A Spring Encounter

I started writing this on a sudden burst of inspiration, but I haven't figured out the full outline yet. I'll write it once I've filled in the main outline and detailed plot.

When Chun Niang opened her eyes, she discovered she hadn't died. The heavens had given her another chance at life. In her previous life, she had been a pampered young lady from a prestigious family. Her ancestors had returned home wealthy and honored, but people say no family fortune lasts beyond three generations, and it proved true. Her entire family was seized, and she was swept along like a fallen blossom on the water, with no say in her own fate.

She returned to the age of ten and grew up again at a Taoist temple, learning medicine and martial arts from the Daoist priest. He said her talent was exceptional, equal to any man's. Xu Pingsheng also said he was no match for her.

She knew Xu Pingsheng was just being modest.

The first time she spoke to Xu Pingsheng was beneath a pear tree. The pear blossom cakes he'd brought were sweet and delicious.

She would learn medicine and martial arts, wield blades and spears, and fight her way out of her cage to soar freely.

She asked Xu Pingsheng what he wanted to be in the future. He said he hadn't decided yet, but she had. She wanted to become a general, ride freely on horseback, and never again be a fallen blossom drifting on the water. Her great-grandfather had been a general, and so would she.

Xu Pingsheng said, "All right. I'll go too and become a civil official. You focus on fighting the enemy, and I'll focus on you."

Later histories record that General Zhou and Chancellor Xu studied under the same master, were childhood sweethearts, and made a perfect couple.

Theme: Like wild grass, grow and thrive without end