The Queen Is a Little Timid

Once the unchallenged Fu King, Jiang Qingluan fled to the Kingdom of Xin and fell into poverty. The streets were full of rumors: "The straw sandals the Fu King makes are comfortable, and cost just two coins a pair." "I heard that at the last state banquet, the Fu King packed up the leftovers to take home." "They say the Fu King's dancing is so graceful that nobles often invite her to perform." Then Jiang Qingluan stumbled into saving Chang Lan, the eldest princess of Great Xin. Naturally, her life took a different turn. Chang Lan spoiled her benefactor at every opportunity: "Make new clothes for His Highness the Fu King. Use the skill of the Banlan Workshop and the finest fabrics in the world." "His Highness the Fu King wants to fly a kite. No one else is allowed to fly theirs higher." "Jiang Qingluan, what else do you want? I'll give you everything!" Jiang Qingluan picked up the royal crown that had been thrown aside and said with a smile, "I want you... and my realm." This story is set in a fictional world and draws on the cultures and institutions of China's Warring States period and Japan's Sengoku period. Those looking for historical accuracy may find little to go on. I've prepared myself for this story to flop, so please be aware of these potential pitfalls: 1. Romance isn't the whole story, just an important part of it. 2. The plotlines of the two female leads will sometimes diverge, since they're both strong women with careers of their own. 3. Sometimes the focus will shift to the supporting characters. I want to try portraying a whole cast of people. 4. I have a large backlog of chapters, so updates will be posted every evening at 7:30. The story goes VIP on September 10, with three chapters released that day... Thank you all for your support! My new story, "The Imperial Colonel's Top Student Lover [Interstellar]," will follow this one. Please pre-order it by visiting my author page and adding it to your collection. Here's the blurb: Odin Jian, the Empire's hero, has always been a force to be reckoned with. The titles bestowed upon her by the emperor would take a full minute to write down: Governor of North Peak, Blade of the Empire, Crusher of the Zerg, Model Imperial Soldier... But most people, including Odin herself, prefer the title Colonel. At Odin's ennoblement ceremony, a reporter asked: "Colonel Odin, will you continue serving the Empire after you retire?" "No. I won't retire." "Governor, there's a rumor that you've recently become engaged to the prince's daughter. Is it true?" "That's utter nonsense." Odin's expression darkened. "Don't slander members of the royal family." "Then, Colonel Odin, is there anyone you intend to marry?" Odin smiled. "The Empire is my lover." This doesn't mean Odin Jian is celibate. After all, you could count the people she's been romantically linked to, from members of the royal family to married women, on both hands. Wen Yueying is a top student at North Peak Military Academy, with straight A's. She has a chance to train alongside senior officers, but without a noble background, she can't even get noticed by her superiors. Then, by a twist of fate, she ends up in Odin's bed! "Could I apply to be your adjutant?" Wen Yueying asked the Empire's hero, emboldened by the wine still in her system. Odin got dressed and fastened her uniform cuffs. "Be my lover instead." Theme: