Lin Wanzhao’s greatest wish in this life is to be an ordinary little dessert-shop owner, smelling the fragrance of osmanthus every day, listening to the neighbors’ gossip, and peacefully... coasting through life until old age. After all, the dynasty that last called her by her real name is long gone. As the former dynasty’s most feared secret agent, the “Azure Sparrow,” she has killed more people than she has eaten grains of salt, and knows enough secrets to make the new emperor’s throne tremble.
She has retired from the trade and settled into ordinary life. Things are going beautifully.
Until a new neighbor moves in next door: Lord Gu, the new dynasty’s youngest and most promising commander of the imperial guards.
Lord Gu has sharp brows and bright eyes, and an air of righteousness, but his eyesight isn’t very good. Looking at Lin Wanzhao, who seems as delicate as a willow and uses an abacus even to do her accounts, he furrows his brow sympathetically. “Miss Lin, it can’t be easy living alone. If you ever need anything, just ask.”
Lin Wanzhao: “...”
No, I don’t. I can really fight.
Later, when remnants of the former dynasty come looking for her, Lord Gu shields her. “Don’t be afraid!”
The ringleader spots Lin Wanzhao and immediately drops to his knees. “Chief! We all thought you... Why are you selling osmanthus cakes here?”
Lord Gu: “?”
Later still, rebels of the new dynasty launch an assassination attempt, and Lord Gu fights desperately in a sea of blood.
Lin Wanzhao happens to pass by carrying a basket of vegetables. A silver needle silently takes care of the assassin hidden in the shadows. Then she smiles sweetly at Lord Gu. “Lord Gu, I just made some lotus root and osmanthus rice cakes at home. Would you like to try one?”
Lord Gu looks at her slender fingers, then at the assassin lying dead on the ground, and falls into deep thought.
