Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shan, a patient with mental illness, has given up on treatment, suspecting her parents' financial strain.
• Fu Qian, the bookstore owner, realizes the gravity of Yuan Shan's condition and the presence of Red Moon, a chaotic entity.
• Two young women enter the bookstore, seeking a specific book, but there's only one copy.
• Fu Qian suggests a bidding war or a deal between the customers to determine the book's owner.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shan: Struggles with her mental state and the burden of her parents' financial sacrifices.
• Fu Qian: Shows professionalism in running his bookstore, empathy for Yuan Shan's situation, and a strategic approach to helping her.
• Red Moon: A chaotic entity that seems to be influenced by Yuan Shan's condition and the bookstore's activities.
• The two young women: Display politeness, determination, and resilience in their book search.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against mental illness and the will to survive.
• The power of chaos and the need to maintain one's selfhood.
• The importance of a global perspective and simple, straightforward approaches to complex problems.
• The beauty of life and the need to showcase it to ease worry.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan: Fu Qian tries to engage Yuan Shan in conversation and drinking tea, while also strategizing to help her.
• Red Moon and Yuan Shan: Their actions and conditions seem to be synchronized, with Red Moon's actions influenced by Yuan Shan's.
• The two young women and Fu Qian: The women interact with Fu Qian, initially nervous but later showing resilience and determination in their book search.
• The two young women and Yuan Shan/Red Moon: They seem unaware of the significance of Yuan Shan and Red Moon's presence but are briefly affected by their tea-drinking and book-buying activities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian, the bookstore owner, offers a book for free if the two customers can agree on who should receive it, testing their friendship.
• The customers refuse to be manipulated and decline the offer, passing the test.
• Fu Qian gives them the book as a reward, but they turn it upside down before returning it as a sign of protest against his poor manners.

Character Developments

• The two young customers demonstrate their strong friendship and integrity by refusing to be manipulated.
• Fu Qian shows his manipulative nature and lack of good manners, but also displays a sense of appreciation for the customers' integrity.
• Hong Yue, Fu Qian's assistant, shows concern for Fu Qian's well-being and helps him heal from his injuries.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and integrity: The two young customers prioritize their friendship over material gain.
• Manipulation and its consequences: Fu Qian's attempt to manipulate the customers backfires, leading to a minor act of rebellion.
• The importance of good manners in business: Fu Qian's poor manners lead to customer dissatisfaction.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with the two young customers, testing their friendship and ultimately rewarding them with a book.
• Hong Yue interacts with Fu Qian, expressing her concern for his well-being and helping him heal from his injuries.
• The two young customers interact with each other, demonstrating their strong bond and mutual support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian successfully handles a delicate situation involving an unknown entity, Red Moon, without causing further complications.
• Yuan Shan, a Demigod, visits Fu Qian's shop and experiences a strange incident involving Red Moon, which she doesn't remember.
• Fu Qian reveals that he offered Red Moon a cup of tea during the incident.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his wisdom and calmness in handling unusual situations.
• Yuan Shan shows resilience and determination in facing the aftermath of her strange experience.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and mysterious nature of Red Moon.
• The importance of clear thinking and calmness in dealing with complex situations.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan interact with mutual respect and trust, with Fu Qian being honest about the incident and Yuan Shan accepting his explanation.
• Fu Qian shows understanding and consideration for Yuan Shan's feelings, while Yuan Shan acknowledges Fu Qian's help and expresses gratitude.
• Yuan Shan reveals that she sought Fu Qian out to discuss the Sun, hinting at an ongoing investigation or concern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shan shares that she's discovered information about a place called "Heaven on Earth," which Fu Qian identifies as the White-Headed Holy See.
• Fu Qian reveals his involvement in a project with Aiko, which included the White-Headed Holy See.
• Yuan Shan expresses her dislike for the sinister atmosphere of the place.
• Fu Qian asks about the reason for Yuan Shan's visit, and she reveals it's related to Old Man Henry.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shan: Shows professionalism in her job, is attentive to details, and cares about Old Man Henry's well-being.
• Fu Qian: Demonstrates his knowledge of various projects and concepts, and shows concern for Yuan Shan's well-being.

Significant Themes

• The subjective nature of heaven and its interpretation.
• The contrast between the allure and sinister aspects of certain places.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan discuss their shared knowledge and experiences, leading to the revelation of the White-Headed Holy See.
• Fu Qian expresses concern for Yuan Shan's well-being, and she shares her worry about Old Man Henry.
• They both show camaraderie and mutual respect in their interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shan seeks Fu Qian's help to understand why Old Man Henry has lost contact with her.
• Fu Qian suspects Henry's condition might be related to the Academy and the name 'Meria'.
• Fu Qian believes Henry's condition might be connected to the Rainbow of Yao Bian, a Higher Being he serves.
• Fu Qian speculates that the Rainbow of Yao Bian might not fully understand the 'crystallization' and 'Doomsday' due to its nature.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shan shows concern for her teacher, Old Man Henry, and seeks Fu Qian's help.
• Fu Qian demonstrates analytical skills and knowledge about the Higher Beings and their connections.

Significant Themes

• The influence of Higher Beings on the world and its inhabitants.
• The mystery surrounding 'crystallization' and 'Doomsday'.
• The struggle for power and knowledge among Higher Beings.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Shan and Fu Qian discuss Old Man Henry's condition and the Academy's connection to it.
• Fu Qian shares his speculations about the Rainbow of Yao Bian and its limitations.
• Fu Qian respects Yuan Shan's intelligence and treats her as an equal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian reveals to Yuan Shan that he encountered her teacher's Pact object, the Rainbow of Yao Bian, without any harm.
• Yuan Shan checks on her teacher's condition and finds it improved.
• Fu Qian plans to attend a banquet hosted by Stos Your Excellency, much to Yuan Shan's concern.
• Fu Qian asks Yuan Shan to help him find the way to the banquet, which she does by simply pointing in a direction.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his honesty and lack of fear in the face of powerful entities like the Rainbow of Yao Bian.
• Yuan Shan shows her concern for her teacher's well-being and her caution in dealing with sensitive information.
• Fu Qian displays his audacity and recklessness in planning to attend the banquet, despite knowing the risks.
• Yuan Shan reveals her awareness of political dynamics and her resignation to helping Fu Qian, despite her reservations.

Significant Themes

• Power and Fearlessness: Fu Qian's encounter with the Rainbow of Yao Bian highlights his fearlessness in the face of power.
• Responsibility and Caution: Yuan Shan's handling of her teacher's secret and her concern for Fu Qian's safety show her sense of responsibility and caution.
• Political Awareness: Both characters display an understanding of political dynamics and the risks involved in attending the banquet.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan: Their interaction shows a growing level of trust and understanding between them, with Yuan Shan accepting Fu Qian's decisions despite her reservations.
• Fu Qian and the Rainbow of Yao Bian: Fu Qian's encounter with the powerful entity shows his fearlessness and the potential danger he faces.
• Yuan Shan and her Teacher: Yuan Shan's concern for her teacher's well-being shows her filial piety and responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian discovers that the direction indicated by the Mask of those Destined to Become Gods leads straight to the Night Watchers' base, suggesting a potential confrontation.
• Fu Qian considers attending the banquet to investigate the Night Watchers and prevent a chaotic era if he has to fight them.
• Yuan Shan expresses concern about the situation in Shangjing and plans to visit Henry, inviting Fu Qian to join her.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian demonstrates his strategic thinking and caution, weighing the pros and cons of attending the banquet and considering the potential consequences of a fight with the Night Watchers.
• Yuan Shan shows her concern for Fu Qian's safety and the stability of Shangjing, revealing her commitment to her duties.

Significant Themes

• Fate vs. Free Will: Fu Qian's journey is guided by the Mask, but he is aware of the potential dangers and is considering his actions, suggesting a struggle between fate and free will.
• Power Dynamics: The Night Watchers' influence and strength are emphasized, highlighting the power dynamics in the world and the potential consequences of a conflict with them.
• Responsibility: Both Fu Qian and Yuan Shan show a sense of responsibility, with Fu Qian considering the potential fallout of his actions and Yuan Shan prioritizing the safety of Shangjing.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan: Their interaction is cordial and cooperative, with Yuan Shan offering Fu Qian advice and Fu Qian considering her concerns. They share information and plan their next steps together.
• Fu Qian and the Night Watchers: Though not directly interacting, Fu Qian's thoughts reveal his wariness and consideration of the Night Watchers, setting the stage for a potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian, a troublemaker, is left unrestrained as Yuan Shan, the chief, has other duties.
• Yuan Shan reminds Fu Qian not to cause trouble, but he assures her he's purposeful in his actions.
• Fu Qian plans to visit Chen Ping or Houhai Manor, with Yuan Shan tagging along due to responsibility.
• Fu Qian suggests inviting Chen Ping over instead of visiting, surprising Yuan Shan.
• Yuan Shan notices Fu Qian's new, luxurious chair, which Fu Qian reveals was a gift from Red Moon.
• Fu Qian discovers the chair can materialize a door for teleportation, activated by touching the claw-like protrusion.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shan shows responsibility and concern for Fu Qian's actions, despite her busy schedule.
• Fu Qian remains easygoing and confident in his actions, even when reminded not to cause trouble.
• Red Moon, not physically present, shows care for Fu Qian by gifting him a chair with a useful function.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Yuan Shan feels responsible for Fu Qian's actions, even when busy.
• Trust: Yuan Shan trusts Fu Qian's purposefulness but is still concerned about potential trouble.
• Gifting and Care: Red Moon gifts Fu Qian a chair to aid him, showing concern for his well-being.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Shan and Fu Qian interact with mutual understanding and concern, despite their different personalities.
• Fu Qian and Red Moon interact indirectly through the gift of the chair, showing Red Moon's care for Fu Qian.
• Yuan Shan and Fu Qian have a friendly banter, with Yuan Shan showing concern and Fu Qian displaying confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian discovers he can open Gates to various locations using his fingers, each corresponding to a place he's been before.
• The Gates lead to the Blood Lake in the Deity's Burial Ground, Liliana's hiding place, Dansi Crawford's house, the Academy of Revelation, and the Half-step Moon (though it doesn't react).
• Fu Qian realizes the Gates are a gift from the Red Moon, allowing teleportation to crucial locations.
• He successfully opens a Gate to Dansi Crawford's house and returns using it.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian shows curiosity, practicality, and concern for the Red Moon's condition.
• He demonstrates his intelligence and quick understanding of the new system.

Significant Themes

• The theme of convenience and practicality is emphasized through the Red Moon's gifts.
• The idea of paying a price for one's actions is explored, with Fu Qian worrying about the Red Moon's condition.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian interacts with the Red Moon's gifts, learning to use the teleportation system.
• He revisits Dansi Crawford's house, reminiscing about his past.
• Yuan Shan returns, signaling the end of Fu Qian's exploration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Elder Chen Ping visits Fu Qian, seeking an alliance or partnership.
• Chen Ping offers Fu Qian a manual containing the Chen Clan's cultivation insights.
• Fu Qian, disinterested, dismisses Chen Ping without accepting the manual.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Maintains his calm and collected demeanor, showing no interest in the Chen Clan's offer. He's more interested in using them as observational samples after learning from Nepheli.
• Elder Chen Ping: Initially confident, he becomes increasingly nervous and submissive in Fu Qian's presence, eventually offering the clan's secrets in a desperate attempt to gain Fu Qian's favor.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Fu Qian's power and influence are evident in his interactions with Elder Chen Ping, who is clearly intimidated.
• Manipulation: Fu Qian manipulates the situation to his advantage, using the Chen Clan as a means to an end without revealing his true intentions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Elder Chen Ping: Their interaction is marked by Fu Qian's dominance and Chen Ping's increasing deference, culminating in Chen Ping offering the clan's secrets.
• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan: They discuss the situation after Chen Ping leaves, with Yuan Shan showing curiosity about Fu Qian's actions. Fu Qian reveals he's not interested in the Chen Clan's techniques and suspects Chen Ping's behavior is unusual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Shan and Fu Qian discuss the peculiar behavior of Chen Ping, who proactively sought Fu Qian's attention.
• They deduce that Chen Ping's interest might be related to Fu Qian's recognition of the Chen family's cultivation method at a recent banquet.
• Fu Qian reveals he refused Chen Ping's offer partly due to lack of interest and partly because he doesn't intend to provide security for the Chen family.
• Yuan Shan reveals she has contacted her teacher, Old Master Henry, who is currently busy with important matters but will visit her in Shangjing.
• Fu Qian decides to go for a walk in Shangjing and ends up at Taylor Goulard's residence, a place he's familiar with from a previous encounter.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shan: Shows sharp intuition and proactive self-reflection. She's pragmatic and understands the implications of Fu Qian's actions. She's also resilient and can quickly move past awkward situations.
• Fu Qian: Demonstrates his perceptiveness and understanding of undercurrents in Shangjing. He's casual and easygoing, even about serious matters. He's also curious and enjoys observing conflicts. He shows respect for Old Master Henry's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Confidence: Yuan Shan's trust in Fu Qian and Old Master Henry is a central theme. Fu Qian's confidence in his own abilities and decisions is also notable.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence in Shangjing is evident in the interactions between the Chen family, Fu Qian, and other factions.
• Curiosity and Observation: Fu Qian's curiosity about the conflicts in Shangjing and his enjoyment of observing them is a recurring theme.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Shan and Fu Qian: They work well together, with Yuan Shan's sharp intuition complementing Fu Qian's casual but perceptive demeanor. They share a mutual respect and understanding.
• Fu Qian and Old Master Henry: Although they haven't interacted directly, Fu Qian respects Old Master Henry's capabilities and understands his influence on Yuan Shan.
• Fu Qian and Taylor Goulard (implied): Fu Qian's familiarity with Taylor Goulard's residence suggests a past encounter or connection, which could be explored in future chapters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian, disguised as the Great Fortune Ming King, visits Taylor's home in Shangjing.
• He finds Taylor's courtyard unusually dark and discovers a strange barrier around Taylor's residence.
• Inside, he finds Taylor's lifeless body, severely burned and contorted, with no signs of imprisonment.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Shows curiosity and determination in investigating the Supernatural, particularly the Blood Clan. He empathizes with Taylor's situation.
• Taylor: Presumed dead, his body found in a state of severe injury, suggesting foul play.

Significant Themes

• The value of pure-blooded Supernatural beings for research.
• The ruthless nature of power struggles within the Supernatural world.
• The impermanence of meetings and partings, reflecting Fu Qian's detached perspective.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian's visit to Taylor's home reveals the latter's tragic fate, highlighting Fu Qian's curiosity and empathy.
• The absence of Taylor and the state of his body imply a power struggle within the Blood Clan or between different Supernatural clans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian finds Taylor's cloak and puts it on, not knowing it's a trap.
• Taylor, presumed dead, reveals himself and admits to setting a trap for Fu Qian.
• The cloak is a form of equivalent retaliation, meant to mark Fu Qian so he can't escape.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian remains calm and collected, even when caught in a trap.
• Taylor shows resilience and resourcefulness, having prepared a trap specifically for Fu Qian.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and retaliation: Taylor seeks revenge for the humiliation he suffered at Fu Qian's hands.
• The power of knowledge and understanding: Fu Qian quickly figures out the nature of the trap, while Taylor uses his knowledge of Fu Qian's methods against him.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Taylor engage in a tense exchange, with Taylor revealing his trap and Fu Qian acknowledging its cleverness.
• There's a sense of mutual respect and understanding between them, despite their hostile situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian and Taylor engage in a battle of wits, with Fu Qian trying to understand Taylor's motives and the Blood Clan's stance.
• Taylor reveals that Gulad (a Blood Clan branch) won't act rashly against the Rebirth Club but will pass on clues to the Night Watcher.
• Fu Qian leaves without attempting to take Taylor, hinting at a larger plan.

Character Developments

• Taylor: Shows maturity and cunning, understanding the political landscape and his clan's stance. He's also confident in his self-preservation.
• Fu Qian: Demonstrates strategic thinking, patience, and adaptability. He's aware of the Blood Clan's power and is cautious in his approach.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle between the Blood Clan, the Rebirth Club, and the Night Watcher is a central theme, with each party trying to gain an advantage.
• Manipulation and Deception: Characters use deception and manipulation to achieve their goals, with Fu Qian and Taylor both trying to outwit each other.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Taylor: Their interaction is a game of cat and mouse, with each trying to understand and outmaneuver the other. Fu Qian admires Taylor's eloquence and confidence.
• Taylor and Grantham (implied): Their relationship is one of mutual understanding and cooperation, with Grantham likely approving of Taylor's actions against the Rebirth Club.

Key Plot Points & Events

• The new instance is still being prepared, so there's no update today.
• Zuo Lun, the narrator, assures readers that he's not slacking off or going out to play.

Character Developments

• Zuo Lun: He shows responsibility and professionalism by acknowledging the delay and reassuring readers that he's not neglecting his duties.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Zuo Lun emphasizes his commitment to his work, assuring readers that he's not shirking his duties.
• Honesty: He openly communicates the reason for the delay, maintaining transparency with the readers.

Character Interactions

• The chapter is a direct address to the readers, with Zuo Lun interacting with them to provide an update and reassurance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter is a New Year greeting from the author, Zuo Lun, to his readers.
• He expresses wishes for prosperity, family happiness, good health, and success in the Year of the Horse (Bingwu in the Lunar Calendar).
• Zuo Lun apologizes for his recent absences and assures readers that updates will stabilize in the future.
• He invites readers to a "Great Future Disciple" group event to receive New Year red envelopes.

Character Developments

• Zuo Lun, as the author and narrator, shows humility and accountability for his recent lack of productivity.
• He demonstrates care for his readers by sending New Year wishes and inviting them to an event.

Significant Themes

• New Year and festivity: The chapter revolves around the New Year celebration, reflecting the joy and hope associated with the occasion.
• Apology and accountability: Zuo Lun acknowledges his mistakes and takes responsibility for his recent absences.
• Community and engagement: The author encourages reader interaction and engagement through the event invitation.

Character Interactions

• While there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter, Zuo Lun interacts with his readers through his greeting message and event invitation, fostering a sense of community.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian, after completing a task, decides to visit his former student in Shangjing.
• He receives a new mission from the Warehouse, containing a humanoid figure with a twisted lower half, resembling a genie.
• The mission begins, and Fu Qian finds himself in a bedroom, restrained with a silver bracelet to the bed, with Wen Li present.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Shows curiosity and excitement about the new mission, and adapts to the unusual situation.
• Wen Li: Displays a rare serious and stern demeanor, hinting at a change in her usual behavior.

Significant Themes

• The mission's peculiarities and twists, challenging Fu Qian's expectations.
• The blurring of lines between dimensions or realities, as seen in the mission's greetings and Wen Li's presence.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Wen Li: They greet each other politely, with Wen Li hinting at a potential conflict or challenge for Fu Qian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian wakes up handcuffed to Wen Li, who reveals she's been searching for him.
• Wen Li informs Fu Qian she's taking him to the Holy See, refusing to elaborate on the reason.
• Fu Qian suspects Wen Li might have joined the Cult of Joy, aiming to recruit him.
• Wen Li handcuffs herself to Fu Qian, expressing it's necessary for their journey.
• Fu Qian finds it strange that Wen Li didn't disguise him, and she retorts that he's too focused on appearances.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian: Realizes his predicament, tries to understand Wen Li's intentions, and feels strange about his unaltered appearance.
• Wen Li: Shows determination in capturing Fu Qian, maintains a mysterious demeanor, and displays emotional management skills.

Significant Themes

• Power imbalance: The vast difference in power between a Transcendent (Wen Li) and an ordinary person (Fu Qian) is highlighted.
• Appearances vs reality: Fu Qian's focus on his image is challenged by Wen Li's accusation.

Character Interactions

• Fu Qian and Wen Li: Their dynamic shifts from Fu Qian's usual advantage to Wen Li's dominance. They engage in a verbal sparring match, with Wen Li maintaining the upper hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Qian is captured by Wen Li, who uses her ability to silence him.
• They meet at a deserted hotel, and Wen Li leads Fu Qian to a vintage car driven by Yuan Shan.
• Yuan Shan doesn't recognize Fu Qian and believes his current face is a disguise.

Character Developments

• Fu Qian remains calm and collected despite being a prisoner, trying to understand and adapt to the strange situation.
• Wen Li maintains her mysterious and assertive demeanor, using her ability to control Fu Qian.
• Yuan Shan appears unfazed by the unusual circumstances, showing openness and good spirits.

Significant Themes

• Perception vs. Reality: Fu Qian tries to make sense of the abstract and surreal world around him, questioning what's real and what's a disguise.
• Power Dynamics: Wen Li's ability and assertiveness establish her dominance over Fu Qian, while Yuan Shan's open-mindedness allows her to adapt to the situation.

Character Interactions

• Wen Li and Fu Qian: Despite being captor and captive, their interaction is civil, with Fu Qian trying to understand Wen Li's motives and Wen Li maintaining control.
• Wen Li and Yuan Shan: They seem to have a shared understanding or goal, with Wen Li partially agreeing with Yuan Shan's assessment of Fu Qian's face.
• Fu Qian and Yuan Shan: Yuan Shan seems open to Fu Qian's words but doesn't engage in conversation due to Wen Li's intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trio (Wen Li, Yuan Shan, and Fu Qian) begins their journey in an eerie, desolate city.
• They encounter Su Zhiyan (Su Gao), who joins them, seeking a ride to the Holy See.
• Fu Qian's vocal cords are repeatedly silenced by Wen Li to prevent him from speaking.

Character Developments

• Wen Li: Shows a cold, assertive demeanor, maintaining control over the situation and Fu Qian.
• Yuan Shan: Remains detached and calm, focusing on driving, but agrees with Wen Li's statement about their situation.
• Su Zhiyan (Su Gao): Demonstrates dominance and composure, persistently joining the group's journey to the Holy See.
• Fu Qian: Observes his surroundings and the interactions, trying to understand his situation and the mission's significance.

Significant Themes

• Control and Power Dynamics: Wen Li's dominance over Fu Qian and Su Gao's assertiveness highlight the power dynamics among the characters.
• Isolation and Desolation: The eerie, desolate city setting emphasizes the characters' isolation and the oppressive atmosphere.
• Destination and Purpose: The Holy See is the shared destination, but the reasons for going there remain unclear.

Character Interactions

• Wen Li and Yuan Shan: They share a moment of agreement, acknowledging their situation, but Wen Li maintains a cold, distant attitude.
• Wen Li and Su Zhiyan: They engage in a tense exchange, with Su Zhiyan persistently seeking to join their journey.
• Wen Li and Fu Qian: Wen Li repeatedly silences Fu Qian, preventing him from speaking, emphasizing her control over him.