[Strong female lead + ensemble cast + political intrigue + multiple couples + highly intelligent characters]
The heavy snow that fell over the capital of Ye lasted for twenty whole years.
Twenty years ago, Su Ranxing leaped gracefully over a wall like a fluttering butterfly, all to keep an appointment with a friend. Mu Wanyue, dressed in blue and untouched by worldly concerns, opened a tavern only to help her family through a crisis. Song Qingyu came from the desert in a fluttering red robe, full of youthful spirit and unafraid of the trials of time.
The spring breeze was gentle then. They were young women famed throughout the capital, convinced that life was long and their friendship would never fade.
Twenty years later, one held court from behind the curtain, her innocence long gone and frost in her hair. One returned to the green hills in death, leaving behind only a letter to put an end to the regrets of her life. One stood alone before the city with a sword in hand, holding the line without retreating, even at the cost of her life.
A palace coup, separation, war, political intrigue.
They buried their youthful feelings in the passing years and bore the burdens of family and country on their shoulders. Yet in their midnight dreams, it was still spring in that bygone year, flowers drifting through the fourth month, and they were carefree daughters of noble families whose every smile and frown could dazzle the ages.
A palace coup left most of the capital's talented young men and women dead.
Their story was never just about love. It was also about how, amid troubled times, women could hold up half the realm.
“Tomorrow is still unknown. Do not fear the long night. When the sun rises in the east, it will drive away ten thousand nights of cold.”
“If there is a next life, I hope to drink another pot of wine with you. Let us not talk of kingdoms, only of our youth.”
From then on, they would remember no more of the splendor.
