A Cup of Wine

I first read this story in a book a few years ago, and I read it countless times. Unfortunately, I lost the book, and all I remember is the plot and the protagonist's name, He Bi. This story had a powerful impact. In 2019, I suddenly remembered it, but couldn't remember the title. So I started searching on Baidu like searching for a needle in a haystack, and it took me ages to find it.

For Lu Zhibei, Bai Ze represents a childhood fantasy, a youthful, innocent longing, and a lifelong, unforgettable memory. Beneath his hidden and reserved exterior lies a stubborn, fragile heart yearning for warmth. The farewell embrace ultimately allows him to let go of Bai Ze, and also helps him reconcile with his own emotions. To Bai Ze, Lu Zhibei was more like a younger brother.

Night Rain was truly tragic. Just because she was a beauty, she was used as an excuse to be secretly killed by the emperor, who was secretly jealous of her. What did this beautiful woman do wrong?

(Sighs) Why is it all so hesitant and roundabout? ... If anyone had hit a straight shot, things might not have turned out this way. But I still have to praise the author; it's very well written!

2333... Seeing Hebi is so distracting! I'm from Hebi City, Henan Province.

The epilogue, using a pseudonym, unravels the final mystery: the truth behind the Night Rain incident. I actually guessed it earlier, but... Sigh.

So Bai Ze remained a virgin until his death.

Fate actually allowed you to leave. Complex relationships between rulers and their ministers involve power struggles and emotional entanglements. Throughout history, wise ministers have assisted enlightened monarchs, dedicating themselves to the country until their dying breath. The emperor and the regent represent two ends of power, and in the end, one side will inevitably fail.

The title, "A Cup of Wine," is like a glass of aged liquor, initially crisp and refreshing, but its aftereffects burning the heart and making one tremble. The agonizing tug-of-war between Lu Zhibei and Qin Hebi—the desire to stay but not to stay, the desire to love but not to love—is so moving.

"A bright white horse, in that empty valley." This was the first line that came to Lu Zhibei's mind after seeing Qin Hebi. This description of Qin Hebi runs throughout the entire article, conveying and condensing Lu Zhibei's emotions. I believe it can perhaps be seen as one of the "key points" of the text: that bright, beautiful, jade-like white horse that could not be kept, wasn't it Qin Hebi?