Love and Crown

This is my first novel, conceived during my high school years. Three years before I began writing it, the characters and stories had already taken shape in my heart.

In the decade after completing it, I continued to write many more stories about them—from constantly expanding side stories to the future-set As an Empress —seemingly tireless, but in truth, reluctant to let go.

They have accompanied me for so long that, in my idle moments, I often imagine what they might encounter in different worlds, how they might meet in alternate stories.

Thus, in my mind, they have become an endlessly folding, reborn tale—as if it will never end, yet also as if it has always been this way.

Because no matter the time or space, they remain themselves: Xiao Huan is forever gentle, attentive, and patient; Cang Cang always carries that fierce boldness, daring to do anything.

They are like half-circles wandering through eternity, only becoming whole the moment they find each other.

And in my mind, there always seems to be an afternoon like this:

Cang Cang clings to her Brother Xiao, whispering about some trivial little worry—or perhaps she has no worries at all and just wants to chat with her beloved. No matter what she says, Xiao Huan smiles patiently, answering her every word, pressing a light kiss to her forehead.

Lian plays with his younger siblings nearby, perhaps teasing Yan and Xiao Xie until they cry, delighting in their distress. The twins, bored, watch their older siblings’ antics while sharing an apple.

Xiao Qianqing, anxious and jealous, tries to wedge himself between his brother and sister-in-law, disrupting their oblivious little world—only to be pulled back by Kumoer, who insists he share a jug of fine wine with him and Minjia.

Ying nestles in Hong Qing’s arms, as if everyone around her is irrelevant—yet also as if she holds them all in her heart.

Shi Yan and Ban Fangyuan stand guard nearby, Ban Fangyuan attempting small talk with his superior while Shi Yan remains silent as a statue.

Xian Xue gazes thoughtfully at his young mistress, while Su Qian sits beside him, seriously considering whether to challenge him to another duel.

Ling Jueding finally musters the courage to have a proper talk with "Yun Cong," only to see his sister refusing to let go of that person. He sighs to the heavens, brooding over his own stubbornness.

Ling Xuefeng, after waiting over twenty years, finally reunites with his wife. Shedding all thorns and resentment, he lets go of rank and power, embracing his beloved as he gazes at his daughter and son, smiling with the same happiness as years past.

And then there’s Xiao Yu, held by Chen Luomo, sighing over his silver hair—only for Chen Luomo to grab his collar and silence him with a deep kiss.

Xu Lai laughs nearby, fanning himself, only for Liu Huaixue to snatch the fan away, scolding him for pretending to be dashing in the cold, replacing it with a steaming cup of tea.

Mu Yan cautiously asks Zhong Lin if he’ll return to the Central Plains with her for the New Year—before Zhong Lin can answer, they’re interrupted by the teasing laughter of those around them.

The Azure Jade Sect’s guardians gather in small groups, chatting and gossiping.

The hall masters and incense masters of Phoenix Come Pavilion discuss the weather and the affairs of the Martial World with practiced nonchalance.The leaders of various sects gathered once more to discuss organizing a Martial World conference. After all, the Martial World had been too peaceful lately—it wasn't ideal.

At court, Eunuch Wufu was instructing the newly arrived young eunuchs, Minister Zhang Zhuduan sipped tea while inquiring about market price fluctuations, General Qi Chengliang trained new recruits with great enthusiasm, and Liu Shi'an resolved to draft a proper memorial rather than anger His Majesty again...

They would forever exist in that particular moment of time and space—stable yet grounded. Occasionally, they would look up at the warm afternoon sunlight and find themselves smiling unconsciously.

That was the world of Da Wu—the peaceful realm and contented people that Xiao Huan had dedicated his life to achieving.