Shen Jiayan first met Lu Zhen in the imperial garden. She was crouched on the ground inspecting a porcelain plate, her hands covered in clay, but her eyes shone brightly. He was the eldest legitimate son of the Duke of Shen’s household and a second-rank general, yet he could not forget this palace maid. Only later did he learn that Lu Zhen had entered the palace under a false identity. Her father had been murdered, and she had nowhere else to turn. She had entered the palace just to survive and seek justice for her father. Shen Jiayan was not one to meddle in other people’s affairs, but whenever he saw her being bullied, he couldn’t help stepping in. He told her, “I believe you,” never imagining that those three words would bind him to her for the rest of his life. Back then, Lu Zhen loved someone else, and Shen Jiayan knew it, so he never spoke of his feelings. When she needed help, he became her shield; when she needed a way out, he traded his military accomplishments to secure one for her. Until the night of the palace coup, when he took a knife meant for her. As he lost consciousness, he said only, “Don’t cry... My life has been yours for a long time.” Holding him in her arms, soaked in blood, Lu Zhen suddenly remembered that every time she had been in danger, he had been there; every time she had looked back, he had been right behind her. She had seen it all. She had just never dared to face it. Later, she asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He gave a bitter smile. “If I had, you wouldn’t have let me stay by your side.” With red-rimmed eyes, she called him a fool, but she never let go of his hand again. From palace maid to court official, from general to duke, they weathered storms together and defended their realm side by side. Someone once asked Shen Jiayan why he had chosen her of all people. He replied, “There are plenty of clever people in this world, and plenty of beautiful ones, but she’s the only one who makes me want to live until we’re both old and gray.” And in the end, they truly did grow old together.
Not to mention the plot, there are too many repetitive dialogues. It just doesn't make sense and is repeated many times.
I just started reading it today. The author writes very well. I like it.