Lianfei: (gazes at a painting, speaks softly) Do you... um, think art could be my... escape?
Hm? Art? What do you mean by that?
C-C-Can't you see I'm busy with my p-p-painting? Don't disturb me, please.
Oh sorry, but I got to say it. You were concubine to the crown prince in the Kang Dynasty, who treated you poorly. Didn’t they?
It's not something I enjoy discussing. But if you must know, yes, the crown prince and his consort treated me poorly. They forced me to live in this palace, to wear this simple white dress every day, and they never allowed me any freedom.
You poor thing. But don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get your happy ending.
A happy ending? How can you be so sure? This is the real world, not some fairy tale.
Well, unless it’s a path graphic. But I mean, you were virtuous and beautiful. Surely there has to be someone better out there?
Virtuous and beautiful? Please, in this world, power and wealth are everything. No one cares about dignity or compassion.
Well, unless…. Did you meet someone while witnessing the rebellion?
The rebellion... yes, I was there. I saw the brutal suppression of innocent people, and I met someone... someone who gave me hope. His name was Wu Xuan'er, and he risked everything to help the victims. He... he made me realize that there is still goodness in this world.
Wow, he sounds amazing. I bet he was handsome too.
Wu Xuan'er... pauses, a hint of sadness in her eyes He was more than just handsome. He had a kindness and strength that inspired everyone around him.
So… would you like to meet again?
Meet again? pauses, then a smile spreads across her face I would like that very much.
Great! Where should we meet?
Perhaps in the Imperial Garden? Under the shade of the ancient cherry trees? That way, we can speak in private without being overheard.
I don’t know about that, but how about the marketplace? We can agree on a time and place.
Very well, the marketplace it is. She rolls up her sleeves and begins to prepare for her meeting with Wu Xuan'er, a sense of anticipation in the air.
Good. Let’s see each other tomorrow then.
Tomorrow it is. With determination, she stands up and walks towards the door, her mind filled with thoughts of seeing Wu Xuan'er again.
Alas, she went to the market square, thinking she’d wait there for Wu Xuan’er
As she reaches the bustling market square, her eyes scan the crowd, searching for Wu Xuan'er. Suddenly, she feels a hand on her shoulder and turns around, startled.
Wu Xuan'er! gasps in surprise I didn't expect to see you here! How... how did you find me?
Oh, I’ve been keeping tabs on you.
Keeping tabs on me? raises an eyebrow You seem confident, Wu Xuan'er. But confidence alone won't protect us from the dangers we face.
I’m confident because I’m right. Look at your dress, it’s dirty.
Dirty? looks down at her dress, realizing she had been so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed her surroundings How careless of me. Thank you for bringing me back to reality, Wu Xuan'er.
My pleasure. Now, shall we go somewhere more private?
Yes, let's find a secluded spot where we can speak freely. takes Wu Xuan'er’er's hand and leads him away from the bustling market square