The Princess Comes First

Princess Zhaoxi once saved someone at another person's request. He was Yun Qingtan, a marquis's son once famed throughout Chang'an for his brilliance and extraordinary talent. But after his father was convicted of a crime, he had fallen from grace and become a prisoner. Afraid that the ethereal young noble might lose hope, Zhaoxi bought him a separate residence and made sure he had plenty to eat and drink. She also dropped by from time to time to check on him. Zhaoxi thought she was helping someone in need, rescuing him from dire straits... Who could have guessed that all of Chang'an would think she was after his looks and taking advantage of him? Zhaoxi: ??? Her maid tactfully pointed out that, Your Highness, this was practically the same as keeping a lover on the side. Zhaoxi: !!! Utter nonsense! To protect both him and her own fragile reputation, Zhaoxi had no choice but to send him away with her heartfelt blessings. Years later, Yun Qingtan had distinguished himself in the army and returned to Chang'an as a celebrated general. His father's case had also been overturned. Zhaoxi was delighted. The once noble and aloof young master had become a deep-minded marquis. When he looked at Zhaoxi, he smiled with a knife hidden behind it, as if she owed him a mountain of debts. Zhaoxi thought: Surely he wouldn't repay kindness with resentment. But Yun Qingtan gripped her wrist, his expression half amused, and asked, one word at a time: "Why did Your Highness take me in, then abandon me?" Zhaoxi: ? I didn't! I never did! Don't make things up! Before long, the whole court was gossiping about her and Yun Qingtan. Yun Qingtan smoothed the creases in his brocade robe and said casually, "Since I was once Your Highness's kept man, she should naturally take responsibility for me." Zhaoxi: Σ( ° △ °|||)︴ A little scene: Zhaoxi: What if I'm married by the time you come back? Yun Qingtan: Then wait until you divorce him. Zhaoxi: What if I don't divorce him? Yun Qingtan: There's always a way. Zhaoxi: You wouldn't force me into anything, would you? Yun Qingtan smiled faintly: "I... did consider it back then." Zhaoxi: ? #The stunning princess's former lover has come knocking. #Don't panic, the feelings are mutual! #A strange redemption romance, full of lively, lighthearted, serious, and tense vibes. Cover art used with non-exclusive permission, artist @Xingchen Moyue (-- Blurb posted in July 2021) Theme: Love is truly wonderful.