Her Poppy

Advance notice for an upcoming story (scheduled to start in mid- or late May; the main blurb is at the bottom):

Marrying Her Ex-Husband's Uncle

Yun Chenyin married the gravely wounded General Jing, who had yet to regain consciousness, to repay him for saving her life.

After the wedding, Jing Xianqing awoke, only to become a simple-minded child. Everyone in the capital lamented that Jing Xianqing had been robbed of his promise by fate, and pitied Yun Chenyin for being trapped in a miserable marriage for the rest of her life. How could she possibly endure it?

But Yun Chenyin not only managed, she and her husband lived in harmony, drawing envy from everyone around them.

Simple-minded Jing Xianqing had an innocent heart and cherished Yun Chenyin, treating her like a treasure. Yun Chenyin never abandoned him, caring for him devotedly. Everyone in the Jing household treated her with respect, and she was content and happy.

Until Jing Xianqing hit his head and regained his senses. The first name he called out was, "Shulan..."

Shulan was his childhood sweetheart and former fiancee, whose engagement to him had been called off.

Yun Chenyin never imagined that when her husband woke up a second time, he would be an entirely different person. Kneeling in the courtyard, she was pressured by his grandmother and mother to leave her marriage and become a concubine. The servants stood around watching coldly. For the first time, she understood just how far beyond reach power could be, and how easily self-interest could make people wear two faces.

"The whole Jing household has certainly opened my eyes."

Someone helped her up from behind. Yun Chenyin looked up to see Jing Xianqing's uncle, Jing Ce, a man she often saw but rarely interacted with.

He said, "If that's the case, why not bring out a divorce agreement? Then everyone can be happy."

"I don't agree." Jing Xianqing suddenly emerged from behind the rockery, his voice full of anger. "I absolutely refuse to divorce!"

At that moment, Yun Chenyin felt as if she had plunged into an icy cavern, her limbs freezing. "You were behind there the whole time... watching, weren't you?"

Jing Xianqing panicked. He seemed to see a look of finality in his wife's eyes.

After searching for two years, Jing Xianqing finally spotted Chenyin at an inn. He chased after her and stopped in front of a closed guest room. Just as he was about to knock, the voices from inside froze him in place.

"A Ce, don't..."

"You don't like it? Hmm?"

The woman didn't answer, but let out a soft cry.

Jing Xianqing would never forget that voice. He had longed to hear it day and night, and heard it countless times in his dreams.

(Any content warnings are in the official blurb.)

Main blurb: This is a short read, but the plot moves quickly later on, so read with care.

Yan Qiu transmigrates with an important mission into a dynasty found only in history books, becoming a notorious princess royal.

According to legend, she had been adored by the emperor and empress dowager since childhood. She held the highest status, with endless fine silks, gold, silver, and jewels at her disposal, yet she was extravagant, cruel-tempered, and infamous.

Her residence was full of handsome retainers, among them a crowd of pitiful strays she had taken in. Before she knew it, one of them had stolen her heart.

She confessed that the two of them had no future, and that in the end she would have to return to her own world.

He answered shamelessly, "Don't worry. I'll gladly stay with you until then."

As long as he loved her with all his might, cherished her, and showed her how much she mattered, perhaps by then he would mean enough to her that she would stay.

(Some angst, but a sweet ending, HE.)

Reader's guide: This is entirely fictional. Some specialized details in the story were researched online, while others were made up. Just enjoy the story, and don't take them too seriously.

Theme: Two birds who fly far and wide together, their old wings enduring the cold and heat of many seasons.