The Ghostly Bride: A Qing Dynasty Romance Beyond the Grave

In a small town called Qingping, life was hard, and people lived in constant fear. Amidst the turmoil, there lived a young woman named Axiu. With delicate features, snow-white skin, and a waterfall of dark hair cascading down her waist, her eyes sparkled like clear springs—bright and full of innocence. Orphaned at a young age, she lived with her elderly grandmother, making ends meet by doing embroidery work for the townsfolk.

One day, as usual, Axiu went to deliver her latest embroidery to the wealthy Li household. The young master of the house, Li Xuan, had long been infatuated with her beauty. Li Xuan was a weasel-faced man who spent his days idling around, throwing his weight around town because of his family’s wealth. As soon as Axiu stepped into the Li estate, he blocked her path.

"Miss Axiu, you grow more beautiful by the day. Why not become mine? I’ll make sure you live in luxury—no more slaving over needlework." He grinned, his oily gaze fixed on her.

Axiu wrinkled her nose in disgust and took a step back. "Master Li, please show some respect. I may be poor, but I am not a woman to be trifled with." With that, she sidestepped him and hurried away.

When she returned home, her grandmother noticed her distress. Axiu told her what had happened, and the old woman sighed. "Child, we can’t afford to provoke them. Be careful next time you go to the Li estate."

But Li Xuan wasn’t about to let her go so easily.

A few days later, he sent messengers to Axiu’s home, claiming that the elder Li had admired her embroidery skills and wanted her to stay at their mansion for a few days to work on a large decorative screen. Though reluctant, Axiu agreed—the payment would help her and her grandmother survive a little longer.

Upon arriving at the Li estate, she was led to a secluded courtyard. That night, as she sorted her embroidery threads, a soft knock came at her door. When she opened it, a shadow darted past, leaving only a note at her feet.

"Miss, beware of Li Xuan—his intentions are wicked. Escape through the back gate. I’ll be waiting."

Her heart pounded. She didn’t know who had sent the warning, but her instincts screamed at her to flee. Quietly gathering her things, she slipped out the back gate, where a young man stood waiting.

Dressed in a black robe, he was strikingly handsome, his eyes holding an air of mystery. "Come with me, quickly," he urged in a low voice. Though uncertain, Axiu followed.

They traveled through the night until they reached a crumbling temple. "We’re safe for now," the man said. "Rest here."

Inside, Axiu studied him warily. "Sir, why did you save me? Who are you?"

He sighed. "My name is Yichen. I was once from this town… but I am no longer among the living."

Axiu paled, stumbling back in terror.

"Don’t be afraid," he reassured her. "Though I am a spirit, I mean you no harm. In life, I had dealings with Li Xuan—I know what kind of man he is. I couldn’t bear to see you fall into his hands."

Her fear ebbed, replaced by gratitude. "Thank you… but what should I do now?"

"Li Xuan won’t give up. You and your grandmother must leave Qingping. I know a quiet place where you can live in peace."

Just then, shouts erupted outside the temple.

"They’ve found us!" Yichen’s expression darkened. "Hide. I’ll hold them off."

In a swirl of mist, he vanished. Axiu crouched in the shadows, listening to the violent clash outside—Li Xuan’s furious curses, the sounds of struggle.

Then, silence.

When she crept out, she found Yichen standing amid the fallen bodies of Li Xuan and his men, his form flickering weakly.

"You’re hurt!" she cried.

"It’s nothing," he said with a faint smile. "My spirit is only weakened. Go, take your grandmother far from here."

Following his directions, Axiu and her grandmother journeyed to a secluded village, where they built a new, peaceful life. Though separated by life and death, Axiu and Yichen remained connected. On nights when the moon was full, she would stand at the village entrance, whispering her thoughts to the sky. And from the shadows, Yichen watched over her.

Years later, in a dream, Yichen appeared to her. "Because of the good I did in life—and because I saved you—the underworld has granted me reincarnation."

Though her heart ached, Axiu smiled through tears. "May your next life be peaceful and happy."

With one last look, he dissolved into light.

When she awoke, Axiu carried both sorrow and joy in her heart. She knew Yichen would find happiness in his new life. And she would live on, treasuring their extraordinary bond—a love that had crossed the boundaries between worlds, leaving behind a warmth that time could never fade.