The Third Princess, Gu Sixian, and the young general, Xie Huaijue, were summoned to appear before the emperor at the same time.
They met outside the hall and exchanged a glance, each feeling a little disdainful of the other.
Gu Sixian: So rough.
Xie Huaijue: So delicate.
Gu Sixian was of marriageable age. Her imperial brother summoned her and asked, "Ah Xian, what sort of husband would you like?"
She smiled and answered, "Gentle and refined, well-read, and handsome."
The new top scorer in the imperial examinations fit the bill perfectly. She was sure her imperial brother would understand.
The emperor's eyes lit up. He smiled and said, "I understand."
Xie Huaijue had spent five years on the frontier, putting off marriage. After he returned to the capital, the emperor summoned him and asked, "Xunzhi, what sort of wife would you like?"
He replied, "Strong, brave, and kind-hearted."
As long as she wasn't like the Third Princess, that would do. He was sure the emperor would understand.
The emperor beamed. "Don't worry, I understand!"
Gu Sixian and Xie Huaijue returned home, reassured.
The next day, an imperial decree arrived, ordering the Third Princess and the young general to marry.
Gu Sixian: …
Xie Huaijue: …
Might as well make the best of it! What else can they do, get divorced?!
* The emperor's handpicked match, marriage first, love later
* A princess determined to divorce her husband X A general who keeps getting face-slapped
Theme: Live well
