Wen Yun was sold into the Song household by her father for three taels of silver.
She planned to endure until she could leave the household, save a little money of her own, and trust that life would eventually get better.
But as time passed, she soon grew into a graceful young woman.
Even coarse cloth could no longer hide her curves.
Wen Yun became even more careful and cautious, but after exchanging just one distant glance with Song Hezhi in the courtyard,
she knew she was done for.
Desire was plain in Song Hezhi's eyes.
The very next day, she was transferred to serve in his study.
With contempt, Song Hezhi lifted her chin with the tip of his shoe, forcing her to look up at him. "What's your name?"
Wen Yun was just about to answer when Song Hezhi casually cut her off. "It doesn't matter."
"From now on, your name is Que'er."
That seemingly careless remark decided Wen Yun's fate.
But Wen Yun did not want to be that bird, nor did she want to be a caged bird.
Born into an eminent family, Song Hezhi had lofty ambitions. If he wanted something, he always got it.
He saw Wen Yun as a pet he kept for himself.
He thought the little favors he casually bestowed on her were immense privileges, and that she would be overwhelmed with gratitude.
But it wasn't until the day Wen Yun fled
that he realized she had never been his caged bird.
*
Years later, when Song Hezhi saw Wen Yun again, she had become a different person. There was no longer any trace of obedience in the way she looked at him.
Song Hezhi wanted her to come back with him.
Instead, Wen Yun tossed a dagger down in front of him.
Her words were as casual as Song Hezhi's had once been: "Die in front of me, and I'll consider it."
[Reading Guide]
One-on-one romance, both leads are virgins. The story is set in an imaginary historical era.
The male lead is a complete bastard at first, with no regard for the female lead's feelings.
The female lead is consumed by hatred later on. Everything she does is aimed at killing him.
2025.11.29
Theme: Don't be a caged bird
