Su Tanzhi died in the twelfth lunar month, with snow sealing the doors.
She had been Li Yanqing's wife for three years, and had loved him quietly for ten.
Then she discovered the portrait of his secret beloved hidden in his study, and heard him say he would “take care of her properly”!
She set down the divorce papers, coughed up her last mouthful of blood, and died with hatred in her heart.
When she opened her eyes again, she had returned to three years before their wedding.
This time, she would do anything to stay away from him.
Fell into the water during the Shangsi Festival? She climbed out by herself!
Their families discussing a match? She fled to Jiangnan overnight!
But the man who had once been as cold as ice toward her seemed like a different person.
He blocked her path, his eyes bloodshot. “Tanzhi, where are you going?”
Su Tanzhi took a step back, her gaze distant, as if he were a stranger. “Young Master, please mind your manners. We barely know each other.”
No matter where she ran, he followed like a shadow.
She thought it was possessiveness, but she had no idea that he was haunted every night by the same nightmare!
Snow swirling all around, a lonely lamp flickering, and a pale face.
He didn't know why he was afraid of her leaving. He only knew that the pain of losing her was carved into his bones.
Later, the southwest was pacified, and the army returned in triumph.
He knelt before the emperor, asking for no reward, only one thing.
“Your servant has long been engaged to Su Tanzhi, daughter of Minister Su. I beg Your Majesty to grant us a marriage decree and let me wed her.”
The entire court was in an uproar.
She stood atop the city tower, watching him from afar as tears fell down her cheeks.
He rode at the head of the procession, his silver armor gleaming in the sunlight.
Across thousands upon thousands of troops, he lifted his head and found her gaze with unerring precision.
She curved her lips into a smile.
He smiled too.
After waiting so long, they had finally found each other.
