Those who sought people's hearts won fame and rank.
Those who sought a life of leisure lost their lives.
Those who hoped their sons would become great grew estranged from them.
Those who wished for their daughters to become phoenixes found them trapped in cages instead.
Those who wanted only peace and prosperity for the nation became the cause of chaos across the land.
No one can escape fate's many trials.
Looking back on half a life, it turns out it was all an illusion.
Jiang Shi'an stood atop the city wall, gripping the bloodstained sword. Beyond the wall lay Chang'an; behind her stood the Daming Palace.
The world was vast, and all its splendor lay before her, yet for her, one step forward meant a cliff, and one step back meant an icy abyss.
