[There's an upcoming novel next door. Feel free to check it out if you're interested.]
Qing Ling was the only daughter of General Qing. She had been doted on since childhood and had never suffered much hardship.
Until she laid eyes on Chen Zhuojun, the current Grand Secretary, at a palace banquet. She'd heard he was an aloof beauty, indifferent to women and cold-hearted.
Blinded by love, she tried to get close to Chen Zhuojun by bringing him cooling soup in summer and padded clothes in winter. Love letters flowed into the Chen residence like water, and she was so lovesick that she could neither eat nor sleep.
But he was like an immortal descended from heaven. No matter what she tried, he wouldn't budge, neither by force nor by persuasion. His handsome face stayed chilly, keeping everyone at a distance.
Qing Ling: His heart is made of ice. I'll never be able to warm it.
The next year, at another palace banquet, she stood him up. After getting drunk, Chen Zhuojun cornered her behind a rockery.
His usually neat official robes were slightly disheveled. Lowering her eyes, she caught sight of a pale purple poria flower embroidered on his undergarment.
Cold, abstinent Grand Secretary & adorable noblewoman who's a sucker for handsome faces
The male lead is a slow burn and a little sultry beneath the surface.
Theme: Failure is the mother of success.
