Biting the Green Plum

In the capital, two families are the closest of friends.

The Minister of Justice, Chen, has a girl who acts like a tomboy and loves climbing over walls to join in the fun. Her name is Chen Jiaojiao.

The Marquis of Dingyuan has a spoiled young son whom his tutors all consider hopeless. His name is Li Yunze.

When they reach marriageable age, their families begin looking for suitable matches for them.

Chen Jiaojiao's requirement: gentle and refined.

Li Yunze sneers, "Please don't go around ruining the lives of decent young men!"

Li Yunze's requirement: gentle and sweet.

Chen Jiaojiao rolls her eyes at him. "What girl would be blind enough to want you?"

In truth, each already has someone in mind, and it just so happens to be the other's closest friend. So they start scheming.

Why don't we help each other out?

They hit it off at once, teaching each other how to win over the people they like and even holding the occasional practical lesson.

One day, the two of them are practicing in the Chen family's garden.

Li Yunze reaches out, wraps an arm around Chen Jiaojiao's slender waist, and chuckles. "Why are you dodging me?!"

Chen Jiaojiao stubbornly insists, "I'm not!"

Li Yunze looks at her, licking his lower lip. "You can't be this shy!"

Their parents happen to see the scene, and the two families hit it off just as quickly.

Li's mother: Since the children are so fond of each other, let's go over and propose on an auspicious day.

Chen's mother: Then we'll start preparing the dowry.

The two of them still haven't figured out what's going on even after being ushered into the bridal chamber.

How did we end up together?

Everyone else: I knew those two had something going on!

Later, on their wedding night,

Li Yunze takes her hand. "How about we just go along with the mistake... and consummate the marriage?"

Then he kisses her. Childhood friends really are sweet.

#The male lead has a crush on the female lead, and it's sweet from beginning to end#

Screenshot taken on 2023.04.18 / Tang-inspired, fictional setting

Theme: Without even realizing it, we had already formed a bond