Synopsis
[Proud, wealthy young lord who loves settling scores x lively, sharp-tongued third young lady]
Gao Chen'an is the third young lady of a military family. Headstrong and spoiled, she has no regard for etiquette, but she's quick-witted and has an excellent memory. After making mischief all the way to her coming-of-age ceremony, she receives an imperial decree ordering her to assassinate the Crown Prince of the Northern Kingdom.
Though unwilling, she takes on the duty for her country and sets out with Tang Su and Liu Xu. Along the way, she meets Xiao Zhuoxiang.
What sticks in her mind about him is his handsome, graceful appearance, his love of fine jade, and his lavish spending. His identity is unclear, but he looks every bit the wealthy young lord.
However, their first meeting ends in a huge argument, and they part on bad terms.
When they meet again, she has just left home, only to be ambushed moments later. Wounded, she faints in the woods, and Xiao Zhuoxiang leisurely takes her home.
*
The journey to the capital is full of twists and turns: the mysterious Yan Niang's bloody deal, a storyteller in a ghost-face mask, and a case involving a wealthy merchant's stolen jade.
Gao Chen'an is baffled. How did all of this end up having something to do with me?
Even more absurdly, after they have risked their lives together, Xiao Zhuoxiang stammers as he asks whether she has someone she loves.
Gao Chen'an feels her heart flutter, but knowing she has a mission to fulfill, she has no time for romance. She answers, "I'm going to the palace to compete to become the Crown Princess."
Xiao Zhuoxiang leaves with a cold expression.
*
After much difficulty, Gao Chen'an makes it into the palace for the selection. She looks up and meets a familiar face: those eyes, cold enough to send a shiver down her spine.
She lowers her head, not daring to look again, her heart sinking into despair.
Xiao Zhuoxiang has shown her kindness, and she cannot repay it with betrayal. She has feelings for him, too, and cannot bear to kill him.
But her country's mission rests on her shoulders, and she has no choice. To complete it, she repeatedly shows Xiao Zhuoxiang affection, tending to him and caring for him in every way.
Just as Xiao Zhuoxiang has fallen deeply in love with her, she steels herself and drives a dagger into his chest, saying coldly, "Your Highness, forgive me for this offense."
Staggering from the pain and heartbroken, Xiao Zhuoxiang demands, "Who told you I was the Crown Prince?"
*
Flowers in bloom, a bright full moon, a beautiful night, and lovers gazing at each other.
A guard looks at Xiao Zhuoxiang, who is hopelessly smitten. "Didn't you say you didn't believe in love at first sight?"
Xiao Zhuoxiang: "True love is always the exception. You wouldn't understand."
A maid watches Gao Chen'an smiling foolishly and asks, "My lady, didn't you say you'd never fall for someone you disliked at first sight?"
Gao Chen'an: "I've figured it out now. What can first impressions really decide?"
Reader's Guide:
An alternate historical setting. No need to research the history.
Ensemble cast, with frequent shifts in perspective. Read with caution if that's not your thing.
The protagonists grow over time and have some character flaws early on.
Keep things friendly and enjoy the story.
Theme: Grow together and protect the peace hand in hand