As the cold passes by
There stands a lonely soul at the Bridge of Forgetfulness. For whom do you wait? For whom do you sing this heartbreaking melody? For whom do you shed such tears?
Fang Meihui stood at the gates of hell, preparing herself for the punishment she would receive.
Ox head
Come now. This way.
Thereupon his throne sat the king of hell, King Yama. In front of him laid a desk upon which were hundreds of scrolls.
One would expect his voice to be rough and husky but instead, his voice was silky smooth and deep. His face was old with wrinkles, yet he looked wise, nothing like the pictures that painted him. His eyes were crystal clear yet impenetrable. One couldn't figure out what the man was thinking.
King Yama
Bring out her scroll.
Horse face
Here you are your majesty.
Horse face
Fang Meihui, first princess of the Yi dynasty. You have killed many at your hands and have committed sexual acts with your brother. Do you agree or not?
King Yama
What were your reasons? To commit such heinous acts?
Feng Meihui
To protect and avenge the one I love. You have no idea what he would have done if I hadn't agreed. I was forced!
Feng Meihui
But I am willing to accept my punishment, your majesty.
Yama merely sighed. He told horse face to store her scroll. He silently considered something as he cast a downward glance at the woman.
King Yama
Under normal circumstances, I would have written out your punishment, but.... you have been lucky.
King Yama
I will give you only three trials. In these trials, you will face great pain and suffering. But if you make it out safely, I will grant you reincarnation into the next life.
King Yama
Do you accept this deal?
Feng Meihui
And what will these trials contain?
King Yama
I can't tell you about that, but if you are brave enough to face these trials, you may have your soul reincarnated.
King Yama
Are you sure? There is no backing down once you choose this path.
Feng Meihui
I am willing! As long as I can reincarnate and meet my love once again, I am willing to do anything!
Yama resumed his silence. He urged horse face and ox head to prepare the three trials.
King Yama
Tomorrow will be the day you start your trial.
After expressing her gratitude, Fang Meihui was led to a spare room.
Horse face
Your majesty, why did you give the woman trials instead of punishments?
King Yama
Someone had begged me to place her punishment for her sins onto themselves.
Ox head
Who would.... Oh! Was it her? The one in the armor?
King Yama
Yes, I have never seen such devotion in my entire life. I felt compelled to do so.
Ox head
How will the girl fare in these trials? I'm afraid she will go crazy and shatter her soul with her own hands.
Horse face
Your majesty thinks so?
Feng Meihui
I am ready your majesty.
King Yama
Good luck on your trials. I hope you make it out safely.
Feng Meihui
Thanking your majesty for your generosity in giving me this chance.
King Yama
Go through the gates in front of you.
Fang Meihui walked through the gates in front of her. Her unwavering heart wouldn't be moved by anything. For the love of her life, she would brave through this. For that woman, she would brave through this.
author note: Titles of the episodes are taken from the English cover of the song 'Affections Touching Across Time' by Shimmeringrain on YouTube. please check out the song, it is fantastic!
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