One night, the princess from Ji Xuan palace had a dream about a beautiful man with blue eyes.

At the beginning, everything seemed to be funny but the dream persisted night after night.

The princess became frightened and summoned a priest to deal with her beautiful nightmare.

The priest told her that she is bewitched by a koi spirit fish and if she wants to get rid of her nightmares, she must catch and kill the fish.

The news about "the bewitched princess" spread through the palace very fast and almost everyone was avoiding Ji Xuan residence.

Princess Ji Lee Min was bestowed to the crown prince but due to that incident he also started to avoid her.

She was so depressed because of this misfortune that one day she tried to hang herself but her maids found her in time. While she was in comma, the man appeared again in her dream, telling her not to be afraid of destiny.

When she woke up, Ji Lee Min decided to go alone to the lake.

She started to play a melodious flute song.

"Down the blue river, a beauty walks alone...

Waiting for her lover to return from war...

Days and nights are passing, winter snowflakes fall...

Everything is frozen, only her heart warm"

Suddenly a few drops of water felt on her face and she stopped. She turned around but it was no one there.

She sat down and started to wave her hand through the cold water.

Ji Lee Min: Who are you, are you real or just my imagination?

Do I long for love that much that I started to have hallucinations?

Someone touched her shoulder from behind.

Man: It's me my dear, the one who called you here!

Are you afraid?

Ji Lee Min: Who are you, are you human?

Man: No, I'm a koi spirit.

Do you believe in spirits?

Ji Lee Min: Not really.

Why have you called me here?

Man: Last year, when you were visiting the lake with your sisters, I was captivated by your beauty and kindness.

Do you remember when that silly prince caught a blue with white spots fish?

Well, that was me!

Your highness rescued and released me.

Ji Lee Min: I remember that day.

So you weren't just a koi fish?

Man: Back then I was powerless and couldn't take human form but right now I can,

so I called you here today to give my thanks.

Ji Lee Min: (smiling) It is hard to believe your story but maybe you can prove your innocence somehow.

The man jumped in the lake and disappeared.

After some minutes, a blue koi fish was swimming near the mall.

The princess remained shocked for a moment and realized that it was all real, she wasn't hallucinating.

The man appeared again.

Ji Lee Min: So it is true!

If I ever did an act of benevolence toward someone, it was purely out of kindness.

Man: I know and I'm grateful for that.

I can't give you anything material in return, only my heart.

Knowing the fact that I'm a mere koi fish and not a human may scare you to death.

Ji Lee Min: Your appearance is heavenly, you look more beautiful than all the men in the palace and seem to have a warm nature. I'm not scared. It's a pity that you're not human.

Man: If I would be human, would you fall in love with me?

Ji Lee Min: Yes.

I would fall in love with you even as a koi fish.

Do you have a name?

Man: Do I need a name?

Ji Lee Min: Yes, so I can call you!

From today you're going to be called "Lan Yu".

Remember it well!

Years passed but the princess never married or has been seen with a man.

She only was seen staring or walking down and up the lake frequently, playing the flute and writing love poems. Her books became famous later.

She happily lived her life like that.

A long time ago, a little child was fascinated by the grace of a lady holding an umbrella.

He was amazed how much can this accessory change the appearance of its holder, how much elegance and protection can confer. From that moment he decided to create his own masterpieces, to be an umbrella manufacturer.

At the age of sixteen, he left his village and moved into another place to be the apprentice of an old umbrella manufacturer.

Untill the age of twenty, he learned all the secrets he needed to know.

Having a talented apprentice was a blessing for the old man who had no children to pass on this knowledge.

After the old man's retirement, the young man inherited the store.

One day, he received an order from a famous family, they wanted to buy the most beautiful and unique umbrella as a birthday present for the young lady of the house.

He created something unique and sent it to the minister's residence.

They spent a huge amount of money on it and sent compliments to the shop master.

At the minister's residence, Lady Sui Yi, the only daughter of the war minister.

Sui Yi: Look Ji, it's a wonderful gift!

How do I look?

Ji Wu (maid): It suits your grace, my lady!

Sui Yi: I never saw such a delicate and graceful art work before. The master must be an experienced old man!

Ji Wu: Probably...

Sui Yi: I'm so happy!

How do I look my dear Ji?

Ji Wu: Glamorous!

Sui Yi: Soon will be my cousin's birthday and I was thinking to prepare a small gift for her.

Do you think that a beautiful umbrella would please her?

Ji Wu: If it is as beautiful as this one, yes!

Sui Yi: Do you know where the store is?

Ji Wu: I don't know but I'll ask around.

Sui Yi: I want to pay a visit tomorrow.

Ji Wu: Yes, my lady!

The next day....

Sui Yi: We're here! Are you sure that this is the place?

Ji Wu: Absolute sure!

In front of them was a lively decorated small yard paved with a stone alley, some tables and chairs distributed on the both sides, a small house and many hanged umbrellas.

The inside of the yard was like a rainbow.

Sui Yi: Amazing!

A strong smell of paper and ink was coming from inside the house.

Sui Yi: Is anybody home?

Old man: Who is asking?

Sui Yi: Greetings, master!

I'm Minister Cao's daughter, Cao Sui Yi!

A few days ago our house ordered an umbrella and I was wondering if you can make me a new one?

Old man: It's something wrong with it, you do like it?

Sui Yi: Oh..no, I like it very much!

It's the most graceful thing I have ever seen.

I just need one more for my cousin.

Old man: I see.

My adopted son is taking care of this business right now.

If you can wait a bit untill he gets back, he will definitely make something beautiful for your cousin.

Sui Yi: Thank you old master!

The lady and her maid takes a sit at one of the tables.

After half an hour an young and very beautiful man comes into the yard.

Old man: Lao, Lao come here!

We have visitors!

The women blushed looking at the young master who was approaching them.

Lao Sheng: Greetings my ladies, I'm young master Lao Sheng!

What can I do for you?

Sui Yi: Good day master Sheng!

I'm very amazed by your skills and talent, so I want to ask you to make a new umbrella for me. (shy)

Lao Sheng: Of course!

Do you have any preference?

Sui Yi: It's for my cousin, she likes Autumn very much so maybe you can create something that describes the Autumn feeling.

Lao Sheng: Yes.

When do you need it?

Sui Yi: In two months.

Lao Sheng: I need just one month.

Sui Yi: Can I visit you during this time to see how the work goes on?

Lao Sheng: If this isn't too boring for a lady with your statute, you're my guest!

Sui Yi: Oh..not at all!

How can it be boring, I love all these colours?

Lao Sheng: Take care on your way back, Lady Sui Yi!

Lao Sheng: See you soon, master Sheng!

The women went out of the yard and headed to the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Sui Yi was gazing at the people on the street.

Ji Wu: My lady, your gift will be ready very soon. I'm sure that it will please your cousin!

Sui Yi: Of course!

Master Sheng's works are extraordinary!

Ji Wu: If he were a high ranked official, maybe he could have asked for your hand but as an artisan, he won't even have a chance.

Sui Yi: Ji, Master Sheng is a honourable man and beside that, I don't think that he is thinking about marriage yet.

Ji Wu: I was just saying, don't get angry my lady.

Anyway it's better for him to court ordinary girls.

Sui Yi: Fine, fine....

The women finally arrived at Cao residence and continued their daily activities.

After five days, Sui Yi went to visit the artisan's house alone.

Sui Yi: Good morning!

Are you inside, master Sheng?

Lao: Yes, come in!

Sui Yi: How are the things going?

Have you decided what to do?

Lao: Yes (heading her a drawing)!

What do you think?

Sui Yi: I like it!

Lao: Do you like painting?

Sui Yi: Very much!

Lao: Do you wanna try?

Sui Yi: I don't want to ruin your work.

Lao: But I insist to see your talent, Miss Cao!

Sui Yi: Ok!

She painted some birds on a blossomed branch...and butterflies.

Lao: You are very talented!

Sui Yi: Thank you Mr Sheng!

Frankly speaking, I'm very interested in this kind of work and I want to learn more about it, if master Sheng will allow me to tag along.

Lao: Call me Lao, simply Lao!

Sui Yi: How can I...?

Lao: I'm just an artist, why should you be embarrassed?

Sui Yi: It doesn't matter your statute, as long as you're an amazing person. I think that you are great!

Lao: Thanks...

And you're a honest lady!

If the time allows you, you can come with me tomorrow to pick the materials needed for this work.

Sui Yi: Sure, I'll come!

Later she went back. The next day came and Sui Yi was already in front of Lao's house.

Lao: Let's go!

Day after day passed and they spent a lot of time together. They became very intimate with each other. Actually Sui Yi fell in love with Lao at first sight that's way she insisted to supervise the work.

During this time, he became attached of her figure and sensibly. She was a beautiful and delicate young girl.

They fell in love with each other and promised to get married.

At the birthday banquet of her cousin, a respected official proposed to her and asked for her hand. Minister Cao was more than pleased but she angrily refused.

The minister didn't know about her love affair yet. One day, Ji Wu who was also interested in the artisan, told Minister Cao about her daughter adventure.

Sui Yi was punished to stay in her room until her wedding.

The weddings was in three months.

Lao was heartbroken hearing the news about her lover's wedding.

Ji Wu tried to console him paying short visits but it was pointless. At some point, he refused to see anyone.

Suddenly a war appeared and many men were enrolling in the army. Knowing that he has no chance to marry Sui Yi, he went to war.

Sui Yi's father and her future husband also enrolled.

In this horrible environment, Sui Yi's future husband lost his life and her father would have died if a young man would not have saved him.

After this incident her father gave her freedom back and promised not to intervene with her marriage again.

She run to the umbrella store but only found the old man who told her that his son is on the battlefield.

After a year, he came back and found out that she hasn't married yet, so he sent her a letter.

She rushed out of her residence to meet him.

After such a long period of time and so many sufferings, they have meet again.

Sui Yi: My dear Lao!

You're back!

Why have you left me alone?

Lao: Because I couldn't change our fate.

How could I have watched how another man touches you?

I wanted to die there.

Sui Yi: Don't say that, I can't live if you're not breathing!

Lao: I'll never leave you again. I'll hold you in my arms and heart forever, even after death.

Sui Yi: My only love....

Day and night I longed to hear these words from your lips.

They passionately hugged, kissed and looked in each other's eyes...

Sui Yi: Look at this place!

The old man couldn't take care of it.

Lao: Don't worry, it will be lively again and full of hanged umbrellas. I will ask your hand from your father.

Let's get married?

Sui Yi: Yes!

Lao and Sui Yi went straigth to Minister Cao's residence....

Lao: I request an audience from the war minister Cao.

Housekeeper: Please go in!

Lao: Greetings minister Cao!

I'm Lao Sheng, I came today to ask your daughter's hand.

Minister Cao: You're that artisan?

Lao: Yes. Master Lao Sheng.

Minister Cao: ....and also the officer who saved my life in the late war.

Lao: ...(silence)...

I know that I don't have a strong background and I can't offer luxury to your daughter but we truly love each other.

I promise to always protect her!

Minister Cao: Then...what can you give her?

Lao: Freedom and love!

Minister Cao: You're a courageous and honest young man!

I haven't thanked you for saving my life yet!

Lao:...then?

Minister Cao: If she agrees, we can hold the wedding tomorrow!

Lao: Thank you sir!

Minister Cao:....laughing and touching his chin...

The wedding banquet held three days and everyone was happy for Sui Yi.

Only Ji Wu suddenly left her tasks and left who knows where.

Emperor Li Tai Ji was famous for his nocturnal escapades and love affairs. His first wife, the Empress, was very jealous on every single rare beauty from the imperial palace. She was seeing them as future threats.

Among these beautiful ladies was even Gao Fei Jun, the second daughter of the minister of Justice.

She unwillingly caught the Emperor's attention during a festivity with her unmeasurable elegance.

Soon the Emperor made her one of his many concubines. The Empress was boiling like a pot with tea on fire.

At a short time, she got pregnant and even if the Empress tried a couple of times to provoke her a miscarriage, the baby was still born. It was a cute baby girl!

Hearing the news that Fei Jun concubine gave birth to a girl, the Empress calmed down a bit.

Concubines Fei Jun was very favored by the Emperor and if it were to give birth to a son, it would have been a great threat for the first Empress.

Years were passing and the little Yang Er was growing happily in the "graceful consort's courtyard".

Palace ladies: Isn't that consort Fei Jun's daughter?

Yes, it's the little princess Yang Yi!

She's only seven years old and she's so intelligent, I think that she inherited her grandfather's talent.

If consort Gao would give birth to a prince too, she would have many chances to replace the Empress.

Somehow, these gossips reached even the childless Empress.

Empress Li: How dare these lowly maids to nourish such malicious thoughts?

But half of it is true...

I must think of a method to fix this nuisance.

In the spring of the next year consort Fei Jun got pregnant again.

The Empress secretly bribed the physician to meddle with the consort's treatment.

Gao Fei Jun gave birth to a dead boy and the Empress used this excuse to exile her out of the palace for treatment reasons.

On the way to the outside residence, the carriage was attacked by some masked men and she was kidnapped. Everyone thought that she was killed but no one pursued this matter further.

At a short time, the Empress also got pregnant and have birth to a boy.

Consort Gao wasn't killed by the kidnappers but instead she was sold to an opera house.

There the housekeeper fell in love with her grace and allowed her to perform on stage as Lady Lotus.

She became fast very appreciated by the public and caught the attention of many ministers. No one was recognizing her because of the heavy and well applied make-up but.

Meanwhile, twelve years have passed and the little Yang Yi grew up. She heard her mother's story but couldn't believe she was dead.

Minister Gao was still secretly searching clues regarding the disappearance of his daughter.

One day, Yang Yi sneaked into her grandfather's carriage when he was going outside of the palace.

She wanted to find the truth because she heard some rumors in the palace about the jealousy of the Empress on every lady around the Emperor.

(...to be continued...)

The lady from the opera part 2.

Following the clues found, Yang Yi learns more about the past incident.

She discovers that the lady attacked that year was sold to an entertainment house.

Later on, she visited the house to ask about her mother but no one divulged any secret.

During that day, an opera masterpiece was being performed on stage and the leading performer was Lady Lotus.

Yang Yi noticed the resemblance between this lady and her mother, so after the performance she followed her in the back courtyard.

In the back courtyard....

Yang Yi: Wait!

Please wait a moment!

Lady Lotus: Who are you?

Yang Yi: I'm....

My name is Yang Yi.

Don't I look familiar to you?

Lady Lotus remained shocked for a second...

Lady Lotus: (silence)

(It can't be you, it must be a coincidence.)

Yang Yi: I am here to ask you something, are you the imperial consort, Gao Fei Jun?

Lady Lotus: Why do you think so?

Yang Yi: Because you look so much like my mother! She disappeared twelve years ago and everyone thought that she was dead.

My grandfather tried to find out the real mastermind behind my mother misfortune but he only could gather a few evidences.

Can you show me your face?

Lady Lotus: (crying)

Come with me!

Yang Yi waited in a small garden for half an hour.

Suddenly a gracious lady appeared in front of her and she couldn't stop her tears from falling on the ground.

The lady was her long lost mother

Lady Lotus: Don't cry my child!

Don't cry

She was saying these words to her daughter but she was also crying.

(Don't cry, I'm here....)

The end.