Relations between the two nations sour, and the Emperor orders Xu Qiushui to go to the Northern Kingdom as an envoy to negotiate peace.
Xu Qiushui has long been fed up with her post as a proofreader. After receiving the edict, she unexpectedly learns that the Emperor has already sent a secret decree to the Northern Kingdom, arranging for her to marry an enemy general.
Though it is hard to defy the Emperor's wishes, Xu Qiushui refuses to have her marriage arranged so hastily. She must marry before that secret decree arrives.
Her eyes fall on a nameless, unregistered swordsman.
She pulls out every trick she has, watching the man's breathing turn uneven because of her, his ears redden.
Burying her face against his neck, she whispers, "Marry me."
The man pulls her even closer in reply.
Xu Qiushui thinks she's played her cards perfectly, never realizing the man is simply going along with her. The swordsman is the very enemy general named in the decree.
A twist of fate brings them together for one passionate night, and their fake marriage becomes real. Song Yangye thinks Xu Qiushui must have some feelings for him by now.
But within days, Xu Qiushui leaves without a word.
Song Yangye sets off to win her back.
The formidable, cold-hearted general Song Yangye goes so far as to tempt Xu Qiushui with his good looks, hoping to win her favor.
Instead, he sees Xu Qiushui holding another man's hand, her face full of concern and worry he'd never seen from her before.
His expression darkens, and he quietly returns to the Northern Kingdom.
He means to put an end to it, but when he hears Xu Qiushui is trapped, he can't stop himself from going to her aid.
With things still unresolved between her and Jiang Yanting, Song Yangye uses this as an excuse to stay by Xu Qiushui's side for two whole years.
Once everything is settled,
Xu Qiushui looks into his heart with the same clear, autumn-water eyes she had when she tricked him into marriage.
He patiently waits for her to "trick him into marriage" again.
Instead, Xu Qiushui coolly tells him, "I'm going to marry Jiang Yanting."
Reading guide:
1. The female lead is career-minded and will put the male lead through the wringer.
2. The male lead is the female lead's biggest fan.
Theme: Love life and let your light shine.
