[Taiyan] His Cold Face Hides a Tender Heart, and He Spoils Me

Xiao Yun, daughter of the Minister of Rites, refuses a royal marriage and is forced to sign a three-year trial-marriage contract, temporarily taking up residence in Prince Fu's manor. The Great Yong laws allow noblewomen to enter trial marriages, which can be ended after three years without harming their reputations. She keeps a cool face, but carries a healer's compassion in her heart and secretly helps countless orphaned girls.

The heir, Fu Ertai, seems like a spoiled wastrel, but in truth commands a secret guard and conceals his sharp edge. They clash from their very first meeting, each testing the other under the terms of their contract. She probes his true nature while he protects her; she lays traps to test him, and he quietly defuses them.

When war breaks out at the border, she delivers medicine to save the people, only to be framed and cursed by the entire city. He kneels in the palace hall to vouch for her, staking his career to clear her name. A wrongful treason case tears away their disguises and sparks their feelings for each other.

From wary adversaries to partners in governing, she takes part in reforming the country's ills, and he gives her his full support. When the contract is voided and they pledge their hearts to each other, she stands in court and declares, “I will make sure no family is ever torn apart by plague again.”