Beloved Beauty

According to the historical record, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che subdued the feudal lords at home and defeated the Xiongnu abroad. He created the most glorious age in the history of the Han dynasty, and etched the Han people forever into the annals of world history.

History values virtue over emotion. The greatest regret in the heart of this mighty emperor slowly faded into obscurity over two thousand years.

Perhaps every man has encountered two women in his life: Chen Ajiao and Wei Zifu.

One was as radiant as a peony in full bloom in a flower garden,

the other as gentle as the fragrance of plum blossoms, impossible to hide even beneath falling snow.

That year, he married Ajiao.

As the years wore away at her, the peony's lovely face slowly, slowly withered, until it sank into the earth.

Then, faint and ethereal, came the scent of plum blossoms amid the fresh snow.

But what if he had chosen Zifu?

The young girl's humble tenderness would gradually become a pale shadow in the deep palace,

yet it could never be forgotten. In the deepest part of his heart, a drop of crimson blood

would bloom with an everlasting fragrance.

The deepest crimson drop of blood in his heart had a tender name: Ajiao.

Chen Ajiao was the most honored princess of the Han Empire.

Emperor Wen was her grandfather, Emperor Jing her uncle, and Emperor Wu her cousin.

If the Princess of Tangyi asked for the moon, no one would bring her the stars instead.

In her life, she had loved two men:

with one, she weathered life's hardships side by side; with the other, they went their separate ways and forgot each other.