Entwined with Tender Branches

A stunning, flirtatious, charming female lead x a forthright, domineering, attention-grabbing male lead To save her father, who has been imprisoned on false charges, Fang Shuyao is forced to impersonate the princess of Daliang. She travels far to Liajiang and uses her beauty to win the protection of a powerful state. To persuade the King of Liajiang to agree to the marriage alliance, she patiently maneuvers around him. She does her utmost to play the Daliang princess who loves the king with unwavering devotion. She only has to wait until the plan succeeds, when Daliang will keep its promise, help her escape by faking her death, and have her father released from prison. But with the wedding date drawing near, the news she receives is that her father has escaped prison and disappeared. And, from just beyond the wall, the King of Liajiang's low voice carries a hint of laughter: "So what if she's not a princess? Tell the people of Daliang to get lost. If she's not his daughter, I don't want her anyway." So he saw through her performance long ago. So no one is coming to save her. * Wei Siyuan had no interest in the pretty princess Daliang had practically shoved into his arms. When he saw through her disguise, he planned to send troops against Daliang immediately and punish them for their deception. But when her fragrant, soft body falls into his arms and Fang Shuyao looks up at him, eyes shining, gently tugging at his lapel with tender affection, she asks, "My king, you really are willing to marry me, aren't you?" Wei Siyuan suddenly decides that Daliang is a tiny little place, and there's no need to attack it after all. If she wants to play, then he'll play along. He wants to see just how many more seductive words can come out of that lying mouth. Just as he is lost in her tender embrace and sinks into the mire of love, she rides away on horseback on their wedding night. The man, furious and out of control, brings her back in the middle of the night. Gripping her chin, he bites down hard on her soft lips and demands, "Didn't you say you liked me? Then why are you running? Did you think you could get away?" Theme: Speak plainly about what's in your heart.