Chronicles of Splendor's Fall

In the turbulent and chaotic lands of Jiuzhou, one is the crown prince of the Eastern Palace, a man of uncertain origins, cunning methods, and boundless ambition. The other is a kindhearted princess who has lost her family and kingdom, and changed her appearance. They first meet by accident. She falls for him at first sight, but he looks down on her. When they meet again, a twist of fate makes her his crown princess.

Though she has lost her home, she never loses her kind heart. As they spend more time together and continue to grow, she becomes the softest place in his heart. Later, he discovers her identity, yet insists on keeping her by his side. For that, he kills her sisters, her closest friend, and her teacher, and even loses the only child they had yet to welcome into the world. The immense shock causes her to lose her memory for a time. During that period, the two live in harmony, as if that were the last of their happiness. Then an unforeseen accident awakens her sleeping memories. She keeps her knowledge to herself, determined to escape his control. At last, amid a vast tide the likes of which comes only once in a century, she goes with the waters and finds her freedom. He loses the woman he loves. After unifying Jiuzhou and becoming emperor, he leaves the empress's place empty, able only to whisper of the love and hatred of his life within a palace on earth as beautiful as a fairyland. The unresolved grudges of the previous generation and the joys and sorrows of this one together compose a magnificent, tragic song.

Theme: In a troubled age, life is hard for everyone. Each person struggles to survive in their own way. There is no distinction between the lowly and the noble; what matters is the choices we make. Follow the voice of your heart, and though you may have regrets, you will have no remorse.