A River of Spring Water

Palace blossoms open along the purple road, beaded skirts swirl.

Ten steps, one life taken; when the dance ends, bloodstains remain.

Weak wine cannot numb the pain; poison tastes sweet.

One cup to seek sobriety, another to ease my sorrow.

In dreams, I know I'm a guest; the red silk curtains draw shut, and sorrow remains.

Like a river flowing east, never to return.

(This is a rebirth story, but not an angst-heavy one. It's dark, indulgent, and satisfying, with a happy ending. Read it and see.)

Xiao Susu, a princess of the Southern Dynasty, is reborn amid roaring flames as Xiaozao, a dancing girl.

She bears the hatred of her murdered family, yet she is frail and powerless.

How can she grow from weakness into strength?

Ying Wuyi, the son of her enemy, is a dangerous and inscrutable man.

How will he use her to fulfill his ambitions?

How will this pair, caught between love and hate and entangled in schemes,

walk hand in hand along the path of love?

This story is complete, though the completed tag hasn't been added yet. It's a slow-burn story with a distinctive atmosphere, well worth reading.

My completed Xiao Wen Detective Case Files series:

If you enjoy romance with mystery-solving, take a look. There's plenty to read.

Completed romance novels:

Another ongoing story:

Rolling around, begging for support. I'm very, very good about updating.

Time for a friend's story recommendations

Theme: