Accomplices

The main story was completed on September 21.

My first novel. The writing is simple and unpolished. If that's not to your taste, please don't read it.

A story about accidentally getting caught up in a wrongful case and uncovering a shocking secret.

Slow burn | Not a wish-fulfillment story | Ensemble cast | A touch of political intrigue

Every character has their own position. Decide for yourself who's good or evil, and feel free to guess what's true, who's behind it all. Everyone suffers in their own way and faces their own trials. People make mistakes and pay the price. The male lead supports the heroine from beginning to end.

Blurb:

Zhou Ling picked someone up on a whim.

The good news: he's the crown prince.

The bad news: he's a wanted criminal.

The even worse news: they're both wanted now.

On the run, Zhou Ling hesitantly asks, "You really didn't betray your country?"

Xiao Heng, who's explained it countless times, grits his teeth. "I. Did. Not."

Zhou Ling sighs. "Then your father and younger brother want you dead."

Xiao Heng: "...I'll talk it out with them."

Zhou Ling says earnestly, "Good luck. I still want to live."

Aside from being her parents' dying wish, living well is important because she wants to find the person who saved her life back then and repay him.

Zhou Ling later discovers that Xiao Heng's younger brother, Xiao Huaiyuan, framed him. The people who killed her parents happened to be his subordinates.

She's not that forgiving. Even if Xiao Huaiyuan wasn't there at the time, that doesn't mean he shouldn't pay with his life.

Likewise, looking at Xiao Heng, Zhou Ling thinks: They aren't working together, but that doesn't mean she can't use him.

Xiao Heng is driven from the palace like a stray dog. After a long, arduous journey, he reaches Yingcheng, where he meets a "kind soul."

His kind soul gives him food and shelter, and is a good, gentle person, except she has one enemy she hates with all her heart.

He remembers Zhou Ling's bright, unwavering eyes and promises to avenge her, even if the person responsible is his own younger brother.

Later, when the truth comes to light, Xiao Huaiyuan draws his sword and holds it to Zhou Ling's neck. Its blade glints with a cold silver light.

"You knew it wasn't him." Xiao Heng shuts his eyes in pain. "You can't deceive me like this."

Zhou Ling remains calm, even smiling as she asks softly, "And you? Will you still help me?"

"I will." He hears himself say it.

A seemingly aloof general who's actually fiercely loyal x a seemingly pitiful but actually clever and scheming heroine

Theme: Live well.