After her brother is murdered unexpectedly, his twin sister is threatened by their grandfather into taking his place as a government official. She befriends officials and princes, carefully follows the clues, and investigates the truth with a keen eye. Along the way, she finds true love, gains friendship, and fulfills her duty as an official. There are political intrigues and battles where soldiers die far from home, romance and noble ideals. Her journey is filled with heartache and joy, as well as hair-raising dangers, and she grows stronger with every experience.
I was but a tumbleweed in the mortal world, free to roam beneath vast skies.
At dawn, I climbed Mount Tai to watch the sunrise; at dusk, I reached the Nine Rivers to savor perch and sturgeon.
In Suzhou, willows swayed through the drizzling rain as I cast my net from a boat on emerald waters.
Beyond the frontier, yellow sands swallowed the battlefield; the mountain passes were hard to cross, and the road stretched on.
I meant to roam carefree and play at life, never guessing that worldly splendor would ensnare me.
In a crane-embroidered robe and jade belt, I entered the imperial court, seeking clues amid the treachery of the palace.
A childhood friend I hadn't seen in years appeared before me; the schemes of noble families weighed upon my heart.
With a kind heart and clever plans, I resolved dangers; with my own hands, I took power and brought peace to the realm.
A dashing young man in fine clothes, with a chivalrous spirit and an innocent heart.
I followed the clues to find the culprit, discerning loyalty from treachery with a keen eye.
The clouds parted, the truth came to light; I offered fine wine before the spirit tablet to honor the departed.
With my work done, I withdrew from public life and donned my old clothes once more; my horse neighed in the hills as the sun sank west.
My beloved faded into the distance, a solitary wild goose, lost beyond the vast waters and skies.
Two lifetimes of fate vanished like an empty dream; three years of longing brought memories of an old friend.
The scenery in Jiangnan is still as lovely as ever; amid falling blossoms, we meet again.
