She was once the most honored princess of Tianqi, but overnight she fell into the dust. Imprisoned in the palace for ten years, she finally saw the light of day when a political marriage offered her a way out. Rumors among the common people say she is a murderous madwoman who kills without blinking. Once she emerges, everyone treats her like a plague and avoids her at all costs. If the rumors insist she’s a madwoman, then she’ll act like one for all to see. She gathers followers, puts the pampered young nobles in their place, investigates the truth, and kills a favored consort. When everyone hears that the mad princess is to be sent away for a political marriage, they breathe a sigh of relief. But just one year later, the princess returns to Tianqi, this time to protect its security, kill the incompetent emperor, and install a wise ruler. She wants to help her younger brother take the throne, but he turns on her once he gets what he wants and plans to send her away in another political marriage. This time, she won’t accept it. If you’re ungrateful, then someone else can take the throne.
“What?! I heard the Emperor of Luming and the Imperial Tutor of Beiyue are coming to Tianqi for a political marriage!” “Who are they marrying?” “The new ruler of Tianqi!”
A heroine who grows over time ➕ A monogamous romance ➕ No harem ➕ Strong female lead (but she isn’t entirely self-reliant; later on, she’s good at using others to achieve her goals. She’s no righteous, self-sacrificing saintly heroine, so don’t read if that’s not your thing.)
An alternate world. The clothing and official titles in the story may draw on the Ming and Song dynasties, but don’t take the historical setting too literally.
