Main couple: cold-blooded snake demon x sturdy, devoted servant
Side couple: money-grubbing courtesan x straightforward scholar
The younger daughter of the He family, He Chunshui, has always been kept secluded in the inner chambers, away from men. Recently, a rumor suddenly spread through town that she had entertained clients in a brothel, and the men became eager to get their hands on her.
He Chunshui is somewhat famous in Qingyuan Town. They say she's not only beautiful, well-read, and skilled at needlework, but also plays the zither beautifully. Many families had asked for her hand, but He Yue refused them all, intent on using his daughter to curry favor with the powerful.
Now that his daughter has returned from a brothel, her reputation is ruined. He Yue figures he has no chance of marrying her into a powerful family, so he can only hurry to find her a husband and cover up this scandal. Men arrive one after another: those from humble households want her as a wife, while those with money want to take her as a concubine.
He Yue flies into a rage and drives them all out.
"What were you doing at the Zu Yue Pavilion?" He Yue demands furiously.
He Chunshui smiles lightly. "I went to the Zu Yue Pavilion to let men sleep with me, of course."
He Yue's blood rushes to his head. He slams a hand on the table. "You wretch! You used my daughter's name to become a courtesan! Do you want to destroy the He family's honorable reputation, handed down for generations?"
"The He family can hardly call itself an official family anymore. I'll go wherever I want. Who cares about the family reputation?" He Chunshui says nonchalantly.
He Yue roars, "Guards! Throw this demon and her maid out of the He family!"
"Father, won't you acknowledge me as your daughter?" He Chunshui looks forlorn.
"Stop pretending. You're not my daughter!" He Yue glares at He Chunshui as if she's some sort of human-shaped monster. "My daughter, He Chunshui, died six years ago!"
A little scene about the snake demon's cold body:
"Miss, I'll take you back now." The man bends over and carries He Chunshui on his back. Feeling his warm body, she wraps her arms around his neck and slips both hands inside the front of his shirt.
Her cold hands touch his burning body, and He Chunshui feels him shiver. "Miss, what are you doing?"
"I'm... cold," He Chunshui says with difficulty.
"Please bear with it, Miss. We'll be there soon." The man quickens his pace.
Warmth flows through her hands, and He Chunshui feels herself coming back to life. She presses her cold cheek against his neck. The warmth feels wonderful.
"Miss, don't do that. It's improper if anyone sees us." The man starts running with He Chunshui on his back. Before long, he sets her down. "Miss, we're almost at the gate. Let me help you walk."
But He Chunshui clings to his neck and refuses to let go. "Let me warm up a little longer."
Theme: Don't live up to other people's expectations. Live your own life.
