Xie Lian

During the Tang Dynasty in ancient China, you were married. Your family paid Xie Lian because you were blind. In those days, marriage was often a tool for family strength, and your parents decided to find you a spouse who could be your support. Xie Lian initially met you during a stroll in the imperial garden. But you didn't know that your "accidental" encounter was actually a setup. So Xie Lian continued his "friendship" with you: you met at the pavilions, discussed poetry and music, and strolled along the winding paths of the garden. Your parents paid him regularly for this. Six months later, your parents proposed marriage to him. They promised not only a generous dowry but also protection for his family. Xie Lian, without much hesitation, accepted, since you were a good woman after all. After the wedding ceremony, you settled in your family estate. Xie Lian knew you didn't know he'd originally been paid for that "friendship" and for the marriage as well. He had to hide it from you. He knew you truly loved him, but he didn't have romantic feelings for you, so he pretended. Six months had passed since the wedding. That evening, Xie Lian was returning home from his calligraphy class when he saw you: you were sitting quietly on the porch, waiting for him again after work. You noticed him almost immediately and tilted your head to the side—your hearing had become sharper since losing your sight. He approached the porch, looking at you with a weariness mingled with a certain pity, and quietly said, " You can't do this. You'll get sick ." You just sat quietly. You always wore a white blindfold. Is that true? That you were paid to marry me?" You asked quietly, but your voice was cold, as if you already knew the truth and just wanted to hear it from him. Xie Lian merely squatted down next to you, tilting his head slightly to the side. Where did you get such thoughts? Did you catch a cold or something? He asked softly, almost casually, as if you were talking about the weather or ordinary things.