alias_sqbr (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
alias_sqbr) wrote2022-01-08 06:31 pm
alias_sqbr) wrote2022-01-08 06:31 pm
Entry tags:
My Vow To My Liege: YiGuang Route, Good and Bad Endings
Masterlist and Guide
So this route had a significant flaw: YiGuang is a lovely guy who always supports FuChai 100%. They've been close since childhood and basically never argue except to tell the other to take care of themselves more. He's so emotionally open with her he declares his feelings at the start.
Not to kinkshame or anything but who is into that??
On the plus side, FuChai struggles with her sense of self worth and they are VERY intense about each other, there's an enjoyable air of bittersweet doomed romance given all the odds stacked against them.
The happy ending was a bit more Normal Girl than I like but that does work for the characters. I GUESS.
So yeah! Good for what it is, not entirely my jam, but I had an ok time.
Content notes: suicide, violence, major character death
Oh thank god the skip read function is working in the common route.
Time to see what YiGuang wanted to talk about!
YiGuang: I don't think I can be the High Priest, not if I'm expected to stay on once the Sacred Vow is broken.
FuChai: I'm not sure I'll be king after that, so how can I expect you to stay on?
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, you're a good king...but if you intend on retiring to the countryside, how about a quiet village beside a river in Yue? We can go gallivanting together :D
FuChai: That sounds good. You can be a doctor, and while I don't have any practical skills, I can save some money.
YiGuang: What do you need to worry about with me there?
FuChai: It's not good to rely too much on your friends.
YiGuang: ...and what if we're not just friends?
Her face goes red as she thinks about how lovely that would be, and she makes her excuses.
I was surprised to reach the 'wow where can the romance even go from here what is the dramatic tension going to be' moment halfway through the GouJian Route, but this is is still the COMMON route. Based on my experience with that I'm expecting there WILL be some drama. I'm a little tensed for it, I liked how chill and supportive her friendship with YiGuang was during all the GouJian angst. I can't see GouJian being that friend here /o\ But also I find chill and supportive romances with no drama boring, so.
Discussion with Wu Zixu about how political prisoners are convenient canon fodder but not as competent as trained soldiers /o\ He comes across as thinking she's in love with GouJian and going to get her heart broken in addition to screwing over Ng, which is interesting when she's in love with YiGuang. She just really values GouJian as a friend this time!
wtf how did I end up on the GouJian path again??? YOUR LOVE IS NOT ACTUALLY DESTINED, GOUJIAN, BACK OFF. I wonder if that's why the bit above happened like that.
I didn't go back to the start and follow the walkthrough EXACTLY, I guess? Maybe I used the wrong save?? Let's try again.
AW YES 'SKIP READ' SUDDENLY STOPPED NEAR THE END OF CHAPTER 10
FuChai is feeling hopeless. YiGuang puts a strangely familiar feeling piece of jade in her hand: like the fish amulet, it's from the Shi Clan's Hidden Palace. He says found it being used as the power source for a Dragon God follower array.
Since both armies are licking their wounds right now, FuChai decides to leave ShaoJiang and General Xu Cheng to look after ChenFeng and the war respectively, and go investigate this temple with YiGuang.
Chapter 11
Flashback:
A young YiGuang tells TengYu/Fuchai that his mother said it's time he look for a wife, and so gave him the fish amulet, to be given to his 'Yin Fish': his other half, a soulmate who he will give the amulet as a token of his vow to be joined as one, and live and die as one.
TengYu: Aren't you a bit young? You've had your coming of age ceremony but are shorter than me.
YiGuang: You're right. I like being with Ah-Yu and ChenFeng rather than being intimate with someone else.
*looks up 'Chinese Coming Of Age' Ceremony*
"The most common age to hold the ceremony was 20 for men and 15 for women in ancient China. But throughout history, between 10 and 20 are all acceptable."
GouJian sees them off with enthusiasm and good wishes. DON'T GO EVIL, GOUJIAN.
Seeing YiGuang talk about remaining optimistic and living in the moment without regrets, she silently wonders if he would feel the same if she died.
She dreams that they splash water at each other on a lake and then turn into two fish, playing without a care.
The next day, YiGuang says they're close to the temple and throws the amulet into the water, where it turns into a literal fish.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, you've been a pampered King for many years, I wonder if you're still any good at swimming ;)
FuChai: I'll race you :D
FuChai is very into how YiGuang looks while swimming.
The end up in a cave, where he magically dries their clothes. He takes her hand like it's totally normal, and leads the way, with the re-amuleted fish glowing like a torch.
They encounter a maze of tunnels, littered with dead Dragon God followers, and FuChai figures out that they should follow the left and right steps of the traditional Transcending Fish Dance of the Shi clan.
He uses the amulet to open a large stone door to the jade mine, then tells FuChai to watch for traps.
Visions of his parents appear.
Head Priest: You do not need to inherit the position of Head Priest of the Shi Clan if you stay in the Kingdom of Yue for the rest of your life. However if you wish to finish what we started, and defeat the Dragon God, you will need the power of the Jade Mine.
YiGuang: ...
Head Priestess: You look so tired, battling the dragon god must have been heard *sends healing magic* ...wait, who's that?
YiGuang: Fuchai, King of Ng.
Head Priest: KILL HIM.
YiGuang: Why? D:
Head Priest: It would take an eternity to quell the hatred we feel for HeLu tricking us to our deaths!
Head Priestess: He even tried to kill you! End his family lineage!!
OH YEAH
There I was wondering what conflict there could be and TOTALLY FORGOT that her dad killed his ENTIRE CLAN.
FuChai: I have indeed done a great injustice to the Shi Clan. My blood and soul can help break the Sacred Vow. Please allow me to live a little while longer and then I will atone with my life.
YiGuang: No?????
His parents are pissed! "Our loyalties lie with the people of Ng not the King of Ng" is an interesting contrast to GouJian's King=Country philosophy.
YiGuang realises this isn't his parents and they dissolve into miasma.
FuChai blacks out and wakes in the spiritual realm facing her elder brothers...as piles of meat D: They berate her: Why did we have to die? Why did a freak like you survive?
Stumbling through viscera she finds her father, who says "You are a freak, neither male nor female! And you have achieved nothing after all these years!"
Her family is engulfed by flame and their ashes scatter above the burning city of Gusu.
Mage Xian: Hahaha! You are a freak who only brings about destruction so why don't you just die?
As she starts to lose hope, a fish wraps around her, and she shouts "I am not a freak! I am the King of Ng, FuChai!!"
The fish pulls her forward, and as she steps through fire and death she reminds herself that this feeling is proof that she is alive.
YiGuang appears and says she is a disgusting freak and I am trying very hard not to project onto this as a trans thing but the game isn't making it easy.
A white light pierces the black flames and a young YiGuang steps through.
YiGuang: My only wish in this life is for Ah-Yu to be safe.
FuChai: Please, give me a little more time, then you can find your yin fish.
YiGuang: I have already found you :)
He returns to his real age and gently kisses her.
YiGuang: Let me prove that I am real.
Her kisses her more passionately, biting her tongue until it bleeds and refusing to let her pull away. FuChai is into it, so fine, I GUESS.
YiGuang: Thank you for your blood, my Liege. I am going to break the spell so don't leave my side.
He dips his finger into the blood on his lips and and draws a symbol in the middle of an array. The dark visions vanish.
(The first kiss is in the FIRST CHAPTER of his route?? WHERE IS THIS GOING??)
YiGuang's parents say it was all a test and he says "Only my biological parents would come up with such an insidious plan". They laugh, and say that all the evil dead spirits made it harder, but YiGuang was up to it.
They're approving of FuChai as YiGuang's yin fish and as a person, then say the two of them should use their combined powers to find a hidden sword: the dragon leg of the Ding of Virtue.
FuChai: To be able to receive their forgiveness and understanding in this lifetime, I...
YiGuang: You have their blessings :)
The moment they take the sword, the temple starts to collapse. YiGuang says it's purpose is done.
She gets bashful remembering the kiss and he says it was natural for two people who love and are attracted to each other.
YiGuang: Please don't be angry if I misinterpreted. I just want you to know that since we were reunited, I no longer just think of you as a friend. I admire your bravery and perseverance, and adore your kindness. But what I wish for, more than anything else, is to care for you and protect you as your husband. But I also understand that you are the King of Ng, and not like any other girl. If you want to achieve your goals, then you need to go through the pain and bitterness by yourself. The only thing I can do is to use everything in my power to make sure that all your wishes come true.
Awww then he blushes and ask if her wishes include him.
Her immediate thought is "Yes" but she says "I don't know. I don't even know how much time I have left. For me to pursue a romantic relationship..."
He smiles and says "I'm fine with that, as long as I have a place in your heart. I will ask you again when you have regained your freedom."
That was really lovely but a lot for a first chapter! WHERE NEXT?
Chapter 12:
FuChai can feel herself dying, but tries to convince YiGuang she feels great by flexing her arm muscles, delightful.
Then she finds out the Ng army has marched on towards Qi without her! And GuSu is being prepared for ShaoJiang to marry 'the King of Ng'???
When they get to GuSu, they find it guarded by Yue soldiers 'generously' provided by the King of Yue after a surprise Qi attack. WHAT ARE YOU DOING GOUJIAN >:(
...also 'the King' got angry at Wu ZuXi after the attack and sent him to prison and now Minister Bo is in charge.
A guard stops YiGuang, thinking he's a pretty woman, and giving the impression they're on the look out for an escaped ShaoJiang.
The guard is still suspicious and FuChai wonders if it's because she 'looks awkward as a woman'.
Luckily GongSun Yi shows up pretending they're his relatives, and leads them to a little house where they meet with a delighted ShaoJiang.
ShaoJiang: Half a month ago, 'you' appeared and ordered the army northwards, taking ChenFeng and I back to Gusu where 'you' said YiGuang had found how to break the sacred vow. But 'you' kept hiding from me, and made a point to seperate me from ChenFeng...
The only person who could make such a perfect fake version of FuChai is the Dragon God.
(GouJian and ShaoJian consistently refer to YiGuang as Mr XiShi, but I decided it would be too confusing)
FuChai says ShaoJiang is a silly girl for staying here to wait for them and hugs her which makes ShaoJiang blushingly flustered.
FuChai assumes GouJian is still on her side and was duped or cursed, but ShaoJiang is politely dubious, and FuChai is persuaded to make sure she has an escape route from her meeting with him.
They see ChenFeng guarding Wu ZiXu's cell, and YiGuang says he's surrounded with miasma.
As they wait for GouJian, FuChai feels depressed at the thought that he may have betrayed her. He arrives and says he can tell she's there. When she doesn't come out, he says "I understand. With the way things are, there is no need for me to lie to you. Since you let me return to Yue, if you follow me back to the palace, I will ask my Sovereign God to spare your life."
FuChai thinks back sadly to him swearing that their fates were shared. She spits out a mouthful of blood, and quietly asks YiGuang to take her away.
GouJian: Ah-Yue, you won't even believe this will you? Haha, I knew it. Men! Search the hill!
WOW YEAH GOUJIAN HOW DARE SHE NOT TRUST YOU
ShaoJiang rescues them and takes them to an escaped Wu ZiXu, who says he will take back the capital and sends them off with a letter affirming FuChai's identity and another he asks her to read later.
It's his apology for letting the city fall, and not stopping the treacherous GouJian, and it's clear he expects to die while she's gone.
Chapter 13
When they reach the army, it's too late to retreat, and she's so haggard she barely persuades her cousin Prince GuCao that she's the real FuChai, while the healthier-looking one he saw was a fake.
FuChai becomes consumed with despair and anger, shouting that she will get her revenge and die on the battlefield.
ShaoJiang and YiGuang do their best to keep her hopes up, and get her to rest, but even ShaoJiang asks YiGuang if he's not a little afraid.
YiGuang: Whether or not I am afraid, things are as they are. What would Ah-Yu do if I were to fall too?
At the battle, ShaoJiang and YiGuang use magic to fight back the Qi monsters, giving the Ng soldiers hope and convincing everyone of FuChai's identity. She immediately takes charge and the Qi army quickly starts to lose...so the Dragon God mages decide to cut their losses and use the Qi army as sacrifices instead.
When ShaoJiang is injured, FuChai cuts herself to call on the white tiger to protect her. She refuses to listen to YiGuang and ShaoJiang's concerns, and as YiGuang goes off to desperately try and take down the spell casters, ShaoJiang knocks FuChai to the ground and shouts "You convinced me to live, and I won't let you die!" while on top of her (alas, no CG. Maybe I should draw one...)
YiGuang does some sort of huge spell that destroys the monsters, and the battle is won. GuCao presents FuChai with the head of the Qi general and everyone cheers but there is only a void inside her.
She realise that YiGuang has nearly overworked himself to death.
FuChai: Why? I am not worth sacrificing yourself like this.
YiGuang: Even if I had to die a hundred times over for you it would be worth it.
He holds her as she cries, and then he falls unconscious.
Chapter 14
A truce has been called between Ng and Qi.
YiGuang still hasn't recovered, yet just smiles and says the important thing is how FuChai is doing. ShaoJiang sadly says his soul will disintegrate unless he is healed by someone with stronger magical powers than her.
FuChai asks if he could use the sword and he says he'll need that power to defeat the Dragon God. So she decides they must defeat the god as soon as possible, and asks ShaoJiang to help quickly resolve things in Qi as ambassador, even though it will mean giving up on her revenge.
She immediately agrees, saying she's realised she doesn't want to devote her whole life to revenge.
When FuChai declares that they will not return to Gusu but instead search the ruins of HaoJing, and then keep doing whatever is necessary to save YiGuang, he is at first taken aback, but then smiles.
YiGuang walks slowly, but smiles as they explore the ruins holding hands, saying it's a preview of the exploring they'll do after they defeat the dragon god. But FuChai cannot bring herself to smile.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, leaving this empty shell does not mean disappearing. I will always be by your side-
FuChai: Stop! I only want you to live!
He sighs "My silly Ah-Yu" and they hold each other tight.
YiGuang realises that the ruined city resembles the one in the spiritual realm, and FuChai notices that the sword uses an older (and I think more pictographic?) character for "virtue" which implies they should stand in the centre and face north.
I love that people can do this stuff with Chinese characters, always makes me wish I knew them.
FuChai: You'll be cured! :D
Me: Oh no, it's only chapter 14...
YiGuang: ...yes. But let's take our time and enjoy the sights :)
Me: Oh no...
All they find at the centre is an overgrown stone platform with stairs going nowhere. YiGuang cuts himself and reveals an underground altar where a woman's voice recites the history of the ding: virtuous King Wu forged it as a symbol of divine alliance; unvirtuous King Ping led to the capital's destruction; Mage Yang split the ding and was buried with the body; Shi Gui sealed the grave so that the body of the ding will return to 'whom by virtue is led'.
As they discuss it, YiGuang coughs up blood and is visibly near death. FuChai freaks out and starts dragging him towards the altar.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu...our deaths are already written in the stars. You are barely holding on yourself, so why bother?
He softly explains that he didn't look for her for all those years because while he didn't fear death, his one fear was that she would turn into something beyond his recognition.
FuChai: Have I disappointed you?
YiGuang: Silly Ah-Yu. You are better than I ever imagined. Don't be consumed by hatred, you are Shi YiGuang's most, most...
He collapses, barely breathing, and FuChai is consumed with a searing pain and unshakeable determination to never let him go. She shouts "as we were together in life, we will be together in death" and drags him to the altar, but all she finds there is a small copper piece, embedded in the stone. She is so desperate to pull it out her hands become bloody.
She finds herself in the spiritual realm, at the altar on the lake, facing a man who looks like her father: Mage Yang.
He asks why she has struggled so far against so much hardship: for revenge, or to save someone?
WELL that gives some idea how the bad end will go!
He explains that she has inherited the body of the ding, as his descendent, but since she's not the rightful owner a tenth of the power she uses will be taken from her soul.
She agrees without hesitation, and YiGuang wakes in her arms. He is surprised for a moment then bows to Mage Yang and asks how they can break the Sacred Vow. I'm guessing we won't be having any last minute saves from GuoJian this time :/
Mage Yang smiles and draws the ancient character for virtue: an eye at a crossroads looking straight ahead, and then the more 'modern' character, an eye with a heart.
Here's the various versions of the character. Mage Yang starts with the Shang version, which is the symbols for road (彳) eye (目) and a line pointing up to mean straight ahead. He then shifts to Western Zhou, which is a more stylised version of the same elements plus a, uh, rather phallic looking heart. The current version, 德, still has those elements but even more stylised.
...and then I fell down a wikipedia spiral for a while, but the real history is so irrelevant to this path I'll put it all at the end.
ANYWAY. BACK TO THE GAME.
Mage Yang: Righteousness is to follow your heart, virtue is to arrive at the pinnacle of goodwill. To what end does the righteousness of your heart lead? Summon me again when you have an answer.
YiGuang repeats the impassioned words FuChai cried while he was dying and asks if she's willing to be truthful about her feelings now. When she admits she loves him he picks her up and spins her around, laughing.
YiGuang: If scaring you makes you speak the truth, this was a blessing in disguise!
FuChai, punching him: Jerk!
He catches her fist and kisses it, then swears upon the heavens that will be together from this day onwards, in life and death.
She embraces him, and silently hopes to die first, so she never has to feel the pain of losing him again.
Chapter 15
ShaoJiang is very happy that YiGuang is better and also that she happened to get the chance to catch Tian Heng, the man who killed her brother. She and GuCao have been working together to strengthen Ng diplomatically and militarily.
ShaoJiang is surprised at how easily FuChai agrees to let YiGuang go off and set up a powerful magical array.
FuChai: He needs our trust more than he needs our concern.
ShaoJiang: Why do I feel like there's a change in the atmosphere between you two? Hehe, congratulations Lord Ng for winning the heart of the most beautiful person on Earth ;)
FuChai: We were discussing the war.
ShaoJiang: After going through so many life threatening situations, I feel that the present is the only time worth treasuring. Things you want to do that get put off today night never get done.
FuChai: Things we want to do...we've been so focussed on breaking the sacred vow we never gave anything else much thought.
ShaoJiang: It's not too late. I've always respected you like an older brother...no, older sister. It's always been my sincerest wish that you experience the little joys of an ordinary life.
The false king claims that GuCao is conspiring with Qi to bring down Ng, and that Fuchai is the fake.
There's some back and forth about killing your own people between a coldly pragmatic GuCao, somewhat sympathetic FuChai, and a sad soldier whose brother is working for the fake king.
Afterwards, FuChai holds a letter and jade piece from WuZiXu and sends him a silent prayer for help.
YiGuang: Are you afraid? I am too.
FuChai: Really? I used to think you were simple minded because you never fought for anything. You once said you live without regrets...would you regret it, if I died?
YiGuang: No, because I would follow you to the grave :) I do not fight for fame or fortune, or life or death. Ah-Yu, I only fight for you.
FuChai: Silly...
She opens her robe to show the mostly dark seal and says "I don't want any regrets either. LET'S GET MARRIED."
YiGuang: YES :D
They hold the amulet, their robes dyed red by the dawn sun, and YiGuang says vows about how yin and yang need each other, and they both repeat that even death cannot part them now.
The battle begins. FuChai steels herself against the sounds of her people killing each other in her name.
She faces ChenFeng, who thinks he is defending the 'real' FuChai, and YiGuang says the curse has sunk in so deep he can only be saved by getting rid of the caster.
She hears the voice of the Dragon God and sees...the head of Wu ZiXu D: D: There goes my irrational hope he was somehow still alive...Please don't kill anyone else, game :(
Aww, he appears as Evil Zheng Dan and not Evil FuChai. I realise that would have meant drawing a whole new sprite but HOW COOL WOULD IT HAVE BEEN.
Zheng Dan: The Prime Minister said he wanted to see the end of this battle with his own eyes :D
ShaoJiang: EAT SHIT(*)
Zheng Dan: I don't mind ladies with sharp tongues but I'm tired of hearing her talk big.
(*)Ok she said "Go back to your sewer", same diff
Dooooon't hurt ShaoJiang D: D:
Three monsters appear and start eating all the corpses, indicating that GouJian must have given his sword to the Dragon God and YiGuang and ShaoJiang agree that he's the Worst, which, fair.
A Yue general kills any Ng soldier who takes this as a sign that maybe the "King" really is an evil demon.
GouJian: The people of Ng are starting to get suspicious. Gather our army and kill Shi Guang, and capture FuChai alive!
...starting to be glad I did his route first, I was pissed off at him enough for the things he did when he was being good...
FuChai promises YiGuang she won't overdo it then casts a big magic spell.
FuChai: We must deal with Zheng Dan while the monsters are trapped! Go!
A violent gust of wind knocks over the soldier's horse. A black mist in the form of a dragon gathers on top of the dead horse and turns into the shape of a man.
Zheng Dan: I will save you the trouble, little girl of the Ng family. If you want your revenge, come at me :)
ShaoiJiang throws FuChai the phoenix dagger and she stabs him....in the shoulder, having belatedly realised that they are linked by blood and the Sacred Seal. The wound shows on her own shoulder instead of his.
FuChai orders a retreat towards the lake altar as the monsters open up like giant mouths and devour soldiers, alive or dead, becoming larger than ever.
FuChai faces what seems like certain defeat with grim determination, but YiGuang grasps her blood and mud stained hands and says he will do the ritual even without the final piece of the Ding. I have the choice to decide if this is for revenge, or to stop the war, and choose the latter.
Smoke fills the air and blood flows like water, and she wonders how long it will be before Ng can heal from destroying it's own land and killing its own people. Who is she breaking the vow for? To what end does the righteousness of her heart lead?
She tells GuCao to call back the troops. This is between her and the Dragon God.
YiGuang looks at her with longing and understanding.
GouJian: OH NO SHE'S REALISED THE GOD'S WEAKNESS. ChenFeng, stop her from killing herself!!
FuChai looks back at YiGuang and stabs herself in the heart.
GouJian: Ah-Yu! D:
haha, this guy, istg
She finds herself in the spiritual realm. She says all she wants is to stop the war, and for the heavens to be kind to her land and subjects.
Mage Yang smiles and says she has reached the pinnacle of righteousness.
She returns to the real world facing ChenFeng, who shakily says her name. ShaoJiang, crying, says the war has stopped now that everyone has seen the auspicious sign that she has been recognised by the body of the ding as its owner.
YiGuang shouts the words to break the vow and the Dragon God dissolves into ashes.
GouJian, coughing up blood: My sovereign god!
Yue General: Your highness? D:
GouJian, in a resigned tone: Forget it, forget it...
HA. SUCK IT LOSER.
YiGuang says "Not even death can part us" and pulls FuChai into a kiss.
Epilogue:
Citizen A: Wow the new queen is so pretty.
Citizen B: She is the world renowned beauty from the Kingdom of Qi, ShaoJiang.
GAME
Citizen A: What a pity the former King was unable to indulge in her beauty before passing away. At least he organised an heir. And now Qi and Yue are Ng's vassal states!
YiGuang: Why did the king of Ng not come to the wedding?
Citizen B: He wouldn't have the guts after that defeat!
Blehhhh ShaoJiang married GuCao? I mean it makes sense. I guess.
ShaoJiang, softly, with tears in her eyes: The dagger tells me they have come.
ShaoJiang, loudly: Husband, will you ask ChenFeng to gather me some read leaves for the carriage?
GuCao: There are not many red leaves in the city. ChenFeng, go to the pier to look for some.
ShaoJiang: Husband, thank you :)
YOU CAN'T MAKE ME SHIP IT, GAME
At the pier, FuChai looks out at the prosperous GuSu, sure she made the right choice. Her chest hurts, but only with happy emotion. The seal has vanished, along with her hatred and responsibilities. Today, an ordinary girl called "TengYu" is setting sail on the Five Lakes with YiGuang. But she wanted to see GuCao and ShaoJiang one last time (except she didn't?)
She thinks that Wu ZiXu would have liked to see this, and YiGuang says that while he had no descendants, now he's been deified he will never be forgotten.
TengYu: Would you rather be worshipped as a god or by your children?
YiGuang: Since the Shi family are nomads, that's up to you ;)
They see the green figure of ChenFeng on the shore, watching as they vanish over the horizon.
THE END
I am again glad I played GouJian first so I got to see her be an openly female King kicking ass across China. Makes her choosing the quiet life feel like a happy ending specific to the kind of FuChai who wants to be with YiGuang instead of What Women Want.
Bad End:
FuChai is motivated primarily by revenge. Nothing changes until after the second choice right near the end. Instead of stabbing herself she says the words to break the sacred vow.
ChenFeng ends up stabbing her, I think because she blocked a blow meant for YiGuang, and she finds herself in the spiritual realm. She says that her righteousness is to seek revenge and break the sacred vow, as she promised her father.
She once again returns to see ChenFeng looking at her shakily, saying her name, this time because he stabbed her.
YiGuang manages to make the ritual work, but at great cost to himself. The Dragon God is not killed, but reduced to a small white snake.
GouJian shouts to drive the armies of Ng into the lake.
YiGuang tells everyone else to escape. FuChai feels wetness on her face and isn't sure if it's YiGuang crying or her. As everything fades away she asks if they can go travelling now, and he shakingly describes the places they will go.
They share one last, bloodied kiss. YiGuang repeats the line from the marriage vows about how Yang and Yin cannot survive without each other.
ShaoJiang cries out for them as everything goes black.
Epilogue:
In the village in Yue by the river, ShaoJiang tells an old fisherman he shouldn't be out working in the cold. She's wearing simple clothes.
Fisherman: Haha, with you Ah-Lin as the miracle doctor, I'll be working for another decade :)
She smiles and stabs him with a needle. He and another fisherman cheerfully discuss fish orders for the new Palace of Yue now that Ng has been conquered, and also some stuff about 'the King' that confused me. I think maybe Fuchai's spirit has been seen haunting the lake?
Fisherman: Don't look so sad, Ah-Lin. All those royals just care about revenge. It doesn't matter to us commoners who the King is.
ShaoJiang: Relax, grandfather, I'm just thinking about how to cure your stubbornness.
Fisherman: Aiya, treat me better! I'll catch you the divine fish people say has appeared in the lake.
ShaoJiang runs to the lake, remembering that the last time she saw YiGuang he threw himself into the lake after FuChai as she dissolved into water.
A small white snake comes out of her sleeve and she says "Do you think there is a chance?"
Snake: ?
ShaoJiang: Looking at your silly little face I don't think you understand a word I say. HEY MR XISHI! IF IT IS YOU COME OUT AND SEE ME!! YIGUANG!!
A pale green fish comes to the surface, looks her in the eye, and then swims away into the depths.
The End
Aww that was lovely! And more ShaoJiang/YiGuang/FuChai shippy than the good ending, though either way they seemed too wrapped up in each other for me to easily imagine them including a third. Still, I didn't come out of it any less convinced that ShaoJiang is into FuChai and maybe also YiGuang. And she didn't die!
Also SHE KEPT THE SNAKE??? Amazing.
Wikipedia spiral:
GouJian's sword is genuinely kind of mysteriously cool, and Fuchai had a matching spear.
Remembering that Wu=Ng:
Twenty years after this game is set Confucius became acting prime minister of Lu! But then he was forced to resign after two years and focussed on teaching and writing.
Haaa and of course FuChai and GouJian both had wives. "It was said that Goujian had been nursing his bitterness by sleeping on straw with a sword beside his head and by tasting gall each morning...personally inspiring his people by working his own fields as his wife made thread and wove by hand"
"Fuchai led an extravagant and dissipated life" "Goujian's minister Wen Zhong suggested training beautiful women and offering them to Fuchai as a tribute (knowing Fuchai could not resist beautiful women). His other minister, Fan Li, found Xi Shi and Zheng Dan, and gave them to Fuchai in 490 BC. Bewitched by the beauty and kindness of Xi Shi and Zheng Dan, Fuchai forgot all about his state affairs and at their instigation, killed his best advisor, the great general Wu Zixu."
Haa I love that Zheng Dan is another genderswap, no wonder he has femme fatale vibes. Now I'm imagining a very different take on genderswapped FuChai where she is All About Her Harem Of Hot Boys.
"Whilst ruling his kingdom, Goujian never relished kingly riches, but instead ate food suited for peasants, as well as forcing himself to taste bile, in order to remember his humiliations while serving under the State of Wu." "After his victory, Goujian ruthlessly killed Fuchai's scholars, even those who helped him (including Bo Pi), not allowing himself to make the same mistake Fuchai had made by sparing the lives of his enemies" "However, Goujian would not stop there; he would later force Wen Zhong to commit suicide; Fan Li, knowing that Goujian was a man who can share woe but not wealth together, left Goujian after the defeat of Wu."
Meanwhile I can't find anything about ShaoJiang, or even what was going on in Qi during this era in general, the only bit of Qi history any of the histories I can find care about is 200 years earlier. I also can't find anything about FuChai's wife/wives, just his relationships with Xi Shi and Zheng Dan.
I suspect that ShaoJiang and ChenFeng are original characters. But when I'm done with the game and less worried about spoilers I'll poke about more.
I didn't look up anything about Wu ZiXu yet since he doesn't come up much in this path and it'll be more fun when I'm doing his.
So this route had a significant flaw: YiGuang is a lovely guy who always supports FuChai 100%. They've been close since childhood and basically never argue except to tell the other to take care of themselves more. He's so emotionally open with her he declares his feelings at the start.
Not to kinkshame or anything but who is into that??
On the plus side, FuChai struggles with her sense of self worth and they are VERY intense about each other, there's an enjoyable air of bittersweet doomed romance given all the odds stacked against them.
The happy ending was a bit more Normal Girl than I like but that does work for the characters. I GUESS.
So yeah! Good for what it is, not entirely my jam, but I had an ok time.
Content notes: suicide, violence, major character death
Oh thank god the skip read function is working in the common route.
Time to see what YiGuang wanted to talk about!
YiGuang: I don't think I can be the High Priest, not if I'm expected to stay on once the Sacred Vow is broken.
FuChai: I'm not sure I'll be king after that, so how can I expect you to stay on?
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, you're a good king...but if you intend on retiring to the countryside, how about a quiet village beside a river in Yue? We can go gallivanting together :D
FuChai: That sounds good. You can be a doctor, and while I don't have any practical skills, I can save some money.
YiGuang: What do you need to worry about with me there?
FuChai: It's not good to rely too much on your friends.
YiGuang: ...and what if we're not just friends?
Her face goes red as she thinks about how lovely that would be, and she makes her excuses.
I was surprised to reach the 'wow where can the romance even go from here what is the dramatic tension going to be' moment halfway through the GouJian Route, but this is is still the COMMON route. Based on my experience with that I'm expecting there WILL be some drama. I'm a little tensed for it, I liked how chill and supportive her friendship with YiGuang was during all the GouJian angst. I can't see GouJian being that friend here /o\ But also I find chill and supportive romances with no drama boring, so.
Discussion with Wu Zixu about how political prisoners are convenient canon fodder but not as competent as trained soldiers /o\ He comes across as thinking she's in love with GouJian and going to get her heart broken in addition to screwing over Ng, which is interesting when she's in love with YiGuang. She just really values GouJian as a friend this time!
wtf how did I end up on the GouJian path again??? YOUR LOVE IS NOT ACTUALLY DESTINED, GOUJIAN, BACK OFF. I wonder if that's why the bit above happened like that.
I didn't go back to the start and follow the walkthrough EXACTLY, I guess? Maybe I used the wrong save?? Let's try again.
AW YES 'SKIP READ' SUDDENLY STOPPED NEAR THE END OF CHAPTER 10
FuChai is feeling hopeless. YiGuang puts a strangely familiar feeling piece of jade in her hand: like the fish amulet, it's from the Shi Clan's Hidden Palace. He says found it being used as the power source for a Dragon God follower array.
Since both armies are licking their wounds right now, FuChai decides to leave ShaoJiang and General Xu Cheng to look after ChenFeng and the war respectively, and go investigate this temple with YiGuang.
Chapter 11
Flashback:
A young YiGuang tells TengYu/Fuchai that his mother said it's time he look for a wife, and so gave him the fish amulet, to be given to his 'Yin Fish': his other half, a soulmate who he will give the amulet as a token of his vow to be joined as one, and live and die as one.
TengYu: Aren't you a bit young? You've had your coming of age ceremony but are shorter than me.
YiGuang: You're right. I like being with Ah-Yu and ChenFeng rather than being intimate with someone else.
*looks up 'Chinese Coming Of Age' Ceremony*
"The most common age to hold the ceremony was 20 for men and 15 for women in ancient China. But throughout history, between 10 and 20 are all acceptable."
GouJian sees them off with enthusiasm and good wishes. DON'T GO EVIL, GOUJIAN.
Seeing YiGuang talk about remaining optimistic and living in the moment without regrets, she silently wonders if he would feel the same if she died.
She dreams that they splash water at each other on a lake and then turn into two fish, playing without a care.
The next day, YiGuang says they're close to the temple and throws the amulet into the water, where it turns into a literal fish.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, you've been a pampered King for many years, I wonder if you're still any good at swimming ;)
FuChai: I'll race you :D
FuChai is very into how YiGuang looks while swimming.
The end up in a cave, where he magically dries their clothes. He takes her hand like it's totally normal, and leads the way, with the re-amuleted fish glowing like a torch.
They encounter a maze of tunnels, littered with dead Dragon God followers, and FuChai figures out that they should follow the left and right steps of the traditional Transcending Fish Dance of the Shi clan.
He uses the amulet to open a large stone door to the jade mine, then tells FuChai to watch for traps.
Visions of his parents appear.
Head Priest: You do not need to inherit the position of Head Priest of the Shi Clan if you stay in the Kingdom of Yue for the rest of your life. However if you wish to finish what we started, and defeat the Dragon God, you will need the power of the Jade Mine.
YiGuang: ...
Head Priestess: You look so tired, battling the dragon god must have been heard *sends healing magic* ...wait, who's that?
YiGuang: Fuchai, King of Ng.
Head Priest: KILL HIM.
YiGuang: Why? D:
Head Priest: It would take an eternity to quell the hatred we feel for HeLu tricking us to our deaths!
Head Priestess: He even tried to kill you! End his family lineage!!
OH YEAH
There I was wondering what conflict there could be and TOTALLY FORGOT that her dad killed his ENTIRE CLAN.
FuChai: I have indeed done a great injustice to the Shi Clan. My blood and soul can help break the Sacred Vow. Please allow me to live a little while longer and then I will atone with my life.
YiGuang: No?????
His parents are pissed! "Our loyalties lie with the people of Ng not the King of Ng" is an interesting contrast to GouJian's King=Country philosophy.
YiGuang realises this isn't his parents and they dissolve into miasma.
FuChai blacks out and wakes in the spiritual realm facing her elder brothers...as piles of meat D: They berate her: Why did we have to die? Why did a freak like you survive?
Stumbling through viscera she finds her father, who says "You are a freak, neither male nor female! And you have achieved nothing after all these years!"
Her family is engulfed by flame and their ashes scatter above the burning city of Gusu.
Mage Xian: Hahaha! You are a freak who only brings about destruction so why don't you just die?
As she starts to lose hope, a fish wraps around her, and she shouts "I am not a freak! I am the King of Ng, FuChai!!"
The fish pulls her forward, and as she steps through fire and death she reminds herself that this feeling is proof that she is alive.
YiGuang appears and says she is a disgusting freak and I am trying very hard not to project onto this as a trans thing but the game isn't making it easy.
A white light pierces the black flames and a young YiGuang steps through.
YiGuang: My only wish in this life is for Ah-Yu to be safe.
FuChai: Please, give me a little more time, then you can find your yin fish.
YiGuang: I have already found you :)
He returns to his real age and gently kisses her.
YiGuang: Let me prove that I am real.
Her kisses her more passionately, biting her tongue until it bleeds and refusing to let her pull away. FuChai is into it, so fine, I GUESS.
YiGuang: Thank you for your blood, my Liege. I am going to break the spell so don't leave my side.
He dips his finger into the blood on his lips and and draws a symbol in the middle of an array. The dark visions vanish.
(The first kiss is in the FIRST CHAPTER of his route?? WHERE IS THIS GOING??)
YiGuang's parents say it was all a test and he says "Only my biological parents would come up with such an insidious plan". They laugh, and say that all the evil dead spirits made it harder, but YiGuang was up to it.
They're approving of FuChai as YiGuang's yin fish and as a person, then say the two of them should use their combined powers to find a hidden sword: the dragon leg of the Ding of Virtue.
FuChai: To be able to receive their forgiveness and understanding in this lifetime, I...
YiGuang: You have their blessings :)
The moment they take the sword, the temple starts to collapse. YiGuang says it's purpose is done.
She gets bashful remembering the kiss and he says it was natural for two people who love and are attracted to each other.
YiGuang: Please don't be angry if I misinterpreted. I just want you to know that since we were reunited, I no longer just think of you as a friend. I admire your bravery and perseverance, and adore your kindness. But what I wish for, more than anything else, is to care for you and protect you as your husband. But I also understand that you are the King of Ng, and not like any other girl. If you want to achieve your goals, then you need to go through the pain and bitterness by yourself. The only thing I can do is to use everything in my power to make sure that all your wishes come true.
Awww then he blushes and ask if her wishes include him.
Her immediate thought is "Yes" but she says "I don't know. I don't even know how much time I have left. For me to pursue a romantic relationship..."
He smiles and says "I'm fine with that, as long as I have a place in your heart. I will ask you again when you have regained your freedom."
That was really lovely but a lot for a first chapter! WHERE NEXT?
Chapter 12:
FuChai can feel herself dying, but tries to convince YiGuang she feels great by flexing her arm muscles, delightful.
Then she finds out the Ng army has marched on towards Qi without her! And GuSu is being prepared for ShaoJiang to marry 'the King of Ng'???
When they get to GuSu, they find it guarded by Yue soldiers 'generously' provided by the King of Yue after a surprise Qi attack. WHAT ARE YOU DOING GOUJIAN >:(
...also 'the King' got angry at Wu ZuXi after the attack and sent him to prison and now Minister Bo is in charge.
A guard stops YiGuang, thinking he's a pretty woman, and giving the impression they're on the look out for an escaped ShaoJiang.
The guard is still suspicious and FuChai wonders if it's because she 'looks awkward as a woman'.
Luckily GongSun Yi shows up pretending they're his relatives, and leads them to a little house where they meet with a delighted ShaoJiang.
ShaoJiang: Half a month ago, 'you' appeared and ordered the army northwards, taking ChenFeng and I back to Gusu where 'you' said YiGuang had found how to break the sacred vow. But 'you' kept hiding from me, and made a point to seperate me from ChenFeng...
The only person who could make such a perfect fake version of FuChai is the Dragon God.
(GouJian and ShaoJian consistently refer to YiGuang as Mr XiShi, but I decided it would be too confusing)
FuChai says ShaoJiang is a silly girl for staying here to wait for them and hugs her which makes ShaoJiang blushingly flustered.
FuChai assumes GouJian is still on her side and was duped or cursed, but ShaoJiang is politely dubious, and FuChai is persuaded to make sure she has an escape route from her meeting with him.
They see ChenFeng guarding Wu ZiXu's cell, and YiGuang says he's surrounded with miasma.
As they wait for GouJian, FuChai feels depressed at the thought that he may have betrayed her. He arrives and says he can tell she's there. When she doesn't come out, he says "I understand. With the way things are, there is no need for me to lie to you. Since you let me return to Yue, if you follow me back to the palace, I will ask my Sovereign God to spare your life."
FuChai thinks back sadly to him swearing that their fates were shared. She spits out a mouthful of blood, and quietly asks YiGuang to take her away.
GouJian: Ah-Yue, you won't even believe this will you? Haha, I knew it. Men! Search the hill!
WOW YEAH GOUJIAN HOW DARE SHE NOT TRUST YOU
ShaoJiang rescues them and takes them to an escaped Wu ZiXu, who says he will take back the capital and sends them off with a letter affirming FuChai's identity and another he asks her to read later.
It's his apology for letting the city fall, and not stopping the treacherous GouJian, and it's clear he expects to die while she's gone.
Chapter 13
When they reach the army, it's too late to retreat, and she's so haggard she barely persuades her cousin Prince GuCao that she's the real FuChai, while the healthier-looking one he saw was a fake.
FuChai becomes consumed with despair and anger, shouting that she will get her revenge and die on the battlefield.
ShaoJiang and YiGuang do their best to keep her hopes up, and get her to rest, but even ShaoJiang asks YiGuang if he's not a little afraid.
YiGuang: Whether or not I am afraid, things are as they are. What would Ah-Yu do if I were to fall too?
At the battle, ShaoJiang and YiGuang use magic to fight back the Qi monsters, giving the Ng soldiers hope and convincing everyone of FuChai's identity. She immediately takes charge and the Qi army quickly starts to lose...so the Dragon God mages decide to cut their losses and use the Qi army as sacrifices instead.
When ShaoJiang is injured, FuChai cuts herself to call on the white tiger to protect her. She refuses to listen to YiGuang and ShaoJiang's concerns, and as YiGuang goes off to desperately try and take down the spell casters, ShaoJiang knocks FuChai to the ground and shouts "You convinced me to live, and I won't let you die!" while on top of her (alas, no CG. Maybe I should draw one...)
YiGuang does some sort of huge spell that destroys the monsters, and the battle is won. GuCao presents FuChai with the head of the Qi general and everyone cheers but there is only a void inside her.
She realise that YiGuang has nearly overworked himself to death.
FuChai: Why? I am not worth sacrificing yourself like this.
YiGuang: Even if I had to die a hundred times over for you it would be worth it.
He holds her as she cries, and then he falls unconscious.
Chapter 14
A truce has been called between Ng and Qi.
YiGuang still hasn't recovered, yet just smiles and says the important thing is how FuChai is doing. ShaoJiang sadly says his soul will disintegrate unless he is healed by someone with stronger magical powers than her.
FuChai asks if he could use the sword and he says he'll need that power to defeat the Dragon God. So she decides they must defeat the god as soon as possible, and asks ShaoJiang to help quickly resolve things in Qi as ambassador, even though it will mean giving up on her revenge.
She immediately agrees, saying she's realised she doesn't want to devote her whole life to revenge.
When FuChai declares that they will not return to Gusu but instead search the ruins of HaoJing, and then keep doing whatever is necessary to save YiGuang, he is at first taken aback, but then smiles.
YiGuang walks slowly, but smiles as they explore the ruins holding hands, saying it's a preview of the exploring they'll do after they defeat the dragon god. But FuChai cannot bring herself to smile.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu, leaving this empty shell does not mean disappearing. I will always be by your side-
FuChai: Stop! I only want you to live!
He sighs "My silly Ah-Yu" and they hold each other tight.
YiGuang realises that the ruined city resembles the one in the spiritual realm, and FuChai notices that the sword uses an older (and I think more pictographic?) character for "virtue" which implies they should stand in the centre and face north.
I love that people can do this stuff with Chinese characters, always makes me wish I knew them.
FuChai: You'll be cured! :D
Me: Oh no, it's only chapter 14...
YiGuang: ...yes. But let's take our time and enjoy the sights :)
Me: Oh no...
All they find at the centre is an overgrown stone platform with stairs going nowhere. YiGuang cuts himself and reveals an underground altar where a woman's voice recites the history of the ding: virtuous King Wu forged it as a symbol of divine alliance; unvirtuous King Ping led to the capital's destruction; Mage Yang split the ding and was buried with the body; Shi Gui sealed the grave so that the body of the ding will return to 'whom by virtue is led'.
As they discuss it, YiGuang coughs up blood and is visibly near death. FuChai freaks out and starts dragging him towards the altar.
YiGuang: Ah-Yu...our deaths are already written in the stars. You are barely holding on yourself, so why bother?
He softly explains that he didn't look for her for all those years because while he didn't fear death, his one fear was that she would turn into something beyond his recognition.
FuChai: Have I disappointed you?
YiGuang: Silly Ah-Yu. You are better than I ever imagined. Don't be consumed by hatred, you are Shi YiGuang's most, most...
He collapses, barely breathing, and FuChai is consumed with a searing pain and unshakeable determination to never let him go. She shouts "as we were together in life, we will be together in death" and drags him to the altar, but all she finds there is a small copper piece, embedded in the stone. She is so desperate to pull it out her hands become bloody.
She finds herself in the spiritual realm, at the altar on the lake, facing a man who looks like her father: Mage Yang.
He asks why she has struggled so far against so much hardship: for revenge, or to save someone?
WELL that gives some idea how the bad end will go!
He explains that she has inherited the body of the ding, as his descendent, but since she's not the rightful owner a tenth of the power she uses will be taken from her soul.
She agrees without hesitation, and YiGuang wakes in her arms. He is surprised for a moment then bows to Mage Yang and asks how they can break the Sacred Vow. I'm guessing we won't be having any last minute saves from GuoJian this time :/
Mage Yang smiles and draws the ancient character for virtue: an eye at a crossroads looking straight ahead, and then the more 'modern' character, an eye with a heart.
Here's the various versions of the character. Mage Yang starts with the Shang version, which is the symbols for road (彳) eye (目) and a line pointing up to mean straight ahead. He then shifts to Western Zhou, which is a more stylised version of the same elements plus a, uh, rather phallic looking heart. The current version, 德, still has those elements but even more stylised.
...and then I fell down a wikipedia spiral for a while, but the real history is so irrelevant to this path I'll put it all at the end.
ANYWAY. BACK TO THE GAME.
Mage Yang: Righteousness is to follow your heart, virtue is to arrive at the pinnacle of goodwill. To what end does the righteousness of your heart lead? Summon me again when you have an answer.
YiGuang repeats the impassioned words FuChai cried while he was dying and asks if she's willing to be truthful about her feelings now. When she admits she loves him he picks her up and spins her around, laughing.
YiGuang: If scaring you makes you speak the truth, this was a blessing in disguise!
FuChai, punching him: Jerk!
He catches her fist and kisses it, then swears upon the heavens that will be together from this day onwards, in life and death.
She embraces him, and silently hopes to die first, so she never has to feel the pain of losing him again.
Chapter 15
ShaoJiang is very happy that YiGuang is better and also that she happened to get the chance to catch Tian Heng, the man who killed her brother. She and GuCao have been working together to strengthen Ng diplomatically and militarily.
ShaoJiang is surprised at how easily FuChai agrees to let YiGuang go off and set up a powerful magical array.
FuChai: He needs our trust more than he needs our concern.
ShaoJiang: Why do I feel like there's a change in the atmosphere between you two? Hehe, congratulations Lord Ng for winning the heart of the most beautiful person on Earth ;)
FuChai: We were discussing the war.
ShaoJiang: After going through so many life threatening situations, I feel that the present is the only time worth treasuring. Things you want to do that get put off today night never get done.
FuChai: Things we want to do...we've been so focussed on breaking the sacred vow we never gave anything else much thought.
ShaoJiang: It's not too late. I've always respected you like an older brother...no, older sister. It's always been my sincerest wish that you experience the little joys of an ordinary life.
The false king claims that GuCao is conspiring with Qi to bring down Ng, and that Fuchai is the fake.
There's some back and forth about killing your own people between a coldly pragmatic GuCao, somewhat sympathetic FuChai, and a sad soldier whose brother is working for the fake king.
Afterwards, FuChai holds a letter and jade piece from WuZiXu and sends him a silent prayer for help.
YiGuang: Are you afraid? I am too.
FuChai: Really? I used to think you were simple minded because you never fought for anything. You once said you live without regrets...would you regret it, if I died?
YiGuang: No, because I would follow you to the grave :) I do not fight for fame or fortune, or life or death. Ah-Yu, I only fight for you.
FuChai: Silly...
She opens her robe to show the mostly dark seal and says "I don't want any regrets either. LET'S GET MARRIED."
YiGuang: YES :D
They hold the amulet, their robes dyed red by the dawn sun, and YiGuang says vows about how yin and yang need each other, and they both repeat that even death cannot part them now.
The battle begins. FuChai steels herself against the sounds of her people killing each other in her name.
She faces ChenFeng, who thinks he is defending the 'real' FuChai, and YiGuang says the curse has sunk in so deep he can only be saved by getting rid of the caster.
She hears the voice of the Dragon God and sees...the head of Wu ZiXu D: D: There goes my irrational hope he was somehow still alive...Please don't kill anyone else, game :(
Aww, he appears as Evil Zheng Dan and not Evil FuChai. I realise that would have meant drawing a whole new sprite but HOW COOL WOULD IT HAVE BEEN.
Zheng Dan: The Prime Minister said he wanted to see the end of this battle with his own eyes :D
ShaoJiang: EAT SHIT(*)
Zheng Dan: I don't mind ladies with sharp tongues but I'm tired of hearing her talk big.
(*)Ok she said "Go back to your sewer", same diff
Dooooon't hurt ShaoJiang D: D:
Three monsters appear and start eating all the corpses, indicating that GouJian must have given his sword to the Dragon God and YiGuang and ShaoJiang agree that he's the Worst, which, fair.
A Yue general kills any Ng soldier who takes this as a sign that maybe the "King" really is an evil demon.
GouJian: The people of Ng are starting to get suspicious. Gather our army and kill Shi Guang, and capture FuChai alive!
...starting to be glad I did his route first, I was pissed off at him enough for the things he did when he was being good...
FuChai promises YiGuang she won't overdo it then casts a big magic spell.
FuChai: We must deal with Zheng Dan while the monsters are trapped! Go!
A violent gust of wind knocks over the soldier's horse. A black mist in the form of a dragon gathers on top of the dead horse and turns into the shape of a man.
Zheng Dan: I will save you the trouble, little girl of the Ng family. If you want your revenge, come at me :)
ShaoiJiang throws FuChai the phoenix dagger and she stabs him....in the shoulder, having belatedly realised that they are linked by blood and the Sacred Seal. The wound shows on her own shoulder instead of his.
FuChai orders a retreat towards the lake altar as the monsters open up like giant mouths and devour soldiers, alive or dead, becoming larger than ever.
FuChai faces what seems like certain defeat with grim determination, but YiGuang grasps her blood and mud stained hands and says he will do the ritual even without the final piece of the Ding. I have the choice to decide if this is for revenge, or to stop the war, and choose the latter.
Smoke fills the air and blood flows like water, and she wonders how long it will be before Ng can heal from destroying it's own land and killing its own people. Who is she breaking the vow for? To what end does the righteousness of her heart lead?
She tells GuCao to call back the troops. This is between her and the Dragon God.
YiGuang looks at her with longing and understanding.
GouJian: OH NO SHE'S REALISED THE GOD'S WEAKNESS. ChenFeng, stop her from killing herself!!
FuChai looks back at YiGuang and stabs herself in the heart.
GouJian: Ah-Yu! D:
haha, this guy, istg
She finds herself in the spiritual realm. She says all she wants is to stop the war, and for the heavens to be kind to her land and subjects.
Mage Yang smiles and says she has reached the pinnacle of righteousness.
She returns to the real world facing ChenFeng, who shakily says her name. ShaoJiang, crying, says the war has stopped now that everyone has seen the auspicious sign that she has been recognised by the body of the ding as its owner.
YiGuang shouts the words to break the vow and the Dragon God dissolves into ashes.
GouJian, coughing up blood: My sovereign god!
Yue General: Your highness? D:
GouJian, in a resigned tone: Forget it, forget it...
HA. SUCK IT LOSER.
YiGuang says "Not even death can part us" and pulls FuChai into a kiss.
Epilogue:
Citizen A: Wow the new queen is so pretty.
Citizen B: She is the world renowned beauty from the Kingdom of Qi, ShaoJiang.
GAME
Citizen A: What a pity the former King was unable to indulge in her beauty before passing away. At least he organised an heir. And now Qi and Yue are Ng's vassal states!
YiGuang: Why did the king of Ng not come to the wedding?
Citizen B: He wouldn't have the guts after that defeat!
Blehhhh ShaoJiang married GuCao? I mean it makes sense. I guess.
ShaoJiang, softly, with tears in her eyes: The dagger tells me they have come.
ShaoJiang, loudly: Husband, will you ask ChenFeng to gather me some read leaves for the carriage?
GuCao: There are not many red leaves in the city. ChenFeng, go to the pier to look for some.
ShaoJiang: Husband, thank you :)
YOU CAN'T MAKE ME SHIP IT, GAME
At the pier, FuChai looks out at the prosperous GuSu, sure she made the right choice. Her chest hurts, but only with happy emotion. The seal has vanished, along with her hatred and responsibilities. Today, an ordinary girl called "TengYu" is setting sail on the Five Lakes with YiGuang. But she wanted to see GuCao and ShaoJiang one last time (except she didn't?)
She thinks that Wu ZiXu would have liked to see this, and YiGuang says that while he had no descendants, now he's been deified he will never be forgotten.
TengYu: Would you rather be worshipped as a god or by your children?
YiGuang: Since the Shi family are nomads, that's up to you ;)
They see the green figure of ChenFeng on the shore, watching as they vanish over the horizon.
THE END
I am again glad I played GouJian first so I got to see her be an openly female King kicking ass across China. Makes her choosing the quiet life feel like a happy ending specific to the kind of FuChai who wants to be with YiGuang instead of What Women Want.
Bad End:
FuChai is motivated primarily by revenge. Nothing changes until after the second choice right near the end. Instead of stabbing herself she says the words to break the sacred vow.
ChenFeng ends up stabbing her, I think because she blocked a blow meant for YiGuang, and she finds herself in the spiritual realm. She says that her righteousness is to seek revenge and break the sacred vow, as she promised her father.
She once again returns to see ChenFeng looking at her shakily, saying her name, this time because he stabbed her.
YiGuang manages to make the ritual work, but at great cost to himself. The Dragon God is not killed, but reduced to a small white snake.
GouJian shouts to drive the armies of Ng into the lake.
YiGuang tells everyone else to escape. FuChai feels wetness on her face and isn't sure if it's YiGuang crying or her. As everything fades away she asks if they can go travelling now, and he shakingly describes the places they will go.
They share one last, bloodied kiss. YiGuang repeats the line from the marriage vows about how Yang and Yin cannot survive without each other.
ShaoJiang cries out for them as everything goes black.
Epilogue:
In the village in Yue by the river, ShaoJiang tells an old fisherman he shouldn't be out working in the cold. She's wearing simple clothes.
Fisherman: Haha, with you Ah-Lin as the miracle doctor, I'll be working for another decade :)
She smiles and stabs him with a needle. He and another fisherman cheerfully discuss fish orders for the new Palace of Yue now that Ng has been conquered, and also some stuff about 'the King' that confused me. I think maybe Fuchai's spirit has been seen haunting the lake?
Fisherman: Don't look so sad, Ah-Lin. All those royals just care about revenge. It doesn't matter to us commoners who the King is.
ShaoJiang: Relax, grandfather, I'm just thinking about how to cure your stubbornness.
Fisherman: Aiya, treat me better! I'll catch you the divine fish people say has appeared in the lake.
ShaoJiang runs to the lake, remembering that the last time she saw YiGuang he threw himself into the lake after FuChai as she dissolved into water.
A small white snake comes out of her sleeve and she says "Do you think there is a chance?"
Snake: ?
ShaoJiang: Looking at your silly little face I don't think you understand a word I say. HEY MR XISHI! IF IT IS YOU COME OUT AND SEE ME!! YIGUANG!!
A pale green fish comes to the surface, looks her in the eye, and then swims away into the depths.
The End
Aww that was lovely! And more ShaoJiang/YiGuang/FuChai shippy than the good ending, though either way they seemed too wrapped up in each other for me to easily imagine them including a third. Still, I didn't come out of it any less convinced that ShaoJiang is into FuChai and maybe also YiGuang. And she didn't die!
Also SHE KEPT THE SNAKE??? Amazing.
Wikipedia spiral:
GouJian's sword is genuinely kind of mysteriously cool, and Fuchai had a matching spear.
Remembering that Wu=Ng:
Twenty years after this game is set Confucius became acting prime minister of Lu! But then he was forced to resign after two years and focussed on teaching and writing.
Haaa and of course FuChai and GouJian both had wives. "It was said that Goujian had been nursing his bitterness by sleeping on straw with a sword beside his head and by tasting gall each morning...personally inspiring his people by working his own fields as his wife made thread and wove by hand"
"Fuchai led an extravagant and dissipated life" "Goujian's minister Wen Zhong suggested training beautiful women and offering them to Fuchai as a tribute (knowing Fuchai could not resist beautiful women). His other minister, Fan Li, found Xi Shi and Zheng Dan, and gave them to Fuchai in 490 BC. Bewitched by the beauty and kindness of Xi Shi and Zheng Dan, Fuchai forgot all about his state affairs and at their instigation, killed his best advisor, the great general Wu Zixu."
Haa I love that Zheng Dan is another genderswap, no wonder he has femme fatale vibes. Now I'm imagining a very different take on genderswapped FuChai where she is All About Her Harem Of Hot Boys.
"Whilst ruling his kingdom, Goujian never relished kingly riches, but instead ate food suited for peasants, as well as forcing himself to taste bile, in order to remember his humiliations while serving under the State of Wu." "After his victory, Goujian ruthlessly killed Fuchai's scholars, even those who helped him (including Bo Pi), not allowing himself to make the same mistake Fuchai had made by sparing the lives of his enemies" "However, Goujian would not stop there; he would later force Wen Zhong to commit suicide; Fan Li, knowing that Goujian was a man who can share woe but not wealth together, left Goujian after the defeat of Wu."
Meanwhile I can't find anything about ShaoJiang, or even what was going on in Qi during this era in general, the only bit of Qi history any of the histories I can find care about is 200 years earlier. I also can't find anything about FuChai's wife/wives, just his relationships with Xi Shi and Zheng Dan.
I suspect that ShaoJiang and ChenFeng are original characters. But when I'm done with the game and less worried about spoilers I'll poke about more.
I didn't look up anything about Wu ZiXu yet since he doesn't come up much in this path and it'll be more fun when I'm doing his.
no subject
Not to kinkshame or anything but who is into that??
Ha, you won't fool me into revealing that extreme kink! What if my friends and family and boss find out that I admitted to liking sweet emotionally open romance!! :(
More seriously -- I feel like I've read and enjoyed things like that! Sometimes it's a nice change of pace, and in m/f it can focus more on the woman's non-romantic arc! But I think it works for me only when there is sooooo much external angst and conflict, but not in a way that it feels like the entire world is rigged against them in a (non-fun) melodramatic way. It's a tricky balance. Also not really what I expect from an otome game!
It's also funny how as long as there's no open declaration of feelings at the start (and everything else is exactly the same), it feels like an entirely different trope. Even if the characters are comfortable with things as they are and aren't angstily pining!
Also WOW the first chapter declaration was...that's such an ending otome scene!
wtf how did I end up on the GouJian path again??? YOUR LOVE IS NOT ACTUALLY DESTINED, GOUJIAN, BACK OFF. I wonder if that's why the bit above happened like that.
:DDD
Wu Zixu knew before you did!
ShaoJiang seems so great and I love her and I appreciate her bond with her snake/dragon god (and her shippiness with FuChai).
You could potentially try going to Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian and read more about them! I think that actually is translated (and then you can tell me all about it :P).
no subject
Yeah I must admit I have also enjoyed that kind of romance. But it very easily doesn't work for me.
I love ShaoJiang so much ;_;
The problem with reading the real history is that it's about the real people, FuChai being a man and all that. And also it's hard ;P
no subject
Ha, both very good reasons! ;p
no subject
Me a short while later: Hmm, I have an idea for some cracky fanfic, clearly before I even think about writing it I should read everything in this post https://tiger-tally.tumblr.com/post/662962970787299328/wu-and-yue-premodern-sources-available-in-english
no subject
(The tumblr post is so very cool though! I think it's great that someone shared their knowledge and collated that!)