since some time ago; for some time; for quite a while
(another person's) younger sister
intent to kill; intent to murder; urge to kill; murderous impulse
to turn towards; to point
not caring; not giving a damn
to make; to produce; to prepare (food); to brew (alcohol); to raise; to grow; to till
being about to cry; the verge of tears
to have a cramp; to twitch; to stiffen (of a face, expression); to freeze; to shrink (of skin, due to a scar); to tauten
to fold one's arms; to link arms with someone
to be puffed up with pride; to throw out one's chest
not feeling like doing ...; having no mind to ...; being in no mood for ...; having no intention of ...
imposing stance; daunting pose
stubborn; obstinate; pigheaded
he; she; this; this one; Hey, you!; You bastard!
Wu Zetian (624-705); Empress Wu
forcefulness of speech; influential voice
to be based on; to take into account; to build upon; to have one's feet firmly planted on; to plant oneself on
to coax; to cajole; to wheedle; to roll up and put into (something); to bundle up
to devise a plan; to work out a plan
futility; waste; uselessness; pointlessness; idleness
to nod one's head; to nod yes; to agree
to bend; to crook; to lean; to tilt; to bend (the truth); to distort
good thing; strong point; good family; prestigious school; the right moment; utter
so what?; what of it?; and?; why do you ask?
condition; term; requirement; qualification; prerequisite
sure; certain; reliable; trustworthy; If I'm not mistaken; If I remember correctly
clothes (esp. Western clothes); counter for doses of medicine, gulps of tea, drags of a cigarette, etc.
so far; up to now; hitherto; that's enough (for today); it ends here
reserve; spare; preparation; preliminaries
a blink of time; (lit.) the time it takes to say "Ah!"
incident; affair; happening; event
then; in that case; considering; if that is the case; if so
a day after the fair; (at a) stage when it's too late
easy; smooth; without a hitch; quick
to cut into (a conversation); to interject
not long has passed since ...
this and that; various things
model change; model changeover; restyling; facelift
unveiling; debut; introduction
oh!; dear me; my goodness; well well; I say
well-matched (esp. of a couple); becoming; suitable
reception room; parlor; parlour
to suit; to match; to become; to be like