[This story was added to the author's lifetime writing plans on April 16, 2023]
At the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, the empire was in decline. Warlords rose up everywhere, carving up the realm among themselves.
Caught between the power struggles of several great families in the province, Xiao Shen was in an awkward position. To avoid disaster and protect himself, he withdrew to the mountains.
He never expected that, in these mountains, where not a soul could be found for miles around, he would pick up a wife.
One day, he heard that the emperor had sent an envoy, and the Han dynasty's restoration was within reach. Xiao Shen left the mountains and began setting his plans in motion.
On the eve of the coup, the only thing he couldn't stop worrying about was his soft, lovely wife at home. He racked his brains to pave a safe path for her.
But the next day, before his very eyes, his wife rose from a field of corpses in broad daylight and wiped the blood from her sword.
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Jiang Xue was born to wield a sword.
She was the emperor's hound, the ruler's blade.
One day after she revealed her identity, Xiao Shen asked her, "Everyone says you're the emperor's sword. What am I to you?"
After a long pause, she answered, "You're my scabbard."
Many years later, in the thirteenth year of their separation, when they could only send letters by messenger birds, Xiao Shen finally understood what she had meant.
A sword belongs to its master, not its scabbard.
The world is yet unsettled, and the sword has not returned to its sheath.
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1. A political-strategy, leveling-up story, with a male lead and a powerful female lead who is a pillar of the state. Both leads have their own career arcs. The main couple's relationship is not angsty.
2. An alternate-history story inspired by historical figures, primarily set during the Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms period. The history is heavily altered, with many original inventions, so don't expect historical accuracy.
3. Includes a transmigrated supporting character.
Theme: The earth is receptive and enduring; a noble person bears all things with great virtue.
