there's no other way; there are no other options; there are no alternative means
somehow; without knowing (it); unconsciously; unthinkingly
engaging in (work); pursuing (e.g. studies); following (a profession); being involved in
doubt; suspicion; misgivings; scruples
library; book storage; stack room; archive (file)
speaking inarticulately (slurring, lisping, etc.)
charm against evil spirits; talisman; amulet
few decades; many decades; several decades
(present) head of a family
to die out; to become extinct
maze; labyrinth; inner ear
insult; affront; disgrace; sexual assault; rape
to lean against; to lean on; to recline on; to lie heavy (on the stomach); to be uneasily digested
rumor; rumour; gossip; hearsay
artistry; artistic quality; artistic character
author (usu. of a particular book); writer
small room; closet; cubicle; booth; stall
to keep an eye on; to take care of
popular; folksy; plebeian; ordinary; unpretentious
unfashionable; uncouth; unrefined; unpolished; unsophisticated
snub nose; pug nose; button-shaped nose; bulbous nose; cauliflower-shaped nose
to give an impression; to make an impression
languorous; weary; listless; somber; sombre; gloomy
Five Dynasties (of China; 907-979)
to coil around; to follow about; to be related to; to concern; to be associated with
reading through (a book); finishing (a book)
to begin to catch (attention, etc.); to begin to collect
century; hundred years; (fig.) a long time
sad to say; how sad; alas
to become weak; to decline; to wear; to abate; to decay; to wither
second generation; second; junior
from here; from this place
three generations; three periods; third generation
eldest son (may be the only son); first-born son
to shun; to avoid; to ostracize; to neglect; to distance oneself from; to give the hard shoulder
nth generation; nth (person to occupy a position, e.g. president)
party to a contract; subscriber; policy owner (insurance)
eldest daughter; first-born daughter