The Brash Girl Who Plucked the Moon

The current emperor had a daughter late in life and treasured his Ninth Princess, Yuan Jiyao, like a jewel.

He showered her with love and affection until she came of age, and naturally, the matter of marriage had to be considered.

But when he looked over the court:

The empress's maternal relatives had handsome, charming young men, but they were hopelessly unlearned. Rejected!

The only son of Grand Tutor Xue was well-read, but had no idea how to charm a woman. Rejected!

The son of Great General Huo was brave in battle, but carried too much killing intent. Rejected!

The newly appointed top scholar was talented, handsome, and noble in character, but came from a humble family. Rejected!

Seeing the emperor worry himself sick, Chief Eunuch Cao Yu suddenly suggested, "Your Majesty, I hear that the Marquis of Wuan is exceptionally handsome, and about the same age as the princess..."

The emperor considered this. The Marquis of Wuan?

That was certainly a wealthy and respectable family.

At the spring banquet, apricot blossoms fell all around them.

Yuan Jiyao and Yi Zhizhou gazed at each other from across a carved corridor.

The chief eunuch had spoken the truth: a handsome young man with black hair and blue robes, a face like jade and a figure like a tree.

The girl's heart fluttered without warning.

But life was unpredictable.

With a dazzling marriage alliance within reach, the young Marquis Yi was like the bright moon in the sky, shining alone, far beyond her grasp.

Following the advice of her many scheming advisers, the little princess embroidered handkerchiefs and purses, and sent him notes in neat calligraphy...

At the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, the emperor and empress tried to bring them together, and the imperial edict of betrothal was already prepared. Yet the young Marquis Yi still kept her at arm's length.

After one rejection too many, the little princess shed tears in frustration. "Even if you really are the moon in the sky, I don't want you anymore!"

At the year-end palace banquet, voices filled the halls.

In the very same carved corridor where they had first met, the young Marquis Yi watched the Ninth Princess accept a jade ruyi from a foreign prince. Fireworks blazed, and her flowerlike smile bloomed for someone else?

That night, the palace was silent.

An unwelcome guest entered the princess's private chambers, dressed in a blue robe and jade belt, his expression mournful. "You went to such trouble to pluck the moon from the sky. Why complain now that it is too cold and lonely?"

Ongoing novel: What's Wrong with Being a Maid? I'm Guaranteed to Win. An ancient-world worker rises to the peak of wealth, and picks up a handsome rich young man along the way!

Qi Song encountered disaster while trading overseas. The wealthy young master, perfectly healthy one moment, became a living corpse who would not wake.

His family, who had been so affectionate before, showed their true colors in the blink of an eye.

His uncle seized his cloth shop and embroidery workshop; his younger brother took his advantageous marriage, and even his married elder sister ransacked his study...

So much for sharing good times and bad. It had all been a lie!

Ill in bed, Qi Song could only console himself: They're all worldly possessions. If they're gone, so be it. As long as I still draw breath, why can't I make a comeback?

But even after accounting for everything, he never imagined a bold little maid would appear at his side!

Every day she massaged him with that pungent, seductive oil, rubbing his legs, then his arms, then his belly...

That was the most potent arousal oil in the pleasure houses!

Even a strong, healthy man might not be able to take it, let alone someone half-paralyzed like him.

Second Young Master Qi could not speak up, so he could only endure the torment. And this little maid was so "wicked" that she sat by his bed every night reading him shameless romance stories. Her various methods of humiliation enraged him. He swore to himself: When I wake up, this feud will never be forgiven!

Spring turned to winter, and the Second Young Master, long since forgotten by everyone, really did awaken.

The whole city rejoiced at the news.

But those waiting for a good show discovered that the Second Young Master had put his "enemy" on a pedestal!

Mountains of gold and silver, jade and pearls weren't enough. Did he have to offer himself in marriage before she'd be satisfied?

Everyone was dumbfounded. What happened to their vow of eternal enmity?

"Bonus Scene"

As night fell, the lively Changlan Courtyard finally grew quiet.

In the bridal chamber decorated with red silk, the bride, who should have been all smiles, was instead furious. "Is this how you repay me?"

The groom was handsome and refined. He gazed at her tenderly. "Are you dissatisfied, my wife?"

If the elaborate wedding garments hadn't tied up her hands, she would have given him a solid slap.

"You know I wanted my freedom, real gold and silver so I could set up a household of my own! I-I didn't want to marry you!"

At the end, her resolve faltered, and she hurriedly lowered her head to avoid his gaze, brimming with affection.

Faced with his new wife's heartless words, Qi Song smiled instead of getting angry.

"You took care of me day and night while I was unconscious, never leaving my side. Now that I've recovered..."

Her bright red wedding dress made her look as lovely as a flower. He slowly brushed his fingertips over her soft, pale cheek, remembering the kiss he had once left there. His heart began to itch unbearably.

His brows and eyes drooped, making him look utterly pitiful. "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gush of gratitude!"

The man's long fingers silently slid over the knot at his chest.

Realizing what he was doing, Xiao Zhima stared wide-eyed. "W-what are you doing?"

But the fiery red robe had already slipped from his shoulders, and warm yellow candlelight bathed his unfamiliar yet familiar body.

Though she saw only a glimpse, her heart pounded like a drum.

Seeing her reaction, Qi Song tried even harder to persuade her. "I wish to offer myself in return. I hope you won't mind, Yinyin..."

The summer night's breeze brushed past the window as the scarlet tassels of the bed curtains rippled like water.

How lucky I am to have met you in this life.

Theme: I would forsake the lonely moon to warm your heart.