Qi Jingchun fell asleep and dreamed, returning to a time before she was married.
It was a fine spring day in March. She sat by the lake, weeping in utter despair, even contemplating death.
Mrs. Qi Sr. was forcing her to enter the palace as a consort, but she had already pledged her heart to King Shu.
Shen Siyi came to her side and comforted her gently, "Don't be sad. Why don't you leave with King Shu? Mrs. Qi Sr. won't be able to do anything to you."
"How could I do that? I've studied the rules of etiquette since I was a child. I know that leaving with King Shu would be eloping. I'd be scorned and shamed for the rest of my life." Qi Jingchun cried sorrowfully, finally slumping onto Shen Siyi's shoulder.
She sobbed helplessly, "Sister, what should I do? I just want to die... Besides, King Shu and I... we've already consummated our relationship. If I enter the palace, I'll be impure. That would be the crime of deceiving the Emperor!"
