[Palace intrigue and political scheming + marriage before love + mutual devotion]
Yan Zheng, daughter of Grand Tutor Yan and a princess of the previous dynasty, has a complicated background. Born into a noble family, she has always had to tread carefully. As a girl, she became betrothed to Wen Chen'an, the young master of the Wen family. Childhood sweethearts, she wholeheartedly devoted herself to the Wen family, determined to be his perfect partner.
The Wen family is renowned for medicine. As a young man, Wen Chen'an had lofty ambitions and traveled to Chaoge to master the art of healing, so he could inherit the family business and save lives. Before leaving, he gave her a painting of lotuses in all four seasons as a token of their love. His simple promise, “Wait for me,” found its way into her heart. She insisted on waiting for three years, and even as she neared her coming-of-age ceremony, she still did not put her hair up. But all she got in return was his return to the capital with the woman he loved.
Watching him hold that woman in his arms and dote on her endlessly, Yan Zheng tries to rekindle their childhood affection, only to be hurt too deeply. She resolves to abandon her feelings, but a carefree, overbearing man who throws his weight around keeps hounding her.
Wen Chen'an, however, finally realizes what he truly feels.
Wen Chen'an: She was born for me, and her love belongs to me.
Ling Xiaoyi: You can keep dreaming. I’ll treasure my little Yan Zheng.
