As the eldest legitimate son of the century-old Song family, Song Qin is proper and distinguished, lofty and admirable, like flawless white jade carved to perfection.
His one blemish is that he dotes on a beautiful concubine so openly that the whole city knows.
But Ning Yuan knows her lowly place. She depends on him to get by, so she is cautious in everything and never oversteps. All she wants is a safe place where she can live a quiet life.
Until one day, she accidentally offended a commandery princess visiting the residence. The princess's maid slapped her hard three times, while Song Qin stood a few feet away with his hands behind his back, placating the princess. "Since we're betrothed, you can do as you please with all the maids in this household."
Ning Yuan saw the truth of life within the mansion walls and began quietly making plans for herself.
Unexpectedly, on the night before the commandery princess was to move in, she turned over restlessly in her sleep and knocked the bedside candlestick to the floor.
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Song Qin had never thought he loved Ning Yuan. She was merely an excuse to avoid a marriage alliance.
But as time passed, whenever he saw her tearful, dazed eyes, all his frustrations found an outlet.
And when she meekly endured everything and called him "Brother Qin" in that soft, breathy voice, he couldn't help becoming rough with her.
So Song Qin thought that Ning Yuan had suffered because of his marriage, and he could indulge her a little from now on.
But when a sea of flames swallowed her graceful figure, a piece of Song Qin's heart suddenly went missing.
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Song Qin had never believed in ghosts and spirits, but he truly saw Ning Yuan, who should have died.
She was holding someone else, laughing and chatting as she called him "Brother Qing," in the same voice she had once used when she couldn't bear to call Song Qin that way.
Winter snow whispered, masking the clink of metal.
In the dim light, Song Qin smiled faintly, though his eyes were dark, and the five fingers around her neck tightened again and again.
Ning Yuan had taken medicine and was hazy with confusion. Song Qin lowered his voice, as if coaxing her:
"A Yuan, tell me one more time. Who am I?"
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Reading Guide
* 1v1, both leads are virgins, happy ending
* He realizes his feelings from the start; the male lead doesn't change
Blurb saved 2023.03.18
Theme: Be kind-hearted, but never soft-handed.
