here and there; various places; all around; muddled; confused; in the wrong order
to hang (something) on (something); to throw on (clothes); to hook; to catch; to cheat; to evade payment; to drink (alcohol)
slovenly (appearance, work, etc.); sloppy; untidy; weak; feeble; weak-willed
look here; I say; well; I know what; I'll tell you what; just a minute
to be amazed; to be shocked; to be astonished; to be astounded; to be disgusted; to be exasperated
to listen attentively to; to be absorbed in (listening to)
birth; birthplace; born in (country, month, imperial era, zodiac year, etc.)
slave traffic; slave dealer
mountain range; mountain belt
other side; opposite side; other party
theism; god's teachings; Shenism; Chinese folk religion
party; set; gang; company; person
to creep up; to crawl up; to overcome (a bad situation); to rise (after a setback)
Chinese matrimony vine (Lycium chinense); Chinese wolfberry; goji
at this juncture; after all this time; at this stage; now
outskirts (of a town); run-down district
woman who entertains customers with song and dance
lower grade; low class; junior (officer)
mostly; ordinarily; probably; most; almost all; ordinary
that's the way it is; such is life
one's circumstances; environment; situation (in life)
to be promoted to a higher rank
connection; link; relationship
to acquire a position; to hold an appointment
foothold; footing; toehold; stepping stone
little by little; bit by bit
wife; garnish (esp. one served with sashimi); trimmings; accompaniment; side (remark)
legal wife; lawful wife; first wife (in polygamous relationship)
step-up; advance; progress; increase
after a short while; not long after; soon; before long; shortly thereafter
to inherit; to succeed; to take over
to raise someone's position; to raise someone's standing
abundant; plentiful; rich; wealthy; open (mind); relaxed
circumstances; condition; arranging; managing; lending money; raising money
unhappiness; sorrow; misfortune; death (usu. of a relative); bereavement
growth; development; one's early life; upbringing; personal history
reaction; recoil; kick; backlash
desire for improvement (in social standing, etc.); ambition to rise in the world
greed; craving; desire; appetite; hunger; avarice
exclusion; removal; elimination; clearing away; getting rid of