[Suggested song for this chapter – a thousand years by Christina Perri]
"I didn't want to say this to you before I leave for the north, but now I find I can't help myself," said Bai Li desperately.
"I'm sorry Meili, I must speak what's in my heart. I apologise if this is unwelcome to you, but I must tell you that I adore you."
Meili's eyes widened with surprise.
"I wish that I didn't. I wish I could let you marry Tan Bowen, who makes you so happy, but I find that I can't do it, Meili.
I've never cared about anything in my life more than you. I could die for you a thousand times over, if you would just agree to be mine," his voice cracked with emotion.
"In another lifetime, I can be your slave, your guard, your manservant, I don't care, but in this lifetime," his voice rose, "I must be your husband!"
"I know I could die in the north and make you a widow. I'm sorry Meili! But even so I must ask this of you," he pleaded with her.
