[Palace Intrigue + Self-Serving Heroine + Devoted Emperor + Frail Couple + Love at First Sight + Only Dotes on Her + One-on-One, Both Firsts]
(Note: The consorts and empress in this story won’t refer to themselves as “your humble subject,” and terms like “Your Ladyship” will be used sparingly. The heroine will take more initiative in the relationship. Also, she won’t have children. She can’t bear to.)
Jiang Gui’s father died on the battlefield, giving his life for his country. His sacrifice earned the family the title of Earl of Loyalty and Righteousness, but since Jiang Gui had no brothers, the title ultimately went to her second uncle.
Her mother died of illness six months after her father’s death. Jiang Gui became an orphan with no parents, neither bullied nor cared about by anyone in the Earl of Loyalty and Righteousness’ household.
Then came the imperial decree. The Empress Dowager wanted to fill the harem and produce heirs for the frail, impotent emperor, and had selected her second uncle’s daughter. The emperor’s own position was precarious, so entering the palace now would be a dead end, even if its floors were paved with gold.
By saying, “I admire His Majesty and am willing to enter the palace,” Jiang Gui became the perfect sacrifice to keep the family from offending the royal house. But for Jiang Gui, who refused to let fate dictate her life, wasn’t this also a chance to turn her fortunes around?
One was a helpless orphan, the other an emperor whose power had slipped away. In the endless darkness, they huddled together for warmth. The other’s eyes were their only spark, and they would burn a path to dawn with their resentment and desire.
I want everything Yan Shixu has: his power, status, love, even his life. And I want to remain with Yan Shixu for all eternity.
I am willing to give Jiang Gui everything I have: power, status, love, even my life. I only ask that Jiang Gui never abandon me.
