by Tao Wong
[19] The four books and five classics were the required reading (and quoting) material for the Chinese imperial examinations and are such, considered “must reads.”
[20] Traditionally, Chinese cities were built with four main gates along the compass points and the city lord’s mansion situated in the center. Cities were generally walled as well to increase security.
[21] Literally “light skill.” Comes from baguazhang and is basically wire-fu—running on water, climbing trees, gliding along bamboo, etc.
[22] Traditionally, Chinese families use a much more exact form of address which would immediately denote an individual’s relation to another. For example, this would be “Oldest uncle on my father’s side.” For ease of reading and familiarity, I’m going to stick to “Western” denotations when something like this comes up.
[23] Mount Tai is the eastern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China and one of (if not the) most famous.
[24] It’s a swear word. Starts with an F. Yes, I even added the intonation here. ??
[25] For those curious, prior to the start of the Ming dynasty, homosexuality in ancient China was not considered wrong, and most religions and philosophies were “neutral”on the matter. It is only in the Ming dynasty onward that opposition to homosexuality increased.
[26] Basically “holy shit”
[27] A very mild curse. Literally “bad egg” or “wicked.” Yes, I’m having fun adding Chinese curses.
[28] Traditional method of bowing where one gets on their knees then places their head against the ground. It’s a very subservient form of obeisance.
[29] The three-ringed dao is a sabre with three iron rings set in the back. This adds to the weight of the weapon and allows blocking and locking of weapons, but it is generally considered a brutal weapon.