She Beneath the Green Robe

Lian Zhen, a senior water-conservancy engineer from the twenty-first century, transmigrates to ancient times. She opens her eyes in a bridal dress, spitting foam in the middle of her wedding night. Well, what else can she do? Fake her death and run! Later, she disguises herself as a man, passes the civil service exam, and lands a job in her field. Just a few days after starting work, she rescues a handsome man from a flood. And wouldn’t you know it, he’s her ex-husband, Prince Sheng, Zhao Xun, whose reputation she ruined by making people think he brought bad luck to his wives. He keeps saying he wants to join forces with her to root out corruption in river management, but the look he gives her grows stranger by the day. She smiles at a wealthy merchant’s daughter, and Zhao Xun quietly heads to the river embankment to brood. “You two get along so well. I suppose I’m the one who’s surplus to requirements.” Lian Zhen: What’s he talking about? She bandages one of her subordinates’ wounds, and Zhao Xun comes over, expressionless, and holds out his hand. “My turn.” Lian Zhen: ??? Didn’t you already bandage that hand? She hears that Zhao Xun is discussing a marriage proposal and cheerfully offers her congratulations. He looks at her with reddened eyes. “Do you really not care at all?” Lian Zhen: ??? What am I supposed to care about? How Lian Zhen sees Zhao Xun: a boss with no sense of personal boundaries. How Zhao Xun sees Lian Zhen: picturesque features, refined and otherworldly, serene and magnanimous, calm in a crisis, resourceful and strategic, always planning several steps ahead, devoted to the people…and utterly clueless about romance. Yet the river overhead remains untamed, and wolves lurk at their sides. From the embankments to the imperial court, danger lies at every turn. Together, they weather one crisis after another, root out every corrupt official, and ultimately protect the great river and bring peace to its shores. Sitting in the new house for their second wedding (?), Lian Zhen thinks harder and harder that something is wrong. She asks, “Do you love me as a man or as a woman?” He replies, “Even if you were no longer human, my heart would still belong to you.” ‖Reader’s guide‖ 1. Slow burn, both leads’ first and only, one-on-one, happy ending. 2. A rational, unflappable, naturally airheaded woman vs. a deeply devoted, lovesick man who keeps his feelings hidden. 3. The male lead is a man who loves women. He restrains himself and struggles with his feelings at first, then makes a bold move later. 4. The era is fictional; the setting serves the plot. Theme: A woman’s resolve to tame the rivers and bring peace to the realm.