Peeking into Spring

[The writing isn't very good, so read at your own risk T-T]

On the surface: A beauty living in seclusion in the mountains x a fake-smiling, cold-hearted, world-weary general from an enemy state

In reality: Emotionally slow x a devoted, clingy, lovesick puppy of a man

Gu Yan lives in a wooden cabin in the mountains, keeping company with the plants and animals of the deep forest. She gathers fragrant herbs in spring, listens to cicadas in summer, picks fruit in autumn, and brews tea in winter. Aside from struggling with aromatherapy, her days are peaceful and undisturbed. What could be more pleasant?

Until one night, she saves a badly wounded man. He is as gentle and refined as jade, treats her with respect and care, offers her a handkerchief when she's sad, watches waterfalls with her, and cooks for her.

But his health is poor. When he feels dizzy, he leans on her shoulder, and as time goes on, he becomes increasingly fond of clinging to her. He even bends down to wrap his arms around her from behind, hoarsely pleading with her not to leave.

Gu Yan senses something is wrong and awkwardly pulls away, only to hear him say dejectedly,

"I'm so vile. I almost defiled you..."

She steps out to brew medicine, and when she returns to the room a short while later, she sees him sitting on the bed with his head bowed, his black hair sliding over his shoulder. With a vacant stare, he slashes his wrist, and blood stains his white sleeve.

The night the enemy army breached Pi City, Gu Yan and many other civilians were locked in a cold, damp prison.

She watches him strangle a defiant jailer with one hand, take the keys, and unlock her cell. His murderous aura still clings to him as he walks straight up to her and raises a hand to touch her. But he sees her long lashes trembling as she lowers her eyes.

"...Are you afraid of me?"

One night later on, the man lowers his head inside the bed curtains and gazes at her reddened wrist with concern. His voice is restrained and controlled. "Actually, I wanted to say this the first time I saw you..."

"Are all the women of Great An so delicate and fragile?"

Seeing the person on the bed still teary-eyed, he sighs helplessly and gently takes her hand. "Never mind. I'll massage it for you first, my lady."

///

* If you don't like it, please move along. No personal attacks, thanks.

* A little angst for the male lead, a light ensemble cast, and no love rivals of either gender.

* One devoted romance, with no intimate scenes. The male lead won't be feminized. The story features a tragic battlefield ending while defending the country, so please mind the warnings.

* The male lead is gentle and respectful toward the heroine from beginning to end, always mindful of boundaries. But he's insecure and sensitive by nature, and thinks he isn't worthy of her. Before falling for her, he's gentle (or pretending to be); after falling for her, whether pretending or not, he obeys her unconditionally. He gets insecure and blushes, and secretly hopes she'll like him a little more. He treasures her with great care.

Core theme: Live for yourself