The Long Saber Enters the Veil

[Gentle, honest young lady x Powerful, scheming government enforcer]

Xue Youzhen knows Shen Han doesn't like her.

Although their families arranged their marriage when they were children, they stopped being a good match long ago.

She's the timid, soft-hearted daughter of a low-ranking official who can't stand the sight of blood. He's a fourth-rank commander of the Imperial Guard, ruthless in his methods and surrounded by high-ranking officials and nobles. He's a man of the moment.

When Youzhen hears that Shen Han spent the night at a brothel, she bites her lip and finally decides to call off their absurd engagement.

After hearing why she'd come, Shen Han's dark eyes linger on her carefully composed face for a moment. Then he gives her a mocking smile. "Do as you please."

"If you change your mind later, don't come looking for me."

Youzhen feels a faint ache in her chest. She lowers her head in confusion, but quietly lets out a sigh of relief.

Who could have guessed that soon after, she'd be caught in a sudden downpour on the street, and her father's student would shower her with attentions, escorting her home beneath his umbrella?

Late that night, a long blade suddenly lifts the gauze curtain beside her bed and forces its way into her bedchamber.

In the narrow bed, heat spreads. The intruder bends close, brushing the damp strands of hair from her neck with the tip of his nose, then kissing and biting her slender, pale neck.

Youzhen gradually can't take any more. As she sobs and whimpers, she hears him demand in a furious voice beside her ear:

"I'm your husband, Xue Youzhen."

"Dare to mention breaking off our engagement again. Just try me."

Shen Han has always known that anyone in this world can live just fine without anyone else.

But he alone would die without that foolish, timid Xue Youzhen.

**

Important content warnings:

A short forced-love story. The male lead is a jerk, the female lead is weak, and it has a happy ending with both leads' firsts.

The male lead is cruel by nature and has questionable kinks. He uses d**y talk and bullies an honest woman. Please don't read if that's not your thing.

Theme: Undecided