Spring Tempts the Orioles

Yun Shuyue had been competing for the title of the capital's foremost noble young lady since birth, and she had devoted herself wholeheartedly to the pursuit.

She was the best at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and excelled in virtue, appearance, speech, and conduct. She had even carefully chosen a childhood sweetheart for herself: Jiang Qingci, the talented son of the Grand Secretary.

Her close relationship with Jiang Qingci certainly brought her plenty of envious attention in the capital.

They composed poetry and debated, played music and chess every day. When they reached marriageable age, their families discussed a match, making for another charming tale. For a time, Yun Shuyue was the talk of the town.

Just when she thought her life was already perfect in every way, the Jiang family fell into disgrace.

The emperor waved his hand and sentenced the entire Jiang family to exile three thousand li away.

Thinking of his fiancée, Jiang Qingci wanted to tell her not to be afraid. Instead, he was met with a cold face that changed faster than the turning of a page.

Yun Shuyue's voice and expression were icy. "Jiang Qingci, we were never that close to begin with. Let's not see each other again."

Jiang Qingci paused, then said, "That's probably for the best."

She would go her own way, while he set out with his family.

Unexpectedly, a month after the Jiang family left, Yun Shuyue's father also lost his official post. The emperor waved his hand again, and they too were exiled three thousand li away.

Later, at a remote quarry, their eyes met and the air froze.

Yun Shuyue's little face was covered in dust, and not a trace remained of her poised noble-lady demeanor. She was carrying a sack of sand, while Jiang Qingci had become one of the foremen there. His brocade robe and jade crown looked exactly as they had before.

Yun Shuyue demonstrated on the spot what it meant to fawn on the powerful. She suddenly went limp and fell toward Jiang Qingci's arms. "Oh, Brother Qingci, I can't carry this anymore."

Her waist was soft, her voice sweet, and her eyes fluttered...

Jiang Qingci: @￥%...!￥&!

Reader's Guide:

* The female lead hardly ever suffers. She's a delicate flower who can't endure hardship and sways with the breeze, though she does have a growth arc.

* The female lead takes the initiative early on, but it's all part of her act.

* The story is mostly lighthearted and sweet.

* The male lead's family is only pretending to be exiled. They return to the capital together later.

* All place names are fictional and do not correspond to real locations.

She thought she'd used every trick in the book to get what she wanted, never realizing that the other person truly loved her.

Coming soon: She's Been on the Straight and Narrow for Years. Hope you enjoy it!

When Yin Cailv was wandering the streets in rags, the Xue family took her in.

Madam Xue said she looked just like her deceased daughter.

She was transformed into the young lady of a marquis's household, but the Xue family's affection for her was nowhere near what she had imagined.

They simply dressed her up in a gilded shell and made her learn countless rules.

At last, she understood why the Xue family had taken her in.

The late Miss Xue, whom she was replacing, had been promised to a member of the royal family. The Xues didn't want to give up the match, so they had taken her in.

Word had it that the Xue family's daughter, Xue Jingyun, was as gentle and refined as precious jade and as upright as bamboo standing in snow. Madam Xue demanded that Yin Cailv imitate Xue Jingyun in every way.

By the time Yin Cailv had made herself look the part, an imperial decree appointing her Crown Princess arrived.

The Crown Prince was gentle and refined, but naturally devoid of desire. The Xue family repeated their instructions to her again and again: The Crown Princess didn't have to win the Crown Prince's affection, but she must uphold the family's honor and observe proper decorum.

Seeing how properly she presented herself, Madam Xue smiled in satisfaction. "Remember, don't let your true identity slip."

When the Xue family took Yin Cailv in, she'd already been wandering on her own for some time. Before then, she'd lived amid ornate pavilions and carved beams, with countless scholars, nobles, and officials waiting every day just to catch a glimpse of her and enjoy her company.

Unfortunately, the Yusheng Tower in Jiangnan later fell, and the madam was arrested by the authorities. Yin Cailv wandered east and eventually reached the capital, where Madam Xue took her in.

It took her some effort to win over the naturally aloof Crown Prince.

Behind the gauzy curtains, where Madam Xue couldn't see, she sang and danced, her water sleeves fluttering as she brought out every skill she'd practiced since childhood. Even the most desireless Crown Prince was worn down until he felt a little desire.

Remembering Madam Xue's instructions, she would hold back a little, but the next time she couldn't help herself. After all, she couldn't change overnight the habit of making her voice sweet and her waist go soft whenever she was around a man.

There was just one thing... She didn't like the official the Crown Prince had recently summoned to the capital.

He used to be one of her regulars.

One day, she saw the Crown Prince return with a dark look on his face, and nearly lost her wits.

Theme: See the world beyond the gilded cage; work hard and eat your fill