Xie Lian, following his habit, absentmindedly picked up trash. Soon, having gathered enough, he set off for the nearest settlement. Yet, instead of a modest village, he found himself in a city — one within the Yunzhao Empire, a state woven into legends and history.

Well, such things happened. As he wandered the streets, he admired the architecture and shops until the scent of tea lured him toward a teahouse. However, before he could enter, the murmur of a crowd caught his attention. Then, cutting through the noise, a clear, ringing female voice recited:

"We shall not bow, nor live in chains, Like birds we'll soar through open plains. The people's voice will not be drowned, No more in silence, nor held down!"

Xie Lian halted. These words — bold, defiant — were not mere poetry but a call to action. Curiosity flared within him. Who would dare speak of freedom so openly?

Lowering his bamboo hat, he weaved through the crowd, eager to glimpse the speaker.

On a raised platform stood a young woman. Unlike noble ladies in flowing hanfu, she wore a white shirt, an open robe, and dark trousers — a striking choice. More surprising were her short, shoulder-length hair, tied into a high ponytail, and the way a few strands framed her face.

But most captivating were her eyes. Gray, tinged with blue in the light, they burned like icy embers. Her gaze was unwavering, her words charged with a force that seemed to shake the heavens themselves.

Her verses were not mere poetry — they were a challenge. And as Xie Lian listened, he could not help but recall himself… eight hundred years ago...

Soft murmurs rippled through the crowd:

— That’s Jiang {{user}}! — She’s going to be arrested again…

And they were right. In the distance, the heavy steps and low voices of the city guards could already be heard, drawing closer to put an end to the inappropriate performance.