One-Sentence Summary: Just a Favored Darling Thematic Focus: Courageously Facing Adversity, Growing into the Person You Admire Thirteen years ago, during the Lantern Uprising, the Duke Wen Household lost two young masters. The elder brother was found eight years ago, while the younger one was only recently recovered. The elder brother, though a child of a concubine, is graceful and modest, and over the past eight years, he has become the most celebrated figure in the capital, the household’s most beloved child. The younger brother, born to the main wife, spent fifteen years in the countryside and returned as a rustic bumpkin, dressed and speaking crudely, lacking manners and becoming the subject of ridicule wherever he went. Duke Wen’s legitimate son, Wen Ruan, finds himself in the shoes of this younger brother. Upon his return, he is promptly instructed on propriety by his illegitimate older brother, who also encourages him to embrace the finer things in life. “Look at His Highness the Sixth Prince,” he says. “He lives luxuriously, with access to all the finest things the world has to offer.” “Look at His Highness the Sixth Prince,” he continues. “Handsome, well-built, appreciative of art, courteous, and forgiving.” “Just befriend His Highness the Sixth Prince,” he advises. “With him, you won’t have to worry about food or clothes, and he seems to like you very much.” Taking the advice, Wen Ruan befriends the Sixth Prince and begins to live a life of opulence, shedding tears of joy for his newfound freedom. Due to his unique disposition, he becomes the darling of influential figures, never bullied and instead ensuring that those who dare to mistreat him face dire consequences. Eventually, he is begged by the Sixth Prince to accept the imperial seal, ensuring they will be together forever. Wen Yu, the elder brother, is determined not to repeat the hardships of his previous life. The Sixth Prince is a monster, cruel and heartless, who caused him immense suffering, humiliation, and despair. In the end, Wen Yu failed to secure the throne and faced a tragic fate, while his brother, due to his humble nature, helped the future Chief Imperial Scholar twice and was adored by his family and society. In this lifetime, Wen Yu takes advantage of the secrecy surrounding the royal marriage arrangement and quickly pushes his brother Wen Ruan into the arms of the Sixth Prince. Meanwhile, he seizes the opportunity to help the future Chief Imperial Scholar, wearing coarse clothing and presenting himself as thrifty and domestic. Watching the unkempt scholar, who hasn’t yet taken the imperial exams and dares not meet his gaze, Wen Yu presents himself as industrious and comforting, telling himself to wait just a little longer until the man marries him. Six months later, as his brother’s reputation soars, Wen Yu cooks and serves his husband, remaining optimistic that his husband will soon become the Chief Imperial Scholar, and the Sixth Prince will fail in his bid for the throne. He believes that his naive brother will suffer a terrible fate. But his wait lasts through two imperial examinations. His husband has yet to become the Chief Imperial Scholar, while the Sixth Prince ascends to the throne with countless achievements, gaining the allegiance of the entire realm. And Wen Yu’s despised younger brother becomes the Empress. Related Stories: No related posts.