Spring Awakening

When Chen Lingzi first met Zhou Lian, she thought he was a lecher and had her men beat him up.

As he took the beating, Zhou Lian shouted, “I just thought you looked familiar, miss. I feel like I've seen you somewhere before.”

Chen Lingzi sneered. At a glance from her, the guards hit him even harder.

That spring, Northern Yan sent envoys to ask for a woman from the Southern Liang royal family in marriage.

The young Emperor of Liang was at a loss. There were only two royal women of the right age: his own younger sister, Princess Chang'an, and his cousin, Commandery Princess Lanling. They were around the same age, both beautiful and accomplished. Which one should he send off for a political marriage?

One day, Commandery Princess Chen Lingzi of Lanling invited Zhou Lian, the son of General Zhou, to a banquet.

Chen Lingzi: “Zhou Lian, can you lend me some money to spend?”

Zhou Lian readily opened his purse. “How much do you need?”

Chen Lingzi: “A whole lot. And while you're at it, lend me some soldiers, too.”

Zhou Lian immediately grew wary and clutched his purse. “What are you planning to do?”

Chen Lingzi: “Usurp the throne.”

Zhou Lian: _(:з"∠)_

Ambitious young commandery princess x loyal young man

Note:

The story of the first great empress to ascend the throne, mentioned in I Manage the Harem for the Female Emperor.

Theme: A daughter must be self-reliant