Spring Arrives Late at a Humble Home

[Two Female Leads] [Farming and Government Service] [Marriage Before Love] [Female Pursues Female] [Lighthearted Daily Life] [Family and Neighbors] [Mutual Firsts] [Happy Ending]

At twenty-four, Lu Shiqian was a successful provincial graduate who had failed the metropolitan exam twice.

On her way back to her hometown after sitting the spring exam for the third time, she had already decided that if she failed again, she would never take it again. She might as well marry a wife and settle down to a steady life.

When Wang, the village matchmaker, heard she was home, she came by specially to tell her that the Xie family had a daughter whose parents had died. Her uncle was eager to get rid of her, and for just over a dozen taels of silver, Lu Shiqian could take her away.

Lu Shiqian went to have a look.

She saw the girl standing quietly beneath the eaves, dressed in old clothes washed pale, her figure thin and frail.

Perhaps from years of hard labor and not having enough to eat, her back was so slender she looked as if a gust of wind could knock her over.

And yet her features were exceptionally beautiful.

Twelve taels, a contract signed, and the girl was hers to take home.

After everything was settled, Lu Shiqian put away the contract and looked up at the girl, who was still uneasy and bewildered.

"Pack your things and come home with me."

Rain and wind swept across the sky, and the roads were thick with mud.

From that day on, with just twelve taels of silver, Lu Shiqian bought the one and only warmth of home she would ever have in all the years to come.

This story focuses on romance, a simple, peaceful happiness.

The two leads are each other's first and only, and their love grows steadily over time. Sweet from beginning to end, with no angst.

Note: The setting continues from the author's previous novel, "The Grand Princess's Favor." The Great Qi Dynasty is open-minded: women can study, take the imperial examinations, marry, and establish households of their own.

If you love gentle romances where love grows slowly and steadily, feel free to dive in!