By the Wall, Beneath the Horse

I play with green plums, leaning over the low wall; you ride a white horse beneath the drooping willows. We gaze at each other from opposite sides of the wall, and at first sight, I know you are the one who will break my heart.

That year, beneath the drooping willows, the young gentleman stood tall and graceful, his sleeves fluttering in the breeze. From then on, Li Qianjin fell deeply in love.

That year, beneath the moon and among the flowers, we whispered sweet nothings, our love tender and unbroken. The only blame lay with our parents, who tore us apart.

That year, in a garden outside the city, the loving couple dreamed of growing old together. But a secret came to light, and their love was tested time and again.

Now, though you have won fame and honor, I will not follow you. Without love, I would rather grow old alone than settle for less.

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.