The Princess's Consort Is Both Beautiful and Frail

A story about a soft, adorable, tsundere beauty who accidentally wanders into a den of wolves.

Blurb

The capital is especially lively this year, because Princess Xuanhe, the emperor's younger sister, has finally come of marriageable age.

Princess Ling Miao is the youngest legitimate princess in the palace. They say she is even more beautiful than the late empress, once called the capital's greatest beauty, and that she has such a lovely disposition that everyone who meets her adores her.

The emperor has always doted on his only younger sister. To find her a worthy consort, he specially summoned every unmarried young man from the noble families to the palace for the Lantern Festival banquet, so the princess could choose for herself.

Looking over the roomful of talented young men, the emperor was quite pleased. He regarded Ling Miao as if she were selecting a concubine and said, "There's no need to rush. Set your standards high and take your time choosing."

In the emperor's mind, anyone worthy of his sister would have to be quick-witted and modest, young and accomplished with unmatched wisdom, or gifted in both letters and arms, able to stand on his own. But when the emperor followed Princess Xuanhe's gaze with a beaming smile and saw the man she had chosen, his smile instantly froze.

The man caught in Princess Xuanhe's gaze stood among the other talented young men in simple white robes. He was certainly handsome, but his face was ashen and he looked ready to collapse, as if he might have to be carried out at any moment.

At the emperor's disbelieving look, Ling Miao smiled shyly. "Your younger sister asks for nothing else. As long as he is handsome enough, that's all that matters."

Three months later, the emperor issued an edict granting the marriage. The princess's consort was to be Lu Yixing, the sickly young marquis of the Yongchang Marquis estate, who had nothing going for him but his looks.

Everyone was stunned. They were baffled and sorry for the princess, while remarking that the Yongchang Marquis estate was enjoying one last revival by living off her wealth. Poor Princess Xuanhe would likely be condemned to a lifetime of celibacy.

"Don't listen to their gossip. You were born with that face, and you won this princess's favor. How is that living off my wealth?" Ling Miao said to her new consort on their wedding night.

"But they're not wrong." Lu Yixing's voice was weak and apologetic. "I come from a humble background and suffer from poor health. I really am unworthy of the princess."

Having seen with her own eyes how violently her father treated her mother, and having lived through the dark years of the succession struggle, Ling Miao was all the more pleased with this beautiful consort, whose family had fallen from prominence and who could not even truss a chicken. Her smile grew gentler as she comforted him. "Don't worry, Consort. I'm not a woman of great desire, so you needn't feel pressured. If you can, then fine; if not, that's all right. As long as you do as I say, I won't mistreat you. I'll protect your estate for you."

"Thank you, Princess." Lu Yixing looked deeply grateful. "Your servant will do everything in his power to serve you."

And so the sounds from the bridal chamber did not stop until the third watch of the night.

Late that night, when all was quiet, a tall figure slipped out of the room without a sound.

In a secluded courtyard, the emperor was already waiting. He glared at the man who arrived. The newcomer was still dressed in white, but there was not a trace of illness on his face. His dark eyes were bright, his peerlessly handsome features still carried a heroic air, and a satisfied smile curled his lips. He looked nothing like the man who had seemed on the verge of death during the day.

The emperor gave a cold snort. "You put on quite a good act. Now that you've tricked my younger sister into marrying you, it's time to keep your promise to me, isn't it?"

A pampered, stubborn but softhearted little princess x a seemingly gentle, calculating young marquis who has schemed for a long time

Don't misunderstand the emperor. He's a victim too. This is essentially a lighthearted, sweet little romance.

One-on-one, both virgins, happy ending.

Theme: Only sincerity can win true love.