When the Smoke Clears and the Snow Melts

I'm focusing all my efforts on filling the plot hole in the neighboring story, so this one updates every other day. I've had a lot going on lately, so updates before the story goes on sale will be irregular. You might want to wait until there's more to read.

[Rekindled Romance, Childhood Friends] Young General vs. Noble Lady

Early spring of the Renchen year. The snow melted and the ice thawed. The rebels stormed the city overnight, and flames engulfed the capital.

The rebels had entered the city, and those most immediately threatened were naturally the nobles of the capital, who had been enjoying a life of wine, song, and dancing just the day before.

To avoid falling into their hands, Lin Wanqiao styled her hair like a married woman's and changed into coarse clothes, hiding among the maids. She planned to flee the capital with the panicked crowd and head north to seek out her close friend.

The friend was County Lady Rong of the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence, far away in the northern lands. With her country fallen and her family destroyed, she might as well go to her friend and spend the rest of her life with her.

Lin Wanqiao lowered the white veil of her hat and hurried forward with her head bowed.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves rang out through the crowd. A sharp sword cut through the night and knocked the hat from her head.

Lin Wanqiao's heart jolted. She raised her limpid eyes.

The man sitting astride the tall horse was none other than Rong Huai, heir to the Marquis of Zhenbei's residence, who should have been far away in the northern lands.

He curled his lips as he looked at her. His sword was drawn and still unsheathed, its icy edge pressed against Lin Wanqiao's snowy-white neck.

"You really got married?"

The night wind rose, and shouts rang out without end. Amid the flames filling the city, Rong Huai swept his arm, sword in hand, and thrust at Lin Wanqiao.

Lin Wanqiao's dark hair came loose, and the ribbon that had held it up fell to the ground in several pieces.

"That hairstyle looks awful." Rong Huai drew back his sword with a look of disdain and said coldly.

Male lead's perspective:

The puppy weeps: After my whole family was exiled, I fought my way back.

But when we met again, the woman I love seemed to be married. Should I wish her an early widowhood?

Post-marriage extra:

The following spring, the snow melted from the pond. Lin Wanqiao sat by the window in her clothes. Rong Huai came over, took her hand, and pulled her into his arms. In a low voice, he said, "Your hairstyle looks beautiful today, my lady."

Lin Wanqiao teased him on purpose: "But I seem to remember someone saying it looked awful."

Rong Huai gave a light cough and lowered his eyes. "My eyes were injured that day. I really was a bit blind."

Theme: Opportunity favors the prepared