To avenge her adoptive parents, Lin Zhaorou takes the alias Meier and pretends to become her enemy's concubine, then lures him away on a business trip.
As she begins putting her plan into action, she accidentally saves a man dressed in splendid clothes, whose bearing is exceptionally distinguished.
She cares for him attentively and speaks to him gently, gradually drawing the once aloof, noble man into her web of love.
He promises to take her away once he has recovered, sparing her the hardship of having nowhere to call home.
Before his wounds have healed, the wealthy merchant returns early and catches the two of them entwined beneath the red canopy.
Before they can explain, the merchant orders his men to tie them up and throw them into the lake.
As the water closes over her nose and mouth, Lin Zhaorou pulls a hidden blade from her sleeve and cuts the man's ropes.
With a smile, she sinks to the bottom of the lake beneath his heartbroken gaze.
Three days later, bandits ambush the wealthy merchant, leaving no body intact.
Lin Zhaorou was right about him: he certainly gets things done cleanly and efficiently.
Once everything is settled, she returns to the Marquis's estate without a backward glance.
Two years later, at the palace's chrysanthemum-viewing banquet, Lin Zhaorou glances over and sees that familiar man again.
Dressed in a magnificent embroidered dragon robe fluttering in the wind, he strides up to her and grips her sleeve tightly, his eyes full of sorrow.
Her heart in turmoil, she steadies herself and smiles sweetly at him:
"I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else, sir. I am Lin Zhaorou, daughter of the Marquis of Chengyang and the Prince of Qi's betrothed."
Prince Wei gazes at the graceful figure before him, slowly coming to his senses, his eyes bloodshot.
Daughter of the Marquis of Chengyang? Betrothed to the Prince of Qi? She's his Meier.
She deceived him and now wants to marry his elder brother. As if he would let that happen!
#She seduced him, then faked her death and disappeared#
#Two years after guarding his chastity, his dead sweetheart returns#
[Reading Guide]
1. Alternate setting, both leads have no prior sexual partners, happy ending
2. Aloof and untouchable beauty VS. flirtatious, scheming black lotus
3. Imperfect characters
4. Blurb written on December 18, 2024, revised on August 22, 2025
Theme: Love is respect and understanding
