Xiziqing

Crown Prince Yun Chi chose as his consort the youngest daughter of the Hua Family, Hua Yan, and the news shattered the hearts of countless ladies in the Capital City.
It was said: the Crown Prince could write poetry at three, compose essays at seven, debate with the greatest scholars at ten, shoot arrows with precision at twelve, oversee the examinations of all scholars at fifteen, and was regent by the time he was sixteen. He reached the pinnacle in letters, the extreme in martial arts, his looks were world-shaking, and his presence unrivaled.
Hua Yan felt as though a gigantic pie had fallen from the sky, landing squarely on her head.
From then on, was she to compete with the entire world for this man?
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Yun Chi: Standing at the pinnacle of the Azure Clouds, he learned the art of balance, practiced the strategies of an emperor, envisioned the land and skies in his heart. Within the nine-layered royal palace, he could turn his hands to clouds and his palms to rain, holding sway over the court and the nation, trimming himself into a figure free from desire and henceforth unyielding.
Hua Yan: She viewed herself as beneath the dust, with all her emotions and desires, disliking the Son of Heaven's court, preferring the ordinary alleys, treading on ten feet of soft red and experiencing all facets of life. She believed that nothing was better than green mountains and clear waters. "If you promise me a lifetime, I will accompany you for an eternity."

Schemes Of A Flower

The New Year was fast approaching, and the festive atmosphere of the holiday was gradually building throughout the Capital City. Along the streets, vendors sold couplets, window decorations, and the character for "luck." All the big jewelry stores, garment shops, and rouge shops had refreshed their stock, even the Chunhong Pavilion had taken in new girls.


Once Hua Yan's spirits had lifted, she discussed with Yun Chi, "After the New Year, this winter will pass, and yet I haven't seen the plum blossoms this year."


"Don't we have two plum trees in the residence?" Yun Chi watched her, relieved to see her regained vitality and improved complexion.


36 Chapter 1