Bound by Water

Xu Yizheng has lived like a weed in both her lives.

In her previous life, she was an orphan whose parents were unknown. After working her way toward a bright future, she inexplicably transmigrated into Wanshui Qing, a household slave in the Shen family who had lost both her parents.

In this unfamiliar place, she is a solitary girl said to be “born under an unlucky star.” Adrift like duckweed, with a life as fleeting as a willow seed, she is at the mercy of the powerful within the grand household. Thanks to a Taoist priest’s absurd reasoning, she becomes a concubine-in-waiting to bring good fortune to the Second Master.

She bows her head and gives thanks, adopting the most humble of airs. She must endure. She must survive. She must keep her life so she can find her way home.

She is adept at adapting to circumstances and playing along, hiding her true self behind layer upon layer of pretense. She thinks she can get through this period safely until she finds a way to leave.

That is, until Shen Yunze, the eldest son of the Shen family, who usually lives in the capital, returns to the estate for a short stay.

He is a young man who has risen to prominence, with power and influence to spare, and a rare, handsome face. A man like him ought to be as immaculate as jade trees in a forest.

Yet his gaze settles on his younger brother’s concubine-in-waiting, his eyes darkening like a cold pool stirred by the tide.

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Shen Yunze often thinks that the concubine-in-waiting he snatched from his younger brother is a delightful woman who knows how to go with the flow.

Just days ago, she was resolute and ready to die. Now she’s tender and shy, speaking softly and sweetly. With that pretty face, she thanks him for his favor one moment, then says she doesn’t dare presume on his kindness the next.

With rare time on his hands, Shen Yunze sits and watches her eyes ripple with emotion as she kneels before him, pleading without getting up.

“Born under an unlucky star?” He’s delighted. “Then we’re meant for each other. A hard life suits me just fine.”

“Lowly status?” He understands perfectly. “No matter. Proper young ladies don’t become concubines-in-waiting.”

“Delicate constitution?” He’s full of sympathy. “Poor thing. I’ll make sure you’re well cared for from now on.”

As the days pass, the more he watches her act, the more interested he becomes. It isn’t until Wanshui Qing lays plans to escape again and again that he realizes nothing she has ever done or said was sincere.

Arbitrary, arrogant, and ruthless, he watches Wanshui Qing happily help people write legal petitions while keeping out of sight. He resolves to break her pride and crush her delusions.

He never expected his Qing to hate him so much.

Wanshui Qing strikes with her knife, leaves him a few words, and never looks back.

On restless nights, Shen Yunze turns her words over and over in his mind. At last, he remembers.

She said, “You can’t catch the wind or trap its shadow; water will always find a way to flow.”

Theme: Stand on your own, take every step yourself, and a vast world will eventually open up before you