Seeking Qinglan

"A slow-paced story; if that's not your thing, please don't flame. The romantic scenes come in the second half."

That year, with apricot blossoms misted by spring rain, one glimpse beneath an umbrella stole my heart for a lifetime.

He took my hand and dipped it in ink to write our names in the marriage register; I lowered my eyes with a smile and embroidered mountains and rivers into a silk handkerchief.

I thought that brewing tea by the spring would be the shape of all my remaining years.

Who could have guessed that a storm would rise over Yuntai, shattering the jade hairpin on the steps?

The old trees in my former home rustled in the wind, and the swallows' nests of years past stood empty.

The one who once painted my brows now holds the reins of power.

One intricate game of chess trapped me in a tiny space and bound him in webs of political intrigue.

When the red candles had melted away and snow covered the layered eaves,

I finally saw an old acquaintance come treading through the moonlight, a cold gleam in his sleeve reflecting the last plum blossoms.