When the Song family was prosperous, I secretly kept a poor scholar.
I paid for his studies, bought medicine for his gravely ill mother, and stayed by his side for three years.
Later, the Song family fell from power, and I was reduced to a life in the pleasure quarters.
Afraid of sullying his reputation, he broke off all contact with me of his own accord.
When we met again, I was the lowest-ranking songstress in the prince's manor, while he had become a minister trusted by the emperor, and even the princess was in love with him.
He asked me, "Would you still be willing to come away with me?"
I shook my head and refused, but his eyes reddened. "I beg you."
