Translator’s noteChapter 1成徽Chénghuī · era title… It roughly translates to ‘becoming an emblem of greatness’. Chinese emperors set era titles with auspicious characters or terms as a way of both wishing for peace and keeping track of years …
Translator’s noteChapter 1神道shéndào · the path of spirits… the main path leading through a mausoleum. Chinese imperial mausoleum structure is varied, but there are similar components all across the board that can be traced back to the Han dynasty, where notable burial practices first took place.
Translator’s noteChapter 2宪宗Xiànzōng · temple titleXianzong (宪宗) is the temple title given to Wei Zai. This is a mostly positive temple title, with somewhat mixed implications; the positive part coming from objective acknowledgement of a short restoration, along with other mixed legacies.
Translator’s noteChapter 2新周Xīn Zhōu · her dynastyThis roughly does correspond to the Late Zhou (后周) during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period … However, while there was Late Zhou, the imperial family name was not Wei, nor were there female rulers … this is a work of alternate history fiction.
Translator’s noteChapter 2死同穴sǐ tóng xué · to share a grave… an idiom describing that lovers who love each other deeply would want to be buried within the same casket/grave/burial mound as the other.
Translator’s noteChapter 3长史zhǎngshǐ · Chief Administrator… Usually filled a main secretary-like role in the manors of princes and princesses.
Translator’s noteChapter 3字zì · courtesy name… a name bestowed upon youths when they reached ‘adult’ age in ancient China, which in this case is 20. … essentially a second name used in different contexts, though usually for more formal situations.
Translator’s noteChapter 3阿悠Ā Yōu · a pet name… Adding ‘A’ in front of a character from someone’s name is usually a nickname or affectionate term.
