The Retired Emperor Doesn't Act Old

A timid little chatterbox who gives in to kindness but talks back when pushed x a tall, powerful, surprisingly loyal dog

Height difference | Age difference | Skin tone difference

Emperor Qianzhao, the founding emperor of Dayan, rose in rebellion at fifteen, declared himself king at eighteen, took the throne at twenty, and abdicated in favor of a worthy successor at twenty-three before wandering the world. His life was the stuff of legends.

The villagers told Chunwu that Emperor Qianzhao stood eight chi tall, broad and powerful, a true man of iron and steel.

A strong man sounded good. Strong men were good at working the fields, and Chunwu wanted to find one to marry.

Later, by a twist of fate, she entered the palace. Though the palace was dangerous, the pay was good. She planned to keep her head down until she could leave, then use her savings to support her grandmother back home and find herself a good husband as manly as the Retired Emperor.

The Retired Emperor returned to the palace one day. After only a couple of hurried glances, he summoned Chunwu to work in his quarters.

Gradually, Chunwu realized that the Retired Emperor wasn't as impressive as the rumors claimed.

She thought the Retired Emperor would surely know right from wrong, but the first time they met, he tried to kill her.

She thought he would surely be a brilliant ruler, but he knew fewer characters than she did.

She thought he would surely care about the people, but he spent all day poring over an erotic manual.

Though the Retired Emperor was very handsome, he was nothing like the strong man she'd imagined!

Late one quiet night, as Chunwu attends to the Retired Emperor's bath, she accidentally catches a glimpse of his firm, muscular body. Only one thought crosses her mind.

What a... what a man!

1. The male lead is a virgin, and there is an eight-year age gap.

2. This is a fictional setting, so don't overthink the details. Everything is in service of the plot.

3. A sweet little treat.

4. A low-status, high-energy little sun x a high-status, low-energy misanthrope

Preview of my next book, Wet Nurse:

On the day Lin Wanchan gives birth, she receives news that her husband has died in battle.

Her infant son is frail, and her mother-in-law falls ill. With no other choice, Lin Wanchan accepts a position as wet nurse to the young son of the Duke's household.

The young master is precious, and he needs good milk, so the Old Madam makes sure she gets nourishing food every day.

On a bitterly cold day in the twelfth lunar month, she leaves the Old Madam's room and runs into the heir, Xiao Qing.

Everyone says the heir, Xiao Qing, is nobly born, was a companion to the Crown Prince, excels in both civil and military affairs, and won great military honors at a young age. He is truly a man among men.

At first, Lin Wanchan catches only a fleeting glimpse of him and thinks the rumors are well deserved.

Later, she is nursing the young master in a side room when the heir suddenly barges in. His gaze falls on her exposed beauty, and no matter how angrily she scolds him, he won't look away.

Xiao Qing is a true favorite of heaven.

From childhood on, he has always gotten whatever he wants.

That day, he goes to pay his respects in his grandmother's courtyard when a sweet scent makes him stop.

The owner of that sweet scent is lovely, with a slender figure like a willow and a gentle grace like flowing water.

The soft lullaby she sings to soothe the child tugs at his heartstrings.

Someone so alluring should belong to him alone.

Even if she is the widow of one of his soldiers.

He uses both kindness and force, trying every means until he finally confines her in an outer residence.

At first, it is only a passing whim. Later, he becomes addicted to her and can't pull himself away.

They share a quiet, happy time together, and Xiao Qing believes she has fallen for him too.

But when news arrives that her husband has returned from the dead, she leaves him without hesitation.

In the past, everything Xiao Qing wanted had been within easy reach. But this time, he must climb to the summit of the clouds and beg the bright moon to look upon him with mercy.

Even if he falls and is shattered to pieces, he will accept it gladly.

1. The heroine is not the hero's first love.

2. Coercive possessive romance, outrageous melodrama, and a long pursuit to win her back.

3. The heroine isn't strong and formidable. She's a delicate yet resilient little white flower.

4. The hero is awful before he falls in love, and he's still awful after he falls in love.

Theme: Get to know people with an open heart.