Description

The Whistle Shouxue recalls how her mother was murdered trying to protect her, and she was sold into slavery before being found by the previous Raven Consort. Since then, she has dyed her hair black to prevent herself from persecution, although Gaojun promises her he will not kill her. In the morning, the highest-ranking concubine of the inner palace, Yun Huanniang, pays a visit to Shouxue, curious about Gaojun's frequent visits. Jiujiu informs Shouxue how Huanniang is known not merely for her position as consort and childhood friend of the emperor, but also for how she wears a flower flute perpetually around her sash, with such flower flutes being traditionally hung at the end of winter to mourn for the dead. It is then said the dead return with the spring wind and sound the flute. Huanniang requests Shouxue investigate why her flute does not sound — a flute she had specially made for her lover, Ou Xuanyou, following his death. To her surprise, Shouxue cannot summon Xuanyou's soul, as it has been trapped by a sorcerer with the same silver hair as her. The sorceror taunts Shouxue, cryptically telling her the Raven Consort is capable of having everything she desires. With Xuanyou's spirit freed, Huanniang's flute finally sings.