Gathering Beauties

Lu Linlang's family falls into decline, and after much wandering, she is taken in by the old madam of the Yunyang Marquis's household.

The old madam has three sons. The youngest, and most outstanding, entered the monastic life early and became a disciple of a revered Buddhist master.

Who knows how many women had their hearts broken over it.

That year, he returns to secular life, cloaked in legend, and catches everyone's eye.

Along with the younger generation of the family, Lu Linlang calls him "Third Uncle."

At first, Changsun Wugui pays little attention to the girl his mother has taken under her wing. That is, until he discovers that the young men of the family are watching her like hungry wolves, each one so smitten that he refuses to marry anyone but her.

And she is like a rabbit fallen into a wolf's den, living every day on tenterhooks, as if treading on thin ice.

Changsun Wugui helps her once, and she thinks he is her salvation.

Little does she know that when she panics and stumbles into his arms, her pitiful appearance, with tears in her eyes and trembling red lips, only makes him want to bully her even more.

This is the "karmic obstacle" that no amount of silently reciting sutras can dispel.

*

Later, the old madam sets out to find Lu Linlang a husband.

Changsun Wugui listens from the side, his fingers tapping the table as he suppresses his impatience and irritation. The old madam sends him away. "Third Son, if you're bored, go for a walk. Don't just stand around here."

Changsun Wugui refuses.

Lu Linlang meets his deep gaze and hurriedly lowers her head.

Once outside, in a cramped corner hemmed in by ornamental rocks, he grips her slender waist and kisses her, demanding in a low voice, "Say it again. Who do you like?"

Theme: Be the light in each other's lives.