The Marquis of Yongning visits a powerful minister's home. Drunk, he stumbles into the inner chambers and collides with a beauty who is changing clothes.
The beauty, with her clothes in hand and dark hair cascading over her shoulders, turns pale and tries to hide. The shy, submissive look between her lowered brows seems strangely familiar.
The marquis suddenly remembers that, at eighteen, in an attempt to defy his arranged marriage, he took a maid as a concubine. The family of the woman he was to marry was disgusted, and the engagement was called off.
He got his wish and went to serve in the army at the border.
He still remembers how, as he left home, his concubine, named Feitao, ran after him crying, wrapped her arms around his waist, and begged him not to go.
A true man sets his sights on protecting the nation and bringing peace to the land. How could he linger in the land of soft embraces?
Besides, she was merely a concubine who served others with her beauty. Wouldn't people laugh at him if word got out?
The marquis looked down on her in his heart, mercilessly pried her hands away, and left on his own.
When they meet again, he catches a fleeting glimpse of her beauty. Several suggestive red marks on her pale shoulder linger like dewdrops on crabapple blossoms after a night, stirring his desire. He can't help recalling the blissful nights they spent together in the tent before he left home.
Six years have passed. He has achieved glory, and the Marquis's estate has restored its standing. His bed is missing a woman who understands and pleases him.
Today, he sees her sorrowful eyes and furrowed brows. It seems she isn't happy in the powerful minister's home either.
So he visits again, hoping to take her back.
...In the waterside pavilion on the willow-lined bank, only soft sobs and delicate whimpers can be heard. In the hazy gauze curtains beneath the drooping willows, a crimson official robe covers a green silk skirt. A tall hand, one that should wield power, curls around the beauty's slender waist as he bends down to tangle with her.
"Did he do this too... or was it like this?" Beneath her trembling skirt, the outline of a hand suddenly appears, drawing out a breathless moan like a sob.
His thin lips murmur with a smile. Through the gauze, his phoenix eyes are cold, defiant, and full of murderous intent as they look toward the intruder by the water.
No one can take her away from him.
The saber in the marquis's powerful grip hums, sending out a bloodthirsty signal.
So what if his enemy holds power over all under heaven?
Feitao was his concubine to begin with. He'll just take her back.
All characters, regardless of gender, are virgins. Happy ending. The heroine is the most beautiful, and both male leads are scum.
They are all imperfect people, limited by their era, families, backgrounds, and more.
(Synopsis screenshotted on 2024.5.1)
Additional note: The male and female leads are both adults when they fall in love and become involved. This is neither a polyamory story nor a multiple-love-interest investment story.
The story focuses on the heroine's growth. She is vulnerable but strong-willed. Slow burn, and the events in the synopsis happen a little later. Some ensemble focus on women.
Theme: Live for yourself.
