Gu Changning married the wrong person.
Though the land was in chaos and the imperial house was in decline, he was still the most honored legitimate heir to his princely house, proud and haughty. He was supposed to marry the eldest son of the Prime Minister's household, his childhood sweetheart.
But when the wedding veil was lifted, he saw someone he'd never met before.
The groom wasn't even wearing wedding clothes. Clad in armor and reeking of blood, he still looked fierce despite trying to rein it in. He stared at Gu Changning like a vicious wolf.
Gu Changning asked in alarm, "Who are you?! Where's Liang Chengyu?!"
"To answer Your Highness," the man said, letting out a breath before dropping to one knee and bowing his head to Gu Changning. "I am Xie Shuo, the Grand General Who Guards the Nation. By imperial decree, I am to marry Your Highness."
Gu Changning refused.
On their wedding night, he drove Xie Shuo out and cried for the entire night.
*
Xie Shuo hadn't been happy about the marriage either.
Born a commoner, he'd earned his military honors with sword and blade, yet the emperor had arranged for him to marry the heir of Changning.
Xie Shuo was young and spirited, and had always wanted to marry someone he loved. But an imperial decree could not be disobeyed. He was still defending the borders beyond the frontier and, out of spite, had delayed his return. By the time he hurried back to the capital, it was already his wedding day.
Knowing he'd slighted his new spouse, Xie Shuo went straight to the bridal chamber and swept up the wedding veil.
The red candles flickered. Beneath the veil was a person with peach-blossom cheeks and red lips, his eyes brimming with frightened tears as he looked at Xie Shuo. He was like an immortal in a painting.
Xie Shuo: So worth it.jpg
Although his wife had kicked him out, Xie Shuo was still delighted.
*
From then on, Xie Shuo cherished Gu Changning and indulged his little whims, granting the heir's every wish.
Gu Changning wanted Xie Shuo to learn to read and study, so Xie Shuo buried himself in books as if preparing for the imperial examinations.
Gu Changning wanted Xie Shuo to be refined and courteous, so Xie Shuo studied the complicated rituals of the imperial house and shed his rough soldier's manner.
Gu Changning wanted to attend a poetry gathering hosted by Liang Chengyu, so Xie Shuo...
That was the one thing Xie Shuo couldn't accept. As a military general trailing after Gu Changning, he scowled at Liang Chengyu the whole way.
Meanwhile, Gu Changning, who used to snap at Xie Shuo, gradually softened toward him.
One day, Xie Shuo took Gu Changning to a hill beside the military camp to watch the moon.
Moonlight flowed like silk, stars glittered like pieces on a board, and the shadows of the trees swayed beside them. The person in his arms shifted gently, cheek pressed to his neck. Xie Shuo heard Gu Changning softly call his name: Xie Shuo, Xie Shuo.
He answered each time. After a long while, Xie Shuo heard a soft call: "Husband."
Short scene:
Xie Shuo: Your sister-in-law wants me to write a poem. Let's write one together. We'll definitely come up with something she'll like.
Xie Family Army: Do we have to write one too?
Xie Shuo: Yes.
Xie Shuo: The last one was terrible. Your sister-in-law is going to scold me today.
Xie Family Army: Are we going to get scolded too?
Xie Shuo: Yes.
Reader's guide:
1. The blurb focuses on the romance, while the main story has a more serious tone. It's about two young spouses facing hardship together in a chaotic era and reclaiming their homeland. Happy ending.
2. There's a supporting couple in the character list: a scheming general x an undercover actor. A pretense that develops into true feelings.
3. The bottom is a male wife, and the story includes pregnancy and childbirth later on, with scenes featuring their child.
4. To be updated. Blurb saved on 2026.2.27
Theme: Love means lifting each other up.
