Bookmark this to watch a lofty, radiant flower turn into a humble puppy begging for love
[Love-rival showdown + two strong leads + hero gets humbled and eats his words + romantic tension + one-on-one, both firsts]
When she was nine, the Meng family's true daughter was brought back to the household, and Meng Zhen gradually became an outsider in her own home.
Being given less food, clothing, and spending money than everyone else? No matter.
Her childhood betrothal quietly transferred to someone else? So be it.
If she had no blood ties or family connections, then she'd make herself a good marriage.
Meng Zhen set her sights on the spirited young master of the Chancellor's family, the gentle and refined heir of Prince Ying, the brilliant Minister of Rites, and the increasingly prominent Commandery Princess's eldest son.
She used every means she could, navigated between them, and planned each move carefully. All she wanted was somewhere to settle down, so why did Crown Prince Xiao Ying keep blocking her way?
She wasn't interested in him, so why was he meddling with her plans?
*
Xiao Ying noticed a young woman.
At first, he watched coldly from the sidelines, thinking she was scheming and not worth a second thought.
Later, he saw her helping the people with food during the cold, drizzling rain; reciting poetry at the flower-viewing banquet to get someone else out of a tight spot; and providing free medical care to women and children in Chang'an.
Beneath that clever, perceptive heart, it seemed, lay a world of its own.
Then he saw her celebrate her engagement to the heir of Prince Ying, achieving everything she'd hoped for.
Xiao Ying, who had always gotten whatever he wanted, experienced for the first time the bitterness of longing for something he could not have, and the burning sting of jealousy.
Later, he cornered her against the desk, eyes reddening, and asked with a touch of obsession, "You planned everything to find yourself a good husband, so why didn't you scheme to get me from the start?"
"Meng Zhen, choose me. You won't have to go to any trouble for me. Just crook your finger, and I'll gladly bow to you."
#The strong hero gets humbled and eats his words#
#The bystander who watched from the other side gets caught up in the flames#
#The lofty flower is driven mad by love#
Reader's Guide:
- The heroine has a growth arc and will never let anyone control her. She's clever and capable.
- The hero gradually falls for the heroine. Later, he fights to win her over, though he watches from the sidelines at first and keeps getting humbled.
- Beautiful heroine, handsome hero, happy ending, and plenty of bonus chapters.
Theme: Make a wonderful life for yourself through your own efforts.
