Old Turtle

Biodata

Background

Old Turtle lives in the lotus pond of the Imperial Garden and has survived the rise and fall of several dynasties. Though he has not become a spirit, Lin Ling considers him the wisest creature he knows and seeks his advice when Shi Changyuan appears to ignore him in dreams. Old Turtle correctly explains that the emperor likely mistook Lin Ling for a god or ghost and deliberately dismissed him. 2

He is nearly captured and stewed after climbing onto a rockery to bask in the sun. Lin Ling’s efforts to save him draw Shi Changyuan’s attention; Old Turtle is later returned unharmed after being kept in a luxurious fish tank. While Lin Ling fears he was being fattened for soup, Old Turtle fondly remembers the food and comfort of his confinement. 3 5

After awakening from hibernation, Old Turtle helps Lin Ling understand that his anxiety over cultivating at the Dragon Vein is really reluctance to leave Shi Changyuan. He proposes that Lin Ling cultivate there during spring through autumn and return to the palace for winter, when the emperor can care for him. 22

Personality

Old Turtle is slow-moving, patient, and perceptive. He cuts through Lin Ling’s misunderstandings with simple, practical observations, including recognizing feelings Lin Ling cannot identify for himself. 2 22

He is also notably easy to please. Fine food, wine, and comfortable treatment readily win his favor, and he interprets his temporary removal from the Imperial Garden far more positively than Lin Ling does. 5 22

Relationships

• Lin Ling — Close friend and trusted elder adviser. He explains Shi Changyuan’s behavior to Lin Ling and later devises Lin Ling’s seasonal Dragon Vein cultivation arrangement. 2 22
• Shi Changyuan — The emperor claims authority over the Imperial Garden and has Old Turtle removed, then later returned unharmed. 3 5
• Dragon Vein spirits — Receives a wedding invitation from Lin Ling and Shi Changyuan alongside the spirits of Dragon Vein Mountain. 53

Story Role

Adviser in the Imperial Garden

Lin Ling consults Old Turtle after becoming confused by Shi Changyuan’s behavior in dreams. Old Turtle’s explanation gives Lin Ling the confidence to keep demanding compensation for his broken flowerpot. 2

Rescue and Return

Old Turtle’s near-capture motivates Lin Ling to bargain with Shi Changyuan for help. His disappearance later prompts another dream visit, after which he returns safely and recounts his pleasant stay in a luxurious fish tank. 3 5

Dragon Vein Counsel

When Lin Ling fears both cultivation at the Dragon Vein and separation from Shi Changyuan, Old Turtle identifies the real problem: Lin Ling does not want to leave. His proposed seasonal arrangement allows Lin Ling to pursue cultivation without abandoning the palace permanently. 22

Trivia

• Old Turtle has lived through multiple dynasties despite not having become a spirit. 2
• Lin Ling considers him knowledgeable enough to consult on both human behavior and cultivation choices. 2 22
• Lin Ling’s first thought upon hearing that wedding invitations must be sent early is that Old Turtle may need extra time to crawl from the Imperial Garden to the Golden Luan Hall. 53