The Fragrant-Dyed Fan

On the surface, I wanted you to pick flowers to present to the moon, but secretly I wanted you to give them to Shao. As expected, I gave them to Shao, and Shao was satisfied. She told me that she could continue to learn to paint and that she could even call me by my name. In the end, I think the peach blossoms I painted all over the fan can express Shao's feelings. It was really sweet.

Of all the articles I've read by Da Feng, this one is the most exquisite, like a freehand painting, timeless and beautiful. Years after his art teacher passed away, he grieved in his old haunts. It was that folding fan that brought him a simple, unassuming man, gradually revitalizing him.

I think it's really good that the story ended here. Princess Luo is interested in him, and Shao also makes it clear in the end that Luo does not need to be bound by the etiquette between ruler and subject, and can still learn painting from him and call him by his nickname. At this moment, everything is uncertain for both Ruoyue and Qiushao.

This story leaves much to the imagination, with a lingering aftertaste. Personally, I wish the karmic connection between Qiu and Luo could be extended further. Having never read online novels before and not being part of the fandom, I'm unsure if this is in accordance with the rules. I hastily added two more paragraphs, a mere afterthought. Qiu Shao stood in the corridor and watched from afar.

Da Feng's writing is worth rereading. Only after rereading it did I realize that "Shao" is also "Shao". He said that the plucked peony is a princess as bright as the moon, and isn't it also myself waiting for spring every year?

The unfinished fan painting from years ago, now completed by the Emperor after meeting Luo. Luo's choice of peony blossoms wasn't to pluck the moon, but because Qiu Shao wanted to drink wine amidst the flowers. The little princess finally said, "If you make me laugh, I'll marry you," but Luo only smiled. It seems the bond between Luo and the Emperor runs deeper.

Regardless of the outcome, Luo Zhangsheng and the emperor are a couple.

This story seems like a romance based on the ending, but it also has BL (Boys' Love) elements. Luo himself might not even know who he has feelings for. He falls for the princess, but gives up after learning she is. He spends a month with Qiu Shao, perhaps initially just as friends, with other feelings just beginning to blossom, only to disappear when he learns Qiu Shao's true identity.

This open ending is so suspenseful; after watching it, you just want to grab onto a vine and swing around in the woods.

Returning the peach blossom fan to Luo Man was a really blatant hint.