Yearning for Spring

Jiang Jingchun was the precious daughter of the Minister of Rites. She had been cherished like a princess all her life, and always got whatever she wanted.

Except for her cousin, Gu Huaisheng, the young marquis of the marquis's estate. He was the one thing she could never have.

Gu Huaisheng was born into a marquis's family, like snow atop the eaves and moonlight by the window. He was the most outstanding young man in his clan, far beyond anyone's reach.

Whatever sort of person he liked, Jiang Jingchun would try to become. The spoiled young lady, used to being bold and willful, was always docile in front of him.

But even so, Gu Huaisheng could hardly bring himself to look at her.

In a fit of frustration, the young lady took the foolish advice of her close friend and tried to kiss his cheek when he was not looking. But Gu Huaisheng turned his head, and their lips met...

Their soft lips touched. But before Jiang Jingchun could even blush, Gu Huaisheng shoved her away viciously and strode off after calling her "shameless."

The shove stunned Jiang Jingchun, and shattered the young girl's tender feelings.

*

When it rains, it pours. Just then, news arrived from home: the real daughter of the Minister of Rites had been found.

Only after living for more than ten years did Jiang Jingchun discover that she was a fake daughter.

At the banquet celebrating the real daughter being welcomed back into the family, Jiang Jingwan saw Gu Huaisheng, who usually gave her nothing but cold looks, acting so gentle and courteous toward her.

So he could smile. He had just never smiled at her.

From beginning to end, she had been nothing but a colossal joke.

Gu Huaisheng was awful. She would never like him again.

*

With the real daughter back, Jiang Jingchun was utterly disheartened. She calmly accepted the marriage her family arranged for her.

But before the marriage could be finalized, Gu Huaisheng came to see her.

It was pouring rain. He stood beneath an umbrella, gripping her pale wrist and refusing to let go. "He is not a good man."

Jiang Jingchun smiled and shook off his hand. "He is far kinder than you, Cousin."

Seeing the frost in Jiang Jingchun's eyes, Gu Huaisheng's body tensed, and a dull ache spread through his chest.

The young marquis, always so proud and solitary, finally understood for the first time what it meant to regret something.

* 70% of the novel is protected against piracy. If you have not read that much, repeated chapters may appear.

Coming soon on my profile: The Emperor Is Hard to Please, So I Won't Bother

Blurb: Miaozhu was a lowly palace maid. Apart from the matron who had raised her and treated her kindly, anyone could step on her.

By a twist of fate, she was chosen to serve as the emperor's personal maid.

Chen Huaiheng ascended the throne as a boy. He was cold, moody, and incredibly difficult to serve.

She never complained, continuing to do her duty diligently and obeying his every order. She let him tease and mock her, fussed over him with endless concern, and valued him more than she valued herself.

Then one day, Chen Huaiheng's beloved returned from outside the palace. Miaozhu was framed for pushing her into the water. Chen Huaiheng confronted her with a murderous look in his eyes, then had her beaten thirty times.

Those thirty blows brought Miaozhu's whole world crashing down.

After that, her heart turned cold, and she stopped pinning her hopes on him.

*

Later, the Grand Empress Dowager offered to grant Miaozhu a favor.

Overjoyed, Miaozhu said at once, "This servant wants a title."

Chen Huaiheng, standing nearby, thought she wanted to become his consort. He was not pleased by her boldness, but a smile crept into his eyes before he even noticed it.

She had served him for so long. Granting her a title would not be unreasonable.

But the little palace maid who used to have eyes only for him named another man instead. "This servant humbly asks for the title that would allow her to stay by Prince Xie's side."

Theme: Seeing is believing