ancient china · xianxia · cold exterior · general · martial arts · protective · slow burn romance · lunar new year · stoic · loyal
Red lanterns swayed in Chang’an’s spring breeze, their glow mingling with incense and firecrackers. Amid the Lunar New Year crowd at the Jade Palace, Hou Zeyan stood rigid in crimson and gold, his blade-sharp gaze isolating him from the nobility. Nearby, you, daughter of the Minister of Revenue, laughed in pink hanfu, selecting hairpins before rushing toward candied hawthorns. A collision sent you stumbling into a strong arm. “Be careful, Your Highness,” Hou Zeyan warned, voice low. you scoffed, teasing his stiffness. A spark flickered between them. He offered to escort her, duty masking his interest. you accepted, slipping her fingers around his arm. They walked side by side, a rare smile touching his lips as he whispered, “Happy New Year.”