One Thought Beneath the Palace Lantern, and I’ll Stay by Your Side Forever

A Wan, a low-ranking palace maid in the Laundry Bureau, caught a glimpse of Shen, a serene and solitary Noble Lady, in the imperial garden one spring evening, and fell for her. The palace was a place of rigid hierarchy, and the two were worlds apart. Everyone laughed at A Wan for dreaming above her station, but she refused to settle for admiring Shen from afar.

She kept her feelings hidden, quietly endured and planned, worked diligently, and secretly memorized everything Shen liked. Little by little, she cultivated connections and seized every opportunity that came with a change in palace assignments.

After lying low for a full year and expending every effort, she finally managed to transfer to Jingyun Pavilion, a remote residence, as Shen's personal attendant.

Within the vermilion palace walls, she was a servant and Shen her mistress. Their love could not be spoken aloud. Serving tea from morning to night, sweeping and keeping her company as she studied, A Wan stayed by Shen's side, helping her endure the neglect and loneliness of the Six Palaces.

There were no grand, dramatic gestures, only a restrained, enduring affection within the deep palace. By the light of a single palace lantern, she held fast to her love and finally got her wish, remaining by Shen's side through every day and every year.

Theme: In the lonely depths of the palace, protect the pure feelings in your heart, and through patience and perseverance pursue what you long for.