Ashes Under Bitter Frost

[Also known as Ashes Across the Realm] He is Xiao Jin’s sharpest blade, and the only weakness beneath his imperial robes. Amid the suspicion of the emperor’s father and the bloody power struggles at court, one lays breathtaking schemes in secret while the other strikes decisively. Yet in places unseen, all they want is to steal a kiss and slip each other a piece of ginger candy.

No one knows that on their wedding night, Shen Che once lifted the other man’s chin with his sword scabbard and asked, “Your Majesty, what are you offering in exchange this time?” Xiao Jin smiled and kissed the deadly blade. “My empire, in exchange for one night with you.” No one is reborn, no one transmigrates, and there are no golden fingers: only a romance between evenly matched rulers, with every tenderness in the world hidden for you amid layers of intrigue.

[Two Powerful Leads ✘ Slow-Burn Political Intrigue ✘ Ensemble Cast and Power Struggles] This is not a fast-paced wish-fulfillment novel. The story focuses on political maneuvering and character development. Readers looking for nonstop thrills should consider carefully before diving in.

[Important Notice] The story is woven with subtle clues and interlocking foreshadowing. Read chapter by chapter in order to follow the plot; skipping around can make the story very difficult to understand. Not recommended for readers who lack patience.