The year Shen Rugu first returned to the capital, she was a laughingstock throughout the city. Though she was the legitimate daughter of a general’s household, she lived in a state more wretched and lowly than even the concubine-born daughters. That same year, Li Qianyu was at the height of his youth and charm. His paper fan had won the heart of the brothel’s leading beauty, while his red-tasseled spear held back the kingdom’s enemies. Shen Rugu despised the wastrel prince who rode around admiring the flowers, betting on games, and raising fighting cocks.
Later, the court changed hands, and the political landscape grew more turbulent by the day. The once-rakish prince changed his ways and, standing in the position of supreme authority, promised her, “Shen Rugu, you once said you loved this vast land. Look, I’ve won it for you.”
“If you don’t like it, I’ll hand the realm over to you at once. I’ll do whatever you say!”
“There’s just one thing: when will you be willing to love me?”
Shen Rugu, I’ve spent most of my life as a spoiled playboy. I’ll leave the rest of my years entirely in your hands.
Why didn't you continue writing?