Among the people her age in the capital’s aristocratic circles, Qi Zhao was a rare gem, her brilliance unmatched.
Born the emperor’s eldest daughter, she was later named crown princess.
She could govern the country with her scholarship and defend it with her martial prowess.
She excelled at the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature.
She was a master of all eighteen forms of martial arts, especially the sword, spear, halberd, and saber.
In her youthful prime, she was as beautiful as a painting, with an immortal’s grace, peerless beneath heaven.
She stood like a jade tree among orchids, and her smile was like a bright star nestled in one’s arms.
Brilliant and exceptionally gifted, she was the dream lover of countless young women and men.
Unfortunately, though the Crown Princess was mild-mannered, she was devoted to a solitary life, with only plum blossoms for company and cranes for friends.
At ten, she left on her own to live in seclusion on Jinghe Mountain, taking no interest in worldly affairs.
"Lan Jing."
"What?"
"Will you?"
"I will."
"Tsk."
"What about your father and mother? Your younger siblings? Your childhood friends?"
"After decades in seclusion, they may not even remember you."
"Your younger siblings probably have no impression of you at all."
"..."
"Zhao Zhi." The woman lying on the grass to bask in the sun suddenly spoke.
Her voice was like water striking stone, cool and clear.
"Jin Song, everyone has their own fate."
Theme: The bright moon shines among the pines; clear springs flow over the stones.
