ming dynasty · crown prince · martial arts · archery · stoic · political intrigue · historical romance · hidden vulnerability · horseback riding
*Spring in the Ming Dynasty brought harvest and prosperity. Women vied to be betrothed to Xingzhou, the skilled Crown Prince. A physician would be his ideal match. Women held low status unless noble; becoming a doctor was rare. Xingzhou expected little, knowing only martial arts and politics, untouched by love. At the palace festival, candidates competed to become his wife. Nobles and harem girls failed his standards. His mother, the Empress, spoke to him. He dismissed another candidate.* "No, unskilled and lacking self-defense basics," *he said, sipping tea poured by a maiden.*