Stealing the Beauty

I didn't prepare enough before starting this story, and it has some flaws. I don't recommend reading it! Don't make me beg you!

The little princess, deeply favored by Emperor Xuan, was kidnapped by the notorious bandit Hua Lingfeng on the night before her betrothal.

The very next day, the heir of the Yanping Marquis's household, who had long lived in Yingzhou, returned to the capital and happened to rescue the princess from the bandits. On the day he escorted her back to the palace, he asked Emperor Xuan for permission to marry her in front of the entire court, claiming that she was the one his heart desired and that he had fallen in love at first sight.

Few people knew that Hua Lingfeng and Mo Lingjue, heir to the Marquis's household, were in fact the same person.

People said Hua Lingfeng was sly and unscrupulous, using his martial skills to run rampant. But when An Ruyue first met him, she was captivated by the tenderness in his eyes.

She often thought that if only this gentle young man, who cherished her so dearly, had a more respectable background, she could make him her consort and wouldn't have to fret over marriage anymore. Who knew that this somewhat absurd wish would come true overnight?

After the heir proposed, she looked at the man before her and found it hard to believe. In a secluded corner, she asked him in a daze, "Now that you're no longer Hua Lingfeng, what should I call you?"

He gazed at her with a smile, a glint of mischief in his eyes. He lifted a hand to gently brush the stray hairs from her forehead, pretending to think before leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Call me heir, Lingjue, darling, husband... Which one do you like, Jiaojiao?"

Hearing him tease her, An Ruyue's cheeks burned. Pouting coquettishly, she silently rose to the challenge. "I like Mo Lingjue!"

He suddenly chuckled.

"As it happens, Mo Lingjue has been in love with Jiaojiao for a long time, too."

[The adored little princess] [The seemingly gentle but secretly scheming heir]

Content warnings: A fictional setting with a mountain of original details. The heroine has no ambitions beyond falling in love. Everything is in service of a sweet romance.

My next story will be Snowfall Over Spring's Beauty. Please add it to your reading list QAQ

Its original working title was This Princess Has a General to Protect Her.

[Sunny princess] * [Unhinged general]

A rabid dog becomes a loyal hound for love. A marriage that turns to love, a forced marriage, and possessive love.

Rumor had it that the princess fell in love with the great general who guarded the northern frontier at first sight, that they loved each other in return and were happily married.

Only Rong Sui knew how hard she'd fought to get this sham of a marriage, in a desperate attempt to escape a political marriage.

On the day the imperial edict arranging the marriage was delivered to the general's residence, Rong Sui secretly climbed onto its courtyard wall.

Through the swaying shadows of the trees, she saw a trace of disgust cross Zuo Muheng's face as his gaze fell on the edict.

Zuo Muheng did not accept the edict. Instead, he ordered a carriage prepared, intending to go to the palace and accept punishment.

In her panic, Rong Sui tumbled off the high wall.

A shadow fell over her curled-up body as she winced in pain.

She looked up and saw the man's icy, brooding gaze, sharp as a blade.

She wiped the dust from her face and pleaded in a soft, tearful voice, "Please, General, marry me!"

The man crouched down and said coldly, "There is a difference between ruler and subject. Your Highness must be joking."

His arrogance and disdain were unmistakable, like a ruler looking down on those beneath him.

She swore on her life and signed an agreement to divorce after one year. In the end, she still managed to secure the marriage.

As the year drew to a close, the emperor fell ill and the crown prince took over. When trouble broke out at the border, Zuo Muheng was ordered to lead troops to the southern frontier that very night.

Just as victory seemed assured, Rong Sui was implicated in her mother's family's crimes and demoted to commoner.

On the eve of her punishment, she presented the divorce agreement in the palace hall and went alone to Yanzhou.

The first day after Zuo Muheng returned victorious, he rode out of the capital, eyes red as he rushed to Yanzhou.

*

At that time, Rong Sui was teaching a little girl to recite poetry at a merchant family's school. Zuo Muheng kicked open the door, his face dark and travel-worn, and kissed her eyelids.

The next moment, he hoisted Rong Sui over his shoulder and strode out of the school.

She struggled against him.

Zuo Muheng tightened his arm around her, restrained but resolute. Only after setting her down on the carriage bed did he speak, his voice hoarse, like a long-dormant beast intent on devouring her whole.

"A conquered city is never returned. You don't understand, A Sui, but that's all right. Starting today, I'll teach you."

"Don't leave me."

"Please..."

He had been willing to grow in darkness until he died, but Rong Sui insisted on entering his life and showing him the warmth of the sun. Naturally, he would cling to her with all his might, never letting go until death.

Theme: Treat others sincerely, and they will sincerely return your kindness.