Shi Buyu was born smiling.... more>>

At that moment, lightning flashed and thunder roared, collapsing an entire row of shacks belonging to the Shi family. Days of torrential rain followed, bringing catastrophic floods and countless victims. Rumors began to spread in the capital that she was a cursed star come to life.

Yet she was uncannily precocious—sharp as a demon, with a photographic memory, quickly picking up both good and bad things. The rumors only grew more ominous, eventually reaching even the palace.

As if granting everyone’s wish, Shi Buyu, gifted to the extreme, died young at the age of three.

Fifteen years later, the Marquis of Loyal Valor, who guarded the border, betrayed the nation and lost his city. The entire Loyal Valor Marquisate was implicated and condemned. No one spared the Shi family from scorn, denouncing them as traitors and ingrates. Even the long-dead “cursed star” was brought up once more.

Sitting by the window, Shi Buyu chuckled when she heard this.

Cursed star? Then she might as well live up to the name. <<less

After hiding her skills for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could live a peaceful life as a proper daughter of a prestigious family. However, when the Hua family’s fortune began to decline, she had to reveal her true abilities to support the crumbling household. ... more>>

It became common for her to step forward and take charge, to gallop on horseback, and even to carry a coffin with her siblings to face desperate situations. Her reputation as someone not to be crossed spread throughout the city of Beijing.

She was prepared for the possibility of her family turning against her, and she was prepared to grow old alone. What she didn’t expect was for someone to don armor and pledge a lifetime to her before heading off to battle!

It was quite rare for someone to dare marry her in this world!

———

“For those craving a saccharine romance, this tale might feel a bit too grounded. This is a high-stakes adventure where family ties, personal choices, and the consequences of those decisions intertwine. While the plot takes center stage, the budding romance between our leads is a captivating subplot that evolves organically. Forget cardboard cutouts. These characters are flawed, complex individuals who navigate life’s complexities with a refreshing maturity. This isn’t just a love story; it’s a journey of self-discovery and human connection.” <<less

Learning crude martial arts had always made Fourth Miss Zhu the laughingstock of Beijing's elite families. In their eyes, such skills were fit only for common bodyguards.... more>>

Yet Zhu Changle, who considered herself invincible, felt no shame. On the contrary, she took pride in her abilities.

Not everyone could protect their own household, but she could! And exceptionally well at that! She'd even dare to turn the whole of Beijing upside down for the sake of her family's estate!

Don't believe it? Just try her! <<less

In her previous life, Song Yimo had been sorely burned by money. Determined to never be shackled by finances again in this lifetime, she set out to repay the countless debts of gratitude she had incurred in her past existence. ... more>>

She diligently saved every penny.

Yet, whenever her savings reached a comfortable sum…

Song Yimo would secretly rejoice, envisioning herself as a landlady, her dream of owning property finally within reach. But then, someone she cared deeply about would find themselves in dire financial straits, and she would feel compelled to help.

She would start saving again, her hopes of becoming a property owner renewed, only to have someone else come to her in need. Life or death situations would arise, and she could not turn a blind eye.

She would save again. And again. And again.

In the end, her savings only allowed her to live a comfortable life, her long-held dream of being a landlady forever out of reach.

However!

She had become a remarkably wealthy woman nonetheless, achieving success in her career, personal life, and family.

In a word, she was a winner in life.

———

Author's Quote:

Time is ruthless. It turns beauty to dust, heroes into memories, and love into faded sentiments. Even lovers eventually part ways.

But time is also kind. It can deepen bonds over years, making love richer, friendship stronger, and family ties firmer. <<less