Si Luan River

Historical romance · household intrigue + married first, love later + a powerful heroine’s comeback

Opening hook: The first thing Pei Yankai does after returning victorious is divorce his wife in the street. Qi Wu is sent packing with a divorce agreement. But she accepts it with a smile. “Perfect. I wanted to divorce you too.” Then she takes her military service records straight to the emperor. “I, your subject’s daughter, am willing to take my father’s place on the battlefield in exchange for a way out for the three armies.”

Mid-story twist: The border is in crisis, and Pei Yan is gravely wounded, hovering between life and death. His dreams are filled with memories of Qi Wu teaching him to read. When he wakes, he frantically searches for her, only to discover that she is already on the front lines, armored and armed, commanding his former troops.

Ultimate goal: Qi Wu refuses any reward. All she asks is that “from now on, the daughters of the Qi family may choose whom they marry freely, without coercion.” Pei Yan kneels before the city gates for three days and nights. “If you don’t come back, I won’t marry.” She rides past him and says coolly, “I’m not some regret you can make up for. I belong to myself.”

Writing style:

Lighthearted yet meaningful, with sharp satire and cutting dialogue that hits hard. Perfect for readers who enjoy a clear-headed, independent heroine and a hero who comes to his senses later.

Worldbuilding:

In the tenth year of peace under the Dasheng dynasty, military commanders grow powerful enough to threaten the throne, and the emperor quietly strips them of their troops. Qi Wu, the third daughter of the Qi family, was betrothed as a child to Pei Yan, son of the Grand General Who Guards the Nation. But after the Pei family falls from power, their engagement becomes a source of shame.