Phoenix Ashes, Crimson Walls
Deep within the imperial palace, Crown Prince Xiao He and Shen Ying share a life of understanding and devotion. There are no sweeping political intrigues, no passionate entanglements of love and hate, only a gentle warmth that flows steadily through the little routines of meals and seasons.
From gathering dew among the peach blossoms by the stream in late spring and brewing spring wine, to drying books beneath the bamboo shade and making fresh tea in early summer; from crafting fans and making ice cream under the locust trees in midsummer, to gathering osmanthus and preserving candied fruit in the courtyard in late autumn, then playing the zither and keeping watch through the New Year on a snowy winter night, the two are together from dawn to dusk, relying on each other with wordless understanding. Xiao He sheds the dignity he wears at court and gladly becomes her support, helping her tend the herb garden, tailor clothes, and prepare snacks. Shen Ying is gentle and attentive, and with her deft hands transforms the cold Eastern Palace into a home filled with warmth and the bustle of everyday life.
Together, they weave longevity cords on the first day of the new year, cook seven-treasure soup on the seventh day, dig up spring bamboo shoots at the Awakening of Insects, and wrap golden dumplings on New Year's Eve. Every ordinary little thing holds their affection and care for one another. There is no worldly turmoil, no barrier of status, only warmth in each other's eyes and soft laughter. In their ordinary days, they admire the changing seasons, savor the simple pleasures of life, and cherish a companionship that endures like a gently flowing stream.
Spring has flowers, autumn has the moon, summer has cool breezes, and winter has snow. The years in the Eastern Palace are made warm and whole by the two of them staying together. This tenderness, tucked amid the bustle of life in the imperial palace, is neither hurried nor intense, yet it is enough to carry them through the years, bringing warmth and happiness to every season and all the days to come.
Theme: May every year be warm and peaceful, and may all the days ahead be joyful.
