[Possessive pursuit + angst before sweetness + mutual devotion + political intrigue and revenge]
Eight years ago, at Peach Blossom Cove in Jiangnan, half of a dragon-patterned jade pendant sealed their promise. He was “A Zheng,” the boy who vowed to protect her.
Eight years later, on a blood-soaked night in the capital, she blames him for her family’s execution. He is Xie Zheng, the ruthless Embroidered Uniform Guard commander she hates with all her heart.
He abducts her and imprisons her, declaring, “Stay by my side. I’ll help you get revenge, and I’ll keep you alive.”
She refuses food, tries to escape, and turns her sword on him, but amid one life-or-death crisis after another, she is moved by the way he takes a blade for her and watches over her through the night.
The truth is, he spent eight years undercover in Prince Jing’s service, hiding a phoenix-patterned jade pendant and gathering evidence of crimes, all while waiting for the chance to protect her and clear her name.
Amidst treacherous schemes and tangled love and hate, he is both the enemy she despises and her salvation. She is his greatest weakness, and his armor.
This ancient Chinese novel is elegantly written, the vocabulary is clear yet clever, and the plot is ups and downs and reasonable. The characters are portrayed with exquisite detail, and the emotions are sincere and moving. It not only shows the magnificence of family, country and world, but also the gentle love between children. There is a strong classical charm between the lines. Reading it is like tasting fine tea, and the lingering fragrance lingers in the air, making you unable to put down the book.