[Historical romance + court intrigue + harem + battlefield + fateful encounter + a touch of martial arts world + two strong leads + drama queens + a little angst + love that grows over time + sweet everyday moments]
[Quick-witted noblewoman who loves wine × scheming Emperor who loves to act]
Golden palace, golden bird. Will she be an eagle in the heavens, or a phoenix on a branch?
“When the day comes, I’ll treat you to wine brewed from the peach blossoms at their peak in the hundred-mile peach grove atop Cang Mountain.”
“I am dead, and you are alive.”
“The lonely city is too cold. I only want to hold that bright moon close.”
“Between the people of the Nine Provinces and you, I choose the former.”
“Rather than disappear into the imperial harem, I’d rather be on the distant battlefield, fighting the enemy.”
“I’m willing to be your sword, helping you root out treacherous ministers and restore order. But you must become an enlightened ruler for all ages.”
“Bright, bright moon, when will you come into my arms?”
“Radiant moonlight, I only wish to hold you close.”
“Dingbei Army, Dingbei Army, when will you return? When will you come home?”
“The grass grows thick along the road. An old friend will surely return.”
She was once a free bird in the forest. Would entering the palace as a consort turn her into a caged sparrow?
Dream on!
Su Yun, the legitimate daughter born under a curse, never imagined that her return home to seek revenge would coincide with the Imperial Astronomical Bureau selecting her to enter the palace as a consort.
She hides her ambitions, hoping to blend into the background until she can leave the palace. But then she discovers that the Emperor is an old friend from Mizhou. After several encounters, she decides to help him seize real power and bring peace to the realm. But why is the Emperor looking at her so strangely?
It was only much later that Su Yun learned her love had taken root back in Mizhou. One fleeting glimpse at the Shangyuan Lantern Festival awakened the desire the man on the throne had buried deep in his heart, and he clung tightly to this hard-won thread of fate.
