Record of Flowing Splendor

The Xu family had served as imperial tutors for three generations, with a reputation for upright values. But ever since Hua Ying's father came along, it seemed the family had gone a little astray. Her grandfather snapped three rulers trying to discipline his eldest son, but still couldn't steer him away from his love of luxury and his fondness for flowers, birds, fish, and fun. Fortunately, though the eldest son was no good at anything, he did give him a granddaughter as clever and lovely as carved jade and fresh snow. "Come, read after Grandfather: You are not a fish, so how can you know the joy of fish..." Three-year-old Hua Ying tilted her head and lisped, "You're not me, so how do you know how much I enjoy eating fish?" "Sweetheart! Come quick, Dad caught a bighead carp. Do you want it spicy or braised?" Xu Ziruo came bounding over, trouser cuffs rolled up and shoes caked with mud, carrying a ten-pound fish. Hua Ying tossed aside the book in her hands and beamed. "Coming!" Grandfather: ! Where was his ruler?! - By the time Hua Ying turned sixteen, she couldn't play music or play chess... but she could read, and she knew how to splash ink around when painting~ The emperor studied her work carefully for a moment. "Hua Ying, is this... the red-bellied golden pheasant in the Crown Prince's palace?" Hua Ying smiled sweetly. "It's a phoenix." The emperor: ... Perhaps he had treated the Crown Prince unfairly by arranging their marriage. The emperor looked toward the Grand Tutor, seated upright. Her grandfather straightened his back. What are you looking at? He'd done his best! He had two young wastrels in the family. Who could he complain to? The emperor: "Heh heh, that's a lovely painting. I like it very much, heh heh..." Hua Ying's face lit up. "I knew you'd like it~ I want to celebrate too. Why don't you issue me an imperial decree to break off the engagement~" The emperor startled and glanced at the Crown Prince, clad in a python robe and wearing an expressionless face. "Approved?" "Hua Ying thanks Your Majesty for your gracious favor!!!" Waaah, this is so exciting! Hua Ying after breaking off the engagement Day One: Watching the handsome young men in the military camp train, admiring their muscles. Oh my, how embarrassing~ Day Two: Listening to a refined gentleman read a romantic tale. And now he's slipped inside that pomegranate-patterned bed curtain... Ahem, keep your voice down~ Day Three: Tossing tips to the handsome singer at Spring Breeze House. Oh my, he sang so well her legs went weak. Day Four: The Crown Prince blocked her at her own front gate. The Crown Prince: "Had your fun?" Hua Ying honestly shook her head and replied earnestly, "The world is so big. I want to roam around a little longer~" He had his white moonlight, and she had a whole world of handsome men to enjoy~ --Coming Soon-- "Winter's Joy" Wu Niang was born into the world of courtesans, where she had to look up to everyone around her. Xie Tingjin was the most powerful man she had ever met. At that night banquet, she stole Yao Fang's opportunity and rode the wave of fortune, following Xie Tingjin to Shengjing. A bustling city, a world of fame and fortune, crowded with the rich and powerful. Wu Niang was settled in a separate estate, where summer ice and autumn crabs were always in abundance. Blinded by his favor, she let herself indulge in a foolish hope. "Will you marry me, my lord?" At the time, Xie Tingjin was expressionlessly stuffing grapes into her bulging bodice. The man had black hair and ink-dark eyes. At her question, he glanced at her. "Is this three-thousand-acre estate not spacious enough for you?" A chill spread across her chest. Wu Niang's slender neck was forced upward. She smiled, eyes curved, the moon reflected in them, luminous and damp. Half a month later The estate caught fire. A thousand acres went up in flames, reduced to scorched earth. The woman he had kept hidden away was nowhere to be found, not even a bone left behind. Yet word had it that the Northern Garrison Office had turned the capital upside down, all to find that kept woman. The chrysanthemums were in full bloom, and the Duke of Rong's residence held a banquet. In the garden, young ladies and gentlemen gathered in lively groups, and inevitably the capital's latest gossip came up. "A heart that comes too late is worth less than grass." A woman with the radiant beauty of a peony was painting autumn chrysanthemums. Her voice was cool as she delivered her judgment. "Brother Xie has finally arrived! Come, meet the third young lady of the Rong family!" A friend called, beckoning with his sleeve. Wu Niang looked up and saw a tall, quiet figure standing by the moon gate. She didn't know how long he had been there, but his heavy, dark gaze was fixed on her. The friend turned and teased Wu Niang, "That's the Northern Garrison Commander. The man you just insulted, hahahaha..." Wu Niang curved her lips in a smile, set down her brush, and gracefully curtsied in greeting. "Ming Cheng pays her respects to Lord Xie. May you enjoy boundless blessings." Xie Tingjin's hand clenched at his side until his bones ached. Later, The wifehood he hadn't offered her that night was something Wu Niang no longer wanted. Theme: Sincerity deserves sincerity.