Shen Zhiyi, the aloof eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, had given her heart to Pei Yanzhi for four years, only to learn from a secret letter that it was Xie Mingyuan who had saved her. With her faith shattered, she burned the letter and left the capital. Xie Mingyuan, a hero who had once protected the emperor and the third son of the Xie family, tracked her down in the capital. Clad in a black cloak with gold embroidery, he appeared with her at the spring banquet, leaving the entire hall in an uproar. Pei Yanzhi went from sneering that she was putting on an act, to poring over every trace of her handwriting, to pleading for her return with red-rimmed eyes. But an imperial decree betrothing her to Xie Mingyuan and his devoted protection ultimately cost Pei Yanzhi Shen Zhiyi forever. After enduring Pei Yanzhi’s relentless pursuit and turmoil at court, the couple finally had a joyous wedding. Xie Mingyuan spent his life protecting Shen Zhiyi, giving her a peaceful, happy life.
