As You Wish

Lin Ruyi, daughter of a Grand Academician, wanted to restore the state and reform its ills, but was trapped by her sex, burdened by her beauty, and confined to the imperial palace. Her talent was overshadowed by her beauty, and her reputation was tormented by romantic scandals.

On the eve of the nation's fall, this frail woman, imprisoned in the palace for nearly ten years, stood in the Golden Throne Hall dressed in white mourning robes. Before her stood her old love, still more radiant than ever; behind her lay her new lover, whose throat she had just slit and whose body had yet to grow cold.

She held a blade stained scarlet and walked slowly forward. "Though my name is Ruyi, nothing in my life has ever gone as I wished. If you still remember what we once shared, would you grant me one promise?"

The man, his eyes churning with love and struggle, finally sighed. "I can give you anything but my life."

Hearing his answer, Lin Ruyi showed no disappointment. She casually tossed the blade aside, caressed the face that still faintly resembled the one she remembered, then smiled and nuzzled his neck. "I know you don't want to give me your life, so..."

The man abruptly pushed the warm, fragrant beauty from his arms and leaned against a golden pillar carved with dragons, his body swaying.

Though he immediately held his breath, his vision grew increasingly blurred.

Through his wavering field of vision, he saw the woman pick up the blade and slowly approach.

At last, a chill swept across his throat. Colder still was her voice: "I'll take your life myself."

The author's completed work, Down the Mountain, is available in the author's collection. Interested readers can visit the author's page to check it out.

Theme: Love means supporting each other and helping each other achieve great things