Gold and Jade Are Hard to Keep

Cold-Faced Daddy Type x Spoiled Sweetheart, Marriage Before Love, Sweet Romance Rumors spread that the precious young heir of the Marquis Gongyuan would replace the princess in marriage, sent far to the barbaric northern border. The Northern Border’s Second Prince was infamous—massive, rough, and nicknamed the Living King of Hell. Once, he single-handedly charged into the Central Plains’ army, riding straight into the enemy commander’s tent with his martial prowess, forcing the war to end in negotiation. The price? A royal princess in marriage. The princess fiercely refused, leaving the emperor no choice but to turn to the Marquis’ delicate heir, who bore some resemblance to her. Raised in indulgence by his parents and elder brother, the young heir was known throughout Chang’an as if carved from jade—fragile-skinned, tender-boned, easily startled even by loud voices. Though lacking in scholarly talent or practical skills, his stunning looks won him the favor of nobles and royals alike. And thus, the envy of many. When the imperial decree arrived, the Marquis and his wife nearly fainted, while the young heir smashed every piece of porcelain and treasure in reach. But defying the emperor’s will was impossible. Sniffling, the young heir set off. Those who heard the news gloated, certain the spoiled heir wouldn’t last half a year—how could the savage King of Hell tolerate such a delicate, breathless creature? Six months later, the Marquis wrote to the North: *"Son, are you well-fed and clothed? Has the Second Prince mistreated you? Have you been humiliated?"* When the letter arrived, the young heir was hurling pillows at the King of Hell, his delicate toes pressed against the man’s muscular chest, crying, *"I told you it hurt and you kept going! No sleeping in my room tonight!"*