I've been in a bad mood lately, and writing this story has left me feeling even more desolate. I'm rushing it to an end. This book won't be paywalled, so feel free to read it.
I'd like to recommend the two stories I'll be updating most from now on, Gold Contract and Master, There's a Demon! They're lighter reads.
Beautiful, strong, tragic revenge-seeking female general vs. frail, sweet-on-the-outside, scheming good-for-nothing crown prince
Both hiding their identities, loving and trying to kill each other, political intrigue, and intense push and pull
1. Shen Ruyu
She was once the young general of the Zhenbei Army, who fought bloodily on the battlefield while disguised as a man.
Her father died on the road back to the capital, and she was ambushed at Chifeng Ridge.
She crawled out of a mountain of corpses, shed her armor, and became a "concubine-born daughter" who had been brought back halfway through her life to the Prime Minister's residence.
A delicate flower, soft as jade? That was merely the disguise she wore for revenge.
What she wanted was to find the mastermind and make them pay in blood.
She simply hadn't expected the supposedly good-for-nothing crown prince to be so calculating.
In the shifting political tides, it was hard to resist love as they tested each other, seeming at times like friends and at times like enemies.
2. Li Chengjing
In the eyes of the world, he was a weak, spineless good-for-nothing crown prince who was beyond saving.
Wolves circled him on every side of the imperial throne.
Playing dumb and keeping his head down were both armor that kept him alive and a blade lying in wait.
He carried the world in his heart and swore to purge the rotten court and bring peace and prosperity to the realm.
3. A match made in heaven?
A marriage contract paired the "concubine-born daughter" with the "good-for-nothing."
A concubine-born daughter and a crown prince? A match made in heaven, the capital laughed.
A test!
On their wedding night, before the red candles had burned out, a blade flashed!
A sharp sword thrust straight at her heart. Shen Ruyu spun aside, recognizing the attacker's style in an instant. She had to play her part convincingly!
She tripped and "stumbled" into the groom's arms, tears glistening on her lashes as she cried out in a trembling voice, "Your Highness... save me!"
His arm tightened around her. His breath brushed her ear, edged with a teasing chill. "Call me husband."
An undercurrent!
Shen Ruyu's heart jolted. This "good-for-nothing" crown prince had been hiding his true nature remarkably well!
Li Chengjing was thinking the same thing: this "concubine-born daughter" had uncanny skills and an unfathomable mind.
Why was she investigating the old case involving the Zhenbei Army?
The way she acted was exactly like that old acquaintance who should already be dead!
He wanted to kill her, but then realized she was the moonlight in his heart that he wanted to protect.
She wanted to use him, but then realized he was walking the same path as her.
Two hunters in sheep's clothing, trading schemes day and night.
Would they join forces to topple the court, a den of human monsters?
Or would they first strip away each other's deadly disguises?
It all came down to who would be the first to let their burning true feelings show.
The author doesn't like tearjerkers, and will try to fit a sweet romance into the political intrigue.
Theme: Be kind, and serve the nation and its people
The sheep are too small to eat???