Autumn Leaves in the Deep Palace, Sorrow Filling My Sight

The autumn wind was bleak, and fallen leaves swirled through the sky like yellow butterflies. A deep autumn mood hung over every corner of the Forbidden City. Yet compared to the changing season, the palace's master, Emperor Qianlong, remained sunk in grief over losing Ruyi. He laid out her belongings one by one, looking over the objects filled with love. His thoughts scattered like fallen leaves, drifting back to the beautiful times they had shared. A grand maple-viewing gathering was about to be held. Emperor Qianlong had hoped it might ease his longing, but he had no idea that an unexpected upheaval was quietly approaching. The maple-viewing