Prince Xiao Mingzhuo of Yan discovered that Xue Zhi, the new military aide at his residence, had an unusual little sister. She often waited outside the estate for her brother to finish work. Her hands were slender, fair, and exceptionally pretty, yet she liked to pick up things that had fallen on the ground and eat them.
From then on, he, a prince of the highest rank, personally escorted this eighth-rank clerk home from work every day. His attendants praised him for valuing the worthy, but only he knew the truth: It's been three years. Why hasn't she given up that bad habit? It's been three years. Does she still remember me?
Xue Qingchen knew that the master of the estate where her brother worked was Xiao Mingzhuo, the fifth prince of the current dynasty and once the magistrate of Luojing. Their hurried meeting three years earlier hadn't actually been the beginning of their story.
Their stations in life were worlds apart, and she'd meant to keep her distance. She never expected him to come to her home in person, bringing so many famous treats from the capital, cloth, and grain that her little courtyard was piled high. He said, “I admire Military Aide Xue's talent, so I've brought a small gift to show my appreciation.”
It was broad daylight, and her brother was working at the prince's residence. Why go out of his way? And why come in person to bestow these gifts? She didn't ask. She watched him turn away with composure, only for him to miss the stirrup when mounting his horse. His handsome face instantly turned bright red.
Some things can't be said, have no words, and aren't worth saying. But when I met you, I had to say them aloud. Only then could you stand before me without worry, full of joy, and take my hand.
“Chen, do you believe there are parents in this world who favor one child so much that they'd trade an unwanted child's life for the favored one's future?”
“I do. We have no parents. We belong to ourselves.”
“Chen, when I look at you, it's like looking into a mirror. I won't let you end up as wretched as I am. I want to set you free.”
“I didn't come here for you, so I won't leave because of you either.”
Luojing is full of worldly cares. Whose heart is troubled, and for whom?
May we become a pair of cranes, singing together, and fly into the skies in the bloom of youth.
[Reader's Guide]
◎ Both leads have no other romantic partners, happy ending, with a 40/60 split between plot and romance
◎ The leads are eight years apart. The heroine is still young when they first meet, and the hero is mostly curious about her. After they reunite, he falls deeply into unrequited love, while she remains clearheaded and reserved.
◎ The leads are two lovesick souls who save each other. The heroine's background is a central clue in the capital's political turmoil.
◎ The heroine has a brief, hazy first love. The second male lead gives up first, so avoid this story if that bothers you.
◎ Household and palace intrigue, court politics, and other elements are mixed together. A marriage that turns into love, a love mired in bitterness, and a groveling-after-your-wife arc are spread across various characters.
Theme: We are our own masters
