depiction; description; portrayal
Ming dynasty (China, 1368-1644)
author; writer; novelist; artist
century; era; of the century (e.g. fight of the century)
when it comes to; concerning
Tang period (China; 618-907); Tang era
to pattern after; to liken to; to imitate
tobacco; cigarette; cigaret; tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum)
bun (hairstyle); chignon; topknot
to do up (hair); to dress; to arrange; to tie; to bind; to fasten
actual existence; real existence; existing in real life
Di people; Zhou dynasty term used by the Chinese to refer to non-ethnic Chinese to the north
later on; subsequently; by and by; after a while
honorific affix; honorific prefix
high steward; grand master
advice; counsel; suggestion; tip; hint
protagonist; main character; hero(ine) (of a story); head of household
mainly; chiefly; primarily; for the most part
to be based on; to take into account; to build upon; to have one's feet firmly planted on; to plant oneself on
firearms; missile; projectile weapon
invention; intelligent; clever; (arch.) making sense (of something); (arch.) understanding
counter for generations; epoch
loading; charging; filling
(for) self-defense; (for) self-protection
to be late; to be delayed; to fall behind (in a race, one's studies, etc.); to lag behind; to be bereaved of; to be preceded by (someone) in death
vengeance; revenge; retaliation
writer; painter; drawer; skilful writer; skilful painter
end; tip; end (of the year, month, etc.); close; youngest child; descendants; offspring
to melt; to thaw; to fuse; to dissolve
foundation; base; basis; from the beginning; from the outset; by nature
the first and second; a few