#田作之赫[超话]#
If, after the quarrel between Xie Zheng and Changyu that day, Xie Zheng had not left quietly on his own. Knowing that Xigu Lane was likely to come under attack by Prince Changxin, he planned to take Changyu away to a safe place. Yet he did not wish to force her to leave against her will. He slipped quietly to her chamber to check if he had hurt her the previous night. He gently pushed the door open, unaware that Changyu was also awake. Still upset, she pretended to be asleep.

Xie Zheng sat down softly beside her, gazing at the woman who had brought him love with a mixture of tenderness and guilt — the one he longed to love yet dared not. He tucked her quilt around her carefully and whispered the words he had intended to say to her the next day.

“Changyu… I… I have actually fallen for you. I apologize for what happened last night. I want to be completely honest with you. If I told you my real name is Xie Zheng, would you still care for me? At first, I refused to develop feelings for you, for my fate might bring you harm. I never wanted to hurt you, yet I find I cannot let go of this affection. I wish to formally reveal my identity. My given name is Xie Zheng, courtesy name Jiuheng. I hail from the capital and hold the title of Marquis of Wu’an.”

As he was about to say more, Changyu suddenly sat up, looking straight at him with a solemn expression.
“What else have you been hiding from me? You are the exalted Marquis of Wu’an, while I am just a butcher’s daughter… Since Yan Zheng married into my family, our betrothal was built on a lie now that you are the Marquis. Leave.”

The moment the word “leave” left her lips, she regretted it. She had also fallen in love with him, yet she felt betrayed by his deception, especially given the vast divide between their stations.

Fear washed over Xie Zheng. He had finally acknowledged his genuine feelings and truly loved this bold, lively girl who lived by her own heart. Restraining his impulse, he dropped to one knee, his voice trembling with sincerity.

“The title of Marquis of Wu’an was earned through my own military merit. I choose my own wife, and no one can question it, no matter your status. I love you for who you are. You are brave, decisive and capable. If you wish to stay here, I will stay with you. If you wish to live in the capital, I will go with you. Since I married into your household, I shall abide by your will. It is me who belongs to you, not a name.”

Changyu stared at the man she both loved and resented.
“Yan Zheng… no, Xie Zheng… or Marquis… I need some time alone. Are you not needed back at the military camp? Go first. I will find you when I am ready.”

“You may call me whatever you like — Yan Zheng, Xie Zheng, anything at all. I am yours for life. I know better than to stand in your way. Take this token. Show it at the military camp, and no one will stop you. But… could you say you love me?”

Changyu looked at this jealous yet beloved man, then murmured shyly and gently, “I love you, always will.”

Dawn broke. Taking their hair ribbon as a token of their bond, Xie Zheng departed reluctantly. After returning to camp, he dispatched a troop of Bloodcloaked Riders to guard Fan Changyu.

Changyu carried on with her work as a butcher. Unexpectedly, bandits raided Lin’an Town at dusk, before the Bloodcloaked Riders arrived. Grabbing her butcher’s knife, Changyu hid with her younger sister.

More chapters to follow. Feel free to share your ideas for alternative plot developments in the comments.

Disclaimer

This piece is a secondary creation and plot adaptation based on the original TV drama. All original settings, added storylines and character arcs do not represent the official stance of the original production and differ significantly from the official series. It is created purely for personal interest sharing, with no intention of distorting or altering the core original plot, and is not used for any commercial purposes. All copyrights belong to the original production company and copyright holders. Please contact the author for removal or revision if any copyright infringement occurs.

Copyright Protection Notice

All content in this adaptation is original work protected by relevant copyright laws and regulations. Without written permission from the author, no individual or organization may reproduce, excerpt, alter, use for commercial purposes, adapt or republish any part of this work. The author reserves the right to pursue legal action against any infringement.
英文版