The Flower-Finding Scholar Still Has Work to Do

(Pre-release: "The Male Favorite Keeps Fighting for Her", please add it to your collection. Blurb at the end.)

[The lovestruck top scholar with a million inner monologues vs. the seemingly sweet and docile young lady]

Xie Xuan was born into the prestigious Xie family of Suzhou. He was handsome, came from a powerful family, and enjoyed smooth sailing throughout the first twenty years of his life.

He had also just become the dynasty's newest third-place scholar, basking in his moment of glory.

Then, while suppressing bandits, he got tangled up with the illegitimate daughter of a minor official.

The concubine's mother was a formidable woman. With a few words, she demanded that he take responsibility for the girl, while his political rival fanned the flames from the sidelines.

Xie Xuan was at his wits' end. Just as he was about to ask his parents to handle the matter, he was told that a princess had taken a liking to him. If he didn't marry her, he would have to become her consort.

A princess's consort was forbidden from entering government service. Unwilling to waste more than a decade of hard work, Xie Xuan could only agree to the marriage and hastily wed the young woman.

Fortunately, she was reasonable and explained everything to him on their wedding night.

They agreed to divorce after three years, after which each could marry whomever they wished, with no strings attached.

But Xie Xuan came to regret it. She was gentle and filial to her mother-in-law, and got along well with everyone in the household.

Xie Xuan thought that a quiet, ordinary life together would be nice. He didn't want to put any more effort into things.

But she always kept her distance, as if he were some kind of monster.

By a stroke of luck, Xie Xuan discovered that she had always thought he was in love with someone else. He was so angry he nearly laughed.

He thought that once he explained, the two of them could live happily together. Who knew she would still treat him so indifferently?

When he saw her being warmer to the family dog, Dahuang, than to him, Xie Xuan immediately decided that he had to make her fall in love with him and devote herself to him.

To that end, he sought outside help. Seeing how confident Xie Xuan had become, his helper assumed that things were going well and the girl was already devoted to him.

Until one day, he came to visit and saw Xie Xuan following the girl everywhere, his affection practically spilling from his face.

The girl hadn't even said anything. She only glanced at him, and Xie Xuan hurried over to attend to her.

He found Xie Xuan alone and asked, "Didn't you say you wanted to make her devoted to you?"

Without changing his expression, Xie Xuan replied, "You're mistaken. I said I was devoted to her."

"Hah!" He gave a cold laugh and silently decided that if he ever helped Xie Xuan again, he would become Dahuang's sworn brother.

Notes:

1. Dahuang is the dog the female lead took in.

2. This is a short, ordinary, sweet little story.

3. The male lead is basically an ancient version of an office drone, while the female lead has given up trying.

Pre-release: "The Male Favorite Keeps Fighting for Her"

Blurb:

[The bright and resilient princess vs. the scheming, flirtatious green-tea male favorite]

Bai Ying was born into a family of generals. Her parents and elder brother all died on the battlefield, and she was taken into the palace and made a princess.

When she came of age, the emperor arranged a fine marriage for her. But before the wedding could take place, the emperor passed away, and the wedding was postponed.

During the state mourning period, she discovered that her betrothed had grown too close to another woman. The new emperor broke off the engagement on her behalf.

Bai Ying thought that she and the new emperor shared a deep sibling bond. Only later did she discover that he harbored improper desires for her.

At a palace banquet, Bai Ying was drugged and then discovered alone in a room with the young master of the Pei family.

The room was in disarray, but Bai Ying offered no explanation. Pei Yu admitted to what had happened as well, and even volunteered to become her male favorite.

Afterward, Bai Ying felt she owed him, so she looked after him and planned to let him go once the scandal died down.

But Pei Yu didn't seem to see it that way. He fussed over her, cared about everything she did, and was always hostile toward the men around her.

By the time Bai Ying came to her senses, she and Pei Yu had already crossed the line.

*

Pei Yu was an illegitimate son who later became a male favorite.

He had planned to work hard and make something of himself, but then realized how wonderful it was to live off someone else.

In that case, he might as well be the princess's capable partner.

There was just one problem: there seemed to be too many people around the princess.

The aloof, otherworldly young master of a noble family, her former betrothed.

The gentle new third-place scholar, a childhood friend who had appeared out of nowhere.

The dashing young general, her junior fellow disciple.

And the calculating new emperor, her nominal elder brother.

No matter. They're all a bunch of worthless rivals. He only has to crook a finger, and the princess will have eyes for him alone.

How does the latecomer get ahead? By fighting for her and refusing to back down.

Reading Guide:

1. Set in a fictional world.

2. One-on-one romance, both leads have only been with each other.

3. Includes a competitive suitor showdown, with a touch of a heroine adored by many.

Theme: Never forget your original aspirations