Notes
1. (lit. sky window) is the name of the Imperial Secret Service headed by Zhou Zishu. It could be translated variably asSkys Window, orHeavens Window(both heaven and sky referring to the emperor who rules by heavens mandate). I chose the direct translationSkylightto keep the theme of light that surrounds Zhou Zishus character.
2.In the time for azhuof incense to burn in the text. Span time for the combustion of incense was a common method to measure time; a commonly accepted conversion is 1zhuor stick of incense= 30 minutes.
3.Refers to acupuncture points of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As far as I can tell, the seven main acupoints are artistic licence by the author.
4.Pretty much a standard description of the typical or cold and haughty character in Chinese BL. Here the emphasis is on detached/almost cruel but (of course) handsome looks. Also, note that a high-bridged nose is considered beautiful by Chinese beauty standards.
5.Torture device, artistic licence from the author.
6.Made up historical date. Daqing (lit. great celebration) is a fictional or era name (name given to an era by an emperor), and Rongjia (lit. contain excellence) is a fictional emperor. Note that two historical Daqing eras do appear under the Western Xia (11th-12th century CE), but no Rongjia emperor existed during those periods (or at all). Whether the historical Daqings give a period frame to the story is up to personal appraisal (to me: they dont for multiple reasons).
Notes
1. (lit. sky window) is the name of the Imperial Secret Service headed by Zhou Zishu. It could be translated variably asSkys Window, orHeavens Window(both heaven and sky referring to the emperor who rules by heavens mandate). I chose the direct translationSkylightto keep the theme of light that surrounds Zhou Zishus character.
2.In the time for azhuof incense to burn in the text. Span time for the combustion of incense was a common method to measure time; a commonly accepted conversion is 1zhuor stick of incense= 30 minutes.
3.Refers to acupuncture points of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As far as I can tell, the seven main acupoints are artistic licence by the author.
4.Pretty much a standard description of the typical or cold and haughty character in Chinese BL. Here the emphasis is on detached/almost cruel but (of course) handsome looks. Also, note that a high-bridged nose is considered beautiful by Chinese beauty standards.
5.Torture device, artistic licence from the author.
6.Made up historical date. Daqing (lit. great celebration) is a fictional or era name (name given to an era by an emperor), and Rongjia (lit. contain excellence) is a fictional emperor. Note that two historical Daqing eras do appear under the Western Xia (11th-12th century CE), but no Rongjia emperor existed during those periods (or at all). Whether the historical Daqings give a period frame to the story is up to personal appraisal (to me: they dont for multiple reasons).
Edit: a reader kindly pointed out that as per Lord Seventh Daqing is actually the dynastic name. ThanksKuu!
7.Also fictional. Chinese emperors had multiple names. Note that Rongjia could be also translated as Emperor Jia of Rong, if one considers that Jia is the emperors posthumous name, and Rong the name of his dynasty. Helian Yi is either the fictional emperor's personal or courtesy name; its also a homophone of or unite in one which hints at a glorious emperor who united all of China together.
8. translated literally.
9.The name is given a special meaning by the other half of the pairing later on. Here we can note that (lit. cycle son leisure) carries connotations of something comfortable and refined.
10.Refers to the eight extraordinary meridians in TCM; differ from the standard twelve organ meridians in that they are considered to be storage vessels or reservoirs of qi energy. Qi is the basis of many martial arts practices.
11.The five viscera in TCM are: heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney.
12.Small inconsistency here, as Old Bi wasnt described as being drenched in blood after receiving the Nails.
13.A plaque or medal issued by the hierarchy that authenticated an orders authority. Here Zhou Zizhu is issuing his own command token.
14. lit. segment roc lift. Hint at someone who is strong.
15. is the Emperors private study in the Forbidden City. Unofficial meetings were often held there, both historically and fictionally. It was built in the Qing Dynasty, which is one reason why the Western Xia timeline doesnt make sense.
16.A.k.a. Kowtowing plus wishing the Emperor well.