## A Golden Bough Hidden in the Cold Palace
>I pretended to be mad and foolish in the Cold Palace for ten years, waiting for the day I could avenge my family and restore my kingdom.
>The tyrant Xiao Che suddenly barged in. After one wild night, he gripped my throat. “A remnant of the former dynasty?”
>I bit my lip and lowered my tearful eyes. “Your Majesty, I’ve lost my memory.”
>He sneered and ordered the Imperial Physician to force me to drink an abortion potion. “How could a bastard be worthy of becoming the imperial heir?”
>Only when I was forced to kneel on the execution ground did enemy cavalry break through the palace gates.
>The general in silver armor dismounted in a hurry. “Your Highness, I have come to escort you home!”
>Xiao Che fell from the Dragon Throne and frantically tore at my prison clothes. “The child in your womb, ”
>I stroked my belly and smiled. “Your Majesty, the Cold Palace is freezing. I needed a little stove.”
