[1] In the summer of Jian Ning Year 25, under the blazing sun, an unexpected guest arrived at the Prince of Wei’s residence.
Xie Nanzhi, once the most esteemed legitimate daughter of a noble family in Chang’an, knelt before Prince Wei, Xiao Zhuo.
“You want my help. What will you give me in return?”
“Myself.”
From that day on, Xie Nanzhi was no more. All that remained was Xie Ran, the Prince of Wei’s favored concubine.
[2] Xie Ran stayed by Xiao Zhuo’s side for seven years, growing from a girl who knew nothing into the sharpest blade in the Prince of Wei’s household. He taught her schemes and strategy, taught her how to read people and understand the world, and sheltered her under his wings, letting her do what she wanted.
Xie Ran always thought they were simply using each other. But one New Year’s Eve, Xiao Zhuo, drunk, held her tightly and whispered in her ear, “Nanzhi, I love you.”
Years later, Xie Ran stood beneath the city wall, facing the sunrise, her smile radiant. “I love you too, my lord.”
[3] Xiao Zhuo gave Xie Ran his boundless affection, and they both played their parts perfectly: the humble gentleman and the bewitching beauty. The court and the people were completely unprepared for the day everything changed.
The lowliest prince became emperor. The most down-and-out noblewoman restored her family. The two master actors of Chang’an won in dazzling fashion.
“I’m so glad she was always by my side. Her presence made those hardest days easier to bear. If I can, I hope every bright and peaceful day of my future will belong to her alone.”
In this vast, fleeting world, I seek only one person. Nanzhi heads south, and even the wild geese flying north turn south.
Reader’s notes:
1. The male lead has women in his household, but he has never touched them. The heroine has her reasons for becoming his concubine. If this bothers you, read with caution. Both leads are strong.
2. A resourceful noblewoman who grows and fights back x a scheming, sharp-witted, fallen prince. A story of two leads saving each other.
3. The story starts with flashbacks and is a slow burn. The plot takes precedence over the romance.
4. Please read civilly. If you don’t like it, you can leave. Personal attacks are not welcome.
Coming soon: Spoiling My Childhood Sweetheart
[Soft, adorable childhood sweetheart x tsundere, stubborn childhood friend]
In her previous life, Jiang Qiqi married a man who treated her poorly. Her elegant, noble-born husband loved someone else and was cold toward her.
When rebel forces attacked the city, he abandoned her to save his first love.
Jiang Qiqi died beneath the blades of the rebels.
After her death, someone gave her a grand funeral, drenched the capital in blood for her sake, and enshrined her memorial tablet in his family shrine. That person was her childhood friend.
When Jiang Qiqi opened her eyes again, she was fourteen.
She was still the daughter of a wandering martial artist, with a plum tree in her yard and an extraordinary family living next door.
The second son of that family would become her former husband’s rival ten years later: the powerful Grand Secretary who held sway over the court.
To repay a debt of gratitude and to secure a powerful ally, Jiang Qiqi began visiting the neighbors every few days.
“Brother Jingzhi, I made these plum cakes. Try one.”
“Brother Jingzhi, I brewed plum wine.”
“Brother Jingzhi, I made these plum-glazed ribs just for you.”
Fu Jingzhi looked at Jiang Qiqi coldly and said, “I don’t like plums at all.”
Fu Jingzhi couldn’t understand why the sweet, soft-spoken girl next door had started coming over all the time, fussing over him and taking care of him in every way.
His parents liked her very much and told him to marry her.
Fu Jingzhi figured that since it was bound to happen anyway, he might as well marry her. He still wouldn’t fall for her.
Later
“My dear, I want some of your plum cakes.”
“Didn’t you say you didn’t like plums?”
Fu Jingzhi fell silent for a moment, his expression strange.
“Plums are very fragrant.”
[The Grand Secretary’s Daily Face-Slapping]
Theme: Cherish every relationship in your life, and know right from wrong
