Warm, radiant princess x devoted, loyal hidden guard
Princess Qingyu of the Mingyi, born with a silver spoon in her mouth, is the emperor's younger sister, the empress dowager's own daughter, and the niece of a powerful chancellor.
Emperor Chongyuan sets up a tournament in the palace and asks her to choose someone to serve as her personal hidden guard.
Qingyu still remembers that day. Most of the men on the platform were strong and sturdy, broad-shouldered and agile.
But the one who caught her eye was a slender young man with a slight build. He was at a disadvantage in the fight, and was beaten until he was covered in wounds...
After the tournament, the princess pointed to the young man and said to Emperor Chongyuan, "Imperial Brother, I've made up my mind. I want him."
The young man raised his head, but did not dare look at her. He said softly, "Your subordinate Xiao Yu pays his respects to the princess."
Qingyu smiled and spoke to him. "I wish to keep you by my side as a guard. Would Guard Xiao be willing?"
He bowed slightly and saluted respectfully. "Xiao Yu is at the princess's command."
And so he entered the princess's residence and served as Qingyu's hidden guard for many years.
When Qingyu invited her close friends out shopping, she ran ahead while he followed, carrying bags and bundles. "Your Highness, slow down."
When her mother scolded her, he offered her a plain handkerchief and wiped the tears from the young girl's eyes. "Your Highness, I failed in my duty."
When a marriage contract bound her to the legitimate son of a vice minister, he personally carried her to the bridal sedan. "Your Highness, until we meet again."
Later, Xiao Yu appeared before her once more, now the commander of the imperial Azure Dragon Guards.
After the princess's wedding, he chose to leave, hoping that with a respectable status and position, he might become worthy of standing by her side.
Alas, new clothes are never as good as old, and new people never as dear as those from the past.
Now, aside from the cheap son-in-law Wang Rui, Qingyu's princess residence is full of handsome male companions.
Xiao Yu: I still came too late.
*I have no title, and I won't make a fuss.*
"Your Highness, if you need anything, just leave it to me. There's no need to put yourself in danger."
To Qingyu, Xiao Yu is undoubtedly a fine blade.
He is cold-faced and poor at expressing himself, but gentle and considerate, attentive to everything concerning her and always answering every word.
He is highly skilled, brave, and resourceful. In secret, he helps her support the young emperor's ascent to the throne and rule from behind the curtain.
Reader's guide:
1. A princess who plans several moves ahead x a devoted, loyal hidden guard. A sweet historical romance.
2. One-on-one, both chaste, each other's first love, happy ending.
3. Childhood sweethearts + reunion after a long separation.
Sister stories:
"Has the Tsundere Young Master Won Himself Over Yet?" (in progress)
"Clouds Return at Dusk" (completed novella)
Other historical romances:
"Breaking Jiangli" (coming soon)
"The Bright Moon Shines on Her Beauty" (coming soon)
Theme: Once you've seen the vast ocean, no other water will do; once you've seen the clouds of Mount Wu, no other clouds can compare.
