The Emperor’s Machinations

Princess Shi Yunyang had always relied on being the legitimate princess, having a Crown Prince for a brother, and being adored by her father. She was arrogant and thought her life would always be that way, until she met Lou Zhaoyun. Then everything changed...

Cool and resilient Shi Yunyang x cold and ruthless Lou Zhaoyun, who wins through psychological warfare

[Coercion + Angsty Romance + Obsession + Love and Hate + Fictional Setting]

Excerpt:

Lou Zhaoyun: "You refuse to submit because, when all is said and done, you think I have you trapped."

"But why are you still unwilling when I offer our child as a bargaining chip?" His voice held a trace of confusion and anger.

Shi Yunyang sneered, her nails digging deep into her flesh as she stared straight at him. "Why?"

She wanted freedom, but not if it meant being penniless and worrying every day about food and fuel. And she certainly didn't want to stay entangled with him.

Besides, how could he ever let her go so easily? Would bearing a child free her or bind her even tighter? She was inclined to believe the latter.

This is a story about a princess sent to marry another kingdom and an emperor, as they pit their wits against each other while she keeps trying to escape and fight back.