[Formerly titled "Capturing Your Heart." I had no inspiration, so I changed the blurb. Please remove it from your collection if that's an issue. Sorry!]
False princess / revenge and punishing scumbags / face-slapping / groveling at the crematorium
The emperor's most beloved little princess, Ming Yuan, is famed throughout the land for her beauty. She also has a pure and kind heart.
The emperor is wary of General Qi Zhao, who guards Yumen Pass, and has long wanted him dead. The little princess volunteers to marry him to save his life.
As soon as the imperial marriage edict is announced, the little princess becomes the beloved of every soldier beyond Yumen Pass.
But fate has other plans. Sand raiders attack the wedding procession, and everyone dies.
Only the little princess and her cousin, who was sent as her companion and attendant, are neither seen alive nor found dead.
-
Lili, a little cook in the army at Yumen Pass, is mute and has no memories from before the age of sixteen.
Fortunately, everyone in the army likes her.
The general's younger sister says, "Lili is so pretty. Why not just make her my sister-in-law?"
The soldiers blush and duck away whenever they see her.
Even the renowned General Qi Zhao often looks after her. Lili's life is going quite well.
Until the general's missing fiancee, Princess Ming Yuan, is found.
The princess is everyone's beloved, surrounded by adoring crowds and basking in the spotlight.
But the princess seems to hate Lili. She humiliates and frames her, accusing her of stealing her things.
The soldiers say, "How dare you use something that belongs to the princess?"
The general's sister also urges Lili to return the things to the princess as soon as possible.
Even Qi Zhao looks at her with suspicion.
Unwilling to suffer any more humiliation, Lili resolutely leaves. On the way, she runs into the Crown Prince, her older brother, who came looking for her.
Only then does she find out: Oh wow, I'm the real beloved one. :D
-
Later, those who misunderstood and humiliated Lili have red eyes as they grovel to her.
But she never gives them the time of day.
[The fake princess is her cousin in disguise!! The real beloved is back!! Revenge and punishing scumbags!! Face-slapping!! A full-on groveling-at-the-crematorium arc is coming!!]
Warnings:
1. The heroine is genuinely mute early on, but recovers later.
2. The heroine gets revenge on those who wrong her. She's no meek little victim who swallows her anger.
3. The male lead might not be the general. The author is the heroine's biggest fan and will pick the best candidate.
Theme: Always keep your word.
