Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cang Xiaoxuan and Fu Hua visit the canal in Yangzhou, hoping to find someone with Grade A aptitude.
• A girl falls into the canal and cannot swim. Fu Hua recognizes her as resembling Luo Tianyi, a popular Vocaloid.
• Fu Hua decides to rescue the girl.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua shows concern and willingness to help a stranger in need.
• Cang Xiaoxuan enjoys her time in Yangzhou, trying local snacks and being excited about the bustling canal.

Significant Themes

• The prosperity of Yangzhou due to its canal network and international trade.
• The rarity of Grade A aptitude and the difficulty in finding suitable candidates.
• The cultural exchange and influence of different nations in the Tang Dynasty.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan interact as they walk along the canal, with Fu Hua buying Cang Xiaoxuan candied hawthorn skewers.
• Fu Hua and the people around her observe the aptitudes of the foreign merchants.
• Fu Hua decides to rescue the girl who resembles Luo Tianyi, showing her heroic nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua rescues a girl who resembles Luo Tianyi from drowning in the canal.
• The girl faints due to weakness, hunger, and shock, and has a fever.
• Fu Hua decides to take the girl back to her home to rest and recover.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua displays kindness and concern for the girl, despite not knowing her.
• The girl, who looks like Luo Tianyi, is revealed to have first-class aptitude for cultivating the Dao.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and compassion towards strangers.
• The importance of character and perseverance in addition to aptitude for cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan discuss the girl's aptitude and Fu Hua's decision to take her back.
• Fu Hua carries the girl in a princess carry, showing care and concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist, a young girl, dreams of her father abandoning her years ago.
• She grew up in a family that was not wealthy but comfortable, with her father being a judicial officer.
• After her mother's death, her father became obsessed with Taoist arts, neglecting his duties and daughter.
• He eventually abandons her to seek immortals, leaving her alone at a young age.
• The girl survives with the help of Huo Manor, who has a young master interested in her.
• She becomes curious about Taoist books and decides to cultivate to find her father.
• Years later, she faces financial difficulties and considers marrying into wealth, specifically the young master of Huo Manor, to secure her future.

Character Developments

• The protagonist evolves from a neglected child to a determined young woman who decides to pursue Taoist cultivation to find her father.
• The father's character is revealed as irresponsible and self-centered, prioritizing his obsession with Taoist arts over his family.
• The young master of Huo Manor is shown to be interested in the protagonist since childhood, but his feelings are not reciprocated.

Significant Themes

• Abandonment and neglect: The protagonist's father leaves her without a second thought, leading to her feelings of abandonment and desire for revenge or closure.
• Poverty and survival: The protagonist faces financial hardships and must consider marrying into wealth to secure her future.
• Taoist cultivation: The protagonist becomes interested in Taoist arts and decides to pursue cultivation to find her father.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with her neglectful father, who prioritizes his obsession with Taoist arts over her well-being.
• She has limited interaction with the young master of Huo Manor, who is interested in her but not well-known to her.
• The protagonist's relationship with Huo Manor is one of dependence, as they help her survive after her father's abandonment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Qing'e, a young girl, falls into a river and is rescued by an unknown person.
• She wakes up in an unfamiliar, wealthy household.
• Fu Hua, the woman of the house, gives Wu Qing'e medicine for her cold and prepares a meal for her.

Character Developments

• Wu Qing'e: She is initially wary of Fu Hua but warms up to her after Fu Hua shows kindness. She is hungry and desperate, having not eaten properly for a long time.
• Fu Hua: She is kind and caring, going out of her way to help Wu Qing'e. She is also proficient in medicine.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Trust: Fu Hua's kindness helps Wu Qing'e overcome her initial wariness and trust her.
• Hunger and Survival: Wu Qing'e's desperate hunger highlights her struggle for survival.

Character Interactions

• Wu Qing'e and Fu Hua: Wu Qing'e is initially cautious around Fu Hua but becomes grateful and respectful after Fu Hua's acts of kindness. Fu Hua is patient and understanding towards Wu Qing'e's wariness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua watches Wu Qing'e eat, reminded of Luo Tianyi, a virtual idol she admires.
• Fu Hua prepares a feast for Wu Qing'e, impressed by her appetite.
• Wu Qing'e reveals she's homeless and has nowhere to go. She kneels before Fu Hua and asks to be taken in.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Shows kindness and willingness to take in Wu Qing'e, despite her initial reservations about taking on a burden.
• Wu Qing'e: Reveals her dire situation and desperation, showing determination and willingness to learn.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Compassion: Fu Hua's decision to take in Wu Qing'e despite her initial reservations shows her kindness and compassion.
• Perseverance: Wu Qing'e's determination to learn and endure hardship highlights this theme.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Wu Qing'e: Their interaction shows Fu Hua's initial curiosity and eventual willingness to help Wu Qing'e, while Wu Qing'e shows her desperation and determination to stay with Fu Hua.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua hires Wu Qing'e as a helper and servant in her residence.
• Wu Qing'e reveals she can cook but is not skilled at it.
• Fu Hua learns from Cang Xiaoxuan that Wu Qing'e has a potential for a vile, selfish personality but can still be reformed.

Character Developments

• Wu Qing'e: Shows nervousness and restraint about her new role, reveals she can cook, and expresses her desire to become an immortal.
• Fu Hua: Shows kindness and understanding towards Wu Qing'e, takes her in despite knowing her potential flaws, and continues her studies in Confucian thought.

Significant Themes

• The influence of one's environment and upbringing on personality (Wu Qing'e's potential for selfishness and her desire to become an immortal).
• The importance of self-reflection and personal growth (Fu Hua's consideration of Wu Qing'e's potential and her own role in shaping her disciple's future).

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Wu Qing'e: Fu Hua reassures Wu Qing'e about her new role, while Wu Qing'e expresses her cooking skills and desire to learn from Fu Hua.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan: Fu Hua discusses Wu Qing'e with Cang Xiaoxuan, who reveals Wu Qing'e's potential for a vile, selfish personality and the possibility of reform.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, a Taoist immortal, is reluctant to reject Wu Qing'e as a disciple despite learning of her future selfishness and malice.
• Something falls from the moon onto Eastern Island, piquing Fu Hua's curiosity.
• Fu Hua decides to search for disciples in Yangzhou, Luoyang, and Chang'an, and later visit Eastern Island to investigate the fallen object.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Struggles with her decision to accept Wu Qing'e as a disciple, ultimately deciding to give her a chance. Her Dao heart improves, and she becomes more confident in her teachings.
• Wu Qing'e: Still unaware of her future actions, she is eager to prove herself as a good maid to Fu Hua.

Significant Themes

• The power of first impressions and initial encounters.
• The importance of following one's heart and intuition.
• The influence of destiny and future actions on present decisions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Wu Qing'e: Fu Hua's internal struggle regarding Wu Qing'e's future actions affects their relationship, but Wu Qing'e remains eager to please Fu Hua.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua uses the power of the five elements to ease the pain of a black carp, which has awakened intelligence and is afflicted by a curse-like negative power.
• Fu Hua treats this as cultivation practice for her own Taoist arts.
• Wu Qing'e arrives and is stopped by Cang Xiaoxuan from approaching Fu Hua while she's casting her spell.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua demonstrates her immense power and kindness, using her abilities to help the carp without expecting anything in return.
• Hong Meiling (the carp) feels grateful but struggles to find a way to repay Fu Hua.
• Wu Qing'e shows excitement and scheming tendencies upon seeing Fu Hua, wanting to ask her to accept her as a disciple.
• Cang Xiaoxuan reveals her protective nature towards Fu Hua, stopping Wu Qing'e from disturbing her.

Significant Themes

• The power of the five elements and their ability to generate and nurture all things.
• The concept of repaying kindness, as Hong Meiling struggles to find a way to thank Fu Hua.
• The contrast between Fu Hua's immense power and her kindness, and Wu Qing'e's scheming nature.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua helps Hong Meiling (the carp) without expecting anything in return, showing kindness and compassion.
• Cang Xiaoxuan protects Fu Hua from Wu Qing'e, showing loyalty and concern for her well-being.
• Wu Qing'e's excitement and scheming tendencies are revealed when she sees Fu Hua, contrasting with Fu Hua's selfless act of kindness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Qing'e learns that Fu Hua is an immortal who has protected Shenzhou for thousands of years.
• Cang Xiaoxuan shares ancient history with Wu Qing'e, revealing Fu Hua's status as an ancient immortal of the same generation as Fuxi and Nuwa.
• Wu Qing'e decides to take Fu Hua as her master.

Character Developments

• Wu Qing'e: Develops admiration for Fu Hua, shifting her focus from He Xiangu to Fu Hua as her role model. She decides to become Fu Hua's disciple.
• Cang Xiaoxuan: Shows pride in Fu Hua and shares her knowledge of ancient history to impress Wu Qing'e.

Significant Themes

• Immortality and its purpose: Wu Qing'e and Cang Xiaoxuan have different views on immortality. Wu Qing'e sees it as a means for freedom and personal gain, while Cang Xiaoxuan sees it as a responsibility to protect and fulfill promises.
• Ancient history and its influence: The ancient history shared by Cang Xiaoxuan shapes Wu Qing'e's perception of Fu Hua and her decision to become her disciple.

Character Interactions

• Wu Qing'e and Cang Xiaoxuan: Cang Xiaoxuan shares her knowledge with Wu Qing'e, influencing Wu Qing'e's perception of Fu Hua and her decision to become her disciple.
• Wu Qing'e and Fu Hua: Though Fu Hua does not interact with Wu Qing'e directly in this chapter, Wu Qing'e's admiration and decision to become Fu Hua's disciple show her growing respect and awe for Fu Hua.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wu Qing'e begs Fu Hua to accept her as a disciple.
• Fu Hua questions Wu Qing'e about her motivations for learning Daoist arts and becoming an immortal.
• Fu Hua tests Wu Qing'e's resolve, applying pressure that causes her to collapse.
• An unknown voice encourages Wu Qing'e, telling her she still has a chance.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan discuss creating a specialized cultivation method for Wu Qing'e, and Cang Xiaoxuan offers to help find more disciples like Wu Qing'e.

Character Developments

• Wu Qing'e demonstrates perseverance and determination but reveals her self-centered desire for immortality to be carefree and unrestrained.
• Fu Hua shows patience and understanding but is displeased with Wu Qing'e's true motivations.
• Cang Xiaoxuan shows concern for Fu Hua and offers practical help in finding suitable disciples.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and the true motivations behind it.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition and self-centeredness.
• The responsibility of a master towards their disciples and vice versa.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua tests Wu Qing'e's resolve, revealing her displeasure with Wu Qing'e's true motivations.
• An unknown voice encourages Wu Qing'e, showing a mysterious interest in her progress.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan discuss strategies for finding and managing disciples, showing mutual respect and trust.

• Key Plot Points and Events: Fu Hua discovers Wu Qing'e feeding the fish in the courtyard. Cang Xiaoxuan reveals that her divination led to a waterside brothel in Yangzhou. Fu Hua decides to visit the brothel disguised as a man.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Shows no discomfort or hesitation about visiting a brothel, indicating her adaptability and determination to find her target.
• Wu Qing'e: Develops feelings for Fu Hua after seeing her disguised as a man, marking a shift in her emotions and desires.
• Significant Themes: The duality of appearances (Wu Qing'e's honest demeanor hiding her wicked nature, Fu Hua's disguise), the pursuit of immortality and power (Wu Qing'e's desperation to learn Daoist arts), and the exploration of desires and attractions (Wu Qing'e's unexpected feelings for Fu Hua).
• Character Interactions: Fu Hua and Wu Qing'e's interaction is tense and ambiguous, with Fu Hua remaining silent and Wu Qing'e trying to please her. Cang Xiaoxuan and Fu Hua have a casual, friendly exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, an immortal, cross-dresses as a man to investigate a case, captivating everyone with her disguise.
• They head towards courtesan houses near the canal and Yangtze River, but upon reaching the first one, they find it sealed by authorities.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Displays her ability to disguise herself perfectly as a man, showing her intelligence and adaptability.
• Cang Xiaoxuan: Shows concern for the women affected by Fu Hua's disguise, displaying empathy.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and Perception: Fu Hua's disguise challenges societal perceptions of gender and beauty.
• Courtesan Culture: The story touches on the complex culture of courtesans in the Tang Dynasty, highlighting their talents and unfortunate fates.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan: They interact as a team, with Cang Xiaoxuan providing commentary on Fu Hua's disguise and its effects on women.
• Fu Hua and the Crowd: Fu Hua interacts with the crowd, showing her ability to blend in and gather information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua arrives at Yangzhou City and visits a brothel, the Fragrant Warm Weaving House, which has been shut down due to mysterious deaths.
• She learns from Wang Zhixi that there have been dozens of mysterious deaths in Yangzhou City, attributed to a demon, and that the Daoist sect is sending people to investigate.
• Fu Hua then visits the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, a renowned brothel, where she finds a different atmosphere than expected—it's more refined and dignified, with customers engaging in intellectual pursuits rather than immediate carnal activities.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua demonstrates her curiosity and courage by visiting brothels despite the unusual circumstances and her gender.
• Wang Zhixi shows indifference to the deaths and jealousy towards Fu Hua's appearance but maintains polite demeanor.
• The maid at Xiaoxiang Pavilion is polite, professional, and develops a secret affection for Fu Hua.

Significant Themes

• The corruption and hypocrisy of the brothel industry, with some establishments being more refined and respectable than others.
• The existence of demons and the role of the Daoist sect in maintaining balance and justice.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua interacts with Wang Zhixi, learning about the recent events in Yangzhou City.
• Fu Hua meets a maid at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, who is polite and develops a secret affection for her.
• Fu Hua observes the interactions between customers and the brothel's inhabitants, noting the refined atmosphere.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua visits Xiaoxiang Pavilion, a high-end brothel in Yangzhou.
• She learns about Red Jade, a leading lady and zither prodigy who rarely makes appearances and only interacts with those who can compose a satisfying poem.
• Fu Hua chooses a quiet private room and requests to be notified when Red Jade appears.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua shows curiosity and interest in meeting Red Jade, indicating her appreciation for talent and culture.
• The girl (unnamed) who guides Fu Hua displays knowledge about the establishment's ladies, their talents, and the preferences of clients.

Significant Themes

• Appreciation of talent and culture over mere physical appearance.
• The extravagance and high standards of courtesans in the Tang Dynasty.
• The power dynamics between clients and courtesans, where the latter can choose who to interact with based on their own preferences.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua interacts with the girl who guides her, learning about the establishment and its ladies.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan (her pet bird) discuss the unexpected atmosphere of the brothel.
• Fu Hua requests the girl to notify her when Red Jade appears, showing her eagerness to meet the renowned courtesan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua visits Xiaoxiang Pavilion, expecting a proper encounter with courtesans, but finds herself in a compromising situation with two women who mistake her for a man.
• The women, Qinglin (in green) and another unnamed woman (in yellow), are drawn to Fu Hua's beauty and take an active interest in her, misunderstanding Fu Hua's intentions.
• Fu Hua struggles to navigate the situation, trying to maintain her composure while the women become increasingly intimate, unaware of Fu Hua's true gender.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Initially naive about the nature of brothels, Fu Hua is forced to confront the reality of the situation and struggles to maintain her composure while being pursued by the women.
• Qinglin: Becomes infatuated with Fu Hua, taking the initiative to be intimate with her, and even offers herself to Fu Hua.
• The unnamed woman in yellow: More reserved than Qinglin, she tries to maintain decorum while also being drawn to Fu Hua's beauty.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings and assumptions based on appearances.
• The complexities and double standards of gender roles and expectations in ancient Chinese society.
• The power dynamics between patrons and courtesans in brothels.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Qinglin: Qinglin becomes infatuated with Fu Hua, while Fu Hua struggles to maintain her composure and avoid revealing her true gender.
• Fu Hua and the unnamed woman in yellow: The woman in yellow is also drawn to Fu Hua's beauty but maintains more decorum than Qinglin.
• Cang Xiaoxuan (off-screen): Observes the situation with disapproval, thinking, "You blockhead, you've fallen!"

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, disguised as a man, visits Xiaoxiang Pavilion with Cang Xiaoxuan, who warns Fu Hua not to reveal her true gender.
• Fu Hua is attended to by two young women, enjoying their service, but shows no romantic interest.
• Fu Hua and the two women join other guests to watch Miss Red Jade play the zither in a lakeside pavilion.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua maintains her disguise, showing no interest in the women attending to her, suggesting she is focused on her mission.
• Cang Xiaoxuan shows concern for Fu Hua's safety and reputation.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and deception: Fu Hua maintains her disguise to investigate Miss Red Jade.
• The allure of talent and beauty: Many guests are drawn to Miss Red Jade for her talent and beauty, not just her profession.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and the two women attending to her have a polite, professional interaction, with no romantic undertones.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan have a silent understanding, with Cang Xiaoxuan warning Fu Hua and Fu Hua reassuring her without speaking.
• The guests at Xiaoxiang Pavilion share a collective appreciation for Miss Red Jade's talent, creating a harmonious atmosphere despite their varied backgrounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Miss Red Jade plays a zither and then leaves, leaving behind a challenge for her admirers to compose a poem about a zither within one shichen (a time period).
• Fu Hua, a transmigrator who has memorized Three Hundred Tang Poems, decides to participate in the challenge.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua demonstrates her poetic prowess by writing a poem about a zither, showcasing her talent and confidence.
• The young woman in yellow, a maid, becomes increasingly admiring of Fu Hua's talent and beauty.

Significant Themes

• Talent and intelligence (Fu Hua's ability to recall and write a poem quickly and beautifully).
• Competition and admiration (the gathering of talented scholars and their reaction to Fu Hua's poem).

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua interacts with the young woman in yellow, who admires Fu Hua's talent and offers to deliver her poem.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan, her spiritual companion, discuss the poem and Fu Hua's decision to write it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Red Jade, a top courtesan at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, receives poems from aspiring scholars.
• Fu Hua's poem, "The Ornate Zither," captivates Red Jade due to its unique script and profound content.
• Red Jade invites Fu Hua to her chambers, causing jealousy and disbelief among the other scholars.

Character Developments

• Red Jade: Displayed as discerning and appreciative of exceptional literary talent, she is intrigued by Fu Hua's poem.
• Fu Hua: Confident in her literary abilities, she is calm and collected when invited by Red Jade, showing no signs of nervousness or arrogance.
• The Scholars: Revealed as competitive and prideful, they struggle to accept Fu Hua's superior talent and appearance.

Significant Themes

• Literary Talent and Appreciation: The chapter explores the value placed on literary skill and the recognition of exceptional talent.
• Beauty and Allure: Red Jade's beauty and Fu Hua's androgynous appearance captivate those around them, highlighting the power of physical attractiveness.
• Competition and Rivalry: The scholars' reactions to Fu Hua's invitation showcase the intense competition and jealousy within the literary circles.

Character Interactions

• Red Jade and Fu Hua: Their interaction is minimal but significant, as Red Jade's invitation to Fu Hua hints at potential future interactions or challenges.
• Fu Hua and the Scholars: The scholars' reactions to Fu Hua's invitation reveal their insecurities and jealousy, setting up potential conflicts or rivalries.
• Red Jade and her Maid: The maid's response to Fu Hua's appearance and poem showcases her loyalty and admiration for her mistress, as well as her own appreciation for exceptional talent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua, a handsome and talented young man, arrives at the establishment of Miss Red Jade, a renowned beauty in Yangzhou.
• Fu Hua recites his poem, "The Ornate Zither," which impresses Miss Red Jade.
• Fu Hua enters Miss Red Jade's private chamber, where she reveals her extraordinary beauty.

Character Developments

• Fu Hua: Maintains his calm and composure despite Miss Red Jade's overwhelming beauty, hinting at his extraordinary self-control and experience.
• Miss Red Jade: Reveals her exceptional beauty and allure, captivating even Fu Hua, who has seen countless beauties across worlds.

Significant Themes

• Beauty and its power: Miss Red Jade's beauty is described as capable of toppling cities, reflecting the theme of beauty's influence on society and individuals.
• The extraordinary: Both Fu Hua and Miss Red Jade possess qualities that set them apart from ordinary people, hinting at their extraordinary nature.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Miss Red Jade: Their interaction is marked by mutual admiration and appreciation for each other's talents and beauty. Despite Miss Red Jade's allure, Fu Hua remains composed, suggesting a deeper connection or understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Hua visits Red Jade's quarters, where they discuss poetry and calligraphy.
• Red Jade becomes infatuated with Fu Hua's intellect and appearance.
• Fu Hua suspects Red Jade of being the demon behind recent murders in Yangzhou City.

Character Developments

• Red Jade: Initially impressed by Fu Hua's talent and appearance, she develops feelings for him. However, she is revealed to be a demon.
• Fu Hua: Remains composed and focused on her mission, despite Red Jade's advances. She suspects Red Jade's true nature and confronts her.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs. Reality: Red Jade's true demonic nature is concealed behind her human facade.
• Intellectual Attraction: Fu Hua's intellect and talent draw Red Jade to him, highlighting the power of knowledge and wisdom.

Character Interactions

• Fu Hua and Red Jade: Initially drawn together by mutual appreciation for art and intellect, their interaction turns tense when Fu Hua suspects Red Jade's involvement in the murders.
• Fu Hua and Cang Xiaoxuan: Cang Xiaoxuan warns Fu Hua about the wine, showing her loyalty and protective instincts.