The Schemes of Nan Chu

In the thirty-first year of the Chongyuan era, news of her father's death arrived with a heavy snowfall. Xia Qingwan headed north to Jinjing.

Beyond the carriage curtains, she heard that Jinjing's feng shui was said to be nourishing. Raising her head, she caught sight of the general's residence and its imposing gate.

Xia Qingwan lowered her eyes slightly. She feared things were not as peaceful as they appeared.

The court was shrouded in intrigue. The crown prince was a mediocre ruler, the Seventh Prince wielded great influence, and undercurrents swirled between the various factions.

The reins of political power were toys in the hands of scholars. Only the general's residence, standing firm amid the wind and snow, still guarded the frontier.

When Xia Qingwan first met him, she thought he was a graceful young general, striking in bearing. Mature, taciturn, and stern, he commanded awe in his armor without a word and never took part in court rivalries.

At the time, she thought they were complete opposites.

She carefully maneuvered through the capital, investigating the truth behind the massacre of the Zhenyong Sect.

He defended every position in Mobei, holding back the surging Iron Tiger Army as the Northern Qiang attacked.

They had no connection at all, but the person behind it all, who sought to unite the realm, had woven a web and made pawns of everyone.

-

They would be the pieces that turned the game around.

"By seniority, you should call me Senior Sister."

"Unmatched in grace, the princess's courtesy name is Mingyan."

"I am Jiang Zhan, an academician of the Grand Secretariat."

"The heir is truly handsome."

"I, Jiang Ciyan, General of Dingbei, volunteer to fight in the Battle of Chige."

#Ensemble cast in an ancient setting

Equal parts plot and romance

--Coming next: The Prince's Favor--

Sweet romance after an arranged marriage | Cold and restrained meets passionate and radiant

With the New Year approaching, another happy occasion came to the Chancellor's residence.

The emperor arranged a marriage between the Chancellor's daughter and Xie Shicheng, the newly crowned top scholar and Heir of Qingping. The two were to be joined in a happy union.

The charming beauty Su Mingnian held the imperial decree, stunned. She had an elder brother skilled in both letters and arms, and an elder sister of extraordinary talent. She was famous in the family for being a slacker. She excelled at eating, drinking, and having fun, but fell asleep the moment she opened the Four Books and Five Classics. Was it really a good idea to marry her off to Xie Shicheng, a newly crowned top scholar with a vast store of learning?

Su Mingnian was starting to panic!

Even though her maid reminded her that the two of them shared a little history, Su Mingnian had once stayed at the prince's residence as a child. When she left, the young heir had even kissed her on the cheek!

Su Mingnian stopped, lips pursed in thought. "Really?"

-

Xie Shicheng, Heir of Qingping, was the son of a general who had once pacified the Western Di. After a falling-out with the imperial family, his entire household moved to Jiangnan. It was not until the year Xie Shicheng came of age, when he passed the highest imperial examination, and then saved the emperor during his southern tour, that he was finally transferred back to the capital.

Xie Shicheng had been diligent and hardworking since childhood, with lofty ambitions. Entering the capital to serve in government was only the first step. He had no time for romance.

As for his marriage alliance with the Chancellor's family, he did know his betrothed. She had been spoiled rotten, couldn't bear the slightest hardship, and was infatuated with handsome men. When they were children, she'd stayed at his residence for a while and then refused to leave, clutching his clothes. He'd kissed her only because he had no other choice.

Out of regard for their childhood connection, he would treat her well. But she had no reason to expect romance.

Yet married life turned out rather differently from what he had imagined.

Su Mingnian loved anemones but was allergic to them, so Xie Shicheng commissioned the capital's finest artisans to recreate their appearance, bringing the beauty of spring into the garden.

Su Mingnian stared in astonishment, then glanced at him.

Xie Shicheng was calm and unruffled, as if afraid she might misunderstand. "They're all the rage in the capital."

When Su Mingnian caught a cold, Xie Shicheng personally went into the kitchen. After ruining several pots, he finally brought out a bowl of chicken soup. "I just threw something together."

At last, Su Mingnian sat by the bed with a heavy phoenix crown on her head. She tilted her head toward him, her eyes shy. "Brother Shicheng, was this crown specially made for me..."

A flush spread across the man's cheeks. "Mingnian, don't ask anymore."

Su Mingnian happily blinked. "All right, all right, I won't ask."

If I ask any more, Brother Shicheng will get embarrassed. (=^▽^=)

A cold, forceful workaholic who turns out to be utterly devoted (a leopard outside, a bashful ragdoll cat at home) | A bright, passionate, and slightly narcissistic young lady and heir's wife

The Prince's Favor

Spoiled by his favor, I hold the prince's heart

Theme: Protecting the common people.