A Crane's Pavilion Hides a Beauty (Reborn)

[My next book, "This Lady-in-Waiting Is Quite Something," please add it to your favorites]

[Blurb]

In her previous life, Gu Qingyao gave her heart to the wrong man, was branded a husband-killer, and ended up with nothing but a lonely grave.

Only the cold and noble Chancellor Qin Yan wrote her epitaph and burned offerings for her.

When she awoke again, she was trapped in prison. She steeled herself, caught Qin Yan by the hem of his robe, and begged him to save her. "Chancellor, please wait..."

Who could have guessed that she would lose her freedom in another way?

Linhai Pavilion was bestowed on Qin Yan by the emperor in praise of his noble character, but he used it to keep her captive.

**

Qin Yan had made a name for himself at a young age. The world admired him, and every official bowed before him. But he found the world dull.

A few years ago, he noticed a lively young girl with cloud-dark hair and a slender waist.

But she had terrible taste, and had already been promised to a member of the imperial clan who was all reputation and no substance.

Later, the girl became a young widow. When Qin Yan brought her into his home, he told himself he was merely keeping a carefully tended pet bird, adding a little amusement to this dull world.

As time passed, he found himself more and more captivated by the glances she sent his way: clear and bright, rippling with affection.

But whether he treated her as a pet bird or as his beloved, all she ever wanted was to escape.

And later still...

That rainy night, Gu Qingyao knelt on the ground, tears and rain running down her face as she stood there in a wretched state.

It was the first time she had called him husband, and the first time she had willingly gone with him.

But Qin Yan knew that all her docility and surrender were for the sake of another man.

Reader's notes:

1. An alternate setting. The heroine is not a virgin, but the hero is. Happy ending. The male lead is Qin Yan.

2. The heroine is clear-headed and self-interested, though sometimes she plays sweet. The male lead is an expert at saying one thing and meaning another.

[Blurb for my next book, "This Lady-in-Waiting Is Quite Something," below]

◎ A frail, powerful minister who retires at thirty

◎ A healthy, cheerful young maid

Everyone in the Pei household says:

The master is in very poor health. The Grand Madam is searching everywhere for a suitable woman to send to his room, so the Pei family can have an heir.

Passing by, the young cook Ajiu shook her head. "Sounds like they're finding a pig a mate."

The master, bundled in a thick cloak and holding a hand warmer though autumn had only just begun: "..."

That very night, Ajiu was sent to the master's bedroom.

Ajiu was a little country girl who could eat three bowls of rice in one sitting and had a voice loud enough to wake the dead.

Ask her about the kitchen spices, and she could talk your ear off. But serving the pampered master, let alone becoming the future young master's mother, was clearly beyond her station.

That was what everyone in the Pei household thought, from the Grand Madam to the cooks.

But not only was Ajiu not sent away by the master, she stayed night after night.

Later, the young master was born, and the master's health gradually improved.

The Grand Madam: "...Well, I suppose that works."

[Bonus scene]

That winter, Pei Yan finally no longer had to stay cooped up indoors drinking bitter medicine.

With a grim expression, he mounted his horse and galloped through the falling snow, blocking Ajiu's ox cart.

His gaze was cold as a frosty blade, but his words sounded pitiful. "You don't want the child, fine. But you don't want me either?"

Little Pei, who had been jolted sick in his arms: ?

Ajiu poked her head out of the cart. "Weren't I just supposed to give you an heir? Once I've done that, I can go back to the countryside. My cousin is still waiting... Mm."

Little Pei covered his eyes and ran off.

◎ Both leads are virgins. Age-gap warning.

Theme: Don't underestimate yourself