Worthy of Your Love

In a time of chaos, heroes vie for supremacy: winners become kings, losers are forgotten. The imperial throne changes hands, and those who struggle against the current risk being swept away.

She made a name for herself in her youth, a lone phoenix spreading her wings. Her literary brilliance moved the feudal lords, and in one song, she glimpsed a kingdom.

He concealed his ambitions, chasing the waves with only his shadow for company as he braved storms and watched a thousand miles of rivers and mountains erupt in flames.

That day, two young people crossed paths in the snow and wind, unaware of the troubles to come.

She said, “Ever since I met you, I’ve had one run of bad luck after another. I should stay away from you.”

He said, “Ever since I met you, I’ve had one stroke of good fortune after another. So I’ve decided to keep you.”

They had once sought titles and glory, while the mountains and rivers remained unchanged. After countless journeys, they looked back once more.

She said, “Do you think love built on an exchange of benefits can last?”

He said, “Come with me. I’ll make sure your whole clan endures forever.”

Later, her beauty faded. She went far away, and he stayed behind alone.

She said, “A cup of humble wine, in honor of the half a lifetime we shared.”

He said, “Even in death, you can only be buried by my side.”

At last, their hair turned white with snow. His prime was long gone, but her features remained unchanged.

She said, “After half a lifetime of struggle, all I gained was sand slipping through my fingers. What I truly wanted was beside me all along.”

He said, “After ten years, I’ve awoken from a long dream. I’m grateful you’re beside me when I wake.”

It took me only an instant to meet you, but a lifetime to remember and mourn you.