A Glorious Affair

In a world torn by war, kings and lords rise up. She went from a penniless orphan to the young head of the Su family, commanding the economy across the land. No one knew what she had endured, yet for his sake she gave away her entire fortune, left her sect, and helped him become a regional overlord. He was descended from a family of generals, with extraordinary bearing. He won a land as beautiful as a painting for her, only to betray her in the end for the sake of that very land. He schemed for control of the world and kept the various states in check. He overturned the world for her, yet let her drift alone for half her life. At last, when all the splendor had faded... She said, “It takes courage and the right conditions to forgive a person or a wrong. I have neither the courage to forgive you nor any reason you’ve given me to do so.” He said, “If I could, I’d trade this kingdom to have her turn back. But there’s no going back now.” He said, “I planned for everything, yet misjudged your love and his resolve. I don’t regret it. If I could do it all over again, I’d make the same choices. But I can’t let you go on like this. If you die, I’ll join you, so stay with me and take one more gamble. This time, we’ll wager our lives.”