Qi Hong's Play on a Sunken Path

Years later, Zhang Qishan heard someone say, "Er Yuehong finally looks like a proper opera performer."

Seductive, bewitching, and vulgar. He had thought he would be satisfied. After all, he had clipped the wings of the Second Master of the Nine Gates step by step, humiliating him until he fell into ruin.

But Zhang Qishan discovered he could not bring himself to feel happy. "Er Yuehong, you made a name for yourself with a fortune, and you love your bright red robes, but in the end, you're still a man."

"So what?" Er Yuehong seemed to have given up hope. His misty eyes turned toward Zhang Qishan, yet his expression was calm.

"So, do you understand? I'm not attracted to men. I'm only attracted to you, Hong Er. Come with me. I'll spend the rest of my life treating you well. Spring breezes, summer rain, autumn frost, winter snow: I'll see them all with you. What do you say?"

A warlord and an opera performer, loving and hurting each other in the chaotic days of the Republic of China.

[Note before reading] There is a little angst early on. If you can't handle angst, please don't read. There are plenty of tearjerker moments, but it has a happy ending.

Theme: You give me a quince, and I repay you with precious jade.