It's Not Finished Yet, Don't Read It, Don't Read It

(Unfinished, unfinished. This was an earlier idea, and I'll make major revisions when I have time.)

[Power-hungry, secretly formidable older woman & possessive, cunning, devoted guard dog]

[The Crown Prince's orphan vs. a scion of a noble family]

Princess Jiang Qingyi of Yongjia has a terrible reputation. A single imperial edict sent her to the Northern Frontier General's residence, where she stayed for seventeen whole years. Yet she was nothing but an ungrateful, two-faced wretch, breaking all ties with the young general, Rong Jinghuai.

But who knew that Rong Jinghuai was the one who had done every wicked thing under the sun?

She finally escaped the general's residence and enjoyed four peaceful years. Then Rong Jinghuai came after her at every turn, deliberately arranging for them to meet again.

Rong Jinghuai: Marry me.

Jiang Qingyi slaps him: In your dreams.

*

But the world is in turmoil, and Jiang Qingyi bears the burden of secrets about her birth. She is destined to stand against imperial power, and has no choice but to seek Rong Jinghuai's protection.

Rong Jinghuai: My wife slaps me every time we meet, but I'm still the first person she thinks of. She loves me so much.

Jiang Qingyi: You really should get your head examined.

*

The world is unpredictable. The pair everyone knows as sworn enemies actually get back together.

With enemy forces closing in and Rong Jinghuai a thousand miles away, the people fear they are doomed. Who would have thought that the frail princess, too weak to lift a hand or bear a burden, would put on armor and lead the troops into battle, taking on ten enemies at a time and wiping them out completely?

The people: I swear I saw her charge in at the front. She did this, then that, and we won.

When floods strike, the nobles abandon the people one after another, but the ill-reputed princess personally goes to oversee disaster relief.

The people: I swear I really saw a goddess!

*

Sadly, the married couple share a bed but dream different dreams. Both have their eyes on the throne, though one says so openly while the other keeps it to herself.

Every man for himself, and Rong Jinghuai is no saint, either.

So Jiang Qingyi locks him up, just as Rong Jinghuai once did to her.

Rong Jinghuai (rattling the two-finger-thick iron chain around his wrist): Is my wife trying out a new game?

Jiang Qingyi (laughing coldly): You'll find out soon enough.

[A mishmash of childhood sweethearts, rekindled love, a formidable older woman, a devoted guard dog, political intrigue, and more]

Theme: Even in the most desperate circumstances, never forget your ideals and believe in the future.