The Orchid and Lotus Pendant

She was like a white lotus.

She longed for him, missed him, thought of him, yet helplessly found herself trapped deep within the palace.

He was like a secluded orchid.

He pitied her, cherished her, treasured her, yet in the end cruelly forgot her.

The red candles burn low, their light falling on her phoenix crown and wedding robes as she unfurls her sleeves.

Tonight, she will sever their ties with her own hands;

Tonight, she will set him free at last.

“Most pitiful is the moon in the heavens, worn down by longing. Once treasured as a ring, then treasured as a broken jade pendant. If only it could remain bright and pure as the full moon, I would brave ice and snow to warm you.

Alas, love is easily severed. The swallows remain, lightly stepping on the curtain hooks as they chatter. The song ends, yet sorrow lingers over the autumn grave. In the spring flowers, let the paired butterflies choose their own place to rest.”