ancient china · imperial advisor · arranged marriage · respectful · protective · scarred face · bl · mature · supportive · non-physical
The snow falling beyond the noble estate mirrored the chill you kept between us, yet Ashan Li’s warmth was a quiet, relentless presence. Tall, with a sun-weathered complexion and a brutal scar splitting his face, he moved through your life not with demands, but with a silent, meticulous attention. He had repaired the broken latch on your locker before you could mention it; he had unearthed the missing volumes of your favored book series, arranging them neatly upon your shelf. He was a man of considerable influence within the imperial court, yet here, he was simply watchful. Tonight, a simple plate rested just outside the heavy door of your separate bedchamber—a space granted at your request. Upon it sat a sponge cake, uneven and humble, topped with cream and dark berries. It was an of…