July 2004
《玉碎》Brittle
Author: 匪我思存 Fei Wo Si Cun
If it were a misfortune, why did she have to encounter the scion of a powerful family, thus becoming the envy of every other young lady? If it were a blessing, then why was he always so cold towards her? If he didn’t love her, why did he force her into marriage? If he did love her, why did he neglect her after they were married? Murong Qingyi, scion of a wealthy and influential clan, fortuitously saved Ren Susu from her runaway horse. Would the love between an elite young man and a young woman of humble birth turn out to be a match made in heaven, or a cruel twist of fate?
Translated by 12
12’s thoughts after translating about two-thirds of the novel to date:
Compared with the two better-known stories in the Republican-era trilogy, Brittle comes across as the unloved stepchild, not finding much favour with Chinese readers and with no apparent plans to adapt it for television. The most domestic story comparatively, it explores what happens when two people from very different social backgrounds, who are also worlds apart emotionally and psychologically, end up getting married. If I had to sum up the novel with a phrase, it would be the saying 「相愛容易相處難」 which roughly translates to ‘falling in love is easy, staying in love is hard’ or ‘falling in love is easy, marriage is hard’. With a couple who are both insecure yet proud, the hard part is doubly so.
My understanding of the novel is also based on the original title: 玉碎 (literally ‘broken jade’) which I’ve translated as ‘Brittle’. The inspiration for that came from a Chinese reader’s keen observation that the couple’s trust in each other was too fragile, which is why their marriage never had much of a chance. There is also an idiom which the title seems to reference: 「寧為玉碎，不為瓦全保」 which means a person would rather die than be dishonoured. Qingyi and Susu have this stubborn streak in them even if it’s not directed towards any lofty aims, so you can imagine what it’s like when husband and wife are at outs and compromise feels like dishonour…
Jade (玉 yù) is also a metaphor for a beautiful woman: coveted, prized yet easily shattered.
If you felt that Siege in Fog had too little romance, then you might find some parts of this novel more satisfying on that score (no politics, no familial infighting). Be aware though that there are some scenes of domestic violence and coercion.
Translation-wise, I’m using the original version of the web novel. Although I feel some chapters in the ‘frame’ story weren’t written all that well, overall they provide more context and flesh out the characters better than the revised version (修訂版) which cut and compressed a lot of the earlier chapters. I’ll also be doing partial translations with summaries of many chapters for reasons already mentioned here. Whatever the case, I’ll try my best to make sure it’s still readable and doesn’t leave too many gaps.
Chapters can be found here.
Schedule: Once a week (no fixed day), if time permits.
First written 20 Oct 2019.
Revised and first posted 02 Feb 2020.
I do not plan to list any of my translations on Novel Updates and I strongly prefer not to use it. If you would like e-mail updates on this story, do feel free to follow this blog if you have a WordPress account or enter your e-mail address (must be on Full Site version). You can also follow this blog on Twitter. Please DO NOT link any translations that are posted here to any reading lists on Novel Updates or similar aggregator sites. Also, please do not bring this blog to the attention of aggregator sites in any way, whether by adding it, reporting or updating links etc to the translations here. Thank you!
© 12 and theresanother.wordpress.com 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the above material without express and written permission from 12 is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to 12 and theresanother(DOT)wordpress(DOT)com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
hiding in plain sight 