I Just Can’t Help Loving a Femme Fatale

Everyone said Shu Yiwan was a femme fatale.

She was so beautiful she could bring a kingdom to ruin.

For her sake, the ruler of Xikang ordered the massacre of the entire family of Shu Yiwan's betrothed, Xie Yun.

The Xie family had served loyally for three generations, but because of Shu Yiwan, they were nearly wiped out.

After narrowly escaping, Xie Yun sought refuge in the enemy kingdom, Daqian.

To avenge his family, Xie Yun urged the ruler of Daqian, Zhao Changhuan, to send troops against Xikang.

Within months, Xikang's army crumbled. Daqian's forces marched to the capital, and the ruler of Xikang fled as officials and commoners scattered in panic.

Shu Yiwan fled with her family, too, but they became separated along the way, and she was captured by a boorish Daqian commandant named Zhao Laoda.

To stay alive, she pretended to be a farmer's daughter and became Zhao Laoda's personal maid.

Fortunately, she was clever and quick-witted. Zhao Laoda never saw through her disguise. Not only did he spare her, he gave her food and drink.

She managed to get by.

But little by little, she realized Zhao Laoda seemed to be a very important person.

One day, while she was half asleep, she suddenly heard someone report outside the tent: "The maid by your side is the femme fatale Shu Yiwan. You absolutely mustn't let her live!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?" she heard Zhao Laoda, lying beside her, ask.

"A femme fatale brings ruin to her country. She should be executed by lingchi!" the person outside shouted.

Premise: A wise person sees through rumors.