I gaze across the river gate, watching a thousand sails pass; the way through the fog, it seems, is a heart grown wise with age...
Raised at the side of the Grand Empress Dowager from childhood, Jiang Xiyue was married to the second son of the Marquis of Yongan. On their wedding night, before they could consummate the marriage or even lift her veil, the groom ran off to the border. Jiang Xiyue had no choice but to live alone in the marquis’s residence for five years, battling her wicked mother-in-law day after day.
Five years later, Xiao Yucheng returns to the capital by imperial decree. The two meet for the first time without recognizing each other.
“This woman is truly interesting.”
Xiao Yucheng falls for her.
“Since General Xiao knows who I am, and we have no feelings for each other, why not divorce?”
“I refuse.”
…
“Now that I’m your wife, I’m going to be very possessive. No concubines, and no drinking in brothels...”
“Fine. Whatever you say.”
Beat them at their own game and leave them nowhere to go.
“Can I call you Little Flower General?”
“It’d be a shame for someone as handsome as you not to make money.”
“I want to travel around Jiangzuo.”
“Good! I’ll go with you.”
“I don’t want to be a princess anymore... I hate everything in the palace. I hate all the scheming...”
“Then I’ll take off this armor and retire with you. Whether it’s the northern frontier or Jiangzuo, I’ll go wherever you go.”
A satisfying story, a devoted husband, sweetness from beginning to end.
The rhythm is very good, not draggy, and super beautiful.