A sharp, clever, steel-spined heroine who holds the script of a leading lady's life, paired with a seemingly aloof male lead who's secretly full of inner turmoil
Xiao Shao and Xie Jin first met at Xiao Shao's hundred-day celebration. Xiao Shao had just grabbed a jade seal from the dazzling array of objects laid out for the traditional grab-bag ceremony.
When she looked up, she saw Xie Jin, whom his mother had pushed in front of her by force. He looked thoroughly unwilling. So, holding the jade seal in one hand, she grabbed the hem of Xie Jin's clothes with the other. Then, as he bent down, she bit him on the face, making everyone burst into laughter.
Later, after they married and Xiao Shao ascended the throne, Xie Jin went to Jiangnan on government business and didn't return to the capital for over half a year. The couriers were kept busy, with letters flying back to the capital like snowflakes. In one letter, Xie Jin wrote:
“I've been riding out to enjoy the spring scenery lately. Jiangnan is lovely, and all is peaceful and prosperous. I hope Your Highness is at ease. In my spare time, I came across an old book of pastry recipes and made several treats according to its instructions. They taste wonderful. What a pity you can't have any...” A tiny red bean came with the letter.
Xiao Shao read it and replied, sounding a little defiant: “Jiangnan pastries may be one of a kind, but the imperial chefs in the capital are just as good...”
The whole letter was full of little everyday details, until at the very end he wrote:
“I want to eat the pastries you make, too. And... I miss you.”
Xiao Shao picked up the red bean and tucked it into the sachet she wore close to her heart, treasuring it dearly.
It's good-looking, the plot is smooth, and the characters are likeable.