The Meet-Cute Version
The first time
He looked at her, dressed in men’s clothes, his eyes calm and unreadable. “Who are you?”
Her gaze flickered, but she was just as composed. “Who I am doesn’t matter. What matters is that we have the same goal...”
That night, thieves broke into the Ming army’s camp. The most precious treasure was stolen, and the most important prisoner was rescued.
The second time
Looking at her in her immaculate white robes, he paused in surprise. “It’s you?”
After her surprise, she smiled. “You have a good memory. Why don’t we strike another deal today...”
That very day, a heretical martial arts sect was wiped out. The sect leader’s head vanished without a trace, and the sect’s treasures were looted.
The third time
He looked at her, her exquisite face beneath her phoenix crown, and his eyes lit up with delight. “It’s you?”
Only then did she look up at him, her expression odd. “Why is it you again?”
Two deals together were one thing, but how could she end up marrying him too?
And then that day...
Oh, to hell with that day! This plot is clearly wrong. Director, I demand a recast!
The Official Version
She served her country for ten years, then retired with honor.
But she hadn’t even enjoyed a year of peace before leukemia killed her.
After finally transmigrating, she became a newborn baby.
Her parents were both dead, and her loyal maid traveled a thousand miles to take her to her imperial uncle.
Qian Ling thought, This life is such a ridiculous mess!
Fortunately, despite such a ridiculous beginning, she grew up safe and healthy.
In her previous life, she had wanted peace and quiet, but it never lasted. This time, she would do everything she could to build a peaceful life!
The Ming invade our land? Drive them out!
The heretical sect threatens us? Destroy it!
The Han want a political marriage? Accept it!
Whatever else you’ve got, bring it on!
Qian Ling declared boldly, “I’ll deal with all of it at once!”
The man’s eyes darkened. He pulled her forcefully into his arms, his voice dangerous. “That’s right, my lady. Better sooner than later. Why don’t we consummate our marriage tonight and take care of everything at once?”
A little scene, Part One
He stared at the expanse of snow-white skin before him and the bright red mark on her shoulder, unable to hide his surprise. “You’re a woman?”
She snatched up her clothes and covered her bare shoulder, her voice unfriendly. “Turn around!”
He did as she asked. After a long pause, he said hesitantly, “A woman’s reputation must not be ruined.”
She quickly got dressed and scoffed. “And?”
After a long silence, he turned around, his expression serious. “I’ll take responsibility and marry you.”
She froze for a moment, then punched him square in his handsome face. “In your dreams!”
A little scene, Part Two
“Mother, this is bad! A vixen is trying to steal Father away!”
One day, while she was sunbathing in the courtyard, her little one came running over in a panic.
She raised an eyelid and drew the little one into her arms. “Don’t worry. If he were that easy to steal, he wouldn’t be your father.”
“Why not?” the little one asked curiously.
Her eyes curved into a crafty smile. “If a vixen steals him, I’ll take you and marry someone else.”
“You dare remarry?!”
The man who had just driven away another admirer arrived in time to hear that. He flew into a rage, strode over, hoisted her onto his shoulder, and carried her toward the bedroom. “You can forget about leaving me behind. Not in this lifetime!”
The woman nearly burst into tears. She had only been joking with their little one! Who could have guessed that her petty husband would overhear? Now things were really going to get out of hand...
The little one, left behind, rubbed his fingers together miserably. Father and Mother were so mean, leaving him alone again to go play in their room...
This story features two strong leads, a one-on-one romance, and a devoted relationship without angst. Please take the plunge!