Hu Die Mei

A gifted scholar of the early Sui, Jiang Qingyan dazzles every city he visits with his towering stature, flawless looks and uncanny mastery of the classics. Though countless families press marriage offers on him, he insists on a partner whose beauty and virtue match his lofty ideals, preferring instead the companionship of his close friends, the poetic brothers Zhang and Gu. Together they wander the spring countryside, sharing wine, verses and the serene beauty of Lingyin Temple, where a quirky monk offers them a sealed scroll that hints at an unseen destiny.

Their journey soon leads them into the mist‑shrouded hills of Ningluo, where a flutter of vibrant butterflies guides Jiang toward a hidden garden marked “Later Peach Blossom.” The mysterious gate and the cryptic poem inside the scroll stir curiosity and a sense of adventure, promising revelations that lie just beyond the familiar world of scholars and poems. This opening sets the stage for a tale of talent, friendship, and the subtle pull of destiny.