But their love was not without challenges. Sari's father, the chieftain, had arranged a marriage for her with a powerful local lord, a man who could strengthen their tribe's alliances. Sari's heart ached at the thought of being separated from Li Wei, but she knew her duty to her people.
Li Wei, too, faced pressures from his family in Guangzhou. They expected him to return home and marry a woman of their choosing, someone who could secure their family's position in the imperial court. The thought of leaving Sari behind was unbearable, but he knew he could not abandon his responsibilities.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sea, Sari and Li Wei met in secret at a secluded cove. The waves lapped gently at the shore, and the air was filled with the scent of frangipani.
"We cannot let them tear us apart," Sari whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "There must be a way for us to be together."
Li Wei took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. "There is a way," he said. "But it will require great courage. We must leave this place and start a new life together, far from the expectations of our families."
Sari's heart raced at the thought. To leave her home, her family, everything she had ever known—it was a daunting prospect. But as she looked into Li Wei's eyes, she knew that she could not imagine a life without him.
"I will go with you," she said, her voice steady. "Wherever you lead, I will follow."