Where Do the Frosted Leaves Mark the Maple Grove?

["An abandoned early draft that was never finished. Read with caution!"]

A leaf floats like a tiny boat. Where can I leave my sorrow?

The noble heir turns out to be... someone picked up by chance? Watch a lowly assassin rise through the ranks to become a true royal noble!

"I stop to admire the maple woods in the evening; frost-touched leaves are redder than flowers in February." He willingly stakes his life on this bond. Alone in the world, he encounters the fated twists of destiny, and at last finds his own maple grove, a place to call home for the rest of his life.

01. He held the person in his arms tightly and asked in agitation, "Is this how you mean to torment me? You won't even grant me a chance to atone?!"

But instead of a cold silence, the person in his arms choked out a few words of tenderness: "I wasn't trying to die... I was just dizzy and couldn't keep my balance."

One misstep, and he fell right into that person's heart. He had not been prepared for it, but he was glad to surrender. Water splashed everywhere, sending ripples spreading in circles.

02. Yan Qi: "You... close your eyes."

Du Zheng closed his eyes. "W-what is it?"

A long silence.

Qi: "Your eyelashes are so long."

Zheng: "..."

03. He said, "The wind stirs, and the clouds scatter," but it turned out to be, "You fell from the clouds, and I came riding the wind to meet you." I'm here to take you home...

Here's a brief, if rather long-winded, introduction:

1. An ancient-era danmei story of the jianghu, the imperial court, and the tangled love and grudges among its characters.

2. Three main male-male couples, plus one heterosexual side couple.

3. Includes a certain amount of stand-in tropes, as well as plenty of foreshadowing and suspense. Please be patient as you read!

4. There may be a little angst, or none at all. Happy ending.

5. There is salvation, exploitation, and mutual understanding. They love each other with all their hearts.

6. The story is told out of chronological order, with flashbacks interspersed.

7. A friendly reminder: If you come across a plot twist that seems completely out of character, don't be alarmed. It might be... (Haha, I'll keep you guessing. You'll find out as you read, dear readers. Mwah! (^3^)/~~)

*8. Special note: Unless otherwise stated, all the poems in this story are original works by Yu.

All right, enough chatter. Enjoy the story! O(∩_∩)O Mwah~~

Theme: Treat others sincerely, and find genuine understanding and companionship in return.