The morning rain moistens the light dust, and the willow trees take on a fresh green hue. An old friend sets off once more, stepping into the dust.
Two strange tales are always being told around the capital:
The first is about the young lord of a nearby kingdom. His appearance is hideous, his flesh rotting, so he is always seen wearing a tiger mask. He dresses in black brocade, with a tiger face embroidered in silver thread on his robe. People say the laws and punishments of the Song Kingdom are cruel, so everyone calls him the "Tiger Fiend." It is said that a maid once accidentally spilled tea while serving him and was publicly strangled. Worse still, when a female ruler took a liking to one of his guards, the Tiger Fiend discovered them having an affair. That very night, hundreds of people from her kingdom vanished without a trace.
The second tale is about Yu Qing, the illegitimate son of General Chu of the Tianlang Kingdom. He has a tremendous gift for writing and poetry, and loves books as much as life itself. His tutors often praise his extraordinary literary talent. Though born out of wedlock, he was invited into the palace by the emperor before coming of age to compose poems and exchange ideas with the princes. Many young noblemen in the capital were green with envy. But because he never wanted to take the imperial examinations, everyone lamented that such talent would go to waste. He is also unmatched in beauty throughout the capital. The women who admire him could line up from the Chu residence and circle the city three times, yet Chu Yuqing has never been interested in the women around him. People find that most astonishing of all.
The meeting of two strange tales is no accident. It has been carefully arranged.
Theme: Cherish the fate that brings you together
