[Teacher-student romance + ancient political intrigue + two strong leads + the male lead fakes his death, then makes a slight effort to win her back]
The early pacing is slow, focusing on their growing bond; the latter half moves quickly as the heroine grows from a timid young girl into a great general.
Amid the mundane affairs of the mortal world, a romance between teacher and student seems like defying the heavens, something people look down upon. Yet Sima Qingqing’s heart had already fallen for her teacher before she even realized it.
When Sima Qingqing was young, they were together every day. She grew up at his side, and he taught her everything, from the characters she learned to the first sword technique she mastered.
When she first fell in love, they were forced apart and stood against each other with blades drawn. The blade pointed at the person who had once been closest to her. She should have hated him, but love recognized him before her eyes did.
When everything was settled, they stayed together for good, and all the misunderstandings and schemes of the past faded away.
“Master, watch this move! I’ve gotten even better today!”
“Don’t get cocky!”
“Who are you? My master, or my enemy?”
“An old friend.”
“Qingqing, promise me you’ll live to a hundred.”
“No way. If Master lives to a hundred, I’ll be happy with ninety.”
