To Embers We Return (焚情) Read-Along: Chapters 1 to 10

[douqi]

Ning Yuan (宁远) started serlalising her much-anticipated (especially by me) historical cyberpunk novel To Embers We Return (焚情, pinyin: fen qing, formerly known as Burning Passions but that sounded too much like the kind of historical romance that has a clinch cover with the leads' hair blowing dramatically in the wind) today. Since I know at least one other comm member is reading it as it serialises, I thought I would set up this read-along post.

Here's the updated summary for the novel (I posted about the original summary here):

When Shen Ni returned home covered in glory, the emperor granted her the position of an official of the first rank, as well as the hand in marriage of the woman she had been in love with ever since her youth, Bian Jin.

Bian Jin had once been the empire's sharpest blade — a weapon in human form whose very name filled their enemies' hearts with terror. But after a string of serious battlefield injuries, she could only stand upright with the aid of a mechanical spine.

After their wedding, unresolved conflicts between the two meant that their marriage remained unconsummated, and they continued to address each other as 'shijie' and 'shimei'. Shen Ni kept a record of every single change in the sensitivity readings of every part of Bian Jin's new cybernetic body.

Each time she made adjustments to Bian Jin's body, Shen Ni would wear gloves. She knew her shijie had an obsession with cleanliness, and hated being touched.

Bian Jin: It's just a prosthetic. There's no need for all this fuss.
Shen Ni: The proprieties must be observed.
Bian Jin: Last night, I kept asking you stop, but you didn't. I didn't see you observing the proprieties then.

As Shen Ni was fine-tuning Bian Jin's body, a small mishap resulted in Bian Jin's skin developing a heightened level of sensitivity that only Shen Ni was able to trigger. The temperature in their bridal chamber rose instantly from 'cool' to 'scorching'.

Bian Jin: Are we going to test my body again tonight? Every time my sensitivity readings go up, I'll reward you.

***

Shen Ni straightened her official's hat, and met the 'gaze' of the spybeast hovering in the air. The monster who wanted to destroy the world had finally shown its cold, poisoned claws.

Her human genes summoned her to the aid of the ancient and noble civilisation that had birthed her. She would defend it to her last breath, even if it meant having her guts smeared across the landscape.

Random passerby: Hey, I think the monster who wants to destroy the world might be your wife.
Shen Ni: (nonplussed silence)
Shen Ni: What's there to love about this greedy, corrupt world? Let it be destroyed!

The fall of a degenerate society was close at hand. The land ran red with blood.

Bian Jin, her body now in peak condition thanks to Shen Ni's efforts, placed the point of her sword against Shen Ni's heart. 'Don't you understand?' she said. 'I was just using you.'

Shen Ni, completely drenched in blood, took a step forward. 'And after you're done using me, will you reward me?'

Bian Jin: ...what.

Here is the link to the novel on JJWXC. I'll write a summary of each chapter in separate comments. Please feel free to join in, even if you're not reading the novel but are have questions/reactions. Obviously, there will be spoilers in the comments!

Comments

[neuxue]

'I'll take you to the bed. Relax, you shouldn't strain your core, or it will stress your spine. Here, put all your weight on me
...I know I joked about this last chapter but now she's just saying it out loud.

Her voice was flat as she pointed this out to Shen Ni, detached as an accomplished monk, without desire or sentiment
Listen, Shen Ni, I'm ace; I know what 'without desire' looks like. Bian Jin ain't it.

Ning Yuan PLEASE give us some of the 'descriptions' provided for the 'pleasure aids', I'm begging. (Partly because I just think it would be funny, but also I'm genuinely curious if these are cyberpunk sex toys or the more traditional sort. These are important worldbuilding details!)

How exactly did Shen Ni verify that Bian Jin had never had any romantic experiences with or feelings for anyone? Maybe I'm overthinking this but the way it's phrased seems to leave little room for doubt, and I can't help wondering if something did in fact happen between these two beyond Shen Ni's 'one-sided confession'... I mean, on the one hand surely not, right? But on the other hand.

(I have to admit the 'cold and competent but sexually inexperienced and awkward about it' is not my personal favourite trope but oh well, we'll see where it goes.)

'I was young and inexperienced back then, and mistook reliance for love. But I had a few relationships before we reunited, and have long since forgotten my old crush' ...hey Shen Ni, quick question, exactly how far down your throat can you continue to shove your foot? Asking for science.

[douqi]

also I'm genuinely curious if these are cyberpunk sex toys or the more traditional sort. These are important worldbuilding details!)
Right?? How am I supposed to compile the 'tech watch' section of the summaries properly without details!

Maybe I'm overthinking this but the way it's phrased seems to leave little room for doubt
Yes, that's my read on it as well. Shen Ni seems very sure.

'cold and competent but sexually inexperienced and awkward about it'
FYI, I'm pretty certain this is the first time Ning Yuan has ever tagged a novel as 互攻 so I am WONDERING. Also, I'm hopeful for 'repressed bursting out into glorious conflagration' rather than 'awkward'.