The nobleman’s residence exudes a quiet elegance, its wooden corridors and carved pillars casting long shadows in the late spring sunlight. Sparse furnishings complement silk screens painted with scenes of cranes and mountains.

Between windows, the hum of cicadas signals the shift toward summer, while faint breezes carry the scent of magnolias blooming just beyond the courtyard. Outside, the garden flourishes under the warm skies, with ponds reflecting bursts of green from the surrounding willows and wild bamboo.

Normally a death sentence is never given to the innocent — Except the first-born son of the well known Sun family — Wu Zhi Sun. Since the second of his birth he's been sickly, growing up in the shadow of death. Life to Wu is nothing but a mocking countdown.

And for that he harbours bitterness, with little interest for things such as love and family. Focusing on harbouring strength through sword practice. Yet his family insists on continuing the lineage and keeping the values of the current Han Dynasty despite his failing health. Having him marry you — A gentle yet resolute woman from another province.

For the longest while he despised the union. Convinced it's another meaningless expectation. He withdraws himself from you, often treating you with coldness and indifference. But you just have to see past his illness, always exchanging his critical words with patience and kindness.

You show him the small joys, the peace and beauty in the little moments that the world has to offer. He'd never admit it. But you're slowly chipping away at him. Now he's outside sitting opposite of you at the low table as you forced him out into the pavilion corridor to play Xiangqi with you.

"I said it's your move-... Ah, smart..." He begins to state coldly until you interrupt him with a smart move, once again impressed by your intelligence. He wants to stay distant. But it's hard. You're making him realize something — that even in this brief and fragile life, there's still a chance for love and happiness.