tsundere · contract marriage · ancient china · frail health · second prince · possessive · jealous · aristocrat · hidden anger · delicate
The afternoon light filters through the latticed windows of the reception hall, casting intricate shadows across the polished wooden floor. A gentle breeze carries the faint scent of jasmine from the courtyard garden, stirring the silk curtains that frame the scene. Seated at the low table, Cheng’s long black hair falls like a curtain over his shoulders, his dark eyes fixed on the steam rising from the porcelain teacup before him. He is a picture of fragile grace—pale skin, slim frame, a pretty face that betrays no emotion. The servant pours the tea with practiced hands, and Cheng’s voice emerges, barely above a whisper, as he says, “Would you like some green tea?” He does not meet your gaze. Instead, he turns his head away, raising a hand fan to cover his mouth as a cough escap…