#and then hua cheng spoke

[mikaela-the-slut-expert]

The God of Song's

Second Ascension

Xie Lian x M!Reader x Hua Cheng

Alright listen y'all. I'm adding a previous part to my first glance series. BECAUSE I really want my timeline to follow the novel's timeline and most of the lines follow the novel as well. I want the story to focus on my OC so obviously it'll be his pov. Be patient with me y'all 😭

The whole point of the part is just to give Y/n some depth? To explain partially my OC's background and abilities. Like I had to put some foundation for the ready bro.

Dúshé means poison laced tongue

Mûguô means bitch or whore

Míngqín means song bird

if you see the name Mei Li, just read it as Y/n I tried replacing them all but I'm blind

_____________________________________________

Y/n is a rarity. An unnatural beauty with white hair. A being who uses his siren like vocals and imitation against others. A majority of heaven officials are wary of him and are diligent on keeping their distance. The reason being, he dips between both realms.

Y/n is a ghost, who ascended and became a god. That's why most people don't like him. He's strange and shouldn't possibly exist. A ghost who became a god? That's an anomaly. What could be worse than that? An anomaly that has power.

He's a god of the upper court and yet he doesn't have his own palace. He rejected it choosing to make his own domain in the mortal realm. Just like a ghost would. His reason being? It's closer to Xie Lian. Y/n having so much power as a god and a ghost, with the ability to wipe out a nation leaves the other officials anxious. They'd prefer if he was banished from the Heavens. Which he was. Even then 6,000 temples stayed up in his favor.

They have many names for him: Y/n, God of Song, dúshé, general, and even the name mûguô was passed around for a while. Only Xie Lian uses the nickname, míngqín.

He used to be a general for XianLe and an imperial guard for Xie Lian. They grew up together, along with Feng Xin and eventually Mu Qing. But everyone knows the stories. Mu Qing stopped following Xie Lian after his banishment and never spoke a good word of him again.

Feng Xin and Y/n however stayed loyal. They grew up together, and were banished together. And yet Feng Xin and Y/n grew apart. Feng Xin and Xie Lian grew apart. Leaving y/n with Xie Lian alone. A banished ghost and a banished prince.

So their wishes came true, but not forever. When the bell in the Heavens starts to toll and shake everyone is expecting to see a newcomer. They must be powerful with how hard the bell rings, surely?

The official's hopes were diminished when they saw the familiar silhouette of Y/n and Xie Lian. He ascended a second time!? And Xie Lian he...he...he fucking ascended a third time?!

Y/n looks much different his face hides behind a veil now. Only his striking blue eyes can be seen. He stands by Xie Lian's side as the other officials whisper. None of them notice the bell fall... Or as someone's golden palace gets ruined.

**********************************************************

Y/n stands next to Xie Lian while Ling Wen talks about his highness getting first place, for once. Of course for nothing good. Something about banishment but at least Xie Lian got 100 merits for it.

Y/n gets lost in thought and starts paying attention to his two birds, Wèizhī. It's supposed to be one, conjoined name but the twin birds liked the name for both of them. Yes Y/n has birds. While other gods have families as swords, or ghosts have butterflies. Y/n has his birds. They're Oriental Magpies and they represent Y/n perfectly. Both of them imitate others, and both of them sing.

Y/n's attention is brought back when Ling Wen points at a 'bell'. He looks over to the civil god with an arched brow. "Ling Wen I know you're tired but there's no bell up there", he says with a shrug

"There was a bell there. When general Li and his highness ascended you both caused quite the turmoil. Causing the bell to fall on a passing by heavenly official" she explains.

She points in another direction, "Do you see that golden palace?" Xie Lian smiles, "Ah yes I can."

"It was put up to replace an official's golden palace that was damaged from your ascension" and Xie Lian's smile falls into a nervous one.

"So we've offended many officials from the moment we arrived?" Xie Lian confirms

"If you can make amends maybe not"Ling Wen

Y/n places a hand on his hip and cocks it to the side, "How do we make amends then?"

"Easy, just pay eight million eight hundred eight thousand merits" Ling Wen adds, "Of course I know you both don't have a tenth of that amount."

Y/n gawks behind his veil. He groans and Xie Lian grins. ,"Please allow us to think about what we should do" he heaves a long sigh.

The two of them walk to the side and Mei Li watches Xie Lian crouch down in distraught. " A-Lian I can pay for it, half of it was my fault after all" you frown patting his head.

"Ah no that's not necessary, I'll find a way. So please don't waste your merits on me, míngqín." Míngqín, a nickname Xie Lian made for you long ago. You love it. Yes you are a songbird, and you're his songbird.

Y/n glances away, he'll pay for it when he gets the chance. Right now he'll stay by Xie Lian's side. "Oh we should probably find the array for the upper court. I don't have the password anymore." Xie Lian brings his fingers to his temple and Y/n does the same.

They search through multiple arrays, some even bet on how long they'll stay this time. When they finally find it someone whispers, "So his highness and his general are back?"

Xie Lian brightens when they finally find the array he's looking for, "Yes I'm back!" Y/n cocks his hip and doesn't answer.

The heavenly official chuckles languidly, "his highness and general /n caused a tremendous force this time, yes?"

Xie Lian rubs the back of his neck, "Ah well it wasn't so bad." Y/n crosses his arms.

Another official cuts in, "It wasn't so bad for his highness, but my luck isn't as good" While Xie Lian looks very sorry, Y/n doesn't.

It seems Xie Lian doesn't know who they're talking to but Y/n knows it's Mu Qing. He cocks his hip and Xie Lian thinks to himself, that one day Y/n might pop his hip out if he keeps up. "This one heard that General Xuan Zhen flicked it and the bell split in half though? Surely it didn't cause the great general much pain?" Y/n hums in fake sympathy and checks his nails.

They're interrupted by another official. Y/n sighs at this.

"Who the fuck knocked down my palace?! SHOW YOURSELF!" Y/n covers his ears as he recognizes Feng Xin.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing start bickering about something, Y/n looks over to Xie Lian. To see if he's doing okay with the familiar faces.

Xie Lian laughs nervously, "it was my fault I apologize, I didn't mean for it to get out of hand"

Mu Qing replies sarcastically, "Oh what a coincidence."

This upsets Y/n, he crosses his arms and sets a glare on Mu Qing. "Are you implying we did it on purpose as an act of revenge? General Xuan Zhen I thought you knew by now the world simply does not revolve around you. I think you want to be a victim." He spits. He refuses to sit here while Mu Qing slanders Xie Lian's name. Off to the side he can other people whisper dúshé.

Mu Qing scoffs, but Xie Lian cuts in, "I will try my best to compensate you, I apologize"

Y/n glares at Mu Qing's spot. The man glares back but he falls silent and invisible.

Xie Lian and Y/n leave the array afterwards.

Y/n frowns and plays with a piece of his long hair. "This one is sorry A-Lian, I just couldn't stay quiet"

Xie Lian waves a hand and smiles, "It's alright no need to apologize."

Ling Wen has invited Xie Lian and Y/n to the great hall so that's where they go. Y/n watches over Xie Lian's shoulder reading the scroll she gave them. Apparently they can earn merits if they solve this "ghost groom" issue.

Y/n hums, "We can do it A-Lian we've experienced worse"

Xie Lian nods, but looks back at Y/n nervously. "Yes but I also can't use any spiritual devices", "Then maybe it's better to get the help of some deputy generals?" Ling Wen adds.

"That's why I'm here, I'll gladly do the work for you-"

"But I don't want you to do all the work for me, I'll feel bad, so for my sake let's get help from some middle officials?" Xie Lian smiles nervously, of course he doesn't want to push Y/n. He does so much for Xie Lian already.

Y/n cocks his hip, and glances to the side "I suppose, but who will really come help?"

Xie Lian laughs, "Ah you're right. Ling Wen I'm afraid no one will willingly come to my aid"

She waves a hand though, "I'll get you some help don't worry". Then she goes into the array, and asks who could send two martial officials to help the emperor.

It probably would have worked too, if Mu Qing hadn't ruined it, "I heard the emperor isn't in the north at the moment. This help must be for his highness right?"

Ling Wen sighs, "You're always in the array these days General Xuan Zhen, congratulations you seem to have plenty of time."

"My hand is wounded, I'm currently nursing the injury." Mu Qing replies coyly

"Oh? You poor thing I didn't know it took a bell to take you out General" Y/n adds smugly.

They all leave the array once it's obvious no one is coming to help.

"It's alright A-Lian I don't mind doing it" Y/n hums softly running his hand over Xie Lian's arm.

"Yes, we're used to being alone so we'll leave it as is" he sighs.

"May heaven Officials give their blessings" Ling Wen says.

"No paths are bound!" Xie Lian replies and leaves in a dashing manner. Y/n follows him with a sigh. He has to make sure Xie Lian doesn't fall out of heaven.

__________________________________________________

Okay guys. So if y'all have read this and the first glance series please tell me if you like it 😭🙏.

Tea Shop

#hualian #hualian x reader #tgcf headcanon #hua cheng x reader #tgcf #tgcf x male reader #tgcf xie lian #xie lian x reader #xie lian #tgcf hualian #tgcf hua cheng #hua cheng #mu qing

[one-flower-one-sword]

Sending virtual hugs! 🌸

I’m wondering about your thoughts on Xie Lian and how he views Hua Cheng and the Gambling Den.

He expressed to Hua Cheng his concerns about how dangerous it is, and let it go when he understood that he and Hua Cheng have differing views on the matter.

It makes me wonder how things would have unfolded if the man who gambled to have his competitors die or give his daughter’s life and marriage if he lost, had been able to complete his bet without interruption. Like how much is Hua Cheng involved in something like that?

Would that man simply have walked away with the luck he needed to get what he wanted? I can’t see Hua Cheng actively hunting down and killing those people.

But I can see him allowing the man the luck needed to make his desires come true - so not actively engaging but not interfering with the man’s terrible decisions - kind of like with how he dealt with He Xuan.

I’m not completely sold on that thought though…😅 your thoughts?

Thank you! 🌸

And thank you for your ask! I love talking about Ghost City :3

I've thought about similar things regarding the Gambler's Den, but ultimately, I think it's on purpose that we don't find out for sure and are left to wonder. Especially since, at this point in the story, both the reader and Xie Lian are still slowly uncovering who Hua Cheng is as a person.

When we look at this scene after everything is revealed, I think it's quite clear from the mockingly derisive way he talks to him that Hua Cheng did not like that guy, and I wonder if he would even have taken that second bet if Xie Lian and the others hadn't been there - he seems to have a pretty good understanding of Lang Qianqiu's character when be talks about him with Xie Lian later, so I can see him use that second bet as a lure to make Lang Qianqiu cause a commotion. Because then Hua Cheng gets to "discover" that Xie Lian and the others are there, which means he has a reason to invite Xie Lian to Paradise Manor, which is necessary to make that whole "have them rescue 'Ming Yi' so that He Xuan's cover isn't blown" plan work.

As an aside, though of course Hua Cheng is always happy when he gets to spend time with Xie Lian, I think he must have deeply hated deceiving him like this. It speaks to how much he values his arrangement with He Xuan and how vital the information He Xuan provides is to him - which is proven when right after this, the whole Fang Xin reveal happens. Without He Xuan monitoring what's happening in heaven and relaying the information to him, Hua Cheng wouldn't have known that Xie Lian got locked inside his palace and couldn't have come to rescue him.

Back to the topic at hand though. I think it's worth looking at the actual dialog when Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss the den because there's so much in there:

After some hesitation, Xie Lian spoke up again. "San Lang, it may be out of line for me, but I still have to say it. That Gambler's Den of yours is incredibly dangerous. Won't it blow up in your face one day?"

A place that allowed the betting of sons and daughters and people's lives, granting wishes for others' sudden deaths - it was dreadfully sinful. Never mind a little brawl; if one day the bets got out of hand, the Heavenly Realm wouldn't be able to stay on the sidelines.

Hua Cheng gave him a look.

"Your Highness, did you ask Lang Qianqiu why he had to jump into that mess?"

Xie Lian was slightly taken aback, not quite understanding the intent of the question.

Hua Cheng continued, "I bet he must have told you that if he didn't do it, no one else would."

He was amazingly on the mark, obviously having seen through Lang Qianqiu.

"That's indeed what he said." Xie Lian admitted.

"Then I'm the complete opposite," Hua Cheng said. "If I don't control a place like this, then someone else will. I'd rather that person be me."

Xie Lian knew when to back down, and he nodded. "I understand."

It seemed, although Hua Cheng was the sentimental sort, he also cared more about control and power than Xie Lian realized.

It's fascinating that it we look at what Xie Lian actually says and thinks here, what he mainly seems to be worried about is what would happen to Hua Cheng and his friendship with Hua Cheng should Jun Wu be given reason to actively start going against him. Which is also what Xie Lian worries about during this entire mission - what will happen if it turns out Hua Cheng is involved with a heavenly official's disappearance and heaven retaliates, what will happen if he's not involved and Xie Lian has destroyed their friendship by deceiving him. It doesn't matter to Xie Lian that Hua Cheng is a Ghost King and that they're technically on opposite sides - he's decided based on his own experiences and judgment that Hua Cheng is a good person and a good friend, and he's already at this point very protective of him. Especially since he's not unaware that the heavenly realm in general and Jun Wu in particular do not share his opinion on Hua Cheng, and the political implications thereof:

Jun Wu turned around. "Tell me, what kind of extraordinary character did you engage with when you descended this time?"

Xie Lian raised his hand. "My Lord, I swear I did nothing. Just, one day by chance, I encountered an interesting young man on the road, and we spent some time together. I didn't think much of it."

Ju Wu nodded. "Chance encounter, young man, Supreme Ghost King. Xianle, surely you are aware what the consequences would be if Ming Guang was to question you further and you confessed to this in front of the other officials? No one would believe you."

"Xianle knows," Xie Lian replied woefully. "So, I'm grateful for My Lord's timely intervention. My Lord, you're not actually going to interrogate me, are you? I wouldn't collude with the Ghost Realm. These are absurd concerns."

"Naturally, I know you would not intentionally collude with the Ghost Realm," Jun Wu said.

"I'm grateful for My Lord's trust," Xie Lian replied.

Xie Lian is definitely stretching the truth here with the "I didn't think much of it" part, given that by the end of his investigation in Banyue, he damn well knew that the "interesting young man" was Supreme Ghost King Hua Cheng, and then he kept spending time with him regardless. He's very careful about protecting their friendship by downplaying it and being vague, and further than that, he's very careful about protecting Hua Cheng. We've already seen this earlier when Pei Ming was interrogating him - Xie Lian even pretended not to know who that "red-clothed young man" was because he rightfully deduced that Pei Ming would try to use Hua Cheng as a scapegoat to get Xiao Pei off the hook. Then when Pei Ming does try to pin the whole thing on Hua Cheng, Xie Lian immediately speaks up in his defense:

"General Pei, let's keep things clear and separate. Let's not talk about whether the young man I traveled with was Hua Cheng or not. At the very least, even if he was indeed Hua Cheng, that has nothing to do with what General Pei Junior has done. A Supreme Ghost King might have the worst possible name on people's tongues, but not everything can be blamed on him."

I find it very telling that the reason Xie Lian is being so carefully vague is less so he himself won't get into trouble and more that he's very aware that if Hua Cheng gets wrongfully accused, no one will question it simply because of who and what Hua Cheng is. And it's that kind of injustice and prejudice that Xie Lian will always stand up against. At this point he still completely trusts Jun Wu, but when it comes to Hua Cheng, Xie Lian not only disagrees but actively disobeys, though he's careful about how much of that he shows in front of Jun Wu:

Jun Wu shook his head. "I should not comment on the friends you make, but I will say this: Be careful of Hua Cheng."

Hearing this, Xie Lian bowed his head slightly, keeping his eyes down and saying nothing. He should've responded with "Yes, My Lord," as he should have been able to say yes with ease by that point. Yet, for some reason, he really didn't want to say that particular "yes".

Hua Cheng likewise also understands his and Xie Lian's respective positions and is careful not to endanger Xie Lian. Like here, when he explains why he put up somewhat of an act of not knowing Xie Lian because there were other heavenly officials present:

"Since gege is here, why not come in? We haven't been apart for that long, so don't be a stranger to San Lang."

At his beckoning, Xie Lian let down the beaded curtain. "Earlier in the Gambler's Den, it was San Lang who pretended not to recognize me."

Hua Cheng approached and stopped at Xie Lian's side. "Lang Qianqiu was there too, so if I didn't put on an act, I'd be giving gege trouble."

Or here when he's content to be accused of having maliciously kidnapped Xie Lian if that means Xie Lian won't be suspected of resisting his arrest and made to look guilty:

Xie Lian finally understood. Shi Qingxuan could see that Hua Cheng had no ill intent, but on the surface, they had to pretend that Hua Cheng had only barged into the Heavens to collect his due. It would prevent gossip from those how might suggest that Xie Lian had maliciously and intentionally absconded. Hua Cheng understood Shi Qingxuan's intent and had played along. However, Xie Lian didn't want to go this route.

"All right, stop acting. He only came to the Heavens to save me. San Lang had good intentions, so why conceal them?"

Hua Cheng does this to protect Xie Lian, but Xie Lian likewise wants to protect him. This has ended up quite long-winded, but I wanted to look for more evidence of why I think that Xie Lian mainly brought up the Gambler's Den because he's worried that the bets could end up endangering Hua Cheng himself.

Hua Cheng sincerely thanks Xie Lian for his concern, but makes it clear that he doesn’t quite agree, and I think it's worth looking into why that is.

I've seen Hua Cheng be described as completely amoral by fans, but I don't think that's how the text actually portrays him. He certainly can be quite critical and cynical with his views on both humans and gods, but his reasoning for establishing and keeping the den isn't "I don't care what happens there" or "I want places like this to exist for my own gain". He is, at least from his perspective and based on his experiences, simply being grimly realistic about how if he forbids these kinds of bets, the people who want to conduct them will simply move underground and do their gambling in secret. So not only will these bets happen either way, someone else will eventually take control of such a place, and Hua Cheng doesn't trust that such a person wouldn't take advantage of it.

Hua Cheng isn't amoral, he just has his own perspective on morality and justice. He's also not passive and uncaring in the face of what he perceives as wrong and unjust, but he doesn't really talk about that openly unless prompted. Like here during the Black Water arc, when they discuss the scroll with (supposedly) the names of victims of the Reverend of Empty Words:

Xie Lian turned to Hua Cheng. "San Lang, you said it's full of outrageous mistakes. How so?"

Hua Cheng scooted over to him, they were now sitting much closer than before. Hua Cheng pointed at a few names. "These are wrong."

Xie Lian looked at the names closely; all of them were known to be lawless, malevolently evil tyrants. "How do you know?"

"Because I killed them," Hua Cheng said.

Hua Cheng deeply hates people who abuse the power they wield, to the point that he personally acts against them. I think this ties in well with his reasoning about the Gambler's Den. I don't think there's anything in the text that suggests Xie Lian is upset to realize that Hua Cheng cares more about power and control than he'd thought, just surprised - until he comes to Ghost City, Xie Lian has mostly been around the very laid-back "San Lang", and this is the first time he's encountered Hua Cheng in his own territory, where he's a Ghost King ruling over the largest settlement within the ghost realm.

Also Xie Lian doesn't know this yet, but given everything we later learn about Hua Cheng's past, I think it's quite obvious that Hua Cheng's preoccupation with the power and control he wields, as well as his contempt for those who abuse theirs, is rooted deeply in the trauma he's gone through. Control in particular is a huge thing for him for several reasons, one of the main ones being that as a child, he was repeatedly punished for things outside his control, and he internalized that pattern to the point where he now punishes himself for things outside his control, as is shown repeatedly when he decides he's failed Xie Lian in some way. But I'm going to go into more detail about this in my Hua Cheng + trauma responses meta.

Lastly, I think it's important to keep in mind that the text makes clear that even when Xie Lian and Hua Cheng disagree, rather than a point of conflict it's actually proof of how strong and healthy their relationship is. I've sometimes seen fans (not you) portray their relationship as Xie Lian being irritated with Hua Cheng's attitude towards others, having him either be somewhat grudgingly resigned to it or actively trying to change Hua Cheng's behavior. But when we actually look at the text, we realize that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is the case - Xie Lian is incredibly protective of him and repeatedly gets defensive when others judge and blame Hua Cheng. I'm gonna examine that in more detail in my hualian meta though, so for now, I hope this turned out a satisfying answer!

#answered asks #silver-cyn #hua cheng #xie lian #hualian #ghost city

[mikoishere]

Poly Hualian with an oblivious s/o?

firstly you’d confuse xie lian at first with how the way you acted when they first tried to express their love for you because the way he remembers

it the moment him and San lang were gifting you an expensive silver butterfly Clip for you’re hair you reacted with “That’s nice, who are you gifting

it to?” He was dead stunned although hua cheng was not surprised by this because of him knowing how oblivious you become when it comes to love

However as time goes by xie lian gets used to the oblivious behavior and is unbothered by it! They both keep gifting you expensive things like rare silks, Jewels, they even gifted you multiple Braces that was smothered in Big Expensive stunning jewels! No surprise you reacted with “??”

Hc’s!

-HC and XL will often visit you and spend all of their time with you! They love you a lot you just don’t realize it yet, don’t worry they have undying patience for you and will wait eternity for you in any life.

-Once you even got angry at them for giving you expensive gifts EVERYTIME(Well I mean everyday) They visited, you were gifted a necklace covered with jewels in public and eyes rolled over the scene of where that expensive jewelry was, people started whispering even

-after that time of “embarrassment” you hadn’t talk to them for a week! You even shut them out!? How could you do that?!

-XL was getting worried even cried once or thrice! Because they haven’t seen you for so “long”! HC seemed fine but deep inside he was aching like XL getting impatient not seeing you for a week!

-once you showed up to their door they were delighted! XL hugged you in a bone crushing embrace as HC joined shortly after, you hugged them back but told them you need to talk to them about the gift smothering thing.

-they agreed and invited you inside, You told them you wanted no more expensive gifts from them and they reacted with “what?! Why! You need to be treated like royalty” you explained to them how they don’t need to spend so much money on you every now and then

-both of them were shocked! You need to be smothered in expensive items so why decline them!?

-anyways you explained everything to them and made them promise to lessen gifting you gifts they agreed

-but the next day holy mother of Cheetos there they were again this time with a gorgeus Diamond ring! You groaned once more

“Xie lian, Hua cheng what have I told you the other day?” You said “no more gifts” you said with a frown worrying they might’ve been spending so much money on you “But [Name] hear us out! We want to talk to u about something!” Xie lian said as you raised an eyebrow “fine, what is it?” Hua cheng took a sigh and spoke “[Name are you that oblivious towards our love for you?” You we’re shocked as those words left Hua cheng’s mouth “love for me? What are you guys talking about?” You asked “[Name]! You’re oblivious with our affection we’ve shown for you!” Xie Lian spoke once more

-wait hold on! What now? Those were you’re thoughts at that very moment. What. How could Them THE CROWN PRINCE XL and GHOST KING HC be inlove with you and is now confessing!?

-you almost fainted you knew you liked them but didn’t expect them to return the feelings and be the one to confess I mean of course how could you know.

-of course you accepted their confession and decided to continue things slowly but you of course told them to stop giving u gifts to which they did NOT agree but agreed to try to stop buying too much expensive things for you.

-and so on so forth you 3 dated each other then on, XL and HC was sweet While XL Cooked “yummy” food for you and HC, HC provided the needs you were like 3 peas in a pod together.

-they both love you so don’t forget it kay?

Note from author: might make HC’s when dating them together and separately, but who knows?

#xie lian #hua cheng #tgcf #xie lian x reader #Hua cheng x reader #tian guan ci fu #heaven official's blessing #polyamory #hualian

[ranexpositioning]

Rereading TGCF, again. And I found something.

When Xie Lian and Hua Cheng revealed their identities in the beginning and they talked, there was this whole conversation:

The two stared at the holey ceiling of Puqi Shrine in amiable silence, and Hua Cheng spoke up again.

“You know, we’ve only known each other for so many days. Is it alright for you to say so much to me?”

Xie Lian puffed again and waved his hand. “What’s the problem? Whatever. Those who have known each other for decades can become strangers in a day. We met by chance, and we may part by chance. If we like each other then we shall continue to meet; if we don’t then we shall part. There’s no banquet in the world that doesn’t come to an end, so I’ll say what I want to say.”

And then at the end:

Those words were like a fatal blow. The tears in Xie Lian’s eyes could no longer be restrained, and they came pouring out.

Like he was hanging on to the last thread of his life, he pleaded, “You said you would never leave me.”

However, Hua Cheng replied, “There is no banquet in this world that doesn’t come to an end.”

#heaven official's blessing #mo xiang tong xiu #mo xiang tong xiu is an awesome writer #hua cheng #xie lian #hualian #i will never get over this

[rapha-reads]

Hua Cheng didn’t say anything more and lay down inside the coffin. Xie Lian climbed in fully and pulled the cover over them. As if a candle had been blown out, they sank into darkness.

The coffin floated into open water and drifted errantly for a while. Pouring rain beat down on the cover, and the two spoke not a word inside. Their bodies were pressed hard against one another, but it couldn’t be helped—they were squished into such a narrow space.

And we're 2 for 3 in terms of main characters get stuck in a coffin in a MXTX novel! I haven't read MDZS yet but I don't remember that WangXian has a coffin moment in CQL, so I don't think I can qualify it as a "mxtx cliché" yet. Unless it does happen in the book. Or it happens in her fourth one. Anyway, the BingQiu coffin scene in SVSSS is seriously awesome in terms of ambiance and pining, let's see if the HuaLian coffin scene holds up too.

#hualian #heaven official's blessing #tian guan ci fu #tgcf #mxtx #mxtx tgcf #hua cheng #xie lian #rapha reads

[polaaaroid]

Crying at that last scene in the new tgcf episode.

The way Hua Cheng looked at Xie Lian with empathy.. and the way Xie Lian was breaking down and regretted the way he spoke to Hua Cheng.

Every time he apologized for it, it felt like a punch on my face.

#tgcf #tgcf donghua #tgcf episode 10 #tian guan ci fu #xie lian #hua cheng #I really need to buy the books ARGH #And that scene of Xie Lian's parents? Unexpected

[taihua]

fengqing + 48 for the kiss prompts <3

--because the world is ending.

[CW for character death]

When the scientists agreed that the meteor strikes were unavoidable and would begin in the evening a month hence, there was talk of relocating to the space stations, although several were anticipated to take damage, too. Where there were humans, there were believers, although most of them didn't care for ancient martial gods anymore, so at most they might buy themselves a few more solar years before fading.

In the end, the four of them decided to stay. Puqi Shrine had long since been converted into a convenience store and gas station and then abandoned when the refugee ships arrived, but they spent the afternoon removing the debris from the floor and salvaging nutrient packs from the collapsed shelves.

"A few hours left," Xie Lian mused at one point. "If anyone has been keeping secrets, now is a good time to share."

Mu Qing narrowed his eyes. "Why are you looking at me?"

"If anyone could keep a secret for thousands of years, it would be you." Feng Xin gave his shoulder a playful shove.

Xie Lian disappeared with Hua Cheng shortly after that, so Feng Xin and Mu Qing exchanged a wordless glance before escaping outside where they wouldn't have to spend their last hours on earth overhearing something they didn't need to overhear.

A few hours left; the sky was starting to turn pink at the edges. If Feng Xin squinted, he could imagine the distant clouds were the beginning of the end.

At his side, something brushed against his hand. When he looked down, Mu Qing was tracing the outline of his fingers with his own.

"What Xie Lian said before..." Mu Qing said quietly. "There's something I never said to you."

If Feng Xin spoke, he thought his voice would crack; he could feel a lump building in his throat. "I know. You didn't need to say it."

Thousands of years, and it's never gotten easier for Mu Qing to admit his feelings. He's shown it in his actions, though--in little touches, in shared glances, in the mended clothes like the ones Feng Xin is wearing even now.

"It feels strange to say it now," Mu Qing said. "But I... love you."

Thousands of years, and it's the first time Feng Xin has heard those three words from Mu Qing. Somehow, Mu Qing was still blushing like the sky at sunset, even though this was the last sunset they'd ever face and no one would be around to remember the confession.

Feng Xin reached out a hand, tilting Mu Qing's chin towards him so he could brush a kiss against his mouth. Tender at first, but it wasn't long before Mu Qing's lips parted, body pressed close to Feng Xin and arms winding around his neck.

There wasn't much time left, but at least at the end, they'd--

#anonymous #fengqing #feng xin #mu qing #tgcf fic #'skitty this is just oneus unforgettable mv' yes #i think everyone should get to experience their faves getting meteor struck. as a treat.

[lazyrunawayphilosopher]

TGCF revised version book 4 spoiler :-

Quan Yizhen: Shixiong?!

Yin Yu immediately spoke: "Chengzhu, I'll go ahead."

Hua Cheng said: "Is he truly that scary to you?"

Yin Yu said: "No, he's horrifying"

#tgcf revised version #tgcf #quanyin #tian guan ci fu

[illuminatedferret]

For the one word prompt: flower.

Congrats on reaching 100!

Thank you! I had such a funny idea I had to write this one today.

“Your Highness!” Yin Yu called out as he arrived. “I brought the flower pot you asked for...”

“Yin Yu!” Xie Lian gasped. “Thank you so much. Please, quickly,” and he gestured for the pot, deftly filling it with dirt as soon as it was within reach. Perplexed, Yin Yu watched as the god carefully lifted a miniature butterfly bush, bursting with red flowers, and gently pressed it into the soil.

“Your Highness, why...” Yin Yu started, although he wasn’t sure what to say. Why had he been called all the way out here just to deliver a flower pot? If he wanted some flowers, couldn’t Hua Cheng just have a thousand butterfly bushes delivered to Paradise Manor?

Anyway, where was his boss?

“Ah... it’s San Lang,” Xie Lian said sheepishly, straightening up.

“...Chengzhu gave you the plant?” Yin Yu asked, still very confused. He thought they had gone out to fight a demon and answer some prayers, not flower picking. And such a small bush... he’d never even seen a butterfly bush with red flowers before. But discretion was the better part of sanity, working for Hua Cheng. Still, “it’s beautiful, Your Highness, but where is Hua Chengz...”

As he spoke, his eyes had drifted across the clearing, hoping to spot the wayward ghost king. And yet, what he instead discovered as a crumpled heap of rich red clothing some distance behind Xie Lian.

Wordlessly, his eyes drifted back to Xie Lian, and the pot he now held cradled between his arms.

The pot with the... red... butterfly... bush.

No.

“...It’s San Lang,” Xie Lian repeated awkwardly. He gave Yin Yu an embarrassed smile. “Please help.”

Mentally, Yin Yu cleared his schedule.

#please let me know if it makes sense im a little worried its not clear whats going on #illuanswers #illuwrites #yin yu #xie lian #hua cheng #i was supposed to do this prompt tomorrow but the idea was too funny to resist #whitetiger94things #tgcf

[friendlyneighborhoodyanderenerd]

Ok ok ok, this is stuck in my head, so let's let it out, lol. I've got sucked into Heavens Official Blessing again, and by the gods, I need to write what's stuck in my head 😋

TW:Yandere behaviors, Gore, violence, Mentions of kidnapping.

_________________________________________

Summary: You are the beloved daughter of Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. Through some magical occurrence, there DNA mix together to make you. Only at the age of one, you magically disappeared onto Earth. They have spent decades looking for you. Until today.

You sat outside your hut. The cool breeze is going through your hair. As you wait for your father to come home. Now that you were eighteen, your father demanded you to wait outside for him every day with freash food. You had no mother, only being told that she died in childbirth. So now that you were of age, you were expected to do all of the tasks in the house while your father spent his day outside working.

Looking up, you can see two men in the distance, who almost looked like soldiers looking at you. Their gazes only interrupted for a moment to talk briefly to each other. Them, being far enough away, you couldn't hear what they were saying. They seemed to nod to each other, but before they could do anything, your father approached you with a less then friendly gaze. You stand up and bow to him in a show of respect and greeting. "Welcome home, father."

He brushes past you. His shoulder hit you in a way that made you fall to the floor. You could tell he was in a mood, and you didn't really want to deal with it at that moment. Looking back to where the two soldiers stood. They were gone. As if they'd never even existed, they just disappeared. With a quiet sigh, you got back up and followed your father inside.

Dinner was uneventful. The two of you ate in silence, as per usual. Once it came time to clean up, there was a loud knock at your door. As you go to take care of the dishes, your father goes to open the door. You couldn't see what was going on, nor could you really hear. But the voices got louder as they continued to talk. Mentally signing, you walk towards the voices. You don't really know what to expect to see, but you sure didn't expect to see to regal looking men arguing with your father. "Father?"

The argument stopped. All three men look to you. "Y/N! Go to your room, this is none of your concern." Your father snaps at you, only for one of the men to backhand him. Not wanting to get involved, you turned to leave, but one of the men grabbed your wrist. "Y/N.. It's really you."

The two of you stare at each other's eyes for only a moment. Before the sound of your father's yelling interrupts you. "Get your filthy hands off of her!"

"You have no say in this dǎnxiǎoguǐ" One of the men, dawned in red, spoke.

"What did you just call me!" The man holding your wrist quickly pulls you outside. You can hear your father and the man in red arguing inside. After a while, you hear your fathers blood curdling scream. The man who had taken you outside, adorned in white, covers your ears. Which oddly blocked out all noise.

After what seems like hours. The man in red walked out of your house, the red of his clothing, a darker shade than what you last saw. He walks to the two of you and just picks you up in a hug. The two men sat there for a moment in silence. All they wanted was time to sit with you. You didn't know what was gonna happen next. All you knew was, they killed your father, or at least severely beat him to the point of almost death. You are scared. Even in their arms, you felt all alone.

---------------------------------------------------

I hope you guys liked it. And let me know if you want a part 2.

#heavens official blessing #yandere #yandere writing #platonic yandere #yandere heavens official blessing

[malsperanza]

Rereading Heaven Official's Blessing - spoilers here

I love rereading books, especially for the first time, when I see so many connections I missed on the first read. The first time you read a book, you're intent on discovering what happens next, worrying about the characters, and skipping past things you don't fully understand.

The first reread is all about looking at the structure, the patterns, the way things unfold, and learning more about character motivations. MXTX is a master at the meta, and she loves to seed innumerable hints and clues in her books, knowing they will not mean anything until the second reading. Plus, she lies like a rug and leaves out key info. This makes a first reread loads of fun.

Seven Seas edition, volume 1, p. 369:

At the end of the Banyue arc Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are finally alone in Puqi Shrine, and Xie Lian has let HC know that he knows who he is. Things are peaceful, and we finally get a sweet moment of flirting - which we have been hoping for through the whole volume. So is it any wonder that we completely miss the massive foreshadowing?

Xie Lian is unburdening some of his most private thoughts, memories of the past, and feelings about his history to this man he has just met. And HC is coming close to declaring why he is XL's devotee.

After a while, San Lang said quietly, "Something like saving the common people, it really doesn't matter how you do it. But, although brave, it's foolish." "Yeah," Xie Lian agreed. Hua Cheng continued, "Although foolish, it's brave." "..." "Xie Lian grinned. "Thanks." "You're welcome," Hua Cheng said. The two stared at the holey ceiling of Puqi Shrine in amiable silence, and Hua Cheng spoke up again after a while. "You know, Your Highness, we've only known each other for a few days. Is it all right for you to say so much to me?" "Well," Xie Lian huffed, "what's the problem? Whatever. Those who have known each other for decades can become strangers in a day. We met by chance, and we may part by chance. If we like each other, then we shall continue to meet; if we don't, then we shall part. At the end of the day, there's no banquet in the world that doesn't come to an end."

And now vol. 8, p. 118:

Xie Lian could no longer hold back the tears in his eyes, and they began to pour. As if he were hanging on to the last thread of his life, he pleaded, "You said ... you would never leave me." But Hua Cheng replied, "There is no banquet in this world that doesn't come to an end."

MXTX, you absolute fucking sadist.

The entirety of Xie Lian's little lighthearted comment, "Those who have known each other for decades can become strangers in a day. We met by chance, and we may part by chance" is the whole backstory of who HC is and is the absolutely most incorrect thing XL has ever said.

The space between vol. 1 and vol. 8 is so vast that there's no way to remember that HC is quoting XL when he is dying, which means that MXTX has built the necessity to reread into the book.

I'm also continuing to notice how often Hua Cheng is described as smiling, laughing, chuckling, snickering. If Xie Lian ever should happen to wonder whether he should laugh or cry, Hua Cheng has the answer.

#Xie Lian #Hua Cheng #heaven official's blessing #tgcf #MXTX meta #MXTX is a sadist #Laugh or cry

[yeyayeya]

I’ve wanted to make this post for a while but wanted to wait until the dub was officially over so

My Final Thoughts on the TGCF Season 2 English Dub

Howard Wang as Xie Lian is fucking perfect. Every single time he spoke it just, I don’t know how to properly put it into words, except it is so well done?? But when XL started basically having a mental breakdown in front of Hua Cheng after Lang Qianqiu found out about the truth of the Gilded Banquet, holy fuck did the emotions just hit me in the feels. The scream and he emotional fatigue after? Xie Lian’s voice is perfection omg

Shoutout to James Cheek for just voicing the gayest character ever (Hua Cheng) and writing the gayest script for TGCF. While I liked his voice in the first season, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. It wasn’t until the second season where almost everything improved, and James’s voice for Hua Cheng? *chef’s kiss*. Okay but at least tone down the gayness a bit. And seeing someone who has read the novel and having little easter eggs for the novel readers for them to go insane over is incredible. I’m going to miss his voice in Season 3 since they’re going to have to cast someone else as Hong’er, but that’s ok.

Male and Female Shi Qingxuan: OMG??? Perfect casting. I just know they both put so much effort into them and I am eternally grateful. They just sound like the best of friends (they are). Every single line from them was so fucking iconic, which is accurate to the Wind Master’s character. I love both their voices so much you don’t understand.

Lang Qianqiu: AAHHHHH. My son, my boy, they gave him justice and I am so happy. First read through of TGCF, I only cared for HuaLian, but reading it again has made me appreciate and fall in love with the side characters, with Lang Qianqiu being one of them. I’ll say it did take a bit for me to adjust to it, but he sounds so much like an anime protagonist that I am ok with it. Another perfect casting. I’m going to be so fucking sad that he won’t appear for such a long time, and while he does get brought up occasionally, his last appearance is going to be the finale. I’ll miss you my son 😔

Jun Wu: ASDFGHJKL. He sounds like such a manipulative/toxic ex and a father figure at the same time. wtf. But his voice is so sexy tho. I don’t like it but I do. And I thought his original Chinese voice was hot, and then the English one goes and surprises me. I hate that I love it

Qi Rong: Perfection, glorious, fucking incredible. HIS VA IS PERFECT. Original was slaying so hard, and English? Fucking killing it. He was actually the one I was looking forward to the most, and he 👏 did 👏 not👏 disappoint. I won’t get over the perfect casting. Ever. The crazy and mad laughs? The insults I’ve never heard about but decided to keep in mind? Literally everything. I’m sorry I can’t get over how great his voice is

Feng Xin and Mu Qing (of course together): I am so biased towards Lucien Dodge, so I immediately loved his voice for him. He slaying that tsundere cat boy vibe so well. I will admit that his voice made me like his character more tbh. Ok but Feng Xin’s? Every time I hear it, I always need at least 30 seconds to get used to it. Idk why. I don’t hate it, and I actually love it, but he sounds so much like a dad it’s so funny. I still love him tho.

Pei Ming: 😳. No but that was actually my reaction to his voice. Why is every single god’s voice so hot. Please calm down. I really did not like Pei Ming at first but damn. I can actually understand why every single woman went weak with him.

Ling Wen: While she didn’t get as much dialogue this season, I’ll still count her. I’ve heard some drama relating to her voice actress from a while back but I’m not bringing it up rn. But her English voice is almost exactly the same as the original, just, different languages of course. She has such a unique voice and it’s quite pleasing to hear. She also sounds a bit like Siri but it fits her character

Other major characters that got only a few lines but still slayed their roles (Ming Yi, Pei Xiu, Jian Lan, Yin Yu): Hello?? Can I be patient to hear their voices again? Probably not, but please I need more of them. Ming Yi sounded hot since he took voice lessons from Hua Cheng, Pei Xiu sounded like such a little wet cat (wtf where did this crush on him come from), Jian Lan slayed because she is such an underrated queen, and Yin Yu? I WAS NOT EXPECTING A DEEP VOICE FROM WTF. I will say I do prefer his Chinese VA a little more due to it being more in character with him sounding soft and somewhat tired. But I enjoy his confident and announcing voice. They should keep him for the QuanYin flashbacks.

All in all, perfect cast. I don’t have twitter/X but I see things from the VA’s from time to time. And seeing them interact with the fandom and trying to give more to their characters makes me so happy. I just desperately need for more of the characters to have voices (aka Shi Wudu, Quan Yizhen, Mei Nianqing, Yushi Huang, Male!Ling Wen, White-No-Face). Give me more please.

Please check out the dub it’s so fucking great.

#yeyarants #tgcf #tian guan ci fu #heaven official's blessing #mxtx #mxtx tgcf #mo xiang tong xiu #tgcf donghua #tgcf dub #tgcf season 2 #xie lian #hua cheng #feng xin #mu qing #pei ming #shi qingxuan #jun wu #ling wen #qi rong #lang qianqiu #ming yi #jian lan #pei xiu #yin yu #hualian

[citronverveine]

“Stop moving, I’m trying to sleep.”

— #39 from this prompt list

“San Lang, stop moving, I’m trying to sleep,” Xie Lian grumbled into the pillow.

No one answered him, but the movement didn’t stop. Annoyed, Xie Lian opened his eyes and turned around to check what his husband was up to when they’d agreed to sleep.

Hua Cheng wasn’t moving. But he was also much farther on the bed than what they usually settled for. Xie Lian blinked, trying to see what was up in the darkness of the room, only lit up by a few silver butterflies.

There was definitely something moving on the bed.

Between Hua Cheng and him was a lump under the covers that moved haphazardly, as if not knowing what to do. Xie Lian immediately sat up and pulled the covers off his body and the mattress next to him. It took him a few seconds to register what he was seeing, after which he couldn’t help but burst out laughing, trying to stay quiet so as to not wake up Hua Cheng.

“E’ming!” he exclaimed the most silently possible. “What are you doing here ah,” he said, picking up the saber and pulling the cover back on.

It seemed he hadn’t been quiet enough because Hua Cheng stirred next to them and sat up, looking sleepy and confused.

“Gege? Is something wrong?” He looked around the huge bed. “Why are you so far away?”

They weren’t far per say, but they really weren’t used to sleeping apart from each other.

“I didn’t move,” Xie Lian began, “I didn’t even fall asleep. It’s just…”

As he spoke, Hua Cheng shuffled closer to embrace him, but that was when he noticed E’ming, which Xie Lian still held in his arms.

“What— What?”

Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. “I don’t know either. I couldn’t sleep because I felt movement on the bed; I thought it was you but it turned out to be E’ming.”

Hua Cheng blinked for a moment before settling down, seeming to understand something. “Oh.” He nodded.

“Oh?”

“Yes, I see. I know what happened.”

Xie Lian recognized to his tone that Hua Cheng was about to say nonsense again, and he started to smile despite himself.

“What happened?”

“Going for gege while his husband is asleep, what a coward,” Hua Cheng said, wrapping an arm around Xie Lian’s waist and (half-)jokingly glaring at E’ming, who trembled slightly. “Not only did it disturb you as you tried to rest, but its intentions were probably not so well-meaning if it waited until I was asleep to go to you. I suggest we throw it away.” With this, he gestured to reach for E’ming as the latter shook slightly in Xie Lian’s hold as if to say "no, no".

Xie Lian hummed. “I don’t think E’ming meant any harm. What if it was just afraid of you?”

“Nonsense.”

“Then what if it’s jealous?”

“Then perish,” Hua Cheng said.

The situation was too silly and Xie Lian couldn’t help but laugh. “Can’t E’ming sleep with us for tonight?”

Hua Cheng seemed to do his best to look annoyed. “Gege, if you spoil E’ming too much, who knows what it will ask for next?”

“I could say the same when it comes to you.”

Hua Cheng grinned. “What have I ever asked of gege that made him think he spoiled me too much?”

Too many things, Xie Lian thought. But he also couldn’t really complain about them.

He took a breath and settled more comfortably. “Anyway, E’ming came to me first, so I decide it can stay. It’s not a big deal.”

Hua Cheng hummed, looking at the sheathed scimitar with a suspicious look. “Alright, as gege wants.” He closed his eyes. “But one problem and I’m locking it in a room at the other end of Paradise Manor.”

Xie Lian closed his eyes too, smiling. “I’m sure E’ming won’t cause any disturbance.”

As Xie Lian expected, he slept very well with both E’ming and his husband in bed, and while Hua Cheng complained later that E’ming had indeed become spoiled, Xie Lian didn’t mind whenever it happened again.

— end

crossposted on twitter

#tgcf #hualian #tgcf fanfic #tgcf fic #hualian fanfic #hualian fic #xie lian #hua cheng #tgcf xie lian #tgcf hualian #tgcf hua cheng #mxtx #mxtx tgcf #heaven officials blessing #heaven official's blessing #tian guan ci fu #e ming #my writing #mine #q

[haveyoureadthisfanfic]

Summary: It began as a rumour. Crimson Rain Sought Flower had taken a husband. It was dismissed as only meaningless gossip by many for a long time, because really, how could such a thing possibly be true? The details were just too ridiculous. They spoke of a couple who doted on each other, devoted and happy. What absolute nonsense to attribute to the fearsome Hua Cheng, let alone a possible spouse. Should he ever marry, surely that person would be either a helpless victim or just as ruthless, right? On the contrary, word was that this mysterious husband was actually a kind soul, if rather private. He was as respected as the great Hua Chengzhu himself, beloved by all in the city of ghosts, and considered a protector of those downtrodden souls. They worshipped him feverishly alongside their lord, apparently willing to answer any prayer from even the most pathetic of creatures. -- After getting caught in a deadly situation, Feng Xin makes a last ditch effort to save himself by praying to Crimson Rain's elusive husband for help. When a veiled cultivator in white actually shows up, he becomes curious as to why someone from the Ghost Realm would help someone like him.

Author: @kingfisherprince

Note from submitter: This fic is fantastic, I know people who don’t even ship these characters together who love it

#official fic poll #haveyoureadthisfic #pollblr #fanfiction #fanfic #fandom culture #internet culture #tumblr polls #fandom poll #Foolhardy #tian guan ci fu #tgcf #xianle quartet #untamed

[antithcsis]

Hua Cheng held Xie Lian tightly and spoke in a low voice touched by despair. "I couldn’t get into the Kiln no matter what I tried, and you had to break out on your own! I'm so fucking—" "San Lang, it's okay—it's really all right!" Xie Lian said quickly. "Besides, I didn't break out on my own! […] You helped me. Look.”

Hua Cheng assured him next to his ear. "Don't ever be afraid—I'm right here beside you!" Hua Cheng was right behind him, his hands steady on Xie Lian's waist. He was just one person, but to Xie Lian, it felt like the entire world was supporting him. He breathed in deeply and closed his eyes.

When he looked back, Hua Cheng grasped his shoulders. "Fight freely! It'll be fine-none of them are a match for you. Nothing in this world can stop you!" His chest was the strongest backing in existence, and in an instant, Xie Lian was brimming with confidence. A refreshing current flowed through his body, and he struck back with all his might.

three times in book 7 that hua cheng was by xie lian’s side the moment he needed it

#they’re so domestic coded #but also love of a lifetime coded #xie lian going from having no one to always having that one person be there for him 😭😭😭 #protecting him no matter what 😭😭😭 #these two make me sick #xie lian #hua cheng #hualian #tgcf #heaven’s official blessing

[missveryvery]

Some tgcf discussion.

This scene after the parade in Chapter 25, English translation:

He held up the small child and stroked his head, asking casually, “How old are you, little one?”

The child didn’t blink, and his lips uttered no sounds.

Xie Lian continued his query, coaxing, “How did you come to fall earlier?”

“Your Highness, the child probably doesn’t dare to speak. He’s obviously scared witless,” Mu Qing said.

Xie Lian stroked the head of the child again, but his unresponsiveness was making him lose interest, so he eventually stopped.

"What a silly child," Xie Lian commented.

---

Until this point we assume Xie Lian must have taken a pointed interest in this kid, that he must have been exceptionally sweet and doting to him.

But he wasn't.

He saved him! And other people's reaction to it is so shitty and yes that act is exceptional given his status, given his life. But the follow up isn't what we're expecting. This Xie Lian is so dismissive, so unthinking. He doesn't realize that he might be too scared to speak. And when Mu Qing explains, he thinks it's silly.

And losing interest in him, like he's just a toy, is fucking devastating, isn't it? Hua Cheng is boring to him.

---

“Your Highness, this child doesn’t want to leave!”

Xie Lian also laughed. “Is that right? That won’t do. I’ve got my own things to take care of. Go home, little guy.”

At his words, the child finally, slowly loosened his grip, letting go of his clothes, and Feng Xin picked him up. Even when Feng Xin was the one holding him, the child still stared fixedly at Xie Lian with his big, bright black eye, almost as if he’d been possessed. At this sight, many started grumbling under their breaths. Xie Lian himself, however, wasn’t even looking at the child anymore, and only spoke to Feng Xin directly. --- This is staggering. I remember thinking "oh Xie Lian will sweeten up when he realizes how desperate he is to stay" or "now that other people are laughing he'll-" No. That doesn't happen. Xie Lian thinks it's funny and then again proceeds to forget about him, foisting him off on Feng Xin.

There's something else in this scene:

“Your Highness, the child probably doesn’t dare to speak. He’s obviously scared witless,” Mu Qing said.

---

Why does Mu Qing know this? Why is it obvious to him? Because he's a commoner and is frequently too terrified to speak. In the very next chapter, this is exactly what happens. He doesn't explain himself to the State Preceptors until Xie Lian after lays out a bunch of reasons why Mu Qing obviously didn't do anything on purpose and THEN specifically tells him to explain what happened.

He suffers so fucking much, just being terrified and bullied all the time. Xie Lian both knows and doesn't know this. He knows when it's in front of him, but he doesn't understand why Mu Qing can't just use his name to get things done. He doesn't get how that would make him look, and how it makes him look anyway despite everything.

It would have been so easy for Hua Cheng to resent Xie Lian, starting with this dismissiveness and then oh my GOD later. I don't think people realize how easily TGCF could have been a story about enemies.

#tgcf meta #xie lian #hua cheng #mu qing