Liu Yiyi: "In days gone by, when I set out, the willows swayed." With jade for bones and willow for bearing, she was one of the rare pampered young ladies of that turbulent era. Her father was the president of Zhendan University, and she was born into a life of comfort. Yet though she had never known hardship, she was upright and had lofty ideals.
Du Annian: His name meant "a life of peace," but who could have guessed that peace would forever elude him? The son of a loyal patriot, his birth father had died a martyr, and he too was born with an extraordinary spirit. In an age when the land of China was oppressed, he resolved to sacrifice himself and save his country with his youth. In the early years of the Republic of China, the world was in turmoil. Foreign powers eyed China hungrily, warlords tore the country apart, and everywhere people suffered and starved. Where could this vast nation turn?
He carried his country in his heart, worrying before all others and rejoicing after them. Taught by his parents, he had long resolved to devote himself to serving his country. In this life, he would not speak of romance or love, nor would he start a family.
But who could have known that he would meet her in the prime of his youth? She knew him, understood him, and stayed by his side through the passing years. Faced with a woman as wonderful as her, he knew it was impossible, yet still fell deeply in love.
How could romance be allowed to stand in the way of country and family? In the end, he gave his life for his country while still a young man. He had given himself to his country, and could never give himself to her.
