Also known as How My Archrival and I Became a Couple in the Rumors
[Equally matched leads + devoted to each other + alternate setting + HE + coercive romance]
Everyone at the Great Yan court knows that Regent Murong Ci and Eastern Depot Commander Xiao Jue are mortal enemies.
One holds power over the court, the other commands a secret prison; one is aloof and refined, the other hides a blade behind his smile.
Murong Ci hates Xiao Jue. He hates how Xiao always steps half a pace closer whenever they meet, hates the scent of blood mingled with sandalwood on him, and hates the way Xiao looks at him, as if he were prey, or perhaps... something else.
Until the night he is trapped in the Eastern Depot's secret prison.
Xiao Jue approaches against the light, his crimson official robes spattered with blood, yet his smile remains gentle. He bends down and brushes Murong Ci's face with his fingertip. “Your Highness, did you put yourself in danger because you think I can't protect you? Or were you testing my patience?”
Murong Ci sneers. “Xiao Jue, you dare touch me?”
Xiao Jue lets out a low laugh and leans close to his ear. “Your Highness, I've been overstepping my station for quite some time now.”
·
Later, the officials at court notice that the Regent looks at the Eastern Depot Commander differently.
It's not hatred. It's the sort of look that says... he wants to bite the man to death, but can't bear to.
The young emperor secretly asks the empress dowager, “Uncle and Commander Xiao, what exactly is their relationship?”
After a long silence, the empress dowager replies, “Don't ask. Let's just say... they're deeply devoted ruler and subject.”
A note from the author
① Scheming regent shou × gentle fake eunuch, coercive-love gong
② The main CP are evenly matched, with affection and flirtation going both ways
③ The side CPs are just as delightful: socially anxious brocade-clad guard × chatty young tyrant /
Money-loving princess × aloof top scholar
Finally, the repeated words in later chapters made me feel that I had read the wrong chapter. The whole thing is very good, the story is well-driven, and the logical thinking characters are good. It would be more exciting if it were more fleshed out. The ending is a bit too fast. In my humble opinion, the princess pair can be passed over and have little connection with the whole story. Keep up the good work, author [currently working on the manuscript]
I personally feel that the writing is very good. In the early stage, I wrote about the ambiguous relationship between Murong Ci and Xiao Jue, and the tacit understanding of them fighting side by side. The plot is good. I hope the author will work hard and keep updating 💕
I have read and listened to Chapter 15 so far, and I feel pretty good ❤️❤️❤️
It's very interesting. The relationship between the two people is described very delicately and movingly. It's a series worth investing in.