[A resourceful, disguised female general x a devoted but duplicitous duke]
The first time she saw him, Qi Muyun used the word "alluring" to describe a man for the first time.
She saw him again on the night she investigated a case.
A secret general personally appointed by the emperor, Qi Muyun concealed her identity as she investigated.
That night, each of them mistakenly thought the other was an accomplice of the criminal.
Inside the Duke's residence, fragrant incense drifted through the room.
Ji Siheng proposed that they work together.
Qi Muyun refused on the spot and chose to go it alone.
But reality soon gave her a harsh lesson. She had underestimated the power of their enemies, and had no choice but to seek out Ji Siheng again.
After hearing her out, Ji Siheng suddenly changed his mind.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't work with me? Why are you suddenly willing now?"
"Sorry, Miss Qi. The offer's expired."
[She was like a resilient flower growing above the ruins. She burned through her past and turned to ash, then was reborn from the ashes at last, becoming a flower that bloomed upon the embers.]
Reader's Note:
1. The male and female leads and all other characters are fictional. The dynasty, history, and locations are entirely made up, so please don't nitpick the details.
2. The pacing is fast. This is a short story of about 60,000 words.
Theme: Who says women are inferior to men?
