A Flourishing Tale in Fine Letters

Upcoming novels: Between Looking Up and Down and Two Shadows as One. Please add them to your collections!

[Please see the content warnings in the author's note of Chapter One. We recommend reading them before you start.]

[An innocent-looking but calculating, flirtatious princess x a proud, refined, and scheming heir]

*She believes in herself, not fate.

Seven years ago, Yan Jinhuan was the only princess of Yan, doted on by everyone. But the tides turned overnight. Her maternal grandfather's Xiao family and their soldiers were caught in a political conspiracy and died in its wake. Her gentle, loving mother carefully plotted to give her a chance to escape, paying for it with her life.

Had she chosen to hide her identity and find a secluded place to live, Yan Jinhuan could perhaps have spent her days in comfort, living off the enormous fortune her mother left behind.

But how could she accept that the people who had killed her family could sit securely in high places and enjoy themselves, while she had to hide like a rat in a gutter for the rest of her life just to survive?

If Heaven wouldn't give her justice, she would deliver it herself. Her mother's wealth could ensure her security for the rest of her life, but it could also be the means of her revenge.

For years, she planned carefully and secretly built up her power. Under the assumed name Yun Qiyue, she traveled through various countries, seeking allies. She considered herself a match for anyone when it came to strategy, but just as she entered Yue to close her net, Mu Shaoci saw through her disguise, and for the most ridiculous reason imaginable.

As she weighed what to do with him, the usually aloof and noble young man seemed to become someone else in front of her. From then on, she had an ill-fated attachment she couldn't shake. That was all right. Her path ahead was full of hardships and brambles. If he refused to leave, then he could be the sword in her hand, and she would make good use of him.

*She prides herself on having everything in the world under her control. He is the one exception she willingly lets run wild.

Mu Shaoci had always thought himself coldhearted. He never imagined he would long for someone, day and night, for years on end. Even knowing she intended to use him, he was happy to oblige. He even privately rejoiced that he had something she could use.

His love was so intense that he couldn't help falling into its web. Having chosen her in this life, he would never change his mind.

When love runs deep, only a vow to share life and death will suffice.

*Growing old together with her is his only selfish wish.

Notes:

1. The viewpoints vary because this story involves political intrigue and an ensemble cast. Other characters' perspectives and stories will appear from time to time. The female lead's perspective takes up most of the story, and the plot follows the main storyline.

2. The female lead is the strongest. She is not blinded by love, and I won't deliberately weaken her, unless she is keeping her cards close and pretending to be sweet.

3. The main couple's sweet moments are concentrated later in the story. Their romantic development is scattered through the earlier chapters, which focus mainly on the plot.

4. General details: one-on-one romance, both leads are sexually inexperienced, no melodrama, mutual devotion, mutual flirtation. The female lead is beautiful, enjoys disguises, and takes on secret identities. A pure historical romance, no transmigration or rebirth, happy ending.

5. There are many original worldbuilding details. If you don't like them, please be kind. This story is entirely fictional and has no real-life basis or significance. Any similarities in names or locations are coincidental.

6. [Please respect one another. Thank you.]

This novel switched to a paid chapter schedule starting with Chapter 23 on June 22, 2024. If you've already read it, please don't buy it again. Thank you for supporting the official version.

The original blurb was written on November 13, 2023, and extensively revised on January 20, 2025. Screenshots of all versions have been saved for the record.

Here's another upcoming romance novel. If you're interested, please add it to your collection! QWQ

**Between Looking Up and Down. The title may change later.

[A ruthless, unhinged female lead x a smiling, backstabbing fox of a male lead]

[Sworn enemies suddenly become engaged]

The second daughter of the Nangong family was exceptionally skilled at strategy. She made no missteps in war, and even the Xu family, which the family head had never managed to defeat, fell to her.

People around her took credit for her achievements and kept telling her: As a woman, you must devote yourself to your family. Don't harbor disloyal thoughts.

Whenever this happened, Nangong Li would obediently agree. But she had never been one to let others control her. If they wanted her to be obedient, she didn't mind putting on a show for them. Think of it as payment in advance.

One day, everyone who wanted to use her would be dragged into the abyss by her. Those who wanted to see her fall would meet a terrible end.

She wanted the man who had treated her like a pawn, used her, and looked down on her to see with his own eyes how someone as insignificant as a discarded pawn could turn his entire game upside down.

It was an enigmatic game of strategy, with those caught up in it impossible to read. She seemed to get along with everyone, but from beginning to end, her only goal was to seek justice for herself with her own hands.

Until one day, the annoying man who was always ruining her plans suddenly approached her and kept saying he "liked" her.

Nangong Li: !?

Theme: Knowledge helps us understand good and evil, and distinguish right from wrong.