Music drifted in fits and starts from the Gu She Hall, not far to the rear right of the Leng Yan Hall. Two maids were shoving a young man dressed like a scholar into the hall. He was terrified, trembling and shrinking back. The maids said nothing. One of the sturdier ones gave him a kick, sending him sprawling inside. The maids then shut the door from the outside.
There were no lamps lit inside the hall. Only countless faintly flickering phosphorescent flames cast a dim glow over the scene, making everything look like a reflection in water or a flower in a mirror, wavering slightly.
"There, don't be afraid..." The boy seemed to hear a woman's soft, sweet voice comforting him. It was quiet and unreal. Trembling, he got up from the floor, apparently still shaken by what had just happened. He managed to raise his head and look toward the sound. His eyes widened in disbelief. He rubbed them, but no matter what, he couldn't look away...
Red silk curtains brushed softly against the corner of a carved bed. Through them, he could just make out a woman lying gracefully on it. Her...
This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. Do not imitate anything in this story.
