[Gentle, radiant sunshine heroine x aloof, ambitious male lead]
[Flirts without realizing it x willingly hooked, practically leaping for the bait]
Blurb:
Fu Qingxue, the beloved daughter of Duke Anguo, was exceptionally gifted and intelligent.
At twelve, she placed first in the entrance exams and entered the women's academy at the Imperial College.
After graduating in midsummer, she was set to enter government service as a female official.
But then the emperor died, and the throne changed hands in a momentous upheaval.
The new emperor rewarded those who had helped him and naturally punished those who had opposed him.
Because Duke Anguo had not supported the new emperor's rise, he was unjustly demoted.
The young duke was not spared either and was sent far from the capital.
For a time, only Fu Qingxue and her younger brother, Fu Qingyan, were left to rely on each other in the duke's manor.
Everyone said that the Anguo family had been a noble house for a century, and that their fortunes were bound to run out.
Fu Qingxue said nothing. She quietly took out a little notebook and carefully wrote down the names of everyone who had been gossiping.
When she eventually joined the Court of Judicial Review, she would make sure to invite each and every one of them in for tea.
*
Li Yun was born to privilege. His father was the crown prince.
But the crown prince died young, and the little noble who had once been treasured like a jewel was left walking on thin ice, a miserable little melon.
To protect the former residents of the Eastern Palace, he joined forces with his own uncle, the emperor's younger brother, and helped him ascend the throne.
He thought he could finally live in peace and safety, but his uncle intended to name him crown prince.
The other princes: ?
Li Yun: ...
*
Fu Qingxue and Li Yun had known each other since childhood and had even been classmates for two years.
Six years after they parted, they met again on Zhuque Avenue. Li Yun watched as Fu Qingxue punched a violent bully who was causing trouble in the street and knocked him to the ground.
He was dazed for a long while before he dared recognize his childhood sweetheart.
When he came to his senses, all he could worry about was whether her delicate hand had hurt from the punch.
*
Fu Qingxue's childhood nickname was Susu, a name only her elders at home were allowed to call her.
As she grew older, she wouldn't even let her parents or elder brother use it.
Li Yun had no idea and privately called her Susu this and Susu that.
It wasn't until Fu Qingxue's little brother pointed it out that he considered changing how he addressed her.
Fu Qingxue: No need.
You say it so nicely. I like hearing it. Say it more often.
*
Everyone assumed Fu Qingxue worked tirelessly and strove to improve herself, and that her close ties with Prince Qi Li Yun and the others were all so she could bring her father and brothers back to the capital from their exile in the barren wilderness, where the family could live in wealth and comfort.
Fu Qingxue found it laughable.
When it came to being perceptive, quick-witted, and resourceful, she ranked last in her family.
If the Anguo family needed her to hold the household together, it would be better for them to simply fall into decline.
Besides, was it really so strange for a young woman to strive to become a better version of herself and live the life she wanted?
[Reading Guide]
1. One-on-one romance, happy ending, and extremely mutual feelings.
2. Fictional setting, with countless original details.
3. An ensemble-focused story. The whole main cast is clever, and none of them will accept a bad deal.
4. Updates daily after launch. Chapters are already written, so feel free to dive in.
Theme: With light in your heart, no road is too long
