Autumn in Its Glory

Ming dynasty, the second year of the Wanli reign. At the first chrysanthemum show in Dalan Prefecture, a single ink-black chrysanthemum from the He family’s daughter dazzles the entire city. But at the flower-viewing pavilion, her fiancé takes Miss Qin by the hand and announces to everyone, “I personally cultivated this ink chrysanthemum for Huaiyu.” The finest chrysanthemum grower in Chrysanthemum City becomes a laughingstock overnight. Yet she clasps the hand of her brother, who lies like a living corpse, and sneers, “Our chance has come.” To cultivate chrysanthemums that will make their age legendary, she starts by putting them on the table, then invents the Flying Dragon Chrysanthemum Arrangement. Beginning with a scheme to make herself appear “abandoned,” the He family’s daughter uses her carefully woven web to climb step by step to the pinnacle of Chrysanthemum City’s grand festival. His eyes bloodshot, he cries out in despair and resentment, “So you’ve been using me from the very beginning! He Qiu Ci, do you even have a heart?” She smiles coolly, as calm as a soft breeze. “I do. You simply don’t deserve it.” The world says women only know how to compete for favor and chase the moon, never realizing that they lie low and plan every move, all to seek justice for the loyal dead. With their own flesh and blood, they protect the peace of all. With the spirit of artisans, they leave a fragrance for generations to come. Hundreds of years later, at Chrysanthemum City’s annual flower festival, the “Autumn of Prosperity” chrysanthemum atop the Flying Dragon’s eye still blooms proudly.