An imperial decree brought down the Fang family. General Fang was executed, the men of the family were exiled to the barren lands of the Northern Wastes, and the women were conscripted into palace service. Everyone who had once been on friendly terms with them was implicated. The emperor decreed that anyone who pleaded for them would share their guilt. From then on, no one in the General's residence dared visit.
Only Li Qian was promoted. In private, everyone suspected that he had betrayed the Fang family, who had raised him, and sold them out to the emperor in exchange for wealth and advancement.
Three years later, the wrongful case was overturned, and Fang Ziyu, a son of the Fang family, returned to the General's residence. Everything had changed. Old friends took him to a tavern for a drink. When they stepped outside, they saw Li Qian.
Old friends met again, but for a moment, neither had a word to say.
The next day, rumors spread everywhere. The Fang family had kindly taken Li Qian in, but he was a treacherous schemer. The downfall of the Fang family must have been his doing. The friends of old had become enemies, and if others hadn't held him back, Young Master Fang would have punched Li Qian in the face.
That night, the red candles flickered as someone embraced Fang Ziyu from behind.
"I've missed you so much," came a trembling voice from behind him. Then his vision blurred with tears.
Devoted, reserved, and calculating top × upright, brave, and gentle bottom
I'm a novice writer, and this is my first story. Please be kind.
Theme: I only want to keep you safe.
