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