The Imprisoned Phoenix of Great Jing: The Zhaoyang Ordeal

Zhao Lingxi, Princess Zhaoyang of the Great Jing dynasty, has been the emperor’s precious darling for fifteen years. Bright and willful, she turns away the advances of the princes and nobles crowding the court, yet fixates on the figure of her personal guard, Lin Yan. His eyes hold nothing but the proper distance between ruler and subject, never once crossing the line. Xiao Che, Grand Tutor and the most powerful man at court, has kept his love for the princess secret for ten years. He is willing to dismiss his concubines and defy imperial authority for her, only to have her publicly reject the jade pendant he offered and rush toward Lin Yan, joy unmistakable in her eyes.

When the emperor grows old and senile and undercurrents churn through the court, Xiao Che finally tears off his mask of restraint. Leading his cavalry, he storms the palace gates, deposes the emperor, and takes the throne for himself. On the day the new emperor is crowned, blood stains the red walls. He breaks Lin Yan’s sword with his own hands and holds the trembling Zhao Lingxi captive in his arms. Beside the dragon throne in the Golden Hall, he whispers in her ear, “I cannot give Your Highness the ‘respect without love’ you want. From this day on, your eyes may see only me. Even if all you feel is hatred, you will stay by my side.”