The Jade Lock

I. Kua Fu

A Li has no complete memories, but is very happy living in the mountains with her older brother.

One night, a caravan arrives in the small town where A Li and her brother live.

The strange old man leading it gazes at the sun with a longing A Li cannot understand.

The next day,

the sun has disappeared!

II. The Tower

A Li is imprisoned at the top of a tower.

Day after day, she plays the zither and recites poetry.

Her kidnapper is a skeleton wearing a coat.

Every word the skeleton speaks is written in blood.

It holds a lock in its hands

and wears a lock on its body.

III. Miss Bao

A Li and her companions set out to find A Le's soul,

slaying demons and saving the people from danger along the way.

One day, following the people's cries for help, they arrive at a mansion,

only to hear the young woman called a demon softly reciting poetry:

"May the gentle breeze bear me aloft to the blue heavens."

IV. The Liao Residence

By day, the Liao Residence is a private school.

At night, spirits and monsters gather there.

The scholars who come by day all wear shackles,

while the spirits and monsters at night are free as can be.

V. Wukong

All things arise from causes and conditions, and are empty of inherent nature.

Who is A Gu?

Who is A Le?

Who is A Li?

The story is told anew.

VI. Fetching Medicine

Old Wang goes out to fetch medicine

and comes back with a packet of dragon bones.

There are words carved on the bones.

A young woman says to the dragon bones:

"Long time no see."

VII. Planting a Forest

They meet the skeleton again.

He is dejected and listless, yet his eyes gleam.

The skeleton is looking for someone to help him

carry out a judgment.

VIII. Sharpening the Blade

A woman spends a fortune on a treasured blade.

Day after day, she sharpens it, sharpens it.

Asked whether the sword is quick and sharp,

she says nothing.

IX. Sunrise

The sun is coming up!

What a joyous day!

This will probably be a story full of all sorts of metaphors.

You can probably guess what story I'm writing from the character cards, la la la.

Hint: This garden is similar in nature to a certain famous painting.

Theme: Positivity and cultural confidence