Chi Yan is the Chi family's adopted daughter. Madam Chi dotes on her at every turn, more than even her own biological daughters.
The reason is that before setting out on an expedition, the most revered Crown Prince of Dali personally instructed the entire Chi household to take good care of Chi Yan until his triumphant return.
When Chi Yan came of age for marriage, suitors crowded her family's doorway, yet no match was ever settled. One day, a servant reported that Chi Yan had been seen strolling and having fun with the young son of the Minister of Rites. The two seemed to be fond of each other, leaving the Chi couple at a loss for words.
On the day they went boating during the spring outing, the young master gave Chi Yan a fluorite hairpin and put it in her hair himself. He also confessed his feelings, saying that once he returned home, he would ask his mother to arrange a proposal. He had decided to seek Chi Yan's hand in marriage.
Before Chi Yan could answer, a troop of guards blocked their way. A hand as pampered and flawless as jade reached out from a carriage. Chi Yan's face instantly turned deathly pale, and she lowered her head as she climbed inside.
A moment later, the fine fluorite hairpin was tossed out of the carriage. The Crown Prince, whose jade-like face and ruthless reputation had once struck terror into enemy ranks, now stared coldly at the person before him. "Who gave you permission to accept a marriage proposal on a whim?"
Chi Yan's neck flushed red as she shot back, "Your Highness was gone for three years. I never received even half a letter from you. What does it matter to you if I get engaged now?"
The next day, Chi Yan sent word to reject the young master, saying she was sorry.
The Crown Prince still wasn't satisfied. He pulled Chi Yan into his arms and gripped her wrists so hard they reddened, threatening her, "You promised me back then that if I died on the battlefield, you would remain a widow for me."
Now he was back, and Chi Yan could only be his.
Theme: Growing together
