Buddha said: Life has seven sufferings: birth, aging, illness, death, meeting those you resent, parting from those you love, and failing to get what you seek.
After half a lifetime of passion and half a lifetime amid splendor, she had killed off every trace of youthful glamour. In her twilight years, Xiu Sha read these words and found herself weeping without realizing it.
Birth.
Her parents gave birth to her, yet she could never repay them for raising her.
“I only regret giving birth to an ungrateful wretch like you. You should pay for the sins you committed yourself.”
Meeting those you resent.
They were clearly brother and sister, yet their feelings went far beyond that. They tried desperately to break free, but could not escape the bonds of blood, and helplessly fell into the depths of taboo.
“You will always be mine, but you are more than just my sister.”
Parting from those you love.
When her heart had turned to ashes, he was the one who rekindled the embers. But though they had promised to grow old together, why could he not stay by her side until the end? One lifetime, one partner: how could they bear to have their souls aching in separate places?
“I can’t change your past, so I don’t mind it. But I can promise you my future.”
Failing to get what you seek.
She could not have what she wanted, yet could not let it go. She spoke the truth in a joking tone. In the name of love, they loved and fought each other, locked in a battle to the death.
“Xiu Sha, remember this well: I have never loved you.”
In her final years, others had grandchildren gathered around their knees. She alone possessed boundless lands and enjoyed endless solitude.
That whole passionate affair had all turned to murder.
