Deep affection, fleeting fate

Chen Yage never expected Xu Jin to say something so shameless; for a moment, she was at a loss for words. Xu Jin, with a hint of ridicule, smiled and said, "How wise you must think I am, not to be defeated by your little tricks? Considering you once helped me, I advise you to give up. A life for a life, a debt for a debt—these are eternal truths that won't change for anyone."

"Stop pretending to be sympathetic," Chen Yage retorted angrily. "I regret ever being possessed and bringing you to Peach Blossom Spring. Living with a den of thieves was far more pleasant than being with you petty people." Peach Blossom Spring would forever be a wound in her heart.

Xu Jin laughed. "Is that so? It seems you weren't at ease in Peach Blossom Spring either, always fearing that mad woman might kill you. They are heartless, we are petty—so where does that leave you? Let’s not revisit old debts. What’s past is past." He paused, then continued, "Honestly, I admire your stubborn spirit. It suits my taste. If you were a bit prettier, I might even consider marrying you. As for saving someone, it’s not that I don’t want to help—I simply can’t."

Chen Yage said, "Your father is the governor of Xiangyang City. He rules here. Releasing someone is just a word from him—how can it be so difficult?"

Xu Jin replied, "Everyone praises the peony as the true national beauty, but who knows what price and pain lie behind such dazzling blooms? You’re too naïve."

“If you don’t want to help, spare me the lofty words. They only make people angrier.” Chen Yage looked at Xu Jin with contempt, her eyes full of fury and disgust.

Meng Haoran, his face showing hesitation, waited until their argument ceased before gently advising Chen Yage, "Yage, it’s not as simple as you think. The victim this time isn’t an ordinary villain, but the son of Wang Zhiguo."

“So what if it’s Wang Zhiguo’s son? When the emperor breaks the law, he’s punished just like commoners. How many respectable women did Wang Fugui ruin? How many young maidens did he shame? Should he roam free? What use are the laws of Tang then?” Chen Yage’s emotions grew more intense, her voice rising to a near roar. As a modern person, she believed in the law and wielded it as a weapon, not realizing that in Tang Dynasty, even with national laws, powerful officials could cover the sky with one hand.

After a long silence, Li Bai sighed deeply, enduring the pain of his wound as he stood up and slowly walked to the edge of the cell. Chen Yage rushed over, tightly grasping his hand, as if afraid he might pull away and she would lose him forever. Li Bai gave her a wan smile. "Yage, you’re still as impulsive as ever. In this life, meeting you and so many friends is more than I could have hoped for. I like your smile, do you know that? Every time you smile, it’s so innocent, so pure, radiant as sunlight, warming those around you. I hope you can smile every day, not wear a face of sorrow. Can you promise me that?"

Chen Yage managed a bitter smile. "Death holds no fear—only life is hard. How I wish I could promise you, but I can’t. I can’t smile so carefree and bright after losing you. If you truly can’t escape death, I’ll accompany you on the road to the underworld. In this life, meeting me was your calamity, loving you was mine. Calamity and hardship—if we can’t share joy till old age, then may we not be alone on the road to the underworld."

"Yage, why must you..." Li Bai sighed.

Chen Yage smiled faintly again. "You know, ever since I met you, I’ve lost all reason. I’ve become impulsive; anything concerning you makes me impulsive. I’ve grown timid, only daring to dream you’ll always be by my side, gently telling me not to be afraid. Do you think I’m ridiculous? Shameless? But a woman in love is helpless and incurable. So, in this moment, I am with you: if you live, I live; if you die, I die."

"What have I, Li Bai, done to deserve such deep affection from you?"

"Because it’s you, so it’s worth it. Loving someone needs no reason, just a feeling—a happiness that fills my heart when you’re near. When you’re not beside me, my heart feels empty; my whole world is filled only with your smile and your voice. Because it’s you, I am willing to give all my love. Brother Bai, are you still going to reject my feelings for you?"

"I fear I will truly let you down in this lifetime. If there is another life, let me fall for you first, give you more love to make up for this life’s regret."

Suddenly, Chen Yage laughed. She staggered back a few steps; You Huan, afraid she might fall, was ready to catch her. Fortunately, she steadied herself. A crystal tear rolled down her cheek. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I don’t know how to make you accept me; perhaps nothing I do will ever let you accept me. Is it our fate that’s lacking? Or do I not love you deeply enough to move you? Is this the sorrow of deep love met with shallow fate?"

"Yage, you can find someone better," Li Bai whispered, so softly only he could hear.

Li Bai’s words pierced Chen Yage’s heart. Suddenly, she burst into laughter, wiped her tears, glanced around, and with a hint of sob in her voice said, "Once you’ve seen the vast ocean, no other water will suffice; beyond Mount Wu, no clouds are worth seeing."

You Huan, seeing Li Bai stubborn as an old mule, felt sorry for Chen Yage and protested, "You’re really something. Everyone wants to live, yet you’re bent on dying. Isn't it easy to die? If you’re really so eager, isn’t that stone wall enough for you to smash yourself against? Why must you make those who care about you so heartbroken and only learn to cherish after their guts are twisted in grief? Do you have to wait till you lose everything to regret and feel guilty?"

"You Huan, stop!" Chen Yage ordered, then realized her tone was harsh and added, "Please don’t say any more. It’s his choice, and I respect all his decisions. Let’s go." With heavy steps, Chen Yage walked out of the cell. She had never felt sunlight so piercing, so blinding that she could not open her eyes, and her heart ached as if torn apart.