Bamboo Horse, Come to Bed

When Yu Yuanzhou returned victorious at the head of his army, he brought back a woman who was about to give birth.

We had been married barely a year.

In my previous life, spoiled and pampered since childhood, I felt humiliated and treated Shen Mingxin with open hostility. She seized the chance to falsely accuse me of causing her premature labor, leaving me crippled and locked away in the back courtyard, fighting the dogs for food.

Now that I'd been given another chance, I not only suggested bringing her into the household as a co-wife, but also volunteered to spend three months at Huguo Temple praying for her and her unborn child.

Before I left, Yu Yuanzhou took my hand. His eyes held a rare trace of guilt and shame.

"Rong Niang, matters of the heart are beyond our control. I wronged you this time. Once Mingxin has given birth, I'll make it up to you..."

I knew. Love could not be controlled, and the heart could not be commanded.

Just as I claimed I was going to pray for blessings, when in truth I was making love with my childhood sweetheart and lost in his embrace, I, too, was simply powerless against my feelings.