The Lantern Dies, but the Snow Never Returns

The Lantern Fades, the Snow Does Not Return is a historical romance ensemble novel for women, filled with heartache. Wenren Zhaoque, a young hostage prince, meets Fu Xuetan, the last survivor of a family of physicians, during the first snowfall in a ruined palace, brought together by an old bronze lantern. She saves his life and teaches him that there is no shame in saying you’re in pain. He remembers the light of that lantern, but never learns who held it.

Years later, war flares along the northern frontier, the Fu family’s old case resurfaces, and political schemes at court close in one after another. The two repeatedly draw near, only to be driven apart again by their duties to their country, a blood feud born of a massacre, and misunderstandings. She holds silver needles and wants only to uncover the truth. He dons his armor to defend the city, willing to bear a false accusation rather than let her risk her life.

The wolf tally, the old lantern, the medicine pouch, the rabbit lantern: every kindness they shared in their youth later becomes a blade delivered by fate. As snow falls in the north and the old case is reopened, the young people who once watched lanterns together are all swept into a game of chess from which there is no turning back. Some defend their country, some protect their love, and some seek a truth that has come too late.

Before the lantern goes out, can they finally tell each other everything they lost a lifetime to?