Calming the Storm

My series, Another Day of Scraping By at My Imperial Brother's Hands, is also here. Please add it to your favorites! =3= --- Blurb --- Xie Shuyin is renowned throughout the land for his talent and beauty. Sadly, he's been dealt a terrible hand: a frail constitution and enemies closing in on every side. In his previous life, he was trapped in a deadly game, clinging to life through an age of chaos. He spent half his life wandering from place to place. His only consolation was that the simpleton he took in, though ugly and mute, was loyal, capable, and steadfast. At least he died with dignity. Reborn, he decides to live for himself. The first thing he does after waking is reject the Prince Ping's household's marriage proposal. Watching his family stare at him in shock and fury, he grins recklessly and sweeps out the door, feeling wonderfully free. To hell with filial piety, brotherly duty, loyalty, trust, propriety, justice, integrity, and shame! Prince Ping's heir, Ji Zhong, is a vicious, brutal man so terrifying even ghosts give him a wide berth. Whoever wants to marry him can do it themselves. He's out! Later, peace comes to the land, and he marries the simpleton. On their wedding night, leaning against the simpleton, he rambles drunkenly: "Ji Zhong is wonderful, truly wonderful. I was too afraid to trust anyone's heart. I was a coward, and I wasn't worthy of him... After tonight, he shouldn't come after me anymore... Mm, Sanlang, why are you holding me so tight?" The simpleton suddenly speaks, his voice hoarse. "I'm Ji Zhong." "Don't listen to the rain beating through the trees. Why not stroll along, humming as you please? A bamboo staff and straw sandals are lighter than a horse. Who's afraid? I'll spend my life amid wind and rain, in a straw cape." -- Su Shi Theme: Reborn with hatred in his heart, he stands amid a turbulent realm and saves his family, his country, and the world.