To You, I Am a Stranger

He was dressed in white as pure as snow,

she wore red like the rosy clouds.

She craved power above all else,

while he kept his distance from the glittering world.

She was a breathtaking imperial princess, dazzling enough to captivate the world;

he was a peerless jade, flawless and refined.

She could turn the world upside down and scheme against all under heaven, yet could never read the face as beautiful as a painting;

he was as elegant as an orchid, seeing through worldly desires, yet unable to discern the truth in her eyes.

Time slipped by like drifting sand.

When they suddenly looked back, they realized that today, they had become strangers.

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This story has been revised.

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Original blurb:

In dreams, I return again and again to the Xie family's home; the covered walkway winds around, its railings slanting askew.

Only the moon in the spring courtyard is so full of feeling, still shining on the falling blossoms for the one who has left.

To a Friend, by Zhang Qin