Inviting the Snow

Serious drama | Love and hate Fu Zhen hates Xin Yue with all her heart. For years, she has forced herself to endure her frail, broken body and painstakingly plotted to take Xin Yue's life and avenge herself. Xin Yue, heir to the Duke of Zhenguo, made a name for himself in battle at fifteen and became the bravest general in the army. His life went smoothly in every way, except that he fell into the hands of the female official Fu Zhen. They have nursed their grudges for years, plotting against each other like sworn enemies, each harboring deep resentment toward the other. Fu Zhen strips Xin Yue of his military command and forces him back to the capital. Xin Yue retaliates by getting her drunk at the autumn banquet, bringing her close to death. From then on, each wants the other dead. At first, Fu Zhen tells Xin Yue, “Do you know why you'll lose to me? Because you have parents and family, someone you love, and weaknesses. I'm different. I have no weaknesses. All I have is hatred for you.” Only later does she realize that she and Xin Yue were born to be alike. One is a princess of a fallen kingdom; the other, the orphaned son of a deposed crown prince. Without all the hatred they carry, perhaps neither would have lived long enough to meet the other. She remembers that night, with flames reaching the sky and blades like a forest. Xin Yue presses his Zhaoxue sword into her hands. Blood smears across her face, yet he still says, “If we make it out of here alive, there's a whole world beyond these mountains. Don't let old grudges ensnare you again.” “And don't look back.” Then Xin Yue shoves her away. But she drags the long sword closer, step by step, toward the young general who has fought until he can fight no more, tears welling in her eyes. “Xin Yue, who are you to order me around? Who are you to die in my place?” And who are you to make me remember you for the rest of my life? I don't want to owe you anything. Theme: Though we have seen the vastness of the world, we still cherish the green of every blade of grass.