The year I came of age, I fell in love with the spirited young general. At that time, he already had someone he loved—my elder sister. I buried my love deep in my heart, but he contracted a hidden illness on the battlefield. My sister disdained to associate with him, and he became utterly despondent. Ignoring worldly reputation, I knelt before a divine physician to beg for his life, accompanying him to cure his illness. I thought we would eventually be together, but he said, "Zhiyi, I beg you, enter the palace in place of Ajin. I cannot live without her." This was the first time he had asked me for a favor. I donned the phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, and entered the palace as a concubine. Duan Shiyue was the one who made my coming-of-age ceremony.
