Mural

The narrative unfolds in an ancient, imperial-era setting centered on the imperial examination. Mythical elements—mural portals and a fairyland—intertwine with the social norms and hierarchies of the period. The era shapes how characters negotiate authority, exile, and rebellion within both human and magical realms.

The story begins in the imperial capital where scholars head to the exams, then moves to an ancient temple, and finally into WanHuaLin, the Forest of Ten Thousand Flowers. WanHuaLin is a secluded fairyland where fairies live under strict rule, led by Auntie who forbids men from forming attachments. The Painting Wall serves as a portal linking the human world with these magical realms, enabling journeys between worlds.

🗝️ Oppression

Auntie enforces harsh rules in WanHuaLin, forbidding romantic feelings and punishing intruders. The protagonists challenge this authoritarian control through courage, solidarity, and acts of rescue. The story portrays how individuals push back against a rigid regime to protect those at risk.

💖 Love and Freedom

Romantic and relational boundaries are tested as Zhu Xiaolian navigates loyalties and alliances inside a fairyland. The plan to select wives among the fairies highlights forced arrangements, which the characters strive to defy in pursuit of genuine connections. The narrative explores how love and choice intersect with duty and rescue.

✨ Fantasy vs Reality

The mural opens a doorway to a parallel magical realm, blending scholarly pursuit with mythic adventure. Characters move between the human world and WanHuaLin, blurring lines between art, memory, and reality. This interplay drives the quest, revealing how belief and imagination shape action.