[Cheerful, goofy little sun x ruthless, vicious imperial guard]
A Lan and her people had lived in a hidden paradise for generations, wanting no part in worldly affairs and enjoying a peaceful, carefree life.
Until one day, their quiet life was shattered.
It all began with the man she rescued from the water...
The man was injured and had lost his memory, so she named him A Lou.
He was strong and clever with his hands. He could make wooden birds whose wings flapped in the wind, and wooden oxen that followed along when pulled.
He was like a shadow, always following close behind her.
Whenever she was in danger, he would rush to save her without hesitation. Even when covered in wounds, all he cared about was whether she was safe.
She saw the envy in his eyes when he watched others enjoy a father's tender love, and understood his bewilderment when people treated him as a brother.
He came from the noisy world beyond, yet he was so lonely.
With the blessing of her people, A Lan drank the sacred lake water with him and accepted him as her walking-marriage partner. That night, they lost themselves in each other.
The next day, he left without a word, just like her father.
Her people cursed him, saying outsiders could never be trusted, but she believed he would surely return.
A Lou finally came back. The imperial army came with him.
A Lan watched helplessly as her people were slaughtered and the sacred lake ran red. In disbelief, she looked toward the one responsible...
*
Huo Wushe, commander of the Northern Garrison Bureau, an imperial attack dog with countless lives' blood on his hands.
The emperor gave him his life, and the emperor alone had his loyalty.
By chance, he entered Bishui Village, where the medicine-finding compass in his hand spun wildly.
To trick the villagers into revealing where the spirit medicine was, he used the hands accustomed to holding a blade to make wooden birds.
The people here were simple and innocent, with no sense of caution.
He pretended to be warm and sincere, infiltrated the village, drew maps, and sent out its coordinates, waiting for the army to break through the natural defenses.
But he kept up the act for so long that he almost forgot who he was.
Especially when it came to A Lan, he found himself thinking more than once that staying might not be so bad.
When she nestled in his arms, dreaming of their future together, he finally realized what he had done.
He wanted to stop it, to make things right, but it was too late.
The moment he met A Lan's sorrowful, resolute gaze, he knew:
He would spend the rest of his life atoning for his sins.
Reading Guide:
1. The dynasty is fictional. The people's way of life is inspired by the Mosuo, with some original additions.
2. Both devoted to each other and each other's first; open ending.
Theme: Only sincerity will never be betrayed
