postscript
Original Intention and Process of Creation
This work was inspired by the exploration of the theme of individuals struggling between predetermined fate and their own will. Si Mianmian, from a helpless palace maid to someone who gradually understands and dares to follow her inner voice; Xuan Jing, from a cold monarch burdened with the responsibilities of his family and country to someone who learns understanding and giving—their growth trajectories embody my observations of the complexities of human nature and my belief in the power of emotion. The creative process itself was also a practice of reviewing, reflecting on, and summarizing as emphasized in the "Afterword." I hoped to write character arcs, giving each character their own motivations and struggles.
A Brief Analysis of the Main Characters
Si Mianmian's core charm lies in her resilience and strength. She was not born strong, but rather, through the trials of life in the deep palace, she used wisdom, caution, and even necessary "disguise" to protect everything she cherished. Her growth was about learning to pursue the value of "self" beyond "survival."
Xuanjing's transformation is a process of peeling away his outer shell layer by layer to reveal his inner softness. From a monarch who sees the country and its people as his only burden, to an emperor who is finally willing to acknowledge and cherish his personal feelings, his inner contradictions and struggles are an important force driving the story forward.
Other characters, such as the Empress Dowager and Rong Jingyu, were also carefully crafted to be fully fleshed out. It is the contrast provided by these supporting characters that together constitute this seemingly distant yet realistic story world.
Acknowledgments and Message
My heartfelt thanks to every reader who has made it this far. Every click and every comment you make is a vital source of motivation for me to finish writing this story.
Special thanks to my partners who provided inspiration and support during the creative process. I also want to thank this unpredictable creative platform that allowed this story to come to fruition.
Finally, although the story has an ending, Si Mianmian, Xuan Jing, and every other character in the story may still be living their lives in another time and space. May we draw some courage and warmth from their stories to face reality.
Thank you again for your company. May we meet again in the next story.
A storyteller
Winter 2025
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