[When golden wind and jade dew meet, their love surpasses countless joys in this world.]
Gu Zhouyao, a brilliant and proud master painter, a shrewd miser with a down-to-earth, streetwise streak, and Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review / Cui Shengji, the General of Changning, righteous to a fault, principled and fastidious, disdainful of money but quick to admit his mistakes and bow his head
<Enemies-to-lovers / A groveling pursuit of love / Sharp-tongued banter / Court intrigue and crime-solving>
Blurb:
The heroine: The kingdom's foremost portrait artist
Gu Zhouyao carries the secrets of her birth and the injustice done to her family. She just wants to get by, but hasn't forgotten her revenge. To enter the game herself, she needs to use her connections. That means becoming a valuable asset to a powerful person, a pawn for now as she waits for the right moment to ride the wind to success.
But even in the imperial capital, she has to fight to make a living, earn money, and take care of her family, so she also works at a winery.
Then a succession of strange cases stirs up the capital of Shendu. Rumors spread through court and among the people. The first murder is tied to the Qianjin Winery, and unlucky Gu Zhouyao is suspected of being the killer. But she not only clears her name, she also identifies the real culprit, making a name for herself overnight.
This quirky winery proprietress is not only clever and quick-witted, but also observant. She knows how to make money and how to examine corpses. Before long, she becomes the new Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, taking on cases and solving them with unstoppable momentum.
The hero:
Cui Shengji comes from a distinguished, powerful family in the capital. He used to be away honing his skills and paid no attention to worldly affairs. People say he's a refined, aloof young general with considerable skill and a ruthless streak.
Not long after he returns to the capital by imperial decree, he suddenly hears that his brother has been murdered. Unable to sit still, he takes his men straight to the first crime scene, where he meets the suspect, a seemingly delicate young winery proprietress.
After the case is solved, he realizes he wronged her and tries to apologize, but this nemesis of his won't accept an apology so easily. (If apologies solved everything, what would we need the courts for?!)
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They say opposites attract, and fighting is a way to get acquainted. Gu Zhouyao remembers the unpleasant man who tried to have her thrown in jail.
His name is Cui Shengji. She calls him a harbinger of doom and a little ghost who summons spirits. He calls her a liar and a master deceiver.
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Reader advisory: (Pick and choose what suits you.)
An imaginary Tang-Song setting. Entirely fictional, with original worldbuilding. Don't take the details too seriously. Readers who value historical accuracy, stay away.
The author is reliable and never abandons a story. Quality guaranteed.
The leads may not be truly good people, but they are both sexually inexperienced.
The author likes ornate language. If that's not for you, don't read.
The blurb has been screenshotted and saved as proof. Monday, June 16, 2025.
Theme: Be independent and strong, and stand by justice and your true self.
