Chapter Eleven - To Wei-tang
1 - With Lu Xing and bradley showing up, do you think we see another prison??
I rather think their purpose is to, perhaps, keep people
out of Prison!
2 - Who got the better of the deal with books or Thunderer?
I have the impression the books are a 'power' artifact -- or will at least lead to something that is and Thunderer is simply a historic artifact, though those with power already may be able to use it as more than a walking stick
Chapter Twelve - Cousin Yu-t'an's Fiddle
ou must indulge me in this chapter as I entertain you, but this slipback to the Ch'en family history was something I had never intended to write, but somehow it came out and running it by Peg of the red Pencil, I got an oooh and and aaahh. and thus it stayed.
1 - Why would the Ch'en maintain a farm? (Think Chinese traditional cultural hierarchy)
It seems to me it's sort of a way to keep them in touch with their roots. . .and their history before the Revolution. . . . .
2 - What's Bradley's rel problem?
He's been in love with Nick since day one. . . .and can't have him. . . . .
Chapter Thirteen - Under the brazen Prayer
1 - Another gift to my readers, the traditional southrn Chinese house is designed principally with what in mind? 2 things.
Something akin to feng shui. . . .proper orientation to best take advantage of the ch'i of the world. . . .also to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter.
Incidentally, you use the word "brazen" quite properly to mean made of or coated in bronze. . . . .is there meant to be any secondary meaning. . .as in "brazen" meaning "to have a lot of nerve"? My recollection is that meaning is derived from some sort of bronze mask worn so one could do things they'd otherwise perhaps be ashamed of. . . .
2 - How did Lu Xing's entry into the Acestral hall stike you?
I believe he was respectful of the Ch'en family. . . .perhaps he hadn't realized before just how deep their roots were into Chinese history
Chapter Fourteen - A Palaver Befitting a Prince
1 - Have you ever slept in a a Chinese bed cabinet Wouldn;t you like to sleepin one?
Never have. . . . . . . I expect such would be very attractive to little kids as it's more or less a hidey hole.
2 - The palaver is a focusing point? What has been decided?
They've finally decided that they have to (1) save Tadzio and Silky (2) save the Ch'en family and (3) as a side benefit, save the world.
Chapter Fifteen - The Cock' Crow
1 - What is the significance of the Widow's Gate in China (we've often seen them and perhaps think that they ae similar of the torii o Japanese culture, but . . .)
No idea. . . .
2 - What is Lu Xing's motiation for taking the actions that he has taken?
He still appreciates what Nick and Rowdy tried to do for his nephew when they were in prison -- that's what really opened his eyes to the extent of the corruption in the system. . .He believes in the rule of law and will act accordingly, but also understands extenuating circumstances and is capable of mercy. Plus, at this point, I think he's just as curious as the others as to how it will all play out.
Chapter Sixteen - The Water Wheel
(an aside - part of this chapter is a twin to a chapter in The Academician)
1 - What is sericulture? (Peg wanted me to drop the word as she said no one would know, but I decided to leave it in).
Well, but with Kindle it's so easy to look up.
Though I admit I didn't do so
. . . .hmmm. . . .puzzling it out. . . .some kind of more or less agricultural pursuit. . . . . .aren't the Chinese big on silk?. . . .yes. . .just googled it and it's silkworm farming. . . .cool.
2 - Nohing like a little skinny dipping to change to mood, but where have we seen Nick's ritualistic dance before? And what's with the bees?
I recall he did the dance before but don't recall where. . . .didn't follow why the bees protected him unless it's just a by product of the level of ch'i that surrounds him.
Chapter Seventeen - The breaking of the Tien-xin rite
1 - Well here we are - full disclosue of theNiu-wa story. Any surprises?
more or less what I figured I guess. . . .good to have it spelled out.
It's important that you digest this chapter.
Chapter Eighteen - Visit from Pu-tong
1 - Rowden's schme is not transparent here, but cn you give a guess at what he's going to do? If not, don;t worry, t'll all make sense.
I didn't guess. . . .but it was a good plan. . . .
Chapter Nineteen - The Tarnished Tawny
1 - Yu K'ang and Gou Pi are a villainous duo. What historical figure did I base Gou Pi's phsiognomy on?
No idea. . . . . .
2 - Rowden's plan turns on which one of the seven deadly sins?
Greed! (coupled with a bit of Envy.)
3 - The tomb key when given to Lu Xing becomes what? (Trick question)
O.K. . . . . .I guess you tricked me. . . . .
Chapter Twenty - Looking Westward
1 - What do you think has happened to Nick when he wakes?
He's been in another time. . . .has a fuller understanding now than even the others. . . . .
2 - The rice paddy scene (which was written a full three years before Avatar Grin) transfers certain responsibilties? Which ones and to whom?
Canto has become the keeper of the egg. . . . .Rowdy was kind of in charge, but I think now Nick will mostly be. . . .not sure what else, if anything
3 - What do you think of Canto now - Niu-tsai, the Cowboy?
I totally get why he wanted to check out the dino egg. . .heck, it's his field and he identified the species. . . .I think now he is beginning to realize that there's more to it than just fossils to be dug up, however. . . .probably a good thing. . . .
Note: When we started our journey back in The Jade owl, we spent most of our time in Hotels. In the Third peregrination we were in Chinese homes. Now we are in the countryside. I think I'll keep you there for the rest of the book. Feel and breath the real China, the one the People know.
Related note: did you see that they're re-making The Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and setting it in China? . . . .saw a movie trailer for it last evening. . . .coming out this summer, I think.
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