The Phoenix Sings, the Crane Cries

That year, beneath the misty waters stretching ten miles outside Gusu, she entered his world with a short sword in hand and a cry like a crane.

That year, amid ten miles of rain and snow outside Lin'an, he unceremoniously pulled her into the bustling world of mortals.

That year, in the prince's mansion in the capital, he awoke from a long dream, and his words, "I don't need you," set her free.

That year, snow and ice sealed the palace in Chang'an, and her words, "I'm back," made everything right for him.

That year, he gazed at the fine drizzle, sitting beneath the eaves as medicinal scents drifted from the red clay stove. Pretending to ask casually, he said, "Then, do you have feelings for me?"

After a long silence, she finally replied slowly, "I was going to say no, but then I thought, deceiving the imperial family is a serious crime."

Their love had come at just the right time. Amid tenderness and sighs, it was fortunate that, after weathering wind and snow, he could still hold her hand.

He was the frail, gentle, and refined Ninth Prince, clad in fox fur, his black hair loosely tied.

She was the peerless Crane Pavilion Master Ruan, cool and graceful, dressed in dark brocade with a black-and-gold short sword.

Xie Chen had never imagined a woman would be willing to bleed every last drop for him. Ruan Yueshen had never imagined that the man who would brave the raging flames and give up everything for her would be him.

Ruan Yueshen had always thought nothing could shake her, but his tenderness seeped into her very bones. Whether he gently rubbed the calluses on her palm, bowed his head to hold her close, or kissed her brow and eyes, she was helpless against it.

"I want to spend every year, every day and night, with you."

Reading Guide:

1. A gentle, refined, brilliant male lead with a mind full of knowledge x a cool, indifferent female lead who is actually innocent and simple-minded (but physically strong)

2. The female lead puts her past with a scumbag behind her x the male lead never leaves her side

3. Sweet moments and heartbreak!

4. This is not a matriarchy

Theme: Lovers will find their way to each other in the end, no matter what. No cutting off ties or scheming; they just need to be together.