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OP: How did the Zhonghuaniang aesthetic originate? (cr伯爵狗，番茄酱，猫猫尾草，悲伤辣条，蛋黄酥iu，Pollynioa波点鲨, 温九梦, 冬添猫的live）

Zhong-hua-niang中华娘 is a subculture branch in China, derived from the Japanese term Chūka jō, which literally means "China girl". Its origin can be traced back to Chun-Li from Street Fighter. Later, influenced by early Hong Kong martial arts films, Japanese manga artists created numerous iconic Zhonghuaniang characters, such as Shampoo from Ranma, Li Meiling from Cardcaptor Sakura, and Kagura from Gintama. Many Chinese people think that while these characters rely on stereotypes, they are relatively harmless and rather adorable. At present, the Zhonghuaniang aesthetic in China is mostly used for photoshoots and cosplay, and is gradually absorbed as part of China’s domestic subculture.

Conceptually, the Zhonghuaniang trope has been replaced by the "xiaoshimei小师妹/young junior sister" archetype, which originates from Yue Lingshan in Jin Yong’s wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. Visually, many draw inspiration from Zhao Ling’er, the heroine of the video game Chinese Paladin. In Chinese traditional crafts, martial arts or opera troupes, everyone shares one master. People who learn earlier = seniors. People who learn later = juniors. So a little junior sister (xiaoshimei) is a girl who joined the master later than you or just younger than you. You are fellow apprentices. Xiao means little, shimei means junior sister. This concept was later adopted in wuxia and xianxia novels. Within the same sect, the xiaoshimei is usually portrayed as a beloved character.

Knowing how to yield is strength.

Use your own light and return to the source of light.

This is called practicing eternity.

Respite / Peace 🌼🍂

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the path forward seems to go back,

the direct path seems long,

true power seems weak,

true purity seems tarnished,

true steadfastness seems changeable,

true clarity seems obscure,

the greatest art seems unsophisticated,

the greatest love seems indifferent,

the greatest wisdom seems childish.