不仅在太后面前立了功
“I not only gained merit with the Empress Dowager”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
我赌赢了
“I won my gamble!”
不仅在 太 后面前 立了功
“I not only gained merit with the Empress Dowager”
还得到了端王的信任
“but also won Prince Duan's trust.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
Gaining favor directly from senior matriarchs like the Empress Dowager was the ultimate shortcut to political survival and advancement in traditional China.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
not only... but also...
A standard correlative structure used to emphasize progressive or compounding benefits.
to render distinguished service; to make a meritorious contribution
Frequently used in historical or military contexts to describe earning favor through valuable deeds.
Marks the completed realization of the achievement.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“for the Li family.”
“Later, because of a great contribution,”
“have both made distinguished military contributions.”
“one might think I'd done something great.”
“The one really leading the charge is”
“he was the one who stepped up”