Basking in My Beauty (Reborn)

[Novel Blurb]

One-line pitch:

A charming, calculating beauty from a wealthy family x a cool-headed, upright minister from a humble background

(1)

Zhu Lian's first sixteen years go smoothly. Her father is the Great General Who Guards the North, and her mother is backed by three generations of powerful ministers. Raised in luxurious comfort, this pampered young lady is also peerlessly beautiful, and the royal family takes her as the crown prince's consort.

But not long after the wedding, she dies suddenly of a grave illness, only to discover that she was merely a pawn the crown prince used to destroy the Zhu family. In a single month, the entire Zhu family is executed and wiped out. Her close friend, who had always treated her sincerely, is secretly carrying the crown prince's child. Before Zhu Lian's body has even grown cold, her friend can't wait to take her place in the Eastern Palace and become the crown prince's legitimate consort.

After three lifetimes' worth of dreams, she opens her eyes and finds herself back on the eve of her engagement to the crown prince. Zhu Lian smiles coldly. Heaven must have taken pity on the innocent members of the Zhu family who died unjustly. This time, just watch her defy fate and change their destiny!

So, at the Osmanthus Autumn Banquet a month later, she firmly rejects the crown prince's advances, leaving everyone shocked and confused.

Then she walks up to the young minister, a man as serene as a spring breeze and moonlight, yet born into a humble family, and gazes at him with affection in her peach-blossom eyes.

"Prime Minister Song, don't you think there's one phrase that describes us both?"

Song Yun glances at the delicate young lady and replies coldly, "What?"

"A match made in heaven."

(2)

Song Yun has been dreaming about the past lately. In his dreams, he is still a poor boy bullied by everyone, and a woman gives him a purse containing money that saves his life.

He doesn't know her name and can't make out her face. All he knows is that she's in the capital, and once he grows up, he must find her and repay her kindness.

But even after the young prime minister turns all of Daliang upside down, he still can't find her.

Then, at the Osmanthus Autumn Banquet, a graceful figure appears before him. The Zhu family's legitimate daughter bends down to pick up a purse, surprise filling her eyes.

"I never thought I'd find the thing I lost as a child here."

Song Yun's heart skips a beat. His cool voice softens almost imperceptibly. "Are you sure this purse really belongs to you?"

Holding the purse that isn't hers, Zhu Lian smiles with innocent charm. "Yes. What a coincidence."

Note:

1. The female lead is very calculating and is no saint. She plots first and falls in love later.

2. Both leads are virgins. One-on-one romance with a happy ending.

[Please add my next novel to your collection]: "A Guide to Spoiling My Husband"

Short intro: A sweetie with astonishing strength x a cold, jealous top scholar

When Gu Yao is eight, she moves in next door to Li Yan.

She secretly climbs onto the wall and sees the "little top scholar," famous far and wide, practicing painting beneath a paulownia tree in the Li residence. The boy is refined and handsome, as beautiful as fine jade. When he grows up, he is bound to be peerlessly dashing, second to none in the world.

Gu Yao is struck by his beauty at first sight. Blushing, she asks shyly, "I'm Gu Yao. Who are you?"

Li Yan looks up at the little girl bouncing around on the wall and smiles as warmly as a spring breeze.

"Guards," he says. "Kick her down and throw her out."

Who could have guessed that fortunes would later reverse? The Li family is persecuted and purged, while the Gu family is raised to marquis status and reaches the height of its power. For a time, no one can rival them, and suitors line up from the imperial palace to the city gates.

With proposals arriving one after another, her father asks if she has someone in mind.

Gu Yao nods. "There is, but I think I love him and he doesn't love me."

"What's so hard about that?" Her burly father waves a hand. "We'll just tie him up and bring him here!"

And so, by imperial decree, Li Yan, the greatest gentleman in all of Dasheng and a former top scholar, is carried into the Gu residence bound hand and foot.

On their wedding night, Li Yan spits out the gag and utters the first threat of his life: "Even if I die, I will never fall in love with you."

At his words, Gu Yao's heart trembles, and she is so heartbroken that she crushes the wine cup in her hand.

Li Yan: ???

"I didn't know you hated me this much."

"...I don't. Don't make things up."

Theme: Treasure the bonds of family. Your loved ones are the warmest harbor.