The Palace at Lin'an

Born into a century-old aristocratic family, Xie Xuanjing was a heaven-blessed talent, dazzling with brilliance. Who would have thought that his temperament would change overnight, and that the young man would conceal his identity and enlist in the army to temper himself?

Three years later, Xie Xuanjing returned victorious, but voluntarily gave up everything and started over. Relying on his own efforts, he passed the imperial examinations, entered government service, and rose to high office. His expression was always cool and restrained, with little desire for worldly things. Only late at night, when no one was around, would he find himself gazing at the moon and remembering the girl who had danced by the campfire.

After transmigrating, Chu Qing had finally built her own business empire and was ready to enjoy life when an imperial edict suddenly summoned her back to the capital to marry into Northern Yan, sealing peace between the two countries.

When Chu Qing was trapped in a difficult situation, Xie Xuanjing stepped forward and presented their marriage contract to resolve the crisis.

At the foot of Fuzhou Mountain, they happened to meet. To express her gratitude, Chu Qing approached him and said softly, "Lord Secretary Xie, I never wanted to take your wife's place. How about we make an agreement? After three years, we'll both be free to marry whom we wish, and I'll compensate you with a million in cash. What do you say?"

Their wedding date had been set, and the whole world knew about it. Nothing could change it. To avoid awkwardness later, Chu Qing had made a point of finding out where Xie Xuanjing would be and arranging to meet him here.

Xie Xuanjing gave a soft laugh. His gaze pressed closer, step by step. "Does the princess think my wife can be measured in gold and silver?"

"I won't make things difficult for you. Since you've taken my place for three years, just give me one in return."

Chu Qing was dumbfounded. She racked her brain but couldn't think of a reply, so she could only tilt her head and ask, "Then what sort of woman does Lord Secretary like?"

Xie Xuanjing smiled, his eyes full of certainty. "Someone like you would be just right."

New Book Preview: The Apple of Her Eye

Theme: A pampered heroine's life, surrounded by love

Xie Muqing was born more precious than a princess and was doted on from childhood. Her father was a prime minister, her mother was the richest woman in the land, her aunt was the empress dowager, and her cousin was the emperor. If she so much as frowned, the entire city of Lin'an would be startled. She was the very definition of spoiled, and her pet name was Jiao Jiao.

Pei Ji came from a poor family. Clever and perceptive from childhood, he had an unyielding character. After placing first in the imperial examinations, he caught the eye of those in power and became the youngest and most handsome Chief Secretary. Yet he was like a flower on a high peak, his gaze cool and distant, making people too intimidated to approach.

The one thing Xie Jiao Jiao could never have in this life was Pei Ji. That year, fireworks lit up the sky. When she was left behind on the street and cried her eyes out, the crowds surged around her, but he alone came against the brilliant starlight. He crouched down and asked, "Little Princess, do you still remember me?"

Xie Jiao Jiao nodded instinctively. Fireworks boomed overhead and countless people around her cried out in amazement, but all she could think was, "He's so handsome."

"I'll take you back to Wuyi Lane." Afraid she would get separated in the crowd, Pei Ji took her hand and led her away.

From that moment on, even as the fireworks dazzled her eyes, Chu Jiao Jiao's heart belonged to just one person.

When Xie Jiao Jiao came of age, the emperor himself attended the ceremony, and the court officials gathered at the Xie residence to watch. They all looked forward to the blooming of the capital's most dazzling flower. That morning, Chief Secretary Pei Ji had gone out of the city to inspect the people's conditions. The Heir of Xie forcibly dragged him back. At last, Xie Jiao Jiao, hidden behind the pearl curtain, smiled and said to her anxious mother, "Mother, we can begin."

In Wuyi Lane, the coming-of-age ceremony was grand and dazzling, with nobles gathered from far and wide. Behind the pearl curtain, the young woman in red was dazzlingly beautiful, bright and bold, her radiant smile almost painful to look at. As Xie Jiao Jiao walked toward the crowd, everyone around her gasped, but she paid them no mind. After the ceremony, she stood before the emperor and glanced at Pei Ji from the corner of her eye. In front of everyone, she said, "Cousin, didn't you say I could choose my own husband? I want to marry her."

Everyone was stunned. They followed the princess's passionate, bashful gaze to Pei Ji. He stood calmly beside the emperor. His splendid robes and ornate crown could not conceal his radiance. Faced with her frank, clear gaze, even Pei Ji, whose heart had always been as still as water, felt ripples stir. Before the emperor could speak, he bowed politely and said, "I am ten years older than the princess. I am not a suitable match and would not dare to entertain such a presumptuous wish."

Rejected in front of everyone by the person she loved, Xie Jiao Jiao felt a rush of grievance. Warmth welled in her eyes, and the corners of them reddened despite her efforts to hold it back. She had pursued him for years, never imagining that she would receive such a reply.

Everyone present felt sorry for her and looked at Xie Jiao Jiao with concern. Their silent reproach fell on Pei Ji.

Even the emperor could no longer contain himself. As her elder brother, how could he bear to see the girl he had cherished since childhood treated this way? Just as he was about to make a scene, Xie Jiao Jiao forced back her tears and managed a strained smile. "I was presumptuous, Lord Pei. Today is my coming-of-age ceremony. Please stay for the evening banquet before you leave."

After saying this, Xie Jiao Jiao could no longer hold herself together and fled. Just as she reached the steps, a clear, warm voice rang out, unable to hide its joy. "Jiao Jiao, I'm back. I brought you a coming-of-age gift, one of a kind in the whole world."

As the words fell, a tall, jade-like young man in elegant blue-green robes appeared before them. His eyes and smile were filled with affection as he looked at Xie Jiao Jiao.

Seeing him, Xie Jiao Jiao tucked away the disappointment in her eyes and took Ling Changfeng's hand. Turning to the crowd with a bright smile, she said, "Father, Mother, Changfeng and I are going to look at the gift."

Everyone came to their senses as if waking from a dream. Wasn't Young Master Ling the little princess's childhood sweetheart? That meant there was nothing left for Chief Secretary Pei.

Beside the emperor, Pei Ji felt a flicker of displeasure as he watched the two of them hold hands without a care as they left. Hadn't she just said she wanted to marry him? Yet only moments later, she could take someone else's hand and smile as if nothing had happened, leaving his heart in turmoil.

As the two of them left, Pei Ji experienced the sting of being deliberately ignored for the first time.

A truly pampered heroine, a truly satisfying pursuit-and-regret story, and a sweet romance~

Theme: No freedom is worth more than you.