A Highland Flower in the Princess's Palm

A ruthless, ambitious princess vs. an unparalleled grandmaster as pure as the moon

As the Imperial Preceptor lay dying, he summoned his disciple Jiang Lin and entrusted him with his final wish.

"The Great Yan's fortunes are nearing their end, and powerful warlords surround us on every side. I guard the national treasures for Great Yan from my mountain sanctuary, so I cannot stay out of this. When you descend the mountain, find a worthy ruler and put an end to this turmoil."

"Yes."

The Imperial Preceptor looked at his eldest disciple, who seemed so otherworldly, as if untouched by mortal concerns, and felt a dull ache in his head. He was a little worried.

So he added, "You also have a junior sister. She's clever and sweet, and kind-hearted, but fate hasn't been kind to her. Her father doesn't dote on her, her mother doesn't love her, and anyone can bully her. If you see her, protect her a little as her senior brother."

"What is my junior sister's name?"

"Ning Buwei."

*

Jiang Lin carried out his master's final wish to the imperial capital, where he finally learned who Ning Buwei was.

Everyone but him knew that Ning Buwei, the Emperor and Empress's beloved only daughter, was extravagant, arrogant, and ruthless. On a bustling street, she had even whipped her own cousin twice in front of everyone before walking away without a care.

Jiang Lin watched in astonishment from a teahouse, while people at the next table gossiped.

"I hear the new top scholar is as handsome as Pan An, and the princess has had her eye on him for ages. The daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan said a few words too many, and that's why she got whipped."

"Looks like it won't be long before that top scholar becomes another of the princess's lovers."

"Doesn't anyone stop her?"

"With the Emperor and Empress doting on her, who would dare? Everyone knows the eldest princess likes handsome men. None of them can escape her grasp. By the way, sir, since you're new to the capital, you'd better watch out."

Jiang Lin, the man they had addressed, fell silent and said, "Thank you for the warning."

*

Jiang Lin had no intention of getting involved with his junior sister. But then, unexpectedly, the Emperor died, and the Empress's father seized power. That night, Ning Buwei, dressed in blazing red and wielding a spear, charged out of the palace gates straight toward the city wall.

With countless arrows ready to fly and flames lighting up the sky above the wall, Jiang Lin had no choice but to descend from the heavens and shield his junior sister.

Ning Buwei gazed at him, her beautiful face full of amusement. "Good sir, I can never repay you for saving my life. I would be honored to marry you..."

Jiang Lin refused outright. "There's no need."

But fate was fickle. His heart grew attached to the mortal world, and when Jiang Lin looked back, he regretted that curt refusal. All he could do was ask, "Does what you said that day still hold?"

By then, Ning Buwei ruled a vast empire, and countless talented young men awaited her favor. She glanced back and blinked. "Take a guess."

Theme: Bear your mission, but never forget kindness