South Alley

★ A clever, accomplished official's daughter x the spirited Prince of Guxiang

★ Pretend marriage-before-love | Mr. and Mrs. Smith | Reunion after years apart | Long-planned pursuit

[Guiding her every step of the way, winning her over one step at a time, pretending to be sincere until her feelings become real]

When Jingyue was born, she was the envy of every household in the capital.

Her paternal grandfather's family had been merchants for generations and enjoyed great success.

Her maternal family was highly esteemed and valued by the royal household.

Her father had entered government through the imperial examinations and served as Vice Minister of Revenue.

Her mother had a gift for business and was famous throughout the capital.

Her maternal uncle was the current prime minister, and her aunt came from a distinguished family...

But when she was six, disaster struck the family.

Her mother died, leaving her and her elder sister alone in the deep inner quarters, where their father's concubine threw her weight around.

Her uncle faced political persecution and was about to leave the capital. Unwilling to let his closest kin wither away behind the walls of the household, he requested permission to take them with him to his new post.

From then on, Jingyue grew up freely in Yanmen Commandery, a border stronghold. She hoped to build on the family business her mother had left her, then ride through the martial world alone.

But after she came of age, an imperial edict arranging her marriage arrived out of nowhere.

Returning to the capital, she found that everything seemed to have changed. The third young lady of the Jing family had become the Princess Consort of the Prince of Guxiang...

Was it an accident or deliberate? Was she a pawn or the one moving the pieces? The mist gradually lifted, and everything began to come into focus.

-

His Highness Zhao Bo, the Prince of Guxiang, had a face like polished jade and a dignified bearing. He was so imposing at court that people hesitated to approach him. Rumor had it that he was taciturn and uninterested in women.

Some wagered a thousand gold pieces on who would become his princess consort. Others went so far as to bet ten thousand taels, attracting the attention of the entire capital.

The man in question simply laughed it off.

No matter how the rumors spread, only His Highness the Prince of Guxiang knew that one glance was enough to make love take root.

Zhao Bo fell in love a little early. Perhaps he didn't even understand whether what he felt was love at the time. Maybe it was just an obsession!

For many years afterward, he kept searching for the owner of that handkerchief.

He traveled far and wide, braving the elements for years.

After seeing her just once, he knew it was no obsession.

Only... it seemed the young woman had completely forgotten him. In that case, the clever Prince of Guxiang would have to make use of his connections.

"The road ahead is long and arduous. I shall seek from top to bottom."

Much later, Zhao Bo accidentally discovered that the mysterious, profit-obsessed "merchant" was none other than the person he cherished, the one lying by his side and forever in his heart.

After a long while, he came to his senses and slowly turned his gaze to the person sleeping beside him. His eyes brimmed with affection, though he couldn't hide his helplessness. So the Princess Consort of Guxiang had been keeping so much hidden! A moment later, he raised a finger and brushed her lovely face, his eyes full of joy. His years of longing had not been in vain.

[The old locust tree in South Lane has bloomed and shed its flowers for countless years, and at last, in April's spring, it has come to rest by your side.]

* 🦊 The best businesswoman among the noble ladies x the most lovestruck prince 🐱

* Also known as: The Fox and Cat Rivalry. A match made in heaven, both deeply calculating. It seems the 🐱 is leading her every step, but in truth, the 🦊 is the one winning him over. There will be bittersweet moments later, but they'll also bring their feelings to a head. A little angst makes the romance sweeter!

* Several side couples: fated love, love at first sight, bickering lovers... It's not too long, so come and enjoy! ^^

Theme: You are my shield, my saving horn, and my high place.