Zhaolin's Rivers and Mountains

Shangguan Zhaorong, the only legitimate daughter of Shangguan Tingzhi, chancellor of the Great Jing, and his wife, Madam Jiang, is also the biological niece of Grand Tutor Jiang Meisun. Born into a prestigious family, she has carried the glory of her entire clan from birth.

The Shangguan family has been a pillar of the court since the founding of the dynasty. Thirty-seven generations of family heads have passed on their titles, and her father, Shangguan Tingzhi, serves as chief minister, overseeing the central government's decrees. Her mother's Jiang clan has likewise produced generations of civil officials. Her uncle, Jiang Meisun, is as close to the current emperor as a brother. Respected as one of the emperor's advisers, he holds the title of Grand Tutor. From childhood, Shangguan Zhaorong has always conducted herself with composure and grace. Well-read in the classics, she is also astute in matters of government.

The Crown Prince, Li Linyu, is the only son of Emperor Qian Ning of Great Jing and Empress Yuan Shu. From birth, he has borne the hopes of both his parents. He was named crown prince that very day and has enjoyed every honor befitting the heir. He is reserved and gentle by nature.

They first met when Li Linyu was eleven, practicing archery in the courtyard. Shangguan Zhaorong, newly enrolled as his fellow student, stood beneath the corridor in plain riding clothes. She neither startled nor disturbed him. Only after his arrow had come to rest did she gently point out the flaw in its trajectory: “It lacks a little composure in the follow-through.” Her words awakened the young prince. Her insight and perceptiveness won the admiration of the usually reserved Li Linyu.

Li Linyu's reserve was never indifference. He simply saved all his tenderness and concern for Shangguan Zhaorong alone.

He could meet anything the world threw at him with a calm heart. Only she was the exception in his tranquil life, the one special person whose place in his heart would inadvertently show through even beneath the strictures of etiquette.

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“Your Highness could at least have let me win,” Shangguan Zhaorong said with a poised smile.

Li Linyu set down his teacup and replied slowly, “How can we go easy on each other at a game of chess? Even if you lose, I won't punish you.”...