Xiang Ling first saw Ruan Zhao in the depths of winter, in the first year of Jingye. He led a million iron-clad soldiers to storm the royal capital, washing away the humiliation of having once been held hostage.
On his tall horse, the blood-soaked youth looked grim, like a god of slaughter incarnate. Ruan Zhao stood barefoot among the palace attendants, kneeling on the ground as they awaited their fate.
As Xiang Ling's eyes swept over them, his gaze stopped on her face.
Then he pointed at her. "You. Come here."
From that moment on, she became the cinnabar mark in his heart that he could never let go of.
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Ruan Zhao transmigrated into the original story as a cannon-fodder NPC, the emperor's illegitimate daughter who had grown up in the countryside. Her cheap excuse for a father lost his kingdom and sent her to a prince of the enemy state.
Ruan Yuanyuan knew how to read the room. After learning she was a stand-in for Ruan Xi, the original story's heroine, she worked day and night to imitate her every frown and smile as closely as possible, all to ensure her escape plan went smoothly.
People say you shouldn't bend your back for a few bushels of rice, but one bushel was enough for her.
But before her plan was even a third of the way complete, the real Ruan Xi came back.
She was the heroine of the original story, the one who had all the world's favor. Ruan Yuanyuan was just an awkward substitute.
Ruan Yuanyuan quickly packed her things and decided to put her escape plan into action ahead of schedule. From then on, the world would be hers to roam.
Years later, Ruan Yuanyuan ran into Xiang Ling outside the capital. The once aloof youth, above the mortal world, begged her desperately: "Zhaozhao, you were always the one I loved. Please, don't leave me."
Ruan Yuanyuan's inner monologue: Pah! What a two-timing scumbag.
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A resilient heroine who can bend without breaking. She eats and sleeps well, but absolutely refuses to fall for the male lead.
Content warnings:
1. The heroine does not end up with the male lead. Her getting to live the life she wants is her happy ending.
2. The original story's heroine is not vilified. The heroine also saves her, helping her escape an unhealthy relationship.
Theme: Sisters, stand up together.
