Fresh Morning in a Broken World

It might with truth be said, that her eloquent blood spoke through her modest cheek. 

Actually, I think Mu Wanyao would say all of this about Yan Shang:

Of personal attractions she possessed a considerable share. Her stature was that of true elegance... Her carriage and deportment were quiet, yet graceful. Her features were separately good. Their assemblage produced an unrivalled expression of that cheerfulness, sensibility, and benevolence, which were her real characteristics. Her complexion was of the finest texture. It might with truth be said, that her eloquent blood spoke through her modest cheek. Her voice was extremely sweet. She delivered herself with fluency and precision. Indeed she was formed for elegant and rational society, excelling in conversation as much as in composition.

Just change the pronouns in your head, I'm lazy

Since this is kinda my obsession atm, in case you want to know where to watch with English subs (I don't need them but assume majority of my followers don't read or understand Russian), you can find them here:

a refreshing sentiment! makes the early infatuation less cloying.

Mu Wanyao: “…”

Yan Shisheng smiled: “What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?”

Mu Wanyao: “…I feel you’re suggesting I kill this person.”

Yan Shisheng smiled faintly: “Your Highness heard correctly.”

“Crash!” The teacup Mu Wanyao was holding fell, shattering on the ground, and soaking the floor covering. Yet neither of the young man and woman sitting together in the chamber paid any attention to the broken cup. They gazed at each other silently, with Mu Wanyao utterly shocked.

She barely recognized Yan Shisheng anymore: “Aren’t you just an ordinary scholar? How can you speak of ‘killing’ without changing expression?”

Yan Shisheng lowered his eyes: “This humble one was merely speaking thoughtlessly.”

Tigers Sniff the Rose

The two other scholars, Feng Xianyu and Liu Wenyi, offer two other extremes. Feng Xianyu gives up his honour so the Imperial Princess (Cougar Princess) can get him a job. While this works in the short term, it binds his progress to her power and he fades from the story, probably never advancing very far. Liu Wenyi tries to advance without any help at all, believing that he's smart enough to beat the system. He ends up disillusioned and bitter, eventually also resorting to power (almost) entirely based on favour.

Even though Yan Shang is the only one who does it "right," I think the novel illustrates just how hard it is to navigate in these systems without losing sight of morality. How much playing the system is okay and how quickly that can topple into a complete loss of morality. It also makes me think of the Chinese idiom I've heard in a lot of dramas "water that is too clear has no fish" No one can be completely pure and still be effective.

So stoked to share the official trailer for the Avatar Aang movie, now releasing JULY 25th on Paramount+!!

But oh my goddd, i'm so so enjoying the adaptation of Blossoms of Power so far. I didn't keep many expectations but it's following the book in a lot of ways and it's such a joy to watch the amazing scenes on screen.