Childhood Sweethearts, Now Middle-Aged

The sixteenth year of Qin Wanzhi and Xie Qingyun's marriage. Her husband had suddenly blossomed late in life, like an old tree putting out new flowers. His old flame had caught fire again. By the lake, Xie Qingyun wore a blue robe and gazed gently at the young woman beside him. In pink, she was like a butterfly among spring flowers: young, beautiful, lively, and candid. She was playful and coquettish in a way Qin Wanzhi had never let herself be. Raised under strict discipline, Qin Wanzhi was dignified and virtuous, the very model of a respectable young lady. She married Xie Qingyun at fifteen. As the eldest son's wife and mistress of the household, she observed every propriety and never dared cross the line. She was like a piece of wood carved to perfection. Qin Wanzhi felt her life had always gone smoothly, and had always been content. She had a comfortable home, healthy parents, a husband who served close to the emperor, and bright, adorable children. It was a life many could only dream of. As for her and Xie Qingyun, she knew she was stiff and dull, and never dared ask for more. Xie Qingyun came from an eminent family, was upright and proper, and for many years the household had been peaceful. Qin Wanzhi thought that while they might not be perfectly in tune, they were harmonious in bed and treated each other with respect. They had supported one another all these years, and she was content to spend the rest of her life by his side. But as their youthful marriage reached middle age, cracks appeared in their peaceful life. Well, who could stand spending a lifetime with a block of wood? ◎ HE, male lead is pure in body and heart. The blurb doesn't represent the entire story. ◎ A story about complicated middle-aged people, with a sweet-and-sour tone. ◎ The cover is based on Emperor Huizong of Song's Auspicious Cranes. // Coming soon: The First Wife *A founding emperor and empress in a tale of love and hate* Luoyang fell, and Huo Xun declared himself emperor. By then, he and Le Zhen had not seen each other for two years. Two years earlier, Huo Xun had headed north, but Le Zhen had refused to go with him. They hadn't even met face to face. Huo Xun hadn't yet taken off his armor, and simply sent someone to take their child away. Huo Xun had raised an army despite his humble origins, and had been forced to marry Le Zhen in his early years. In the eyes of the world, this marriage, forced upon him when he was vulnerable, was his disgrace: a mark of the humiliation he had endured and the compromise he had made with the wicked great clans. Now he had become the most exalted man in the world. With his empire newly established, it would be perfectly reasonable for him to cast her aside, or even have her killed. But Le Zhen knew Huo Xun would not let her go so easily. Two years ago, he had already wanted her dead. Now she had lived two years longer, her relatives were gone, and there was nothing left in the world to hold her back. So she calmly awaited the imperial decree sentencing her to death, hoping it would soothe his hatred and bring their ill-fated relationship to an end. - After Huo Xun became emperor, people tentatively asked him whether he still wanted that woman brought back, and what should be done with her. After all, she was his first wife, but everyone knew the two were at odds, bound by a blood feud and more like enemies. Huo Xun remembered her stubborn, unyielding gaze. She had no sense that the tables had turned, no inclination to bow and scrape. Even with death before her, she would never lower her head or show weakness to him. She infuriated him, made him want to shatter her composure and pride. She wanted to escape through death, so he refused to let her have her way. Death would be far too easy for her. Theme: Hidden in my heart, how could I ever forget?