The Shen Sisters

Shen Qingyan has loved Lu Ke, heir to the Marquis of Pingyang, for as long as she can remember. Lu Ke is elegant and gracious, always gentle and warm toward her, and she believes he loves her too.

She works hard at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, becoming known as the most talented young woman in the capital, all so she can stand beside him as his equal.

But she forgets that she isn't the only girl who grew up with Lu Ke.

He seems just as gentle and warm toward other women.

Then he becomes engaged to Princess Dongyang.

Only then does Shen Qingyan realize that all this time, she has been in love alone.

Yet when she hears that someone is plotting to harm him, she rushes to his side without hesitation. She never expects to ruin her own reputation in the process, and he doesn't say a word in her defense.

She falls ill, then loses her mind. Like a flower past its season, she withers away in no time.

At last, the celebrated Second Miss Shen dies in a bright, sunny March.

Note: The Two Beauties refers to the story of Shen Qingheng and Shen Qingyan, twin legitimate daughters of the Duke of Dingguo. The main story begins three years after younger sister Shen Qingyan's death, when elder sister Shen Qingheng returns to the capital after fifteen years away. This blurb is merely the backstory, but it has a major impact on what follows. By the time the main story begins, the events in the blurb have already happened.

Theme: Stay positive and keep striving to live.