My King of Flowers

A list of terms to enhance your enjoyment of the novella. I’ve also included a hanzi character name list for those interested. If you have any questions, feel free to comment.

GENERAL TERMS

Baijiu (白酒): A traditional Chinese distilled alcoholic beverage, known for its strong flavor. It is commonly made from sorghum.

Ganbei (干杯): A drinking toast in Chinese culture, translating to “dry the cup.” It is a social expectation to finish one’s drink in response.

Huangjiu (黄酒): Often translated as “Yellow Wine,” this is a variety of Chinese fermented wine made from grains such as rice, with a sweet flavor profile.

Ruixiang (睿香): Refers to the aroma of frankincense, traditionally believed to protect and purify. It is a popular scent for incense.

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT

Didi (弟弟): Means “Little Brother.” This term is used to refer affectionately to a younger brother or a younger male.

Gege (哥哥): Translates to “Big Brother.” Used for an older brother or a male elder in a respectful and affectionate manner.

Jiejie (姐姐): Translates to “Big Sister.” Used to refer to an older sister or a female elder in a respectful and affectionate manner.

Meimei (妹妹): Means “Little Sister.” It is used affectionately for a younger sister or a younger female.

Nainai (奶奶): Grandma (paternal); can also be used respectfully for older women.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Mei Nv (美女): Translates to “Beautiful Woman.” It is commonly used as a friendly or complimentary way to address young women.

Shao Ye (少爷): Means “Young Master,” a term of respect for young men, often implying a higher social status.

Shuai Ge (帅哥): Literally “Handsome Guy,” a colloquial compliment for young men, emphasizing their attractiveness.

Xiao Jie (小姐): Literally “Miss,” used as a polite way to address young unmarried women. The context can affect its connotation, ranging from respectful to less formal.

CULTURAL SYMBOLS & TRADITIONS

Concentrated Essence of Love: Historically, poets and scholars have referred to jade as the “Concentrated Essence of Love” due to its significance and value in Chinese culture. Jade is not only cherished for its beauty but also for its representation of purity, moral integrity, and protection. Its association with love comes from these qualities, along with the belief in its power to connect the spiritual and physical realms.

Double Happiness (囍 called ”双喜" Shuāngxǐ): This symbol, composed of two adjacent Chinese characters for “happiness,” is emblematic of joy and marital bliss. It is traditionally used in decorations for weddings and other celebrations to bring good luck and happiness to couples.

Double Seventh Festival (七夕节, Qīxī Jié): Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, this festival is often regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. It is rooted in the romantic legend of the Cowherd (牛郎, Niú Láng) and the Weaver Girl (织女, Zhī Nǚ), whose love was forbidden. Thus, they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (symbolizing the Milky Way) and allowed to meet just once a year on this day. The festival embodies themes of love, separation, and reunion.

Peony Flowers (牡丹, Mǔdān): Revered as “the King of Flowers,” peonies symbolize wealth, prosperity, and honor in Chinese culture. They are also associated with feminine beauty, love, and affection. Traditionally, peonies are considered a good omen for happy marriages and fortune, making them a popular motif in art and celebrations.

CHARACTER NAMES

Yinuo (依诺 yī nuò); Means: Follow, Promise. Pronunciation: Yee-noo-oh.

Dehai (德海 dé hǎi); Means: Virtue, Ocean. Pronunciation: Duh-hai.

Nie Cuilin (聂翠林 niè cuì lín); Means: Whisper, Jade Forest. Pronunciation: Nyeah-tsway-lin.

Lei Yingzhe (雷英哲 léi yīng zhé); Means: Thunder, Hero, Wise. Pronunciation: Lay-ying-jur.

Danbei (旦北 dàn běi); Means: Dawn, North. Pronunciation: Dan-bay.

Weixin (威心 wēi xīn); Means: Majestic, Heart. Pronunciation: Way-sheen.

Danni (旦尼 dàn ní); Means: Dawn, Serenity. Pronunciation: Dan-nee.

Ruijian (瑞健 ruì jiàn); Means: Auspicious, Health. Pronunciation: Roo-ay-jee-an.

Mingdan (明旦 míng dàn); Means: Bright, Dawn. Pronunciation: Ming-dan.

Sile (思乐 sī lè); Means: Thought, Joy. Pronunciation: Suh-luh.