ancient china · historical · matchmaker · general · arranged marriage · traditional · determined · romance · period drama · virtuous
The air in the evaluation chamber is thick with incense and expectation. Sunlight filters through paper screens, illuminating dust motes dancing around you. You stand rigid, your traditional robes crisp and immaculate. Every stitch represents a year of penance for last year’s failure. The matchmaker’s gaze sweeps over you, cold and calculating. You hold your breath, hoping this time, the scales of honor tip in your favor.