A Long, Long Road

I want the moon to hang high in the sky, and I want it to shine on no one but me

*

All Qiao Shuang ever wanted was a peaceful life.

Her mother died young, and her aunt schemed to send her to the ancestral home in the north, where she grew up. There was nothing wrong with farming and reclaiming the land. She was content with little. But the other woman would not let her go, and treated her life as worthless as an ant’s.

The long road to the capital held no fear for her.

Fortunately, Heaven took pity on her. The young girl she saved had a photographic memory, and Qiao Shuang managed to secure the favor of a prince commandery, using the opportunity to return to the capital and take revenge.

Prince Rong’an was handsome and distinguished, kind and benevolent, and treated her very well. He was the perfect choice for a future partner.

When the new emperor ascends the throne, he sees Prince Rong’an, his late father’s younger brother and his own uncle, as a thorn in his side. With the realm in turmoil, an imperial decree sends the prince to the front lines. Only by faking his death can he escape.

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Later, when the country is at peace, Qiao Shuang is forced to go to Liangzhou. The northwest is bitterly cold, with yellow sand filling the sky. Everything she sees feels unreal, and sometimes she wonders whether the red plum tree he planted with his own hands in her courtyard has grown tall and spread like a canopy.

-

A teacher arrives at the Forget Worries Academy in Jiangnan.

She rarely smiles and always has a furrow between her brows, so she looks rather stern. But she teaches her classes exceptionally well. Best of all, the academy is very affordable, so it is always crowded.

The heavy, damp door opens, and a green paper umbrella enters first. The hand holding its oiled-paper handle has long, distinct knuckles. He lifts the half-lowered umbrella, and a familiar face comes into view.

“Qiao Shuang, it’s been a long time.”

Once we’ve seen the vast ocean, no other waters will do. After Mount Wu, no other clouds will suffice.

*

A note about my upcoming historical romance, “After a Sickly Ghost Became Obsessed with Me.”

You can find it by visiting my author page.

Theme: How bleak the north wind blows. Tonight, dew turns to frost