The Pale Moon Over the Spring Palace

Pure-hearted, straightforward young general x talented, beautiful, resilient orphan girl "The first time I met her, she was caught out after curfew. The Imperial Guard stood imposing, bows drawn, but though she was alone, she dared to argue with me that using harsh punishment to establish authority went against the foundation of benevolent rule. I actually thought she was right and let her go. It seems that even when the law shows no mercy, there are people beyond its reach; though I may turn a blind eye to everything else, my selfish heart is beyond my control. She is the one beyond my reach, my most precious treasure, no matter how long or short the years may be." * Zhao Luwei used to be hopelessly lovesick, pining for her ex-husband for years. But after three years of marriage, she came back just as young as ever. Her father was demoted and exiled, and she was divorced. But then, just as her life seemed to have nothing left but setbacks, a young night-patrol officer seamlessly entered the picture. Zhao Luwei: I can't tell you I'm a disgraced official's daughter who was just divorced and thrown out onto the street, but I can insult you. Scared yet? Xie Tanwei: Talk back to me again, and I'll... let you go. * Zhao Luwei had always thought her father acted mysteriously. Then disaster struck without warning, and her whole family was exiled. She took the opportunity to investigate the case, but before she could even begin, Xie Tanwei got mixed up in it. And as he kept getting more and more involved... Zhao Luwei: Huh? We're working toward the same goal? Xie Tanwei: Mind if I tag along? And while we're at it... may I ask for your hand? * Xie Tanwei was born into a wealthy family and had a strict, rigid father who couldn't stand how indulgent his mother was toward him. In a fit of anger, his father sent him to the frontier. Twenty years of hardship earned him military achievements and knowledge, but his father still criticized him at every turn, mocking him as a mere low-ranking officer. Then he met Zhao Luwei, and his life suddenly opened up. Xie Tanwei: I'm not going to be a low-ranking officer forever! My life mentor is terrifyingly capable! Zhao Luwei: How about paying tuition? Xie Tanwei: I'll give you myself and all my family property! [Reading Guide] The heroine doesn't defeat everyone right from the start, and the hero doesn't immediately rise to the highest position in court. Their love is unwavering. The hero isn't blind, the heroine always wins, and both can speak their minds. Both are virgins. Happy ending. The leads have a character in common in their names for a fake-siblings plot point. It won't be developed too much, but avoid this if it bothers you. Theme: The world is a cage, and someone who understands you is hard to find. There is no need to demand perfection.