Burning Hibiscus (Claimed by Force)

❤️ Coercive romance / bluffing with the backing of a powerful figure / age gap / size difference / both sexually inexperienced ❤️

Yu Shanfu comes to the capital to collect a debt, but nearly dies at the hands of a scumbag.

Years ago, the man had begged the Yu family to help him study and sit the imperial exams. Yet the first thing he did after passing was to try to wipe out the benefactor's daughter.

On the night she's forced to join a pleasure house to make a living, a painted pleasure boat blazes with light, filled with the capital's honored guests.

Among them is a man of noble, icy bearing, his presence oppressive and his every feature radiating arrogance.

Yet this man, who seems untroubled by everything, makes an exception and speaks up for her, crippling the playboy who tried to take liberties with her on the spot.

Rumors spread like wildfire, all speculating about her and Prince Cheng. People all over the capital believe them and grow wary of her.

Seizing the opportunity, Yu Shanfu goes along with the story and claims the scandalous affair as her own.

She thinks she can use his influence to protect herself. But only after he drags her into his tent and takes her night after night does she realize what kind of man she's provoked.

The frailty, the gentleness: it was all an act.

He leans close to her ear, his breath scorching, and recites the suggestive rumors circulating around town. With every line, the arm around her waist tightens another notch.

Yu Shanfu trembles all over, too frightened to utter a word.

He lightly kisses her lips, his voice dangerous as he says each word slowly: "Tell me, how should I punish you? Perhaps... from now on, I'll come every night."

Reader's guide:

❤️ A forced romance: she runs, he pursues, and a debt collection ends in bed.

❤️ The male lead is pure in body and mind (no concubines or bedchamber attendants). He seems frail and gentle, but is actually forceful, domineering, ruthless, and no good person.

Blurb written May 5, 2026

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Theme: Plum blossoms gain their fragrance through bitter cold.