Fu Lanqing has a dream in which she marries Pei Yunchu, the upright and incorruptible judge of the Court of Judicial Review.
He tells her he doesn't love her, but that she will be the only woman in his household for the rest of his life.
Believing love will grow with time, Fu Lanqing settles into a quiet life with Pei Yunchu, until he has her entire family arrested and imprisoned to take the blame for the woman he truly loves.
Fu Lanqing wakes in a cold sweat and rushes to her grandfather, the Grand Preceptor. She happens to find Pei Yunchu there, discussing a marriage proposal with him.
Pei Yunchu promises, "She'll be the only woman in my household."
Fu Lanqing was doted on as she grew up in the Grand Preceptor's household. Innocent and sheltered, she has a whole family fretting over her marriage. After careful consideration, the Grand Preceptor is just about to agree when Fu Lanqing refuses Pei Yunchu on the spot and runs over to Lu Qianyuan, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's commander. "I want to serve under you, sir."
Lu Qianyuan raises an eyebrow. "I'm not taking a wife. What would your position be if you stayed by my side?"
Pei Yunchu scoffs. If a sheltered young lady doesn't want to be his wife, does she want to be a concubine or a mistress instead?
Fu Lanqing answers, "A constable!"
Lu Qianyuan laughs. A delicate young woman wants to work for him? Still, he's always eager to recruit talent, and he doesn't have anyone like Fu Lanqing under his command. "Fine! But my subordinates aren't called 'constables.' From now on, you're one of my Embroidered Uniform Guards!"
From then on, a charming, rosy-cheeked guard in a flying-fish robe and with a Xiuchun saber at her waist is always at Lord Lu's side, following close behind his tall, straight figure.
[Mini-scene]
Fu Lanqing smiles sweetly. "My lord can see through the smallest details and understand the whole picture. Can you tell what I'm thinking?"
Lu Qianyuan answers coldly, "No!" But as he turns, he takes Fu Lanqing's delicate hand.
Fu Lanqing looks astonished. She only wanted to get off work early today. Why is Lord Lu holding her hand?
Carrying a fresh batch of peach blossom cakes, Pei Yunchu arrives to pick Fu Lanqing up and happens to witness the scene. His heart aches, but he pretends nothing is wrong and offers her the cakes. Fu Lanqing only says, "I don't like these anymore."
Lu Qianyuan tightens his grip on Fu Lanqing's hand and declares, "Come on. The Grand Preceptor is waiting for me to pay him a visit..." To ask for her hand in marriage!
He thought his heart was as clear as glass and that he would always be impartial. He never expected one person to claim all the feelings he'd kept to himself so easily.
(Blurb written on October 17, 2021)
Theme: Uphold fairness and justice
