Yuan Youyin, the Grand Preceptor's daughter, is decisive and business-savvy. In less than two years, her cosmetics shop has nearly rivaled the imperial merchants. Her father is a prince, the emperor is her paternal uncle, and her breathtaking beauty is praised as the finest in the land. Yet that's the least noteworthy of her virtues.
General Huo Zhi was born to a humble family. He keeps to himself and has no friends at court. With his bronze complexion, mountain-like build, fierce bearing, and aloof nature, he is a living oddity in Da Yue, where everyone prizes beauty. People jokingly call him the "Ugly General." His distinguished military achievements are the last virtue on his list.
One is a golden branch, the other a puddle of mud...
The emperor, drunk, decreed their marriage. Huo Zhi had lucked into the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone thought he'd be overjoyed and would treat his beautiful wife like a treasure. But the very day after the wedding, he led his troops off to war, leaving her alone in their empty home.
Yuan Youyin was used to getting her way. In a fit of anger, she moved out of the general's residence and into her own little house. Her cosmetics shop thrived, bringing in money from every direction.
With money in hand, who needs a man?
Who could have guessed that as soon as her irritating husband returned victorious, he'd rush to her door and beg her to come home? Seeing how sincere he was, Yuan Youyin reluctantly agreed.
Once married life got underway, she discovered that the valiant tiger of a general was actually a tongue-tied, honest man. He granted her every wish and obeyed her completely. If she pointed south, he wouldn't dare go north.
He'd get up at dawn and queue in the market to buy her favorite red bean cakes. He'd also gladly hand over every bit of reward money he'd earned at the risk of his life.
Even when she teased him again and again, then deliberately turned him away, he'd keep a cold face and struggle to contain his rough, ragged breaths, not daring to take things any further.
-
A little scene
As time went by, Yuan Youyin occasionally felt like giving him a little sweetness.
In the cramped carriage, she sat so close to him there was no room to move. Her slender finger traced circles around his Adam's apple, and her alluring eyes were full of affection, though she didn't realize it.
The man seized her mischievous hand. At last, he stopped holding back, his voice edged with jealousy and resentment. "How many times did you smile at him just now?"
He lowered his head, heedless of her increasingly tender cries.
The next time she smiled at that man, he wanted her to think only of him.
[An expert dog trainer and playful, teasing beauty vs. a fiercely loyal general who willingly lets her train him]
One-on-one, both leads' first time, happy ending, six-year age gap
*Not a strong female lead story, nor a business or political intrigue story
*Some elements of the setting draw on the Wei and Jin periods, but it is fictional
*The romance takes center stage, and the plot serves the romance
The blurb for the new novel next door, Spring's Shy Beauty, is below
Xue Ling'e, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel, has bright, expressive eyes and skin as fair as jade. Her whole family cherishes her.
She is as close as a sister to a princess, and Prince Qi clears the way for her. Every young lady in Chang'an envies her good fortune.
Zhang Yan, heir to the Duke of Ying, is peerlessly handsome, composed, and self-disciplined. He entered the palace as a young boy to study alongside the princes, and when he grew up, he followed the emperor on the northern campaign. He is the dream man of countless young women.
Until Xue Ling'e is betrothed to Zhang Yan...
The young ladies: What is the point of life now? >̣̣ᯅก
Xue Ling'e: (forces a smile)
She desperately wants to explain how absurd all those fine words about Zhang Yan are. He is cold, ruthless, selfish, and disinterested in desire, the exact opposite of the refined young nobleman people say he is.
After pouring her heart out to her best friend, she even starts thinking about divorce.
When the ridiculous talk reaches Zhang Yan, he rides hard back home and finds Xue Ling'e. He proves his feelings through actions, looking even more aggrieved than she does.
"Yuanyuan, A-Yuan, Xiao Yuan..."
"Don't ask for a divorce. Tell me what you're unhappy with, and I'll change."
-
A little scene
A misunderstanding is finally cleared up.
Realizing he'd carelessly arranged their marriage, the young emperor at last feels guilty.
Facing his close friend, he wants to make amends as best he can. "How about... I let you two divorce?"
Zhang Yan's face, usually cold as ice, softens like melting snow. He gives a faint smile. "Yes, my wife is expecting."
The emperor: ? Who asked you that...
Lord Zhang: We're doing just fine. Why does everyone keep trying to make me divorce?
[The aloof beauty vs. the sweet noble lady]
[The fake straight-laced poser vs. the naturally ditzy darling]
One-on-one, both leads' first time, seven-year age gap
*Set in the prosperous Tang dynasty; no characters are based on real people
*Lighthearted, sweet slice-of-life after marriage
Theme: Love yourself before you love someone else
I think the story line of the eldest princess is a bit stiff
"Shanzhi Pinting" is a big thorn in the side of the author~ Pingting 🤩 Please keep updating, it looks great!