Liu Ya was betrothed to the young scholar before she was even born.
Though she was born in a village, she grew into a lovely, beautiful young woman. Everyone praised her good fortune, saying she was destined to become a scholar's wife.
To let the poor scholar study in peace, she took a maid's job at the prefect's residence and gave him all the money she earned.
Then, on the day the scholar placed first in the prefectural examination, she came overjoyed to celebrate with him, only to hear him say to the county magistrate's daughter, "When I pass the highest imperial examination, I'll take you as my wife. Liu Ya and I are betrothed, after all, so I'll just give her the status of a concubine later."
The smile had not yet left Liu Ya's lips, but tears had already turned bitter in her throat.
After a serious illness, Liu Ya suddenly let go. In front of everyone, she tossed the betrothal token at the young scholar's feet. "Chen Yan, remember this: from today on, I want nothing more to do with you. We'll each marry someone else, and there will be no more between us."
The scholar looked at her coldly. "Your reputation is ruined. I doubt anyone but me would be willing to marry you!"
Amid the clamor of voices, a man's low, stern voice came from behind the crowd. "I will."
Three months later, news spread through the aristocratic circles of the capital: the Prince of Jin, who had vanished after being gravely wounded and was known for his cold, distant manner and dislike of being approached, had returned to the capital with a beautiful young woman at his side. Countless noble young ladies in the capital had their hearts broken overnight.
In the mist-shrouded hot spring pavilion of the prince's residence, Liu Ya swayed in delicate gauze. As the water rippled, she drifted into the man's arms.
"Have you seen me before, Your Highness?"
The man lowered his head with a faint smile. "How could I not recognize you after waiting for you for two lifetimes...?" As he spoke, he kissed the faint flush at the corner of her eye.
That night, no one in the capital slept...
P.S.
1. The setting is fictional, so no need to fact-check! The ancient setting does not follow modern rules!
2. Nobody is perfect. The characters aren't flawless!
3. If you drop the story, please don't tell me. I politely decline writing advice!
4. We're all here to enjoy stories in a fictional world, so don't spoil everyone's mood by twisting the plot to stir things up in the comments, swearing, stealing the story, or attacking anyone. Those comments will be deleted. The author has a fiery temper and will clap back when provoked.
5. The author has two hands for writing sweet, silly romances. If that's not your thing, click "x" and read something by another author. There's no need to leave a comment...
Synopsis posted on November 30, 2024. Screenshots are proof.
This obscure author declines any collisions! My bones are brittle and I can't take the injury.
Theme: Don't complain, because life always has a surprise waiting around the corner
