperor resides
–镇国寺(zhèn guó sì)- Zhenguo Temple, the temple Master Ku Hai is from.
–天竺国(Tiān
–广济寺(guǎng jì sì)- Guang Ji temple, the temple Master Ku Hai was in 70 years ago.
–大雄宝殿(dà
-叠翠苑(dié cuì yuàn)- Die Cui Garden
–白云道观(bái
-白云观(báiyún guàn)- Baiyun Temple, a taoist temple.
–水月庵 (Shuǐ yuè ān) – Shui Yue Nunnery
– 翰林院侍读学士 (Hànlín yuàn shì dú xuéshì) – Imperial Academy was set up to study the history of the country, record the words and deeds of the emperor, enter the history of the scriptures, and draft the manuscripts of the ceremonies. Bachelors of the Imperial Academy taught and read scripture history for the emperor and prince, and prepared consultants to respond.
–百花井巷(bǎi huā jǐng xiàng)-Bai Hua Jing Alley. The literal meaning would be Hundred Flowers Well Alley. It is the place where the Fang mother and son are temporarily residing. (Chapter 66 & 67)
-查布城(Zhā bù)- Zhabu City (Chapter 122)
-乌兰察布(Wūlánchábù)- Wulan Province
-阔水林(kuò Shuǐlín)- Kuoshui Forest in Western Frontier
–星罗道(xīng luó dào)-Xingluo Road (Chapter 123)
Other names
–樸神醫(Pǔ shényī)- Divine Doctor Pu
–秦芳(Qín fāng)- Female lead’s vicious bff
-苦慧大師 (Kǔ huì dàshī) – Great Master Ku Hui
-苦慧(Kǔ huì)-Ku Hui, referring to Great Master Ku Hui
–苦海和尚(Kǔ huì hé
-清河郡主(Qīng
-范大宝(fàn dà
-邓彩明(Dèng cǎi míng)- Deng Cai Ming, Seventh Princess’s study companion
-皇帝圣祖(huáng
-裴氏 / 裴逆鳞 (péi shì / Péi nì lín)- Pei Shi, the Old Madam’s good friends’ daughter in law/current guest in the Yu Manor.
-方志晨(fāng zhì chén)- Fang Zhi Chen, Pei Shi’s son
志晨(zhì chén)- Zhi Chen, Pei Shi’s son.
-倩儿(qiàn ér)- Qian’er, Fang Zhi Chen’s maternal cousin/Pei Shi’s niece.
–赵安顺(zhào Ān
–赵敏慧(zhào mǐn huì)- Zhao Min Hui, the eldest daughter of Zhao An Shun and Shen Miao Qi’s former master.
–薛姓家 (Xuē xìng jiā) – Xue family, Shen Yuan Qi’s adopted father
–薛老爷 (Xuē lǎoyé) – Shen Yuan Qi’s adopted father
-福慧大师 (Fú huì dàshī) – Abbess of Shui Yue Nunnery
–赵瑾 (Zhào jǐn) – Zhao An Shun’s daughter, Shen Miao Qi’s former master
–了空师太(Le kōng shī tài)- Abbess Le Kong from Shui Yue Nunnery/the emperor’s elder sister
-闵松 (Mǐn sōng) – the Crown Princess’ younger sister (1)
-闵芝 (Mǐn zhī) – the Crown Princess’ younger sister (2)
-闵兰 (Mǐn lán) – the Crown Princess’ younger sister (3)
-孙氏 (Sūn shì) – Lin Shi’s younger brother’s wife/maternal uncle’s wife
-孙夫人(Sūn fūren)- Madam Sun, Sun Ming Jie’s mother.
-孙明杰 (sūn míng jié) – Sun Ming Jie, Lord Sun’s son.
-林纪民 (Línjìmín) – Lin Shi’s Di younger brother
-查干巴拉(chá gān bālā)- Chaganbala, Second Prince of the Western Barbarians
-徐院正(xú yuàn zhèng)- Xu Yuan Zheng (mentioned in ch 120)
Female lead’s friends
-范娇娇(Fàn jiāo jiāo)- Fan Jiao Jiao, Ninth Princess’s study companion and daughter of General Who Guards the State.
-虎妞(hǔ niū)- Tigress, referring to Fan Jiao Jiao
-九儿(jiǔ ér) – Jiu’er, the Ninth Princess.
-小球兒 (Xiǎo qiú er) – Ninth Princess
-九公主(jiǔ gōngzhǔ)- Ninth Princess, Yu Xiang’s best friend.
Appellation:
–主母(zhǔ mǔ)- The madam of the household
–尚宫[shàng gōng]- high ranking female official.
-师叔(shī shū)- Shi Shu. It refers to the address of one’s master’s fellow brothers. He would be less senior than the master.
–本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself ‘the palace’, and the princess with the official title can also call herself ‘the palace’.
-郡主 (Jùn zhǔ) – County Lord / Princes’ daughter, imperial relatives’ daughter or meritorious official’s daughter
–老奴(lǎonú ) – this old slave
–奴婢[núbì]- I; your humble servant (term of self-address used by servants, maid-servants and eunuchs when addressing the emperor, minister, concubines, etc.)
–朕(zhèn)- I (imperial)/we (imperial use)
–臣妾(chénqiè)- I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female)
-孤(gū)- Gu. Similar to Zhen, it means ‘I’ and it is usually used by an emperor, king or a crown prince. Employed by the King out of respect for his father, who usually (though no always) had predeceased him
–公子(gōngzǐ)-Gongzi/son of an official/son of nobility
-丫头 (Yātou) – girl / servant girl / (used deprecatingly, but sometimes also as a term of endearment)
–娘娘 (Niáng-niáng) – an honorific address that generally used for royalty and noblewomen such as queens, imperial concubines, princesses, and also goddesses.
-乡君 (xiāng jūn) – township princess. It is translated as “Lady of a Village” or “Lady of Third Rank”. It was usually granted to the daughter of dukes with eight privileges or daughter born to a secondary consort of beile. (Prince of The Third Rank, granted to the son of a qinwang or junwang and commonly used to refer to all Manchu princes.) Credits: Wikipedia
–奴才 (núcái) – self appellation of bondservant when addressing the royalty or one’s master/your humble servant.
-老身(lǎo shēn)- this old body/I, me. It is used by a female elderly.
–儿臣(ér chén)- This child and subject/ I, me. (archaic) a first person pronoun employed by a male sovereign when speaking to an empress mother, queen mother, empress dowager, queen dowager.
–姑爷(gūye)- son-in-law (used by wife’s family)/Uncle(husband of father’s sister).
–卑职(bēizhí)– I, me/this inferior official. It is used by those who are employed as officials when addressing their patrons or other bureaucrats of equal rank. Credits: Wikipedia
–沈某(Shěn mǒu)- I (humble, by itself)/This humble self. It could also be used in place of a person’s given name, for anonymity purposes. E.g. a person with the surname of Shen.
-草民(cǎomín)- This humble self/ I (used by a commoner when addressing the emperor or an official)
Phrases mentioned:
-金手指(jīn shǒuzhǐ) – A slang that means a cheat.
-甜宠文(tián chǒng wén) – It refers to a novel that the female lead or male lead would be very pampered and has a sweet romance.
-傻白甜(shǎ bái tián) – An internet slang that has two meanings. Firstly, it would mean a beautiful, gentle and sweet romance story that wouldn’t have a complicated story line such as misunderstanding, kidnaps etc. Secondly, it would usually refer to a sweet and naive female lead in a novel.
–往生咒 – is for sincerely asking protection and blessings from Guan Yin Bodhisattva to grant a pleasant life in the present, and rebirth into the Pure Land in the future.
–HE- happy ending
-小白文(xiǎo bái wén)- little white novel. It refers to a novel that doesn’t have much depth in the plot and can be understood easily.
-狗血(gǒu xiě )- Dog blood. An internet slang that usually refers to a plot that is ridiculous and exaggerated that commonly appears in plot.
–琴 (qín)- It is a type of zither.
–嫡 (dí) – Legitimate.
–庶(shù)- children born from a concubine
-婆子 (pó zi) – old woman / old maidservant
–姨娘 (yí niáng) – father’s concubine
– 順手牽羊 (shùn shǒu qiān yáng) – to steal sth under cover of an emergency/to take advantage of a crisis for personal gain
– 打臉 (dǎ liǎn) – not giving face
-Qiu (球) – ball
-Four Arts ( 琴棋書畫-Qín qí shūhuà) – zither, Go, calligraphy and painting
-三陽開泰 (Sān Yáng Kāi tài) – Yang was synonymous with sheep. “San yang” means that yang energy will gradually surpass the yin energy from winter to spring. “Kaitai” means auspicious prosperity and good luck is coming.
-梅蘭竹菊 (Méi lán zhú jú) – Known as the “Four Gentlemen’s demeanor”, their qualities are: resolute, integrity, modest, open-minded.
-五榖豐登(Wǔgǔ fēngdēng) – abundant harvest of all food crops
-六藝(Liùyì) – six basic talents that ancient Chinese Confucianism requires students to master – music , archery, charioteer, calligraphy or literacy, mathematics or reckoning
-身無彩鳳雙飛翼，心有靈犀一點通 (Shēn wú cǎi fèng shuāngfēi yì, xīnyǒulíngxī yīdiǎn tōng) – He and his lover were separated from each other and could not meet each other. Although they can’t communicate with each other, the two people have already matched and communicated with each other in terms of thoughts and feelings.
–风雨欲来[fēngyǔyùlái]- storm clouds approaching/troubles lying ahead
–陌上人如玉,公子世无双[mò shàng rén rú yù, gōngzǐ shì wúshuāng]- It originated from a relatively sad poem where 陌上人如玉[mò shàng rén rú yù], would refer to the lady as beautiful as a jade standing in the farmland and 公子世无双[gōngzǐ shì wúshuāng] would refer to the elegant son of nobility is exceptionally unparalleled. Also, 陌上[mò shàng] would refer to a rather high place that is interpreted from this poem. It would roughly mean a perfect match between a man and a woman and they are a match by the heavens.
-翻手为云覆手为雨[fān shǒu wéi yún fù shǒu wéi yǔ]- Turning the hand is the cloud and covering the hand is the rain describes people’s capriciousness or habit of playing power.
–六亲不认[liùqīnbùrèn]- not recognising one’s family; self-centered and not making any allowances for the needs of one’s relative
-慧根[huì gēn]- Wisdom/understanding/comprehension. It refers to one of the five spiritual faculties of Indriya.
–阿鼻地狱[Ā bí dì yù]- Ceaseless pain (Sanskrit: Avicii), one of the Buddhist hells/hell on earth. Avicii is the lowest level of the Naraka or “hell” realm, with the most suffering, into which the dead who have committed grave misdeeds may be reborn.
–镇国将军 [zhèn guó jiāngjūn]- General Who Guards the State/Defender General/Hereditary General of the First Rank. This title belongs to the first rank of the official rank system as a general. Historically, this title is given to the remaining sons of the Junwang (Prince of the Second Rank) other than the eldest son.
–天残地缺(tiān cán dì quē)- Heaven is imperfect, the earth is uneven. The meaning behind this phrase is to express the truth of life, which is not perfect. There are imperfections in heaven and earth.
–特么[tème]- Equivalent to 他妈的[tāmāde], which means damn it!/f*ck
–扮猪吃老虎[bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ]- The literal translation would be pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger. It means to play dumb to take advantage of someone.
–厚黑学[Hòu hēi xué]- Thick Black Theory/Thick and Dark Theory/Study of Thick and Dark. It was a philosophical treatise written by Li Zongwu, a disgruntled politician and scholar born at the end of the Qing dynasty. 厚 is thick in English, which came from ‘thick face’ in Chinese, which means being shameless. 黑 is dark/black in English. It’s derived from Chinese of ‘dark mind’, which means setting one’s mind to be ready to play hard, without respect towards common virtue.
-签筒(qiān tǒng)- Chien Tung, also known as Kau Chim or lottery poetry, is a fortune telling practice that originated in China in which the querent (person asking the questions) requests answers from the sacred oracle lot.
-九五(jiǔ wǔ)–Within ten in the yang number, nine is the highest and the largest, symbolizing status. Five occupies the center and symbolizes orthodoxy. Therefore, nine and five symbolize the authority of the emperor, which is called the “Ninth-Five Supreme”.
-太乙贵人(tài yǐ guì rén)- Tianyi nobleman, one of the four pillar gods. Originating from ancient Taoist myths and legends, the gods include the gods of good fortune and evil. That can cause misfortune to mankind. The nobleman of Tianyi is the god of good fortune in Hou Tianyu, who is the leader of alleviating dangers.
-斤(jīn)- Jin. One Jin= 500 grams.
-外官(wài guān)- Outskirt Official or outer officials. This refers to officials serving outside the dynastic capital
-襦裙(rú qún)- Ruqun is an item of traditional Chinese attire primarily for women but also for men. It consists of a blouse (襦 rú ) and a wrap-around skirt (裙 qún).
–对牌(duì pái)- A pair of tablet also known as ‘checking the number tablet’ are made of bamboo and wood, with numbers on them and split in half. It was used as an authentication object which is used to withdraw items from the family. When the servant needs items, after the consent of the family head, she/he will remove half of the tablets and then the servants will receive the items using it. At the time of settlement, the family head would use it to verify.
-凤仙花汁(fèngxiānhuā)- Impatiens Balsamina is a type of flower.
-龙须四素(lóng xū sì sù) – Chayote leaf with four ingredients. As the name suggests, the vegetable dish’s main ingredient is Chayote leaf. The four ingredients mentioned in the name are chye sim, roll of dried tofu strips, tomatoes and mushrooms.
-状元(zhuàngyuán)- Zhuangyuan/top scholar/principal graduate. It is the advanced scholar (进士[jìnshì], a graduate who passed the triennial court exam) who ranked first overall nationwide.
-探花(tànhuā)- Flower snatcher/third place candidate/tanhua. An advanced scholar (进士[jìnshì], a graduate who passed the triennial court exam) who ranked third overall nationwide.
-榜眼(bǎngyǎn)- Bangyan/eye positioned alongside/second place candidate. An advanced scholar (进士[jìnshì], a graduate who passed the triennial court exam) who ranked second overall nationwide.
-侍读学士(shì dú xuéshì)- Academician Reader-in-waiting. Academicians that were entrusted with the task of helping the emperor read or write documents.
-花钿(huā diàn)- Huadian/flower forehead ornament; a kind of floral decoration on women’s faces in ancient times. Huatian has three colors of red, green and yellow. It is made of gold and silver in flower shape. It is a popular jewelry in Tang Dynasty.
-庚帖(gēng tiě)- Gengtie. A card with the horoscope of a boy or a girl sent as a proposal for betrothal.
-云片糕(yúnpiàngāo)- Osmanthus glutinous rice cake. Literal translation of this would be cloud cake.
-平妻 (píng qī)- It can be translated directly to equal wife. It has similar standing to the legitimate wife. However, by law, they are still concubines. However, the children that ping qi gives birth to are regarded as legitimate (di) and have inheritance rights.
-嫁出去的女儿泼出去的水(jià chūqù de nǚ’ér pōchūqùdeshuǐ)- A daughter that has been married is like spilt water, something that was not retrievable. This phrase has been used in a classical novel in the 18th century named Dream of the Red chamber. It refers to once girls marry they would not show concern to their parents’ home.
–门神(ménshén)- Door god, also known as threshold guardian, are divine guardians of doors and gates in Chinese folk religions that is used to protect against evil influences or encourage the entrance of positive ones. They are usually in a divine pair.
–孝服/丧服(xiàofú/sāngfú)- Mourning clothes/attire. Chinese mourning behaviour has included a formal recognition of the genealogical distance between the mourner and the deceased and has marked five or more categories of genealogical distance:- (1) by distinctive mourning clothing worn at a funeral and (2) by the length of the period during which a mourner is considered to be officially in mourning. There is a difference in colour of the mourning attire for different generations, such as white cloth for one of the same generation as the deceased and maternal relatives and sackcloth for the deceased’s children and daughter-in-law. Wikipedia: Traditional Chinese Mourning Categories and Baidu
–不怕两脚踏空摔死自个儿(bùpà liǎng jiǎotà kōng shuāisǐ zìgěr)-One isn’t afraid to fall to one’s death with two feet in the air. Fig. basically saying that she’s not afraid of getting caught with her feet on two boat by having an affair/to have a foot in both camps; to have a bet each way; to be having an affair
–肚兜(dùdōu)- Dudou is a traditional chinese form of the bodice, originally worn as an undershirt with medicinal properties. Its early use was to flatten the breasts and preserve stomach qi in traditional Chinese medicine. Credits: Wikipedia
–增一分则肥减一分则瘦(zēng yī fèn zé féi jiǎn yī fēn zé shòu)-This phrase originates from a poetry work and is used to describe beautiful girls where that every aspect is just right and their appearance are already perfect.
–含在口中(hán zài kǒu zhōng)-Keeping him in their mouth means to treat someone tenderly.
-黄泉(Huáng quán)-Yellow Spring is the underworld of Chinese mythology, or the equivalent of Hades or Hell.
-拶刑(zǎnxíng)- The literal translation is finger compressing. It is one technique of torture that was used in ancient China for interrogation of female suspects that aren’t life-threatening. It consisted of a set of six wooden sticks positioned around and between the fingers and connected by strings. Each time the prisoner refused to testify or confess, the string was pulled, slowly, agonisingly squeezing the fingers between the sticks until the bones were crushed.
–岭南(Lǐngnán)- Lingnan/South of the Nanling mountains. It is a geographic area referring to the lands in the south of the Nanling Mountains. The region covers the modern Chinese subdivisions of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong and Macau as well as modern northern Vietnam. Credit: Wikipedia
–虎狼之药(hǔ láng zhī yào)- Tiger Wolf Medicine is the name of traditional Chinese medicinal properties. Xu Shen, the imperial physician of the Ming Dynasty, used Tiger Wolf medicine as a medicine to cure Emperor Shizong’s acute disease. Translated from Wikipedia.
–龙凤胎(lóngfèngtāi)- A pair of boy and girl twins.
–外戚(wài qī)- Consort kin is the lineage/chinese kin (a patrilineal and patrilocal group of related Chinese people with a common surname sharing a common ancestor), or a group related to an empress dowager or a spouse of a Chinese dynastic ruler or a warlord. The leading figure of the clan was either a (usually male) sibling, cousin, or parent of the Empress or consort. Credits: Wikipedia
–地龙(dì lóng)- Dilong/Ground heating system is ancient ground heating system that was used indoors. It is built by concreting circular flue underground. The charcoal fire smoke would flow through channels to the whole room and raise the temperature indoors. The ground heating system enabled the room to heat up evenly and mildly. As the fiery pit and smoke jack was set outdoors, the heating method was safe, clean and practical. Credit: China Travel Page
–玉颜膏(yù yán gào)-Yuyan cream is a medicine made from Polygonatum odoratum, white honey etc. It is used to nourish yin, body fluid and moistening the skin.
–浸猪笼(jìnzhūlóng)- In ancient China, a woman’s chastity is considered a very important virtue. If one committed such a crime, it will be an embarrassment for the particular household. A kind of punishment in ancient China where one (a female) is accused of committing adultery or immoral acts that tarnishes the woman’s chastity, the offender (and her partner that she had adultery with) would be tied up and locked into a ‘pig cage’ and drowned in the nearby river. They will be bound with rope to limit their mobility and be placed into strong bamboo woven cages. These cages are cylindrical cages that were used to transport pigs thus it is known as “Pig Cages”. Credit: Hello World CIV
–潘安(pān ān)- Pan An is one of the top four beautiful men in ancient China. His real name is Pan Yue and his courtesy name is An Ren. He was a prominent Chinese fu poet in the Western Jin dynasty. He is popularly referred to as Pan An and was well known for his good looks from a young age. “Pan An” has become the Chinese byword for handsome men. Credit: Wikipedia
–紫府(zǐ fǔ)- Violet Palace is a place where celesting being/Daoist immortal lives in.
–孤臣的路子(gū chén de lùzi)- lt refers to people who have their own thoughts, personal ethics and do not pursue fame, fortune and power.
-筒(qiān)- Qian, the fortune sticks from the Chien Tung/ Kau Chim/ lottery poetry, which is a fortune telling practice that originated in China in which the querent (person asking the questions) requests answers from the sacred oracle lot.
-道祖(dào zǔ)- Taoist Ancestor refers to Daode Tianzun(道德天尊 [dàodé tiānzūn]). Daode Tianzun is the official title for the Grand Pure One(太清), which is one of the Three Pure Ones( 三清 [Sānqīng]. He is commonly known as Taishang Laojun/the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord/Supreme Old Lord (太上老君 [Tàishàng Lǎojūn]). Credit: Wikipedia
-八字- (Bā zì) – birthdate characters used in fortune-telling
-巳时(sìshí)- Sushi is in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times and it is equivalent to modern times 9-11am.
-灯笼裤(dēnglóngkù)- Lantern pants/bloomers/knickerbockers/plus fours. Lantern pants is the name of a kind of modern pants clothing. It is a type of trousers that are straight and wide and its elastic waistband sewn in. It is tight at the waist and at the ankle and loose in the middle thus it is shaped like a lantern.
–顺风顺水 (Shùnfēng shùnshuǐ) – smooth / prosperous
– 十八层地狱 (Shíbā céng dìyù) – 18 layers of hell. Is the name of hell in Chinese mythology which is a place of underworld used to punish all kinds of ghosts. The environment is horrifying and terrifying than the prison where prisoners are executed.
– 凌迟处死 (Língchí chǔsǐ) – commonly known as ” hacked to pieces “, is ancient China’s most cruel punishment. In the ancient Chinese laws, the punishment of Ling Chi was not included in the formal punishment and only applied to very few crimes / It also means to cut off the flesh of the criminal with one knife and cause them to die in extreme pain, which has a great deterrent effect on the people.
– 鸠占鹊巢 – (Jiū zhàn què cháo) – The turtledove that occupies the magpie’s nest – seize another person’s home
– 青天 (Qīngtiān) – clear sky – a respectful sobriquet for clean and upright official
– 诛九族 (Zhū jiǔzú) – Nine familial extermination which literally means ‘family extermination’ or ‘execution of nine relations’. Wikipedia
– Càishì kǒu (菜市口) – legal execution ground. wikipedia
–无事不登三宝殿 (Wú shì bù dēng sān bǎodiàn) – wouldn’t have come without any reason
–借条 (Jiètiáo) – IOU which refers to a note written to the other party when borrowing cash or goods from a person or a public household.
– 欺人太甚 (Qī rén tàishèn) – badly bullying someone / intolerable bullying
–步摇 (Bù yáo) – dangling hair ornament
– 欺人太甚 (Qī rén tàishèn) – badly bullying someone / intolerable bullying
–封笔 (Fēngbǐ ) – it normally refers to writers, painters, calligraphers, or etc. who stop using pens/writing brushes and no longer engage/publish in calligraphy/creative activities.
– 作妖 (zuò yāo) – The word ‘being a demon’ originated from the Northeastern dialect. Everyone knows that Northeastern dialect is a very humorous dialect. Although ‘being demon’ contains the word demon, demon is not the keyword, but the consequences and in Northeastern, it means ‘making trouble without reason/unreasonably’.
– 狼心狗肺 (Lángxīngǒufèi) – heartless and ungrateful / cruel and unscrupulous
–千山万水 (Qiān shān wàn shuǐ) – metaphor for difficult and distant road.
–正妃 (Zhèng fēi) – main wife of a prince
– 翰林院侍读学士 (Hànlín yuàn shì dú xuéshì) – Imperial Academy was set up to study the history of the country, record the words and deeds of the emperor, enter the history of the scriptures and draft the manuscripts of the ceremonies. Bachelors of the Imperial Academy taught and read scripture history for the emperor and prince, and prepared consultants to respond
–十里红妆 (Shílǐ hóngzhuāng) – describes as rich dowry where it ranges from bed furniture to needles and needles, so that the dowry line stretches for ten miles. The marriage custom of ‘ten miles red dowry’ began in the Southern Song Dynasty and flourished to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Due to the economic prosperity, when local wealthy households marry their daughters, they hope that their daughters will have a status in the husband’s family and to show off their wealth at the same time, thus gradually forming a trend of comparison. This ethos is reflected in the dowry, which is different from the public furniture in red lacquer with partially covered with gold.
–红顶商人 ( Hóng dǐng shāngrén) – merchants with official status
–中书舍人 (Zhōng shū shě rén) – either it means official responsible for drafting edicts and participating in political affairs of Central Secretariat Province or rich and important person of the Central Secretariat Province
– 皇帝不急急死太监 (Huángdì bù jí ji sǐ tàijiàn) – depicts the observers are more anxious than the person involved
– 猪油蒙了心 (Zhū yóu méngle xīn) – It’s a saying that the person is bound to have no mercy, no tenderness, no conscience and does not feel anything about the lives or illnesses of relatives and friends
–新官上任三把火(xīnguānshàngrènsānbǎhuǒ)- The new person in charge cracks the whip three times is a metaphor that new officials must do a few influential things first to show their talent and courage/a newly appointed official makes bold changes on assuming office.
–不顺父母(bùshùn fùmǔ)- Disobeying one’s parents is one of the seven rules to repudiate a wife. A wife’s disobedience to her husband’s parents. The reason provided in the “ Records of ritual matters by Dai the Elder” is going against morals. In ancient China, after a woman got married, her husband’s parents were more important than her own parents, so violating the moral of filial obedience was considered a very serious matter.
–妒(dù)- Jealousy is one of the conditions part of the seven rules to repudiate a wife. The reason being that it will cause disharmony in the family. It is believed that the wife’s strong and fierce jealousy will lead to family disharmony and marital disharmony, and that the wife’s jealousy to the husband’s concubines will be detrimental to the continuity of the family.
–口多言(kǒu duōyán)- A wife who talks too much or gossips about others is one of the rules out of the seven rules. In a traditional Chinese family, women, especially those that have less seniority, shouldn’t express their opinions too much. Moreover, as a member who joined the family, a wife who talks too much is considered to be at risk of breaking up the family disharmony.
–七出三不去(qī chū sānbù qù)- The Seven Rules and Three Exception is the ancient laws, rituals and customs in China an parts of parts of East asia that stipulates the conditions and restrictions that couples for a divorce. When a wife breached one of the seven rules, the husband and his family can request to repudiate his wife.(i.e. divorce/renounce his wife). On the other hand, if the wife fulfills one of the three exceptions, the husband and his family can’t repudiate his wife.
–络子 ( lào zi) – It is an ancient form of art where it can be made into bags to fill things or it can be even tied into a hair, fan and waist accessory.
–夹缝中求存(jiāfèng zhōng qiúcún)- surviving in the cracks. This refers to someone living in a difficult life or an unfavourable external environment.
-通房 (tōng fang)- the highest position of a maid but the position is lower than that of a concubine
–加冠(jiāguān)-In historical times, man at the age of 20 years old will take part in a capping ceremony, where their hair would done up and wearing a cap. Credits: Beijing Tourism
–吃不着葡萄说葡萄酸- sour grapes, fig. Talking about something they don’t know anything about, because they didn’t want others to experience it.
–衙门(yámen)- Yamen was the administrative office or residence of a local bureaucrat or mandarin in imperial China. A yamen can also be any governmental office or body headed by a mandarin, at any level of government: the offices of one of the Six Ministries is a yamen, but so is a prefectural magistracy. Credits: Wikipedia
–秋风清，秋月明，落叶聚还散，寒鸦栖复惊，相思相见知何日，此时此夜难为情。入我相思门，知我相思苦，长相思兮长相忆，短相思兮无穷极……早知如此绊人心，何如当初莫相识。-
This poem is one of the works by a great poet in the Tang Dynasty, Li Bai. The name of this work is called 三五七言(sānwǔ qī yán). The literal meaning of it would be ‘Three Five Seven Words’ which I believe would be referring to 3, 5 or 7 syllables/characters with lines in syntactically-paired couplets. Credits: Baidu Ximalaya (for reference of the translation) and Sohu (for reference of the translation) (Chapter 63)
–不撞南墙不回头(bù zhuàng nán qiáng bù huí tóu)- The literal meaning would be ‘not turning back until one hit the southern wall’, which means to stubbornly insist on one’s own ideas.
–只闻新人笑，哪闻旧人哭。(zhǐ wén xīnrén xiào nǎ wén jiù rén kū)- All you can see is the smile of your new love, while the old love weeping has gone unheard. It is a line from the poem by Du Fu, a great poet in the Tang Dynasty. The poem name is called ‘佳人(jiārén)’, which means ‘Beautiful woman’. Credits for reference of the translation: Zhidao Baidu
–醋坛子(cùtánzi)- Vinegar jar. It describes a person of a jealous nature.
–军令状 (Jūnlìngzhuàng) – military pledge (an agreement to get a job done, and acceptance of severe penalties if unsuccessful)
–心里焦躁(xīnli jiāozào)- Feeling anxious as if one was set on fire. Describes an unbearable feeling of anxiety.
–十里红妆(shí lǐ hóngzhuāng)- Ten-mile Red Dowry. The bride’s parents would marry off their daughters with a large dowry to show off the wealth of their family, expecting their daughters to have a high status in her husband’s home. The dowry procession could last several miles, which is exaggerated with the name “Ten-mile Red Dowry”. Credits: Ningbo China Daily
–女大不中留，留来留去留成仇(nǚdàbùzhōngliú liú lái liú qùliú chéng chóu)-a grown daughter cannot be kept unmarried for long, and they would turn into enemies if they were kept in their families. This would mean that when a girl is of age, she must be married off. If she was pampered and kept by her parent’s side, the child will take her anger out on her parents.
-炕桌(kàng zhuō)- Kang table is a type of chinese furniture that serves a dual purpose as both a low table and a chair-level bed. Credits: 1stdibs
-面子(miàn zi)- Face. It would refer to dignity as well.
-牢狱之灾(láoyùzhīzāi)- Calamities/Imprisonment. It means the calamity of being locked up in a prison cell. Yu Miao Qi was locked up twice by Yu Pin Yan from a few years ago when she supposedly suggested she had found a medicine to cure the Crown Prince and the imprisonment where she had caused the Crown Princess to give birth prematurely.
–国子监祭酒(Guózǐjiàn jìjiǔ)-Chancellor of the Directorate of Education. It is a central government agency headed by a Chancellor that oversaw several schools at the dynastic capital. Credits: Projects IQ Harvard
–一条道走到黑(yītiáodàozǒudàohēi)-To walk on that path till the end/to stick to one’s ways/to cling to one’s course. It is a common phrase that describes that one achieves a goal by not regretting their decision, disregarding the consequences and walking on that path till the end. This phrase can be positive and derogatory. The origin of this phrase would be there is a particular alley in historical times where the alley is sealed. Thus, for one to walk the path till the end would refer to not turning back or changing the course of direction.
–主薄(zhǔ báo)- Registrar. It is a civil official position. They are in charge of documents, books and seals, drafting some documents, managing files and various seals. It is roughly equivalent to the modern secretary or chief secretary.
–太仆寺(Tàipúsì)-It is a second tier agency of the central government principally responsible, under policies determined by the Ministry of War. It was generally in charge of managing state horse pasturage, stables and corrals, as well as maintaining the vehicles for use by the imperial household and members of the central government. Credits: Wikipedia and Projects IQ Harvard
–驴肝肺(lǘ gān fèi)-The literal meaning would be ‘a donkey’s liver and lungs’. It has the same meaning as being 坏心眼(huài xīnyǎn)-bad hearted and 狼心狗肺(lángxīngǒufèi)- heart of wolf and lungs of dog/cruel and unscrupulous.
–一女二嫁(yī nǚ èr jià)-Marry one’s daughter into two families. This phrase came from a fable story of a daughter in a family that is of marriageable age. Her parents began to consider choosing a good son-in-law for her. A matchmaker visited their manor once they heard the news. Two families came to propose at the same time. One family lives in the east with a great family background and has fields and lands. Their lifestyle is quite wealthy, but the son is very ugly. Another family lives in the west, their son is very handsome but his family situation isn’t good and their lifestyle is very poor. The daughter’s parents had a hard time deciding and asked their daughter for her choice. When her mother suggested she marry into the family from the west, their daughter raised her right arm indicating that she was willing to marry into the family from the west. When her father saw that, he hurriedly suggested the family from the east. The daughter raised her left arm. The old couple was confused and asked their daughter what she meant. The daughter stated calmly, “Isn’t this still unclear? I would like to marry to the family from the east to eat, and then to the family from the west to stay at home. I will go to both houses in the day and the night…”
–登闻鼓(dēng wén gǔ)- Deng Wen Drums is hung outside the imperial court. It is one of the important ways to file a formal complaint in historical times. In ancient imperial times, petitioners were called “people with grievances”. Petitioners who needed justice would come to the yamen of the County magistrate or high official and beat the drum to voice their grievances. Credits: Wikipedia & Wikipedia(Petitioners)
–榻(tà)-It is a sitting platform used in ancient china. It is somewhat an ancient form of a daybed.
–爱惜羽毛(àixī yǔmáo)- Treasure one’s feather would refer to placing importance on their family’s name and reputation.
–泼污水(pō wūshuǐ)- Throwing ‘dirty water’ is a metaphor for slander or attacking someone or something.
–吃人不吐骨头(chīrénbùtǔgǔtóu)- One who wouldn’t even spit out other’s bones. It refers to someone who is vicious and greedy.
–凶神恶煞(xiōngshén’èshà)- It refers to fiends/devils and monsters. Originally, it refers to vicious gods. Later, it is used to describe very vicious people.
–盥沐钗钏(guàn mù chāi chuàn)- This means that the maidservant are responsible for the management and safekeeping of the Young Lady’s accessories (i.e. hairpin and bracelet), as well as the Young Lady’s daily bath and washing of hands and face.
–亲者痛仇者快(qīn zhě tòng chóu zhě kuài)- Bring pain to one’s loved ones and joy to one’s enemies.
–又想当婊子又想立牌坊(yòuxiǎngdāngbiǎoziyòuxiǎnglìpáifāng)- lit. to lead the life of a whore but still want a monument put up to one’s chastity (idiom) fig. to have bad intentions but still want a good reputation/to want to have one’s cake and eat it too.
–覆巢之下无完卵(fùcháozhīxiàwúwánluǎn)- No egg is left intact/perfectly fine when the nest is overturned. It refers to when one falls in disgrace, the whole family is doomed.
–杀人无血(shārénwúxuè)-To kill without showing a trace. Describe the method of harming someone as very sneaky and vicious.
–猪队友(zhū duìyǒu)- Stupid teammate. The literal meaning of the words are ‘pig teammate’. It refers to a teammate that is as stupid as a pig.
–树大招风 (Shùdàzhāofēng) – person in a high position is liable to be attacked / attract criticism / a famous or rich person attracts envy.
– 寒毒 (Hán dú) – chill / when there’s a sudden change of temperature or the weather becomes cold, lacking attention to keep warm, cold air will enter / invade the body and form “cold toxin”. The main effect on the human body is poor circulation that causes thrombus or blood congestion which could lead to one easily catching colds or frostbite and in severe cases, sudden fainting, long-term muscle and joint pain, rheumatism and other symptoms.
–满月 (Mǎnyuè) – baby’s one month old birthday.
–金銮殿 (Jīnluándiàn) – a popular name for the Emperor’s audience hall where the Emperor ascended the throne and held grand ceremonies.
–死鸭子嘴硬 (Sǐ yāzi zuǐyìng) – metaphor for a stubborn person/a person who doesn’t admit their own mistakes.
–龟奴 (Guī nú) – a ridicule namesake for man who do chores in a brothel. When prostitutes with small feet are called to accompany guests, they can only ask the male workers to carry these prostitutes to the room like a tortoise carrying a stone tablet and these male workers are called “tortoise slaves”.
–华容道 (Huáróng dào) – traditional puzzle game involving strategically sliding the wooden blocks that loosely based on an episode in the Three Kingdoms (三国演义).
–曹操 (Cáocāo) – a famous statesman and general at the end of Han Dynasty who was the main villain of the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms(三国演义).
–恨铁不成钢 (Hèn tiě bùchéng gāng) – describing the dissatisfaction and anxiousness of a person in hope for the expectant one to improve.
–给跪下 (Gěi guì xià) – It means worship and admiration which mostly used to ridicule and satire, that at the same time, brought out a hint of helplessness and humor.
–秋后算账 (Qiūhòusuànzhàng) – Metaphor of waiting for the opportunity to retaliate afterwards.
–打落牙齿和血吞 (Dǎ luò yáchǐ hé xuè tūn) – metaphor of after being wronged but still need to swallow the humiliation.
–乌龟王八 – (Wūguī wángbā) – wugui means turtle/tortoise and wangba literary means turtle. This term is a famous northern Chinese blaspheme that derogate men whose livelihoods depend on women who prostitute themselves/scoundrels.
–破鞋 (Pòxié) – loose woman / promiscuous
-翻了船 (Fānle chuán) – metaphor for unexpected setbacks and failures
–只手遮天 (Zhī shǒu zhē tiān) – people who have power could easily deceive the masses/hide the truth from the masses.
–鸟尽弓藏 (Niǎo jìn gōng cáng) – metaphor to get rid of someone once his purpose has been served.
–桥归桥路归路 (Qiáo guī qiáo lù guī lù) – means to be strictly distinguished and not related to each other.
–沐浴斋戒 (Mùyù zhāijiè) – means that people in ancient time will bathed and changed clothes to cleanse the body and clear the heart/mind before offering sacrifices or holding ceremonies in order to show their reverence.
– 投鼠忌器 (Tóushǔjìqì) – burn not your house to rid of the rat / spare the rats to save the dishes / to hold back from taking action against an evildoer for fear of involving good or innocent people.
–火笼 (Huǒ lóng) – It is a kind of heating tool used during winter in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangxi, and Sichuan. The outside is a basket-like cage made of bamboo strips while inside is a pot-like container made of clay. Charcoal fire is added when in use, which can also be used for roasting, drying clothes and so on. Wikiwand.
–乌鸡白凤丸 (Wūjī bái fèng wán) – is a kind of chinese medicine that mainly used by women which treats both qi and blood deficiency, weak body, red and white vaginal discharge, abdominal pain during menstruation, irregular menstruation etc. It’s dark brown to black honey color which tastes sweet and slightly bitter.
– 一盏茶 (Yī zhǎn chá) – approximately 10 mins.
-七夕 (Qīxì) – Double seven festival / the seventh day of seventh lunar month which is the Chinese Valentine’s day.
–喜鹊枝头闹 – Magpie is a bird that has been loved by people since ancient times which is a symbol of good luck and good fortune. The larking of magpies on branches generally means that something good will come.
–做事留一线日后好相见 (Zuòshì liú yīxiàn rìhòu hǎo xiāng jiàn) – it means one should not be too ruthless and should leave oneself a way of retreat someday / It also means to be merciful to others in order to get along with each other in the future.
-着相(zhāo xiàng)- To deviate from the essence by clinging to the external consciousness. It is a Buddhist term. The word ‘相’ refers to awareness, or concept, of something that is formed in our minds. It can be divided into the tangible (visible) and the intangible. (also known as consciousness)
-精(Jīng)- It is the Chinese word for “essence”, specifically kidney essence. It is a substance or energy that comes from our parents and from it, our growth and development occur.
-阴沉的能滴出水- ‘one’s expression turned extremely dark that water could be dripping from his face’ is an exaggeration, which just means his face was extremely dark.
-不破不立(bùpòbùlì)- If you don’t break the old, you can’t establish the new/Without destruction there can be no construction.
-破而后立(pò ér hòu lì)- To break and then create. It means breaking the original rules can create new rules. For example, break the original routine, learn from previous lessons and one would no longer linger over past achievements and such.
-麻沸散(má fèi sàn)- Ma Fei San is an anesthetic invented in ancient China for surgery. It was created by Huatuo and is the earliest anesthetic in China. Credits: Wikipedia
-对联(duìlián)- An antithetical couplet is a pair of lines of poetry which adhere to certain rules. Other than poems, they are usually seen on the sides of doors leading to people’s home or as hanging scrolls in an interior. Credits: Wikipedia
-福(fú)-Good fortune/happiness/luck/bliss. It is a chinese character that is pasted on the gate/door of each household to celebrate Lunar New Year.
-名帖(míngtiě)- name card. Credits: Baidu
-云麾使(yún huī shǐ)- Flag Assistant/Assistant Marshal, rank 4a subalterns in the Imperial Procession Guard. It belonged to the second-in-command of the left, right, middle, front and rear training institutes under the ceremonial guard and Elephant-training office. Credits: Projects.IQ.harvard
-通房 (tōng fang)- the highest position of a maid but the position is lower than that of a concubine
-年兽(nián shòu)- According to Chinese mythology, Nian is a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains. The character nianmore usually means “year” or “new year”. The traditions of firecrackers, red lanterns, and red robes found in many lion dance portrayals originate from the plan the villagers had in which drums, plates and empty bowls were hit, red robes were worn, and firecrackers were thrown, causing loud banging sounds that they hoped would intimidate the nian. Credits: Wikipedia
-上房掀瓦(shàngfáng xiān wǎ)- It is used to describe a person who is naughty or even rebellious and disobedient. The full sentence is “If you don’t beat this person for three days, the house will be torn down tile by tile.”, and is mostly used by elders to describe naughty children.
-守岁(shǒusuì)- See in the New Year/stay up all night on the eve of Chinese New Year. A long time ago, there was a ferocious creature called Nian. Each time, Nian emerged at night and returned to the forests after the dawn and he would only come out to attack humans once every 365 days. People would call the eve of Chinese New Year a critical moment to defeat Nian. After the reunion dinner, people dared not to sleep and sat together to embolden each other. People lighted candles or oil lamps to stay up late, as a symbol to ward off illnesses and demons. This tradition has been passed down from then on.
-八百里加急(bā Bǎilǐ jiājí)- 800-mile emergency. In ancient times, file transmission relied on a relay station for post horses. Generally there was a relay station every 20 miles. Once the official document that needs to be transmitted is marked with the words “swiftly deliver on horseback(马上飞递)”, it must be transmitted at a speed of 300 miles a day according to regulations. When transmitting emergency documents, each relay station uses a fast horse. In this way, although it is not a thousand mile horse, every horse runs desperately and can also round thousands of miles a day. Eight hundred miles emergency is specially used to indicate the transmission of information in emergency situations.
-乌兰察布(Wūlánchábù)- Wulan Province also known as Ulanqab/Ulan Chabu City is a region administered as a prefecture-level city in south central Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China.
-骠骑大将军(piào qí dàjiāngjūn)- General-in-chief of Agile Cavalry. This is a prestige title and is one of many duty-assignment titles conferred on military officers on active campaign; thereafter awarded to favoured courtiers. Credit: Projects.iq.Harvard
-络子 ( lào zi) – Lào zi is an ancient appellation in China refers to knotting craft. It is an ancient form of art where it can be made into bags to fill things or it can be even tied into a hair, fan and waist accessory. According to Dream of the Red Chamber, making Laozi means making knots that can be used on the waist as knotting belts, can be as decorative knots with tassels hanging for small objects or furnishing, can be knotting a net sachet for containing small objects. Credits: Wikipedia
-蒲团(pútuán)- Praying mat (Buddhism, made of woven cattail)
–倾国倾城(qīngguóqīngchéng)- lit. capable of causing the downfall of a city or state (idiom)/ Fig (of a woman) devastatingly beautiful.
–给面子(gěimiànzi)-give (someone) face would mean to show or treat (someone) with respect, honor and dignity.
–罩衫(zhàoshān)-long open fronted coat.
–冲喜(chōng xǐ)- It is a kind of folk belief in Asian countries such as China and India. It is to let a terminally ill patient marry others by using this ‘auspiciousness’ to ‘drive away’ bad luck, and it is expected to achieve the effect of treating the illness. Credits: Wikipedia
–小三元(xiǎosān yuán)- In the ancient imperial examination system, a child scholar who took first place in the county, prefectural and provincial examinations was known as the principal candidate. This refers to a person who won three consecutive principal candidates. Credits: Baidu
–少卿(shào qīng)-Vice Minister, common title for 2nd-tier executive officials of central government agencies headed by Chief Ministers. Credits: Projects.iq.harvard
–大理寺(dàlǐ sì)-Court of Judicial Review, an important central government agency, considered one the Nine Courts and one of the Three Judicial Offices. It was a reliable and large agency responsible for reviewing reports of judicial proceedings at all levels of territorial administration, recommending to the Emperor what cases involving major punishments should be returned for retrial, submitted to a gathering of court dignitaries for deliberation, or decided by the Emperor himself, and participating in important judicial proceedings at court along with the Censorate and the Ministry of Justice. Credits: Projects.iq.harvard
–锦帛(jǐn bó)- It is a form of tool that writes words and painting on silk fabrics. Before the invention of paper, this was a form of book used at the same time as bamboo slips. Credits: Baidu
– 衣冠禽兽(yīguānqínshòu)- wolf in sheep’s clothing’/’beast in human clothes’/‘clothed beast would refer to an Immoral and despicable person.
–山高路远(shān gāo lù yuǎn)- has high mountains and long roads. This would mean a long and difficult journey.
–弯刀(wān dāo)- Scimitar.
–包裹(bāoguǒ)- wrapped up into a bag. It refers to a package wrapped in cloth. The cloth used for wrapping the package is a four-sided piece of cloth in which something is placed in the middle. It is wrapped up and knotted at the opposite corner, and then the other two opposite corners are wrapped and knotted again.
–欲加之罪何患无辞(yùjiāzhīzuì, héhuànwúcí)- He who wants to beat his dog will easily find a stick./If you want to punish someone, you can always find excuses to do so.
– 如临大敌(rú lín dà dí)- It is like confronting a mortal enemy/ Be on one’s guard for all possible dangers. It means that a situation that is not very urgent is taken very seriously
–人微言轻 (rén wēi yán qīng):idiom: in one’s humble position, one’s word does not carry much weight.; the words of the lowly carry little weight.; when a man is in a low position, his words are of little effect. This basically means that words spoken by people of lowly status like her have no credibility.
– 休沐(xiū mù)- In ancient times, officials took a rest every five or ten days.
–清者自清，浊者自浊 (Qīng zhě zì qīng, zhuó zhě zì zhuó)- ‘The wise man knows he knows nothing, the fool thinks he knows all.’ A person who is innocent is innocent even if he does not say anything to clarify himself, while a man who is bad is still bad at heart even if he denies a bad thing he has done.
–醒醐灌顶(tí hú guàn dǐng)- Cheese is poured on the crown of one’s head. Buddhism uses this metaphor to instill wisdom, inspire people and wake up completely. It also means that listening to smart opinions makes people very enlightened. It is also described as cool and comfortable.
–虎谋皮不成反受虎嗜(hǔ móu pí bùchéng fǎn shòu hǔ shì)- strip off the tiger’s skin, but instead, fell in love with the tiger. It is a metaphor that it is absolutely impossible to discuss with the wicked to give up his own interest.
–上刀山下火海(shàngdāoshān,xiàhuǒhǎi)- lit. to climb mountains of swords and enter seas of flame. Fig. To go through trials and tribulations (often for a noble cause)
–有情饮水饱(yǒuqíng yǐnshuǐ bǎo)- As long as two people have affections for each other, even if the circumstances were bad, water would make them full.
–龙肝凤髓(lóng gān fèng suǐ)-’Dragon’s liver and phoenix’s marrow’ is a metaphor which means the most precious food.
–天下兵马大元帅(tiānxià bīngmǎ dàyuánshuài)- Grand National Commander-in-chief. It is a designation of a general put in charge of a major military campaign and with added honorifics. It is the highest military position in ancient China, the general leader of the army and government, took charge of the expedition.
–虎符(hǔfú)- Tiger talisman. It is a two-piece object made in the shape of a tiger, used in ancient China as proof of authority. One half of a tally could be issued to a military officer and this would be matched with the other half when verification was required.
–百足之虫死而不僵(bǎizúzhīchóngsǐ’érbùjiāng)- A centipede continues to wriggle when it’s already dead. It means that when a centipede is cut off, it could still crawl and would not die rigidly. It is a metaphor for a powerful family, although it is declining, it will not completely die out. Or the influence of a person with power lingers after his downfall.
–垮了火盆又用柚子叶扫了扫-Crossing over a fire pit and sweeping with pomelo-leaf are customs believed to ‘wash off’ or ‘ward off’ the ‘bad luck’ of an event. Crossing over a fire pit is usually done after attending a funeral and pomelo leaves are usually used to take a bath to ward off bad luck before Lunar New Year and before a hair combining ceremony in weddings.
–椒房(jiāo fáng)- Pepper room generally refers to where the Consorts live.
–旁支- side branch/a collateral relative. A collateral relative is any blood relative who is not your direct ancestor. So your ancestors are your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., and your collateral relatives are cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc.
–蜀(Shǔ)-Shu was an ancient state in what is now Sichuan Province. Credits: Wikipedia
–朝云近香髻(cháo yún jìn xiāng jì)-chaoyun jinxiang style. It is a historical hairstyle for woman.
–过了这个村就没有这个店(guò le zhège cūn jiù méiyǒu zhège diàn)- It is a metaphor that means it is a rare opportunity, and one won’t be able to encounter this opportunity after one missed it.
–虎毒尚不食子(hǔ shàng bù shí zǐ)- ‘Even a vicious tiger will not eat its cubs’ means that regardless of how vicious a person is, he will not hurt his own children.
–鸾(luán)- Luan is a mythical bird related to phoenix. The name is sometimes reserved for males, while female luan are called Jīnjī (金鶏; lit. golden chicken). Credits: Wikipedia
–八抬大轿(bātáidàjiào)- palanquin with eight carriers / (fig.) lavish treatment. The sedan chair is linked with one of the important ceremonies in life– marriage. The honor of sitting in a sedan was a great source of pride for women.
–一饮一啄皆未前定(yī yǐn yī zhuó jiē wèi qián dìng)- ‘every drink and every peck are predetermined’. The future is determined and decided by oneself.
–绣墩(xiù
–门槛(mén
-虎狼之药(hǔ láng zhī yào)- ‘Tiger and Wolf’ medicine refers to Chinese medicine with strong medical properties that patients cannot withstand. It is also very harmful to pregnant women and they should not use them.
-癞蛤蟆想吃天鹅肉(làihámaxiǎngchītiān’éròu)- A toad wants to eat swan meat– to crave for what one is not worthy of. An ugly man hopes to marry a pretty girl.
-太师椅(tàishī yǐ)-Taishi chair is a classic piece of furniture of ancient China, named after an official title: Imperial Tutor (the prince’s teacher). Taishi chair used to be a symbol of power and status since it was placed in palaces and yamen (government offices in feudal China) for officials.
-理藩院(lǐ fān yuàn)- Board for the Administration of Outlying Regions. Credits: Wikipedia
–万岁(wànsuì)- Long live (the king, the revolution etc)! / Your Majesty / His Majesty. Here, it is used to address the emperor as a prayer for his long life and reign.
–狼心狗肺(lángxīngǒufèi)- Heart of a wolf and lungs of a dog means someone who is cruel and unscrupulous.
– 十字髻(shízì jì)- Cross-shaped bun
–睚眦(yá zì)- Yazi is a hybrid of wolf and dragon. It is a creature that likes to fight. It is aggressive and is normally found on cross-guards on swords as ornaments. Credit: Wikipedia
–生旦净末丑(shēng dàn jìng mò chǒu)- 生 is the male role in Peking Opera. This role has several subtypes according to the character’s age, personality and status. 旦 is the female roles in Peking Opera. The roles can be divided into six subtypes based on characters played. 净 is a prominent male character with striking looks and high social position. It is the painted face male role. 末 refers to the opera role of man that is older. 丑 is a comedy role and it can be divided into two types. Credit: My Beijing China
–兰花指(lánhuāzhǐ)- Orchid dance pose is a hand gesture in traditional dances (joined thumb and middle finger, the rest extended).
–寒窑(hán yáo)- Cave dwelling are common in certain areas of northern China where they serve as homes for more than 40 million people. There are two type of cave dwellings. The first type of cave dwellings are those carved out of the side of a cliff. The second type of cave dwelling is built where there are no hills. In this situation, people create sunken courtyards. Credits: Depts Washington
–绣春刀(xiù chūn dāo)- Embroidered Spring sword is given to Emperor’s guards. It is usually a gift bestowed by the Emperor. Only at major ceremonies can the brocade guard officials, who are in charge of the Emperor’s personal guards and wore flying fish embroidered clothes, and the Emperor’s personal guards could hold onto Embroidered Spring swords. This shows that only those who are qualified will be awarded the Embroidered Spring sword. Credit: Zhihu
-The “nine grades of relations” is an important concept when it comes to application and observing rituals. There are many interpretations on this relation. However, to put it simply, it means anyone and everyone related is to be executed in the context of family annihilation. Credit: Wikipedia
-The word ‘生’ has different meanings. In particular, one refers to ‘to give birth’ and the other is ‘raw’. This is the ritual of which the bride eats a half-cooked dumpling to symbolise the raw-ness of giving birth to a child.
-Peanuts are symbols of health and good fortune. The word for peanut sounds like ‘to give birth 生’
-送子观音(sòng zi Guānyīn)- The Goddess of Childbearing/ The Maiden Who Brings Children. Credit: Wikipedia
-百子千孙(bǎi zi qiān sūn)-A metaphor for people’s happiness and longevity, and prosperous family background.
–花旦(huādàn)- A Hua Dan (“Flowery role”) is a lively vivacious young female character in Chinese opera. They normally wear short blouses with pants or skirts and focus more on movements and speech. They must be able to speak quickly and clearly. They also need to project an image of cuteness and innocence as Hua Dan always represents girls of around 12-16 years old. Credits: Wikipedia
–The dancer’s name is 纤萝 (Xian Luo)- The literal meaning is delicate/fine radish; whereas, what Yu Xiang said was 萝卜 (Luó Bo): literally meaning white radish. In another word, it’s a play on word as Yu Xiang was calling the dancer a ‘white lotus’ (白莲花 (bái lián huā) ‘White lotus’ – someone who is pure in appearance, but opposite inside. 圣母 (shèng mǔ) ‘Goddess’ – Originally a woman who would sacrifice herself to protect others.)
–老鸨(lǎobǎo)- Laobao refers to a female brothel keeper.
–青竹蛇儿口，黄蜂尾后针，二者皆不毒，最毒妇人心- Bamboo pit viper’s mouth and the wasp’s tail needle are venomous, but they are not venomous compared to a woman’s heart! But the most venomous is the woman’s heart!
–驸马(fùmǎ)- Princess’ husband or the emperor’s son-in-law.
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