Walking the Fragrant Steps

On a long, lovely night, the playful Cui Wubai slipped home with her embroidered shoes in hand, only to be caught by her stern, solemn elder brother.

He reprimanded her in a low voice: "Since you live under my roof, you should conduct yourself properly. Do not do anything else that brings shame on our family!"

Cui Wubai's back hit the screen, and pain brought tears to her eyes.

She looked up and met his bloodshot gaze.

Yet she smiled brightly.

His barely contained fury was a far cry from the upright, self-possessed gentleman he had once been.

At last, he pressed his lips together and warned her: "That man is frivolous and dissolute. Do not see him again."

Cui Wubai gently returned his own words to him: "Elder Brother, you are overstepping."

.

The two things Cui Zhen regretted most in his life were taking pity on Cui Wubai and letting her stay in his home, and softening his heart to help her on that rainy night.

If he hadn't done those things, perhaps she would never have developed such forbidden feelings.

He had studied the teachings of the sages since childhood and upheld the rules of his household. He would never allow himself to become involved with the stepsister he had raised himself.

The more sincere and passionate her feelings became, the more he ignored and distanced himself from her.

At last, she came to her senses and let go of her obsession.

Her gaze no longer lingered on him. Smiling, she said to Cui Zhen, "I was young and foolish before, and often overstepped. I hope you won't take it to heart, Elder Brother."

Cui Zhen thought life had returned to normal, until the Night of the Weaver Maid, when he saw her strolling arm in arm with someone else.

In that instant, fury burst through him.

She was young and inexperienced, and easily deceived.

As her elder brother, it was his duty to teach her the proper path.

At the time, Cui Zhen thought, just this once.

Later, Cui Zhen thought, one last time.

Theme: I dared to be the first to love.