(This version of the blurb was written on May 8, 2026. The full manuscript is complete.)
Tang Wu grew up in the Cold Palace, with no one to protect her and nothing but disdain to endure.
At ten, she discovered she had a special ability: she could create dreams for others, summoning the spirits of the dead into them for a final meeting.
The new dynasty had just been founded, and the land was in ruins. Palace attendants and officials came to her in secret, as did her father, the emperor, who had lost his wife. All they wanted was to see their loved ones once more in a dream.
Over the years, her dreamcraft grew ever more refined, and she managed to save a little money.
Later, after leaving the palace and setting up her own residence, she made a living with her gift. Every transaction was clear-cut, and she shared none of her clients’ grief or joy.
Until one rainy night, when an unexpected guest came to ask her to create a dream.
He carried the scent of medicine, and his bearing was cold and forbidding.
She raised a lamp for a closer look and realized he was Ji Suozhi, a man who had lately won the emperor’s favor.
Tang Wu lit the incense as usual and asked, “Whom do you wish to see?”
Ji Suozhi’s gaze was deep. “My deceased wife.”
She was a little surprised. “I never heard that you were married, my lord.”
He only said, “I was, many years ago.”
After that, he became a frequent visitor to her residence, lingering in the shadows of his dreams.
As time passed, she couldn’t help but feel for him, and gently tried to persuade him: “Why remain lost in the past, Lord Ji?”
But he smiled, his eyes full of tenderness.
“This subject, Suozhi, asks the princess to enter the dream and see for herself.”
[Reading notes]
The story opens during the Qin dynasty.
Both leads are sexually inexperienced; happy ending.
Inspired by “Jian Jia” from the Book of Songs, “Airs of Qin.”
Theme: To be decided.
