As Northern Rong rose to power, the Great Zhao sent its least-favored ninth princess north to marry for peace.
The people of Northern Rong were said to eat raw flesh and drink blood, and to be fierce and uncouth. No matter how little the young princess was loved, she had been raised in comfort. In such a barbaric land, she might not last three months.
Her royal sisters avoided her, offering false words of comfort. Her fiance wore an expression of deep affection, but quickly disavowed her in public.
Xie Danruo did not feel sorry for herself.
After burning one final stick of incense before her mother's memorial tablet, she led the long wedding procession out through the border and into the grasslands.
She never looked back.
*
When he heard the news, Helian Yao, third prince of Northern Rong, had just annexed several small tribes in the north. His brows were still raised in triumph, and the chill of battle lingered in his eyes.
Some princess from the Central Plains, all delicate and pampered? He had no intention of marrying her.
The young wolf was wild and untamed. Wearing bloodstained armor, carrying a massive saber that had slain countless enemies, and wearing a scowl, he spurred his horse toward her.
Just as expected, the little princess was so frightened when she saw him that she couldn't even speak.
Helian Yao was just about to tell her to go back where she came from.
But then she lifted a face as fresh as new-fallen snow and gazed at him with eyes clearer than any stream on the grasslands.
Her voice was delicate, untouched by wind and sand. "Your horse is beautiful, but it's so tall. Could you help me get on?"
The reins tightened in the young man's hand, and his ears suddenly turned red.
(Synopsis to be polished. The premise is unchanged.)
Theme: Growing together
