Keeping Quiet, Forgetting Spring's Return

In the latter years of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the land had been mired in conflict for too long. The people suffered, and many could barely survive.

Ye Yimei, a disciple of the Mohists, enters the Southern Tang imperial harem as a spy. She stirs up trouble, matches wits with her foes, and lends her insight and cunning to a murky world of espionage.

The emperor's two younger brothers both fall for her.

The imposing and domineering Prince of Jin, Zhao Shengyi, already has a principal wife, concubines, and beautiful attendants, yet still wants to marry her and bring her into his household. Life inside a cage has little appeal.

The Seventh Prince, Zhao Liangsheng, and the heroine are kindred spirits who weather hardships together. He wants them to be together, just the two of them, for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, his mother, Dowager Consort Geng, is a real handful.

The young woman sighs. "Men can't be relied on. I'm going to build a career!"

The eldest young lady leads the Aoki Hall in opening trading houses, banks, cloth shops, teahouses, and theaters beside the Bian River in Tokyo, Kaifeng, embarking on a glorious path of earning money to support her family.

The Prince of Jin neglects the barracks and his court duties, while the Right General neglects his post with the Imperial Guard. Both rush to see Miss Ye. The brothers grow jealous and come to blows over her.

The emperor roars, "Their feud began because of her. This wicked woman must not be allowed to live!"

Sect Leader Mu says, "Your Majesty, you cannot kill her! She may not wield overwhelming power, but she deserves to enjoy wealth and splendor!"

Version One:

"You rely on the fact that I like you, so you don't care about appearances and do whatever you please?"

"You like me? You slaughtered my brothers and sisters and tried to wipe out the Mohists. What kind of logic is that? You even went after the family members I cherish and respect. How could you bring yourself to do it?"

Version Two:

"Would you give up being a prince of the Song dynasty and stop taking the emperor's salary?"

"Fine by me... but without a salary, how would we live?"

"Why not eat the meals already set out for you?"

"Really?" The young gentleman was overjoyed. "Then I'm definitely living off you!"