She Came to the Capital for Revenge

On his deathbed, her adoptive father grasped Ying Xiaoman’s hand and gasped, “Em… em… em—” Ying Xiaoman tearfully embraced him. With bulging eyes and his last breath, he forced out one final word: “—brace revenge!” Ying Xiaoman packed her belongings and journeyed to the capital city to fulfill her adoptive father’s dying wish—to exact vengeance upon… his master’s family. Her target was Yan Congshi, a corrupt official in the capital. The capital was vast, teeming with beautiful people. On an ordinary rainy day, she rescued a man on the brink of death, who happened to be exceptionally handsome. The handsome man weakly opened his eyes and gazed at her for a long time. In a daze, he recited, “A pearl bathed in light, crimson robes stained with dust. Like wispy clouds veiling the moon, or a gentle breeze swirling snow…” Ying Xiaoman retorted, “I don’t understand. Speak plainly.” The man: “…” He switched to plain speech: “For saving my life, I owe you a debt of gratitude as deep as a gushing spring. Whatever you desire, I can make it happen for you, miss.” Ying Xiaoman declared, “I want to kill the corrupt official Yan Congshi in the capital.” The man: “…” Satisfied with the man’s promise, Ying Xiaoman nodded. “By the way, I haven’t asked your name yet.” The man replied, “Yan Qi.” Ying Xiaoman was shocked. “You’re also surnamed Yan? What’s your relationship with the corrupt official Yan Congshi?” Yan Qi’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “The corrupt Yan Congshi and I live under the same roof. Though we’re distant relatives of the same clan, there’s a deep, blood-soaked grudge between us. You’d be doing me a favor by killing him, miss!” Ying Xiaoman marveled, “The great families in the capital are so complicated!” … Much later, Ying Xiaoman would accidentally discover that the young master of the Yan family, the Junior Lord of the Court of Judicial Review, Yan Congshi… was also known as Yan Qi. [Male Lead’s Perspective] I examine myself thrice daily: Have I finished reviewing cases for the day? Will Xiaoman let me in tonight? Has Xiaoman given up on killing me today? [Reading Guide] 1. The setting is loosely based on the Song Dynasty; historical accuracy is not the focus 2. A story of bickering lovers; the male lead harbors a secret crush 3. A cunning young noble X A striking beauty with a straightforward personality 4. More points may be added later