[Pure historical romance, female-led coming-of-age + court intrigue + long-laid plans + devoted affection + one true love]
In the thirty-sixth year of Jinghe, Emperor Jing died, and six powerful ministers took control of the court.
Seventeen-year-old Princess Zhaoyuan helped her fifteen-year-old brother ascend the throne and stood against the ministers. But when the Northern Hu invaded and proved too strong to repel, the powerful ministers insisted that the princess be sent away in a political marriage.
One person could not stand against a chorus of voices. No matter how unwilling Zhaoyuan was, she was forced to put on the red wedding robes. But how could she agree to marry the Northern Hu, who slaughtered her people?
Just as she leaped from the tower of the imperial city, dressed in red, she landed safely in someone's arms.
“Escort the princess back to the palace!”
Coming to her senses, Zhaoyuan realized the man was her imperial uncle, the Prince of Southern Chu, whom she had met only twice!
…
“Zhaoyuan, let me be the ladder that carries you to the clouds. I’ll help you fulfill your ambitions and see your work brought to completion. What do you say?”
“What do you want in return, Imperial Uncle?”
“You…”
*They are not actually uncle and niece.
*The male lead's identity will be explained later.
*Happy ending, dive right in.
