The Great Jing Dynasty had two top-tier stars: Xiao Jingyuan, a carefree prince who talked back to everyone at court but was always “exiled” by the emperor, and Feng Qingyue, the “Jade-Faced Hero” who disguised herself as a man to rob the rich and help the poor.
Their paths first crossed through a misunderstanding. Feng Qingyue broke into the prince’s estate at night to rescue a friend, mistook Xiao Jingyuan for a corrupt official’s son, stole the funds he needed for an investigation, and tore up his treasured painting, Springtime in Jiangnan. Later, while investigating a counterfeit money case, Xiao Jingyuan mistook Feng Qingyue for a spy from the Netherworld Cult and chased her through eighteen loops around the alleys of the capital, only to be tricked by her smoke bombs.
The absurdities didn’t stop there. When the emperor found the princess who had been lost among the common people, he issued an imperial decree betrothing her to Xiao Jingyuan. When Feng Qingyue removed her hair clasp and knelt before the throne with her long hair uncovered, the teacup in Xiao Jingyuan’s hand clattered to the floor. This was the “little thief” who had stolen his money and torn his painting!
Their married life was a whirlwind of chaos. Feng Qingyue spent her days helping her consort investigate cases, then sneaking out at night to rob the rich and help the poor. She even deliberately caused a scene when she ran into a matchmaking banquet arranged by the empress dowager. Xiao Jingyuan helped hide her past in the martial world and dealt with her “underworld tricks,” all while keeping an eye on the second prince, who coveted the throne.
From noisy alleys in the capital to investigating cases side by side in the water towns of Jiangnan, and then facing palace power struggles, the two bickered their way to uncovering the conspiracy behind the counterfeit money case and solving the mystery of Feng Qingyue’s birth. When the second prince joined forces with foreign enemies to seize the throne, Xiao Jingyuan drew his sword to protect his wife. “Only I get to bully my consort! No one lays a hand on the Great Jing Empire!” Feng Qingyue gripped her sword and smiled. “United as one, husband and wife can show them our combo moves!”
