(My review for both chapters will be posted on Chapter 23 so it's not separate.)

I've finally gotten around to reviewing! Glad that I kept my actual obligation for something I've been meaning to do for so long. So, addressing this chapter; Starting off, the scene between the Emperor and Shifu is really done well. There's a lot of imagery and depth to what's being discussed and as well as what's going on around the two.

Dialogue is handled very nicely in my opinion and one can feel the tension when Po, Tigress and Crane are brought up. Previous events are tied together within this scene and the feeling afterwards is one of excitement. Historically speaking I love the fact that you included the Heirloom Seal! Plus the discussion of Gongmen and its autonomy!

We see more build up with Crane and Mei Ling in the next section, something that is very intertwined within your story. Again - this is done excellently. The ambitions, feelings and personal thoughts of the two spill out and build on what was previously established with the two in earlier chapters.

Another historical thing; the mention of Goryeo re-iterates the fact that - unlike any mention in Kung Fu Panda - there are realms and various holdings outside of China. Of course that's kind of the point of the story, building more on what lies beyond and what was historically an imminent threat to China.

Side-note; The backstory for Mei Ling is excellent. Also like the fact that she's skilled with Chi and how it'll tie in I think.

Chapter 23; By far one of my favorite chapters. As aforementioned above, everything from the previous chapters trickles down into a larger pool - if you'll excuse that metaphor.
I've been loving the scenes between Mei Ling and Crane. He finally makes up his mind about what he wants, and it's kinda gloomy in a good way - narrative wise. I am excited to see where Crane will venture when destiny calls. (Fascinated by Mei Ling ''communicating'' with the artifact!)

Everything else is superb - The conflicted conversation between Po and Tigress, Tigress coming upon Crane and Mei Ling, the ensuing fight between the two which was kinda gut-wrenching watching two former ''friends'' fight, and I especially loved Crane gaining the upper hand. I think it's quite within his character to have some regret, even if partially changed from who he was.

I'm absolutely excited to see where things will go, and cannot wait for the next chapter!

So I tried to review your previous chapter but wasn't able to due to the altered order, so instead I'll make this an extra long review with my thoughts about chapter 22 and this one as well.

Chapter 22 Review:
To be honest, I wasn't at all opposed to the lack of action for this chapter. There was so much development in the plot and the characters that it felt quite fitting!

I don't believe your breaks between chapters are a huge issue. I myself have the same problem and completely understand. Not to mention, it's better to take your time to get things right.

I honestly don't really know what to comment on besides the fact that I'm really anticipating the next chapter. Although it was very nice to see Mei Ling confess her true intentions, I sort of suspected that this was what she longed for, as is the same for Crane. I'm glad that you're bringing these two characters closer each chapter, it could potentially add to some sort of dilemma or compromise in the future.

I was really impressed with the scene between Master Shifu and the Chinese Emperor, I made a similar scene in my own story many months ago and I kind of have to admit 'Yours completely dwarfed mine'. That aside, I was happy to see the obvious tension at the last part of the scene due to what he was implying.

Chapter 23 Review:
You weren't kidding about the action being ramped up, and not just the action, but also the emotion and tone! I was very glad to see this chapter out only a few weeks after it's predecessor, and almost just as long too!

On to content that I liked; I'd argue that my favorite part of this chapter is easily the tension between already close characters that has now resulted in the inevitable climax and breaking point. Seeing the main characters turn on each other is always a great theme and fit perfectly in this chapter as all the recent ones had hinted at. What's more was that the conflict was not as straight forward as I thought it'd be, there was much more than just 'I punch you, you punch me' and rather a battle of truth vs denial. I absolutely loved it. Lastly, I'd like to comment that the extra bonding between Po and Master Tigress completed the chapter rather well. I understand that you are weary of introducing too many romantic themes in the story other than the obvious bird and his beloved cat, but there is nothing wrong with adding a bit of a connection with two characters that very much depend on one another to succeed. Moving forward, I'd say to keep this sort of angle between them as it helps to push the narrative that they are stronger together than they are alone as shown by Tigress' humiliating defeat.

There are few things that I was not fond of, but I will name them as this is a review; I understand that Crane won due to his control and new drive, however I can't shake the feeling that in the movies or anything else he wouldn't have been likely to last for more than a minute vs someone of her caliber. However, that's just a small nitpick and actually made the narrative much better as a result. I also feel as though some details were difficult to envision, such as her finding a random rock on a rooftop while being very high on top of a building or some times in the fight sequence.

All in all, I wouldn't change a thing about the tone or pace of the next chapter, this one was nearly flawless and I absolutely anticipate the next.

Cheers,
-Ace_Risk

Oh look! Plot progression! I mean, I was expecting something much more action-focused, but I'm very glad you found a balance here.

We first cut to Crane, picking up from last chapter. Once he realises that Mei Ling has the Dagger of Deng Wa, what does he do?

a) Calmly consider the consequences of his next step by weighing pros and cons
b) Decides to meet up with Tigress and Po and talk to them about the dagger
c) Abandon the dream he had worked for so long for true love

Obviously, he picks option C - C for Crane! Forgive me if it sounds rude, but this is quite the no-no in Chinese culture. One's duty to one's superiors is the first and foremost of the 'five relationships' in Confucianism, and this would rank above one's heart.

Then we get to Tigress and Po, who witness a gruesome scene where Yuelen decides to play optician with a captive. Urgh. Po would much rather rush in and intervene a la Leeroy Jenkins, but Tigress stops him from doing so because of the mission. Obviously, Po and Tigress get into a mini-argument, and what does Tigress do?

a) Apologise to Po about the outburst, and admit that they would have to be proactive
b) Ask Po to think rationally, and line out what they would do if they were to succeed
c) Run off to somewhere

Somehow, Tigress picks option C. Forgive me if it sounds rude, but this is quite the no-no in Chinese culture. One's duty to one's friends may be the last of the 'five relationships' in Confucianism, but this would still rank above one's ambition.

Tigress then discovers Crane and Mei Ling in possession with the dagger. Quickly deducing that they were in love the whole time, she again weighs her options.

a) Calmly remind Crane of his duty to the mission
b) Compromise with Mei Ling and find a rational solution to the dagger problem
c) LET'S DO THIS BEAK BOI YOUR PASTY WINGS ARE NO MATCH FOR ME

Tigress picks C.

If you think that this would be quite the no-no in Chinese culture, you would actually be wrong. Duty to your superiors outranks duty to your friends. But still, fighting against a beast who knows your every move and is NOT fueled by rage is not exactly the best idea.

We finally get a scene where Tigress confesses her envy to Po, in the first rational thing she does in the entire chapter. It's quite touching, really, seeing her perform 12-century therapy. Of course, it doesn't last, the city being attacked by a random army. It could be anyone foolish enough to besiege a city without supply routes, but we'll see, most likely in the next chapter.

I'm quite impressed by this chapter, as it reminds us that our heroes, no matter how strong they can be, are still suspect to stupidity and selfishness. Not a lot of fics can do that. Let's hope next chapter improves on the strengths of this one!

It was a great chapter, you have exceeded my expectations. I really am looking forward to see what is about to happen in the future chapters.

I wonder if Crane and Mei Ling could make amends with Tigress and Po so they could get away from the mess they had just ended up at the end of the chapter. I really wish to see what is going to happen.

Keep up the good work, I really wonder when chapter 24 will come. The story is more and more promising without a doubt.

Hoooooly shit this chapter was GOOD. I had to set my phone down several times just to reprocess the juiciness of some of these scenes. Chef’s kisses all over.

I liked that one sequence where Tigress charges for the castle. The descriptions, the way her emotions and actions were described… they all blended so well and it really just fueled the entire event into something so vivid and impactful. Her drive and internal strife complemented with how aggressive this scene was.

Crane and Tigress’ motivations were both selfish-ish, and it thoroughly brought out the ‘’’’’’human’’’’’ity in both of them. Really just upped the drama on this one and it's just too good. In addition to the fact that their ulterior motives were set up nicely -first two scenes kinda were simple reminders of their intentions that I forgot as a reader with dementia/ while still acting as tense heralds foreshadowing a much greater conflict.

I also really liked the way you handled the fight scenes. You gave respect to the mastery that each character had and provided them with some deserving little victories along the process. At the same time, I think you really interpreted their flaws and played with them well here. By the end of the fight, it didn’t feel like Tigress was nerfed. It was fitting for Crane to whoop her ass.

There’s a missing ‘of’ in “I've dedicated so many years to the Jade Palace, to my duty. I even let you walk away because it." tho. Other than that, I don’t really have any critique except maybe a couple of repetitive wording in the fight scene.

Just consecutive blows of intense scenes. Couldn’t even ration this chapter out :(
Hope for more speedy updates like this!

Here we go! A new update after quite a while!

I'm quite honoured to help with the Emperor part. I'm quite surprised to hear that Shifu didn't really like tea. Tea is drunk a lot in the old days of China due to the disinfectant properties of hot water, so Shifu might just be bored of it after having lived with it for so long.

The Emperor is quite an interesting figure. Considering that the last emperors of the Song dynasty were either too incompetent (Emperor Duzong), too young (Emperors Gong, Duanzong and Bing) or both (Emperor Lizong), you certainly portray him quite flatteringly. The inevitable child heir playing in the background could act as a bit of foreshadowing for the three young emperors and stuff, but who knows what's happening next?

I think you captured a meeting with the Emperor well, and I appreciate the reference to the Soothsayer from KFP 2. Shifu's shock at seeing his wayward apprentices being discovered was also quite fun to read, so that's always a plus.

After an awesome play sequence, we get a few inklings into the past of Mei Ling. Turns out she dislikes her father for actual legitimate reasons. Loyalty to one's liege and family can conflict with each other, and it was featured in a lot of works. I was quite surprised by the Dagger revelation - that's amazing work, tying plotlines together.

Hope next chapter's just as good, if not better. You were looking forward to it, were you not?

jaja emperadores creo que la tortuga lo hubiera manipulado mejor osease que hubiera tomado las cosas en sus propias patitas

Cool story, and it actually is going somewhere! And the characters aren't out of character! Keep it up!

I had read your entire story so far and I have to tell that I am also a Crane / Mei Ling fan too I would really wish to see them togheter if possible in the franchise.

I have to tell that I really wish to see more then anything to read what will happen next and see what both Crane and Mei Ling would do in this situation.

I really wonder if Mei Ling will eventually swith on Crane's side to get the Dagger and escape togheter. I really wish them to be togheter.

Glad to see you're continuing this story. Hope u keep up the good work!

hey dragon I know you still hate me and all but I just wanna say I love your new cover photo and the recent updates! can't wait to see to see what you put out next. Wish we could talk again and restart things but that's up to you old friend,, really kinda miss ya nowadays. Anyway keep up the good work!

A great start. If this is the first chapter of the first Fic you've ever made... Man, you're very talented.

I'll try to read more soon. I liked this first chapter.

Love the title, I think it’s much better than what you had originally planned. Im pretty sure this one is supposed to encapsulate both the cat fight and Shifu and Viper’s board game scene—makes it great if it was two-fold. I’ve gotta admit, your story has been slowing down a bit and has been de-escalating (although that may just be the 2-month wait for a new chapter, and the de-escelating part is admittedly natural in all stories). I will say that the lotus scene is refreshing for the external conflict facet of your story. It adds a lot more mystery! I do speculate that how the lotus is being seen and interpreted rn is a red-herring, and it might actually hold a more significant role to another character that’s not Po. But that’s just me and my crazy speculations. I guess ill have to wait. Ples update soon :γ

Shifu and the Five are re-introduced (as i expected they would be) and an epic battle ensues in the square of mongolia. Some creepy shit goes on with the lotus and the wind (hrrmmm wonder what that might be) and Yuelens ambition is dangerous.
Keep up the good work!
A few rare pieces of comedy here, the gag with the Oogway statue, the game of chess, and Po's fanboying over the fight, mixed in with the usual grandness of your work. Made more grand perhaps by your first proper Kung Fu Battle since Tigress vs Temutai. The choreography was good and the fight served its purpose (fanservice). The secretary bird was an interesting addition and im curious to see what you do with him.
Update two months from now. Pretty please.

Wow!

Where do I start with this? First we get to catch up on the rest of the five along with their Master which helps to clear up some loose ends, and then a 3 way Mexican standoff? I loved it!

I wonder what the soothsayer will have to say this time. It seems like there will be some form of supernatural force behind the scenes, though only time will tell. I like how Mantis gets off easy from carrying the broken carving up the stairs since he's small, but I can't help but feel that he could have helped like he did in that bridge scene in the 1st. Shifu being downright awful at board games is quite the recurring theme in the fandom what with the episode of LoA where Ping beats him at Mahjong all the time, so I'm happy to see you using this.

The fight, though it wasn't crazy long or short was realistic, and definitely what I would expect. It made me feel tense while reading more than once and really established the theme of winning at any cost. I felt that Yuelun playing dirty was the best possible way to end it, and Tigress being the noble one is more susceptible to putting others needs before her own. This is something I always like to exploit when writing about an antagonist, and I'm glad you further proved that the princess will do whatever is necessary to remain in power.

I'm glad you updated! And look forward to reading some more Winds of Change. Have a Happy Holiday!

-Ace_Risk