American Perspectives: Peeling the Grape Pt. 2 ("Ashes of Love" Ep. 5)

 

 

**The intent of The Flower Realm by 사극 Paradise is to support women and men in rejecting the culture of pornography, and to live a life of integrity without manipulative intent.***

 

"Ashes of Love" is a Xianxia drama based on the novel "Heavy Sweetness. Ash-Like Frost," by Dian Xian.  The writing presented here is based on observations from the television show "Ashes of Love."  Dialogue credit goes to the English subtitle translaters from the "Gone with the Shirt Team" at Viki.com.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danzhu has taken it upon himself to become Jin Mi's personal stylist.  This is the very thing he lives for.  Aside from the racy books he loves to read and write, everything else in the Heavenly Realm is boring as hell.  He lays out a tray of beautiful jewelry on the table for Jin Mi to pick from.  Several Hanfu that he think are perfect for her are on display for perusal.  He can't wait to see how she'll look in them, especially after wearing super boring gender neutral robes.

 

"Come here," says Danzhu.  "Look at what I prepared for you!"  He drags Jin Mi over.

 

"What are these?"  Jin Mi asks.  She picks up a golden bead bracelet.  Ooh, sparkly!  

 

"My Baby Phoenix is so lucky," says Danzhu.  "Without any effort, he was able to find such a beautiful girl."

 

"I'm clearly the one who found him," says Jin Mi.

 

"Ay ya.  That's not important.  It's about the same anyway.  In short, you two have a very intimate relationship.  I know that you're a grape sprite, so I especially prepared this for you."  He picks up a light purple hanfu.  "What do you think?  Do you like it?  Put it on and let me see."

 

"I don't like it," says Jin Mi.  "It's not pretty at all."  It looks way too similar to the gender neutral clothing Chief Peony forced her to wear all those years in the Water Mirror.  **Shudder.**

 

"Are you questioning my aesthetics?  It's not pretty?  How is that possible?"  A horrified Danzhu asks.  Have I lost my touch?

 

"Not pretty?  That's impossible.  Naturally, your aesthetics are very top notch.  Top tier."

 

"A little girl should act like one," says Danzhu.  "If you don't like the purple one, here, you can put on this red one.  Is it pretty?"

 

"Yes, it's pretty!"  Jin Mi says.  With a spin, the pink and red hanfu magically conforms to her body, like Cinderalla when the Fairy Godmother waves her wand.

 

As she spins, Danzhu momentarily freezes, and his heart stops.  He catches a glimpse of Zi Fen.  No way.  "It's her.  She's back," Danzhu gasps.

 

Jin Mi turns around to face him.  "I've always been here."

 

Danzhu gets a closer look.  "You look so familiar, but I can't remember..."  He waves his hand.  "Forget it.  You are indeed my Baby Phoenix's woman.  Red really suits you!  What a match!  If Baby Phoenix sees all this, he'll surely be glad.  Once he's glad, he'll naturally treat you better."

 

 

 

 

 

 

"People take every effort to gain knowledge," says Sui He as she walks outside with Xu Feng.  "That is a perfect phrase to describe Your Highness.  Everyone knows  Your Highness is extraordinarily talented, but nobody knows the effort you've put in.  The detailed annotations on this scroll are even better than the original text.  I feel deeply in awe."

 

"I do not need such things," says Xu Feng.  "Originally, I wrote these annotations for that little demon Jin Mi, who has no desire for improvements.  If she was even half as sensible and interested in learning as you are, I wouldn't be so troubled."

 

I wish he would stop talking about her, Sui He thinks.  Every other sentence is 'Jin Mi' this and 'Jin Mi' that.  Has he ever talked like that about me to anyone else?

 

They enter the gazebo as Jin Mi skips across the grass without a single care in the world.

 

Xu Feng stops, absolutely struck by the beautiful woman he's seeing in front of him.  It doesn't get past the ever watchful Sui He.

 

Really?  Sui He thinks.  So, you like women who act like stupid little girls?

 

"Your Highness, Princess," Jin Mi approaches them.  "Why are you two here?"

 

"Qiwu Palace has lots of trivial tasks," says Sui He.  "Instead of helping Liao Ting and Fei Xu, you are dressed like this, showing off," she says enviously.  I have way prettier hanfu than this crossdressing bitch, and Xu Feng has never noticed me.  "That is improper!"

 

"Showing off?"  Jin Mi asks with sincere innocence, as she's still years behind on picking up social cues.

 

Xu Feng smiles.

 

Sui He glowers.  I can't have one female friend who doesn't end up being a threat.  None!  

 

Jin Mi bows.  "Great minds think alike.  I also think it's too showy!  Earlier, I just couldn't figure out what I look like in these clothes.  After seeing you two, I suddenly remembered!  I look a lot like a type of chicken in Princess' tribe.  What is it called again?"

 

Xu Feng is embarrassed on Jin Mi's behalf.  He knows she misses social cues, and what she's going to say next is not an intentional insult.

 

"It's really ugly," Jin Mi continues.  "On its red feathers, there are white dots.  It's called...Tragopan!  Correct, it's that ugly chicken!"

 

Sui He scowls.

 

"It's so ugly!"  Jin Mi exclaims.  "But I can't help it.  Immortal Yuexia forced me to wear this.  Since he is my elder, I must listen to him."

 

Xu Feng looks over at Sui He.  Sui He is fuming. 

 

"Poor me, I'm an upright and proper Grape Sprite, but I have to dress like a silly and ostentatious Chicken Sprite!"

 

"You..." Sui He gasps.  She's accustomed to being the one giving insults that melt other women into subservience.  What makes it so much worse is that she can tell Jin Mi is speaking honestly, and not doing it with intent to hurt.   Jin Mi is like a woman on the Autism Spectrum, and women on the Autism Spectrum aren't generally well versed in the Girl World Hierarchy.

 

"Sui He, I have a lot of work today," says Xu Feng.  "I will teach you more about spells some other day."  He begins to walk away.  He looks back at Jin Mi, who is completely unaware of the damage she has caused, and is ready to engage in some girl talk.  "Why are you standing there?  Such an insensible office worker.  Let's go."

 

"Okay," says Jin Mi.

 

As they leave Sui He behind, Jin Mi taps Xu Feng on the shoulder.  "Why do I sense that the Princess is angry?" Jin Mi asks.

 

"Tragopans and peacocks came from the same ancestor.  They're Sui He's relatives," Xu Feng whispers.  "She cares a lot about her pride.  Why were you talking so much nonsense?"

 

Jin Mi gasps.

 

"Stand in a corner and reflect on yourself later."

 

Sui He jealously watches them leave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liao Ting is checking Jin Mi out while she lays down on the chair.  Wow...he tries not to stare, tries not to fantasize, but he can't help it.  His nose begins to bleed.

 

Jin Mi looks over.  Liao Ting immediately turns toward the bookshelf.  Jin Mi approaches him, and taps him on the shoulder.  "How many Vermillion Bird eggs have you eaten?  Your nose is bleeding a lot," says Jin Mi.

 

"Jin Mi," Liao Ting says nervously, "your looks are really...attractive to bees and butterflies."

 

"That is my duty," says Jin Mi.  "It's part of my job."

 

"You are so shameless," says Liao Ting.

 

"Why must I feel ashamed?"  Jin Mi asks.  "Being a flower or a fruit, it's just right that we attract bees and butterflies.  If a flower won't have bees or butterflies to propogate its pollen, how can it form any seed?  Without any seed, how can there be a grape?"

 

"Being clueless isn't your fault," says Liao Ting, "but being clueless and looking this attractive is your fault, then."

 

Xu Feng walks through the door.  

 

Jin Mi curiously looks down at her clothes.

 

"Your Highness," Jin Mi bows.

 

"Your Highness," says Liao Ting.

 

"What's wrong with your face?"  Xu Feng asks.  "Who bullied you?"

 

Liao Ting looks at Jin Mi uncomfortably.

 

Jin Mi shakes her head.

 

"Your Highness, no one bullied me," says Liao Ting.  "I think...it must be because the weather is too dry, my yin is weak, and my yang is excessive."

 

Xu Feng sighs.  "Go wash your face and chant some heart clearing verses.  Once your heart is calm, you'll feel better.  Go now."

 

"Yes," Liao Ting and Jin Mi bow.

 

Liao Ting exits, and Jin Mi follows.

 

"Just a moment," Xu Feng stops Jin Mi.  "You had better just put on that grape cane pin of yours."

 

"Why?"  Jin Mi asks.

 

"You're unwilling?"

 

Jin Mi shakes her head.  "I didn't mean to look prettier than you.  All is just a coincidence."

 

"What are you saying?"  Xu Feng asks.

 

"I know that because I disguised as a man, I attracted that Immortal Yuebei to propose marriage to me, and not to you.  Hence, you got unhappy.  But, don't worry, I surely will be careful from now on."

 

"So thoughtless," says Xu Feng.

 

"Okay already," says Jin Mi.  "I will be careful from now on."

 

"You are much more filial to my uncle than me," says Xu Feng.  "Just because he told you to change your clothing, you followed it.  How come I never saw you this obedient to me?"

 

"Of course, I'm not doing this for Moon Immortal.  I'm doing this...I'm doing this for you."

 

Xu Feng's mind goes blank.

 

"Seeing me like this, aren't you happy?"

 

"You're not answering my question," Xu Feng stammers.

 

Jin Mi moves in closer.  "Let me ask you.  With me dressed like this, do you feel happy when you see me?"

 

Xu Feng's heart races.  Shit.  What do I say?  He looks into her beautiful, innocent, brown eyes.  So, she did it for me?  She...could she like me?

 

Moon Immortal is indeed astute and circumspect, Jin Mi thinks.  Meticulously dressing like this actually worked.  This taste of Phoenix is also...Forget it.  As long as he's happy, what's wrong with sacrificing a little?  If he gets happier, maybe he'll be willing to give me some more spiritual energy.  

 

"Oh, right," says Xu Feng.  "Uncle told me to tell you that at the Si hour, seven days from now, Fated Love Manor will be setting up a stage for an opera.  If you'e not doing anything, go and watch it."

 

"Really?"  Jin Mi asks.  "That's great!  I love listening to opera highlights."

 

"During usual days," says Xu Feng, "if you have nothing else to do, concentrate on your mind training and stop running around."

 

Jin Mi nods uncertainly.  Jeez.  What does Sui He see in him?  He's so boring!  "Got it.  Your Highness, will you also be watching the opera seven days from now?"

 

"Are you asking me because you want me to go, or because you don't want me to go?"

 

"I don't want you to go," Jin Mi shakes her head rapidly.  Classic example of unintended brutal honesty from a woman on the Autism Spectrum.

 

"Why?"  Xu Feng asks, feeling a little hurt.

 

"If you go, there will be a bunch of immortal women surrounding you again.  By then, I won't be able to get a good spot."

 

Xu Feng tries to hide his smile.  Is she...being jealous?  

 

He was indeed afraid that I'll steal those female immortals, Jin Mi thinks.  This silly bird.  Why would I want some female immortals?  Why don't you just give me some spiritual energy?

 

"Come with me," Xu Feng breaks the awkward silence.

 

Ugh.  Why?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xu Feng leads Jin Mi into his "I love me" room.  A room filled with various trophies and symbols of his military accomplishements that appeal to other men with similar interests, but are absolutely repulsive to most women.

 

He points to the large cabinets.  "Open all the cabinets, and clean them well."

 

Jin Mi looks at him sideways.  Doesn't he have hands?  Jin Mi forces a smile and nods.

 

*******

 

Jin Mi opens a cabinet, only to find a display of bones.  She pulls out a phallic looking horn.  "Your Highness, what is this treasure?"

 

"That is the sharp tooth of Tao Wu," Xu Feng says proudly.

 

Jin Mi gasps and releases her grip from the tooth.

 

Ope!  Xu Feng catches it just in time.  "This is a precious collection of mine.  Be careful."

 

Jin Mi nervously nods.  Get that ugly thing out of my face!  

 

"Wipe it well, and then put it back," Xu Feng continues.

 

Jin Mi squeamishly takes the tooth.  She places it in the cabinet while Xu Feng grins.

 

"Then, what is this one?"  Jin Mi nervously points at the bone next to it.

 

"That is the rib of Gu Diao.  That beast looks like a bird, but isn't a bird.  It eats mortal men.  It looks like a bird with a horn on its head.  It's call is like a crying baby, and it has killed a lot of people.  But I was able to easily subdue it after just two to three moves."

 

Jin Mi looks at him nervously.  Is he saying that for me?

 

With a wave of his hand, Xu Feng opens all the doors to a different cabinet.  Black smoke generates from one of the doors.

 

Help!  Jin Mi thinks.  Right in front of her are several dried up demon heads and bones.

 

"This is the head and tail of Hun Dun," says Xu Feng.  "This one is the tail of Chu Huai.  That one is one of the heads of Jiu Yin.  All these are fierce beasts that once endangered the Six Realms.  But now, they are all my spoils of war.  Just casually look.  If you like any, I can give them to you to be displayed in your room.  But if you like the head of an ancient beast, I have to consider your performance before deciding."

 

Yikes!  Jin Mi thinks.  "No need!  No need!"  She rapidly shakes her head.  "Your Highness, you are indeed the God of War!  So outstanding!"

 

"Looks like these cabinets will be completely filled soon.  I should have a new one built."

 

Jin Mi gasps and visualizes a new, empty cabinet.  She pictures her head being one of the first trophies to fill it.

 

Xu Feng looks over, feeling very satisfied.  Very effective.  After seeing my grand achievements, her gaze is so bright, expressive, and full of admiration.

 

This clearly is killing a chicken in front of a monkey, Jin Mi thinks.  This petty bird.  How did I offend him?  Why must he scare me like this?

 

Jin Mi laughs nervously.

 

I'm studly, Xu Feng thinks proudly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jin Mi ascends the steps to Fated Love Manor.

 

"Is it Jin Mi?"  Danzhu asks as she enters the main room.  "Ai ya.  A female doll that my Phoenix raised...It's really true that women change so much as they grow up.  You've become more beautiful."

 

Jin Mi clucks and shakes her head.  "That Phoenix is so petty."  She takes a seat.  "He's afraid that I'll steal his 'Most Handsome Man' status in the Six Realms.  Just to avoid trouble, I've placed my grape cane hairpin inside the spirit-releasing pouch."  She pours herself a cup of tea.

 

"Phoenix is the best in the whole six realms," Danzhu insists.  "Mi'er, your beauty surpasses that of all other women.  You and Baby Phoenix make a great pair."

 

Jin Mi sighs.  "Oh my, Moon Immortal, you've become a lot thinner.  Looks like your dieting is working.  Congratulations!"

 

Danzhu's face drops in horror.  "Huh?  Was I that fat before?"

 

"That's right," Jin Mi says, displaying the classic ASD signs of missing social cues.

 

"It's that Bird Tribe's fault!  Those chickens they've delivered lately are even smaller than pigeons.  They have grown alarmingly thin.  I'm unable to be full every day, and even have to wake up at night because of hunger."

 

"Is there some chicken epidemic?"

 

"Not so," says Danzhu.  "The story is quite long."

 

 

...To be continued...