Latest Court Intrigue Novel

The most handsome man in Lin'an was Zhao Qingcun, the Prince of Luchuan. Due to a natural orchid mark on his brow, he was affectionately nicknamed "Orchid Gentleman."

This man was Yan Huaiwei's first love, her "white moonlight." They once swore vows beneath a pear tree and walked hand in hand by West Lake.

Yan Huaiwei longed to spend her life with him, but unexpectedly, she was slandered—he publicly declared that he detested talented women, especially the Yan family's talented daughter who dared to write him "Xiang Jian Huan."

With things coming to this, Yan Huaiwei had no choice but to marry a wealthy merchant from the market, as arranged by her parents. After marriage, her husband and her were at odds, and her in-laws were harsh. Yan Huaiwei struggled fiercely. Ultimately, due to a massive misunderstanding, she tearfully jumped into the Qiantang River.

Bad news: She really jumped. Good news: She was saved!

While recuperating, Yan Huaiwei learned of several distressing events that occurred after her "death." Every single one pointed to the culprit, Zhao Qingcun.

Enraged, Yan Huaiwei decided to immediately return and deal with that man named Zhao! So, she assumed the name "Lizhi" and infiltrated the Prince's mansion, intending to seek revenge. Who knew she would accidentally deliver herself to the Prince of Luchuan's bed?

Zhao Qingcun: Well, you got what you wished for. Yan Huaiwei: ...Come on! I'm not... not afraid of you! ...Mmm...

Unfortunately, Zhao Qingcun made a mistake. The current Yan Huaiwei was no longer the woman who only knew how to grieve for spring and autumn. Afterwards, while entangled in love and hate with Zhao Qingcun, she also schemed. Heaven rewards the diligent; she finally obtained crucial evidence that could condemn him to death.

But only then did she realize with shock that the truth of past events was completely different from what she had known! And Zhao Qingcun... he was already caught in a deadly trap.

Yan Huaiwei: (hands a wine cup) I can't drink anymore. Zhao Qingcun: Do you know, for a woman to hand her unfinished wine to a man, that is flirting. Yan Huaiwei: (startled) I didn't mean to! Zhao Qingcun: Too late. Yan Huaiwei: ...Prince of Luchuan engaging in public indecency... shameless... Zhao Qingcun: ...Shameless be it.

All misunderstandings written in the synopsis will be resolved in the main story—the male and female leads are each other's "white moonlight." The setting is the Southern Song Dynasty; the characters and story are the author's original creation, a romance novel wrapped in historical costume, not a historical biography!

The explanation for why the female lead is still a virgin despite being married will be detailed in the book. Most of the content involving clothing, food, housing, travel, poetry, and songs has been researched, with a small portion being privately set for the sake of the story's appeal. All chapter titles are derived from the names of Ci (Song lyrics) tunes. This book is 1V1, SC (Sexual Content), HE (Happy Ending).

贞元 (Zhenyuan) 13th year, Mount Biyun.

Princess Jiyuan of Shenxiao, using the alias Hengbo, descended the mountain with a sword, a bundle, a blood-stained broken saber, a wooden box that hadn't seen daylight for over ten years, and a sword also named Hengbo.

At the same time, a letter inscribed "Yuer descends the mountain, sword points to Yujing" flew on the spring breeze to the silent northwestern frontier.

Half a month later, Jiangnan.

A hand, as clear and white as cold jade, reached out from the railing. Shen Guitang, on his way to the capital for the imperial examination, felt the direction of the wind and lightly curved his lips: "The northwestern wind has begun to stir; it's time for us to set off, lest our old friend waits too long."

Behind the blood-stained broken saber lies years of grievances and grudges buried between two factions of the jianghu. The old wooden box seals away historical secrets beneath the bones of dynastic change. The few words of the letter ignite the raging flames and smoke of war in the harsh borderlands, consuming flesh and blood.

And the encounter between the exiled orphan and the Rakshasa of Zhennan is the most unexpected story in this spring scenery of Jiangnan.

From then on, the bright moon forever falls, Shenxiao ceases to exist, yellow sand rolls over white jade, and a malevolent spirit smiles, plucking a flower: "The show begins, I invite all of you to enjoy it together."

Mini Theater:

Young Master Xiao: He couldn't keep her, just as the picturesque Jiangnan could never keep a Western Mansion crabapple.

Wen Tinglan: Shenxiao and I were childhood sweethearts, innocent and inseparable.

Shen Guitang: Even if she has a fiancé, I accept it.

Interview: How did Miss Ji win the hearts of three excellent gentlemen?

Hengbo: ...I'm just an ordinary, enthusiastic citizen.

On the surface: A sword-wielding genius who honed her skills on the mountain for over ten years × A newly crowned scholar who enters the game and shocks the world.

Essentially: Brainless × Unhappy.

Currently revealed character eulogies:

Ruan Wangshu: Heart as bright as the moon, body swaying like duckweed. Her soul vanished where the saber broke, but quietly.

Ji Jin: Advancing, embracing eternal life; retreating, fulfilling a subject's loyalty. All that remains is a thin coffin and a lonely grave, swallowing countless untold thoughts.

(???): A garden full of fragrance, charming bones, crimson lips painted against a mirror. Last night's frost chilled the heart, yet couldn't shake the broken halberd and silver spear. Tears flow like a river, tears of a pair of mandarin ducks.

The meaning of the story: Bitterness turns to sweetness.

With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, Li Xingyi, leader of the Wulin Alliance, plans to enter the palace to avenge his death by getting close to Empress Dowager Shi Hui. However, an unexpected imperial edict instead names him as Empress. On their wedding day, details abound, and Li Xingyi feels an inexplicable familiarity with this emperor.

Unknown memory fragments and moments of their time together constantly tell Li Xingyi that this emperor definitely has some connection to him. A dream, familiar memories, the truth is revealed.

Li Xingyi: 'I... did I know you before?' Qi Dou was stunned, 'You... don't recognize... me?' His eyes reddened slightly.

In this world, love will surely have its hardships; amnesia is for meeting you again and getting to know another side of you.

One accident after another deepens the relationship between the two, and only after recovering their memories do they realize that there were things too difficult to say and everything was hard to discern.

With two empresses vying, Li Xingyi gets his revenge, ruling the empire with grace, becoming a wise empress for the ages.

The story isn't long, but it covers all matters here, and tells of a love that lasts through long-term companionship.

Shen Nian, a 21st-century slacker and foodie, loved nothing more than watching "My Fair Princess" every day. She had memorized all the major events and wished she could be there to "eat melons" (gossip) in person, but she also knew that with her slacker personality, she probably wouldn't survive three episodes if she transmigrated. So, she only fantasized about it.

However, she never expected that one day she would transmigrate into the show. Her father and mother had also left her early. Shen Nian initially thought it would be an uphill battle, but little did she know that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were both her backers. Even the Empress, the only "villain" in the show, was her supporter!

This round was a sure win! Not only did she have Qing'er as a best friend, indulging and spoiling her, but even Xiao Yanzi joined in, treating her incredibly well, and there was also...

"Do you want candied hawthorn?" "Yes."

"Do you want crystal cake?" "Yes."

"Do you want pumpkin seeds?" "Yes."

"Do you want lotus seed paste cake?" "Yes."

... "Then what about me?" "Yes," Shen Nian said. ...

"Ertai—!!! What the hell are you doing fooling people like this?!!!"

"Hahaha—, you've already agreed, no backing out now. I've already asked the Emperor for a marriage decree."

"Ertai—!!!" Shen Nian, realizing what had happened, let out a roaring shriek. As for the content of her roar, please read the main text to find out.

Some character settings might be a bit off, so discretion is advised. There's a lot of super sweet interaction between the male and female leads, with sugar levels off the charts. The synopsis is insufficient, please move to the main text.

Copywriting: *Husband chasing after divorce + slapping face.

Jiang Shuifu fell in love with Shen Jizhao at first sight and thereafter recklessly plunged into it. Her admiration for Shen Jizhao was openly displayed before others, so much so that even children knew: "The Jiang family girl likes the Crown Prince, shamelessly throwing herself at him."

She made a fool of herself and even implicated her father, as everyone mocked her father for abusing his power to secure her the position of Crown Princess. Jiang Shuifu felt sad hearing this, but she wiped away her tears.

He liked dignified women. After their marriage, the two treated each other with respect, never overstepping boundaries. Jiang Shuifu curbed her temper for him, learned all eighteen rules of etiquette, and tried every means to become the virtuous Crown Princess in his heart.

Yet, because of a playful remark she made before coming of age, "May we be a pair for life," he coldly ridiculed her in front of everyone: "Absurd and monstrous." She didn't mean it that way, Jiang Shuifu lowered her gaze. Such innocent thoughts had vanished ever since she met him.

One day, upon his triumphant return to the capital, she personally witnessed Shen Jizhao, her usually stern husband, joyfully presenting a wild goose to the woman he was supposed to marry two years prior. "The Jiang氏 is jealous, lacking in grace and calm, unskilled in etiquette and doctrine, and unfit for great responsibility."

Since ancient times, only a lawfully wedded wife receives a wild goose. It was then that Jiang Shuifu finally, completely understood. She shouldn't have forced it, and she shouldn't have liked him.

Shen Jizhao was a favored son of heaven, extremely strict about rules, but his Crown Princess was thoughtless. He disliked her. However, he prided himself on being upright and incorruptible, so even if her wifely virtues were wanting, he never divorced her.

He assumed she would always quietly remain in the distance, watching him, even if he was about to marry someone else. But at a state banquet, his docile Crown Princess actually petitioned the Emperor: "This Jiang lady, lacking talent and virtue, requests to be cast aside."

Shen Jizhao took half a step back, scrutinizing her in disbelief. His eyes deepened, and his knuckles gradually whitened, a dense ache rising from his heart. Later, the usually detached and indifferent Crown Prince, in front of the entire capital, desperately begged a woman to come back.

"Shuifu, I only want you, I am not dirty, will you give me a chance?" The imperial rules he always valued were trampled to dust by him. *1v1, SC (Still a virgin for the male lead).

*The male lead's desire to marry the supporting female character is not out of love, nor will he make her his main wife. *The male lead will not succeed in marrying her.

A refined, sober, yet playful and resilient county princess x a wild, ruthless, yet proactive and deeply affectionate deputy envoy.

Shen Zhuangmu, who was once the highly respected daughter of the first general, suddenly plunged to the status of a criminal's remnant, reviled by all. Yet, she boldly returned to Huijing, and His Majesty even restored her former noble status and honors.

Everyone in Huijing spread this rumor, but Shen Zhuangmu knew clearly that her mother, after guarding the border for many years, was framed and left without a trace on her first journey back to the capital. Now, she has returned to make the perpetrators pay for their blood debt!

Ignoring all obstacles, she secretly slipped out to buy clues, only to nearly be shot in the head by a man named Zhao Yi. Later, while stepping out for air during a banquet, this man tried to probe her. She poured an entire can of tranquilizer into the wine Zhao Yi had meticulously prepared for her.

This should have completely solidified their enmity, yet they met again in a study. In the silence, she sent him a message, asking, "Want to cooperate? I'll give you information." He narrowed his eyes and agreed.

Thus began a path of cooperation filled with gunpowder and devoid of trust—a path of absolutely exploiting each other. To her surprise, their negotiations broke down, and Shen Zhuangmu even doused him with water due to her principles. Yet, this man asked, "Cooperate?"

Shen Zhuangmu wondered if this meant he was essentially offering her free clues. But she refused. She never expected Zhao Yi to be so persistent about her identity.

Shen Zhuangmu never imagined that the truth would be revealed when she felt utterly abandoned. Yet, Zhao Yi uncharacteristically took her hand.

Zhao Yi also never expected that on the day he became a target for all, Shen Zhuangmu would tear apart the false pretenses of the ministers in court and resolutely defend him.

It turned out that their bond had quietly intertwined long ago. When did it happen? Perhaps one morning, or perhaps one afternoon.

She caught sight of him, deeply lonely yet incredibly optimistic. He saw her, broad-minded, unwilling to yield, and exceptionally resilient. It seemed neither of them was so bad after all.

This is a fictional historical novel with a growth arc, featuring two strong protagonists, a two-way journey, and a happy ending (SC HE). The book includes family affection, sisterhood, and brotherhood.

That day's first meeting was etched deep into their eyes, and their subsequent interactions were meticulously intertwined. Along the way, the two finally reunited.

With constant winds and hidden dangers, where will their journey home lead them?

One is a mischievous devil, the other a scholar descended from the heavens. How will their encounter impact each other's lives? Will unexpected miracles occur? Within the ancient dynastic system, we witness the joys and sorrows of the common people, the partings and reunions of lovers, and the complex web of murder cases.

Let us unravel the threads and together embark on this strange journey.

The world-building for this work is set in the previous work, "Prologue: Origin". If you're interested, you might want to take a look; it's not very long, two hours should be enough to finish it. It's okay if you don't have time to read it; if there's anything you don't understand, you can leave a comment in the comment section, and I'll definitely reply when I see it!

Set against the backdrop of an alternate historical China, it narrates the lives of the protagonists. The Western Protectorate, as the western frontier of the Tang Dynasty, has been constantly harassed by various Central Asian kingdoms since the previous emperor's demise.

Synopsis 1: Now, the newly enthroned Empress Wu Huai personally leads an expedition, firmly executing a policy of no marriage alliances, no indemnities, no territorial concessions, and no tribute payments. "The situation in the Western Regions is critical. I intend to lead the expedition myself. The sons of our Great Tang have not all perished; why should we sacrifice innocent women for peace!"

"If they want to fight, we will fight to the end. The Great Tang has the confidence to win, and also the underlying strength to win." However, things spiraled out of control. In the Battle of Yili, the Tang army suffered a major defeat, and Wu Huai was captured. The entire Tang Dynasty was shocked, racking their brains to plan a rescue operation.

Yet, Wu Huai, who just said, "I and the barbarians are absolutely irreconcilable!" then says, "Sister, love me one more time."

Synopsis 2: Jiang Li'an, a descendant of border-guarding warriors, was single-mindedly devoted to joining the army and serving the country. She learned half a sword technique from Qi Yu and then became peerless under heaven.

Synopsis 3: Lu Rongshi, as a royal member of the Elf Kingdom, and the granddaughter of Lu Xiaoyun, also has a place in the line of succession to the throne. However, she has no interest in the throne, only wishing to be a carefree royal.

Synopsis 4: Lu Rongshi came to Jiangnan, China, and met Shangguan Qingxuan, her grandmother's old friend. Dressed in white, she was like a celestial immortal, her appearance unchanged, truly like an immortal. She became her disciple, and Shangguan Qingxuan taught her everything she knew.

Synopsis 5: The day Jiang Li'an came of age was the day Qi Yu departed; from then on, Jiang Li'an had to walk her own path. This novel is divided into two storylines: one about the high and mighty empress, and the other about the ordinary江湖 (martial world).

Content tags: Strong protagonists, Jianghu, Unforeseen Circumstances, Court Struggle, Serious Drama. Jiang Li'an, Lu Rongshi, Wu Huai, Hu Yueqin, Qi Yu, Shangguan Qingxuan, Di Qing, Qin Shi Tao, Qin Qiguo. A brief summary: "Gather flowers while you may, lest you wait for withered branches." Theme: Promoting patriotism.

He Qing, the unfortunate princess who was lucky enough to be reborn, strives to live every day.

She establishes a new emperor and stabilizes the court, but inadvertently overexerts herself, becoming a powerful imperial in-law with authority over the government.

The court's pillar, Grand Academician Gu, is now watching her with covetous eyes.

All civil and military officials know that the Grand Princess Regent, who handles state affairs, and Counselor Gu, who presides over the Council of State, have differing political views and always argue fiercely in court.

But few people know that they continue their arguments even after court is dismissed—in the same bed.

【Female Lead's Story】

From childhood, Xue Yuanyin never won against Zhang Jingxuan. She couldn't surpass him in family background, in academics, in talent, and even her looks weren't as handsome as his. As the eldest legitimate son of the Zhang family, he was the "white moonlight" in the hearts of noble ladies in the capital, and also her childhood friend.

When they were young, their friendship was deep, and she was always outshone by him. However, after growing up, they became sworn enemies, and she was still his defeated opponent! Every time she saw him, it made her grit her teeth.

So, fueled by an unyielding spirit, Xue Yuanyin made a bet with Zhang Jingxuan when she was sixteen: who would fall in love first, her with Zhang Jingxuan, or Zhang Jingxuan with her.

The young girl stood there, pretty and vibrant, slightly raising her chin and challenging him with a smile: "I bet you'll lose!"

【Male Lead's Story】

Zhang Jingxuan was born into a century-old noble and marquis family. As the eldest legitimate son, he grew up amidst luxury and was a rare young genius. He and Xue Yuanyin were publicly recognized as sworn enemies in the capital.

In the eyes of others, Miss Xue was graceful, studious, and good-tempered.

In Zhang Jingxuan's eyes, Miss Xue got angry if she couldn't win a test, angry if she couldn't win an argument, and if he called her "cute" she'd give him the cold shoulder for three days, like a cat that couldn't be driven away and couldn't be teased. Every day she'd repeat the same words in his ear: "One day, I'll overpower you!"

Until Xue Yuanyin came to issue a challenge, Zhang Jingxuan, annoyed, reached out and pulled her over, grudgingly letting her kiss his face. In her astonished gaze, he casually responded, "I know what you're trying to do. You get to take advantage, is that good enough?"

Their never-ending feud began from that moment.

*****

People in the capital heard that Zhang Jingxuan had three well-known traits:

First, he entered officialdom young and rose to a high position in his twenties, becoming the Crown Prince's most trusted advisor. Second, he possessed an unmatchable strategic mind, learned to read at age three, composed poetry at seven, and at twelve, he already accompanied his father to official gatherings to observe court politics.

Third, he had a beloved one whom no one could speak ill of or touch.

Initially, Xue Yuanyin utterly detested Zhang Jingxuan's pure and upright demeanor. She painstakingly tried every means to break his arrogant spirit, but she never succeeded.

But later, she lost to him and was caught in a predicament. It was he who knelt on his knees to plead for her life. On their wedding night, the sworn enemies, known throughout the capital, lay together, their hair intertwined. He lowered his proud head and offered himself to her.

While listening to her pleading sobs, he gently surrendered to her.

- Reading Tips:

1. Enemies to lovers, from competitive to willingly submitting.

2. Intelligent and elegant (daughter of a general) x Scheming and gentle (son of a noble family).

3. 1v1, SC (mutual first love), 3-year age gap, older childhood sweetheart vibe, 'opposing path' couple.

4. The romance develops slowly, with a long period of ambiguous back-and-forth, containing both sweetness and a bit of glass shards.

5. The plot serves the romance. Please gently point out any minor logical bugs.

- Disclaimers:

1. The male lead is a 'gentleman of a noble family' character but is not an actual gentleman.

2. There are very few scenes of the female lead disguised as a man (an unimportant minor subplot that can be ignored).

3. Some 'borderline' physical intimacy occurs before marriage (some styles might be triggering), so enter with caution.

The novel about the male lead's good brother is next door, "Xiao Tao Xi".

- Next novel "Xiao Ming Zhu" (Little Pearl) is awaiting collection!

Synopsis:

The handsome Crown Prince of the Jin Dynasty reached adulthood. The entire capital sought to select a Crown Princess, and his subordinates meticulously gathered portraits of unmarried women from the capital to present to him. The Crown Prince was harsh and picky, with extremely high standards, and many of them displeased him.

A mole at the corner of the lip? Disliked. Too slender? Disliked. Eyes too gentle? Disliked... Until he saw the portrait of a young girl. The facial contours were crudely painted, the features smudged into a mess with ink, and not only was the style unconventional, but it also boldly, clearly labeled her as "Dumb" and "Very dumb", practically condemning her as useless.

Amongst all the exquisite and beautiful portraits, hers stood out spectacularly. The Crown Prince had never seen such a person. He startled and coughed several times while drinking water, provoking his rebellious spirit. With a wave of his hand, he pointed to the girl and said, "Let it be her. Marry her and place her in the Eastern Palace to ward off evil; it will be excellent."

- Jiang Zhiyu was an unloved daughter at home. She was also foolish and bullied since childhood. But she was beautiful. After finally reaching marriageable age, her stepmother wanted to marry her to an old widower.

Coincidentally, the Crown Prince was selecting his Princess. Her stepmother didn't want her to go; she wanted her elder sister to go, so she bribed the painter to deliberately depict Jiang Zhiyu as utterly useless. Unexpectedly, her sister was rejected, and this not-so-clever girl was chosen as Crown Princess among a host of beauties of varying figures.

As soon as Jiang Zhiyu entered the palace, she faced a situation of being surrounded by wolves. She then discovered that her preferences and habits differed greatly from the Crown Prince's. Her clumsy slowness made him furious, and she simply couldn't keep up with his decisive pace. If she accidentally got lost, he wouldn't even recognize her.

Aside from cultivating "marital relations" with the Crown Prince every night, she couldn't even see him at other times. Originally, all the wolves and tigers were eyeing this little lamb, but this little Crown Princess was too stupid. She couldn't understand hidden meanings and wore a sweet, soft smile for everyone. If she was truly bullied, she would just shed tears, sadly hiding in a corner, growing mushrooms.

The Crown Prince was helpless. He married a foolish Crown Princess. Not only could he not casually brush her off, but he also had to frown and act as her protector, furiously coaxing her...

Jiang Zhiyu, envied by many, was criticized with acidic words for marrying the current Crown Prince based on her beauty alone. They said she only relied on her husband, was too incompetent, a beautiful airhead, and a disgrace to the royal ancestors. Jiang Zhiyu was heartbroken by these comments. Hearing that everyone wanted a different Crown Princess, she felt very wronged. With tearful eyes, she wrote a farewell letter, packed her silver and valuables, and decided to quietly run away on a dark and windy night, determined never to be criticized again as a foolish Crown Princess.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she snuck out, she saw the elegantly dressed Crown Prince leisurely sitting in the main hall. Beside him were her favorite iced preserves, osmanthus cakes, soft silk, brocade woven with gold, delicate fans, jade scepters, agate beads, mother-of-pearl pearls... He said to her, "Is the Crown Princess no longer considering it?" Jiang Zhiyu was stunned, and her small bundle dropped to the ground with a thud. Wuwu, how infuriating! What was she to do?

... Later, Jiang Zhiyu initially planned to live day by day and, once the Crown Prince grew tired of her, she would take her money and run away. Later still, she looked at her growing belly and fell into a dilemma. "Perhaps I'll wait until the child is born before leaving."

... Finally, she sat on the Empress's throne, watching all those who had once spoken ill of her恭迎跪拜 (respectfully greeted and knelt), vaguely thinking, "How did things come to this...?"

【Short Scene】

Before being crowned Empress, the Crown Princess and Crown Prince had an argument. Jiang Zhiyu sobbed and asked the Crown Prince, "Why did you marry me?" The Crown Prince was absorbed in his documents and did not respond to her. Jiang Zhiyu was very insecure: "Why would you like someone like me? Everyone says I'm a beautiful airhead, unworthy of Your Highness."

The Crown Prince, stealing a moment from his work, told her to listen less to rumors and read fewer storybooks. Jiang Zhiyu felt a bit disheartened, clutching her skirt and shedding tears: "How about we divorce? I can't be a good Mother of the Nation. I'm just a fool." The Crown Prince sighed, set aside his pile of memorials, and embraced the little girl whose eyes were brimming with tears, saying earnestly, "You're not a fool; you are my pearl in my palm."

*****

"I have a wife, precious as a pearl."

—"Records of Prince Chengzhang"

- Gentle and kind, beautiful little fool x Heartless and sharp-tongued in public, wife-obsessed in private Crown Prince.

- 1v1 | Marriage first, then love | Daily pampering of wife | Cheerful and sweet romance | Light comedy style.

- The female lead's starting age is relatively young, with an age difference of nearly 5 years (female lead 15, male lead 20). The male lead coolly raises his wife.

- Writing about the daily life in the Eastern Palace of a T-Rex Crown Prince and his little foolish sister-like wife.