Joyful Neighbors

Coming next: Cousin Yu'an. Rolling around and begging you to add it to your favorites.

Blurb: The elders arranged a blind date for Jing Zhen, and she went reluctantly.

Beneath the marriage tree outside the Temple of the Matchmaker, she spotted a man in a blue robe standing tall and straight in the distance, like a pine or bamboo. He held a book in his hand.

More than half of Jing Zhen's reluctance vanished. His back looks pretty good, huh? She walked over and called out, "Young Master?"

The man turned around. "Miss, I'm Yu'an."

His face was as fair as jade, his features exceptionally handsome. He was gentle and refined, yet bright and confident, a man whose looks could make one forget the world.

Jing Zhen's reluctance disappeared completely. This man looks... pretty good, huh? "You've been here for a while, Young Master?"

The man replied, "Not long." He smiled faintly, like a spring breeze bringing rain, a perfect gentleman in every way.

Jing Zhen's pretty face brightened with a smile. His temper seems decent too, huh? She reached out. "Young Master Li, give me the book." The book was the token they had exchanged to recognize each other.

The man said, "I wouldn't mind giving the book to Miss Jing, but I should let you know that my surname is Lu, not Li."

Wait, had she mistaken him for someone else? Jing Zhen's head buzzed, and she was completely dumbfounded...

Lu Ji smiled as if amused. "Allow me to introduce myself again. I'm Lu Ji, a friend of your brother's."

Later, when they arrived in Dongjing, their families turned out to be neighbors...

(Blurb archived.)

1. A lively little fox versus a dignified, powerful court official. Mostly everyday life.

2. Both are virgins, one-on-one romance.

3. Set in the Northern Song dynasty.

4. Neither the female lead nor the male lead is a saint. Everyone has their own motives.

5. Feel free to criticize the characters, but if you do, you can't criticize me...

Coming next: Cousin Yu'an. Please add it to your favorites.

On her way back from a spring outing outside the city, Zhang Miaoyi came across Feng Shang, disheveled after his horse collapsed and his carriage broke down.

Feng Shang: "Miss, could I trouble you for a ride?"

Zhang Miaoyi politely refused. "No."

A smile appeared in Feng Shang's charming peach-blossom eyes. "Please, Miss, take pity on me and give me a lift. I'd be very grateful."

Zhang Miaoyi: "Young Master, you can't just assume you can do whatever you want because you're handsome."

Feng Shang's smile faded. "I'll pay you. Name your price..."

Zhang Miaoyi laughed. "Do I look like I need money? Heh. Let me tell you, there's no room for negotiation."

"Oh? Is that so?"

The next moment, a cold dagger was pressed against Zhang Miaoyi's neck.

Feng Shang said, "Let's discuss something."

Zhang Miaoyi wiped her face. "Heh. I'd be delighted to help, Young Master!"

They met again at a banquet in the Guangning Marquis's residence. Feng Shang was surrounded by young nobles and noblewomen. Dressed in splendid robes and jade pendants, he was dazzlingly handsome, a man of outstanding elegance.

Zhang Miaoyi's grandmother introduced him. "He's the grandson of my cousin. Come and greet your cousin from the Feng family. He's even prepared a gift for you!"

Zhang Miaoyi put on a smile. "Well, let me guess. Cousin's gift wouldn't happen to be a dagger, would it?"

Note:

1. They are cousins by marriage, not blood. The grandmother married into the family later as a second wife.

2. Both are virgins.

3. Set in the Northern Song dynasty.

(The blurb has been archived.)

The novel Neighborly Joy is participating in the [Growth and Comeback] writing event, under the theme [I Am Born with Talent, and It Will Surely Be Put to Use]. Reason for entering: Jing Zhen's learning and strategic intelligence are second to none, yet she is destined to be unable to enter government service and achieve prominence at court like a man. But Jing Zhen has never complained about her fate. Starting out as the daughter of a minor official, she arrives in Dongjing and gradually buys estates and mountains, provides homes for refugees, and builds a fruit business called Sweet Fruit Orchard into an entire supply chain. She becomes the leader of the fruit trade, supporting the new policies and taking on reactionary forces at court in her own way. She shows the world that women, too, can accomplish great things.

It fits the theme.

Theme: Love has never been just a matter of words.