After My Twin Cousins Set Their Sights on Me

The Xie family's twin sons were skilled in both literature and martial arts. Their poetry was as exquisite as pearls and jade, and their archery could determine the fate of the realm.

Chang'an called them the Twin Gems.

Before A Ling came to the Xie residence, her aunt held her hand and said, "Our A Ling is such a pretty girl. The Xie family is a branch high above the rest. Marry either of their sons, and you'll never have to worry for the rest of your life."

On a snowy winter's day, she stood before the vermilion gates in an old padded coat, the tip of her nose red from the cold.

After a long while, someone came through the gate, walking over the snow.

A frost-white cloak, a refined face like the moon, and the elegance of an orchid tree.

She stared in surprise. The cousin she'd met as a child had grown into such a handsome man.

Her aunt had been absolutely right.

A Ling clutched the hem of her clothes and went to greet him, calling softly as her aunt had taught her:

"Cousin."

*

A young lady cousin had arrived at the residence. No one knew which branch of the family she was related to.

Xie Heng sat in his study and watched her "accidentally" spill tea on his desk for the third time.

He picked up the cup and took a sip.

He watched her wipe the desk, then "accidentally" fall into his arms again.

Until one day, she watched the snow from the corridor and murmured, "Why hasn't Brother Min come back yet?"

After finishing his work, Xie Heng stood behind her, holding the pastries he'd bought for her.

Ah.

So that's how it was.

*

On New Year's Eve, Xie Min returned to the capital and passed through the back garden.

In the pavilion, his elder brother was holding a young woman.

She sat on his brother's lap, gazing up at him with watery almond eyes and reddened corners.

Xie Heng raised his head, his gaze passing over the pavilion to meet his brother's.

The two brothers stared at each other across a garden of snow.

Xie Heng said nothing and lowered his head again.

Xie Min looked at the familiar face and the lips glistening from kisses.

He had never known this taste.

But suddenly, he wanted to try it.

Written on April 21, 2026. To be revised.

One woman, two men

Premise: More people means more sweetness