A Touch of Green on the Brow

[Delicate, ethereal beauty x cold-faced, unhinged general]

Li Yunwei was a daughter of the Jing Dynasty's imperial clan, born to a concubine. From childhood, she was betrothed to Qi Zhiqing, the great general who guarded the borders.

She was graceful and delicate, as beautiful as an immortal; he was a battle-hardened general with countless achievements. Everyone said they were a match made in heaven.

But in the war against Northern Liang, the general gave his life for his country, leaving her a widow before she could even marry.

She had always been oppressed at home by her stepmother and half-sisters. Now she was their laughingstock, too.

Then an imperial decree came: she was bestowed the title of Princess Duanjing and sent to Northern Liang to marry for peace. She was unwilling. Northern Liang was an enemy, and its lands bitterly cold. She would rather die than marry there.

But her father urged her, "Defying the imperial decree is a crime against the emperor. My career and the Li family's favor are all in your hands."

Her stepmother threatened her, "If you agree, your mother will have an easier time in this household. Otherwise, who knows what might happen to her?"

When the wedding procession reached the border, she sighed three times a day, her eyes brimming with tears.

Then the general, rumored to be dead, suddenly appeared and stopped the procession. He lifted the princess's red veil. Seeing her tear-streaked face and pitiful beauty, his heart melted, and he was utterly captivated.

He could not let her go to Northern Liang.

"I'm not dead yet. How can you marry someone else?"

The court was stunned: Qi Zhiqing had abducted the princess sent to marry for peace!

Theme: Beautiful and kind, with a radiant smile.