A headstrong bandit chief who takes on the world × a cold, ruthless princess plotting rebellion
Blurb
The bandit den on Ghosthead Mountain had been a thorn in the imperial court’s side for years, and the people living nearby had suffered terribly.
Years ago, the imperial court launched a major campaign to wipe out the bandits. The only surviving member of the Xu family was an unborn child.
Since the Xu family’s bandit business had fallen apart in autumn, Madam Xu named the child in her womb Baiqiu, meaning “Autumn’s End.”
Though young Master Xu had no elders to teach him to throw his weight around, he did the Xu family proud all the same, becoming a notorious menace far and wide.
One autumn, with golden leaves swirling in the breeze, Young Master Xu led his men out and seized a beauty to be his bandit bride.
The beauty was gentle and serene, reserved and dignified.
Young Master Xu adored her more with every passing day, calling her “wife” at every opportunity.
Later, the imperial court once again sent troops to surround Ghosthead Mountain, claiming the bandits had shown contempt for the royal family.
Exhausted in body and mind, Young Master Xu complained to the beauty, “We’re law-abiding citizens! Why does that damned royal family keep coming after us?”
The beauty was mending his clothes by lamplight. She replied calmly, “Isn’t it because they say Princess Xining is here?”
“What princess? When did a princess show up in our stronghold?”
The beauty snipped the thread in her hands and remained silent for a long while, facing Xu Baiqiu. “She’s right here.”
Young Master Xu: “!!!”
#I stole a wife and ended up stealing a princess from the royal family! What do I do? She’s gentle, lovely, and beautiful, but she seems to want to become emperor. Does that mean I have to start fighting in the palace now?
Bonus Scene
Xu Baiqiu: “Beauty, be my wife! Everyone within a hundred li of Ghosthead Mountain will listen to you!”
The princess, who now ruled the realm: “...”
“All right.”
Theme: Strive toward your goals, undeterred by wind or rain.
