My Heart Was Always Set on the Bright Moon

[Disgraced Chief Secretary (bottom) x Upright, Principled Censor-in-Chief (top)]

A bottom who thinks he's the top, and a green tea top pretending to be the bottom...

I, Pei Ran, am the capital's most notorious rogue, a dog-skin plaster so vile no one could hate me more.

The emperor ordered me to attend the morning court and discuss state affairs. I slept until noon and was fined three years' salary.

The Grand Tutor told me to investigate the people's welfare. I went to a gambling den instead and lost every last coin after placing a fortune on one bet.

A loyal minister earned merit putting down a rebellion, but I submitted a memorial beforehand falsely accusing him of treason.

The empress wanted to marry her niece to me, but the young lady threatened to kill herself. On the wedding day, she shaved her head and became a nun.

Yet I said, "In this life, I wish to be with only one person."

That person was the Censor-in-Chief, a minister of rare ability, the likes of whom appear once in ten years, and a man of uncommon integrity, the likes of whom appear once in a century.

Too bad he couldn't understand my sincere feelings and did everything he could to bring down a crooked tree like me.

Later, in prison, I told him, "It's filthy in here. Don't come any closer." He grabbed me by the collar and said, "Only the virtuous can dwell in a fragrant place."

Good. Very good.

He's so lofty. So impressive.

I admit defeat.

Theme: Let others judge my merits and faults. I will stand unshaken.